Skip to main content

Full text of "Report of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the condition and management of lights, buoys and beacons : together with a letter from Rear-Admiral W.A.B. Hamilton, chairman of the Commission, and appendix and index"

See other formats


m     /  j 


\  1^.^% 


^ 


>\. 


X 


REPOET     ^v^^^^^'t^^ 
THE      COMMISSIONEES 


APPOINTED    TO     INQUIRE     INTO 


THE    CONDITION   AND   MANAGEMENT    OF 
LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


TOGETHER   WITH   A 


LETTER  FROM  REAR-ADMIRAL  W.  A.  B.  HAMILTON, 

CHAIRMAN  OF  THE  COMMISSION, 


APPENDIX     AND     INDEX. 
VOL.    I. 

Ilifgftttfti  to  tjotf)  3^om(»  of  IParliatnntt  fiy  (Commanlr  of  Jtjrr  iFHairgt};. 


L  0  ND  0  N : 
PRINTED  BY  GEORGE  EDWARD  EYRE  AND  WILLIAM  SPOTTISWOODE, 

PRINTERS   TO   THE   QUEEN'S  MOST  EXCELLENT  MAJESTY. 

POR  HER  MAJESTY'S  STATIONERY  OFFICE. 
1861. 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS. 


982  pages.     Vols.  I.  and  II. 

VOL.  I. 

Pages  1—6.     TITLE,  TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 

Pages  7,  8.     COMMISSION. 

Pages  i— xlii.     REPORT. 

Pages  xliii— li.     CHAIRMAN'S   LETTER. 


Pages  1—227.     APPENDIX. 

Pages  1—22.  ELECTRIC   LIGHT. 

Pages. 

1 — 2.       Observations  on  the  Electric  Light  at  South  Foreland. 

2—4. 

4—5. 


Reports  made  to  the  Trinity  House  by  Professor  Faraday. 
Observations  on  Professor  Way's  Electric  Light. 


5.         Memoranda  of  a  visit  to  the  establishment  of  Mr.  Wilkins,  Manufacturer  of 
lamps,  reflectors,  &c. 
6 — 8.       Memoranda  of  a  visit  to  the  Trinity  House  Buoy  Wharf. 

Pages  8—33.     CRUIZE   OF   THE   VIVID. 
Including  observations  made  by  the  Commission,  on  Lights,  &c.,  in  England, 
Scotland,  and  Ireland  during  a  cruize  round  the  coast  of  Great  Britain  ; 
and  certain  other  observations  subsequently  made  on  some  of  the  lights 
visited  or  seen  alight. 
8 — 17.     Lights,  &c.,  in  England  from  Beachy  Head  to  the  Smalls. 
17 — 19-         Do.  in  Ireland  from  Coningbergs  to  Baily  Howth. 

19—20.         Do.  in  England  from  South  Stack  to  Liverpool.     The  observations 

on  Lights  at  Liverpool,  are  in  Vol.  II.,  p.  326,  &c. 
20 — 22.         Do.  in  Ireland,  from  South  Rock  to  Instrahull. 

22 — 29.         Do.  in   Scotland,  from   Oversay    to  Berwick-upon-Tweed.       North 

about. 
29 — 33.         Do.  in  England,  from  The  Fern  to  Dover. 

Pages  33—41.     OBSERVATIONS  ON  LIGHTS  ABROAD. 

33 — 36,     Lights,  &c.,  in  France. — West  Coast. 

36.  Do.         in  Spain. — North     do.  , 

36 — 38.  Do.         in  France. — West    do. 

38.  Do.  do.         South  do. 

38—41.  Do.  do.         North  do. 

Pages  41—43.  OBSERVATIONS  ON  LIGHTS  IN  IRELAND  AND  SCOTLAND,  &c. 

41 — 42.     Lights,  &c.,  in  Ireland  from  The  Hook  to  Belfast,  by  the  West  Coast. 
42—43.  Do.         in  Scotland,  Clyde. 


43 — 44.  Visit  to  the  Manufactory  of  the  Messrs.  Chance,  Birmingham, 

44.  First  meeting  with  the  Astronomer  Royal,  at  Millbank  Street. 

44 — 46.  Observations  on  Lights,  &c.,  in  the  Isle  of  Man. 

46.  Visit  of  Col.  La  Touche  to  7,  Millbank  Street. 

Pages  46—62.     SPECIAL    INSPECTIONS. 
Including  accounts  of   visits   made  to,  and   experiments   tried   at   various 
Lighthouses  at  home  and  abroad,  with  a  special  view  to  the  adjustment 
of  the  illuminating  apparatus; 

a2 


^  TABLE   OF   CONTENTS. 

Paffes. 

g3 ji.     Summary  of  Observations  of  the   Commissioners  on  their  visit  to  Whitby 

Lighthouses,  &c. 

J I -Q.  Investigations  proposed  by  Dr.  Gladstone  for  perfecting  the  theory  of  Light- 
house illumination ;  and  paper  on  the  "  Relative  position  of  the  flame  to 
the  different  parts  of  a  dioptric  apparatus." 

77 — 89.    Letters  from  the  Astronomer  Royal. 

90 96.    Reports  made  by  Professor  Faraday  to  the  Trinity  House. 

97__1U1.  Observations  by  Mr.  James  Chance.^ 

102.  Ditto         by  the  Messrs.  D.  and  T.  Stevenson,  C.E. 

102.  Ditto         bv  ^Ir.  James  Chance.     Diagram  by  the  Messrs.  Stevenson. 

EVIDENCE,  Vol.  IL 
J03 120.  Abstracts  and  summaries  of  the  evidence  given  in  reply  to  Circulars  I.  to  VIIL 

Pages  121—207,     ORAL  EVIDENCE. 

121 123.  P.  H.  Berthon,  Esq.,  Secretary  to  the  Trinity  House. 

123.       Robin  Allen,  Esq.,  Clerk  to  the  Trinity  House. 

123 126.  The  Right  Hon.  T.  M.  Gibson,  M.P.,'  President  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  and 

T.  H.  Farrer,  Esq.,  Secretary  to  the  ^Marine  Department. 
127—130.  Sir  James  Dombrain,  and 

130 138.  The  Ri^ht  Hon.   the   Earl  of  Meath,   Members  of  the  Corporation  of  the 

Ballast  Board,  Dublin. 
138—141.  T.  H.  Farrer,  Esq.,  re-examined. 
141_-153,  Papers  referred  to  in  the  evidence  of  Mr.  Farrer. 

153 167.  Rear-Admiral  Gordon,  Deputy  Master  of  the  Trinity  Hou?e. 

157 173.  "\V.  H.  Cutler,  Esq.,  and  Professor  Holmes;  as  to  the  electric  light. 

174 189.  A.    Cuningham,  Esq.,  and    David     Stevenson,   Esq.,   C.E.,    Secretary   and 

Eno-ineer,  employed  by  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses ; 
including  a  written  statement  by  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Light- 
houses and  other  papers. 

189 207.  Capt.  Sulivan,  R.N.,  Professional  Member  of  the  Board  of  Trade. 

207.       Mr.  Thomas  Stevenson,  C.E. 
207.      Capt.  Sulivan  re-examined. 

208 209.  Contracts  and  tenders  for  the  supply  of  illuminating  apparatus  to  the  Trinity 

House. 

210.  Specifications  for  illuminating  apparatus. 

211.  Convictions  for  offences  committed  by  officers  of  the  Trinity  House. 
213.       Expense  of  keepers'  dweUings  at  Scilly,  Reliefs,  &c. 

213 214.  Circular  XHI.     Observations  by  Mariners  on  Whitby  Lights. 

21. 5.  Consumption  of  oil  at  Whitby. 

21.5.  Report  bv  the  Hydrographer  to  the  Admiralty. 

220.  Scheme  of  Buoyage  proposed  for  general  adoption  by  Comdr.  Bedford, 

221.  Circular  XIV.      Observations  by  Mariners  on  the  fog  signal  at  Boulogne. 

222.  Measurement  of  the  coasts  of  the  United  Kingdom  and  France. 

222.  Suggestions  for  inspections, 

223.  Proposed  experiments  on  lamps. 

223.  Correspondence  with  the  Scotch  Board  as  to  the  adjustment  of  apparatus. 

224.  Observations  by  Dr.  Gladstone  on  the  electric  light  and  steam  fog  signals  at 

Northfleet . 
22.'3.      Admiralty  Circular  to  their  Chart  Agents. 

225.  Further  Remarks  by  the  Astronomer  Royal  on  the  adoption  and  placing  the 

Electric  Light. 
22.5.      Electric  Light  about  to  be  used  in  France. 

PLATES. 
226.      Explanation  of  Plates. 
Plates, 

INDEX  {^in  preparation). 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


VOL.  II. 


1st,— CIRCULARS  ISSUED  BY  THE  COMMISSION,  I.  to  XI. 

These  contain  the  questions  to  which  the  returns  printed  in  the  Appendix  of  Vol.  II., 
arc  rcpHes,  and  are  a  key  to  the  whole. 

Opposite  to  the  questions  references  are  given  to  the  pages  where  the  replies  may  be 
found.     Some  abstracts  are  given,  and  other  information  is  added. 

Each  reply  is  numbered  to  correspond  to  the  question  to  which  it  is  an  answer. 

Example  1. — It  is  desired  to  know  what  is  the  description  of  illuminating  apparatus 
at  any  lighthouse — under  any  of  the  General  Authorities — • 

Open  out  Circular  III.,  and  the  Question  will  be  found  as  (No.  21)  XXI. 

Search  in  the  map  for  the  number  of  the  Lighthouse  in  question  ;  say  No.  1  Fern,  in 
England. 

Search  for  No.  I.  under  the  heading — Circular  No.  III.,  England,  and  the  information 
will  be  found,  Vol.  II.  p.  65,  opposite  to  the  No.  XXL,  and  the  same  information  for 
every  Lighthouse  will  be  found  opposite  to  the  same  Number, — XXI. 

Example  2. — It  is  desired  to  know  the  opinion  of  John  Smith,  Mariner,  as  to  the  best 
shapes  and  colours  for  buoys. 

Open  out  Circular  VIII.,  IMariners'  Questions,  and  the  question  which  elicited  the 
information  will  be  found  opposite  to  — No.  17- 

Search  for  Smith's  luiniber  in  the  alphabetical  list  of  Mariners,  page  466,  and  opposite 
to  his  name  is  the  number  292. 

Look  for  292,  under  the  heading — Question  17,  Mariners'  Evidence,  page  526,  and  the 
evidence  of  John  Smith  on  this  point  will  be  found  : 

"  292.  The  nun  buoys,  black  or  red,  are  best  seen  at  night." 

Example  3. — It  is  desired  to  know  what  is  the  bearing  of  the  evidence  given  on  the 
same  point  by  the  whole  of  the  witnesses. 

Look  to  the  Abstract,  page  587,  and  the  result  of  the  evidence  of  657  witnesses  will  Vol.  i.  p.  110. 
be  found  opposite  to  Question  17,  which  elicited  the  information. 

Example  4. — Information  is  wanted  relative  to  a  Local  Authority ;  say  Liverpool. 

Search  for  the  question  in  the  Circulars,  and  for  the  name  of  the  Local  Authority 
under  letter  L,  and  under  the  heading — Local  Authorities,  England ;  and  the  answer  to 
the  question  will  be  found  under  the  Marginal  Heading,  and  the  number  of  the  Circular, 
and  of  the  Question,  page  326. 

Example  5. — The  opinion  of  a  Scientific  Witness  is  wanted  on  any  point  raised  by  a 
question  in  Circulars  IX.  and  X. 

Search  for  his  name,  in  the  list  on  the  Circular,  and  his  evidence  will  be  found  under 
the  number  of  the  question. 

Example  6. — Information  is  wanted  as  to  some  foreign  country. 

In  Circular  XI.  search  for  the  name  of  the  country  and  for  the  question,  and  look  to 
the  return  under  the  number  of  the  question  for  the  answer. 


GENERAL 

AUTHORITIES. 

Trinity  House, 
England. 

Commissioners  of 
Northern  Light- 
houses, Scotland. 

Ballast  Board, 
Dublin. 

Replies  to  Circular. 

Abstracts  iu 
Vol.  I. 

Pages. 

Pages. 

Pages. 

Pages. 

1—    .54 

153  —  163 

209  —  224 

I.  As  to  Constitution  of  the  Authority,  &c. 

103 

55—    64 

163—172 

225  —  227 

II.  General  Lighthouse  Return 

103—105 

65  — 106 

173  —  188 

228  —  262 

III.  Special  Lighthouse  Returns 

106—120 

107—109 

- 

263  —  263 

II.  General  Floating  Light  Return 

105—106 

110—126 

- 

264  —  266 

IV.   Special  Floating  Light  Returns 

106 

127  —  145 

189  —  201 

267  —  274 

V.  Buoj^s  and  Beacons  Returns 

106 

146—152 

201  —  208 

275  —  278 

VI.  Lloyd's  Agents'  Evidence        -        .        - 

107—108 

TABLE   OF  CONTENTS. 


Page  279.     LOCAL  AUTHORITIES. 

Pages 

280 — 284.  List  of  Authorities  having  charge  of  Lights,  61103-8,  and  Beacons  in  the 

United  Kingdom. 
285 — 424.   Replies  to  Circulars  II.,  III.,  IV.,  V.,  VL,  and   observations   made  by  the 

Commissioners   relative    to    Lights,    Buoys,    and    Beacons,  &c.    imder 

Local  Authorities.      These  are  alphabetically  arranged  in  three  groups 

under — England, — Scotland, — Ireland. 

Page  425.     MERCANTILE  MARINE  EVIDENCE.— Circular  VII. 

425.         Alphabetical  list  and  index  number  of  each  witness. 
426 — 442.  Evidence.     All  the  answers  printed  under  each  question, 
443—444.  Abstract. 

Page  445.     MARINERS'  EVIDENCE.— Circular  VIII. 

446.         Alphabetical  list  and  index  number  of  each  witness. 
449 — 5/8.  Evidence  arranged  as  above. 
579—585.  Appendix. 

586.         Abstract. 

Page  589.     EVIDENCE  OF  SCIENTIFIC  WITNESSES.— Circulars  IX.  X. 

589 — 630.  Evidence  arranged  under  the  name  of  each  witness  in  the  form  in  which  it 
was  given. 

Page  631.    COLONIAL  LIGHTS. 

631 — 637.  Correspondence  with  Board  of  Trade. 

637-  Circular  II.,  General  Lighthouse  Return. 

638—643.  Circular  III.     Special  Lighthouse  Returns. 

643 — 649.  Evidence  of  Alexander  Gordon,  Esq.  C.E. 

650.  Circular  XIL,  and  replies  thereto. 

Page  651.     FOREIGN  COUNTRIES. 
Replies  to  Circular  XI. 

651.  United  States  of  America, 

655.  Turkey.  , 

656.  Norway. 
959.  Sweden. 

66 1 .  Hanover. 

662.  Hamburgh. 
665.  Spain. 
669.  France. 
676.  Denmark. 

682.  Russia. 

683.  Holland. 

687.  Belgium. 

688.  Austria. 


MISCELLANEOUS. 

690.  A  Local  Return.— Northfleet. 

691.  A  Mariner's  reply.— Peter  Dodd. 


COMMISSION. 


VICTORIA  R. 

VICTORIA,  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  the  United  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland 
Queen,  Defender  of  tlie  Faith  :  To  Our  trusty  and  well-beloved  William  Alexander 
Baillie  Hamilton,  Esquire,  Rear  Admiral  in  Our  Navy ;  Alfred  Phillips  Ryder, 
Esquire,  Captain  in  Our  Navy;  John  Hall  Gladstone,  Esquire;  Duncan  Dunbar, 
Esquire,  Chairman  of  the  London  Local  Marine  Board,  and  Samuel  Robert  Graves, 
Esquire,  Chairman  of  the  Liverpool  Local  Marine  Board;  Greeting: — 

Whereas  We  have  deemed  it  expedient  that  a  Commission  should  forthwith  issue  for 
inquiring  into  the  condition  and  management  of  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons  :  Now, 
know  ye,  that  We,  reposing  great  trust  and  confidence  in  your  zeal  and  ability,  have 
authorised  and  appointed,  and  do  by  these  presents  authorise  and  appoint  you,  the  said 
WiLUAM  Alexander  Baillie  Hamilton,  Alfred  Phillips  Ryder,  John  Hall  Gladstone, 
Duncan  Dunbar,  and  Samuel  Robert  Graves  to  be  Our  Commissioners  for  the  purposes 
aforesaid,  and  Our  will  and  pleasure  is  that  you,  or  any  one  or  more  of  you,  shall 
especially  inquire  into  the  number,  quality,  and  position  of  the  lighthouses,  floating  lights, 
buoys,  and  beacons  on  the  coasts  of  the  United  Kingdom,  both  absolutely  and  relatively, 
as  compared  with  the  lighthouses,  floating  lights,  buoys,  and  beacons  on  the  coasts  of 
any  foreign  countries,  and  into  the  sufficiency  of  the  said  lighthouses,  floating  lights, 
buoys,  and  beacons,  for  the  efficient  lighting  and  buoying  of  the  coasts  of  the  United 
Kingdom.  And  also,  to  inquire  into  the  expense  of  constructing  and  maintaining  the 
lighthouses,  floating  lights,  buoys,  and  beacons  of  the  United  Kingdom,  both  absolutely 
and  relatively,  as  compared  with  the  expense  of  constructing  and  maintaining  the  light- 
houses, floating  lights,  buoys,  and  beacons  of  any  foreign  countries.  And  also,  to  inquire 
whether  the  present  system  of  management  and  control  under  which  the  lighthouses, 
floating  lights,  buoys,  and  beacons  on  the  coasts  of  the  United  Kingdom  are  constructed 
and  maintained,  according  to  the  provisions  of  the  "  Merchant  Shipping  Act,  1854,"  is 
well  adapted  for  securing  the  most  efficient  lighting  and  buoying  of  the  coasts  of  the 
United  Kingdom,  with  a  due  regard  to  economy,  or  Avhether  any,  and,  if  any,  what 
change  might  be  advantageously  made  in  that  system.  And  also,  whether  any,  and, 
if  any,  what  further  supervision  or  control  might  advantageously  be  exercised  over  any 
local  authority  having  jurisdiction  in  the  matter  of  lights,  buoys,  or  beacons  in  the  United 
Kingdom.  And  also,  whether  the  system  now  in  force  for  the  construction,  maintenance, 
and  control  of  certain  lighthouses  in  Our  Colonial  Possessions,  under  the  superintendence 
of  Our  Government,  is  well  adapted  for  ensuring  the  most  efficient  conduct  of  that 
service  with  a  due  regard  to  economy,  or  whether  any  and  what  change  might  advan- 
tageously be  made  in  that  system.  And,  for  the  purpose  of  enabling  you.  Our  said 
Commissioners,  to  make  the  said  inquiries.  We  do  hereby  authorise  and  empower  you, 
or  any  one  or  more  of  you,  to  call  before  you  all  such  persons  as  you  may  judge  most 
competent,  by  reason  of  their  situation,  knowledge,  or  experience,  to  affiard  you  correct 
information  on  the  subject  of  this  inquiry  ;  and  also  to  require  the  production  of  all  books, 
documents,  papers,  and  accounts  which  may  appear  to  you,  or  any  one  or  more  of  you, 
calculated  to  assist  your  researches  in  the  execution  of  the  trust  hereby  reposed  in  you, 
and  to  inquire  concerning  the  premises  by  all  other  lawful  ways  and  means  whatsoever. 

b2 


And  We  do  command  and  require  you,  or  any  one  or  more  of  you,  to  report  to  Us  in 
writing,  under  your  hands  and  seals,  or  vmder  the  hand  and  seal  of  any  one  or  more  of 
you,  as  soon  as  the  same  can  reasonably  be,  your  several  proceedings  by  virtue  of  this 
Ovu:  Commission. 

And  We  -wUl  and  command,  that  this  Our  Commission  shall  continue  in  full  force  and 
virtue  and  that  you  Our  said  Commissioners,  or  any  one  or  more  of  you,  may,  from 
time  to  time,  proceed  in  the  execution  thereof,  and  of  every  matter  and  thing  therein 
contained,  although  the  same  be  not  continued  from  time  to  time  by  adjournment. 

Given  at  Our  Court  of  St.  James's,  the  8th  day  of  December  ISoS,  in  the  22d  -Year 
of  Our  Reign. 

By  Her  Majesty's  Command, 

(Signed)         S.  H.  WALPOLE. 


REPORT. 


TO  THE  QUEEN'S  MOST  EXCELLENT  MAJESTY: 

We,  Your  Majesty's  Commissioners,  appointed  to  "  Inquire  into  the  number,  quality,  Commission. 
"  and  position  of  the  Lighthouses,  Floating  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons  on  the  coasts 
"  of  the  United  Kingdom,  both  absolutely  and  relatively,  as  compared  with  the  Light- 
"  houses,  Floating  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons  on  the  coasts  of  any  foreign  countries,  and 
"  into  the  sufficiency  of  the  said  Lighthouses,  Floating  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons,  for 
"  the  efficient  lighting  and  buoying  of  the  coasts  of  the  United  Kingdom.  And  also  to 
"  inquire  into  the  expense  of  constructing  and  maintaining  the  Lighthouses,  Floating 
"  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons  of  the  United  Kingdom,  both  absolutely  and  relatively, 
"  as  compared  with  the  expense  of  constructing  and  maintaining  the  Lighthouses,  Floating 
"  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons  of  any  foreign  countries.  And  also,  to  inquire  whether  the 
"  present  system  of  management  and  control  under  which  the  Lighthouses,  Floating 
"  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons  on  the  coasts  of  the  United  Kingdom  are  constructed  and 
"  maintained,  according  to  the  provisions  of  the  '  Merchant  Shipping  Act,  1854,' is  well 
"  adapted  for  securing  the  most  efficient  lighting  and  buoying  of  the  coasts  of  the  United 
"  Kingdom,  with  a  due  regard  to  economy,  or  whether  any,  and  if  any,  what  change 
"  might  be  advantageously  made  in  that  system.  And  also,  whether  any,  and  if  any, 
"  what  further  supervision  or  control  might  advantageously  be  exercised  over  any  Local 
"  Authority  having  jurisdiction  in  the  matter  of  Lights,  Buoys,  or  Beacons  in  the  United 
"  Kingdom.  And  also,  whether  the  system  now  in  force  for  the  construction,  main- 
"  tenance,  and  control  of  certain  Lighthouses  in  Our  Colonial  Possessions,  vmder  the 
"  superintendence  of  Our  Government,  is  well  adapted  for  ensuring  the  most  efficient 
"  conduct  of  that  service  with  a  due  regard  to  economy,  or  whether  any  and  what 
"  change  might  advantageously  be  made  in  that  system,"  do  most  humbly  report  to  Your 
Majesty  as  follows  : — 

INTRODUCTORY. 

The  course  pursued  by  Your  Majesty's  Commissioners  in  conducting  their  inquiry  has  course  pursned 
differed  from  that  of  the  Parliamentary  Committees  which  have  inquired  concerning  Lights,  H  ^^^  ^'""* 
Buoys,  and  Beacons,  whose  members  have  in  some  instances  expressed  regret  at  their 
inability  to  visit  the  Lights,  &c.  and  judge  for  themselves.  Our  course  has  also  differed 
from  that  generally  followed  by  Royal  Commissions,  who  have  relied  for  the  most  part  on 
oral  evidence.  This  has  affected  the  form  and  arrangement  of  our  Appendix,  and  we 
think  it  right  to  give  the  reasons  which  induced  us  to  depart  from  the  usual  course,  and 
to  explain  the  arrangement  which  we  have  adopted. 

Your  Commissioners  held  their  first  formal  meeting  on  the  19th  of  January  1859,  and 
their  first  step  was  to  prepare  questions  for  the  examination  of  the  Lighthouse 
Authorities. 

It  appeared  to  Your  Commissioners  that  as  there  were  many  Authorities  having  charge 
of  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons  in  the  United  Kingdom,  it  would  be  highly  desirable  to 
put  the  same  questions  to  all,  so  that  the  action  of  the  authorities  might  be  more  readily 
compared. 

These  Questions  were  accordingly  prepared,  printed,  and  circulated,  and  they  are  now  cu-cuiation  of 
given  in  Vol.  II.  as  Circulars  I.,  II.,  III.,  IV.,  V.     Each  question  in  each  Circular  has  ^"''''°"' 
a  number  affixed  to  it,   and  the  answers  given  by  the  Authorities  are  numbered  so  as 
to  correspond  with  the  numbers  attached  to  the  questions.    The  Circulars  open  out  so  that 
the  questions  may  serve  once  for  all  in  reading  the  Appendix. 

The  Returns  of  the  General  Authorities  in  England,  Scotland,  and  Ireland,  are  placed 
together,  in  the  Second  Volume  at  pages  3  to  278. 

The  Returns  of  the  Local  Authorities,  including  the  Admiralty,  follow,  and  are 
arranged  together  alphabetically  in  the  same  order;  namely,  1.  England,  2.  Scotland,  and 
3.  Ireland,  also  in  Vol.  II.,  pages  631  to  637. 

The  Replies  to  these  Circulars  given  by  the  Board  of  Trade  relative  to  the  Colonial 
Lights  are  in  Vol.  II.,  pages  631  to  637. 

Thus  by  opening  out  Circular  No.  I.,  at  the  beginning  of  Vol.  II.,  the  whole  of  the 
answers  given  in  reply  to  that  series  of  questions,  by  each  Authority  which  has  furnished 
returns,  may  be  found,  by  looking  at  the  top  and  margin  of  each  page,  where  the  uum- 

b  3 


ii  KEPORT  OF  COJIMISSIONEBS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 

ber  of  the  Circular  and  the  name  of  the  Authority  making  the  return  to  it,  and  the  num- 
ber of  the  question  to  which  the  matter  in  the  page  is  a  reply,  will  be  found  as  a  running 
heeding,  &c.  in  the  Appendix.  The  pages  where  the  answers  will  be  found  are  marked 
on  each  Circular. 

Thus  the  reply  given  to  Question  1,  Circular  I.,  by  the  first  of  the  Lighthouse 
x\uthorities  named,  will  be  found  next  after  the  Circulars  ;  and  the  reply  given  to 
Question  27,  Circular  V.,  by  the  Local  Authority  in  Ireland,  whose  initial  comes  last  in 
the  alphabet,  will  be  found  at  the  end  of  the  Returns  from  Local  Authorities,  Vol.  IL, 
page  424. 

Li  order  to  form  a  satisfactory  opinion  of  the  efficiency  of  the  existing  lights,  buoys, 
and  beacons  in  the  United  Kingdom,  both  among  themselves  and  in  comparison  with 
those  of  foreign  countries,  it  seemed  to  Your  Commissioners  necessary  to  adopt  the  widest 
possible  field  of  inquiry,  b}^  inviting  the  opinions  of  such  a  number  of  witnesses  at  home 
and  abroad  as  would  neutralize  partiality  or  prejudice.  Aware  that  such  a  course,  if 
pursued  in  the  usual  way  of  summoning  witnesses,  would  involve  a  very  serious  expense, 
we  adopted  the  plan  of  using  the  printing  press  and  the  post.  In  this  way  more 
witnesses  could  be  examined,  and  at  a  much  smaller  cost ;  and  their  evidence,  when 
obtained,  could  be  more  readily  compared,  and  more  easily  read  and  understood,  when 
systematically  collected  and  arranged. 

When  a  number  of  persons  examine  a  witness,  there  is  always  a  tendency  to  depart 
from  the  special  Ime  of  examination,  both  in  putting  questions  and  in  giving  answers, 
and  the  evidence  becomes  very  voluminous.  One  subject  grows  out  of  another.  Viva 
voce  examination  is  alwaj-s  best  for  extracting  the  truth  from  the  unwilling,  but  written 
questions  are  best  for  obtaining  deliberate  opinions  from  men  anxious  to  give  them.  A 
professional  man  could  not  be  called  before  a  Commission  without  offering  to  pay 
him,  not  only  for  his  expenses,  but  also  for  his  loss  of  time.  A  great  mimber  of 
skilled  opinions  brought  to  bear  together  on  a  single  fact,  from  independent  sources, 
arc  more  nearly  conclusive,  if  almost  unanimous,  than  a  small  number  given  sepa- 
rately. A  number  of  answers  to  the  same  questions  can  be  more  readily  compared 
than  an  equal  number  of  answers  to  questions  variously  put  in  varying  order. 

Yovu'  Majesty's  Commissioners  accordingl}'  prepared  questions  at  different  times, 
which  were  designed  lor  various  classes  of  the  community.  These  were  printed,  and 
very  widely  circulated  amongst  those  classes.  Each  was  framed  as  far  as  was  judged 
advisable  so  as  to  embody  but  one  single  idea,  and  point  to  a  simple  negative  or 
affirmative  reply. 

l"he  result  has  proved  that  many  who  could  not  leave  their  avocations  have  written 
their  ideas  ;  and  men  of  all  ranks  and  professions,  and  of  all  degrees  of  talent,  have 
proved  that  when  a  set  of  questions  were  placed  before  them  they  would  willingly 
devote  some  of  their  time  and  ability  gratuitously  to  the  public  good. 

Circular  VI.  was  sent  to  the  Agents  for  Lloyd's.  The  answers  are  numbered,  printed, 
and  placed  together  with  the  returns  of  the  Authorities  to  whose  jurisdiction  the 
evidence  applies.  Those  which  seem  to  apply  more  particularly  to  portions  of  the  coast 
under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Trinity  House,  are  placed  at  the  end  of  the  Trinity  House 
rctm-n  ;  those  which  relate  to  portions  oi  the  coast  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Scotch 
and  Irish  Geneial  Authorities  follow  their  returns  ;  and  those  which  relate  to  the  Local 
Authorities  follow  their  returns. 

Circular  VII.  was  sent  to  members  of  the  classes  most  interested  in  the  IVIercantile 
Marine,  such  as  shipoAvners,  merchants,  &c.  All  the  answers  given  to  each  question  are 
printed  together,  under  the  question,  at  Vol.  II.,  page  425. 

Circular  VIII.  was  sent  to  the  class  who  use  the  Lights,  &c.  ;  namely.  Mariners.  All 
their  replies  are  in  like  manner  printed  together  under  the  questions,  at  Vol.  II., 
page  445. 

Circulars  IX.,  X.  were  prepared  and  circulated  amongst  those  Scientific  Men  whom  Your 
Commissioners  believed  to  have  given  most  attention  to  the  branches  of  science  Avhich 
relate  to  Lighthouses,  Sec,  and  to  Manufacturers  of  Illuminating  Apparatus  ;  and  the 
replies  received  from  these  gentlemen,  and  from  others  who  wished  to  state  their  views, 
and  who  applied  for  the  questions,  are  printed  together,  and  follow  a  set  of  these 
questions  at  Vol.  II.,  page  589- 

Circular  XI.  was  sent  through  the  Foreign  Office  to  Foreign  Governments  ;  the  replies 
received  arc  arranged  at  Vol.  II.,  pages  651  to  658. 

Circular  XII.  was  sent  to  certain  Steam  Companies  whose  vessels  pass  colonial  lights, 
and  is  given,  with  the  replies,  at  Vol.  II.,  page  650. 


KEPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS.  iii 

By  followinc,-  this  course  Your  Commissioners  have  been  enabled  to  procure  returns  from 
114  Authorities  having  the  management,  cSrc.  of  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons  in  the  United 
Kingdom,  the  evidence  of  1,184  witnesses,  and  returns  from  13  foreign  countries, 
all  of  which  we  have  been  enabled  to  arrange,  so  that  any  particular  bit  of  evidence 
given  in  reply  to  any  single  question  by  any  witness  can  be  readily  found  (by  looking  for 
the  name  of  the  witness  in  the  alphabetical  lists,  and  for  his  evidence  under  his  index 
number  below  each  question),  or  the  bearing  of  the  whole  on  any  one  of  the  points  raised 
may  be  considered  at  once,  by  looking  to  the  Abstracts,  which  are  given  together  in 
Vol.  I.,  and  follow  the  evidence  in  Vol.  II. 

The  cost  of  examining  each  witness  may  be  set  down  at  the  price  of  the  printed  circular, 
and  the  postage  of  two  letters  ;  and  the  testimony  obtained  was  in  such  a  ibrm  as  to  make 
its  arrangement  easy. 

By  summoning  witnesses  Your  Commissioners  could  hardly  have  accomplished  their 
object,  at  all  events  within  the  time,  and  only  at  a  largely  increased  cost. 

Abstracts  and  Summaries  of  the  replies  to  these  various  circulars  have  been  prepared  as 
far  as  practicable,  and  are  appended,  with  the  questions,  in  Vol.  I.  pp.  103-120,  in  order  that 
the  substance  of  this  mass  of  testimony  may  be  seen  at  a  glance,  and  in  connection  with 
the  conclusions  and  recommendations  which  have  been  in  a  great  measure  founded  upon  it. 

As,  however,  certain  points  remained  on  which  information  could  be  better  elicited 
orally,  representatives  of  the  principal  Lighthouse  Authorities  were  examined  in  the 
usual  way,  and  their  evidence  is  given  in  Vol.  I. 

Your  Commissioners  have  also  circumnavigated  Great  Britain ;  and  have  visited  the  rersoTiai  m- 
Channel  Islands,  and  most  of  the  coasts  of  Ireland,  of  France,  and  a  part  of  the  northern  ^P'=<^*'™- 
coast  of  Spain.     We  have  personally  inspected  more  than  200  Lighthouses,  several  have 
been  visited  more  than  once;  and  full  minutes  of  our  proceedings  are  printed   in  Vol.  I. 
Our  observations  which  relate  to  Local  Authorities  are  generally  placed  together  with 
the  returns  furnished  by  them. 

The  Report  and  Appendices  are  thus  arranged  : —  Contents  of 

Vols.  I.  and  U. 

f  Report. 

I  Chairman's  letter. 

j  Personal  Observations  made  by  Your  Commissioners  at   home  and 

I  abroad. 

Vol.  I.        I  Papers  drawn  up  by  members  of  Your  Commission,    and  Reports 
Report  and  <(  made  by  other  gentlemen. 

Appendix  I.  j  Abstracts  and  Svimmary  of  Evidence  in  Vol.  11. 

j  Oral  Evidence. 

I  Miscellaneous  Returns  and  Correspondence. 

I  Maps  and  Plates. 

1^  Index. 

Returns    by    the    three    General     Lighthouse    Authorities,     with 

evidence  from  Lloyd's  Agents,  subjoined. 
Similar  Returns  from  Local   Authorities,  with   Lloyd's    Evidence, 
and  the  observations  made  by  Your  Conmiissioners  at  the  ports 
Vol.  II.         J  named,  alphabetically  arranged. 

Appendix  II.     ]    Evidence  from  the  Mercantile  Marine. 
I     Evidence  of  Mariners. 
I     Scientific  Evidence. 
!    Returns  as  to  Colonial  Lights. 
1^   Returns  from  Foreign  Countries. 

Although,  from  their  great  bulk,  it  has  not  been  considered  expedient  to  print  the 
whole  of  the  Returns  and  Correspondence,  together  with  the  Charts,  Diagrams,  and 
Drawings  amassed  during  our  inquiry,  yet  their  great  value  renders  it  advisable  that 
they  should  be  preserved  for  the  use  of  the  Lighthouse  Authorities. 


b4 


KEPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


PLAN   OF  REPORT. 

The  inquiry  which   Your  Majesty's  Commissioners  were  directed  to  undertake  has 
reference  to  :— 

1st.  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons  in  the  United  Kingdom. 

2nd.    Certain    Colonial    Lights     under    the    management    of    Your    Majesty's 
Government. 

1st.  As  to  the  United  Kingdom,  the  inquiry  conducted  by  Your  Commissioners 
necessarily  arranged  itself  under  the  following  heads,  and  the  report  is  framed  on  the 
same  principle: — 


Points  of  Inquiry  named  in  the  Commission. 


-  .  ,   ,  Floating 

L.ghthonses.  ^ishtsr 


Numbor  .  .  -  . 

Position       -  -  .  - 

Quality     ----- 

Sufficiency  as  regards  cllicieucy 

Kxpcnsc  of  construction 

Expense  of  maintenance    - 

System  of  management  for  securing 
efficiency  and  economy 

System  of  control  for  do. 

Comparison  with  foreign  countries  ~1 
in  all  the  above  particulars         -  J 

Further  Sujiervision  over  Local  Au- 
thorities -  -  . 

Change  of  system   under  Merchant 
Sliipping  Act  -  - 


Pages. 
4 


6 

5 
14 
16 

26,  31,33 
22,  31 

0,  12,  15, 

16,  28 

34 
39 


Pages. 
17 

17 

17 

17 

IS 

19 

26.  31,  33 

22,  31,34 

19,  28 

34 
39 


Pages. 
19 

20 

20 

20 

21 

21 

26,  31,  33 
22,  31,  34 

20,  21, 

28 

34 
39 


Pages. 
21 


26,  31,  33 
22,  31,  34 

21,  28 

34 
39 


As  to  the  Colonial  Lights  under  the  management  of  Her  Majesty's  Government,  the 
inquiry  resolves  itself  into  the  following  points  : — 


System  for  construction  with  regard  to  efficiency  and  economy 
„        „    maintenance  „  „  „ 

„        ,,    control  „  „  „ 

Change  of  system  -  -  -  -  -         - 


Puce 

37 
37 
37 
38 


LIGHTHOUSES. 

The  Ibllowing  Table  shows  the  number  and  the  nature  of  (he  Lights  in  the  United 
Kinodom : — 


Lights  on  Shore. 

i 

Country. 

General 
Authority. 

Authority. 

Floating  Lights.   ,         ^Total. 

; 

England 
Scotland 
Ireland           ... 

82 
46 
69 

89 

67 

4 

171 

113 

73 

41 

1 
5 

212 
114 

1           78 

Total 

197 

160 

3J7           i           47 

i! 

1         404 

! 

REPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


Of  all  the  Lights  under  the  General  Authorities,  and  about  half  of  those  under  the 
Local  Authorities,  Your  Commissioners  have  obtained  full  returns,  Avhich  will  be  found 
at  length  in  the  2nd  Volume.  The  Lights  on  shore,  for  which  returns  have  been 
received,  are  classified  in  the  following  Table  : — 


Li^ht- 

Catop- 
tric. 

Dioptric. 

or  Catadi- 

optric. 

Apparatus  \ 
not  stated. 

Order  of  Dioptric  Apparatus. 

A'i'li»«'y-                           houses. 

1st. 

2nd. 

3rd. 

4th. 

5th. 

6th. 

England — Trinity  House 

„        Local       -                  -            - 

Scotland —  Commissioners  of  Northern 

Lights           -             -         - 

„         Local 
Ireland — Ballast  Board 

„        Local          -            -            - 

82 
49 

46 
24 
69 
6 

51 
35 
1 

14 
13 
51 

1       ~ 

31 
14 

32 
3 

18 
3 

8 
3 

20 
1 

16 

10 

8 
1 

4 

1 

3 

4 

1 
4 

9 

3 

2 

2 

The  Index  Map  at  the  end  of  Vol.  I.  shows  the  position  of  the  Lighthouses  in  the  Position. 
United  Kingdom,  and  on  a  portion  of  the  French,  Belgian,  Dutch,  and  Norwegian  coasts. 
Very  few  complaints   are  made   as  to  the  position  of  Lighthouses  by  mariners,  or  the 
agents  of  Lloyd's,  and  those  which  are  made  are  generally  confined  to  three  or  four  sites. 

It  will  be  seen,  by  looking  at  the  Map,  that  the  number  is  sometimes  insufficient,  be-  Sufficiency. 
cause  vessels  might  be  within  a  very  short  distance   of  some  parts    of  the  coast,    and 
beyond  the  estimated  range  of  any  lighthouse,  even  in  clear  weather ;  for  instance,  at 
Great  Orme's  Head  on  the  approach  to  Liverpool. 

The  circles  of  light  on  the  Index  Map  are  taken  from  the  Map  published  by  the  Board 
of  Trade,  and  represent  the  column  in  the  Admiralty  List  of  Lights  headed  "  Miles  seen 
in  clear  weather  ;"  but  from  the  evidence  before  us,  and  from  our  own  observations, 
the  lights  are  not  uncommonly  seen  at  much  greater  distances.  Any  attempt  to 
make  lights  so  brilliant  or  so  numerous  as  that  one  at  least  should  be  visible 
in  fogs  which  are  dense  enough  to  obscure  the  sun,  would  necessarily  fail ;  but  any 
increase  in  the  brilliancy  of  the  lights  will  increase  their  range  in  hazy  weather,  and 
make  them  more  efficient;  and  their  number  ought  to  be  such  as  to  ensure  that  one  or 
more  may  always  be  within  sight  of  a  ship  approaching  a  danger  in  ordinary  weather. 

The  west  coasts  of  Scotland  and  Ireland  are  still  insufficiently  illuminated  ;  and  the 
Channel  Islands  lying  near  the  track  of  ships  bound  up  Channel,  and  surrounded  by 
rapid  tides,  have  been  left  in  a  state  of  blameable  darkness,  although  a  light  is  now  being- 
erected  on  the  Hanois  Rocks  on  the  West  coast  of  Guernsey.  A  reference  to  the  Index 
Map  will  best  show  the  positions  where  the  number  of  lights  is  sufficient  or  insufficient. 

It  will  be  observed,  as  respects  number  and  position  of  lights,  that  the  British  Number  and 
coasts  are  not  so  well  guarded  as  the  French,  for  the  lights  are  purposely  so  placed  on  the  ^°'^'  ion.c5""- 
coasts  of  France  as  to  "  cross  their  fire." 

This  may  also  be  tested  by  comparing  the  proportion  between  the  number  of  lights 
and  the  amount  of  coast  line  in  England,  Scotland,  and  Ireland,  with  the  proportion 
between  the  number  of  lights  and  the  coast  line  in  France.  The  measiu-ement  of  the 
coast  line  and  of  the  islands  in  the  respective  countries  is  given  in  a  table  in  Vol.  I.  p.  222; 
the  number  of  Lighthouses  is  taken  as  before  from  the  Admiralty  List.  From  these  data 
the  following  table  is  constructed  : — 


pared  "with 
I'freigQ  coun- 
tries. 


Number  of 

CouDtn-. 

Lighthouses 
on  shore. 

Coast  Line. 

Proportion. 

Nautical  miles. 

England 

171 

2,405 

1  for  14.0  MUes. 

Scotland         .           .           - 

113 

4,469 

1     „  39.5      „ 

Ireland         -           - 

73 

2,518 

1     „  34.5     „ 

France           .            .           - 

224 

2,763 

1    „   12.3     „ 

Hence  it  appears  that  the  lighthouses  in  France  are  more  than  three  times  as  numerous, 
compared  with  the  amount  of  coast,  as  in  Scotland  ;  but  a  considerable  allowance  must 
be  made  for  the  very  large  amount  of  mileage  atlbrded  by  the  Scottish  islands  and  the 
bays  on  the  Irish  coast,  which  do  not  require  a  commensurate  amount  of  lighting,  as  a 
light  on  an  island  or  on  one  side  of  a  channel  will  often  obviate  the  necessity  of  a  iight 
on  the  main  'a.id,  or  on  the  other  side.     The  lights  in  France  appear  to  be  nearly  three 


■vi  REPORT  OF  CO>DIISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 

times  as  numerous,  comparatively  speaking,  as  those  in  Ireland ;  but  if  to  the  73  Irish 
Lighthouses  be  added  the  5  floating  lights,  the  discrepancy  is  somewhat  reduced. 
In  England  too  there  seems  at  first  sight  to  be  a  somewhat  smaller  provision  made  for 
illuminating  the  coasts  than  in  France,  yet  if  the  41  English  Floating  Lights  be  added  to 
the  171  Lighthouses,  as  indeed  justice  requires.  England  will  be  found  to  provide  a  light 
for  every  1 1  "37  nautical  miles  of  coast,  while  France  furnishes  one  for  only  every  12.3  miles. 

As  to  the  position  of  lights  in  France  and  in  England,  there  is  this  notable  difference : 
The  English  lights  have  been  steadily  and  gradually  increasing  in  Jiumber  during  the 
last  two  centuries  and  a  half,  additional  lights  having  been  placed,  from  time  to  time, 
wherever  the  interests  of  commerce  demanded,  and  a  sufficient  pressure  was  exerted;  while, 
on  the  contrary,  the  French  lights  were  very  few  till  1825,  when  a  grand  comprehen- 
sive plan  was  undertaken  of  erecting  a  large /mwifier  of  additional  lights,  on  what  were 
considered  the  best  positions,  and  of  remodelling  the  whole  system. 

The  coasts  of  the  United  Kingdom  are  better  guarded  than  those  of  Holland, 
Norway,  or  perhaps  any  other  country,  excepting  France. 

Quality  of  Lights. 

Quality. 

The  quality  of  a  light  depends  mainly  on  the  following  points  : — 
1st.    The  character  of  the  source  of  light. 
2nd.    The  character  of  the  apparatus,  by  which  the  light  is  directed  to  ichere  it  is 

needed. 
3rd.   The  adaptation  of  the  source  of  light  and  the  optical  apparatus  to  one  another, 

with  a  view  to  the  requirements  nftlie  locality. 
4th.    The  distinction  of  one  light  from  another. 
Source  of  light.        jgt.    The  character  of  the  source  of  light.     It  is  the  invariable  practice  of  the   three 
General  Liuhthouse  Authorities  in  England,  Scotland,    and  Ireland,  to  derive  it  from 
the  combustion  of  colza  oil.      Where  metallic  reflectors  alone  are  used,  the  lamp  is  on 
the  Argand  principle  ;  but  where  lenses  are  employed,  a  large  central  lamp  is  resorted  to. 
The  Ar"-and    burners  vary  in  number  from  1  to  ;J0,  and  the   central  lamps  differ  in  the 
number  of  concentric  wicks.     The  Trinity  House  and  Ballast  Board,  at  the  time  of  the 
commencement  of    our    inquiry,    used   fountain    lamps,    and     never   employed     more 
than  three  of  the  four  concentric  wicks  (see  Vol.  I.  p.  63),  while  the  Scotch  Commissioners 
faluT'rf       retained  a  fourth  in    1st  order  lights.     The  lamps  in  Scotland  being  mechanical  lamps, 
IwkI"  were  found  also  to  cause  a  considerably  greater  consumption  of  oil  (as  5  to  3),  and  there- 

fore the  production  of  a  higher  and  more  powerful  flame  than  was  produced  in  England  or 
Ireland. 

The  Local  Authorities  also  generally  employ  oil  lamps,  but  the  oil  burnt  is  not  always 
colza.  Liverpool,  for  instance,  prefers  olive  oil;  and  the  Admiralty  and  Newhaven  still 
retain  the  more  expensive  sperm,  the  use  of  which  was  abandoned  for  various 
reasons  by  the  General  Authorities  some  years  since.  Gas  is  also  burnt  in  many 
Harbour  lights,  and  in  the  Beacon  light  at  Northfleet,  under  the  management  of  the 
Thames  Conservancv  ;  and  in  that  as  in  many  other  cases,  and  in  the  United  States, 
with  a  very  satisfactory  result. 

To  the  subject  of  the  height  of  the  flame  Your  Commissioners  have  given  much  considera- 
tion. It  Avill  again  be  alluded  to  in  this  Report ;  but  they  are  glad  to  be  able  to  put  on 
record  here  that  the  Elder  Brethren  of  the  Trinity  House  have  lately  admitted  the 
propriety  of  returning  to  the  use  of  the  fourth  wick,  and  are  now  making  experiments 
with  a  view  to  ascertain  the  best  possible  description  of  mechanical  lamp. 

Your  Majesty's  Commissioners,  however,  are  of  opinion  that  the  science  of  Lighthouse 
illumination  is  in  a  transition  state,  and  capable  of  further  development.  We  have  con- 
versed with  a  man  who  was  actualh'  employed  in  his  youth  in  burning  coal  fires  at  Harwich 
for  directing  ships  at  sea;  in  fact  the  last  coal  light,  that  at  St.  Bees,  was  only  extin- 
o-uishedin  1822  ;  the  use  of  oil  docs  not  seem  to  date  back  beyond  1730;  and  we  now  find 
inventions  under  trial  which  promise  to  transcend  far  the  powers  of  even  the  four-wicked 
A  greater  use  mechauical  lamp  in  producing  light.  Gas  might  probably  be  advantageously  employed 
oOjas approved  ^^  other  than  Harbour  lights,  where  it  is  now  frequently  used. 

An  electric  light,  which  is  produced  between  carbon  points  by  the  revolution  of 
magnets  fixed  on  wheels  worked  by  a  steam  engine,  has  been  tried  with  great  promise  of 
success  by  Prof.  Holmes  at  the  South  Foreland,  and  is  to  be  further  tried  at  Dunge- 
uess,  or  at  the  Start. 

Another  electric  light,  produced  by  galvanic  action  in  a  stream  of  mercury,  has  been 
exhibited  by  Professor  Way,  and  proposed  for  adoption  in  lighthouses. 

Several  modifications  of  the  Lime  light,  produced  by  an  o.\yhydrogen  flame  playing  on 
a  surface  of  prepared  lime,  have   been  exhibited,  and   are  commonly  used  in  lecture- 


REPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS.  vil 

rooms  and  elsewhere  ;  and  these  are  now  proposed  for  use  in  lighthouses.  And  the  least 
powerful  of  these  surpasses  the  best  oil  lamp  in  brilliancy,  as  the  oil  lamp  surpasses 
the  open  coal  fire. 

When  any  of  these  are  so  perfected  as  to  make  their  action  certain,  the  optical  appa- 
ratus now  used,  and  made  to  suit  large  flames,  will  be  out  of  date  as  much  as  the  large 
tinned  reflector  which  was  first  erected  behind  a  large  coal  fire  on  the  Tour  de  Cordouan, 
and  which  was  then  considered  a  great  advance  in  science.  Optical  apparatus,  to  suit  a 
very  small  and  exceedingly  brilliant  source  of  light,  ^th  of  an  inch  long,  may  be  of 
small  size,  and  finished  and  adjusted  with  all  the  accuracy  of  a  telescope.  Thick  lantern 
bars,  and  the  comparatively  clumsy  and  costly  brass  fittings,  which  now  interfere  with 
light,  may  perhaps  be  done  away  with,  and  then  the  cost  of  apparatus  may  possibly  be 
as  much  diminished  as  the  quality  of  the  light  is  improved. 

2nd.  Tlie  character  of  the  apparatus  hy  which  the  light  is  directed  to  ivhere  it  is  needed. 

It  mav  be  well  to  state  shortly  what  is  aimed  at  in  constructing  Optical  apparatus  for  Character  of 
Lighthouses  before  proceeding  to  show  how  far  the  object  has  been  attained.  apparatus. 

From  any  given  source  of  artificial  light,  such  as  a  point  in  the  flame  of  a  lamp,  ra^'s 
proceed  in  every  possible  direction  until  obstructed.  The  fact  may  be  familiarl^^  proved  by 
observing  that  the  light  of  a  table  lamp  falls  on  every  part  of  the  spherical  ground  glass 
shade,  except  where  the  metal  of  the  burner  interferes. 

The  object  of  Lighthouse  illuminating  apparatus,  whether  constructed  of  glass  or  of 
metal,  is  to  bend  the  rays  which  would  naturally  proceed  in  straight  lines  and  illuminate 
a  hollow  sphere,  so  that  those  which  \vould  otherwise  be  wasted  may  be  used  and  fall  on 
points  where  they  may  be  seen  at  sea. 

Taking  the  spherical  lamp  shade  as  an  illustration,  those  rays  from  the  lamp  which 
illuminate  the  upper  portions  should  be  so  bent  downwards  as  to  double  the  illumi- 
nation of  the  lower  half,  if  the  light  is  intended  to  be  a  fixed  light,  seen  all  round,  and 
from  the  horizon  to  the  base  of  the  light  tower ;  and  all  the  ra^'s  should  be  further  bent 
laterally,  if  it  is  desired  to  illuminate  a  narrow  stri[5  of  sea,  extending  from  the  horizon  to 
the  base  of  the  lighthouse  ;  or  the  rays  may  all  be  collected  and  thrown  on  one  or  more 
spots  of  larger  or  less  size  wherever  the  light  is  wanted. 

These  last  objects  are  sought  to  be  attained  in  fixed  lights  placed  at  the  end  of  narrow 
passages,  and  in  revolving  lights ;  and  these  last  are  made  visible  all  round  by  causing 
the  lenses,  reflectors,  &c.,  to  revolve  about  the  source  of  light,  or  with  it  about 
a  centre. 

