[From Haining's Guide, 1822]

CHAP. VI.

A Description of the different Towns, Gentlemen’s Seats, and the Calf of Man; with an Itinerary of the Island.

DOUGLAS

Derives its name from the junction of two rivers, the Dhoo and the Glass, and which disemborgue themselves into the sea at this place. From its favourable situation for commerce, continual intercourse with England, and being principally the residence of the strangers, has obtained a decided superiority over the other towns. The seat of Government is at Castletown, about ten miles distant, and the Courts of law are generally held there, but trade and commerce have rendered this the principal town in the Island. This town, is of considerable antiquity, having existed when the chronicles of Man were written; although a century ago it was little better than a fishing town composed of a group of clay built cottages, irregularly formed, ranged in no order, but scattered at random as it might gratify the whim, or answer the convenience of the possessor; but now the place is materially improved, in the elegance and suitable accommodation of the houses. It appears from the returns of the last census to contain 736 dwelling houses, occupied by 1295 families, and a population of 6054.

The approach to this place by sea, in fine weather, is very pleasant. The bay, which is of considerable extent, forms a semicircle, is more than three miles from Douglas to Clay Head, and is. sheltered from all winds, but the South East When the bay opens, the prospect is very enlivening, from the variety of the scenery, from the number of cottages, and Gentlemen’s seats rising in view in all directions, and from the magnificent appearance of Castle Mona, which stands in the centre. Near the southern extremity of the bay, rises the town in a triangular form; the situation is both salubrious and pleasant, commanding a fine view of the neighbouring country, and a most extensive prospect of the sea, with the distant towering mountains of Lancashire and Cumberland.

The entrance to Douglas harbour is rather difficult, and in stormy weather dangerous, owing to its being so narrow, and a reef of rocks running from the opposite side, a considerable way into the sea. The Pier, which was built by the British Government for the benefit of the shipping interest, was badly planned, and running in a straight line renders the harbour unsafe. when the south east wind prevails, as the sea rolls with unexhausted strength into it, and forces the ships from their moorings.

The new Pier, which is only useful as a promenade for the inhabitants is five hundred and twenty feet in length, forty in breadth, and being handsomely paved with freestone, is the chief beauty and great attraction of Douglas. The round head of the Pier, which is but ill adapted for resisting the fury of the waves, is raised several feet higher than the rest, and has in the centre of the semicircle which it forms, a lighthouse, which according to the opinion of nautical men is more remarkable for its beauty than for its utility. Douglas head conceals it to the southward, and being on a level with the houses of the town, the mariner has great difficulty in distinguishing it.

The streets of Douglas are very irregularly formed, and in some parts extremely narrow, and indeed they are hardly entitled to the designation of lanes or alleys. They have no flagged foot path for passengers, no lamps to dispel the gloom of night, and there is no well regulated police to ensure there being kept clean. The houses, which skirt the banks of the river, have an air of elegance, but many excellent houses in the town, are hemmed in by miserable cottages, which produces a very singular appearance, being crowded together without regard to conveniency or uniformity; but Atholl street, which has been lately formed, is an exception; for the houses which have been built in it, combine some degree of elegance in the exterior, with considerable attention to internal comfortable accommodation; the street is spacious, the situation airy, and the prospect extensive.

There are four places of worship in the town. St. Matthew’s Chapel, which stands in the marketplace, was built and consecrated by Bishop Wilson. It has a small endowment, and the officiating minister has to teach a school for his subsistence. On an eminence to the west of Douglas, rises the spacious and elegant Chapel of St. George. It was built by subscription, during the Episcopate of Mason, and the funds were placed in his hands. His elevation to the Episcopal dignity, occasioned his future misfortune, and he profaned his spiritual authority by directing it against his political opponents, who refused to aid in the re-establishment of the feudal system which the wisdom of ages had abolished. Emulating the Pope of Rome, he caused the thunders of the Church to alarm the timid, and the civil power had to check episcopal presumption. By this salutary interference, his proud feelings were wounded, his influence weakened, and he died soon after insolvent, deeply regretting his past temerity. The funds being misapplied, the wealthy creditor was injured, the industrious labourer almost ruined, and many of the artificers still remain unpaid. The Independent Chapel, Atholl-street, was built by subscription, and opened for divine worship in 1813. It is a neat building, and affords comfortable accommodation. The Methodist Chapel, in Thomas Street, has been lately erected; is upon a large scale, and is very handsomely fitted up.

