While we were in Derbyshire, we went to see the dropping-well near Buxton: which gives the appearance of stone to every thing that is put into it; and I have brought you some petrifactions from thence.
One day we spent at Buxton, and saw the company who go to drink the medicinal waters there.
We likewise went to see Poole’s Hole, by Buxton; but of that you will find a better account than I can give you in the Gentleman’s Magazine, written by a gentleman who went with a party to visit it.
I have brought your Mamma, Miss Lydia, some ornaments for her mantle-piece, made of Derbyshire spar; and an egg of that substance for your sister Caroline’s netting: the spar is said to be water petrified as it drops through rocks, and to take the variety of its colours from the different metals or minerals it passes through.
I have likewise brought a carpet for your papa’s study, from Kidderminster, in Worcestershire, which, I think, he will not esteem inferior to the Turkey carpets, which we fetch from so far.
From Dunstable in Bedfordshire I have brought a set of little tea-things, some work-baskets, and some toys for the young folk, all made of straw, like your hat, Miss Lydia. And now, perhaps, I have tired you by talking, and you will be better pleased with seeing all my collection.
The young people listened with great attention to the lady. Soon after she produced her treasures, and desired them to recollect the place from whence each came.
They acquitted themselves very well, and were not deficient in proper thanks to their aunt, for her kind attention to them.
A day or two afterwards Miss Fanny and her Mamma took their leave; not without mutual regret on the part of Miss Lydia and Miss Fanny, who were most affectionately attached to each other.