The first view of the Chine from the beach is not the most favorable:  as the eye of the spectator is much too low to comprehend all the deep and bold windings of the chasm, which contribute so essentially to its romantic effect:  but, gradually ascending by a narrow path, we soon open a wider view, and should then pause, to contemplate it on every side.  We see suspended on the opposite slope, the humble ale house, resting

    “Beneath an aged oak’s embowering shade.”

Just below it, a pretty rose-mantled cottage:  and not far off, the gable end of a gentleman’s villa, so prominently seated near the margin of the precipice, as to completely overlook the awful abyss.  This view is altogether picturesque and animated:  for the foreground is exceedingly bold,—­and the prospect of Sandown Bay and the sublime cliffs of Bembridge, give wonderful brilliancy and interest to the perspective.

As we advance, the scene becomes increasingly romantic, especially when we are about half-way through it:  for the deep sides of the chasm so fold into one another as to exclude all prospect, and yet afford a great diversity of coloring, light, and shade; the one side being beautifully hung with indigenous trees or shrubs, and the uncovered portions of the cliff of a glowing tint; while the opposite side presents the contrast of a sombre hue, and is generally too steep to admit of much vegetation ever gaining a permanent footing.  Nor is the most critical eye annoyed by the indications of unnecessary artificial improvements—­which so often tend to destroy the delightful robe of simplicity that such scenes of Nature’s creation wear, when they are fortunate enough to escape the infliction of man’s refinements.

    “Still slowly climb the many-winding way,
    And frequent turn to linger as you go.”

We now approach the waterfall, at the HEAD OF THE CHINE; and should there have been lately any heavy rains, it forms a noble cascade of about 30 feet; but after a continuance of dry weather, it is reduced to a scanty rill.

Ascending by a rude path cut in the side of the cliff, we pass through a rustic wicket, and take our leave of this celebrated scene, which has no doubt been formed by the slow operation of the streamlet in the course of many ages, insignificant as it may appear to a casual visitor in the middle of summer.  The Chine of Blackgang is indebted for its origin to a similar cause:  and this of Shanklin would have gone on rapidly increasing, had not the proprietor resorted to the aid of masonry, draining, piling, &c. to arrest in some measure its further progress towards the village.—­See p. 33 of the “Vectis Scenery” for a full account of the formation of the Chines.

The sides of this chasm are about 200 feet in perpendicular height, and perhaps 300 wide at the top, near the beach, gradually diminishing towards the Head or waterfall, where the sides are perpendicular, and only a few yards asunder.