Abbildungen der Seite
PDF
EPUB

decorated with the armorial bearings of different Earls of Bedford, with those of their respective ladies; in the fourth division are the arms of William Lord Russell, with those of the Lady Rachel Russell, who was daughter of the virtuous Earl of Southampton. Lord William was son of the fifth Earl, and first Duke of Bedford. In the sixth number are the arms of Francis, Marquis of Tavistock, grandfather to the present Duke of Bedford, with those of his lady, Elizabeth, daughter of William, second Earl of Albemarle. In the drawing room the decorations are more elaborate, but still a regard is had to the simplicity of the whole. This apartment which is hung with some more paintings is connected to the library by folding doors. From the windows of all these rooms which open on the terrace, many lovely peeps of the woods and river are gained, but the most beautiful view is from a tiny cabinet adjoining the library, where are hung miniatures of the unfortunate Lord William Russell and his estimable lady.

We

The large pane of glass enables us to discern, without interruption, the verdant lawn stretching far away, with the winding Tamar foaming over its rocky bed, until lost to sight amidst the depths of wormwood. regret leaving this small recess, but must proceed onwards to the private apartments of the Duke and Duchess. In that of the former are some fine drawings of Venice by Prout. The dormitories are distinguished for their neatness and comfort. Many views from their windows are to be admired. From the balcony of the "Chinese room" the Swiss cottage is seen with a bold sweep of the river rounding a fine promontory of hanging woods. One suite of apartments has been devoted to the use of the younger branches of the family. It looks out upon a raised parterre of flowers, with a marble fountain in the centre. Beneath a verandah commanding some of the sweetest

scenery of the distant vale, is a black marble pedestal, which in summer supports a small, but beautifully sculptured figure of Lord Grey. In a niche in the Iwall of the western front is the mitred form of the last Abbot of Tavistock. At the back of the cottage is a range of offices and stables, and out-houses disposed around the court-yard.

Near the offices a flight of steps conducts to the rock garden, where a number of stones are arranged so as to mingle with the natural rock, and form supporters for the plants which spring up between. In the centre are mimic ponds whose waters slip away unseen, and again ooze out at some little distance, forming so many dropping wells from the overhanging rocks. Leaving the green-houses on our right, we are conducted by a subterranean alcove and a flight of steps cut in the rock, to the "dairy dell," a fairy-like place which realizes all the beauty of the poet's imaginings.

"So sweet a spot of earth, you might, (I ween)

Have guessed some congregation of the elves

To sport by summer moons, had shap'd it for themselves."

CAMPBELL.

This dell, though comparatively small, is yet disposed with so much art, that we forget the size of the close and overshaded valley; and looking at its sides clothed with the most luxuriant flowering shrubs, presenting so many pyramids of sylvan loveliness, we lose its concealed height, and, without reflection, add the idea of magnificence to that of beauty. Mr. Hazlitt who accompanied the Rev. W. Evans in a visit to this place, thought it far superior to any thing he had ever seen elsewhere, "so formed by nature's self," said he, with characteristic energy.

Rising slopes with turf as soft as velvet, are watered by a rushing mountain stream, winding sometimes amongst the gigantic spikes of the flag lily, at others

beneath a group of alders or branching oak, while again it emerges into broad day-light, and discharges itself into a spacious pond.

("A mirror in the depth of flowery shelves: ")

