Conisten
Of all the lakes, Conisten is most generally admired, and perhaps on just grounds. Its prevailing character is the romantic; and this character gives such scope to the imagination, that where it prevails, the beauty of the landscape must be supreme. A small island covered with shrubs rises in the middle of this charming lake, and adds to its picturesque effect.
Conisten is fix miles long, and about one broad. Sequestered cottages are sprinkled on its banks, which form the base of craggy hills on the right and left. Below, they are verdant, with enclosures, and rich in woods, while the village of Conisten hanging half way up, near a headlong torrent. The Black Beck of Torver encreases the general effect, to which Conisters-hall, a grey ivied mansion, essentially contributes. Above the verdant bordering the dark and rocky steeps ascend to an alpine height, and encircle the head of the lake with a lofty amphitheatre. Copper mines are worked in the bowels of these mountains, which also produce abundance of blue slate.
Nothing can be more delightful than the navigation of Conisten which exhibits almost all the varieties of scenery that are divided among the rest of the lakes. Nor is a, ride round its shires less attractive, particularly under a morning sun, when all its beauties unfold themselves in full lustre.
In the words of Mr. Grant, we now sum up the characters of the principal lakes. " Windermere," observes he, " has that of immensity and variety of prospect, and, we may add, of magnificence; Grasmere, of mildness; Derwent-water, of grandeur; but Conisten is elegant, and romantic, and sublime. We have since found the characters of the others-wildness of Crummock and Buttermere, and a combination of the whole in Ulls-water."
Use the "Show me" link to locate Conisten on the map. You may need to scroll down to see Conisten highlighted.
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© 2008 The Republic of Pemberley
Chapter 42