The south side of the Isle of Wight, from Dunnose to St. Catherine's, consists in the upper part of chalk and chalk-marl in nearly horizontal strata; the centre Is green sandstone, beneath which is dark marl, and then ferruginous sand. Whenever the land-springs act on this marl it is formed into mud, runs out, and leaves the green-sandstone and chalk without support, which then tumble down. In this manner have been formed those picturesque terraces called the Undercliff. The green-sandstone, so called from its being mixed with a considerable quantity of green earth, is here about 70 feet thick, divided in layers by other substances. The green-sandstone and dark-red ferruginous sand extend from Dunnose to Yaverland. The treas.:ad is very thick, and some of it. consolidated into rock, as may be seen in the lofty perpendicular Redcliff, near Yaverland. Cliffs of the ironsand may be traced from Saodown Bay on the east to Freshwater on the west, except where it is concealed by the ruins of the UnderchfC It forms the substratum of all the south sldo of the island.
Between the central chalk ridge and the south range of downs, the chalk and greensand are entirely wanting ; and in this apace, which constitutes tho valleys of Newchurch and Kingston, tho ironeand only is found.
Climate, Soil, and Agriceitere.—The climate is very mild, especially in the valleys and sheltered parts of the south side of the islaud. Laurels, myrtles, geraniums, and various kinds of delicate evergreens, flourish throughout the winter. The Undercliff has been particularly recommended by the most eminent physicians as peculiarly suitable for Invalids, especially for persons having a tendency to or afflicted with pulmonary complaints.
North *of the chalk ridge the predominating soil is a stiff clay, extremely well suited for the growth of wood, especially oak, which in the neighbourhood of East Cowen and St. Helen's grows down to the water's edge. Elm does not bear the sea air so well as oak, but in sheltered situations it grows to a large size. Ash is not common, nod the leech is rare. This north ride of the Island was formerly covered with forest, and though the derhand for ship-building has thinned it greatly, it is still well wooded. All the northern half of the island is much inferior to the southern half as arable land. The soil, whether clay or loam, is generally very full of flints. Much chalk is used for manure, and sea-weed is mixed with the dung in the farmyard. The soil of the whole of the south part of the island is generally a rich red loam, in some parts inclining to sand, in others more stiff and clayey, but everywhere extremely fertile. Timber does not grow so
well on the south side of the island as on the north side. A long fleecy gray moss invests many of the trees. Almost all the lower tracts are employed in tillage, and the produce of wheat especially is greater than in almost any other part of the kingdom. Wheat, barley, and oats are exported to a considerable amount annually, and all kinds of pulse and green crops are cultivated. The pastures and meadows are rich, but few oxen are reared. Dairies are attached to most of the larger farms. The Alderney and Devonshire cows are preferred. Large flocks of sheep are fed on the downs, and are in repute for the fineness of their wool ; and a considerable number of lambs are sent to the London markets.
Game is abundant, especially pheasants. Fish is not taken in great abundance, except shell-fish. Lobsters and crabs are very large and fine on the south side of the island. Sea-fowl, choughs, puffins, razor bills, &c., resort to the cliffs in summer in vast numbers : the Main Bench is their chief place of resort.
The Isle of Wight is much visited, as well for the grandeur and extraordinary geological structure of its cliffs, as for the beautiful scenery of the interior, in which, considering the smallness of tho space, it is not surpassed by any other part of the kingdom.
Divisions, Towers, de.—The Isle of Wight is included in, and forms a division of, the county of Southampton. [Ilsalesuine.i The two nearly equal divisions of the island formed by the Medina constitute the Liberties of East Medina, which contains 14 parishes, and West Medina, which contains 16 parishes. By the Reform Act of 1832 the Isle of Wight was separated from Hampshire for parliamentary purposes, and returns one member to the House of Commons.
The chief towns are NEWPORT, COWES (East and West), and RYDE, which are noticed under their respective titles; and Yarmouth, Brading, and Newtown, which we notice here.
Yarmouth is a small town ; the population of tho town and parish in 1851 was only 572. It is situated at the mouth of the xstuary of the western Yar, 101 miles W. from Newport. It has an excellent roadstead. There is a pier for steam-boate, a town-hall and market house, an old but plain church, a Wesleyan Methodist and a Baptist chapel, and National and British schools. The castle is a small fort. The market is held on Friday, and a yearly fair on July 25th. Yarmouth is a corporate town, which was not affected by the Muni cipal Corporation Act. It was formerly a parliamentary borough, and returned two members.