310 VALE OF LORTON. 



strong wind, acting on a wet surface, has a 

 wonderful effect in reducing temperature ; and 

 the body has little power to resist it when 

 weakened by fatigue and long fasting, as was 

 probably the case in this instance. The me- 

 morable winter of 1854 in the Crimea, afforded 

 too many and disastrous proofs of the fatal 

 agency of these causes combined. Now we 

 have reached the highest part of the road, and 

 are leaving behind us the dreary moorland, 

 how pleasant, wide, and extended is the pros- 

 pect that is opening out before us. 



PISCATOR. That is the vale of Lorton on 

 our right, and I fancy I see the spot where the 

 gigantic yew, " its pride," is situated. Where 

 the smoke ascends is Cockermouth; and beyond, 

 towards the horizon, is the Solway and the 

 Scottish coast. 



AMICUS. You have well called this a border 

 and transition land : on our left only hills are 

 to be seen, and we appear to be making the 

 circuit of their belt. 



PISCATOR. True; our way has described 

 nearly half a circle, an unavoidable detour to 

 escape these mountains. 



AMICUS. Is this Scalehill? If so, we are 

 sooner arrived than I expected. 



