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ALL ABOUT ABERYSTWYTH. -

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ALL ABOUT ABERYSTWYTH. A VISITORS' GUIDE, WRITTEN FOR THE "ABERYSTWYTH OBSERVER," BY THE REV. R. S. SHORT, Autlwr of Dawlish, Historical and Topographical, illustrated; The Complete Guide to Clevedon and its Vicinity, illustrate1, *c. The visitor who seeks for a. sea-side Health Resort, possessing a fine, pure, bracing air-a good beach with a grand rolling sea-excellent drainage, and the purest of water, obtained from Plynlimon Mountain, together with extensive marine views and majestic mountain scenery, will find all these conditions realised at ABERYSTWYTH the" Brighton of Wales and the Queen of Welsh watering places." "Beauty and variety seem the twin goddesses of the place; or, if a third be admitted, the presiding Deity of the bracing breeze, bright-eyed Health, completes the trio. The very rivers have distinct characters of their own-their impetuous rushing rapidity forms an animated contrast to the champaign stream, which geems to slumber in its heavy course. Whenever a bold feature of originality in the adjacent scenery strikes the eye of the visitor, the presumed harshness of its intrusion is immediately softened by the milder charm of fertility and verdure, reposing, as it were. on the bosom of comparative barrenness, and arrayed in the enchanting wildness of the picturesque. Thus. whether viewed from the towering height or flowery slope we are at once greeted with the com- mingled or alternate beauties of hill and dale, wood and river, charmingly variegated with sudden or gradual acclivities and gentle descents ending in the level walk." This description, written by Mr Llewelyn Prichard, Author of Welsh Minstrelsy," in 1824, is strictly applicable now. Strangers are invariably struck with the bright and lively appearance of the town. The streets are wide and cleanly. The Local Authorities, in com- bination with th" inhabitants themselves, do all in their power from time to time to promote improve- ments. The shops are exceedingly good—many of them handsome, and the public buildings superior in style. Ti.e adjacent hills, as seen from the town, render the street scenery effective. The population in 1831 was 7188. Distances—London, 208 miles; Liverpool, 118; Birmingham, 123 Manchester, 135; Hereford, 76; Cheltenham, 153; Bath, 170; Bristol, 158; Barmonth, 40 Aberdovey, 11; Borth, 8; Aberayron, IG; Devil's Bridge, 12; Tenby, 80; Brecon, 67 Carmarthen, 60. Aberystwyth has played a conspicuous part in the history of the Principality, and the antiquarian will meet with much to repay his diligent research, whilst the geologist, the mineralogist, the ornithologist, and the botanist will not lack interesting occupation. THE CLIMATE.—During the colder months of the year the climate is remarkably mild and salubrious. Being sheltered on all sides, except the sea-board, by high ranges of hills, it is effectively protected from the east and other winds so preju icial to invalids. Physicists assert that the temperature of the sea water is milder at Aberystwyth than at any other place on the western coast, which may be attributable to the physical contour of Cardigan Bay. It is the testimony of those who have wintered here that it is an agreeable winter residence as regards the elimate. The great centre of attraction will always be THE BEACH, which spreads in an indented semi-circle for about a mile from Craiylais Point on the north to the Castle promontory on the south, and on the mar- gin are the Marine and Victoria Terraces. Several reefs of rocks jut into the sea, and are covered with eea-weed, which, when the sun shines upon it, throws off into the air the principles of iodine, bromine, and ozone, contributing to its health-producing influence. Small pebbles mingled with smd compose the beach. Hundreds of children m-y be seen, during the sum- mer, in happy groups, paddling in the water, or ener- getically constructing mimic towns d fortifications, whilst indulgent parents are sitting about, working, or reading, or ruminating, according to fancy. The beach and rocks abound in marine vegetation and life, and inter sting collections of algse, coralline, and eea-anemones may be made to instruct and amuse at home when the winter months arrive and in-door amusement is sought. The sea is relèlarkably fine. The water is very clear and varies in colour, sometimes appearing blue and then of many-tinted green. It flows in uninterrup- tedly direct from the Atlantic Ocean, to the south of Ireland, in stormy weather dashing upon the beaches and rocks with impetuous fury to a height of some 50 or 60 feet, and falling in inexpressibly beauti- ful jets d'eaux. The waves are emphatically "rollers" of great length, height, and force, forming a broad line of silvery foam along the entire length of the beach, exciting the admiration and