ves. The breakers on the shore at Blackgang
are very grand in stormy weather, the beach being very steep and
the water deep outside, a great volume rolls in with magnificent
effect and thunderous sound. Geologically it is of great interest,
the beds of the lower Greensand being more fully developed here
than elsewhere, a thickness of almost eight hundred feet being
exhibited in this neighbourhood.
[Illustration: _Swiss Cottage, Osborne._]
SWISS COTTAGE, OSBORNE.--The grounds of Osborne House contain five
thousand acres, the lawn sloping down to the sea adjoining the
grounds of Norris Castle. A sheltered portion of the garden contains
a large number of trees and shrubs from Indian and foreign climes.
In the vicinity of this Indian garden is Swiss Cottage, forming
an architectural contrast to Osborne House, and surrounded with
trees and flowers that make it appear quite a little paradise.
[Illustration: _The Floating Bridge, Cowes._]
THE FLOATING BRIDGE, COWES.--East Cowes is reached by crossing in
this bridge, which goes backwards and forwards across the mouth
of the Medina, conveying carts, carriages, coaches, and motor cars,
as well as passengers. It works on chains which pass under it,
fastened to the shore at each end. It is a novel experience to
many people when they find the coachman drive his four-horse coach
full of passengers down the slope on to the bridge, and then off
again at the other side.
[Illustration: _Whippingham Church._]
WHIPPINGHAM CHURCH.--About a mile south of Osborne is Whippingham
Church, a cruciform structure from designs furnished by the late
Prince Consort. Before a private Chapel was added at Osborne the
Royal Family often attended. The aisles which contain seats for
the Royal Household are divided from the Chancel by ornamented
arcades. The north aisle is converted into a Mortuary Chapel in
memory of Prince Henry of Battenberg. Mural tablets to Princess
Alice, the Duke of Albany, and a medallion bust to the Prince Consort
have been erected by Her late Majesty; also a medallion to Sir
Henry Ponsonby, whose tomb is in the Churchyard. From the back
of the Church there is a fine view of the river Medina, looking
towards Newport, the capital of the Island.
[Illustration: _The Pier, Cowes._]
THE PIER, COWES.--The new Pier and Esplanade from an attractive
feature at Cowes. When emerging from its narrow streets you come
out into the wide open expanse of Esplanade, it is a
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