THE CHALK DOWNS. 205 



escarpment formed by the sudden termination of 

 the cretaceous beds where they rise to the sur- 

 face. The summits of this range command views 

 of great extent and picturesque beauty, for both 

 the northern and southern shores are distinctly 

 visible.* From the Needles Down, may be seen 

 on the north Tollands, Colwell, and Yarmouth 

 Bays ; and on the south, Freshwater and Compton 

 Bays, and the di tant line of coast. The eastern 

 portion of this chalk range, from Arreton Down 

 to Culver Cliff, a distance of seven miles, is of 

 the same character, f 



* A graphic description of the scenery from this range of hills is given by 

 Sir H. Englefield, chap. iii. The view from Buccomb Down, looking over 

 Carisbrook Castle and Newport in the vale beneath, is very splendid ; that 

 from Arreton Down is equally fine. 



t The view from Ashey sea-mark, which is situated on this part of the 

 chalk-hills between Arreton and Brading Down, is thus described by the 

 Rev. Legh Richmond : — 



"Southward the view is terminated by a long range of hills (Shanklin, 

 Wroxall, and Appuldurcom.be,) at about six miles distant. They meet to the 

 westward another chain of hills, of which the one whereon I sit forms a 

 link, and the whole together nearly encompass a rich and fruitful valley, 

 filled with corn-fields and pastures. Through this vale winds a small stream 

 for many miles ; here and there lesser eminences arise in the valley, some 

 covered with wood, others with corn or grass, and a few with heath or fern. 

 One of these hills is distinguished by a church (New church) at the top, 

 presenting a striking feature in the landscape. Villages, churches, country 

 seats, farm-houses, and cottages, are scattered over part of the southern 

 valley. In this direction also appears an ancient mansion (Knighton), 

 embellished with woods, groves, and gardens. South-eastward is a broad 

 expanse of ocean, bounded only by the horizon. More to the east, in con- 

 tinuation of the chain of hills on which I am sitting (Ashey) rise two downs 

 (Brading and Yaverland hills), one beyond the other; both are covered with 

 sheep, and the sea is just visible over the furthest hill, as a terminating 

 boundary. In this point are seen ships, some of which are sailing, and 



M 2 



