loose and confused, they were formerly here from design. They are to be viewed with feelings of interest, independent of their antiquity, from the circumstance of Sir Walter Scott having deemed them of sufficient importance to form a feature in his deservedly admired novel of Kenilworth.

Quitting any farther digression, we regain the Thames, and proceed towards NUNEHAM COURTNAY, which village derives all its importance from its contiguity to the magnificent seat of that name, belonging to the Earl of Harcourt.

We approach this splendid domain through a great variety of engaging scenery, passing in our way the commencement of the new cut beforementioned, which begins at the distance of about a mile above Abingdon, at which point a fine view is afforded of the woods of Nuneham; the house also, seated on the brow of an eminence, whose sides slope down to the Thames, beautiful in nature's dress, vieing with the emerald in its green. This house, together with a church at its side, is seen embosomed in trees, except in front, of such stately growth as to claim our admiration at their noble appearance. It is of stone, and was built about seventy years ago, and comprises within its walls every convenience, whether for the private gentleman or munificent noble. To attempt a description of every part would be far too lengthy; we must, therefore, rest satisfied if we succeed in conveying a general idea of its magnificence, nor can

we notice any particular portion, as that would be an injustice to the whole; suffice it to say, that all which wealth and talent of every kind could give is here seen, respect being had to the country in which it is situated, and the habits and feelings of the people among whom it is placed. Of the garden-ground and shrubbery, which, however, are not extensive, it is sufficient to say that they were originally designed by that prince of all gardeners, Brown, and the plans which his fertile brain imagined are still persevered in and kept. On the centre arch of a bower within the garden, is inscribed the following lines, written by Andrew Marvel:

"Society is all but rude

To this delicious solitude;

Where all the flowers and trees do close
To weave the garland of repose."

The park is of great extent, containing 1,200 acres, in which are some fine old trees, by their appearance seeming to demand our respect, to which they are fully entitled, if age be deemed a sufficient qualification. The grounds, however splendid, derive an additional interest from the possession of that rare specimen of antiquity, known as "Carfax." This structure formerly embellished by its presence the High Street of Oxford, in the centre of which it stood, and also contributed at the same time to the health of the city by its supply of water, for which it was a conduit. It being found in the way of some re

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pairs or alterations necessary in the High Street, was the cause of its removal, on which occasion the University presented it to Simon Earl Harcourt, who placed it in a prominent situation in his grounds, with the annexed inscription :

This building, called Carfax,

Erected for a conduit at Oxford,
By Otho Nicholson,

In the year of our Lord MDCX.

And taken down in the year MDCCLXXXVII.
To enlarge the High Street,
Was presented by the University
.To George Simon, Earl Harcourt,
Who caused it to be placed here.

Among the

many

fine prospects afforded from hence is one of peculiar interest, looking toward Oxford, in which is taken in, the entire of that interesting city, with all its churches, towers, domes, and spires; the Thames seen in all its windings till it enters Christ Church meadows, the view being agreeably varied by the appearance of the buoyant skiff, the patient angler, and the studious scholar, who, wandering by the river's brink, inhales health and increases knowledge at the same time.

The manor of Nuneham, at the general survey, belonged to Richard de Courcy, from whom it passed into the family of the Redvers; thence, by marriage, into that of Courtenay; and finally, by purchase, into that of the Earls of Harcourt.

On leaving Nuneham the river, by a bend to the left, brings to our view the village of SAND

FORD, whose lock and mill, together with Iffley church tower, rising in the back ground, affords a pretty home scene of an engaging character.

This village was once the seat of a priory, belonging to the Knights Templars, founded by Maud, consort of King Stephen.

The banks of the stream are here prettily fringed on either side with willows, which cast their lengthening shades upon the waters, imparting to the scene a sombre character, which calls forth reflections of a pleasing melancholy; but these feelings are dispelled in a pleasant walk of a few minutes, to the romantic spot called Iffley, whose ancient church, placed on a hill, exhibits its commanding and venerable tower to the utmost advantage. This church is of Saxon origin and architecture.

On the water side is beheld a house of romantic appearance, once the place of abode of Dr. Nowell, of whom we read in Boswell's Life of Johnson, the two inseparables having paid him. a visit at his villa, where they solaced themselves in quaffing port to the tune of old Tory toasts.

Let us now stroll on towards Oxford, at the extremity of whose meadows the Cherwell (which has flowed from Northamptonshire) unites its silver waters with those of the Thames, and hence roll their majestic streams through the most pleasing scenes of England's realm. From this spot the tower and college of Christ Church are visible and beautiful objects. But we hasten on

to enter that city, which has been in prospect for some miles, and which, to our eager curiosity seems but to mock us with a near view of beholding its beauties, without actually enjoying the

same.

The City of OXFORD is of that antiquity as to defy the research of the most diligent antiquarians, who have vainly endeavoured to discover with certainty its original founder and name. That some very probable conjectures have been and may be offered as to both, is not denied ; but still it is conjecture only, and not proof. It were, however, but justice to those learned men who have endeavoured to unravel the mystery, to say, that they having failed, there is little hope of others ever succeeding. It is not, therefore, our intention for one moment to dwell on that part of the subject, In its early history, it is more than probable, no settled name was given, other than the caprice of its various lords chose to bestow. to its antiquity, it is clearly traced to have been one of the earliest cities of the Britons, and it is but too plainly proved to have suffered, in common with other places, the ruin, devastations, and plunderings incident to a time of barbarism and civil commotions; nor was it long permitted to enjoy that peace promised by the entire possession of Britain by the Saxons, ere the invasion of enemies from abroad, and civil discords at home, lent their aid to accomplish a seemingly inevitable ruin. Still it was a place of some

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