Part 3

THE PIER, SEA VIEW.--This pretty little watering-place is rapidly rising into prominence as a fashionable resort. The Pier is an elegant structure suspended from piles, and affords an easy and rapid approach from Portsmouth and Southsea by steamboat, and during the summer there is a regular service of boats, as well as excursion traffic. There are also many coach and motor excursions from various parts of the island. Sea View is three miles from Ryde. Many pretty villas have recently been built to accommodate the increasing number of visitors.

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

MONK'S BAY, BONCHURCH.--This quiet retreat is at the Ventnor end of the Landslip and within a short distance of Old Bonchurch. The two thatched cottages are almost grown in, and the bright red cliff which forms the prominent feature consists of the topmost beds of the lower Greensand. The lower beds behind the cottage are of geological interest from the diversity of colour in the beds. The sands are white and firm, and there are rocks and pools where children love to play. Close by is the path leading through the Landslip to Shanklin.

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

THE CASCADE, VENTNOR.--It was a happy thought when the town acquired the triangle which includes the Cascade, the water of which once went to supply Ventnor Mill. By the planting of creeping plants, of monkey musk and a number of other beautiful flowers, this neglected corner has been turned into a garden of loveliness. It is like a little corner 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.

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

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