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Page:Devon & Cornwall Notes & Queries.djvu/458

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Of Dartmoor and its Borderland. 85 their rugged peaks towering high above the partially culti- vated combes which here run up into the moor. Sheepstor is the conspicuous feature in the view, and its dimensions are very strikingly presented. Below us is the lake-like expanse of water forming the Burrator Reservoir. On our left as we advance is Lether Tor, which we see to great advantage, and below it the farm which bears its name. Passing this, we cross one of the branches of the Mew at Lether Tor Bridge, the construction of which is similar to that of the older clappers on the moor, and pro- ceeding on our way shall be struck with the fine outline of another tor immediately in front of us. This is Down Tor, and we shall notice that the masses of granite on its summit lie amid patches of turf and heather, its appearance presenting a decided contrast to Lether Tor, which is composed entirely of piles of rock. Passing a farm called Kingsett on our right, we leave the enclosures and enter on the common, and shall find that our road has now degenerated into a very rough track indeed, suitable only as a bridle-path, or for peat carts. Close to it, on the left is Crazy Well Pool, and it is here, near its brink, that we shall discover the first in the line of crosses stretching over the forest. A gully will be noticed on the left of the road, with a little brook issuing from it, and crossing our path. This gully we shall not pass, but shall keep along its verge, and shall be led directly to the pool. Lying in a deep hollow, Crazy Well Pool bursts upon the view suddenly, but the best effect is produced by sighting it first from the northern side, where the bank is highest, and where a few steps will bring to our view — as by the wand of an enchanter — a broad, deep tarn, where, but a moment before, a common covered with gorse and heather, with a few scattered hillocks, alone met the eye. There is no doubt that this hollow is an artificial excava- tion, the remains, in all probability, of mining operations, numerous old workings of a similar character being found about this part of the common. A belief has arisen among the country people that the pool ebbs and flows with the tide, and that it is fathom- less, the old story being still related on the moor that the