Part 2

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

WINDY CORNER--THE UNDERCLIFF.--One of the most romantic districts in the whole of England is the Undercliff, extending for five miles from Ventnor to Blackgang Chine. Its beauty has been caused by the slipping away of the Gault clay, letting down the masses of Upper Greensand rock. The chert beds of the cliff have been weathered out by wind and rain into forms of rugged beauty, while the broken and undulating ground below is filled with flowers and vegetation of the most wonderful and varied character, scattered rocks peeping out among the foliage furnishing bits of a most attractive character to the artist and photographer.

VENTNOR, LOOKING EAST.--The differences of elevation afford to most of the houses in Ventnor practically uninterrupted views of the sea. The sheltered nature of the site also furnishes a most congenial climate, in which plants and shrubs in great variety flourish. The horned poppy adorns the cliffs, and valerian and tamarisk thrive even during the winter months. Its peculiarities of climate and position render it a highly favourable residence for invalids throughout the year. It would be difficult to name any place of equal extent and variety of surface, or of equal beauty in point of scenery--so completely screened from the cutting N.E. winds of spring.

VENTNOR, FROM THE SEA.--Built on the slopes of the hill, Ventnor presents from the sea a remarkable and magnificent picture. Each house being at a different elevation, commands sunshine all the day. Sheltered from the cold wind, trees and flowers flourish and retain their beauty during the winter. When the golden gorse and purple heather are in bloom upon the downs it forms a most attractive scene. Steamboat trips daily during the summer furnish the visitors with abundant opportunities of enjoying this vision of beauty. The Railway Station lies between the hills behind the Church spire. The Town Station of the Isle of Wight Central Railway lies to the left beyond the Park.

VENTNOR, LOOKING WEST.--From this point Ventnor is beautiful both in summer and in winter. The setting sun on a winter day is a sight worth travelling far to see, and in summer the white chalk cliffs of the foreground are clothed with crimson valerian, mingled with bright green samphire, while the gardens below, with the miniature lake, are full of colour. These effects, together with the houses perched on every conceivable vantage point of rock and surrounded with vegetation of varied hue, make up a picture of entrancing beauty. There is a good Pier for promenading and fishing as well as for steamboat excursions.

OLD OAK TREE--THE LANDSLIP.--This is one of the many specimens of fantastic growth to be found in the Landslip, and is a great contrast to the tall and stately beech trees that grow in the Cloisters nearer to the upper cliff. It resembles very much the serpent-tree which was painted by Turner. This part of the Landslip is full of great diversities of form and situation, some appearing to grow direct out of the rocks. The white scented violet grows here in great profusion in April.

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

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

THE FLOATING BRIDGE, COWES.--East Cowes is reached by crossing in this bridge, which goes backwards and forwards across the mouth of 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 to many people when they find the coachman drive his four-horse coach full of passengers down the slope on to the bridge, and then off again at the other side.

WHIPPINGHAM CHURCH.--About a mile south of Osborne is Whippingham Church, a cruciform structure from designs furnished by the late Prince Consort. Before a private Chapel was added at Osborne the Royal Family often attended. The aisles which contain seats for the Royal Household are divided from the Chancel by ornamented arcades. The north aisle is converted into a Mortuary Chapel in memory of Prince Henry of Battenberg. Mural tablets to Princess Alice, the Duke of Albany, and a medallion bust to the Prince Consort have been erected by Her late Majesty; also a medallion to Sir Henry Ponsonby, whose tomb is in the Churchyard. From the back of the Church there is a fine view of the river Medina, looking towards Newport, the capital of the Island.

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

ROYAL YACHT SQUADRON CLUB HOUSE, COWES.--The Club House was originally one of the fortresses built by Henry VIII. for the defence of the Island. In the time of Charles I. it became a prison. It is now rented from the Commissioners of Woods and forests by the Club. It is a scene of gaiety and animation during the first week in August, which is the Cowes week of the season. Crowds gather near the slipway to see the royal and noble passengers land when the yachting season is on. The Causeway leads to the Green which is crowded during the racing. On fireworks-night this thoroughfare is densely packed from end to end.

