122 GEOLOGY OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT. 



for the extraction of limestone for economical 

 purposes. The whole of this tract consists of 

 freshwater marls, clays, sands, and limestones, 

 like those of Binstead. As we approach Brading 

 the chalk downs which form the horizon rise up 

 in bold relief, and flank the tertiary strata on the 

 south. On the summit of this line of hills is the 

 signal tower on Ashey Down, which forms a con- 

 spicuous object in the landscape. 



The picturesque town of Brading, with its ve- 

 nerable church,* stands on a low ridge of chalk ; 

 and in descending the gentle declivity beyond, the 

 highly-inclined position of the chalk may be per- 

 ceived in the bank on the right-hand, the layers 

 of flint being nearly vertical. As we proceed, 

 the marl, firestone, and gait appear, and are 

 succeeded by the ferruginous sands belonging to 

 the lowest group of the cretaceous system, and 

 which continue to the sea-shore at Sandown. 

 But our route lies to the left, and w r e pass 

 by cuttings of chalk and marl, Brading Haven 



• Brading Church. This interesting edifice is supposed to have been 

 erected soon after tin- Conquest : but, independently of its claims as an 

 object of antiquity, it deserves notice from having been for many years the 

 scene of the pastoral labours of the late Rev. Legh Richmond. The admirers 

 of that interesting Author who visit tin- island, should procure the cheap and 

 elegant littll hand book to the scenes described in the " Annuls uf the Poor," 

 entitled " Th< Lam capi Beauties of tin Isle oj Wight, as described by Iht 

 hiii lie. Legh Richmond; by c,,,,n: Brannon" 



