countries.

* * * * *


GEOLOGICAL CHANGES EFFECTED BY THE SEA.

(_From the preceding work_.)


_Why are certain formations called marine?_

Because they result from continual deposits of shingle and sand, as may
be seen on the flat coast of our eastern counties. In this manner, at
Lowestoffe-Ness, as well as at Yarmouth, the sea has erected a series of
natural embankments against itself. The present extent of land thrown up
by the sea, and out of the reach of the highest tides, is nearly three
miles long, projecting from the base of the original cliff to the
distance of 660 yards at the Ness. The respective lines of growth are
indicated by a series of small embankments, perfectly defined. Several
of these ridges have been formed within the memory of men now living. A
rampart of heavy materials is first thrown up by a violent gale from the
north-cast. Sand is subsequently blown over, and consolidates the
shingle, and the process is completed by marine plants taking root and
extending their fibres in a kind of net-work through the mass. In
process of time the surface becomes covered with vegetable mould, and
ultimately, in many cases, is productive of good herbage.[5]

[5] From a Communication to the _Philosophical Magazine_, by Mr.
R. Taylor.