404 



ABERDEEN HARBOUR. 



PART VII J. 



of floating and graving docks, increased means of scour- 

 ing the harbour and ensuring greater depth of water 

 on the bar across the river's mouth, and the provision of 

 a navigable communication between the Aberdeenshire 

 Canal and the new harbour. 



I 



The extension of the north pier was first proceeded 

 with, under the superintendence of Mr. John G-ibb, the 

 resident engineer; and by the year 1811 the whole 

 length of 300 additional feet had been completed. The 

 beneficial effects of this extension were so apparent, that 

 a general wish was expressed that it should be carried 

 further ; and it was eventually determined to extend the 

 pier 780 feet beyond Mr. Smeaton's head, by which not 

 only was much deeper water secured, but vessels were 

 better enabled to clear the Grirdleness Point. This ex- 

 tension was successfully carried out by the end of the 

 year 1812, whilst a strong breakwater, about 800 feet 

 long, was run out from the south shore, leaving a space 

 of about 250 feet as an entrance, thereby giving greater 

 protection to the shipping in the harbour, whilst the 

 contraction of the channel, by increasing the " scour," 

 tended to give a much greater depth of water on 

 the bar. 



