distance. They are frequently observed to lower suddenly half their height, and, even while appearing to separate to right and left, they suddenly wheel round, and combine to envelope the mountain in one common obscurity." It was with regret I witnessed the truth of this observation; as I had promised myself the pleasure of examining those plants styled ÆTHEREE, but many of which are inhabitants of Snowdon, principally confined to the highest part of the mountain.*

Determined, however, to obtain what was practicable, we made an excursion into Snowdonia, visiting some of the lower mountains in quest of plants.

Taking the vale of the Seiont, where is found the ORCHIS CONOPSEA and SATYRIUM ALBIDUM, and passing Llanrug, or properly Llan Michael (the church being dedicated to St. Michael) we entered Naur Peris, at Cwm y Glô, the northern extremity of the lower lake of Llyn Padern, whence issues the Ryddol, which soon after assumes the name of Seiont.

Llyn Padern is about three miles in length, half a mile in breath, widening to the South, where it is separated from the upper lake by a projecting rocky eminence, on which are the ruins of Dolbadern Castle. A round tower, thirty feet in diameter, with a

*Though the seeds of these plants must frequently be wafted to the lower parts, yet they are scarcely ever found to vegetate below, disliking perhaps the denser atmosphere, and milder breeze, the concomitants of the vale.

+ So called from a meadow named Dôl Badern, or the field of St. Paterninus near it.

dungeon below, and a few fragments around consti tute the remains of this British post.

By whom it was erected is not said: the intent was evidently to secure this narrow defile into Snowdonia. It is constructed of the schistose stone of the country, and mortar made of marine shells. From the form of the building, as well as the commanding situation, it must have been of great importance. Owen Goch, who instigated David into rebellion against their brother Llewelyn, languished twenty years within its walls.

In the last struggle for Cambrian independence, this fortress was at times in possession of Henry and Glyndwr, and by both considered of the greatest con sequence, as the grand key to this part of the country. Near it grow PHALARIS ARUNDINACEA and BRYUM ALPINUM.

Nothing can exceed the beauty of this ruin as it appears from the lake; the promontory on which it stands; its image reflected from the crystal waters, the lofty mountains on each side; the upper lake stretching to the church of Llanberis, with Snowdon in the back ground; while the waters rushing from the upper into the lower lake, form a fine natural canal.

Llyn Peris, though not of such large dimensions, is not less beautiful. It is of prodigious depth, a line of seventy fathoms in places not finding the bottom. It formerly abounded with the red and golden Charr; but these have long left it: the streams from the copper levels, and other works, having im

pregnated the waters with that poisonous metal. It however furnishes the Botanist with SUBULARIA AQUATICA, NYMPHEA ALBA, ALISMA NATANS, ISOETIS LACUSTRIS, SPARGANIUM SIMPLEX, and SP.

NATANS.

At the upper end of this lake, a few scattered miserable cottages form the village of Llanberis, with the little church dedicated to St. Peris;* (said to have been a cardinal :) another of those religious, with which the church of Rome swarmed, that had more fame than merit. But where fame has established a character, it is useless to reason. The Saint could perform miracles, and bestowed a blessing upon the place of his residence, by endowing a spring, from which he drank daily, with sanative powers. It is at present inclosed with a wall, under the name of St. Peris's Well; and is still famed for the cure of rachitis, and other cases of debility: and the traditional history of the neighbourhood abounds with extraordinary curés performed by its waters. The sibyl of the place divines your fortune, by the appearance or non-appearance of two small fish, that lurk in the holes of the rock; if they come out good is foreboded, if not, ill is to be dreaded.

* Peris was a Monk, who lived in retirement in the beginning of the thirteenth century. Leland says in his time, the narrow pass leading to the church was called Nant y Monach, the Monks' valley.

+ The principal Welsh Saints are David, Daniel, Beuno, Elian, Padern, Cybi, Seinol, Twrog, Peris, and Teilian. To these the churches through the Principality are dedicated. An account of these, and an enlarged list, is contained in that truly learned work, the Mana Antiqua.

There are many others famous in the vicinity for healing; i. e. Ffynnon Kegin Arthur, and Ffynnon Moel Rhiwen, which will (says report) spout its waters in the face of malefactors; and Ffynnon Pen i gaer; but you will wish to hear no more of them, when I tell you, that they contain very pure cold water, devoid of any mineral or earthy property, a thing so common in this country as to diminish the value of the blessing.

The visitor of this rude country meets with a great difficulty, and a drawback upon his pleasure, for want of a house of accommodation, at or near Llanberis. Would Mr. Smith take it into consideration, and have the public spirit to build an inn, on this part of his extensive property, he would perform an act worthy of his own character, and serve the cause of science and humanity.

The plants furnished by the immediate neighbourhood of Llanberis, are PAPAVER CAMBRICUM, CоCнLEARIA GREENLANDICA, CAMPANULA HEDERACEA, SCUTELLARIA MINOR, FESTUCA CAMBRICA, TRICHOMANES TUNBRIDGENSE, PTERIS CRISPA, POLY PODIUM PREOPTERIS, GENTIANA CAMPESTRIS, SILENE ACAULIS, ASPLENIUM NIGRUM, A. RUTA MURARIA, ARENARIA LARICIFOLIA, TREMELLA VERRUCOSA, T. UTRICULATA, POLYPODIUM LONCHITIS,

Those are two small dark looking trout. Those who visit the well, generally procure food and lay opposite their holes, to entice them out. In this case they seldom disappoint the traveller, except they have been satiated by recent visitors.

HIERACIUM MURORUM, GALIUM BOREALE, FONTINALIS SQUAMOSA, CUCUBALUS ACAULIS, COTYLEDON UMBILICUS VENERIS, CAREX ATRATA, ARENARIA VERNA, CHELIDONIUM GLAUCIUM, with different species of MuscI and ALGÆ in great profusion. In Ffynnon vrech, ISOETIS LACUSTRIS, SUBULARIA AQUATICA, and LOBELIA DORTMANNA.

Mr. Pennant gives an account of an heroine by the name of Margaret Uch (properly Verch) Evans, a celebrated huntress, who resided at Pen Llyn, near the end of the lakes. She is said to have killed two hundred foxes, besides a vast number of other noxious animals, and destructive vermin. She was a robust masculine woman, and so strong, that no man cared to try a fall with her: she died about seven years ago, unmarried, at the age of ninety-four.

A similar instance of a person endued with prodigious strength, occurred at the same time, in the same parish; though he has not had a Mr. Pennant for a biographer, he claims attention; as the circumstance tends to prove that the inhabitants of this alpine tract are a very hardy race, and though not in general above the middle stature, are possess→ ed of uncommon bodily strength.

Foulke Jones, who lived at Tydu, was noted for his prodigious strength.* The esteemed Champion of Wales for boxing, wrestling, &c, came to see him from Denbighshire, for the sole purpose of trying

* This extraordinary portion is generally confined to particular families. Foulke has left several sons, some of them inheriting a considerable share; and his ancestors were famous before him.