of liefuge on the East Coast of Scotland. 313 



construction of the breakwater in the immediate neighbour- 

 hood, and possesses a lighthouse on its northern ness. Be- 

 sides, vessels finding shelter in this locality could readily ob- 

 tain from Aberdeen a supply of stores, or be taken to the hai-- 

 bour by the steam-tug, to receive the necessary repairs. But 

 it may be added, that the bay itself is rather limited, and the 

 depth of water, perhaps, not altogether suitable for vessels of 

 great draught. 



The forms of the bays of Stonehaven, Bervie, and Mon- 

 trose, do not seem peculiarly adapted for the purpose in view. 

 Lunan Bay, on the other hand, may lay claim to some consi- 

 deration. In westerly gales, its south side affords anchorage 

 and shelter for small craft ; but when the wind is easterly, it 

 is exposed to a heavy sea, and its sandy beach has been the 

 grave of many seamen. 



If now we pass over Aberbrothick, which does not hold out 

 any advantages, the coast exhibits nothing but moveable sand 

 onwards to St Andrews. Here a rocky coast commences, ex - 

 tending to Fifeness, and might probably furnish in some spot 

 a site for a harbom*. But in such a locality the harbour 

 would be close to the turning point into the Frith of Forth, 

 and might be speedily injured by shifting sands. 



There would be little difficulty, even in the absence of a 

 survey executed for the specific object, in making a tolerably 

 close approximation to the best sites for harbours of refuge, 

 if the sea-charts were constructed as they ought to be. But, 

 alas I those in use, at present, are not fitted to convey the re- 

 quisite information respecting the depth of water, or the pre- 

 vailing currents, and can scarcely be considered adequate for 

 the ordinary purposes of navigation ; nor have we a near pros- 

 pect of getting our condition bettered. True it is, that suit- 

 able materials for the purpose are known to exist ; but these 

 are withheld from the public, and will probably continue to 

 be so, unless the public voice demands their production. A 

 Government survey of the east coast of Scotland has been in 

 progress during the extended period of the last score of years. 

 This survey is understood to have been completed northwards 

 to the Pentland Frith. The instruments furnished have beer, 

 of the best construction, and entrusted to individuals qualified 



