[from Black's Guide, c.1888]

RAMSEY.

Distance by road from Douglas, 16 m. ; from Peel, 16 m.
Hotels: The Mitre, Albert, Royal, Queen's, and Prince of Wales are the chief. The Alexandra (Temperance) on the Quay.
Population, 4178: 1885 males, 2293 females by last census ; now about 4500.

The steamers usually land their passengers at the Queen's Pier ; while occasionally at high tides the vessels come right into the harbour. Cars and licensed porters are always in attendance, and ply their trade at a fixed tariff.

Ramsey lies in the centre of its open Bay, which is 6 m. across - the largest in the Island. The river Sulby here flows into the harbour, the town being on its banks ; the older parts, shops, railway, etc., are on the level ground ; the modern buildings occupying the slopes on the N. and S., as well as the high sandy cliffs, called Broughs, skirting the shore. The town is intersected from E. to W. by one long street, Parliament Street. There are two piers from the harbour ; that on the S. is about 1000 ft. in length.

Ramsey is a well-built, respectable-looking town, quiet and healthy, surrounded by most attractive scenery, and in every way a suitable place for those who desire pure air and water, and other seaside advantages in full measure. There are excellent shops of all kinds, and a well-supplied market ; fish and vegetables are cheap and varied; vehicles, horses, donkeys, and bathing-machines at hand. The water of the Bay is transparent ; the sands broad, and free from quicksands, holes, or other dangers to bathers.

Hotels.-The Mitre, the Albert, the Royal, the Queen's, near the Pier, and the Prince of Wales, are all good. There are many smaller and less adapted to private accommodation. The Swan and the Neptune are near the shore, The Alexandra is a Temperance house near the Packet Office. There are also good boarding-houses, both on the North Brough and elsewhere, Furnished houses and apartments of various sizes may be engaged, but it is well to select these some time in advance, especially if the visit is to be in July or August. The following house-agents will give all needful information :-Messrs. W. Boyde and J. J. Corlett, Parliament Street, and Mr. J. Bridson, Market Place.

BATHING-MACHINES AND Boats are kept on the S. shore ; they may be had on the N. shore also, if ordered. North Ramsey is separated from the main part of the town by the river, over which is a bridge, 180 ft. long, erected 1739. Then, and perhaps a century afterwards, salmon abounded near it. There is also a ferry from one side to the other during the summer ; a bridge is being constructed.

From the S. pier, a broad asphalted promenade extends southward about 2000 feet to the Pier, which is 2200 feet in length. The Sands extend beyond this to Ballure Glen ; and at low water the walk may be continued past a fine range of rocks to Port Lewaigue, about a mile from the town. This route is practicable as soon as the sea has receded to the end of the S, pier; if farther in, one may have the inconvenience of clambering over the rocks, but there is no danger in this feat.

The N. shore may be reached from the end of Windsor Terrace or Coburg Road, or from the N. end of the bridge by a road and bridge continued to the Mooragh - a moor of about 200 acres of grass, sedge, and gorse, open to the sands, and these may be traversed without hindrance round the Point of Ayre as far as Kirk Michael. The Broughs are from 20 to 30 yards above the shore; from them there is a fine view of the whole range of hills from Maughold Head to beyond Ballaugh. A large portion of the Mooragh has been purchased by the Town Commissioners, and is now laid out for building sites, with a small lake and ornamental grounds, It has an asphalted promenade 90 feet wide, with a frontage to the sea of about three quarters of a mile.

CHURCHES, CHAPELS, ETC.-There are three Episcopal Churches. St. Paul's, in the Market Place, was built in 1822 by subscription, supplemented by £300 from the Church Building Society. It is of the "Classic" style, then in fashion, Its transepts were added in 1844. The chancel has recently been enlarged, coloured windows in- serted, and its flut ceiling taken away. The seats are all "free and unappropriated." Services: Sundays, 11 AM. and 6.30 P.M, occasionally 3 P.m.; Wednesdays and Fridays, 12 noon and 8 p.M.; on other week-days at 5 P.M. Communion every Sunday at 8 a.m.

