CONCLUDING observations: 295 



XXI. 

 CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS. 



In the preceding pages, it has been my object to convey a general idea 

 of the mineralogical structure of Sussex, confining myself, so far as the 

 nature of the enquiry would permit, to a plain statement of facts ; and but 

 seldom indulging in hypothetical discussions. I cannot, however, close 

 this volume, without taking a more extended view of the subject; and, 

 briefly noticing the principal phenomena that have been submitted to 

 our examination, endeavour to point out the geological deductions that 

 result from their investigation. 



The chalk formation has been described as traversing the county in a 

 direction nearly east and west, extending from Beachy Head, to near 

 Midhurst ; from whence it passes into Hampshire, and finally into Surrey 

 and Kent, terminating in a range of lofty cHffs at Dover ; thus forming a 

 semi-eUiptical chain of downs, that encloses an extensive district, composed 

 of deposits more ancient than the chalk. On the south, and south-east, 

 these strata are cut off by the British channel; and the southern margin 

 of the chalk, is covered by the remains of the tertiary formations of the 

 Isle of Wight basin. 



The area included by the chalk, has a range of hills belonging to the 

 iron sand in the centre (the Forest Kidge) ; on each side of which the 

 country gradually descends; the low district on the south-west, forming 

 the Weald of Sussex; and that on the north-east, the Weald of Kent 

 both being composed of the weald clay with its beds of shelly hraestone. 



In Kent, and Surrey, a range of hills formed by the green sand, inter- 

 venes between the Weald, and the foot of the Downs; but in the south- 



