218 Capt. Manby's Survey of the Coast of Northumberland. [Oct. 1, western churches of former ages, which continued to use in the church service the old Italic translation of the Psalms, after a very general preference had been given to that of St. Jerome. Should the above be deemed worthy of a place in your valuable miscellany, its insertion will oblige, Sir, Your constant reader, JAMES MITCHELL. 31, Castle-street, Berners-street.. For the New Monthly Magazine. REPORT of the SURVEY of the EAST COAST of GREAT BRITAIN from the SOUTHERN EXTREMITY OF NORFOLK to the FRITH of FORTH. By CAPT. G. W. MANBY. (Continued from page 84.) Tinmouth Castle.-For the purpose of giving assistance to Shorts and Bay, Sharpness, the intervening dangerous rocks and bays up to Hartley Point Reef, a 54-inch mortar will be required. At this place the encroachments of the sea demanded particular attention, as I found a considerable part of the wall in front of Clifford's Fort was washed down, much of the contiguous property swept away, and others greatly injured. Conceiving it a public duty, I was induced to trace the whole, in the endeavour, not only of pointing out the evil consequences, but to discover the cause; and of humbly submitting my opinion what would best tend to check its future progress. Leaving the light-house, I proceeded by the bay (called the Low Light Bay) to the eastern extremity. A considerable part of the fort-wall (as before stated) had been washed down, and of the contiguous property swept away. The extent is great; and the range of buildings called Low Lights, were in a most perilous situation, by the sea nearly making a breach to them. Had that been the case, a clear passage would have been made to the river, sweeping away the range of buildings before-mentioned, the Fort, Light-house, Customhouse, and, in short, every species of property from the west end of the bar rack-wall. On examining the effects of the high tide which occurred on the 22d cf October, I found it had washed considerably higher than the wall and pavement at the south front of the barracks, and that the wall had been saved by breakwaters. The hill on which the barracks stand is much saturated by springs, and a considerable portion is loose, and will even tually slip; and consequently will be attended with much public expense, if not prevented by the springs being cut off, or the wall heightened, and the inclined plane or pavement on its top greatly extended for its support. The east corner of the barrack-wall requires particular attention; for if any material accident were to happen to it from a similar gale and tide, I conceive the whole bill and barracks to be in great jeopardy. The cause of these ravages appears to have been from rocks and large stones in the bay, being considered impediments, having been incautiously removed, without previously considering the effects that would thereby be produced, by permitting the sea to have an uncontrouled sweep round the bay, (which in a south-east gale is greatly accelerated,) and dashing very high up the cliff, threatens the destruction of the places enumerated. In the front of the fort is a protruding ridge of shingle, or small stones, called Muscle Scarp, which is dry at low water; on this were for merly large rock stones and others, interspersed about the bay, to a higher range, called Black Mittens, stretching to the easternmost point, and which was formerly much higher. These barriers, provided by nature, have been blasted, and carried away; to this must be ascribed the evil that has been produced, and which is still further threatened. To submit a remedy, I beg to offer two methods. First, the most simple and prompt way to prevent further injury or encroachment, would be, by continuing a wall from that of Clifford's Fort to the westernmost extremity of the barrack-wall, with occasional firm and lofty breakwaters. It would be advisable in making these breakwaters, for them to be angular, falling off to an inclined plane towards the sea. But, secondly, to render this work efficient, (and which would recover the space called Low Light Bay,) it can only be by a substantial barrier carried from the point of the harbour under Tinmouth Fort, to Black Mittens Rock, and sweeping to the ex terior angle of Clifford's Fort. This would divert the course of the water, and keep the set of the tide to the centre of the channel. This latter observation is particularly worthy the attention of the shipping interest of South and North Shields, from the advantages that would be derived to the port of these places by removing the sand-banks now in the channel, which I witnessed to be a considerable hindrance to navigation. It would likewise render the circum stances of distress much less frequent on 1814.] Newbiggin-Haskerley-Dunstanborough-Bamburgh. 219 the bar, by accelerating the velocity of to the Trinity House, for similar reathe current, and consequently deepening the water theron. Newbiggin-It will be necessary for the officer at this station to place in the hands of some responsible person at Blyth a 5-inch mortar, to provide for the great dangers that are in its vicinity; as difficulties might occur in getting one promptly across the two rivers, to the relief of any casualty that might occur to the southward of that place. A similar mortar will also be required at the Signal Station; for a vessel came upon the rocks, within less than fifty yards of the station, in March last, and immediately went to pieces, and every soul perished. It will likewise be able to afford assistance to the intermediate places as far as Cresswell. Haskerley Point.