CHAPTER I. 



Early notes Classes of docks Advantages of docks Sites near sea Sites for 

 imperial docks Prevailing winds General plan Width of basins Wharfage 

 Jetties Tidal docks Position of entrance Relation of sectional area of 

 entrance to dock area Examples of dock plans. 



THE term, " dock," was formerly applied exclusively to the slips 

 or enclosures made for the purpose of building or repairing ships. 

 Such a structure was distinguished as a dry dock, when furnished 

 with gates to prevent the influx of the tide, and as a wet dock 

 when, having no gates, the vessel could only be approached 

 during the period when the tide left her dry. 



For all purposes of loading or unloading goods and mer- 

 chandise there were the open tidal rivers, some private river 

 side wharves, or the public landing-places known as the legal 

 quays and wharves which were constructed by, and were under 

 the control of, the Commissioners of Customs. These legal 

 quays and wharves were established by Act of Parliament 

 during the early part of the reign of Queen Elizabeth for the 

 purpose of facilitating the collection of the customs dues, 

 checking the extensive smuggling transactions that were carried 

 on, and the many other illegal practices which prevailed, and 

 in consequence of which the revenue of the country suffered 

 greatly. 



The growth of commerce during the last and beginning of 

 the present century demonstrated the inconvenience and loss 

 incurred in having to load and unload vessels in a tidal river, 

 or in a harbour not entirely land-locked ; for either the ships 

 could not be brought close to the wharves, or, when placed 

 there at the flood of the tide, they were left dry at the ebb, 

 and suffered continual damage by straining, by delay from neap 

 tides and other accidents and inconveniences ; further, as the 

 number and size of ships increased, the means and appliances 

 for cleaning and repair proved inadequate. These considera- 







