The Republican journal., 1901-11-14
In KING EDWARDS DoxAIn.
Notes Of = Six Weeks Trip to England and
Scotland.

breakfast, we walked TO the LONDON
and North Western Railway station,
where we looked with wonder at the
unfamiliar signs. Booking Offices
for the first, second and third classes,
and three refreshment rooms, boldly
marked first, second or third, with COM
mendable honesty. Would that our
railway restaurants would follow the
example of these undeceitful ones; but
how many, alas, would fall under the
two latter classes.
On boarding the train we found we
| were not to have our first experience
in riding in the typical English railroad
carriage, for we had special observa-
ton car, with large windows, cushioned
seats running lengthwise, and tables in
the middle. We arranged ourselves
and our luggage comfortably for the
ride, in expectation of the fine scenery
to come. The guard-for there are no
conductors in this country, their places
are filed by guards" and 'ticket-inspec-
tors'-gave the signal, and we were off.
Now for the scenery. First, a tunnel,
then high granite walls, another tunnel,
glimpse of tall buildings, another
tunnel, more granite walls, after the
same design as the first; more tunnels
and walls, and, finally, the welcome
sunlight and open country And such
charming country as it was! Little
+; toy brick houses, with their tiny flower
gardens and vegetable plats, surround
ed by hedges and trees; manufacturing
towns, with their tall chimneys and
rows of la5orers' cottages; sheep and
COWS grazing on every available lot of
pasture land; streams and canals, wind
ing their calm length through the coun-
| try; and here and there, surrounded by
its woods and fields and dependent cot
tages, rose beautiful country place.
So fascinated we're we by the varying
landscape that we hardly realized how
the morning was passing. 1t was half
past one when we left the car and de-
scended to landing stage, where we
found a small steamer waiting to
take the passengers to the various
resorts along Lake Windermere. The
sail up the lake was never to-be-for-
gotten one, and is one of the most
beautiful memories of the trip.
Lake Windermere is set at the
base of noble hills, sloping now
gently down to the waters edge and now
rising abruptly to form rugged cliffs.
Along its shores picturesque hotels and
summer residences, against background
of dark green trees, give an added touch
of interest to the beautiful panorama.
On board the steamer was band of
musicians, who entertained us during
the sail with various selections. How
odd it seemed to hear the familiar
words of ''Suwannee River" sung by the
young girl violinist, and panied
by the harp and other instruments, in
such place. Other voices involuntari-
ly joined in, until there was a small
chorus, each, perhaps, thinking of their
own particular "Suwannee River, far,
far away" The five mile sail up the lake
was all too short, and we neared the
pier at Bowness almost with regret.
On each side of the wharf were boats,
boats, boats. Every size, kind and con-
were few yachts, among them mod
ern knockabout or two, and also some
evident ''old timers Along the sides
Of the five or six floating stages were
rowboats of every description, and the
shore was covered with boats hauled
out of the water Evidently the Eng
lish summer visitor is fond of boating
At the end of the pier we found a
bus waiting to take us to our destina-
ton, Riggs Grown Hotel; and, Incl
dentally, to lunch. After short drive
through quaint little village and up
very steep hill we alighted at the en-
trance to an inviting looking hotel.
Our greatest anticipations, however,
had failed to picture the charm of the
interior The entrance door led into a
delightful room, furnished with easy
chairs and comfortable sofas, table
containing the late papers and maya
zines; and last, but not least, bright
open fire. Too hungry, however, to
linger long even in this delightful place,
we retired to our rooms to make a
hasty toilet for luncheon. Here we
found the same perfect taste, dainti-
ness and order. Not spot, or speck of
dust anywhere; crisp muslin, fresh
paint and paper and snowy beds, all
added to the attraction of our little
rooms We soon gathered at the lun-
cheon table and did ample justice to a
dainty and delicious meal. After lunch
the party separated, some taking a
walk recommended for it's fine view
We climbed a steep hill back of the
town, and after some little exploring
finally arrived at the summit of a gorse-
covered ledge overlooking the lake,
where there were several iron benches
for the benefit of the weary tourist.
| The view before us was certainly one of