EXCURSION TO TORQUAY. 
227 
pendicular lieight, having the appearance and giving one the idea of some 
monster castle in ruins ; others racing down the grassy slopes overlooking 
the sea. A flock of sheep occupied the foreground, the deep blue sea in the 
middle distance, and the retiring lines of coast stretching as far as the eye 
could see, taking in the Dorset coast as far as Portland Bill. Many and 
warm were the expressions of admiration elicited by the wonderful and beau¬ 
tiful scenery around. The late Mr. Brunei, the eminent engineer, selected 
this beautiful spot for a residence, and purchased grounds, and planted rare 
ornamental trees, shrubs, etc., but did not live long enough to construct 
more than the foundation of his intended mansion. 
But now the bugle sounds the assembly, and once more a start is made. 
This time for Babbacombe, the second point in the programme. A drive of 
ten or fifteen minutes past the fine old parish church reveals Babbacombe 
Down and Bay ; at once a halt is ordered; on the lawn in front of the hotel, 
luncheon had been prepared for the visitors. The work of demolition 
speedily commenced, and, under the influence of an invigorating sea-breeze, 
every one seemed thoroughly and earnestly anxious to do full justice to the 
immediate work before him. After luncheon, the visitors, separated. in 
groups, admiring with the greatest possible enthusiasm the rich and varied 
scenery. Taking in a greater expanse than Watcombe, and standing on the 
Downs, an eminence some 200 feet immediately above the sea, Dawlish, 
Teignmouth, Exmouth, Lyme Begis, etc., can easily be seen ; Petit Tor, at 
the base of the rocks, whence comes the so-called Torquay marble, at present 
worked by a local firm, was especially remarked. Some members were for¬ 
tunate enough to secure beautiful and instructive specimens. The magnifi¬ 
cent white pebble beach, contrasting so charmingly with the red conglomerate 
on the one hand and the grey limestone on the other, combined with the soft 
cadence of the rippling waves, gave a singular charm and beauty not to be 
surpassed in any part of her Majesty’s dominions. 
From Babbacombe, the greater number of the party, headed by one of the 
local members, made a pedestrian tour across the down, meeting the carriages 
at Anstis Cove, The walk across the breezy down was one of unparalleled 
beauty ; it was intensely gratifying to see how the more venerable members 
vied with the more juvenile portion in lithesomeness of limb and buoyancy ot 
step. “Eide past this scenery?” “No,” said the venerable Mr. Morson, 
“ I’ll walk and immediately set off at the double, with a lightness and exhi¬ 
laration perfectly wonderful. Some of the party, carefully threading the foot- 
path clown to the beach* and passing through the ravines* or over the im¬ 
mense boulders of limestone which here took the place of the conglomerate* 
soon reached Anstis Cove ; the less venturesome, passing along the edge of the 
down, soon arrived at the same romantic spot. * , 
Leaving Anstis Cove, a very short drive brought the party to Kent s Hole, 
a remarkable limestone cavern, which is being scientifically and carefully ex¬ 
plored at the expense of the British Association, and under the personal super¬ 
intendence of Messrs. Vivian and Pengelly. Here, Underhay, the guide, took 
charge; lighted candles were presented to each one, as well as a supp y ot 
magnesium wire. After a few introductory remarks by the guide, a move 
was made along a corridor and through several passages, until a laige cham¬ 
ber was reached. Here the guide again offered some further explanation. 
The burning of the magnesium wire had a very peculiar and weird effect, 
illuminating the most remote and intricate recesses, here and theie the sta¬ 
lactite depending from the passages, glittering and reflecting with diamond¬ 
like brilliancy. It was peculiarly interesting to hear that m this chamber 
had been discovered the remains of many extinct animals, besides the bones 
of others having modern representatives. The bones of the hysena, tiger. 
