ive an extensive scene of
devastation, caused by the frequent landslips near to Luccombe Chine,
and the romantic chasm of Shanklin, from which spot Sandown comes next
in view, and sailing under the towering Culver cliffs we arrive at the
eastern extremity of the island. At Bimbridge a very dangerous ledge
spreads out into the sea, and gaining Brading Haven the old church tower
of Saint Helen's proclaims you are fast gaining upon that delightful
watering-place, the town of Ryde, whose picturesque pier, shooting forth
into the ocean, and covered with groups of elegant visitors, forms an
object of the most pleasing description. From this point the whole line
of coast to Cowes wears a rich and highly-cultivated appearance, being
divided into wood, arable, and pasture lands, diversified by the villas
of Earl Spencer, Mr. G. Player, and Mr. Fleming, when, having passed
Wooten Creek, the next object is Norris Castle; and now, having cleared
the point, you are once more landed in safety at the Vine Key, and
my old friend, Mrs. Harrington, whose pleasant countenance, obliging
manners, and good accommodation, are the universal theme of every
traveller's praise, has already made her best curtsy to welcome you back
to Cowes.

The regatta was, indeed, a glorious scene, when the harbour was
literally filled with a forest of masts and streamers, the vessels of
the Royal Yacht ~178~~Club spread forth their milk white canvas to the
gale, many of those who were riding at anchor being decorated from head
to stem, over-mast, with the signal colours of most of the squadron and
the ensigns of the different nations. On the shore, and round the castle
battery, the congregated groups of lovely females traversed to and
fro, and the witchery of blight eyes and beauteous faces upon the manly
hearts of the sons of Neptune must have been magically triumphant. The
Pearl beat the Arrow, and the Julia the Liberty,--thus equalizing the
victory between the contending parties. The procession of the pilot
boats, about forty in number, was a very animated scene; and in the
sailing match of the succeeding day, our little craft, the Rover, came
in second, and received the awarded prize. The race ball at East Cowes
gave the young and fair another opportunity of riveting their suitors'
chains, and the revels of Terpsichore were kept up with spirit until the
streaking blush of golden morn shone through the dusky veil which Hecate
spreads around the couch of drow