As there is no legal provision made in the Island for the relief of the indigent poor, the ancient method of supporting them, was from the collections made in the different places of worship, after Divine service, and which were distributed by the ministers and wardens monthly. In country parishes, where the claims for parochial relief were not numerous, the weekly collections were sufficient, but were inadequate for the support of the poor in the towns. They were obliged to make personal application at the houses of the wealthy inhabitants, for aid; and so rapidly did the number of beggars increase, that imperious necessity compelled the, humane, the benevolent, and the religious part of the community, to endeavour to arrest this evil in its progress. Various unsuccessful efforts were made, but at length the Ladies’ Soup Dispensary was established, for supplying: the sick and the aged with nourishment. About. 90 pensioners are daily supplied with nutritious soup, bread,. and beef; - and the charitable, have generously furnished them with sufficient funds. A society has been lately formed for bettering the. condition of the poor, which is admirably adapted for putting .a stop to mendicity, and for ameliorating the state of: the indigent. The Ladies have divided the town into districts, collect the money weekly, and the Gentlemen of the Committee distribute it to those, who, after the strictest investigation, have been found destitute. Those who are able to earn their subsistence, are employed, the young are instructed, the unprincipled, who are pests in society, are admonished, the aged and infirm are supported, and the most beneficial effects to individuals and to society may be reasonably expected from the operation of this invaluable institution.

A very elegant and commodious School-room was built some years ago, in Atholl-street, for the education of the children of the poor, on the Lancasterian plan. It was built by subscription, and is capable of containing one thousand children. Since the commencement, in 1808, more than two thousand children have been educated, and a visible alteration has been produced in their conduct. This seminary, if still conducted on the liberal principles on which it was founded, will prove a national benefit, and unborn generations will participate of its advantages.

A Reading Room and Library, established about twelve years ago, may be justly classed among the useful institutions’ in this town; and, if the managers had been men, uninfluenced by party spirit, unshackled by personal considerations, and distinguished by their literary attainments, then would they have been careful to select useful standard works, which would have proved an ornament to the place, and a benefit to posterity; hut, instead of this, some of the most active proprietors were proscribed by the dominant party, from any share in time management; the books’ which they recommended were not ordered; and if the barber of Seville should examine their selection, almost the whole of them would he committed to the flames.

The Wellington News Room, lately opened by Lane & Sons, for supplying the inhabitants with newspapers and periodical publications, is pleasantly situated on. the pier, and has a commanding view of the shipping in the harbour, of the Nunnery, and of Douglas Head. There is a large assortment of English., Scotch, Irish, Welsh, and Manks papers in the room ; among which are the following London papers :—The New Times,, ‘the Traveller, Statesman, Mercantile Chronicle, John Bull, Guardian, and Cobbett’s Register. The country papers are, the Liverpool, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds,Salisbury, Winchester, Gloucester, Shrewsbury, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Stamford, Sheffield, and Whitehaven, The Scotch papers are, the Edinburgh and Inverness. The Irish, Dublin and Belfast.

The terms are annual subscription one guinea; half-yearly, thirteen shillings; quarterly, seven shillings and sixpence; monthly, three shillings; and weekly, one shilling. Families are regularly supplied with papers and periodical publications, on moderate: terms. Lane & Son have also established a circulating library, have a paper, stationary, and music warehouse, and are general commission agents.

The printing, bookbinding, and stationary businesses are carried on extensively, by Mr. Jefferson, Duke street; he has also a circulating library, and a considerable number of subscribers.

In Douglas, there are three newspapers published weekly. The Manks Advertiser, printed and published by Mr. Jefferson, has been above 20 years established,, is unconnected with any party, is generally’ esteemed for impartiality, and opposition has not diminished its circulation. The Isle of Man Gazette, printed at the Phoenix press, by a Mark Anthony Mills, a quondam Irish solicitor. The paper is dedicated to the support of the Tory system ; and, notwithstanding the patronage afforded it, appears to be in the last stage of existence. — The Rising Sun has just appeared above our horizon, to dispel the mists which have so long beclouded Mona, and to warm the bosoms of Manksmen with the love of liberty. It is the property of Capt. Colquitt, R. N. and is generally supposed to he solely under his direction.

