The part of the island which contains Freshwater, the Needles, and Alum Bay, is almost separated from the rest by the river Yar, which rises behind the rock called Freshwater Gate, and runs into the sea at Yarmouth. It thus wants only a few yards of going entirely across the island. The geological construction of this part of the Isle of Wight renders it peculiarly liable to change; since, as most of the rocks are composed of chalk and flint, the softer parts of the chalk are frequently washed away by the sea, or heavy rain, leaving the flints and the harder part of the chalk remaining. In this manner the curious isolated rocks at the Needles, and at Freshwater Gate have been formed, and the numerous caverns and chines scooped out; and in this way, doubtless, numerous other changes will take place, as long as the island continues to exist. [Illustration: THE ARCHED ROCK AT FRESHWATER] Agnes was quite delighted with the appearance of the little inn at Freshwater, which is, in fact, a summer pavilion, with several rooms, all opening by folding doors, on a kind of terrace, shaded by a verandah, and close to the beach. “What a delightful place!” cried Agnes. “Yes,” said Mrs. Merton, “this little inn has always been a favourite of mine, and I am really sorry that the proprietor is erecting a more magnificent mansion on the cliffs, as I am sure it is impossible that his guests can be more comfortable anywhere than they are here.” As soon as Mrs. Merton had ordered dinner, the whole party walked on the beach, and never was more beautiful sea-weed than that which lay spread at their feet. Agnes, who had promised to collect some sea-weed to take home to her aunt Jane, was quite embarrassed with the profusion around her; and she soon collected a great deal more than it was possible for her to carry away, as she had only brought a small basket from town with her for the purpose of holding it. At home, she had thought this would be quite sufficient; but now, alas! she found that one immense piece of sea-weed that she was dragging after her was alone sufficient to fill her basket entirely. “My dear Agnes!” cried Mrs. Merton, “you never can take that large plant with you to town.” “No, mamma,” said Agnes, sighing, “I am afraid I cannot; but only look what a splendid thing it is.” “It is certainly a very fine specimen,” said Mrs. Merton; “but it is of the kind called tangle, which is common everywhere. The frond, or leafy part, has been found in some places twenty feet long, and as broad as the leaf of a plantain, to which, you see, it bears considerable resemblance.” “Here is a piece of the winged fucus,” said Mr. Merton, “which though rare here, is common in Scotland, where we call it Badder-locks or Henware. Look, Agnes,” continued he, addressing his daughter, “do you observe the strong projecting rib that runs up the middle of the leaf?—that part is frequently eaten in the North; and in some places the flat part is eaten also.”