IRON SAND FORMATION. 35 



At BexhiU, the south-eastern extremity of the Forest-ridge towards 

 the sea, indications of coal induced some enterprising individuals to sink 

 a shaft, and at the depth of 160 feet, a bed of coal of good quality, was 

 discovered ; but unfortunately the works were suddenly inundated by a 

 vast body of water, and the undertaking was finally abandoned. 



It appears that the enterprise originated from the suggestions of a 

 Mr. James, who was sent to Bexhill in 1804, to survey the estates of the 

 Duke of Dorset. This gentleman perceiving some resemblance between 

 the strata exposed by the weUs at Bexhill Barracks, and those which occur 

 at Bovey, imagined that a bed of coal might be found at the depth of 

 about sixty yards. In consequence of this idea, a company of adventurers 

 was soon formed, and the requisite operations were carried on in a close 

 near the sea-shore. 



I have to offer my acknowledgements to Mr. Band, for the following 

 account of the beds passed through on that occasion. 



Section of Strata at Bexhill, 

 explored in a search for coal, in 1804 — 9. 



