LIFE ON THE EARTH. 129 



tritus falls away very rapidly in consequence of the 

 decay of its base. On the coasts of Yorkshire the 

 fertile lands of Holderness have lost from this cause 

 2j yards per annum, during the whole period since 

 it has been carefully noted. So the feeble shores of 

 Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex have suffered enormous 

 loss. The picturesque cliffs of the southern coast of 

 England, from Dover to Devonshire included, com- 

 posed of chalk, sand, sandstone, and indurated 

 clays, are suffering rapid displacement. Look at the 

 many arched rocks and island-peaks in the Purbeck 

 beds about Lulworth ; contemplate the Chalk Needles 

 of the Isle of Wight ; consider the vast heap of peb- 

 bles in the Chesil bank ; climb the sliding Lias cliffs 

 of Charmouth; everywhere signs of recent, daily, 

 destruction. Stand on the high ridge of the chalk 

 where it fronts the sea in Warburro^ * Bay ; mark 

 the incomplete ring of the fortifications which shel- 

 tered British or Saxon warriors, incomplete because 

 since that comparatively modern date the sea has 

 reclaimed a part of his ancient domain, and you 

 will have a true idea of the real recession of our 

 island boundary. Measure on the lofty summit of 

 Golden Cap, near Lyme Regis, the fissures prepared 

 for many yards to yield at once along the pre- 

 cipitous face; look at the Preventive stations on 

 the cliffs at Lulworth and in sight of Kimmeridge 

 E. L. K 