BALLURE CHAPEL is reached from the Ballure Road. Bishop Wilson in 1747, then in his 85th year, reconse- crated the ancient building, which in 1815 was altered to its present form. The seats are all free. Services: during the summer, on Sundays at 3, and on Wednesdays at 7 P.M.

St. OLAVE's, on the N. side of the river, was built by subscription in 1862. Its architect was Mr. Prendergast Manning. It is in the style of the 14th century, of the local stone with sandstone quoins, The bas-relief over the W. entrance illustrates Luke xi. 1, "Lord, teach us to pray." Services on Sundays, 11 a.m., 6.30 P.m.; Wednes- days, 7 P.M.

The WESLEYAN CHAPEL, Waterloo Road, erected 1845, now contains 1000 sittings, one-sixth of them free. This is the largest insular chapel. It is a handsome building, and has a good organ. Services: Sundays, 11 and 6; Wednesdays and Fridays, 7.30. a

The PRIMATIVE METHODIST CHAPEL, built in 1823, is in Chapel Lane. Services on Sundays at 2 and 6 P.M. ; Thursdays at 8 P.M.

TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, in Waterloo Road, was erected in 1885 at a cost of £2000. Services: Sundays, 11 a.m. and 6,30 P.M. ; Wednesdays, 7 P.M.

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. -This small neat building was the gift of John Lane, Esq., of Liverpool, 1866. Services: Sundays, 10.30 and 6 p.m. ; Wednesdays, 7 P.M. Mass daily at 8 A.M.

The SEAMEN'S BETHEL is in Derby Road. Services : Sundays, 2.30 and 6 ; Wednesdays, 7.30 p.m. The building in Parliament Street W. formerly so used is now the meeting-house of the New Connexion Methodists,

There is a meeting of the PLYMOUTH BRETHREN in Albert Street on Sundays at 11 and 6.30; Wednesdays at 7 P.M.

On the N. shore is a well-conducted Refuge for Destitute Children in connection with a "Children's Home" in London.

SCHOOLS.-The Grammar School, an old foundation, but without endowment, provides the usual course, with modern languages, It has a large lofty schoolroom, built 1865, with good playground. The Lord Bishop, the High Bailiff, and the Chaplain of Ramsey, with three other Gentlemen are trustees. There are several good private schools also for girls aad infants.

There is a National School for boys and another for girls, and an Infant School, having together about 500 scholars. The last is held in the OLD CROSS HALL, built 1874, which is also used for concerts, etc. It has seats for 600.

The N. Ramsey Hall, which will hold about 1000 persons, was built in 1866 by Mr. R. Teare, who gives the free use of it for public and religious purposes,

An ASSEMBLY Hall, built 1883, situate near the Railway Station, is used for concerts and public meetings, with accommodation for 800 persons.

The Tennis and Recreation Ground is near the Ballure Road, BILLIARD TABLES will be found on the Promenade, and near the Albert Hotel,

The Court-house and Police Station are in a detached building at the E. end of Parliament Street. Opposite this is a Circulating Library,

A good Agricultural Show, a Flower Show, and one or two Regattas are annually held at Ramsey during the visitors' season.

The lifeboat, The Two Sisters, was presented by J Ryder, Esq., of Liverpool. It has already been the means of saving nearly 100 lives,

The Lifeboat House and the Rocket Brigade Station are at the end of the S. pier. Both services are most efficiently performed.

The vessels belonging to the port of Ramsey are mostly mm cousting schooners, in the ageregate about 1100 tons) burden, About 124,000 tons enter annually. The revenue is under £5000 per annum, chiefly derived from foreign goods, imported via Liverpool. There is a large export of cattle, horses, and agricultural produce, Ramsey being the port for the north of the Island, as Douglas is for the south. Several cattle-fairs are held in various parts of the Island.

Ramsey is very ancient ; little remains, however, to show its early condition, while of the remote era of its foundation no vestige is discernible. In a few of the old streets there are fair specimens of that period when the tenant of a house with an upper story held high social rank, and when the refinement of windows that would open had not been adopted. Even these old parts - as College and Maughold Streets - look clean and neat, and form a curious contrast to the large lofty terraces now rising wherever a sea view can be enjoyed.

