Excursions in Kent, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Monmouthshire and Somersetshire, Made in the Years 1802,1803 and 1805; Made in the Years 1802, 1803, and 1805 Illustrated by Descriptive Sketches of the Most Interesting Places and Buildings in Those Cou (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1807. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... by moisture, and a certain indication of rain appeared in black clouds, which floated from the South. I had never known these prognostics fail, and therefore proposed our excursion should be postponed till the arrival of a more propitious hour. My objections were however silenced by Mr. V, and an experienced farmer, who relied upon the height of the quicksilver in the barometer, declaring it would not rain that day. It so happened that both parties were right: violent rain fell on the summit and at the base of the Black Mountains, but not a drop at Thruxton. We pursued the road to Dore; when, crossing the river, our path turned to the West; which is an unfrequented way, dangerous, and suited solely to the hardiest horses, the strongest waggons, and the roughest of drivers; but our slender-legged animals hobbled over the loose rocks with infinite difficulty, and much hazard to our necks. The first hill we ascended had a quarry literally in the road; and the labourers were obliged to remove the stones ere we could pass. Besides this inconvenience, springs issue from the fissures of the rocks; and trickling down the ruts, shaded by trees, render them deep pools. Such was the ascent. The summit is a dreary common, partially sprinkled with vegetation; and the few trees scattered over the surface seem intended for for land-marks. An inclination of this road to Long Town brought us in front of the Black Mountains, whose dusky and tremendous fides appeared doubly frowning, from the humid state of the air. We had not long contemplated their ravined lines when we entered an avenue composed by neglected hedges, interspersed with oaks and flourishing ash trees. There the nature of the foil and bare rocks announced our road would conduct us down the demi-mountain we had cros...