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A DAY ON THE MOUNTAINS.
The stranger has now made his three tours. There is one
thing more that he must do before he goes on into
Cumberland. He must spend a day on the Mountains: and if
alone, so much the better. If he knows what it is to spend a
day so far above the every-day world, he is aware that it is
good to be alone, (unless there is danger in the case); and,
if he is a novice, let him try whether it be not so. Let him
go forth early with a stout stick in his hand, provision for
the day in his knapsack or his pocket; and, if he choose, a
book: but we do not think he will read to-day. A map is
essential, to explain to him what he sees: and it is very
well to have a pocket compass, in case of sudden fog, or any
awkward doubt about the way. In case of an ascent of a
formidable mountain, like Scawfell or Helvellyn, it is rash
to go without a guide: but our tourist shall undertake
something more moderate, and reasonably safe, for a
beginning.
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What mountain shall it be? He might go up Blackcombe, on his
way to or from Furness: and from thence he might see, in
fair weather, as Wordsworth tells us, "a more extensive view
than from any other point in Britain," - seven English
counties, and seven
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