Reviews and Book Notices. 329 



Before we take for g-ranted the desirability of attempting to 

 stop the erosion of our coasts (except near towns) we must 

 strike a balance between loss and gain. If the loss exceeds the 

 gain there will still remain the question, Shall we obtain any 

 sufficient compensation for the enormous cost of any works 

 put up to protect agricultural land ? 



Some curious problems are suggested by this inquiry. Many 

 may think them of no practical importance, but to the geo- 

 grapher and geologist they are of great interest. If what is 

 said above is correct, and since civilised man has lived in 

 Britain there has been a rapid change of sea-level followed by a 

 long rest — what are the prospects of a similar period of rapid 

 change again setting in ? A new rise or fall to the extent of a 

 few feet would have most disastrous effects on all our coasts 

 and harbours, and would also seriously affect our inland 

 drainage until things were adjusted to the new conditions. 



Quarterly Record of Additions, No.xvi.; Hull Whaling Relics, and 

 Arctic or Historical Records of 250 years; Catalogue of Antique 

 Silver on Exhibition. Being Hull Museum Publications, Nos. 30, 31, and 32. 



These publications worthily maintain the high standard set by their 

 predecessors, and will prove of permanent value altogether apart from the 

 objects of interest of which they treat. The catalogue of antique silver, lent 

 for exhibition, appropriately printed on superior paper, contains very full 

 particulars of a most interesting and very valuable collection. Although 

 the information given of the several articles is far from meagre, there are 

 some that do not altogether satisfy our curiosity. In particular, the 

 vicissitudes of a fine sixteenth century chalice and paten would make 

 interesting reading could they be traced in all their fulness. Although 

 locally valuable, in that many of the articles are of Hull manufacture, the 

 antiquary, the artist, and the collector alike will view these exhibits with 

 delight. Almost the same may be said for the other two publications in 

 which Messrs. .Sheppard and Suddaby have figured and described a large 

 collection of relics and records connected with the Hull whaling industry. 

 Although the museum already possessed many articles illustrating this 

 industry, the recent gift by Lord Nuiiburnholme of a most extensive col- 

 lection of these objects has increased the collection to such an extent, both 

 in quantity and value, as to make the exhibit all but complete, and merit an 

 entire room for its disposal. It is difficult to speak in terms sufficiently high 

 to express one's gratitude for the manner in which the accumulated matter 

 has been arranged and presented to the public. We could almost wish that 

 an edition of these two numbers had been printed on the same superior 

 paper as the catalogue first referred to. We feel sure there are many who 

 will appreciate the permanent value and significance of the many records 

 and statistics the}- contain, find would be only too pleased to pay the en- 

 hanced ])rice which such an edition would involve. Work of this kind is 

 rarely done twice, and we throw out the suggestion while its accomplish- 

 ment is possible.* — E. G. B. 



* The information contained in the two pamphlets referred to is being 

 incorporated in 'A History of the Hull Whaling Industry' by the same 

 authors. This will be on 'superior paper," and, as the reviewer anticipates, 

 will be more than a penny. — Ed. 



1906 September t. 



