ROMANTIC ROCKS, OR DUNGEON TORS.

These rocks exhibit an epitome of the Dale. It may be said they bear the impress in legible and more tangible characters of those mighty causes which gave birth to it. And therefore the Geologist will best study the miniature copy before he proceeds to the larger details of the Dale itself; as he will here behold the gigantic masses in every position, just as they were torn from their parent bed. The angles exactly corresponding, so that if he could by any possibility move them back, they would fit to the greatest nicety indeed the whole of this part from behind the Old Bath upwards, is one mass of ruin, and which cannot fail to elicit expressions of astonishment and wonder from the stranger. Let him but picture to himself millions of tons of broken fragments strewed over many acres, crested at the top, just under the lofty solid cliff by these romantic rocks, detached in so extraordinary a manner,- -some of them attaining the height of more than 40 feet, and apparently in the very act of being precipitated, where thousands of such masses had gone before, and he need not be surprised or alarmed if he has a sort of misgiving, that the whole is still in downward motion. It is difficult to compare them to any existing thing-they may be said to be "sui generis"-their position somewhat like the ruins of mighty pyramids. The grouping of their giant masses, exhibiting every variety of angle and feature covered to their summits with moss and wild plants, the graceful sycamore, ash, elm, lime, and yew tree, inserted into the lofty crag, or rising from amongst their ruins and completely overshadowing them, giving a sombre and truly romantic character to the mighty and fearful group. In the morning, or at noon, when the rays of the sun pierce the ample shade, in which they are usually enveloped, they become still more imposing, and if the ear should be saluted by the soft and lovely tones of nature's own songsters, as they hop from bough to bough on the lofty trees above, the effect on a feeling mind cannot be appreciated. We have simply attempted to give an idea or two respecting these, to describe them would be impossible. But it may be remarked if there is a magic spell thrown around the dilapidations of man's proud rearing, if there is a thrilling interest felt on visiting the spot where the eventful scenes of past time occurred; reflecting their light or dark shades of bliss or woe upon succeeding ages, surely a visit to scenes which exhibit such strange disturbance amongst the works of God, and distinctly point out those mighty catastrophes which produced all the mountain groups and the lovely vales for the benefit of man, must be regarded with interest more profound and feelings more durable. "Ten minutes' walk" from the Old Bath Terrace will take a party to these remarkable Rocks through a wood as wild and remarkable in its character as they are, abounding in wild plants. On passing through the broken wall about half way up, there is a path to the left which leads to one of the most interesting views in the Bath, which ought not to be omitted. The rocks are soon reached from hence. There is a most enchanting walk upwards from these over to Bonsall, to which a stranger may be easily directed by enquiring of some of the cottagers of the Upper Wood, and which leads through rich pasture land, and commanding some good views of the Via Gella, the Moors, and the Vale below, and this is by far the easiest and most direct course to the top of Masson, which, on ascending the rude steps above the Fluor Cavern, taking to the left by two or three cottages, then to the right upwards through a gate; the way is direct past the farm, or Ember-house, to the top.

NATURAL CURIOSITIES, CAVERNS, &c.

THE CUMBERLAND CAVERN, belonging to Messrs. Peter and John Smedley, is the oldest and most natural, and the largest but one in Matlock. Viewed geologically, it is by far the most interesting. The measures are so completely dislocated and thrown in a thousand ways out of their original position, that it is utterly impossible to state the exact line of dip or even their order of superposition. On entering, and before, we descend 20 yards, both the 1st and 2d clays are distinctly seen belonging to the superior measures, but the 3d clay is below these at a great depth, and separates the Dunstone, or Magnesian beds. This occurs in the long flat gallery, the roof, analogous to the ceiling of a house supported by upright walls, which is about 100 yards long, 18 feet high, and about 20 broad, and quite horizontal, a strip of the limestone (a Ryder probably) lying between the clay horizontally (as the guide facetiously terms it) like flitches of bacon. The utter ruin exhibited at the extremity of this is fearful-masses of rock of gigantic size thrown into the most extraordinary positions, one mass, of many tons weight, resting on a mere point. The natural arch below is fine, and its curved roof is beautifully studded and fretted with the snow fossil or white stalactite. The selenite also occurs here (a sulphate of lime) and casts of pectens, entrochites, and coralloids. It has been shewn as a Cavern for about seventy years.

