MOLT.USK1TE. 249 



consisting of the carbonized remains of the river 

 snails of which the limestones are composed. 



Southern range of Chalk Downs. — From 

 this digression on the zoological characters of the 

 middle system of the chalk formation, we resume 

 our geological survey of the southern coast. Before 

 we climb St. Catherine's-hill, let the observer 

 for a moment take another glance at the view 

 commanded by the terrace in front of the Black- 

 gang hotel, which affords a coup oVoeil of the south- 

 western shores. Looking down the ravine im- 

 mediately at our feet, the aspect of the scene is 

 singularly wild and dreary, from the sombre 

 colours and fantastic masses of the broken walls of 

 the chine, and the gloomy shade thrown athwart 

 the chasm by the projecting cliffs. On the coast, 

 the greensand strata are seen stretching on to 

 Atherfield Point ; and beyond may be distinguished 

 Brook Point, which from this elevated spot appears 

 as a low promontory; and farther west are the 

 chalk cliffs, gradually vanishing away towards The 

 Needles. 



Ascending St. Catherine's-hill, a magnificent 

 panoramic view bursts upon the sight. From 

 the summit, a height of between eight and nine 

 hundred feet, when the atmosphere is clear, the 

 eye commands at one glance the grand features of 



