at some distance from the shore, and has several distinct roofs,
well thatched: stands at the head of a winding lawn, with a fine
beech-grove, and richly-colored copse. The little parish-church of
St. Lawrence, perhaps the smallest in England, stands on a knoll,
and terminates the cultivated valley; immediately beyond which we
entered upon a scene of the wildest grandeur and solemnity. Many of
the ruinous precipices of the upper cliffs project in horizontal
strata, yet have perpendicular rents. Some of the shattered masses
give the clearest echoes: we stood before one which responded every
syllable with an exactness which was truly astonishing.--There is
sometimes what may be called an amphitheatre of rock, where all the
area is filled with ruins, which are however covered with verdure
and underwood, that stretch up the sides with the wildest pomp: and
shelter here a cottage, there a villa, among the rocky hillocks."
* * * * *
Passing a gentleman's residence situated below the road on our left,
called OLD PARK (not from its display of sylvan honors), we should look
out for a romantic ascent in the lofty cliffs called ...
CRIPPLE-PATH:
It is worth examining, being a curious instance of the formation of the
bold horizontal crags and ledges which distinguish these hoary
precipices. For some distance the path is in a sunken stratum of soft
freestone, while the upper ledge of more stubborn rock overhangs it
several feet. Having reached the eminence by a rude winding staircase in
a rent of the cliff,--we shall be well repaid for our trifling labor,
by the beautiful prospect which is disclosed of the Undercliff, spread
like an extensive garden immediately under our feet. Many parties walk
hence on the edge of the cliffs to Niton, &c.
MIRABLES is another charming villa, through whose luxuriant plantations
the road is carried for nearly half a mile, affording a most grateful
shade: but, by the bye, at the expense of all prospect.
"Refreshing change, where now the blazing sun?
By short transition we have lost his glare,
And stepp'd at once into a cooler clime."
The house is secluded from our view: it is in the plain cottage style:
but the grounds are not surpassed for rock and sylvan beauty by any seat
on the coast.
We successively pass through the grounds, close and open, of the three
following villas:
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