HIGHCUP GILL, APPLEBY IN THE DISTANCE,-WESTMORLAND.

Highcup Gill is situated between the lofty elevation of Murton Pike and Roman Fell. Through the middle of this romantic valley runs a mountain stream which, after a winding course of some miles, at length effects a junction with the river Eden. The Gill presents a most remarkable appearance; and might be compared to the tumultuous heavings of a troubled sea, suddenly arrested by a petrifying power. The elevation of this spot may be assumed from the distance to which the spectator can extend his view. The intervening space between it and Appleby appears inconsiderable; but the diminution of objects, and the aërial tint that veils them, sufficiently indicate "the stretch of vision" which may be here enjoyed.

BROUGHAM CASTLE,-WESTMORLAND.

The venerable ruins of Brougham Castle are situated in the immediate neighbourhood of Brougham Hall, the seat of the present Lord Chancellor, near the junction of the rivers Eamont and Lowther, and within half a mile south-east of Penrith. Some traces of an ancient encampment are still visible, and many coins and other remains of the Roman era have from time to time been discovered. The present ruins attest a Norman origin, and the first recorded possessor was John de Veteripont; but considerable additions were made to the structure by the first Roger Lord Clifford, and his descendant.

In 1412, Brougham Castle suffered considerably from the Scots; and no mention of it occurs in history from that period till 1617, when James I., on his return from Scotland, was here hospitably entertained by Francis, Earl of Cumberland. An inscription on the edifice states, that in 1651 it was repaired by the Countess Dowager Pembroke, "after it had lain ruinous ever since 1617." No renovations appear to have been afterwards made; and the pile has gradually sunk beneath the all-subduing influence of time: yet, even at the present day, the ruins retain an air of grandeur, to mock and to attest its former magnificence.

The entrance to the Castle is by a gateway and tower, leading through a short covered way to the inner gateway. The keep is situated in the middle of the area: the masonry in this portion of the building is admirable; but all the interior apartments, with the exception of one vault, are destroyed. The roof of this chamber consists of groined arches, supported in the centre by an octagonal pillar; and the whole is finished with elaborate chisel-work and grotesque sculptures. Of the out-works, scarcely any vestige remains. The gateways are vaulted, and they had each a portcullis to protect the entrance.

Situated on a woody eminence, these ruins present a striking and picturesque object to the tourist, from whatever point the view may be obtained. Near the Castle is a lofty and handsome pillar, adorned with coats of arms and other embellishments, called the Countess's Pillar. It was erected in 1656, by Ann, Countess Dowager of Pembroke, as the inscription states, "for a memorial of her last parting in this place with her good and pious mother, Margaret, Countess Dowager of Cumberland."