Douglas, as a watering or bathing place, possesses many advantages ; and, if suitable cottages were erected, for the comfortable accommodation of genteel families, undoubtedly numbers from the neighbouring kingdoms would take up their summer residence here, for the benefit of sea bathing. The salubrity of the air, the clearness and strength of the water, would be an inducement for invalids to come over.

Mr. Lewis Geneste has laudably expended a considerable sum of money, to erect Baths, for the benefit of the inhabitants and of strangers. There are the cold, the warm, the tepid, the medicated and the vapour baths. The price for the cold bath during the season is seven and sixpence; for the warm bath half-a guinea for six tickets, or two and sixpence for a single one, and for the others in proportion.

The intercourse with the surrounding kingdoms has been greatly facilitated lately, by means of the steam packets, and the trading vessels; the regular traders to Liverpool., are - the Duke of Atholl, the Duchess of Atholl, and the Douglas,. To Whitehaven—The Triton, and the Post-office packet. To Dublin—The Earl of Surrey, and to Ardglass in the north of Ireland—The Peel Packet. During the last two summers we have had a great influx of visitors, computed at about three thousand. Many come for pleasure, and a few to recruit their shattered constitutions. They circulate considerable sums of money, but have not improved the morals of the inhabitants.

The steam packets are large, are elegantly fitted up, and generally make very expeditious passages. The Superb leaves Liverpool on Tuesday, and the Majestic. on Friday morning, call at the Isle of Man, Port Patrick, proceed to Greenock and return the same week. The Highland Chieftain plys between Liverpool and Dumfries, calling at Douglas, Whitehaven, Workington, and Maryport. A vessel of a larger class, and of superior power is to be employed by the same company during the ensuing summer, which will afford a direct communication with the north of England and the Scottish capital. Two steam vessels are building at Liverpool, which are to run to Greenock, calling at Douglas, and the fares are to be greatly reduced .

Considerable preparation has been made for the accommodation of visitors, by enlarging the inns and increasing, the number of lodging-houses. The principal Inns are—the White Lion, or Hanby’s Hotel, Parade; Dixon’s British Hotel, in the Market-place; the Cumberland, Mrs. Clarke; the Commercial, Mr. Carr; the Lancaster, Mr. Roberts; the Plough Inn, Mrs. Blake.; and Taylor’s Tavern, in Duke-street. Furnished apartments, in private houses, may be procured from seven shillings and sixpence to one guinea per week.

In the neighbourhood of Douglas, there are not many princely mansions to attract the notice and to gratify the curiosity of the traveller. Castle Mona is the most considerable for magnitude in the Island, but the domain is too limited, and the surrounding plantations are very scanty, and are not in a flourishing state This building was erected by the present Duke for his residence, when in the Island, and the northern wing is unfinished. It stands about a mile north of Douglas, and is built of freestone, brought from the Isle of Arran.

But this mansion and pleasure grounds are not to be compared with the beautiful seats of his Grace in Perthshire, which are thus described by Heron in his History of Scotland — ‘they are among the finest ornaments of Perthshire. The houses are sumptuous and magnificent: the surrounding pleasure grounds are naturally so picturesque and romantic, and are adorned in a taste so suitable to their natural character, that to wander over them is still more interesting to the stranger than to survey the ducal apartments."

On the rising ground behind Castle Mona stands Glenchrutchery, the residence of C. Heywood, Esq. a Member of the House of Keys; the situation is remarkably pleasant, and the prospect is very extensive. Bemahague is a very delightful summer residence, and has a very commanding view of land and sea; the building has no architectural beauties to recommend it, having been reared without a plan, and enlarged at different times either to gratify the whim or to suit the conveniency of the possessor It is the property of Deemster Heywood, who resides at Summer Hill a newly erected house, which overlooks the bay and town of Douglas.

The Nunnery which stands a few hundred yards westward of Douglas, and is pleasantly situated on the banks of the river, takes its name from the ancient priory, founded in’ the beginning of the sixth century by St Bridget, who received the veil of virginity from Maughold the fourth Bishop of this Island This Convent flourished for ages and the Prioress of Douglas held a very distinguished station in the place being a Baroness and invested with authority to hold Courts in her own name. Her vassals were not subject to the jurisdiction of the Lord's Courts and it was a privilege which she claimed, to try them by a jury of her own tenants , her person was held sacred her authority was highly venerated and her revenues were large Every vestige of the former grandeur of the place is now levelled with the ground, the mouldering walls are covered with ivy, and the aged trees shade the ruins of this once venerated spot.

