ue fort called Calshot Castle stretches forth, like
the Martello Towers in the Bay of Naples, an object of the most romantic
appearance; and at a little distance from it rises the stately tower
of Eaglehurst, with its surrounding pavilions and plantations. To
the westward is the Castle of Hurst; and now opens to the astonished
traveller's view the Wight, extending eastward and westward far as the
eye can compass, but yet within its measurement from point to point.

------"Here in this delicious garden is
Variety without end; sweet interchange
Of hills and valleys, rivers, woods, and plains;
Now land, now sea, and shores with forests crown'd,
Rocks, dens, and caves."

The coast presents a combination of romantic, pastoral, and marine
beauties, that are deservedly the ~145~~theme of admiration, and
certainly no spot of the same extent, in the three kingdoms, perhaps in
the world, can boast of such a diversity of picturesque qualities, of
natural charms, and local advantages--attractions which have justly
acquired for it the emphatic distinction of the Garden of England.
Every where the coast is adorned with cottages or villas, hill or vale,
enriched by the most luxuriant foliage, and crowned in the distance by
a chain of lofty downs; while in front the coasts of Gosport and
Portsmouth, and that grand naval station for England's best bulwarks,
Spithead, present a forest of towering masts and streamers, which adds
much to the natural grandeur of the scene. As we near Cowes we
are delighted with a variety of striking objects: The chaste and
characteristic seat of Norris, the residence of Lord Henry Seymour,
massive in its construction, and remarkable for the simplicity of its
style and close approximation to the ancient castle. On the brow of the
hill the picturesque towers of East Cowes Castle rise from a surrounding
grove, and present a very beautiful appearance, which is materially
increased upon nearer inspection by the rapid spread of the deep-hued
ivy clinging to its walls, and giving it an appearance of age and
solidity which is admirably relieved by the diversity of the lighter
foliage. On the other side projects from a point westward Cowes Castle,
the allotted residence of the governor, but now inhabited by the Marquis
of Anglesey and his family, to whose partiality for aquatic sports
Cowes is much indebted for its increasing consequence and celebrity. The
building