Pictures in Colour of The Isle of Wight. 

WITH DESCRIPTIVE NOTES. 

_CONTAINING FIFTY BEAUTIFULLY COLOURED PICTURES OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT. _

JARROLD & SONS, LTD. 10 & 11, Warwick Lane, E. C. London & Exchange Streets, Norwich. 

Pictures in Colour of Isle of Wight. 

Foreword. 

Among the numerous holiday resorts which claim the attention ofthe travelling public, the Isle of Wight will be found to possessattractions of very varied character. It has often been the themeof poets and the delight of artists. The student of art and theamateur photographer can find subjects in variety, whatever maybe his peculiar line of study. The noble cliffs and bays for thestudent of coast scenery; old mills and cottages, with trees andstreams, for the lover of sylvan beauty. The rugged grandeur of theLandslip and Undercliff will furnish subjects that yield delight inthe interpretation of their romantic interest. The earnest studentof Geology will find enhanced interest in the fact that withinshort distances many successive formations can be studied; the highinclination of the strata bringing to the surface the differentformations. The gentle undulations of the land also furnish greatopportunities for pictorial expression. The Botanist may here findan almost inexhaustible store of treasures. Wild flowers and fernsabound in great variety. 

To those who have never visited the Island, the accompanyingillustrations will unfold sufficient of its beauty to give someidea of its resources. Being reproductions from actual photographsthey may be relied upon as being true to Nature. There is greatdiversity in the scenery, and a holiday can be enjoyed amid itsbeauties which can scarcely be surpassed. It may be truly describedas the Garden of England, and some of its scenes are here presentedin the hope that those who inspect its beauties as here transcribedwill be induced to visit and see it for themselves. 

[Illustration: _Steephill Castle, Ventnor. _]

STEEPHILL CASTLE, VENTNOR. --Within a mile of Ventnor, and close tothe Town Station of the Isle of Wight Central Railway, is SteephillCastle with its beautiful and extensive grounds. From every pointoutside the Castle is well embowered in trees, only the tower beingvisible. It was built in 1835 by I. Hambrough, Esq. The architecturalfeatures are well displayed from inside the garden. The view fromthe tower is very fine. In 1874 the Empress of Austria stayed here, and hunted with the Isle of Wight hounds during her visit. It isoccupied at the present time by Mr. And Mrs. Morgan Richards, theparents of "John Oliver Hobbes" (Mrs. Craigie), who is a frequentvisitor. 

[Illustration: _Appuldurcombe Abbey. _]

APPULDURCOMBE ABBEY. --The ancient seat of the Worsley family, thepresent building was erected in the eighteenth century by Sir RobertWorsley. Here the Benedictine monks had a Priory in the time ofHenry III. It was dissolved by Henry V, Sir Richard Worsley died in1805, and the house became the property of the Earl of Yarborough, who had married the niece and heiress of the family. After beingused as a school for many years, it is now occupied by Benedictinemonks, In a beautiful park of four hundred acres, with a lofty downbehind it, the house appears to be a well secluded and charmingretreat. There is a public footpath through the meadow in frontof the house. 

[Illustration: _Steephill Cove, near Ventnor. _]

STEEPHILL COVE, NEAR VENTNOR. --Taking the cliff path from Ventnorto the west within a little more than a mile there opens out to viewthis pretty Cove. It is a place for painters, and its lovelinessin all varieties of Nature's many moods, has found admirers. Thecottages nestling under the banks, its parti-coloured gardens, with enclosing pebble walls, its boats and crab-pots, with thedistant cliffs in succession, all combine in a composition thatstrikes the beholder with a conviction of its beauty. 

[Illustration: _Shanklin Esplanade, from Rylstone. _]

SHANKLIN ESPLANADE, FROM RYLSTONE. --This favourite view, which shewsnearly the whole of Shanklin Pier, also includes in the distance theCulver Cliff. Taken from the Garden of Rylstone, overlooking the footof the Chine, it forms a most attractive scene. The cliff pathwayon the green to the right, the winding road and broad esplanade, with the wide expanse of sands, furnish a characteristic view ofthe principal features of Shanklin front. The level sands form asafe and pleasant bathing-ground when covered by the sea. Boatingtoo is popular, it being within easy reach of beautiful bays inthe direction of Luccombe. 

