180 



THE OCEAN. 



denly changed its direction, and tending to the north, the tidal cur- 

 rent commenced to wear away the peninsula, and gradually caused it 



Tbisnari t/u^pcfUu/LofUw 



^ ...tht-fiUurpasUteat 



Fig. 80.— Different positions of Cape Ferret from 1768 to 1863. 



to retreat towards the north-west. In 1854 the extremity of the 

 cape had retrograded nearly \\ mile. It is said that it is at pre- 

 sent nearly stationarj^ but if the channel moves towards the south, 

 which may happen any day, it is not to be doubted that the point of 

 the cape would recommence encroaching upon the sea in the same 

 direction. 



