of limestone rock, and the projections on the one side, and indentations on the other, fully indicate that this vast mass of rock was rent asunder by some mighty convulsion of nature in some distant age of the world. A small stream issues from the mouth of the chasm, and winds its way amongst beds of moss, fern, and flowers. Often have I sat musing over the purling stream in the chasm, until I fancied myself in the Egerian Grotto. Ah! "This cave was surely shaped out for the greeting Haunted by holy love--the earliest oracle."- BYRON. The other dell, known as Eyam Dale, is rich in rural scenery. On one side it is bounded by grey towering rocks, crested with ivy and other foliage. Some few of these rocks, however, are naked, exhibiting a sort of grimness that forms a pleasing contrast. The other side of this dell is covered with rising wood, amongst which there are numerous winding paths, that lead to a place called "the Rock Garden," where for ages the lovers of Eyam have breathed "the tender tale." A dancing rill winds through the dell, murmuring most musically to the lonely ear. This dell, and in fact the whole village, may be said to be another Anathoth-a place of responses, or echoes. In several approximate places a clear pollysyllabical echo exists. Such is a portion of the very imperfectly described scenery of this secluded village; which has frequently been noticed to be the best specimen of an old English village now to be met with. Throughout the whole of this parish are scattered many elegant and substantial dwellingssome for situation and elegance are rarely to be met with at so great a distance from places of commerce. Amongst the latter description is Leam Hall, the residence of M. M. Middleton, Esq., an old English gentleman, alike distinguished for urbanity, good sense, and literary taste.* This singularly neat villa stands in the midst of ornamented grounds; and when contrasted with the mountain scenery in the circling distance, it has all the charms of an oasis in a desert. The exterior decorations of this rural seat have often excited the admiration of tourists. Stoke Hall, a little out of the parish, is another of this class of buildings. Still nearer the verge of the parish, in Stoney Middleton, is the much admired country seat of Lord Chief Justice Denman, whose richly entitled fame as a lawyer and judge; and whose poetical taste, as evinced in his translation of the famous song on Harmodius and Aristogiton,† render this place of his occasional residence greatly attractive. Many other well-built habitations may be seen in all places throughout the parish in Foolow, Hazleford, Stoney Middleton, and Grindleford Bridge; besides solitary farm houses on the hills and in the valleys of this locality, which is justly characterised in the following language of the poet : - "A realm of mountain, forest-haunt, and fell, Where fresh and far romantic waters roam, The varied and romantic scenery of this place, as may be expected, has distinguished the inhabitants by a character peculiarly antique. Before the present century the villagers of Eyam exhibited all the characteristics so observable in the inhabi M. M. Middleton, Esq. is the author of a work entitled "Poetical Sketches of a Tour," written for private circulation. † Vide Bland's Anthology. tants of mountainous districts. Even now a notion prevails of keeping themselves distinct by intermarriages. They are exceedingly tenacious of the preservation of their genealogies,-a consequence of having dwelt in one place for successive generations. Hence their observance of customs from time immemorial; hence their adherence to hereditary prejudices; hence their numerous legends, handed down from time immemorial; and hence that unity of interest for which they have been so singularly distinguished in times past. It is lamentable, however, that the physical condition of the present inhabitants of this far-famed village is greatly inferior to that of their forefathers: the principal cause of which is the decay of the lead mines. Previously to the present century, each miner had his cow and small plot of land, to which he attended during the intervals of his work at the mine; this double employment yielded him sufficient to live in health and happiness, leaving him abundance of time for halesome recreation. The mines being under water, can no longer in their present condition be successfully worked: and this deplorable circumstance is fast changing the aspect and character of the village. It, however, still retains a few of the endearing marks of the old English village: a few old pastimes fondly kept; a smattering of happy harvest scenes; and the holy welcome of the Sabbath morn. These still remain to call up a thousand recollections of once happier times: when sweet content and plenty dwelled within the rustic cot. The ANTIQUITIES of Eyam are not very numerous, but interesting. Those of nature are remarkable. About twenty years ago, Mr. Anthony Hancock, of Foolow, found in a limestone quarry, near Eyam, a petrified snake coiled up in a ring, very perfect. It went into the collection of some eminent antiquarian, where it will, probably, be treasured as a very singular curiosity. Of this once living animal, it may be observed, that, while the mortal part of hundreds of generations has returned to its pristine elements, this reptile has retained its identical form through the lapse of unnumbered ages. A little more than thirty years ago, Mr. James Wood, Eyam, was engaged in cutting a large sandstone on Eyam-moor, when, to his utter surprise and astonishment, he found imbedded in the stone a petrified fish about a foot in length. It was perfect in every part-gill and tail. This phenomenon tends to disturb some geological theories. But it is the Druidical remains, a little north of Eyam, which excite the liveliest interest in antiquarians; which remains prove, to a certain degree, the high antiquity of Eyam. All that tract of land called Eyam-moor, was, until its inclosure, literally covered with these relics of ante-historic times. The Druidical temple, or circle, on that part of the moor called Wet-withins, is frequently visited. It consists of sixteen oblong sandstones, standing in an upright position, forming a circle about thirty yards in diameter. The stones are nearly equal in size, standing about a yard high, except on the north side, where two or three are enveloped in heath, and therefore appear, though clearly visible, not so large as the others. This circle is still further distinguished by a circular mound of earth, about three feet high, in which the stones are placed. In the centre, there stood, until some years back, a large stone, which was, undoubtedly, the altar on which human sacrifices were made. C It was also the Maen Gorsedd (or stone of Assembly.) The ceremony used at the opening of the Gorseddau (or meetings) was the sheathing of the sword on the Maen Gersedd, at which all the Druid priests assisted. All the places of meeting were, like this, set apart by forming a circle of earth and stones around the Maen Gorsedd. This circle was called Cylch Cyngrair, or circle of Federation; and the priest, or bard, who recited the traditions and poems, was named the Dudgeiniad, or the Reciter. The Dudgeiniad, dressed in a uni-coloured robe, always commenced his recitations by one of the following mottos :"In the eye of the light, and in the face of the sun;"—" The truth against the world." It is singular that this circle has not been more noticed, seeing that it is far more perfect than many, more particularly described. How deeply impressed with sensations of veneration must be the contemplative mind, when he stands within this circle, which has been, some thousands of years ago, the theatre on which the ancient Briton displayed his knowledge, patriotism, and eloquence. This veneration, however, is diminished when we reflect on some of the bloody and unholy sacrifices said to have been made by the Druids. Let us for a few moments fly back on the wings of thought, through the dim vista of two thousand years; let us imagine ourselves standing near this very spot, looking at the mysterious and bloody rites of the Druids. Behold within this very circle a lovely female is laid upon the central bloody stone; trembling with horror at the awful scene around her. About the place a countless throng look on with profound emotion, watching the victim |