The appearances described demonstrate the following changes in this part of the Sussex coast. _Firstly_, the chalk terrace (_Lign. 9, c_; p. 27) on which the ancient shingle (_b_) rests, was on a level with the sea for a long period; for this beach must have been accumulated, like the modern, by the action of the waves on the then existing chalk cliffs. But there must also have been some cause not now in operation, by which pebbles, and boulders of granite and other rocks foreign to this coast, with bones of extinct mammalia, &c., were thrown up on the strand, and imbedded in the beach then in progress of formation. These materials were probably brought from some distant part of the then continental shores by floating ice: an agency by which delicate bones and shells may be transported and deposited without injury amidst pebbles and boulders. _Secondly._ The whole line of coast with the ancient shingle must have subsided to such a depth as to admit of the deposition of the calcareous materials forming the "Elephant bed;" and from the absence of beach and shingle in these strata, it may be inferred that this deposition took place in tranquil water: possibly at that period this part of the Sussex coast formed a sheltered bay. _Lastly._ The land was elevated to its present level, and the formation of the modern sea-beach and cliffs commenced.[AG] [AG] See '_Medals of Creation_,' "On the Geological structure of Brighton Cliffs," p. 913. Note VI. Page 38. _Rotaliæ in Chalk and Flint._ [Sidenote: FOSSIL FORAMINIFERA.] The shells called _Rotaliæ_ (see _Lign._ 5 and 6, p. 14 and 16) belong to a group of marine animals of very simple organization, and which present great variety in the form and markings of their testaceous coverings; but they all agree in having the sides of the shell pierced by numerous holes or foramina; whence the scientific term of the Order, _Foraminifera_, is derived: these openings are for the egress of delicate filaments, which appear to be organs of progression and respiration. The _Foraminifera_ are, with but few exceptions, exceedingly minute; in an ounce of sea-sand, between three and four millions have been detected. The body of these animalcules consists of uniform granules enclosed in a skin or integument, having one or more digestive sacs or cavities; these creatures appear, in fact, to be mere polypes, protected by testaceous coverings. Some have but a single cell; others have many, disposed in a conical or cylindrical form; many kinds, of which the _Rotaliæ_ are examples, are discoidal involutes, and divided internally by septa into distinct chambers:[AH] they resemble in this respect the shell of the Nautilus, but are readily distinguished by the perforations. [AH] See '_Wonders of Geology_,' 6th Edit. p. 322.