The  better  the  machinery  and  apparatus  is  contrived  and  executed,  and  adapted  to  the 
situation,  the  more  the  light  produced  from  a  given  source  is  rendered  available  by 
directing  it  properly  ;  and  the  less  it  is  wasted  by  absorption,  dispersion,  or  improper 
direction,  the  better  is  the  qualify  of  the  apparatus,  and  the  greater  the  economy 
of  the  fuel  consumed  in  producing  the  light.  It  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  the 
economy  in  the  fuel  consumed  is  in  exact  proportion  to  the  light  used,  and  the  waste  to 
the  light  wasted ;  that  light  which  is  thrown  on  the  sky  is  equivalent  to  oil  thrown  away. 

There  are  two  principal  means  by  which  it  is  sought  to  throw  the  light  in  the  desired 
direction.  The  one  is  by  silvered  parabolic  reflectors,  and  is  called  the  "  Catoptric " 
system  ;  the  other  is  by  lenses  of  peculiar  construction,  and  is  called  the  "  Dioptric  " 
system.  Sometimes  the  two  systems  are  combined  together,  as  in  the  ordinary 
"  Catadioptric,"  and  in  Mr.  Stevenson's  "  Holophotal"  arrangement. 

These  silvered  reflectors  even  are  comparatively  modei7i  inventions,  dating,  in  fact, 
from  the  close  of  the  last  century,  and  it  is  not  40  years  since  the  first  dioptric  apparatus 
was  constructed  by  Fresnel,  in  France,  and  lenses  have  only  graduall}^  replaced  the 
reflectors  in  our  country.  The  lenticular  system,  as  now  developed,  varies  greatly 
from  that  first  proposed ;  and  modifications  are  continually  suggested.  Manufacturers 
both  at  home  and  abroad  have  invested  large  sums  in  machinery  and  in  improving  the 
quality  of  glass ;  and  where  so  much  thought  is  bestowed,  it  is  reasonable  to  anticipate 
further  improvement. 

The  table  already  given  (page  5),  shows  the  proportion  between  the  catoptric  and 
dioptric  lights  at  present  existing  in  the  three  kingdoms.  It  will  be  seen  that  the 
principle  of  refraction  is  generally  adopted  in  Scotland,  while  that  of  reflection  still  holds 
the  numerical  preponderance  in  England  and  Ireland,  but  it  should  be  borne  in  mind 
that  the  lighting  of  the  Scotch  coasts  is  of  a  later  date  than  that  of  the  English. 

It  has  been  generally  assumed  that  the  dioptric  is  preferable  to  the  catoptric  system  ; 
but  while  Your  Commissioners  do  not  controvert   this   opinion,   they  have  conclusive 

c  2 


yiii  REPOKT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 

evidence  that  man}-  of  the  catoptric  lights  in  England  are  not  only  excellent  in 
themselves,  but  exceed  in  efficienc}'  the  dioptric  lights  on  its  shores.  The  first  part 
of  Question  7,  of  Circular  VIII.,  addressed  to  IVIariners,  runs  thus : — "  What  British 
"  lin-ht  have  you  usually  seen  farthest  off?"  and  out  of  the  579  witnesses  who  have 
answered  this  question,  the  greatest  disf(i?}ces;  arc  mentioned  with  reference  to  the  lights  at 
Lundy  Island,  the  Calf  of  ]\Ian,  Tuskar,  Flamborough  Head,  Bcachy  Head,  and  Cromer, 
and  the  ijreatest  numbers  of  witnesses  mention  Flamborough  Head,  the  Lizard,  Lundy, 
Beacliy  Head,  the  Start,  and  the  South  Stack,  all  of  which  (with  the  exception  of  the 
Lizard,  which  is  catoptric  fixed,  and  the  Lundy  and  Start,  which  are  dioptric  revolving  *) 
are  catoptric  revolving  lights.  We  are,  however,  of  opinion  that  this  preference  of 
the  larjie  reflecting  lights  arises  not  from  any  inherent  superiority  of  the  catoptric 
system,  but  from  the  fact  that  the  dioptric  principle,  owing  to  errors  of  adjustment,  has 
never  yet  been  allowed  a  full  and  fair  chance  in  the  United  Kingdom,  and  a  saving  of 
oil  has  also  been  unfortunately  attempted  in  various  ways,  chiefly  by  the  use  of  the 
inefficient  fountain  lamps,  in  all  the  dioptric  lights  with  the  exception  of  those  in  Scotland, 
which  has  not  been  considered  in  the  great  revolving  catoptric  lights  with  30  Argand 
burners.     This  subject  will  be  reverted  to  in  the  following  section. 

3rd.  Tlie  adaptation  of  the  source  of  Ughf,  and  flie  optical  apparatus  to  one  another, 
with  a  view  to  the  ref/uiremenfs  of  the  locality. 

This  ought  to  be  considered  with  reference  to  the  object  Avhich  it  is  proposed  to  eifect, 
namely,  in  most  cases,  to  send  a  bright  light  to  the  sea-horizon,  and  at  the  same  time  to 
illuminate  sufnciently  the  nearer  portions  of  the  sea.  (See  Plates  1  and  2  at  the  end  of 
Vol.  I.,  and  Vol.  I.  p.  67-) 

The  source  of  light  never  is  one  luminous  point,  but  a  figure  having  length, 
breadth,  and  depth,  and  is  composed  of  a  vast  number  of  luminous  points,  some 
of  which  are  placed  at  considerable  distances  from  others.  The  vertical  and  lateral 
divcrgfuce  of  lighthouse  beams  depends  in  a  great  measure  on  the  size  and  shape, 
as  well  as  on  the  position  of  the  source  of  light  placed  in  the  apparatus  ;  and  though 
works  on  Lighthouse  Illumination  often  mention  the  flame  as  if  all  its  parts  seat 
some  portion  of  light  to  all  places  from  which  the  light  can  be  seen,  such  is  not  the 
fact.  Lighthouse  apparatus,  like  any  other  lenses  or  reflectors,  form  within  the 
apparatus  "an  image  of  the  landscape  outside  with  greater  or  less  accuracj-  ;  and 
when  the  flame  is  so  placed  inside  as  to  coincide  with  the  image  formed  by  the  apparatus, 
ravs  will  proceed  from  points  in  the  image  to  corresponding  points  in  the  landscape,  along 
the  same  paths  which  were  followed  by  the  rays  which,  starting  from  without,  formed 
the  image  within :  and  different  parts  of  the  flame  do  in  fact  illimiinate  different  parts 
of  the  sea  and  sky. 

A  photographic  camera  gives  a  good  illustration  of  this  fact.  The  lens  can  be  so 
placed  as  to  project  an  inverted  image  of  a  landscape  on  a  glass  screen.  If  a  lamp  is 
placed  instead  of  the  ground  glass,  its  light  will  be  seen  through  the  lens  from  those  places 
whose  image  corresponds  with  the  position  of  the  lamp,  and  from  no  other  places.  And, 
in  like  manner,  the  best  and  most  brilliant  light  may  be  so  placed  within  a  lighthouse  as 
to  be  invisible  at  sea,  when  the  apparatus  itself  is  well  constructed. 

A  mariner,  when  he  looks  from  a  given  position,  through  a  dioptric  apparatus  of  the 
first  order,  at  a  lighthouse  lamp  with  four  concentric  wicks,  is  not  looking  at  a  single 
radiant  point  placed  in  the  common  focus  of  the  instrument.  His  eye  is  affected  by  rays 
proceeding  from  a  vast  number  of  radiant  points,  variously  situated,  in  different  parts  of 
eight  different  sources  of  light,  of  various  forms  and  dimensions,  and  placed  at  different 
distances  from  the  apparatus,  some  within  and  others  beyond  the  focus  for  parallel  raj's. 
Each  of  these  sources  of  light  is  viewed  in  many  different  directions  through  as  many 
different  pieces  of  glass  ;  and  every  piece  of  glass,  taken  separately,  is  in  itself  a  compli- 
cated optical  instrument,  with  curves,  angles,  and  a  focus  of  its  own,  contrived  by  its 
inventor  for  a  particular  purpose,  and  to  form  part  of  a  definite  whole. 

As  a  lighthouse  flame  is  composed  of  many  irregular  figures,  there  are  probably  no 
two  spots  equally  illuminated  by  a  lighthouse  beam. 

When  such  is  the  complicated  nature  of  the  instrument,  and  when  all  its  parts  have 
been  contrived  and  made  for  a  particular  purpose,  any  new  adjustment  or  arrangement  of 


*  See  the  tablo  in  Vol.  1.     The  South  Foreland  light  is  omitted,  as  at  the  time  of  the  inquiry  the  electric 
lieht  was  being  burnt  there. 


REPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS.  IX 

these  different  parts,  after  they  have  been  so  made  and  put  together,  must  be  skilfully 
and  scicntificall}'  done,  if  it  is  to  be  efficient. 

It  seems  to  follow,  therefore,  that  the  altitude  as  well  as  position  of  every  new  light- 
house, and  the  size  and  shape  of  the  light  to  be  placed  in  it,  ought  to  be  known  and 
fully  considered  before  the  apparatus  is  made  and  put  together. 

A  beam  of  a  given  divergence,  with  its  axis  in  the  plane  of  the  geometrical  horizon,  or 
at  right  angles  to  a  vertical  line,  must  become  invisible  from  the  sea  if  the  light  is  raised 
to  a  sufficient  height  above  the  earth  whose  surface  is  curved ;  and  the  more  nearly  it 
approaches  that  height  the  less  serviceable  will  it  be,  because  the  greater  will  be  the 
amount  of  light  thrown  on  the  sky. 

It  is  found  in  practice  that  the  fact  agrees  with  the  theory,  and  that  much  light  is 
now  wasted,  especially  in  high  lighthouses  with  low  flames. 

The  experiments  tried  by  our  Secretary  at  the  Point  of  Ayre  (see  Vol.  I.  p.  44),  and  at  Present  catop- 
Bidston(see  Vol.  I.p.  6l,  and  our  observations  made  on  the  Gunfleet  Light,  Vol.  I.  p.  3.3)  '™  V* 
will  show  that  catoptric  lights,   as  at  present  constructed,  do   not  iulfil  perfectly  the        ^' 
conditions  required  ;  that  is  to  say,  they  throw  only  a  portion  of  the  light  produced,  on 
the  sea,  where  it  is  wanted.     On  the  contrary,  a  very  large  portion  is  thrown  on  the  sky ; 
and  as  the  light  at  the  Point  of  Ayre  is  revolving,  and  shows  all  round,  it  illuminates 
the  highest  hills  in  the  Isle  of  Man,  and  great  part  of  the  light  produced  is  M'asted. 

Again,  as  regards  dioptric  lights,  as  at  present  used  in  England  and  Ireland,  it  has  been  Present  diop- 
found  that  great  improvements  are  possible.  A  large  portion  of  the  light  produced  even  ^"^^%*'* 
in  those  which  are  best  made  is  novr  wasted.  In  some  cases  a  part  of  the  light  is  thrown 
too  high,  in  others  it  shines  on  the  land.  In  some  the  fault  appears  to  arise  from  a  want 
of  consideration  of  the  requirements  of  the  locality,  in  others  from  want  of  adjustment 
in  apparatus  ordered  with  insufficient  specification  by  the  Authority  giving  the  order, — 
originally  constructed  by  a  manufacturer  without  reference  to  elevation,- — and  finally 
placed  by  the  Authorities,  without  considering  the  construction,  at  an  elevation  for 
which  it  was  not  fitted.  (See  the  Whitby  Paper,  Vol.  I.  p.  63  ;  also  p.  210,  &c.)  There 
are  also  cases  of  faulty  manufacture,  involving  bad  glass  and  inaccurate  grinding. 

These  defects  were  early  noticed  by  Your  Commissioners,  and  we  found  them  to  exist  in 
lighthouses  abroad  as  well  as  at  home,  and  one  of  our  first  acts  on  arriving  at  these 
conclusions  was  to  frame  the  questions  of  Circulars  IX.  and  X.,  and  address  them  to  such 
Scientific  men  as  might  be  supposed  capable  of  giving  a  valuable  opinion,  and  to 
Manufacturers  of  Lighthouse  apparatus. 

But  Your  Majesty's  Commissioners  thought  it  highly  desirable  that  the  opinions  which  Astronomer 
they  had  themselves  formed,  and  those  which  they  might  elicit,  should,  if  possible,  be  ^°^^'' 
confirmed  by  the  highest  available  authority. 

W'e  accordingly  applied  to  the  Astronomer  Royal  for  his  valuable  aid ;  and  we 
wish  here  to  express  our  high  sense  of  the  kindness  with  which  Professor  Airy 
acceded  to  our  wishes,  and  of  the  advantage  which  we  have  derived  from  his 
assistance.  Our  wish  v.'as  that  the  Astronomer  Ro3'al,  a  high  authority  on  mathematics 
and  optics,  should  have  the  best  opportunity  of  forming  an  opinion  as  to  the  adjustment  of 
dioptric  apparatus,  and  with  that  viev,-  he  was  informed  of  what  had  been  observed  by 
us  ;  the  specifications  prepared  by  the  Lighthouse  Boards  in  ordering  dioptric  apparatus 
were  also  laid  before  him  ;  and  he  was  requested  to  accompany  your  Commissioners, 
and  to  inspect  dioptric  lighthouses  at  home  and  abroad. 

Professor  Airy  readily  complied  with  these  requests  ;  he  gave  his  time  and  attention 
gratuitously  ;  and  the  result  of  his  personal  observations,  as  stated  by  himself  in  his 
reports  and  letters  to  the  Chairman,  will  be  found  in  Vol.  I.  p.  77- 

The  first  light  visited  by  Your  Majesty's  Commissioners  in  company  with  the  start  Light- 
Astronomer  Royal  was  the  Start.  An  account  of  the  proceedings  will  be  found  in  ^°'^^'  ^"^ 
Vol.  I.  p.  46,  and  our  subsequent  proceedings  with  reference  to  the  adjustment  of  Illumin- 
ating apparatus  are  described  on  the  pages  which  follow.  These  include  special  visits 
to  the  Forelands,  St.  Catherine's  Head,  the  Needles,  Ramsgate,  and  Shoreham,  the  French 
lights  of  Calais,  Grisnez,  and  Ailly;  meetings  with  Lighthouse  Authorities,  and  other 
scientific  men,  at  the  North  Foreland  and  Whitby ;  a  visit  by  the  Astronomer  Royal  to 
Girdleness,  in  Scotland,  and  another  by  Your  Commissioners  to  Minehead  and  Dungarvon, 
in  Ireland,  and  experiments  at  the  works  of  Messrs.  Chance,  at  Birmingham. 

The  result  of  all  these  proceedings  may  be  summed  up  in  a  few  words : 

1 .  The  dip  of  the  sea-horizon  below  the  geometrical  horizon  has  never,  in  the  United  Summary  of 
Kingdom,  been  properly  taken  into  account  in  dioptric  lights,  although  where  the  light  *^^^^'^'^- 


REPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIOHT.'^,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


Consumptwn 
of  oil  insiijfi- 
cient;  wicks 
too  few;  lamps 
imperfect. 


Distinction  of 
lights. 


IS  high  above  the  surface  of  the  sea,  as  for  instance,  240  feet  at  "Whitby,  this  makes  the 
important  difference  of  0  •  16  inch  in  the  proper  position  of  the  flame.* 

2.  The  various  pieces  of  which  a  dioptric  iUuminating  apparatus  is  composed,  have 
not  even  been  adjusted  to  the  flame  and  the  geometrical  horizon  with  sufficient  accuracy. 
The  result  of  this  has  usually  been  to  send  a  most  unnecessarily  large  amount  of  the 
ravs  upward  to  the  sky,  as  may  be  easily  determined  for  each  individual  piece  of  glass  by 
the  plan  of  internal  observation  devised  b}-  Mr.  Campbell,  the  Secretary  of  the  Com- 
mission.! Professor  Holmes  has  stated  that  out  of  96  prisms  at  the  South  Foreland 
li'Tht,  which  he  examined  from  outside,  he  found  94  faulty  in  this  respect. 

3.  The  flame  in  English  and  Irish  lights  is  kept  far  too  low,  owing  to  the  use  of 
only  three  wicks  and  of  the  fountain  lamp,  which  burns  on  an  average  only  474  gallons 
of  oil  annually  in  England,  and  442  in  Ireland.  This  has  the  double  disadvantage  of 
diminishing  the  upper  part  of  the  flame,  which  is  of  the  greatest  service  in  illuminating 
the  sea,  and  of  lowering  the  section  of  greatest  luminosity  in  the  flame  below  the  focus 
of  the  lens,  thus  causing  the  brightest  portion  of  the  light  to  be  in  that  portion  of  the 
same  which  always  of  necessity  sends  its  rays  above  the  horizon.  (See  Plates  1,  2,3, 
at  the  end  of  Vol'.  I.,  and  pp.  225,  '226.) 

This  fault  was  not  found  to  exist  in  the  lights  under  the  Northern  Conunissioners,  who 
make  use  of  a  mechanical  pump  lamp,  which  burns  on  an  average  794  gallons  of  oil  annu- 
allv,  and  produces  good  flames  of  about  double  the  height  of  those  in  England  or  Ireland. 

'other  remarks  on  the  want  of  reflectors  on  the  land  side  of  the  apparatus,  on  the 
injurious  effect  of  the  shoulder  of  the  lamp-glass,  on  the  erroneous  position  of  astragals, 
on  the  want  of  filters,  medicine  chests,  clocks,  signals  for  day,  night,  during  fogs,  <S:c., 
will  be  frequently  found  among  the  personal  observations  of  your  Commissioners,  and  in 
the  special  report  on  the  Whitby  Lights  in  "N^ol.  1.  p.  63. 

The  Elder  Brethren  of  the  Trinity  House  are  now  alive  to  the  importance  of  these 
subjects,  as  far  as  relates  to  their  works,  and  the  scientific  adviser  to  whom  they  apply  in 
such  cases.  Professor  Faraday,  has  now  directed  his  attention  to  them  ;  and  Your  Commis- 
sioners anticipate  that  the  defects  which  have  been  pointed  out  will  soon  be  remedied,  now 
that  attention  has  been  called  to  them,  and  after  their  existence  has  been  demonstrated  by 
so  many  experiments  and  observations. 

4th.   The  distinction  of  one  light  from  another. 

Various  means  are  resorted  to  to  effect  this  important  object.  Some  lights  are  fixed, 
other*  are  revolving ;  some  are  white,  others  are  coloured.  The  following  tables, 
drawn  up  from  the  Admiralty  lists  of  lights,  will  indicate  the  extent  to  whicli  this  dis- 
tinauishins;  of  lights  is  carried  in  the  three  countries  : — 


Character. 

Country. 

Fr?fRD. 

EEVOLVING,  TLASHING,  INTERMITTENT. 

No.  of. 

No.  of 

Interval  between  maxima  of  brilliancT. 

4     4  '\  4  '\  4     4 

ns 

« 

» 

si 

i» 

g             3 

a 

3 

3 

3 

CO        m 

S      1     J^ 

M 

s 

s 

s 

1    - 

"" 

■*      I      ^ 

<N 

n 

-♦ 

England — Tiinitv  IIouso 

63 

19 

0 

1 

1 

5 

3 

0 

4 

1 

3 

0 

1 

Local 

60 

4 

0 

0 

0 

0 

3 

0 

0 

0 

1 

0 

0 

Scotland — Northern    Commissionei  s 

23 

23 

3 

2 

1 

0 

3 

0 

7 

0 

5 

9 

0 

,,          Local             ... 

60 

3 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

3 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Ireland — Ballast  Board 

5.5 

14 

0 

1 

1 

0 

1 

1 

4 

1 

4 

1 

0 

Lccal 
Total 

8 

2 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

0 

269 

65 

3 

5 

3 

5 

10 

1 

18 

2 

13 

4 

1 

Many  of  these  distinctions  again  are  susceptible  of  sub-division ;  for  instance,  some 
lights,  designated  "  fixed  and  flashing,"  give  a  constant  light,  besides  the  waxing  and 
waning  light,  with  intervals  of  darkness,  while  others  alternate  between  brilliancy  and 
total  darkness.  Again,  the  relative  duration  of  light  and  darkness  may  be  different, 
although  the  intervals  between  the  maxima  of  brilliancy  may  be  the  same. 

*  The  flamc's  maintained  in  the  Scotch  1st  order  lightliouse.s  appear  to  have  their  sections  of  maximum 
luminosity  so  high  as  in  some  cases  to  compensate  for  this  neglect,  so  lar  as  tiie  lenses  are  concerned. 

|-  It  has  since  been  ascertained  that  this  plan  was  adopted  by  M.  Fresnel  in  adjusting  the  mirior.s  abovn 
the  lenses  of  his  apparatus.      See  Vol.  II.  j)age  625,  for  a  descrijjtion  of  the  method  referred  to  above. 


RKPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS 


White. 

COLOURED. 

Country. 

White 
and  Red. 

Red. 

r,,„„„         Red  and 
^'"'°-     1     Green. 

Red, 
White,  and 

Blue. 

Green. 

England— Trinity  House 

64 

13 

5 

0 

0 

0 

0 

,,          Local             -              -         - 

31 

4 

20 

4 

2 

1 

2 

Scotland — Northern  Commissioners     - 

32 

10 

3 

0 

0 

1 

0 

„           Local              -         - 

31 

5 

25 

1 

1 

0 

0 

Ireland — Ballast  Board 

49 

16 

3 

0 

0 

1 

0 

„          Local 

4 

3 

3 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Total         -            -             -        - 

211 

51 

59 

•5 

3 

3 

2 

Colour. 


Of  the  coloured  lights  all  are  fixed,  with  the  exception  of  14  revolving  lights,  which 
show  red  and  white  alternately,  and  three  simple  red  lights  which  revolve. 

The  use  of  coloured  lights  has  this  disadvantage,  that  the  colour  is  only  obtained  by 
absorbing  a  large  portion  of  the  rays  emitted  from  the  lamp,  namely  those  of  other  colours  ; 
and,  therefore,  the  required  intensity  is  only  obtained  by  consuming  a  larger  amount  of 
oil.  Again,  green  and  blue  hghts  are  highly  objectionable  for  lighthouses,  except  for  very 
short  ranges,  on  account  of  the  readiness  with  which  rays  of  those  colours  are  absorbed  by 
the  atmosphere  if  it  is  at  all  misty.  Red  rays,  on  the  contrary,  penetrate  peculiarly  well ; 
and,  as  Your  Commissioners  have  witnessed,  furnish  an  admirable  and  most  useful  means 
of  distinction,  one,  which  in  their  opinion  is  not  enough  resorted  to, — a  deficiency  which 
will  be  at  once  apparent  on  a  glance  at  the  above  table,  especially  in  reference  to  the 
Trinity  House,  or  at  the  Index  Map  projected  by  our  Secretary ;  but  at  the  same  time 
we  consider  that  it  is  highly  desirable  wherever  practicable  to  make  red  lights  revolve, 
in  order  that  the  greater  quantity  of  light  thus  brought  into  one  direction  may  counteract 
the  absorption  of  rays  due  to  the  coloured  glass.  Indeed,  Your  Commissioners  would 
willingly  see,  as  far  as  practicable,  all  lights  in  prominent  situations  revolving,  since 
a  greater  range  in  dull  weather  is  thus  obtained,  and  there  is  less  chance  of  mistaking 
them  for  ships'  lights,  which  are  now  often  of  great  brilliancy,  or  of  mistaking  ships' 
lights  for  them.  At  the  same  time  it  should  be  borne  in  mind  that,  at  the  rate  at  which 
ships  are  now  propelled,  it  is  desirable  (in  order  to  enable  the  mariner  to  secure  a  bearing) 
that  some  light  beside  the  revolving  light,  particularly  if  it  is  a  quick  revolving  light, 
should  be  visible  throughout  the  whole  revolution  at  as  great  a  distance  as  possible. 

Sometimes  two  lights,  even  on  separate  towers,  are  exhibited,  in  order  to  form  a  dis- 
tinction irom  a  neighbouring  light.  By  this  means  the  expense  is  very  nearly  doubled  ; 
and  where  distinction  is  the  only  object  gained,  it  appears  to  show  more  prodigality 
than  ingenuity.     (  See  Vol.  II.  pp.  6",  252  ;  and  Vol.  I.  p.  70.) 

It  is  also  desirable  that  a  lighthouse  should  be  a  very  visible  object  from  the  sea  by 
day.  Your  Commissioners  during  their  visits  had  frequent  occasion  to  remark  how  little 
tliis  had  been  considered,  especially  in  Scotland,  where  the  handsome  stone  towers 
unpainted  could  often  be  scarcely  distinguished  at  a  distance  from  the  grey  background. 
We  recommend  that  the  lighthouses  should  always  be  coloured  so  as  to  present  the 
greatest  contrast  with  the  background,  and  that  the  buildings  and  walls  attached  to 
the  towers  should  be  kept  carefully  whitewashed  where  the  ground  is  dark. 

The  distinction  of  lighthouses  by  day  is  susceptible  of  much  development  by  the  more 
extended  use  of  coloured  stripes  or  bands. 

There  is  another  important  point  connected  with  the  quaUty  of  lighthouses,  to 
which  Your  Commissioners  have  given  attention,  namely,  the  means  of  indicating  the 
locality  during  fogs  which  the  light  cannot  penetrate.  This  is  sought  to  be  effected  by 
bells,  and  in  one  or  two  instances  bv  guns  ;  but  it  is  rarely  attempted  at  stationary  light- 
houses, except  at  those  built  on  rocks  in  the  sea,  or  on  piles.  We  recommend  the  more 
frequent  adoption  of  whatever  means  may  be  found  most  ethcient.      (See  Vol.  I.  p.  225.) 

Your  Commissioners  consider  it  desirable  that  Admiral  FitzRoy's  plan  of  notifying 
at  the  principal  ports  the  approach  and  course  of  storms  should  be  extended  to  certain 
of  the  lighthouses  in  prominent  positions,  for  the  purpose  of  such  information  being 
signalized  thence  to  passing  ships  ;  and  if  the  Astronomer  Royal's  proposition  for  exhi- 
biting a»  time-ball  at  the  Start  should  be  carried  out,  such  signals  might  be  advantageously 
established  at  that  point.  Admiral  FitzRoy  has  supplied  various  lighthouses  in  the 
United  Kingdom  with  the  necessary  meteorological  instruments.  In  several  of  the 
answers  to  Your  Commissioners'  scientific  inquiries  the  same  suggestion  is  touched  upon. 
Had  such  a  system  existed  when  the  Royal  Charter  was  lost,  that  fearful  wreck  might 
possibly  have  been  avoided. 

c  4 


More  red  lights 
recommended. 


Bed  and  pro- 
minent wliite 
lights  recom- 
mended to  be 
made  revolving. 


Two  separate 
towers  objected 


The  colouring 
of  lighthouses 
with  reference 
to  background 
recommended. 


Further  use  oj 

fog-signals 

recommended. 


The  signalizing 
of  storms  from 
lighthouses  re- 
commended. 


xii  REPORT  OF  COMSIISSIONERS  OX  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 

Quality  compared  with  Foreign  Lights. 

^  With  reference  to  the  qualitii  of  the  lights  of  tlie  United  Kingdoin  as  compared  with 

pared  with  foreign  lights,  the  answers  to  Questions  4  and  5  of  Circular  VIII.  show  that  the  majority 
other  countries.  *p£  the  mariners  who  use  them  consider  British  lights  generally  to  be  at  least  equal  to  all 
others  in  the  world,  and  that  those  of  France  rank  next.  Out  of  586  who  have  replied  to 
Question  4,  "  Do  you  think  that  the  coasts  of  the  United  Kingdom  arc  as  well  lighted 
"as  any  of  the  foreign  coasts  which  you  have  already  mamed  ?" — 514  consider  the  coasts 
of  the  United  Kingdom  as  well  lighted  as  any  others  with  which  they  are  acquainted, 
while  in  repl}'  to  Question  5,  "  If  you  think  that  the  coasts  of  the  United  Kingdom  are 
"  not  so  well  lighted  as  those  of  any  other  country  or  countries,  name  those  countries  in 
''  the  order  in  which  you  prefer  their  lights," — out  of  311,  200  express  their  preference  of 
the  British  lights,  and  only  33  prefer  those  of  any  other  country.  Nor  is  this  due  to 
any  patriotic  prejudice  in  favour  of  England,  for  of  the  34  masters  of  foreign  vessels 
who  have  answered  Question  4,  24  think  England  as  well  lighted  as  any  other  country  they 
know  ;   one  is  doubtl'ul  ;  but  not  one  foreigner  prefers  the  lighting  of  any  foreign  shore. 

These  comparisons  by  the  200  mariners  who  pi'efer  British  lights  and  the  33  who  prefer 
those  of  some  other  country  have,  however,  been  more  closely  analysed ;  and  it  appears  that 
out  of  the  200,  only  42  profess  to  be  well  acquainted  with  the  coasts  of  France,  while  it 
must  be  remembered  there  are  2.5  who  express  a  preference  for  the  French  lighting.  This 
weight  of  evidence,  therefore,  in  favour  of  the  United  Kingdom  as  compared  with  France 
is  not  great.  Many  circumstances  also  must  interfere  with  the  accuracy  of  such  compa- 
risons ;  for  instance,  on  the  one  hand  an  advantage  is  given  to  foreign  countries  by  the 
greater  clearness  of  the  atmosphere,  and,  on  the  other  hand,  an  advantage  is  given  to 
Great  Britain  by  its  shores  being  the  usual  landfall  of  those  mariners  who  have  replied 
to  the  questions. 

The  testimony  of  the  replies  given  to  Question  7  of  the  same  Circular,  "  What  British 
"  and  what  foreign  light  have  you  usually  seen  furthest  off,  and  which  of  the  two  has  been 
"  usually  visible  at  the  greatest  distance  ?" — is  to  a  similar  effect ;  but  it  refers  only  to  the 
brightest  lights  ;  and  an  anal3-sis  of  these  replies  gives  several  additional  points  of  interest. 
Such  an  anal3^sis  is  made  in  the  tables  in  Vol.  I.  pp.  114-119,  and  the  following  arc 
the  principal  results  : — 

579  witnesses  have  mentioned  the  25  Lighthouses  named  in  the  table  as  the  British 
lights  M-hich  they  have  usually  seen  furthest  off. 

These  have  made  184  direct  comparisons  with  the  foreign  lights  which  they  have 
usually  seen  furthest  off. 

And,  in  reply  to  the  question  which  of  the  two  has  been  usually  seen  at  the  greatest 
distance —  , 

112  witnesses  are  in  favour  of  British  lights. 
72  ,,  „  Foreign  lights. 

Giving  a  majority  in  favour  of  British  lights  of  40  on  184  comparisons.  15  of  the  25 
British  lights  mentioned  are  preferred  to  the  Foreign  lights  compared  with  them ;  1  is 
equal;  9  arc  inferior  ;  giving  a  majority  of  6  in  favour  of  British  lights.  Of  the  15 
British  lights  preferred,  9  are  catoptric  revolving  or  flashing,  2  catoptric  fixed ;  2  dioptric 
fixed,  2  dioptric  revolving. 

Nine  British  lights  are  said  to  be  inferior  to  those  Foreign  lights  compared  with  them. 
Of  these  British  lights  3  are  dioptric  fixed,  2  dioptric  revolving  or  flashing ;  2  catoptric 
fixed,  2  catoptric  revolving. 

This  large  preponderance  of  evidence  in  favour  of  the  catoptric  revolving  over  the 
dioptric  revolving,  as  hitherto  exhibited  in  England  and  Ireland,  and  which  is  further 
confirmed  by  the  table  in  Vol.  I.  p.  117,  fully  confirms  the  remarks  made,  and  the  reason 
of  it  and  the  remedy  are  there  given. 

Dioptric  revolving  lights  ought  to  be  very  powerful.  Of  the  two  which  are  con- 
sidered inferior  to  the  Foreign  lights  compared  with  them,  the  Start  is  one,  and  the 
condition  of  that  light,  which  is  described  by  us  in  Vol.  I.  p.  46,  will  show  the  value  of 
these  comparisons  made  from  observation  at  sea  by  the  men  most  interested  in  the 
lights.  The  other  inferior  dioptric  revolving  light  is  Ballycottin.  It  appears  from  the 
reply  to  Question  38,  Circular  III.,  that  the  annual  consumption  of  oil  is  354  gallons, 
as  against  the  Start  498,  the  South  Foreland  511,  Skerry  Vore  ''d\,  Kinnaii'd  Head 
800,  while  at  Grisnez  it  is  stated  to  be  785,  all  of  which  are  dioptric,  1st  class.  And  this 
again  shows  the  correctness  of  the  comparisons,  lor  the  oil  burned  is  a  measure  of  the 
light  produced. 

Again,  of  all  the  Foreign  lights  mentioned  and  compared,  Grisnez  (probably  from  its 
prominent  position)  is  most  frequently  named.     It  is  mentioned  as  seen  at  great  distances 


REPORT  OP  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS.  xiii 

by  108  witnesses  ;  but  of  the  12  British  lights  compared  with  it  7  are  said  to  be  better,  5 
worse  ;  and  of  48  comparisons  between  it  and  British  lights  30  are  in  favour  of  the  latter. 
The  above  evidence  then  goes  to  show  that  the  quality  of  British  lights  (speaking  gene- 
rally) is  cqualto  the  quality  of  lights  in  any  part  of  the  world;  and  the  testimony  is  especially 
valuable  because  the  men  who  give  it  are  mariners,  those  best  able  to  judge  of  the  appearance 
of  the  light ;  and,  as  appears  from  their  evidence  elsewhere,  generally  knowing  nothing 
about  the  manner  in  which  the  light  is  produced.  As  one  witness  remarks  "  They  don't 
know  the  ropes,"  C.  and  D.,  (catoptric  and  dioptric,)  but  most  of  them  think  that  first-class 
British  lights,  speaking  generally,  are  as  good  as  most  first-class  lights  which  they  have 
seen  abroad,  and  better  than  many. 

Your  Majest3''s  Commissioners  have  no  reason  to  differ  from  this  general  opinion  ;  but 
in  subscribing  to  it,  we  think  it  necessary  to  revert  again  to  the  various  defects  that  we 
have  ascertained  to  exist  in  the  present  dioptric  lights,  especially  of  England  and  Ireland, 
and  to  the  experiments,  observations,  and  reports  that  have  been  made  by  us  or  at  our 
instance  on  the  matter.  T'here  are,  indeed,  many  particulars  in  which  the  quality  of 
British  lights  might  be  greatly  improved.   (See  Vol.  I.  p.  63.) 

There  was  a  time  when  the  shores  of  this  kingdom  were  unquestionably  much  better 
lit  than  those  of  other  countries.  At  that  time  silvered  parabolic  reflectors  with  Argand 
lamps  Avere  considered  to  be  the  best  of  optical  apparatus  for  lighthouses,  and  they  were 
largely  used  and  are  still  retained  in  very  many  situations  by  the  General  Lighthouse 
Authorities.  Amongst  Local  Authorities,  smoky  lamps,  candles,  and  tin  reflectors,  some 
even  painted  in  front,  may  even  now  be  found.     (See  Dover,  Vol.  II.  page  305.) 

There  are  indeed  many  situations  in  which  reflectors  properly  kept  are  supposed  by 
the  Lighthouse  Authorities  to  be  as  useful  as  lenses  ;  and  the  great  labour,  care,  and 
skill  bestowed  by  the  keepers  on  the  cleaning  of  the  reflectors  assist  in  making  some 
British  catoptric  revolving  lights  compare  favourably  with  the  best  lens  lights  in  France. 
In  catoptric  revolving  lights,  the  number  of  lamps  and  reflectors  on  one  foce  can  be 
multiplied  so  as  to  increase  the  power.  Beachy  Head,  for  example,  is  a  catoptric  re- 
volving light,  showing  ten  reflectors  on  one  fuce,  and  is  favourably  compared  with 
Grisncz,  which  is  a  dioptric  flashing  light,  though  Grisnez  is  some  feet  higher  than 
Beachy  Head.  There  is  but  one  lamp  at  Grisnez,  burning,  according  to  regulation,  785 
gallons  ;  at  Beachy  Head  there  are  thirty  lamps,  burning  about  1,000  gallons  of  oil  in  a  year. 

The  fixed  catoptric  lights  of  the  British  Isles  are  never  mentioned  by  any  mariner  as  Quality  com- 
having  been  seen  at  a  great  distance,  and,  indeed,  with  the  exception  of  the"  Lizard,  their  other  c'^u''- 
names  scarcely  occur  among  the  answers  to  Question  7-     There  can  be  no   doubt  that  tries. 
they  will  not  bear  comparison  with  revolving  lights  on  the  same  principle,  or  with  the 
dioptric  lights  of  France  or  Scotland.     As  to  the  fixed  catoptric  lights  abroad  (there  are 
scarcely  any  in  France)  not  one  of  them  seems  to  be  named,  except  that  on  Heligoland, 
which  belongs  to  the  Trinity  House. 

On  comparing  the  qualifij  of  British  lights  with  those  of  foreign  countries  in  the  four  Particulars 
particulars  mentioned  above,  it  may  be  remarked  : —  of  comparison. 

1st.  With  reference  to  the  source  of  light,  the  observations  of  the  Commissioners 
have  placed  it  beyond  doubt  that  the  French  have  the  advantage  over  the  English  and 
Irish  in  the  height  and  brilliancy  of  their  flames,  owing  mainly  to  their  use  of  the  mechanical 
lamp.     (See  Plate  1  at  the  end  of  Vol.  1.) 

2nd.  As  to  the  optical  apparatus,  the  dioptric  system,  invented  and  first  employed  in 
France,  has  been   gradually  adopted   in  our  own    country,    and  in  Scotland  some  im- 
provements have  been  made  in  it.     There  is,  however,  this  important  difference  :  in  France 
the  new    apparatus   was    adopted    throughout   the  whole    Lighthouse    service ;    and   in 
the  United  States,  and  in  Spain,  it  has  been  lately  exclusively  adopted  in  the  great  refor- 
mation of  their  Lighthouse  system  just  effected  by  the  Governments  of  those  countries  ; 
but  in  the  United  Kingdom  the  old  reflectors  have  only  been  replaced  from  time  to  time 
by   the  refi acting   apparatus;    and   the  Board    of   Trade  now  lay    down   the   principle, 
that  the  expense  should   only   be   incurred  when   the  reflectors  are  worn  out.     It  still 
remains  an  open  question  in  some  minds  whether  the  change  should  at  once  be  completed 
along  the  whole  shores  of  Britain,  and  in  other  minds  whether  the  purely  catoptric  principle 
is  not  better  than   the  purely  dioptric  under  certain   circumstances  ;  but  few  will  doubt 
that  a  combination  of  the  two  would  often  be  the  most  efHcient,   and  such  combinations 
exist  in  all  countries,  but  especially  in  Scotland.     Your  Commissioners,  indeed,  are  pre-  Substitution  of 
pared  to  recommend  a  more  rapid  substitution  of  these  catadioptric  arrangements  for  the  catadioptnc  for 
simple  metallic  reflectors  now  in  use  at  so  many  situations,   and   we  deem  this  especially  mtusTecom^''' 
requisite  when  the  light  is  a  fixed  one.     If  the  electric  light  come  into  general  use,  it  may  mended. 
necessitate  some  important  modifications  of  the  existing  apparatus. 
I.  d 


XIV  REPORT  OF  C0M5IISSI0KERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BTJOTS,  AND  BEACONS. 

3rd.  As  the  dioptric  apparatus  used  in  Ensrland  has  been  obtained  from  France  till 
very  recently,  or  consti-ucted  on  French  models,  it  can  be  no  matter  of  astonishment  that 
Your  Commissioners  found  in  that  country  the  same  errors  of  adjustment  between  the 
optical  ])ieces  and  the  lamp,  which  they  had  first  remarked  at  home  ;  but  these  errors 
were  greatly  aggravated  in  England  and  Ireland,  where  the  flame  was  low.  The  excel- 
lence of  the  light  at  Grisnez  was  found  to  be  due  partly  to  the  height  of  the  flame  of 
the  mechanical  Limp,  but  partly  also  to  the  fact  that  the  old-fashioned  mirrors  had  been 
well  adjusted  to  the  sea-horizon  after  erection, — a  point  that  cannot  be  so  easily  secured 
in  apparatus  of  more  modern  construction  (such  as  is  used  at  Calais),  where  the  totally 
reflecting  prisms  arc  secured  in  their  places  before  the  apparatus  leaves  the  manufac- 
tory, and  without  reference  to  the  altitude  of  the  proposed  situation.  There  was,  how- 
ever, but  very  slight  faidt  to  be  found  with  the  adjustment  of  the  Illuminating  apparatus 
at  Ailly.     (See  Vol.  I.  p.  59.  and  the  Astronomer  Royal's  Report,  p.  85.) 

4th.  In  regard  to  the  'distinction  of  one  light  from  another  by  varying  its  character 
the  French,  according  to  the  Admiralty  list-,  do  not  avail  themselves  so  much  as  the 
English  of  the  various  means,  and  the  Americans  seem  to  be  inferior;  but  in  Spain  and 
Brazil  the  proportion  of  revolving  to  fixed  lights  is  much  greater,  and  red  flashes  are 
more  frequently  emplo^•ed  than  in  the  United  Kingdom. 

The  United  States  Authorities  pay  more  attention  to  the  distinction  of  lighthouses  by 
day,  by  means  of  colour,  than  the  /Authorities  in  this  country. 

The  French  use  silk  webs  in  the  wicks  ;  and  filter  the  oil  that  has  flowed  through  the 
burners  before  returning  it  to  the  lamp  for  another  night's  consuu:iption. 

An  account  of  a  bell  with  a  reflector,  on  Boulogne  pier,  used  in  foggy  weather,  with 
evidence  as  to  the  extent  to  which  it  answers  its  purpose,  will  be  found  in  Vol.  I.  p.  221. 


Expense  of  Construction  and  Maintenance. 

The  expense  of  constructing  a  lighthouse  depends  so  nmch  on  the  requisite  height 
of  the  tower,  the  accessibilit}-  of  the  site,  the  facility  of  procuring  material  or  workmen, 
and  many  other  circumstances  varying  with  the  locality  or  the  character  of  the  work,  that 
it  is  difficult  to  form  a  comparison  between  the  practice  of  different  boards  in  this  respect ; 
yet  there  are  some  points  which  appear  worthy  of  remark. 

The  triumphs  of  Lighthouse  engineering  are  those  towers  which  rise  in  the  midst  of  an 
open  sea  on  small  isolated  rocks  or  reefs  that  are  washed  over  by  the  v.aves.  The 
Eddystone  was  the  first  of  this  class,  but  it  has  been  exceeded  in  magnitude,  and  in  the 
difficulties  overcome  in  the  construction,  by  three  more  recent  erections,  the  heights  and 
total  cost  of  each  of  which  are  given  below  : — 

Bell  Rock,  Scotland,  East  Coast;  height,  117  feet;  cost,    61,331/.     9-^.  '2d. 
Skerrv  Vore,       „       West  Coast ;  „      158     „         „        8.3,126/.   12s.    \d. 

Bishop  Rock,  England,  Scilly  Isles ;       „     145     „        „       36,559/.   1 85.  9f/. 

The  two  last  are,  to  a  certain  extent,  comparable  works,  both  being  erected  on 
rocks  almost  covered  by  the  sea  at  high  water,  both  far  from  land,  and  exposed  to  the 
force  of  the  Atlantic,  and  both  more  or  less  on  the  model  of  the  Eddystone ;  yet  the 
Bishop  which  is  nearly  as  tall  as  the  Skerry  Vore,  cost  in  construction  less  than  half 
what  was  expended  on  that  magnificent  work.  It  must  be  remembered,  however,  that 
at  Skerry  Vore  the  workmen,  the  materials,  and  all  the  requisite  stores,  had  to  be 
conveyed  a  distance  five  times  as  great  as  at  Scilly  which  in  that  stormy  region 
rendered  the  chances  of  landing  much  more  precarious,  and  that  a  quarry  and  a 
harbour  had  to  be  formed;  circumstances  which  involved  a  large  expense  that  cannot  be 
estimated  with  any  precision. 

Again,  in  Scotland,  there  are  a  number  of  modern  Lighthouses  on  the  mainland,  as  at 
Girdleness,  Buchaimess,  Covesea  Skerries,  and  Ardnamurchan,  handsome  towers  from  115 
to  120  feet  in  height,  with  substantial  edifices  for  keepers  around  their  base,  and  these  have 
cost  10,000/.  or  1 1,000/.  for  the  building  alone.  The  only  Lighthouse  on  the  mainland  in 
England  equalling  them  in  height,  and  fairly  comparable  is  that  at  St.  Catharine's  Head, 
in  the  Isle  of  Wight,  which  cost  7,6/3/.  17a'.  2f/.  It  also  is  of  stone.  The  Irish  Light- 
house at  Kinsale,  100  feet  high,  is  somewhat  comparable  with  these  Scotch  erections, 
and  cost  about  9,000/. 

The  usual  Lighthouses  on  the  mainland  of  England,  or  on  rocky  islands,  built  by  the 
Trinity  House,  arc  nuich  smaller  erections,  often  costing  no  more  than  from  3,0U0/.  to 
5,000/.,  and  rarely  exceeding  7,500/.  ■ 

The  average  cost  of  a  Lighthouse  on  the  mainhmd,  or  on  rocky  islands,  in  Scotland,  is 
about  8,1 '00/. 


REPORT  OP  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS.  Sv 

In  general  the  Irish  Lighthouses,  even  on  the  mainland,  have  been  erected  at  an  expense 
of  10,000/.,  but  this  includes  the  Illuminating  apparatus,  and  in  some  instances  the 
formation  of  a  road. 

The  only  complaints  which  the  Commissioners  have  heard  respecting  the  cost  of  erection 
of  Lighthouses  have  been  with  reference  to  the  Scotch,  and  luive  proceeded  from  the  Board 
of  Trade.  (See  Oral  Evidence,  answer  928.)  The  structures  erected  during  this 
century  in  that  country  are  doubtless  most  substantially  built,  generally  of  granite,  and  of 
great  height ;  there  seems  to  be  very  little  outlay  on  mere  ornament,  and  they  present  a 
noble  appearance  as  public  works  ;  but  when  the  great  difference  in  cost  between  them 
and  English  Lighthouses  designed  to  serve  a  similar  purpose  is  considered,  there  can  be 
little  doubt  either  that  the  Scotch  and  Irish  Authorities  have  not  paid  due  regard  to 
economy,  or  that  the  English  Authorities,  keeping  economy  too  closely  in  view,  have  not 
erected  edifices  worthy  of  themselves  and  of  the  nation  ;  unless,  indeed,  there  be  some  cir- 
cumstances which  render  similar  erections  necessarily  more  costly  in  Scotland  and  Ireland. 

If  it  is  difficult  to  compare  justly  the  cost  of  construction  between   the  different  por-  ^ 
tions  of  the   United   Kingdom,  it   is   still  more  difficult   to   draw  a  comparison  with  the  coastruction 
expense  incurred  in  countries  where  labour  is  very  differently  remunerated,  and  where  the  for"fTc!)un''' 
Management  of  Lighthouses  is  centralized  in   the  National    Government.     Yet  some  tries, 
interesting  data  for  such  a  comparison  have  been  obtained. 

On  turning  to  France  we  arrive  at  some  startling  results, — The  Pharede  Brehat,  on  the 
north-west  coast  of  France,  stands  on  a  rock  at  sea  like  the  Skerry  Vore  or  the  Bishop 
Rock,  but  more  under  high  water  than  they  are  ;  it  is  built  of  granite,  and  equals  the 
SkciT}'  Vore  tower  in  height,  at  least -within  afoot  or  two,  yet  the  total  expense,  including 
that  of  the  1st  order  dioptric  apparatus,  is  stated  to  have  been  only  i'3,120/.  The  pay- 
ments to  the  Government  engineers,  the  transport  of  material  by  Government  vessels,  and 
some  other  matters,  are  probably  not  included ;  and  other  circumstances,  including  expo- 
sure to  storms,  were  more  favourable,  thus  rendering  the  comparison  of  little  value,  yet 
the  smallness  of  the  sum  is  striking. 

Again,  the  French  have  built  at  Calais  a  tower  of  brick  and  calcareous  stone,  hand- 
somely fitted  up  within,  as  is  the  case  generally  with  1st  order  French  lights,  167  feet 
high,  and  therefore  taller  than  any  lighthouse  tov/er  in  the  British  Isles,  and  half  as  tall 
again  as  the  Scotch  towers  in  analogous  situations,  which  cost  10,000/.  or  11,000/.,  but 
the  Calais  Lighthouse  was  completed  for  7,-i79f-  The  Harbour  Lights  in  France, 
though  differing  greatly  from  one  another,  as  might  be  expected,  are  said  to  cost  on 
an  average  320/.  for  their  erection.  In  the  British  Isles  Harbour  Lights  are  generally 
under  Local  Authorities,  and  they  differ  more  widely  still,  in  fact  from  a  common  "-as 
lamp  post  to  lighthouses  of  large  pretensions  as  the  1st  order  catadioptric  light  at 
Hartlepool ;  yet  there  are  some  in  each  division  of  the  United  Kingdom  which  have 
cost  about  the  same  as  the  French  average ;  for  instance,  at  Penzance  in  Enoland,  at 
Peterhead  in  Scotland,  and  at  Cork  in  Ireland.  Some  buildings  have  cost  less,  but  the 
majority  have  had  a  larger  sum  expended  on  their  erection  than  the  French. 

The  average  expense  of  construction  of  four  Spanish  Lighthouses  of  the  first  order, 
height  not  stated,  is  only  5,450/.,  including  everything,  and  not  one  of  those  buildings, 
particulars  of  which  have  been  kindly  furnished  by  Senor  Lucio  del  Valle,  cost  more 
than  7,611/.  Their  Lighthouses  for  Harbours  appear  to  be  more  expensive  than  the 
French. 

The  American  first-class  light,  described  in  the  lleturn  from  the  United  States,  cost 
8,600/. 

The  Dutch  have  constructed  a  stone  lighthouse  on  the  coast  at  West  Schouwen  of 
the  great  height  of  166  feet,  only  one  foot  less  than  that  at  Calais,  with  brick  houses  for 
the  keepers,  which,  including  the  1st  order  revolving  apparatus,  cost  only  6,400/. 

The  Danish  Government,  on  the  other  hand,  has  paid  10,673/.  for  a  burnt  brick  and 
granite  lighthouse,  including  the  illuminating  apparatus,  at  Skagen. 

The  lighthouse  at  the  "  Hohe  Weg,"  Bremen,  built  of  freestone,  brick,  and  clinkers, 
cost,  including  the  illuminating  apparatus,  10,996/. 

The  Norwegian  Government  built  the  lighthouse  at  Little  Foerder  for  7,500/.,  and  the 
iron  one  at  Rundo,  which  is  110  feet  high,  for  10,800/. 

In  comparing  these  sums  with  those  mentioned  previously  as  expended  in  Great 
Britain,  it  must  be  borne  in  mind  where  a  1st  order  dioptric  apparatus  is  included,  that 
it  costs  from  1,500/.  to  2,000/. 

On  the  whole,  therefore,  the  outlay  of  Foreign  Governments  in  the  construction  of 
Lighthouses,  making  every  allowance  for  the  advantages  which  a  more  centralized  system 
gives  in  such  a  comparison,  appears  to  be  rather  greater  than  the  outlay  incurred  by  the 
English  Board. 

d  2 


REPORT   OF   C0M5IISSI0NERS   0\   LIGHTS.   BUOYS,    AND  BEACONS. 


Expense  of 
maintenance. 


Expense  of  Maintenance. 

The  expense  of  maintenance  of  a  light  depends  to  a  great  extent  on  its  class.  It 
■would  be  futile  to  attempt  a  comparison  by  taking  the  whole  amount  expended  on 
liahting  the  coasts  by  each  General  Authority,  or  by  each  different  country,  and 
dividing  that  by  the  number  of  lights,  unless  it  were  ascertained  that  the  different  classes 
were  in  the  same  proportion,  and  that  all  expenses  of  lightships  or  buoys  were  excluded. 
The  returns  asked  for  by  Your  Commissioners  tell  the  annual  cost  of  each  Lighthouse 
in  1858,  under  several  distinct  heads,  and  from  these  returns  has  been  drawn  up  the 
following  table  of  averages,  which  refers  only  to  1st  order  dioptric  lights,  or  catoptric 
lights  of  the  largest  description: — 


Expense  of 
maintenance 
compared  with 
foreign  coun- 
tries. 


Country. 

Oil. 

Wick 

s.     Keepers'.Salarics. 

Repairs  of 
Building. 

Repairs 
Appara 

of 
us. 

Paintii 

g- 

Total 
Expenditure 
(as  returned). 

£ 

s. 

d. 

f 

s. 

dJ     £    s.      d. 

f     s.    d. 

£        K 

d. 

£ 

s. 

d. 

£     s.      d. 

England — Dioptric 

7(3 

18 

0 

1 

14 

2       126  10     9 

2  suits  of 

clothes,  coals. 