-By having a mortar here, it will not only tend to prevent a recurrence of the distresses from the many dangers of reefs of rocks about Bondicar, but the long beach of sand to the southward. It would likewise be of considerable importance for the giving assistance to vessels driven on the rocks about and on Coquet Island, which might be taken over in a boat (the island being to windward) by fishermen, who are at hand, and are stated to be active and zealous. Considering there is not a place of security to shelter vessels from easterly gales (which are the most dangerous on this coast) between Shields and Holy Island, I was induced to enquire of the most intelligent persons, whether vessels could anchor and ride in security in a storm under the lee of the island. The reply was, most certainly; but it is scarcely known to any but the navigators of vessels who are constantly coasting it from Leith, Berwick, &c. It would be extremely advisable to have a mortar placed at Aylmouth. For the extraordinary dangers of a point of land at Boomer, called The Steel, and for a preventive of the many accidents on the dreadful iron-bound coast, in its vicinity, where vessels have been lost, a mortar placed at Howick would be extremely desirable; and for this very purpose I shall solicit Earl Grey for his permission; so that it may be lodged at the Sea-houses, and be ready for any future occurrence of distress. Dunstanborough Castle.-The coast about this station being so much interspersed with sunken rocks and projecting reefs, requires a mortar to be placed here; and one also at North Sunderland, under the care of Mr. Blackett, agent sons. Budle Hill.-- For the convenience of giving prompt assistance to vessels, when attempting to run for the shelter of Holy Island, but unable to succeed, and stranded in consequence, a 54-inch mortar will be necessary; also a 6-pounder to be lodged with such a person on the island as the officer may judge desirable. Bamburgh Castle.-This place exhibits, at one view, more dangers to navigation, and records more distresses, than any place on the coast; particularly before the corporation of the Trinity House placed a revolving light on the great Fern Island; and a similar one on the Brownsman's Rock, one of the Staple Islands. These situations, so noted for destruction, no doubt pointed out to the philanthropic and patriotic trustees of Lord Crew's estate (left for "unconfined charitable uses,") the infinite benefit that would result to mankind by the application of part of their funds (among numerous other acts of beneficence) to cases of shipwreck; stimu lating exertions in giving assistance; encouraging every effort to save the lives of the crews, and providing comforts for them when rescued. An institution more wise human policy never formed; and their judicious and humane distribution does infinite honour to their heads and hearts. The service in which I am engaged constituting so material a feature, and so congenial to the views of the trust, produced me an invitation to the castle, with a declared readiness to carry into effect whatever would conduce to this work of national charity. By the uncommon assistance they took care to provide for me, I have been enabled to explore the dangers with the deepest attention, and produce those suggestions for the benefit of my country, which could not have been derived from any other source. The uncommon flatness of the shore, with the contiguous and extended reef of rocks, require a 42 and 24 pounder. And to give them the greatest power and range, they should be placed on wheel carriages, to allow the wash of the sea to run under them. A 6-pounder will also be necessary for furnishing a boat. Sets of the night apparatus should likewise be lodged here, with an ample supply of light balls for signals; a buoyant boat basket for bringing helpless women and children from wrecks; and a cot, fitted up with enclosed air, to prevent it from sinking, when the distance will not 220 Fern and Staple Islands. permit the rope to be kept at a proper tension. In short, this benevolent institution should be furnished with every production intended for the preservation of a class of men who are so intimately connected with the security and prosperity of our country. In minutely examining the space of dangers contiguous to this spot, than which none has ever called my attention more strongly, on account of the contention of currents, running in every direction, settings of rapid tides, sunken rocks, dangerous shoals, straggling islands, and hazardous beaches; where souls beyond number have perished; where property exceeding all estimate has been lost, I shall first go to the exterior. Not in any chart that I have seen, or been informed of, has that shoal been laid down, which is N. E. of the Nearstone about half a mile, nor have the directions for vessels sailing by the Fern and Staple Islands ever noted it. The race and rippling of the current over the shoal, occasions in heavy gales of wind a most tremendous swell; and it is strongly presumed, and most firmly believed, by those whose judgment may be relied on, that the loss of the Britannia, of Newcastle, and the Mermaid Cutter, are to be attributed to it, by their having been upset in passing this shoal, as they had been seen a little way to the south ward of the shoal, steering north, with a severe easterly gale. [Oct. 1 application of steam, to answer the purpose required. The situation best adapted is on the island where the outer light house stands, called Brownsman's Rock (one of the Staple Islands) from its central situation to the Crumstone, Near stone, Megstone, Fern Islands, and within hearing of Holy Island. A square substantial building (originally the coal light-house, 36 feet high, and 20 fect diameter, on the E. S. E. of the lighthouse) is capable of being converted at a very little expense, to answer the pur pose intended Its situation (the lighthouse being round) can be no objection, as the sound would fly from the tangent of the arc, and collect again to fill the space. To distinguish this bell from those of churches on the coast, it might strike twice as quick, as the lever could be raised, and pause with the interme diate