commanding an extensive prospect--the nearest object on the opposite
side of the river being the ancient though plain church of Northwood.
Altogether this is a very pleasing rural spot, and to visit it will make
the difference of only a few minutes in diverging from the regular road.

* * * * *


WOOTTON-BRIDGE.

Here we pass over an inlet of the sea, indifferently called Fishbourne
Creek or Wootton River; the cottages border the road on either side, and
have a remarkably clean and comfortable appearance. There are also a few
good houses: the Parsonage, though rather secluded, enjoys a charming
marine prospect; and _Kite-hill_ will be known by its antique aspect and
screen of lofty firs. But the pride of the place is FERNHILL, a
first-rate seat: the house is built in the light Gothic style, and
stands at the head of an extensive lawn sloping to the water,
interspersed with groups of trees and flourishing plantations.

We shall often see the prospect-tower of Fernhill peering above the
masses of variegated foliage; and indeed the whole has much the air
of a religious structure, enjoying one of those happy localities
which distinguished such retreats of former days. The opposite
banks of the river, or rather lake, are clothed with the finest
oak-woods in the island, feathering from the very water's edge; and
the whole neighbourhood presents the rich appearance of an
extensive forest covering hill and dale. Should therefore the
visitor reach this spot at the favorable concurrence of high water
on a calm sunny day, he will agree with us that the whole forms a