30 The Ancient Stone Crosses is, however, of sufficient size for its present purpose, for about 1832 a new one was built a short distance below, and it is there the main road now crosses the stream, and conse- quently the former is relieved of most of the traffic. Four parishes meet at the old bridge, those on the eastern bank of the river being Ugborough and Harford, and those on the western, Ermington and Cornwood. The Erme is a charming river, and to trace it to its source will prove, for one who is not afraid of a day*s walk, a most delightful ramble. In order to do this he should proceed up the hill towards the railway station, and immediately after passing beneath the viaduct, a path will be observed on the right which leads directly to the river. The rambler will now find himself in Stowford Cleave, a deep winding valley whose precipitous sides are thickly clothed with trees, and running between Henlake and Hanger Downs, and a portion of Harford Moor. At each step new beauties will unfold them- selves. Now the path is carried close to the river's brink, while a little further on the stream is lost in the thick and tangled foliage, to almost suddenly reappear at the head of some bend hitherto concealed by the dark firs. Here a deep pool, partly hidden by grey rocks, and above it an open reach, where the shallow waters run murmuringly over the pebbles. Above, the sky almost shut out from view by the living canopy of green ; below, the feet sinking deeply in moss, and the tall ferns reaching nearly to one's waist, when for a moment the path is forsaken. The caroUing of happy birds, the hum of insects, the gentle rustling of leaves and the sound of running waters, form fitting music to charm the ear and call forth from the heart of the contemplative man praises of nature's God. Anon the path becomes rougher, and in part obliterated, and by-and-bye the valley widens a little, and glimpses of the moor are obtained. Further on, the hills come in view, and up yonder, upon the very verge of the common, is the little church of Harford, with trees clustering about it, the whole picture at this point being as charming a one as it is possible to conceive. Still onward, the eyes of the rambler feasting upon the view before him till leaving the river for a small space, and crossing a field, he gains a lane that will lead him to Harford Bridge, upon the skirts of the moor. Here he will linger to observe the many fresh beauties
