Page:The aquarium - an unveiling of the wonders of the deep sea.djvu/198

Rh out the oars. A curious perforated rock was not more than a mile or two distant, and we resolved to pull in for it, as I had heard of its singular appearance.

On approaching the shore a natural arch of imposing grandeur met the eye. The lofty cliffs of white chalk are interrupted for a little space by a huge promontory of black rock, cutting across the sandy beach, and projecting southward into the sea. The western angle of the mass sends off a spur which runs parallel with the shore, enclosing a snug little cove; and in the midst of this wall-like projection yawns a vast orifice, like an enormous arched gate-way leading into the little recess. This perforation is familiarly known as the Barn-door, or Durdle-door, and is one of the appointed places of resort to visitors. I had the advantage of seeing it in that silent solitude which is so congenial to the feelings when in the presence of some stupendous work of Divine power; no human soul being visible far or near, but the old lame and bald-headed shepherd, who had with much difficulty dragged himself down from the elevated downs above, and, having left his crutches on the sandy beach, was enjoying a bathe in the clear water. Even he disappeared, limping up a ravine in the precipice, before I could get ashore.

It was solemn to stand on the angular ledges beneath the arch, and gaze up at its magnificent span. The height of the vault and the depth of the water are sufficient to allow a vessel of considerable size to pass through, at high tide; but as it was now spring-tide and low water, our little boat could not safely thrid the bristling rocks that studded the passage,