Lonsdale Magazine, 1820, vol.1
p.123
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Lonsdale Magazine, 1820, vol.1 p.123
we are conducted, the grand leading feature in this panoramic range, is Skiddaw; and to that kingly elevation, the intermediate objects are in a most exquisite combination." The top of Castle Crag is an interesting situation; as there are the remains of an old fort; and "deeply below the spectator, is Bowder Stone, and the river winding from it to the lake. This elevation, for the variety, elegance, and grandeur of its bird's eye presentations, is only excelled by that from Cat-bells." There are likewise distant views from Latrigg, and Saddle-back; near the top of the latter is the crater of a Volcano, and a quantity of lava. The ancient name of this hill is Blencarthur, or perhaps more properly Blencrater. Such are a few, and but a very few, of the numerous beauties, and natural curiosities, which are amply described in the work before us. Of the style and manner, the reader will be better able to judge from the various little extracts which are already given, than from any character which we could possibly draw. The greatest recommendation does not consist in the flowry elegance of his style, but in that careful minuteness with which he has described the roads to the views and the subjects which compose them. This inestimable characteristic of the work is neatly and clearly explained in his own words: "The writer is sensible that he has greater power over his pencil than his pen, and were his information for the satisfaction of an individual only, he would prefer the former as a vehicle for information, but to give to the public a numerous series of explanations, all clothed in bodily forms; besides time and other minor considerations, it is necessary to consult the copper smith, the printer, and the paper merchant. "The description of all the features of a track between scene and scene, or a track replete with scenes, or of the scenes themselves, involves the describer in a labyrinth, from which, if without experience, he often finds it difficult to extricate himself. The words and sentences of necessity demanded for giving an account of a mountainous country, all lie within a narrow compass - 'description is weakened by redundancy' but, however, compressed; the information will appear tediously monotonous; at least such matter of fact description as is given by the writer of this guide, a task though irksome as it is to himself, and probably acting as a soporific to closet readers, may, nevertheless, be useful to that traveller whose curiosity goes so far into detail, as to wish for information concerning the names of the mountains encircling him, when planted on a 'heaven kissing hill.'" As a Guide to the Lakes, we have no hesitation in asserting that these volumes of Mr. Green's stand unrivalled. He carefully points out the roads to the views he describes, and, supposing the Tourist to be arrived at the desired situation, he gives a catalogue of the various objects which fill the Landscape. In one circular range he mentions the names of the hills, seats, farm-houses, villages, rivers, lakes, etc. which present themselves to the spectator's eye, in such a manner that his book will furnish a complete Dictionary of the Lakes, which would be no improper title to it. These volumes likewise contain 171 excursions, a few of which we have slightly noticed. These excursions are collected into an appendix of table work, shewing at one view the road and distance between the different places among the lakes. They are all drawn up in the following manner: |
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In the course of the work he likewise describes sixty
aquatintas, which he published some time ago. These are
referred to by the No. whenever the Tourist is supposed to
have arrived at the spot where they were drawn. - To those
who are in possession of the aquatintas, this article will
be invaluable.
We have thus followed our Author through that part of the work which may be properly considered as a Guide to the Lakes; but the most masterly, and indeed the most valuable, part of the work consists in his strictures on taste, and observations on picturesque |
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