270 
DAVIS: EXCURSION TO HOLDERNESS. 
great, though not always proceeding at the same rate. The average 
is probably 12ft. to 14ft. per annum; but during a severe storm in 
March last, as much as 50ft. in breadth was removed along a con- 
siderable line of coast. In other places, on the contrary, the foreshore 
becomes rapidly extended, as for instance at Patrington, where what 
is termed the Sunk Island, comprising 7,000 to 10,000 acres, has 
been reclaimed from the Humber, and is now cultivated ; and 
whereas Patrington was formerly a seaport town, it is now far 
inland. Kilnsea church was washed away about sixty or seventy 
years ago, and its position is now 240 yards from the shore. Huge 
blocks of masonry, concreted together, rise considerably above the 
sands on the old site of the church. From Kilnsea towards Spurn 
Point the land rapidly converges southwards, and in about a mile 
has become so narrow between the North Sea on the one hand, and 
the Humber on the other, that any one might shoot an arrow across. 
The blown sand is piled up seawards to a height of about 12ft., but 
in the opposite direction it thins out to the level of the water. 
Further on the sandy cliffs become considerably higher, but propor- 
tionately narrow ; they form in section a cone-shaped mound perhaps 
20 yards wide, five or six yards across the top, and rise from the 
level of the sands to a height of 20 to 25ft. These sand dunes form 
a very fragile barrier to the stormy waters of the German Ocean, 
and the Board of Trade are at present engaged in supporting the 
bank seawards, by driving into the sand or glacial clay a long series 
of wood piles and groins. The necessity for this is proved by the 
fact that a short distance nearer the point, the sea broke through 
the barrier, and for some time resisted all efforts to stop it. Event- 
ually, a wall was built of chalk brought from Hessle, and the 
continuity of the land was made and has since been maintained. At 
the extremity of the point its area widens considerably, and a short 
distance from the end is placed the lighthouse. Near the structure 
at present used, is a second one, which is now approached by a 
bridge, and is quite separated from the land at high water. The 
weather, showery during the early part of the day, cleared up, and 
a good view of the long line of the Lincolnshire coast was visible 
Numerous vessels constantly entering and leaving the Humber made 
