HARBOUR ACCOMMODATION IN THE WEST. 157 
This table is compiled from official and consequently exact infor- 
mation, and it shows that we have here in the harbour 800 acres of 
w r ater, having a depth of five fathoms and over at low-water spring 
tide j 1380 acres of three fathoms and over, and 1840 acres at low- 
water. The depth at the entrance is forty-two feet, and the total 
length of our Breakwater is 5100 feet, which cost £1,517,000. 
Portland, another Channel harbour, is very much the same as 
Plymouth in its total extent. It is 1290 acres with five fathoms 
and over, 1590 acres three fathoms and over, and 1800 acres at 
low-water. A glance at the map showing these harbours at once 
makes clear the fact that Plymouth is immensely superior to either 
of the others on account of its extensive ramifications of deep 
water beyond the area of the harbour proper. There is, first, the 
Hamoaze, with its splendid frontage and deep water; second, 
Millbay, with its commercial docks ; and third, Cattewater, with 
Sutton Harbour. One of these last-mentioned places alone, and 
especially the first or third, would form a noble harbour in 
itself, but placed as they are give Plymouth its commanding 
position among the first-class harbours of the world. Plymouth 
Sound was officially described by an admiral of great experience, 
before the erection of the Plymouth Breakwater, as a perfect 
" hell " in a southerly gale. We all know now that the terrors of 
a gale from a southerly point are removed, and it is no uncommon 
sight to see three to four hundred vessels riding at anchor in 
safety during long-continued and strong easterly gales. This then 
is an instance of what the provision of accommodation has 
brought. Without Plymouth Breakwater our port would not be 
the "calling point" for thirteen or fourteen lines of steamers, 
which at the present time make Plymouth a port of call. I have 
prepared a list of the lines which use this port, both for outward 
and homeward traffic, with the dates on which they commenced to 
call, and also the frequency of their visits. 
Up to now only passengers, mails, and specie have been landed 
or embarked to any extent; but doubtless as competition in- 
creases, and the cost of land carriage is reduced, such lines as the 
Hamburg- American and others may be induced to take in part 
cargo collected from Ireland, Scotland, and the ports in intimate 
connection with Plymouth by water carriage. 