The modern building is ranged close to the site of the ancient structure, of which, not a vestige remains, except the gateway which still supports the old bell, and is the entrance to the stables and part of the wall of the Chapel The gardens are spacious and luxuriant The highly cultivated surrounding fields, the flourishing trees and the little vale through which the river runs, present a delightful landscape, the Nunnery is universally admired for its beautiful prospects and from the windows up stairs their is a picturesque view of the mountains, the fertile meadows, the harbour, pier, and bay of Douglas

In the neighbouring field to Kk Braddan stands the mansion of Colonel Wilks, which has been lately erected A considerable sum has been expended for the improvement of the place and the numerous clumps of plantations with which it is surrounded add much to the beauty of it, and give it a luxuriant appearance.

CASTLETOWN,

Being the residence of the Lieutenant-Governor, and the place where the Courts of Law are usually held, is considered the Metropolis of the Island. ‘The town is not so large as Douglas, and being at a distance from Derbyhaven, is not so conveniently situated for commerce. It contains 308 dwelling houses, inhabited by 450 families, and has a population of 2036. The town is divided by a river, over which are two bridges, one for foot passengers, anti the other for horsemen and carriages. The streets are more spacious and regular than in any of the other towns, and there is a large square bordering on the Castle wall, and near the centre of the town stands the Castle, once the residence of Royalty, the security of the inhabitants from the inroads of plunderers and has been lately fitted up for a prison. From its lofty summit you have a district view of the surrounding country, Derbyhaven, Langness, Port-le-Murray, and Port Erin. The buildings present nothing deserving of notice; the Courts of Law are held in a part of the Castle. A building has been lately erected nearly opposite the Castle gate, for the meetings of the Manks Legislative body; but it is on a small scale, and is not designed for the accommodation of the people, who are not allowed to listen to their deliberations.

PEEL,

Which was formerly called Holmetown, is situated on the west side of the Island, anti is equally distant from Castletown and Douglas, and is considered the third town for magnitude and importance. The appearance of the town is not prepossessing; the streets are irregularly formed, and the houses are huddled together, without any regard to conveniency, comfort, or elegancy. It contains 300 dwelling houses, inhabited by 441 families, and has a population of 1909. The inhabitants are chiefly engaged in the fishery, and are almost solely dependent on this precarious employment for support. The harbour is in a very ruinous state, and will only admit vessels of small burthen. The bay affords shelter from the South and East wind. At the north boundary of it are several grotesque and romantic caverns, and the southern extremity is formed by Peel Isle, a lofty rock formerly surrounded by the sea, and the summit of it is covered with the venerable ruins of the Castle, and the Cathedral of St. German., which was about one hundred and ten feet long, and seventy feet in width in the cross.

RAMSEY

Is pleasantly situated in the Northern district, at the mouth of the river which empties itself into the bay of the same name, and stands at the side of the northern extremity of the lofty ridge of mountains which divides the Island. The scenery is delightfully variegated ; the neighbouring country to the west is fertile, enabling the farmers to export to England large quantities of grain, and is ornamented with luxuriant orchards. The pier runs a considerable way into the sea, and the harbour from inattention is become nearly useless, but an excellent one might be formed at a trifling expence at port Lewaigue which would afford shelter to vessels of large burthen, and prove of essential benefit to the shipping interest. The bay is spacious, being ten miles in extent, and forms a half moon. The bold promontory of Maughold head affords protection from the South winds, and the point of Ayre, on which a lighthouse has been lately erected, secures vessels from westerly gales. Fannin has accurately described the shoals on this coast:-" Courses taken from the true meridian and distance, nautical miles. Bahama banks. The north end lies S. E. one mile from the point of Ayre,.a narrow sand; and it lies S. E. six miles long; the south end of it is N. E. six miles from Maughold head;. it has only six feet at low water spring. King William's sand the southmost end is N. E. and .-, E. fourteen miles. from Maughold head. A narrow sand that runs 110'. N. ~-P. ' N. ; the northmost end S. E. and } E. seven miles from the Point of, Ayre, it has ten feet at low water spring: about two miles right off Jurby, is a small shoal, ten feet low water; close. to the Point of Ayre the tide runs seven miles au hour on the spring; except the above, there is gradual sounding close to the shore, all the way from Peel to Maughold-head."

