On the Fluvio-Marine Tertiaries of the Isle of Wight

Abstract

The purpose of the following communication is briefly to state the results of a recent investigation of the fluvio-marine tertiaries of the Isle of Wight, undertaken in the course of the labours of the Geological Survey. I was directed by Sir Henry De la Beche to examine the distribution of organic remains in the various strata of that island, and to devote the months of October, November, and December 1852, and January 1853, to the work. I found so much in the fluvio-marine Eocene strata that was not only palaeontologically but also geologically new, that I was obliged to devote almost the whole of the time mentioned to their examination; nor was the constant and daily labour, with able assistance, during four months on these interesting beds more than sufficient for their exploration. During most of the time I was accompanied by my colleague Mr. Bristow, and assisted by skilful collectors, especially Mr. Gibbs. As numerous memoirs by eminent geologists, British and foreign,have been published treating of the strata under consideration, it might seem that little new could be made out respecting them except concerning minute details. I certainly went to my work expecting to find an easy and speedy task, and it may seem almost like presumption when I state as the general result, that not only was the duty to be done far more laborious and novel than could have been looked for, but that the geology of the district under consideration had been, in great part, seriously