CHAP. X. PLYMOUTH BREAKWATER. 259 



tion on the ex-Emperor's expressions being communi- 

 cated to him. 



By the llth of August, 1815, not less than 615,057 

 tons of stone had been deposited, and a length of 1100 

 yards was raised above low water of spring tides. The 

 complete success of the work was now beyond dispute, 

 and exceeded the most sanguine anticipations. Even 

 the most sceptical became convinced of its great practical 

 utility, and many who had before offered vehement 

 opposition to its being begun, became clamorous for its 

 completion on even a larger scale than Mr. Rennie had 

 originally intended. And it was at length determined 

 by the Admiralty, after advising with the engineer, to 

 carry the whole Breakwater twenty feet, instead of ten 

 feet, above the level of low water of spring tides. 

 Whilst the original plan of Mr. Rennie was calculated 

 to afford complete security to the larger class of vessels, 

 this addition to its height doubtless gave more adequate 

 protection to the smaller craft. The finishing of the 

 work above the low water line, however, involved a 

 more expensive kind of workmanship ; for the greatest 

 force of the waves is exercised between the lines of high 

 and low water. Hence it became necessary to render 

 this upper part of the Breakwater so strong as to present 

 the greatest possible amount of resistance. Mr. Rennie 

 suggested the propriety of increasing the seaward slope 

 to about 5 to 1, so as to give greater strength, and 

 present an increased resistance to the force of the waves. 

 But this recommendation was overruled for the time, 

 and the work proceeded. No estimate of the additional 

 cost was asked for, and the operations were continued 

 without intermission, the stone blocks being deposited 

 at the rate of 1030 tons a-day during the year 1816 

 a greater average than has since been accomplished in 

 carrying out any similar work, notwithstanding the 

 improved modern appliances of stages provided with 



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