The North Foreland, the most eastern point of England, and supposed to be the "Cantium" of Ptolemy, forms a bold projection on the line of cliffs between Broadstairs and Kingsgate. On this promontory stands the North Foreland Lighthouse, which has proved an incalculable safeguard to the navigation of the Downs, which, independently of the near vicinity of the Goodwin Sands, is attended with great risk in dark and stormy weather. The lights consist of patent lamps, with large magnifying lenses twenty inches in diameter, which are lighted at sunset, and kept burning till after daybreak. From the top the view of the straits and French coast is most extensive, and on this account it is much resorted to by strangers. The date of its erection is that of the landing of King Charles at Kingsgate, already noticed. The Goodwin Sands, which here protect the Downs from the swell of the Northern Ocean, are about seven miles from the coast, ten miles long, and two or more in breadth. They consist of a more soft, fluid, porous, spongy, but withal tenacious substance, than the neighbouring sands, and are consequently of such a quality, that when a ship strikes upon them there is but very little chance of her getting off: the nature of the sand being to swallow its prey in a few hours, while the surf, which breaks over them, frustrates all attempts to approach the ill-fated vessel. When the tide, however, has ebbed sufficiently, these sands become so hard and firm that cricket-matches have been played upon them. But woe to him who does not quit so treacherous a field at the proper moment; for on the return of the tide they are instantly converted into quicksands, that float to and fro with the waves. [Illustration: "THE WESTMINSTER" AND "CLAUDINE," ASHORE NEAR MARGATE.] SCENE NEAR MARGATE. TWO VESSELS ASHORE. At night, beneath a cloudless moon, Yon gallant vessel plough'd her way; But storms arose:--next day at noon, A stranded wreck that vessel lay! So man, beneath a flattering sun, Puts forth in pride his slender sail; But while he dreams of treasure won, His bark is shatter'd in the gale.--W. B. Along the west side of the Isle of Thanet the sea has made very considerable encroachments; many of the ancient landmarks have been washed away, and naturally exposed to the fury of the north and east winds, great portions of the cliffs have gradually disappeared in the sea. The same causes continuing in active operation, the effects are annually perceptible upon the boundary line, which defends this coast from the Northern Ocean. But the damage sustained in the east is amply compensated for in the west of England, where a territory fit for the accommodation of 20,000 or 30,000 inhabitants might be gained from the tide-mark at little comparative outlay. We allude to the projected improvements on the Lancashire coast, particularly Morecambe Bay, and the estuary of the river Duddon.