the range of chalk hills which are the boundaries of the coast appears to be broken, and a succession of sand hills are interposed between the sea-side, and that high ridge of land which forms a sort of natural barrier to the southern parts of Kent, and extends from near Dover to the course of the Rother on the western side of the county. The iron is held in solution by carbonic acid, and when the water has been allowed to remain at rest for a short time, it deposits a very copious crust or sediment. A stone trough or basin, without any kind of enclosure or covering, receives the water, and is in like manner tinged and encrusted with it. It is used by the inhabitants of the neighbourhood for a variety of domestic purposes, as well as resorted to by the sick. An old woman in the vicinity tells the inquirer that she boils her cabbages in it because it turns them green, and that her tea is stronger when made with water from the spring, than with softer It lathers with soap, and is occasionally used in washing linen, in spite of its ferruginous contents. The spring was never known to be frozen; and, notwithstanding its medicinal properties, has been almost entirely neglected until lately. Such an accidental circumstance as that which first brought Tunbridge Wells into repute is only wanting to give celebrity to the chalybeate water at Foord, and make the fortune of Mr. Holmes, the very civil, attentive, and intelligent master of the Red Cow near the spot. water. A rapid stream, which turns several mills, and throws up a strong column of water in the nature of a fountain, within the town of Folkstone, rises about à mile northward of Foord, and is conducted from its source in a spot called the Cherry Orchard, by means of a subterranean aqueduct, to the Bayle or precincts of the nunnery near Folkstone church, where it finds its level and ascends into a pool. Neither this nor any other of the numerous streams or springs with which these hills abound, appear to partake of the qualities of the spring above described, although that which arises in the Cherry Orchard has amazingly increased the fame of St. Eanswith, who to this very day is believed by the country people to have wrought a miracle by enticing the water to run up hill. An agreeable walk through the valley, which in the summer months is truly delightful, leads to the eminence called Castle Hill before mentioned, and affords an opportunity of examining more minutely the lines of circumvallation with which its summit is crowned. These works, which in shape approach nearer to an oblong square than an oval, enclose about two acres of ground. They have probably undergone some alterations under the hands of different possessors; were originally Roman; afterwards holden by the Britons, and lastly by the Saxons or perhaps Danes. A single vallum guards the southeast side, which is very steep, but the east, north, and west, are enclosed with two deep trenches. A third has been described, but no traces of it can be perceived, and that erroneous account seems to have been carelessly copied by one writer from another, without taking the trouble to look at the spot; for it is very evident that no material alteration has been made in the appearance of the ground for many centuries, and that the original mistake must have arisen from not properly distinguishing the interval between the ridges of earth thrown out of the ditches, and the lines themselves. No vestige of walls or buildings of any kind can be discovered, nor is there even a loose stone about the neighbouring fields; and Castle Hill has more the appearance of one of the summer camps of the Romans than a more permanent station. To such authorities as those of Camden and Stukeley, minor antiquaries must, however, bow with reverential submission. There are few spots more romantic than the cherry-orchard, near the foot of this hill. It occupies an amphitheatrical recess in the bosom of a lofty eminence, covered with a short mossy turf, marked regularly with horizontal lines or belts. A cottage, which serves also as a house of entertainment for the parties which frequently resort hither from Folkstone and the neighbouring villages, enlivens the solitude which, in the wildness of its accompaniments, and the scenery around, bears a strong resemblance to some of those pictures with which our minds are early impressed by the perusal of Robinson Crusoe. Indeed there can scarcely be conceived more rural simplicity, cheered by a more pleasing prospect, than that which here invites the visitors of the coast. It is also the occasional scene of rustic merriment, and holiday diversion; and the young and gay are frequently seen "tripping it on the light fantastic N toe," to the music of a violin, or tabor and pipe, whilst the grave and more sedate looker on is enjoying the fumes of tobacco, the chit-chat of his neighbours, and the village news. There may be some who will perhaps sneer at the description, and even despise the group; but the friend of social life will smile with complacency, rather than contempt. He will desire the increase, rather than discourage the opportunities of mirthful association and cheerful hilarity, as the means of promoting the happiness and gratification of those classes of his fellow-subjects who are justly entitled to such relaxation from their labours in our fields and our manufactories, and for those heroic exertions of bravery and prowess, which have contributed to establish that domestic security in which all ranks of society happily participate. "O you who bathe in courtlye blysse, Devoid of worldlye cark, he straye, From whyche these peaceful glennes are free!” NEIGHBOURHOOD OF FOLKSTONE. 179 CHAP. XIX. Neighbourhood of Folkstone.-Paddleworth. Alkham.-Denton.-Broome. AN excursion from Folkstone into the interior of the county northward, will introduce the traveller to much interesting scenery. If he has a taste for agriculture, he will not fail to admire the appearance of the land, which in various parts of this district is in a state of the highest cultivation; if for unrestrained nature, in her wildest attire, Barham Downs will have their attractions. If the mighty names of departed heroes increase the interest, or the venerableness of the places in which they were once conversant, abundant opportunities will be afforded of recounting their deeds of valour, their stratagems and achievements on the theatre of their conflicts, and the ground once stained with their blood. The difficulty of climbing up the lofty ridge of hills which rises abruptly as a boundary of the vale of Folkstone, will be amply compensated by the extensive prospect which it commands, both of sea and land. The bird's-eye view of the principal features of the landscape before mentioned on the approach to Folkstone, together with extensive openings into more distant parts of the country, and a vast variety of grove, of lawn, of mead," of cul " |