richest in the kingdom, it being valued, in the year 1534, at 1361. a year. It was formerly the endowment of a Prebend in York Cathedral, but is now a lay fee. The market-place is open; but the houses are low, and mean; and the place appears as if destitute of inhabitants. Three miles from Masham brought me to HACK-FALL. This sequestered and romantic spot is the property of Mrs. Allanson. A small stream, running through a deep and woody glen, has been obstructed in various places by upright pieces of stone, and thus forms several artificial cascades. Some close walks, winding by the stream, conduct to the Great Fall, which differs greatly from those mountain cataracts so lately described; it is divided into two parts, and rather steals, than dashes, down rocks richly clad with moss; and wholly divested of that wildness of character before observed, yet it possesses a mildness and beauty peculiar to itself. The foliage about the fall is extremely fine, and may be studied with convenience from a covered seat opposite. Here are several places recommended to the notice of travellers, as Fisher's-Hall, Mowbray Castle, the Grotto, and others. From Mowbray Point, an elevated elevated station, is a most extensive view of the surrounding country. It embraces the whole range of Hambleton Hills, the town of Thirsk, York-Minster, the Yorkshire Wolds, Gilling, the seat of Fairfax, Esq. and Crake Castle: Rosebury-Toppin is also comprehended in the view, though at the distance of forty-five miles. The walks are pleasant, and the grounds well-wooded; but, on the whole, they betray too much of art. Instead of the water sliding over upright stones, a few large masses of rocks, thrown promiscuously in, would produce an effect not only more natural, but at the same time more agreeable. About seven miles of pleasant country conducted to RIPPON. THIS ancient town is situated on a gentle acclivity, between the river Ure on the north, and the little river Skell on the south, and within a small distance of their confluence. It is a large and respectable borough-town, and the inhabitants are gay and sociable. The market-place is uncommonly open and spacious, and in beauty would vie with the best in Britain. In the centre is a noble obelisk, ninety feet high, which adds a great elegance to the appearance of the place. It was erected at the sole expense of William Aislabie, Esq. On it is the following inscription: MDCCLXXXI. Erected at the Expense of William Aislabie, Esq. Who represented this Borough in Parliament This Inscription was ordered by the Mayor, Of the Corporation, MDCCLXXXV. The Honourable Frederic Robinson, Mayor. The origin of Rippon is anterior to the coming of the Danes, who, after ravaging the most fertile provinces of the north, and destroying the kingdoms of Northumberland and Mercia, in the reigns of Ethelbert and Ethelred, pillaged, and afterwards burnt this town, in the year 860. According to the account given by William of Malmsbury, it remained some time in ashes; and the traces of the streets could only be discovered by the ruins. The town was scarcely recovered from this state of devastation, when it received another shock, if possible, more terrible. The Northumbrian Danes had submitted to Edred, King of Wessex, whose General, Edmund, had often subdued them; but they taking an advantage of his youth, revolted. Unexpectedly, Edred appeared in the heart of their country, when they came before him, and made abject professions of peace. This satisfied the youthful Monarch, who, |