[Illustration: _Gateway, Carisbrooke Castle. _]

GATEWAY, CARISBROOKE CASTLE. --This noble gateway tower was erectedby Anthony Woodville, Lord Scales, in the year 1464, and is stillin good preservation. The outer gateway was erected in the time ofQueen Elizabeth, when a great extension of the grounds enclosedwas made. 

 "The battled towers, the dungeon keep, The loop-hole grates where captives weep, The flanking walls that round it sweep In yellow lustre shone. " (Scott). 

The old massive doors have been removed recently and replaced bya lighter structure. 

[Illustration: _Osborne House Terrace. _]

OSBORNE HOUSE. --This view of Osborne from the south lawn is themost picturesque, and gives the late Queen's apartments standingout in bold relief in the centre of the picture. The terraces belowadorn the building, and the rosary which extends on the right tothe lawn is gay with a blaze of colour in the month of June. Nowthat Osborne has been made into a Naval College, the grounds areopen to visitors on Fridays in the winter, and on Tuesdays andFridays in the summer season; it is visited by many thousands duringthe year. 

[Illustration: _The Pond, Bonchurch. _]

THE POND, BONCHURCH. --One of the show places of the Isle of Wightknown throughout the world by the lovely pictures that have beenmade of it. It has lately fallen into disrepute by the destructionof some of its beautiful trees, but more specially by the leakageof the pond which left it stagnant, dirty, and partly dry. Thishas now to a large extent been remedied, and the pond once moreassumes its former aspect, giving reflection in its surface tothe lovely forms of beautiful foliage with which it is overhung. The village is one mile from Ventnor. 

[Illustration: _St. Catherine's Lighthouse. _]

ST. CATHERINE'S LIGHTHOUSE. --Formerly the Lighthouse stood uponthe Downs, but the prevalence of sea mists during certain portionsof the year which obscured the light, at last led to the erectionof the present building near the margin of the sea. It is one ofthe most powerful lights in the world, sending its rays far outover the sea and land as it revolves. When the sea mists arise ithas a powerful foghorn which can be heard for many miles. Closeby is the reef at Rockenend, on which many a gallant ship has beenbroken up. 

[Illustration: _Ferncliffe Pleasure Gardens, Sandown. _]

FERNCLIFFE PLEASURE GARDENS, SANDOWN. --These beautiful groundshave lately been acquired by a syndicate of leading residents, with the view of their ultimate acquisition for the town. The houseis available for refreshments, and the Gardens, which are wellwooded, are pleasant to ramble in. There are little nooks and seatsoverlooking the bay in several directions. It is already provinga great attraction to the town. 

[Illustration: _The Needles. _]

THE NEEDLES. --When walking on the Downs from freshwater to theNeedles, following the path by the military fence, this pictureof the Needles comes suddenly into view, and is a very impressivesight. The Needles themselves are stacks of upper chalk, with flints, and are the remains of an extension of the chalk. The cliffs hereare about four hundred feet in height, and at their base the seabreaks frequently in a long surf line on the steep shingly shore. In calm weather visitors engage boatmen at Totland and Alum Bays totake them in boats through the Needles and land them in ScratchelsBay. 

[Illustration: _Shanklin Old Village. _]

SHANKLIN OLD VILLAGE. --One of the most charming old-world pictures, which still retains its rustic simplicity. Multitudes of visitorsfrom all parts of the world yearly visit this relic of Old Shanklin. Pretty thatched cottages can be seen in many parts of the Island, but nowhere is there such a combination, there being three differentstyles of roof in thatch, the setting in a background of treescompleting the illusion of the country. In the angle where thefigures stand is the rustic fountain on which hangs the shield withthe verse written by the poet Longfellow when staying at Hollier'sHotel, Shanklin, in 1869. 

