In the year 1836, the humerus bone probably of the Great Mastodon, was found at Bacton, after a very high tide, one side of which, from the appearance it presents, must have reposed upon chalk. This bone was discovered in the red gravel, which, in many places, is the nearest bed to the chalk. Fragments of chalk are attached to the bone.
In the early part of this year the tibia probably of the same animal, was exposed, and obtained after a high tide by Mr. Green, in whose possession it still remains.
CHAPTER IX.
OBSERVATIONS UPON THE CLIFFS CONTINUED.—LAND-SPRINGS, THEIR INJURIOUS EFFECTS, WITH PLAN TO COUNTERACT THEM.—REDUCTION OF THE CLIFFS CONSIDERED ADVISABLE, ESPECIALLY WHERE GREAT IRREGULARITIES IN SAND DUNES EXIST, WITH A PLAN TO INCREASE THEIR HEIGHT WHERE NECESSARY.
Having considered the cliffs with respect to the contour they present, the different strata composing their structure, the injury they experience from the atmospheric air, from drought, from heavy rains, from severe and successive frosts, and from the formidable visitations of the German Ocean against their base; yet, they possess an internal enemy peculiar to themselves, which in certain localities is more formidable than the ocean itself—these are the Land-springs previously alluded to.
To check their baneful influence is a task that requires consideration, for although we know their existence, we cannot tell whether they arise from a broad or a narrow surface, at a great depth, or at a considerable distance from whence they are seen to issue; and although so serious in their consequences, yet the extent arising from such contingencies, on this part of the coast, is generally limited.
Wherever they abound, the cliffs ought, where practicable, to be reduced from a perpendicular to an inclined plane; then let stakes, or rather strong piles, be driven in a parallel direction to the extent required, and sufficiently deep into the solid strata beneath, at short distances one from another, with splines fastened horizontally, or what would be preferable, strong wooden faggots interposed between the piles and the cliffs, especially where the materials consist of a loose texture; these would be found efficient, until a more natural, solid, and lasting support could be obtained.
Great benefit might be derived by sinking wells on the inner or land side of the cliffs, subjected to their influence; for at Trimingham, the loss of four acres and a half of land, mentioned in a previous chapter, is primarily attributed to a foolish individual, who a few months before filled up three wells in the immediate neighbourhood.
The question now comes—would it not be advisable to remove generally, where practicable, the taller, cliffs?—Possibly it would.
1st. The air in heavy gales of wind would not be so much condensed against their base, and add so much weight to the waves when nearing the shore as is now evidently the case, and the latter would be less liable to disarrange the legitimate beach during its formation.