1 1 9 1 8 8 GUIDE OF THE *0U of Ittaiu j - a SECOKO ED IT I < >\'. ft | FROM THE LIBRARY OF DR. T. J. PETTIGREW THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES , rt \^ THE GEOGRAPHICAL AND TOPOGRAPHICAL GUIDE of l.VTKM)KI> KOII TIIK r-iK OP TRAVRLLERS AN'T) TOURISTS, AMI OF TIIOSK WHO, VISITING THIS KIN'S ISLAND AS SKA BATHING OI.MITKRS, OR AS A CHKAP, PLKASANT, AND (OVVKXIKJJT MARINK RKSIDKNCE, ARK llKSIROl'- OF A SUCCINCT DKS- CRIPTION OF IT. ' Health in the breeze, retirement in the vale ; Where moderation dwells, bath'd in the tide Of vigorous ocean." SECOND EDITJOK. Douglas : PHINTED AND SOLD By G. JEFFERSON; BALDWIN, CRAI1OCK, AND JOY, LONDON j E. WH.I.AV, LIVERPOOL. 1821 at Stationer*' " Mi' VA ! I f ing. (be farourlte of heaven ; That happy spot, that was of old ordain'd To be the seat of modem bites ; where peace For ever dwells, and fair prosperity, Enthron'd, sits smiling on her golden shore-;." A MAXES BARD. AT the present time, the ISLE OF MAN pre- sents itsdf to public notice in t*ro points of view as a watering place as a residence to such as are disposed to retire from the more expensive circles of the three kingdoms. It is almost an every day occurrence to see many going to reside abroad for the purposes of oRcotiomy, whilst it is not generally known that that object may be attained at home, in a A 2 ^/a-o-'^.l c 45201 central and very pleasant part of the empire. In the Isle of Man, the comforts and luxuries of life may be enjoyed at a very cheap rate. To such as add to a plan of retirement a wish to visit the world on the continent of Europe, It is unnecessary to observe, that excepting its insulated situation, it possesses advantages more numerous than any other country. Their plan we cannot presume to alter; but to the English, Scottish, and Irish, who are desirous of a convenient and cheap residence at home, the following information is addressed. This Island possesses a climate as agreeable and much more equable in temperature than the opposite coasts of England, Scotland, and Ireland. It is generally under cultivation, and is thickly populated. The language, the habits, and the comforts, especially of the better ranks, are entirely English. Except some trifling imposts, it is entirely exempt from taxation. The necessaries of life are plenty, of excellent quality, and moderate in price. The luxuries are in several instances two-thirds, and in general one-third cheaper than in England, and all colonial produce is at a much lower rate than there, or on the continent of Europe ; even the continental wines may be had, of excellent quality, at a price little exceeding that paid for them in their native countries. Hence, money will be found to go farther here by more than a third, and, in some res- pects, more than a half, than in England; and people of small incomes may either enjoy those elegancies of life, that habit and taste have rendered necessary to them, or those of larger property may save a provision for the younger branches of their families, whilst the money they spend will be circulated for the general benefit of their native countries ; and in a place so situated, that at any time they can visit home with facility and convenience. As a tour of pleasure, this fine Island ofl'ers numerous attractions, especially to those of the opposite shores, who wish to enjoy the recrea- tion of a short summer excursion. Nor is it less so to the lovers of the picturesque, for although there is a want of woodland richness, its scenery displays much insular grandeur .and ; VI natural wildness. And the scientific tourist ought by no means to pass it by. To the invalid, whom prospects of amend- ment are held out from a sea voyage and a change of air, it is an object particularly worthy of regard ; and for sea bathing and the purity of its tide, it is unrivalled. The town of Douglas is rising into distinction as a water- ing place, and is frequented by crowds of visit- ors, to ensure whose comfort, improvements are daily going on. By means of steam boats from Liverpool, the passage to the Island is rendered safe, expeditious, and pleasant; and there are communications by means of sail- ing vessels between many other ports of the surrounding shores. Indeed it is surprising, that, situated as this Island is, with all its privileges, in the midst of the three kingdoms, it should have so long remained unnoticed as offering all these advan- tages. Accidental and erroneous impressions regarding it have mainly contributed to this ; but when the visitor finds that, instead of being a bleak and barren rock, enveloped in mists, Vll and inhabited by savage fishermen, the retreat and sanctuary of men of broken fortunes, it is a country covered by fertility, beautifully diversified by hill and dale, possessed of all the elegancies of life in abundance, and stocked by an intelligent and happy population, his prejudices vanish. He is satisfied that the misconception arose from the operation of its laws, which form a code the most original and simple in Europe ; laws that were upheld by the rigid reluctance of the natives to admit of any change in ancient institu- tions, which, if they were taken advantage of by many visitors from the neighbouring kingdoms, under circumstances that brought odium on the Island, ought to be looked upon more with the indulgence that charity inspires, than with the censure that some evil consequences dictated. These laws have been annulled for years, and if thereby the Island i a loser, by no longer being an asylum for characters of the above description, it is a gainer in the general estimation. To some it may be interesting to add, that it pre* vin sents the exemplification of a people to whom the dangers of war are unknown, and to whom preparations and expences for defence are but a name; and who, under the protecting wing of the mother country, enjoy their own legis- lation and their own laws, in all the independ- ence and security that the happiness of society requires. But the Island has at length begun to emerge from the neglect that undeservedly obscured it ; and as it is the resort of many, and is likely to become so to a greater extent every day, there can be little apology necessary in offering the public, a succinct Guide to its shores. Every possible exertion is making to improve the accommodation of visitors, and an attempt to direct their attention to objects agreeable to their tastes, as well as useful to their interests and .comfort, however humble it is, cannot be undeserving of praise. It will be the business of this little book, after giving a descriptive view of the geogra- phy of the Island, to guide the visitors to the several objects that appear worthy of notice. THE ISLE OF MAN GUIDE. SITUATION. FACE OF THE COUNTRY. BY a reference to any map of Great Britain, the position of the Isle of Man will be better understood than by any description. In the middle of the Irish sea, it appears a place of central resort to those inhabitants of the neigh- bouring shores, who are partial to the amuse- ments of their native element the ocean. It is about thirty miles in length, and above eleven in breadth at its widest part, lying in a north- easterly direction, between 54 and 54 a 30' of north latitude, and in the 5th degree of west longitude from London, and diminishes almost to a point at both extremities. Its superficies has beea calculated to contain upwards of 13O,OOO 10 square acres, more than two-thirds of which are under cultivation. The greatest part of the sea boundary is formed by precipitous cliffs, deeply and numerously indented with bays and low estuaries. From this high shore, the arable and thickly inhabited country undulates several miles in hill, and dale, and ravine, to the base of the chain of mountains that bisects the country longitudinally near the middle of the Island. From the mountains arise numerous rivulets that fall by short courses eastward and westward through the deep ravines, and narrow with- drawing glens to the sea, watering and adorning a fertile and picturesque, but thinly wooded, country. The mountains range from Brada-head on the west, to Maughold-head on the eastern shore, over about two-thirds of the length of the Island, dividing it obliquely into two inequal portions, denominated the Southern and Northern districts. South-westwards, from Brada and the narrow neck of low land at its base, and opposite to Port Erin bay, the Island does not much exceed a mile in width, and extends in high ground about a mile and a half to the tremendous precipices of Spanish-head, where it terminates. Beyond lies the Calf of Man, divided from the main land by a narrow channel. In the middle of this strait stands a low and turfy rock, 11 named the Kitterland, on the south side of which the rapid current of the tide, that has been denominated the Race of the Calf, runs. The Calf is an Island of a rounded form, rising high and abrupt from the sea, and containing about 600 superficial acres. From the northern termination of the moun- tains, the Island extends rich and champagne, seven miles to the Point of Ayre, about fifteen to twenty yards above the level of the sea, to the inroads of which the clayey beach is con- tinually yielding. The gravel thrown up at the Point of Ayre is, however, in a small degree, extending the Island in that direction. About five miles from the base of the mountains, the plain is intersected from sea to sea, by the low sand hills called Ballachirrint ; there are also some eminences of the same kind on the west- ern coast. Excepting at the headlands, that is to say, in all the bays and low grounds, the boundaries of the Island terminate in a shore of sand and pebbles. The lower part of the precipitous walls of headlands are generally submerged at all times in the sea. Such is the general outline and appearance of the Isle of Man. MOUNTAINS. THE individual appearance of the Manks moun- tains is tame and rounded, and their altitude is 12 low; but the outline of the whole is fine in perspective. The principal amongst them is Snafield, situated in the northern part of the chain before described, which, by trigonometrical measurement, is 2,004 feet above the level of the sea. The conical mass of north Barroole, which is 200 feet lower than Snafield, stands on the north-east, and many other lower moun- tains lie towards the west and north, which, from sea to sea, all terminate abruptly, or in rounded defiles on the alluvial plain of the northern district just mentioned. From this broad mountainous group, the chain is continued west- wards and southwards, obliquely, across the Island, but nearly in the same line, by Pen-y- pot, Greeba, south Barroole, and their dependent branches, to Brada-head, where it .terminates in tremendous precipices that overhang the sea. It diminishes in width and altitude as it ap- proaches its southern termination, and is divided about its middle, and nearly in a line between the towns of Douglas and Peel, by a narrow defile, hounded on the north-east by the rocks of Greeba, and 'on the south-west by those of Archolachan. These mountains are the Lord of the Island's waste; they are covered with heath and wet pasturage are strongly and closely, though rudely, fenced from the cultivated lands, and stocked as a common, by the natives, with numerous flocks of sheep from all parts of 13 the Island. They also contain vast quantities of excellent turf, which annually supplies the country people with fuel. RIVERS. No country is better watered the springs, and, consequently, the rivulets are numerous, and the water excellent. Every little ravine has its stream ; but the waterfall being rapid, and the ocean near at hand, the rivers are short in their courses, and as variable in mag- nitude as the falls of rain which supply them. Sulby river is the largest : it is gathered on the northern aspect of Snafield and the moun- tains adjoining, and entering the alluvial plain of the north by the glen of Sulby, takes an easterly course along the base of the