Imbedded in the Chalk, which is exposed at low water along the shore, very large Ammonites may sometimes be found between Kemptown and Rottingdean; and numerous examples of fossil sponges and other amorphozoa (p. 219).
The teeth and bones of mammalia are rare in these cliffs, and it is not probable that any will be obtained in a first visit; but from the fishermen and boys seen strolling along the shore, specimens may often be purchased.
[CHAPTER XXIII.]
GEOLOGICAL NOTES OF VARIOUS PLACES ON THE LINE OF THE GREAT WESTERN RAILROAD, FROM LONDON TO CLIFTON.
That splendid railway, the Great Western, by which the geologist may be transported in five or six hours from the Tertiary strata of the metropolis to the magnificent cliffs of Mountain limestone at Clifton, exposes in its course several fine sections, and passes within a moderate distance of some interesting localities of organic remains.
This railroad traverses the Tertiary strata by Ealing, Hanwell, and Slough, entering the Chalk near Maidenhead, and pursuing rather a circuitous route to Wallingford, beyond which station it passes over the Oolite, and displays some bold sections of the limestones and clays of that formation. Near Bath it emerges on the Lias, and crossing a narrow belt of the New Red, passes on to the Carboniferous strata of the Bristol coal measures.[792] In this route, there are four places particularly deserving a visit from the geological student, and collector of organic remains, namely, Farringdon, Swindon, Caine, and Chippenham.
[792] See Geological Map of England.
Visit to Farringdon.—The railway station is reached in from two to two and a half hours from London; and an omnibus meets the morning and evening trains, to convey passengers to the town of Farringdon, which is about five miles distant.[793] There are two Inns in the town, the Crown and the Bell, where comfortable accommodation may be obtained.