ADVANCING SPRING. 253 



the Derwent, issues. The time is favourable ; 

 owing to the dry weather we have lately had, we 

 shall have no great, difficulty in following it in 

 its wildest and most romantic track, and where 

 pent up in the gorge of the valley, we may have 

 to ford it to make our way. The mail coach 

 will take us in good time to the vale of St. 

 John; we shall have the greater part of the 

 day before us ; and fishing as we go, we shall 

 have no difficulty in reaching Keswick before 

 nightfall. To morrow, if you please, we will 

 start after an early breakfast. 



AMICTJS. Here we are on our fishing ground, 

 at ten o'clock, after a pleasant drive this fine 

 April morning. Much as I admired the Vale, 

 when I first saw it, now it appears to me even 

 more beautiful than at first. 



PISCATOK. A true sign of real beauty is the 

 improving on acquaintance. I am always mis- 

 trustful of the first impression. Moreover, 

 since you were here, though so short a time ago, 

 spring has advanced ; the early trees, the birch 

 and the larch, have opened their delicate 

 foliage, and a warmer hue has become diffused 