&c. 

29     6     2 

13     2 

4 

24 

2 

8 

265     o     1 

„         Catoptric 

127 

6 

2 

1 

6 

5       141     8     4 
1     2  suits  of 
1  clothes,  coals. 

!      &c. 

30     8     0 

15     0 

6 

21 

1 

8 

340     .5     0 

Scotland — Dioptric 

133 

3 

2 

1 

1 

0       116  15     7 
and  land. 

1     8     8 

8  13 

0 

2 

0 

0 

380    9     6 

„          Catoptric 

136 

5 

0 

2 

13 

6       109  13     1 

and  land. 

2  13     3 

8     6 

4 

2 

1 

4 

385  12     7 

Ireland — Dioptric  - 

1  ■> 

10 

0  :2 

5 

0       119   17     .5 

3     6   U 

7  19 

4 

34 

.5 

6 

405     9     5 

,.       Catoptric  - 

140 

<) 

0    2 

4 

9       110  1.5     4 

9   11     2 

23     5 

( 

44 

o 

1 

485  11     3 

From  this  it  is  evident  at  a  glance  that  as  the  Scotch  dioptric  lights  burn  a  larger 
amount  of  oil  than  the  English  or  Irish,  they  are  more  expensive  in  that  item  ;  but  in 
this  particular,  expense  becomes  a  measure  of  efficiency.  The  Scotch  effect  a  saving 
in  oil,  amounting  to  about  1,300/.  per  annum,  by  lighting  and  extinguishing  their  lamps 
not  at  sunset  and  sunrise,  but  at  the  going  away  and  reappearance  of  dayliglit,  periods 
calculated  separately  and  tabulated  according  to  the  latitude  of  each  station.  The  amount 
burnt  in  the  large  catoptric  lights  of  each  country  is  about  the  same,  oil  being  Id.  or  2cl.  per 
gallon  cheaper  in  England  than  in  Scotland  or  Ireland.  Kepairs  of  building  is  a  larger  item 
in  the  English  than  in  the  other  Lighthouses,  as  they  are  usually  older  constructions,  and 
of  a  less  substantial  character,  "^rhe  Scotch  towers  are  generally  not  painted.  As  to 
the  total  expenditure,  there  is  evidently  a  discrepancy  in  the  manner  in  which  it  has 
been  returned  bv  the  different  Authorities,  the  Northern  Commissioners  and  the  Ballast 
Board  having  included  items  not  included  by  the  Trinity  House,  thus  showing  a  greater 
discrepancv  than  exactness  would  warrant. 

Besides  the  expenditure  incurred  in  the  individual  Lighthouses,  theie  are  the  general 
expenses  of  the  Authority  having  charge  of  them.  I'his  is  an  important  subject  of 
inquiry,  but  will  be  better  treitcd  of  under  the  head  of  "  System  of  Slanagement." 

The  following  table  will  afford  the  means  of  comparing  the  expense  of  maintenance 
of  a  first  order  dioptric  light  in  foreign  countries  with  that  incurred  in  England,  Scotland, 
and  Ireland  : — 


Country. 


France 


Spain 
Denmark 


IJrehat  (Rock) 
Mainland        lights 

average  of  four 
Average 
Skapren 


Total  Ex 

penditure. 

£ 

s.     d. 

415 

0     0 

320 

0     0 

340 

0     0 

274  17  11 


The  French  Government  pays  the  keepers  much  less  than  is  paid  by  any  of  the  General 
Authorities  in  the  United  Kingdom,  but  its  outlay  in  oil  is  very  properly  greater  than 
in  England  or  Ireland.  The  United  States,  on  the  contrary,  pay  as  mueh  as  27CL 
in  keepers'  salaries  for  a  fir.-;t-order  Lighthouse,  whilst  the  Trinity  House,  as  shown  in  the 
preceding  table,  ])ays  on  an  average  \'26/.  lOs.  Qd. 


REPORT  OF  COMJIISSIONEES  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


FLOATING  LIGHTS. 

The  number  of  Floating  Lights  in  position  in  the  United  Kingdom  is  47- 
They  are  thus  distributed — 


Country. 


England — Trinity  House 

Local  Authoritie.s 
Scotlanil — Northern  Commi.ssioners 

„         Local  Autlioritie.s 
Ireland — Ballast  Board 

Local  Aiithoritie.s 

Total 


Floating  Lights  in 
position. 


Floating  Lights 
in  reserve. 


34 

7 

1 
4 
1 


Of  the  Floating  Lights  under  the  Local  Authorities,  Liverpool  has  three  and  Hull 
two ;  there  is  one  in  the  Solway,  and  another  in  the  Tees  ;  one  in  the  Clyde,  and  the 
remaining  one  in  Lough  Foyle. 

The  Index  Map  shows  the  positions  of  these  vessels.      They  appear  to  have  been  Position, 
chosen  with  good  judgment,  for  very  few  complaints  are  made  in  the  evidence  of  the 
mariners. 

It  can  hardly  be  said  that  the  Floating  Lights  even  of  England  were  sufficient  when  sufficiency 
the  Commission  commenced  its  sittings,  but  the  Trinity  House  is  extending  its  mode  of 
action  in  this  respect,  having  placed  two  new  vessels  during  the  past  year,  the  one  in 
Cardigan  Bay,  the  other  on  the  Varne  Shoal  in  the  Channel.  Additional  Floating 
Light^  are  still  suggested  in  the  Mariners'  Evidence,  especially  one  to  mark  the  Inner  or 
Outer  Dowsing,  and  we  learn  that  the  Trinity  House  have  just  obtained  permission  to 
place  one  there. 

The  question  of  their  sufficiency  depends  also  in  some  measure  on  the  solution  of  a 
problem,  which  Mr.  Herbert  of  the  Trinity  House  proposes  to  make  the  subject  of  ex- 
periments on  a  large  scale. 

It  has  been  proposed  by  him  to  extend  the  principle  of  lighting  by  establishing 
Floating  Lights  in  the  Fairway — the  hulls  to  be  constructed  on  the  principle  of  his  buoys, 
and  the  light  the  best  known.    ',{¥ov  description  and  drawing,  see  Vol.  II.  p.  618.) 

The  evidence  which  the  Commissioners  have  obtained  from  the  Masters  of  Light-vessels 
goes  to  prove  that  the  most  exposed  situations  are  not  necessarily  the  most  dangerous  or 
disagreeable.  The  Masters  of  the  Seven  Stones  and  Coningbcg  Lightvessels  agreed  in 
saying,  that  the  long  sea,  and  great  length  of  chain  required  to  anchor  in  deep  water,  made 
their  stations,  which  are  the  most  exposed  in  the  kingdom,  easier  to  ride  in  than  stations 
where  the  sea  is  shorter,  the  water  shallower,  and  the  current  stronger  ;  such  as  at  Arklow, 
the  Owers,  and  Cockle ;  and  the  Master  of  the  Lightvessel  in  the  Humber,  who  had 
crossed  the  Atlantic  60  times,  said  that  he  had  never  met  with  so  "  nasty"  a  sea  as  in  the 
River  Humber. 

This,  which  at  first  sight  appears  strange,  is  explained  by  the  fact,  that  when  thewind 
is  strong  and  its  direci:ion  across  a  strong  tide,  a  vessel  often  rides  broadside  to  the  sea. 
In  the  open  sea  the  tides  are  not  so  strong,  and  the  waves  are  longer. 

The  Lightvessel  at  the  Goodwin  was  seen  by  the  Commissioners  so  riding,  to  wind- 
ward of  her  moorings,  broadside  to  the  sea,  and  rolling  heavily. 

The  efficiency  of  a  Floating  Light  depends  on  the  attention  paid  to  the  four  points  dwelt  Quality. 
on  in  reference  to  the  quality  of  Lights  on  shore  (seepage  6),  with  one  very  important 
addition,  namely,  that  it  should  remain  on  its  station  in  all  weathers. 

The  best  proof  that  the  lights  are  efficient  in  the  last  particular  is  to  be  found  in  the 
statements  of  the  Lighthouse  Authorities,  which  are  full}^  confirmed  by  the  evidence  of 
mariners.  The  Lightvessels  very  seldom  go  adrift,  and  there  is  no  instance  on  record  in 
which  the  crew  have  voluntarily  run  from  their  stations  in  bad  weather.  When  they 
have  been  driven  from  their  moorings,  the  vessels  have  always  been  replaced  in  a  very 
short  time,  and  none  have  ever  been  wrecked.  The  Mariners'  Evidence  on  this  point  is 
valuable,  because  the  rare  instances  in  which  Lightvessels  have  been  off  their  stations  are 
repeatedly  mentioned  by  independent  witnesses  as  remarkable  events.  It  does  not  appear 
that  the  lights  have  ever  been  accidently  extinguished. 

Much  has  to  be  learned   about  the  best  form  for  resisting  the  force  of  winds  and  Form  of  light 
waves  when  the  vessel  is  always  at  anchor.     The  shape  of  the  hull  now  varies  con-  '"'^"''• 
siderably.     Some  are  longer  than  others.     The  part  of  the  vessel  to  which  the  moorings 
are  attached,  and  the  points  where  the  chains  enter,  are  different.     The  Irish  vessels  are 

dS 


REPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


i?er/  revolving 
liyhts  rcfom- 
inenihd. 


Improverl  fuy 
tuynals  recom- 
mended. 


Expense  of 
construction. 


generally  longer  and  sharper  than  those  in  England,  and  set  an  after-sail  when  its  use 
enables  them  to  ride  more  easily.  We  have  endeavoured  to  obtain  evidence  on  these  points, 
and  have  received  man}'  valuable  opinions  in  reply  to  our  questions  on  flotation.  The 
testimony  of  the  men  on  board  has  been  in  favour  of  considerable  length,  fine  entrance, 
and  a  low  point  for  attaching  the  moorings ;  but  wc  would  recommend  this  branch  of 
scientific  inquiry  to  the  attentive  consideration  of  those  who  have  to  decide  the  question 
practically,  as  these  questions  materially  aflfect  the  steadiness  of  the  light,  security  of 
ship,  and  safety  and  comfort  of  the  men. 

The  source  of  light  in  lightships  is  invariably  the  combustion  of  oil.  Mechanical 
or  large  lamps  arc  not  employed. 

The  apparatus  by  which  the  light  is  directed  to  where  it  is  needed,  consist  of  silvered 
reflectors  and  Argand  lamps.  In  three  instances  only  has  the  dioptric  system  been 
adopted  in  lightships,  one  of  them  being  the  local  floating  light  of  Stockton-on-Tees. 

I'he  reflectors  are  also  smaller  afloat ;  and  with  one  or  two  exceptions  only  one  reflector 
is  shown  on  each  face,  and  can  be  seen  at  once.  The  silver  is  much  more  liable  to  injury, 
and  the  reflectors  were  generally  found  to  be  in  a  less  brilliant  condition  than  any  that' 
were  seen  on  shore  ;  though  in  some  of  the  vessels  the  reflectors  were  quite  as  well 
polished  as  any  seen.     Reflectors  also  wear  out  much  sooner  at  sea. 

it  is  a  question  for  consideration,  whether  the  dioptric  principle  might  not  be  more 
generally  introduced  into  floating  lights  ;  and  whether  some  of  the  improved  methods  of 
producing  light  might  not  l)e  adopted  afloat.  The  science  of  illumination,  as  regards 
floating  lights,  requires  development,  especially  as  ships'  lights  are  now  made  so 
brilliant. 

The  existing  distinctions  in  Floating  Lights  are  given  in  the  subjoined  table,  as  far  as 
our  returns  indicate. 


Country. 

Total. 
Number. 

Number  of  Lights. 

Character. 

Colour. 

1  Light. 

■2  Lights. 

3  Lights. 

yixed. 

Revolving. 

Fixed   and 
Uevolving 

White. 

Red. 

Red  and 
White. 

England— T.  H.  - 
„         Local  - 

Scotland    - 

„         Local  - 

Ireland— B.  B.   - 
,,         Local  - 

33 

4 

1 

20 
6 

1 

1 

11              2 

1  — 

2  I 

19 

7 

3 

1 

3 

1 
1 

9 
6 

4 

1 

2 

I 

2 

Total 

45       j      28 

1 

14      '         3 

1 

30      '      13 

2 

40      1         3 

2 

In  regard  to  the  distinction  of  the  light  of  one  lightship  from  another,  or  from  shore 
lights,  or  from  the  lights  of  moving  vessels.  Your  Commissioners  cannot  help  thinking 
that  red  might  be  more  frequently  used,  provided  the  revolving  dioptric  apparatus  is 
adopted,  and  that  a  larger  proportion  might  advantageously  be  made  to  revolve,  provided 
the  rapidity  of  revolution  be  sufficient  to  prevent  the  long  extinction  of  the  light. 

Another  point  is  the  colour  and  distinguishing  mark  of  floating  lights  by  day  ;  for  it 
is  important  to  every  mariner  to  be  enabled  to  recognize  a  particular  lightvcssel  at  a 
glance. 

The  Trinity  House  Lightvessels  are  painted  red.  In  Ireland  they  are  black  with  a 
white  streak.  At  Liverpool,  two  are  red  and  one  black  ;  and  they  are  all  distinguished  by 
balls  hoisted  at  the  mastheads,  and  by  other  signals,  and  some  have  their  names  painted 
on  their  sides.  Black  and  red  seem  to  be  the  colours  which  contrast  best  with  the  colour 
of  the  sea,  and  they  are  in  fact  best  seen. 

Gongs  are  used  as  fog-signals  in  the  lightvessels  of  the  Trinity  House  and  Ballast 
Board  ;  but  Your  Commissioners  are  satisfied  that  they  are  not  sufficiently  powerful,  and 
recommend  the  provision  of  a  more  efficient  warning  in  fog  as  a  subject  of  investigation 
and  experiment. 

Expense  of  Construction  and   Maintenance. 

The  average  cost  of  a  lightvessel  when  fully  equipped,  exclusive  of  stores,  is  as 
follows  : — 


England — Trinity  House 
„        Liverpool 
„        Hull  (small) 

Ireland — Ballast  Board 


£ 
3,622 
4,547 
2,436 
6,224 


The  Return  from  Liverpool  does  not  include  the  cost  of  the  Crosby  Channel  Floating 
Light.     One  of  the  two  vessels  belonging  to  Hull,  viz.,  the  Hebbles,  is  very  small. 


REPORT  OP  COMMISSIONERS  OX  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


The  Floating  Lights  in  Ireland  are  of  a  larger  size  and  better  character  than  the  average 
of  those  in  England. 

1  he  average  annual  expense  of  maintaining  a  Floating  Light  in  the  United  Kingdom  Expense  of 
is  as  follows : — 


maintenance. 


Country. 

Ordinary 

Eepairs  and 

Painting. 

Expense 
Oil. 

of 

Wages. 

Victualling 
Allowances. 

Total 
Expenditiu-e 

in  1858 
(as  returned). 

£      A.      d. 

£     s. 

d. 

£      s.     d. 

£      ;?.     d. 

£      i.      d. 

England — Trinity  House 

70     8     5 

59     7 

8 

430   19     2 

11  suits  of 

uniform. 

301     2     6 

1,103   18     1 

„        Liverpool 

450     0     0 

103   13 

4 

480  13     4 

408  12     0 

1,464   11     3 

„       Hull 

40     6     2 

38   14 

9 

284     5     0 

219     8     9 

Ireland — Ballast  Board 

586     4     9 

90     6 

8 

423   18     0 

256   12     9 

1,320  15   11 

The  Floating  Lights  of  the  Trinit}^  House  are  brought  into  harbour  to  be  repaired 
from  time  to  time,  and  this  is  not  reckoned  among  the  ordinary  repairs  and  painting, 
hence  the  smallness  of  the  sum  in  the  first  column  of  the  above  table.  In  the  total  ex- 
penditure this  seems  to  be  included. 

There  is  little  room  for  comparison  between  the  Floating  Lights  in  England  and  those  Comparison 
of  any  other   country.     France  has  onl^'  two,  and   Spain  has  not  established  any.     The  Jountdel'^" 
United   States   are  better  provided,  having  48,  but  they   were    confessedly  in   a  very 
inefficient  condition  till  recently,  when  those  of  England  were  copied,  possibly-  with  some 
improvements.     Their  vessels  are  painted  in  stripes  and  bands,  and  of  various  colours,  so 
as  to  be  recognized  at  once. 

It  is  stated  in  America  that  the  vessels  used  frequently  to  leave  their  stations  and  run 
into  harbour  in  heavy  weather ;  indeed,  that  is  admitted  in  the  return  forv/arded  b^^  the 
United  States  Government. 

The  following  table  gives  the  cost  of  a  Lightvessel  when  complete  for  service,  and  the 
annual  expense  of  maintenance  in  several  foreign  countries  :^ 


Country. 

Name  of  Vessel. 

Cost  of  Vessel. 

Cost  of  Maintenance. 

United  States 

"  Nantuck.et,  New  South  Shoals  " 

"  Fingrundet  "     - 

Average  of  Three 

"  Bremen "          -             - 

"  Kobbergrunden "             -          - 

"  Paarde  Markt  "              -             - 

"Noord  Hinder" 

£         .«. 
About  4,375     0 
3,500     0 
3,500     0 
2,564     0 
5,606     4 
2,968  10 
3,100     0 

d. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
3 
0 
0 

About 

£     5.     d. 
1,354     0     0 

Hamburg 
Brem.en 
Denmark 
Belgium 

740     0     0 
685     0     0 

Further  details  are  to  be  found  in  the  Returns. 

It  is  evident  that  whether  at  home  or  abroad  it  is  far  more  costly  to  maintain  a  Light 
afloat  than  on  shore,  and  where  the  Light  itself  cannot  be  made  perfectly  stationary, 
a  refined  adjustment  of  the  illuminating  apparatus  to  the  horizon  would  be  injurious. 
Where  practicable,  therefore,  stationary  buildings  should  be  erected,  such  as  the  Screw- 
pile  Lighthouses  at  the  mouth  of  the  I'hames,  and  elsewhere. 

BUOYS. 

The  number  of  Huoys  in  the  United  Kingdom,  as  far  as  can  be  ascertained  from  the  Numbc 
Returns,_ is  as  follows;  but   as   there   are   many  Local  Authorities  which   have  given  no 
information,  the  number  must  be  defective  in  this  respect.     Wreck  Buoys  and  Warping 
Buoys  are  excluded  from  the  Returns. 


Country. 


Buoys  in 
position. 


England — Trinity  House    - 
„  Admiralty 

„  Local  Authorities 

Scotland — Northern  Commissioners 
„  Local  Authorities 

Ireland  — Ballast  Board 
„  Local  Autliorities 


Total 


d4^ 


356 
65 

375 
92 
64 
53 

104 

1,109 


Buoys  in 
reserve. 


4S8 

79 
56 

573 


KEPORT  OF  COiOnSSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS.  AND  BEACONS. 


Sufficiency. 


Sufficiency 

compared  with 
foreign  coun- 
tries. 

Quality. 


Uniform  .«y.9. 
tnn  of  hw„,,i,  i 
rmmtmriiflcif 
ivith  dark, 
cvhun:. 


Quality  com- 
pared with 
foreign  coun- 
tries. 


The  position  of  these  buoys  is  marked  in  the  charts,  which  have  been  furnished  by  the 
several  Authorities,  but  it  was  not  thought  necessary  to  pubhsh  these.  The  position  of 
the  buoys  are  marked  on  the  Admiralty  Charts. 

Vervfew  alterations  are  suggested  in  the  positions  of  existing  buoys  by  those  who 
have  answered  the  Circulars  addressed  to  Mariners  and  to  Lloyd's  Agents ;  and,  on  the 
whole,  there  does  not  seem  to  be  ground  for  dissatisfaction  in  respect  to  position. 

The  number  of  buoys  in  some  districts  appears  to  be  amply  sufficient.  In  other  districts 
there  are  hardlv  any,  and  in  others  more  are  wanted.  The  Replies  of  ^klarincrs  to 
Question  23  show  in  detail  where  the  witnesses  desire  that  buoys  should  be  placed,  and 
similar  evidence  is  given  by  Lloyd's  Agents,  who  frequently  speak  of  the  waut  of  buoys 
in  certain  localities,  especially  in  Scotland  and  Ireland. 

Some  instances  of  uealect  have  come  to  the  knowledge  of  the  Commissioners;  as  at 
Limerick,  where  the  buoys  have  gradually  disappeared,  and  never  been  replaced,  though 
there  were  ample  funds  expressly  for  the  purpose. 

That  the  coasts  of  the  United  Kingdom  are  better  supplied  with  buoys  thau  any 
forei"-n  coasts  is  borne  out  by  the  almost  unanimous  opinions  expressed  by  the  488 
persoiis  who  follow  the  sea,  who  have  answered  Question  14  of  Circular  VIII. 

The  prime  requisites  in  a  buoy  are  that  it  should  be  conspicuous,  distinctive,  and 
permanent. 

It  appears  from  the  Returns,  however,  that  buoys  are  liable  to  various  accidents, 
especially  that  of  being  fouled  or  run  down  by  ships.  Of  the  356  Trinity  House  buoys  in 
position,"  only  14  broke  adrift  in  1858;  none  of  the  egg-bottomed  or  flat-bottomed  buoys 
were  so' displaced  in  that  year.  Of  the  92  buoys  belonging  to  the  Northern  Commis- 
sioners, 2  only  broke  adrift  in  1858  ;  and  of  the  53  buoys  under  the  Ballast  Board,  only 
the  same  number ;  while  of  the  608  buoys  under  local  authorities  a  somewhat  larger 
proportion,  namely  35,  broke  adrift,  tho'ugh  these  latter  generally  ride  in  nuich  less 
exposed  situations. 

Some  buoys,  for  instance  those  under  the  Admiralty  in  the  fairway  leading  into 
Portsmouth  Harbour,  disappear  under  water  as  soon  as  the  tide  becomes  strong,  and  only 
reappear  at  slack  water  (see  Vol.  I.).  Generally  speaking,  the  buoys  in  use  are  not 
constructed  on  scientific  principles ;  but  there  are  others,  either  used  or  designed,  which 
show  more  thought.  Herbert's  buoys  have  been  tried  on  a  large  scale  at  Liverpool, 
in  Ireland,  and  in  England,  and  appear,  when  properly  constructed,  to  be  excellent. 
Lenox's,  Poulter's,  and  Peacock's  buoys,  and  many  other  forms,  appear  also  to  ride 
successfully;  and  in  the  Clyde  there  are  large  iron  buoys  of  peculiar  construction, 
wliich  are  commended. 

The  best  form  for  a  conspicuous  floating  body,  to  be  permanentl3-  anchored  at  a 
particular  spot,  and  the  best  method  of  securing  it,  have  yet  to  be  decided. 

We  have  also  asked  and  obtained  the  evidence  of  scientific  men  on  this  point,  and 
would  specially  recommend  the  subject  to  the  Authorities  who  have  to  deal  practically 

with  it. '  ,  . 

Another  and  a  very  important  inquiry  as  to  the  efficiency  of  buoyage  is  the  system  on 
which  channels  and  harbours  are  buoyed,  and  whether,  indeed,  any  system  is  adopted. 
Till  lately  there  was  no  attempt  at  uniformity  in  an^-  part  of  the  British  Isles,  but  the 
Northern"  Commissioners  adopted  u  system,  the  main  feature  of  which  is  placing  red 
buovs  on  the  starboard  hand  in  entering  the  harbour,  and  black  on  the  port  hand.  The 
Irish  Board  have  frequently  adopted  a  system  too,  but  it  is  exactly  the  reverse  of  the 
Scotch  ;  and  only  last  year"  the  Trinity  House  have  decided  to  buoy  channels  uniformly, 
but  on  a  totallv  "different  plan  ;  namely,  red  or  black  buoys  to  starboard,  and  chequered 
to  port,  but  they  do  not  contemplate  applying  it  to  channels  already  buoyed.  The 
Board  of  Trade  has  required  that  Lough  Swilly  in  Ireland  should  be  buoyed  on  this 
system.  In  the  meantime  some  of  the  Local  Authorities,  as  those  at  Liverpool  and  the 
Clvde,  have  adopted  systems  of  their  own,  which  may  or  may  not  be  the  same  as  that 
of  "the 'General  Authority  in  the  same  country  ;  the  Admiralty  have  no  uniform  system. 

Your  Majesty's  Commissioners  recommend  that  some  national  system  he  introduced  into 
the  United  Kingdom,  and  that  the  colours  adopted  in  it  should  be  dark.  In  support  of  this 
we  would  again  call  attention  to  the  Mariners'  Evidence.  Of  268  mariners  who  have 
replied  to  Question  28,  148  are  in  favour  of  a  tmiform  system,  and  a  very  large  majority 
of  those  who  have  replied  to  Question  17,  prefer  black  and  red  for  colours,  and  angular 
forms,  as  being  the  most  visible  on  the  sea.  The  disadvantage  of  white  under  such 
circumstances  "has  been  frequently  illustrated.  (See  Vols.  I.  and  II.)  Attention  is 
directed  to  var-nus  proposed  systems  of  buoyage,  which  will  be  found  in  Vol.  I. 

The  buoys  in  foreign  countries  do  not  appear  to  etjual  those  of  the  British  Isles  either 
in  size  or  general  efficiency  ;  but  the  adoption  of  a  national  system  of  buoyage,  as  in 
France,  is  "evidently  an  advantage.  The  French  contemplate  improving  their  buoyage, 
and  we  saw  a  vcrylargc  Herbert's  Bell  buoy  in  construction. 


REPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS.  xxi 

The  original  cost  of  a  buoy  varies  greatly  with  its  character  and  size.  The  Trinity  Expense  of 
House  generally  employ  Can  buoys  costing  from  2//.  to  36/.,  but  it  has  many  of  a  better  construction. 
kind  costing  58/.,  130/.,  and  even  197/-,  when  complete.  The  Ballast  Board  makes  most 
use  of  a  buoy  costing  26/.,  but  those  costing  42/.  lOs.  or  62/.  are  not  infrequent,  and  their 
largest  Herbert's  buoy  cost  99/-  4a-.  The  Northern  Commissioners,  on  the  other  hand,  do 
not  employ  any  other  than  the  old  Nun  and  Can  buoys,  costing  from  16/.  I6.y,  to 
31/.  lOs. 

The  repairs  required  by  a  buoy  arise  mainly  from  accidents.     Painting,  however,  is  a  Expense  of 
regular  expense,  costing  annua%  from  21.  lOs.  to  5/.  5^.   each  in  Ireland ;    7s.  6d.  in  ™'"°'*°^'=«- 
Scotland ;  and  the  mere  expense  of  the  paint  in  England,  as  it  is  done  by  the  crews  of 
Floating  Lights  when  off"  duty. 

The  United   States  Government  commonly  use  Nun  and  Can  buoys,    costing  from  Cost  compared 
40/.  to  100/.     The  Spanish  obtains  its  buoys  from  England.  ^Itnltf^" 

BEACONS. 

It  is  impossible  to  determine  the  number  of  Beacons  in  the  British  Isles,  for  the  word  ^'""ber. 
itself  is  somewhat  indefinite,  particularly  in  the  Local  Returns,  where  they  cannot  be  rigidly 
distinguished  from  other  small  leading  marks.     The  following  numbers  all  refer  to  struc- 
tures of  some  magnitude  : — 

England — Trinity  House         -         -67 

„  Admiralty  -         -       7 

„  Channel  Islands      -         -     19 

Scotland — 'Northern  Commissioners      33 

Clyde  -         -         -     82 

Ireland— Ballast  Board  -  -     53 

The  positions  of  these  and  other  beacons  are  given  in  the  Admiralty  Charts. 

They  appear  to   be   fully  sufficient  in  some   places,  but  deficient  in    others.       The  ^''5'''°°- 
positions  where  more  beacons  are  wanted  are  mentioned  in  the  Replies  to  Question  23  Sufficiency. 
of  Mariners'  Evidence,  and  in  the  Evidence  collected  through  Lloyd's  Agents. 

In  rivers  and  estuaries  in  the  United  Kingdom  and  elsewhere,  beacons  are  commonly 
sticks,  or  beams  of  wood  planted  in  the  mud,  or  fixed  to  rocks.     Sometimes  a  beacon  is  Q"=i'ity- 
a  pile  of  stones,  but  there  are  also  beacons  of  solid   masonry,   and  structures  of  iron 
solidly  fixed  in  places  where  such  marks  have  been  thought  sufficient,  and  a  light  was 
not  thought  necessary.     There  is  a  beacon  on  a  rock  near  Stornaway,  which  reflects  light 
directed  upon  it  from  a  lighthouse  on  shore.     Hollow  pile  beacons  have  been  erected  on 
some  shoals,  as  on  the  Goodwin  Sands,  and  might  advantageously  be  substituted  in  other  -f*  beacons 
places  for  buoys,  just  as  permanent  pile  lighthouses  are  being  in  some  places   substituted  ''™""™*''- 
for  floating  lights. 

The  beaconage  of  the  United  Kingdom,  like  the  buoyage,  is  on  no  uniform  system  of 
colour,  or  form,  or  construction ;  and  generally  nothing  but  local  knowledge  enables  a 
mariner  to  tell  his  position  by  the  beacons  alone.  The  navigation  of  the  Clyde  is  much 
facilitated  by  beacons  solidly  built  at  short  distances  from  one  another,  and  marked 
both  by  colour  and  by  other  indications,  so  as  to  show  on  which  side  of  them  is  the 
channel.  What  is  there  eff'ected  might  be  attempted  with  advantage  in  other  places  Uniform  .«</«- 
under  other  iurisdictions.  tem  of  colouring 

-'  1-  11  11  PI         TT'iT-         1  beacons  com- 

Speakmg  generally,  the  beaconage  ot  the   United  kingdom  admits  of  great  improve-  '«««*<^- 
ment.     The  number  might  be  increased,  and  the  quality  improved,  and  the  efficiency  of 
the  service  advanced. 

The  expense  of  erecting  a  beacon  depends  of  course  wholly  on  the  nature  of  the  con- 
struction and  of  the  site.     The  cost  varies  from  that  of  the  beacon  on  the  Wolf  Rock  oflf  Expense  of 
the  Land's  End,  amounting  to  11,298/.,  to  that  of  "Jack-in-the-Basket,"  at  the  entrance  of  andma'nte" 
Lymington  Creek,  a  mere  pole  painted  white,  with  a  basket  at  its  top.    The  Pabba  Beacon    °''"<^'^- 
in  the   Sound  of  Skye,  the  latest  erected  in  Scotland,  is  of  malleable  iron,   40  feet  in 
height,  and  cost  502/.  5*.  2d.     The  expense  of  maintenance  is  in  many  cases  nil,  and 
never  should  be  much,  unless   in  situations  where  the  nature  of  the  position  is  such 
that  damage  is  frequently  being  caused  by  the  almost  irresistible  force  of  the  sea. 

The  beacons  \\hich  your  Commissioners  have  seen  abroad,  and  those  described  in  the  Comparison 
Returns  from  foreign  countries,  do  not  seem  to  be  better  than  those  of  the  United  Tountries.'*^" 
Kingdom,  except  in  so  far  as  there  is  a  national  s^'stem. 

In  France  the  beacons  and  buoys  are  coloured  on  the  same  plan,  and  even  patches  of 
rocks  on  different  sides  of  channels  are  (according  to  the  Returns)  painted  black  and  red. 
I.  e 


XXn  REPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  T^UOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 

lu  SMeden,  the  trees  which  are  planted  in  the  water,  on  one  side  of  a  channel,  have  a 
bunch  of  branches  at  the  top,  and  those  on  the  other  side  are  left  bare,  and  the  principle 
of  indicating  compass  bearings  of  shoals  is  acted  on. 

SYSTEM  OF  GOVERNMENT- 

The  system  of  management  and  control  under  which  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons  are 
constructed  and  maintained  in  this  kingdom  as  laid  down  by  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act 
\7  &  18  Vict.,  c.  104.,  is  as  follows: 

The  several  Authorities  mentioned  in  the  Act  are,  1st,  the  Queen  in  Council ;  2nd,  the 
Committee  of  the  Privy  Council  for  Trade  ;  3rd,  the  Trinity  House ;  4th,  the  two  other 
General  Lighthouse  Authorities,  namely,  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses  for 
Scotland  and  the  Port  of  Dublin  Corporation,  or  Ballast  Board  for  Ireland  ;  5th,  Local 
Authorities,  of  which  there  are  about  IJO. 

System  of  Control. 

1st.  Tlie  Queen  in  Counri/  maj-  transfer  to  a  General  Lighthouse  Authority  the 
powers  of  a  Local  Authority  within  its  jurisdiction  making  default  in  erecting,  maintain- 
ing, or  placing  any  local  lighthouse,  buoy,  or  beacon.     (Sec.  395-) 

The  same  power  may  consent  to  the  following  acts  by  the  General  Lighthouse 
Authorities  : — Exemption  from  dues ;  alteration  of  mode  of  collection  ;  substitution  of 
dues  (Sec.  398)  ;  and  may  fix  dues  for  new  lights,  or  alter  their  amount  (Sec.  410). 

So  i'ar  as  Your  Commissioners  are  informed,  the  powers  of  Local  Authorities  have  very 
rarelv  been  transferred  from  the  Local  Authorities  who  exercise  them.  One  case  was 
the  Light  at  Douglas,  Isle  of  Man,  lately  transferred  from  the  Local  Authority  to  the 
Scotch  Board.  Provision  has  to  be  made  for  dues  in  such  a  case.  Sees.  395  and  413 
seem  to  give  the  necessary  powers.    Under  Sec.  397  the  Queen  in  Council  may  alter  dues. 

2nd.  T/ie  Board  of  Trade  may,  on  complaint  of  ineflficiency,  authorize  persons  to 
inspect  all  Lighthouses,  Buoys,  and  Beacons  under  the  General  Lighthouse  Authorities, 
and  may  at  all  times  demand  from  them  returns,  explanations,  ^c.  (Sec.  393). 

From  the  evidence  before  Your  Commissioners  it  appears  that  the  first  of  these  powers 
has  been  very  httle  exercised,  and  that  the  latter  has  to  a  very  great  extent.  Sec  Corre- 
spondence, Abstracts,  &c. 

The  Board  of  Trade  may  sanction  interference  with  Local  Authorities  hy  General 
Authorities  ( Sec.  394  \  but  Your  Commissioners  are  not  informed  that  they  have  ever 
been  asked  to  do  so.  This  section  gives  large  powers  to  the  General  Authorities,  but  they 
have  been  exercised  only  to  a  very  small  extent,  if  at  all. 

On  the  contrary,  it  appears  from  a  letter  dated  9th  February  1859  (see  Vol.  II.  p.  631 ), 
that  as  regards  the  Harbour  Lights  marked  in  the  Admiralty  lists,  the  Board  of  Trade 
had  "  no  information  to  enable  them  to  state  by  whom  they  were  then  managed  "  ;  and  it 
further  appears,  from  the  Return  of  the  Scotch  Board,  that  the  Commissioners  for 
Northern  Lighthouses  could  only  furnish  a  list  of  these  Local  Authorities,  so  far  as 
known,  and  it  does  not  appear  from  the  Returns  or  from  the  personal  observations  of  Your 
Commissioners  or  from  the  oral  evidence,  that  local  lights  are  inspected  or  interfered  with 
to  anv  extent  b\-  any  of  the  General  Authorities. 

Your  Commissioners  have  reason  to  believe  that  very  little  control  of  any  kind  has 
been  exercised  over  the  Local  Authorities,  and  we  generally  found  the  lights  to  be  less 
efficient  than  those  managed  by  the  General  Lighthouse  Authorities,  and  to  be  managed 
on  no  regular  system  of  any  kind. 

The  Board  of  Trade  may  direct  the  General  Authorities  to  account  for  and  pay 
over  to  the  Paymaster-General  the  dues  collected  by  them  (Sec.  402),  and  this  they  have 
accordingly  done.  There  was  on  February  6,  I860  a  very  large  surplus.  361,645/.  1«.  2d., 
invested  in  Excliequer  bills  and  cash  in  the  hands  of  the  Paymaster-General.  (  See  Return 
Light  Dues,  February  6,  I860.     Parliamentary  Paper.) 

The  Board  of  Trade  may  decide  questions  in  dispute  between  the  Trinity  House  and 
the  other  two  General  Lighthouse  Authorities  b}-  granting  or  withholding  their  sanction, 
either  wholly  or  partially,  and  cither  with  or  without  modification  in  relation  to  the 
matters  submitted  to  them  (Sec.  406).  The  directions  given  by  the  Board  of  Trade  in 
relation  to  the  matters  aforesaid  shall  fortliwith  be  communicated  by  the  Trinity  House 
to  the  General  Authority  in  question,  and  that  Authority  is  bound  to  act  in  conformity 
therewith  (Sec.  407).  Under  Sec.  408  the  Board  of  Trade  may  sanction  directions  of 
the  Trinity  House  to  the  other  two  Lighthouse  Authorities,  but  we  do  not  find  that  the 
Board  of  Trade  are  empowered  by  the  Act  to  direct  the  Trinity  House  as  to  their 
managentenf ;  and  we  arc  informed  that  the  Board  of  Trade,  whatever  may  be  the  nature 
and  extent  of  the  power  which  they  actually  exert,  only  c/aim  "  the  control  of  the  purse." 


REPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS.  XXIU 

( See  Mr.  Milnev  Gibson's  Evidence,  Q.  82.)  But  the  power  given  to  the  Board  of 
Trade  by  Sec.  405,  which  seems  intended  only  to  meet  cases  in  which  the  Trinity 
House  do  not  signify  their  approval  of  the  works  which  the  other  General  Authorities 
submit  to  them  for  their  sanction,  appears  to  have  been  taken  to  embrace  other  cases, 
and  to  include  a  power  of  control  over  the  Trinity  House  ;  and  such  a  power  of  control 
has  been  exercised  in  man}^  instances  in  England,  Ireland,  and  Scotland. 

Under  Sees.  408,  409,  the  Board  of  Trade  have  power  to  sanction  directions 
originating  with  the  Trinity  House,  and  addressed  to  the  other  General  Authorities,  and 
they  act  as  a  Court  of  Appeal ;  but  no  case  has  been  brought  to  the  knowledge  of  your 
Commissioners  in  which  this  power  has  been  exercised. 

As  illustrations  of  the  manner  in  which  the  control  of  the  Board  of  Trade  is  exercised  iiiustrations  of 
the  following  may  be  cited.  In  the  case  of  Godrevy  the  Trinity  House,  anticipating  control."^ 
the  non-concurrence  of  the  Board  of  Trade  on  the  score  of  economy,  selected  a  site,  but 
not  the  site  they  would  have  preferred,  and  it  was  fin  illy  adopted  ;  but  not  until  after 
several  other  sites  had  been  suggested  by  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  after  a  correspond- 
ence extending  from  the  13th  July  1855  to  18th  November  1857-  (See  Vol.  I.  p.  13, 
and  Oral  Evidence  Qs.  69-74,  429-432,  926;  and  Vol.  II.  p.  63.) 

In  the  case  of  the  lighthouse  at  North  Unst,  the  Commissioners  of  Northern 
Lighthouses  were  over-ruled  through  the  Trinity  House,  and  a  temporary  light- 
house was  built  on  a  situation,  of  which  the  engineer  of  the  Scotch  Board  disapproved. 
The  men  considered  themselves  to  be  in  great  danger  when  the  bad  weather  came  on, 
and  they  are  now,  as  appears  from  the  correspondence,  cut  oif,  (in  the  permanent  light- 
house) from  communication  with  the  shore  whenever  the  weather  is  foggy,  because  their 
Lordships  would  not  sanction  the  laying  of  an  electric  telegraph  which  the  Commissioners 
wished  to  construct ;  and  the  making  of  a  path  from  the  houses  to  the  shore,  to  facilitate 
a  walk  of  some  miles  over  rough  ground,  was  refused.  The  keeper  on  shore  is  now 
compelled  to  walk  over  hills  in  all  weathers,  and  often  in  vain,  for  the  signal  hung  out 
is  frequently  in^'isible  from  fog,  when  the  observer  arrives  at  the  point  from  Avhich  the 
lighthouse  can  be  seen  in  clear  weather ;  and  one  keeper  nearly  lost  his  life  in  the  per- 
formance of  this  duty.  The  great  importance  of  this  signal  being  made  out  evert/  day  is 
dwelt  on  by  Mr.  Cuningham  in  his  evidence.  (See  Vol  I.  Oral  Evid.,  Qs.  478-481,  714- 
7J6,  760-767,  777-780,  941,  942  ;  and  Vol.  IL  pp.  165,  171  ;  and  MS.  Correspondence.) 

Again,  the  light  at  Holborn  Head  was  made  the  subject  of  a  voluminous  correspond- 
ence lasting  from  24th  December  1856  to  9th  Februar}^  I860.  The  cost  of  the  site  was 
200/.  The  main  questions  in  dispute — the  breadth  of  a  road,  and  whether  the  proprietor  of 
the  land  should  be  entitled  to  use  it — and  the  result  is  thus  described  in  a  letter  from  the 
proprietor :  "  The  terms  *  *  *  are  the  same  proposed  by  the  Commissioners 
"  and  agreed  to  by  me  more  than  two  years  ago."  (See  Vol.  I.  Oral  Evid.,  Qs.  482,  724, 
72,5,  735,  938,  and  p.  188;  and  Vol.  IL  p.  164;  and  MSS.  Correspondence.) 

The  Ballast  Board  of  Dublin,  in  1854,  were  deprived  of  a  steamer  which  the}^ 
purchased  in  1851,  in  consequence  of  the  Board  of  Trade  not  considering  it  sufficiently 
used.  The  vessel  was  transferred  to  the  Trinity  House,  and  sold  by  order  of  the 
Board  of  Trade ;  the  original  cost  was  18,500/.,  and  the  price  realized  about  half  that 
sum  ;  and  the  Ballast  Board  forward  stores  to  lighthouses  in  sailing  vessels,  make 
their  inspections  in  steamers  borrowed  from  the  Trinity  House,  and  shift  buoys  of  large 
size  by  means  of  a  small  steamer  called  the  "  Midge,"  which  Your  Commissioners  saw, 
and  considered  to  be  wholly  unfit  for  the  seas  of  the  Western  Ocean.  In  consequence, 
as  it  is  stated,  stores  are  delayed,  so  as  to  endanger  in  some  instances  the  extinction  of 
lights  in  distant  situations.  The  members  of  the  Ballast  Board  are  delayed  and 
impeded  on  their  inspections,  and  their  movements  being  known  long  before-hand, 
their  visits  are  expected  and  are  less  useful.  The  Buoy  service  is  made  one  of 
considerable  danger,  and  it  is  unquestionable  that  the  money  saved  is  quite  insufficient 
to  counterbalance  the  risk  incurred,  and  other  disadvantages.  In  this  case  the  Board 
of  Trade,  as  appears  from  the  correspondence,  not  only  deprived  the  Ballast  Board  of  the 
steamboat  contrary  to  the  wishes  of  the  Ballast  Board,  but  entered  into  negotiations 
with  Steamboat  Companies  for  shifting hghtvessels.  (See  Vol.  I.  Oral  Evid.,  Qs.  144-153, 
188-195,  201-214,  41.5-418,  8.56-864,  and  p.  19;  and  MS.  Correspondence.) 

The  Commissioners  for  Northern  Lighthouses  were  overruled  in  the  selection  of 
the  Illuminating  apparatus  to  be  used  at  the  Butt  of  Lewis,  (see  Vol.  I.  Oral  Evid., 
Qs.  483,  941,)  and  again  at  the  Lighthouse  of  Ilhu  Vaal,  at  the  entrance  of  the  Sound  of 
Islay,  as  to  the  height, — as  to  the  arc  to  be  illuminated, — the  colour  exhibited, — and  the 
purpose  of  the  light.  The  decision  was  opposed  to  the  opinion  of  the  Surveying  Officer 
on  the  district,  and  to  that  of  the  seamen  and  others  acquainted  with  the  locality;  and 
it  does  not  appear  that  it  was  wholly  approved  by  the  Trinity  House.  (See  Vol.  I.  Oral 
Evid.  Qs.  434-436,  84.5-850,  920-925,  and  p.  23;  and  MS.  Correspondence.) 


REPORT  OF  COjraiSSIOXERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


The  Lighthouse  on  the  Iron  Rock  (Sound  of  Jura)  remains  unbuilt  in  consequence 
of  a  difference  of  opinion  as  to  an  estimate  (9,360/.)  for  plans  which  had  been  approved 
by  the  Board  of  Trade,  but  which,  as  they  maintained,  must  be  executed,  if  at  all,  for  a 
considerably  less  sum  (6,000/.)  than  that  which  the  engineer  employed  by  the  Commis- 
sioners of  Northern  Lighthouses  considered  necessary  ;  a  voluminous  correspondence  took 
place,  which  has  ended  in  the  complete  suspension  of  all  proceedings,  to  the  detriment 
of  the  service.  The  Board  of  Trade,  although  fully  admitting  the  remarkable  accuracy 
of  the  estimates  of  the  jSIessrs.  Stevenson,  as  tested  in  numerous  works  by  the  ultimate 
expense  incurred  on  them,  refused  to  allow  tenders  to  be  invited  for  this  Lighthouse, 
seemg  apparently  some  connection  which  Your  Commissioners  have  been  at  a  loss  to  dis- 
cover between  the  amount  of  an  engineer's  estimate,  known  only  to  the  Authorities,  and 
that  of  the  tenders  which  follow  it,  (See  Vol.  L  Oral  Evid.,  Qs.  467,  700  et  seq.,  926  et 
seq.  and  MS.  Correspondence. 

When  a  gun  was  asked  for  as  a  fog  signal  on  board  the  Kish  lightvessel,  the  Board 
of  Trade  objected  to  the  expense  on  the  ground  that  it  was  for  the  benefit  of  vessels 
trading  to  the  port  of  Dublin,  and  to  the  fact  of  a  gun  being  fired,  as  it  might  possibl}^ 
be  mistaken  for  that  at  Holyhead  by  vessels  that  were  not  crossing  the  Irish  Channel. 
Yet  at  length  they  consented  to  a  large  bell  of  peculiar  construction,  and  afterwards 
allowed  the  gun  instead,  provided  it  was  not  purchased  or  maintained  at  the  expense  of 
the  Mercantile  Marine  Fund,  and  if  fired  always  twice  in  succession.  (See  Vol.  I.  Oral 
Evid.,  Qs.  224-232,  888-905.) 

And  so  the  power  of  the  purse  appears  to  be  construed  into  the  right  to  control  the 
action  of  the  Authorities  in  all  matters,  however  minute,  which  involve  the  slightest 
expenditure. 

The  Board  of  Trade  claims  to  exercise  their  power  of  control  to  this  extent  under 
Clauses  422  and  406  of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act.  It  becomes  a  subject  for  consider- 
ation, how  far  the  control  so  exercised  is  beneficial  or  necessar}-,  and  whether  the  saving 
in  cost  (if  any)  secured,  is  worth  the  time  lost,  and  the  danger  run  by  sliips  during  these 
lengthened  discussions  between  the  Authorities. 

It  appears  to  Your  Majesty's  Commissioners  that  the  better  and  simpler  course  would 
be  to  make  the  Lighthouse  Authority  which  ought  to  be  responsible  for  the  position, 
character,  and  everything  connected  with  the  work,  responsible  also  for  its  cost. 

As  matters  are  at  present,  the  Scotch  Board  and  the  Irish  Board  cannot  be  held 
responsible,  for  they  have  two  masters  over  them ;  and  as  the  Trinity  House  were  prac- 
tically overruled  in  the  case  of  Godrevy,  the  real  governing  body  has  come  to  be  the 
Board  of  Trade. 

It  is  therefore  important  to  consider  whether  the  Board  of  Trade,  when  acting  in  strict 
accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  Act,  is  the  department  of  Government  best  consti- 
tuted to  form  an  opinion  on  subjects  connected  with  coast  illumination,  and  better  able 
to  judge  of  the  necessity  of  establishing  new  works  than  the  Authorities  who  propose 
them.  For  example, — Captain  Bedford,  the  surveying  officer  on  the  west  coast  of 
Scotland,  proposed  the  placing  of  certain  buoys  which  he  considered  to  be  of  importance 
for  the  interests  of  general  navigation  ;  the  Commissioners  for  Northern  Lighthouses 
approved  of  most  of  these  suggestions,  adopted  some  of  them,  and,  on  the  8th  of  March 
I860,  wrote  for  the  statutory  sanction  of  the  Trinity  House  to  the  placing  of  these 
buoys.  On  the  21st  of  March,  the  Elder  Brethren  "did  not  feel  that  they  would  be 
"  justified  in  recommending  to  the  Board  of  Trade,  that  they  (the  buoys)  should  be  placed 
"  at  the  expense  of  the  Mercantile  Marine  fund."  And,  on  the  9th  of  April,  the  Scotch 
Commissioners  appealed  to  the  Board  of  Trade,  on  the  ground  that  the  reasons  given  by 
the  Elder  Brethren  were  insufficient.  Thc}^  pointed  out  that  some  of  the  buoys  were 
intended  for  the  use  of  vessels  navigating  the  Caledonian  Canal,  and  others  for  those 
navigating  the  Sound  of  Jura,  where  it  has  been  thought  advisable  to  erect  two  large 
lighthouses  for  general  purposes,  and  that  other  buoys  M'cre  for  other  localities  where 
beacons  and  lighthouses  are  in  course  of  erection  as  part  of  the  general  scheme. 

On  the  20th  of  April,  the  Board  of  Trade  sanctioned  the  placing  of  one  of  the  proposed 
buoys,  but  it  was  stated  that  "  as  regards  the  other  buoys,  my  Lords,  without  entering 
"  into  the  question  whether  the}'  would  be  useful  for  the  local,  rather  than  the  general 
"  trade,  are  not  disposed  to  think  them  necessary,  and  must,  therefore,  decline  to  sanction 
"  the  expense."    (See  MS.  Correspondence.) 

Assuming  that  this  decision  is  strictly  within  the  provisions  of  the  Act,  and  setting 
aside  the  rights  of  the  question.  Your  Commissioners  deem  it  to  be  a  matter  for  grave 
consideration  whether  the  constitution  of  the  Board  of  Trade  is  such  as  to  make  that 
department  of  the  Government  best  able  to  judge  of  such  questions.  The  surveying  officer 
on  the  station,  who  has  the  best  opportunity  of  judging  of  the  facts,  and  the  Commissioners, 
who  are  responsible  for  the  work,  are  agreed.  The  Trinity  House  differ  from  both  on  a 
financial  question ;  and  the  Board  of  Trade  diil'er  iroui  all,  and  decide  ou  a  question  of 


REPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  OX  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS.  XXV 

expediency.     They  sanction  the  placing  of  one  buoy,  admitting  the  principle  for  which  Controlling 
the  Scotch  Board  contend,  and  so  overrule  the  Trinity  House  ;  they  refuse  to  sanction  coSered. 
the  rest,  and  so  overrule  the  Scotch  Board  ;  and  they  give  as  their  reason,  that  they  do 
not  consider  those  buoys  necessary. 

In  this  recent  case  then  the  principle  of  Government  is  clearly  laid  down,  and  brought 
into  action.  The  refusal  is  on  the  ground  of  expediency ;  the  question  in  dispute  is 
not  settled,  but  the  umpire  decides  the  matter  from  his  own  point  of  view,  and  so  far 
as  regards  the  Scotch  and  Irish  Boards  (if  not  the  Trinity  House  itself)  the  principle  of 
this  case  seems  to  be  the  ruling  principle  of  the  control  as  at  present  exercised  by  the 
Board  of  Trade  over  the  Lighthouse  Authorities. 

If  this  is  the  principle  authorized  by  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act,  the  independent 
action  of  the  Lighthouse  Authorities  has  ceased  to  exist.  (See  Oral  Evid.,  Qs.  915-917.) 
The  governing  authority  has,  in  fact,  become  vested  in  the  Board  of  Trade,  though  no 
provision  is  made  by  the  Act  to  enable  that  department  to  judge  more  accurately  of 
such  matters  than  the  Lighthouse  Authorities  who  are  controlled,  and  the  Admiralty 
surveying  officers,  whose  local  knowledge  has  been  disregarded.  If  the  governing  power 
is  really  vested  in  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  if  that  department  is  so  constituted  as  to  be 
competent  to  conduct  the  service,  the  other  Authorities  are  superfluous.  On  the  other 
hand,  if  the  General  Authorities  are  necessary,  and  conduct  their  business  satisfactorily, 
and  are  to  be  continued,  their  powers  should  not  be  thus  limited  or  thus  controlled. 

As  matters  now  stand,  the  whole  management  of  the  lighthouse  service  appears  to  be  Present  system 
impeded  by  the  opposing  action  of  three  separate  governing  bodies  ;  and  it  does  not  objectionable. 
clearly  appear  what  advantage  is  gained  to  counterbalance  the  delay  which  results  from 
this  complicated  system. 

