CHAP.-V.] SEVERN AND WYE 35 



Across some considerable portion of the river a quarter of 

 a mile or so above Beachley, on the Gloucestershire side, a 

 rocky ledge of limestone called "The Lyde" projects at low 

 tide, causing a backwater of which the steady roar can be 

 heard at a long distance. 1 Cormorants on the rock, and 

 conger-eels below it, were regular inhabitants or visitors 

 the former presumably attracted by the latter, which served 

 to some degree also as food to the fishermen, although 

 pronounced to be " slobbery-like." 



The muddy colour of the Severn was not in itself 

 picturesque at least I have never heard the point men- 

 tioned with admiration ; but to me, born as I was by this 

 noblest of our rivers, it seemed to convey a comfortable idea 

 of homeliness and strength. Sometimes, however, in the 

 early morning or in certain conditions of light, the deep 

 rosy colouring was almost as if the whole width of water 

 had been changed to blood ; then the effect was very 

 splendid, and as wonderful still as it must have been in 

 days long gone by to Queen Boadicea : 



" Still rolls thy crimson flood in glory on 



As when of old its deep ensanguined dye 

 Told to the warrior Queen her falling throne, 

 Her people's death, the foemen's victory." 



But, independently of other considerations, a bend in the 

 river was of great local service. It formed a bay of about 

 perhaps three-quarters of a mile across, bounded to the 

 west by our own and the Beachley cliffs, and further 

 protected, or endangered, on the southern side by a low 

 range of rocks running out into the river. With the rising 

 tide the import shipping to Gloucester, which in those days 

 was extensive, put in here to be searched by the Custom 

 House officials. At that time (excepting tugs) it was entirely 

 composed of sailing vessels mostly laden with corn, wine, 

 and timber, and the mixed fleet moving about in the bay 

 with colours flying was a very lively sight. In due time 

 they passed on the three-masters, ships, and barques, or 

 the graceful chasse-marees, taking the lead ; brigs and 



1 The Sailing Directions for the West Coast of England, published 

 by the Hydrographic Department of the Admiralty, says : " Depths : 

 There is a depth of about 46 feet in the river to Chepstow at high water 

 springs, and 36 feet at high water neaps." " Tides : It is high water, 

 full and change, at Chepstow at 7 h. 30 m. local or 7 h. 41 m. Greenwich 

 time; mean springs rise 38 feet and neaps 28^ feet. The tide has, 

 however, been known to rise as high as 56 feet." (E.A.O.) 



