Chap. XXVI. FASCINES AND BASKET-WORK FOR JETTIES. 1523
matter be held in suspension, by allowing it to deposit itself over twigs of trees or fascinesfirmly pegged down, a considerable quantity will be obtained after filtration, and on the
L,g ==l|S-
Fig. 2791,
Fig. 2792.
Fig. 2793.
Fig. 2794,
\igjk E
KSSi
whole becoming bound together, a fresh layer of fascines may be pegged down, upon whichanother course of earthy matter will be deposited, and the work advanced till a certain height
Fig. 2795,
is attained above the level of the salt water ; after which, by exposure to the sun and air, thesurface will be rendered fit for vegetation, producing first grass or rushes, which mixingwith more earthy matter continue to rise above the water altogether, and at last becomefit for agricultural purposes. By means of basket-work an island may be formed inshallow water, the mud being deposited within it at the time of high water; when the tideretires, the whole will settle, and the water draining off, become more and more consolidatedat every fresh deposit, the wicker-work being admirably adapted to allow the surpluswater to pass away, and the more solid matter to be retained. When such operations wereconducted upon a large scale in Holland, the islands were at first of no very considerable
5 e 2