There are ten villages in the Island, viz. Laxey, Onchan, Ballasalla, Port-le-Murray, Port Erin, Dauby, St. John's, Michael, Ballaugh, and Sulby.

THE CALF OF MAN

Is a small Island about five miles in circumference, is distant from the mainland. a few hundred yards, and lies to the south west. It is surrounded by immensely large rocks,. against which the raging billows dash with uncommon fury, and the scene in a storm, is tremendously. awful, and many valuable lives have been. lust on this frightful rocky coast. The tide runs with great rapidity through this narrow channel.; it is vain for any vessel to attempt to stem the current, and Kitterland Island, which is covered, with herbage, is in the middle of it. Immense numbers of sea fowls frequent the Calf, and occupy undisturbed the lofty cliffs, where they hatch their young. A bird, called the Puffin, remarkable for its fatness and highly esteemed by epicures, was formerly found here, but is not to be met with now. It hatched in the burrows of the rabbits, and the young ones being destroyed by the rats none remain.

The Calf is the property of the Duke of Atholl, is rented by one man who pays his rent by the rabbits which are caught. About two thousand are killed annually, and the skins are valuable.

The visitors embark at Port Erin, which is about three miles distant, and in fine weather their toil is amply repaid by the view of the uncommonly bold and beautiful scenery, and the distant prospect of the Welsh, the Irish, and the Scotch mountains.

The two rocks of the Stack are of a triangular shape, the base is sixty feet, and the computed height, one hundred; they are surrounded by deep water, and distant about fifteen yards from the bottom of the cliff. The Eye or Borough, is a lofty rock on the south east coast, is only accessible at one place, and is surrounded by the sea.

If we are to credit tradition, the Calf has been the residence, at different times, of two singular characters. The first had been distinguished at the Court of Queen Elizabeth, for his splendor and affluence, but having in a fit of jealousy murdered a most beautiful woman, took refuge here, either to escape justice and avoid the vengeance of her friends, or in this dreary solitude, by severe mortifications to do penance for this rash and unwarrantable act. Criminal conduct uniformly brings men into difficulties, and they are equally ignorant of the way of obtaining pardon, and the proper manner of making reparation to the injured.

The other was a Thomas Bushel, who resided in it a few years during the reign of James I. to make the experiment, if a life of abstinence would promote longevity; but it appears from the following fragment of a letter of his, that his residence was only for a limited time, and was undertaken in compliance with the advice of Lord Bacon. " The embrions of my mines proving abortive, by the fall and death of Lord Chancellor Bacon, were the motives which persuaded my pensive retirement to a three years solitude in the desolate isle called the Calf of Man; where, in obedience to my dead Lord's philosophical advice, I resolved to make a perfect experiment upon myself for the obtaining along and healthy life, most necessary for such a repentance, as my former debauchedness required, by a parsimonious diet of herbs, oil, mustard, and honey, with water sufficient, most like to that of our long lived fathers before the flood, as was conceived by that Lord, which I must strictly observe, as if obliged by a religious vow, till divine Providence called me to a more active life."

On the highest ground in the Island, and within a few yards of a rugged cliff, nearly perpendicular, are the ruinous remains of a house which still retains his name. The situation is bleak and exposed to the fury of the tempest. The entrance is narrow, and appears to have had only one room and a small closet, scarcely sufficient for his bed, and the place afforded no comfortable accommodation. There is an excavation in the top of a rock, which is called Bushel's grave, and supposed to have been a hiding place. There are two longitudinal cavities, in the form of a cross, each being about six feet long, three wide, and two deep. But there is no reason to conclude, that it was the cemetery of this singular character; the probable opinion is, that the period mentioned by himself, as fixed for his residence in this dreary solitude, was deemed sufficient. for this experiment, and that he was, at the expiration of it, fully disposed to return to the scenes of active life.

This solitude has assumed an air of cheerfulness, by the erection of two elegant lighthouses, which must prove of the utmost importance to vessels in stormy weather, and during the long nights in winter, to warn: them to avoid. the rocky shores of this sea-girt isle. The foaming billows, the tremendous cliffs, the romantic scenery; and the distant prospects of land and water, must afford much satisfaction to those who are unaccustomed to such scenes.