Ramsey is the visitor's best centre for the northern district, especially as there is no railway north of the town. The roads are good and numerous. The following notices of the chief places will indicate how tours may be arranged according to the visitor's taste or purposes. The N. road past St. Olave's Church leads to Andreas, Bride, and the Point of Ayre; the road opposite that church leads to St. Jude's and Jurby. The road ina line with Parliament Street extends to Sulby, Ballaugh, etc, and Peel; the S. road to Ballure, Ballaglass, Laxey, and Douglas. :

EXCURSIONS FROM RAMSEY.

There is a great variety of fine scenery near Ramsey: mountains, glens, waterfalls, broad sandy shores, and rocks of all dimensions. Runic remains and other historical curiosities abound also.

ALBERT TOWER.-The visitor will be directed to this by the numerous guide-posts. It may be reached either by Parsonage Lane (passing the Wesleyan Chapel) and May Hill, or from Ballure Bridge, keeping along the edge of the Glen past the Reservoirs, which are 400 ft, above the town; a small farm is then passed, when the Tower comes in view. Another way is to go up the steps at Ballure Bridge and ascend the hill through the plantation; this will lead to the same place as the former route. A third way (if dry weather) is along the cart road past the steps, straight on till the Tower comes in sight on the left. Passing through the first gate on the left, a road leads to the summit. Elfin Glen is near a quarry at the end of this rough road; the glen is very small, but romantic and beautiful and renowned in fairy lore. A pleasant extension of this walk may be made by crossing a stone stile near the back of Claughbane House, over a few fields and a short lane, which leads to Glen Aldyn on the left, or the Lezayre Road on the right.

Albert Tower is 45 ft. high and 16 ft. square. Over the entrance is this inscription - "Erected on the spot where H.R.H. Prince Albert stood to view Ramsey and its neighbourhood during the visit of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria to Ramsey Bay, the 20th of Noptember 1847." The Royal Yacht arrived in the Bay early in the morning, when the Lord Bishop, the Archdeacon, and the Northern Deemster went on board to present an address to the Queen, but as Her Majesty was unwell they were received politely by Lord Palmerston.

Prince Albert had already landed ; and guided by a few townsmen he rapidly ascended the hill then called Lhergy Frissell, from the name of its former owner. The Prince so warmly expressed his admiration of the scene, that soon afterwards this memorial of his visit was erected by public subscription. The roof, which is well protected by battlements, is easily ascended by ladders within. The blue hills of Scotland are generally visible; less frequently those of Cumberland.

The hill and the estates at its base, Claughbane and Ballure, are beautifully wooded, and from the shady avenues there are very pleasant views of the town, the bay, and the whole northern district. Looking W. is Sky Hill, and far away Jurby Church on the coast.

Beyond the town the fertile level is dotted with many farms, hamlets, etc., St. Judes Church, and the Andreas tower. Beyond the town, on the S., are Slieu Lewaigue (736) and Maughold Head. Eastward on the bay the red hull of the Bahama Bank Light Ship lies about 5 m. out.

A path which skirts Ballure Glen direct 8. leads to a lonely farm, Park Mooar, from which the way is open to the summit of Barrule (1850). This gives the same N. view as from Albert Tower, extended probably to the Point of Ayre Lighthouse. The sea appears W., N., and E. On the S. are a group of summits and ridges. Walking along the ridge S.W. about 3 m. we reach Snaefell, whence there is an easy descent to Laxey by the bank of the river; or we may descend from Barrule by a road to the Hibernian Inn on the Douglas Road and return along the road to Ramsey, 3 m.; this would give about four hours' walking. Near the back of the Inn is an old Manx road which ends just above Ballure, Ramsey.

Nearly opposite the Refreshment House, between the Hibernian and Ramsey, is Lewaigue Glen, which ends near the farmhouse, and is a pleasant way to the shore.

BALLAGLASS.-Its wood and waterfalls are about 1½ m. from the Hibernian and 4½ m. from Ramsey ; from Kirk Maughold, 2 m.

