The effect of such an arrangement, indeed, is not easy to be anticipated. How far the overflow of water would suffice to keep the channel clear of sandy deposits? or to what extent the body of debris and shale from the mines above might, in such case, make lodgment in the bed of the inner harbour? cannot be certainly determined. Yet as there are existing wears at some distance from the town across the river bed, and no permanent deposits, except in their immediate contiguity, I believe, induced, it seems not improbable but that with a sufficient number of escape sluices in the seaward bounding-wall, the efflux, whilst carrying off the considerable supply of water yielded by the river, might suffice, at the same time, to urge outward the descending debris, and keep the channel free.
In conclusion of these notices respecting my Father’s inventions and suggestions for improvements, it will not be out of place to add the substance of an interesting and curious autograph document (which fell into my hands after his decease) referring to other speculations, contemplated evidently as practicable, though neither explained, as to principle or process, nor attempted to be carried out.
The document, which as to its manner reminds one of the Marquis of Worcester’s “Century of Inventions,” bears the date of London, 23d December, 1824, and is aptly entitled—“Hints; or Outlines of Improvements conceived by W. Scoresby.” These outlines, of which the following are pretty nearly literal and verbal extracts, are, in the original, thus introduced:—
“How swift is a glimpse of the mind!
Compared with the speed of its flight,
The tempest itself lags behind,
And the swift-winged arrows of light!”
“During forty years occupation at sea, (the document then proceeds to set forth,) when duty called me to watch, my mind was, at intervals, employed about many things which might have been made useful to the public, had they been brought forward in due time.
Amongst these conceptions may be particularised the following:—
1. An improved method of ship-building, both as to ships-of-war and merchantmen, by adding to their strength in framing, and promoting velocity by placing the masts and rigging, and also adding to their durability by preventing in a great measure the attack of dry-rot.
2. Seasoning timber to prevent the dry-rot in ships, churches, and other buildings.
3. To deepen the water on bar-harbours, and in navigable rivers, so as to give easy access to all friends, and to shut out, when necessary, the enemies of our highly favoured land!
4. To build breakwaters in any depth, not exceeding twelve or fourteen fathoms water, of materials that will not yield to the surge of the sea, and, when immersed in the briny flood, will become tenacious and durable as terra-firma, even as the granite rock.