156 Country Rambles. 



Other fields gradually lead on towards Moston, several of 

 them containing large "pits," or ponds, where, in July 

 the white water-lily may be seen in its lustrous bloom, 

 and the Comarum, covered with its deep-red blossoms 

 and ripening fruit; and from there the way is easily 

 found into the clough, which is entered about the middle. 

 On the left, from this point, there is an enticing field-path 

 by the side of the stream to the Blackley road; on the 

 right we mount into the sylvan part, and see for ourselves 

 how well merited is the reputation of this once-affrighting 

 haunt of the boggart. All the charms of a leafy and 

 flowery solitude are there assembled. Not those of the 

 old, old forest, perfect in forest-ways, these we must not 

 look for; but of the gentle ravine, wherein we cannot be 

 lost, and which often pleases so much the more because 

 less grand, since in all things while it is the great and 

 sublime that we admire, that which we love is the little 

 and measurable. Beautiful trees are here, that among 

 their boughs give ever-pleasing glimpses of soft scenery, 

 and in its season, white patches of bridal May, 



The milk-white thorn that scents the evening gale, 

 and that never hinder the sight of the azure overhead; 

 and if while pushing our way through the brown remains 

 of last year's ferns, brambles with their long arms and 

 claws always seeking to clutch at the traveller, insist on 

 plucking off one's cap just to show that the way is "on 

 sufferance;" well, never mind, a lively little rill running 

 in parts through beds of wild mint makes a pleasant 

 noise, and wherever a sparkle is wanted to relieve the 



