DEGRADATION OF THE YORKSHIRE COAST. 81 



by the quinine solution and the uranium glass, the following experiments 

 were made : — 



My photographic camera was carefully adjusted to embrace a somewhat ex- 

 tensive view, comprehending a granite-wall and trees in the foreground, the sea 

 in the middle distance, and a town with an extensive range of hills beyond. 



The first view, a very perfect one, was obtained on calotype paper in 

 fifteen minutes. The glass trough filled with water was then placed in front 

 of the lens, and the paper exposed for the same time as before. The view 

 was not so intense, the radiations from the distant objects and the green leaves 

 of the trees suffering the most by absorption ; a very distinct image never- 

 theless resulted. 



The glass trough was filled with the quinine solution. There was very 

 little difference between this and the image obtained when the water was 

 employed, although it was exposed no longer than the others (fifteen minutes). 

 The impression was somewhat redder, and the foliage less perfectly made 

 out : the distant town and land was well made out. The block of uranium 

 (canary-yellow glass) was now interposed, expecting, since through this 

 medium the extra spectral rays are very active, that an equally good result 

 with that obtained through the quinine would have been secured. The 

 image obtained in fifteen minutes was very imperfect ; it required a consider- 

 able time for its development, and the picture eventually was little more 

 than an outline of the objects. 



Some peculiarities, which are not easily explainable, are indicated here ; 

 for an examination of which I must, however, wait until sunshine and leisure 

 enable me to resume my researches. 



(130). M. E, Becquerel has stated, " The most refrangible rays are the 

 most absorbable," and " that when any part of the luminous spectrum is 

 absorbed or destroyed by any substance whatever, the part of the chemical 

 rays of the same refrangibility is equally so " (Comptes Rendus, tom. 

 xvii. p. 883). 



The results I have recorded show that this is not a constant result. This, 

 and the peculiarities, now first observed, of the influ£nce of absorbent media in 

 developing a chemical force in the most luminous rays, are left for further 

 examination with this passing remark. 



Observations on the Character and Measurements of Degradation of 

 the Yorkshire Coast. By John P. Bell, M.D., Hull. 



(A Communication ordered to be printed among the Reports.) 



In speaking of the degradation of land on the Holderness coast, it is not 

 my intention to construct a lengthened history of its former condition, 

 neither shall I enter into a detail of theoretical plans proposed for prevent- 

 ing its further waste. There cannot be a doubt that the process of waste 

 and destruction of this remarkably fertile district had been going on long 

 antecedent to any traditional or written history. We find, however, on 

 record a lamentable catalogue of losses on this coast ; one field after an- 

 other has been swept away, and one township after another has disappeared. 

 The village of Auburn has gone, the towns of Hartburn and Hyde, both at 

 one period flourishing places, exist no longer. Owthorne has lately yielded 

 to the same fate ; the ancient church of Withernsea has long since disap- 

 peared, and its successor, built in 14'34, is dilapidated and deserted. Fur- 

 ther southward, Kilnsea Church exists no longer ; the last portion of the fabric 

 1853. G 



