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was given by him to the poor of Troutbeck. These anecdotes
appear very strange to people who have lived in towns, or
among the more level manners of the south: and this is why
we relate them. They are among the curiosities of the
district. Troutbeck is the most primitive of the frequented
valleys of the district. To find any other so antique and
characteristic, it is necessary to leave the high road, and
explore the secluded dales of which the summer tourist sees
and hears nothing. The dale looks from the uplands as if it
had been scooped out between the ridges with a gigantic
scoop. Its levels are parcelled out into small fields, of
all manner of shapes; and the stream,- the beck
abounding in trout,- winds along the bottom, from the
foot of High Street, to fall into the lake just by Calgarth.
The road now followed by the tourist descends into the vale
sharply, by the abode of John Wilson, Esq., at The How, and
crosses the bridge, in full view of the chapel, which was
consecrated in 1562, and thoroughly repaired in 1828. It is
one of the small churches that, with their square tower and
bell, look and sound so well in the dales. This one seats
160 worshippers. Immediately beyond the bridge, the road
mounts again very steeply, till it joins that which runs
along the hill sides, on the western side of the valley.
This road is to be followed up the valley; and the tourist
must lose none of its beauties. Behind him, there are views
of the receding lake, now diminished to the likeness of a
cabinet picture:- below, is the deep vale with its green
levels: opposite, the grassy slopes ascend to the ridges of
High Street and Hill Bell; and before him, Troutbeck Tongue
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