THE REGION OF THE AXE.

'It was our original intention to have confined our researches to "The Ferns of the Axe," - the Ferns of the parishes, through which the Axe and its tributaries flow - but the romantic dells of Uplyme, the bold hills overhanging Lyme, Charmouth, with the distant view of the majestic Groldencap, and the wild scenery around Monkton Wylde, cannot be passed over by the lover of nature's works. The plants are so choice and the neighbourhood so inviting, that though our stream will not water these spots, we must consider Lyme, Charmouth, Uplyme, and Monkton Wylde, as belonging to the region of the Axe. Neither are the various parishes, through which our river and its branches and streamlets flow, devoid of great beauty. The fine open bay of Seaton, with Haven cliff on the one side and the perpendicular white chalk rocks of Beer on the other, are points of great attraction. As we advance onward, the view of Colyton Church, with its noble tower raising its head in a lovely vale, arrest the eye and charm the beholder. As the stream winds its bending course further still, the rich, luxuriant meadows near Axminster, with the prospect of Cloak-ham house, and the Dalwood and Stockland hills, seem to tell the traveller a tale, that he is treading on enchanted ground. Two miles to the east is Trinity hill, whence we behold the clear blue waters of the sea, the river gliding through the vale, a diversified prospect of hills and dales with a distant and sometimes clear view of Heytor in the forest of Dartmoor. As we reach nearer the source of the Axe, we pass by Forde Abbey, known for its splendid tapestry and pleasant and agreeable situation. Wending our course onward, we have on the right bank the parish of Crewkerne, a parish to be admired for its noble Church.... '