1846.] BREAK-WATER AT TABLE BAY. 211 



obtained the sanction of the Home Government, still it was 

 imagined that some modification might be directed, not 

 only as to its general lines, its connection, or otherwise, 

 with the main, but also its adaptation to naval interests. 

 The sum proposed had been estimated at 300,000/., but 

 as in all such matters, hitherto projected, we may safely 

 assume, that its completion will not be covered by nearly 

 a million. 



In a mercantile point of view, the Break-water may 

 possibly suffice for the number of merchant vessels which 

 at present frequent the Bay, but if any such outlay is sanc- 

 tioned by Her Majesty's Government, I think that some- 

 thing more than the mere accommodation of the merchant 

 shipping should be embraced, and that as a positive increase 

 of trade and shipping would naturally occur, it would invite 

 an enemy to make this a most decided point of aggression ; 

 naval aid will therefore be required. As under the present 

 lines adequate shelter is not easily obtained, it would be 

 advisable to suspend operations until the best opinion of 

 a Board of Naval and Military men, unconnected with 

 local opinions, should report, not only upon the projected, 

 or later, plans, but should also state their opinions as to 

 the probability of a slaty foundation being adequate to the 

 proper support of masonry. The Dutch tried it many 

 years ago, and failed. If the experiment fails where it is 

 now to be attempted, the present anchorage will be in- 

 jured, if not ruined. The present defences of the bay are 

 in no way calculated to protect works of such value, we 

 may, therefore, add, to any outlay upon the sea, cor- 

 responding defences on shore. 



With regard to the two lighthouses erected in Table 



p2 



