There are no waste lands. About the limits
of Bretagne and Anjou, which are between Loriottiere and St. George, the
lands change for the better. Here and there, we get views of the plains
on the Loire, of some extent, and good appearance, in corn and
pasture. After passing Angers, the road is raised out of the reach of
inundations, so as at the same time to ward them off from the interior
plains. It passes generally along the river side; but sometimes leads
through the plains, which, after we pass Angers, become extensive and
good, in corn, pasture, some maize, hemp, flax, pease, and beans; many
willows, also poplars and walnuts. The flax is near ripe. Sweet-briar
in general bloom. Some broom here still, on which the cattle and sheep
browse in winter and spring, when they have no other green food; and
the hogs eat the blossoms and pods, in spring and summer. This blossom,
though disagreeable when smelt in a small quantity, is of delicious
fragrance when there is a whole field of it. There are some considerable
vineyards in the river plains, just before we reach Les Trois Volets
(which is at the one hundred and thirty-sixth milestone), and after
that, where the hills on the left come into view, they are mostly in
vines.
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