204 SPORTING IN BOTH HEMISPHERES. 



now rippling and sparkling in a broad and rapid shallow 

 stream, interspersed with rocks and small islands amidst 

 verdant meadows; or more commonly undulating plains of 

 dry and sterile soil, completely overgrown with lande or 

 gorse, which here attains immense size and vigour, and is put 

 to a great variety of uses by the inhabitants ; amongst which, 

 not the least serviceable, is that of fodder for cattle in winter, 

 and as thatch or covering for cottages and outhouses. 



I have positively walked for miles beneath a forest of 

 gigantic gorse trees, their green and prickly summits forming 

 an impenetrable shade, the lower stems perfectly denuded, and 

 the air scented with the agreeable perfume of the yellow 

 blossoms. 



"Not the least amongst the interesting things met with 

 was the continual recurrence of the most curious Druidical 

 remains. Rocking-stones, of the most fantastic shapes, and 

 perched in the most exposed and picturesque positions, were 

 frequently to be seen on the margin of the river ; and amidst 

 the landes and slopes the antiquary could often trace the 

 fairy rings and clearings, supposed to have originated from 

 the same sources. The peasantry, superstitious to the last 

 degree, and entertaining the highest respect for all legendary 

 lore, regarded these objects, if not with veneration, with re- 

 spect, and never obliterated or defaced them. 



I am not attempting a history of the Bretons in these 

 few and cursory sketches, which has been so often done by 

 abler pens than mine ; but I cannot help recording my im- 

 pressions of this very peculiar race of people from my own 

 experience. In costume, manners, and customs and habits, 

 both domestic and agricultural, they appeared to have under- 

 gone but little change for the last several hundred years. 

 All modern improvements were but little known, or looked 

 upon as absurd innovations ; and the style of architecture, 

 domestic arrangements with regard to food and clothing, 