mountains, and after running about nine miles, discharges itself into the sea at Ramsey, its estuary form- ing the harbour of that town. Douglas river also runs towards the east. Its two principal branches, the Dhoo and the Glas, or the black and the grey, come from the mountains of Marown and Braddan, and forming a junction about a mile above Douglas, run into the sea at that place. Peel river, on the west of the Island, from the mountains of Michael and of Patrick, takes a rapid course to its moutli ; and that of Castletown may be noticed as rising in south Barroole, and, after a southerly 14 cotirse, joining the sea in Castletown bay. Besides these, there is Santon rivulet, and Laxey rivulet on the eastern shore, and many others of smaller size They are all good trout fishing streams ; and before the salmon trout were so much destroyed by angling, that fish was caught in sufficient quantities to form an article of ex- portation. In the Dhoo, a muscle containing large pearls was formerly found ; it still contains a fish of that kind, thinly scattered, but no pearls have been lately discovered. TIDES. THESE arrive in opposite directions. That which washes the greatest part of the eastern shore, flows northward, through St. George's channel; that on the west, pours in southward, from the Atlantic ocean, through the North channel. In this manner the Irish sea is filled, and the two tides meet at different points on the coast. That from the north, rounding the Point of Ayre, and occupying the Solway Firth, meets that from the south in an oblique manner off Maughold-head and the Cumberland coast ; and a similar occurrence takes place on the west, between the Manks land and the coast of Ireland. The meeting of thesa two great bodies of water produces, in many places, n short and eddying sea; .and their effects in weariog sinuosities and caverns in the iron 15 bound shore, constitute some of the natural curiosities of the country. The race- of the Calf runs westward, through its narrow pass- age, with a velocity that renders it extremely dangerous, excepting for a short time whilst it is quiescent during high water. Small vessels can pass also at low water, but a pass- age ought never to be attempted but in cases of great necessity. At some other parts of the coast, especially at the points of Langness and Scarlett, the tide is very rapid. Except these and the Chickens, and the rocks close in-shore, no other danger besets the Manks coast. In all the bays, the anchorage is good ; and if a position too close in-shore is not taken up, there is no danger of being embayed. A good look-out and a good offing, is the maxim of every expert seaman, even on coasts less rocky than those of this Island j and if it is attended to, with the assistance of the Lights on the Calf and the Point of Ayre, the navigation is perfectly safe. MINES AND MINERALS. THE structure of the Island is simple. The great mass of it consists of clay slate, fissile to the north-east, with an inclination towards the high grounds, and which, as it descends the mountains, becomes more and more schistose, until, at south Barroole, it furnishes slates fit for covering houses. At Slieau-ny-glaugh, near 16 Fox dale, south Barroole, and at Bhoon, on the Laxey road, granite appears at the surface. At Peel bay there is a rock of red sand stone; and the country about Castletown consists of limestone of excellent quality, where there is also a deposit of black limestone of sufficient fineness of grain to be worked as marble. All these rocks are covered with an alluvial crust of clayey soil, of various degrees of thickness, through which, excepting in the sea cliffs and at Greeba-rock, and a few points of very limited extent, they never penetrate so as to give the land a rocky aspect. In the lime- stone districts, coal has been bored for with some appearances of success. In this neigh- bourhood there is marl, which mineral exists very abundantly in the alluvial flat of the north. It is there that the fossil bones of the gigantic elk are found, embedded in shell marl, and also vast quantities of turf and bog timber. Copper ore is fount! at Brada, and there are three lead mines in the mountains, one at Brada, at Foxdale, and at Laxey. In the ore at the latter place, a prportion of silver exists, suffi- cient to render it an object worthy of separation from the lead.* * On this subject, consult DR. BURGER'S Survey, DR. MAC. CUI.LOCII'S Western Isles, and Ma. OSWALD on the Stratir.cation of Minerals. 17 There are some saline and chalybeate spring* in the country, but which have not been tried an a medical way. CLIMATE. LIKK all insular climates, that of this Island varies often from dry to wet, and may be de- nominated moist; but only a small proportion of days occurs in which some hours of exercise in the open air may not be comfortably taken. Fogs are not particularly prevalent, unless sea fugs, of a partial and transitory nature, are taken into account. In the generality of winters, the thermometer ranges, for the most part, between forty and fifty degrees, and seldom descends te the freezing point, or if it does so., the frost does not continue longer than a few days, and as always much checked by winds from -the sea. .Summer heat is also moderated by the sea breeze, and in the shade, is found generally between sixty and seventy degrees. It is by no means uncommon for the night to be warmer than the day. Hence, the winters arc mild nnd open, and the temperature at all times, in a very considerable proportion, is softer aod more equable than in the neighbouring kingdoms. it is, therefore, well suited fer those conditions of health and constitution that are benefitted fey such circumstances. In particular it may be remarked, that consumption of the lungs is B comparatively a rare disease, and occurs more as the catarrh of old age, than the disease of youth. Though the climate may be denomi- nated moist, the atmosphere never stagnates. The nature of the soil is such, that its produc- tions are benefitted by more than usually frequent supplies of rain. The open state of the weather throughout the winter, clothes the fields with the verdure of spring. The cattle are turned out during the day, throughout most winters, and in summer the crops are seldom or ever later than in Cumberland and Westmorland, sometimes considerably earlier. The effects of the high winds that occasionally prevail, appear to be modified by the saline impregnation they carry along with them from the ocean. Those who are possessed of acute sensibility, com- plain of the winds, at all times, being cold, though they are not so in reality. Rheu- matism and inflammatory attacks, and cases that partake of a spasmodic character, are certainly the diseases from which the inhbit- ants suffer most. There are no endemic dis- eases, and at no point, excepting the curragh marshes in the north, is the surface of the country of a natufe to emit noxious nuasma. . The myrtle, the arbutus, the fuchsia, the verbina, the buddlea, the hydrangea, and other exotics, flourish throughout the year, and ac- quire a large size in well sheltered shrubberies. 19 Even biennial mignonoette has been known to Kve throughout the winter in the open garden, and to blow in- ApriL The lovers of botany and horticulture may, therefore, at a small ex- pense, expect interesting results from the cul- tivation of plants in the open air.* Some years are of course much milder than others. The fol- * The following n-ere ia Wow in Jamtary, 1824, in Castle Mona Grounds Nasturtium Ortuinale. Uwurf 3t. John's Wort Upright St. John's Wort Heartsease Parwey. White Violet. Primrose, double. Ditto Host upon Hose-. Polyanthus. Pink. Carnations, clove tree, and pickati. Anemone. Hellebore, Christmas Rose. Purple Coronilla. Rosemary. Moon Trefoil. Cineraria. Yellow Everlasting. Iry. Lauristinus, two salts. Arbutus, two sorts, in berry. Myrtle, three sorts. Hydrangea. Spanish Broom. Gum cistus. Geranium Sangitineunt. Pyrethrum, or Featherfew. Roses of sorts, five. Mallow, large flowering and purple flowering. Lavender Cotton. Snap Dragon. Antirrhinum, purple. Ten weeks' stock, several sorts. llignonnette. Hollyhock. Rue. Tangy Pea, Wall-flower. Broad leaved Periwinkle. Marigold. Chrysanthemum, three yellow, one pink, and others. Lupine, yellow, pink, and bine. Hepatica. Great Daisy. Whin. And several others. 20 lowing is a table of the weather for 1823, AvKich, although the winter was much more than usually severe, may be -taken as a fair average report. 3 r - "0-**= - SC2 f^lllJIIIIII !> e.3 | 2 e : p_g. S i P re o CUM 2 = = 3 re" SB" ? ? . ! ' " << *^ c *' C. S _" ~ rr:!j:l:!.t _ SB !!'* *; w * o S S o " A.M. 3% Q rt sc - 1 *.|w HH ( J|i-i>-i>" PH 1 i - g e _ H 2 ^ -HS^ SS "-H P.M. 3 3 o II TE S i_ > ceciUi < >J^- < ra(a})o'O>{^ N. S5 c ^3 S* 5 s>" *. .e CO ii.'iaicooo!t>-'j &.> ^ - " ET ~'= 2 Ci JO C5 O CO *- Ci "O iC (i > ii E. r p ' * -! S QC " 1C a i ^"-T 7 g ^^50 O^H-tOCCOODK) TV- C C. g -H, T> J< & 5=-l O C^, '-C HT i/ T w'OC^^DiC*^?w r 3 5 S-g S*S- *- ^*5 B 2 r -'- .s 5. -. ~ "> to C ^ _ S f-l S SStJaSSoS-S^S Fair. 1* 5"r 1 = | J g. K -*e .- e.*s rT B S*? ^ p- i^r c crq 2 ='_! ". - .' ^ O i ^ - S.s *?''* >*'& v^, S M a r r" T- S-' J8 S oc i-g; < r C ** C 5 5 T * 2 J-ils 14 -2 - c s ^t'-" "" Jl ' S n o go "g ^^ ^ jT M * * 3 /; 1 ^ frig.? re '&? : > se days the sovereignty of the Island can only have been a kind of j>atriarchal authority. In the tenth century it was taken possession of by the Danes at the time they molested the coasts of Britain. From that period, it is certain, there were Kings of Man. After they had reigned about a hundred years, the Danish line of Kings was overcome by the Norwegians, and the Island was governed by Kings under the crown of Norway, who, in their turn, were expelled by ALEXANDER of Scotland, in the thirteenth cen- tury. About twenty years after this conquest, the Island was surrendered by Scottish Commis- sioners to EDWARD, King of England ; and after passing through the SCROOPE and MONTACUTE families, was granted to the house of STANLEY, in the beginning of the fifteenth century ; whose successors are still in possession of the seignoral and manorial rights. Excepting within the last half century, the history of the internal policy of the Island, is, in a great measure, traditional ; and this is not the place to enter on the subject.* ' Consult C\MBN'S Britannia, SAfHBVBRBLi.'s History of the Ule of Man; FKLTIHH, ROBINSON, WOODS, and BUU.OCK. c 34 With regard to antiquities, excepting Peel Castle and Castle Rushen, none of any magni- tude exist. But many of a kind that are the only remaining indications that mark the early ages of Manks history, and which are very interesting to antiquaries, are to be found ; such as barrows, Druidale circles, watch and ward posts, fortified hills, circular encampments, runic pillars, with inscriptions, and other monumental stones, the enumeration of which would lead too much into detail. The improvements of modern agriculture are causing many, especially of the first named, to disappear. Some of them will be pointed out in the excursions to the different parts of the Island, subsequently to be described.