54 LUNDY ISLAND. 



from that of the sea more deeply blue, was in front. 

 A magnificent scene it was in its grand simplicity ; 

 nor unappreciated, for it was evidently a favourite 

 resort. A long tea-table, rudely made of unpainted 

 boards, which the sun had warped out of all shape, 

 had been set up under the rocks, and a bench on each 

 side afforded accommodation for a rather numerous 

 party. Nature had herself provided a throne of mas- 

 sive state, suited to the giant, whom imagination 

 might picture as the presiding genius of the place. 

 A square cavity in the granite wall formed a low- 

 seated chair, furnished with projections resembling 

 elbows, and a rest for the feet. This seat, which for 

 some reason or other, unpreserved by tradition, is 

 called Benjamin's Chair, gives name to the place. 



While we rested here, Captain Jack appeared, fol- 

 lowed by two servants bearing a long ladder, a lantern, 

 and a few tallow candles. We watched the proceed- 

 ings with interest. The assistants, having fastened a 

 long line to the ladder, go down with their charge ; 

 the one letting it gradually down from above, the 

 other guiding it in its descent. Then down goes the 

 Captain with the lantern, and we all follow as best 

 we may; each one concentrating all his thoughts on 

 securing his own footsteps on the giddy height ; for 

 we had to make a descent of four hundred feet, down 

 a cliff which, though not actually a precipice, was 

 fearfully steep. But we all contrived to scramble 

 down without injury, except a sting on the finger, 

 inflicted by a bee that considered himself insulted, 



