hill was very steep。 A road； going slanting down it； was still so steep； and washed so very deep by the rains of ages； that I did not attempt to ride down it； and I did not like to lead my horse； the path was so narrow。 So seeing a boy with a drove of pigs going out to the stubbles； I beckoned him to e up to me； and he came and led my horse down for me。 But now； before I begin to ride down this beautiful vale； let me give； as well as my means will enable me； a plan or map of it； which I have made in this way。 A friend has lent me a very old man of Wiltshire describing the spots where all the churches stand； and also all the spots where manor…houses or mansion…houses stood。 I laid a piece of very thin paper upon the map； and thus traced the river upon my paper； putting figure to represent the spots where churches stand； and putting stars to reprent the spots where manor…houses or mansion…houses formerly stood。 Endless is the variety in the shape of the high lands which from this valley。 Sometimes the slope is very gentle； and the arable lands go back very far。 At others； the downs e out into the valley almost like piers into the sea； being very steep in their sides； as well as their ends： indeed they have no back ends； but run into the main high land。 There is also great variety in the width of the valley； great variety in the width of the meadows； but the land appears all to be of the very best； and it must be so； for the farmers confess it。
It seemed to me that on