 "O traveller, stay thy weary feet, Drink of this fountain cool and sweet, It flows for rich and poor the same: Then go thy way, remembering still The wayside well beneath the hill, The cup of water in His name. "

[Illustration: _Stone Bridge in Shanklin Chine. _]

STONE BRIDGE IN SHANKLIN CHINE. --About half-way through the Chinethe ravine is spanned by an arched Stone Bridge which, in conjunctionwith the steep banks with trees and ferns, makes a fine pictorialeffect. Many of the trees are a great height, having been drawnup in seeking the light above the cliffs, which in this place area considerable height. The stream flows along the narrow channelunder the bridge. 

[Illustration: _Chine Hollow, Shanklin. _]

CHINE HOLLOW, SHANKLIN. --This charming lane leads from ShanklinChine direct to the Landslip. Close to the head of the Chine andwithin two minutes' walk of the Old Village it forms a beautifulshady retreat on a summer day. The steep banks are of bright redand yellow sandrock beds, out of which trees have grown and verdantvegetation has found a footing until the whole is covered withNature's mantle of beauty. The view is taken coming from the Landslipand looking towards the Chine, Old Village, and town. 

[Illustration: _View Across the Foot of Shanklin Chine. _]

VIEW ACROSS THE FOOT OF SHANKLIN CHINE. --From the shelter of apretty nook in which seats are provided, Shanklin sands and cliffsappear in all their exquisite beauty. A wide stretch of sand fromthe foot of the Chine to the fine cliffs of lower Greensand suppliesa playground for multitudes of happy children. Under the cliffis a happy camping-ground, in which numerous tents are put up inthe season. The fisherman's cottage, with its rough stone wallsand roof of thatch, forms a pleasing subject in many a picture. Half-way to the cliff are steps leading up to Appley Cliff intothe village, or on to the Landslip. 

[Illustration: _Shanklin Chine. _]

SHANKLIN CHINE. --A scene of sylvan loveliness beyond description. Winding paths extending from the shore for about one hundred yards, through one continuous bower of beauty, bring you to the head wherein the wet season there is a cascade. In the summer the banks areone mass of ferns and foliage of varied form and colours. Quietnooks are to be found where, during the heat of the day, a bookcan be enjoyed in the cool shade of the trees. Shanklin has thereputation of being the cleanest town in England. It is certainlythe most beautiful in the Isle of Wight. 

[Illustration: _Stone Seat--The Landslip. _]

STONE SEAT--THE LANDSLIP. --The Landslip which lies between Shanklinand Ventnor is a favourite resort to the inhabitants and visitors ofboth places. The catastrophe that wrought this magic transformationhas resulted in producing scenery of entrancing beauty. The effortsof Nature to cover and hide the deformities of riven rocks andyawning chasms have produced trees of fantastic shape and remarkablediversity. The broken rocks afford sustenance for many plants, thechloritic marl liberated making the ground wonderfully fertile. This stone seat forms a natural throne on which many parties havefound a trysting-place. As it stands in the principal pathway itis a well-known resting-place. 

[Illustration: _On the Road to Blackgang. _]

ON THE ROAD TO BLACKGANG. --"One of the most charming drives inEngland, " is the verdict of many visitors to the far-famed Undercliff, as they go through shady groves and again emerge under the weather-worncraggy cliffs above the road. In spring the ground under the treesis carpeted with flowers, and the winding road uphill and downcreates a transformation scene at every turn. There is no rest forthe eye, and all the faculties are awake to enjoy a new sensationof delight as each corner in the road is turned. It is a perfectfairy land, and the rugged walls are half hidden by multitudesof plants which enhance the lights upon the stone. 

[Illustration: _Windy Corner--The Undercliff. _]

WINDY CORNER--THE UNDERCLIFF. --One of the most romantic districtsin the whole of England is the Undercliff, extending for five milesfrom Ventnor to Blackgang Chine. Its beauty has been caused by theslipping away of the Gault clay, letting down the masses of UpperGreensand rock. The chert beds of the cliff have been weatheredout by wind and rain into forms of rugged beauty, while the brokenand undulating ground below is filled with flowers and vegetationof the most wonderful and varied character, scattered rocks peepingout among the foliage furnishing bits of a most attractive characterto the artist and photographer. 