Starting from Ramsey, at low water, we can go along the shore to Port Lewaigue ; a lane to the right leads to the Douglas Road, when tne lane on the left, past the Hibernian, leads directly to the falls. These are in no part high, but, being in the shade of a fine old wood, they wre very beautiful, and a good place for a picnic. There is no public-house, but the cottagers are very accommodat- ing. Ballaglass may be reached by coach from Ramsey every morning about 10; or by following the walk over Barrule, or from Kirk Maughold from Ramsey by Port Lewaigue, hence along the edge of Tableland Point, where there ia some fine rock-scenery ; but caution is necomary, tthe path is narrow and the rocks steep: this leuds to another little bay, Port-e-Vullin - here the telegraph wire to St. Bees enters the sea. This point may also be reached by the road from Port Lewaigue. Going up the hill, S. on the left side on the bank is an ancient cross carved on a flat slab, supposed to mark the boundary of the ancient sanctuary of Maughold, which is about 1 m. distant, where a church has existed from the remotest times, Its proportions, 72 by 17 ft., are said to be oharacteristic of the Manx churches, so is the porch, The Scandinavian monuments, assigned to the 10th or 11th century, are sculptured, but without inscriptions. A gold coin of Louis le Debonnaire was found here in 1885. In “the register of deaths, "perished at sea" is sadly common. One of the most conspicuous tombs is that of Sir Mark Cubbon, many years Governor of Mysore, who died on his return to Man, his birthplace. His sisters founded some almshouses at Ramsey as a memorial,

The highest part of Maughold Head (373) is reached from the back of the Vicarage ; the Saint's Well is about 200 yards N.E. of the house, on the slope above the Cliffs. It is very small, and only remarkable for the veneration in which it has been so long held. Little crosses, pins, etc., are still thrown in as votive offerings, especially on the 1st of August.

The cliffs are very bold, but may be descended by some old paths and ladders belonging to the deserted mines. The rocks are best seen from the shore or from a boat. They are in many parts strangely contorted and varied in colour, especially by the adjacent iron ore.

About 5 m. from Ramsey is Christ Church, a chapel-of- ease to Maughold, Nearly opposite this, across some fields, is a stone circle, Chastal Gorree. It is better to ask on the spot for directions.

The DHOON GLEN and WATERFALL are 6 m. from Ramsey, 24 from Laxey. There is a coach daily (except Sundays) from Douglas and another from Ramsey, about 10, returning about 5 p.m. For pedestrians, see the way to Ballaglass (p. 37).

Upon reaching two roads we take the left-hand one, past the granite quarry. There is a charge of 4d. for admission to the Glen, where all sorts of refreshments may be had. A few years ago this glen was almost unknown and inaccessible ; the proprietor spent much time and pains in laying it open by paths, bridges, ete. There are two falls, narrow but beautiful, and each of about 80 ft. Boats may be had in the rocky bay into which the stream descends. In favourable weather it may be visited very pleasantly in a boat from Ramsey. A good view of the Maughold Head Cliffs is thus obtained.

Continuing along the Douglas Road, a little over 2 m., we reach

LAXEY.

7½ m. from Douglas ; 8½ m. from Ramsey.
Hotels: Queen's and the Commercial.

There is a coach both from Ramsey and from Douglas. A good walker might take Laxey with the Dhoon - the distance from Ramsey or from Douglas being nearly equal.

The high road gives an almost unbroken sea view. A saving of more than a mile is made in walking from Ramsey by going down the old bridle path opposite Abbey House. This leads to "Old Laxey" on the banks of the river. Laxey has a population of about 2000. It owes its extent and its celebrity to its lead mines, in which several hundred men are employed. The ore is very rich in silver. Of the 4700 tons of ore raised on the Island 2500 are obtained at Laxey ; and of this # is pure lead, yielding 24 tons of silver. Copper and zinc are also found. Visitors are allowed to go over the works only by special order, but specimens of the ores may be purchased in the village.

