146 DUEDLE-DOOE. 



than a mile or two distant, and we resolved to pull in 

 for it, as I had heard of its singular appearance. 



On approaching the shore, a natural arch of im- 

 posing grandeur met the eye. The lofty cliffs of 

 white chalk are interrupted for a little space by a 

 huge promontory of black rock, cutting across the 

 sandy beach, and projecting southward into the sea. 

 The western angle of the mass sends off a spur which 

 runs parallel with the shore, enclosing a snug little 

 cove ; and in the midst of this wall-like projection 

 yawns a vast orifice, like an enormous arched gate- 

 way, leading into the little recess. This perforation 

 is familiarly known as the Barn-door, or Durdle-door, 

 and is one of the appointed places of resort to visitors. 

 I had the advantage of seeing it in that silent solitude 

 which is so congenial to the feelings when in the 

 presence of some stupendous work of Divine power ; 

 no human soul being visible far or near but the old 

 lame and bald-headed shepherd, who had with much 

 difficulty dragged himself down from the elevated 

 downs above, and, having left his crutches on the 

 sandy beach, was enjoying a bathe in the clear water. 

 Even he disappeared, limping up a ravine in the pre- 

 cipice, before I could get ashore. 



It was solemn to stand on the angular ledges 

 beneath the arch, and gaze up at its magnificent span. 

 The height of the vault and the depth of the water 

 are sufficient to allow a vessel of considerable size to 

 pass through, at high tide ; but as it was now spring- 

 tide and low water, our little boat could not safely 

 thrid the bristling rocks that studded the passage, 

 especially as there was some swell, which, though 



