Matlock abounds with subterraneous caverns, which excite the surprise and admiration of strangers.  These are entered by a passage, formed with immense labour through the solid rock.  In the interior you are surrounded by brilliant crystallizations, various kinds of metallic ores, spars, &c., with petrifactions hanging from the roof, pendent as icicles.  The roofs of the numerous caves are of different descriptions; some have the appearance of arches formed by the hand of man, others appear to be immense masses of rock, which have fallen into their present situation by chance, or through some violent convulsion of the earth, by which they have been disjointed and separated.  In several of them there are fine springs of limpid water.  Here are likewise several productive lead mines.

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.”

In passing through one of the caverns, our guide, after describing to us the various places, in general had a comment to make; one I well remember.  The solemnity of the situation, and stupendous grandeur of the cave, struck me with mournful awe.  At one part of the cave there was a large hole or well, surrounded by a wooden railing, which our guide informed us was fathomless.  A party passing through the cavern, in the full buoyancy of youth, after having expressed their surprise and admiration at the wonders