The Bolton Railway. 219 



less delightful than the prospects; the dell beneath is 

 one of the kind in which the thin-tissued flowers of 

 early spring love to shelter, and which summer fills with 

 a score of sprightly forms. The eastern side of the hill 

 is rugged and steep, the Darwen at its foot struggling 

 with boulders brought down probably by its own 

 vehemence in remote ages. 



The original "Manchester and Bolton," opened as far 

 back as May 24th, 1838, is now only the first link in 

 the splendid chain of railway lines which, going nearly 

 three hundred miles due north, connects our town with 

 the very heart of Scotland, and by means of the west- 

 ward branches, with every part of the shore from the 

 Mersey to the Clyde. How little was such adventure 

 dreamed of when the old calmness of the Agecroft valley 

 was first invaded ! Eight years afterwards (April 29th, 

 1846) it had become the highway to Blackpool, and on 

 April 7th, 1855. people began to start by it for Southport. 

 Diverging also to Blackburn, and thence running on to 

 Clitheroe, a country of wonderful beauty was added 

 to our already ample choice. Cheshire was discovered 

 to be by no means the all in all, and in mid-Lancashire 

 to-day we learn anew that in scenery, as in all other 

 things good for the soul, the secret of beauty comes 

 of nice balance of complementaries. There is endless 

 enjoyment also for the archaeologist in the old halls up 

 that way, many of which are scarcely rivalled Turton 

 Tower, for instance, Hall-i'th'-Wood, and Smithills Hall. 

 Turton Tower, upon the right of the Clitheroe line, the 



