Extract

About a year ago the writer had an opportunity to examine some sections of gravel and sand on the hillside opposite to Peel Castle. The material was much cross-bedded, and it was difficult to determine whether it was a raised sea-beach or an old river-terrace. The situation of the beds, and their elevation above sea-level, proves them to be old. They are at different elevations on the hillside, and within a few yards of the present sea margin, and about the same distance from the estuary of the stream or river running into the Harbour of Peel.

The rock forming the base is clay-slate of Lower Silurian or Cambrian age, dipping at a high angle. Lying upon this rock is a bed of gravel three or four feet thick, then a layer of sandy loam, and upon this about 10 or 12 inches of surface soil with vegetable remains. No shells were found in the gravel, or their origin might easily have been determined. The height above the sea-level of the different deposits varies from 50 to 100 feet more or less. The sandy loam appears to be a rain-wash accumulation with vegetable matter; also the darker coloured surface soil with roots of heather, etc.

Raised sea-beaches are common on the island, and as these beds, though of great interest, do not form the subject of this article, we pass on to the beds overlying them, and give a description of the flint weapons found therein. The beds lying upon ...