In geological terms, the north is formed of the _Eocene_ or
freshwater deposits: and the south of the _Cretaceous_ or oceanic,
except where the _Wealden_ exhibits itself at Sandown and Brixton
bays.--Though affording a great variety of soil, the island is upon
the whole well calculated for farming as may be inferred from its
proverbial fertility; "it was many years ago computed to produce as
much corn in one year as its inhabitants would consume in
seven,--and the improved cultivation, with the additional land
brought into tillage, has doubtless kept pace with the increased
population."

In AGRICULTURE there is now a close approximation to the routine
practised in the rest of the county: and there is scarcely any
peculiarity observable either in the system of Husbandry, or in the
manners of the Yeomanry, who are a very intelligent and respectable
class.

The constant intercourse which the inhabitants have with persons
from other parts of the kingdom, has in fact erased all insular
peculiarities. But the following extract from the Memoirs of Sir
John Oglander, which were written about the year 1700, will be read
with interest, as exhibiting a most

_Amusing Picture of the Islanders in the 16th century_.

"I have heard," says he, "and partly knowe it to be true, that not
only heretofore there was no lawyer nor attorney in owre island,
but in Sir George Carey's time [1588] an attorney coming in to
settle in the island, was by his command, with a pound of candles
hanging att his breech lighted, with bells about his legs, hunted