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The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction - Volume 12, No. 333, September 27, 1828 by Various
page 22 of 53 (41%)
At the Museum the most interesting productions of the Peak are to be
seen. Many of the specimens are manufactured into vases, copied from the
antique. Besides the natural productions of the place, there are a great
variety of fine alabaster vases from Florence, with statues of various
kinds of Italian marble. Immediately facing the museum are the gardens,
called the Museum Gardens, in which are several grottoes, curiously
ornamented. Perched upon a rock, just at the entrance, is a fine
venerable hawk, of the bustard species, which was winged about four
years ago, and took its station there, from which spot it rarely moves.

The Botanical Gardens, belonging to Mr. Bownes, are much visited, and
contain nearly seven hundred indigenous plants. They are situated along
the rise of the hill, known by the name of the Heights of Abraham, from
the summit of which can be enjoyed the most extensive views of the
scenery round Matlock.

About half a mile from Matlock Baths is situated Willersley Castle,
the seat of R. Arkwright, Esq., built by his father, the late Sir
R. Arkwright. No spot could be more happily chosen for the site of a
mansion than than of Willersley. By the liberality of Mr. A. strangers
are admitted to the grounds, gardens, &c.; after passing through which,
you reach the summit of the hills, which immediately face the Old and
New Baths. This range of rocks is variously named; one, called the
Lover's Leap, is a most terrific height. After winding by a circuitous
route, you are led to the Lover's Walk, which is a shady path
immediately at the base. Here lovers may in

"Sweet retirement court the shade."


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