Broadstairs has long been the periodical residence of many distinguished literary men, most of whom have acknowledged the benefit derived from its bracing climate, and verified their opinion by repeated trials. If pure air could be as readily administered as certain medicinal compounds, there would be little necessity for so often deserting the courts and counting-houses of the metropolis in search of health; but so long as this "draught" cannot be made up according to nature's prescription, it is cheering to know that on the coast it may be had ready prepared, and without "mistake" or "adulteration." It was while overlooking a scene like that which opens upon the visitor at Broadstairs, and while sensibly feeling all the salubrious influence of the breezes, that seemed to welcome and caress him when exchanging the pleasures of town for poetry and contemplation on the coast, that the Bard of Hope broke out into these noble and impassioned lines:-- "Hail to thy face and odours, glorious Sea! 'Twere thanklessness in me to bless thee not, Great beauteous being! in whose breath and smile My heart beats calmer, and my very mind Inhales salubrious thoughts. How welcomer _Thy_ murmurs, than the murmurs of the world! Tho', like the world, thou fluctuatest, to me Thy din is peace, thy restlessness repose. Even gladly I exchange yon spring-green lanes, With all the darling field-flowers in their prime, And gardens haunted by the nightingale's Long trill, and gushing extasies of song, For these wild headlands and the sea-mew's clang!" Broadstairs appears, in addition to its attraction as bathing-quarters, to have formerly enjoyed a considerable share of trade in the fisheries; but this source of revenue having dried up, recourse was had to ship-building, which is still carried on to a small extent. Its chief dependence, however, is on the number and respectability of its visitors, many of whom retire here for several months annually with their families, and, by a liberal expenditure, do much to support the markets and to encourage local industry. The bathing-place is at the mouth of the harbour, under the cliff, and is provided with every accommodation to be found at the larger watering-places. There are two or more excellent hotels, and two extensive public libraries, commanding magnificent views of the sea and the shipping--from a fishing-boat to a seventy-four--passing to and from the Downs, at all hours of the day. The place is still further enlivened, as well as benefited, by the London steamers, which here land or embark passengers in their way to and from town. [Illustration: WRECK IN KINGSGATE BAY. (Isle of Thanet.)] KINGSGATE, NEAR BROADSTAIRS. "Olim Porta fui Patroni Bartholomæi, Nunc Regis jussu REGIA PORTA vocor, Hic exscenderunt Carolus Secundus Rex Et Jacobus Dux EBOR. 30 Junii, 1683."