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Rh known. Mr. Michael Ratsey, grandson of her builder, says in a letter received some years ago, "I have no account of the Leopard cutter beyond the knowledge that she was built for a yacht, but for whom there is not the slightest reference." The lines of this yacht are given on page 236; and her dimensions were, length on deck, 64 feet 4 inches; length of keel, 54 feet 3 inches; beam, 19 feet; depth, 11 feet; draft, 10 feet.

In 1813 Thomas White, a native of Broadstairs, established a yacht and shipbuilding-yard at Cowes, wherein, as well as in the Ratsey yard, some of the most famous yachts of their day in England were built.

The Isle of Wight has always been a favorite resort. Indeed, it was occupied by the Romans, the interesting remains of a Roman villa having been discovered near Brading some years ago. The ornaments and household utensils found there indicate not only refinement and luxury, but also that those to whom they belonged dwelt on the island from choice rather than necessity. By the Romans the island was called Vecta, or Vectis, and in the Doomsday Book is called Wect, With. The ancient name for Cowes were Cowe, Cows, and Cow; while the Solent was known as the Solent Sea, from the Latin Solvetido, indicating a separation from the main land.

Soon after the Norman conquest King William assigned the island to a relative, William Fitzosborne, who had distinguished himself at the battle of Hastings, "to hold as freely as the Conqueror