3rd.   Trinifii  House.     The  next  in  order  of  the  Authorities  having  charge  of  Lights,  controlling 
&c.,  is  the  Trinity  House.  "         P?y^^^^  °f^^^^ 

By  Section  39^  of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act,  that  body  may  enter  and  hispecf,  all 
Lighthouses  under  the  management  and  control  of  the  two  General  Authorities  next  in 
order ;  namely,  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses,  and  the  Ballast  Board, 
Dublin. 

By  Section  405,  it  may  control  these  two  bodies,  by  refusing  its  sanction  to  new 
works,  or  to  proposed  alterations  in  existing  works,  but  this  power  is  subject  to  an 
appeal  to  the  Board  of  Trade. 

By  Section  408,  it  may  direct  the  other  two  to  execute  new  works,  or  to  modify  or 
remove  works  in  existence,  &c.  ;  but  this  power  requires  the  sanction  of  the  Board  of 
Trade,  and  seems  never  to  have  been  exercised. 

As  to  the  power  of  inspection  over  the  other  two  bodies  under  Section  392.  The 
Elder  Brethren,  in  reply  to  Question  8,  Circular  I.,  Vol.  II.  pp.  13-19,  have  furnished 
a  return  showing  the  special  services  and  inspections  in  which  they  were  engaged  in  1857 
and  1858,  from  which  it  appears — 

That  from  May  6th  to  26th,  1857,  "  a  committee  (accompanied  by  Captain  Sulivan,  of 
the  Board  of  Trade,)  visited  the  west  of  Ireland"  and  "  round  Scotland,"  and  that  they  were 
accompanied  by  officers  of  the  Scotch  and  Irish  Boards.  The  names  of  the  places  visited 
are  given  in  detail,  and  include  places  on  which  Lighthouses  have  been  erected,  or  on 
which  it  has  been  proposed  to  erect  such  works  ;  places  which  have  been  the  subject  of 
much  correspondence,  in  which  the  views  of  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses 
differed  from  those  of  the  Trinity  House,  and  the  Board  of  Trade  ;  for  example,  the  Iron 
Rock  in  the  Sound  of  Jura;  Macarthur's  Head,  the  Black  Rocks,  and  Rhu  Vaal,  in 
the  Sound  of  Islay.  The  lights  visited  were  few,  and  the  time  short,  and  it  was  partly 
occupied  in  inspecting  localities  in  England,  in  coaling,  &c. 

On  the  17th  of  May  1858,  a  Committee  of  the  Elder  Brethren  visited  St.  Abb's 
Head,  accompanied  by  Captain  Sulivan,  three  of  the  Northern  Commissioners,  and 
Mr.  Stevenson. 

This  power  of  inspecting  works  not  in  England  was,  therefore,  not  exercised  to  a  great 
extent  in  these  two  years  by  the  Trinity  House,  either  in  Scotland  or  Ireland. 

As  to  the  power   of  control  under   Sections  405  and  408. 

The  cases  in  which  the  Scotch  and  Irish  General  Authorities  have  been  controlled  by 
the  Trinity  House  will  be  found  in  the  Scotch  and  Irish  replies  to  Question  17,  General 
Lighthouse  Return ;  Question  19,  General  Floating  Light  Return  and  General 
Remarks,  Circular  II.;  and  Question  18,  Buoys  and  Beacons,  Circular  V.  ;  and  in  the 
evidence  of  Messrs.  Cuningham  and  Stevenson,  Sir  James  Dorabrain,  and  the  Earl  of 
Meath. 

As  respects  Scotland  the  correspondence  is  voluminous.  Abstracts  are  given  of  some 
portions  of  it  in  the  Appendix ;  seme  of  the  cases  are  alluded  to  above ;   and  the  replies 

e3 


KEPOKT  OF  COJIMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


ControUinp; 
powers  of  Tri- 
nity House. 


System  of 
management. 


General 
Autliorities. 


Trinity  House. 


of  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses  give  further  abstracts,  and  these  will 
be  found  in  Vol.  II. 

The  action  of  the  Trinity  House  throughout,  as  appears  from  that  correspondence,  has 
b(  en  subordinate  to  the  action  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  views  apparently  originating 
with  the  Board  of  Trade  have  been  carried  out,  in  cases  where  a  difference  of  opinion 
had  arisen  between  the  Lighthouse  Authorities  on  other  points. 

It  seems,  therefore,  from  these  Returns,  that  the  power  of  inspection  conferred  on  the 
Trinity  House  has  been  sparingly  exercised,  and  that  the  power  of  rontrnl  and  direction 
has  generally  served  to  transfer  the  decision  from  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Light- 
houses and  the  Ballast  Board  through  the  Trinity  House  to  the  Board  of  Trade. 

System  of  Management. 

The  management  of  the  Lighthouses,  Floating  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons  on  the 
coasts  of  the  United  Kingdom  has  been  entrusted  to  what  are  termed  the  three  General 
Authorities.     They  are  the  following  :  — 

1st.  The  Trinlfii  House,  by  the  Mercantile  Shipping  Act,  under  Section  389,  bas  the 
sxiperintetidence  and  management  of  all  Lighthouses,  Floating  Lights,  Buoys,  and 
Beacons  in  England,  Wales,  the  Channel  Islands,  Gibraltar,  and  jBleligoland,  except 
those  which  are  under  Local  Authorities. 

2nd.  The  Commissioners  of  Northern  Liglitliouses,  subject  in  some  matters  to  the 
control  of  the  Trinity  House  and  the  ultbnaie  co7itrol  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  have  in 
Scotland,  and  in  the  Isle  of  Man,  the  management  of  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons, 
except  those  which  are  under  Local  Authorities. 

3rd.  The  Ballast  Board  of  Dublin  have  similar  authority,  subject  to  similar  control 
and  exceptions,  in  Ireland, 

Under  Section  396  of  the  above  Act,  these  General  Authorities  may  levy  the  same  dues 
as  formerly. 

Under  398,  they  may,  with  consent  of  the  Queen  in  Council,  exempt  from  dues,  alter 
the  mode  of  collection,  or  substitute  dues  for  other  dues. 

Under  401,  they  may,  by  their  collectors,  distrain  for  dues. 

Under  402,  they  account,  as  is  directed  by  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  pay  over  the 
money  to  the  Paymaster-General. 

Under  404,  they  may  build,  remove,  or  alter  Lighthouses,  and  place,  erect,  remove, 
or  alter  Buoys  and  Beacons,  but  the  Scotch  and  Irish  Boards  must  have  the  sanction  of 
;  he  Trinity  House,  and,  in  case  of  dispute,  of  the  Board  of  Trade. 

Under  415,  they  may  prevent  false  Lights,  under  a  penalty  of  100/. 

Under  394,  with  sanction  of  the  Board  of  Trade  they  may  compel  Local  Authorities 
within  their  several  jurisdictions  to  lay  down  new  Buoys,  remove  or  discontinue  Light- 
houses and  Beacons,  and  vary  the  character  of  Lighthouses  and  Lights. 

And  they  maj'  prevent  the  construction  of  new  Lights  by  these  Authorities. 

Under  395  they  may  apply  to  the  Queen  in  Council  for  the  punishment  of  a  defaulting 
Local  Authority. 

The  powers  then  of  these  three  General  Authorities  are  twofold : — 1st,  the  power  under 
which  they  manage  their  own  service  ;  2nd,  their  control  over  Local  Authorities. 

Before  considering  the  action  of  these  General  Authorities,  it  may  be  useful  to  give 
a  short  account  of  the  origin  and  history  of  each. 

General  Authorities. 

1st.  Tlie  Trinitij  House.  As  appears  from  the  Report  of  the  Select  Committee  on  the 
Foreign  Trade  of  the  Country,  1822,  the  germ  of  the  Corporation  existed  as  early  as 
the  reign  of  Henry  the  Seventh,  as  an  Association  for  Piloting  Ships. 

In  the  reign  of  King  Henry  the  Eighth  the  Society  was  incorporated  by  Royal 
Charter  (May  20th,  1514),  and  this  Charter  was  confirmed  and  altered  by  Edward  the 
Sixth,  Queen  Mary,  Elizabeth,  and  James  the  First. 

The  Charter  of  James  the  First  settled  this  constitution  of  the  Corporation,  and  such 
it  continues. 

The  Charter  was  dissolved  in  1647,  but  was  renewed  by  Charles  the  Second  on  the 
Restoration,  and  the  disposal  of  the  funds  was  settled  partly  for  charitable  purposes. 

The  Charter  was  surrendered  to  Charles  the  Second,  and  renewed  by  his  successor  in 
1685  ;  and  the  charitable  uses  of  the  funds  of  the  Corporation  were  again  settled.  These 
funds  were  derived  from  various  charges,  such  as  Pilotage,  Lastage,  Loadmanage, 
Ballastage,  &c. 

The  Light  dues,  the  principal  source  of  the  revenues  of  the  Corporation  in  1822, 
and  the  source  from  whicli  Lights  are  now  supported,  were  chiefly  collected  under 
Patents  granted  by  the  Crown,  upon  the  petition  of  persons  offering  to  pay  certain  sums 


REPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS.  XXvii 

for  the  erection  of  Lights  ;    which  dues  the  Crown  authorized  the  Corporation  to  receive  Amhorlties 
as  a  compensation  for  the  erection  and  maintenance  of  the  Lights  required.  Trinity  House. 

The  Corporation  had  also  the  power  of  erecting  and  maintaining  Beacons  and  Marks 
of  the  Sea. 

The  first  Light  under  the  management  of  the  Trinity  House  was  erected  in  1680, 
subsequent  to  the  erection  of  several  Lighthouses  by  private  individuals ;  and  these 
private  persons,  and  their  successors,  and  others,  subsequently  erected  lights,  obtained 
patents,  and  under  them  levied  dues  on  passing  ships  ;  which,  as  trade  increased,  grew  to 
be  large  incomes. 

The  following  was  the  state  of  affairs  when  the  Parliamentary  Committee  was  appointed  Parliamentary 
in  1S22: — ^The  Trinity  House  and    private   individuals    were  maintaining  Lights  and  Committees, 
levying   dues    on  passing  ships,  British  and  Foreign  ;    the  former  applying  their  funds 
amongst  other  purposes  to  support  charitable  institutions,  and  the  latter  applying  the 
surplus  of  the  dues  levied  to  their  own  uses  as  their  own  private  property. 

With  this  disposal  of  the  funds,  the  Committee  of  1822  found  no  fault,  but  they 
recommended  the  substitution  of  a  tonnage  rate  for  passing  tolls,  and  the  purchase 
of  the  interests  of  individuais  in  private  and  leased  Lights,  and  that  all  these  should 
be  brought  under  one  control. 

In   1834,  another  Parliamentary  Committee   was   appointed,  which  reported  on  the  i834. 
then  state  of  affiiirs. 

They  dwelt  strongly  on  the  importance  of  the  service,  the  impropriety  of  levying 
dues  on  shipping  for  the  benefit  of  individuals,  and  on  the  different  constitution  of'  the 
Boards  of  ]VIanagement  in  the  United  Kingdom  ;  and  they  recommended — 

That  all  public  general  Lights  should  be  placed  under  one  Board,  resident  in 
London,  and  conducted  under  one  system  of  management. 

That  the  Trinity  House  should  have  the  management  of  all  general  public  Li'^hts 
in  the  kingdom ;  and  that  their  rules  should  be  altered  and  extended  so  as  to  admit 
Officers  of  the  Roj'al  Navj'  and  other  scientific  persons. 

The  Committee  considered  that  the  admission  of  the  Hydrographer  of  the  Admiralty, 
and  of  other  scientific  persons,  would  give  a  strong  impulse  towards  the  execution  of  tlie 
duties  assigned  to  the  Elder  Brethren  ;  and  they  mentioned,  though  they  did  not  recom- 
mend, the  Board  suggested  by  Captain  Drummoud, — namely,  a  Board  "to  consist  of  four 
persons. 

1,  A  Seaman  (the  Hydrographer  to  the  Admiralty) ;  2,  a  scientific  chemist;  3,  a 
member  of  the  Royal  Society  (an  optician);  and  4,  the  President  or  Vice-President  of 
the  Board  of  Trade,  together  witii  secretary  and  proper  officers. 

They  recommended  that  the  Central  Board,  when  appointed,  should  examine  every 
local  Light  on  the  coast.  The}^  considered  the  relative  advantages  of  the  Dioptric  and 
Catoptric  systems,  and  of  the  oxyhydrogen  light,  which  was  suggested  as  applicable  to 
Lighthouses.  They  held  that  every  necessary  expense  should  be  incurred  for  the 
maintenance  of  the  best  Lighthouses  and  Floating  Light  establishments  which  the  state  of 
science  could  afford ;  and  that  the  Light  dues  should  in  every  case  be  reduced  to  the 
smallest  sums  requisite  to  maintain  existing,  and  to  construct  new  establishments. 

The  reports  of  these  two  Committees  are  valuable,  and  contain  much  information ;  but 
it  seems  superfluous  now  to  dwell  on  such  of  the  evils  as  have  been  remedied ;  to  refer 
further  to  private  Lighthouses,  which  no  longer  exist,  and  to  the  levy  of  light  dues  for, 
amongst  other  purposes,  the  support  of  "  poor  mariners,"  a  charity  which  is  gradually  being 
abolished.  But  as  the  portion  of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act,  which  relates  to  Light- 
houses, appears  to  be  the  result  of  the  3rd  Pariiamentary  Committee  appointed  in  1845 
to  consider  the  Lighthouse  question,  it  is  necessary  to  notice  that  report  also. 

It  refers  to  that  state  of  the  law  which  existed  in  1836,  but  which  was  subsequently  1545. 
altered  in  1854  by  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act. 

To  the  financial  affairs  of  the  Trinity  House,  and  to  their  vested  rights,  wliich  are 
also  provided  for  in  the  same  Act. 

It  states  that  the  Lights  in  the  United  Kingdom  were  then  in  an  efl5cient  state. 

That  complaints  were  made  of  the  amount  of  dues,  not  of  the  efficiency  of  the 
lights.  -^ 

It  recommends  that  there  should  be  one  central  authority,  namely,  the  Trinity  House, 
of  which  body  one  third  should  be  nominated  by  the  Crown. 

That  Lighthouses  should  be  maintained  at  public  expense. 

That  the  Trinity  House  should  be  repaid  the  sums  spent  by  them  in  the  purchase  of 
private  Lights,  and  failing  the  adoption  of  that  recommendation  the  Committee  point  to 
the  substitution  of  a  Tonnage  rate  for  passinsj  tolls. 

e  4 


KEPORT  OF  C05DIISSI0NKRS  OX  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


Trinity  Ilousr. 


Northern  Com- 
missioners. 


Ballast  Board. 


Existing  Light- 
house govern- 
ment. 


Foreign 
countries. 


The  Tr'inihi  House  is  therefore  a  very  ancient  Corporation  which  has  gro^vn  up  and 
has  to  a  certain  extent  altered  with  the  times,  but  which  is  in  the  main  the  same  corpo- 
rate body  which  existed  in  the  time  of  James  the  First,  if  not  in  the  reign  of  Henry  tlie 
Seventh. 

Its  present  constitution  is  explained  in  detail  in  the  replies  to  Circular  I.  It  consists 
of  the  IMaster,  Deputy-Master,  Elder  and  Younger  Brethren.  The  Elder  Brethren  are 
divided  into  honorary  members  and  acting  members.  The  master  and  the  honorary 
members  receive  no  remuneration.  The  acting  members  are  retired  Masters  of  the 
^Merchant  Service,  except  three,  who  are  naval  officers.  They  are  recruited  from  the 
Younger  Brethren,  the  majority  of  whom  are  masters  and  mates  in  the  Merchant  Sea 
Service,  a  few  are  naval  officers,  and  the  Corporation  is  a  self-electing  body. 

His  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Consort  is  the  present  Master. 

2nd.  The  Commissioners  for  NortJiern  Lighthouses  were  incorporated  by  the  38th 
Geo,  3.  c.  58.,  and  their  present  constitution  is  given  in  their  replies  to  Circular  I. 

They  consist  of  two  law  officers  of  the  Crown,  the  sheriffs  of  certain  maritime  counties, 
the  provosts  of  certain  Iloyal  burghs,  and  the  provost  of  Greenock,  and  were  specially 
established  in  17S6,  by  Act  of  Parliament,  for  the  management  exclusively  of  lights,  &c. 
in  that  country. 

The  Commissioners  arc  unpaid,  and  hold  their  position  ex-officio. 

The  Committees  which  recommended  the  constitution  of  a  single  Central  Lighthouse 
Board  necessarily  implied  the  abolition  of  this  separate  jurisdiction,  but  no  complaint 
was  made  as  to  its  efficiency. 

3rd.  The  present  constitution  of  The  Ballast  Board  of  Dub/in  is  given  in  detail  in  their 
replies  to  Circular  I. 

It  consists  of  members  of  the  Port  of  Dublin  Corporation,  who  at  present  are  mainly 
connected  with  the  commerce  of  the  Irish  capital;  but  includes  a  retired  naval  officer,  who 
previously  commanded  the  Coast  Guard  in  Ireland. 

The  Corporation  acts  under  the  23rd  Geo.  3.  c.  19.;  and  the  Lights  were  formerly 
under  the  superintendence  of  various  other  bodies,  such  as  the  Barrack  Board  and  the 
Commissioners  of  Customs. 

The  Government  of  public  general  Lights  in  the  United  Kingdom  is  therefore 
entrusted  to  four  bodies  differently  constituted. 

1st.  The  Board  of  Trade,  a  department  of  the  Government,  whose  president  changes 
with  the  Government,  whose  members  are  not  selected  for  their  knowledge  of  the  science 
of  Lighthouse  Illumination,  and  who  have  not  necessarily  an}'  officers  specially  instructed 
in  that  subject. 

2nd.  The  Trinity  House,  an  ancient  corporation,  with  a  variety  of  duties,  many 
of  which  are  not  connected  with  lights,  &c.,  whose  acting  members  are  retired  commanders 
in  the  IMerchant  Service,  and  naval  officers ;  who  have  a  paid  engineer,  but  who 
have  no  paid  officer  attached  to  their  body  specially  instructed  in  science,  though  they 
are  allowed  to  consult  with  scientific  men,  and  do  consult  Professor  Faraday  from 
time  to  time. 

3rd.  The  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses,  a  body  consisting  chiefly  of 
gentlemen  of  the  legal  profession,  who  have  no  paid  officer  for  the  scientific  department. 

4th.  The  Ballast  Board,  a  body  whose  acting  members  are  m.erchants,  bank  directors 
and  governors,  magistrates,  railway  directors,  &:€.,  including  a  retired  naval  officer. 

In  short,  the  government  of  Lighthouses  in  the  United  Kingdom,  their  management 
and  construction,  are  all  confided  to  bodies  of  gentlemen  of  various  employments,  none 
of  which  necessarily  afford  them  an  opportunity  of  acquiring  a  knowledge  of  those 
branches  of  science  which  bear  upon  Lighthouse  Illumination. 

It  is  both  interesting  and  instructive  to  compare  the  constitution  of  these  Authorities 
with  that  of  the  Lighthouse  Boards  in  other  countries.  (See  Circular  XL,  Q.  1.,  in  Vol. II.) 

In  France,  the  Lighthouse  Service  is  under  the  iVIinistry  of  Public  Works,  and 
a  special  Commission  called  "  Commission  des  Phares,"'  which  body  consists  of 
naval  officers,  marine  engineers,  hydrographers,  members  of  scientific  bodies,  and 
other  gentlemen,  distinguished  for  their  scientific  attainments,  in  various  professions, 
all  of  which  have  to  do  with  branches  of  science  connected  with  coast  illumination. 
The  genera!  conduct  of  the  service  is  under  an  officer  called  Directeur  General  des 
Phares,  who  is  an  engineer,  and  has  other  engineers  under  him  ;  and  in  every  district 
on  the  coast  there  are  resident  engineers  employed  about  government  works,  and, 
amongst  others,  in  the  superintendence  and  construction  and  management  of  Lighthouses. 
The  Commission  have  special  workshops  in  Paris  for  testing  and  setting  up  illuminating 
apparatus,  and  they  give  (hrections  to  the  manufacturers  for  every  part  of  the  Lighthouse 
apparatus,  including  the  calculation  of  angles  for  prisms  and   curves  for  lenses,   and 


REPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS.  Xxix 

similar  important  matters,  for  which  no  provision  is  made  in  the   English  system  of  France. 
government. 

In  the  United  States  of  America  the  lights  are  mider  one   Central  Board,  constituted  America. 
in  1852,  and  composed  of  a  member  of  the  Government,   engineer  officers,  and  officers 
of  the  army  and  navy,  and  civilians  of  high  scientific  attainments. 

In  Sweden  the  Lights  are  under  the  Admiralty,  and  managed  by  a  director  and  officers  Sweden. 
who  have  military  rank,  and  engineers ;  and  the  coasts  are   divided  into  districts    and 
sub-districts  allotted  to  these  officers. 

In  Norway,  the  service  is  under  the  Royal  Marine  Department,  with  a  director  and  Norway. 
assistants. 

In  Turkey,  it  is  under  the  Admiralty  ;    but  the  department  was  at  a  loss  to  furnish  Turkey. 
information. 

In  Hanover,  the  service  is  under  the  Director  General   of  Waterworks.     The  Buoys  Hanover. 
are  placed  by  pilots  ;  and  the  Lights  and  Buoys  are  inspected  by  Inspectors  of  Water- 
works. 

In  Hamburg,  they  are  under  the  Connnittee  for  Harbours  and  Navigation,  under  the  Hamburg. 
direction  of  the  Commander  and  Inspector  of  Pilots. 

In  Spain,  the  system  of  administration  is  the  same  as  in  France.     The  Lio-hts,  &c.,  are  Spain. 
under  the  Department  of  Public  Works,  and  under  a  permanent  Commissioifcomposed  of 
cngmeers  of  superior  rank  of  the  Corps  of  Roads,  &c.,  and  naval  officers ;  and  the  captains 
of  ports  are  instructed  to  suggest  improvements  and  report  on  the  Lights. 

In  Denmark,  the  service  is  under  the  Ministrv  of  Marine,  entrusted  to  one  Lio-ht  Denmark, 
engineer  and  two  Buoy  inspectors,  furnished  with  instructions  relative  to  their  respective 
official  duties. 

In  Russia  the  superintendence  is  dependent  from  the  Hydrographical  Department.  Kussia. 

In  Holland  the  management  of  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons  rests  with  the   Minister  Holland, 
for  the  Marine,  under  whom  are  an  Inspector  General  and  seven  Inspectors. 

In  Belgium  the  construction  of  lighthouses  is  under  the  Minister  of  Public  Works,  but  Belgium. 
when  built  they  are  handed  over  to  the  general  direction  of  the  Navy,  which  is  under 
the  Minister  for  Foreign  Affairs.      They,  with  the  floating  lights  and  buoys,  are  under 
the  superintendence  of  the  Inspectors  of  Pilotage. 

In  Austria  the  superintendence  of  all  the  Lighthouses,  Buoys,  and  Beacons  belono-s  Austria. 
to  the  Imperial  Koyal  Admiralty.      The  Deputies  of  the  Exchange  at  Triest  attend  to 
Lighthouses,— their  erection,  management,  collection  of  dues,  &c.     The  inferiors  of  the 
Admiralty  attend  to  the  superintendence  of  Buoys  and  Beacons. 

The  principle  then  in  all  foreign  countries  seems  to  be,  that  Lighthouse  illumination.  Principle  of 
being  highly  important,  and  requiring  special  knowledge  of  certain  subjects   should  be  £0^''™"^°* 
entrusted  to  persons  acquainted  with  those  subjects,  and  that  the  government  should  "''™'^' 
be  centralized. 

Whilst  the  practice  in  Great  Britain  seems  to  have  been  to  entrust  Lighthouse  illumi-  Practice  in 
nation  to  persons  whose  pursuits  did  not  indicate  any  previous  knowledge  of  the  subject  Great  Britain 
and  the  fact  that  for  404  Lighthouses,  and  numerous  Buoys  and  Beacons,  there  are  at  least 
1/4  different  Authorities  under  as  many  Acts  of  Parliament,  shows  that  the  principle  of 
local  and  mdependent  self-government  has  at  all  events  not  been  lost  sight  of.  (Vol,  II. 
p.  280.)  The  Elder  Brethren  of  the  l^rinity  House,  however,  having  been  mariners,  may  be 
supposed  to  have  had  much  experience  of  the  practical  wants  of  sailors,  and  to  be 
peculiarly  well  versed  m  all  that  relates  to  lightships;  while  the  Commissioners  of 
Northern  Lights,  being  gentlemen  of  the  legal  profession,  whose  position  is  a  guarantee  for 
their  intelligence,  may  be  supposed  able  to  form  a  good  opinion  of  the  character  and 
quahhcations  of  candidates  for  the  posts  of  secretary  and  engineer,  and  to  exercise  a  wise 
discretion  in  selecting  them,  and  to  collect  and  form  a  correct  judgment  on  evidence 
and  matters  of  opinion  relative  to  matters  under  their  charge ;  and  the  Ballast  Board, 
being  constituted  of  gentlemen  engaged  in  laroe  commercial  transactions,  may  be 
supposed  to  be  well  acquainted  with  general  business,  and  fairly  competent  to  form  a 
correct  opinion  on  such  questions  as  the  purchase  of  sites,  and  the  tenders  for  the  erection 
of  newworks,  or  the  materials  required  for  the  maintenance  of  the  service.  (Vol.  11.  Circ.  I.) 
The  Lighthouse  Boards  of  foreign  countries  generally  include  engineers,  hydroo-raphers 
and  professionally  scientific  men.  -j       o    r 

The  General  Authorities  in  the  United  Kingdom  have  employed  engineers,  and  that 
these  have  been  able  men  is  testified  by  the  works  which  they  have  erected.  The  Eno-ineer 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Northern  Lighthouses  used  to  attend  the  Board  meetings" until 
January  1855,  when,  by  the  requirement  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  he  ceased  to  do  so,  to 
the  great  regret  of  the  Scotch  Commissioners,  who  were  thereby,  as  they  stated,  deprived 
of  the  presence  of  the  only  scientific  member  of  their  Board.  (See  Vol.  I.  p.  186,  and  Oral 
Evid.  Qs.,  675  et  seq.,  958,  959.) 


XSX  REPORT  OF  COJDIISSIOXERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BCOTS,  AXD  BEACONS. 

The  Hydrographic  Department  of  the  Admiralty  has  frequently  lent  its  services  to  the 
General  Lighthouse  Authorities,  but  they,  of  course,  have  had  no  claim  upon  that 
Department. 

The  Trinity  House  has  consulted  Professor  Faraday  as  its  scientific  adviser  since  1836, 
but  it  appears  that  he  only  gives  his  opinion  or  advice  on  such  subjects  as  are  submitted 
to  him.  The  Northern  Commissioners  have  had  the  great  advantage  of  having  associated 
with  them  the  family  of  the  Stevcnsons,  who  have  given  much  attention  to  those  depart- 
ments of  science  which  relate  to  Lighthouse  illumination. 

That  the  scientific  element  was  very^  deficient  in  the  system  of  Lighthouse  management 
in  1834  was  evident  to  the  Parliamentary  Committee  which  sat  in  that  year. 

That  the  scientific  element  continues  to  be  deficient  has  been  evident  to  your  Commis- 
sioners from  an  early  period  of  their  inquiry.  Many  of  the  preceding  observations  have 
indicated  this ;  but  in  addition  they  would  draw  attention  to  the  following  facts :  — 

1st.  The  present  arrangements  often  betray  an  evident  want  of  scientific  thought.  No 
greater  proof  of  this  can  be  given  than  what  is  contained  in  the  paper  on  the  \'\'hitbj 
Lights,  ])rintcd  in  Vol.  L  p.  63,  together  with  the  admirable  reports  of  the  Astronomer 
Roval,  Professor  Farada}^  i\Ir.  J.  Chance,  and  Messrs.  Stevenson,  in  Vol.  L  pp.  77-102. 

'id.  The  Trinity  House,  by  having  secured  the  services  of  ]\Ir.  Faraday,  are  fortunately 
prevented  from  ever  finally  committing  themselves  to  the  adoption  of  any  impracticable 
scheme ;  but  by  their  not  having  constantly  present  at  their  Board  any  scientific  person, 
the  carrving  out  of  any  iu\'ontion  may  be  seriousl}'  embarrassed,  and  some  invaluable 
inventions  may  not  be  appreciated  and  thereby  lost.  ( See  the  evidence  of  Mr.  Cutler  and 
Mr.  Holmes,  in  regard  to  the  Electric  light,  Vol.  L  p.  167-) 

3d.  There  are  a  great  number  of  questions  of  a  scientific  character,  having  reference  to 
lighting  or  buoying  the  coasts,  which  are  as  yet  unsolved,  and  only  require  the  attentive 
consideration  of  men  of  science  accustomed  to  experimental  investigation,  to  educe  such 
results  as  will  doubtless  increase  the  etficiency  of  the  systems  now  in  use,  and  may 
lead  to  some  extensive  improvements.  To  some  of  these  questions  we  have  incidentally 
paid  attention  ;  and  one  of  our  number  has  drawn  out  a  list  of  seventy-six  separate 
investigations,  which  might  be  undertaken  with  a  likelihood  of  profitable  results.  It  is 
printed  in  Vol.  L  p.  71- 

4th.  Tliere  is  a  large  amount  of  scientific  talent  in  the  country  which  might  easily  be 
turned  in  the  direction  of  the  suggested  inquiries.  In  corroboration  of  this  opinion  Your 
Commissioners  would  draw  attention  to  the  great  mass  of  valuable  information  aud 
suggestion  which  has  been  elicited  from  those  scientific  men — some  of  them  of  the 
greatest  eminence — who  have  replied  to  Circular  IX.  These  replies  (Vol.  II.  pp.  .589- 
630)  are  commended  to  the  most  careful  consideration  of  whatever  autliority  may  in 
future  have  the  charge  of  the  lighting  and  buoyage  of  our  coasts. 

5th.  As  a  test  of  the  degree  of  scientific  knowledge  exhibited  by  the  different  Light- 
house Authorities,  Your  Commissioners  asked  for  copies  of  the  plans,  specifications,  Ike, 
actually  submitted  to  the  manufacturers  in  ordering  the  last  two  sets  of  lenticular 
apparatus  of  large  size  or  peculiar  form  The  resulting  correspondence  is  given  in  Vol.  I. 
p.  210,  with  an  account  of  the  different  practice  of  the  four  principal  Lighthouse  Authorities, 
viz.,  the  Board  of  Trade,  the  English,  Scotch,  and  Irish  Boards.  From  this  it  appears 
that  in  Ireland  forms  of  tender  are  issued,  "  setting  ibrth  the  arc  intended  to  be  illumi- 
"  nated,  the  number  of  panels  and  zones  required,  and  that  the  apparatus  shall  be  of  the 
"  best  quality,  and  fitted  together  correctly  ;"  in  England,  printed  forms  and  lithographed 
drawings  of  small  size  are  furnished  to  the  contractors ;  while  in  Scotland,  large 
Avorking  drawings  and  minute  directions  are  given  by  the  engineers  employed  by  the 
governing  authority,  for  the  execution  of  apparatus  specially  designed  by  them  for  special 
localities. 

In  the  case  of  the  English  and  Irish  Boards,  the  governing  body  does  not  originate  the 
design.  In  Scotland,  a  design  is  furnished  by  the  governing  body,  and  the  manufacturer 
has  only  to  execute  the  oi'der  given. 

The  latter  arrangement  seems  calculated  to  produce  an  advance  in  science  ;  the  former 
is  simply  an  order  for  a  well-known  instrument,  accompanied,  in  England,  b^-  drawings, 
which  closely  resemble  those  published  by  the  manufacturers  in  their  trade  lists,  and  which 
arc  almost,  if  not  quite,  identical  with  the  drawings  in  the  trade  lists  of  Mr.  Wilkins,  a 
gentleman  who  does  not  himself  manufacture  the  glass  of  dioptric  apparatus. 

Here,  then,  seems  to  be  a  defect  in  the  system  of  management.  None  of  the  Light- 
house Authorities  have  by  their  constitution  any  special  knowledge  of  these  branches 
of  science  which  relate  to  the  construction  of  the  Lighthouse  apparatus  which  thty 
require.  \MKn  they  employ  men  who  have  made  these  particular  branches  of 
knowledge  their  study,  the  result  is  good.  The  Commissioners  of  Northern  Light- 
houses have  iu  this  respect  shown  themselves  considerably  ia  advance  of  the  Elder 


element 
wanting. 


REPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 

Brethren  of  the  Trinity  House,  by  employing  an  engineer  who  has  studied  Lighthouse  Scientife 
illumination,  and  claims  to  have  invented   or  introduced  man}'  improvements  into  optical 
apparatus,  to  prepare  specifications  for  scientific  work.     The  result  of  the  opposite  course 
adopted  by  the  Trinity  House  is  shown   in  the  defects  observed  at  Godrevy,  the  Start, 
the  North  and  South  Foreland,  Whitby,  &c. 

Efficiency  and  Economy  of  Government. 
The  inquiry,  "  Whether  the  present  system  of  management  and   control  under  which  System  of 
"  the  Lighthouses,  Floating  Lio-hts,  Buovs,  and  Beacons  on  the  coasts  of  the  United  •"^n^sement 

^  '  1  1  •        '•        1  T  1  ■    •  ■^^^  cuntrol  m 

"  Kingdom  are  constructed  and  mamtamed,  accordmg  to  the  provisions  of  the  reiardto 
"  '  Merchant  Shipping  Act,  1854,'  is  well  adapted  for  securing  the  most  efficient  lighting  <''fi"<=°<^y- 
"  and  buoying  of  the  coasts,"  has  been  to  a  certain  extent  practically  answered  in 
preceding  sections  of  this  Report.  The  different  Authorities,  whether  general  or  local, 
differ  widely  in  their  plans  of  proceeding;  and  there  is  no  power  given  in  the  Act  over 
the  internal  arrangements  of  these  separate  bodies,  much  less  is  there  any  means  of 
insuring  uniformity  of  system.  Thus  each  authority  carries  on  its  work  in  its  own  way, 
with  a  greater  or  smaller  regard  to  uniformity  of  action,  throughout  its  own  jurisdiction, 
but  with  little,  if  any,  regard  to  the  system  adopted  in  other  parts  of  the  United 
Kingdom. 

In  France,  the  whole  is  arranged  systematically.  Lights  are  placed  on  a  system, — that 
their  lights  should  cross.  They  are  inspected  on  system, — the  size  of  the  flame  ;  the 
quantity  of  oil  to  be  consumed  in  an  hour,  to  produce  a  good  light ;  the  minutest 
detail  is  provided  for  and  calculated  to  a  nicety,  and  the  whole  sj-stem  hangs  together, 
and  is  under  one  man.  It  is  a  system  eminently  calculated  to  produce  uniformity  and 
a  good  result,  and  it  has  produced  excellent  results  in  a  comparatively  short  time. 

It  is  the  Scotch  Board  that  most  nearly  resembles  the  French  Commission  des  Phares 
in  its  way  of  managing  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons.     There  is  this  in  common, — 

They  have,  in  the  localities  where  the  lights  are  situated,  men  of  repute  and  of 
capacity ;  in  France  the  Ingenicurs  des  Ponts  et  Chaussees  alwaj^s  resident,  and  in 
Scotland  the  SheriflPs  of  the  maritime  counties  occasionally  present ;  and  the  members  of 
the  two  Commissions  are  cx-officio  intelligent  men,  and  the  actual  working  of  the 
service  is  carried  on  by  a  small  staff,  and  by  men  Avhose  business  it  is,  and  has  long 
been,  to  deal  with  Lighthouses,  and  all  concerning  them,  and  whose  ideas,  when  carried 
out,  are  carried  out  to  the  full  extent,  and  in  all  Lighthouses  alike. 

Generally,  to  inspect  the  minor  arrangements  of  one  Lighthouse  in  Scotland  is  equiva-  Uniformity 
lent  to  having  seen  them  all,  for  the  only  variet}^  seems  to  be  in  the  Illuminating  appa-  **"''^'^- 
ratus,  which  in  very  many  instances  is  specially  designed  for  the  locality,  and  has  to  be 
separitely  examined  before  it  can  be  full}'  understood ;  while  in  England  the  uniformity 
is  rather  to  be  found  in  the  Illuminating  apparatus  than  the  minor  details  of  the  service, 
which  vary  in  different  Lighthouses.  In  Ireland  not  only  is  there  a  great  want  of 
uniformity  as  to  the  minor  details,  but  they  seem  to  be  very  much  overlooked  and 
neglected,  while  the  apparatus  is  about  equal  to  that  of  the  Trinity  House.  (See  Cruize 
of""  Vivid,"  &c.,  Vol.  I. 

There  are  some  interesting  points  of  comparison  between  the  plans  adopted  by  the 
different  Boards  which  have  not  hitherto  been  adverted  to,  and  which  bear  upon  the 
efficienci/  of  the  service. 

The  Lighthouses  under  the  management  of  the  Trinity  House,  almost  without  excep- 
tion, were  found  to  be  remarkable  for  their  order  and  cleanliness.  The  Scotch  Lighthouses 
arc  fully  equal  to  the  English  in  these  particulars.  The  Irish  were  found  to  be  inferior. 
Their  keepers  do  not  wear  uniforms.*  In  their  houses,  in  the  light  rooms,  and  in  other 
places  where  discipline,  order,  and  cleanliness  should  prevail,  the  Irish  Lights  do  not 
rank  so  high,  though  many  of  them  were  as  well  kept  in  all  respects  as  any  visited  by 
Your  Commissioners. 

In  all  the  English  and  Scotch  Lighthouses  the  men  are  comfortably  lodged.  They  are  Details  of 
provided  with  books,  which  is  a  vast  boon  to  men  who  pass  so  much  of  their  time  in  compareU™' 
solitude ;  and  in  Scotland  this  is  felt  to  be  so  important  that  certain  amusing  periodicals 
are  taken  in  by  the  Board  for  the  use  of  the  men.  In  Ireland  the  supply  of  books  is 
small,  and  they  are  rarely  changed.  In  France  there  are  none.  Periodical  religious 
services  are  strictl}-  enjoined  in  the  English  and  Scotch  Lighthouses  and  Floating  Lights. 
In  Ireland,  owing  chiefly  to  the  differences  in  religious  creed  commonly  existing  in  that 
country,  this  important  point  is  not  so  easil}'  arranged,  and  there  are  no  services. 

In  England  and  Scotland  medicine  chests  are  provided  in  every  Lighthouse  and  Light- 
ship.    In  Ireland,  as  in  France,  there  are  none. 

*  This  has  very  lately  been  allowed, 
f  2' 


REPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


.  In  English  and  Scotch  rock  stations,  much  attention  seems  to  have  been  paid  to  securing 
a  proper  supply  of  good  water.  In  some  of  the  Irish  rock  stations  it  was  found  to  be 
otherwise,  and  filters  are  sometimes  greatly  wanted. 

The  Scotch  Lighthouses  are  supplied  with  clocks  and  sun  dials  in  good  working  order. 
The  English  Lighthouses  are  also  supplied  with  clocks,  but  only  occasionally  with  sun 
dials.  The  Irish  Lighthouses  are  occasionally  supplied  with  dials,  sometimes  with  clocks. 
In  many  instances  the  clocks  were  not  going;  in  one,  the  keeper  was  dependent  for  his 
time  on  the  punctuality  of  a  railway  train,  which  in  clear  weather  was  seen  to  pass  on 
the  neighbouring  coast. 

The  English  and  Scotch  lyighthouscs  have  meteorological  instruments,  but  the  Irish 
are  ill  supplied  with  such  instruments,  and  generally  have  none  at  all. 

All  the  English  Lighthouses  have  external  lightning  conductors.  There  are  1 1  of 
the  Scotch  which  are  not  so  provided.  The  Irish,  with  the  exception  of  6,  arc  protected 
by  the  iron  hand-rail  from  lantern  to  base,  which  forms  a  conductor. 

In  Scotland,  as  in  France,  a  drawing  of  the  flame  as  it  ought  to  be  when  at  its  best  is 
framed  and  glazed,  and  hangs  in  every  light-room  ;  this  is  not  to  be  found  in  England  or 
Ireland. 

In  Scotland  alone,  a  table  of  the  time  for  lighting  and  extinguishing  is  hung  up  in  the 
li_ght-rooin.  Tlicse  times  differ  for  every  latitude,  and  are  carefully  calculated  for  each 
Lighthouse  in  Scotland,  and  the  result  is,  as  before  stated,  a  considerable  economy. 

In  Scotland  whistles  arc  placed  in  every  lantern,  which  communicate  with  the  rooms 
below  by  tubes,  in  order  to  summon  assistance,  if  required,  and  to  avoid  the  necessity  of 
the  keeper  in  charge  leaving  his  post  until  relieved.  There  are  no  communicating  whistles 
in  England  or  Ireland  or  in  France. 

The  Scotch  Lights  are  inspected  at  least  once  a  year  by  the  Secretary  or  by  the  Super- 
intendent of  Lightkecpers,  or  by  the  foreman  of  Lighthouse  repairs,  officers  that  do  not 
exist  in  the  Trinity  House  or  Ballast  Board  (See  Oral  Evid.,  Qs.  790-800)  ;  the  English 
Lights  are  frequently  inspected  by  a  deputation  of  the  Elder  Brethren  ;  but  man}'  of  the 
Irish  Lights  on  isolated  rocks  are  left  unvisitcd  for  two  or  three  years  on  account  of  the 
difficulty  of  reaching  them  in  bad  weather  in  the  "  Argus,"  an  inferior  vessel  belonging  to  the 
Trinity  House,  which  is  lent  at  considerable  inconvenience  for  the  occasion.  The  "  Midge," 
the  onl}'  vessel  belonging  to  the  Irish  Board,  is  quite  unsuitcd  for  the  purpose  of  inspection. 

In  Scotland  the  keepers  go  through  a  regular  course  of  instruction  and  tr.iining  as 
extra  keepers  at  Lighthouse  stations  where  dioptric  and  catoptric  apparatus  exist,  and 
have  to  pass  an  examination  before  they  are  entrusted  Avith  the  care  of  a  light.  In 
England  a  preliminary  course  of  instruction  is  gone  through  at  the  Trinity  Board's 
establishment  at  Blackwall ;  and  in  Ireland  there  is  no  such  system  of  instruction,  certain 
questions  only  being  put  to  the  candidate  on  his  presenting  himself.  (See  Vol.  II.  pp.  3.5, 
1.59,  224.)  in  Spain  a  Practical  School  for  lightkecpers  is  referred  to  in  the  Spanish 
Report  of  1858;  and  the  school  includes  instructions  in  all  that  concerns  the  Lighthouse 
service,  practically  and  theoreticallv  in  all  the  duties  that  lightkecpers  may  be  called  upon 
to  perform.  In  France  the  keepers  informed  Your  Commissioners  that  they  had  been 
carefully  instructed  in  all  that  pertains  to  the  machinery  of  the  lamp,  and  that  they  had 
been  required  to  take  it  to  pieces,  and  set  it  up  again,  before  they  were  entrusted  with 
the  care  of  a  light.  They  showed  their  manner  of  levelling  the  burner  and  adjusting  the 
lamp  in  the  apparatus. 

All  these  points  influence  the  efficiency  of  the  Lights,  and  there  can  be  no  doubt  that 
of  all  the  British  Ivighthouscs  visited  by  Your  Connnissioners  the  Scotch  are  in  the  best 
state  of  general  efficiency,  the  English  next,  and  the  Irish  third;  and  the  Local  Autho- 
rities, with  certain  exceptions,  range  far  below  the  General  Authorities. 

As  regards  Floating  Lights  the  Irish  excel  in  some  particulars,  such  as  size  and  form 
of  vessel  ;  the  Trinity  House  Lightvessels  are,  in  these  I'cspects,  inferior  to  them.  From 
the  nature  of  the  English  coasts  they  are  more  numerous,  and  they,  as  well  as  the 
Irish  Light\-esscls,  are  models  of  order,  of  cleanliness,  and  of  well  found  ships.  l"he 
Northern  Commissioners  have  no  Floating  Light. 

As  regards  the  number  of  buoys  there  is  no  comparison.  The  Trinity  House,  as  in 
the  case  of  Floating  Lights,  have  by  far  the  greatest  number  to  meet  the  requirements 
of  the  coast,  viz.,  3.56  in  position,  whilst  the  Northern  Connnissioners  have  92,  and  the 
Ballast  Board  only  53.  The  buoys  under  the  Trinity  House  are  generally  efficient 
and  well  maintained,  and  in  many  instances  excellent,  but  hitherto  they  have  been 
ari'anged  on  no  general  system.  Those  under  the  Ballast  Board  are  also  good  in  quality, 
and  generally  well  managed,  and  they  are  arranged  according  to  a  system,  and  the  colours 
used  are  black  and  red.     Those  under  the   Northern  CoHunissioners  are  red  and  black, 


REPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AXD  BEACONS.  xxxiii 

and  also  arranged  on  a  system,  [which  is  the  same  as  that  in   France ;    but  they  are 
inferior  to  the  English  and  Irish  in  size  and  quality. 

Were  there  a  central  Lighthouse  Board  for  the  whole  kingdom,  with  resident  represen- 
tatives for  Scotland  and  Ireland,  it  would  naturally  be  its  duty  to  carry  out  along  the 
whole  of  the  British  coasts  those  plans  of  any  of  the  existing  Authorities,  which  had 
proved  most  elBcient. 

The  inquiry  whether  "  the  present  sj^stem  of  management  and  control  under  which  the  System  of 
Lighthouses,  Floating  Lights,  Buoys  and  Beacons  of  the  United  Kingdom  are  constructed  "nd"contror' 
and   maintained  according  to   the  provision  of  the   'Merchant   Shipping  Act,  1854,' is  with  regard  to 
well  adapted  for   securing"  its   end,  "  with  a  due  regard  to  economy,"  divides  itself  into  «'=°°°""y- 
two  parts.     There  is  the  expense  of  management  incurred  by  the   ditfercnt  Authorities, 
and  there  are  the  expenses  arising  from  the  complicated  system  of  control. 

1st.  It  is  very  difficult  to  compare  ihe  expense  of  vianagement  by  the  three  General  Expense  of 
Lighthouse  Authorities,  partly  on  account  of  the  different  manner  in  which  the  respective  "'"^''8'^""°  • 
Boards  conduct  their  business,  and   partly  on  account  of  the  different  character  of  their 
respective  works.     In  the  subjoined  table*  the  amount  spent  on  management  is  simply 
compared  with  the  amount  spent  on  constructing  or  maintaining  the  whole  works  under 
their  charg-e : — 


General  Authority. 


Trinity  House 


I. 

Total  E,xpenditure 
of  each  Board,  in- 
cluding the  Ex-  , 
penses  shown  in  the 
following  Columns. 
Also  the  Expense 
of  maintaining 
Lighthouses.  Float- 
ing Lights,  Buoys, 
Beacons.  &c..  and 
Superannuation 
Allowances  to 
retired  Officers. 


Salaries  of  the 
Home  Establish- 
ment, Office 
Expenses,  I^aw 
Charges,  Travel- 
ling Expenses, 
Salaries  and  Wages 
at  the  District 
Establishments, 
&c.  &c.  &c. 


£        S.      d. 

172,285     0    6 


Ratio 
to  the 
total 
Expen- 
diture. 


Salaries  and  other 
Expenses  con- 
nected with  the 
three  (Central 
Offices. 


Ratio 
to  the 
total 
Expen- 
diture. 


£        s.      d. 
32,073   13     0 


Commissioners  of  "|  i 

Northern  Light-  \\     59,746  15     3         4,476  13     1 
houses     -         -  J  I 


Per 

cent. 
18-6 


Expense  of 

maintaining  Steam 

and  Sailing 

Vessels. 


Ballast  Board 


46,658     2     3 


3,945     4     10 


7-4 
8'4 


£ 

s. 

d. 

Per 
cent. 

18,482 

5 

1 

10-7 

3,664 

13 

3 

6-0 

3,164 

7 

3 

6-7 

Ratio 
to  the 
total 
Expen- 
diture. 


£       s.     d.  I    Per 

cent. 

18,825   10     5     lO-Q 

11-0 

1-6 


6,596   18     0 
754  17     9 


If  the  items  included  in  Col.  II.  be  assumed  as  the  cost  of  management,  the  Trinit}^ 
House  appears  by  Col.  III.  to  be  more  than  twice  as  costly  relatively  in  this  respect  as 
the  Ballast  Board,  which  itself  is  somewhat  more  costly  than  the  Northern  Commissioners. 
If  the  Central  Office  alone  is  considered,  as  in  Col.  IV.,  the  Scotch  and  Irish  Boards 
maintain  about  the  same  relative  position,  vrhile  the  English,  though  still  much  higher 
than  cither,  does  not  present  so  great  a  contrast.  But  the  expense  of  maintaining 
steamers  and  sailing  vessels  is  not  included  in  either  of  the  preceding  columns :  it  is 
placed  alone  in  Col.  VI. ;  and  fi'om  that  it  appears  that  whereas  the  Scotch  and  English 
Authorities  spent  about  1 1  per  cent,  of  their  total  expenditure  on  these  vessels,  the  Irish 
spend  only  1-6  per  cent.  It  must,  however,  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  "  Argus  "  steamer 
has  been  lent  to  the  Irish  by  the  English  Board  ;  and  if  the  whole  expense  of  this  vessel 
were  transferred  to  the  Irish  account  (Col.  VI.),  it  would  reduce  the  English  ratio  to 
9*6  per  cent,  and  raise  the  Irish  to  6*5  per  cent  ,  leaving  the  Scotch  decidedly  the  most 
expensive  authority  in  this  respect,  though  in  other  items  it  is  the  most  economical. 


*  In  drawing  up  this  table  Your  Majesty's  Commissioners  consulted  a  gentleman  who  is  engaged  by  various 
departments  of  the  Government  in  preparing  financial  statements.  As  in  our  instructions  no  reference  is 
made  to  the  source  of  the  funds  whence  lights,  buoys,  and  beacons  are  sustained,  we  have  not  alluded  above, 
either  to  the  total  income  from  the  lights  under  each  General  Authority,  or  to  the  income  received  by  dues  for 
eacii  individual  light.  Information,  however,  on  these  subjects  has  been  jjrepared  for  Your  Commissioners 
with  great  labour  and  at  considerable  expense,  and  the  results  will  be  found  iu  the  yummary  in  Vol.1,  p.  120, 
and  Plate  4. 

f3 


REPORT  OF  COJIMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BE.iCONS. 


In  the  following  table  an  attempt  is  made  to  compare  the  amount  expended  in 
management,  and  in  the  general  maintenance  of  steam  and  sailing  acsscIs  (cols.  n.  and  vi. 
of  preceding  table),  with  the  work  done  : — 


Expense  of 
system  of  con- 
trol. 


Supervision  or 
control  of 
T^cal  Au- 
thorities. 


Examples  of 
management. 


Sites 

Gallons 

Spots 
Buoyed. 

Cost  of 

Cost  of 

General  Aiilhoritv. 

Illumi- 

of 

JIaintcnance  and 

Management 

nated 

Oil  burnt. 

Repair. 

and  Vessels. 

f       s.      d. 

£       s.      d. 

Trinity  House 

115 

45,031 

356 

70.686  10    3 

50,899     3     5 

Commissioners    of    Xortliern    Light- 

46 

25,884 

92 

17.618     4     2 

11,073   11      1 

houses. 

Ballast  Board 

73 

33,942 

53 

31,591     5     2 

4,700    2     7 

It  will  be  seen  that  the  sites  illuminated  by  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Light- 
houses, and  the  Ballast  Board,  amount  together  to  119,  thus  just  exceeding  those  illu- 
minated by  the  Trinity  House,  and  that  the  amount  of  oil  consumed  (a  measure  of  the 
light  produced)  is  considerably  more ;  but  that,  on  the  other  hand,  the  spots  buoved 
in  Scotland  and  Ireland  together  amount  to  only  14-5,  which  is  211  short  of  the  number 
buoyed  by  the  Trinity  House.  The  cost  of  maintenance  and  repair  of  the  whole  is 
considerably  more  by  the  English  than  by  the  other  two  Boards  together,  but  when  it  is 
remembered  that  the  Trinity  House  maintains  so  many  floating  lights  this  will  not  appear 
surprising.  This  fact,  however,  and  the  additional  211  buoys  seem  not  competent  to 
explain  the  35,125/.  ^s.  9d-,  which  the  Trinity  House  spends  in  management  over  and 
above  what  is  spent  by  the  other  two  Boards  together. 

