(From the Author's A Peep into the Past-Brighton in the Olden Time.")

water. Later on, Mr. Joseph Hume, M.P., who was a Shareholder of the Chain Pier Company, came over from Worthing, and with Captain Brown visited the Pier, when Mr. Hume expressed his entire concurrence in the proposed arrangements. A plan had been submitted to Captain Brown, with the view of converting the Pier into an effectual Breakwater, by filling up the piles at the end with chalk and stone, and lengthening the outer head -20ft. to the south and 30ft. westward. No other details of the proposed Breakwater itself or of its proportions and mode of construction are recorded; but it was regarded with much favour in the town, as it would, doubtless, increase the benefits which the Pier had already conferred upon it, by affording, in stormy weather, a safe point of embarkation for the steam packets (the necessity for which had been proved on several occasions), and would also enable Royal yachts, and even frigates, to come alongside, the depth of water being amply sufficient for the purpose. The cost-that bane of local Breakwaters before and since-was deemed to be considerable; and the project, we suppose, was abandoned, as we learn no more of it.*

Early in 1845 a floating breakwater, of ingenious design, was projected by Captain Taylor, and a section of it lay off the town for a considerable period. It excited a good deal of interest. The French Government had it inspected; and it seemed to be regarded with general favour, by reason of its simplicity of construction, security, and economy in reparation. Despite its acknowledged utility, no steps appear to have been taken to complete it, and after a time it drifted or was brought ashore, and was subsequently broken up and sold, we believe, for match-wood! Later on there was an endeavour to 66 promote" the construction of an “ Intended Harbour at Brighton," invented and designed by William Henry Smith, Esq., C.E. From a drawing published by Grant, Castle-square, it was of an attractive character and was apparently skilfully designed for its intended purpose. The projector stated that it could be constructed in three months; the scheme, however, for some reason or other, was abandoned.

H

But sad times were coming for the Pier. There occurred in 1833 and 1836 very violent storms, each of which was a "heavy blow and great discouragement" to the Pier Company, as serious damage was on each occasion done to the beautiful structure. The details of these events will be read with melancholy interest.

The Storm of 1833-Severe Injury to the Pier.

A disastrous and appalling accident befel the Pier on the evening of Tuesday, October 15th, 1833, which excited much controversy as to the actual cause of the destruction of the third platform and derangement of several parts of the fabric-whether it was due to wind, water, or electricity. The water theory was quickly disposed of, it being low water at the time of the catastrophe; and it was, therefore, concluded to have been due either to wind or electricity. Whatever the cause, it is a remarkable fact that the destruction of the bridge immediately followed a terrible flash of lightning, which was seen to descend upon the Pier, run along the platform, and at the centre develop into an awful blaze. The result was beyond dispute. The destroying power left the second bridge a ruin, hanging down within a few feet of the At the third there was a gaping chasm, with no communication between the separate portions except the main chains. For the space of 30ft. or 40ft. the whole of the woodwork, the platform, the iron railings, suspension rods, &c., had totally disappeared. The third pair of Towers were forced out of their perpendicular, and the fourth bridge bellied down some 18 inches to the sea; but the Pier-head, with its stone platform, stood firm. The spectacle presented by the erst beautiful fabric was of the saddest. Twisted rods, broken and splintered woodwork, and shattered Towers were but details in a disaster

water.