The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1883-09-25
AN OCEAN JOURNEY
FROM NEW YORK TO ANTWERP.
A wAs.ll.s Man c!ms HI. IuprenIOns OfA Trip
Across the Detp-intusrp and Its PeeallAri.
ti.s-Ths Isle OF Hap, ifs CurIOsIies and
It's Ancient RoiIes-A Fish Story.


Correspondence othe LnbIlignosr.
No. 81 Bucks ROAD, DOUGLAS, ISLE O.
MAN, August 20.-It is now just sever
weeks since leit Wheeling, and durini
that period have had most delightful
time. The voyage across the Atlantic wa
all that could be desired. The ocean seem
ed almost as smooth as mirror through
out the entire voyage from New York te
Antwerp, distance OF S,352 miles. We
had about forty five cabin passengers, and
during the twelve days that we were to
gether we had an enjoyable time; games o.
all kinds were introduced, and everything
was 80 pleasant and agreeable that most Of
us were really sorry when the voyage came
to an en'. Quite large portion Of each
day was occupied in watching the whales
spouting up water. Sometimes they were
very close to the ship, but generally about
one.half or three.iourths of mile distant.
Hundreds OF porpoises were daily
seen leaping up out OF the water
and playing al around the ship.
Sometimes the ocean seemed perfectly
alive with them as far as the eye could
reach on all sides.
FIRST LAND SIGHTED.
The first land we sighted was Lizard
Point, on the southwest coast OF England,
which we reached on the morning OF the
eleventh day out from New York, and all
that day We enjoyed the grand and pic.
turesque scenery along the south coast Of
England. In some places the rocks and
cliffs rise almost perpendicularly from The
water two or three hundred feet high,
while in others the beautiful green fields,
orchards and gardens slope gently, almost
to the very waters edge. The scenery
along the coast Of The Isle OF Wight is par
ticularly worthy Of mention. From here
until we landed at Antwerp We were
hardly ever out OF sight Of land.
The city Of Antwerp is situated about 20
miles from the mouth Of the river Scheldt.
The banks are very low and the scenery
along its entire course is in strange con.
trast with that OF the Hudson, the Thames,
or the Clyde. There are, however, a great
tention OF the American tourist. For in
stance, the numerous windmilIs and the
red tile roofs OF the houses, which always
figure so conspicuously In Belgian scenery.
Arriving at Antwerp, Of course, the first
thing TO have attended to las 10 all other
European ports) Is 10 pass the customs,
which is hers only mere matter OF form.
They don't pre,enc to examine any.
thing and only ask one question,
viz: "Haye you any goods that would be
subject TO du.yw II replied toin the neg
ative, they simply mark your baggage with
an 20. K" in French, which is now the
principal language spoken in Antwerp, Cs-
pecially in business circles, and you are
permitted to pass.
ANTWERP.
The principal points Of interest in Ant.
werp are: "The Reuben's Art Gallery"
"The Cathedral" Though not nearly 80
elaborate as some OF the Itslian churches,
is considered one OF the finest in the
world); "The gallery Of printing and en-.
craving" and the Geological gardens. One
oil the first things that will seem strange to
an American is to see the way IN which the
storekeeper5and ealoon propTictors monop-
olize the sidewalks. Every person here
seems 10 think the sidewalk wss construct
ed for the special benefit OF the property
holders, and the people all seem to travel
right through the middle OF the street. OF
course the wooden shoes which the major
ity OF them wear no doubt serve ss slight
protection against the unevenneEs. Dogs
here seem to be the principal animal Of
draught, and II is not unusual to
see elk or eight large dogs hitched to a
cart, while nearly all milk wagons, fruit
vendors and produce carts are drawn by
them. In fact, l really believe there are
more dogs used in Antwerp for draught
purpose than horses. But l suppose you
have had enough Of Antwerp, 80 shall
wend my way 10 Isle OF Man where, US you
are doubtless aware by the heading ol this
letter, lam at present located.
THE ISLE OF MAN.
Here We are Just in the height Of the
watering season, The number Of tourists
during the past two weeks probably exceed
ed that OF any fortnight in the history OF
the Island. There are regular daily
steamers from Barrow, Fleetwood, Black
pool and Liverpool, England; and from
Glasgow and Greeneck, Scollanc; and War
renpoint, Ireland. Possessing such very
even temperature and situated as 1t Is, at
almost equal distances from England, Ire
land and Scotland, the Isle of Man IL
fast taking the lead Of the principal water
ing places in the United Kingdom, aud is
universally conceded to he the romantic
and attractive spot in the British Isles. Its
beautiful bays and inlets, Astounding in fish
OF almost every species, the sHlubrlty OF
its climate, its innumerable relics Of an
tiquity and curiosity, Its old Roman castles
and forts, It's Druidic remains, Its gently
sloping shores and the advantages offered
for sea bathing on account CT the remark
able cIearness OF the water and the health.
ful influences Of the gulf stream, has, with
ito beautiful scenery and Its numerous
pleasure resorts along the coast and
throughout the interior had the effect OF
placing the Iste Of Man in advance Of all
watering places throughout the north oil
England.
Ihave been having most delight time
and the past week has been particularly
pleasant, having had company right from
Wheeling. Mr.. James Neill, OF the firm OF
Neill & Eilingham, and bis estimable lady
have Jus. sailed from here this morning,
after spending week in the Isle Of Man.
They have been favored with charming
weather and have enjoyed their visit i'm.
mensely. We have had some splendid
trips to the most attractive spots OF the
Island, but what they enjoyed mos! OF all
was the deep.sea fishing along the coast,
which is, withouta a doubt, the best In tue
world.
A FISH STORY.
This can easily he imagined from the
following little fish story.
Yesterday we paid visit to Peel Castle,
and having an houror two in the afternoon
TO spare, we thought we would again try
our luck at fishing. So Mr.. and Mrs. Neil,
my cousin and myself put to sea iu asmall
boat. We anchored within quarter Of a
mile of the Fenella Tower In Peel Castle,
l ~ "a