2Xti THE WORLD, 



more or less earthy matter in suspension, much of which, except 

 during storms, is derived from the grinding up of the pebbles, 

 gravel, and sand, by the action of the surf. This earthy matter 

 is carried off during the flood tide, and in part deposited in the 

 marshes and bays, and the remainder is transported seaward dur- 

 ing the ebb, and deposited in still water. After a close observa- 

 tion, I have estimated that at least 1000 tons of matter is thus 

 transported daily from the coast of Long Island, and probably 

 that quantity, on an average, is daily removed from the south 

 coast, between Montauk Point and Nepeaque Beach. This shore 

 of 15 miles in length, probably averages 60 feet in height, and is 

 rapidly washing away ; 1000 tons of this earth would be equal to 

 about one square rod of ground, with a depth of 60 feet. Allow- 

 ing this estimate to be within proper limits, more than two acres 

 would be removed annually from this portion of the coast. It is 

 probable that any attentive observer would not estimate the loss 

 of land there at I ess than this amount. Nearly one half the mat- 

 ter coming from the degradation of the land is supposed to be 

 swept coastwise in a westerly direction. There are many evi- 

 dences that the east end of Long Island was cnce much larger 

 than at present; and it is thought probable that it might have been 

 connected with Block Island, which lies in the direction of the 

 prolongation of Long Island." 



A remarkable exhibition of the conjoint power of waves and 

 currents was exhibited during the building of the Bell Rock 

 Lighthouse. The Bell Rock, on which it stands, is red sand- 

 stone,' about twelve miles from the mainland, and from twelve to 

 sixteen feet under the surface at high water. At a distance of 

 100 yards from the rock, there is a depth in all directions, of two 

 or three fathoms at low water. During the erection of the light- 

 house in 1807, six large blocks of granite, which had been land- 

 ed on the reef, were carried away by the force of the sea, and 

 thrown over a rising ledge to the distance of twelve or fifteen 

 paces, and an anchor weighing 22 cwt. was thrown up upon 

 the rock. We are informed by Mr. Stevenson, that drift stones 

 of more than two tons weight, have, during storms been often 

 thrown upon this rock from the deep water. 



