For my own part, and that of my household, it is our utter detestation, standing by a shore to which, before the high road was made to pass that way, we used daily and hourly to repair for seclusion and for the shelter of a grove, under which I composed many of my poems--the 'Brothers' especially; and for this reason we gave the grove that name.

'That which each man loved and prized in his peculiar nook of earth dies with him or is changed.' So much for my old schoolfellow and his exploits.

I will only add that, as the foundation has twice failed, from the Lake no doubt being intolerant of the intrusion, there is some ground for hoping that the impertinent structure will not stand.

It has been rebuilt in somewhat better taste, and much as one wishes it away, it is not now so very unsightly.

The structure is an emblem of the man.