A Few Days On The Yorkshire Moors.

meeting any one . We at last , however , reach Stnmp-cross , having experienced the unreliability of a rustic ' s half-mile . Lunch , here , is very acceptable . Our object was to visit the cavern of this place , but the people are so busy with the grouse shooters that they cannot attend to it . Sportsmen are here in plenty ; but our way is across Bewerley moor to Pateley Bridge , which we reach about three o ' clock ; the streets are very steep , and some of the bouses are

antiquated . In the distance Brimham Rocks can be seen in bold relief against the sky : Ave get there over Pateley Moor at half-past four . The stones are not veiy striking objects in the distance , looking more like trees ; but when approached have a singularly isolated appearance . Nine hundred ancl ninet y feet above the level of the sea , yet exhibiting convincing proofs of the wearing action of water , these grotesque Avonders , indeed , strike awe into the beholder .

Considering some of their peculiar shapes ancl properties , there is little wonder that they are considered by many as Druidical remains ; we , however , are inclined to believe those Avho designate them as lusus naturce . What human ingenuity could have shaped the " Idol Rock , " a huge mass of millstone grit , about two hundred tons wei ght , supported on a pedestal only a foot in diameter ? The rocking-stones are very largebeing estimated at one

, hundred , fifty , thirty , and twenty tons respectively , ancl moving Avith the greatest ease when touched . When we take into account the fact that these rocks are exposed to all the inclemencies of the Aveather , it seems really wonderful that they should remain so long in one position . The "Baboon ' s Head , " "Serpent ' s Head , " ancl " Pulpit Rock , " are appropriate designations given to some of

them ; the " Chimney Rock , with a funnel-like perforation passing through it . From here a splendid view is had of the Nidd Valley ancl its surroundings . Near this is the " Boat Rocking Stone , " weighing about forty-tons ; an opening in the Rook is called the " Lover ' s Leap . " Other fanciful names are " Tom Taylor ' s Chamber , " the " Druid ' s Cave , Pulpit , Parlour , Bedroom , ancl Coffin , " the " Giant ' s Head ancl Neck , " etc . The " The Great Split Rock " is a large mass of stone about a hundred , feet in circumferenceAvith a rent in it

, four feet wide . The " Cannon Rocks " form another peculiar feature ; they consist of large pieces of perforated stone , upwards of twent y feet long , ancl the aperture about twelve inches in diameter . One of them is called the " Druid ' s Telescope . " Further on are the "Boat Rock " ancl " Crown Rock , " with an opening on one side called the " Druid ' s Oven , " and on the other side anothercalled the " Courting " or " Kissing Chair" the " Sterling "

, ; Crag , " Porpoise Head , " " Sphynx ' s Head , " " Boar ' s Snout , " ancl " Hawk ' s Crag , " so named because a pair of hawk ' s annually build there ; also , " Flower Pot Rock , " "JGrial Altar , " "Foxholes , " ancl "Rhinoceros Rock . " Near the house is what they call the " Druid ' s Circle ; " the " Mushroom Rocks " ancl " Hare ' s Heads " are adjacent ; " Graffa Crag " and " Beacon Crag " are contiguous , the latter receiving its title from a beacon being laced there when the first

p Napoleon threatened to invade England in 1803 . Another rock is called the "Noonstone , " because the sun shines on one of its sides at that time of day . The "Wishing Corner , " " Dog ' s Head" ( a very good representation ) , " Oyster Shell , " " Crocodile ' s Mouth , " etc ., are further samples of appellations given to their seeming appearance , in which there is plenty of scope for the imagination .

Getting tea in the guide ' s house there , we ' descend for Ripon , Avhere we arrive in time to hear the celebrated horn blow . At the " Temperance Hotel" we make the acquaintance of a young fellow who knows the neio-bbourbood , and we arrange to go together to Studley Royal , the seat of the Marquis of Ripon . We saunter round old Ripon in the morning , noticing the conspicuous town arms with the famous spurs . To-clay , we have indeed a treat in store for us ; the sun - shines resplendently , and promises a glorious day . The walk to the park is deli ghtful ; on reachin g the long and beautiful avenue of limes , we see straight before us the new church of St . Mary , and