awe of visitors. AS I see surging onward, never nearer to the land, It seems to be a monster chain'd, and baffled in its onward stride. And it seems to utter voices like a multitude of men, Speaking- in an awe-struck murmur,as if waiting for a sound wa THiat is always ooming, but comes not; and sighing deeply, when It breaks and bleaches in great waves upon the pebble ground. Miiilnir" (Nant Eos) Sea Fancies." THE TERRACES—The Marine Terrace is built upon an indentation of seashore, extending from the rocky skare" under the Pier, known as the Weeg. to the reef called Penbryn Diodde. It forms a natural crescent, made available for a Terrace of good houses. The Victoria Terrace is a continuation from the Marine Baths to Graiglais, or Constitution Hill. The houses are large and lofty, with an ornamental frontage which is of an attractive and imposing character. The Promenade extends the whole length, is of considerable width, and, being raised, is pro- tected from the encroachment of the sea, which at high tide flows close up to it, with an agreeable effect. The views are very fine, and the sea is particularly grand. From the end of the Terrace, near the Pier, the lofty mountains, Cader Idris, Snowdon, and the Eifl taay be distinctly seen, in clear weather, lifting their sublime forms in solemn majesty, after having wit- nessed many terrific battles and political and social changes wrought by the revolution of ages in the ancient laud of the Cymry. Atmospheric changes often give the Eifl mountains the appearance of a. chain of islands, the effect of which is very interest- ing. The historic Ruins of the Castle, the little Camera Obscura building with its flag flying, Pen Dinas Hill with its Wellington Monument, and the indented coast of Cardiganshire spreading some thirty miles down the Bay to the south, together with the invigorating nature of the air, the transformations bf the clouds, the glorious sunsets, the merry groups of children playing upon the beach, the fishing smacks and pleasure boats, with their many- coloured flags flying, the sea gulls swooping around, the waves gently plashing upon the shore, and the various-costumed promenaders moving to and fro to the strajjis of the Season Band, present a scene of animation always enjoyable to the visitors. It is calculated that there are upon the Terraces about eighty houses, of which sixty-one are professional Lodging Houses, which provide about two hundred and twenty-two "lets" or suites of apartments. THE BOATS, both sailing and rowing, are well built and licensed as to the number they carry. They are provided with fishing tackle. In the summer a licg-atta occasionally takes place, when the Bay pre- sents a lively scene. The Indies' BATHING MACHINES, about 30 in number, are in front of the Marine Terrace, and the Gentlemen's, about 20, on the beach in front of the Queen's Hotel. They are on the model of those at Brighton. The attendants are proverbial for their civility. Expert swimmers may frequently be seen pwimmincr from the Gentlemen's Machines to the Pier and ba^-k. a b,r. accompanying them for safety. In the season iuvimming matches take place, when the Pier bevoir.e!» thronged with interested -oservers. The MARINE BATHS, under the supervision of Dr Rice Williams, are on the Terrace. They com- prise Hot and cold pure iea wtler-pea weed haths, and fresh water baths." and are widely known, Laving been established in 1824. The SALT WATER PUBLIC SWIMMING BATHS, in Newfoundland-street, were opened in 1879. The Gentlemen's Bath is 77 feet long by 32 feet broad and the Ladies' Bath 72 feet long by 23 feet broad. Both are well fitted with dressing rooms, &c., and lighted with gas. The floors are of Portland cement, and the Gentlemen's Bath slopes from 3 feet 9 inches to 7 feet 3 inches the Ladies' from 3 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 9 inches. The buildings are well lighted aud ventilated, and the water, which is daily pumped from the sea, is kept at a temperature of about 68° Fah., or about 10° Fah. above that of the sea. The Private Baths, supplied hot or cold, with fresh or salt water, are handsomely fitted, and always ready for use. During the season EXCURSIONS are made, by rail, to Barmouth, Harlech, Dolgelley, Llandrindod Wells, Strata Florida, Swansea and Tenby; and by Steam Packet to Bardsey Island, Barmouth, New Quay, and other places of interest. Numerous excursion parties also arrive from various English and Welsh towns. THE CASTLE RUINS stand conspicuously on a natural promontory projecting into the sea between the entrance to the Harbour and the University Col- lege. The massive character of its ruins and its strong position confirm the historical accounts of its original importance. Thb first fortress, no tr&e4 of which now remains, was built by Gilbert do

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ALL ABOUT ABERYSTWYTH. -

ALL ABOUT ABERYSTWYTH. -