126 



THE BRITISH ISLES. 



superb rocks rcscmblo the cliffs of Turbeck, about 15 miles due west of them. 

 Their imao-e impresses itself tirmlyonthe minds of many emigrants, and thousands 

 amonc^st tbem, when these objects vanish from their sight, have looked upon Europe 

 for tire last time in their lives. The southern portion of the Isle of Wight is one 

 of the most picturesque districts in England. St. Catherine's Down, the most 

 elevated summit of the island, rises near its southern angle to a height of 880 

 feet, and commands an immense horizon, extending from Portland Bill to Beachy 

 Head, and sometimes even beyond the Channel with its numerous ships, to the 



Fig. 69.— The Isle of Wight. 



Scale 1 : 4'20,00O. 



iJepth under 5 Fathoms. 5 to 10 Fathoms 



10 to 20 Fathoms. 



Over 20 Fathoms. 



5 Miles. 



hazy promontories of Cotentin, in France. To the east of this angular landmark 

 the coast sinks abruptly, but along its foot there extends a singular strip, or 

 terrace, of considerable width, which has fallen down from the upper part of the 

 cliff, and is hence known as the Undercliff. This tract is perfectly sheltered from 

 northerly winds ; myrtles, geraniums, and other delicate plants flourish there 

 throughout the winter ; and Yentnor and other places of less note afford accom- 

 modation to invalids whose state of health requires a milder climate than is to be 

 found in other parts of England.* The nature of the soil sufficiently accounts 

 for the existence of this Undercliff. The subjacent beds, consisting of sand 



* James Thome, " The Land we Live in." 