* ARMORIAL ENSIGN. IT is said that the ancient armorial bearing of the Island was a ship, but the arms are now, and have been for five centuries, Gules, three armed legs, proper or rather argent, conjoined in fess at the upper part of the thigh, fleshed in triangle, garnished, and spurred topaz. The arms of the Bishopric are, on three as- cents ; the Virgin Mary, her arms extended between two pillars, on the dexter, a church iu base, the ancient Arms of Man. * On this subject, consult the Transactions of the Society of Scottish Antiquaries, vol. II. 35 MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE. His Excellency the Most Noble John, Duke of Atholl, Governor-in-Chief and Captain General. Secretary to his Grace, James Quirk, Esq. The Honorable Cornelius Smelt, Lieut. -Governor. Secretary to his Honor, George Quirk, Esq. COUNCIL. The Hon. and Rt. Rev. Geo. Murray, Lord Bishop. Robert Steuart, Esq. Receiver- General. His Majesty's Attorney-General, Jas. Clarke, Esq. - In his absence, James Quirk, Esq. George Quirk, Esq. Water Bailiff. J. M'Hutchin, Esq. Clerk of the Rolls. Rev. D. Mylrea, Archdeacon. The Rev. Thomas Cubbon, ~ _, MT-Mi- r n- f Vicars General. William Roper, Esq. John Bell, Esq. Clerk of the Council. J. Christian, Esq. his Majesty's Southern Deemster. J. J. Hey wood, Esq. his Majesty's Northern Do. Robert Kelly, Esq. Castletown, ^ James Quirk, Esq. Douglas, I , T i 11 i i, I />Hu?h Bailiffs John Llewellyn, Esq. Peel, j Thos. Ar. Corlett, Esq. Ramsey, J /Seneschal to the Lord of the Manor, J. Quirk, Esq. Secretary to the House of Keys, J. Llewellyn, Esq. Regulator of Weights and Measures, J. Kelly, Esq. Agent to his Grace the Duke of Atholl, and Lord Bishop's Proctor, James M 'Crone, Esq. c 2 MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF KEYS. MEMBERS WHEN ELECTED RESIDENCE. 1 1 on. M.Wi Iks, Speaker 181G .... Kirby. J. C. Curwen, . July, 1777 Workington-Hall, George Quayle, Aug. 1779 . . Castletown. Edward Gawnej Aug. 1803 . Mount-Gawne. Robert Quayle, Dec. 1804 . . Castletown. W. Cuninghame, Nov. 1805 . . -Castletown. John Moore, . Sept. 1805 . v . . Hills. John Quane, . Deer. 1808 . . . Douglas. John Hughes, . June, 1811 . . . Ballaugh. John Llewellyn, Sept. 1812 ..... Peel. J. C. Gelling, . Jany, 1813 W.L.Drinkwater,Mar. 1814 C. Heywood, . Capt. Quilliam, John C. Crellin, General Goldie, Thos. Harrison, Csesar Tobin, . Wm. Farrant, . Anth. Dunlup, Wm. Bridson, . John Lucas, June, 1815 July, 1817 , 1817 , 1818 Aug. July, . . Douglas. . . Douglas. . Glencruchery. . , Ballakilley. Castletown. . . Nunnery. 1819 Woodbourn Lodge. 1819 .... Middle. . . Ballamoar. . Ballakillev. July, 1823 .... Ragget. July, 1823 . . Knockrushen. R. Cuninghame, Esqrs. 1824 . . Castletown. BANKERS. Messrs. Henry Holmes & Sons . . . Douglas. 3E. Gawne, Castletown. L. M'Whannell, Ramsey. CAPTAINS OF PARISHES. PARISHES. Kirk Patrick . . Kirk German . . Kirk Michael . . Ballaugh . . . Jurby .... Kirk Andreas . f . Kirk Bride . .. V Lexayre .... Kirk Maughold . Kirk Loiiiui Kirk Onchan . . Kirk Braddn . . Kirk Marown . . Kifk Santon . . Kirk Malew . . Kirk Arbory , . Kirk Christ Kushen, NAMKS. RESIDENCE. J. Gelling . Ballacosnahau. James Cowle . . . .Peel. John Wade . . Injebreck. J Hughes Ballamona-moar. W Farrant . . Ballamoar. 11. Allen . . Ballavarrey. W. Christian . Ballayonnage. J. Corlett Loughun-e-yeigh. W.Christian . Claughbane. G. Tate . . . Ballamenagh. James Banks Ctesar Tobin W. Karran . T. Bre^ . John Lncas M. Daw son . Howstrake. . . Middle . Ballingan. ? . Arragon. Knockrushen. . Bell Abbey. E. Gawiie, Esqrs. Mt. Gawne. NOTARIES PUBLIC. J. C. Gelling, Douglas. Rich. Quirk, Castletown. VV.L. Drinkwater, Do. Kobt. Kelly, Do. John Burrow, Do. W.Kiasack, Ramsey, Vice- James Quirk, Do. Con.forSweden&Norway. W. H, Carrinyton, Do, J. Christian, Ramsey. -CHIEF CONSTABLES. Xhos. K.-Nran, Castletowo. John Calcy, Ramsey. . Cleator^ Douglas. Chas. Morrison, TOPOGRAPHY. HARBOURS* HEADS, AND BAYS, ARE always objects of great moment, in a country situated as this is, in a channel that is a thoroughfare of trade and navigation. There are four principal towns, Ramsey, Douglas, and Castletown, on the eastern shore, and Peel, on the western. To begin with the eastern coast. It has already been remarked, that the Point of Ayre, a tract of low land diminishing to a point, and only a few feet above the level of spring tides, constitutes the northern extremity of the Island. Here a Light-house stands, about six hundred and fifty feet from the sea an elevated, elegant, and highly useful structure. Immediately south from it, the first bay on the eastern coast is that of Ramsey, the largest in the Island, being about five miles wide and nearly two deep inland. It affords safe and excellent anchorage during westerly winds, to the largest elass of vessels. The harbour of Ramsey admits only of vessels of 10O tons, at spring-tides. At Port-league, on. the south, side of the bay, inside 39 of Maughold-head, a harbour might be con- structed at a very moderate expence, for a work of such magnitude, capable of receiving at all times large fleets of heavy vessels. The land, on the- middle and north of the bay, con~ sists of flats and low undulations, presenting low alluvial cliffs of sand and clay, towards the sea; On the south-west, it is bounded by Maughold- head, and the acclivity of the north termination of tiie mountains in the middle of the Island. Maughold-head is an angular looking hill; about four hundred feet high* insulated or de- lached from the mountain chain for a short distance, by a narrow valley of cultivated ground. Hence it is precipitous towards the sea, and slopes inland. From its projecting into the sea, the Island- acquires a considerable encrease in width at this place, and the rocky coast continues for upwards of twenty miles to the south-west, in nearly the same parallel line, bold and pre- cipitous, but much indented by bays, and by creeksj formed by rivulets. The creek called Cornay, about two miles, south' from Maughold-hcad, is the estuary of a rivulet, and is frequented by< boats loaded with limestone, &c. The shore, on both sides of: Laxey bay, which is six. miles south, is known by the preci- pjces being the highest of 'any on this part of the- ooast, from its being less interrupted by indent- ations, and closely backed by a continuation of-. 40 the mountainous land in the interior. There Is no quay at Laxey. The herring boats that enter the mouth of the rivulet are drawn uj) OH the beach. The bay is about a mile iu. diame- ter, and is good anchoring ground. The headland to the south, is Clay-head, It projects a little beyond the general line of coast. Banks' -howe, the north boundary of Douglas bay, is adjacent, and in the same line, but sepa- rated from it by the indentation formed by the estaary of Kirk Onchan rivulet, which is dis- charged at Groudal. These headlands are some- what elevated above the surface of the lands that lie back from them, and have no appearance of being a continuation of the mountains in the interior. Douglas bay is bounded on the south by the headland of the same name; .it is about eleven miles from Maughold-head, and nearly in the middle of the eastern coast of the Island, about two miles in breadth, aud one and a half in depth, and affords good shelter to vessels during .gales from the southwest, west, north- west, and north. Douglas harbour is an excellent one for its size, and admits vessels drawing from twelve to sixteen, and even eighteen feet of water. It lies immediately within Douglas-head. To vessels coming from the southward, the har- bour light opens to view at south-east, and to the right of the mouth of the harbour. About a quarter of a mile from the shore, 3s the small rock called Saint Mary's, OP Connister. It i$ always visible, excepting about two hours during high water. The best anchorage is between it ami the headland, a space -of about a quarter of a mile in extent, where there is a buoy for warping out of har- bour; but large vessels generally keep a good deal on the outside of it. Fort Sodcpiek, a small bay of little depth, lies about three miles distant from Douglas: it is anchoring ground, but has no harbour. It re- ceives a rivulet, and is bounded on thy south by San ton-head. The three headlands, Clay-head, Douglas-head, . and Santon-head are so much alike in appearance at sea, especially to those making the shore from, the southward, that it is not uncommon to mis- take the one for the other, when the ndjaceut. low grounds are not distinctly seen ; and thus the harbour is missed, and a tide lost. A Tower lias been erected on Douglas-head, in order to distinguish it from the others ; and it may be observed that it rises more abruptly from the back, grounds round Douglas, thaa Clay-head or Santon-head does from the high grounds in their neighbourhood. Hence the inland accli- vity of the headland itself, is less gradual than That of the others, and rises in an insulated manner to a greater height above the surrounding land. About two miles from Saotoa-headj the creek 42 of Grenack, formed by the estuary of a small" river of that name, occurs. It is a beach fre- quented only by sm-all boats. A mile and a half further, Kirk Santon river opens into the sea, a rocky ami precipitous estuary, having no beach, but there is good anchorage opposite, in Derby- haven bay, in all westerly winds. The bay or harbour called Derbyhaven, and the low point of land of Langness, or Langless, are two of the most imp6rtant points on the coast. Langness is a low and projecting peninsula, of a triangular shape, formed by the influx upon the low land of Derbyhaven bay on the east, and of Castletown bay on the south-west. Derbyhaven is a circular basin, about half a mile in diameter, the entrance to which is a narrow opening on the east. It is protected on all sides, and is an excellent lee-shore asylum for all vessels that take the beach k There is no quay or pier here; but it has been calculated that ^20,000 or ^30,000 would make it one of the finest places of refuge, or for any purpose, in the channel. To vessels out of Liverpool, put back by adverse winds, such a port would be a great and important accommodation. The entrance is lighted during the months in which the herring fieet is out, by a- wooden light-house, erected on the round tower called Fort Derby, on the low point that forms the seaward boundary of the bay. The cliffs* forming the bold shore from Maugh- old-hea:I to this place, vary from one to [three hundred feet in elevation. Southwards, to Port- le-Mary, a distance of about four miles, the shore undergoes a considerable change. Though still rocky, it becomes so low as seldom to ex- ceed twenty feet above the level of the sea, and is often much less. It is very rugged and indented, especially about Langness Point and Castletown bay. The former projects ob- liquely, seaward, nearly half a mile beyond the general line of coast. Some of its outermost rocks are covered at high water, and close up to them the sea is of great depth, and a powerful current and ripple of tide runs past them. Owing to these causes, and the lowness of the land, the heaviest vessels have been wrecked in the darkness of the night, by unexpectedly striking here, under a press of sail. About the middle of the peninsula, a tower has been erected as- a landmark, in order to render the land more- readily distinguishable - r but it is much better to depend upon the Calf lights. By keeping both these open to view,, when passing this coast, all danger is avoided. Castletown bay, that adjoins Langness on the south-west, is^ a deep, rocky, and dangerous indentation-, about two miles wide, and three deep. Many of the rocks in it are covered at high water. The harbour is small and rocky, and is never attempted as a place of refuge,. or should it ever be made for at night by strange vessels. The water in the harbour, during neap and spring-tides, varies from five to fourteen feet in. depth. The acuminated Stack of Scarlet Point, forms the south-west termination of this bay, where a strong and deep current of tide also passes to the northward. Rounding it, Puolvash, or Port-le-Mary bay sweeps to the westward. It is nearly three miles v/ide, and there is a rock in the middle of the bay, which is covered at high water.. T-he anchorage is considered bad, and is seldom come to but in cases of necessity. In the western angle, on the boundary, at the foot of the hjgh grounds that extend to Spanish- head, lies the village of Port-le-Mary, the har- bour of which is excellent for its size, and admits vessels of 50 or CO tons burthen. From this harbour to the Calf, the high pre- cipices of Spanish-head occupy the shore. The shores of the Calf are equally precipitous ; and in consequence of the Chickens, and other rocks near them, a vessel should always keep a good offing