NOTES—ORIGINAL AND SELECTED.
237
increased in size, and spread over a wider expanse. In the central portion
of the area of the crevices (about 70 yards, with an extreme breadth of about
30 yards), the land sank several inches, while towards the sea, as if forced off
by the thrust of the immense mass behind (estimated at 20,000 cubic yards),
a considerable portion of soil fell down to the beach, leaving the face of the
Cliff perpendicular. The extent of the slip is about 70 yards in length, with a
depth of about 30 yards. The footings of the Cliff at this place are not
protected, and have long been exposed to the full force of the sea. The wash
of the waves will probably eventually absorb the debris thus cast down. A
few years ago it was intended to place a groyne (in addition to the one shown
in the view) opposite the place where the slip has now occurred, but unfortu-
nately the project was abandoned on the score of expense. The view
draughted by the skilful pencil of Mr. W. G. Benham (for the loan of block
we have to thank our member, Mr. C. E. Benham, of the Essex Standard), is
taken from a point just beyond Burnt House Farm, and facing Frinton-on-
Sea, the church of that place being shown in the distance. The slip brings
the edge of the Cliff to within 50 yards of the fence of the Great Eastern
Railway line (a circumstance uncomfortably noticeable to travellers to
Walton as soon as they have left Frinton Station), and about 42 yards of the
large water-main which brings Walton its supply of drinking water from
Manningtree. It is therefore imperative that no time should be lost in
preventing further encroachments at the spot, by the construction of
further groynes, as advocated by Mr. Bruff, or in some other way. The
circumstance has some geological interest, as showing how rapidly under
certain circumstances considerable changes in the coast line may have
happened. The land from Burnt House to Frinton is constantly diminishing.
The value is small except for agricultural purposes, and would not repay
private expenditure for its protection and preservation.
METEOROLOGY.
Rainfall and Temperature in Essex in 1897.—The following reports
from some of the observers in Essex may be worth bringing together :—
Lexden near Colchester.—Mr. S. F. Hurnard thus records the monthly
totals for rainfall at Lexden, as taken by a 5-in. certified gauge, read daily :—