not to mention the fact, that he was decidedly opposed to the residences of invalids (with pulmonary consumption) being accumulated together “in the form of a Town;” he recommends that a number of detached houses should be built along the Undercliff, each surrounded with the protection of a garden-wall and a few trees.  But, begging the Doctor’s pardon, we heartily rejoice that his advice could not be acted upon to any considerable extent (except at Ventnor and Bonchurch); because fortunately the most eligible and attractive spots in this romantic district are in the holding of gentlemen who have chosen such for their private residences:  and certainly, if selfishness was ever pardonable, it is so in this instance; nay, for our part, we really congratulate the public, that the spirit of exclusiveness so widely exists in this happy region of the sublime and beautiful.  For what a lamentable transformation it would prove of the natural character of the scenery, to have many large and often glary houses obtruding upon the eye in every direction! banishing all the wildest and most interesting local beauties, for domestic convenience or fantastic embellishment!  Where then would be the attraction to call the thousands annually to our romantic isle?  Where those UNIQUE LANDSCAPES which now constitute its proudest charm?

And after all, the Doctor’s objection to a residence in town, is largely compensated for in the case of Ventnor, by the many advantages afforded to invalids, that could be procured only in a populous place:  such for instance as regular stage-coaches running to and from Ryde and other places; a good landing-place; bathing-machines; a post-office and reading-rooms; the location of several apothecaries and eminent physicians:  tradesmen of almost every description; and the facility of enjoying society in the dullest winter months.

Westward of Ventnor, we have a sudden and most agreeable transition from the glare of the town to a quiet picture of rural scenery, broken only by two or three cottages neatly built in the antique style; this is the commencement of the property of Mr. Hambrough (of Steephill Castle), which extends to St. Lawrence, the estate of Earl Yarborough; succeeded by Old Park; and near Niton, the seats of Mrs. Arnold, Sir W. Gordon, and Mrs. Vine:  altogether a delightful distance of above four miles; which we hope will long escape any desecration of its beauties by the operations of building speculators.

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APPULDURCOMBE.

This splendid seat, from its proximity to the Undercliff, is most frequently embraced either in the south-eastern or the continued Tour, in preference to giving it a separate day:  therefore here is perhaps the best place for its notice, especially as the regular road from Ventnor to Newport passes close by:  and as it is only two miles from the former town.  It is thus described by Sir Richard Worsley, in his “History of the Isle of Wight:”