relative to a disorder of the bowels, called the cider colic, which is supposed to be occasioned by the use of new cider. The Doctor finding that in the process of making cider, utensils partly composed of lead were used, imagined, that it became impregnated with this pernicious metal: accordingly he procured some cider which had been bottled, and having analyzed it, he found precipitated at the bottom several small round particles of lead. This circumstance appearing to be a full confirmation of his opinion, he immediately published the result; and every body thought it extremely plausible. Mr. Alcock, however, having considered the subject, and being, probably, more conversant with household affairs than the Doctor, satisfactorily proved that those same particles of lead, supposed to be imbibed by the cider, were no other than small shot, which being commonly used in cleaning bottles had been accidentally left in the bottom of them! Thus perhaps a revolution in the machinery of cider presses, &c. was prevented by this simple discovery. Many hypothetical systems, en veloped in the mysteries of science, but founded on infinitely less plausible grounds, would, probably, share the same fate, could they be so readily investigated; but while philosophers are less zealous for the discovery of truth, than the establishment of their own opinions, and would rather sacrifice the former, than relinquish the latter, error and absurdity will continue to be propagated among mankind. Leaving the dissensions of men, however, let us continue to trace the harmonies of nature. The road to Budshed is also an indirect road to the village of Tamerton. After a gradual descent of about half a mile, enlivened by new combinations of the scenery beheld from the church, you arrive at Budshed Wood, from which there is a beautiful view of the Lake of Tamerton; another arm of the vagrant Tamer. The wood slopes in front to the edge of the water, on the opposite side of which the lofty steep of Worley rises majestically, covered with wood to the summit, except where a bold rock, emerging from this umbrageous mantle, like a ruined castle, opposes its grey tints to the deep colour of the surrounding foliage. This is a ruin, however, on which time will have little influence. The mighty labours of man soon mingle with the dust; but these monuments of Nature are unalterable! The mountains of Dartmoor still terminate the view. Continuing the descent, you leave the Lake of Tamerton rather to the left. As you approach the bottom, the water again appears; but it is only a branch of the lake, which, quitting the main stream, wanders through a narrow dell, where it conduces to form a scene of the most exquisite beauty and simplicity.-It is a spot sacred to repose-Every thing conspires to concentrate the thoughts, and tranquilize the mind-The distant prospect disappears-The serenity of the water is heightened by the solemn gloom of the woods on its banks; and the hills, as if conscious of the treasure they embosom, surround this enchanting vale, and exclude every other object*. By an irregular path you cross a little bridge, formed of a * A view of this interesting scene will be given in the next Number. |