FOR GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. 29 



that from the Fern Islands to Flamborough Head. A 

 special reason why it is thought the point should be fixed 

 at St. David's instead of at Hartland is because of the 

 number of vessels coming down from Liverpool, to which 

 the Royal Commission made particular reference." 



" Taking these equal distances, how do the wreck re- 

 turns for 1 88 1 the last issued compare? The following 

 tabulated statement of the total losses, compiled from the 

 Board of Trade report, shows the desirability of a harbour 

 of refuge on the north coast of Cornwall : 



Fern Islands to Land's End to 



Flamborough Head. St. David's Head. 



1880-81 ... 99 .. 70 



1879-80 . . . 16 .. 28 



1878-79 ... 57 .. 61 



1877-78 ... 60 .. 81 



1876-77 ... 86 .. 91 



" The argument on behalf of the north coast of Cornwall 

 is further strengthened by the subjoined returns of minor 

 casualties. 



Fern Islands to Land's End to 



Flamborough Head. St. David's Head. 



1 880-8 1 ... 97 .. 260 



1879-80 ... 54 .. 169 



1878-79 ... 95 i?5 



1877-78 ... 112 .. 235 



1876-77 ..- 120 .. 336 



" If figures are to be accepted as the criterion, the case of 

 the north coast is conclusively established. It may be said by 

 way of deprecating their force, that the Severn offers a natural 

 refuge for vessels coming down from Liverpool or anywhere 

 above St. David's ; but to this the reply is given by practical 

 men that such are the conditions that they are often unable 

 to run into the Severn. If a vessel has passed it she could not 

 well put back in the event of a south-westerly gale spring- 

 ing up, but it would be possible for her to bear up for a 

 harbour of refuge on the north coast of Cornwall." 



