Before we proceed farther, we must notice one or two characteristics of Somersetshire and Devonshire. The first is, that the soil is almost every where red, deep, and fertile; the second, that, the surface being generally under grass, there is a predominance of green in the landscape; and the third, which, we suppose, is the consequence of the other two, is, that the cottages, villas, and dwellings, of every description, are white-washed. The desire for this white appearance we suppose to be a physical result of the prevalence of green and red; white, though it cannot be called a complementary colour to these, as green is to red, being yet a relief to the eye, on similar principles. The high banks on which the hedges are planted form the next characteristic of these counties, rendering it difficult to see the adjoining fields or country from the road, and being really a very great nuisance to a stranger. We have also to complain of the narrowness and depth of the lanes, or parish roads, and the general want of guide-posts. Another characteristic is the form of the churches, which have very high square towers, each with a small round tower attached, containing a staircase; the square towers sometimes, though rarely, terminating in spires, as at the little dirty Scotch-looking village called Marlborough, and the ancient town of Modbury, both between Salcombe and Plymouth. These towers, among so many round and horizontal lines, form grand and striking contrasts to the general outline of the country; and indeed are every where the most striking artificial features in the landscape.
