Page:The Manchester and Thirlmere Scheme - Somervell (1878).djvu/14

 which have been divulged since it was written; and to state the general grounds upon which the opponents of the scheme appeal to the public for support.

In the first place it now seems tolerably certain that powers will be sought to raise the maximum level of the lake 35 or 40 feet; and that therefore not only the 'City of Wythburn,' but every feature of the lovely shore will be submerged. This is to be accomplished by the erection of a huge embankment at the northern end of the lake, now one of the sweetest glens in Cumberland, The old coach-road, with its familiar windings along the shore, will be put under water for miles; and in its place we are promised 'a straight road cut on a level line' along the hill-side. Nor is this all. The maximum level of the lake, to whatever height it be raised, can only be maintained in the winter months. What will the valley look like in a dry summer, when the level has been lowered by the fair weather of May and June, and acres of slimy bank are laid bare? Even those who have no eye for the loveliness that is to be destroyed, may be disgusted with the unloveliness that is to be created; and will then, too late, regret having been duped by the absurd statement, that 'nothing will be done that can injure the scenery.'

It might be supposed that with such facts before them, all parties would agree that, should this project be carried out, the beauty of this charming lake will be completely