prospect is only bounded by the limits of vision. To the east--while the
eye follows the course of the Aire towards the Humber, the fertility of
the country, the spires of churches, and two considerable hills, Brayton
Barf, and Hambleton Haugh, which rise in the midst of a plain, and one of
which is covered with wood, increase the beauty of the scene. The
south-east view includes part of the counties of Lincoln and Nottingham.
To the south and south-west, the towering hills of Derbyshire, stretching
towards Lancashire, form the horizon, while the foreground is a
picturesque country variegated with handsome residences.

The Castle, by its situation, as well as by its structure, was rendered
almost impregnable. It was not commanded by any contiguous hills, and it
could only be taken by blockade.

By referring to the Engraving, the reader will better understand this
defence. The outworks are there distinctly shown with the respective posts
and guards: indeed, these lines exhibit a fine specimen of fortification.
The quadrangular enclosure on the crest of the hill, in the lower part of
the Engraving, represents Lamberts' Fort Royal. To the right is the
approach to the castle by the south gate to the barbican, crossed by a
wall, with the middle gate, with the east gate at the extremity of the
line. We next approach, the ballium, or castle yard through the Porter's
Lodge of two towers with a portcullis. The wall of the castle-yard, it
will be seen, has a parapet, and is flanked with towers, and the chapel to
the right of the Lodge. East and West of the yard is seen the
semi-circular moat or ditch; and on an eminence near the western extremity
of the ballium, stands the keep or round tower, the walls of which are
said to have been twenty-one feet thick. The state rooms are on the second
story. The dungeons of the towers are terrific even in description: one
was about 15 feet deep, and scarcely six feet square, without any