They have often seemed to ease
me of half the distance of a journey merely by telling me how far I
had already gone, and by assuring me that I was on the right road.
For, besides the distance from London, every milestone informs you
that to the next place is so many miles, and where there are cross-
roads there are direction-posts, so that it is hardly possible to
lose one's-self in walking. I must confess that all this journey
has seemed but as it were one continued walk for pleasure.
From Maidenhead bridge there is a delightful prospect towards a
hill, which extends itself along the right bank of the Thames, and
on the top of it there are two beautiful country seats, all
surrounded with meadows and parks. The first is called Taplow, and
belongs to the Earl of Inchiquin; and a little farther Cliefden,
which also belongs to him.
These villas seem all to be surrounded with green meadows, lying
along thick woods, and, altogether, are most charming.
From this bridge it is not far to Maidenhead, near which, on the
left, is another prospect of a beautiful seat, belonging to
Pennyston Powney, Esq.
All this knowledge I have gained chiefly from my English guide;
which I have constantly in my hand; and in which everything most
worthy of notice in every mile is marked.
