When "Cook's Folly" and the "Pitch and Pay" gate, of mournful memory, have been passed, and we have reached Sea Mills on the right bank, there is a distinct softening in the character of the scenery. Here is the supposed site of the Roman station Abona. The Avon at this point is joined by the small river Trym. Leland, having the St. Vincent legends clearly in remembrance, wrote of it: "Some think a great piece of the depeness of the haven, from St. Vincent to Hungo-rode, hath been made by hande." As we pass Pill, which furnishes pilots for the port of Bristol, its ancient fish-like smell forces itself upon our attention. Now we near the last reach of the Avon, Broad Pill, where the river widens greatly. Sinuous as well may be, and running between low banks, those "sea-walls" of rich marshland that lie about Birchampton, the river's course beyond that pretty neighbourhood changes fast, and gathers a new and picturesque interest when the tide comes in. Now we are at the mouth of the Avon, and in that fine roadstead which the loyal Bristol seamen would have styled King's Road. From the decks of the great ships that here ride out the light gale in safety a glorious view, up river, along shore, and about the fine anchorage in the estuary of the Avon and the Severn, may be enjoyed. The pier and docks at Avonmouth form another splendid enterprise, which, if it has not come too late, may retain for Bristol something more than a remnant of its ancient glory as the first port of the kingdom, a training ground for the British Navy, the haunt and home of sea-dogs who added many a gallant deed to the proud annals of our island story. /Hugh W. Strong./ [Illustration: CLIFTON SUSPENSION BRIDGE (_p. 79_).] [Illustration: SOURCE OF THE SEVERN, PLINLIMMON.] THE SEVERN CHAPTER I. FROM THE SOURCE TO TEWKESBURY. Birthplace of the Severn--Plinlimmon--Blaenhafren--Llanidloes --Caersws--Newtown--Montgomery--Welshpool--Powys Castle--The Breidden Hills--The Vyrnwy--Distant Views--Shrewsbury--Haughmond Hill--The Caradoc Hills--Atcham--Wroxeter--Condover--The Wrekin--Benthall and Wenlock Edges--Buildwas Abbey--Coalbrook Dale--Ironbridge--Broseley and Benthall--Coalport--Bridgnorth-- Quatford--Forest of Wyre--Bewdley--Stourport--Worcester--The Teme--Ludlow--Tewkesbury.