Mem. at Ilfracombe.—Capital boating and fishing here. Likewise plenty of steamering. Lovely scenery everywhere about in this neighbourhood for pedestrians, equestrians, "carriage-folk," and donkey-chaise people. Special mem. for equestrians and drivers;—"Hire on the spot," which sounds like some direction at billiards, but is meant for advice to riders and drivers. Picturesque caves on coast to visit in rowing-boat, or in canoe which you can paddle yourself. With fair weather, and good waterproof, you can't be dull at Ilfracombe.
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Mem.—"For outward application only." Before starting for a long and genuinely country walk, put in your pocket a waterproof sponge wrapper. It occupies no space, and, like an objectionable person in a small party, is always there to be sat upon. Strong crook-handled stick with pointed ferrule indispensable.
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Were Ilfracombe a French watering-place, how delightful it could be made. Imagine the restaurants, the déjeuners à la fourchette, under cover in bad weather, out in the open air in fine; the good bands; the casino; the établissement, with excellent reading and writing-rooms, billiard tables, library, first-rate concerts and fair dramatic performances; petits chevaux, petits soupers al fresco, and every possible opportunity afforded for enjoying life en pleine air.
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À propos of restaurants, there is a splendid chance for starting a first-rate French hotel in Ilfracombe, with well-devised gardens, and at such a superb height, that while it would be open to all the most refreshing breezes—for it is impossible to feel the full benefit of these in the valley—yet would it be warm and cosy during the coldest months, of which, in an ordinary year with well-regulated seasons, there cannot be many.
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Ilfracombers boast that the snow does not lie in these parts. I hope the Ilfracombers who gave me this information are, so far, like the snow.
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