which the one whereon I sat formed a link; and the whole together nearly
encompassed a rich and fruitful valley, filled with cornfields and
pastures. Through this vale winded a small river for many miles: much
cattle were feeding on its banks. Here and there lesser eminences arose
in the valley, some covered with wood, others with corn or grass, and a
few with heath or fern. One of these little hills was distinguished by a
parish church at the top, presenting a striking feature in the landscape.
Another of these elevations, situated in the centre of the valley, was
adorned with a venerable holly tree, which had grown there for ages. Its
singular height and wide-spreading dimensions not only render it an
object of curiosity to the traveller, but of daily usefulness to the
pilot, as a mark visible from the sea, whereby to direct his vessel safe
into harbour. Villages, churches, country-seats, farm-houses, and
cottages were scattered over every part of the southern valley. In this
direction, also, at the foot of the hill where I was stationed, appeared
the ancient mansion, which I had just quitted, embellished with its
woods, groves, and gardens.

South-eastward, I saw the open ocean, bounded only by the horizon. The
sun shone, and gilded the waves with a glittering light that sparkled in
the most brilliant manner. More to the east, in continuation of that
line of hills where I was placed, rose two downs, one beyond the other,
both covered with sheep, and the sea just visible over the farthest of
them, as a terminating boundary. In this point ships were seen, some
sailing, others at anchor. Here the little river, which watered the
southern valley, finished its course, and ran through meadows into the
sea, in an eastward direction.

On the north the sea appeared like a noble river, varying from three to
seven miles in breadth, between the banks of the opposite coast and those
of the island which I inhabited. Immediately underneath me was a fine
woody district of country, diversified by many pleasing objects. Distant
towns were visible on the opposite shore. Numbers of ships occupied the
sheltered station which this northern channel afforded them. The eye
roamed with delight over an expanse of near and remote beauties, which
alternately caught the observation, and which harmonised together, and
produced a scene of peculiar interest.

Westward, the hills followed each other, forming several intermediate and
pa