[Illustration: _Ventnor, looking East. _]

VENTNOR, LOOKING EAST. --The differences of elevation afford tomost of the houses in Ventnor practically uninterrupted views ofthe sea. The sheltered nature of the site also furnishes a mostcongenial climate, in which plants and shrubs in great varietyflourish. The horned poppy adorns the cliffs, and valerian andtamarisk thrive even during the winter months. Its peculiaritiesof climate and position render it a highly favourable residencefor invalids throughout the year. It would be difficult to name anyplace of equal extent and variety of surface, or of equal beautyin point of scenery--so completely screened from the cutting N. E. Winds of spring. 

[Illustration: _Ventnor, from the Sea. _]

VENTNOR, FROM THE SEA. --Built on the slopes of the hill, Ventnorpresents from the sea a remarkable and magnificent picture. Eachhouse being at a different elevation, commands sunshine all theday. Sheltered from the cold wind, trees and flowers flourish andretain their beauty during the winter. When the golden gorse andpurple heather are in bloom upon the downs it forms a most attractivescene. Steamboat trips daily during the summer furnish the visitorswith abundant opportunities of enjoying this vision of beauty. TheRailway Station lies between the hills behind the Church spire. The Town Station of the Isle of Wight Central Railway lies to theleft beyond the Park. 

[Illustration: _Ventnor, looking West. _]

VENTNOR, LOOKING WEST. --From this point Ventnor is beautiful bothin summer and in winter. The setting sun on a winter day is a sightworth travelling far to see, and in summer the white chalk cliffsof the foreground are clothed with crimson valerian, mingled withbright green samphire, while the gardens below, with the miniaturelake, are full of colour. These effects, together with the housesperched on every conceivable vantage point of rock and surroundedwith vegetation of varied hue, make up a picture of entrancingbeauty. There is a good Pier for promenading and fishing as wellas for steamboat excursions. 

[Illustration: _Old Oak Tree--The Landslip. _]

OLD OAK TREE--THE LANDSLIP. --This is one of the many specimensof fantastic growth to be found in the Landslip, and is a greatcontrast to the tall and stately beech trees that grow in the Cloistersnearer to the upper cliff. It resembles very much the serpent-treewhich was painted by Turner. This part of the Landslip is full ofgreat diversities of form and situation, some appearing to growdirect out of the rocks. The white scented violet grows here ingreat profusion in April. 

[Illustration: _Blackgang Chine. _]

BLACKGANG CHINE. --This view of Blackgang exhibits its wild andrugged grandeur. The cliffs rise to a height of four hundred feetabove sea level. The surf-line breaking on the red beach far belowon the left, with the broad expanse of sea beyond, is very fine. The cliffs in the middle distance consist of the sands and claysof the lower Greensand formation, and are constantly falling andbeing eroded by the waves. The breakers on the shore at Blackgangare very grand in stormy weather, the beach being very steep andthe water deep outside, a great volume rolls in with magnificenteffect and thunderous sound. Geologically it is of great interest, the beds of the lower Greensand being more fully developed herethan elsewhere, a thickness of almost eight hundred feet beingexhibited in this neighbourhood. 

[Illustration: _Swiss Cottage, Osborne. _]

SWISS COTTAGE, OSBORNE. --The grounds of Osborne House contain fivethousand acres, the lawn sloping down to the sea adjoining thegrounds of Norris Castle. A sheltered portion of the garden containsa large number of trees and shrubs from Indian and foreign climes. In the vicinity of this Indian garden is Swiss Cottage, formingan architectural contrast to Osborne House, and surrounded withtrees and flowers that make it appear quite a little paradise. 

