Chap. 5.] TOPOGRAPHY AND AGRICULTURE. 119 



The " Prospect " attempted to be sketched in the preceding poem, is taken from Par- 

 liok Pike, a mountain which fonns the south-western angle of that lofty range of hUla 

 which divide the counties of Lancaster and York. Owing to its remote distance from 

 any large town or public road, it is a scene little known to the traveller, but not on 

 that account the less worthy of admiration ; for there are few views in England which 

 can bear a comparison with it, at once for extent, variety, and sublimity. The chain of 

 mountains itself is lofty and picturesque, here swelling into the towering summits of 

 Pendle and Ingleborough, and there gradually subsiding into the undulating swells of 

 Graven, and the billowy ridges of Longridge and Whittle Hills. The Fylde country, 

 between the mountains and the sea, is one of the richest in the kingdom ; and the 

 Kibble, a beautiful river, was once celebrated for the number of ancient families 

 stationed on its banks, and still for the ruins of their knightly or manorial houses. 

 Hoghton Tower, the old residence of the family to which it has given a name, is the 

 baronial hall in which tradition reports James I. to have knighted the Sirloin, when he 

 visited that part of the country with great state and magnificence. On the whole, the 

 author has no fears that the scene which he has attempted to describe will be found to 

 have derived its brightest hues from being that which he first gazed upon in infancy.— 

 Canon R. Pakkinson. 



An equally splendid view to that described by the Parkinsons can 

 be obtained on a fine day from Jeffrey Hill, which is 1,016 feet 

 above sea level. 



Sir James Kay-Shuttleworth, in his very interesting work " Scars- 

 dale," breaks out into eloquent language when he describes the scenery 

 of this part of Lancashire. 



Baines thus describes Longridge : — 



Longridge Hill gives to this parish, at its northern extremity, a barren and sterile 

 appearance, but cultivation has been carried by human industry to the summits of this 

 elevated region. In the valley on the banks of the Ribble, the meadows and pastures 

 are for the most part fertile, and the scenery in many situations beautifully picturesque. 

 The country is well wooded, except on the hills, and there plantation work has not been 

 wholly neglected. The farms are small, and many of them freehold ; and though the 

 parish has been deserted by the ancient gentry of the county, their place is occupied by 

 a race of stalwart labourers and respectable yeomen. 



Tootal (or Tootel) Height is often used as the name of the locality 

 of Longridge. It is a striking and rather abrupt rising eminence, and 

 presents a bold and striking appearance when viewed fi-om the town 

 of Longridge. It stands 598 feet above sea level. From its siunmit a 

 very extensive view is obtained, and it is a frequent resort for health 

 and pleasure seekers. At its foot lies the pretty " Spade MiU " reser- 

 voir'. Tootel Height doubtless was used for signalling purposes, and 

 also for the Tenlaes. 