silence of five minutes. No additional aid would be required to attend it, as the people superintending the light-house, being four in number, could discharge the occasional duty. This suggestion, carried into effect, would give infinite security to the Fern Islands; and the benefit to navigation would be incalculably great, besides the advantages which poor industrious fishermen would derive from it. It is there fore humbly hoped that the honourable clder brethren of the Trinity House, will speedily adopt a subject of so much importance to the maritime interest of the country, and to humanity. In all the attentions given to preser- In iny attention to the Roadsteads vation in the vicinity of these multiplied about the islands, to discover where vesdangers, one very material has been sels might shelter and anchor in safety, overlooked; viz. the necessity of point- one only is laid down in any chart, or ing out perils and warnings at a time scarcely known of, which is under the when thick fogs prevail and obscurity Great Fern Island, the light on it bear pervades, so that neither the islands noring N. N. W. But this affords no safety; light-houses are discernible. To provide a safeguard for this period of dithculty and hazard, I strongly urge the necessity of sound to apprize the stranger, or negligent navigator, and rouse the unsuspecting seaman to have recourse to his lead, as his surest and best regulator. For this purpose I recommend a bell, of sufficient size and weight, so as to be distinctly heard to the neighbouring island. Steam will be the most certain and best principle by which it should act; and it will require an extremely simple combination of machinery, to produce a moving power for raising a weight to strike the bell. It is needless to submit a design or plan for its construction; as there are so many ingenious artificers, better skilled in the nor could vessels anchor in gales when most fatal on this coast, when they re I am fully persuaded, that if this mentioned light house had been placed upon an island three quarters of a mile to the eastward, called Longstone, it would have been a situation of much greater safety and advantage to navigation. The bell on the top of Bamborough Castle is rung during fogs, by order of the the situation at all calculated to do the good trustees; but its size is not adequate, nor is intended by their benevolent institution; as fogs generally rise from the eastward, conse quently the sound is to leeward, independent of the extreme roarings of the surf breaking on a flat and extended beach, there by preventing a possibility of being heard at any distance from the land. 1814.] Instinct in a Cat - Senses of Animals. quire to be sheltered from their distress. There is, however, one which I have been able to ascertain, where they can anchor and ride in safety, particularly when the wind is in the most fatal quarter, the East, when night is coming on, and ships have not day-light to reach Holy Island. It is on the north of the Great Fera Island about one cable's length, the light on that sand bearing south. Here vessels can ride in perfect safety (having the whole chain of islands to windward) in five fathoms water, and in clear shingly ground, that will not injure a cable. I have submitted my various suggestions to Mr. Blackett (of North Sunderland, agent to the Trinity House) and it is a duty to express how greatly I am debted to him for his valuable information and indefatigable exertions on this important service. (To be continued.) MATERNAL INSTINCT in a CAT. ber A gentleman of my acquaintance who, in the year 1798, was a pupil at the Westminster Hospital, had a cat brought to him with one kitten, by a person belonging to the hospital, who took them from a decayed tree, in the Bird-cage walk, St. James's Park. At the time they were found, the kitten appeared to be ten or twelve days old. The curiosity of this gentleman was excited to know what could have compelled the cat to seek so strange an asylum for young one. After various enquiries respecting the owner of the animal, he was at length found to be a milk-inan who lived in Tothill-fields. This person kept also a dog, with which the cat had been on the most friendly terms, but during her pregnancy, having become somewhat ill-tempered, the two animals quarrelled. The cat, in consequence, enurely forsook the house, and was lost to the family. What inducement she had to wander at least a mile and half from her home, in order to take up her residence in a hollow tree, can scarcely be imagined, unless we are to suppose that it was really the first place that appeared likely to afford security to herself and ber offspring. But it cannot be so easily explained, what should instruct her to take perhaps the only tree in the neighbourhood, which was perfectly suited to her situation and desires. I am, Sir, yours, &c. X. S. 221 NEW THEORY of the SENSES of ANIMALS. I have perused the New Monthly Ma gazine with infinite pleasure, and herewith transmit some observations on the classification of the external senses of man and animals, for insertion in a work, congenial with the patriotic and loyal spirit of their author. The external senses of man, and the more perfect animals, form a subject of useful study and entertaining speculation, not only to the metaphysician and medical philosopher, but also to the man of general knowledge, the true English gentleman. In attempting to classify the objects of their study, naturalists found a gradual descent from man to unorganised substances, and were therefore obliged to use arbitrary distinctions, to divide and subdivide the productions of the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms; and, in attempting to arrange the powers of vitality, the medical philosopher will find an uninterrupted descent from the more elevated metaphysical faculties, to the most obscure animal function; and he will not, perhaps, be able to adopt any classification without distinctions more or less arbitrary. By what definitions may be distinguished, divided and subdivided, the metaphysical faculties or internal senses, the external senses, the instinctive senses or instimulations, and the involuntary functions of man and animals, no one has yet pointed out with perspicuity sufficient to induce subsequent writers to adopt his words and ideas. I do not suppose myself able to classify and define these functions, instimulations, senses, and faculties; but I should be happy to excite the talents of those competent to so desirable an object. The present communication is designed to shew, that inan and the more perfect animals, have seven distinct external senses: their organs and stimuli, presents an abstract of what I am about to advance. 