[Illustration: _The Floating Bridge, Cowes. _]

THE FLOATING BRIDGE, COWES. --East Cowes is reached by crossing inthis bridge, which goes backwards and forwards across the mouthof the Medina, conveying carts, carriages, coaches, and motor cars, as well as passengers. It works on chains which pass under it, fastened to the shore at each end. It is a novel experience tomany people when they find the coachman drive his four-horse coachfull of passengers down the slope on to the bridge, and then offagain at the other side. 

[Illustration: _Whippingham Church. _]

WHIPPINGHAM CHURCH. --About a mile south of Osborne is WhippinghamChurch, a cruciform structure from designs furnished by the latePrince Consort. Before a private Chapel was added at Osborne theRoyal Family often attended. The aisles which contain seats forthe Royal Household are divided from the Chancel by ornamentedarcades. The north aisle is converted into a Mortuary Chapel inmemory of Prince Henry of Battenberg. Mural tablets to PrincessAlice, the Duke of Albany, and a medallion bust to the Prince Consorthave been erected by Her late Majesty; also a medallion to SirHenry Ponsonby, whose tomb is in the Churchyard. From the backof the Church there is a fine view of the river Medina, lookingtowards Newport, the capital of the Island. 

[Illustration: _The Pier, Cowes. _]

THE PIER, COWES. --The new Pier and Esplanade from an attractivefeature at Cowes. When emerging from its narrow streets you comeout into the wide open expanse of Esplanade, it is a great relief. The Marine Hotel forms a prominent object. East Cowes is to be seenin the distance. This view is taken from close to the entrance tothe Royal Yacht Squadron Grounds and Landing Stage. 

[Illustration: _Royal Yacht Squadron Club House, Cowes. _]

ROYAL YACHT SQUADRON CLUB HOUSE, COWES. --The Club House was originallyone of the fortresses built by Henry VIII. For the defence of theIsland. In the time of Charles I. It became a prison. It is nowrented from the Commissioners of Woods and forests by the Club. It is a scene of gaiety and animation during the first week inAugust, which is the Cowes week of the season. Crowds gather nearthe slipway to see the royal and noble passengers land when theyachting season is on. The Causeway leads to the Green which iscrowded during the racing. On fireworks-night this thoroughfareis densely packed from end to end. 

[Illustration: _High Street and Queen Victoria Memorial, Newport. _]

HIGH STREET AND QUEEN VICTORIA MEMORIAL, NEWPORT. --The ancientborough of Newport is the capital of the Island. Its streets areusually busy, and on market days are quite gay and animated. TheCounty Petty Sessional Court is held every Saturday in the TownHall, which is also the meeting-place of the Town Council. TheIsle of Wight County Council meets at the Technical Institute, as does also the Education Authority. In the same building is theFree Library, the gift of Sir Charles Seeley, Bart. , who also paysthe librarian's salary, with the water rent secured from the TownCouncil for the splendid supply, recently acquired from the estateof Sir Charles at Bowcombe. The Diamond Jubilee Memorial to Herlate Majesty is erected on the spot where at the Jubilee, in 1887, Her Royal Highness received an address of congratulation from theinhabitants of the Isle of Wight. Newport contains the old GrammarSchool where Charles I. Held his conference with representatives ofthe Parliament, and many other buildings of historical interest. The monument to the Princess Elizabeth, daughter of Charles I. , is in St. Thomas' Church. 

[Illustration: _Steps to the Keep, Carisbrooke Castle. _]

STEPS TO THE KEEP, CARISBROOKE CASTLE. --As a memorial of a bygoneage how interesting are the steps to the keep, the last resort ofthe besieged, from which it would be difficult to dislodge them, without great loss. The well which furnished them with water is nowdry, but can still be seen. The battlements furnish the visitorwith a magnificent view of the country in every direction. Thesteps, seventy-two in number, are somewhat steep. The walls arecovered with climbing plants. Shelter is afforded by trees andbushes, while access is given at the back of the ancient buildingsin the Castle, to facilitate escape in case of surprise. 

