AND ITS SURROUNDINGS. 173 



A house for the reception of the life-boat was built by- 

 subscription, on the South Sands. This situation being 

 chosen was a matter of regret to many, who feel some 

 doubt, whether, in case of a violent storm (when its services 

 are the most likely to be needed) it would be possible to 

 get the boat over the Bar. 



" There is," says Hawkins, " a large and dangerous knot 

 of rocks, about a furlong within the Bar, "and rather on the 

 east side, called Blackstone, rarely covered at flood tide ; and 

 a smaller rock named the Wolf, towards the west shore. 

 Some are of opinion that if these were blown up, the 

 harbour would be greatly improved ; while others as confi- 

 dently pronounce, that the removing of these obstructions 

 would cause the port to fill with sand." 



In June, 1869, H.M.S. Cadmus, Capt. Gibbs, 1,466 tons 

 burden, in running down the Channel from Portsmouth to 

 Devonport, whilst going eight knots an hour, struck on 

 the Hillstone, close under the Bolt. There was a very 

 dense fog, and the vessel was carried by the strong current 

 peculiar to that coast out of her course. No suspicion 

 seems to have been entertained that she was so near the 

 shore. The Salcombe fishermen, Avho were pursuing their 

 avocations at the time, witnessed her perilous position, and 

 warned them to back off at once, so as to ground on the 

 Bar, otherwise, owing to the injury she had sustained from 

 her plates being broken in, she would have sunk in deep 

 water. Telegrams were forwarded from Kingsbridge to the 

 naval authorities at Devonport, who at once despatched a 

 tug and other assistance. The position of the leak was 

 soon discovered by the divers, and temporary repairs effected 

 by patching the plates. By means of constant pumping 

 and lightening the ship, she Avas at last floated off, and 



