132

DUNNOSE.

I passed over this avalanche, which extended many hundredyards.

Proceeding eastwards, the whole of the soil seemed to havebeen moved, and was filled with chasms and bushes lying inevery direction, The intricate and rugged path became graduallyless distinct; and soon divided into mere sheep tracks, leadinginto an almost impenetrable thicket. I perceived, however, onmy left hand, the lofty wall of rock which belonged to the samestratum as the Undercliff, softened in its rugged character by thefoliage which grew in its fissures, and still preserving someremains of its former picturesque beauty. Neglect, and theunfortunate accident which had lately happened, had now alteredthe features of this once delightful spot; and I was soonbewildered among rocks, streams of water, tangling thorns andbriars. To add to my misfortunes, it began to rain heavily, andI was completely wetted. It was in vain to look for shelter; andto go back was worse than proceeding, since I judged that I mustnow be near the farthest side of the thicket. At last the cliffson my left began to lose themselves under the soil of the hill;and the view of Luccombe, with the Culver in the distance, sud-denly burst upon me. I waded through a wet corn field to thenearest cottage ; but found the people so badly provided with fuel,that it was with great difficulty they dried my clothes.

I here learned something of the history of this place. Someyears ago, its proprietor, the late Colonel Hill, had shut it upfrom the public ; and during the last year, the cliff, with mucharable land upon it, had fallen down.

As soon as the weather cleared up, I returned to examinewhether any vestiges would be found of the appearances you had