The Isle of Man, in the Irish Channel, is a famous resort of motorists, and many of the speed and reliability contests have been held there.  It is about the only spot in the world where no speed limit is imposed, the inhabitants of the island recognizing the financial advantage which they reap from the numerous motorists.  There are about fifty or sixty miles of road in the island said to be as fine as any in the world.  The island is charming and interesting, with ruins and relics dating from the time it was an independent kingdom.  The two days which would have to be given it would be well spent.

No one who had not visited it before would miss the Lake District in the north of England.  A former trip through this section by coach caused us to omit it from our tour, though we would gladly have seen this delightful country a second time.  One could depart from the main highway from Lancaster to Carlisle at Kendall and in a single day visit most of the haunts of Ruskin, Coleridge, Wordsworth and Southey, whose names are always associated with the English lakes.  Many steep hills would be encountered, but none that would present great difficulty to a moderate-powered motor.  It would be much better, however, if two or three days could be given to the Lakes, and this time might also include Furness Abbey and Lanercost Priory.  Volumes have been written of the English lakes, but with all the vivid pen-pictures that have been drawn one will hardly be prepared for the beauty of the reality.

The Peak District in Derbyshire we omitted for the same reason—­a previous visit.  At Nottingham we were within ten or fifteen miles of this section, and by following a splendid road could have reached Rowsley Station, with its quaint inn, near Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall.  No one who makes any pretense of seeing England will miss either of these places.  Haddon Hall is said to be the most perfect of the baronial mansion houses now to be found in England.  It is situated in a wonderfully picturesque position, on a rocky bluff overlooking the River Wye.  The manor was originally given by the Conqueror to Peveril of the Peak, the hero of Scott’s novel.  The mansion is chiefly famous for its connection with Dorothy Vernon, who married the son of the Earl of Rutland in the time of Queen Elizabeth, the property thus passing to the Rutland family, who are still the owners.  The mansion is approached by a small bridge crossing the river, whence one enters under a lofty archway the main courtyard.  In this beautiful quadrangle, one of the most interesting features is the chapel at the southwest corner.  This is one of the oldest portions of the structure.  Almost opposite is the magnificent porch and bay-window leading into the great hall.  This is exactly as it was in the days of the Vernons, and its table, at which the lord of the feast sat, its huge fireplace, timber roof and minstrel gallery are quite unaltered.  It has recently been announced that the Duke of Rutland will make repairs to this old place and occupy it as one of his residences, closing Belvoir Castle, his present home, on account of the great expense of maintaining it.