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

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

CARISBROOKE VILLAGE.--The village of Carisbrooke is beautifully situated. The Church, embowered among the trees, stands on an elevated site close to the Priory, with which it was associated. The Chancel was destroyed in Queen Elizabeth's reign by Lord Walsingham, whose obligation it was to have kept it in repair. The Pulpit is a relic of Puritan times, dated 1658, very small and plain. It was evidently not intended for the preacher to sit down, as nails stick up in the very small seat. The Lukely stream runs through the village. The view here shown is taken from the Beech Grove, a very beautiful walk leading to Carisbrooke Castle.

QUARR ABBEY, W. RYDE.--The distance of the Abbey from Ryde is about three miles. It is a favourite walk from Spencer Road, via The Lovers' Walk, past Binstead Church, through Quarr Wood. This portion is occupied as a farm, but remains of the old Abbey are scattered about, portions still standing to testify its extent and importance. The walk may be continued through the archway on to Fishbourne. In the wood the daffodil is plentiful, primroses, lungwort, and the blue iris also abound in their season. The Wood has been very extensively quarried for the limestone, with which Winchester Cathedral and many Churches were built. There are pathways through the Wood down to the shore, forming very pleasing vistas through the overhanging trees.

SPENCER ROAD, RYDE.--It is an advantage for a town to possess pleasant shady walks within a short distance of its main streets. Ryde is favoured in this respect. Within five minutes' walk from the Town Hall, passing St. James' Church, is Spencer Road. It is a favourite promenade, enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. A morning stroll in spring when birds are singing from every bush and tree is very delightful. It is a fine avenue extending several hundred yards and opening out into the main road to Newport. By entering the gate on the right at the junction, the walk may be continued past Binstead Church through Quarr Wood to Quarr Abbey.

RYDE, FROM THE PIER.--The situation of the town is favourable as a principal entrance to the Island, the passage from Portsmouth by steamboat occupying about twenty minutes. The Pier (toll 2d.) is 4,000 feet in length, and is in three portions--for pedestrians and boating, electric railway, and the Isle of Wight Railway. There is a fine pavilion and bandstand at the end. Crowds of people find a 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 fine and extensive views. It has the largest population of any town in the Island, about 11,000 inhabitants.

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

TOTLAND BAY.--This charming resort has sprung into prominence and grown very fast during the last few years. Many of the houses are very picturesque and beautiful for situation, most of them with red-tiled roofs, which when toned a little more by time will be very beautiful among the trees. There is a pier, and during summer a regular service of boats from Lymington, as well as excursion traffic. The beach is steep and so you can bathe at any state of the tide. A reading-room on the shore is much patronised. The Green Cliff Walk is very delightful, and as the channel here is narrow there is a never-failing interest in the ships that pass in and out quite near. The front lacks shade in the hottest days of summer. It has great interest for the geological student, being close to Headon Hill and Alum Bay.

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

TENNYSON'S AVENUE, FRESHWATER.--Leading from the main road, near Stark's Hotel, is a lane giving access to the Downs and leading to the Avenue, across which is a small wooden bridge connecting Lord Tennyson's grounds. A quiet, secluded spot yet visited by crowds 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. The lane may be pursued under the bridge past the farm into the Alum Bay Road.

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

FARRINGFORD, FRESHWATER, LORD TENNYSON'S RESIDENCE.--The residence of the late Laureate is in the neighbourhood between freshwater Gate and Alum Bay, secluded by trees almost to invisibility. The front is covered with greenery, a fine magnolia growing round and over the front door. From under the lateral branches of a fine spreading cedar tree the Poet could look into Freshwater Bay and yet himself not be seen. The park-like grounds are pleasant to walk in, and are open to the inspection of visitors on Thursdays at certain seasons. In his poem of invitation to Rev. F. D. Maurice in 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."

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

LITTLE JANE'S COTTAGE, BRADING.--This cottage still retains its original appearance with thatched roof and diamond window-panes, a real old-fashioned Isle of Wight cottage, many of which are fast disappearing. The little forecourt and garden are well kept. The greenery covering the front, of plants of great variety, from the yellow jessamine to the red fuchsia, with flowers under and around the windows, combine in completing a picture of great beauty. Here Jane the young cottager lived when Rev. Legh Richmond was Vicar of Brading in the early part of last century. Her tombstone is at the back of Brading Church.

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