“The work is another interesting addition to Norfolk literature, and the plan for the conservation of our Northern shores, is worthy attention, as coming from a gentleman, who, to some experience at least, adds the claim of having paid considerable attention to a subject of no little importance to the Northern and Eastern districts of the County.”
Norwich Mercury.“The subject of this Essay is indeed of prime importance—First in a national point of view, as embracing particularly the interest of the public, and concerning in the closest manner the preservation of all the property of individuals situated on the contour of the coast of Norfolk, from the North Westerly point at Wells, to the Haven of Great Yarmouth.
“The main object of the enquiry is to discover the best plan of restraining the ravages of the sea, during the periods of extraordinary high tides; and on this point we entirely agree with Mr. Hewitt’s general view, and are strongly inclined to believe that it will answer in most cases where it may be judiciously carried into effect”
Norfolk News.
“The publication of this volume may be considered well timed. It contains much information respecting the tides and currents of the ocean—the formation of the Norfolk Coast—the damage done by irruptions of the sea, &c. We are no engineers, therefore we do not pretend to pronounce upon the merits of Mr. Hewitt’s plan for the construction of jetties, breakwaters, &c.; but it appears feasible, and merits the consideration of those whose property has been, and is threatened to be injured by the incursions of the ocean. And we consider the work (which is dedicated to the Lords of the Admiralty,) to be creditable to the industry of the Author.”
Norfolk Chronicle.
“The author is a gentleman, whose profession (a surgeon,) could hardly be supposed to allow him much time to devote to a subject such earnest thought and investigation, as the one he has here attacked. Mr. Hewitt, however, has evidently applied himself to this question con amore, and the work now before us evinces that he has brought to its consideration, a mind capable of patient and careful research into the many and varied causes that bear upon it. Though undertaken more especially with a view to searching out and propounding a remedy for the locality of which it immediately treats, a considerable portion of the work refers to the Encroachments of the Ocean generally, upon all exposed points of the coast, and there is much in it that would apply to the Southern, as forcibly as to the Eastern coast
“Mr. Hewitt describes the plan which he recommends as the best mode of imposing a check to the Encroachments of the Ocean, and shows the supposed elevation of the beach from the deposit of sand likely to be caused by the inventor’s plan.
“The work is written in an earnest, but modest and unpretending style, and the aim of the author is so good and praiseworthy, that should it fail to make the impression on head quarters, desired by its writer, he will, under all circumstances, have the satisfaction of feeling that he has laboured in a good cause. While other minds may perhaps entertain different views as to the utility or practicability of his scheme, they cannot fail to admit Mr. Hewitt deserves the thanks of his country, for the benevolent motives which have actuated, and the patient and diligent care which has directed his efforts in the field in which he has thus become a labourer.”
Sussex Advertiser, and Surrey Gazette.
“A remarkable ‘Essay’ which has met with the usual attention bestowed upon Cassandric warnings.”
Dickens’ Household Words.
