The very heights and shapes and materials of these hills--nay, even of the wide plain that lies between us and the sea--have in themselves the materials of enlightening books." "For instance, sir ?" said Adam, venturing a question.
"Well, look at those hills which surround the main one where the site for the Castle was wisely chosen--on the highest ground.

Take the others.
There is something ostensible in each of them, and in all probability something unseen and unproved, but to be imagined, also." "For instance ?" continued Adam.
"Let us take them _seriatim_.

That to the east, where the trees are, lower down--that was once the location of a Roman temple, possibly founded on a pre-existing Druidical one.

Its name implies the former, and the grove of ancient oaks suggests the latter." "Please explain." "The old name translated means 'Diana's Grove.' Then the next one higher than it, but just beyond it, is called '_Mercy_'-- in all probability a corruption or familiarisation of the word _Mercia_, with a Roman pun included.

We learn from early manuscripts that the place was called _Vilula Misericordiae_.