here. There is no shelter ou the coast, and the passage of the Race of the Calf is, at best, very dangerous. On some emergencies, however, it has been taken with success. The Calf is highest on the western side, where the perpendicular precipices cannot be less than four hundred feet in height, by computation. From 'this elevation, eastward, it slopes considerably, but unequally : and in some parts is capable of bearing good crops of grain. Here there is a _ small stream, and a good farm house and offices. On the southern edge of its pre- cipitous shores, stand the two Light-houses, which are very elegant buildings, and hav been of the greatest service of late years to the shipping in the channel. Opposite to them, and a mile and a quarter from the high pre- cipices, are the low, pointed, partly sunken, and dangerous rocks, called the Chickens ; and a few fathoms from the eastern shore, stand the acuminated rocks, known by the name of the Stack and Eye of the Calf. Rounding the south extremity of the Island, the western coast presents a perpendicular wall, about two hundred feet high, almost in a straight line from the Calf to Port Erin bay, a distance of two miles. Port Erin is a small bay, about half a mile in diameter; bounded on the south, by the precipices just mentioned; on the north, by those of Brada-head, which are of great mag- nitude, and overhang the sea. Opposite the middle of the bay, the land lies low. These circumstances give it a picturesque appearance. The sides are rocky, but ia the centre there is a good beach. From Port Erin to Peel, the coast continues 46 rocky and precipitous ; but it is much more even, and less indented, than the eastern coast. From Brada-head to Dauby-point, distant five miles, the coast, still precipitous, bends inland to some extent, and forms what is called the Big bay, which has an excellent beach, and affords the best anchorage on this coast. Here the mountains ap- proach very near to the shore. Four miles farther is Contrary-head, formed by a projection of the south end of Peel hill. Peel hill is an ob- long and insulated eminence that runs along shore about two miles. On its highest part, which is upwards of five hundred feet, there is a Tower, a good landmark. Towards the north, the hill terminates in the small rocky Island on which Peel Castle stands, and there forms the western boundary of Peel bay, which is about three quarters of a mile in diameter, and has a good beach. Inside of the Castle Island and the hill, lies the town of Peel ; the harbour of which is good, and is protected by a pier and light-house. It receives vessels of 10O Ions burthen, at spring tides, and the bay is resorted to during easterly gales. On the north-east, the bay is terminated by the rocks protruding into the beach ; hence the shore continues rocky for nearly four miles ; after which it becomes alluvial, presenting abrupt faces of clay, sand, and gravel, in general from thirty to forty yards high. It forms an uneven or bending line ; and the estuaries of the rivu- lets cause little or no indentations. About ten miles from Peel, one of the convex curves, which it makes opposite the church of Jurby, is de- nominated Jurby Point. From hence, the coast takes a course E.N.E. to the Point of Ayre almost in a straight line, by that means rapidly reducing the Island to a narrow termination. INTERCOURSE WITH THE SURROUNDING COUNTRIES. BEFORE steam vessels were introduced, the communications of the Island were kept up by means of sailing packets to Whitehaven, Liver- pool and Dublin, which still continue to sail frequently, and to carry on the whole trade of the country. But it is by the steam packets that visitors now make the passage. These vessels were first established between Liverpool, Douglas, and Greenock, by a Glasgow company, in 1819. They carry nothing hut passengers and luggage, horses and carriages. At present, in the summer season, there are two packets ply- ing, the Majestic, and the City of Glasgow, each of which makes a weekly trip, starting from Greenock and Liverpool, on Mondays and Fridays. One leaves Greenock on Monday, at 12 o'clock, calls at Port Patrick, on passing in and the matrons that wait in the ladies' cabins are humane, active, and attentive women. The number of passengers between Li- verpool and the Island, besides those for Scotland, is often numerous ; and an early attention is, therefore, necessary to secure a birth in the cabin. But the passage being uniformly made during the day time, and the deck spacious and pleasant, a * The Albion, steam packet, has commenced plying, this summer, three times a week, directly between the ports of Douglas and Liverpool. 49 bed, unless for invalids, is of the less importance. The packet anchors inside of Douglas- head, a few hundred yards from the pier, and frequently when the tide answers, comes into the harbour. The passengers are immediately brought ashore with care and safety, by boats stationed for the purpose j but it is proper to remark, that there is sometimes a confusion, occasioned by a rush to get into them ; and it is recommended, especially if ladies are in the question, to wait till the hurry is over. The landing boats are regularly num- bered, and a constable is sent from the town on board the packet, to regulate their coming along- side; but when there is a disposition to irregula- rity, unless his endeavours are seconded by the passengers themselves, his utility, in contributing to their safety and satisfaction, must be much limited. The trip from Liverpool, especially on a fine day, is really delightful j except to a few, the effect of the motion of the vessel, steadily directed by powerful machinery, is much less than that usually produced by the swell caused by the wind and the tides in sailing packets. Every care is taken to provide all kinds of refreshments. There is music on board, and often the joyous throng form themselves into circles of the most exhi- larating description, Whilst, like a meteor in its airy coarse, The rapid bark speeds on its liquid way," D On approaching the Island from the sea, the lover of the picturesque will not fail to observe the perspective presented by the chain of precipit- ous headlands and retiring inlets of the coast, backed by a fine outline of mountain. The bay of Douglas requires only to be better wooded to be one of the most beautiful in the channel ; its two headlands, Douglas-head and Clay-head, are distant from each other about two miles, and its depth is upwards of one mile ; thus the bay is a semicircle, nearly regular, flanked by t\v< lofty precipices, and skirted all round by a shore that rises suddenly by brows upwards of a hundred and fifty feet high, into an elevated and cultivated country, which, studded with hamlets and lively, cottages, undulates to the base of the mountains, five miles in the distance. In the centre of the Bay stands Castle Monaj and on its southern limb, under the headland, on the south, and the high grounds on the west, lies the town of Douglas, snug and compact, on the narrow tri- angular space formed by the termination of the valley, by which the river of the same name flows into the sea. 51 DOUGLAS POSSESSES one of the best dry harbours in the channel, and an elegant pier and light-house. The streets, as in many old sea- port towns, are somewhat irregular, crowded, and confused, but contain many excellent and comfortable houses. It contains upwards of 6,000 inhabitants, and is a place of some bustle, the whole of the trade and riches of the country centring here. The shops are well furnished with all sorts of goods and merchandize, more so, indeed, than is usually the case in a country town of the same size. It has a very neat Court House, wherein the Deemster and the Vicar-General, of the southern division, frequently hold their Courts. Chancery Courts are also sometimes appointed to be held here. The High-Bailiff holds his Court in the Register Office of the Lord of the Manor. Douglas is only in its infancy as a place of public resort, and, therefore, possesses few public buildings deserving of notice, the principal occu- pation at present being to build houses and ne\v streets, for the accommodation of new residents; of these Atholl-street, in the higher part of the town, is spacious and handsome; and terraces and cottages for sea bathing quarters are planned, and going on rapidly, along the margin of the bay. It must be added, that the town is not lighted, except along the quay ; and is supplied with water from carts, cried through the streets. Besides the parish church of Braddan, a little up the country, the town contains two chapels, belonging to the established church, St. George's and St. Matthew's, and several meeting houses of different persuasions of Christians. There is a National Free School, in which three hundred children are educated ; and private seminaries, for the education of young gentlemen and ladies, are numerous. Amongst the objects worthy of notice may be ranked the herring houses ; and a fleet of a hundred or two of herring boats fluttering on the coast, is a gratifying spectacle. The Post Office is in Douglas, and hence all letters, for the different parts of the Island, are forwarded by runners twice a week in summer, and once in winter. THE PUBLIC BATHS CONSIST of hot and cold sea water baths, shower and vapour baths, fitted up in a neat and com- fortable manner, which the proprietor is anxious to make as agreeable to various tastes as possible, 53 and spnres no expence to render as much assist- ance to the valitudinarian as it is in the power of bathing to afford. Bathing machines are also provided in the bay, and at the Crescent. THE MARKET Is well supplied with all sorts of necessaries, (see tables) mutton and veal are particularly excellent. Fish is abundant, and a good dish may almost always be had for a shilling, and often for half the money. The sorts most common, be- sides herrings, are white and red cod, rock cod, whiting, and whiting pollock, haddock, skate, soals, flounders, and turbot, mackrel and gurnet. The first mentioned are abundant in their proper seasons. None of the shell fish are abundant, except crabs and lobsters 5 but oysters, scollops, and shritns are aot altogether wanting. Lob- sters are to too great an extent exported to the Liverpool an-1 Dublin markets, so as often to, cause a scarcity of them ; and oysters are fre- quently imported from England and Ireland, for the use of the curious in that fish. House real and coals are certainly the highest articles of expence j but by living in the country, raising milk and potatoes, feeding a few sheep and poultry, for the use of the house, families of t-ight or ten, and even more numerous, live in the utmost ease and abundance on a20O or 3QO per annum ; some of them keeping a carriage as an. additional comfort. This appendage is subject only to a tax of 5s. a wheel, and if not kept for show, but worked by the horses of the farm, costs little more than the value of the purchase money. Milk is another article, the price of which is sometimes complained of; and it is surprising that an active competition in the market has not been established in consequence j it would be most useful. Goats' milk and asses' milk can only be procured by making special enquiry about them. AMUSEMENTS. THERE are public libraries* in Douglas, news- rooms, and billiard-rooms, which, with several other things, will be found enumerated in tables at the end. The amusements of the inhabitants are principally of a domestic kind, in the gay round of social intercourse in all its forms. Of course there are various classes of refinement and taste in society. That of the best rates is in a superior degree familiar with the elegancies of life and of manners, more so than those in Britain of equal expenditure and show ; and few of such expend more than ^SOO a-year. This remark * That which has been recently established by MB. JEFFERSON, printer, Duke-street, is the first on the Island, for choice selection and variety ; it contains double sets of all the Scotch novels and the productions of all the popular and fashionable novelists of the age. 55 does not apply to those possessed of large pro- perty in the country. Fashions find their way here rapidly from London, for which purpose some tradesmen keep up a frequent intercourse with houses there, as well as iu Liverpool. Public dancing subscription assemblies are occasionally held in the large new room. attached to the British Hotel; and also card assemblies, and clubs, and meetings of that kind, at that house, and at HANJSY'B Hotel. There are some- times theatrical amusements; but it must be remarked, that the population is not a play going one, and lias not hitherto afforded the encourage- ment necessary for such establishments. Boating and little excursions into the country are a frequent source of amusement, to the active and the young. At the Hotels and Inns, horses to hire, and post-chaises can be had to any part of the Island ou the shortest notice. A coach twice a- week round the Island, was lately tried by Mr. Dixox of the British Hotel, but it failed, travel- ling in gigs and on boree-back being generally preferred. As happens ia all small communities of com- pany, brought together by public resort, there is sometimes some squabbling amongst parties, which is a circumstance that must be reprobated ; but this is what can be subjected to the manage- ment and good sense of every person iadividually. 