lengthens the passage considerably.  A large West Indiaman, with a cargo of rum, &c., was lost a few years ago on a rock near Porthcawl, called the Tusca, which disappears at high-water; and a dreadful scene of riot occurred amongst the peasantry along shore in consequence.  The coast near Porthcawl appears at Swansea to be the eastern extremity of the bay; but the bluff point called the Nass, about eight miles farther, is so in reality.  The coast onwards past the Nass point is almost perpendicular, the limestone lying in horizontal strata, so as to closely resemble a very lofty wall.  There are several breaks or openings of extreme natural beauty as you proceed, which have a double effect on the mind when contrasted with the stern scenery of this wild coast.  St. Donat’s Castle, the residence of Mr. T.D.T.  Drake, an extensive and antique structure in fine preservation, with its venerable towers partly embosomed in wood, is extremely beautiful.  The park, studded with deer, shelves gradually down to the shore; a lofty watch-tower on the heights, and the hanging terraces, must command a splendid view.  St. Donat’s Castle is said to have been built nearly a thousand years ago, and was very strongly fortified:  as many Roman coins have been found here, there has probably been a Roman station near.  An extensive cave, accessible only at low water, near here, is said to have been the retreat of St. Donat.—­The steamers still keep close along shore, and pass Aberthaw, celebrated for its limestone, till you near the Flat and Steep Holmes, two conspicuous islands in the middle of the Channel, about three miles distant from each other.  From a lofty light-house on the Flat Holme, a magnificent view may be obtained on a clear day of the Channel, with Lundy Island rearing its head above the distant ocean:—­

    “Look round—­behold
  How proudly the majestic Severn rides
  On the sea—­how gloriously in light
  It rides!”

The Flat Holme, which is nearly ten miles from Cardiff harbour, forms the boundary of the port of Bristol; and every seven years the mayor and corporation of that city visit it, and go through some ceremonies prescribed by ancient custom.  There are some remarkable and interesting rocks on the Flat Holme:  its only inhabitants are a man and his wife, the attendants at the light-house.  This man is created sole lord of the island by the corporation of Bristol, and has the exclusive right of fishing round its shores.  The Steep Holme is a lofty and barren rock, tenanted alone by the cormorant and the sea-mew:  it is smaller than the Flat Holme.  The following lines are so beautifully descriptive of this lonely and desolate spot, that we cannot resist transcribing them: 

  “The sea-bird claims that solitary spot,
  And around, loud screaming, wheels
  In undisturbed possession:  other sounds,
  Save those of shrieking winds and battling cliffs. 
  Are seldom heard in that deserted isle.