Last week, Britain's National Trust said it would buy the land for the nation and immediately began an appeal to raise more than three million pounds.

On Wednesday, Hopkins, who starred in `Silence of the Lambs', said, ``Snowdonia is one of the most beautiful places in the world and Snowdon is the jewel that lies at its heart. It must be cherished and protected.

``The National Trust is dedicated to the preservation of this land and its naturaL heritage. I know this and have seen it first hand. I am very pleased that I am able to offer this support.''

Richard Cuthbertson, chairman of the trust's committee for Wales, said,``We are totally overwhelmed by Sir Anthony Hopkins' generosity. It is an enormous boost to the appeal.''

Farmer Richard Williams put the 4,000-acre estate on the southern flank ofthe mountain up for sale last month after deciding to concentrate on his other farming interests.

His family has farmed the land since the middle of the 17th century.

More than 5,00,000 people visit the 3,557 foot summit of Snowdon each year.