To complete this part of the descriptive view of the Island, an Itinerary of it, describing the roads and distances, may not prove altogether uninteresting to the traveller; and shall commence at Douglas, which is the principal place for commerce, the residence of the strangers, where visitors are landed, and from which suitable conveyances may be, procured for: any part in the Island. The distance from Douglas to Castletown; is ten miles; the roads are hilly, and pass over a country of a very rugged, uneven surface : there are two roads, the one passes the elegant villa of Major Tobin, of Middle, runs close to Mount Murray, the property of a nephew of the Duke of Atholl, and approaches Castletown by the village of Ballasalla. The other is nearer the sea coast, runs in front of Oatland, and joins the other three miles before you arrive at Castletown. In visiting the Calf of Man, there is a road to Port Erin, running through Ballasalla and Kk. Arbory. The distance is fourteen miles The road from. Castletown to Peel is twelve miles, crosses the ridge of mountains at Foxdale, and skirts the hill to the west of St. John's. The distance from Douglas is nearly the same, but the road is the most level of any in the country, and will still admit of very great improvement. Douglas has communication with the northern district, by three different ways. One lies along the sea shore on the eastern side, passes through Laxey, sweeps along North Baroole, and corning close to the bay, enters Ramsey, which is sixteen miles distant. Another runs in a western direction, until you come near St. John's, bends to the northward, and continues along a solitary dell for two miles, which has lofty, barren, rocky sides, and close along side runs a shallow river, murmuring over the pebbles, and the noise is occasionally increased by the mountain torrents. Ascending the hill, the spacious sea, the fertile plains of the north, and the beautiful village of Kk. Michael, sixteen miles from Douglas, open to view. The neighbourhood is uncommonly pleasant, and the Bishop's Palace stands surrounded with lofty trees, planted by the venerable Wilson. The road skirts along the mountains for several miles; the country has a rich, fertile, cultivated appearance; and the scenery all the way, surpasses any thing to be seen in the Island. The distance by this road, is twenty-six miles.

The third way branches off from the Peel road, at Kk. Braddan, and leaving Mount Rule, on the left, enters, and continues to run along, the Vale of Baldwin, until you arrive at Injebreek, the residence of J. Wade, Esq. who has expended a considerable sum in planting and improving this mountain retreat. The situation is romantic, and the rising plantations add greatly to its beauty.

Ascending the hill, an extensive prospect opens to view; in a clear day the mountains in Ireland are seen to the left; a long chain of hills in Scotland forms a barrier in front, and the towering Skiddaw, in Cumberland, lies to the right. Behind you Douglas still appears in view, and proceeding along the boundaries of Mont Pellier, the property of John Wade, Esq. there is a distinct view of the extensive level tract of country in the North, of the lighthouse on the Point of Ayre, and of Ramsey bay. The descent to Sulby is romantic and picturesque; a rugged surface, murmuring rivulets, and waterfalls, roaring beneath you. This road, which joins the Kk. Michael one at Sulby Bridge, is only for foot passengers or horsemen, and to Ramsey is about twenty miles.

Conveyances may be procured at Hanby's to, the different parts of the Island, at the under mentioned rates :-

A saddle horse, to Castletown or Peel, and back the same day, 5s.; to both places, in one day, 7s. To Port Erin, Port-le-Murray, Kk. Michael, or to Ramsey and back, 7s. If the tour of the Island be made in three days, 5s. each, but if performed in two days, 7s. each.

A horse and gig, to carry two people, to Castletown or Peel, and back again the same day, 6s. ; to both places in one day, to Port Erin, Port-le-Murray, Kk. Michael, or to Ramsey, and return, 12s. To Ramsey, and round by Kk. Michael, 14s.

If four or six wish to travel in company, the following are the charges for each ;-Castletown or Peel, and back again, 4s.; to both, places, Port Erin, Port-le-Murray, Kk. Michael, or to Ramsey, 6s. Ramsey, and round by Kk. Michael, 7s.

A carriage may be engaged for two days or more, 5s. for each person; and unless the extreme points are visited, the tour may he easily accomplished in two days; and the inns, at the different towns and at Kk. Michael, afford comfortable accommodation.

The tour may be made in two days, without being absent from Douglas at night, viz : Proceed to Laxey, Ramsey, and Kk. Michael, the distance is 43 miles, and can be performed in twelve or thirteen hours, leaving sufficient time to take refreshment, and to view different places on the road.

Proceed the following day to Peel, and round by Castletown, the distance is 33 miles, and may be performed in twelve hours, granting the same opportunities to the travellers.

Saddle horses, gigs, and carriages are kept for hire by William Dixon, near to the Parade.