70 
The beauty of the path, and the associations con- 
nected with the ground we tread, unité in rendering 
it a favourite ramble. In our way we pass through a 
cherry orchard, whose trees arrayed in white, carry us 
back to the time when the beautiful rime frost covered 
their branches; and, finely contrasting with their 
t( blossom s brilliant sheen,” are three or four rows of 
fir-trees, the remnant of a grove planted in the reign 
of Charles the Second. 
There are some interesting associations of very early 
date connected with this spot. In the days when 
monasteries possessed immense revenues, Jeffrey, abbot 
of St. Alban’s, founded here an hospital for lepers. 
“ He called divers misérable poor people together, 
provided for them, and gave a maintenance to support 
them.” One memorial of monastic rule yet remains; 
a very large barn which is seen in the orchard whitber 
we hâve wandered. Proceeding on our walk, we corne 
to a meadow, from whence a lovely landscape opens 
upon the view. Hertfordshire does not afford the 
widely extended prospects of which some other parts 
of England may boast, but it is not déficient in home 
views, and from the spot we hâve reached, we see 
one of the most beautiful in our neighbourhood. If 
