So much do the mountains and lakes of Cumber-
land and Westmoreland exceed the other parts of
this country in grandeur, that they would unquestion-
ably appear more astonishing to Englishmen in gene-
ral, than Switzerland seen after having visited the
Lakes. The continental traveller may even return



ISLANDS WATERFALLS. 5

from the Oberland of Berne and the valley of Cha-
mouni, and still visit this delightful part of our native
country with high admiration. Such views as that of
Scawfell Pikes, seen from the platform of Styhead, —
the Old Man, from the surface of Coniston Water, — ■
Langdale Pikes, from the head of Langdale, — and
Honister Crag, from Gatesgarth Dale, — cannot fail
to impress the mind with mingled awe and transport.
In one important feature our native lakes surpass
those of Switzerland and Italy, namely, in their islands.
This ornament is entirely wanting to the continental
lakes, whilst it eminently increases the charms of
Windermere, Derwentwater, and several of the
smaller lakes of Westmoreland and Cumberland. The
spectator who views Windermere from Elleray or
the Station, Derwentwater from Wallow Crag, or
Rydal Water from Rydal Mount, must acknowledge
that the sheets of water would be comparatively
tame without the beautiful tufted islands which stud
their surfaces. It may be difficult to pronounce what it
is that gives the last and highest finish to these charm-
ing scenes ; but if required to offer an opinion, I
should say it is the islands.
