GEOLOGY OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT. 



PI, XII. — BiiACKQAiw Chine prom the sba-shobe, 



looking north-east. 



This view presents a fine natural section of the strata 

 composing the Greensand group of the Chalk formation. 

 The highest point in the distance is the escarpment 

 of Saint Catherine's Hill, which is 830 feet above 

 the level of the sea. The upper part of the cliffs is 

 composed of alternating strata of greenish grey sand, 

 and sandstone; from the wearing away of the friable 

 layers, the beds of hard grit become prominent, and 

 appear in this view as very distinct, and nearly hori- 

 zontal, bands of rock. The cliff below the thin bed of 

 ironstone grit, from which the cascade issues, is formed 

 of dark-coloured clay, alternating with ferruginous sand 

 and grit. The long-continued action of the water has 

 produced a deep chasm, or chine, and the stream falls 

 in a nearly perpendicular column from a height of 

 seventy feet, to the base of the cliff, whence it rushes 

 to the sea.* 



PL XIII. — Vertical Chalk Strata on Brading 

 Down. 



This sketch shows the vertical position into which 

 the originally horizontal chalk strata, have been thrown, 

 in the central range of downs. The layers of shattered 

 Hint nodules, render the displacement of the strata 

 obvious to tin' most casual observer. 



■ The picturesque character of this interesting spot is admirably shown 

 in the views given bj sir Henry Englefleld, and by Mr. Barber; and also in 

 tin- spirit. ci \ i^iuttts on the embellished letter-paper published by the 

 bookseller! in tin- Island. 



