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page vi
the Coniston Mountains peer nobly over the western barrier,
which elsewhere, along the whole Lake, is comparatively
tame. To one also who has ascended the hill from Grathwaite
on the western side, the Promontory called Rawlinson's Nab,
Storr's Hall, and the Troutbeck Mountains, about sun-set,
make a splendid landscape. The view from the Pleasure-house
of the Station near the Ferry has suffered much from Larch
plantations; this mischief, however, is gradually
disappearing, and the Larches, under the management of the
proprietor, Mr. Curwen, are giving way to the native wood.
Windermere ought to be seen both from its shores and from
its surface. None of the other lakes unfold so many fresh
beauties to him who sails upon them. This is owing to its
greater size, to the islands, and to its having two
vales at the head, with their accompanying mountains of
nearly equal dignity. Nor can the grandeur of these two
terminations be seen at once from any point, except from the
bosom of the Lake. The Islands may be explored at any time
of the day; but one bright unruffled evening, must, if
possible, be set apart for the splendour, the stillness, and
solemnity of a three hour's voyage upon the higher division
of the Lake, not omitting, towards the end of the excursion,
to quit the expanse of water, and peep into the close and
calm River at the head; which, in its quiet character, at
such a time, appears rather like an overflow of the peaceful
Lake
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