That Rochester is the BREMENIUM of the first route, is established by the discovery of an altar in it, which professes to be erected by the _duplares_ of the exploratory troops stationed at BREMENIUM. In no position would exploratory troops be more needed than here, and no place could be more appropriately fixed upon as the starting point of an ‘Iter’ than this. Several of the inscriptions belonging to this station bear the name of Caracalla. Both BREMENIUM and HABITANCUM seem to have undergone important repairs in the time of this emperor. Eight miles south of High Rochester, and on the line of Watling-street, is another Roman station. [Sidenote: HABITANCUM.] HABITANCUM is the name which Camden, and Horsley, on the authority of a stone found near the station, and which was inspected by them both, agree in bestowing upon the modern Risingham. The position of HABITANCUM will strike a stranger with surprise. Instead of occupying an eminence, it is placed in a valley, and close upon the banks of the Rede. Hills environ it, though not very closely, on every side. They who, in early spring, have been exposed on the neighbouring heights to the sleety shower, will know the reason of the selection. The climate of Risingham is peculiarly mild. The west wind blows with the steadiness of a trade wind, and the harsh east seldom descends into this favoured valley. The village of Woodburn is on the opposite side of the river. The lines in ‘Rokeby’ well characterize the spot, though its wood is fast disappearing— Where Rede upon his margin sees Sweet Woodburn’s cottages and trees. Notwithstanding the secluded nature of the situation, it is not destitute of military strength. The Rede defends it on the north, which was the point of greatest danger; and, excepting on the south, where an out-post seems to have been maintained, an enemy could be descried long before approaching the camp. The walls of the station have been constructed of the same strong masonry as those of BREMENIUM. Owing to the excellence of the stone, the marks of the tool upon them are peculiarly distinct. In the hill behind the station, called the Bell-knowe, the ancient quarrymen have left numerous wedge-holes and other indications of their labours. Although a fosse usually surrounded the ramparts of a station, and although sir Walter Scott has sung of— The moated mound of Risingham, [Sidenote: RISINGHAM.]