174 KINGSBRIDGE 



was taken in tow by the Scotia and Trusty, and brought 

 to Devonport, where she was docked for repairs. At a 

 Court-martial subsequently held it was proved that every 

 care had been taken, but, owing to the denseness of the 

 fog, the captain was unaware that the ship had approached 

 so near to the shore.* 



From the South Sands we commence the ascent of a hill, 

 and after passing through some fields, we reach a pathway, 

 called " Courtenay Walk," cut about half way down the 

 magnificent cliffs, for the accommodation and gratification 

 of the public, through the liberality of Lord Courtenay, now 

 Earl of Devon. This pathway is bordered by ferns, fox- 

 gloves, purple heath, and yellow broom; in fact, with a 

 great variety of such plants as will thrive with but little 

 soil to support them. The lovely little Burnet rose, with 

 its deliciously scented cream-coloured blossoms; the dwarf 

 scabious tinting the banks with its blue flowers; various 

 orchises; the delicate pink convolvulus, with the woodbine 

 and briar rose, are mingled with the dark-green glossy ivy, 

 which is wrapped around the overhanging rocks, while the 

 purple iris, arid the butcher's broom, with its bright 

 scarlet berries, in the winter season, diversify the scene. 

 The furze bushes are plentifully covered, in some places, 

 with the long tangled crimson threads of the parasitic 

 dodder, sometimes sprinkled with pink- white blossoms. 

 Suddenly the path becomes obstructed by rocks, which allow 

 only a narrow egress, and on turning a corner, we find 

 ourselves in a most exposed situation, the path strewn with 

 fragments which have fallen from the sharp tors, now tower- 

 ing above our heads, like ruined castles. Although the road 



* The Illustrated London News of the day contained an account, ac- 

 companied by a pictorial representation, of the grounding of the Cadmus. 