A  very  large  portion  of  the  expense  incurred  by  the  Trinity  House  is  for  district 
tenders  and  superintendents.  It  amounted  in  1858  to  19,U12/.  4s.  ScL  This  sum  might 
be  mostly,  if  not  entirely,  saved  by  the  employment  of  the  staff  of  the  Coast  Guard,  and 
the  steam  gunboats  and  saiHng  tenders  of  that  force — a  force  which  is  likely  to  become  a 
permanent  institution  of  the  countiy. 

2nd.  The  present  complicated  s\stem  of  government,  and  reference  to  superior  Boards, 
involves,  of  course,  a  certain  expenditure  in  clerical  assistance,  &:c.,  but  this  Avould  not  be 
Avorth  considering  if  the  present  s^ystem  really  conduces  to  true  economy  in  the  admini- 
stration of  the  service.  The  Board  of  Trade  has  steadily  kept  economy  rather  than 
progress  in  view,  but  the  saving  they  have  thus  effected  has  been  represented  as 
sometimes  a  false  economy,  and  it  has  unquestionably  led  to  much  unsatisfactory  cor- 
respondence, and  in  some  instances  to  prejudicial  delay.  Neither  has  the  control  of  the 
superior  over  the  inferior  Boards  been  always  attended  with  a  saving.  Thus  in  the  case 
of  the  WhalscN^  Skerries  (Shetland),  the  Northern  Commissioners  were  directed  by  the 
Trinity  House  and  the  Board  of  Trade  to  build  the  light  on  the  outer  rock  instead  of 
the  site  TOO  yards  within  it,  as  they  proposed.  This  entailed  an  additional  expense 
of  10,000/.  in  construction,  and  involves  an  additional  annual  expenditure  for  maintenance. 
Yet  the  Northern  Commissioners  are  still  of  opinion  that  the  original  site  proposed  by 
them  was  the  preferable  one  for  a  large  guiding  light,  such  as  that  at  the  Whalscy 
Skerries  was  merely  intended  by  them  to  be.  (  See  Vol.  I.  Oral  Evidence,  Qs.  477.  713- 
716,  885,  and  MS.  Correspondence.) 

LOCAL  AUTHORITIES. 

It  has  already  been  shown  that  the  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons  under  the  jurisdiction 
of  Local  Authorities  are,  as  a  rule,  and  with  some  praiseworthy  exceptions,  inferior  to 
those  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  General  .Authorities.  This  will  be  evident  from  an 
inspection  of  the  Returns  furnished  by  the  Local  Authorities  themselves,  and  printed  in 
Vol.  II.,  and  of  the  personal  observations  of  Your  Commissioners  on  them,  in  Vols.  I. 
and  II.  The  following  cases  are  some  of  those  taken  respectively  from  England,  the 
Channel  Islands,  Wales,  Scotland,  and  Ireland. 

The  harbour  lights  at  Dover,  Folkestone,  and  Newhaven,  on  the  English  side  of  the 
Clianncl,  present  a  singular  variety  of  faults,  comprising  among  tliem  nearly  all  those 
which  can  be  committed  in  Lighthouse  arrangements.  Thus  at  each  of  these  three  much 
frequented  ports  there  is  a  very  inefhcicnt  ilhimination,  while  the  travellers  leaving  them 
and  crossing  the  Channel  to  Calais,  Boulogne,  or  Dieppe,  come  at  once  to  small  but 
brilliant  harbour  lights,  wliich  are  all  dioptric,  and  in  the  construction  and  management 
of  which  there  arc  displayed  all  the  achievements  of  the  science  of  illumination  which 
have  yet  been  imported  into  the  French  national  system — a  contrast  by  no  means 
creditable  to  our  country.  (See  Vol.  I.  pp.  49,  58,  59;  Vol.  II.  p.  305;  and  the 
reference  to  the  Harbour  Light  at  La  Rochelle  in  Vol.  T.  p.  38.) 


REPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS.  XSXV 

The  Harbour  Commissioners  at  Jersey  derive  a  very  large  revenue  from  the  shipping  Examples  of 
that  enter  the  port  of  St.  Heliers,  They  fully  recognize  the  liability  of  this  revenue  to  '"'^'5'''"^°  • 
light  and  buoy  the  approaches  to  the  harbour  properly.  'I'his  is  very  inefficiently  done, 
especially  as  regards  the  buoyage.  The  owners  of  the  shipping  are  very  discontented. 
The  Harbour  (Commissioners,  after  extensive  correspondence,  have  failed  to  give  some 
important  information  required ;  but  the  following  fact  has  been  elicited  by  one  of  our 
number,  who  was  deputed  to  visit  the  island  for  the  special  purpose,  namely,  that  a  large 
sum,  15,000/.,  the  accumulation  of  harbour  dues  for  some  years  past,  had  been  appro- 
priated to  island  purposes,  which  had  no  connection  with  the  interests  of  the  shipping.  (See 
Vol.  H.  p.  3-21.) 

Numerous  wrecks  took  place  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Aberystwith  on  the  night  of 
25th  October  1859.  whereby  many  lives  were  lost;  and  it  appears  that  the  losses  were 
attributable  to  the  harbour  master  not  seeing  that  the  pier  and  guide  lights  were  put  up, 
but  going  to  bed  instead.     (See  Vol.  H.  p.  285.) 

The  contrast  between  the  works  of  the  Northern  Coaimissioners  and  those  of  Local 
Authorities  in  the  same  country,  is  well  illustrated  at  Aberdeen  and  Peterhead.  In  the 
neighbourhood  of  each  of  these  towns  is  one  of  the  finest  coast  lights  in  existence;  but 
at  each  the  harbour  lights  are  ill  kept,  though  well  provided  with  the  essentials  for  effi- 
cient ilkunination.  In  neither  case  does  the  vicinity  of  a  properly  appointed  lighthouse 
appear  to  have  induced  the  Local  Authorities  to  improve  their  own  works.  Nor  has  it 
incited  the  keepers  to  see  how  their  business  could  be  better  carried  out,  although  at 
Peterhead  the  keeper  was  anxious  to  do  his  duty,  and  asked  the  chairman  of  Your 
Commission  to  him  give  a  lesson  in  cleaning  reflectors!  (See  Vol.  I.  pp.  27,  66;  and 
Vol.  II.  pp.  3/2,  39L) 

At  Boddam  Harboiu"  in  Aberdeenshire,  on  the  contrary,  there  are  lights  of  small 
pretensions,  merely  extra-sized  street  lamps,  glazed  red,  with  reflectors  behind  the  gas 
flames,  l)ut  they  are  very  efficient,  because  under  the  charge  of  an  intelligent  man,  who 
is  an  "  occasional  keeper "  at  the  adjoining  Buchaii  Ness  Lighthouse  under  the  Com- 
missioner of  Northern  Lights.     (See  Vol.  I.  p.  59.) 

Numerous  buoys  marked  the  dangers  of  the  Shannon  some  few  years  since  ;  they 
have  gradually  been  washed  away  and  never  replaced.  The  Local  Government  now 
responsible  for  properly  marking  the  dangers  are  the  Harbour  Commissioners  at 
Limerick,  to  whom  this  charge  was  transferred  from  a  previous  Board.  It  was  in  the 
time  of  the  previous  Board  that  the  buoys  were  washed  away.  The  revenues  are 
considerable,  about  7,000/.  a  year,  but  are  entirely  mortgaged  to  the  Board  of  Works 
at  Dublin  as  interest  on  a  debt  of  over  200,000/.,  a  large  portion  of  which,  80,000/.,  as 
was  stated,  was  expended  on  building  a  bridge  across  the  river  at  Limerick,  and  an 
almost  useless  lock,  which  former  conferred  not  the  slightest  benefit  on  the  shipping,  whose 
owners  are  charged  with  defraying  the  interest  of  the  money  expended  on  it.  tSums  are 
doled  out  to  the  Harbour  Commissioners  by  the  Board  of  Works  for  any  repairs  that  are 
absolutely  necessary  ;  but  these  only  go  to  increase  the  debt,  of  which  about  25,000/. 
consists  of  accumulated  unpaid  interest.  There  appears,  therefore,  to  be  but  little  prospect 
of  the  urgent  necessities  of  the  shipping  that  frequent  the  port  being  properly  supplied, 
unless  the  whole  question  is  made  the  subject  of  a  special  inquiry.    (See  Vol.  II.  p.  410.) 

At  Sligo,  the  wreck  of  a  yacht,  the  "  Fancy,  "  belonging  to  the  Marquis  of 
Drogheda,  may  serve  as  an  instance  of  great  neglect  on  the  part  of  a  Local  Authority, 
either  to  replace  and  maintain  in  its  position  a  buoy  that  had  been  washed  away,  and  yet 
appeared  on  the  charts,  or  to  give  such  information  of  their  intention  not  to  replace 
it,  as  might  serve  as  a  sufficient  warning  to  mariners  that  the  buoy  was  out  of  position. 
The  buoy  in  question  had  been  washed  away  for  more  than  a  year,  and  had  not  been  replaced, 
but  it  still  appeared  on  the  latest  Admiralty  charts;  and  we  were  unable  to  find  any  trace 
of  any  communication  having  been  made  by  the  Harbour  Commissioners  at  Sligo  to  any 
Authority  accustomed  to  disseminate  information  on  such  subjects.  Hence  the  yacht  was 
lost,  and  the  owner  is  unable  to  obtain  any  redress.  (See  Vol.  II.  416  ;  and  Vol.  I.  p.  136.) 

Liverpool  is  the  largest  of  the  Local  Authorities,   and  has  7  Lighthouses,  3  Floating  Largest  Local 
Lights  in  position,  65  Buoys  in  position,   and  10  Beacons.     The   numerous  and  critical  Authority- 
channels  leading  to   the  Mersey  are  marked  by  these  Lightvessels,  and  are  admirably 
buoyed,  the  buoys  being  generally  of  a  superior  description,  and  effectively  maintained. 
The  same,  however,  can  scarcely  be  said  of  the  Lights  on  shore.     (  See  Vol.  II.  pp.  326- 
340  ;  and  Vol.  I.  p.  61.) 

From  Aberdeen  and  many  other  ports  it  was  impossible  to  obtain  returns,  though 
repeated  application  was  made,  but  such  as  have  been  furnished  show  that  almost  every 
Authority  has  some  peculiarity  in  its  constitution  or  management,  and  that  the 
management  of  Local  Lights  is  as  various  as  the  constitution  of  the  Authorities. 

f  4 


REPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


Wojitofwii- 
formity. 


Present  power 
of  super\'ision 
and  control. 


Uniform  sijs. 
tern  of  Tiik 
li,,hu  nml 
signals  Tccum- 
vunded. 

Cfuinqc  in 
li,jhts,  ^-r.  to 
be  more  fully 
notifted. 


Further  sujicr' 
vision  und  con- 
trol of  Local 
Authorities 
recommended. 


What  has  been  said  of  the  Superior  Authorities  is  generally  applicable  to  Local 
Authorities  also.  Those  who  manage  Lights  are  not  appointed  to  their  offices  because 
they  have  had  any  previous  knowledge  of  the  subject,  and  those  whom  they  employ  may 
or  may  not  have  the  required  knowledge.  The  keeper's  salary  varies  from  200/. 
per  annum  with  house  accommodation,  to  '/s.  6d.  per  week  without  a  house,  or  lower 
when  their  whole  time  is  not  required.  The  Lights  are  almost  universally  in  worse 
condition  and  worse  kept  than  those  under  the  larger  Authorities,  and  the}-  are  inferior 
to  French  Lights  of  the  same  class,  which  are  under  the  same  management  as  the  great 
Sea  Lights,  and  which  are  fully  equal  to  them  in  proportion  to  their  requirements. 

As  every  Local  Authorit}-  is  independent  of  all  the  others,  each  acts  on  its  own  plan, 
and  the  result  is  great  inequality  and  confusion.  There  is  no  uniformity  in  Tide  Lights. 
A  red  light  means  danger  at  one  place,  and  safet}-  at  another ;  the  same  number  of 
flags  or  balls  may  mean  two  different  things  at  neighbouring  ports.  The  system  of 
buovage  varies  everywhere.  Red  is  left  on  the  one  hand  in  sailing  into  Hull  ;  on  the 
other,  in  sailing  into  Liverpool,  and  the  mariner  who  is  familiar  with  the  Liverpool 
sj-stem,  meets  one  which  is  exactly  the  reverse  in  entering  the  port  of  Dublin.  The 
Admiraltv  have  adopted  at  Berehaven  a  system  depending  on  the  points  of  the  compass  ; 
at  Plymouth,  one  founded  on  the  knowledge  a  man  has  of  the  distinction  between  his 
right  and  left  hand  in  entering  the  port.  In  short,  there  is  no  uniformitj^  in  the  system 
adopted  for  Loc  il  Lights,  Buoys,  or  Beacons,  and  they  are,  generally  speaking,  inferior 
in  quality.     (See  Vol.  IL  p.  280.) 

Under  Section  394  of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act,  the  General  Lighthouse  Autho- 
rities, with  sanction  of  the  Board  of  Trade  may  compel  Local  Authorities  within  their 
several  jurisdictions, — to  lay  down  new  Buoys  ;  remove  or  discontinue  lighthouses 
or  Beacons  ;  and  vaiy  the  character  of  Lighthouses  or  the  mode  of  exhibiting  Lights. 

And  they  may  prevent  the  construction  or  alteration  of  Lights  by  these  Authorities. 

Under  395,  thcv  may  apply  to  the  Queen  in  Council  for  the  transference  of  the 
powers  of  a  defaulting  Local  Authority. 

Under  Section  413,  a  Local  Authority  may  surrender  or  sell  any  Lighthouse,  Buoy,  or 
Beacon,  to  the  General  Authority  in  the  same  country,  to  whom  the  dues  become  in 
i'uture  payable. 

From  the  evidence  of  the  General  I^ighthouse  Authorities,  it  appears  that  these 
powers  have  been  very  sparingly  employed,  nor  do  they  appear  to  consider  that  they 
have  any  jurisdiction  in  regard  to  the  internal  arrangements  of  Local  Lights,  or  to  the 
maintenance  of  Local  Buoys  and  Beacons.  It  should  be  observed  also,  that  the  Act 
makes  no  provision  for  the  alteration  of  the  position,  colour,  or  character  of  Buoys ; 
hence  there  is  no  power  to  enforce  a  uniform  system,  however  desirable  such  a  system 
might  be  considered.  (See  the  remarks  of  the  Ucputv  Master  of  the  Trinitv  House, 
Vol.  L  p.  165.) 

Your  Commissioners  think  it  very  desirable  that  a  uniform  system  of  Tide  lights  and 
signals  should  be  established,  instances  having  been  reported  to  us  in  which  valuable 
ships  have  been  lost  from  a  mistake  in  their  meaning,  or  the  want  of  them.  (Vol.  II.  p.691-) 

Your  Commissioners  wish  to  lay  some  stress  upon  the  necessity  that  exists  for  a  more 
extensive  and  careful  distribution  of  Notices  respecting  changes  in  lights,  &c.,  whether 
belonging  to  Local  or  General  Authorities.  We  would  recommend  that,  in  addition  to 
the  present  issue,  as  stated  in  the  Admiralty  letter  of  1st  February  1861,  Vol.  I.,  p.  215, 
Notices  should  be  sent  periodically  to  Your  .Majesty's  Consuls  at  the  principal 
ports  abroad,  and  that  the  several  changes  of  the  current  3'ear,  and  the  contemplated 
changes  in  the  ensuing  year,  should  be  published  quarterly  in  a  cheap  pamphlet,  pur- 
chascable  at  the  shipping  offices  at  home,  and  at  the  consulates  abroad  ;  and  that,  in 
order  to  insure  the  masters  of  ships  being  provided  with  these  Notices,  they  should  form 
part  of  the  dealing  papers  of  at  least  those  vessels  that  are  bound  on  oversea  voyages. 

Although  aware  of  the  great  advantages  of  local  self-government.  Your  ^Majesty's 
Commissioners  feel  that  such  a  state  of  things  as  exists  in  most  of  the  harbours  of 
this  kingdom,  demands  the  serious  consideration  of  the  Legislature,  and  that  means 
should  be  adopted  for  permitting  the  exercise  of  a  more  effective  control  over  such  Local 
Authorities  as  mav  persist  in  mismanaging  the  interests  entrusted  to  their  charge.  This 
control  ought  to  extend  at  least  to  the  maintenance,  character,  and  colour  of  Buoys,  to 
the  use  of  efficient  means  of  illumination,  and  to  the  exposure  of  improper  application 
of  dues.  But  no  such  control  could  be  exercised  without  a  knowledge  on  the  part  of 
the  controlling  Board  of  the  actual  state  of  the  Local  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons,  and 
this  could  be  gained  only  by  bisptction.  Power  is  given  to  the  Trinity  House  to  enter 
any  Lighthouse  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Northern  Commissioners  or  Ballast  Board, 
to  view  the  condition   thereof  (Section  392),  and  as  the  Lights  of  Local  Authorities 


REPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOA'S,  ANT)  BEACONS.  XXXvii 

arc  said  to  be  "  -within  the  jurisdiction"  of  the  General  Authorities,  they  may  be 
supposed  to  be  inckided  ;  but  here  the  permission  to  inspect  ceases,  no  power  being  given 
to  the  Trinity  House  to  inspect  Englisn  Local  Lights,  or  to  the  Scotch  or  L-ish  Boards 
to  inspect  the  Local  Lights  in  places  under  their  jurisdiction ;  nor  are  either  of  the 
three  empowered  to  examine  Local  Buoys  or  Beacons  anywhere.  Nor  is  it  to  be 
expected  that  were  such  power  simply  given  to  the  General  Authorities  it  would  be 
exercised  by  them  unless  in  special  cases.  What  is  wanted  is  such  a  systematic  inspection 
of  all  Lighthouses,  Floating  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons,  by  some  competent  authority 
as  shall  serve  the  purpose  of  making  known  to  the  public,  and  to  the  inhabitants  of 
the  port  themselves,  the  merits  or  deficiencies  of  the  works  m  question.  To  gain  this 
object,  the  inspector's  annual  report  should  be  presented  to  Parliament  and  published ; 
and  further,  to  facilitate  the  general  distribution  of  that  portion  which  relates  to  the 
locality,  the  report  might  be  printed  in  separate  sections  ;  and  the  Trinity  Commissioners 
should  have  further  powers  in  reserve  to  be  called  into  play  in  cases  of  extreme  neglect.* 

COLONIES. 

There  appear  to  be  at  present  various  systems  in  force  for  the  construdion,  main-  System  of  con- 
tenance,  and  control  of  certain  Lighthouses  in  the  Colonies  under  the  Superintendence  Sntenance, 
of  Your  Majesty's  Government.     See  Vol.  IL  pp.  631-643.  andcontroi. 

There  is  a  system  provided  in  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act  Amendment  Act  (1855),  see 
Clauses  L  to  YIIL,  which  contemplates  the  erection  of  Lighthouses  at  or  near  Your 
Majesty's  Colonies,  with  money  to  be  raised  by  the  Board  of  Trade  under  security  of  the 
dues  to  be  levied  in  respect  thereof,  see  Clause  VIII.,  and  also  for  placing  the  Lighthouses 
previously  existing,  or  that  may  hereafter  be  erected,  under  the  Act,  which  provides  for  the 
levying  of  Light  Dues  in  the  United  Kingdom  and  Colonies  on  vessels  that  have  passed  or 
are  about  to  pass  such  Lights  ;  providing,  however,  that  no  such  Light  Dues  shairbe  levied 
in  any  Colony  without  the  sanction  of  the  Local  Legislature  having  been  first  obtained. 
The  only  Lighthouse  erected  under  these  clauses  Is  that  on  Cape  Race  in  Newfoundland. 
It  appears  that  several  applications  have  been  made  under  this  Act,  see  Vol.  II.,  some  of 
which  have  been  declined,  and  some  are  still  under  consideration. 

The  Merchant  Shipping  Act  Amendment  Act  appears  to  have  arisen  out  of  a  correspond- 
ence between  the  Departments  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  the  Admiralty,  the  Treasury,  the 
Colonies,  and  Mr.  Gordon,  C.  E.,  (sec  Parliamentary  Paper  No.  355  of  1855,)  in  which 
Mr.  Gordon  and  the  Admiralty  press  upon  the  attention  of  the  Board  of  Trade  the 
great  importance  of  availing  themselves  of  their  position  as  defined  in  the  Merchant 
Shipping  Act,  and  urge  them  to  proceed  to  aid  in  the  erection  and  supervision  of  Light- 
houses in  or  near  the  Colonies. 

There  are  numerous  Lighthouses  in  the  Colonies  to  which  our  inquiry  under  the 
Commission  does  not  extend,  as  they  are  not  under  the  superintendence  of  Your  Majesty's 
Government.  The  Board  of  Admiralty,  in  their  letter  of  the  6th  December  1854, 
evidently  contemplated  a  much  more  extensive  interference  by  the  Home  Government 
with  the  Colonial  Lights,  owing  to  the  unguarded  state  of  "the  seas  bordering  upon 
Your  Majesty's  possessions  abroad,  and  to  the  bad  condition  or  management  of  some  of  the 
existing  lights  ;  but  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act  Amendment  Act  gives  only  very  restricted 
permissive  power  to  the  Home  Government,  and  leaves  the  faulty  Lights  as  they  were. 

That  other  systems  are  in  force  may  be  shown  by  the  following  table  : — 


Colonial 

Date  of  First 

Bv  -n-hora 

Sum 

By  -H-hom  Maintained 

At  what 

Lighthouses. 

Exhibition. 

Constructed. 

Expended. 

and  Controlled. 

Annual  Cost. 

£ 

£ 

Gun  CaVj           Bahamas 

1836 

Imperial  Go- 
vernment. 

3,177 

Imperial  Govern- 
ment. 

1,080 

Abaco                       „         -          - 

1836 

„ 

3,967 

J, 

Cay  Snl  Bank           „      - 

1839 

,, 

3,804 

„ 

,, 

Great  Isaacs             „           -         - 

1859 

>. 

15,814 

,, 

— 

Lobos  Cay                „     - 

1860 

" 

19,000 

Cape  Pembroke,  Falkland  Islands 

1855 

jj 

2,400 

" 

315 
{continued)^ 

*  Since  the  above  was  written  it  has  come  to  our  knowledge  that  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lights 
recommended  a  similar  system  of  control  to  be  introduced  in  the  first  Merchant  Shipping  Act. 


REPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


Insufficiency 
o  f  present 
system. 


Change  of 
stj.^tcm  recoin- 
mended. 


Colonial 

Date  of  First 

Bt  'Brhom 

Sam 

By  -H-hom  Maintained 

At  -what 

Lighthouses. 

Exhibition. 

Constructed. 

Expended. 

and  Controlled. 

Annual  Cost. 

Cape  Race,  Newfoundland 

1856 

Imperial  Go- 
vernment. 

5,452 

Board  of  Trade, 
Toll  on  Shipping. 

600 

Breaksea  Island,  Australia 

1858 

„ 

J    3,796  { 

Imperial  Govern- 

345 

Point  King                  „       - 

1858 

ment. 

Cerise,  Ionian  Sea 

1857 

„ 

2,989 

Imperial  Govern- 

— 

ment  and  Ionian 
Government. 

Cape  Point.  Cape  of  Good  Hope 

1860 

„ 

4,500 

Colony 

— 

IJonian  Rocks             .,     - 

Unfinished 

„ 

5,514 

„ 

— 

Great  Basses,  Ceylon 

Not  com- 
menced. 

„ 

42,236 

It  will  be  obvious  from  the  foregoing  table  that  the  Board  of  Trade  has  not  confined 
its  action  in  the  erection  of  Colonial  Lighthouses  to  the  powers  provided  bv  the  Merchant 
Shipping  Act  Amendment  Act,  but  has  in  the  cases  of  the  Great  Isaacs,  Lobos  Cay, 
Cape  Point,  Roman  Rocks,  commenced  since  the  passing  of  that  Act,  relied  on  the 
Imperial  funds  for  their  construction.  Two  of  the  above  are  maintained  by  Imperial,  and 
two  others  by  Colonial  funds. 

The  Board  of  Trade  evidently  consider  that  it  is  still  within  their  power,  and  that 
power  will  probably  be  exercised,  to  maintain  certain  Colonial  Lighthouses,  [although 
erected  since  the  Amendment  Act  of  the  [Merchant  Shipping  Act  was  passed,]  entirely 
from  the  Consolidated  Fund. 

Control  over  the  expenses  of  constructing  certain  Lightliouscs  in  the  Colonies  is 
exercised  by  the  Home  Legislature,  to  whom  are  submitted  all  recommendations  of 
expenditure  on  a  Colonial  Lighthouse.  A  certain  undefined  amount  of  control  over  the 
maintcufince.  and  fnanagement  of  some  of  the  Colonial  Lighthouses  is  recognized  as  con- 
setpient  upon,  and  resulting  from,  aid  more  or  less  partial,  having  been  given  from 
Imperial  funds,  or  from  passing  dues  levied  in  consequence  of  any  Act  of  Parliament 
to  that  effect.  In  practically  enforcing  this  control  we  suppose  the  stringency  would 
varv  with  the  amount  of  the  aid  given,  as  compared  with  the  total  sum  expended. 

In  respect  to  scientific  points,  or  matters  of  detail  in  the  management  of  these  lights,  we 
find  that  the  practice  of  the  Board  of  Trade  has  been  to  consult  the  Trinity  House,  or  its 
officers,  or  to  follow  their  procedure. 

The  machiner}'  at  the  disposal  of  the  Board  of  Trade  for  the  construction,  maintenance, 
and  control  of  certain  Lighthouses  in  Your  Majesty's  Colonial  possessions,  under  the 
superintendence  of  Your  Majesty's  Government,  appears  in  certain  cases  to  have  been 
insufficient.  This  insufficiency  is  especially  apparent  in  the  total  failure  to  erect  a  Light- 
house at  the  Great  Basses,  Ceylon,  where,  at  the  end  of  five  years,  and  after  the 
expenditure  of  42,UU0/.,  a  light  imperatively  called  for  is  not  yet  commenced  (see  Vol.  I. 
pp.  138-141,  and  Vol.  II.  pp  632,  643,  646);  and  a  most  dangerous  locality  thus 
remains  unguarded  until  the  Board  of  Trade  have  received  the  report  of  the  Govern- 
ment of  Ceylon,  on  the  expense  of  constructing  and  maintaining,  as  substitutes  for  the 
proposed  Lighthouse,  two  Lightvessels,  which  have  been  recommended  b}'  the  Admiralty- 
Surveying  Officers,  specially  employed  for  this  purpose.  The  steps  now  adopted  are 
those  which  should  have  been  taken  in  the  first  instance,  and  which  we  recommend 
should  be  adopted  for  the  future.  We  are  therefore  of  opinion  that  the  systems  now  in 
force  for  the  Construction,  Maintenance,  and  Control  of  certain  Lighthouses  in  Your 
Majesty's  possessions,  under  the  superintendence  of  Your  Majesty's  Government,  are  not 
well  adapted  for  ensuring  the  most  efficient  control  of  that  service  with  a  due  regard  to 
economy,  and  we  beg  to  submit  to  Your  Majesty  that  the  following  change  is  required : — 

Change  of  System. 

Your  Commissioners  would  recommend  that  the  powers  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  with 
regard  to  Colonial  Lighthouses,  be  transferred  to  the  new  Central  Authority  about  to  be 
proposed,  and  that  steps  be  taken  by  its  members  to  acquire  a  complete  knowledge  of 
the  requirements  and  legitimate  wants  of  the  trade  passing  near  the  British  Colonial 
possessions,  so  that  applications  from  any  particular  trade  or  colony  shall  not  be  either 
too  easily  granted,  or  too  hastily  refused. 

To  ensure  this,  we  would  suggest  that  the  officers  of  Your  Majesty's  navy,  either  afloat 
or  on  shore,  and  especially  surveying  officers,  and,  in  their  absence,  artillery  and  engineer 
officers,  be  made  available  for  periodical  inspection  of  existing  Lighthouses  in  the  Colonies, 


REPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS.  XXxix 

and  for  reporting  on  petition  for  new  Lights,  or  for  transfer  of  old  Lights,  under  the 
Merchant  Shipping  Act  Amendment  Act ;  and  also  generally  on  the  want,  if  want 
there  be,  of  Lighthouses  for  the   safety  of  the  passing  trade. 

If  this  practice  is  adopted  systematically,  and  the  Naval  Commander-in-Chief  be  sup- 
plied with  printed  forms,  to  be  returned  periodically,  the  Lighthouse  Board  in  England 
charged  with  the  superintendence  of  certain  Colonial  Lights  will  always  have  in  its  pos- 
session such  an  amount  of  evidence  collected  on  the  spot  by  trustworthy  and  experienced 
persons,  as  will  enable  it  to  come  to  a  sounder  decision  than  can  at  present  be  possible 
in  the  absence  of  any  such  system. 

CHANGE  OF  SYSTEM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 

From  an  early  period  of  our  inquir}'  it  has  been  evident  to  Your  Majesty's  Commis-  change  of 
sioncrs  that  changes  might  be   advantageouslj'  made  in  the  sj'stem  of  management   and  manlgement 
control  under  which   the    Lighthouses,   Floating  Lights,   Buoys,   and  Beacons  on  the  and  control, 
coasts  of  the  United  Kingdom,  and  certain  Lighthouses  in  the  Colonies,  are  constructed 
and  maintained.     The  evils  of  a  double,  triple,  or  quadruple  government,  the  anomalies 
arising  from  such  a  multiplicity  of  sj-stems,  and  the  want  of  certain   necessary  elements 
in   all   the  managing   Boards   became  more  and  more  apparent  as  our  inquiry  advanced. 
Yet  so  complicated  was   the  question,  and  so  great  are  the  interests  involved,  that  it  has 
demanded  long  and  careful  consideration  on  the  part  of  jonr   Commissioners    before 
deciding  on  the  nature  of  the  change  they  would  recommend.     By  a  sort  of  exhaustive 
process   a  scheme   of  government  has  been  arrived  at,  the  reasons  for  which  are  more 
particularly  set  forth  in  the  Chairman's  letter  attached  to  this  Report,   and  whose  words 
in  describing  the  proposed  change  we  have  thought  proper  generally  to  adopt. 

It  was  beyond  the  province  of  this  Commission  to  recommend  any  change  in  the  fund 
for  maintaining  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons,  but  bearing  in  mind  the  possibility  or 
probability  of  a  change,  they  have  so  arranged  the  proposed  scheme  of  government  that 
it  is  equally  well  adapted, —  ist,  to  the  present  sj-steir,  of  levying  tolls  on  the  passing 
trade ;  2ndly,  to  a  system  which  has  occasionally  been  suggested,  viz.,  a  tonnage  rate, 
which  promises  some  advantages,  and,  in  addition  to  that  of  simplicity,  a  great  economy, 
both  of  labour  and  expense,  in  collection ;  and,  3rdly,  to  that  system  which  has  been 
recommended  to  the  Legislature  by  the  four  Special  Committees  that  have  been  authorized 
to  treat  directly  this  important  portion  of  the  subject,  viz.,  that  the  expense  of  erecting 
and  mainfabiing  our  Lighf/iotises  should  be  defrayed  out  of  the  public  revenue. 

Had  the  question  submitted  for  the  consideration  of  Your  Majesty's  Commissioners 
been  how  to  form  the  most  perfect  sj-stem  of  Lighthouse  Management  for  the  first  time, 
we  should  probably  have  suggested  a  simpler  and  more  responsible  form  of  government ; 
but,  regarding  the  subject  in  all  its  bearings,  as  we  were  bound  to  do, — considering 
the  existing,  almost  national  institutions,  the  extent  of  practical  knowledge  possessed 
by  them,  as  well  as  the  large  machinery  employed, — we  have  deemed  it  expedient  to  build 
on  existing  foundations  rather  than  to  reconstruct  out  of  entirely  new  materials  ;  and 
we,  therefore,  recommend  that  the  government  and  management  of  the  Lights,  Buoys, 
and  Beacons  of  the  United  Kingdom,  and  of  certain  Lighthouses  in  the  Colonies,  be 
vested  in  a  new  central  authority  to  be  denominated  the  Trinity  Commissioners  for 
Lights,  and  that  the  expenditure  of  such  Commissioners  be  brought  directly  under  the 
control  of  the  House  of  Commons  b}'  an  annual  submission  of  their  estimates,  through 
the  Board  of  Trade  or  the  Board  of  Admiralty,  as  may  be  deemed  best,  and  that  when 
once  the  estimates  have  been  approved  of  by  Parhament  the  expenditure  of  the  funds 
voted  be  entrusted  to  the  sole  discretion  of  the  Trinity  Commissioners,  under  the  recog- 
nized system  of  imprest  and  audit. 

To  constitute  this  Central  Authority,  to  be  denominated  the  "  Ti-inity  Commissioners  Central  Autko- 
for  Lights,"  it  is  proposed  that  four  members  be  elected  by  the  Elder  Brethren  in  such  a  '^1%"^^' 
manner  as  will  ensure  the  retirement  and  election,  after  the  four  first  years,  of  one  member 
annually,  and  that  to  these  four  be  added  one  member  for  Scotland,  to  reside  in  Edin- 
burgh, and  another  for  Ireland,  to  reside  in  Dublin,  elected  every  four  years,  the  whole 
to  be  eligible  for  re-election  ;  and,  in  addition  to  the  above  six  members,  who  should  be 
engaged  in  no  other  business,  that  one  other  member  be  selected  by  the  Government 
with  special  reference  to  his  scientific  acquirements  in  those  branches  of  knowledge 
which  relate  to  Coast  illumination,  as  enumerated  by  us  in  Circulars  IX.  and  X.,  the 
whole  subject  to  the  approval  of  Government,  and  to  have  salaries  commensurate  with 
the  importance  of  their  duties  and  with  the  necessary  engagement  of  their  time.  To 
these  it  is  proposed  to  add  the  Astronomer  Royal,  the  Hydrographer  of  the  Admiralty, 
the  Comptroller-General  of  Coast  Guard,  and  one  of  the  Professional  Members  of  the 

g  2 


xl 


EEPOKT  OF  C'OMMISSIOXEKS  OX  LIGHTS,  EUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


Hoi/til  Socicli/ 
to  vhil. 


to  aid  in  liqht- 


Board  of  Trade,  -which  last  four  persons  would  be  ex-officio  "  Trinity  Commissioners 
for  Li"-hts,"  and  should  be  liberally  paid  for  their  attendance  at  the  weekly  Boards,  or 
oftener  if  summoned. 

The  appointment  of  a  governing  body  such  as  is  sketched  out  above  implies  the 
transference  to  it  of  the  "l^ighthouse  duties  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  Trinity  House, 
Commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses,  and  Ballast  Board ;  and  we  recommend  that 
the  election  of  the  Scotch  and  Irish  resident  members  should  rest  with  the  public  bodies 
whose  members  have  so  long  and  so  zealously,  and  without  gratuity,  performed  the 
Lighthouse  duties  in  the  two  countries  ;  and  for  the  purpose  of  selection  from  time  to 
time  it  would  be  highly  desirable  that  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses 
should  continue  to  exist  as  a  body  constituted  as  at  present. 

The  members,  who  would  thus  be  resident  in  .Scotland  and  Ireland,  and  whose 
duties  in  those  countries  would  be  generally  executive,  should  receive  the  s.mie  salary 
as  the  four  executive  members  of  the  Central  Board,  selected  from  the  Elder  Brethren ; 
and  as  the  subject  of  new  works  and  changes  would  probably  only  be  discussed  at 
collective  mcetinos  in  London,  and  at  a  time  when  the  estimates  were  being  prepared  for 
Parliament,  it  would  be  proper  that  they  should  attend  in  London  at  that  period,  and 
on  other  occasions  when  summoned  by  the  Central  Board. 

In  addition  to  the  increased  responsibilities  to  be  vested  in  the  new  governing 
authority,  we  recommend  that  the  whole  of  the  Local  Lights  and  Buoyage  in  this 
kino-doni  be  subiected  to  an  annual  inspection  under  the  direction  of  the  Trinity 
Commissioners  for  Lights,  and  an  Annual  llcport  of  the  same  be  presented  to  Parlia- 
ment with  the  Lighthouse  Estimates  ;  that  the  powers  already  vested  in  the  General 
Lio-hthouse  Authority  with  regard  to  Local  Lights,  &c.,  by  various  Acts  of  Parliament, 
be°put  into  more  active  operation  ;  and  that  further  powers  be  given,  as  already  stated  ; 
and  in  the  event  of  the  expenses  for  Lights,  Sec,  being  defrayed  out  of  the  public 
revenue  that  the  Admiralty  Lights,  Beacons,  and  Buoys,  exclusive  of  IMooring  and 
Warping  Buoys,  be  given  over  to  the  same  body. 

,sy,,#;t_Qaalifications  of  a  special  order,  such  as  are  only  to  be  found  in  a  person  trained 
to  the  business  of  what  the  Astronomer  Roj-al,  in  his  letter  of  the   10th  November  last. 


Representation 
in  rarliameut. 


jpectors 
with   optical  engineering.     The  clerical  staff  now  employed  in  the  management  of  Light- 
house business  would  be  more  than  sufficient  under  the  altered  circumstances. 

Though  we  recommend  the  assimilation  and  amalgamation  of  the  entire  Lighthouse 
svstems  of  Emjland,  Scotland,  and  Ireland,  yet,  on  account  of  the  great  extent  of  coast 
line  in  the  three  countries,  we  consider  it  desirable  to  retain  an  office  in  Edinburgh  and 
another  in  Dublin,  which  shall  be  the  ordinary  head-quarters  of  the  resident  member  of 
the  Central  Authoritv,  with  the  secretar}-  and  inspector  of  Lights,  attached  to  Scotland 
or  Ireland  respectively.  In  Ireland  a  marine  inspector  for  Floating  Lights  and  Buoys 
will  be  necessary,  as  at  present ;  and  another  will  be  required  for  England,  unless  the 
Trinity  Commissioners  should  continue  to  discharge  that  duty,  as  it  is  at  present 
performed  bv  the  Elder  Brethren. 

Visifafioii  of  the  Roi/al  Sociefi/. — In  order  to  satisf^^  the  public  that  our  Lighthouses, 
and  the  whole  system  of  Lighthouse  illumination,  are  in  all  respects  what  the  highest 
state  of  science  can  produce,  and  the  interests  of  this  great  maritime  country  require. 
Your  Commissioners  would  recommend  that  Your  Majesty  should  be  advised  to  issue 
Your  warrant  appointing  the  President  and  Council  with  other  Fellows  of  the  Royal 
Societv  annually  to  visit  the  central  establishment  of  the  Trinity  Commissioners,  as 
is  now  the  case"  with  the  Uoyal  Observatory  ;  and  that  the  Trinity  Conunissioncrs  for 
Lio-hts  should  on  that  occasion  submit  a  Report  of  their  proceedings  in  all  matters 
relatino-  to  the  development  of  and  improvement  in  Lighthouse  illumination  to  the 
Visitina;  Board  of  the  Royal  Society ;  such  Report  to"  be  presented  to  Parliament 
with  the  annual  estimates. 

Cnast  Guard.—  We  recommend  that  the  officers  of  the  Coast  Guard  be  employed  in 
that  frequent  inspection  of  the  Lights  by  night  which  we  have  reason  to  believe  is  absolutely 
necessary  to  the  incessant  maintenance  of  the  best  flames,  and  to  the  due  vigilance 
of  the  keepers;  also  that  the  gunboats  and  the  tenders  attached  to  this  branch  of  the 
service  should  be  employed,  when  practicable,  for  purposes  of  inspection,  supply  of  stores, 
and  changing  of  crews,  in  lieu  of  the  expensive  system  at  present  in  operation.  See 
Vol.  I.  p.  7  L,  and  228. 

Reprcseiitdfinn  in  Parliaincnf.— Whether  the  funds  to  be  provided  for  the  Lighthouse 
service  continue  to  be  raised  by  dues,  or  by  the  simpler  and  more  economic  mode  of  a 


REPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYe',  AND  BEACONS.  xlf 

tonnage  rate,  or  ultimately  from  Imperial  funds,  the  estimates  regulating  the  amount  of 
these  funds  -will  have  to  be  submitted  to  Parliament ;  and  as  the  proposed  Central  Board 
Avould  not  be  represented  in,  and  would  not  be  directly  responsible  to  Parliament,  some 
department  of  Government  will  have  to  present  the  estinsates  to  the  House  of  Commons, 
and  -whatever  that  department  might  be,  it  would  necessarily  in  some  sense  be  responsible 
for  those  estimates  ;  but  this  responsibility  should  extend  no  furtiier  than  to  the  being 
able  fully  to  explain  the  several  items  of  those  estimates  to  the  House. 

This  representative  body,  Your  Majesty's  Commissioners  propose,  should  be  either  the  Admiralty  or 
Board  of  Trade  or  the  Admiralty.  Ui^ard  of  Trade. 

In  the  various  Statutes  establishing  the  authority  and  duties  of  the  Trinity  House, 
the  Office  of  the  Lord  High  Admiral  or  that  of  the  Commissioners  for  executing  that 
otRce  is  frequently  referred  to ;  and  it  is  impossible  to  read  the  evidence  taken  by  the 
Committees  successively  appointed  by  Parliament  in  1822,  1834,  and  1845,  to  inquire 
into  Lighthouse  management,  or  the  correspondence  in  the  last  twenty  years  between 
the  Admiralty,  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  the  Colonial  OfHce  respecting  Colonial  Lights, 
without  it  being  apparent  that  not  only  the  Board  of  Trade,  but  the  Trinitv  House  also, 
have  more  or  less  leant  upon  the  Admiralty  in  fulfilling  their  duties,  and  that  there  must 
always  be  an  official  and  essential  rehition  betwixt  the  Lighthouse  service  and  the  Admi- 
ralty; but  although  the  dependence  of  the  one  upon  the  other  of  these  departments  has  in 
no  degree  diminished,  but  jdther  the  contrary,  yet  in  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act,  1854, 
this  connection  is  ignored,  and  the  Admiralty  nov/here  appears  in  our  Lighthouse  polity, 
as  set  forth  in  that  Act. 

Nevertheless,  the  xidmiraltj'  is  that  department  of  the  Government  which  more  than 
any  other  possesses  the  means  for  effectually  assisting  in  carrying  on  the  Lighthouse 
service.  These  means  consist  of  its  able  Hydrographic  staff,  both  at  home  and  abroad, 
and  the  necessary  affinity  existing  between  tliat  staff  and  the  lyighthouse  service,  as  shown 
in  the  Admiralt}^  letter  of  1st  February  1861  (Vol.  I.  p.  215),  its  present  complete  chain- 
work  of  Coast  Guard  stations  and  flotilla,  under  intelligent  naval  officers  at  every  point  of 
the  coast  (see  Coast  Guard  Map,  Vol.  I.)  ;  and  its  employment  of  the  ablest  engineers 
of  this  country,  whose  estimate  for  a  work,  when  once  submitted,  would  scarcely  admit 
of  the  prejudicial  disputes  which  now  retard  the  prosecution  of  important  works. 

On  the  other  hand,  we  have  the  Board  of  Trade,  a  department  having  the  general 
superintendence  of  matters  relating  to  merchant  ships  and  seamen,  and  which,  since 
the  passing  of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act,  1854,  has  had  the  control  over  the  three 
General  Lighthouse  Authorities,  and  in  its  six  years'  exercise  of  that  control  much 
valuable  experience  must  have  been  gained ;  it  is  also  the  department  at  present 
representing  the  Lighthouse  Authorities  in  Parliament,  it  has — so  far  as  the  limited 
machinery  at  its  disposal  admits — devoted  great  attention  to  Lighthouse  business,  and  has 
most  scrupulously  kept  in  check  all  Lighthouse  expenditure ;  whilst,  under  the  system 
as  now  proposed,  the  Board  of  Trade  would  have  one  of  its  professional  members  an 
ex  officio  member  of  the  new  Central  Body. 

Leaving  it  then  an  open  question,  to  be  decided  by  the  Government,  whether  the 
Board  of  Trade  or  the  Admiralty  is  for  the  future  to  represent  our  Lighthouse  Govern- 
ment in  Parliament,  and  reverting  to  the  unanimous  opinions  of  the  sevei-al  Parliamentary 
Committees,  embodied  as  those  opinions  are  in  the  recommendation  of  the  Committee  of 
1845,  viz.  "  That  all  expenses  for  the  erection  and  maintenance  of  Lighthouses,  Floating 
"  Lights,  Buoys  and  Beacons  on  the  coast  of  the  United  Kingdom  he  thenceforth 
"  defrayed  out  of  the  Public  Revenue,''  the  representative  duties  would  be  confined  to  Prcscntiiion  ct 
the  presentation  of  estimates  of  a  simple  nature  prepared  by  the  Trinity  House  Commis- 
sioners in  a  comprehensive  form,  and  the  acquiring  of  information  necessary  for  the  full 
explanation  of  these  estimates  to  the  House  of  Commons  ;  neither  of  which  would  involve 
an  amount  of  trouble  deserving  of  any  consideration  in  weighing  the  relative  advantages 
possessed  bj-  the  two  departments,  or  in  deciding  which  is  most  likely  to  affoi'd  the 
largest  amount  of  material  support  to  the  Commissioners  appointed  to  carrj-  out  the 
Lighthouse  service  of  the  country. 

CONCLUSION. 

Your  Majesty's  Commissioners  would  not  close  this  Report  without  expressing  their 
obligations  to  those  Foreign  Governments  who  have  so  courteously  replied  to  our  some- 
what lengthy  questions,  and  have  furnished  us  wnth  such  elaborate  di-awings  and  descrip- 
tions ;  and  in  particular  we  desire  to  thank  M.  Reynaud,  the  head  of  the  Lighthouse 
Department  in  France,  whose  readiness  and  endeavours  to  meet  the  wishes  of  Your 
Commissioners  have  been  marked  with  the  greatest  care  and  goodwill,  and  from  whose 
good  offices   they  have   derived  valuable   assistance, — and  not   from  his    services   only, 

g3 


estimates. 


xlii  REPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 

but  also  from  those  of  others  connected  with  his  department.  To  Senor  Lucio  del 
Valle,  of  the  Coviision,  de  Faros  of  Spain  our  thanks  are  due  also  for  much  interesting 
information. 

To  our  Secretary  Ave  are  also  greatly-  indebted.  His  peculiar  genius  and  aptness  for 
the  work  in  hand  lias  been  remarkable,  as  shown  amongst  other  particulars  in  the 
Drawings  and  Diagrams  prepared  by  him  ;  and  some  of  the  most  valuable  of  our 
experiments  have  originated  in  his  suggestions  :  his  ability  has  also  been  shown  in  the 
arrangement,  abstracts,  and  summary  of  the  evidence. 

We  have  already  spoken  of  what  is  owing  to  the  Astronomer  Royal,  and  to  those 
Scientific  Men  who  have  generously,  and  at  the  cost  of  valuable  time,  furnished  such 
replies  to  our  questions  as  cannot  fail  to  be  of  use  in  the  furtherance  of  an  important 
science  ;  and  in  the  proposals  sent  to  us  by  Manufacturers  and  others  for  improvements 
in  tide  lights,  in  the  build  of  Lightships,  in  Lamps,  tSrc,  there  is  ample  evidence  of  the  skill 
and  ingenuity  available  in  this  country  for  further  facilitating  the  navigation  of  these 
shores. 

In  conclusion,  Your  Commissioners  would  humbly  express  their  hope  that  the  attention 
which  they  have  given  to  the  subject  of  the  inquiry  which  they  were  commanded  to  under 
take,  may  not  be  entirely  fruitless  ;  and  that  the  remarks  and  observations  contained  in  the 
Report  now  humbly  submitted  to  Your  Majesty  may  result  in  an  improvement  in  Light- 
house Illumination,  in  a  more  complete  system  of  lighting  and  marking  the  shores  of  Your 
Majesty's  dominions,  and  in  the  furtherance  of  the  interests  of  Commerce  and  of 
Humanity, — interests  which  Your  Commissioners  are  fully  sensible  must  ever  hold  a  high 
place  in  Your  Majesty's  regard. 

All  which  we  humbly  submit  to  Your  Majesty. 

Witness  our  hands  and  seals  this  5th  day  of  March  186L 

(Signed)  AY.  A.  B.  HAMILTON,  (l.s.) 

ALFRED  P.  RYDER.  (l.s.) 

J.  H.  GLADSTONE.  (l.s.) 

DUNCAN  DUNBAR.  (l.s.) 

S.  R.  GRAVES.  (L.s.) 
J.  F.  Campbell, 

Secretary, 


xliii 


LETTER  OF  THE  CHAIRMAN 

OP    THE 

ROYAL  COMMISSION,  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


After  our  many  discussions  on  Lighthouse  Government,  I  think  I  have  gathered  what 
would  mostprobabli/  be  the  views  of  my  colleagues  on  that  subject :  I  propose,  therefore, 
to  put  in  ivriting  what  I  believe  those  views  generally  to  be  ;  and  if  I  succeed  in  my 
interpretation  of  them,  the  following  paper  may  aid  in  the  completion  of  that  part  of 
our  Report  which  relates  to  Management  and  Control, — remembering  always  there  is 
some  further  oral  evidence  to  be  taken,  and  that  Capt.  Sulivans  examinatio7i  is 
deferred  till  the  last. 

W.  A.  B.  Hamilton. 
\QtJb  January  186L 

1 .  ir  has  been  necessary,  during  our  inquiry,  to  bear  in  mind  that  it  is  not  with  the  Range  of 
whole  of  the  duties  of  the  Corporation  of  Trinity  House  that  this  Commission  has   had  inquiry  of  the 
to  do  ;  but  with  those  only  which  relate  to  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons.  .ommission. 

2.  The  same  consideration  was  necessary  in  investigating  the  Irish  lighthouse  sj'stem. 
It  was  not  with  the  Ballast  Board  of  Dublin,  as  a  Corporation,  that  we  were  dealing,  but 
only  so  far  as  respects  its  management  of  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons. 

3.  It  is  different,  however,  when  we  come  to  Scotland ;  there  we  have  a  Board,  the  only 
Lighthouse  Board  (in  the  ordinary  meaning  of  the  term)  in  the  kingdom;  and  this  Board 
is  denominated  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses. 

4.  The  Corporation  of  Trinity  House  was  founded  in  the  reign  of  Henry  VII.,  "for  Purposes  for 
"  the  government  and  increase  of  the  navigation  of  England,  and  the  relief  of  poor  '^hich  Trinity 
"  mariners,  their  widows,  orphans,  &c.  ;"  and  in  time  the  Corporation  came  to  be  charged  foundedTn 
with  other  duties,  as,  for  instance,  in  the  reign  of  Elizabeth,  when  an  Act  was  passed  '■'^'■*- 
enabling  the  Trinity  House  to  erect  sea  marks,  beacons,   and  signs  of  the   sea,  and   to  ^^^f  ^'^!"' 
place  buoys  ;  and  it  was  not  until  the  year  l607  that  the  Trinity  House  could  be  properly  of  James  i." 
said  to  have  had   any  light  for   the  direction  of  navigation  upon  the  open  sea,  when  by  First  Light- 
virtue  of  their  statute  of  the  8th  of  Elizabeth,  the  Elder  Brethren  laid  claim  to  one  of  Geo.Ti.^ 
which  had  been  set  vip  in  1606  by  Mr.  Thomas  Bushell,  a  private  gentleman,  at  his  own 

charge,  and  whom  they  afterwards  admitted  to  be  their  tenant  both  for  this  and  for  other 
lights,  as  well  as  for  certain  buoys  and  beacons.  The  first  floating  light  (the  Nore)  was 
applied  for  and  placed  in  1732. 

5.  The  members  of  the  Corporation  of  Trinity  House  are  self  elected ;  and  although  Members  of 
the  acting  members  appear  to  be  selected  from  amongst  the  most  respectable  of  the  com-  •'oj'poi'ation  of 
manders  of  our  mercantile  navy  sailing  out  of  the  Port  of  London,  they  are  not  chosen  -n-hence 

for   any  special   qualification  they  may  possess  for  the  scientific  duties"  connected  with  ^"'^'^''^'^'^ 
lighthouse  service. 

6.  In  Ireland,  the  members  of  the   Ballast  Board,  a  Corporation  instituted  by  Act  of  Baibst  Board : 
Parliament  in  1763  for  preserving  and  improving  the  Port  of  Dublin,  are  not  even  nautical  bHshed' and  for 
men,  with  the  exception  of  one  retired  naval  officer ;  nor  does  it  contain  amongst  its  ^i?A-^m^o%r 
members  any,  with  the  above  exception,  that  have  been  selected  with  reference  to  light- 
house requirements. 

