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IN LOVELY WALES.

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IN LOVELY WALES. CARDIGAN BRIDGE. X.—THE VALE OF TEIFV. (a.)-LLANDYSSUL AND CARDIGAN. Westerly Wales is practically an unknown country to the modern tourist. Its villages are too homely, its towns too insignificantly small, and its valleys far too peaceful for the tripper's excitive demands. It is only the eye in quest of grand scenery, or the mind that loves the soli- tude of the hills and dales, that has hitherto sought this province with unfailing regularity. The quiet nooks of North Pembrokeshire and the narrow vales of Southern Cardiganshire, that vanish in the broad expanse of the unparalelled scenic beauties of the Vale of Teify, are situate beyond the area of the every-day excursionist, and have been generally abandoned to the casual poet to sing their praises, or to the keen- eyed painter to attempt to pourtray on the short-lived canvas their unchangeable colour and imperishable ruggedness. The bleak hills of the North, with their massive and towering rocks cannot fail to impress the stranger with their message of strength and loneliness, but to see Wales in all her glory and beauty the traveller needs a visit to the Land of Ceredigion, with its picturesque vale, through which the clear waters of the Teify can be seen from the surrounding hills winding its easy path through the luxurious foliage, like a silvery cord on an elaborate embroidered dress, until lost in the distant rippling waves on the Cardigan coast. Along the banks of this river is written the history of the Welsh in all ages. The great chieftains of old studded its windings and turnings with towery strongholds, and remnants of many a one still remains to relate the story of the glorious past, as well as to add beauty to so sylvan a scene. The patriots of Ceredigion fought many a battle for liberty and freedom along its banks, and every movement for national advancement has been cham- pioncu by the heroes of the Vale of Teify. The earliest engagements chronicled in our annals, as well as the most recent of national political strifes were fought along its meadows; while the purest Welsh in the whole country can still be claimed to be heard along its banks from Cardigan Harbour up to its very source in the hills of the Plynlymon range. At Llandyssul, which can be reached, by modern railroad arrangements, after a short hour's journey from Carmarthen, one can obtain a fine glimpse on the lower reaches of the River Teify. After surging through a narrow rocky defile and passing some beautiful scenery the vale opens out into a lovely panorama that extends as far as Newcastle Emlyn. The broad meadows are rich with pasture, and the wooded slopes that gradually rise at a distance are studded with artistic dwellings and bright farm houses that indicate a degree of prosperity, even among the agriculturalist of this rich natural locality. Coming to Newcastle Emlyn, we must ascend the ruins of the historical castle that adorns the place. This is stated to have been built by the Normans, and was taken and destroyed by Llewelyn ab Iorwerth in 1215, and it figures subsequently once or twice in history. A new castle was erected by Sir Rhys ap Thomas in the reign of Henry VII. Little of the structure is now left. From the Castle grounds a fine view of the erratic windings of the river is to be had, and local sages declare that the name Emlyn is meant to describe the M shape course of the Teify at this place. From Newcastle the river is very slow until it reaches Cenarth Falls, one of the prettiest sights in the whole of South Wales. These falls are described by Giraldus in the Itinerary, and through the ages have been the admiration of all travellers. The famous Castle of Cilgerran stands midway between Cenarth and the county town of Cardigan. Its ruins are in affair state of preservation, and the scenery around it is unequalled. The famous painter, Turner, painted two canvasses here, and one has found its way to America for nearly ^3,000. About three miles from Cilgerran is the town of Cardigan, the former capital of Ceredigion, and the seat of many an historic event. It was here that the Eisteddfod flourished in the twelfth century, and the princes of Dyfed met to encourage literature and song within the Principality. The district is full of historic associations, and the scenery around is well worthy of a visit. Abundant accommodation can be obtained here for the visitor in the summer season. In addition to the drives along the vale, some splendid boating excursions can be had. The scenery along the banks up to Cilgerran is beautiful, and a trip in one of the fishermen's coracles should not be missed. Excellent local and historical guides are pub- lished at Messrs. Thomas, Tivyside Advertiser Office, Cardigan, to whom we are indebted for the views that accompany this sketch. CILGERRAN CASTLE.