5C THE PIER Is the principal promenade of the place, and it is certainly a fine one, often the resort of much beauty and fashion, and much enlivened by the gaiety and bustle, which the arrival of company by the steam-packets occasions. But there are many other walks in the environs of the town. ENVIRONS. CROSSING the bridge at the head of the har- bour, and turning to the left, the walk to the top of the Head, called the Howe, affords some views, which convey, with much accuracy, a general idea of the town, and of the Island ; but ; fhe foot path cannot be spoken of in terms of praise. On this walk we pass Fort Anne, the residence of Deemster CHRISTIAN, picturesquely situated on the high ground, at the mouth of the harbour, opposite to the Pier-head. A little beyond is the fort for the defence of the bay, and on the top of the head-land, or Howe of Douglas, a tower, a land-mark for mariners. Here the sea view, and that along shore, are remarkably tine. " From cliff to cliff the foaming waters shine." And the admirer of " Crimson cloud, l>lue main, and mountain grey," 57 vvill consider his time by no means ill disposed of when taking a ramble to the back of the Howe. The walk up by the river, through the groves of the Nunnery, is also much frequented. In this direction we enter the vale of Braddan, passing the Nunnery, the beautiful seat of Lieut.-General GOLDIE, of the House of Keys, in the immediate vicinity of the town. This place was once the site of a Nunnery, said to have been of great antiquity. Excepting the eastern gable of the chapel with its gothic windows, hardly a vestige of the ancient structure remains. The gardens are extensive, and some of the evergreens are remarkable for their beauty ; in particular, there is a Portugal laurel twenty feet high on one stem, and whose umbrageous top covers a space ten yards horizontal. Proceeding up the river, we see Pulrose, the beautiful farm of Mrs. Moo KB, on the leftj and a few hundred yards further, Spring Valley, at present occupied by Major SnuM ; back from which, near the top of the rising ground, is Farm Hill, belonging to DANIEL WILSON, Esq. j where there is a good view of the vale of Braddan, and Douglas bay. On the left, a little beyond Spring Valley, is Ballaughton, the property of his Grace the DUKE OF ATHOLL. Next to it on the right, and close to the church of Braddan, is Kirby House, the elegant seat of Col. WILKS, Speaker of the House of Keys, and late Governor of St. Helena; the ground* o 58 'which are well laid out in the modern taste, with excellent gardens, &c. The country is well wooded, and the perambulator cannot fail to observe in this neighbourhood several rich and picturesque little views. The situation of Brad- dan church, especially, creates a romantic effect, and presents several objects interesting to the imagination. In front of it there is a Runic pillar with an inscription, and also some ancient crosses. Returning to Douglas by the Peel road, and immediately after leaving Kirk Braddan, Port- e-chee, or the Harbour of Peace, occupies the extensive, flat lawn on the left ; it is the property of the DUKE OF ATHOLL. Leaving the main road at Port-e-chee bridge, that to the left leads to the village of Onchan ; or to the sands of Douglas bay, by taking the first lane on the right, by which means we pass Woodbourn, the villa of THOMAS HARRISON, Esq. of the House of Keys. On the margin of the bay, at the north end of the town, stands the elegant Marine Villa <;f ROBERT STEUART, Esq. Collector of the port, and Receiver- General of the Island. Marina Terrace, belonging to the same gentleman, immediately adjoins the lawn. Castle Mona is the insular residence of his Grace the DUKE OF ATHOLL, Lord of Man and the Isles, and Governor-in-Chief of the Island. This princely fabric was erected about . twenty years ago, on waste ground on the shore; but notwithstanding the newness of the grounds, they are already well worthy of admiration. The shrubbery especially is very picturesquely situated along the foot of the cliffs, and that of the hot-house is novel and pleasing ; and the walks that rise in succession, at the back of the Castle, on the wooded brows that encircle the Bay at this place, are beautiful. The ride along the sands is most agreeable ; and good views of the town and neighbourhood are seen from the heights beyond Castle Mona. The road to Ramsey leaves the sands about a mile from Douglas. It is here that the DUKE has fenced, at a ^reat expence, the beach from the seaj and upon the ground thus gained at the foot of the cliffs, the erection of a public hotel :md elegant crescent of cottages is in considerable forwardness for the reception of visitors. On the top of the brow, stands Summer Hill; a little farther north, Bemahague, both the property of Deemster HEYWOOD ; and Glencrutchery, the villa and farm of CALCOTT HEYWOOD, Esq. of . the House of Keys. A little farther on the Ramsey road is the village of Ouchan, and tiie parish church of that name. There are many other small neat cottages in this neighbourhood ; and in the bay below the village, there are some curious coves scooped out of the rocky shore, which are frequently the resort of boating parties from Douglas. None of the public gardens, in the vicinity of 60 ;)ouglas, possess other attractions than those of aitchen horticulture ; because the taste of the public in general is not directed to such things j but all the gentlemen's seats just mentioned, and many others, have accompaniments of shrub- beries, vineries, hot-houses, and excellent gar- dens, for amongst such, gardening is a principal amusement. There is no tax on hot-houses, and the prime cost of glass is more than one-half less than in England j hence, besides wall fruits, those of the hot-house are more frequently raised than by people of equal circumstances on the other side of the water. The Manks codlin is a dwarf apple tree which is very prolific, and is propagated by cuttings ; but it is believed to be now generally known to gardeners. The fruit that arrives at the greatest perfection in the Island is pears, and in favourable seasons, peaches, apricots and nectarines acquire maturity in the open air: figs never do, but they have been known to live on the tree throughout the winter, and to acquire an encrease of bulk the following feummer. Other garden fruits are common, and the natives are yearly improving ia their attention to such things. EXCURSIONS. THOUGH the Island is in many parts badly wooded, it is by no means devoid of beauty, nor altogether destitute of silvan scenery. The 61 deficiency is partly made up by a never ending succession of hill, and dale, and running water, and cottages. It is universally enclosed, but in an irregular manner with clumsy mud fences, topped with furze, and nothing but wood can relieve a degree of bleakness, which even the most fertile parts of it present. Its capabilities of improvement in that respect are not yet suffi- ciently appreciated, otherwise it might become oneof the most beautiful of the British Isles. Excursions may be made either in a general tour round the Island, or by visiting the different parts, subsequently to be pointed out, individually, from Douglas as from a centre. If the first is preferred, it must be done in a hurried manner if it occupies less than four days. Castletown and its environs will occupy the first day, Peel the second, Ramsey the third, and fourth the return to Douglas. But it may be run over in two, and if taken as a race, even in one. The country is intersected every where with numerous bye paths, but those kept in good repair are only the high- ways connecting the four towns. FIRST DAY'S EXCURSION. On leaving Douglas for Castletown, which is distant ten miles, we pass the Nunnery, on the right. At the second mile stone, Middle, C.BSAR TOBIN, Esq. of the House of Keys ; and four miles from Douglas, Mount Murray, the property of Lady HENRY 62 MURRAY, and the residence of J. J. DURBIN, Esq. About midway, you see Kirk Santon Church, a mile seaward, to the left ; and at the eight mile- stone pass the village of Ballasalla. The ruins of the old Abbey of Rushen, where several of the ancient Kings of Man are buried, stand here within the grounds of the Abbey House,- Major Hartwell ; through which Castle town river runs southwards. The remains of the ancient Abbey adjoins the Abbey House. This Abbey was founded by OLAVE, King of Man, in ] 104. There are some interesting views on the river in this neighbourhood, and along its banks are several pleasant cottages j and on the high ground on the south-west, Ballasalla House, GEORGE DHINKWATEB, Esq. OLD ROAD TO CASTLETOWN. The Old Road, or, as it is commonly called, the Low Road, from Douglas to Castletown, besides being a little shorter, it is nearer the shore, and leads through a more pleasant country than the principal high- way does, and also affords several picturesque sea views. Therefore, although the road is much worn out and in bad repair, and there are some rivulets to ford, it may be recommended to those who travel on horseback, or who walk, in order to see the country at leisure. Leaving Douglas, and having passed the Nun- nery and the Roman Catholic Chapel about a 63 quarter of a mile, the road divides into two. That on the left, is the Low Road. Two miles from Douglas, Oak Hill, the villa of JOHN BELL, Esq. is seen in the hollow, on the right ; and a mile farther, Hampton, on the top of the hill. In this neighbourhood the small bay of Port Soderick, and the high shores bounding it are picturesquely situated, and are frequently visited both by land and by water, by parties of pleasure from Douglas. Upon the high ground near Hampton, also, there is a fine view of the Island to the north-eastward. A little more than four miles from Douglas, you see Oatland, J. J. MOORE, Esq. on the right, where a picturesque view of the country and sea to the north is seen} then Seafield, Captain BACON, near the sea, on the left ; and soon after' pass Kirk Santon, and join the main road about a mile from the village of Ballasalla, two miles from Castletown. CASTLETOWN Is the capital of the Island, and is a neatly built small town. It has an indifferent harbour, pier, and light-house. In the centre of the town stands Castle Rushen, one of the finest specimens of an old Gothic keep of the middle ages in existence, which was built in 947. It is a square, enclosing an Inner Court, flanked with four square towers, on its four sides, the highest of which is about eighty feet in height, and is closely