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of summit, number of lakes, and transparency of water; not in
colouring of rock, or softness of turf; but in height and extent
only. The mountains here are all accessible to the summit, and
furnish prospects no less surprising, and with more variety than
the Alps themselves. The tops of the highest Alps are
inaccessible, being covered with everlasting snow, which
commencing at regular heights above the cultivated tracts, of
wooded and verdant sides, form, indeed, the highest contrast in
nature; for there may be seen all the variety of climate in one
view. To this, however, we oppose the sight of the ocean, from
the summit of all the higher mountains, as it appears intersected
with promontories, decorated with islands, and animated with
navigation; which adds greatly to the perfection and variety of
all grand views.
Those who have traversed the Alps, visited the lake of Geneva,
and viewed Mount Blanc, the highest of the Glaziers, from the
valley of Chamouni, in Savoy, may still find entertainment in
this domestic tour. To trace the analogy and differences of
mountainous countries, furnishes the observant traveller with
amusement; and the travelled visitor of the Cumbrian lakes and
mountains, will not be disappointed of pleasure in this
particular [1].
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[1]
In truth, a more pleasing tour than these lakes hold out to men
of leisure and curiosity cannot be devised. We penetrate the
Glaziers, traverse the Rhone and the Rhine, whilst our domestic
lakes of Ulls-water, Keswick, and Windermere, exhibit seenes
(sic) in so sublime a style, with such beautiful colourings of
rock, wood, and water, backed with so tremendous a disposition of
mountains, that if they do not fairly take the lead of all the
views of Europe, yet they are indisputably such as no English
traveller should leave behind him. - Mr.
Cumberland's Dedication to Mr. Romney.
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