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page 29
scattered both over the inclosed and uninclosed parts of the
mountains. The same is expressed by the beauty and intricacy
with which the fields and coppice-woods are often
intermingled: the plough of the first settlers having
followed naturally the veins of richer, dryer, or less stony
soil; and thus it has shaped out an intermixture of wood and
lawn, with a grace and wildness which it would have been
impossible for the hand of studied art to produce. Other
trees have been introduced within these last fifty years,
such as beeches, larches, limes, &c. and plantations of
firs, seldom with advantage, and often with great injury to
the appearance of the country; but the sycamore (which I
believe was brought into this island from Germany, not more
than two hundred years ago) has long been the favourite of
the cottagers; and, with the fir, has been chosen to screen
their dwellings: and is sometimes found in the fields
whither the winds or the waters may have carried its seeds.
The want most felt, however, is that of timber trees. There
are a few magnificent ones to be found near any of
the lakes; and unless greater care be taken, there will, in
a short time, scarcely be left an ancient oak that would
repay the cost of felling. The neighbourhood of Rydal,
notwithstanding the havoc which has been made, is yet nobly
distinguished. In the woods of Lowther, also, is found an
almost matchless store of ancient trees, and the majesty and
wildness of the native forest.
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