
          871.

be impassable.  We told him though that we would try it.  The road was
as he said and we again returned to the road.  We found though two
nice little sprigs of Arbutus in bloom.  This, I think, is the earliest that
I have found this plant in bloom.  We now went to Benfield, then to
Garrettson's and to Barton's.  Mr. B. was indeed right when he said he had the
prettiest view.  From his porch could be seen picturesque Indian Landing
and here and there were 3 pretty islands.  One was called Chalk Island.
Words would fail to describe this beautiful picturesque river with its high
bluffs.  B. said he would show us a pretty way to the road, and he
did.  We went to the shore, where he showed us his spring, gushing out from
beneath a very large Holly.  We then walked along the shore and he showed
us his boiling spring as it has been called; the water came up so forcibly
that it is in constant motion & seems to be boiling, we now crossed
Bear Branch.  Near the branch we found Corylus in bloom, the alder too
but it had been seen near all day.  When we crossed the branch we
came to another pretty path along the shore and beautifully shaded
by overhanging trees.  In our direction the path led to the Engligh Heights R'd
and in the other direction to Bent Oak, a cape  projecting into the Severn.  The
property belongs to a Mr. Butler.  At B.O. we found a path leading through a 
thick pine woods.  This path took us to the E.H. R'd.  Mr. B. accompanied us to the
        