What was sand supplied for in eighteenth century?

[Nova67]

I am wondering about this occupational interest and what it would have been used for:


Henry Johns, Hamoaze Dock. His late father, Henry Johns, was contracted with Edward Hutchins to supply fresh and salt water sand. Asks to be allowed to complete the contract in his own name and with Mr Hutchins.

Record from 15 June 1731 at The National Archives, Kew:
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C13411434

Any thoughts

[jaybelnz]

Maybe building blocks or something in the building dept, perhaps for mortar-
Perhaps glassblowing, probably others too, but if this man had contracts to fulfil, my guess would be something in trade!

Jeanne 

[Nova67]

Thanks. I wondered if it was anything specific to the naval docks? I have no idea! I did read something about spreading sand on farming land in the Tamar.

[majm]

perhaps ballast onboard the navy vessels.....

Add

Have you searched for any initial advertisement calling for tenders .....

Cheers,  JM

[jaybelnz]

Spreading on icy or muddy or roads - tracks - things like that! 
Golly, you have me scratching my head now!

Jeanne 

[youngtug]

Being that they were at what is now called Devonport it could have been a Naval contract.

[majm]

sand ..... fresh water and salt water

holy stone

scrubbing decks of navy ships

[majm]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holystone

[Guy Etchells]

Sand was and is still used for a hundred and one uses, from casting objects such as bells to spreading on roads with gravel to make a firm compact surface.
It was also used in building, glass making sand is also used in horticulture to provide drainage in heavy soil, it has always been an important though plentiful commodity.
Cheers
Guy