[Illustration: _Carisbrooke Village. _]

CARISBROOKE VILLAGE. --The village of Carisbrooke is beautifullysituated. The Church, embowered among the trees, stands on an elevatedsite close to the Priory, with which it was associated. The Chancelwas destroyed in Queen Elizabeth's reign by Lord Walsingham, whoseobligation it was to have kept it in repair. The Pulpit is a relicof Puritan times, dated 1658, very small and plain. It was evidentlynot intended for the preacher to sit down, as nails stick up inthe very small seat. The Lukely stream runs through the village. The view here shown is taken from the Beech Grove, a very beautifulwalk leading to Carisbrooke Castle. 

[Illustration: _Quarr Abbey, W. Ryde. _]

QUARR ABBEY, W. RYDE. --The distance of the Abbey from Ryde is aboutthree miles. It is a favourite walk from Spencer Road, viā TheLovers' Walk, past Binstead Church, through Quarr Wood. This portionis occupied as a farm, but remains of the old Abbey are scatteredabout, portions still standing to testify its extent and importance. The walk may be continued through the archway on to Fishbourne. Inthe wood the daffodil is plentiful, primroses, lungwort, and the blueiris also abound in their season. The Wood has been very extensivelyquarried for the limestone, with which Winchester Cathedral andmany Churches were built. There are pathways through the Wood downto the shore, forming very pleasing vistas through the overhangingtrees. 

[Illustration: _Spencer Road, Ryde. _]

SPENCER ROAD, RYDE. --It is an advantage for a town to possess pleasantshady walks within a short distance of its main streets. Ryde isfavoured in this respect. Within five minutes' walk from the TownHall, passing St. James' Church, is Spencer Road. It is a favouritepromenade, enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. A morning strollin spring when birds are singing from every bush and tree is verydelightful. It is a fine avenue extending several hundred yardsand opening out into the main road to Newport. By entering thegate on the right at the junction, the walk may be continued pastBinstead Church through Quarr Wood to Quarr Abbey. 

[Illustration: _Ryde, from the Pier. _]

RYDE, FROM THE PIER. --The situation of the town is favourable asa principal entrance to the Island, the passage from Portsmouthby steamboat occupying about twenty minutes. The Pier (toll 2d. )is 4, 000 feet in length, and is in three portions--for pedestriansand boating, electric railway, and the Isle of Wight Railway. Thereis a fine pavilion and bandstand at the end. Crowds of people finda never failing source of interest on the pier, yachting, boating, and fishing. On summer afternoons it is a gay and charming scene. The town is built on a gentle slope, and the houses command fineand extensive views. It has the largest population of any townin the Island, about 11, 000 inhabitants. 

[Illustration: _Apley Tower, Ryde. _]

APLEY TOWER, RYDE. --Within one and a half miles of Ryde the wallis a continuation of the Esplanade in the direction of Spring Valeand Sea View. The wall furnishes a means of defence against theencroachment of the sea, as well as a thoroughfare for pedestriantraffic. Bicycles are also used on it to some extent. When the tideis out a wide stretch of sands is exposed, and crowds of childrenuse it as a pleasure ground, finding beautiful seaweed and shells. The walk can be continued round the further point into Sea View. 

[Illustration: _Totland Bay. _]

TOTLAND BAY. --This charming resort has sprung into prominence andgrown very fast during the last few years. Many of the houses arevery picturesque and beautiful for situation, most of them withred-tiled roofs, which when toned a little more by time will bevery beautiful among the trees. There is a pier, and during summera regular service of boats from Lymington, as well as excursiontraffic. The beach is steep and so you can bathe at any state ofthe tide. A reading-room on the shore is much patronised. The GreenCliff Walk is very delightful, and as the channel here is narrowthere is a never-failing interest in the ships that pass in and outquite near. The front lacks shade in the hottest days of summer. It has great interest for the geological student, being close toHeadon Hill and Alum Bay. 

[Illustration: _Sandown, looking West. _]

SANDOWN, LOOKING WEST. --Sandown is celebrated for its fine stretchof sands which are easy of access, and forms an extensive pleasureground for the children. There is also a fine esplanade for promenading, which in the season is well patronised. In this view the groundsof Ferncliff can be seen behind the Arcade Bazaar, and there is acliff path to Shanklin on the top. The picturesque fishing villagelies under the cliff, slightly to the west. Sandown Railway Stationis a junction with the Isle of Wight and I. W. Central Railway. Near the station is the celebrated Secondary School of the Isleof Wight Education Authority. 

