ow and then the screeching of the
night-owl,--were such as would make the most cold and indifferent
acknowledge the delight to be enjoyed in the silent walks of nature.

Perhaps among all the varied scenery in the north of England, none is
more sublime than that of Matlock; whose romantic range, interspersed
with some of the finest touches of art, forms an interesting contrast.
The road from the village to the Baths is as diversified as sublime.
It is situated in the bosom of a deep vale; here, on one side, rocks
or crags, tower above you to the height of two hundred feet; at the base
they form, a graceful slant, which is covered with thick, clustering
foliage. On the summit, verdure is seen; and sometimes sheep,
unconscious of their danger, will stray, and nip the grass from the
very edge. Beneath flows the river Derwent, now, in rapid, though
solemn state, reminding us of the peaceful stream of life--but only in
fictitious calm, luring on to its more ruffled scenes; next, a rushing
noise reminds you a cataract is near, which, combined with the rustling
of the foliage by the breeze, wakens the mind to gratifying
contemplation. The other side is bounded by immense hills, which have a
gradual ascent. Along the regular connexion of the road are cottages,
whose symmetry adds the charm of artificial embellishment to this
luxuriant display of nature. Here you perceive a sumptuous villa;
a little farther, a simple cot, where nature has displayed her
master-hand: but the most charming group is where three rows of cottages
rise in regular succession towards the summit of the hill, their gardens
contrasting with the barren appearance of their opposite neighbours.
These delightful scenes alternate until your arrival at the Baths.

The Baths are situated about one mile from the village of Matlock, and
are a collection of lodging-houses, which, during the summer season, are
usually occupied. The baths are filled by springs, which issue in great
abundance from limestone rocks; the water is exceedingly clear, and
bears a temperature of 68 deg. Fahrenheit. Here are the wells which produce
the petrifactions; any substance placed in them being, in the course of
a few months, covered with stone. Visiters are in the habit of leaving
various articles, which, by the ensuing season, thus become incrusted.
Birds' nests with eggs in them, baskets, shoes, &c. &c. are among the
articles which may be seen here.

Matlock abounds with subterraneo