attempt, with the imperfect colours of language, to depict so lovely a scene. Every person who has beheld it must be aware that, in such cases, even the most inspired pencil must fall short; and, therefore, it will excite the less surprise if words are found unequal to the task. Burke, who, at some period of his life, passed this way, pronounced Llanrwst the most charming spot he had seen in Wales; and though authority, particularly in matters of taste, goes but a short way with me, I must, on this point, reecho his dictum, which, without disparagement to the Vale of Clwyd or Llangollen, I consider to be founded in truth.

My next ramble was to the higher part of the estate of Gwydir. Mr. Aikin passed some high encomiums on the sylvan and romantic scenery of this neighbourhood, which I found were not exaggerated. Majestic forest trees mingled their leaves with the birch, mountain ash, fir, or luxuriant underwood that clothed the eminences. Having climbed near the highest elevation, an extended landscape burst upon the view. It was the vale through which the river Llugwy rolls with impetuous force till it joins the Conway, near Bettws y Coed. Below me, on the left, lay this pretty villagein front, the valley, rich in foliage, displaying every variety of tint. Occasionally the foaming Llugwy showed itself through the exuberant trees lining its banks. The mail road to Holyhead runs nearly parallel with it the whole of its extent. In the extreme distance, on the left, rises the great mountain of Moel Siabod; beyond which, in the centre, the purple peaks of Snowdon are distinctly visible; while to the right, as if to enhance the grandeur of the scene, tower the Glyder hills. The sun beamed brightly in the heavens, and all seemed quietude and peace in this sequestered spot. The pencil of the artist can never portray, nor the pen of the author describe, the impression produced upon the imagination by the glorious scene.

The neat white-washed cottages of the hardy inhabitants of this mountainous district are scarcely observable until the pedestrian approaches close to them. At one, near which is the best view

up the valley, the singular custom, which I had before noticed in Wales, of blowing through a cow's horn, to call the labourers to their meals, startled me, but I soon regained my self-possession on turning towards the cottage, when I discovered the innocent cause of my surprise. This secluded and delightful spot brought to my recollection the invitation of Petrarch, when at Vaucluse, to Cardinal Colonna. 'If you prefer the tranquillity of the country to the noise of the town, come here and enjoy yourself. Do not be alarmed at the simplicity of my table, or the hardness of my bed. Change of scene is always pleasing; and pleasures, by occasional interruption, frequently become more lively. I promise to provide you with a bed of the finest turf, a cooling shade, the music of the nightingale, and water drawn from the freshest springs; and, in short, every thing that the hand of nature prepares for the lap of genuine pleasure.'

On returning I passed by a small waterfall, and varied my route towards the northern part of Gwydir. Presently the vale of Llanrwst, with the Conway meandering through the whole extent, presented itself. Descending the side of a steep hill covered with immense grey rocks, occasionally varied by heath and fern, seldom, I apprehend, visited by human footsteps, I soon found myself on the well-known old bridge over the river Conway. A solitary angler was pursuing his favourite amusement along the banks of the sparkling stream, which

Makes sweet music with the enamell'd stones,

Giving a gentle kiss to every sedge

He overtaketh in his pilgrimage;

And so by many winding nooks he strays

With willing sport.'

While a young artist, probably desirous of fame, was studiously portraying the enchanting objects around.

The varied scenery observed in the walk from hence to Bettws y Coed, must render it particularly attractive to all who can spare a day when visiting that village or the town of Llanrwst. Pursuing