* *

Cowes lies extremely convenient for parties fond of aquatic trips:
for which purpose a number of experienced watermen ply excellent
boats: they are most frequently engaged in the short and pleasant
excursions to Beaulieu, Netley, Southampton (on the opposite
coast), and Newport; sometimes to Alum Bay, and even for a voyage
round the island.

The bathing here is considered very excellent: particularly so at
W. Cowes, from the boldness and pebbly character of the beach,
admitting the machines to be put in requisition in all states of
the tide,--a very great advantage. There are also hot and other
baths for the use of invalids, both at the machines and at certain
parts of the town.

* * * * *

_The Road from East Cowes to Ryde._

WHIPPINGHAM CHURCH stands near the second mile-stone, on the ascent of a
hill rising from the eastern bank of the Medina: it is perhaps the
neatest _old_ ecclesiastical structure in the island, and is frequently
attended by her Majesty and Prince Albert when residing at Osborne.
Close by are the Parsonages and PADMORE HOUSE, embosomed in groves, and
commanding an extensive prospect--the nearest object on the opposite
side of the river being the ancient though plain church of Northwood.
Altogether this is a very pleasing rural spot, and to visit it will make
the difference of only a few minutes in diverging from the regular road.

* * * * *

WOOTTON-BRIDGE.

Here we pass over an inlet of the sea, indifferently called Fishbourne
Creek or Wootton River; the cottages border the road on either side, and
have a remarkably clean and comfortable appearance. There are also a few
good houses: the Parsonage, though rather secluded, enjoys a charming
marine prospect; and _Kite-hill_ will be known by its antique aspect and
screen of lofty firs. But the pride of the place is FERNHILL, a
first-rate seat: the house is built in the light Gothic style, and
stands at the head of an extensive lawn sloping to the water,
interspersed with groups of trees and flourishing plantations.

We shall often see the prospect-tower of Fernhill peering above the
masses of variegated foliage; and indeed the whole has much the air
of a religious structure, enjoying one of those happy localities
which distinguished such retreats of former days. The opposite
banks