able to get into
places where she could not venture.

As soon as breakfast was over, while the Dolphin stood for Portsmouth to
obtain what she wanted, we got under weigh, and steered for the mouth of
Beaulieu river. On our way we passed over the Mother Bank, a shoal off
which vessels in quarantine have to bring up; and here are anchored two
large mastless ships,--one for the officers and men of the quarantine
guard, the other serving as a hospital ship. We next came off Osborne,
where the Queen lives during the spring,--a magnificent-looking place,
with trees round three sides, and a park-like lawn descending to the
water's edge. Before the Queen bought it, a good-sized private house
stood here, belonging to a Mr Blackford, whose widow, Lady Isabella,
sold it to Her Majesty. A small steam yacht lay off the land, ready to
carry despatches or guests.

Bounding Old Castle Point, we opened up the harbour, and came in sight
of the West Cowes Castle, and the handsome clubhouse, and a line of
private residences, with a broad esplanade facing the sea, and wooded
heights rising above it; and beyond, looking northward, a number of
villas, with trees round them and a green lawn extending to the water.
The harbour was full of vessels of all descriptions, and a number of
fine craft were also anchored in the Roads. We thought Cowes a very
pleasant-looking place. It was here that the first yacht club was
established. The vessels composing it are known _par excellence_ as the
"Royal Yacht Squadron;" and a regatta has taken place here annually for
more than half a century. Ryde, Southampton, and Portsmouth, indeed
nearly every seaport, has now its clubhouse and regatta. The chief are
Cowes, Ryde, Torquay, Plymouth, Cork, Kingston, and the Thames. Each
has its respective signal flag or burgee. That of Cowes is white, of
Ryde red, and most of the others are blue, with various devices upon
them. At Cowes, some way up the harbour, on the west side, are some
large shipbuilding yards. Here a number of fine yachts and other
vessels are built. Mr White, one of the chief shipbuilders, has
constructed some fine lifeboats, which are capable of going through any
amount of sea without turning over; and even if they do so, they have
the power of righting themselves. He has built a number also to carry
on board ships, and very useful they have proved on many occasions.
Ships from distant parts often bring up in the Roads to wait for or