Dorsetshire

Dorsetshire, a southern English county on the coast of the English Channel, between Hampshire on the E. and Devonshire on the W., with an average breadth of 21 miles and a length of 58 miles, and an area of 627,265 acres. About half is arable, and the greater part of the rest is pasture-land. There are 75 miles of coast, with fine cliffs and headlands, the highest points being Golden Cap (619 feet) and St. Alban's Head (354 feet). Chalk downs stretch along the south coast, and through the middle of the county from E. to W., rising to a greatest height of 934 feet. The principal rivers are the Stour and the Frome. The geological formation of the county is chalk, clay, oolite, lias, weald, and greensand, and some fine fossils of extinct reptiles have been discovered. Purbeck marble, Portland building stone, china clay, and pipeclay are found. The climate is mild, and the upper soil of sand, gravel, clay, and chalk is specially fitted for cattle-breeding and dairy purposes. The short, sweet grass of the Downs supports an excellent breed of sheep, and Dorsetshire cheese, butter, and cattle are renowned. One of the most striking features of the county is the Chesil Bank, a ridge of pebbles 10 miles long uniting the so-called Portland island with the mainland, and enclosing a narrow tidal channel containing decoy ponds, and a noble swannery at Abbotsbury, south of Portland. The meeting of the tides causes a dangerous current called the Race. Portland is a well-known convict station, harbour of refuge, and coaling station; it is well fortified, and the harbour is protected by a breakwater. There are in the county manufactures of linen, silk, woollens, and other goods, and ale and cider are brewed. The county returns four members to Parliament. The London and South Western, the Great Western, and the Midland railways serve the county. There are many British and Roman remains, among the former being a long-chambered barrow with intricate passages. Of later ruins perhaps the most interesting is Corfe Castle. A naval battle between Alfred and the Danes was fought off the coast in 876.