1st. Seeing, of which sense the organ is the eye, and the stimulus light. 2d. Hearing, of which sense the organ is the ear, and the stimulus sound. 3d. Smelling, of which sense the organ is the nose, and the stimulus odour. 4th. Tasting, of which sense the organ is the tongue, and the stimulus flavour. 5th. The sexual sense, which has an appropriate organ, and a specific stimulus. 222 Senses of Animals-Maiden Bower, 6th. Feeling, of which sense the organ is all the parts in which nerves are distributed, and the stimulus is tempe rature. 7th. Touching, of which sense the organ is all those parts in which nerves are distributed, and the stimulus is pres sure. That the retina, or a certain expansion of the optic nerve within the eye, forms the seat of vision; that the filaments of the portio mollis of the auditory nerve floating in a gelatinous fluid contained in a sac of the internal ear, form the seat of hearing; that the filaments of the olfactory nerves distributed in the pituitary membrane lining the nostrils, form the seat of smelling; that the villous termination of certain nerves upon the surface of the tongue, form the seat of tasting, and that light, sound, odour, and flavour, form the stimuli of the eye, ear, nose, and tongue, are opinious which were before, and which are still to be admitted. The sexual sense is placed before feel ing and touching, because it resembles, more than they, the senses classed before it, in having a local organ appropriated for its seat; and it is classed immediately after tasting, because its stimulus bears to the secretion of that organ, nearly the same relation that flavour bears to food. The sense of feeling, which is employed to discover the temperature of bodies, is seated, pretty generally, at the terminations of the nerves, but especially at the terminations of those nerves which are distributed in smooth surfaces, such as the skin, the membranes lining internal cavities, &c. Of this sense, the stimulus is temperature; or, in other words, the sensations of this sense result from the insinuation of caloric between, and the abstraction of it from between, the medullary particles of the outer extremities of nerves. The sense of touching, which is exercised on the properly tangible qualities of bodies, is diffused, very generally, through all those parts in which nerves teminate, but is seated particularly in the papilla of the skin, especially in those at the end of the fingers and toes. The proper stimulus of this sense is pressure, which produces sensation by forcing nearer to contact, and allowing to recede from contact, the medullary particles of the external terminations of the nerves. We are said to gain many and quite dissimilar ideas by the sense of touch; but every idea that results not from the ap [Oct. 1, plication of simple pressure on the nerves, does not properly belong to this sense, but is arrangeable under some other sense, instimulation, or metaphysical faculty: so that pressure, variously modified, is the stimulus of touching, as light, variously modified, is the stimulus of seeing; or as sound, odour, flavour, and temperature, variously modified, are the stimuli of other external senses. Thus are advanced my notions of the external senses, but whether they are refutable, or worthy to be admitted, remains to be determined by the scientific correspondents of the New Monthly Magazine. I cannot conclude this subject without first expressing a hope that either my observations may induce or my innovations may urge my betters to a careful consideration of the subject. July 24, 1814. EPSILON KAppa. DESCRIPTION of MAIDEN BOWER, near DUNSTABLE. To the Editor of the New Monthly Magazine. DURING a late excursion in the vicinity of Dunstable, in Bedfordshire, I was directed, upon inquiry for those places which antiquity had, by any particular circumstance, rendered most deserving of attention, to a piece of ground called "Maiden Bower." From the labouring peasants near it, I could gain but little information; and I determined upon seeking, through the medium of your va luable magazine, for more accurate intel ligence relative to a spot of which I had already learned enough to raise my curiosity. Calling. however, in my way to London, on a much respected friend, he referred to a work entitled " England Displayed," folio, 1769, which gave an account so satisfactory, that I immediately resolved upon transmitting it to your publication, hoping that it might prove as interesting to others of your readers as to myself. I have forborne any description of the spot, as that given below is very accurate. "About a mile from this town, (Dunstable,) on the descent of the Chiltern hills, there is a round fortification, supposed to have been a town of the ancient Britons: it includes about nine acres; the rampart is pretty high, but there is no appearance of a ditch. This place is called Madning Bower, Madin Bower, or Maiden Bower, and coins of the em perors are frequently found here by the peasants, who call them Madning mo ney. Camden supposes it to have been a Roman station, which Antoninus, in |