472 



A. E. Verrill — The Bermuda Islands. 



coral reefs, and are the abode of innumerable fishes, octopi, and vari- 

 ous other marine creatures. (See plate lxxiii, and Part VI.) 



The character and mode of formation of these caves and grottoes 

 will be more fully discussed later, under Geology. 



8. — Shore Cliffs; Natural Arches ; Pinnacles. 



Along nearly the whole length of the southern sides, and on parts 

 of the northern shores of the islands, there are broken and very rough 

 cliffs of limestone, often of considerable height, and not infrequently 

 perpendicular or overhanging. The irregular stratification of the 

 limestone, Avith layers of unequal hardness, and sloping in all direc- 

 tions, which is characteristic of all such seolian limestones, causes 

 this rock to be admirably suited for the ocean waves to carve into 

 curious and fantastic forms. 



Figure 24. — Chasm and Natural Bridge ou Cooper's Island. 



In some places former headlands have become detached from the 

 shore and worn by the waves into towers, pyramids, pinnacles and 

 other curious forms, which are often very picturesque. The surface 

 of the rock is deeply eroded and honeycombed by the spray, and 

 covered with hard, projecting, sharp points, so that it looks very 

 rough and weather-beaten, and it is certainly very rough to climb 

 over. In most places, where long exposed, it has a dark color. 