Crossing a rustic bridge, we follow a path which leads to the dairy;-a simple building, containing one room and a small vestibule, paved with marble. The milk is received in marble basins, around which are small canals of water, and an ever-bubbling fountain in the centre assists in keeping the place cool. The walls are lined with tiles of white porcelain edged with a wreath of green vine leaves; china vases are disposed around, ornamented with a corresponding pattern. The place, we believe, is more for show than use, but it is a pretty toy for the world's favorites. Returning to the pond, we follow a winding path which leads to the children's garden, admiring in our way the gardener's cottage, reflected in the clear waters, and a holy well, whose arched entrance was brought from the neighboring estate of Leigh, where was a hunting seat of the richlyportioned Abbots of Tavistock. The "children's garden" is neither more nor less than a wilderness of flowers, disposed, sometimes in rustic baskets, sometimes over moss grown stones; at others around the roots of an aged tree. Wild flowers predominate, and the foxglove and bindweed, often triumph in beauty and luxuriance over their more presuming neighbors of the parterre. A bath of the simplest formation, merely the deepened channel of the brook, has often served to refresh the honored guests of the cottage. We cannot sufficiently admire the good taste which designed and carried into effect such means of displaying the simple beauties of nature by the aid of unobtrusive art. A rustic gate leads from the children's garden into the lawn, along which we pass to gain the banks of the Tamar. The

river which "erst has been a precipiece of foam from mountains tower," here assumes a milder character.

"As soft'ning in approach, he leaves his gloom,
And murm'ring pleasantly, now lays him down
To kiss those easy curving banks of bloom,
That lends the windward air an exquisite perfume."

CAMPBELL.

A shallow boat or floating bridge conducts to the opposite woods, whose greenwood paths wind from the dell, around the declivities. The Woodman's rustic cottage first attracts our notice; its curling smoke is often seen rising above the encircling trees; hence we may wander for miles through the woodland glades. The Fisherman's hut forms an appropriate object in one of the most sequestered "cumbes." Its porch is made

to resemble a boat, A small stream murmers near. In such a quiet haunt would old Izaak Walton have loved to linger; the modern angler may enjoy it to his heart's content, I could almost envy his privilege of loitering at his ease on the shelving bank, "all in the coolness of the humid air;" in waiting for the expected "bite." But other inducements tempt us forward. Crossing the stream, we gain a path gradually rising to the summit of a hill, on which a pretty "sylvan hedge" is tastefully planted. From this eminence is a commanding view of the river, flowing in a graceful curve by the wild cliffs on the right hand, and Dunterton woods on the left. The choice of this romantic solitude, as a sweet summer residence, where the native charms of river scenery have suffered no damage from the intrusion of art, reflects credit on its proprietor. Gould, Esq.

The rocks at Carthamartha are very similar to those on the Tamar, by the Weir-head. The former, though on a smaller scale, are more wooded, and have the advantage of an active mountain-stream; which is generally the character of the Tamar in this place. The best

EE

mode of access to Carthamartha, is by following a circuitous road over Greystone Bridge.

Although I have spoken thus far favorably of the route through the woods from Endsleigh, I must in justice to those who attempt following it confess, that many were the difficulties to which a certain party of explorers exposed themselves by attempting it. The Tamar was crossed in a boat at the Woodman's Cottage with ease; the shady woods were traversed with pleasure; our pic-nic dinner was enjoyed with full zest in a rustic tower on a far but alas! when we came eminence ; away to the Fisherman's hut, how was the rushing streamlet to be crossed? there was nothing in the world to assist us but an unsteady plank; however, we accomplished it; passed through sundry meadows and more woods, and scrambled up to the object of our search-our satisfaction was complete, until we chanced to look down upon the rolling river at our feet. To pass this? it was impossible ! So thought our honest serving man who had foreseen the predicament, and brought his horse to a neighboring ford, to help the ladies across, and the gentlemen also, if they would accept of his assistance.” Peals of merry laughter rang through the valley, as we in turns mounted behind our faithful squire, and rode through the stream; all except one doughty wight, who chose rather to brave the torrent and get wet clothes, than avail himself of the attention of worthy John. One damsel in the height of her merriment slipped into the river just on gaining the bank; with those exceptions we all got over safely; but the experiment was hazardous and I would not advise the timid or fastidious so attempt it. On the Endsleigh side of the Tamar is the deep recess of Dunterton wood. About half a century since, it was the haunt of a daring robber. Who has not heard of the exploits of Nicky Mason? A kind of "ne'er do weel" was he from his youth, growing up

the

« ZurückWeiter »