82 
UPPER CHALK. 
The pit is between twenty and thirty feet higli, 
and consists of, — 
1. Vegetable mould intermixed with chalk rub- 
ble, — 1 foot. 
2. Chalk rubble, — 3 feet. 
3. Flinty chalk, — 20 feet. 
The chalk is stratified in horizontal beds from 
two to four feet thick, and these are separated in 
some instances by layers of flints, and in others by 
chalk rubble ; flints are also irregularly disposed 
throughout the mass. This spot is peculiarly 
interesting, from the vertical fissures which are 
every where observable, being partially filled with 
broken chalk and flint, cemented together by crys- 
tallised carbonate of lime, of a light amber colour. 
The sides of the fissures are incrusted with the 
same substance, which has insinuated itself into 
the crevices of the surrounding chalk, and also 
forms irregular concretions in the cavities of the 
flints. The surface of these stalactitical depositions 
of calcareous spar is frequently covered with de- 
licate undulations, as if the water had been sud- 
denly congealed, while in a state of agitation. 
Piddinghoe. This pit lies on the road-side, 
near the village of the same name ; it is remark- 
able for the purity and softness of the chalk, and 
for the numerous vertical and oblique veins of 
tabular flint by which it is traversed. These veins 
are of a most extraordinary character ; for al- 
though the flint retains its original form and situ- 
ation, yet, upon examination, it is found to be 
cracked and shivered in every direction. The 
fractured flint falls to pieces iq)on being removed 