7.  With  respect  to  Scotland,  a  Board  consisting  of  two  Law  Officers  of  the  Crown,  the  Scotch  Board: 
Sheriffs  of  certain  maritime  counties,  the  Provosts  of  certain  Royal  burghs  and  the  Provost  bi'iXd""  d  f 
of  Greenock,  was  specially  established  in  17S6,  by  Act  of  Parliament,  for  the  management  wiiarpurpose." 
exclusively  of  Lights,  &c.  in  that  country.     As  is  the  case  in  the  Irish  Board,  provision 

does  not  seem  to  have  been  made  in  that  Act  for  the  members  of  the  Scotch  Board  being 
persons  conversant  with  lighthouse  science  or  management;  but  in  the  exercise  of  these 
duties,  special  care  has  been  taken  by  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses  to 
secure  the  services  of  persons  who  were  possessed  of  the  necessary  qualifications. 

8.  We  have  thus,  properly  speaking,   to  deal  with  two  corporations,  the  Trinity  House  Lighthouse 
in  England,  and  the  Ballast  Board  in  Ireland,  (but  only  as  regards  that  portion  "of  their  Authorities. 
duties  which  relates  to  lights,  &c.,)  whilst  in  Scotland  our  business  is   simply  with  a 
Lighthouse  Board. 

9.  To  illustrate  the  above,  we  have    only  to  turn  to   Question  V.,   Circular  No.  I.,  Kxecutive 
"Constitution  of  General  Authorities,    England  ; "   and  to  Answer,  page  7,  Vol.  II.,  J'^f-'"'''''""' 
where  we  shall  find,  that  of  seven   Committees  into  which  the  20  acting  Elder  Brethren  TrSt'y^HoiLe 
of  the  Trinity  House  are  divided,  for  the  general  business  of  that  Corporation,  one  only,  two'^com'^  ''^ 
"  The  Committee  of  Lighthouses,"  consisting  of  four  or  five  members  and  the  chairman,  mittees."" 

cr    4 


xliv 


REPORT  OF  CCMMISSIOXERS  ON  TJfillTS,  BITOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


Executive 
business  of 
Irish  Light- 
houses, con- 
ducted by  two 
Committees  of 
the  Ballast 
Board. 


Nature  of 
business,  and 
number  of 
membf'rs 
composinp^ 
Scotch  Board. 


Views  of  Par- 
mentary  Com- 
mittees as  to  the 
expediency  of 
one  Central 
Lighthouse 
Board. 

Question  as  to 
composition  of 
a  Central 
Board. 


Trinity  House 
Committee  for 
Lighthouses 
the  ground- 
work for  a 
Central  Board. 


Xecessily  for 
introilucing 
new  elements. 


Kumbers  and 
composition  of 
the  new 
Central  Board. 


is  required  exclusively  for  the  executive  business  of  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons  ;  and 
that  they  meet  hut  once  a  -week  as  a  Committee,  for  that  business  ;  at  the  same  time 
it  ibrms  "part  of  the  duties  of  another  Committee,  viz.,  "The  Examining  Committee," 
annually  to  inspect  the  sands  between  Yarmouth  and  the  South  Foreland,  and  other 
localities  where  changes  are  likely  to  have  taken  place ;  and  it  is  under  the  supervision 
of  this  last  Connuittee  that  all  notices  to  mariners  are  framed  and  issued  ;  but  the  duties 
of  both  Committees  are  purely  administrative,  jurisdiction  resting  with  the  entire  Board 
whose  sanction  has  to  be  obtained  before  any  reconuuendation  of  a  Committee  can  be 
carried  into  effect.  The  routine  duties  of  the  Committee  of  Lighthouses  are  fully  set 
forth  at  page  7,  Vol.  II.  Each  of  the  acting  Elder  Brethren  receives  a  salary  of 
300/.  a  year. 

10.  Again,  with  respect  to  Ireland:- — the  Answer  to  Question  2,  Circular  No.  1, 
page  211,  Vol.  II.,  shows  that  out  of  nine  Committees  into  wliich  the  Corpora- 
tion of  the  Ballast  Board,  consisting  of  23  members,  are  divided  for  conducting  its 
business,  two  only  are  specially  appropriated  to  the  executive  business  of  the  Irisli 
Lights.  These  two  Committees  are  entitled  the  Lightship,  and  the  Inspecting  Com- 
mittees ;  the  former  consists  of  live,  and  the  latter  of  six  members,  all  unpaid. 
Important  questions  relative  to  Lighthouses  receive  the  consideration  of  the  whole  of 
the  Ballast  Board. 

11.  The  vScotch  Board,  as  before  stated,  has  none  other  than  Lighthouse  business  to 
attend  to,  and  is  composed  of  twenty-eight  unpaid  Commissioners,  though,  under  an  Act 
subsetiuent  to  that  of  i7f^G,  provision  is  made,  under  certain  circumstances,  for  an  addition 
to  those  numbers. 

Proposed  Central  Board. 

12.  This  Commission  can  hardly  have  arrived  at  the  present  stage  of  its  inquiry  without 
having  come  to  the  conclusion  that  the  several  Parliamentary  Committees  that  have  been 
appointed  I'rom  time  to  time  since  1S22  to  inquire  into  the  JNlanagemcnt  of  Lightb.ouses  in 
this  country,  were  justified  in  the  view  they  took  (without  exception)  of  the  expediency  of 
those  Lighthouses  being  under  the  management  of  one  Board,  resident  in  London. 

13.  The  question  now  arises,  admitting  the  necessity  of  such  a  Board,  whether 
there  exist  materials  or  a  groimdwork  on  which  an  efficient  Central  Board  could  be 
constituted?  and  this  is  a  point  upon  which,  after  our  long  and  careful  investigations,  we 
are  in  a  position  to  form  some  conclusion. 

14.  I  have  said  above  that  the  members  of  the  Corporation  of  Trinity  House  are  not 
selected  for  their  special  qualification  for  Lighthouse  business  ;  but  this  Commission  has 
been  brought  in  contact  vtith  most  of  the  gentlemen  of  that  Corporation  who  compose 
its  present  Committees  for  Lighthouses,  ike,  and  I  am  sure  that  m^'  colleagues  must  be 
satisfied  as  to  the  general  ability,  tlie  intelligence,  and  the  anxious  desire  of  those 
gentlemen  to  fulfil  the  duties  devolving  upon  them.  The  system  of  their  election  from 
among  the  Elder  Brethren  of  the  Corporation  is  stated  at  page  8,  Vol.  II. ;  and, 
adopting  such  Committee  as  a  nucleus  or  basis  upon  which  to  frame  a  Central  Board, 
let  us  consider  the  sort  of  infusion  necessary  to  complete  it. 

15.  It  is  manifest  from  our  inquiries,  that  the  elements  essentially  wanting  are  the 
sc'icnfific  and  the  IqidrograpJilc ;  and  these  considerations  have  to  do  with  the 
composition  of  the  new  Central  Board  as  well  as  its  staff. 

16.  The  numbers  as  well  as  the  qualifications  of  the  members  necessary  for  composing 
a  Central  Board,  will  now  have  to  be  considered. 

17.  Of  the  five  Elder  Brethren  who  now  constitute  the  present  Committee  for  light- 
houses, we  find  that  not  more  than  four  are  in  regular  attendance ;  and  that  number 
mitiht  be  adopted  as  constituting  the  Trinity  House  proportion  of  a  Central  Board, 
to  be  denominated  the  "Trinity  Commissioners  for  Lights,"  such  four  members  to 
be  elected  by  the  Elder  Brethren,  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  Government,  and 
to  have  such  addition  to  their  present  salaries  as  might  be  considered  commensurate 
with  the  increased  importance  of  their  duties,  and  with  the  necessary  engagement 
of  the  whole  of  their  time,*  and  to  these  four  should  be  added  one  member  for 
Scotland,  to  reside  in  Edinburgh,  and  another  for  Ireland,  to  reside  in  Dublin  ;  imd 
in  addition  to  the  above  six  members  one  other  member  should  be  selected  by  the 
(Government  Avith  special  reference  to  his  scientific  acquirements  in  those  branches  of 
knowledge  which  relate  to  coast  illumination,  as  enumerated  by  us  in  Cii'culars  9  and  10, 


*  The  four  Commissioners  elected  in  the  first  instance  hy  the  Corpor.ation  of  Trinity  House,  to  liold  tlicir 
appointments  for  four  years,  at  tiic  end  of  which  time  one  of  tlicse  Commissioners  -will  retire  by  ballot,  ami 
in  each  succeeding  year  another  to  retire  in  like  manner,  till  the  four  orii.;iiuilly  elected  shall  have  been  worked 
off;  after  which,  one  (^'nnmi.ssioner  to  retire  hij  rotation  every  year.  All  members  retiring,  to  be  eligible  tor 
re-election  :  vacaucie.*  to  be  filled  up  by  the  Trinity  House.  All  elections  to  be  subject  to  the  approval  of 
Government. 


LKTTEU   OF   THE    t'FIAIKMAX.  xlv 

with  a  suitable  salary.  To  these  should  be  added  the  Astronomer  Royal,  the  Hydro- 
grapher  of  the  Admiralty,  the  Comptroller-General  of  Coast  Guard,  and  one  of  the 
Professional  Members  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  which  last  four  persons  would  be  ex-officio 
"  Trinity  Commissioners  ibr  Lights,"  and  should  be  liberally  paid  for  their  attendance 
at  the  weekly  Boards,  or  oftener  if  summoned.  It  would  be  competent  of  course  to  the 
Government  to  increase  the  number  of  the  Central  Board. 

IS.  With  respect  to  the  Scotch  and  Irish  members  of  the  proposed  Central  Board,  this  Mode  of 
Connnission  cannot  doubt  that  a   fit   person  for  such  appointment  is  now  to  be  found  "^'^"^l"","^ 
amono'st  the  Commissioners  for  Northern  Lighthouses,  and  in  the  Ballast  Board  of  Dublin,  and  Irish 
respectively  ;    and  I  am  sure  ray  colleagues  will  be  of  opinion  that  the  selection  of  Commissioners. 
these  members,  cither  from  their  own  body  or  elsewhere,   should  rest  with  the  above 
gentlemen    [subject    always  to    the  approval  of  the  Government],    who  have  so  long 
and    zealously,    and    hitherto    without  gratuity,   performed   the    Lighthouse    duties    in 
Scotland  and  Ireland.     The  Scotch  and  Irish  members  of  the  Central  Board  should  hold 
their  appointments  for  four  years,  and    be   eligible    for   re-election  ;    and  the  Commis- 
sioners   of  Northern  Lighthouses,  who  are  unpaid,  might  continue  to  exist  as  a  body  Commissioners 
constituted  as  at  present,  for  the  purpose  of  selecting  from  time  to  time  the  person  who  is  to  ^if^tw™  to 
be  the  Scotch  member  of  the  new  Central  Board.*     The  members,  who  would  thus  be  remain  incor- 
rcsident  in  Scotland  and  Ireland,  and  whose  duties  in   those  countries  vvould  be  gene-  ^"eciafpur-    "' 
rally  executive,  should  receive  the   same    salary  as  the  four  executive  members  of  the  poses. 
Central  Board,  selected  from  the  Elder  Brethren  ;   and  as  the  subject  of  new  works  and 
changes  would  probably  only  be  discussed  at  collective  meetings  in  London,  and  at  a  time 
when  the  estimates  were  being  prepared  for  Parliament,   it  would   be  proper  that  they 
should  attend  in  London  at  that  period,  and  on  other  occasions  when  summoned  by  the 
Central  Board. 

19.  And  in  order  to  satisfy  the  public  that  our  Lighthouses,  and  the  Avhole  system  of  Royal  Society 
Lighthouse  illumination,  are  in  all  respects  what  the  highest  state  of  science  can  produce,  v^k'SntJ-d 
and  the  interests  of  this  great  maritime  country  require,  the  Queen  might  be  advised  to  Estabiisiiment. 
issue  Her  warrant  appointing  the  President  and  Council  with  other  Fellows  of  the  Royal 

Society  annually  to  visit  the  central  establishment  at  the  Trinity  House,  as  is  now 
the  case  with  the  Royal  Observatory ;  and  that  the  Trinity  Commissioners  for  Lights 
should  on  that  occasion  submit  a  Report  of  their  proceedings  in  all  matters  relating  to  the 
development  of  and  improvement  in  Lighthouse  illumination  to  the  Visiting  Board  of  the 
Royal  Society  ;  such  Report  to  be  presented  to  Parliament  with  the  annual  estimates. 

'Staff  of  ijenfral  Board. 

20.  The  next  point  for  consideration  is,  the  staff  for  the  proposed  Central  Board.     All  lumbers  and 
our  observations — all  our  experiments,  go  to  show  that  qualifications  of  a  special  order,  such  composition  of 
as  arc  only  to  be  found  in  a  person  trained  to  the  business  of  what  the  Astronomer  Royal,  ponfoTof  the 
in  his  letter  of  the  10th  November  last,  aptl}^  terms  an  "Optical  Engineer,"  are  absolutely  Central  staff, 
necessary.     The  qualifications   that  such  a   person  must  bring  with  him  are  clearly  set 

forth  in  that  valuable  paper ;  and  it  might  be  necessary  for  purposes  hereafter  to  be 
mentioned,  that  such  officer  should  have  the  assistance  of  three  Assistant  Optical 
Engineers  (who  will  also  be  "  Inspectors  of  Lights,")— one  for  England,  one  for  Scotland, 
and  one  for  Ireland ;  whilst,  as  regards  the  clerical  staff,  that  now  employed  in  the 
department  of  the  Trinity  House  for  the  management  of  Lights,  <S>rc.,  would  be  amply 
sufficient. 

21.  It  is  true  that  at  first  sight  the  Trinity  House  would  seem  to  be  supplied  with  all 
that  could  be  required  of  an  Optical  Engineer  and  Inspector  of  Lights  ;  for  the  Elder 
Brethren  have  had  at  their  command,  and  have,  to  a  certain  extent,  availed  themselves 
of  the   talents  and  genius  of  a   Faraday,  and  to  say  that  science  were  wanting  where 
Professor  Faraday  is  the  scientific  adviser,  would  seem  to  be  a  contradiction  in  terms ;  but  Better  appiica^ 
it  was  necessary,  as  this  Commission  have  seen,  to    turn  those  talents  and  that  genius  foTFlrl'dfT 
in  the  required  direction,  to  secure  to  the  science  of  Lighthouse  illumination,  that  per-  services; 
fection  which  it  has  been  the   aim  of  this  Commission  to  prepare   the  way  to ;   and  it 

Avas  in  consequence  of  the  researches  and  experiments  of  this  Commission,  that  the  great 
talents  of  Professor  Faraday  were  directed  to  those  points  which  we  now  find  essential 
for  the  best  production  of  hght,— its  perfect  adaptation  to  a  costly  illuminating  apparatus, 
— and  the  most  correct  adjustment  of  that  apparatus  for  Lighthouse  purposes. 

22.  All  these  are  subjects  that  a  Faraday's  powers   have  promptly  mastered  since  prof.  Faraday 

__^  should  be  pro- 


made  for  "<Ae  meetings  of  the  Commissioners, 
I, 


xlvi 


REPORT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


Transference 
of  the  duties  of 
tbe  Scotch  and 
Irish  Boards. 


Merits  of 
Scotch  and 
Irish  Boards 


Lighthouse 
systems  in 
England,  Scot' 
land,  and  Ire- 
land to  he 
assimilated. 


Staff  for  Scot- 
laud  and  Ire- 
land. 


Authority  to 
be  given  to 
Central  Boird 
over  local 
lights,  buoys, 
&c.,  and  report 
to  be  made  to 
Parliament. 


Precedents  for 
erecting  and 
maintaining 
Lighthouses 
trora  Imperial 
funds. 


attention  has  been  called  to  them  by  this  Commission ;  but  precisely  in  proportion  to 
the  great  scope  of  his  talents,  is  the  difficulty  of  their  being  absolutely,  and  at  all 
times,  at  the  command  of  the  Trinity  Commissioners  ibr  Lights  ;  for,  assuming  lor  tlie 
moment  that  Professor  Faraday  were  the  Optical  Engineer  to  the  new  Board,  that 
appointment  must  carry  with  it  the  employment  of  his  whole  time.  The  scientific 
woild,  however,  could  not  afford  that  a  Faraday's  talents  should  be  entirely  devoted  to 
Lighthouse  duties,  but  whatever  portion  of  his  valuable  time  and  peculiar  talents  he 
can  afford  to  the  Central  Board,  for  that  time  and  for  the  use  of  those  talents  he  should 
be  amply  remunerated. 

23.  The  appointment  of  a  Central  Governing  Board  as  above  sketched  out,  implies 
the  transference  to  it  of  the  Lighthouse  duties  of  the  Scotch  and  Irish  Boards  ;  but  the 
absolute  necessity  for  thus  simplifying  the  present  cumbersome  scheme  of  Government 
has  been  apparent  to  us  from  the  first,  and  docs  not  necessarily  imply  the  slightest  reflec- 
tion on  the  management  of  those  Boards,  wliich  will  for  the  future  be  represented  by  the 
two  Commissioners  to  be  elected  by  those  Boards. 

24.  I  do  not  now  enter  at  large  upon  the  respective  claims  of  each  ;  but  whilst  the  Scotch 
and  Irish  Boards  are  not  without  their  merits,  and  may  fairly  be  described  as  Lighthouse 
Establishments  working  under  difficulties,  the  Scotch  Board  deserves  to  be  especially 
praised  lor  the  admirable  management  of  its  Lights,  though  the  costliness  of  some  of  its 
works,  (a  costliness  probably  of  easy  explanation,)  in  some  measure  accounts  for  what 
would  otherwise  seem  to  be  an  over  jealous  exercise  of  control  on  the  part  of  the  Board 
of  Trade. 

Staffs  for  Scotland  and  Ireland. 

25.  The  question  of  the  staff  sufficient  for  the  Scotch  and  Irish  service  has  now  to 
be  considered. 

26.  We  have  seen  the  necessity-  for  assimilating  and  amalgamating  the  entire  Light- 
house systems  of  England,  Scotland,  and  Ireland,  yet  the  multifarious  duties  of  the  three 
establishments,  together  with  the  great  extent  of  coast  line  in  the  three  countries,  will  render 
necessary  the  continuance  of  a  small  scientific  staff'in  Scotland  and  Ireland,  in  conjunction 
with  the  Commissioner,  or  member  of  the  Central  Board,  resident  respectively  in  those 
countries. 

27.  It  is  probable,  therefore,  that  a  Secretary,  together  with  an  "  Optical  Engineer  and 
Inspector  of  Lights,"  will  be  required  in  Scotland  ;  and  it  might  also  be  advisable  to  retain, 
if  possible,  for  certain  duties,  the  services  of  the  Messrs.  Stevenson,  the  engineers  at 
present  employed  by  the  Scotch  Board,  who  have  devoted  a  large  portion  of  their  time 
and  talents  to  the  science  of  Lighthouse  illumination,  and  with  great  success  ;  whilst  for 
Ireland,  (where  we  have  an  overworked  engineer,)  a  Secretary,  together  with  an  "  Assist- 
ant Optical  Engineer  and  Inspector  of  Lights,"  with  the  present  "  ]Marine  Inspectoi- " 
for  Floating  Lights  and  Buoys,  will  be  necessary.     In  Scotland  there  are  no  floating  lights 

28.  In  addition  to  the  increased  responsibilities  which  m'c  contemplate  vesting  in  the  Cen- 
tral Board,  I  believe  we  are  prepared  to  reconnncnd  that  the  whole  of  the  Local  Lights  and 
Buoyage  in  this  kingdom  shall  be  annually  inspected  under  the  direction  of  the  Trinity 
Commissioners  for  Lights,  and  that  an  Annual  Report  on  the  subject  should  be  presented 
to  Parliament  with  the  Lighthouse  Estimates; — that  the  extensive  powers  already  vested 
in  the  Trinity  House  with  regard  to  local  lights,  Ike.  by  various  Acts  of  Parliament  should 
be  put  into  more  active  operation  ;  and  that  further  powers  should  be  given  to  the  General 
Lighthouse  Authority  to  enforce  on  Local  Authorities,  not  only  the  placing  as  at  present 
of  a  Buoy,  but  the  continued  and  effective  maintenance  of  it  in  its  proper  position  ;  and 
in  the  event  of  the  expenses  for  Lights,  &c.  being  defrayed  out  of  the  public  revenue, 
that  the  Admiralty  Lights,  Beacons,  and  Buoys,  exclusive  of  Mooring  and  Warping 
Buoys,  be  given  over  to  the  same  body.  Assuming  such  to  be  the  views  of  the  Commis- 
sion,' the  necessity  for  attaching  the  three  Assistant  Optical  Engineers  and  Inspectors  of 
Lights  to  the  central  staff',  to  aid  in  the  inspection,  and  in  reporting  on  the  general  and 
local  lights,  in  England,  Scotland,  and  Ireland,  will  be  apparent.* 

29.  So  far  we  have  been  considering  a  Central  Board  of  government  and  its  Staff":  the 
next  question  relates  to — 

Representation  in  Parliuiiient. 

30.  The  principle  that  the  cost  of  erecting  and  maintaining  Lighthouses  may  be 
defrayed  out  of  the  public  revenue,  appears  to  have  been  already  sanctioned  by 
Parliament;  for,  looking  to  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act  Amendment  Act  1855,  and  to 
the     Board    of    Trade's    letter   to    this    Commission,    dated   25th   January   1860,    it 


•  The  Astronomer  Royal  in  recommending  the  appointment  of  an  "  Optical  Engineer,"  observes  (in 
l::s  li'itcr  of  the  10(h  November  1860),  that  the  examiii.ntion  of  existing  Lighthouses  by  such  jfHcer  would 
probably  occupy  the  two  first  years  of  his  time. 


LETTER    OF   THE   CHAIRMAN.  xlvii 

seems  that  some  of  our  Colonial  Lighthouses,— for  instance,  those  at  the  Bahamas 
and  at  the  Falkland  Islands,  have  been  erected  and  are  maintained  entirely  out 
of  Imperial  funds,  and  are  entirel_y  under  the  control  of  the  Board  of  Trade  ;  that 
other  Lighthouses,  such  as  those  at  King  George's  Sound,  Western  Australia 
have  been  erected  and  are  to  be  maintained  by  Imperial  funds  until  such  time 
as  the  colony  is  in  a  position  to  maintain  them  itself ;  and  that  others,  such  as  the  Lio-ht- 
house  at  Cerigo,  have  been  erwVf'f/ with  Imperial  funds,  and  are  maintained  ]Gm.\\y  \iy 
Her  Majesty's  Government  and  the  Ionian  Government; — that  the  cost  of  erection  ot  tnt 
Roman  Rocks  Lighthouse  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  is  to  be  borne  by  Imperial  funds  • 
and  that  sums  have  been  from  time  to  time  voted  by  Parliament  for  the  erection  of  Light- 
houses at  the  Great  Basses,  at  Vancouver's  Island,  and  at  Cape  Point  LighthousCj 
Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and  that  Parliament  will  be  asked  for  additional  sums  for 
the  same  purposes.  This  practice,  sanctioned  by  the  Legislature  in  so  many 
instances,  is,  in  a  certain  sense  and  to  a  certain  extent,  giving  effect  to  the  recom- 
mendation of  the  various  Parliamentary  Committees  that  have  been  appointed  since 
1834  (including  the  Committee  on  Merchant  Shipping  appointed  in  this  year),  viz., 
that  the  expense  of  maintcmiing  our  Lighthouses,  Sfc.  should  be  defrayed  out  of  the\mhlic 
revenue.  _  In  speaking,  therefore,  of  a  change  in  the  system  of  Lighthouse  Government, 
although  it  may  be  beyond  the  province  of  this  Commission  to  pass  an  opinion  as  to  the  mode 
of  raising  the  fund  lor  maintaining  the  Lights,  &c.,  or  to  say  out  of  what  funds  provision 
for  the  expenses  of  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons  should  be  made,  yet  this  is  a  question 
impossible  to  be  lost  sight  of  in  considering  the  form  of  government  best  adapted  for  our 
Lighthouse  system. 

31.  And  herein  hes  our  difficulty,— that  we  are  directed  "  ^'o  inquire  whether  the 
"  present  sysfetn  of  managemeiit  and  control  under  which  the  Lighthouses,  Floating 
"  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons  on  the  coasts  of  the  United  Kingdom  are  constructed  and 
"  maintaitied  according  to  the  provisioiis  of  tlie  'Merchant  Shipping  Jet,  18.54,'  is  well 
"  adopted  for  securing  the  7nost  efficient  lighting  and  buoying  of  the  coasts  oftlie  United 
"  Kingdom,  with  a  due  regard  to  economy ;  orivhether  any,  and  if  any,  what  cliange 
"  might  he  advantageously  made  in  that  system  ,•"  and  whilst  (as  is  the  case)  our  inquiry 
has  led  to  the  conclusion  that  some  change  is  required  in  order  to  "  secure  the  most 
"  efficient  lighting  and  buoying  of  our  coasts,"  and  we  are  prepared  to  recommend  a 
change,  we  are  met  at  the  outset  by  that  clause  in  our  instructions,  which  would  seem 
to  point  to  the  existing  provisions  of  the  "  Merchant  Shipping  Act,"  an  Act  which  by 
transferring  the  Light  Dues  to  the  Mercantile  Marine  Fund,  does  at  the  same  time  give 
to  the  Board  of  Trade  the  entire  control  over  those  Authorities  who  are  really  charo-eable 
with  "  the  lighting  and  buoying  of  our  coasts."  ^ 

32.  If,  therefore,  the  proposed '  change   should  at  all  appear  to  be  a  step  beyond  the  Proposed 
bounds  miposed  upon  us,  yet  it  may  be  allowed   to  possess  this  advanta<J-e    that  if  not  "^"""^^  ^^"^^"^ 
strictly  adapted  to  the  present  '^  provisions  oftlie  Merchant  Shipping  Act"  it  is  at  least  lys^ern'of  levy- 
adapted,— 1st,  to  the  present  system   of  levying  tolls  on  the  passing  trade;   2ndly     to  i"s "'"'•"'•  *" 
a  system  which  has  occasionally  been  suggested,  viz.,  a   tonnage  rate,  which  promises  of  providing 
some  advantages,  and,  in  addition  to  that  of  simplicity,  a  great  economy  both  of  labour  *"""'''• 
and  expense  in   collection;  and,  3rdlj,  to  that  system  which  has  been" submitted  to  the 
Legislature  by  the  four  Special  Committees  that  have  been  authorized  to  treat  directly  this 
important  portion  of  the  subject,  viz.,  that  the  expense  of  erecting  and  maintaini?ig  our 
Lighthouses  should  be  defrayed  out  of  the  public  revenue.* 

33    Whether  the  funds  to  be    provided  for  the  Lighthouse  service  continue  to    be  Necessity  for 
raised   by  dues,   or    by  the   simpler  and   more   economic   mode  of  a  tonnao-e  rate    or  ^'"""™'^°'!"'y 
ultimately  from    Imperial    funds,  the  estimates   regulating  the   amount  of  these    funds  '■'^'■'''°'""'°' 
will    have    to    be    submitted    to    Parliament;    and    as    the    proposed    Central    Board 
would  not   be   represented  in,   and   would   not   be    directly  responsible  to  Parliament 
some  department  of  Government   will  have   to  present  the  estimates  to  the  House  of 
Commons,  and  whatever  that  department  might  be,  it  would  necessarily  in  some  sense 
be  responsible    for  those  estimates ;  but    this   responsibility   should   extend   no    further 
than  to  the  being  able  fully  to  explain  the  several  items  of  those  estimates  to  the  House 

34.The  422nd  section  of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act,  1854,  provides  that  "  each  of  the 
"  General  Lighthouse  Authorities  shall  from  time  to  time  submit  to  the  Board  of  Trade 


*  The  sa-ving  of  a  considerable  sum  iucidental  to  the  collection  of  light  dues  must  be  borne  in  mmd  as  con- 
nected  with  the  question  of  their  abo  ition.     At  the  port  of  Liverpool  five  clerks,  with  an  T.g  "gate  salary  of 
1,098/.  10^.,  are  requn-ed  for  the  calculations  and  collection  of  light  dues  ;  and  at  the  port   of  London  tl?e 
L^SOO/  avtr 'Se'"f '•"-"  '  l'^  t"'"^'  7'"?'"^"  the  collectioir  of  the  Trinity  Houre^'l^tDu J;  tin 
Xt[;:imountYoXSSo?atei!  '^"^  "  ^'^  ^''''''  ^°"^^  *°^-  '^^^'"'"•^^-'^'  ^'=-'  "^ '—  f- 


h2 


xlviii 


KEi'DHT  DF  COMMISSIONKKS  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AXU  BEACONS. 


Preseut 
complicated 
system  of 
govenuuent. 


Insufficiency 
of  macliinery 
at  the  com- 
mand of  Board 
of  Trade. 


"  estimates  of  all  expenses  to  be  incurred  by  them."  Doubts  are  entertained  by  the 
above  Authorities  as  to  the  strict  legality  of  the  Board  of  Trade's  interpretation  of  that 
section,  as  exhibited  in  their  minute  interference  with  the  mode  in  which  those  Authorities 
cany  out  their  works  after  the  estimates  for  them  have  been  finall}-  approved  'ny  the 
Board  of  Trade  ;  but,  settinu"  aside  these  doubts  for  the  moment,  and  without  dwelling  at 
any  length  on  the  ver}^  considerable  increase  of  correspondence  arising  out  of  that  Act, 
and  without  referring  to  the  prejudicial  delays  that  may  be  attributed  to  the  present 
working  of  that  particidar  section  of  it,  it  is  difhcult  to  discover  the  necessity  for  that 
cumbersonie  system  which  now  exists  under  the  two  Acts,  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act 
Amendment  Act,  1S5.5,  and  Merchant  Shipping  Act,  1854,  viz.,  (i  shiir/e  ^nn'rniuent 
(the  Board  of  Trade)  for  Lighthouses  in  the  British  Possessions  abroad,  a  doiihlc  trovern- 
meiif  for  the  Lighthouses  under  the  Trinity  House,  a  triawj^iilar  <^(>rcrnme.nt  for  the 
Scotch  Lighthouses  and  for  Local  Lights  in  England,  a/»/  (t  qundr'tldtcnd  gorernment 
for  the  Irish  Lighthouses*  and  i'or  Local  Lights  in  Scotland  and  Ireland  ; — a  system 
which  can  scarcely  be  expected  to  find  favour  in  the  present  day. 

3.5.  The  machinery  at  the  disposal  of  the  Board  of  Trade  in  much  that  relates  to  "  the 
cn)isfri!cf'iiin,  vxi'mfi'innice,  luid  control  offcrfnin  Lin/iflioiiscs  in  our  Colonial  Possensions  " 
would  appear,  from  certain  papers  and  from  parts  of  the  evidence  that  have  come  before  us, 
to  be  in  some  cases  insufficient.  It  cannot  be  denied  that  this  insufficiency  is  in  a  great 
degree  made  up  for  by  the  talent  and  assiduous  devotion  to  their  duties  of  those  officers 
of  the  Board  of  Trade  on  whom  the  Lighthouse  business  devolves;  and  in  Capt.  Sulivaa 
as  one  of  the  professional  members  attached  to  that  Hoard,  and  in  Mr.  Farrcr,  the  Secretary 
of  the  Marine  Department,  as  well  as  in  Mr.  Williams  the  Accountant,  there  is  all  that 
can  be  desired  in  oflicial  talent  and  zeal.  In  Capt.  Sulivan  the  Board  of  Trade  has 
the  assistance  of  an  eminent  naval  officer,  who  stands  deservedly  high  in  his  profession 
and  with  the  public,  and  who,  in  addition  to  his  accomplishments  as  a  sea  officer,  has 
this  one  eminent  qualification,  that  he  is  a  superior  hydrographer ;  but  the  qualifica- 
tions embodied  in  Capt.  Sulivan,  though  most  valuable  as  far  as  they  go,  do  not  comprise 
all  that  is  necessarv  in  a  department  which  has  the  entire  control  over  oiu'  Liglithouse 
Boards  ;  for  not  only  is  it  the  case  that  the  necessary  qualifications  can  scarcely  be  found 
in  any  one  individual,  but  we  may  assume  that  in  carrying  out  an  Act  which  has  for  its 
object  the  "  amendment  and  consolidation  of  the  Acts  relating  to  Merchant  Sliipping," 
an  Act  containing  548  clauses,  and  having  one  of  the  eleven  parts,  into  which  it  is  divided, 
appropriated  to  Lighthouses,  that  Capt.  Sulivan,  who,  in  addition  to  the  demands  upon  his 
time  which  the  working  of  that  Act  may  be  supposed  to  entail,  is  also  one  of  the  lliames 
Conservators,  has  other  and  important  duties  to  attend  to  besides  those  connected  with 
Lighthouse  control  ;  nor  would  it  appear  that  he  has  any  qualified  staff  attached  to  him  to 
whom  could  be  deputed  the  due  performance  of  every  one  of  those  duties  connected 
with  Lighthouse  government  which  we  now  find  to  be  necessary. 


Dependence  of 
the  Trinity 
House  on  tiic 
AdBiiraltv. 


Admiralty 
might  co- 
operate in 
Lighthouse 
Bervice. 


Board  of  Trade  or  Admiralty  to  rf present  Lightliouse  Board  in  Parliament. 

.36.  The  question  now  arises,  what  public  department  of  the  Government  could  most 
advantageously  be  connected  with  the  new  Lighthouse  Board,  and  be  charged  with  re- 
presenting that  Board  in  Parliament. 

."57.  In  the  various  Statutes  establishing  the  authority  and  duties  of  the  Trinity  House, 
the  office  of  the  Lord  High  Admiral  or  that  of  the  Commissioners  I'or  executing 
that  office  is  frequently  referred  to  ;  and  it  is  impossible  to  read  the  evidence  taken  by 
the  Committees  successively  appointed  by  Parliament  in  1822,  1834,  and  1845,  to  inquire 
into  Lighthouse  management,  or  the  correspondence  in  the  last  twenty  years  between 
the  Admiralty,  the  ]5oard  of  Trade,  and  the  Colonial  Office,  respecting  colonial  lights, 
without  it  being  apparent  that  not  only  the  Board  of  Trade,  but  the  Trinity  House 
also  have  more  or  less  leant  upon  the  Admiralty  in  fulfilling  their  duties,  and  tliat  there 
must  always  be  an  official  and  essential  relation  betwixt  the  Trinity  House  and  the 
Admiralty  ;  but  although  the  dependence  of  the  one  upon  the  other  of  these  departments 
has  in  no  degree  diminished,  but  rather  the  contrary,  yet  in  the  Merchant  Shipping 
Act,  1854,  this  connection  is  ignored,  and  the  Adniiralty  nowhere  appears  in  oiu-  lighthouse 
polity,  as  set  forth  in  that  Act. 

38.  Nevertheless,  the  Admiralty  is  that  department  of  the  Government  which  more  than 
any  other  possesses  the  means  for  cftectually  assisting  in  carrying  on  the  Lighthouse 


*  See  piigos  212,  213,  Vol.  II.,  where  the  Act  26  (l(o.  ,3.  <■.  19.  is  rdVricd  to.  wliicli  provides 
that  no  iippoinlinent  coniicctod  with  lijihthouscs  in  Irchiinl  cin  tnkf  place  without  the  iii)piov!il  oi'  the  Lord 
Lieiitcniint,  wliilst  the  like  sanction  bv  the  Boiii-d  of  Trade  is  leipiired. 


LETTER   OF   THE    CIIAIEMAX.  xlix 

service.  Those  means  consist, — 1st,  in  its  numerous  and  accomplisiicd  hydrograpliic 
staft',  both  at  home  and  abroad,  by  whom  all  questions  or  disputed  points  as  to  the  best 
position  for  a  light  could  be  settled,  not  only  readily,  but  beyond  doubt  ;*  Sndlj-,  in 
its  present  complete  chainwork  of  Coast  Guard  stations  and  flotilla,  under  intelligent 
naval  officers  at  every  point  of  the  coast,  as  shown  b}-  the  Coast  Guard  Chart,  supplying 
as  our  Coast  Guard  does  a  j)crfect  machiner}^  not  only  for  aiding  in  carrying  out  tlie 
Lighthouse  service  on  shore  and  afloat,  but  one  that  could  be  employed  in  that  frequent 
nightly  inspection  of  the  lights  which  we  have  reason  to  believe  is  absolutely  necessary 
to  the  incessant  maintenance  of  the  l)est  flames  f , — a  local  surreilhtnce  which  in  France 
is  secured  bv  the  superintendence  of  the  Ingcnieurs  des  Ponfs  et  C/iaussves  resident  in  each 
Dcp<irfcmenf,  and  to  a  certain  extent  in  Scotland  by  the  frequent  professional  visits  of 
the  Sheriffs  of  the  maritime  counties  to  the  neighbourhood  of  the  locality  in  which  the 
Lighthouses  are  situated,  during  which  they  are  in  communication  with  people  of  all 
ranks,  and  have  an  opportunity  of  hearing  their  views,  and  of  informing  themselves  of 
the  condition  and  management  of  the  Lighthouses,  &c.,  under  their  charge  ;  whilst  in 
England  the  machinery  for  this  purpose  is  to  be  found  ready  to  hand  in  the  present 
organization  of  the  Coast  Guard  service ;  and  3rdly,  employing,  as  the  Admiralty 
occasionally  docs  in  the  refuge  harbour  and  other  great  naval  works,  some  of  the 
ablest  engineers  in  this  country,  including  the  present  engineer  of  the  Trinity  House  and 
the  engineers  employed  by  the  Scotch  Board,  it  has  at  its  command  precisely  that  body  of 
men  whose  estimate  for  a  work,  when  once  submitted,  would  scarcely  admit  of  the 
dispute  which  continues  to  retard  the  lighting  and  marking  a  serious  danger  in  a 
frequented  sound  on  the  west  coast  of  Scotland.! 

39.  On  the  other  hand,  we  have   the   Board  of  Trade,  a   department  having  the  pr^eeem^col""^^ 
general    superintendence     of    matters    relating    to     merchant   ships    and  seamen, 'and  troiung autho- 
Avhich,  since  the  passing  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act,  1854,  has  had  the  control  over  the  Jigpre^J^nts  in 
three  General  Lighthouse  Authorities,  and  in  its  six  years'  exercise  of  that  control,  much  I'ariiamem. 
valuable  experience  must  have  been  gained  ;  it  it  also  the  department  at  present  repre- 
senting the  Lighthouse  Authorities  in  Parliament, — it  has — so  far  as    the  means    at   its 

disposal  admit, —  devoted  the  utmost  attention  to  Lighthouse  business,  and  has  most 
scrupulously  checked  all  Lighthouse  expenditure  ;  whilst,  under  the  system  as  now 
proposed,  the  Board  of  Trade  would  have  one  of  its  professional  members  an  ex  officio 
member  of  the  new  Central  Board. 

40.  But  whilst  entertaining  the  question,  which  of  the  two,  the  Board  of  Trade  or  the  ^™a"^<i'5'- 
Admiralty,    is    the  fitter  department  to    represent  the  Central    Board    m     Parliament,  that  would 
and   in    considering    the    means,    as    above  stated,     at    the    disposal    of  the   Admiralty  '^^",^"^31°"  if 
for  assisting  in  the  Lighthouse  service,  it  may  be  alleged  that  the  Admiralty  is  already  selected  to 
overburdened.     In  reply,  I  can  only  say  that,   if  the  Trinity  Commissioners  for  Lights  Lfhfhouse 
are  well  selected,  such  aid  as  would  be  required  of  the  Admiralty  would  add  very  little  government  in 
to  the  present  duties  of  that  Board.     Those  branches    of  the    Admiralty  Office,  viz.,  the  J'^^^'j^^'j^J'^j^ 
Hydrographical,  the  Harbour  Branch,  and  the  Director  of  Works,  upon  whom  the  Light-  our  Lighthouse 
house  business,  consequent  upon  co-operating  in   the  Lighthouse  service  would  devolve, 
are  at  present  in  the  almost  daily  exercise  of  some  of  the  details  of  that  business  ;§   the 

*  The  sum  voted  by  Parliament  for  the  surveys  of  the  current  year  iu  which  the  Naval  Surveying  Olficers 
are  engaged  is  98,983/.  16s. 

I  It.  would  have  been  of  the  utmost  service  if  it  had  formed  part  of  tlie  duty  of  the  Inspecting  Commander  of 
Coast  Guard  at  Whitby  to  have  instructed  the  officers  under  his  orders  to  inspect  nightly,  and  report  upon  the 
lieight  of  the  flame  now  being  maintained  in  the  Whitby  South  Lighthouse  since  the  important  change  that 
has  been  made  in  the  lamp  there.  Since  the  above  was  written  "  Capitaine  de  Fregate  "  L.  Foillouy,  in  an 
able  pamphlet  entitled  "  Reflections  on  the  Navy  "  recommends  the  establishment  in  France  of  a  Coast  Guard 
similar  to  the  English,  and  he  proposes  that  the  Commanders  of  this  force  shall  have  the  Lights  and  Beacons 
of  their  Sub-divisions  under  their  control. 

\  In  April  1859,  the  estimate  for  a  lighthouse  in  the  Sound  of  Jura,  on  the  west  coast  of  Scotland,  was 
objected  to,  the  plans  being  entirely  approved  ;  the  olyection  is  still  maintained,  and  the  lighthouse  is  not  j'et 
commenced. 

§  See  (for  example)  the  case  of  the  Lighthouse  on  Cape  Pembroke  in  the  Falkland  Islands, referred  to 
by  Mr.  Alexander  Gordon,  C.E.,  page  646,  Yol.  II.,  in  answer  to  Questions  XXI.  and  XXII.,  "  Mariners 
Questions  "  issued  by  this  Commission. — Appendix  to  Report. 

A  complete  List  of  the  Lighthouses  of  the  United  Kingdom,  with  the  order  and  character  of  each  light, 
is  annually  published  by  the  Admiralt}-  ;  and  it  is  the  Hydrographer  of  the  Admiralty  who  sees  to 
the  placing  of  those  lights  iu  their  proper  positions  in  all  official  charts,  viz.,  those  which  bear  the  stamj) 
of  the  Hydrographic  Seal  of  the  Admiralty  ;  whilst  no  List,  as  far  as  we  have  been  able  to  ascertain, 
emanates  from  the  Bo.ard  of  Trade,  or  either  of  the  Lighthouse  Boards,  who  would  appear  to  be  the  culy 
responsible  authorities  in  the  matter  of  lights. 

N.B. — Since  writing  the  above,  a  letter  has  been  received  from  the  Ailmiralty — in  reply  to  questions  put 
by  this  Commission — strongly  illustrative  of  the  remark  '■^  that  the  Admiralti/  isalreadi/  in  the  almost  daili/ 
exercise  of  Lighthouse  business"  and  not  only  as  above  stated,  "  (>rp.«^)onsii/;/ "  engaged,  but  to  an  extent, 
and  in  a  manner  that  even  with  my  acquaintance  with  Admiralty  business,  I  was  scarcely  aware  of.  It 
furnishes  an  example  also  of  a  rather  rotatory  process.  It  will  be  seen  from  that  letter  that  the  Admiralty 
publishes  the  official  List  of  Lights  ;  but  the  Admiralty  is  in  a  great  measure  dependent  for  its  accuracy  as 

li3 


.service. 


1  KKPORT  (»F  COJLMISSIONEKS  OX  LIGHTS,  BITOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 

Admiralty  is  at  present  referred  to,  and  frequently  consulted  by  the  Trinity  House  in 
Liiihthouse  matters — but  irresponsibly,  whereas  if  the  Admiralty  were  selected  for  the 
representing  body,  it  would  be  aHording  statutory  as  well  as  material  aid  ;  and,  in  aifording 
such  aid,  I  am  persuaded  that  no  increase  of  statT  would  be  required  at  that  office.  Some 
additional  duty  would  devolve  upon  the  Comptroller-General  of  Coast  Guard,  whose  officers 
would,  for  purposes  of  inspection,  and  for  telegraphing  casualties  to  the  Lighthouse  offices, 
in  each  capital,  be  placed  in  communication  with  the  Lighthouses  and  Floating  Lights 
along  the  co;ist  ;  but  with  the  Comptroller-General  of  Coast  Guard  as  an  ex-officio 
member  of  the  Central  Board,  the  Admiralty  would  have  little,  if  an\',  additional  work. 
The  Comptroller-General  of  Coast  Guard  and  the  Hydrographer  of  the  Admiralty  would 
have  the  readiest  means  of  satisfying  themselves  as  to  the  reasonableness  of  any 
requisition  that  might  be  made  on  the  Admiralty,  and  it  would  be  only  necessary  for 
these  officers  to  report  to  that  Board,  and  it  would  issue  its  orders  accordingly.  Such 
requisition,  however,  would  not  be  frequent ;  as  the  supply  of  stores,  the  changing  the 
crews  of  li'i^htvessels,  the  shifting  of  buoys  and  lightvessels,  the  periodical  inspections  by 
the  Inspectors  of  Lights,  &-c.,  would  be  effected  as  at  present  by  vessels  specially 
employed  for  those  purposes  under  the  superintendence  of  the  proper  officers  of  the  Central 
Boardi  excepting  where  any  of  those  services  could  be  performad  with  advantage  by  the 
steam  gunboats  and  the  sailing  tenders  attached  to  the  Coast  Guard. 

4L  Leaving  it  then  an  open  question,  whether  the  Board  of  Trade  or  the  Ad- 
miralty is  for  the  future  to  represent  our  Lighthouse  Government  in  Parliament, 
and,  reverting  to  the  unanimous  opinions  of  the  several  Parliamentary  Commit- 
cees,  embodied  as  those  opinions  arc  in  the  reconnnendation  of  the  Committee  of 
1845j  viz.:  "■That  all  expenses  for  the  erecfio?i  and  mainfennnre  of  Li<rhthouses, 
Floatinq  Li^ihts,  Buoys  and  Beacons  on  the  coast  of  the  United  Kingdom  be  thence- 
forth defraijed  out  of  the  Public  Revenue,"  —  and  assuming  that  the  time  is  not  far 
distant  when  the  present  ex-officio  necessity  for  the  Board  of  7'rade  being  the 
representative  in  I'arliament  of  our  Lighthouse  Government  will  naturally  cease,*  it  might 
not  be  unnatural  that  the  Admiralt3%  as  able  materially  to  co-operate  in  the  Lighthouse 
service,  should  be  selected  to  represent  that  service  in  Parliament,  in  which  case  the  duty 
of  such  representation  would  devolve  upon  a  department  with  which  the  Trinity  House 
has  from  the  first  had  real  affinity,  whilst  we  should  at  the  same  time  be  assimilating  the 
Lio-hthouse  government  of  this  country  to  the  systems  most  generally  adopted  abroad. 

42.  Supposing,  then,  for  the  moment,  that  the  Admiralty  were  the  department  selected 
for  statutory  connection  with  the  new  Lighthouse  Board,  a  positive  additional  duty  would, 
to  a  certain  extent,  devolve  upon  that  member  of  the  Board  of  Admiralty  who  would 
have  to  present  the  Lighthouse  Estimates  to  the  House  of  Commons  ;  but  those  estimates 
would  be  of  the  simplest  character  if  framed  in  the  admirable  form  in  which  the  Navy 
Estimates  are  now  prepared  for  the  House  of  Commons  by  the  Accountant-General  of 
the  Navy ;  and  so  framed,  the  Lighthouse  Estimates  would  be  such  as  any  one  accus- 
tomed to  the  Navy  Estimates  would  be  able  to  master  in  half  an  hour. 


regards  that  List  on  the  Board  of  Trade — it  sends  its  proof  slieets  for  correction  to  the  Board  of  Trade,  and 
they  come  back  to  the  Admiralty  to  be  published.  Again,  the  Admiralty  relies  on  the  Board  of  Trade  for 
immediate  information  on  an  .ilteration  taking  place  in  any  existing  Light,  Home  or  Colonial,  or  in  the  case  of 
a  Home  Light  only,  on  the  Trinity  Home;  and  it  is  the  Admiralty  that  forthwith  issues  a  printed  Notice  to 
Mariners  distributing  at  once  from  700  to  1,000  copies. 

In  addition  to  the  above  mode  of  obtaining  information,  the  Admiralty  endeavours  further  to  obtain  it 
throuo-h  its  own  surveying  officers  ;  and  in  the  General  Naval  Instructions  now  under  revise,  special  directions 
are  inserted  as  to  Captains  reporting  on  Lights  to  the  Admiralty.  It  is  also  at  the  request  of  tJie  Admiralty 
that  circulars  have  been  issued  to  all  British  Consuls  abroad,  desiring  them  to  report  alterations  in  Lights 
in  their  several  consulates  ;  whilst  the  preparing  and  printing  "  the  Notices  to  IVIariners  "  respecting  Lights, 
must  form  a  very  considerable  item  in  the  business  of  the  Hydrographer,  to  say  nothing  of  the  labour  devolving 
on  his  department  in  insuring  that  every  new  Light  shall  be  immediately  inserted  in  every  Admiralty 
Chart.  (See  also  Admiralty  Circular  to  Chart  Agents,  dated  Ilydrographic  Office,  Admiralty,  6th  of 
February  1861,  Vol.  I.  p.  225') 

*  Whilst  in  this  country,  where  we  have  404  Lighthouses  and  Floating  Lights  (general  and  local),  every  foreign 
vessel  has  to  pay  light  dues, — in  America,  where  there  are  also  upwards  of  400  Lighthouses  and  Floating  Lights, 
no  charge  whatever  is  made  on  British  ships.  In  France  it  is  the  same,  though  it  should  be  stated  that  in  that 
country  the  port  charges,  which  are  heavier  than  in  ours,  arc  made  to  contribute  to  Imperial  funds,  and  may 
fairly  be  said  to  include  these  dues  ;  nor  are  any  charges  for  lights  made  on  British  ships  entering  any  of  the 
ports  of  Russia,  Prussia,  Holland,  &c.  (See  "  Our  Merchant  Shipping,  its  present  state  considered  {and 
Appendix)."  by  W.  S.  Lindsay,  Esq.,  M.P.)t 

N.B. We  have  it  stated   that  on  the  1st  November  last,  the  New  York  Chamber  of  Commerce  accepted  a 

report  made  by  the  Chairman  of  the  Executive  Committee,  which,  amongst  other  conclusions  come  to,  con- 
tained the  following: — 

"  6.  Coasting  Trade.  The  Committee  see  no  objection  to  discussing  in  the  Chamber  the  propriety  of 
throwing  open  to  British  Shipping  the  Coasting  Trade  between  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific  Ports,  it  being 
understood  that  Great  Britain  would  reciprocate  by  abolishing  '•  light  dues,"  "  passing  tolls,"  "  local 
charges,"  '"  compulsory  pilotage,"  '•  colonial  coasting,''  and  "  intercolonial  trade,"  and  "  the  coasting  trade 
of  the  .American  lakes." 


r.ETTEB   OF   THE   CHAIRMAN,  11 

43.  In  the  case  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  this  duty  is  ah-eady  performed  (though  the  Facilities  at 
estimates  appear  at  present  in  a   somewhat  meagre  shape)  by  the  representative  of  that  J5;\"ij'"!/''f'"^'^ 
department  in  the  House  ;   and  in  either  case,  and  considering  that  otiicers  from   each  of  Trade  or  the 
those  Departments  would  form  (ex  officio)  part  of  the  New  Lighthouse  Board,  the  member  ^yi."i.''-''ty  ex- 
presenting    the    estimates   to  Parliament   would  have  ample  means  of  acquiring  every  i-i.-iu:iouse  es- 
information  respectinii:  them,  and  having  obtained  for  himself  such  information,  and  once  "™:"« :''•'= 

.    .  ^  -t^-  ,  ■  ^  1        TT  1         /•  ■    1  1     /  Uoiiso  ot  Com- 

m  a  position  to   explain  those  estimates  to  the  House,  the  iinancial  control  (or,  as   the  mons. 
President  of  the  Board  of  Trade  describes  it,  "  ike  Control  of  the  Purse,")  on  the  part 
of  the  representing  Department  should  cease. 

44.  The  state  and   condition  of  our  Lighthouses,   and   the  effectiveness  of  the  lights  Lighthouse 
themselves,  admit  of  favourable  comparison  with  the  great  mass  of  lights  and  lighthouses  systsm 
abroad,  with   the  exception  of  some  of  the   lights  in  France ;  but   there    is    room    for  hiprovement. 
improvement,  and  the  existing  system  is  scarcely  the  most  i'avourable  for  that  impro\'e- 

ment :   under   this   system   the  control  and  management  of  our  Lights  has  passed   into 
the  hands    of  the   Government,   but  as   matters  stand  there  is   no   department   of  the 
Government  which  possesses  machinery  fit  for  the  purpose ;  the   Board  of  Trade  is  at  Anomaly  in 
present  the  governing  body,   and  it  is  in  the  actual  exercise  of  functions  which,  as  that  P^'^^nt  systeir. 