The Great Wheel, erected in 1854, is 72 ft. 6 in. in diameter. It is so truly set that no oscillation is perceptible, and it has never been stopped except for painting, etc. There are two respectable hotels. The Victoria Park establishment is provided with various amusements, bowls, croquet, swings, etc,, and a large handsome refreshment house. The park is tastefully laid out on the slopes of Glen Roy, which have broad paths of turf and gravel, beds of flowers, shady wooded walks, etc. Threepence is charged for admission.

LAXEY GLEN, almost enclosed by mountains, forms a fine scene ; while its white houses thickly scattered over the hillsides, its beautiful little new church rising among them, its great mining works and wheel, all render it one of the most animated spots in the Island. The small old parish church of St, Lonan is on a hill a little S. of the town. In the churchyard is an ancient wheel-cross.

Near the King Orry Inn, on the N. side of the village, are the ancient stones called "Orry's Grave." These remains were divided when the new road was made; a few bones, and some say a horseshoe and teeth, were then found. It was probably a burial-place, but its name was given some years ago by way of a joke.

Southward from Laxey about a mile, near the road at Ballagawne, is a small circle of unhewn stones, two of which being split or cloven are supposed to have given the name of the Cloven Stones; but some believe the word to be a corruption of Lonan or Lovan, the saint to whom the church is dedicated. This is also a burial- place, tradition says, of a renowned Welsh prince.

The distance hence to Douglas is about 6 m. After passing two "Half-Way" houses, we soon reach Onchan, from which the short steep Burnt Mill Hill brings us to the shore, near Strathallan Crescent, Derby Castle, etc,

One of the pleasantest walks from Ramsey is to GLEN ALDYN, about 2 m. W. It may be reached from Albert Tower, but the more direct way is by the shady road skirting Milntown House and Mill. Passing a ruined mill and a chapel; at the bridge we turn to the left and keep along the bank of the stream. Near the summit of the hill is the newly enclosed Fern Glen, very unwisely called "the Manx Niagara," as if to provoke a ridiculous comparison. The whole neighbourhood is, however, very pleasing and well worth the labour of exploring; the charge for admission is threepence. Slight refreshments are provided. Snaefell is about 2 m. distant.

Sky Hill, formerly called Scacafell, may be ascended from the above ; or by crossing the second plank bridge near the Weir, on the road from Milntown to Glen Aldyn. Near the farm on the top are the vestiges of two forts, a chapel, and some tumuli, On this hill Goddard Crovan in 1077 defeated the Manx, who never regained their independence.

We may continue along the ridge westward to Sulby Bridge, or descend to the Lezayre Road by either of the wild glens, Glen Duff or Glen Tramman, and so return to Ramsey. At the W. end of the ridge is the curious detached hill called Cronk Sumark, pronounced Shamark (Primrose Hill), near Sulby Bridge and its station. There is a pleasant river-side walk from the bridge eastward to Lezayre sation, passing Lough-ny-Guiy House (pronounced Lough-ny-Yay). Or by walking about 2 m, E. Ramsey is reached.

Sulby Guen.- From Ramsey, 4½ m. The railway station is close to the entrance to the Glen, which is on the Peel road, facing the Glen Hotel. The two conspicuous hills at the entrance of the Glen are the Carrick and Mount Karrin. If on foot from Ramsey, we can turn off at the Ginger Hall, 3 m., and, passing Cronk Sumark, cross the common called the Claddagh, over a plank bridge.

This is the broadest of the Manx glens; hence it is called Glen Mooar. Lofty rugged hills rise on each bank of the river, which has a rocky bed; and is sometimes narrowed into deep pools, sometimes open or falling in little cascades, but everywhere beautiful. There is a good carriage-road for about 3 m. to Ballaskella, where the river is spanned by an old stone bridge. Crossing this, we are near the beautiful grounds of Tholt-e-Will. These are made into recreation-grounds, having refreshment houses, stabling, etc. Threepence is charged for admission.

Snaefell may be easily ascended in half an hour from here. - Although the three kingdoms are visible from its summit, only a part of the horizon is usually clear at one time.

The river abounds in trout, and in the upper pools some large fish may be captured. Many streams fall from the rocky ravines in most picturesque cascades ; the wildness of the scenery increases as we ascend. At the upper part, the way to Ravensdale and Druidale are richly sug- gestive of all that their names imply. We may thus descend to Ballaugh.

