been so frequently, and so ably, described, would be superfluous.

Of all the lakes, not one so powerfully attracted our admiration as that of Keswick, or Derwentwater; so enchanted indeed were we with the lovely spot, that the proposal of Mrs. Fitzburnhamn (a charming young woman of our party) was cordially embraced by all, and a beautifully-romantic cottage, then to be let in the fertile vale of Keswick, taken by us as a residence for several weeks. Never shall I remember, without emotions of pleasure, the period passed in this lovely retirement. Our mornings glided almost imperceptibly away, whilst engaged in climbing the rugged Skiddaw's dangerous ascent, in riding along the richly-fringed banks of the lake, or in sailing to the opposite shore, where, taking with us cold provisions, we chose some spot, whose peculiar beau

ty invited us to land, and partake of our frugal repast.

It was one evening near the close of August, after a day spent in this delightful manner, that, enchanted with the charms of the surrounding scene, Mr. and Mrs. Fitzburnham and myself, less fatigued than the rest of the party, wished to extend our walk as far as to the ruins of an ancient abbey, of which we had heard many wonderful traditions from the simple inhabitants of the vale, who gravely assured us it was the residence of a perturbed spirit.

It may be readily imagined that we treated these absurd asseverations with ridicule; but as the abbey formed a grand and picturesque object from the southern shore of Derwentwater, and as Mrs. Fitzburnham wished to add it to a collection of sketches and views

1

Ir is now nearly four years since, in company with a party of select friends, I visited the northern parts of England. Our tour was principally projected for the purpose of beholding the justlycelebrated Lakes of Cumberland and Westmoreland, although we missed no opportunity of seeing whatever else was worthy of observation; but to attempt a delineation of our sensations, on the first view of these sublimelybeauteous objects, would be vain; and to undertake a description of what has

been so frequently, and so ably, described, would be superfluous.

Of all the lakes, not one so powerfully attracted our admiration as that of Keswick, or Derwentwater; so enchanted indeed were we with the lovely spot, that the proposal of Mrs. Fitzburnham (a charming young woman of our party) was cordially embraced by all, and a beautifully-romantic cottage, then to be let in the fertile vale of Keswick, taken by us as a residence for several weeks. Never shall I remember, without emotions of pleasure, the period passed in this lovely retirement. Our mornings glided almost imperceptibly away, whilst engaged in climbing the rugged Skiddaw's dangerous ascent, in riding along the richly-fringed banks of the lake, or in sailing to the opposite shore, where, taking with us cold provisions, we chose some spot, whose peculiar beau