In this building, remarkable for its neatness, its order, and its conveniences, the poor of the Island find a refuge amidst the infirmities of age, the langour of affliction, or the pressure of poverty. The house is adequate for the accommodation of 1000 paupers; and there are frequently from seven to nine hundred persons in it. The children are taught on the British and Foreign School System; while the men and women, who are capable of working, are employed in making rough cloth for their own clothing, shoes, stockings, and a variety of other articles; as well as fitting up their own garments. On the north side of the principal building stands the chapel; and to the west, at the distance of about three or four hundred yards, is the Pest House. The south side of the building has a large garden, which is cultivated by the poor, and supplies the house with vegetables. The officers attached to this establishment, are a governor, matron, steward, and school-master, who are chosen annually. A chaplain is also appointed, who officiates twice in the week, besides Sundays. In addition to which, the house is furnished with surgeons and apothecaries, and a secretary and treasurer; all of whom, except the latter, have fixed salaries.

The management of the house is intrusted to persons denominated guardians of the poor. Persons qualified and liable to sustain the office "are such inhabitants of the Island as are seized in fee, or for life, in their own or their wife's right of land, rated to the poors' rates at £50 per annum; heirs apparent to £100 per annum; all rectors and vicars within the Island, and occupiers of land rated to the poors' rates at £100 per annum."* From the persons having these qualifications, twenty-four directors, and thirty

* Worsley, p. 24.

six acting guardians are chosen by ballot, annually. These divide themselves into quarterly, monthly, and weekly committees, for the regulation and management of the house.

At a little distance, on the opposite side of the road, is a large military establishment, called Albany Barracks. They are used as a general depôt for troops destined for foreign service. The barracks are well-built, and furnished with accommodation suited both to officers and men. The extensive brick enclosure adjacent, is the burying-ground belonging to the barracks; and the building in the vale, is the orphan school for soldiers' children. Beyond this appears Reformatory, a building set apart for the imprisonment and ultimate improvement of juvenile offenders.

the

In prosecuting the journey, we see the Medina flowing on the right, with Northwood church at a little distance from the river, on one side; and on the other, the neat little church of Whippingham, towering with its white spire above the beautiful scenery. The road is lovely, and adorned with several neat cottages, till we approach Cowes, when Westhill, a beautiful family mansion presents itself, ornamented with an elegant lodge facing the street.

We now enter West Cowes, the principal port in the Island. The town is not of very ancient date; and is said to have wanted a name till the erection of its castle. The first impression on visiting it, is perhaps not of a favourable kind, from the narrowness of the streets, and the steep declivities on which some of them are built; but it is almost impossible to reside in it without feeling the ineffable beauty of its situation. Placed on the banks, and commanding the entrance of the Medina, it is surrounded with objects that are very interesting. The view on the opposite side of the river, bounded by some fertile hills and

woods, interspersed with a few fine buildings, presents in some parts a very picturesque scene.

The principal street, which is long, narrow, and winding, is filled with a variety of good shops; has several spacious inns; and is very much characterized by the appearance of a small, lively, commercial town. The place has very much the air of business in the main street; and looks much more like a bustling sea-port town, than what it really is-a beautiful little watering place. It is not Cowes itself, but its neighbourhood, its fine land and water scenery, that is so attractive; and one half hour's ramble along the parade, the shore, and the adjacent country, is more than a recompense for the contrary impression of the streets. Cowes, to be seen to advantage, should be viewed from the mouth of the harbour, and then its houses, towering one above another, have a fine effect. In this place the Custom House is now situated, the duties of which were formerly transacted at East Cowes.

The harbour, which opens in front of the town, forms a fine spacious anchorage for shipping. Large fleets of merchant ships are seen lying here at times, either detained for want of wind, or waiting to obtain supplies or repairs. The circumstance of ships and vessels finding anchorage here, renders Cowes very attractive, both as a place of business and of pleasure. Such persons as are fond of marine views, will scarcely find any spot in which they can derive more gratification, than from the view which is obtained in this beautiful harbour.

The man-of-war, the merchant-ship, the brig, and the sloop, are all seen lying here in their varied order; and presenting their fine forest of masts, amidst the enchanting woods and hills, which rise from the shores of the harbour. And in the summer season