Xll. 
Leckby Carr is a point deserving special attention by the lovers of 
bog plants, insects, and shells. 
THE NORTH-EASTERN OR OOLITIC HILLS. 
External Configuration. — Fronting the loftier mountains of the 
west, the edge of this district looks with greater boldness over the vale 
of York, from the abrupt heights of Hambleton, than any one acquainted, 
only with the southern oolites could imagine. The highest point of the 
district is at Bottom head, 1 ,485 feet above the sea, and the general 
slope is to the south-east. In this direction as well as toward the 
north, it reaches the sea, and thus on three sides its boundary is a cliff, 
while on the south side it declines gently into the vale of Pickering. 
The waters run for the most part to the south, through various dales, 
and collect in the river Derwent : but one considerable stream, the 
Esk, runs eastward to Whitby. The hills derive importance from their 
abruptness, and the valleys are interesting from the narrow, woody and 
secluded character of their lower parts. 
Internal Structure. — The strata comprise the lias clays and 
interposed calcareous and arenaceous beds, the oolitic limestones, and 
about 700 feet of sandstones, shales, and thin bad coal. One great 
basaltic dyke crosses the district from the Tees to near Robin Hood’s 
Bay. / 
Aspect op Vegetation. — The greater portion of the higher ground 
is covered by heath and peat, (often enclosing large trees,) the interior 
valleys become woody in their lower parts, but the sea air checks the 
growth of trees on the coast, in all but well defended spots like the 
sheltered banks of the Esk. An aspect of peculiar desolation belongs to 
the dark and wearisome moorlands which^fill the immense area between 
Scarborough, Whitby, Stokesley, and Helmsley. It is gratifying to 
believe that some part of this poor country is under a course of gradual 
improvements by the beneficial operation of the Pickering and Whitby 
Railway, which from either end brings lime, the grand improver of 
moorland, at moderate cost. The effect of this substance, on the heathy 
surface, is in one respect magical ; it brings up a spontaneous and 
abundant growth of white clover, where none was ever seen before. 
