Description

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Originally published in 1882, this work contains the description of life on the River Thames. The following passage is an extract from its preface: 'THE Thames valley includes a great variety of different types of that peaceful scenery which is. accustomed to be called English. Take only a few examples. At Hart's Hill, at the Quarry Woods, and at Cliveden, there are ranges of hills whose wooded sides rise steeply from the banks of the stream, whilst at Medmenham, at Bisham, and at Bourne End, the hills recede from the river, and form a distant background to the landscape of meadows and cornfields. Then there are park-like glades of stately timber at Nuneham and opposite Datchet; rustic mills at Istley and at Mapledarham; rushing weirs at Pangbourne and at Hambledon; quiet and shady back-waters at Cleeve, Sonning, and Hurley; whilst here and there the willowy isle diversifies the course of the stream; and the tower of many a village church peeps over the trees which surround it. Nor should it be forgotten that there are such world-renowned prospects as the distant views of Windsor and of Oxford. Small wonder, then, that the banks of the Thames should become the home of the artist, and the scene of many a holiday trip. It is hoped that this book will recall many pleasant memories to those who are familiar with The silver winding Thames, and that it may induce others to become acquainted with its many beauties.'