Fig. 11.
Section of Alum Bay.
“But why is it called Alum Bay?” asked Agnes.
“Because alum is frequently picked up on the beach,” replied her mother; “and, I believe, copperas-stones are also found here. The white sand is used in making china and glass.”
The guide now beckoned Agnes to advance; and, turning round the projecting rock, she saw the very Grampus Mr. Russell had spoken of lying on the shingles, which were a mass of stones projecting through the sea, at some distance from the shore. She was most excessively disappointed at first, as she thought the creature so very ugly; but, in a little time, she began to admire its glossy black skin, and the silvery-grey of the lower part.
Fig. 12.
Grampus (Delphinus Orca).
“Is it worth any money?” said Mrs. Merton.
“Oh! yes,” said the guide; “it weighs three tons and a half; and the fisherman that found it has sold it for twenty-three pounds.”
They now began to re-ascend the path they had taken to descend; and soon reached the summit of the cliff: after which they proceeded along it, till they arrived at the best point of view for seeing the Needles.