[Illustration: _Tennyson's Avenue, Freshwater. _]

TENNYSON'S AVENUE, FRESHWATER. --Leading from the main road, nearStark's Hotel, is a lane giving access to the Downs and leadingto the Avenue, across which is a small wooden bridge connectingLord Tennyson's grounds. A quiet, secluded spot yet visited bycrowds of admirers of the late Laureate. Tennyson loved retirement, and in scenes like these, surrounded with the loveliness of Nature, the breathings of his genius found full and free expression. Thelane may be pursued under the bridge past the farm into the AlumBay Road. 

[Illustration: _Freshwater Bay. _]

FRESHWATER BAY. --To those who desire to escape from the noise andtraffic of the city, Freshwater Bay affords a delightful retreat. During the bright days of summer the sea breaks in gentle murmuron the sand and shingle of the beach, but in winter when lashedby S. W. Gales "it tumbles a billow on chalk and sand. " The roarof the ocean can be heard for miles inland. The esplanade shown inthe picture has been destroyed by the breakers. Temporary repairshave been effected, but a fierce controversy is still raging asto the ultimate solution of the question, how to prevent furtherencroachment, and the L. G. B. Has been appealed to for help. 

[Illustration: _Farringford, Freshwater, Lord Tennyson's Residence. _]

FARRINGFORD, FRESHWATER, LORD TENNYSON'S RESIDENCE. --The residenceof the late Laureate is in the neighbourhood between freshwaterGate and Alum Bay, secluded by trees almost to invisibility. Thefront is covered with greenery, a fine magnolia growing round andover the front door. From under the lateral branches of a finespreading cedar tree the Poet could look into Freshwater Bay andyet himself not be seen. The park-like grounds are pleasant towalk in, and are open to the inspection of visitors on Thursdaysat certain seasons. In his poem of invitation to Rev. F. D. Mauricein 1854 he well describes it:

 "Where far from smoke and noise of town, I watch the twilight falling brown, All round a careless order'd garden, Close to the ridge of a noble down. "

[Illustration: _Godshill Church. _]

GODSHILL CHURCH. --Built in a striking and conspicuous situation, Godshill Church is visible from many distant points of the surroundingcountry--a good example of Early Perpendicular architecture, acruciform structure having two equal aisles of its whole length, with a fine pinnacled tower and sancte-bell turret in the southtransept gable. The tower has been recently rebuilt, having beenshattered in a thunderstorm in January, 1904, when the clock face wastorn out and thrown out into the churchyard. It contains monumentsto the Worsley family and the tomb of Sir John Leigh; also a finepainting, of the school of Rubens, of Daniel in the Lions' Den. There are tea-gardens in the village for the accommodation of thenumerous visitors who throng there from Shanklin, Sandown, andother places in the vicinity. There is also the old village inn, the Griffon. 

[Illustration: _Little Jane's Cottage, Brading. _]

LITTLE JANE'S COTTAGE, BRADING. --This cottage still retains itsoriginal appearance with thatched roof and diamond window-panes, a real old-fashioned Isle of Wight cottage, many of which are fastdisappearing. The little forecourt and garden are well kept. Thegreenery covering the front, of plants of great variety, from theyellow jessamine to the red fuchsia, with flowers under and aroundthe windows, combine in completing a picture of great beauty. HereJane the young cottager lived when Rev. Legh Richmond was Vicarof Brading in the early part of last century. Her tombstone isat the back of Brading Church. 

[Illustration: _The Sundial, Brading. _]

THE SUNDIAL, BRADING. --When clocks and watches were not common, a sundial was of great service to the public. This old dial, withits well-worn steps, is situated in the churchyard at the back ofthe Church, close to the footpath leading to the Vicarage. Theview from the churchyard across to Bembridge Down is very pleasing. 

