76 BY MEADOW AND STREAM. 



fields and green meadows, which on all sides slope 

 down to its very margin, ever since they began to 

 stand as they stand yonder now ? 



Just above where I am now sitting is an obelisk, 

 which, at this distance, I take to be at least of the 

 same antiquity as Cleopatra's Needle, which for a 

 thousand years lay prone in Alexandria's sands, and 

 now stands erect on the banks of the Thames. It 

 seems at a short distance to bear hieroglyphics partly 

 obliterated by venerable age. But what is it that I 

 read on closer inspection ? What is the truth about 

 this tall monument which as seen from a distance 

 "lifts its bold head and lies?" It now reveals a 

 truthful and melancholy story. 



After all, then, this wonderful lake is probably the 

 youngest in the world ; it is not yet five years old, 

 with all the calm dignity of a thousand years. Art 

 has intentionally assisted Nature in producing this air 

 of antiquity. The monument, which is most sub- 

 stantially built of rough dark blue granite, was erected 

 " To the memory of men who have died ^vhile employed 

 in the works of Lake Vyrnwy, 1880 to 1890. Erected 

 by their fellow workmen. " It also bears the names of 

 the men, ten of whom were killed, and thirty-four who 

 died during that period. 



Monday, July 2nd. Full of the grand exploits 

 which the eloquent Mr. G. had led us to anticipate, 

 we start for the lake. I took one boat and R. and 

 her husband another, and that nothing should be 

 wanting, G. 's boatman became mine. Now, Tom is 

 a poet, a descendant of the bards of old. He it was 

 who celebrated, no doubt in touching strains, the 



