Here and there lesser eminences arose in the valley, some covered with wood, others with corn or grass, and a few with heath or fern.

One of these little hills was distinguished by a parish church at the top, presenting a striking feature in the landscape.
Another of these elevations, situated in the centre of the valley, was adorned with a venerable holly tree, which had grown there for ages.

Its singular height and wide-spreading dimensions not only render it an object of curiosity to the traveller, but of daily usefulness to the pilot, as a mark visible from the sea, whereby to direct his vessel safe into harbour.

Villages, churches, country-seats, farm-houses, and cottages were scattered over every part of the southern valley.

In this direction, also, at the foot of the hill where I was stationed, appeared the ancient mansion, which I had just quitted, embellished with its woods, groves, and gardens.
South-eastward, I saw the open ocean, bounded only by the horizon.