London dealers. Sometimes also porpoises, (which are very common on the coasts of the Isle of Wight,) come hither in pursuit of their prey: and occasionally even the grampus and the unwieldy whale have bent their course this way. When this, however, is the case, they are seldom permitted to return. The fishermen, apprised of such an arrival, eagerly prepare for the pursuit; and happy is he who first can plunge the harpoon into the trespasser's sides. His toil is abun dantly rewarded. He drags the animal to the shore; and after having made his profit of the curiosity of the neighbourhood, by exhibiting him as a show, derives considerable gain from the oil which his carcass affords

In sailing to Netley, we have views of the village of Hythe, the woody district in its neighbourhood, Cadland, the seat of And Drummond, esq, Fawley church, and, at the extremity of the land, Calshot castle, built by Henry VIII, for the de

fence of the harbour.

We have also views of the Itchen, and its sloping banks; Woolston house, and the woods of its manor which edge the river; the beautiful villa of W. Chamberlayne, esq; and Netley fort. At our landing place, the distant town of Southampton, with the bills of New Forest as a back ground, forms a remarkably good picture. The abbey is now at a short distance only; and, at the approach from the shore, it is seen to great advantage.

They who prefer walking from Southampton to the abbey, will find the distance rather more than three miles. Quitting the town, the road lies along Southampton beach, on the margin of the bay; a very agreeable walk, but most enjoyed at full tide, when the water adorns the scenery. In all these views the Isle of Wight forms a good back ground.

A Itchen ferry stands a small building, which, from its form, has obtained the

name of Cross House. It has four dif ferent divisions, corresponding with the points of the compass; in which persons obliged to wait for the ferry boat, may shelter themselves from the weather. The tradition which pretends to account for its origin, ascribes it to the donation of a lady; who, in waiting for the boat, before any such building existed, contracted a cold that occasioned her death. But the arms of Southampton, which are to be seen in one of the quarters, seem rather to point it out as a public work. Its date is 1634.

After crossing Itchen ferry, we enter a lane on the right, ascend a small hill, cross a brook in the next valley, and proceed over a stile on the right. This brings us into a field skirted with a coppice towards the shore; and, on the opposite side, with the straight avenue of trees leading to Woolston house. A second stile affords an entrance to the neglected lawn of Woolston. This house is the property of

Lady Holland, who has a life estate in it, from her former husband, the late Mr. Dummer. The water views are pleasant: and the spot which Mr. Chamberlayne has chosen for his elegant marine villa, enjoys them in perfection. Another field succeeds, and beyond it a woody valley with a stream. Through this valley Mr. Chamberlayne has judiciously carried a winding road. Having ascended the next field, we soon reach Weston lane, and observe the neat cottages of the hamlet of Weston, chiefly inhabited by fishermen, with the exception of the agreeable and unassuming residence of Miss Short. Opposite to the stile we last passed is another, which leads to a path that terminates at the entrance of West Wood, a fine plantation, of about a hundred acres, belonging to Woolston manor.

The walk is now highly beautiful. The closeness of the trees shuts out distant

prospects, and makes it altogether a syl

van scene.

The low and secluded situation of the abbey prevents its being seen till we reach the gate which terminates the wood. In this direction the western window is the principal object; which, however, has of late years lost much of its beauty, in consequence of a severe winter, that stripped it of a most profuse covering of ivy.

On approaching the abbey, the guide is usually sent for, who is to be found at the neighbouring farm. A road at the end of the field, in which the abbey is situated, leads to it. They who wish to enjoy refreshments at the abbey, will find it prudent to carry a stock thither.

Previously to any description of Netley abbey, we will communicate what we have been able to collect of its history.

Its present name of Netley is apparently corrupted from the significant one of Letley, Lætus Locus, or Pleasant Place,*

Abbatio de Lato Loco-Dugdale, Harpsfield, &c.