THE PROMENADE AND PIER. 7 



along the inward side by handsome terraces, with hotels and 

 other large buildings, few sea-side roadways of the kind 

 supply a more inviting place for exercise. It has the 

 immense advantage also, of being open to the full influence 

 of the afternoon and evening sunshine, the latter very 

 generally implying sunsets of singular brilliancy. The coast 

 of Lancashire has always been noted for the beauty of its 

 sunset views, and these are certainly nowhere obtained to 

 greater advantage than at Southport. Across the water, 

 looking westwards, the eye catches the bold yet softly beauti- 

 ful outlines of the mountains of the nearer portions of North 

 Wales. At the other extreme of the sea-view, the picturesque 

 sandhill range which marks the neighbourhood of Lytham, 

 is plainly seen ; and beyond this loom the grand heights of 

 Cumberland and Westmoreland, including the celebrated 

 eminence called Black Combe, the summit of which is 1919 

 feet above the sea level. In particular states of the 

 atmosphere, the peaks of the Isle of Man are said to be 

 distinguishable. These delightful views and prospects are 

 obtained to even greater satisfaction from the Pier one of 

 the most remarkable in England. The great distance to 

 which the water retires when " out," and which it was desired 

 to neutralise, so as to allow of the approach of boats and 

 steamers at any time of day or night, demanded a length of 

 not less than 1465 yards. In addition to this, the extremity 

 is expanded into a platform of 180 feet in length, and propor- 

 tionately wide, so as to permit of the gathering together of 

 many people, and give room for all. In order to facilitate 

 approach to the extremity, whoever does not care to walk the 

 whole distance has the option of a little tramway worked by 



