74 REPORT OF THE 



tinned to encroach, and when a plan could be decided upon, 

 and the contract awarded, the amount was too small to meet 

 the requirements. Such a construction partook of the nature 

 of an experiment. To hold the shore where it was, and 

 watch the action of the waves on it, was necessary in 

 order to know how far it would be well to recommend 

 it in the future. After inquiring into several systems 

 and consulting with engineers, the Commissioners decided 

 to try the Dutch Fascine Mattress system and a con- 

 tract was awarded to R. Kanters A: Son, Holland, Michigan, 

 being the same plan as has been used for a century past on the 

 dykes in Holland. The contractors have been slow in putting 

 it up and have allowed the severe November storms to surprise 

 them with a portion unfinished, which was destroyed. The 

 completed part has stood, though in an exposed position, and 

 subjected to very strong currents and tides, and saved the 

 concourse back of it. At either end of this protection the 

 concourse is being rapidly washed away, and not having length 

 enough along the shore, will in all probability, by Spring, be 

 exposed on all sides. The heavy Spring tides may destroy it 

 entirely. This strong flanking current from the east, we think, 

 has not been considered at its full value by these engineers, as 

 was the case with the former ones. " We are of theopinion that 

 a strong barrier heading out at the east end is necessary to 

 break the force of the waves and make it easier to contend 

 against them from the southern front. 



During the recent storm, old Neptune appeared to be in a 

 petulant mood and seemed to act as though a fancied insult had 

 been intended to him in these shore protections, for he took a 

 number of large timbers from under an adjacent hotel and with 

 fiendish delight hurled them with well directed blows against 

 the inclined asphalt. The blows were as accurate as if de- 

 livered by human hands. 



An appropriation of $50,000 was made to till in the space 

 back of the concourse, an area of nearly forty acres. White 

 coast sand was first hauled in and leveled to a height of 

 3.^ feet at one end and 1\ feet at the other, below the 



