Introduction
INTRODUCTION. THE beautiful valley of the Axe lies in south-east Devonshire, about four miles west of Dorset. The red marl and brown and sterile summits of the green sand-hills mark the situation with unmistakable signs. A real Devonshire valley cannot be confounded with any other; nor can its climate. Mild in winter, when southern Italy has frost and snow, and when Greece is not to be traversed from the same causes, its curative influence at length begins to be appreciated. Within four miles of Dorset stands the ancient town of Axminster, five miles above the mouth of the Axe; and Colyton, another ancient town, lies at a distance of three miles from the sea, at the opening of the beautiful valley of the Axe. The old commercial borough of Lyme Regis lies at a distance of five miles to the east, and one mile inside Dorsetshire. British and Danish earthworks, a battle-field between the Saxons and Danes, and the site of a famous Abbey, render the tract we have described truly classic ground. London, when coaches were unknown, was too distant to be visited by more than a few from this remote part of the country. Exeter was the metropolis of the West. Great men and abbots had their inns or town residences in this city. An almost magic power has virtually brought this city within five hours of London instead of a VHl INTRODUCTION. week. Centralization and the constant intercourse now maintained with other counties are rapidly causing peculiarities and distinctions to disappear. The Yonge Diary, the property of the Editor, was kept by Walter Yonge, Esq., Barrister-at-Law, a Justice of the Peace, Sheriff for Devon, and Member of Parliament for Honiton, at his mansion- houses in Colyton and Axminster, from A.D.
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