THE NEEDLES.—When walking on the Downs from freshwater to the Needles, following the path by the military fence, this picture of the Needles comes suddenly into view, and is a very impressive sight. The Needles themselves are stacks of upper chalk, with flints, and are the remains of an extension of the chalk. The cliffs here are about four hundred feet in height, and at their base the sea breaks frequently in a long surf line on the steep shingly shore. In calm weather visitors engage boatmen at Totland and Alum Bays to take them in boats through the Needles and land them in Scratchels Bay.
Shanklin Old Village.
SHANKLIN OLD VILLAGE.—One of the most charming old-world pictures, which still retains its rustic simplicity. Multitudes of visitors from all parts of the world yearly visit this relic of Old Shanklin. Pretty thatched cottages can be seen in many parts of the Island, but nowhere is there such a combination, there being three different styles of roof in thatch, the setting in a background of trees completing the illusion of the country. In the angle where the figures stand is the rustic fountain on which hangs the shield with the verse written by the poet Longfellow when staying at Hollier's Hotel, Shanklin, in 1869.
"O traveller, stay thy weary feet,
Drink of this fountain cool and sweet,
It flows for rich and poor the same:
Then go thy way, remembering still
The wayside well beneath the hill,
The cup of water in His name."
Stone Bridge in
Shanklin Chine.
STONE BRIDGE IN SHANKLIN CHINE.—About half-way through the Chine the ravine is spanned by an arched Stone Bridge which, in conjunction with the steep banks with trees and ferns, makes a fine pictorial effect. Many of the trees are a great height, having been drawn up in seeking the light above the cliffs, which in this place are a considerable height. The stream flows along the narrow channel under the bridge.
Chine Hollow, Shanklin.
