362 GEOLOGY OF THE ISLE OF PURBECK. 



beds trend inland, and the cliffs beyond consist 

 of the strata below the chalk. The Wealden and 

 Hastings deposits extend entirely across the penin- 

 sula, from Swanage Bay to the southern shore at 

 Worbarrow Bay, and form a valley, diversified 

 with heaths and cultivated tracts, between the 

 chalk escarpment and the next range. The 

 Purbeck beds run in a nearly parallel direction 

 with the Wealden, from the hills above Swanage, 

 spreading out to the north as far as the village of 

 Worth, and westward four or five miles, to the 

 seashore on the south of Worbarrow Bay, and the 

 adjacent coves. 



The Portland group appears on the south-east, 

 beneath the Purbeck at Durlstone-head, and 

 continues along the coast to Gad-cliff, consti- 

 tuting the irregular tract that forms the south- 

 eastern part of the Isle of Purbeck. 



Southern coast of Purbeck. — We must now 

 take a rapid view of the most important features 

 of the coast, from Durlstone-head to the western 

 extremity of this interesting district. Swanage 

 will be the most convenient place for the visitor 

 desirous of exploring the geological phenomena 

 of the eastern part of Purbeck ; the numerous 

 quarries in the vicinity, and the coast sections, 

 being rich in organic remains. East and West 



