20 
eighteen of the heaviest of these blocks: the lighter stones are 
carried in hired vessels. At the quarry we were received by the 
secretary of Mr. Whitby* who planned the breakwater, and at 
present superintends the work. A cave was discovered in the 
rock containing rhinoceros bones in good preservation, and some 
time after, another cavern was found containing the bones and 
teeth of bears. From the mount above the quarry, there is an 
extensive and exceedingly beautiful prospect. From this place 
we went to Bovisand-bay, where, under the direction of Mr. 
Whitby, a quay and reservoir of fresh water is building for the 
navy. The water is collected from two springs into a reservoir 
twenty feet deep, situated between the hills. Thence it is to be 
conducted through iron pipes for nearly an English mile to the 
quay. These seventeen cocks will each deliver two and a half 
tuns of water a minute. The watering boats will land at the quay, 
and in a very short time return with their lading to the ships. In 
the valley near the reservoir is Mr. Whitby’s handsome dwelling, 
from which he can survey the whole work, and consequently 
may from his own chamber control the workmen. 
The breakwater suffered exceedingly by the terrible storm of 
the 22d and 23d of November, 1824. It is now to be rendered 
more permanent in the following manner:—The stones most 
exposed to the waves are to be hewed and clamped together 
with iron. I fear, however, that this work will also be de¬ 
stroyed, . unless a couple of perpendicular dams be built touch¬ 
ing the principal dam, to break the force of the waves before they 
reach the latter. The old works are in so ruinous a condition that 
we were nearly wrecked upon them. On this account we stood 
farther off, and went on board of the Thetis frigate to pay a visit to 
Sir John Phillimore. Sir John, in honour of our presence, display¬ 
ed all his flags. The marines, with their officers, stood near the 
mizen-mast, and with the crew marched round the deck; some of 
the latter were armed with pikes, some with sabres, and others 
with battle-axes. I was delighted with the perfect order and neat¬ 
ness which universally appeared. Both cabins were very elegant¬ 
ly arranged and ornamented with mahogany. As we took leave, 
the yards were manned, and a salute given. It was now high 
water, and we passed between Drake’s Island and Mount Edge - 
cumbe through a passage called the Bridge , which is dangerous 
on account of rocks. We touched twice upon them without in¬ 
jury, as fortunately the wind was slight: we landed at the beau¬ 
tiful stone stairs of Mount Wise. 
On the day following, I visited the Marine Hospital, in com¬ 
pany with Sir John Phillimore. This is an admirably managed 
and richly endowed institution. * The building was begun during 
* For minute description of this hospital, see Dupin. 
