ON THE EROSION OF THE SEA-COASTS OF ENGLAND AND WALES. 361 



that could be ramoved for building purposes, yet in spite of this the ruins 

 remain, as far as I can see, just where they were ten years ago^ Beach 

 lines the shore here for a greater distance towards Pegwell Bay than 

 formerly. At the north end of Deal, towards Sandown, the authorities 

 have scarped the shore line and erected sea-defences by placing a timber 

 foot to beach and groynes and formed a promenade walk on the top. This 

 may have been effectual in protecting the shore, more especially as during 

 the last two years we have had a prevalence of north and easterly winds. 

 Through Deal to Walmer I can perceive but little change since my report 

 in 1884. I did not at that time continue any detailed survey of the coast 

 line beyond Walmer, but I reported generally, from cursory visits, on the 

 shore to Dover. 



To the north shore of Kent, between Reculver and Whitstable, I have 

 made several visits since 1884. Between Reculver and Heme Bay the 

 destruction of the cliffs has been rapid, chiefly between Bishopstone and 

 Heme Bay, while on the front of Heme Bay itself there has been rather 

 an accumulation of beach. At Whitstable the tide does not run strong in 

 either direction, and it remains fairly stationary. 



Between Whitstable and Sea Salter, to the west of the harbour, the 

 beach has continued to collect in semicircular ridges that sweep round 

 towards the shore, while opposite the Coastguard Station an old shore 

 accumulation, which has been covered by vegetation, is being gradually 

 washed away, and the sea is gaining on the land rapidly. 



General Notes. — Walking along the coast from Lydden Spout to 

 Dover last summer, in company with Captain McDakin, Mr. Webb, and 

 Mr. Kerr, I could but notice the change that has come over this part of 

 our shore line since I can remember it, and having had exceptional oppor- 

 tunities of many visits in connection with our East Kent Nat. Hist. Society 

 dating back to the year 18-58, in company with several eminent geologists, 

 I have ventured to give my experiences of the changes that I can re- 

 member. Lydden Spout flowed out from the chalk in a small waterfall, 

 starting from some considerable height (twenty feet above high-water mark) 

 above the bottom of the cliff. The talus at that time consisted of old beach, 

 covered with many rare wild flowers, and near to it was a series of steps in 

 a stone stair leading to the top of the cliff. This was on the occasion of the 

 visit of the members of the East Kent Nat. Hist. Society to Dover, when 

 a large party of ladies and gentlemen, under the guidance of Mr. H. B. 

 Mackeson, walked from Folkestone upper station to Copt Point, and thence 

 to Lydden Spout. In reference to this I should observe that the shore at 

 that" time consisted chiefly of beach, and it would be exceedingly difticult 

 for such a party of ladies and gentlemen to accomplish this journey on 

 foot at the present time. First, the whole of a beach formerly met with at 

 the bay near Copt Point, Folkestone, is entirely swept away ; at the time I 

 allude to it was of considerable extent, and partly cemented into a pudding 

 .stone by infilti-ation of water containing carbonate of lime. It was pointed 

 out by Mr. Mackeson that at that time the extension of the western pier 

 of Folkestone harbour had dejmved the fallen rocks of their supphj and 

 eoverhuf of shingle. In the next place, many well-known spots in the 

 underciiff" (called the Warren) then in existence have long since been 

 swept away. But what a contrast is presented by the shore at the present 

 time ! At Lydden Spout, where we halted the other day, the waterfall 

 has disappeared among a huge mass of large fragments of fallen rocks, 

 vhich jut out to sea and form a most serious barrier to the advance of the 



