DURDLE-DOOR. 153 



out the oars. A curious perforated rock was not more 

 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 impos- 

 ing 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 dis- 

 appeared, limping up a ravine in the precipice, 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. 



