KIRK BRADDON, or Kirk Salmon; probably so called from its vicinity to a river abounding with that fish. The surrounding scenery is solemn and romantic, and every circumstance inspires a soothing melancholy; for, in this hallowed ground, the inhabitants of Douglas, who are no more, and the Rude forefathers of the hamlet, sleep.DERBY HAVEN, a small village, chiefly remarkable for its excellent harbour. In a little island, dedicated to St Michael, a fort was erected, with a view of defending its entrance; this is now falling to decay, but the Derby arms are still to be traced over the gate. Near to Tower is a ruined chapel, in which the remains of an altar are still visible. Castletown, and its romantic bay, afford a noble prospect from hence. Near Derby Haven is the Calf of Man. It is separated from the main land by a very narrow rocky channel.
This isle is all-out five miles in circumference, and is environed by gloomy caverns and stupendous precipices. A few years since, a Russian vessel, of seven hundred tons burden, was dashed to pieces against these rocks, and all the crew perished. The caves and precipices are tenanted by a vast variety of sea birds, whose discordant notes encrease the wildness of the scenery. After landing in a small creek, there is some difficulty, and indeed danger, in gaining an eminence, from whence there is a most delightful view of the ocean, terminated on the south by the high mountains in Wales, and on the west by Ireland; while all around lays the broad summit of this little island covered with verdure, and, underneath, the rich vallies of the Isle of Man.
After landing in a small creek, there is some difficulty, and indeed danger, in gaining an eminence, from whence there is a most delightful view of the ocean, terminated on the south by the high mountains in Wales, and on the west by Ireland; while all around lays the broad summit of this little island covered with verdure, and, underneath, the rich vallies of the Isle of Man. The Island feeds black cattle, and formerly sheep; but these being left without sufficient protection, soon fell a prey to the nightly depredations of the neighbouring island. Hares, partridges, and heath garde, are here in great plenty, and afford much amusement to sportsmen. Through the whole of this solitary spot there is no human vestige, except a mouldering shepherd's cot. Near the centre of the Isle are three pointed pillars, composed of black inferior marble, and partly of a white shining spar.
Mount Strange, so named from the second title of the Derby family. It has been a kind of summer banqueting-house, which, in former times, has been, without doubt, the scene of social festivity.