surrounded 64 by a lofty parapet wall, ditch, and glacis, in a circular form. It is now the prison of the Island, and most of the Law Courts are held here. The Deemster's, weekly j those of Chancery, the first Thursday of every month. The residence of his Honor CORNELIUS SMELT, Lieulenant-Governor of the Island, is situated on the walls, on the east. It is an erection of the days of Queen ELIZABETH, and is a building quite distinct from the Gothic keep in the interior. There is a small chapel in the market-place 5 and the House of Keys is in the street leading to the draw bridge. Kirk Malew, the parish church, is two miles up the country. There is also a capi- tal Inn, and the town contains 2,036 inhabitants, and many excellent houses. In the neighbour- hood, numerous comfortable cottages are scat- tered over the country. If the party has time, some little excursion may be undertaken in the neighbourhood; that to Port-le-Mary and Port Erin, the mines of Brada, and the natural curiosities in the southern extremity of the Island, four miles distant, is the most agreeable. On this road, about a mile from Castletown, we first pass Ballakeighin, Captain QCILLIAM, R. N. and of the House of Keys, on the right; then Balladoole, Captain WOODS, on the left. On the beach at Polevash, behind the latter place, there is a curious current of a large body of salt water issuing from the rocks near 65 high water mark. It is as salt as the water of the ocean, is in quantity as large as might form a small rivulet, and never ceases to flow in the driest seasons. It has been supposed to originate from some immense cavity of the earth becoming filled with sea water at flood tide, by means of the same channel from which it re-issues during ebb ; but the nature of the openings, out of which it proceeds, and the stream continuing to flow, even at the lowest neap tides, are against this supposition. A little eastward from it, the black marble is found. The general under- drainage of the limestone basin that constitutes this part of .the country, is directed to this vicinity. Proceeding westwards along the shore, we pass Kentraugh, and Mount Gawne, EDWARD GAWNE, Esq. of the House of Keys ; and near the base of the mountains, in this neighbourhood, Balla- gawne, and Ballachurry, THOMAS GAWTTE, Esq. ; and a little to the west, the parish church of Kirk Christ Rushen. The lead and copper mines of Brada are at present in active operation, and are sometimes visited as a curiosity. Both Port-Erin and Port-le-Mary are small villages; the latter has a good harbour, which was lately protected by a substantial stone pier of considerable extent. There is some trade at Port-le-Mary in the burning of lime, and in exporting corn. Besides farming, the inhabitants are principally employed E in fishing for cod and lobsters, of which quantities are exported to the Dublin market. But the objects most worthy of the notice of the admirers of the operations of nature, on a large scale, are the rocks of the coast, especially the high perpendicular precipices of Spanish-head, rent by extensive and tremendous chasms j and if boating is not considered an impediment, a visit to the Calf of Man, where the number of sea fowl that cover the ledges of the cliff, generally astonishes the stranger. THE CHASMS. THE road to the chasms is somewhat rough, and cannot be well travelled by a carriage, but their appearance will repay adventurous curiosity. The visitor may either proceed directly from Port-le-Mary, by the farm road that leads along shore, or he may ascend that to Craignish, a small mountain village of the most aboriginal, wild, and desolate appearance ; and from which neighbour- hood, the country to the northwards is looked down upon as another world, of one continued series of gay cottages, and luxuriant cultivation, happily illustrating the blessed effects of modern industry and improvement. The chasms are on the left from Craignish. The precipice they traverse is about three hundred feet in perpendicular height from the level of the beach. They are fissures in the solid rock several 67 feet wide, that penetrate many fathom into the hill, and are in several parts so dark and so deep, that the bottom cannot be seen. At the edge, they divide the precipice into accuminated and sugar loaf masses, that overhang the water that far below breaks against the rocky shore. In one of the recesses thus formed, there is a small circle of erect stones, that appears to have been the temple of some lonely druid, who probably had fixed his hermitage here on account of the sublimity of the situation. " Perch'd on a cliff that awes the astounded sight, In darkness and in storm he found delight ; Where foaming billows rouse the fearful deep, And far below the foaming waters sweep." " And oft the craggy cliff he loved to climb, When, all in mist, the world below was lost ; What dreadful pleasure ! there to stand sublime. Like ship-wreck'd mariner, on desert coast ; And view the enormous waste of vapor, toss'd In billows lengthening to the horizon found." On the top of the highest precipice of the Calf of Man, there is an old ruin called Bushel's House, a man of the name being said to have lived as a hermit there in the days of Queen ELIZABETH. On returning to Douglas or Peel, from the southern extremity of the Island, the road along the base 6f the mountains, and through the village of Kirk Arburgh, affords an agreeable variety. It leads into the roads to Peel and Douglas, with- out again passing along shore through Castletown. In the neighbourhood of Kirk Christ Rushen, as well as along the coast towards Castletown, there are several examples of the Barrow. That called the Fairy Hill is the most known. It is an un- commonly large artificial earthen cone, situated a little west from the church in a morass near Ballachurry. It is said to have been raised over the body of King REGINALD, who was killed in single combat by the knight SUAM, or IVAR ; but from its situation, and its summit being flat, and surrounded by a parapet, it is more likely that it is one of the fortified hills of the early age. Several erections of this kind, to this day, are known to the natives by the appellation Bnrgh, or Burrough. It may also be remarked, that besides Barrows, other relics of antiquity of a different kind, are thickly scattered all over the Island, namely, the Kiels or small Kirks of the early Christians. These are merely small enclosed spaces, contain- ing some mounds or rubbish, and are so numerous that it is said that every treen anciently possessed one. They appear to have been a kind of domes- tic chapels, and are said to have been visited occasionally by itinerating monks. To this day, tradition affixes the chaplaincy of one in Braddan named Kiel-Albin, to the proprietor of a neigh- bouring farm, Awhallyon. But in general, they are now entirely forgotten, and only superstiti- ously venerated as containing the remains of the 69 dead, for they have all been used as burying places. As an example of one, Kiel-Vuel, or Michael, which signifies Kirk Michael, situated on the top of Balladoole hill, may be pointed out as occurring on this road. Another, near the Douglas road, may be seen on passing Bulreinny hill, Mount Murray. Before leaving this part of the country, it may be necessary to observe, that Uerbyhaven, a fish- ing village, with an excellent and magnificent harbour, lies a mile east from Castletovvn, and is a great resort of the herring fleet. On the small Island called St. Mary's, at the entrance of the bay, $here is a small fortified tower, built by the EARL OF DERBY., in 1603, on. which the light- house is now placed. In the narrow channel that divides this Island from the peninsula, a low rock projects from the main land, known to some by the name of Ango-bour rough, on which there are some low mounds, apparently the rubbish of ruins ; anil on the north ascent of which, a path- way is cut out of the solid rock, having grooves across to give footing to passengers. These cir- cumstances give this small rock some interest ; and there can be little doubt that it is one of the fortified hills of the early age, denominated by the natives, Burroughs. Several others are to btt seen in this neighbourhood In passing through the country, it will be re- marked, that as in most Islands of a similar maiir- ;o nittule, the establishments, the divisions of pro- perty, the mountains, and the rivers, are all on a small scale. It may be added, that the farm houses, have in general a substantial and comfort- able appearance, being for the most part, covered with slate, and healthily situated. Many of the cottages or cabins of the day-labouring class, are built of mud sods, and covered with thatch, and are sometimes partly, beneath the surface, ex- posed to damp, badly ventilated and badly lighted, but, nevertheless, healthy. Few, however, occur in which the interior is naked and desolate look- ing, all being in general crowded with lumber and clothing, and what the Manksman considers com- forts, conjoined, perhaps, with a little want of cleanliness and neatness virtues which he seem too much to undervalue; but he is improving rapidly, and will do so more and more, as his confidence in himself increases. Many of the better description of cottages have their windows ornamented with flower pots of geraniums, hydranges, and myrtles. The English language is universally spoken with much accuracy and correctness by the younger part of the inhabitants. The taste for music is in a very low state ; and amongst the peasantry there is not only no national style, but in some districts music of any kind is hardly, if at all, cultivated. Four or five simple ditties, apparently of genuine Celtic original, hare been 71 lately published. They are, most probably, simi- lar to those used in bardic recitation amongst our neighbours, the Welsh, in early ages. Small pox is the only epidemic that has at all pervaded the population within the last ten years ; and excepting very partially, there is no record of any other but measles ever having pervailed. EXCURSION TO PEEL. THE foregoing excursion will occupy one day very agreeably ; and if the party, instead of re- turning to Douglas for the night, prefer proceed- ing to Peel next morning, they pass Malew church and the limestone quarries, a mile and a half from Castletown, cross the mountains by a good road, and near the sixth mile-stone, pass Foxdale lead mines, which are now carried on extensively. At Hamilton bridge, at the foot of the northern acclivity of South Barrool, a torrent from the mountain forms a very pretty waterfall. About three miles furthers you fall into the Douglas road to Peel, at St, John's and the Tynwald Hill, another two miles and a. half bring you to PeeL PEEL Is situated about the middle of the west coast of the Island ; twelve miles from Castletown, and eleven and a half from Douglas. It is a fishing town, with a good pier and light-house. The fish cau.jhi here are principally herrings, of the finest quality and greatest abundance ; also, haddock and cod. It contains 1,909 inha- bitants, the parochial church of German, and a small Court-house. In former times it was more famous on account of its Castle x than it now is. This extensive ruin is more interesting from its antiquity and from its being lately noticed in romance, by the " Great Unknown," than from any intrinsic beauty it possesses as a ruin. Its situation, however, is fine and picturesque, and in feudal times must have been of greal importance as a place of strength. It is supposed to be con- siberably older even than Castle Rushen, and in it some of the early kings of Scotland are said to have been educated. It contains the ruins of the insular Cathedral, the arches of the transept of which, even to this day, bespeak its former mag- nificence; but the legendary history of the place is much too long to be inserted here. Along the neighbouring shores, there are some curious caves and sinuosities in the rock, and agates and earne- lians, fit