PORT ECONOMICS
obviously not very durable); and slicework, in which
moderately-sized concrete blocks are inclined at an angle
to the horizontal so as to permit of settlement without
disturbance of adjacent parts.

Although an essential feature of harbour construction
and an undoubted necessity in the case of ports situated
on an exposed coastline, the subject of breakwaters cannot
now be discussed at any length. In its engineering aspect,
it will be found treated in other works by the writer, to
which reference is made in the Preface.
ACCOMMODATION

We have so far dealt with the physical conditions
affecting ports. We have now to consider the commercial
side of the matter and discuss the various features which
are associated with what we have termed Accommodation,
in other words, facilities and opportunities for carrying
on trading operations. A harbour by itself or in the
undeveloped condition, does not suffice for all the require-
ments of a port, which, as already indicated, must include
convenient and continuous accessibility, and means for the
landing and loading of goods and for the embarkation and
disembarkation of passengers. Quays, alongside which
ships can berth ;: sheds and warehouses, in which goods
may be temporarily deposited; cranes and appliances

for handling the goods between ship and shore; service
roads and railway tracks, with vehicles appropriate to
each system of transport; repairing depots—these and
many other features are essential appanages of ports from
the trading side, and it is at this point that it will be well
to consider the port in its relation to commercial operations.
PORT SERVICES

A port, we have explained, is a connecting link between
land and sea traffic; its shipping and land services will
accordingly be co-ordinated to this end, and will radiate

1 Chiefly, The Principles and Practice of Harbour Engineering.

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