,  •  "         .    "^        ,       .       .  1  .  1     1  1        •  1     ,  "'  Lighthouse 

department  is  now  constituted,  it  is  scarcely  equal  to,  or  was  probably  intended  to  government, 
fulfil  ;  at  the  same  time,  it  must  be  admitted  that  even  before  the  application  of  such  geK-nc^nd 
control,  the  progress  of  our  Lighthouse  Authorities,  at  least  in  England  and  Ireland,  management 
whether  in  Lighthouse  science  or  management,  had  scarcely  been  in  keeping  with  haTi''' Advance 
the  state  of  science  in  this  country;  but  with  a  central  Board,  as  now  proposed,  and  in  under  proposed 
itself  responsible,  improvement  might  be  expected,  and  it  ought  in  its  management  to  keep  tovermnent 
pace  with  the  times. 

45.  "  The  great  safeguard  of  human  life  on  our  coasts  is  the  lighting  up  of  our  reefs  central  Board 
"  and  headlands,  and  this  cafi  be  accomplished  only  by  Public  Boards,  composed  of  qualified  tj  have  control 
"  individuals,  and  possessing  ample  resources  and  extensive  jurisdiction."*      In  a  Central  hlZe  expen- 
Board  of  eleven  members,  composed  as  has  been  suggested,  there   can  be  no  doubt  that  <'''»'<^- 

we  should  have  a  body  fit  to  manage  its  own  affairs,  without  that  description  of  check 
and  control  which  is  now  exercised  over  the  three  Lighthouse  Authorities  ;  and  we 
may  feel  satisfied  that  in  estimates  which  would  be  prepared  under  the  superintendence 
of  such  Central  Board,  the  strictest  regard  would  be  had  to  the  economical  and  just 
application  of  its  funds  consistent  with  the  one  paramount  object  of  the  proper  Lighting 
of  our  Coasts,  and  in  maintaining  in  the  utmost  efficiency  our  National  Lighthouse 
system,  and  it  may  be  presumed,  that  those  great  interests, — the  interests  of  Humanity, 
of  Navigation,  and  of  Commerce, — which  our  Lighthouse  Government  i  is  intended 
to  serve,  would  be  best  promoted  by  providing  that  the  Lighthouse  Estimates  should 
be  presented  to  the  House  of  Commons,  as  prepared  by  the  Trinity  Commissioners 
for  Lights,  to  be  dealt  with  by  Parliament,  as  is  the  case  with  other  estimates  coming 
before  it. 

46.  In  conclusion  I  need  hardly  remind  my  colleagues  of  our  numerous  and   anxious  ^.hidTabne, 
conferences  on  the  subject  of  Lighthouse  management  and  control,  and  that  it  has   been  conclusions 
by  a  sort  of  exhaustive  process  that  the  scheme  of  Government  above  proposed  has  been 
arrived  at ;  nor  need  I  now  allude  to  our  long  and  careful  investigations, — the  many  experi- 
ments we  have  ourselves  originated,   and    in  great  measure   conducted ;  nor  to  that  con- 
stant and  anxious  consideration  which  we  have  given  to  this  portion  of  our  inquiry. 

Summary  of  proposed  Government. 

To  sum  up  the  above  proposal.  —The  Government  and  Management  of  Lights, 
Buoys,  and  Beacons  in  the  United  Kingdom,  and  of  certain  Lighthouses  in  the  Colonies, 
.should  he  vested  in  a  new  Central  Board  {constituted  as  alreadij  staf.ed),and  to  he  denomi- 
nated the  Trinity  Commissioners  for  Lights,  subject  to  the  annual  visitation  of  The 
Royal  Society  ;— the  Board  ov  Trade  or  the  Admiralty  to  be  the  Department  that 
would  present  to  Parliament  the  Lighthouse  Estimates,  as  prepared  by  the  Trinity  Com- 
missioners ;  whilst,  as  regards  expenditure,  after  those  estimates  have  passed  the  House 
OF  Commons,  THE  CENTRAL  BOARD  should  have  the  entire  Control. 


have  been 


^  *  British  Lighthouse  System,  by  Sir  David  Brewster,  LL.D.,  F.E.S..  Principal  and  "Viee-Chancellor  of  the 
University  of  Edinburgh. 


h  4 


APPENDIX. 


ELECTKIC  LKillT,  &C.-CHTJIZE  OF  THE  "  VIVID." -FOREIGN  I"\- 
SPECTIONS.-INSPECTIONS  OF  APPAIUTUS  AT  IIOAIE  IND 
ABROAD.-PAPEKS  BY  MEMBER^.-LETTERS  FROM  THE  AS- 
TROXOMER  ROYAL.-PROFESSOU  FARADAY"^  REPORTS.- 
OBSERVATIONS  BY  MR.  JAMES  CHANCE,  MESSRS.  D.  AND  T. 
STEVENSON.-ABSTRACTS  OF  EVIDENCE,  &-c.,  &c. 


•29tJi  April  IS.iP.     olst  Meeting. 


Admiral  Hamilton,  Mr.  (iraves,  Dr.  Glart.stoiie, 
Captain  Ryder. 

Mr.  Allen  attended,  and  stated  that  the  Magneto- 
electric  lifjht  would  not  be  exhibited  after  Monday  night 
at  the  Scuth  Foreland. 

At  4..'3()  the  Commission  decided  to  visit  the  South 
Foreland,  and  adjourned,  in  the  first  place,  to  Adam  Street, 
Adelphi,  to  inspect  a  lime  light. 

The  light  is  on  the  same  principle  as  Drummond's,  but 
varies  m  the  shape  of  the  prepared  lime  on  which  the 
oxyhydrogen  blow-pipe  flame  plays,  and  it  has  also 
three  jets  instead  of  one.  The  prejiare'd  lime  is  pushed 
slowly  up«-ards  as  it  is  worn  away  by  the  heat,  and  is 
prevented  from  faUing  outward  by  a  series  of  wires. 

The  light  was  brilliant  and  steady.  The  French  Super- 
intendent of  the  Light  House  Board,  Mons.  Reneaud, 
was  present,  and  he,  as  well  as  many  other  gentlemen, 
expressed  admiration  of  the  light. 

Mr.  Graves,  Dr.  Gladstone,  Captain  Ryder,  and  the 
Secretary  started  from  London  Bridge  at  8.30  p.m.  Dr. 
Gladstone,  on  arri\'ing  at  Dover,  proceeded  to  the  South 
Foreland,  while  the  others  embarked  for  (Calais,  and  ob- 
served the  electric  light  from  the  steamer,  (lir.  Gladstone's 
report  follows.) 

The  light  was  far  brighter  than  any  of  the  others,  visible 
either  on  the  French  or  the  English  coast. 

It  was  steady.  It  seemed  to  be  obscured  for  a  time 
twice  during  the  passage,  but  it  subsequently  appeared, 
from  Dr.  Gladstone's  report,  that  the  seeming  obscuration 
might,  (as  was  suspected,)  have  been  caused  by  the  passage 
of  the  steamer  through  the  shadow  of  one  of  the  bars  of  the 
lantern.  No  alteration  in  the  light  was  observed  by 
Dr.  Gladstone,  who  was  at  the  light  house,  but  the  shadow 
of  the  bars  were  clearly  visible  in  the  air  close  to  the  light, 
and  must  have  obscured  it  at  a  distance. 

P'rom  Calais  the  electric  light  appeared  like  a  large  star 
on  the  horizon,  with  a  bluish  tinge,  while  the  lovrer  South 
Foreland  hght,  —  catoptric,  oil  lam])s,  —  though  clearly 
^•isible  was  less  bright,  and  yellow,  or  rather  orange. 

The  sailors  on  board  the  steamer  estimated  that  they 
could  see  the  electric  light  for  30  minutes  after  losing  sight 
of  the  lower  Ught.  That  is,  according  to  the  rate  of  the 
steamer,  at  a  distance  of  about  7  miles. 

They  had  seen  it  in  thick  weather  when  the  other  was 
inA'isible. 

The  light  at  Grisnez,  as  seen  from  Dover,  was  about 
equal  to  the  Lower  South  Foreland  Light,  as  seen  from 
Calais. 

The  electric  light,  at  a  distance  of  some  miles,  threw  a 
shadow  which  could  be  seen  clearly  on  the  palm  of  the 
hand,  and  still  more  clearly  on  a  white  surface. 

With  respect  to  coloured  lights,  it  was  obser\-ed  that  a 
blue  light  at  Dover  was  lost  when  the  common  town 
lamjjs  became  invisible  ;  that  a  white  light  at  Calais  Pier 
was  first  seen,  next  a  red  light,  and  lastly  a  green. 

With  respect  to  the  colour  of  hghthouses  it  was  observed 
that  the  lighthouse  against  the  sky  was  difficult  to  make 
out  clearly,  when  the  lower  lighthouse  against  a  dark 
background  of  grass  was  easily  made  out ;  both  are  white. 
That  the  dark  shadow  inside  the  lantern,  seen  through  the 
glass  of  the  Upper  Lighthouse,  was  better  seen  than  the 
white  wall  against  the  sky  as  a  background,  and  that  the 
dark  part  of  the  Lower  Lighthouse  at  the  same  time  was 
invisible,  while  the  white  wall  was  clearly  seen  against  the 
grass. 

I.  A 


It  appears  to  follow, — 

1st.  That  the  electric  light   should  be  fully  tried,  and  Conclusions, 
that  on  its   success  should   dejjend   a  consideration  of  its 
application  to  certain  points  of  the  coast. 

2d.  That  red  and  green  are  better  colours  than  blue,  but 
that  Mdiite  is  more  powerful  than  any  colour. 

3rd.  That  lighthouses  and  beacons  and  buoys  should  be 
coloured  with  reference  to  the  background  against  which 
they  are  seen. 

'I'he  Commissioners  visited  the  vSouth  Foreland  Light- 
house after  landing  at  Do^-er,  and  were  much  pleased  with 
its  condition,  and  with  the  intelligence  and  neatness  of  the 
keepers. 

They  inspected  the  electric  hght  and  the  apparatus  by 
which  it  was  produced.  They  conversed  with  Professor 
Holmes,  who  explamed  the  working  of  his  apparatus 
And  they  afterwards  returned  to  London  by  the  12  train. 


Dr.  Gladstone  reported: — The  principle  of  i^c  Oljsen-atlons by 
Magneto-Electric  Light  is  as  follows : — The  power  that  Vr.  Gladstone 
])roduces  the  light  is  resident  in  a  large  number  (360?)  of 
permanent  magnets  ranged  on  the  periphery  of  two  large 
wheels.  This  power  is  called  into  action  by  a  steam  engine  Engine, 
of  two-horse  power,  which  causes  a  sesies  of  soft  iron  cores 
surrounded  by  coils  of  wire  to  rotate  past  the  magnets. 
The  small  streams  of  electricity  thus  generated  are  collected 
together  into  one  stream,  and,  by  a  si^ecial  arrangement,  the 
alternate  positive  and  negative  currents  are  all  brought  into 
one  direction.  The  whole  jjower  is  then  con\eyed  by  a  stout 
wire  from  the  engine-house  to  the  lighthouse  tower,  and 
up  into  the  centre  of  the  illuminating  apparatus;  there  it 
passes  between  two  charcoal  points,  ])roducing  thus  a 
most  brilHant  and  continuous  light.  The  "  lamp  "  is  so 
contrived  that  by  means  of  clock-work  and  a  magnet, 
round  which  the  wire  coils,  the  charcoal  points  are  kept 
always  at  a  proper  distance  ajjart.  The  charcoal  lasts 
three  hours,  after  which  the  "  lamj) "  has  to  be  changed, 
but  the  transition  of  the  current  is  instantaneously 
effected,  and  the  light  is  brought  into  the  focus  within 
ten  seconds.  The  attendant  can  judge  of  the  position 
and  brightness  of  the  light  b}'  watching  where  one  of 
the  luminous  beams  is  thrown  on  the  inner  wall  of  the 
lantern,  and  thus  he  is  seldom  required  to  look  at  the 
brilliant  spark  itself.  As  arranged  in  the  centre  of  the 
large  dioptric  appai-atus  at  the  South  Foreland,  the  electric 
light  gives  scarcely  enough  di\'ergence,  and  dark  shadows  Divergence. 
are  cast  by  the  framework  of  the  ajiparatus  and  lantern, 
notwithstanding  a  special  contrivance  of  reflectors  partially 
to  obviate  this ,  but  from  the  luminous  point  being  so  small.  Reflectors, 
and  no  draft  of  air  being  required,  nor  any  soot  or  smoke 
being  produced,  it  is  evident  that  an  arrangement  of  lenses,  i,gnses. 
prisms,  or  of  reflectors,  might  be  made  in  a  very  smal 
space,  and  perhaps  the  difficulty  of  the  frame-work  might 
be  entirely  overcome.  The  working  expense  of  the  Magneto-  (^^^f 
Electric  Light  consists  of  the  coals  consumed,  and  the 
charcoal  points,  with  the  wear  of  the  machinery,  and  the 
wages  of  an  engineer  in  addition  to  the  ordinary  light-house 
keepers. 

At  a  distance  of  one  or  two  hundred  yards  the  magneto-  Brilliancy, 
electric  light  appeared  incomparably  more  brilliant  than 
that  exhibited  by  the  lower  lighthouse,  which  is  fitted  with 
fifteen  parabolic  mirrors  kept  apparently  in  the  highest 
state  of  poHsh.  Dr.  Gladstone  remarked  the  great  clean-  Comparison, 
liness  and  order  observed  in  the  lower  as  well  as  the  upper 
lighthouse. 

The  electric  light  appeared  of  a  blueish  white  in  com- 
parison  with  all  other  artificial   lights  in  view,  caused  a 


APPENDIX   TO    KEPOKT   OX    LIGHTS,  BUOYS.  AXD   BEACONS : 


Electric  Light,  remarkable  fluorescence  in  the  glass  of  the  apparatus, 
and  illuminated  the  atmosphere  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
produce  singular  optical  effects,  both  near  at  hand  and  at  a 
distance. 

Ohsen-ations  Admiral   Hamilto.n  visited  the  South  Foreland  Ught- 

h,,the  house   on  the  night  of  the  4th  of  May,  arriving  at  the 

Cluiirman,  Ught  at   9  p.m.,    and    quitting   at    11.30  p.m.      Professor 

Arlmiral  Holmes  was  on  the  spot,  and  explained  nunutely  the  prin- 

Ha.mttun.  ciple  of  the  magneto-electric  light,  and  all  the  details  of  the 

npparatus.     It  appeared  that  there  was  the  greatest  facility 
r    >.,„  in  managing  the   light,  and   that   very  common  care  was 

required  to  insure  its  regular  exhibition.  During  Admiral 
Hamilton's  stav  at  the  light  it  was  visited  by  a  I'l'ot,  an 
intelligent  youiig  man  (by  name  Goldsackl,  who  had^  had 
constant  opportunitv  of  6bser\-ing  the  light  from  the  Chan- 
nel since  its  exhibition,  and  who  bore  strong  testimony 
to  its  great  brilliancv  and  efficiency,  and  greatly  re- 
gretted its  contemjilated  removal.  In  this  regret  Adnural 
Hamilton  cordiaUy  joins  ;  for  it  would  seem  to  be  a  waste 
Oiienations.  ^f  money  now  that  the  whole  machinery  is  working  well  to 
extinguish  the  light  without  a  further  opportunity  being 
afford'ed  of  testing  its  merits  as  compared  with  other  lights. 
Admiral  Hamilton  cannot  but  be  of  opinion  that  a  fuller 
opportunity  and  more  extensive  means,  not  only  of  testing 
the  working  of  the  light,  but  of  enabling  mariners  to  judge 
of  its  efficiency,  and  to  make  their  comparisons  with  respect 
to  other  lights,  should  be  afforded.  He  understands  that 
Professor  'paradav  has  reported  on  the  magneto-electric 
light  to  the  Elder  Brethren  of  the  Trinity  House,  and  he 
considers  it  would  be  right  that  this  Commission  should 
request  to  be  favoured,  as  early  as  possible,  with  a  copy  of 
that  report,  in  order  that  such  steps  may  be  taken  as  the 
Conclusom  Commissioners  mav  deem  fit,  with  a  view  to  a  further  trial 
of  the  hght,  it  being  reported  to  the  Commission  that  it 
is  intended  to  remove  the  whole  apparatus  immediately. 
Admiral  Hamilton  also  visited  the  Lower  South  Foreland 
Lighthouse,  returning  to  Dover  at  12.20  fnight).  The 
light  (magneto-electricl  was  observed  from  Dover  pier,  at 
12.30.  Admiral  Hamilton  returned  to  tow-n  next  morning. 
He  was  much  struck  with  the  cleanliness  and  perfect  order 
of  the  North  and  South  Foreland  bghthouses,  and  the 
manner  and  inteUigcnce  of  the  lighthouse  keepers. 


On  the  6th  of  May  the  secretary  was  directed  to  write 
toe  following  letter: — 
s;,R^  May  6th,  1859. 

I  am  directed  to  request  that  the  Commission  may 
CarresponJenee.  ],e  furnished  with  a  copy  of  the  Report  which  has  been  made 
by  Professor  Faraday  on  the  magneto-electric  Ught  at  the 
South  Foreland.  The  Commissioners  have  themselves  ob- 
served the  Ught.  'ITiey  have  received  returns  from  pilots 
and  others  relative  to  it,  and  assuming  that  Professor 
Faraday's  report  is  favourable,  they  are  anxious  to  be 
informed  of  the  decision  of  the  Elder  Brethren  relative  to 
the  electric  light.  They  wish  to  be  informed  whether  the 
Elder  Brethren  contemplate  adopting  the  principle  of  the 
light  by  applying  it  to  certain  Ughthouses  on  saUeat  points 
of  the  coast,  or  whether  they  intend  to  make  further  trial  of 
the  Ught  by  continuing  to  exhibit  it  at  the  South  Foreland 
for  a  further  period,  under  the  entire  management  of  their 
ou-n  servants,  or  whether  they  intend  that  the  machinery 
for  producing  the  light  shall  be  remoxed  from  its  present 
position.  I  ani,  &c. 

J.  F.  Campbell. 
P.  H.  Berthon,  Esq. 


On  the  12th.  reply  of  the  Trinity  House  was  read  :— 
Trinity  House,  London,  E.C., 
Sir,  12th  May  1S59. 

Having  laid  before  the  Elder  Brethren  your  letter 
of  6th  instant,  signifying  the  request  of  the  Commissioners 
on  Lights,  &c.,  to  be  furnished  with  a  copy  of  Professor 
Faraday's  Report  ujion  the  Magneto-Electric  Light  at  the 
South  Foreland,  and  with  information  as  to  the  probable 
adoption  of  the  light  by  this  corporation,  I  am  directed  to 
acquaint  you,  for  the'  information  of  the  Commissioners, 
that  not  having  received  from  Professor  Holmes  certain  par- 
ticulars which  lie  has  been  requested  to  furnish,  and  which 
the  Elder  Brethren  consider  essential  in  the  consideration 
of  the  question  as  respects  the  practical  applicabiUty  of  the 
Ught  to  lighthouse  purposes,  they  are  not  yet  in  a  position 
to  comply  with  the  Commissioners'  request. 
I  am,  &:c. 
J.  F.  Campbell,  Esq.,  P    H.  Berthon. 

Sec.      Sec,    &c. 


On  the  8th  of  November  the  electric  Ught  was  again 
observed  from  Boulogne,  and  previously,  on  the  5th  of 
November,  the  Commission  were  present,  at  Paris,  at  cer- 
tain experiments  instituted  by  the  French  Lighthouse 
authorities  for  the  purpose  of  testing  an  electric  Ught.  See 
page  38. 

It  was  stated  that  the  Ughthouse  keepers  on  the  French 
coast  had  been  instructed  to  observe  the  light  at  the  South 
Foreland  with  great  attention. 

An  abstract  of  the  evidence  of  mariners  as  to  the  South 
Foreland  will  be  found  at  page  1 1 4. 

On  the  26th  of  November,  the  following  Report  from 
Professor  Faraday  to  the  Trinity  House  was  received  by  the 
Commission,  and  confirms  their  yievia  expressed  above. 


REPORT 

ox 
THE  MAGNETO-ELECTRIC  LIGHT  ESTABLISHED 
BV  PROFESSOR   HOLMES   AT   THE    HIGH 
LIGHTHOUSE,  SOUTH  FORELAND. 

Roval  Institution, 

29th  April.  18.i9. 
The  light  applied  in  the  South  Foreland  Upper 
Lighthouse  is  an  electric  light  ;  not  produced,  how- 
ever, by  a  voltiiic  battery,  but  by  magneto-electric 
induction.  In  the  year  1831*  it  was  discovered  that 
when  a  piece  of  soft  iron,  surrounded  by  a  metallic 
wire,  was  passed  by  the  poles  of  a  magnet,  an  electric 
current  was  produced  in  the  wire,  which  could  be 
exalted  so  as  to  give  a  spark.  The  apparatus  of 
Professor  Holmes,  which  is  figured  and  described  in 
the  accompanying  paper  A,  consists  of  an  accumula- 
tion of  powerful  magnets  and  iron  cores  with  sur- 
rounding coils,  accurately  arranged,  so  that  when  the 
associated  cores  are  revolving  they  send  all  their 
currents  into  one  common  channel,  from  whence  they 
are  conveyed  to  the  lantborn  by  conducting  wires, 
and  there  produce  the  electric  light.  There  is  no 
consumption  of  material  or  energy,  other  than  that  of 
the  burning  fuel  required  at  the  steam-engines  to 
produce  motion. 

A  trial  of  the  ligbt  began  in  the  lighthouse  on  the 
8th  December,  1858  ;  but  as  the  apparatus  was  imper- 
fect in  some  points  and  ihe  results  unsatisfactory,  the 
lighting  by  the  apparatus  was  suspended  for  a  while, 
that  the  defects  might,  if  possible,  be  remedied.  The 
lighting  was  renewed  on  the  28th  March  instant, 
and  has  been  continued  regularly  since. 

I  have  had  the  honour  of  accompanying  the  deputy 
master  and  brethren,  both  on  the  former  and  present 
occasion,  so  that  I  know  personally  what  the  light 
was  and  is.  No  report  was  made  at  the  former  time, 
because  of  the  expected  improvement  of  the  arrange- 
ment ;  but  it  now  becomes  my  duty  to  report  on  such 
matters  regarding  the  lamp  as  properly  fall  within  my 
province. 

Being  on  board  the  yaclit  off  Dungeness  on  the 
night  of  the  20th  inst.,  about  21  i  miles  from  the 
South  Foreland,  the  weather  being  rainy  and  the  sky 
covered  with  clouds,  we  could  see  (when  the  sun  went 
down)  the  high  light  illuminated  and  appearing  as  a 
faint  star.  1  could  not  perceive  the  low  light  ;  but 
proceeding  eastward  the  loxv  light  gradually  became 
visible,  and  the  high  light  inerea.sed  in  brightness. 
When  about  S.W.  by  8.  the  yacht  approached  the 
lights  more  directly  ;  then  went  eastward  again,  and 
after  awhile  turned  and  proceeded  towards  Dover  ; 
so  that  the  observations  were  made  through  about  one- 
fourth  of  the  horizon,  and  at  very  ditferent  distances 
from  the  South  Foreland.  From  the  time  the  upper 
ligbt  was  first  seen  until  the  last,  it  remained  visible 
and  .</pn(/y  (with  the  exceptions  to  be  mentioned  im- 
mediately), and  much  superior  to  the  lower  light  when 
that  also  came  in  view.     The  exceptions  were  as  fol- 


Pro/esscr 
Faradaif. 


*  Philosophical  TraDSSctions  1832.  p.  131.  Faraday. 


PERSONAL  OBSERVATIONS  MADE  BY  COMMISSIONERS. 


lows : — At  times  the  high  light  fell  off.  and  once 
appearetl  almost  out.  when  the  lower  light  iinderwent 
no  such  change.  This  effect  had  been  anticipated,  and 
was  due  to  tlie  following  cause  : — the  upright  bars  of 
the  lanthorn  windows  and  the  dioptric  apparatus  are 
much  broader  than  the  electric  light,  the  latter  being, 
indeed,  not  more  than  one-sixth  of  an  inch  in  hori- 
zontal width  ;  hence  they  throw  deep  and  rather  sharp 
shadows.  By  taking  the  bearings  of  these  before- 
hand, it  was  found  at  sea,  that  the  fiiUing  off  of  the 
light  coincided  with  these  shadows,  and  hence  the 
above  exceptions.  The  evil  occurs  in  part  with  the 
central  oil  lamp,  and  is  in  some  lighthouses  partly 
remedied  by  causing  the  window  bars  and  astragals 
to  incline  from  the  perpendicular,  and  therefore  out 
of  the  plane  of  refraction.  Other  remedies  (in  addi- 
tion to  this)  are  applicable  in  the  case  of  the  electric 
light,  and  in  the  present  instance  the  effect  is  lessened 
by  the  use  of  a  small  reflector  at  the  lamp,  close  to 
and  behind  the  light.  ■  The  light  was  at  all  times 
white,  or  even  blue  occasionally,  in  comparison  with 
the  low  light,  which  appeared  yellow  or  reddish. 

The  next  day  I  examined  the  lighthouse  and  appa- 
ratus both  by  day  and  night.  The  magneto-electric 
machines,  steam  engines,  and  steam-condenser  were 
generally  as  at  the  last  visit.  In  respect  of  the 
commutator  it  had  worn  very  little  ;  the  application  of 
a  file  to  the  surface  of  one  wheel  had  removed  about 
the  thirteenth  of  an  inch  of  metal  since  the  apparatus 
was  first  erected,  there  remaining  about  1-g-  inches 
still  ready  for  consumption  in  like  manner,  if  needed. 
During  the  daytime  I  compared  the  intensity  of  the  light 
with  that  of  the  sun,  i.e.  it  was  placed  before  and  by 
the  side  of  the  sun,  and  both  looked  at  through  dark 
glasses  ;  its  light  was  as  bright  as  that  of  the  sun, 
but  the  sun  was  not  at  its  brightest,  and  was  only  seen 
at  intervals  between  clouds. 

In  the  lanthorn,  there  was  now  but  one  electric 
lamp  in  place,  two  others,  however,  being  on  the  wire 
rails  ready  for  change  of  lamp  at  any  moment.  The 
magn^'to-electric  machines  were  set  in  action,  and  the 
lamps  were  manipulated  with,  both  by  day  and  night, 
to  my  entire  satisfaction.  When  the  steam  engines 
were  ready  for  action  the  machines  could  be  set  in 
motion,  and  the  current  evolved  within  the  space  of 
half  a  minute  ;  the  lamp  could  then  be  lighted  in  an 
instant,  and  if  it  were  required  to  put  out  and  displace 
that  lamp  and  replace  it  by  another,  the  operation 
could  easily  be  performed  by  one  person  within  10  or 
15  seconds.  The  light  may  be  considered  as  at  its 
full  intensity  at  once,  though  it  was  reported  to  me 
as  growing  up  in  power  until  about  four  o'clock  in 
the  morning,  an  effect  probably  due  to  the  continued 
recurring  inductive  action  in  the  cores  and  coils  of  the 
revolving  apparatus. 

The  place  of  the  light  in  respect  of  the  dioptric 
apparatus  is  exceedingly  well  retained,  even  more  so 
than  in  the  case  of  a  lamp  flame,  which,  though  its 
base  be  fixed,  varies  in  its  height.  The  light  itself 
is  not  that  flickering,  wavering,  revolving  light  pro- 
duced by  the  voltaic  battery,  but,  in  a  sheltered 
atmosphere,  as  in  the  lanthorn,  is  fixed  in  its  position  ; 
a  fact  of  great  importance  in  the  application  of  small 
catoptric ordioptric apparatus.  Animportantregulator 
of  the  character  of  the  light  is  given  by  two  magneto- 
electric  coils  introduced  into  the  circuit  in  tlie  lanthorn. 
The  light  does  not  call  for  continued  attention,  but  is 
often  left  untouched  for  one,  two,  or  even  three  hours 
together.  The  eyes  of  the  keepers  are  not  affected, 
though  the  blue  glasses  provided  for  them  are  very 
pale  in  colour,  for  the  light  is  better  watched  by 
observing  the  place  and  intensity  of  the  rays  which 
fall  heje  and  there  on  the  walls  of  the  lanthorn,  than 
by  looking  at  the  light  itself. 

On  going  out  to  the  hills  round  the  lighthouse,  the 
beauty  of  the  light  was  wonderful.  At  a  mile  off  the 
apparent  streams  of  light  issuing  from  the  lanthorn 
were  twice  as  long  as  those  from  the  lower  lighthouse, 
and  apparently  three  or  four  times  as  bright.  The 
horizontal  plane  in  which  they  chiefly  took  their  way 
made  all  above  or  below  it  black.     The  tops  of  the 


hills,  the  churches  and  the  houses  illuminated  by  it.  Electric  light, 
were  striking  in  their  effect  upon  the  eye. 

All  the  reports  which  have  come  in  from  the  sur- 
rounding lighthouses,  floating  lights,  and  pilot  vessels, 
confirm  the  superiority  of  tlie  upper  light  above  the 
lower,  though  many  of  the  reports  are  imperfect. 
Those  from  Dungenoss  are  the  best  ;  and  include  160 
observations  made  between  March  28th  and  Apri. 
16th.  The  upper  and  the  lower  South  Foreland  and 
the  Grisnez  lights  were  either  visible  or  invisible 
from  the  station,  according  to  the  weather.  The 
upper  South  Foreland  was  visible  first  and  oftenest, 
i.  e.  always  if  the  others  were  ;  then  the  Grisnez  came 
oftenest  in  sight  ;  and  then  the  lower  South  Foreland; 
but  these  were  nearly  equal.  The  Grisnez  was  some- 
times in  sight  without  the  lower  South  Foreland, 
but  never  without  the  upper  ;  and  the  lower  South 
Foreland  was  sometimes  in  sight  without  the  Grisnez. 
Upon  the  160  observations  tliere  were  73  on  which 
none  of  the  three  lights  were  visible  ;  86  upon  which 
the  upper  light  was  visible  :  40  upon  which  the  lower 
light  was  visible,  and  44  upon  which  the  Grisnez 
light  was  visible.  When  both  the  upper  and  lower 
lights  were  visible,  the  upper  (except  in  four  cases)  is 
said  to  be  twice  the  power  of  the  lower  ;  in  the  four 
cases  it  is  called  equal.  There  was  one  exception  on 
April  3rd  at  10  o'clock  p.m.,  when  the  upper  light  is 
stated  to  have  gone  out.  The  report  does  not  say 
whether  it  came  in  again,  but  the  weather  at  II  o'clock 
is  returned  as  very  thick  and  misty.  Generally  the 
light  is  said  to  be  very  steady. 

The  keepers  at  the  Goodwin  and  South  Sand  head 
floating  lights  appear  to  have  had  a  fair  view  of  both 
upper  and  lower  lights.  If  both  were  visible,  the 
upper  was  much  the  most  powerful  ;  the  upper  was 
always  visible.  The  lights  were  generally  very  steady; 
if  wavering,  both  the  upper  and  lower  wavered  at  the 
same  time,  as  if  the  cause  were  in  the  air,  not  in  the 
lights.  The  reports  from  the  Gull  Stream  Light  are 
very  poor  and  afford  no  instruction.  There  is  no 
comparison  or  mention  of  the  upper  aud  lower  liglits. 

In  fulfilment  of  this  part  of  my  duty  I  beg  to  state 
that,  in  my  opinion.  Professor  Holmes  has  practically 
established  the  fitness  and  sufficiency  of  the  magneto- 
electric  light  fir  lighthouse  purposes,  so  far  as  its 
nature  and  management  are  concerned.  The  light 
produced  is  powerful  beyond  any  other  that  I  have  yet 
seen  so  applied,  and  in  principle  may  be  accumulated 
to  any  degree  ;  its  regularity  in  the  lanthorn  is  great; 
its  management  easy  ;  and  its  care  there  may  be  con- 
fided to  attentive  keepers  of  the  ordinary  degree  of 
intellect  and  knowledge. 

There  are  many  considerations,  beyond  the  esta- 
blishment of  the  fitness  of  the  light  in  principle  and 
management  for  lighthouse  purposes,  regarding  its 
introduction  into  liglithouses  generally,  on  which  I 
should  hesitate  to  speak  before  those  who  are  far  more 
competent  to  judge  of  these  matters  than  I  am,  were 
it  not  for  the  encouragement  which  the  Brethren  of 
the  Trinity  House  give  me,  and  especially  as  regards 
this  light,  in  respect  of  a  letter  from  Professor  Holmes 
dated  28th  April  1857,  which  I  considered  in  my  letter 
of  the  1st  May.  I  will,  therefore,  venture  to  enumerate 
some  points  which  m-e  against  and  others  \n  favour  oi 
the  light,  and  of  a  change  in  the  present  system.  In 
the  first  place,  the  simplicity  of  the  present  system  is 
very  great  compared  with  that  of  the  electric  light 
Only  two  keepers  are  required  to  a  lighthouse,  they 
need  possess  no  special  knowledge,  ordinary  attention 
is  all  that  is  necessary  ;  and  thus  failures  of  the  light 
are  almost  impossible.  In  the  new  .system  a  second 
set  of  men  will  be  required  to  attend  the  engines  ;  and 
there  must  be  amongst  them  one  or  more  who  under- 
stand the  principle  and  construction  of  the  lamp  in  the 
lanthorn,  of  the  magneto-electric  machines,  the  steam 
engines,  and  the  condensers  below,  and  be  able  to 
make  effectively  the  repairs  necessary  to  the  apparatus; 
or,  as  I  think  is  more  probable,  a  competent  resident 
intelligent  engineer,  with  his  stock  of  tools  and  means, 
will  bo  required. 


A2 


APPENDIX    TO    REPORT   ON   LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND   BEACONS  : 


In  the  next  place,  the  expense  of  the  new  system 
must  be  large,  compared  to  that  of  the  present  system. 
As  oiit/it,  there  must  be  the  cost  of  the  two  if  not  three 
magneto-electric  machines,  with  the  corresponding 
.«t€am  engines  :  of  the  houses  to  contain  them  ;  of  the 
cistern,  condensers,  and  water  apparatus,  and  supply 
associated  with  them  ;  of  the  electric  lamps  in  the 
lighthouses,  witli  their  connexions  :  and  of  the  lodg- 
ing houses  for  the  extra  men.  And  in  respect  of 
current  expenditure  additional  provision  niu.^t  be  made 
for  the  wagns  of  the  extra  men,  with  coals  and  such 
things  as  are  allowed  them  :  the  fuel  for  the  engines  ; 
the  supply  of  water;  and  the  repairs  required  by  the 
wear  andtear  of  all  the  apparatus.  To  these  causes  of 
expense  must  be  added  the  claims  of  the  Patentee. 
In  the  matter  of  expense  for  any  given  amount  of 
light,  I  may  say  that  the  letters  I  have  already  referred 
to  of  the  i28th  April  and  1st  :May  lSo7,  can  scarcely 
be  accepted  as  giving  sulticient  information.  I  con- 
clude that  by  this  time  Professor  Holmes  is  in  a  posi- 
tion to  give  an  amended  statement. 

Amongst  partial  objections  it  may  be  stated  that 
the  light  cannot  be  expected  to  apply  to  all  light- 
houses, or  receive  general  adoption.  I  am  not  aware 
how  many  it  might  be  fit  for:  but  there  are  evidently 
some  at  extreme  situations  where  it  would  be  objec- 
tionable in  its  present  state.  An  objection  has  also 
been  made,  of  which  I  cannot  see  the  force  ;  namely, 
that  the  light  is  too  bright  ;  that  it  gives  a  false  im- 
pression of  the  distance  of  the  lighthouse,  and  that  it 
blinds  the  eyes  of  the  mariners  to  the  perception  of  the 
lights  on  board  vessels  between  it  and  them.  These 
objections,  if  they  have  any  force,  must  be  judged  by 
mariners  themselves. 

The  points  in  favour  of  the  magneto-electric  light, 
now  that  its  practicability  has  been  established,  are 
strong  and  clear  in  relation  to  the  increase  of  light 
and  the  advancement  of  lighthouses  in  power.  In 
cases  where  the  light  is  from  lamp  flames  fed  by  oil, 
no  increase  of  light  at  or  near  the  focus  or  foci  of  the 
apparatus  is  possible,  beyond  a  certain  degree,  because 
of  tlie  size  of  the  flames  ;  but  in  the  electric  lamp  any 
amount  of  the  light  may  be  accumulated  at  the  focus 
and  sent  abroad,  at,  of  course,  an  increased  expense. 
In  consequence  of  the  evolution  of  the  light  in  so 
limited  a  focal  space,  it  may  be  direeled  seaward, 
diverging  either  more  or  less,  or  in  a  vertical  or  hori- 
zontal direction,  at  pleasure,  with  tlie  utmost  facility. 
The  enormous  shadow  under  the  light  produced  by 
the  oil  flame  burner,  which  absorbs  and  renders  useless 
the  descending  rays  to  a  very  lage  extent,  does  not 
occur  in  the  magneto-electric  lamp  ;  all  the  light  ]n'o- 
ceeding  in  that  direction  is  turned  to  account.  The 
optical  part  of  the  arrangement,  wliether  dioptric  or 
reflecting,  might  be  very  small  in  corapari.-on  witli 
those  in  use.  It  is  probable  that  the  system  either  of 
reflectors  or  refractors  need  not  be  above  18  inches  in 
diameter,  perhaiis  much  less,  and  probalily  a  foot 
higli.  Tlie  glass  of  the  lanthoi-n  through  which  the 
rays  would  pass  would  then  not  require  to  be  aliove  12 
inches  radius,  i.e.  from  the  light.  This  would  allow 
that  part  of  the  lanthorn  to  be  constructed  of  carved 
plates  of  glass,  framed  above  and  below,  and  ivquiring 
no  opaque,  intervening,  shadow-making  upiit'hts. 
There  appears  no  reason  why  such  a  lanthorn  should 
not  enclose  tlie  electric  lamp  round  seven-eightlis  of  the 
horizon,  and  yet  allow  of  all  necessary  attendance  on, 
.and  change  of  the  lumps.  ,Such  arrangements,  how- 
ever, could  only  be  made  when  the  lamp  is  (if  ever) 
perfectly  established  ;  for  they  would  preclude  the 
substitution  of  an  oil  lamp  lor  tlic  electric  lamp,  if 
any  accident  occurred  to  the  latter. 

Before  concluding  this  report,  I  must  bear  my  testi- 
mony to  the  ]ierfect  openness,  candour,  and  honour  of 
Professor  Holmes.  He  has  answered  every  question  ; 
concealed  no  weak  point  ;  explained  every  applied 
principle  ;  given  every  reason  for  a  change  either  in 
this  or  that  direction,  during  several  periods  of  close 
questioning,   in  a  manner  that  was  very  .ngreeaVile  to 


one  whose  duty  it  was  to  search  for  real  faults  or 
possible  objections,  in  respect  both  of  the  present 
time  and  the  future. 

(SiErned)         >I.  Faiiadat. 


July  16,  1860.  —  The  Chairman  and  Secretary 
visited  the  establishment  of  Mr.  Holmes  at  North 
Fleet,  and  saw  the  electric  light,  as  shown  in  the 
regulating  lamps  of  Monsieur  Serin.  The  light  was 
extinguished  and  lit  instantaneously  at  various  points, 
by  breaking  and  making  the  contacts.  The  invention 
appeared  to  work  exceedingly  well.  Mr.  Holmes 
appeared  to  be  engaged  in  the  construction  of  various 
forms  of  reflectors,  and  it  was  suggested  that  he  would 
do  well  to  apply  for  advice  to  Sir  John  Herschel.  It 
was  stated  in  conversation  that  the  electric  light  is  to 
bo  set  up  shortly  at  Dungeness.  Mr.  Holmes  also 
stated  that  Mr.  Chance  was  engaged  in  constructing 
a  dio])tric  apparatus  according  to  calculations,  fur- 
nished in  the  first  instance  b}'  Mr.  Holmes,  subse- 
quently calculated  by  Mr.  Chance.  The  apparatus  is 
intended  "  to  throw  the  light  where  it  is  wanted,"  and 
each  prism  and  angle  is  to  be  specially  ground  for  the 
light.      See  jiur/e  34,  and  oral  evidence. 


Professor   iVay's  Electric  Light. 

On   the  13th   of  May,  1859,  the  following  minute  Pro/Vwor 
■was  made  by  Dr.  Gladstone  : —  "".'A  %*'• 

In  the  evening  the  Commissioners  visited  Professor 
Way,  and  saw  his  electric  light.  It  is  produced  between 
a  running  stream  of  mercury  and  a  small  cup  full  of 
the  same  metal  ;  the  whole  being  comprised  within  a 
stout  glass  cylinder,  cemented  into  brass-work,  which 
screws  on  to  the  apparatus,  so  that  the  whole  is  her- 
metically sealed,  and  the  volatilized  mercury  is  con- 
densed again  in  a  long  tube  under  the  cup.  The 
power  is  generated  by  a  galvanic  battery  of  48  Bun- 
sen's  cells,  which  requires  renewal  every  four  hours, 
and  is  saiil  to  cost  L*.  6d.  per  hour,  though  were  the 
products  economised  and  the  nitric  acid  regained, 
Mr.  "Way  believes  a  saving  of  one  half  might  be 
effected.  The  light  is  continuous,  and  forms  a  kind 
of  cone  between  the  jet  whence  the  stream  of  mer- 
cury flows  and  the  ctip  beneath.  It  is  intensely 
brilliant,  casts  a  greenish  blue  radiance  on  surround- 
ing objects,  and  has  a  most  wonderful  efleet  on  artifi- 
cial colours,  its  constitution  evidently  being  widely 
dift'erent  from  that  of  solar  light.  Professor  AVay 
showed  that  the  current  might  be  interrupted  fre- 
quentl)'  in  succession,  and  that  the  light  which  on 
each  interruption  is  extinguished  re-kindles  itself 
immediately  contact  is  again  made  ;  and  suggested 
that  this  might  be  used  as  a  method  of  economising 
the  force,  of  distinguishing  between  different  light- 
houses or  for  signalling.  The  Commissioners  viewed 
the  light,  not  merely  from  Mr.  Way's  labor.atory  and 
house,  No.  1.5,  Welbeck  Street,  but  also  from  Hinde 
Street  and  the  corner  of  Manchester  Square,  when  its 
great  superiority  over  gas  lights  was  most  apparent. 

This  light  was  again  shown  to  the  secretary  on  the 
29th  of  March,  1860,  by  Professor  Way.  The  electric 
light  had  been  shown  that  day  to  a  scientific  com- 
mission belonging  to  the  War  Ottice. 

The  light  is  produced  in  a  stream  of  mercury  flowing 
through  slender  tubes,  and  connected  above  and  below 
with  the  poles  of  a  powerful  battery.  By  clockwork 
the  connection  can  be  broken  and  remade,  and  the 
light  extinguished  and  relit  instantaneously.  It  was 
very  powerful,  and  of  a  peculiar  ash  grey  colour, 
which  ga^e  a  ghastly  appearance  to  every  person  and 
thing  in  the  room. 

The  light  was  said  to  reach  its  greatest  brilliancy 
some  time  after  the  battery  was  filled,  and  to  continue 
steady  for  a  considerable  time.  After  a  certain  time 
when  the  acids  are  saturated  the  light  wanes. 

One  drawback  to  the  light  is  that  the  force  of  the 
electric  fluid  scatters  the  stream  of  mercury  into 
spray,  and  throws  it  against  tlie  glass  within  which 
the  lisht  is  shown. 


PERSONAL   OBSERVATIONS  MADE  BY   COMMISSIONERS. 


Manufactorij  of 
appuratii 


Method  of 
testing  appa- 
ratus. 


These  drops  of  an  opaque  though  fluid  metal 
necessarily  obscure  the  light,  and  settling  on  the 
glass  interfere  with  its  brilliancy. 

When  the  glass  is  removed  the  mercury  is  changed 
into  vapour,  and  becomes  highly  deleterious.  A  port- 
able form  of  this  light  was  shown.  A  small  vessel 
of  mercury  within  bronze  cylinders,  so  constructed 
that  by  turning  the  apparatus  the  mercury  is  thrown 
back  into  the  upper  chamber. 

Also  a  boot  with  a  copper  sole,  intended  to  malic 
and  break  the  connection  with  a  wire  let  into  the  deck 
of  .1  ship,  and  joined  to  tlie  battery  below. 

Tiiis  light  was  exhibited  at  Oxford,  and  subse- 
quently as  a  masthead  light  on  board  a  vessel  in  the 
Solent,  in  July,  1860.  An  account  of  the  proceed- 
ings was  published  in  the  "  Times." 


Memoranda  made  by  Captain  Ryder 
regarding  a  visit  to  the  shop  of  Mr.  Wilkins, 
Long  Acre,  Lighthouse  Lamp  Maker, 
June  24th,  1859. 

Mr.  Gkates,  Dr.  Gladstone,  Captain  Rtdkr, 
the  Secretarv. 

Mr.  Wilkins  accompanied  us  over  his  shop,  and  we 
saw  the  various  parts  of  the  illuminating  apparatus 
of  different  lamps. 

T/ie  lantern  of  a  floatiny  light  under  repair. — Jlr. 
Wilkins  stated  that  after  seven  years'  wear  and  tear 
the  lanteru  of  a  floating  light  requires  a  tliorough 
overhaul.  The  paint  is  entirely  burnt  off  the  copper 
in  order  to  examine  it  ;  the  ventilators  are  taken  out 
and  refitted,  and  the  lantern  is  made  almost  as  good 
as  new.  A  lantern  with  two  such  thorough  repairs 
will  last  for  21  years. 

We  noticed  that  there  were  three  sets  of  orifices 
for  ventilation  in  the  lantern,  some  nnderneath,  some 
on  the  top,  and  some  on  the  side.  The  size  of  these 
can  be  diminished  at  pleasure.  In  a  gale  of  wind 
the  upper  holes  have  to  be  entirely  closed,  otherwisi; 
the  lamp  would  be  extinguished. 

The  reflectors  are  copper  lined  with  silver,  and 
their  sections  are  parabolas.  We  saw  some  reflectors 
invented  by  Major  Fitzmaurice  made  of  chr'na  or 
porcelain.  The  inner  surface  was  composed  of  plati- 
num glaze  ;  it  was  very  wavy,  and  not  very  bright  ; 
but  the  reflectors  were  comparatively  very  cheap, 
being  one  quarter  the  price  of  the  metal,  and  do  not 
tarnish.  The  set  we  saw  were  for  a  small  light  on 
Major  Fitzmaurice's  principle,  to  range  five  miles. 

We  saw  several  lamps  for  floating  lights  ;  they 
hang  on  gimbles  inside  the  lantern.  All  floating 
light  lamps  are  thus  hung,  and  are  Argand  lamps. 
The  reflectors  for  floating  lights  last  about  1.5  years. 
They  are  not  considered  to  be  worth  re-silvering, 
but  are  broken  up  at  the  expiration  of  that  time.  The 
reflectors  of  lighthouses  have  more  silver  on  them,  and 
and  will  last  for  50  years.  We  were  shown  a  metal 
reflector  of  three  feet  diameter  for  a  lighthouse  ;  its 
value  was  about  50/.,  and  Mr.  Wilkins  considered 
that  for  a  revolving  light  such  a  reflector  would  be 
more  efficient  than  a  1st  order  dioptric  light.  Its 
merits  are  to  be  compared  with  a  1st  order  dioptric 
light  at  the  Trinity  Buoy  Wharf  in  a  (e\v  days. 
When  the  light  is  obliged  to  be  very  high,  as  at 
Lundy,  the  reflectors  are  said  to  be  slightly  inclined 
to  the  perpendicular  to  throw  the  rays  downwards  ; 
but  the  pi'isms  are  never  inclined,  but  are  always  so 
adjusted  in  the  first  place  as  to  throw  the  rays  hori- 
zontally. 

The  position  of  the  prisms  is  carefully  tested  by 
inspecting  the  direction  the  rays  take,  as  shown  by 
the  position  of  the  end  of  the  pencil  of  light  on  the 
screen  erected  for  the  purpose,  there  are  nu  adju.-tin" 
screws  to  the  prisms.  Professor  Faraday  inspects 
the  prisms,  and  they  are  moved  in  their  beds  of  puttv, 


if  necessary  ;  the  intended  height  of  the  lighthouse 
is  never  taken  into  consideration. 

Mr.  Wilkins  has  contracts  for  South  America  and  Mantifaciory  o, 
the  United  States  and  Russia.  The  Englisii  metal  a^puratus. 
work  is  much  preferred  for  its  solidity  and  toughness. 
Mr.  Wilkins  first  said  the  French  illuminating'  appa- 
ratus was  cheaper,  and  then  thought  it  was  dearer 
than  the  English.  He  obtains  his  glass  generally 
from  Mr.  Sautcr,  or  Lepautc,  of  Paris,  or  Messrs. 
Chance  of  Birmingham. 

Gas  has  been  tried,  but,  in  Mr.  Wilkins'  opinion,  Ga$. 
has  never  succeeded  as  a  substitute  for  oil. 

Contracts — All  new  lamps  are  contracted  for  as  a  Cuntracu. 
general  rule  by  one  of  the  following  four  manufac- 
turers. Chance,  De  Ville,  Simpson,  or  Wilkins ;  of 
these  Chance  is  the  only  glass  maker.  The  contract 
is  always  nominally  open  and  advertised  for  in  the 
"  Times."  The  taritf  prices  of  these  firms  are  exactly 
and  by  agreement  the  same.  There  is.  therefore,  no 
competition  among  them  in  dealing  with  the  general 
pui-chaser,  and  I  was  unable  to  elicit  from  Mr.  Wil- 
kins any  explicit  statement  that  could  satisfy  me 
that  even  in  tendering  for  contracts  to  the  Lighthouse 
Board  there  was  not  an  understanding  between  the 
firms.  I  think  it  will  be  advisable,  therefore,  to 
ascertain  the  dates  of  the  several  contracts  entered 
into  for  illuminating  apparatus  since  1853,  the  names 
of  the  contractors,  their  several  tenders,  and  the 
amounts  paid  in  each  case  to  the  accepted  contractor, 
to  enable  us  to  inform  ourselves  whether  it  is  not 
probable  that  by  a  secret  arrangement  among  them- 
selves the  contractors  have  divided  the  contracts,  (a 
proceeding  which  it  is,  of  course,  perfectly  competent 
to  them  to  adopt  if  they  choose,)  and  thus  really 
enjoyed  a  monopoly.  It  is  worthy  of  note,  that 
although  Mr.  Wilkins  and  Mr.  Chance  are  competing 
contractors,  Mr.  Wilkins  frequently  obtains  his  lenses 
and  prisms  of  Mr.  Chance,  as  he  does  not  make  glass 
himself  ;  and  Mr.  Chance  obtains  lamps  of  Mr.  Wil- 
kins, as  he  does  not  make  lamps;  and  that  thus  the 
unsuccessful  contractor  assists  his  successful  rival  to 
complete  the  contract. 

The  Irish  illuminating  apparatus,  and,  in  some 
instances,  the  Scotch  also,  were  ordered  we  were 
informed  by  the  Board  of  Trade  ;  but  as  ageneral  rule 
the  Scotch  Board  ordered  their  illuminating  apparatus 
of  Milne,  of  Edinburgh. 

Experiments  have  been  tried  to  illuminate  a  letter 
or  figure,  so  as  to  enable  the  mariner  to  identify  a 
light  at  night,  but  they  all  failed,  for  when  a  long  slife 
10  feet  by  4  inches  was  illuminated,  it  appeared 
at  any  distance  over  two  miles  as  a  circular  light. 

Fog  Signals. — We  were  shown  a  bell  of  3  cwt.,  Fog  tignals. 
similar   to  that    used    at    the    Gunflcet,  worked  by 
machinery.      The   cost    was    about    ^^40/.     Bells  as 
large  as  12  cwt.  have  been  made  for  this  purpose  for 
the  Casketts. 

Mr.  Wilkins  has  supplied  six  in  the  last  four  years. 
A  3-cwt.  bell  is  said  to  be  heard  at  a  distance  of 
four  miles  in  a  thick  fog. 

Mr.  Wilkins  remarked  on  tlie  orders  of  the  Board 
of  Trade,  "  that    while  that   Bor.rd    appeared    most 
"  anxious  to  have  the  very  best  articles  they   were 
"  very  desirous  to  obtain  them  at  the  lowest  price." 
Alfred  P.  Rvder. 


The  Trinity  Buoy  Wharf  was  visited  on  the 
18th  June  1859,  by  Admiral  Hamilton, 
Captain  Ryder,  Mr.  Gladstone,  and 
the  Secretary,  and  the  following  notes 
made  by  Captain  Ryder. 

