alighted on the summit of the ridge that impends over

BABICOMBE BAY;

being anxious to enjoy the beauties of this second Undercliff. To you, who have witnessed a similar display of scenery, though on a more extended scale, in the Isle of Wight, I need add but little in commendation, but you will not perhaps relieve me of a description. In a deep hollow, or natural dip of these rocky heights, lies a secluded spot, amidst which rocks of huge and terrific form shoot up in grand sublimity, and are finely contrasted by the interesting fertility that intersects them, arising from the tasteful hand of cultivation. Here amidst the foliage, the smoke was seen winding from under some weather-beaten rock. Slowly descending by a narrow path cut in the declivity, I had to pass by cottages of various and fanciful taste, but which had each some distinct recommendation, to claim attention; following however by chance a purposely deceptive path, I found myself brought unexpectedly in front of a most enchanting retreat, reared under a huge and heavy piece of rock-work. I hastily attempted to retrace my steps, but was soon

arrested by the polite attention of its inmate, who was solicitous to shew me the natural as well as artifical beauties of this nest in the cliff. As we passed along, I observed his eye attracted to my book of notes, lying carelessly in the side pocket of my outer coat; with an apparent attempt to conceal it, I affected a seeming regret that it had been seen, it was enough; I soon discovered from the inquiries made, that I was dubbed in estimation as a lover of the picturesque." Here," says the stranger, "do I often retire with my family, from the busy bustle of public life, and with the aid of but one old servant, enjoy the pleasures of this retreat." I could not but admire the refinement and the true taste every where observable, which could not be surpassed, but by the civility I had the good fortune to receive, yes, thought I,

"Sure peace is his, who far from public rage,
"Deep in the vale with a choice few retired,
"Drinks the pure pleasures of sequester'd life,
"Rich in content."

Such, indeed, was the peculiarity of this sce

nery, that it was impossible to behold it without mingled sensations of delight, and a sort of aching after philosophic quiet, if it be to be enjoyed in such a spot as this, than which none could possess more admirable accompaniments than the ruggedness of cliffs and rocks, and the striking expanse of the ocean in front.Much indebted, I bid adieu to the kind stranger, and returning to my chaise, was told that my friendly informant was no other than Mr. Carew the habitant of Tor-Abbey. As we moved forward, I began to chew the cud on this information; what a lesson thought I here for pride, for if this be human nature, her wants are really but few, and the greater part must be artificial;-a cottage with three rooms and Mr. Carew!! this reflection occupied my mind;-for surely if this man, who usually blazes about in all the splendour and pride of patrimonial consequence, can hence derive his chief satisfactions, human nature must be but simple, and her usually assigned pleasures be forced and imposed. How clearly does it evince the thought, that

"Man is most natural, "In little things."

But yet I felt persuaded there must needs be a mental qualification to enjoy the retirement of such a spot; the motto written over the grotto of a man of taste will best answer the question.

"Stranger,

"Seekest thou contentment in this lonely spot?
"Examine first the secrets of thy heart,

"Hast thou fulfill'd the duties of thy station?
“If not-return thee to the world again,
"And in its busy scenes reclaim those hours;
"For he who'd find enjoyment when alone,
"Must first be wise-be innocent-be good."

An opening in a shady road shewed me the great fertility of this part of Devon, and as we occasionally reached the summit of the hills, I was enabled to see to what a distance the eye could range over so exhilirating a prospect; and though the ridges of Limestone sometimes intercepted the sight, yet when descending into the vales, their richness afforded a most interesting landscape, interspersed with frequent copses and woods. It was now for the first time since quitting North Devon, the dark brow of Dartmoor was seen lowering over

this scene, throwing a gloomy grandeur around; from this, however, my attention was soon diverted to a view of

TEIGNMOUTH,

and as we slowly descended a very steep hill, the town lay open at a short distance before us; it stands at the mouth of the river Teign, with the sea in front, and dark towering cliffs on either side. The buildings are neat, with a good appearance towards the sea. The sands and bathing are good; its situation much resembles that of Weymouth, though infinitely inferior in the recommendations of a sea bathing place, yet with the attractive superiority of a richly picturesque country. The river, whose banks were beautifully ornamented with seats and residences, formed an expansive sheet of water behind the town, as it flowed down the vale, and then by a narrow channel discharged itself into the sea. It is a place however that has evidently every means of improvement, and I doubt not, that the progress of time will produce an increase in that particular. For the first time, in crossing the mouth of this river, I witnessed the novel sight of Amazonian Seamen; we were not only ferried across by a wo