Mr. Webster on a Fresh-water Formation in Hordwell Cliff', ^c. 91 



In my former paper I observed, that from the proximity of Hordwell Cliff to 

 Alum Bay and Headen Hill, it appeared to me very probable that some traces 

 of the fresh-water formation, for which Headen is so remarkable, might be 

 found at Hordwell. Indeed Woodward, whose valuable catalogue I have had 

 frequent occasion to mention, speaks of fresh-water shells in a marly stone 

 from Hordwell : but his theoretical opinions with respect to the causes which 

 operated in burying these shells in the earth probably prevented him from 

 examining the order of the beds ; and it does not appear that he had been 

 at the spot: nor was the agency of fresh-water in the formation of mineral 

 beds at that time recognised. 



I also stated, that I had received from Professor Buckland fresh -water shells 

 sent from Hordwell ; and I have seen such shells included in several collec- 

 tions of the Hordwell fossils : one of these, called by Dr. Solander Helix lenta, 

 is figured in Brander's work. Notwithstanding these circumstances, however, 

 it does not appear that any of the observers above enumerated were aware of 

 the proper situation of these fresh-water shells ; it being generally supposed, 

 that they were found either mixed with Brander's marine fossils, or lying im- 

 mediately over them without being in distinct beds ; much less was it imagined 

 that there existed an extensive and distinct fresh-water formation at Hordwell, 

 such as I am about to describe. I am indebted to the Rev. Dr. Cooke, of 

 Tortworth, for the first notice that traces of this formation were to be seen at 

 Hordwell : but I have reason to believe liiat a regular examination and de- 

 lineation of the instructive section formed by the coast has not hitherto been 

 effected. 



The portion of the coast of Hampshire, the description of which forms the 

 subject of the present communication, extends from Hurst Castle, on the ex- 

 tremity of a bar in the Solent, to the village of Muddiford, one mile east of 

 Christchurch*. From Hurst Castle to Muddiford is about ten miles. The 

 narrow bar, which joins Hurst Castle to the land, is nearly two miles in length: 

 it appears to have been produced by the rapid current, which, turning round 

 Christchurch Head, and striking on Barton and Hordwell Cliffs, is deflected 

 towards the Isle of Wight, before it enters the Solent in its course to the east. 

 The bar consists of water-worn pebbles of chalk-flints, there called shingles : 

 which may have been derived, in part, from the chalk cliffs of Dorsetshire and 

 the Isle of Wight ; and partly from a thick bed of diluvian gravel, which forms 

 the upper portion of Hordwell Cliff, and which, continually falling, is washed 

 away by the sea. The tide is very rapid between Hurst Castle and the Isle of 



* See the Map and Section, Plate XII. 



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