517
tion that buildings are erected on this outer edge to a
height of 55 feet above Low Water Spring Tides or 43 feet
above the level of the reclamation, the axes of the guns
being 110 feet above that level, I have shown the outer
limit of the dead water that would result. The assumption
I have made for the purpose of putting the matter in the
most unfavourable light cannot. however, be realised in prac-
tice.
Apart from the fact that the buildings must for
safety be removed some way in rear of the edge of the recla-
mation the advantages of the site abutting on deep water
would be lost unless a clear space of considerable depth
for the loading or discharging of cargo be left between
the sea wall and any buildings behind it. Again these
buildings would certainly not be continuous. Probably if
no restrictions are imposed the reclamation, which itself
would only be effected by degrees, would in the course of
time have isolated buildings and sheds and possibly a few
tall chimneys erected on it at some distance behind the
sea wall. Nothing like the area of dead water which I have
shown on the chart would be created and any such area as
might be formed would only come into existence in the
course of years during which the North Point Battery might
very likely cease to exist as other ideas for the defence
of