EXCURSION TO BROOK RAY. 271 



earliest researches extended, the univalve lime- 

 stones {Sussex marble) and shales, predominate 

 in the upper series ; sands and calciferous grits 

 alternating with clays in the middle ; and bivalve 

 limestones and clays in the lower division. But 

 in the Isle of Wight, the clays and limestones with 

 bivalves, are as abundant as those with univalves ; 

 and slabs from San down and Compton Bays, could 

 not be distinguished from the shelly limestones 

 of Ashburnham and Battel in Sussex.* 



Excursion to Brook Bay. — The Wealden 

 strata extend between six and seven miles along 

 the coast ; we have ah'eady noticed their emer- 

 gence from beneath the greensand at Ather- 

 neld Point (ante, p. 224), and at Compton Bay 

 (p. 216). From Compton Chine to Brook Chine, a 

 distance of but little more than two miles and a half, 

 the most interesting phenomena may be examined 

 in a stroll along the beach, which should be 

 undertaken at the ebb of the tide, to allow of suf- 

 ficient time for the collection of specimens. If a 

 brief visit only be contemplated, the tourist should 

 drive to Brook, and within a short distance of the 



* It may be worth inquiry whether the Wealden strata of the Isle of Wight 

 really belong to the upper division — whether they may not be referable to 

 a lower group, and the superior beds have been destroyed by the incursions 

 of the sea, before the delta subsided and the greensand was deposited upon 

 the now uppermost bed of clay ? 