[Illustration: _The Pier, Sea View. _]

THE PIER, SEA VIEW. --This pretty little watering-place is rapidlyrising into prominence as a fashionable resort. The Pier is anelegant structure suspended from piles, and affords an easy andrapid approach from Portsmouth and Southsea by steamboat, and duringthe summer there is a regular service of boats, as well as excursiontraffic. There are also many coach and motor excursions from variousparts of the island. Sea View is three miles from Ryde. Many prettyvillas have recently been built to accommodate the increasing numberof visitors. 

[Illustration: _View in Ventnor Park. _]

VIEW IN VENTNOR PARK. --The acquisition by the town of the siteof the Park was a wise and good thing. The differences of levelafford many advantages: those who like the sea breezes can walkon the upper promenade green where enchanting views of sea andland meet the eye at every point. Quiet nooks like that of thepicture can be found in the lower and more sheltered grounds. Thevisitor can choose shade or sunshine at command. Alongside of carefulculture of flowers and shrubs, wild nature also asserts itself, not having been ruthlessly suppressed. 

[Illustration: _Monk's Bay, Bonchurch. _]

MONK'S BAY, BONCHURCH. --This quiet retreat is at the Ventnor endof the Landslip and within a short distance of Old Bonchurch. Thetwo thatched cottages are almost grown in, and the bright red cliffwhich forms the prominent feature consists of the topmost bedsof the lower Greensand. The lower beds behind the cottage are ofgeological interest from the diversity of colour in the beds. Thesands are white and firm, and there are rocks and pools where childrenlove to play. Close by is the path leading through the Landslip toShanklin. 

[Illustration: _The Downs, Ventnor. _]

THE DOWNS, VENTNOR. --The elevation of the Downs above Ventnor affordsan opportunity of enjoying most romantic and charming scenery, andof being refreshed with health-giving breezes. There are pathsleading to Wroxall, also to Shanklin, unfolding a succession ofviews it would be difficult to rival. When the golden gorse andpurple heather are in bloom it presents a glorious prospect tothe vision. The footpath leading to the Downs is by the railwaystation, or access may be had from near the Cemetery. The prospectfrom the slopes of the Down toward the town and sea is very extensiveand impressive. 

[Illustration: _The Cascade, Ventnor. _]

THE CASCADE, VENTNOR. --It was a happy thought when the town acquiredthe triangle which includes the Cascade, the water of which once wentto supply Ventnor Mill. By the planting of creeping plants, of monkeymusk and a number of other beautiful flowers, this neglected cornerhas been turned into a garden of loveliness. It is like a littlecorner of Switzerland, and all within sight of a busy thoroughfare. The band plays on the green below to the sound of falling water. In the heat of summer the very sound of it is refreshing. 

[Illustration: _Shanklin Esplanade from Rylstone. _]

SHANKLIN ESPLANADE, FROM RYLSTONE. --This favourite view, which shewsnearly the whole of Shanklin Pier, also includes in the distance theCulver Cliff. Taken from the Garden of Rylstone, overlooking the footof the Chine, it forms a most attractive scene. The cliff pathwayon the green to the right, the winding road and broad esplanade, with the wide expanse of sands, furnish a characteristic view ofthe principal features of Shanklin front. The level sands form asafe and pleasant bathing-ground when covered by the sea. Boatingtoo is popular, it being within easy reach of beautiful bays inthe direction of Luccombe. 

[Illustration: _The Old Church, Bonchurch. _]

THE OLD CHURCH, BONCHURCH. --In addition to the beautiful situationand the essential loveliness of the subject, Old Bonchurch has manyassociations of attraction. It is no longer used for services, except an occasional funeral. In the churchyard John Sterling'sgrave and the grave of the Rev. J. Adams, author of the "Shadowof the Cross, " interest a great many visitors, the latter havinga raised horizontal cross, which casts a shadow on the stone whenthe sun shines. The old porch is an object of beauty, crowned withroses and honeysuckle, the red tiled roof relieved with thick massesof ivy, while over it the tall elm-trees stand, as though to shelterit from every stormy blast.