THE RUTLAND (Mr. Gilbert's) is decidedly the largest Cavern in Matlock, presenting the most magnificent openings, and what adds considerably to the interest is, that the whole of these mighty excavations have been effected throughout successive ages by the agency of man. The iron Roman, the Saxon, and the Dane, down to the men of our own day have successively worked it, and all of them left proofs of their unwearied industry, cupidity and skill. The old workings are easily recognised in what is called the Roman Hall. The natural arches, lofty openings, with roofs rich in tracery not unlike those of cathedrals, when lit, are magnificent. Jacob's well is an object of interest, the water is so pure, reflecting the sparry bottom that the stranger is likely to proceed onward till he places his foot into it without at all suspecting it exists here. Indeed this Cavern is so spacious that it is stated 10,000 men might be hid away in it. The present gateway has been blasted and cut away about 20 years to enable the parties to clear the workings to admit of its being shown, and from the refuse brought out the magnificent terrace was made, commanding the finest views in Matlock. It abounds with zinc ores and that beautiful species of the green carbonate, called "cupreous," likewise the cadmiferous calamine. Sections of the first limestone are seen on passing through the "gate," with fossils, also the clay and shale beds. It is perfectly dry and easy of access. This is situated on the heights of Abraham up the zigzag.

Proceeding downwards along the mountain side we come to the DEVONSHIRE CAVERN, discovered in 1824, it is chiefly in the Dunstone or Magnesian limestone. It is easy of access and dry. This Cavern though not so large as the other two is remarkably distinguished from them by a spacious opening, presenting the novel spectacle of a smooth ceiling or roof, dipping at an angle of 45, and supported by natural walls almost perpendicular, this opening is about 200 feet long and 40 wide; and when lit, by placing a Bengal light on a massive rock at the upper end, it is truly magnificent. Another advantage is, that parties entering as they do at a lower point, are astonished to be issued out at a far loftier and

different way, commanding some good views. The minerals are similar to those in the others. This Cavern is exhibited to perfection by B. Bryan, the guide, who is perfectly "au fait" in guiding.

FLUOR CAVERN. This is a pretty little Cavern, shewn in connection with the Romantic Rocks for 1s. The openings are remarkably romantic and picturesque, though confined. Out of it the fine clear cubic fluor spar is obtained, which is worked up into the form of hearts, &c. The proprietors very liberally allow all the visitors to take small bits as specimens from it, which cannot fail to interest them. It is situated in the Magnesian Limestone, and as a mine has been originally worked most successfully.

THE MINE above, called the SPEEDWELL, is still in work, and the author can state that he has received as much pleasure in visiting this in a scientific point of view to obtain practical information as from any of the others, although it is small compared with them. min Froggatt, an intelligent and remarkably civil guide, shews this and likewise the fluor and rocks and also to the scenery.

Benja

THE SIDE MINE, as it is called, under the High Tor, is one of considerable interest-the level "gate way" to the old workings is four hundred and one yards, or 1,203 feet in length, directly under the mighty Tor. The iron rod connecting the pumps and gigantic wheel of 80 horse power is in length about 301 yards, raising the water at such a distance from the real base of the power, at the rate of 1,000 gallons per minute when in full play. The stroke of the pumps,-the rush of the water and the play of the rod in the pulleys as they steal on the ear on entering, and increasing in power as you advance until reaching their greatest intensity, even shaking as it were the massy mountain, is most impressive. This is now in full work and belongs to Mr. Boothman, of Manchester. There is no climbing in it. The High Tor grotto, close by, exhibits some romantic openings, and the finest crystallizations of calcarious or dog tooth spar in these kingdoms. The scalon dodecahedron or double pyramid with zigzag, or unequal base, abounds here. The charge for admittance to all these is one shilling each, exclusive of the guide and blue or Bengal lights; the use of the latter is perfectly optional. Chief guides B. Froggat and B. Bryan, the former will be found on the Old Bath Terrace generally, and the latter on the Museum Parade.

