AND ITS SURROUNDINGS. 141 



iron tubing. The work was very satisfactorily executed 

 by Messrs. George Stear & Sons, of Salcombe, under the 

 superintendence and from the designs of Mr. John Wills, 

 of Dodbrooke. While this erection facilitates the landing 

 from boats at low water, it is a matter for regret that its 

 length was curtailed in deference to the wish of some of 

 the leading shipowners of Salcombe, who apprehended a 

 danger to sailing vessels in tacking. It is admitted, how- 

 ever, on all hands, that the original design, which was 

 twenty feet longer, might have been carried out with the 

 greatest possible advantage."* 



This new pier is a great accommodation to passengers 

 in the ferry-boat which plies between Salcombe and the 

 Portlemouth shore, being exactly opposite the ferry-house. 



The following report respecting a proposed "Oyster and 

 Mussel Fishery " is extracted from a more lengthy account 

 which appeared in the Kingsbridge Journal of October 7th, 

 1871, and of May 4th, 1872. 



"A meeting of the inhabitants of Salcombe and neighbour- 

 hood was held in the Town Hall on Friday afternoon last, 

 for the purpose of considering the application made by 

 Capt. Russell, of Gillingham, Kent, to the Board of Trade, 

 for permission to lay down oyster and mussel beds in the 

 river, from Keeve Mud to the Ferry. Capt. W. H. Webb 

 presided. 



Capt. Hill pointed out the importance of the issues in- 

 volved. He stated that if Mr. Russell obtained the permission 

 he sought from the Board of Trade, and laid down the 

 oyster beds he contemplated, the harbour and immediate 

 approaches to the port of Salcombe would be practically 



* Information from Mr. J. Wills. 