for jewellery, are found along the sands of the bay and shore to the northward. At Glen Moij, three mile south-west from Peel, a mountain torrent forms a very pretty water-fall, decorated with planting, which is frequently the resort of parties of pleasure, and is well worth see- ing. On going to it, you pass Kirk Patrick ; and Knockaloe, JAMES QUIRK, a minor; Ballamoore, PHILIP MOORE, Esq. ; and Bullacosimhon, JOHN. GELLING, Es j,, fire the principal villas seen from the road. At Bullaniore, a Portugal laurel and an arbutus are objects of curiosity, from the great height they have attained, being about forty feet high, but the stems are naked, and they have been much injured by the weather and the crowding of forest trees. The finest of the group, whice once consisted of three, was blown down by a gale of wind, in 182^. There can be no better example than these, of how favourable the climate and soil of the Island are to the growth of evergreens. EXCURSION TO RAMSEY, BY BISHOP'S COURT. IF this is taken by setting out from Douglas, you travel nine miles on the Peel road to the Cross-ways, near St. John's j if from Peel, we return by the Douglas road, three miles to the same point, and turn to the northwards through the mountains j or if you do not travel with a carriage, there is a very tolerable road close along shore, which is considerably shorter than the route just mentioned. If the carriage road is taken : at St. John's is the Tynwald Hill, used during the ceremony of promulgating new laws, situated near the Peel river, on a small plain surrounded by hills and high grounds. It is a low cone, the sides of which are cut into three platforms, and which terminates in a flat summit. These are respectively the stations of the Governor and Church, and State, during the ceremony. Imme- 74 diately adjoining on the east, is the small chapel of St. John's, that constitutes part of the insti- tution, and which, in the first instance, is used at Tynwald Courts for the purposes of prayer, and, subsequently, for those of deliberation and other business of the constituted authorities. This chapel is one of those, the ruins of which have been alluded to as occurring commonly through- out the country ; and as well as the Mount to which it is attached, is the only one in existence that has continued to exercise its ancient functions to the present day. All are 1 Fall'n, fall'n, a silent heap ! their heroes all Sunk in their urns." But, " To those whom nature taught to think and feel, ' Heroes, alas ! are things of small concern. Could history man's secret heart reveal, And what imports a heaven-born mind to learn, Her transcripts to explore, what bosom would not yearn." In this neighbourhood was fought the battle that decided the contest for the crown of Man, between the two brothers, REGINALD and OLAVE, in the beginning of the thirteenth century. The fortune of this day, or at least of some other of a similar nature, during the civil wars that dis- tracted the country about that period, is said to have been determined in favour of OLAVE by the women of the north parts of the Island, whose husbands composed the principal part of his army. They, on perceiving their friends to loose ground, made their appearance on the adjoining high lands, bearing branches, and arrayed in good order, to the dismay and discomfiture of the enemy. As a reward for tneir presence of mind, the victor decreed, that whereas the surviving wives of Manksinen were, according to law, entitled to a life-rent of one-half of the property of their hushands after their decease, thenceforth the women of the north should be entitled to two-thirds on the same tenure, whilst those of the south of the Island should remain with the allowance of one half, according to previous cus- tom a law which is in force till this very day. The road to the north of the Island leaves that to Douglas at the four Cross- ways, and passes through a defile of the mountains ; but before leaving the south, it is necessary to take some notice of the drive from Douglas to the same point. FROM DOUGLAS TO KIRK MICHAEL, BY CROSS-FOUR-WAYS, ST. JOHN'S. ST. JOHN'S is about nine miles from Douglas; and Peel upwards of eleven, directly across the Island. Starting from Douglas the road runs to the left of the river for nearly two miles through the vale of Braddan, which, as far as Kirk Brad- dan, has been already noticed. A little after passing to the right of the river at Kirk Braddan, you re-cross it again at the Union Mills, Mr. W. Kelly, where th-jre is a manufactory of woollen 76 cloth, of some extent, conjoined with a corn mill. Approaching the four mile-stone, you see Marown church, on the slope of the rising ground to the left ; and a little lower on the same slope, Balla- killey, ANTHONY DUNLOP, Esq.; and low lying in the meadows, near the rivulet, Ballaquinnea Cot- tage, T. CLUCAS, a minor. About a mile further, Greeba rock appears on the right, with the ruins of St. Trinians, a chapel of the Roman Catholic age, at its base; and a little further on, on the opposite side of the road, the cottage of J. BENNET, Esq. The country here contracts to a narrow defile, almost wholly occupied by morasses, and which, intersecting the longitudinal chain of mountains, runs nearly in a level between the eastern and western shores of the Island. After a short distance, it again opens considerably 3 and at the four Cross-ways, nine miles from Douglas, you turn to the right, and proceed northwards for some miles through a hilly country, and along a glen formed by the Peel river. This- glen is badly wooded, but not devoid of alpine beauty. About the twelfth mile-stone, from Douglas as well as from Gastletown, the road ascends Lam- mal Hill, after whieh the country possesses no attraction for several miles. The river, about a mile and a half above where the road leaves it, forms, near Rheinyas, a high waterfall, which, though small, is possessed of considerable interest. As you approach the village of Kirk Michael, it. 77 improves, and presents several pleasant cottages to view, such as Cronk-urleigh, Cly-een, Eria- ville, and Glenwillan. The road now opens into the extensive flat that constitutes the north part of the Island. MOUNTAIN ROAD. To those who travel on horseback from Douglas to this part of the coun- try, it may be proper to remark, that there is another road than that described. It is a bye- road through the glens, called Baldwin, and across the mountains by Injebreck, J. WADE, Esq., and is considered three or four miles shorter, in abso- lute distance, but not in fatigue. The ride is ndt devoid of beauty, especially about Injebreck, and presents several very good general views of the country. If this road is chosen, instead of cross- ing Kirk Braddan bridge, you keep to the right, and at about three miles from Douglas, pass Cronkrule, JOHN SPITTALL, Esq. on the left. In this neighbourhood, there are some specimens of the old Kie'ls, one on the right of the road, about a quarter of a mile before you come to Cronkrule, another in a clump of trees a few hun- dred yards back from it. Then follows the vale of West Baldwin, near the head of which you begin to ascend the mountain, through the grounds of Injebreck, seven miles from Douglas the most central residence of the Island. Passing through the mountain gate, the most beaten and frequented track leads you into the regular highway, above a mile from the village of Kirk Michael. KIRK MICHAEL Is sixteen miles distant from Douglas, about the same from Castletown, and seven from Peel. It is within half a mile of the sea on the west, and between nine and ten miles from the northern extremity of the Island. Near the Inn, which is the Crown and Mitre, there is a Court-house, lately erected, and in which the northern Deemster occasionally holds his Courts. Fronting the en- trance to the church, there is a Runic cross, with an inscription a fine specimen. Leaving the village, you pass Whitehouse and Cooley on the right, at the north base of the hills or mountains ; and Orrisdale on the left, a little back from Bishop's Court, towards the sea. There are many Barrows in this neighbourhood, and also a line of Watch-and-ward Barrows on the heights along shore. Fishing affords good sport on this coast ; and it is said that there is a good oyster bank off Jurby and Ballaugh. BISHOP'S COURT Is a mile east from Kirk Michael. It is the Episcopal Palace of the Diocese, and is a very ancient residence, being mentioned in history so arly as the thirteenth century. The original form of the house was a massive tower, sur- ruunded at some distance by a deep fosse; but many additions have been successively made to it. The present Bishop especially, the Honorable Dr. GEORGE MURRAY, has made great improvements, and has reared a beautiful little chapel, on the site of the old one. The principal part of the old timber was planted by the patriotic Bishop WILSON, of pious memory, whose tomb, it may be added, may be seen at the parish church. But the grounds have been lately modernized, and laid out in the best taste, and possess much beauty. The shrubbery surrounding the house, and the American garden in the glen, that leads to the right of the road towards the mountains, are well worthy of attention in that respect. And the collection of geraniums and other plants of that kind, is most extensive, and in excellent order. The spirited example set by the present Bishop, in agricultural improvement, is producing the best effects in this neighbourhood. The distance from Bishop's Court to Ramsey is about eight miles. The road runs along the base or abrupt termination of the mountains, through a fine champagne and wooded country, and passes at every turn the comfortable resi- dences of the Manks farmer, and country gentle- man. A mile east from Bishop's Court, you pass the village of Ballaugh, and OB the left, see the 80 church of that parish, and also that of Jurby near to the sea shore, in the distance. Near the vill- age of Ballaugh are the pits of shell marl, in \vhich the heads, horns, and skeleton of the gigantic antediluvian Elks are found. The coun- try towards Jurby, and also the adjoining parish of Andreas, contain beds of common marl of great depth and extent. Nearly midway to Ram- sey, Sulby glen, a deep and narrow valley through which the river of that name issues from the mountains about Snafield, opens into the plain. On ascending it, several fine alpine pictures open to the view ; and a tributary stream, descending from the mountain that forms its western bound- ary, makes a remarkably high waterfall. The road is good, and altogether, if the party has time, a drive up the glen forms a delightful interlude to the general excursion. At the mouth of the valley, is Ballabrooye, the property of Capt. BACON. Nearly opposite to this part of the road, the central parts of the plain of the North are an extensive morass, containing vast quantities of turf and bog timber. A mile farther east, you cross Sulby river, by the bridge of that name. The road to the left leads to Kirk Andreas, Kirk Bride, and the Point of Ayre the northern extremity of the Island, which is distant about seven miles. There are numbers of rabbits in the sand-hills in that neighbourhood. About a mile from Subly bridge, on the Kirk Andreas road, 81 and adjacent to Ballachurry, there is an extensive quadrangular encampment, in good preservation, said to have been constructed by 'the division of CROMWELL'S army, that took possession of the Island ; but this is uncertain. From Sulby bridge to'Ramsey, the base of the mountains is prettily wooded, and adorned with many pleasant country residences of the Manks gentry and landholders j such as Gooilbane, J> HARRISON, Esq. ; Bellevuc, J. C. GELLING, Esq. -; Ellnnbaue, F. LA MOTHB, Esq., surgeon j Glen- duff, L. L. M'WHANNELL, Esq. j Glentrammon, J. COR LETT, Esq. ; Loughan-Eyii, J. CORLETT, Esq. ; Ballakillinghan, WILLIAM FARRANT, Esq., with the Church of Kirk Christ Lezayre adjoining ; Milltown, the