PETRIFYING WELLS.

These are standing illustrations of the mode in which the vast Tufa Terrace, in which they are situated, has been formed in time past, when man disturbed not the natural operations of the hot Springs which once were free and unrestrained, spreading over the base of the mountain. In these are found articles of all kinds, sent even from a distance to be petrified, and old wigs among the rest. But the parties here chiefly put in birds' nests and eggs, as being of more ready sale, which are simply encrusted by the limestone precipitated from the water 'as it rapidly evaporates, and to see this in actual operation forms a strong inducement to parties to visit them. We shall take them as they occur, and first we find Mr. Joseph Pearson's, (the Royal Well,) visited by the Princess Victoria in October, 1832, on the roadside, just under the way leading to the Old Bath. Mr. Peter Smedley's, under his spar shops still further on, where a cable of a man of war (the Victory) is now being petrified,-and Mr. Boden's by the Post Office, near Saxton's Green, where the head and

antlers still are of the deer killed at Chatsworth, on the arrival of the Princess Victoria. All these three wells are literally filled with all sorts of things, being petrified which must be shifted every now and then to prevent them sticking to each other, or to the bottom.

MUSEUMS, &c.

MAWE'S OLD MUSEUM, (nearest to the Hotel.)-This is a noble room, having formed originally the dining room of the Great Hotel, and purchased for its present purpose about 26 years since by Mr. Brown and son, whose first establishment was the small shop on the Green, opened June, 1810, (now the Bazaar.) Its length is 36 feet by 214, (extreme width in centre 27 feet,) and admirably adapted for the display of goods. The business received a considerable impulse on Mr. Mawe's joining Mr. Brown some time after by opening a shop in London. It ultimately became the sole property of Mr. Mawe, who carried it on with increasing spirit, being a man of great energy, commanding mind, and extensive knowledge of the world, and he was efficiently assisted by Mr. Vallance (his agent) who was brought up as an apprentice to Mr. Brown, and was originally sent on the opening of their first establishment in Matlock. At the death of Mr. Mawe, in 1829, it became the sole property of his widow, and since Mr. Vallance gave up his agency in 1831, the management of the wholesale and retail trade and conducting of the manufactory have devolved on Mr. Adam (from Cheltenham,) where he had most efficiently conducted that fine establishment for many years, and under whose management this place has lost none of its energy or success; on the contrary, the trade has been much extended and increased.* It is not our province here to point out the various articles on sale, as that will be more properly done when we come to speak of the history of the fluor spar and black marble in our enlarged copy. But it should be observed, that this Museum contains the largest Blue John Vase in the world, for which £100 has been offered and refused; a splendid pair of black marble handled Vases, engraved after the Borghesi and Medecian (24 feet high, by 1 foot 8 over;) Duke of Devonshire's Inkstand, with carved head of Medusa, in ditto; and a fine pair of Needles, models of those made for his present Majesty, and articles of all kinds of Derbyshire and Italian marble obelisks, &c. &c.; and it may be observed, that strangers need not be afraid of being compelled to purchase on simply wishing to indulge their curiosity in viewing these fine things, as free admission is the order of the day here, as well as at other places. But we must proceed to notice the next.+

THE CENTRE MUSEUM (Mr. Vallance's).-This we give the precedence to after the Old Museum, although only of 6 years standing, because, as already stated, Mr. Vallance has been in the business many years, and consequently his establishment is decidedly next in importance and capacity, and from his long residence since he was originally sent by Mr.

