seldom feel interested in the inspection of modern houses. Having crossed the wooden bridge at the second meeting of the waters, we proceeded along the opposite bank of the Avoca, through the rich and beautiful vale of Arklow, which we thought more attractive than the particular "Vale in whose bosom the bright waters meet." We passed many gentlemen's seats in our way to Arklow, which is the most northern point of the county; and where the Avoca becomes a wide river, and empties itself into the sea; and is there crossed by a bridge of nineteen arches. The sight of a river, the windings of which one has followed in its impetuous tossings over rugged rocks, and more solemn murmurings, through the deepened forest glade, at length calmly mingling with the mighty ocean, is always an interesting subject of meditation. It is but common place to observe what thousands have observed before, its resemblance to our own passage towards eternity; the fretful waywardness of childhood; the deeper, head strong passions of youth; the calm resignation and subdued feelings of declining age; the silent gathering to our fathers; the oblivion of time in eternity. But there is a "river that maketh glad the city of God," a "river, clear as crystal, that proceedeth from the throne of God, and of the Lamb," and which flows on for ever! May the living waters go out from the holy city, the new Jerusalem, to renew the face of this barren wilderness; until the earth be filled with the knowledge of its rightful Lord, and King Messiah return in glory. At Arklow, where there seemed but little to attract attention, we again crossed the river, and continued in a direction from the sea along its opposite bank till we arrived at the woods of Shelton Abbey. After proceeding a mile through the heart of this wild forest, the dark woods began to open on lighter lawns and flower gardens. It was grievous to see this striking domain, not surpassed in beauty, and splendour of scenery, by any of the "stately homes of England," thus deserted by its noble owner who was then resident in our island. The house is intended to represent an ecclesiastical structure of the fourteenth century; but as we could not gain admittance we alighted, and walked about the parterres; and it was while contemplating the beauties of this tranquil scene, that we heard the cuckoo's voice for the first time, a sound which never meets my ear without carrying me back to the days of childhood, and the wooded banks of the Severn, where we used in all the exuberant glee of early youth to imitate its voice, while gathering the primroses so thickly scattered in that beloved and lovely spot. We passed through the grounds of Shelton Abbey, and entered on those of Bally Arthur. The woods on the opposite side of the river are the property of Lord Carysfort. The same characteristics of wild forest scenery prevails; playful cascades tumbling from the rocks in every direction. To the yearly inhabitant there may be something irksome in that depth of solitude, and almost oppressive sense of loneliness; but on my mind, as a stranger and a wanderer, the feeling was that of unutterable enjoyment, as at times a gust of wind swept down a deep ravine with a wailing supernatural sound, or a stream hurrying down the dark masses of rock as evening drew on, produced beneath the uncertain moon-beam a startling effect, as if a sheeted spectre were crossing the path. As we returned through the vale of Avoca, we ascended the discoloured mountain to examine the great Cronebane copper mine; and arrived at Rathdrum to a late tea. Nothing could exceed the obliging civility of the people belonging to this inn, who put themselves to much inconvenience in order to make our night's sojourn there comfortable. A little circumstance occurred, that caused us a moment's merriment. I had mentioned, that one of my companions was an invalid, and that I hoped great care would be taken in well airing his bed. What adventure could possibly be expected to arise from this? but, lo! about ten o'clock the sitting-room door was thrown open, and a figure entered entirely enveloped in blankets and sheets; no part of the head being visible but the top of a cap. From this strange looking heap, a shrill voice proceeded. "There now, feel them; they're quite hot; sure now, hav'nt |