property of Deemster CHRISTIAN ; Claughbane, P. M. CALLOW, Esq. ; and many others. One of the most beautiful situations amongst these, or indeed in the Island, is that of Claughbane, last mentioned, between the to\vn of Ramsey and the mountain j it is a picturesque example of the old residence of a Manks Laird of the last century. RAMSEY Is a pleasantly situated town,' on the eastern coast, at the mouth of the river Sulby, in the parish of Kirk Maughold, containing about 1,523 inhabitants. The streets are cleanly, and well paved, and it is accommodated with a very neat F '82 Court House, where the Deemster of the northern district holds his courts once a fortnight j and with a handsome new Chapel, built within these four years. One of the Vicars General also holds his courts here. The Inn is tolerably good, but not so much so as to induce a residence of long duration, which is certainly to be regretted, for even many of the inhabitants of Douglas would often spend a week or two here in the summer season, if the accommodation was better. Oysters of excellent quality are found scattered thinly over the floor of the bay. The harbour admits only vessels of about 100 tons burden, but it has a convenient quay, with a good pier and light-house. The trade consists principally in the exportation of corn and agricultural produce. There are no imports except coals, lime, and such articles : all colonial and foreign goods being imported solely at Douglas. The same remark applies to the other sea ports of Peel, Castletown, Derbyhaven, and Port-le-Mary. A great proportion of the fleet of herring boats belongs to Ramsey, where they are dismantled and laid up during the winter months. ENVIRONS. THE Environs are particularly pleasant. The country extends northward from it seven miles to the Point of Ayre, rich and champagne, interrupted only by the Ballachirrim hills; and towards the south and west, the surface of the narrow tract of grounds that intervenes between the town and the abrupt termination of the moun- tains, is picturesquely disposed, and well orna- mented with young timber. Several fine views present themselves from positions in that direction. That from Sky-law is superb a rich plain seven miles square, covered with hamlets and cultiva- tion, the granary of the Island, lies extended at its feet, and terminated by the elegant obelisk of Ayre light-house. Beyond the blue sea, adorned with many a passing sail, rolls round the various promontories, and to a width of from twenty to thirty miles, divides the coast of Man from those of Cumberland and Scotland, the distant and ether enshrouded mountains of which, bound the view of the magnificent amphitheatre. To him who looks for scenery of a more retired character, the umbrageous glens of Milntown, Claughbane, and Ballure, will afford considerable gratification. He may here expect " To roam at large the lonely mountain's bead, Or where the maze of some bewildered stream, To deep untrodden groves his footseps lead." A ride to the Point of Ayre light-house, by Kirk Andreas and Kirk Bride, forms a pleasant excursion. It is nearly four miles to Kirk An- dreas, and five to Kirk Bride, which lies on the north aspect of the Ballachirrim hills ; and beyond it, the low Point stretches about two inilc- farther. '84 To the antiquary, Kirk Maughold possesses some interest. It is situated to the southward ;ibout three miles, at the back of the elevated headland of that name, and is visited by taking the Douglas coast road. A few hundred, yards from the town, and close to the base of the hill, you pass Ballure, the property of T. CHRISTIAN, Esq., between which, and the town on the margin of the bay, there is an example of the circular old fort, or encampment, frequently met with in the Island, which the sea is rapidly removing. From Ballure, the road by Laxey to Douglas ascends the hill ; after a little way you take that along shore to the left ; and after passing Lewague and Ballacreggan, W. CHRISTIAN, Esq., soon arrive at the rustic and antiquated Kirk of St. Maughold. The legend of this saint is trite to every reader of Manks history. Here there are several ancient crosses and fonts lying about.* In old times, the precints of this consecrated ground, which is extensive, constituted the only sanctuary in the Island. The ruins of the water conduit, that brought water to the refugees, and traces of some kind of erections along the north wall of the burial ground, are still, or were within these few years, discernible. Towards the top of the head- * For delineations of these crosses, and others found in the Island, see the Transactions of the Society of Scottish Antiquaries, for 1822, Part II, land, in the face of the cliff, seaward, the legend- ary well of St. Maughold will be found. Its virtues are principally those of the imagination. " The blushing maid, who sips the pearly drop The solid rock distils, dreams of bliss to come, And of maternal cares and honour'd age, By a long line of progeny caress'd." The traditional superstition of the natives, points out the necessity of every visitor leaving on the spot some relic, however trivial, as a memento to -the spirit of the place. BY LAXEY TO DOUGLAS 16 MILES. THE road along shore presents little but a succession of hill and dale, badly cultivated; and mountain glen, with little claims to the pic- turesque. Some good sea views are, however, to be observed from the tops of stupendous sea cliffs, along which the road passes. " What Iris hnj yfM. ttttLf .... -^ 1 ~ DOUGLAS to St. John's .... 8^ ,, PEEL 2^=11 PKBL Shore Road to Kirk Michael 7=7 St. John's to Kirk Michael 7 = 7 Kirk Michael to Bishop's Court ... 1 , Ballaugh 1 ,, RAMSEY 7 = 9 DO:GLAS to Laxey 8 RAMSEY .... s =16 DOUGL.VS lies 72 miles N. E. from Liverpool* about 40 S.W. from Whitelmvea 75 N.E by E. from Dubiiu. 144. nearly due S. froai Grcenock. PRINCIPAL INNS. DOUGLAS. Names. Where situated. By whom kepti British Hotel Market Place T. Dixon. White Lion Inn > & York Hotel f Parade M ' Hanh y Cumberland Tavern, Moore's Court . Mrs. Clark. Plough Inn Durie's Lane . . Mrs. Blake. Mank's Coffee House Duke's- Lane. . Mrs. Corkill. Butchers' Arms James Street . . T. Redfern. Lancashire Tavern .. James Street . . W. Roberts. York City Tavern . . Parade S. Meldau. Steam Packet Tav. . Muckle's-gate. . . . R. Miller. Eagle and Child Hey wood Place, E. Fielding. CASTLETOWN. George Hotel Market Place T. Kneen. PEEL. Caledonian and Liverpool Hotel R. Grant. RAMSEY. The Hotel M. Ride. Thatched House Tavern J. Heelis. KIRK MICHAEL. Crown and Mitre . . S. Gee. LAXEY. Cumberland Arms J. Milburne. Waterloo Inn T. Fargher. Note. For other information of a similar kind, see the Monti Almanack and lide-Tu'Ae, 91 PACKETS AND TRADERS, Selu-ee the Ports of this Island and those of Great Britain, beside the Steam-Packets. DOUGLAS AND LIVERPOOL. The Duke of Atholl,. smack, Lady Elizabeth, do. Messrs. DRINKWATER. The Duchess of Atholl, do. j the Douglas do. MR. E. FLEETWOOIX The Earl of Surrey do. MR. J. BURROW. The Eliza, schooner, MR. T. FELL. DOUGLAS AND DUBLIN. The Atalanta, packet for goods and passengers. COASTING VESSELS. The Daisy ; the Robert Steuart j the William Scottj the Mona Castle. CASTLETOWN AND LIVERPOOL. The Otter. FARES OF BOATS, Taking Passenger* to and from Vessels. BOATS taking passengers on shore from, or on board of, vessels, within the harbour, 3d. each, with luggage not exceeding 56ft. weight. Ditto, in the bay, within the Heads, 6d. each, with luggage not exceeding 56ft weight. Ditto, without the Heads, Is. each, with lug- gage not exceeding 56ft. weight. Note. Every person leaving the Island Is under the necessity of procuring a Pass, or Permission, from the Governor, which may be got from the Pass-matter, Cambrian place, for 9d. without one he is subjected to the loss of his passage, or the Captain of -he vessel taking him it liable to a fine of ten pounds. FARES OF CONVEYANCE. CONVEYANCES to different parts of the Island', at MR. W. DIXON'S Livery-stables, or at MR.. M. HANBY'S. Parade : Horse, to Castletown or Peel, 5s. ; to Ramsey, Kirk Michael, Port Erin, or Port-le-Mary, 7s. Gig, to Castletown or Peel, 8s. to 12s.; to Ramsey, Kirk Michael, Port Erin, or Port-le-Mary, 12s. to 14s. Post Chaise, to Castletown or Peel,. 12s.; to Ramsey, 24s. ; Kirk Michael, 21s. ; Port Erin or Port-le-Mary, 18s. to 20s. Barouche or operv Carriage, according to the number of passengers. PUBLIC BATHS. A single Warm Bath 2s. 6d. Six ditto, subscribed for 10s. 6d. A Vapour Bath 3s. Od. A single Cold Bath Gd. Subscription for the season 7s. 6d. A Shower Bath Is. 6d. NEWS-ROOMS. The Douglas Commercial, by LANE & SON, Cambrian - place ; and also a Sub- scription one near the Pier. NEWSPAPERS PUBLISHED WEEKLY. the Manks Advertiser, the Rising Sun, and the Manx Patriot. LIBRARIES JEFFERSON'S Circulating Library;: LANE & SON'S ditto; the Douglas Subscription, and other private Bonk Societies. MARKET PRICES. s. d. s. (1. "\VHITBHAVEN Coals, f- ton 20 Oto22 O Liverpool Do. f ton of 27 cwt . . 26 27 O Beef, Mutton, and Veal average "^ ft )f 4 5 Pork, sometimes as low as ,, 2 ,, 3 A pair of Fowls 1 6 2 A pair of Ducks 1 6 2 A Goose 2 2 6 A Turkey 3040 Eggs, 28 to 42 for , 1 O Butter y. ft .* ,,71 Milk, ^ quart 3 Beer, f- quart from 3 ,, 6 Bread, 6ft to 9ft for 1 Candles, ^ ft 7 8 Soap 4 , , Large Cod 6 1 Pair Soles 1 O O Turbot 15 to 20fc 4 5 Whiting, a string of 12 fish I Crab, a string of from 6 to 12 1 Lobsters, f dozen 6 8 Port Wine, j- dozen 18 O 26 6 Sherry 21 O 24 O Madeira 28 42 Claret, prime 48 Champagne 66 O And others in proportion. Rum, f gallon 6 8 Gin . .8 010 O 94 s. d. &. A. Brandy ...... , ........ , .......... 10 to o Loaf Sugar ........... . .......... 7 9 Brown Sugar ...... .............. 4 6 Coffee, per f ft, ground .......... 3 4 Hyson and black Teas ............ 4 O 8 O Garden herbs moderate, and of excellent quality. HOUSE RENT, &c. A House of ten or twelve rooms, from ^30 to e40. Some are higher, many much lower, according to circumstances. BOARD AND LODGINGS, at one guinea a week, and also at 40 guineas a year. Artificers at from 8s. to 10s. per week. VALUE OF LAND. GOOD land is worth s20 per acre, at an aver- age. Inferior land $ to 6 per acre, Rental of judicious purchase, ^4, b, to sS6 per cent. Yearly rent of land per acre, from 10s. to 30s. Good fields in the neighbourhood of the t^wns fetch from a3 to ggl per acre. Labourer's wages, $ day, Is. to Is. 6d.$ or if fed, .'' . li Mines and Minerals . . . . . 15 Climate* ....... .17 Towns and Population . . . . . 21 Religion .. ......22 Superstition ....... 23 Agriculture ......._ Animals . . . , ^ , . . 24 Trade, &c. . . -. . .*,.,., ' . 62 Government, &c. , . 5 . . . 27 Revenue . 30 History and Antiquities . . . . i 31 Armorial Ensign ...... Si Members of the Legislature ... .35 Members of the House of Keys . . . . 36 Public Constables . . . . . . 37 TOPOGRAPHY. Harbours, Heads, and Bays .... 38 Intercourse with the surrounding Countries . . 47 INDEX. INTERIOR OF THE COUNTRY. PARK. Douglas ....:..' 51 The Market 53 Amusements 54 The Pier . . . . . . 56 Environs . . . . . " . . Excursions ... .... 60 Castletown ; 68 The Chasms .- . . . . . . 66 Excursion to Peel . , . . . . 71 Peel Excursion to Ramsey by Bishop's Court . . 73 From Douglas to Kirk Michael, by Cross-four-ways, St. John's . . .' . . .' .75 Kirk Michael . ...... 78 Bishop's Court .'.". . . H Ramsey . .' ." .' .' .' .' . 81 Environs . .',".. . . . 82 Road by Laxey to Douglas . ' . ' * ' . 85 Laxey Snafield . .'..'. . . 86 . APPENDIX. Table of Distances . . . . . . 89 Principal Inns . . ' . . ' . . . 90 Packets and Traders . . . . 91 Fares of Boats . . . . . . Fares of Conveyance . . . ' . . 92 Public Baths 52, News-rooms Newspapers Libraries ... Market Prices . > . . . 93 House Rent . . . . . . 94 Value of Land and Agricultural Prices . . Printed by G. Jefferson, Duke -street* Douglas. This book is DUE on the last date stamped below 9 APR 1 8 RECB REC1 01361 4UN3 1&68 2m-9,'46(A394)470 THEIJBRARY 019 188