CHAPTER VIII. ROSS ΤΟ MONMOUTH BY WATER-COLDWELL ROCKS-SYMOND'S YAT DOWARD-MONMOUTH-RAGLAND. "Down the swift river, the full-flowing river, Our light-freighted bark glideth on; While in the waves ever, the tree shadows quiver- What day is too long, with the merry boat song, Bright sunshine and blessed blue sky While meadow flowers young, o'er the sedgy banks flung, Nod and laugh as we gaily glide by." EARLY the following morning, I entered a boat at Ross, on my way to Monmouth. My "light bark" was not much unlike a gondola, when its tarpauling cover was spread over the framework; but, being favoured by a radiantly bright morning, I preferred sitting under the skeleton, and enjoying the charming scenes around me. A table in the centre of the part allotted to passengers, and cushioned seats around, made this small floating parlour a most commodious conveyance. After dropping past Wilton Castle, and beneath the bridge, we soon came in sight of Goodrich Court and Castle, well worthy their far-known fame. Richly wooded hills, well sprinkled with white cottages, whose thin blue smoke curled softly upward, often rose in front. Kerne |