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amphitheatre of rocky mountains, occasionally covered with woods. On the south side of the lake is the cataract of Lowdore, one of the most magnificent water-falls in "this region of the sublime.”

Derwent Water gave the title of earl to the Ratcliffe family, in whose possession the lake and adjacent lands continued until the ruin of that noble house, when they were vested in trustees for the benefit of Greenwich Hospital. Castlerigg, or Castle Head, whence the illustrative view is taken, is the site of an ancient castle, formerly the residence of the Earls of Derwentwater; afterwards, however, they had a house on one of the islands of the lake, since named Lord's Island. Castlerigg is further remarkable for the remains of a druidical temple.

The islands of Derwent Water are five in number, of which the principal are Lord's Island above mentioned, and Pocklington Island. The whole are covered with trees, and contribute very materially to the picturesque beauty of the lake. Towards the southern extremity is occasionally seen a floating island, the alternate appearance and disappearance of which has given rise to various hypotheses. Mr. Southey, in his "Madoc," thus alludes to this phenomenon, connecting it with the artificial islets which float on the lakes of Mexico and China:

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We reached the shore :

A floating island waited for me there,

The beautiful work of man. I set my foot

Upon green growing herbs and flowers, and sate

Embowered in odorous shrubs: four long light boats,

Yoked to the garden, with accordant song,

And dip and dash of oar in harmony,

Bore me across the lake."

The mountains of Skiddaw and Helvellyn sinking the neighbouring elevations into comparative littleness, give a dignified character to this scene of natural beauty. Of the former, Mr. Wordsworth has spoken in glowing terms:

"What was the great Parnassus' self to thee,
Mount Skiddaw? In his natural sovereignty,
Our British hill is fairer far! he shrouds

His double-fronted head in higher clouds,

And pours forth streams more sweet than Castaly."

It has been recommended to tourists to survey the romantic scenes of Derwent Water by moonlight. Of its effect upon the lake, Mr. Southey thus speaks:

"The moon arose; she shone upon the lake,
Which lay one smooth expanse of silver light;
She shone upon the hills and rocks, and cast
Upon their hollows and their hidden glens
A blacker depth of shade."

A night-view of Derwent Water, it might be supposed, would call up devotional feeling in the bosom of an atheist. Every object is invested with a mantle of soft light; the broad shadows of the mountains give indefinite extent to those parts over which they extend; and the solemn voice of the waterfalls, and the echoes of the mountains, fall upon the ear in sounds not altogether of earth,

"In expatiating over the vastness of the scene," Mr. Baines justly observes, "the mind rises far above the insignificant works of man, and delights to feel itself at liberty, unconstrained by the observations of others, to range and exult on the magnificent temple of nature."

LAMBTON CASTLE,-DURHAM.

Lambton Castle, the seat of Lord Durham, occupies an eminence on the north bank of the river Wear, the identical site of Harraton Hall, anciently the residence of the D'Arcys and Hedworths. This edifice, erected by Bonomi, is pleasantly situated in an extensive park, seven miles in circuit, and intersected by the river Wear, over which is thrown a simple, yet elegant bridge, of one arch. Though not entirely free from incongruities in the design and execution, the Castle presents a magnificent appearance; and the judicious improvements that have been effected by the present noble proprietor, add greatly to the chastity of the mansion, and to the beauty of the park. The library, a quadrangular apartment of good proportions, contains a choice selection of literature, and several family paintings of excellent character. The grounds are disposed in the most effective manner; and the ride, through a hanging wood, on the south bank of the river, is beautifully romantic. Races were annually held in the park, in October. They were commenced in 1821, by Mr. Lambton, (now Lord Durham,) for the amusement of himself and friends; and, in consequence of the general interest excited, his lordship threw them open to the neighbouring gentry: but from the ill health of the noble proprietor, and a residence abroad, these races have been discontinued.

The illustrative View of Lambton Castle is taken from the south bank of the Wear. The foliage skirting the margin on either side, is effectively relieved by the bridge. The deeply-toned shadows in the foreground give distance to the Castle, which is here shown to great advantage, on the summit of an eminence, and completely embosomed in rich and massive woods. The name of Lambton is connected with a marvellous legend, of an enormous worm, that infested the banks of the river Wear, and which was at length overcome by a hero of this family. This tradition, veiling some mystery which has not descended to us, is a strong testimony to the antiquity, the valour, and prowess of the party whose achievements it perpetuates. Indeed, both history and tradition, uniting with the common consent of the present day, bear witness, that with the house of Lambton has ever been associated those lofty qualities which ennoble high birth; and whence are derived the highest advantages to a people, for whom their inheritor may be called to legislate.

RAVENSWORTH CASTLE,-DURHAM.

Ravensworth Castle, the seat of Thomas-Henry Liddell, Lord Ravensworth, is situate westward of the river Team, on the site of the ancient castle, a fortress of very great antiquity.

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