Pendle. 231 



the broad green plain in front ; in the north, dim vistas 

 and dark peaks, or mild blue masses, that declare the 

 mountains of the Lake District, old Coniston tossing the 

 clouds from his hoary brows; proximately the smiling 

 valley of the Kibble, the whole of the upper portion of 

 which is overlooked ; of the Hodder also, in temperament 

 so wild and dashing, and the wandering Calder; and, 

 turning to the east, the land towards the German Ocean 

 as far as the powers of the eye can reach. The highest 

 point of this huge mountain the most prominent feature 

 in the physical geography of mid-Lancashire is stated 

 by the Ordnance Survey to be one thousand eight 

 hundred and fifty feet, thus falling very little short 

 of the loftiest part of Kinder Scout, which nowhere claims 

 a full two thousand. Keeping to the level, there is end- 

 less recreation, whether we penetrate Ribblesdale, or 

 cross the river at the ferry, a mile below, for the frag- 

 ments of Sawley, or content ourselves with the peaceful 

 borders. Not what the Kibble is at "proud Preston," 

 some seven leagues lower down, a broad and majestic 

 river, do we find it here, but rural, chaste, and tranquil, 

 the water shallow and clear, the beau-ideal of a Peneus, 

 the laurels only wanting. 



