D ALTON'S RAIN-GAUGE. 205 



value of such a relic, an autograph on an endu- 

 ring rock, and that rock a chosen one in a choice 

 spot, one should imagine how it will be valued, 

 should it be spared, centuries hence ! Had we 

 the initials of Shakespeare or of Milton thus in- 

 scribed, how inestimable would they be ! 



PISCATOR. As I have what is notable to point 

 out to you on our way, know that this road we 

 have travelled, was travelled yearly and for many 

 a year by Dalton to ascend Helvellyn in the 

 cause of science. There he had a rain-gauge, the 

 first, I believe, ever brought into the district ; it 

 it was used in prosecution of those meteoro- 

 logical researches, on which and on his atomic 

 theory his well earned reputation as an original 

 inquirer chiefly rests. 



AMICUS. How pleasant is this road : the rich 

 furze in bloom on the fell scenting the mild 

 breeze ; the dark waters delicately rippled, re- 

 flecting the hues rather than the forms of the 

 girding hills ; and those in advance not with- 

 out the ornament of wood. 



PISCATOK. We are now fast approaching the 

 vale of St. John; one ascent more, and you 

 will see it. 



AMICUS. A noble and beautiful prospect ! 



