It is a source of congratulation to observe considerable economy in the expenditure which so great an undertaking requires, can be effected by using, in a general way, the Pinus Sylvestris, or red fir, grown in the neighbouring plantations; {74} these, if taken down in the winter months, trimming them, and depositing them in the sea, in readiness for insertion as opportunity suits, will retain their resinous properties in the greatest abundance, and prevent the exudation, which an exposure to the spring and summer months would inevitably produce. Upon the resin they contain their toughness depends, and by adopting the above plan, and using those small in diameter, the instrument necessary for propelling them into the beach, will not disturb the surface of the pile most exposed to its influence. The following instance will prove their durability, and that a careful insertion of the piles is only necessary to render their stability certain, even if extraordinary gales should cause the legitimate beach to be disturbed. At Mundsley, several years ago, not within the memory of the oldest inhabitant, some fishermen drove four piles, six inches in diameter, into the beach, between high and low water mark, for the purpose of forming what is termed a coy, for containing lobsters caught at sea, until an opportunity for their disposal occurred. To the piles were attached some boards, so as to form a square, within which was placed a box for their reception; and a piece of wood, fastened upon the top, prevented the box from being disturbed by the water. At length, however, it became disused, the boards attached to the piles gave way, but the latter still remain firmly imbedded in the strata beneath, and their tops are only visible when north and north-west winds prevail, the sand lying around, above, and between them being then removed.