Page:A Tour Through the Batavian Republic.djvu/128

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
116
TOUR THROUGH

mathematician and mechanist of that name; and the age of the stateliest trees is near a century and a half. The late storm has committed most deplorable ravages here. The person whom I have just mentioned, with that accurate attention which is a characteristic feature of the Dutch nation, counted fifty-six noble trees torn up from their roots by the violence of the wind, and the destruction of branches and underwood was proportionally great. The poor fellow, when he pointed out the beauties of the road, lamented the desolation of the storm with much feeling, and heaved a sigh at every tree of more than ordinary magnitude (and they were numerous) which had been levelled to the earth.

The ocean, which washes the village of Scheveling, is concealed from view by sandhills, until you approach it so near as thirty or forty yards: it then bursts upon your sight with inconceivable grandeur; and though you are acquainted with its proximity, its sudden appearance produces an indescribable effect. The beach here is extremely fine,