226 STATE OF THE LAKE DISTRICT. 



arising out of the peculiar fitness of the locality 

 for conducting them successfully. The slate 

 quarry, from the manner in which it has been 

 worked, its great extent, its excavations, and 

 picturesque aspect, is worthy of a visit from 

 those who have not seen the Welsh slate 

 quarries, even more vast. Whilst I think of it, 

 if ever you intend to build, and are not too 

 distant, let me recommend your getting slate 

 from hence, or from this district : it has justly 

 the preference for buildings in which regard is 

 had to what is pleasing, on account of its 

 lighter colour and more agreeable hue, and I 

 believe I may say greater strength. 



AMICUS. We have been some time silent, as if 

 by mutual consent. I have been intent on the 

 succession of pleasing objects and delectable 

 views at every turn of the road, all in cha- 

 racter ; the wild and cultivated so happily 

 intermixed ; the pleasant meadows below ; the 

 winding stream ; the pretty antique farm 

 houses, shaded with the fir and yew ; and most 

 conspicuous, the rugged steeps, those moun- 

 tain fells narrowing the dale as we ascend, and 

 bringing it to an end. 