Crossing a wooden bridge about 1½ m. from the entrance to the Glen, we find a little rocky stream ; crossing this by some stepping-stones, we come to a gorge over which is a fine cascade. As the water disappears in a deep pool, this is called very appropriately the Clugget (swallowing) or Gullet.

BALLAUGH, 7½ m. from Ramsey, 2 m. from Sulby, is a station on the Manx Northern Railway.

The road to Peel, parallel to the railway, runs at the foot of Gob-ny-Valley. The long neat village has two comfortable inns, a church, and a handsome Wesleyan chapel. The old village and church are about a mile off, near the shore. The latter is very picturesque ; it has a curious font and a characteristic porch. The late Professor E. Forbes was born near the village. The great fen district, the Curragh, extends over a large part of this parish as far as Andreas (see Geology, p. 94). The flatness of the N. plain is pleasantly relieved by plantations around most of the larger farmhouses and mansions. The church now used was built 1832.

Ballaugh and Kirk Michael are good centres for mountain excursions, the chief heights in the middle of the Island being all easily accessible. A descent can be made either to the high road or railway station nearest to the tourist's headquarters.

KIRK MICHAEL, 9 m. from Ramsey, is a long plain village, one of the largest in the Island ; interesting on account of its church and monuments, It is so well sheltered, and its climate is so mild, that it is called the "Manx Madeira." There are two good inns, the Royal Albert and the Mitre. The court-house was once the ecclesiastical court; but the authority of the church has now declined, and the building is used by the N. Deemster as a court-house.

The present church was erected in 1835 on the site of a very old one, the chancel of which was rebuilt by Dr. Thomas Wilson, son of the bishop. Near a part of this, still standing, is the tomb of the good bishop; on it is inscribed :- "Sleeping in Jesus, here lieth the body of Thomas Wilson, D.D., Lord Bishop of this Isle, who died March 7th, 1755, aged 93, in the 58th year of his consecration. This monument was erected by his son, Thomas Wilson, D.D., a native of this parish, who, in obedience to the express command of his worthy father, declines giving him the character he so justly deserves. Let this Island speak the rest."

In the churchyard are seven Runic monuments. A large one, near the gate, was dug up in the Vicar's Glebe. The inscriptions, as usual on the edge, being somewhat imperfect, have been variously interpreted - "Isalf, son of Thorolf the Red, raised this cross to his mother Frida." That on the N. side of the gate has been read - "Mal Lumkun raised this cross to Malmora, his foster-mother, daughter of Dugald the Keen, the wife of Athisi." But Mr. Cumming's translation is - "Malmor .. . foster-son ;" while Professor Munch reads it- "Nial Marn, daughter of Luftal,"translating Malmor as foster-father,[On the back of this, formerly imbedded in masonry, but lately removed, appears, "It is better to have a good foster-son than a bad son."] Malmor and Niel's son both fell at Tynwald Hill in 1238. This stone is the only one on the Island recording Celtic names. That on the opposite side is read - "Malbrigd, son of Athakan the smith, raised this cross for his soul, but his kinsman Gaut made this and all in Maun." In the wall are two fragments; on one is inscribed - "Grim raised this cross to Romon;" and on another - "this cross to." That in the vestry has only "Grims the Black"(suarta = swarthy). Another, near Bishop Wilson's tomb, has some interesting figures. There is another fragment near the old chancel, The graves of Bishop Hildesley and Bishop Cregan are in the churchyard.

Bishopscourt, about 1 m. from Kirk Michael, has been the episcopal palace from time immemorial. The present building stands in the place of a very ancient one, part of which was called Orry's Tower, occupied by Bishop Simon early in the 13th century. When Bishop Wilson came to the episcopal residence, it was almost a ruin, and had been long unoccupied. After its restoration, he describes it as "a good house and chapel, if not stately, yet convenient enough, large gardens and pleasant walks, sheltered with groves of fruit and forest trees." One of the elms on the N. side is said to be of his planting.

