Letters Written During a Tour Through North Wales, in the Year 1798, and at Other Times

and dreary aspect of the country—The eye relieved by the varied
prospect from Moel Wyn yr Hydd-Description of an alpine storm
- More frequent and heavy rains in mountainous countries than

in champaign ones-Pont aber glas Llyn-Salmon Leap-Cop-

per mine-Bedd Kelert; origin of the name-Church, though

small, said to be the highest in these parts; formerly a priory of Au.

gustine Monks of the class called Gilbertines-- Account of these

double monasteries—Wandering Island-Gyraldus defended-

Lake of Llyn Caswellyn noted for a fish called Torgoch, the guilt

char—Miserable cottages ; with reflections on the wants of man-

Cross the Rhythell-Caernarvon the Segontium of the Romans

description of—The town, harbour, and castle ; history of

Extraordinary mode in which the Welsh were duped out of the

last shadow of their independence by the wary Edward-

Reflections on the changes it has witnessed and the vanity of

ambition....

143

LETTER VIII.

The ease with which some travellers obtain the objects of their pursuit

more than others--Prevented visiting the summit of Snowdon--
Snowdonia-Llyn padern-Ruins of DolbadernCastle-Llyn peris
--Village of Llanberis-A Ffynnon vair or holy well with two
monocular fish-Men endued with remarkable strength-Anec-
dotes of Foulke Jones-Inhabitants of this district remarked for
longevity-Llanberis copper mine-Height of Snowdon-
Mountains in its vicinity-Slate mines-Origin of the name-
Account that snow does not melt for years confuted-Most
eligible ascents--Plants peculiar to this place-Monocular fish
Grotesque appearance of Glyder Vawr-Refutation of the infidel
idea that nature generates new species---Horrid, fissure of
Twll du---Lichens ; dye prepared from them-Singular appear-
ance of Trevaen-Rocking Stones on the top of the Glyder
bach--Phenomenon called Doear Dorr-Untenable geology of

Mr. Pennant-Reflections on the theories of Whiston, Buffon and

Hutton-Want of wood-Folly of stripping a country of its

principal ornaments--Sheep different from those of inclosed

countries— Mode of life the farmers lead ; their havodtys and

hendrefs-Ingenuity--Haymaking; mode of preserving their hay

from the frequent tornadoes-Nant Hwynant-Dinas Emris-

British Prophet Merlin-Reflections on this retired country and

character of its inhabitants...

. 177

LETTER IX.

Delightful ride from Caernarvon to Bangor-- Beautiful appearance of

the Menai-- Bangor ; its description--Gross error of the Author
of A Walk Through Wales in taking this for Bangor Iscoed in
Flintshire-Massacre of the monks~The cathedral--Borth, a
ferry into Anglesea—Lamentable affair between the Bishop and
his Chancellor-Charming situation of Bangor-Author's wish
--Salmon snare-Port Penhryn-Manufactory of cyphering

slates—Slate trade— Penhryn Hall Drinking horn-Ancient

mode of drinking--Church of Llandegai--Monument of Arch-

bishop Williams-Reflections on his character. . . 217

LETTER X.

Rich views on the road to Aber-Waterfall--Once a palace of the

North Wallian Princes here-Lavan sands --Celebrated pass of

Penmaen mawr; formerly much dreaded— A new road formed by

voluntary subscription, not now perfectly safe-Height of the

mountain-British post of Braich y ddinas, the strongest the

Welsh had—-Parish of Dwygyvylchi, a feast for antiquaries.

Conway_Pearls found near–The Conovium of Antoninus

Town with its noble castle built by Edward the First-Singular