The coast of Steephill forms a pleasant little cove or bay, with remarkably bold and picturesque headlands:  and the place altogether equals any part of the Undercliff in its natural embellishment of rich groves and sparkling streams, mossy rocks, and broken ground.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CASTLE.—­In the design of this stately edifice, it appears to have been the aim of the architect to combine, as much as possible, all the internal advantages of a plain mansion, with the commanding form and embellished detail which usually characterize a castellated structure.  It is not therefore open to an objection which lies against many of the most picturesque specimens of this dignified style of building—­that internal convenience was sacrificed to the production of bold and pleasing contrasts in the face of the exterior:  or that it was the growth of successive improvements.  Indeed, both inside and out, all appears to be handsomely proportioned and well-arranged; while in any point of view the whole presents an aspect of elegant simplicity.—­The general form of the castle is an oblong; and the most prominent features ... one majestic square tower which springs from about the centre of the north side; another tower of an octagon form at the south-eastern angle; and a beautiful hall-entrance on the east.  The predominant tint is a dark grey:  but the battlements, quoins, and mouldings, are of a light warm color, resembling the Bath stone.  This opposition of tints has a most pleasing, chaste effect, when closely examined:  but at a distance the whole melts into a sober hue, like the grey impression of time, and hence harmonizes the more sweetly with the surrounding scenery.  Both kinds of stone were procured on the spot.—­The architect was the late Mr. James Sanderson, of Ryde.

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Remarks on the Exclusion of Strangers from most of the Gentlemen’s Seats.—­However provoking it may prove to many visitors when making the tour of the island, to be shut out from a view of some of the most charming seats, still it may be justified in a considerable degree; and we feel it our duty to repeat what we have stated elsewhere, that we know several gentlemen who would freely open their gates to respectable visitors, provided they could be assured of every party being contented with a general view of the local beauties, without indulging a too prying curiosity; and at the same time would refrain from plucking choice flowers, fruits, and shrubs, many of which may perhaps have been cultivated by the hands of the owner with an affection of no little solicitude and pride; and of course it is not always convenient to keep a person merely to act as an attendant.  But a more decisive reason with many gentlemen who love retirement is, that from the island becoming every year more and more attractive with pleasure-parties, an unlimited admission of strangers would at once annihilate all the charms of rural seclusion;