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page 111
drifts, of spray, that were whirled along, and up into the
air by scouring winds, charging each other in squadrons in
every direction, upon the Lake. The spray, having been
hurried aloft till it lost its consistency and whiteness,
was driven along the mountain tops like flying showers that
vanish in the distance. Freduently (sic) an eddying wind
scooped the waters out of the basin, and forced them upwards
in the very shape of an Icelandic Geyser, or boiling
fountain, to the height of several hundred feet.
This small Mere of Rydal, from its position, is subject in a
peculiar degree to these commotions. The present season,
however, is unusually stormy; - great numbers of fish, two
of them not less than 12 pounds weight, were a few days ago
cast on the shores of Derwent-water by the force of the
waves.
Lest, in the foregoing comparative estimate, I should be
suspected of partiality to my native mountains, I will
support my general opinion by the authority of Mr. West,
whose Guide to the Lakes has been eminently serviceable to
the Tourist for nearly 50 years. The Author, a Roman
Catholic Clergyman, had passed much time abroad, and was
well acquainted with the scenery of the Continent. He thus
expresses himself: "They who intend to make the continental
tour should begin here; as it will give, in miniature, an
idea of what they are to meet with there, in traversing the
Alps and Appenines; to which our northern
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