slips, adapted for stations, from which to annoy an enemy with arrows or other missiles as occasion might require. But its timeworn and ivy-covered bulwarks are now fast yielding, like the interior, to the assaults of time. Some years ago the Eagle tower, struck by lightning, was split down several yards from the summit, and large masses of stone came thundering down-giving it still more the aspect of a splendid ruin.

From the summit the traveller may behold a prospect of surpassing interest and beauty, the isle of Anglesey, with its plains, farms, and villas,-the swelling Menai,-the romantic hills,-and the blue and spacious bay, with the sea stretching far beyond.

A noble terrace, extending from the quay to the north-end of the walls, offers a delightful walk, and presents a variety of interesting objects around the port, which is daily rising into greater importance by receiving and dispensing the fruits of industry and commerce.

The harbour and the pier have both undergone very great improvement, and ships of considerable burthen can now come up along-side the quay. A patent slip for repairing vessels has also recently been laid down. There is an extensive trade carried on with Liverpool, Dublin, Bristol, &c., besides a lucrative coast trade, exchanging the invaluable mineral substances for timber and other articles. Slates are brought here as to the general dépôt from all the great Welsh quarries; and the country people of all ranks resort hither, as the best and cheapest market, from a considerable distance.

The market-house, erected by the corporation, the hotel by the Marquis of Anglesey, with hot and cold baths, a billiard room, and a number of excellent inns, render the modern town as elegant and commodious a place of residence as the most fastidious or luxurious nabob,-to say nothing of hardy Welshmen and pedestrian ramblers, could possibly desire.

CHAPTER XIII.

HOLYHEAD, SOUTH STACK LIGHT HOUSE, BEAUMARIS, &c.

LET us go round,

And let the sail be slack, the course be slow,

That at our leisure, as we coast along,
We may contemplate, and from every scene
Receive its influence.

Rogers.

AFTER enjoying myself a day or two at Caernarvon, I left that retreat so particularly pleasant to the tourist, and proceeded across the silvery Menai. 'Twas morning: the mist and broad shadows were fast receding before the glories of the rising sun; the mountain sheep and cattle were creeping higher on the hills; while all nature smiled around. On turning round, upon gaining an elevated station, I observed again the range of the mighty Snowdonian mountains, which, at that moment, appeared even more majestic through the white vapours which rolled around them.

Not being able to procure any satisfactory information about the tracts along the coast, which I was desirous of exploring, I walked through a bridle-road till I came to a miserable inn, where I was dissuaded, by mention of difficulties, from my purpose of taking such a route as would present numerous marine views; and proceeded to Newborough, and over the Malldreath Sands to Llanbeulan, where I entered the high road to Holyhead.

The following morning I took a view of this remarkable town and islet, accompanied by the friend I had before accidentally met in Caernarvonshire. Following the direction of the veteran Pennant to obtain the most extensive view of it, I bent my way