BIRDS SEEN BY HIM AT TORQUAY 211 
84. —Scene at Torquay. 
It is well that the observations from which 
these descriptions have been prepared were made 
many years ago, when I was full of enthusiasm, 
and enjoyed the blessings of health and freedom 
from engrossing public duties; for I am persuaded 
that now I should be in some respects less qualified 
for the task, more, however, from the failure of 
physical than of mental power. Here, on the 
rocky promontory, I shiver in the breeze which, 
to my companion, is but cool and bracing. The 
east wind ruffles the sea, and impels the little 
waves to the shores of the beautiful bay, which 
present alternate cliffs of red sandstone and 
beaches of yellow sand, backed by undulated 
heights and gentle acclivities, slowly rising to the 
not distant horizon, fields and woods, with villages 
and scattered villas forming—not wild nor alto¬ 
gether tame—a pleasing landscape which, in its 
summer and autumn garniture of grass and corn, 
and sylvan verdure, orchard blossom and fruit, 
tangled fence-bank and furze-clad common, will be 
beautiful indeed to the lover of Nature. Then the 
balmy breezes from the west and south will waft 
health to the reviving invalid. At present the 
cold vernal gales sweep along the channel, convey¬ 
ing to its haven the extended fleet of boats that 
render Brixham, on the opposite horn of the bay, 
one of the most celebrated of the southern fishing- 