*Mr. Adam was the first to introduce the marble feet for the inlaid Tables, which has been of great benefit to the trade, also many other new things not thought of before. + Mr. Vallance's Workshops are opposite his Museum, and it is a subject of regret generally that there was a necessity when Mr. V. left the Old Museum for building these here, as by doing so it obstructed a magnificent View of the River, and cut up what then was a lovely garden, both the Museum and Vallance's being in oneand certainly this has not been improved by setting up the two wooden obelisks on such a portico. The Old Museum Workshops are to the north of the Bath, and also up the hill by the Hotel. Mawe's is entitled to the term Royal from their being the Manufacturers to all the members of the Royal Family.

Brown (no less than 27 years ago) he must be perfectly acquainted with all the details of the business, and must possess a good stock worthy the attention of the visitor,- his unremitting energy and attention cannot be questioned.

MR. BUXTON'S ROYAL MUSEUM.-This place has been made into a Spar Shop about eight or nine years, and presents a striking instance of what some men can do on changing their trade. Mr. B. was brought up to a far different business (that of a carpenter,) but took a liking to this, having obtained an insight into it while employed by Mr. Vallance; and since the trade has been thrown open he has, by his industry and attention, collected an excellent stock of all kinds of Derbyshire and other goods.

We shall now proceed to name the other shops as they occur on our road to Saxton's New Bath. First, we find Mr. Joseph Pearson's, on the road side near by the obelisk, who has also one on the Temple Walk.Mr. Peter Smedley's next occurs on the same side, further on, now the oldest worker aud member in the spar-trade here; and who has a nice little shop with good things; and on the Green, his brother, Mr. John Smedley, who also manufactures his own goods, and has been in the trade from childhood.-And further on, Mr. Boden's, by the Post Office; and though last not least, Mr. Walker's, over the ferry by the Boats.

THE BAZAAR, about being fitted up on the Green, by Walker's Hotel, belonging to Mr. Hartle, manufacturer of combs, &c.; he has also a collection of toys and spar goods.

THE ROYAL MUSEUM LIBRARY.

The Proprietor of the Old Museum has within these two years closed the original Saloon, and converted the premises on the pavement into a Museum and Library for the greater convenience of the public, as the old place was on too small a scale and also quite out of the way, in consequence of which many mistakes were constantly occurring in finding it. Here the London and Country Papers and the Periodicals, Quarterly Review, Monthly and Blackwood's Magazines are taken in-with an assortment of Books of all kinds for to amuse the public, and which, together with a collection of Derbyshire goods, and on a wet day, cannot fail to be an agreeable lounge to them.

Terms for Reading-6d. each per Diem, or

Per Week.

Fortnight.

Month.

Quarter.

s. d.

£ s. d.

Year. £ s. d. 1 1 Ο

2 Do.

3 0

3 Do. or more

4 0

7 0

12 0

1 10 0

6 0 220

SKELETON DRIVES OR RIDES.

We shall simply point out these to the stranger, and leave the filling up of the details and interesting facts till we come to the second part of this work, as it is impossible to give them here. And first, the "Palace of the Peak," 10 miles distant, the splendid residence of the Duke of Devonshire, may be seen any day from eleven till five in Summer, and four in Winter. The ancient Halls of Haddon (8 miles) may be visited in the same route, either going or returning, at any hour; but Haddon is seen to most advantage early in the morning, or in the dusky "eve."Should a party be pressed for time in proceeding northward, Haddon could be seen early-then Chatsworth. Haddon is on the Bakewell road,

If parties are proceeding northward or to Sheffield they may get the horses changed at Edensor Inn while the house is gone over, or bait their own horses and thus lose no time. This Inn was built expressly for the accommodation of parties to Chatsworth-parties may leave the carriages there and walk to the house. The accommodations are excellent.