For some way we followed the straight and formal course of a canal, near
this, communicating with the Pont-y-Cyssyllte; we again paused to survey
this wonderful design. The vale, on our left, was indescribably
beautiful; and over the whole was diffused the purple glow of the
evening. The prospect was composed of the miniature parts of the immense
landscape we had viewed from Dinas Brân Hill, each of which we now
contemplated separately as a scene. The moon’s chequered gleam
besilvered the walls of Chirk castle, just as we entered the Hand inn,
where, after the fatigues of a long walk, we met with excellent
accommodation, when considered as a village.
After breakfast the next morning we endeavoured to obtain admission to
see the inside of Chirk Castle, but without success; though now only
inhabited by servants, who were peremptorily commanded to admit no
strangers. It is situated on an eminence, surrounded by a park and fine
plantations, which are very judiciously laid out. This elegant mansion
has been in the possession of the Middleton family ever since the year
1614. Having gratified ourselves with a survey of this noble park, we
returned to the Oswestry road. Leaving the village of Chirk, we crossed
a new bridge of one arch, elegantly constructed. Near it is another
aqueduct, of considerable extent, now erecting over this river and
valley, which though very inferior to the Pont-y-Cyssyllte, is still a
great undertaking: it is several hundred yards in length, and the brick
piers rise fifty or sixty feet above the level of the water. Near this
is a rich coal mine, lately discovered.
From hence to Oswestry we traversed a rich enclosed country, and enjoyed
a scene particularly pleasing: all the inhabitants were collected, to
gather in the produce of the ripened field; and
“Through their cheerful band the rural talk,
The rural scandal, and the rural jest,
Fled harmless.”
To the traveller and the poet such scenes afford an ample field for
amusement; but waving corn is ill adapted to the canvas of the painter.
About two miles from Oswestry, we passed through the little town of