ENGLISH ISLES, 



THE ISLE OF WIGHT is situate opposite the coast of Hamp- 

 shire, from which it is separated by a channel, varying in breadth 

 from two to seven miles ; it is considered as part of the county of 

 Southampton, and is within the diocese of Winchester. Its greatest 

 length, extending from east to west, measures nearly twenty-three 

 miles ; its breadth, from north to south, above thirteen. The air is 

 in general healthy, particularly in the southern parts : the soil is vari- 

 ous ; but so great is its fertility, that it was many years ago comput- 

 ed, that more wheat was grown here in one year than could be con- 

 sumed by the inhabitants in eight ; and it is supposed that its present 

 produce, under the great improvements of agriculture, and the addi- 

 tional quantity of land lately brought into tillage, has more than kept 

 pace with the increase of population. A range of hills, which afford 

 tine pasture for sheep, extends from east to west, through the middle 

 of the island. The interior parts of the island, as well as its extremi- 

 ties, afford a great number of beautiful and picturesque prospects, 

 not only in the pastoral but also in the great and romantic style. Of 

 these beauties the gentlemen of the island have availed themselves, 

 as well in the choice of situations for their houses, as in their other 

 improvements. Domestic fowls and poultry are bred here in great 

 numbers ; the outward-bound ships and vessels at Spit-head, the 

 Mother-bank, and Cowes, commonly furnishing themselves from this 

 island. 



Such is the purity of the air, the fertility of the soil, and the beauty 

 and variety of the landscapes of this island, that it has been called 

 the garden of England ; it has some very fine gentlemen's seats ; 

 and it is often visited by parties of pleasure on account of its delight- 

 ful scenes. 



The island is divided into thirty parishes ; and, according to a very 

 accurate calculation made in the year 1777, the inhabitants then 

 amounted to eighteen thousand and twenty-four, exclusive of the 

 troops quartered there. Most of the farm-houses are built with 

 stone, and even the cottages appear neat and comfortable, having 

 each its little garden. 



The town of Newport stands nearly in the centre of the island, of 

 which it may be considered as the capital. The river Medina empties 

 itself into the channel at Cowes harbour, distant about five miles, and, 

 being navigable up to the quay, is very commodious for trade. The 

 three principal streets of Newport extend from east to west, and are 

 crossed at right angles by three others, all which are spacious, clean, 

 and well paved. 



Carisbrook castle, in the Isle of Wight, has been rendered remark- 

 able by the confinement of king Charles I, who taking refuge here, 

 was detained a prisoner from November 1647 to September 1648, 

 After the execution of the king, this castle was converted into a 



