206 WAVES OF THE SEA 



to suppose the stones already arranged according 

 to size along the beach. In other words, the results 

 of the process must be already appreciable before 

 it can commence to operate. 



The most that can be claimed, therefore, would 

 be that the process tends to preserve an arrange- 

 ment already achieved by other means, and the 

 considerations already advanced as to the action 

 of upward currents in stormy weather show that 

 even for this purpose the process is probably much 

 less effective than observation in fine weather would 

 lead one to suppose. 



On the Production and Maintenance of the 

 Shambles Sand-bank near Portland 



The great heap of sand called " the Shambles " 

 is similar in shape and situation to the banner 

 cloud which is formed in the eddy of air on the 

 lee side of an Alpine peak. The Bill of Portland, 

 projecting outwards into the currents of the 

 English Channel, corresponds to the mountain peak 

 projecting upwards into the currents of the air. 

 If the promontory of Portland were removed, the 

 Shambles sand-bank would be washed away. If, 

 on the other hand, the sand-bank were removed 

 by dredging, the promontory of Portland remain- 