Bishop Wilson's tenure of office was marked by most faithful and energetic pastoral duty, as well as by the strict maintenance of ecclesiastical authority and discipline. It was chiefly by his influence with the tenth Earl of Derby, then Lord of Man, that the Act of Settlement was passed. He thus refers to this success :- "Sep. 6, 1703. Blessed be God for his favours. On this day I was, I hope, an happy instrument in bringing the Lord of Man and his people to an agreement; his Lordship having this day condescended to settle them upon a certain tenure, or rather to restore them to their ancient tenure, which has been uncertain for more than one hyndred years. What the consequence may be I know not; but this I know, that I have acted uprightly in the whole affair, which God be praised for!"

His famous "Constitutions" were to a great extent independent of the secular authority, and to maintain this privilege there is an annual Convocation on Whitsun- Thursday. Lord Chancellor King said of these Canons and Constitutions Ecclesiastical, that "if the ancient discipline of the church were lost, it might be found in all its purity in the Isle of Man."

The chapel was rebuilt by Bishop Murray, 1813, but the present one was built by the late Bishop Powys. Bishop Wilson's chair is occupied on Convocation and other great days; the chair at the communion-table is Bishop Hildesley's, The library is rich in old theological works, and there are many portraits of bishops.

EXCURSIONS FROM RAMSEY NORTHWARD.

The Point or Ayre. -From Ramsey, 7½ m.

After passing St. Olave's Church we turn to the right, opposite Thornhill and a pretty gabled cottage. Two miles along the level road is the Dogmills, now disused. About 2 m. farther are Shellac Point and Break-of-Day Hill, which are nearly 200 ft. above the shore (see Geology, p. 94). We soon reach the hamlet of Kirk Bride and its modern church.

The Point is the end of a low sandy waste, rich in gorse and other plants, and only a few feet higher than the sea. The lighthouse was built in 1818, of free- stone. Its light revolves every two minutes, showing alternately red and white. There are 14 reflectors of parabolic form. It is visible for 20 to 36m. Burrow Head, the nearest point, is about 18 m. N. Besides meteorological observations, a record is kept of birds passing, especially the migratory birds, There are sand- banks on the E. (see Voyage round the Island, p. 9). The water is here and there not a fathom deep, with generally breakers upon it. It was here that William III. was nearly wrecked on his way to the Battle of the Boyne. When the lighthouse was built, it was close to the sea; but now is far inland, showing at what rate the water has receded. About a mile S. of it is one of the little lakes which were once numerous.

Visitors can take tea, etc., comfortably in the lighthouse,

ANDREAS.-The return to Ramsey may be made by Kirk Andreas, 24 m., so conspicuous by its tower, 135 ft. high. This was raised by the present archdeacon, the Ven. Joseph Moore. The church was rebuilt 1800. It is the largest in the Island, containing 1000 sittings. The Rector of Andreas has always been the archdeacon. There are some Scandinavian crosses with Runiec inscriptions, one being - " Santolf the Black erected this cross to his wife Arinbjorg."

St, Jude's Church, 4 m. from Ramsey, and 3½ m. from Andreas, to which it belongs. About ¾ of a m. E. of the church, at Ballachurry, are the mounds of a fort supposed to be of the Commonwealth period. It is in a meadow near the road.

Another level walk N.W. from Ramsey to Jurby, 6 m., will include the above. Unbroken as the coast is, it abounds in limestone boulders which are rich in fossils, A mound called Cronk Mooar near the church affords a fine view of the mountains from Maughold Head to S. Barrule. Peel, its hill, and tower stand out well in the general level. Cumberland and Scotland are usually visible. Near Blue Point is a hole in the cliff called, as many other places are, King Orry's Castle, but there is nothing to show for it. Between this and Jurby Head is Lhane Mooar, once a creek, where, as tradition says, King Orry landed. In this narrow stream are some very tall rushes.

In the neighbourhood is another of the many hills called Cronk-ny-Irey-Lhaa (Hill of the Rising Day).

JURBY CHURCH is very conspicuous in the level landscape. Here are sume Scandinavian monuments, much defaced. The name means the village (or by) of Jon, who, however, is unknown.