258 GEOLOGY OF THE ISLE OF WIGHT". 



Luccomb Chine, which lies between Chine-head 

 and Dunnose Point, is an extensive gnlly like that 

 of Blackgang, formed by springs derived from the 

 high land on the north-west, and which falling 

 over a perpendicular cliff of sand and clay, have 

 worn a deep ravine that is slowly receding from 

 the shore. The celebrated chine of Shanklin is of 

 the same character ; the cliff here is 230 feet high, 

 and the chasm extends 150 yards from the shore, 

 being 300 feet wide at the top, and narrowing 

 down to the bed of the torrent. The steep sides 

 of the ravine are clothed with verdure, and over- 

 shadowed by underwood, except where bare masses 

 of rock protrude, and contribute to the picturesque 

 effect of this romantic glen. 



The character of the scenery around Shanklin 

 so entirely depends on the geological structure of 

 the country, that I am led to transcribe the follow- 

 ing vivid description of this part of the Island by 

 Sir II. Englefield: — "As we approach the village 

 of Shanklin, its appearance is equally singular and 

 interesting. It is seated in a small vale hanging 

 towards the sea, at a great height above that level; 

 the houses are detached from each other, and 

 almost buried in groves of elms ; and every cottager, 

 however humble, being in the habit of letting 

 Lodgings in the summer season, surrounds bis 



