Douglas, on the east of the island, is the chief town. It is a modern seaside resort, much frequented by Lancashire folk in August. Ramsey, further north, is quieter, and pleasantly situated on the only river of importance in Man. It is an old town, with yellow sands and a harbour crowded with herring-boats. Castletown lies to the south, a quiet old place, with narrow, crooked streets. Castle Rushen, built in the thirteenth century, shows no signs of decay. It consists of a keep and massive outer wall. Here the kings and lords of Manxland lived, though until lately it was the prison of the island. Peel, on the west, is chiefly remarkable for its rocky island near the shore, on which there are the ruins of a castle and churches surrounded by a battlemented wall. St. Patrick probably landed here, and the ruined cathedral is the oldest see in Britain. The most famous king of "Mona" was Orry, son of a Danish king of the tenth century. The island became subject to England in 1290. The National Assembly, or House of Keys, was founded by Orry. [Illustration: _Photochrom Co., Ltd._ CASTLE RUSHEN, ISLE OF MAN. Built in the thirteenth century, it was for a long period the residence of the kings and lords of Manxland.] BRANTWOOD THE HOME OF JOHN RUSKIN =How to get there.=--Train from Euston. L. and N.W. Railway. =Nearest Station.=--Coniston Lake (Brantwood is on the eastern side of Coniston Lake). =Distance from London.=--279 miles. =Average Time.=--Varies between 8-1/4 to 9-1/4 hours. 1st 2nd 3rd =Fares.=--Single 41s. 1d. ... 23s. 2-1/2d. Return 80s. 5d. ... 46s. 5d. =Accommodation Obtainable.=--"Waterhead Hotel," etc. =Alternative Route.=--Train from St. Pancras. Midland Railway. The road to Brantwood from Coniston runs under the shade of beautiful trees, at the head of Coniston Water. After leaving behind the village and the Thwaite, with its peacocks strutting in its old-world gardens, one skirts the grounds of Monk Coniston. Soon afterwards Tent Lodge, where Tennyson once lived, is passed. Afterwards comes Low Bank Ground, which is only a short distance from Brantwood. The situation, as one may see from the drawing given opposite, is one of great natural advantages, while the house is quite unassuming; its simple white walls, however, give one the sense of a comfortable if unpretending home. The interior has been described as giving an impression "of solid, old-fashioned furniture, of amber-coloured damask curtains and coverings." There were Turner's and other water-colours in curly frames upon the drawing-room walls.