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A VISIT TO LEWES 171
laboratory of nature. Though he had travelled the Sussex Downs for upwards of thirty years, yet he could still investigate " that chain of majestic mountains with fresh admiration year by year." Ringmer lies at the base of Mount Caburn. Here the deep shadowy coombes, and the patches of fragrant thyme, will fill the wayfarer with delight. The green paths that wind across these downs are called " Borstalls "—from Beorh-stegele, hill-paths, according to Kemble.
The church (St. Mary) contains several monuments to the Springett family, including that of " the charitable Springett "—
" Redresse he did the wrongs of many a wight, Fatherlesse and widows by him possesse their right."
Glynde is pleasantly situated below Mount Caburn. There is a large dairy here. Further east are the old-world villages of Ripe and Chalvington, with Chiddingly to the north (with ruins of the old mansion, the original home of the Jefferies, and several ancient farmhouses), each with its ancient church.
But the wayfarer must go to the top of the conical Mount Caburn. Within it are many shallow pits, the site of the hut dwellings of the Flint Men. Here the bee orchis—the " freckled |
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