T/ie  Trinity  Yard  and  Buoy  Uliarf,  situate  on 
the  mouth  of  the  River  Lea  at  Black  wall,  com- 
prises a  space  of  from  two  to  three  acres. 


AVPKXDIX   TO   REPOKf   OX    LIGHTS,  BUOYS.  AND   BEACONS: 


It  does  not  profess  to  be  a  manufacturinpr  establish- 
ment, but  rather  a  depot  for  buoys,  and  of  stores  of 
all  sorts  for  ihe  use  of  I'ghthouses  and  lightvessels. 

A  spare  lightvessel  is  always  at  the  wharf  in  readi- 
ness to  replace  any  lightvessel  that  might  be  driven 
from  her  station,  and  for  the  purpose  of  undergoing 
the  periodicitl  repair. 

Lio^htvessels  are  built  and  repaired  at  Messrs. 
Pilcher's  yard. 

The  wooden  buoys  of  the  Trinity  House  are  manu- 
factured at  Thos.  Allen,  Shuter,  and  Co.,  Dockhead, 
and  tlie  iron  buoys  at  Messrs.  Lennox.  Brown,  and  Co. 

The  average  number  of  men  in  the  yard  (being 
those  on  shore  in  their  turn  from  the  lightvessels)  is 
36  ;  their  average  wages  are  21.  15s.  per  month,  and 
they  find  their  own  provisions. 

They  are  employed  in  receiving,  storing,  and  issuinsr 
stores,  including  oil,  ami  in  ti.ansporting  buoys, 
manning  the  Trinity  House  yachts,  &c. 

The  whole  of  the  oil  for  the  entire  service  of  the 
lighthouses  and  lightvessels  is  stored  in  this  yard. 
The  average  quantity  in  store  is  2 15  tons. 


BUOYS. 

Btioi/  Store. 

The  arrangements  for  examining,  replacing,  and 
repairing  the  buoys  appeared  to  be  very  efficient. 

Every  buoy  belonging  to  the  Trinity  l5oard,  and 
there  are  more  than  8'J  Buoy  stations  in  the  London 
district  alone,  which  extends  from  North  Foreland  to 
Orfordness,  is  replaced  by  a  spare  buoy  every  six 
months,  is  brought  on  shore,  thoroughly  overhauled, 
repaired,  and  repainted  ;  and  then  kept  in  perfect 
readiness  to  return  to  its  station,  either  at  the  end  of 
six  months  or  on  any  accident  happening  to  its  com- 
panion. A  large  shed  is  full  of  these  buoys,  painted, 
marked,  and  ready  to  start  for  their  stations  at  a  few 
minutes'  warning. 

Classes  of  Buoys. 

The  buoys  used  by  the  Trinity  Board  may  be 
divided  into  two  classes. 

(I.)  The  Nun  Buoj-,  which  is 
only  used  to  mark  wrecks,  is 
painted  green,  is  six  feet  in  length 
(of  stave',  and  about  eight  feet  in 
total  length,  including  the  heads.  It 
shows  above  water  about  five  feet, 
It  weighs  about  four  or  five  cwt., 
and  the  cooperage  costs  about  9/.  .^ 

N.B  In  the  Thames,  owing  to  the  great  number  of 
passing  vessels,  and  their  frequent  collision  with  the 
wreck  buoys,  beacons  on  the  nearest  shore  have 
been  substituted,  on  which  the  position  of  the  wreck 
is  indicated,  and  the  Trinity  Board  are  also  trying 
solid  wooden  buoys,  with  framework  tops. 

(II.)  The  Can  Buov,  used  to  mark  channels,  shoals, 
&c. 


No.  (1)  is  the  old  can  buoy,  floating  apex  down- 
wards but  they  generally  float  on  their  sides  (the 
Admiralty  still  adhere  to  this  shape).     Within  a  few 


years  the  can  buoy  has  been  reversed  by  the  Trinity 
Board,  and  the  chain  has  been  secured,  as  in 
Nos.  (2),  (3),  (4),  to  the  centre  of  the  ba,se. 

No.  (2)  is  a  wooden  buoy,  hooped  inside,  a  sugges- 
tion of  Mr.  Poulter,  to  prevent  the  rust  from  the 
hoops  affecting  the  colour  of  the  buoy.  Its  base  is 
convex  (1  in.  in  12  in.)  and  the  diameter  of  the  base 
is  equal  to  the  height  of  the  buoy.  The  largest  buoys 
of  this  description  are  8  feet  in  the  stave,  and  about 
9  feet  6  in.  high.  When  floating,  about  2  feet  is 
immersed,  leavi-rg  7  feet  6  in.  above  the  water.  If 
this  buoy  was  reversed,  only  about  5  feet  of  it  would 
show  above  water.  This  buo)'  was  designed  by 
Mr.  Poulter,  the  Superintendent  of  the  Trinity  Buoy 
Wharf,  but  he  does  not  claim  the  merit  of  first  sug- 
gesting the  reversal  of  the  can  buoy. 

Hooping  the  buoy  on  the  inside  adds  very  con- 
siderably to  the  expense  of  the  buoy. 

A  Poulter's  buoy,  8  feet  stave  hooped  on  the  inside, 
co.sts,  for  cooperage,  40/. ;  if  made  on  the  old  plan, 
18/  ;  a  buoy  6  feet  in  stave,  16/. 

As  there  were  a  large 
number  of  old  can  buoys 
in  store  (see  Fig.  1),  Mr. 
Poulter  has  enabled  them 
to  float  upright  when  re- 
versed, notwithstanding 
their  deficiency  in  breadth 
of  base,  by  attaching  to 
the  base  an  iron  span,  and 
they  now  answer  very  well; 
but  all  new  buoys  are 
made  on  the  new  principle. 


No.  (3)  is  a  sketch  of  Herbert's  buoy,  made  of  iron 
and  sufficiently  hollow  in  the  base  to  allow  of  the 
chain  being  attached  at  about  the  centre  of  gravity  of 
the  buoy.  This  buoy  is  reported  to  ride  very  well  in 
exposed  situations,  tide  ways,  &c.,  and  to  float  very 
upright.  There  are  two  or  three  in  the  London  dis- 
trict ;  but  there  is  at  present  no  intention  of  more 
extensively  using  them,  and  ]SIr.  Poulter  does  not 
admit  their  claim  to  any  superior  advantages  over  his 
buoys,  or  over 

No.  (4),  Lennox's  buoy,  also  made  of  iron,  and  with 
a  flat  base. 

Some  very  large  buoys,  12  feet  long,  have  been 
made  by  Mr.  Lennox,  but  they  have  been  found  very 
inconvenient  to  transport,  owing  to  their  size  and 
shape  ;  the  Trinity  steamers  always  tow  them  to  their 
stations,  the  other  buoys  they  carry  on  board. 


Objections  to  Iron  Buoys. 

An  objection  to  all  iron  buoys  is,  that  hitherto  it 
has  been  found  impossible  to  prevent  them  from  rust- 
ing, and  becoming  liable  to  be  mistaken  for  red  buoys, 
whatever  their  original  colour  may  have  been. 

They  are  also  more  liable  to  accidents  from  colli- 
sions, being  easily  stove. 

The  wooden  buoj's  are  made  of  wainscot  oak,  as  fir 
soon  absorbs  water. 

Mr.  Lennox  claims  for  the  iron  buoys  that  their 
repairs  are,  taking  one  j'ear  with  another,  less  expen- 
sive than  wooden  buoys. 


Buoy  Districts. 

England  is  divided  into  eight  Buoy  districts.  The 
Trinity  Buoy  Wharf  supplies  all  the  districts  with 
new  buovs,  and  for  this  purpose  alw.iys  has  a  store  on 
hand  painted  with  the  first  coat  of  priming  ;  but  each 
district  has  charge  of  its  own  reserve  set  of  buoys. 


PERSONAL   OBSERVATIONS   MADE   BY   COMMISSIONERS. 


Buoy  Chaivs. 

The  wooden  buoys  are  made  at  Shooter's,  the  Dock- 
head,  Bhickwall.  They  have  H  chain,  and  generally 
have  cables,  whose  length  is  equal  to  twice  the  depth 
of  water  ;  they  ride  to  square  iron  sinkers. 


Buoy  Anchors. 
Hollow  sinkers  are  being 
tried,  so  as  to  add  the  effect 
of  suction  to  the  weight  of 
the  sinkers. 


System  of  Buoyage. 
Mr.  Poulter  was  of  opinion  that  no  system  of  indi- 
cating the  side  of  the  channel  on  which  a  buoy  was 
placed,  by  any  peculiarity  in  ihe  buoy,  as  to  its  form 
or  colour,  would  be  practicable  in  the  Thames,  owing 
to  the  great  number  and  intricacy  of  the  channels. 

LIGHTVESSELS. 

The  lightvessels  remain  on  their  stations  seven 
years,  and  are  then  brought  in  and  receive  a  thorough 
repair. 

Cables. 

Their  cables  are  changed  every  four  years,  and  the 
old  chains  (Hin.)  are  converted  into  chains  for  the 
buoys. 

Crews. 

The  crews  have  no  other  occupations  than  their 
professional  duties.  Libraries  are  supplied  to  each 
ship. 

The  crew  consists  of  eleven,  of  whom  four  come  on 
shore  every  month  for  a  month,  and  are  employed  in 
the  storehouses  at  the  buoy  wharf. 

The  master  and  mate  are  in  command  month  and 
month  about. 

Only  good  seamen  are  entered  by  Mr.  Poulter. 
£.    s.    d. 
As  lightraen  they  receive  -     2  15     0  a  month. 

When  advanced  to   lamp  lighters     3     0     6         „ 
A  carpenter  receives         -  -     3  12     0        „ 

The  mate         •  -  -400,, 

The  master  -  -         -     5     0     0         „ 

and  lOZ.  a  year  for  house  rent. 

Provisions. 
They  all  find  their  own  provisions,  but  are  allowed 
to  corn  their  beef  at  the  wharf. 

Beer  and  Spirits. 

They  are  allowed  beer  but  no  spirits.  No  boats 
are  allowed  to  go  alongside  the  lightvessels,  and  the 
men  are  not  allowed  to  board  any  passing  ship. 

Promotion. 
The  men  rise  by  seniority  from  the  lowest  rank  to 
that  of  master. 

Spare  Stores. 

Spare  stores  for  the  lightvessels  are  always  kept  in 
perfect  readiness,  so  that  they  can  be  sent  off  instantly 
when  required. 

Oil, — how  tested. 

The  oil  is  carefully  tested,  first  at  the  Trinity 
House,  samples  being  taken  from  each  cask.  When 
the  oil  reaches  the  wharf  it  is  again  tested,  one 
sample  of  each  cask  being  preserved  in  case  of  future 
complaints,  and  another  tested  by  burning.  Nine  Ar- 
gand  lamps  of  the  same  size  are  lit,  eight  having  been 
trimmed  with  last  year's  oil,  and  one  with  the  sample. 
At  the  end  of  some  hours  the  lamps,  still  burning, 
are  carefully  inspected  by  Mr.  Poulter,  who  is  in 
ignorance  as  to  which  of  the  nine  lamps  is  trimmed 
with  the  new  oil,  to  see  if  he  can  discover  any  dif- 
ference.    He  states  that  in  his  experience,  owing  to 


the    previous    very   careful    testing    at    the    Trinity  j-,  ■  ■.    p 
House,  he  has  never  discovered  any  ditlerence.     The  Wharf 
oil  used  is  the  best  rape  seed  oil.     About  215  tons  is 
required  every  year  for   the    supply  of  the  Trinity 
House. 

Cables, — how  tested. 

The  li-inch  cables  for  the  lightvessels  are  tested 
with  great  care,  as  follows  : — 

They  are  made  in  Wales,  of  the  best  iron,  and 
before  being  received  at  the  wharf  are  exposed  to  a 
strain  of  80  tons.  Whde  exposed  to  this  strain  they 
are  carefully  inspected  by  Mr.  Poulton,  to  see  if  there 
is  the  slightest  symptom  of  weakness,  or  permanent 
alteration  in  length.  The  strain  is  then  lessened  to 
30  tons,  and  every  link  is  repeatedly  struck  with 
heavy  sledge  hammers.  Having  stood  this  test, 
Mr.  Poulter  selects  a  link  haphazard  in  ea;!h  lenn-th 
of  15  fathoms.  This  link  is  cut  out  and  submitted  to 
every  possible  strain  by  blows,  so  as  to  discover  if 
possible  any  weakness  in  the  welding  or  in  the  con- 
stitution of  the  iron.  It  is  then  tallied,  registered, 
and  hung  up  for  fulure  reference  in  case  of  any  acci- 
dent to  the  chain  of  which  it  formed  a  part.  A  new 
link  is  sent  for  from  Wales,  and  the  length  is  stored 
for  use.  The  chains  are  very  rarely  known  to  have 
parted.  Each  vessel  has  208  fathoms.  She  has  also 
a  spare  anchor  and  chain. 

Anchors. 
She  rides  at  her  station  to  a  mushroom  anchor,  and 
the   cable    is   hove  in   or  veered    according  to    the 
weather. 


Spare  Lightvessel. 
The  lightvessels  are  nine  in  number  in  the  London 
district.  There  is  only  one  spare  lightvessel,  which 
is  substituted  for  any  vessel  under  repair.  As  the 
repairs  are  sometimes  very  extensive,  it  might  of 
course  occur  that  the  spai-e  lightvessel  being  away,  an 
accident  to  one  of  the  lightvessels  would  find  the 
Trinity  Board  unprepared  to  replace  her,  but  under 
such  circumstances  the  spare  lightvessel  at  Yarmouth 
would  be  sent  for. 

Paint. 

The  lightvessels  are  painted  red.  Experience 
proves  that  one  third  Venetian  and  two  thirds  red 
lead  are  the  best  proportions  for  making  the  red 
paint. 

Balls. 

The  balls  which  serve  to  dis- 
tinguish lightvessels  from  others 
during  the  day,  are  made  of 
wood,  hollow  and  open.  The 
straps  of  wood  of  which  they 
are  composed  being  painted  red. 
They  are  in  two  pai'ts.  A  col- 
lapsing ball  made  of  wood  and 
canvas  is  always  supplied  as  a 
substitute  in  case  of  accident. 


A  4 


APPENDIX   TO    KEPORT   OX    LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AXD   BEACONS  : 


Lujhthouse  Lantern  for  Experiments. 
\  room  at  the  top  of  the  buildings  at  the  buoy 
wharf  is  fitted  up  as  the  Liatern  of  lighthouse  and 
a  Lir"-a  revolving  frame  work  is  placed  thers.  A\  hen 
any  Sew  description  of  light  or  lamp  is  to  be  expe- 
rimented on,  a  Committee  of  the  Elder  Brethren  pro- 
ceed to  a  distance  of  some  miles  to  study  and  compare 


the  proposed  lights  or  lamps  with  some  other  by 
which  its  merits  are  to  be  tested,  and  which  is  also 
attached  to  the  frame.  At  stated  and  pre-arranged 
intervals  the  frame  work  is  moved,  and  the  required 
comparison  instituted. 

Alfred  P.  Ryder. 


CRUIZE    OF    THE    "  VIVID." 
PERSONAL  OBSERVATIONS 

JIADK    BT    THE    COMMISSIONERS 

0\  LIGHTS    &e    UNDER   THE    MANACxEMENT  OF   THE  THREE  GENERAL 
LIGHTHOUSE  AUTHORITIES,  i:c. 


July  4th.  —The  Commission  proceeded  to  Ports- 
mouth. 

July  .^th.— The  Commissioners  met  at  9  a.m.  at 
the  admiral's  office  in  the  dockyard,  made  some  inspec- 
tions examined  some  witnesses,  and  subsequently  em- 
barked on  board  the  "  Vivid,"  and  got  under  weigh 
at  sunset.  Admiral  Hamilton  and  Mr.  Gladstone 
previously  communicated  with  the  Queen's  liar- 
bour  master  and  one  of  the  Queen's  pilots  relative  to 
buoyage  and  the  mariners'  questions.  They  did  not 
appear  to  be  acquainted  with  the  new  buoy  adopted 
by  the  Trinity  House,  and  described  in  Captain 
Kyder's  MinutJ  as  Poulter's  buoy  ;  and  they  admitted 
that  from  description  it  must  be  preferable  to  the 
old-fashioned  buovs  now  used  at  Portsmouth. 

Dr.  Gladstone  "visited  the  lighthouse  at  Southsea 
and  made  the  following  report  : — 

No   l.-The  SOUTH  SEA  CASTLE  lighthouse 
shows  a  red  light  down  the  channel  by  which  I'orts- 
mouth  isentered.  and  a  green  light  over  the  Swash  way. 
It  belon'--'  to  the  Admiralty.     {See  return  furnished 
bii  the  Admiralty.)      Some    years    ago    it  was    con- 
fessedly   a   very    poor   light,  and  could   scarcely   be 
distinguished  from  the  ga^  lamps  at  Southsea  ;   so  it 
was  bri<rhtened,  and  the  present  dioptric  arrangement 
was  adopted.    The  lenses  and  prisms  are  good,  but  the 
green  "lass  is  verv  dull,  and  the  red  glass  streaky  lu 
the  mo'st  important  part.     As  the  light  is  wanted  lor 
only  a  quarter  of  the  circle  (or  less),  and  there  is  no 
reflector  behind  the  lamp,  by  far  the  greatest  portion 
of  the  li-rht  is  lost.     The  lamp  also  smokes  to  such  .an 
extent  that  the  keeper  thinks  it  necessary  to  wipe  the 
n-lass  of  the  lantern  several  times  every  night,      lill 
he  came  (two  years  ago),  there  was  no  means  of  clcaii- 
in<T  the  outside  panes,  although   tbe  spray  frequently 
dashes  a-ainst  them  ;  but  he  had  them   swung  on  a 
pivot  so  as  to  bring  the  outer  side  within  his  reach. 
Sperm  oil  is  burnt,  sometimes   so  thick  that  it  will 
scarcely  flow,  sometimes  as  thin  as  wine,  and  in  the 
winler'it  occasionally  freezes  in  the  pipe  of  the  lamp, 
so  that  the  keeper  is  obliged  to  poke  a  passage  with  a 
hot  wire.     He  believes  that  before  his   time  it  w.as 
sometimes    allowed  to   freeze   completely.     There  is 
but  one  kee-er,  who,  however,  is  sometimes  relieved 
in  his  duties  by  his  wife.     He  complains  that  during 
the  two  vears  he  has  been   in  the   lighthouse  he  has 
bad  but  one  oflicial  visit  from  any  superior.  . 

The  members  of  the  Commission  who  visited  the 
buoy    wharf  at   Portsmouth  Dockyard,    reported    as 

"  The''  buoys  are  made  of  fir,  and  the  very  evident 
line  of  flotation,  as  shown  by  the  barnacles,  appeared 
to  indicate  that  they  float  very  deep.  Wc  wtre  in- 
formed that  thev  not  unfrequeutly  leak.     Ihe* buoys 


were  all  conical,  and  fitted  to  float  apex  down.  Buoys 
thus  fitted  cannot  watch  as  well  as  those  of  the 
London  district,  which  float  base  down.  We  saw  an 
iron  Herbert  buoy  which  was  lying  unused  on  the 
wharf;  it  was  reported  to  us  as  having  watched  well 
at  the  Prince's  Shoal.  No  reason  for  bringing  it  in 
was  given. 

The  Commissioners  remarked  that  the  liglit_  a' 
South  Sea  was  dim  as  they  passed  in  the  "Vivid" 
on  leaving  Portsmouth  Harbour  soon  after  sunset. 

2.  THE  WARNER.— No.  26.  Vol.  II.  l-':2. 

The  Warner  light  was  just  lighted,  and  began  to 
revolve  soon  after  the  vessel  was  passed. 


3.    THE  NAB,  or  BEMBRIDGE— No.  27.         Vol.  11.  123. 

The  Commissioners  boarded  tlie  '•  Nab "'  lightvessel 
at  9  p.m.  and  remained  on  board  three  quarters  of  an 
hour.  They  were  informed  that  the  vessel  had  been 
adrift  three  times  during  the  last  20  years.  (The 
master  on  shore  was  afterwards  examined  at  Cowes, 
and  stated  that  a  gong  is  heard  best  to  leeward,  and 
a  bell  to  windward;  but  guns  are  best.  Cannot  hear 
a  gong  to  windward  in  a  fog  more  than  a  quarter  ot 
a  mile.  Has  been  three  times  adrift  in  44  years  ; 
but  chains  are  much  better  of  late  years.  Thinks  a 
fine  bow  would  be  preferable  to  bluft'  bow  for  riding 
in  a  heavy  sea.  An  old  lightvessel  with  a  fine  bow 
was  the  best  ho  ever  was  in.  He  has  known  light- 
vessels  to  roll  from  35=  to  40°  broadside  to  sea.  The 
Trinity  Board  gave  orders  for  the  measurement  to  be 
made,  but  did  not  supply  pendulums.)  The  crew 
had  just  been  relieved,  but  the  vessel  appeared 
to  be  in  excellent  order.  The  log  was  inspected,  and 
the  thunderstorm  of  S.aturday  and  the  weather  oi 
this  day  were  found  to  be  correctly  entered.  The 
a-'ent  of  the  Trinity  House  visits  the  vessel  once  a 
inouth.  The  gonu'  of  the  Warner,  distant  three  miles, 
has  been  heard  ;  \he  light  of  the  Owers,  distant  14 
miles,  has  been  seen  from  this  vessel.  The  reflectors 
were  in  very  good  order  generally,  but  some  were 
observed  to  be  worn  in  places  and  scratched  in  others. 
The  mate  in  cliarse  was  told  that  the  Commission 
were  pleased  with  the  condition  of  his  vessel. 

4.  THE  OWERS  LIGHTVESSEL.-No.  24.        Vol.  11.  121. 

Wis  si-rhted  at  an  estimated  distance  of  ten 
miles  the  night  being  fine,  but  not  peculiarly  clear. 
It  is  marked  in  the  list  of  lights  as  visible  at  that 
distance.  Boarded  the  vessel  ;  found  the  master  and 
the  watch  (two)  on  deck.  The  light  in  order.  Ihe 
ma-ter  stated  that  his  father  had  been  on  board  tins 


PERSONAL  OBSERVATIONS  MADE  BY  COMMISSIONERS. 


floating  light  for  58  years  ;  he  liimself  had  been  on 
board  tor  42,  during  ■\vhich  time  the  vessel  had  been 
adrift  only  once.  Seven  witnesses  of  the  first  500 
state  their  knowledge  of  the  fact  that  the  Owers  had 
been  adrift.  In  bad  weather  the  vessel  occasionally 
rides  so  heavily  that  the  master  "cannot  lie  on  the 
floor  of  his  cabin  without  holding  on  to  the  legs  of 
the  table."  He  has  sometimes  195  fathom  of  cable 
out.  He  considers  his  station  to  be  one  of  the  most 
exposed  ;  but  the  Seven  Stones  is  still  worse.  Re- 
flectors clean,  but  scratched  in  places. 

The  master  considers  that  a  vessel  built  in  the 
shape  of  a  square  box  with  fine  ends  would  ride 
easier  than  vessels  of  the  present  build,  which  slope 
outwards  amidships,  and  suffer  when  riding  across 
the  run  of  the  sea  in  the  tide. 

On  leaving  the  Owers  the  Vivid  stood  in  to  sight 
Littlehampton.  {See  /he  report  on  the  Fort  of 
Arundel.) 

The  course  was  then  shaped  to  sight 

5.  BEACHY  HEAD.— No.  33. 

Which  should  be  visible  at  22  miles,  (catoptric, 
revolving).  Sighted  it  at  25  miles,  not  far  from 
Shorcham.  The  Owers  light  and  the  town  lights  of 
Brighton  and  Shoreham  being  .'dl  visible  at  once. 
Tlie  day  beginning  to  dawn, 
f  On  the  25th  of  August,  at  about  5  p.m.  this  light- 
house was  visited  by  Dr.  Gladstone.  It  is  a  first- 
class  establishment,  in  excellent  order.  There  are 
30  reflectors,  old,  but  bright,  arranged  on  three  faces. 
They  revolve  once  in  six  minutes,  so  that  there  are 
intervals  of  two  minutes  between  the  flashes,  with 
14  seconds  of  darkness.  The  keeper  (who  has  been 
there  for  12  years,  and  was  born  in  the  service), 
complains  of  insufficient  ventilation,  though  there  is 
a  metal  chimney  over  each  lam]).  Fogs  are  very  com- 
mon. Stones  are  sometimes  blown  up  against  the 
lantern,  and  make  holes  in  the  plate  glass,  some  of 
which  were  pointed  out  by  the  keeper. 

Tiie  light  at  Shoreham  is  often  seen  distinctly, 
though  23  miles  distant,  fixed,  and  a  harbour  light 
under  a  local  authority  {see  report  on  Slioreham). 

The  light  at  Beachy  Head  i:5  seen  plainly  from 
AYorthing,  27  miles  distant,  wlien  the  weather  is 
clear  and  the  cliff  not  enveloped  in  clouds,  but  this 
seems  the  exception  rather  than  the  rule.  AVhcn 
very  clear,  the  light  at  its  maximum  about  equals 
that  of  a  second  magnitude  star,  but  looks  red  in 
comparison  with  any  of  the  fixed  stars.  It  is  visible 
for  only  about  20  seconds  ;  yet,  through  the  telescope 
of  the  refraction  goniometer  a  feebler  light  could  bo 
discovered  during  the  greater  part  of  the  revolution, 
perhaps  H  min.  Red,  orange,  yellov,%  and  green  rays 
are  alone  transmitted,  the  blue  and  violet  being  wholly 
absoi'bed  by  the  intervening  atmosphere.  The  ex- 
treme red  ray  also  could  not  be  detected,  so  that  no 
light  whatever  was  seen  through  Cobalt  glass.  The 
green  rays  were  very  dull  ;  and  evidently  the  portion 
of  the  spectrum  transmitted  most  easily,  or  in  greatest 
quantity  was  the  orange — in  all  probability  the  part 
between  Fraunhofer's  lines  C  and  D.  Similar  ex[)eri- 
ments  were  performed  on  the  Beachy  Head  light,  as 
seen  from  Shoreham,  with  similar  results.  The  atmo- 
sphere exerted  a  simihir  absorbent  power  on  the  more 
refrangible  rays  of  the  light  coming  from  the  gas 
lamps  of  Brighton,  as  seen  from  Shoreham,  five  or  six 
miles  distant. 

From  these  experiments  the  following  conclusions 
may  bo  drawn  : — 

1 .  A  blue  light  will  not  be  seen  far. 

2.  A  green  light  will  be  seen  farther,  but  not  so 
far  as  an  orange  or  red  liglit. 

3.  An  orange  light  seen  through  a  considerable 
amount  of  atmosphere  will  have  the  same  appearance 
as  a  white  light  then  assumes. 

4.  A  red  light  will  be  seen  nearly  as  far  as  a  white 
light,  but  only  provided  the  glass  does  not  absorb 
too  much  of  the  orange  rays. 

Of  9  foreign  lights  compared  with  Beachy  Head,  4 
are  said  to  bo  better,  5  worse. 

I.  B 


Mariner's  Evidence,  No.  7. 
Comparison  of  Bkacuv  Hkad  with  Nine  Fokeign  Lights. 


^• 

.1 

Gallic. 

Xaluro. 

"E 

3 

.1 

rt  m 

1 

s 

-I 

^ 

S  ? 

1 

Pra.nce. 

* 

o 

^ 

O 

1.  Grisiiez 

D.  1st.,  fixed 

191, 

22 

35 

103 

5 

3 

2 

2.  Ailly        -       - 

D.  1st.,  rev. 

305 

27 

1 

1 

1 

_ 

3.  Fecamp 

D.  1st.,  fixed 

428 

IS 



1 

— 

1 

__ 

•J.  Le  Hcve 

D.  1st.,  fixed 

397 

20 



7 

1 

1 

_ 

5.  Barneur 

D.  1st.,  rev.. 

238 

22 



12 



1 

1 

6.  La  Hague 

D.  1st.,  li.\ed 

157 

18 

— 

3 

— 

1 

= 

X 

Russia,  o 

7.  Dagerort 

:-  I'ixcd       - 

32S 

22 

35 

1 

— 

1 

=• 

\ 

Ameeica.O 

S.  St.  Paul's.Gulf 

?       . 

140 

20 

30 

2 

1 

_ 

of  St.  Lawrence. 

9.  MoTite  Video  - 

? 

488 

25 

— 

1 

— 

1 

= 

1 

Bcacliy  Head     - 

C,  1st,  rev. - 

185 

22 

32 

51 

10 

8 

~ 

~ 

Total       -     - 

18 

Cruize  of  the 
Vivid. 

Comparison 
ifith  foreiyn 
liylUs. 


Of  18  comparisons,  10  are  for  Beachy  Head,  8 
against. 

The  result  is  therefore  favourable  to  the  British 
light,  though  it  is  catoptric,  and  compared  with  the 
best  dioptric  lights  in  France. 

At  about  2  a.m.,  July  5tli,  the  '"  Vivid  "  altered 
course  for  the  Isle  of  Wight  ;  weather  fine,  calm, 
and  clear.  Of  the  seven  lights  seen  two  only  were 
dim,  viz.,  Southsea  and  Littlehampton,  neither  of 
which  are  under  the  Trinity  House.  The  other  four 
appeared  to  be  efficient  and  fully  equal  to  the  account 
given  of  them  in  the  list  of  lights.  It  was  remarked, 
however,  that  in  certain  positions  the  two  lights  of 
the  Nab  might  appear  as  one,  and  occasion  mistakes. 

Wednesday  July  6th. — At  an  early  hour  the 
"  Vivid,"  was  oli'  Cowes.  Captain  Ryder  anil  jMr. 
Graves  landed  and  questioned  several  persons. 

Mr.  Spain,  Commander  of  Pilots,  can  make  no  Oral  evidence, 
suggestion  as  to  im]iroving  buoys  or  lights  ;  would 
have  an  inditic'rent  opinion  of  any  pilot  who  found 
any  fault,  " everythiiirj  under  nianageinent  of  Triniti/ 
heing  so  perfect."  Pilots  pay  '2.1.  2s.  every  year  to 
Trinity  Board  for  licence,  and  are,  therefore,  quite 
in  power  of  Trinity  Board,  who  can  remove  license 
without  a])peal. 

Mr.  Willis,  Trinity  Agent,  over  Cowes  Beachy  Head 
to  Portland.  Has  7  buoys  and  4  lights  floating,  and 
several  ligiithouses  and  a  cutter  tender.  Reward 
to  independent  parties  for  bringing  in  a  drifted  buoy, 
2/.  2s.  Masters  of  light  vessels  have  \s.  6d.  a  day  to 
find  men  in  provisions ;  no  complaint  was  heard. 
Superannuation  of  masters  when  worn  out,  55/.  a  year. 
Active  pay  51.  a  montli  :  20/.  in  house  rent  and 
Is.  6d.  a  da}'  for  provisions,  not  more  than  sufficient 
to  pay  fcr  the  requisite  provisions. 

The    Commission   proceeded   to   Southampton  (see  Vol.  H.  35P, 
report  on  that  place),  and,  after  coaling,  steamed  to 
Bournmouth,  anchored,    and  observed  the  lights    on 
the    Needles    and    in    Poole    Harbour    (see   separate 
report  on  Poole). 


G.  NEEDLES.— No.  35. 

This  light  was  visited  by  the  Secretary  on  tho 
25  th  of  August.  It  is  of  grey  granite,  almost  of  the 
same  colour  as  the  chalk  rock.  It  is  built  on  the 
outermost  Needle  rock,  which  has  been  cut  away  so 
as  to  make  a  foundation  and  a  platform  ;  cellars  and 
storehouses  are  also  cut  out  of  the  rock.  The  keeper 
states,  that  the  waves  seldom  break  high  about  the 
tower,  and  there  arc  few  days  on  wiiich  a  boat  can- 
not approach  the  landing-place.  The  illuminating 
appp.ratus  is  dioptric,  and  the  light  red.  The  colour 
is  produced  by  surrounding  the  lamp  with  a  screen 
of  red  glass,  and  by  placing  red  shades  outside  the 
lens.  In  parts  a  cylindrical  reflector  is  placed  on 
the  landward  side,  and  there  are  clear  portions  to 
show  a  white  light. 

The  light  has  to  traverse,  1st,  the  glass  chimney  ; 
2nd,  the  red  glass  screen  ;  3rd,  the  lens  ;  4th,  a  red 
shade  ;  5th,  the  glass  of  the  lantern.  The  light  is 
Slid  not  to  bo  very  briaht. 


Vol.  ir.  8a 


10 


APPENDIX   TO    REPORT   ON   LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND   BEACONS  : 


The  establishment  was  in  very  good  order,  clean, 
and  neat.  There  are  three  keepers,  as  at  other  rock 
stations  ;  two  live  at  Ryde,  when  on  leave,  the  third 
at  Freshwater. 

Portions  of  the  granite  of  this  building  can  be 
rubbed  off  with  the  fingers,  even  more  than  was 
found  to  be  the  ease  at  the  lighthouse  on  the  Skerry 
^Ihore.  The  colour  of  the  stone  of  this  ouilding  is 
that  selected  by  duck  shootei's  for  their  punts.  It  is 
a  li^ht  grey,  and  it  cannot  easily  be  seen,  for  its 
colour  blends  with  that  of  the  sea  and  of  the  light 
grey  chalk  rocks  against  whicli  it  is  seen  from  the 
sea.  A  set  of  observations  were  therefore  made  from 
Black  Gang  Chine  to  test  the  effect  •of  various  states 
of  the  atmosphere  in  this  particular  colour  as  con- 
trasted with  others  near  it,  including  the  chalk  cliffs, 
a  patch  of  grass  almost  yellow,  but  the  darkest  object 
near.  Is  it  on  the  cliff  near  the  old  lighthouse,  and  of 
about  the  same  size  as  the  Outt'-  Needle  rock. 

The  rock  on  which  the  lighthouse  stands,  and  the 
lighthouse  itself,  were  observed  at  9  a.m.  every  morn- 
ing for  a  period  of  65  days,  and  the  most  distant 
points  visible  along  the  coast  were  noted  at  the  same 
time,  as  well  as  the  general  state  of  the  light  and 
atmosphere.  In  the  morning  the  sun  is  behind  an 
observer  at  Black  Gang  Chine,  who  is  looking  towards 
the  lighthouse  at  the  Needles,  and  consequently  the 
building  and  cliffs  there  receive  nearly  the  max- 
imum of  light,  while  the  sea  reflects  the  minimum. 
Still,  even  under  the^e  the  most  favourable  condi- 
tions, there  were  19  days  on  which  the  lighthouse 
was  invisible  at  14  miles,  though  the  rocks  on  which 
it  stands  aud  more  distant  points  were  seen.  The 
green  patch  beside  the  rocks,  and  of  the  same  appa- 
rent size  .as  the  smallest  of  them,  was  seen  twice 
when  both  rocks  and  lighthouse  were  invisible. 
On  both  occasions  the  weather  wa?  sunnv  and  haz}', 
and  Bournmouth,  about  10  miles  beyond  the  lighthouse, 
and  the  green  patch  close  to  it,  were  sometimes 
seen,  though  the  building  and  the  rocks  lower  down 
were  both  invioible.  On  710  occasion  was  the  light- 
coloured  building  seen  and  the  darker  grass  patch 
invisible  ;  but  on  seven  bright  hazy  days  the  light- 
coloured  rocks  were  seen  through  the  haze  when  the 
grass  could  not  be  made  out.  On  one  occasion  Port- 
land Bill,  distant  45  miles,  was  seen,  and  the  lif;ht- 
house  and  the  grass  patch,  at  14  miles,  were  both 
invisible,  while  the  rocks  could  be  distinguished. 
That  d.ay  is  marked  sunny  and  clear,  and  the  chalk 
rocks  shining  in  the  sun  probably  showed  through  a 
partial  land  fog.  On  the  whah;  the  result  of  the 
observations  goes  to  .show  that  lighthouses,  if  they 
are  intended  to  be  seen  during  the  day,  should  be 
coloured  with  reference  to  the  back  ground,  and  that 
those  buildings  which  are  projected  against  the  sea 
or  sky,  or  against  white  rocks,  should  be  coloured 
Dakk.     {See  Table  next  column.') 


The  observations  do  but  confirm  the  positive  testi- 
mony of  657  mariners  who,  in  reply  to  Question  1", 
name  the  colour  which  they  see  best  on  the  water  at 
night.  Of  these,  502  name  Black  or  Dark,  29  Red, 
and  of  the  remaining  minority  of  82,  only  62  say 
White. 

August  1860. — Subsequent  observations  have  fully 
confirmed  these.  The  lighthouse  and  the  rock  en 
which  it  stands,  seen  against  the  sea,  are  often  in- 
visible when  the  land  at  Bournmouth  seen  over  the 
lighthouse  is  visible,  and  the  dark  patch  of  grass 
seen  against  the  sky  is  also  visible.  On  the  evening 
of  the  14th, — though  Portland,  distant  40  miles,  and 
ships  on  the  horizon  could  be  seen  with  the  naked 
eye,  and  Bournmouth  and  tho  Needles  Point  were 
both  free  from  haze, — the  rocis  and  the  lighthouse 
could  not  be  distinguished  from  the  background  of 
sea.  It  follows  that  the  colour  of  the  back  ground 
should  be  considered.  ( Observations  from  the  4th 
August  to  the  10th  0/  October  confirm  these.) 

Obsen'ations  taken  at  9  a.m.  on  65  days  from  Black  Gang 
Chine,  near  the  Preventive  Station.  The  Points  visible 
are  shown  by ;  Points  invisible  by  Blanks. 


Lighthouse,  Outer  Rock.Xeedlcs  Point,  Grass  Patch. Bourn- 
mouth, as  seen  Ihroucrh  teloscope. 


M 

«         ^ 

N                  0 

IS 

1 

1 
1 

s 

1 
1 

General  Condition 
of  the  Light 

5° 

§ 

< 

1 

1 

g 

5 

1 

and  .Vtmo^phere. 

11 

II 
11 

s 

;^   1  M 

0 

6 

pa 

l.") 





.Sunny    Hazy 

Ifi 



— 

— 

!  Sutiny    Hazy 

. . 



— 

17 



— 

— 

Grey    Clear 



IS 



Grey    Hazy 

li) 



— 

. — 

Sunny    Verj-  clear 





■ ' 

20 



- — 

Sunny    Hazy 



21 



— 

Grey    Hazy 

. . 

22 



— 

Sunny    Hazy 



2.% 



— 

Sunny    Hazy 



•2i 



— 

Sunny    Ha/.y 



2j 



— 

Grey    Clear 





— 

26 



Grey    Very  hazy 

27 



Sunny    Very  hazy 

28 



—    — 



Sunny    Clear 



— — 

— — 

29 



—   — 



Sunny    Clear 





— 

30 



- —   — 

Sunny    Clear 





SI 



—   — 

Sunny  Cie.ar  Blow- 

Sep. 

ing  hard 





1 



—   — 

Grey    Hazy 



- — _ 

2 



—   — 

Grey    Clear 





— 

3 



— 

Sunny    Hazy 

. 

_ 

4 



—   — 

Grey     Clear     Hazy 
in  the  distance 







5 



— 

Sunny    Hazy 



Grey    Hazy 

7 



—   

Sunny    Clear 





— 

8 



—   — 

Grey    Clear 

— 

— 

— 

9 



3  ^°u^" 

} 

Grey    Clear 

10 



Sunny    Foggy 

— 

— 

11 

. 

—    — 

Sunny    Clear 





— 

12 



— 

— 

Sunny    Clear 





— 

13 



— 

— 

Siuniy    Clear 





— 

14 



— 

— 

Sunny    Clear 





— 

15 



— - 

— 

— 

Sunny    Clear 



1« 



— 

Sunny    Hazy 





— 

17 

. 

— 

Sunny    Hazy 





18 



— 

— 

i  Suimy    Clear 

'  :   

19 

. 

— 

;  Sunny    Ealherhaz?' 

_     

— 

( 

Cliff 

") 

20 

-] 

Bourn 

Sunny    Rather  hazy 

21 

Cliff  1  \ 

Grey    Bainy 

22 

Grey    Eainy 

2.'5 

Thick 

24 

— 



Sunny    Clear 





20 

— 



Grey    Foggy 

28 

—  i 

Clifl-   ) 

Grey    Fogg}- 

27 
2< 

—  1' — 

Sunny    Hazy 

— 

—  — 

zz 

1 

Sunny    Hazy 



t  — 

30 

liaiii    Tl.iek 

1 

(Jet 

t 



i  n:nn  an,I  fog 

i 

2 

— 

— 

j  Grey    Clear 

. — _  1  

.1 



—  1  - — 

1  Sunny    Hazy 

.  [   

4 

5 



—  i  — 

Sunnv    Pazv 
Suiuiv     Hazy 
Suiiin     Wry  hazy 

1 

7 



<;ri\     A'crv^iazv' 

1                       Miiiny    Clear 

9 



Miniiy    Uazy 





10 



,  Grey    Clear 





11 



Cliff            1            ToKgy 

1 

12 



1           I           1  r.rey    Hr.7.y 

l.-i 



1           ,           1  Sunny    Cleari&h 

'  

14 



cmr            1           1  Urey    Ha?.y 

1 

15 



'             Grey    rociry 

Hi 

- — 



Greyish    Clear 



17 

..  ■ 



1  Sunny    Olep.r 



— 

IS 

- — 



Grey    Cleavish 



63 

61 

52 

29 

43    1    46        27 

PERSONAL  OBSERVATIOKS  MA 

ii'sj  of  the  Atmosphere  nt  9  A 
I860.— AUL'UH. 

.M.      1 

9  A.M. 

Visibility 

1 

I  1^  "djirk,""  lieht,"  Ac,  nnlerthe 
i,  .       .  ■•  I'ortUn.i/Vtc-nlinateth'itthe    1 

til"  a  grey               l 
Lighthouse  Color- 

|i 

i.   ;    ■    ,  c»  tuM  d-rkor  lii;ht  aijaiadt 

tue 

een  against 

g 

l>.ick  LTP-unj. 

General  Coadition  of  the 

the  sea. 

o 

7 

s 

1 

^  II.  Bi 

1     ^          « 

i 

1 

^ 

Light  and  Atmosphere 

•A 

32   !.=  »    ;||| 

a  '  1    i 

■?  !  t      a 

T 
s 

a 

1 

a 

1 
S 

a 

at  »  A.M. 

1 

11  :N  \'3\ 

"   i  i   i 

1 
1 

< 

i 
3 

1?   It 'is  i|s| 

fi 

'A 

s 

s 

U   |5  Is  l!|lS 

^  1 





o 

Clear          -       -       _       - 





llaza           -        .       -       - 

5 ! — 



— — 

0 

Clear  -       -       -       -       - 
Clear   -           -         -           - 

Fog  - 



2 



R '  i!ni 



o 

o 

o         o 

Clear    -        -          -          - 

Very  clear  -       -       -       - 

11 1  — 

Haze 

Ha'e,  pun  shining 

I'i  1  -•- 



— 





0 

Clear  grey,  showery 

dark 

dark 

o 

iebt 

11  i.litik 

dark 

dark 

dark 

dark 

dark 

Clear  air,  mist  on  the  hills, 
sun  shining  on  the  Needles. 

dark 

white 

yhite 

dark 

Ij  |-'  .I.ii-k 
< 

dark 

dark 

dark 

dark 

dark 

Clear  air.  cloudy,  yellowish 
gre.7^    clonds     thin,    sun 
shining. 

dark 

light 

° 

dark 
grey. 

.■Cntl:     o 

0 

o 

0 

0 

0 

Very  thick  mist,  raining, 

o 

o 

0 

o 

grey. 

In  '  .l.irS 

dark 

dark 

white 

white 

Haze       -         -       -      - 

dark 

white 

light 

17     .l.irk 

.lark 

dark 

white 

white 

o 

Clear,  sun  shining  - 
Mi.t,  raining  hard  - 

dark 

white 

white 

light 

IS 

dar>    dark 

0 

13    il.irk  1  dark 

white!      o 

o 

Mist,  grey          -       -       - 

dark 

light 

o 

JO 

dark    dark 

lightwhite 

o 

Grey,  raining,  sim  shining 
on  the  Needles. 

dark 

white 

o      light 

1 

1 

51 

lisht  !  light 

light        O 

0 

Clear,  sun  staining 

dark 

white 

wbitci  light 

22     

Very  thick  mist,  raining    - 

21     

i?rey    grey 

white  light 

Very  clear,  s  n  shining     - 

dark 

white 

whitei  light 

21     

Mist,  wind  and  rain 

o    1     o 

!o 

0         o 

0      1       0 

0 

Thick  mist,  raining  hard   - 

0 

o 

o 

2:i 

dark    dark 

li=ht     light 

Very  clear,  sun  shining 

dark 

white 

white 

light 

S7        

dark    dark 

lulit      livht 

o 

Clear             -            -           - 

dark 

white 

light 

23      

dark    .l:irk 

l,,.',t     li-ht 

Verv  clear 

dark 

white 

light 

20 

dark     Hark 

light     light 

o 

Haze          -            -            - 

white 

SO 

linht     lii;ht 

light        0 

H  UL-,  sun  shining      - 

white 

»1     

lisht    liglit 

lighl|  light 

0 

Clear            -           -          _ 

dark 

white 

light 

■S-'pt. 

lislit    licht 

Ught    light 

0 

Very  clear,  sun  shining     - 

dark 

white 

white 

Ught 

li^ht    liLlht 

light        0 

Haze     -          -       -          - 

dark 

white 

•^ 

liglit    light 

light        a 

0 

Hate    -        -           -          - 

dark 

white 

white 

o 

^    

o 

o         o 

0 

Ilaxe         -            -              _ 

0 

0 

0    ; 

Haze,  sun  shining  - 

f.        — 

0 

O           0 

o 

Grey,  mtsty         -        -        - 

0 

o 

p 

o 

Grey,  mUty 

f   

Thick  mist       -         -       - 

O      '       0 

Fug  and  rain     -       -       - 

'  ill  in; 

dark  1  dark 

white,      o 

0 

Grey  haze       -         -         - 

dark 

light 

o 

o 

11  — 

dark    dark 

white    licht 

o 

Clear,  sun  shining 

dark 

white 

whit- 

light 

dark    dark 

white  1  hght 

Very  clear,  sunny 

dark 

white 

white 

light 

1:1 

ligM  lisht 

ivhite   light 

Very  clear,  sun  shining  - 

dark 

white 

white 

liglit 

U  ' 

dark    li?ht 

white  light 

o 

Clear,  sunny 

dark 

white 

■vhite 

light 

li 

dark  [  dark 

light    light 

0 

Clear,  sun  shining  on  the 

Keedles. 
Grey           -            -           - 

dark 

white 

ft  hite 

light 

J,;      

light  !  dark 

light    Ught 

0 

dark 

white 

0 

light 

ir    

dark 

dark 

Misty        -       -       -       - 

IK    

dark 

o 

o    1      0 

0 

Misty           -           -          - 

0 

o 

o 

o 

Mist  (thick),  raining 

21    

lig  t 

light 

light 

Very  clear,  sun  shining    - 

21     

light 

light 

light'   light 

o 

Clear,  sun  shining            - 

dark 

white 

white 

light 

22     

Thick  mist 

a: 

dark 

dark 

white  Iwbite 

Very  clear       -          -       - 

dark 

white 

2;         - 

dark 

dark 

light  I      0 

o 

Hazy           -            -           - 

dark 

light 

o 

o 

Mist        -       -       - 

dark 

i;: 

i;ght 

light 

while   light 

o 

Very  clear,  sun  shining     - 

dark 

white 

white 

Ught 

Ji,;lit 

dark 

light    light 

I« 

Cle*r,  sunny 

dark  white 

white 

light 

2.    

Hark 

dark 

Misty            -            -           - 

;:2ht 

liaht 

Grey 

dark        o 

51    ^^^ 

Ocr. 

.    1 

.ijbt    light 

o 

o 

Suu  shining,  haze 

o 

o 

IL'ht 

dark 

white,'      o 

0 

Grey            -          .          . 

dark  white 

u 

o 

li,-ht 

liglit 

light    light 

0 

Clpar,  sunny       -       -     _ 

dark  'iwbit.3 

white 

light 

dark 

dark 

Mi-t           -           -            . 

4 

li-'ht 

light 

winle  light 

Haze        -             -               - 

I  dark 

white 

whit 

S    

.i;irk   1  dark 

while       0 

1      o 

Haze        -        -         _         - 

dark 

white 

1  Ught 

li_-ht    liBht 

whitei      o 

Clar,  sun  shining  - 

dark 

white 

;  wbit 

-     

d.irk    dark 

white    light 

o 

Very  clear        -           -        - 

!  dark 

white 

li;.°ht 

li-ht    light 

whilel  light 

,  Clear            -             -           - 

jwhitc' — ^ — 

ii  lisht  ,  .iiht 

.white   light 

o 

Very  clear,  sun  sliining    - 

1 

white 

white  light 

10    "i;»rk    dark 

light        o 

o 

Grey          -            -            _ 

{  dark 

white 

_^L^ 

IV! 

05         68 

51         87 

3 

1 

1    50 

49 

25     1     so 

Wih.     Portland  seen  in  th 
:>.    Tae  -ark  line  of  tbe  i 


eLishtUiuye  wa.-;  invisitile  and 
eveuiu?.  and  the  Liglithouse  telii 
I  weed  at  hiyh  water  mark  elearl. 


dinelj-  clear  ;    ships  £ 


Vol.  II.  84. 


Vol.  I: 
Vol.  i 

Co!r.<,r   r. 
luiLii;    . 


n 


The  following  is  taken  from  the  Mariners'  Evidence,       Cruhe  of  tlic 
Qutistion  7.  Vivid. 


July  7th,  Thursday. — Steamed  past  Weymouth  and 
Portland, passed  and  signalled  the  fleet  cruizing;  passed 


7.  THE  START.— No.  44. 

The  Commissioners  remarked  that  a  dark  stripe  on 
the  lighthouse,  when  seen  against  the  sky,  might  make 
it  more  easily  distinguished  and  more  visible. 

Of  13  lights  oompared  with  the  Start,  8  are  said 
to  be  better,  5  worse. 

Of  17  comparisons,  7  are  for  the  Start,  10  against. 

The  result  is  therefore  unfavourable  to  the  British 
light  oa  the  whole,  though  it  is  said  to  be  better  than 
Grisnez,  which  is  the  favourite  French  light  amongst 
mariners.  (^For  further  observations  on  the  Start  and 
Grisnez,  see  p.  46,  49,  51,) 


CoMPABisoN  of  the  Start  with  Foreion  Lights. 


Name. 

Nature. 

i 

1 

1 
55 

a 
1 

o 

i 

■i" 

* 

n 

* 

n 

1.  Grisnez 

D.  1st.,  fixed 

19-1 

22 

3.-1 

108 

3 

2.  Le  Heve 

U.  1st.,  fixed 

397 

20 

7 

3.  Barfleur 

U.  1st.,  rev. - 

236 

22 



— 

4.  La  Hajnie      - 

D.  1st.,  fixed 

157 

18 



3 



_ 

1 

8.  Cape  St.  Vin- 

C. 1st.,  rev.  - 

221 

.30 



13 



_ 

cent. 

6.  Gf  uoa 

?  Rev. 

37tl 

24 



8 

_ 

_ 

1 

7.  Berlingas 

C.  1st.,  rev. - 

36.5 



2 

1 

1 

8.  PorqueroUes 

D.  1st.,  flash 

262 

20 

_ 

1 

1 

9.  Moro,  Havana 

— 

— 



S 



_ 

?, 

111.  Roea  Lisbon 

C.  Sd.,  rev.  - 

598 

30 

— . 

(?) 

1 

1 

11.  Bayona 

D.  2d.,  rev.  - 

6113 

20 

30 

3 

1 

1 

12.  Gibraltar      - 

D.  1st.,  fixed 

150 

15 

1 

1 

1 

13.  Alexandria    - 

?  Fixed       - 

180 

20 

— 

1 

1 

= 

1 

— 

Start* 

D.  1st.,  flash 

20i 

19 

18 

47 

7 

10 

- 

~ 

Total    -       - 

17 

S 

Comparistin 
with  fui  fiyn 
liylds. 


Landed  at  the 


8.  EDDrSTOXE_No.48. 


Vol.  II.  88. 


at  low  water,  and  inspected  the  establishment,  which 
appeared  to  be  in  excellent  order.  The  keeper  stated 
that  the  lighthouse  was  painted  once  in  three  or  four 
years.  It  appeared  to  the  Commissioners  that  this 
should  be  done  more  frequentl}',  as  the  paint  to  sea- 
ward was  damaged  though  laid  on  this  year  ;  it  was 
stated  that  in  heavy  weather  the  seas  run  up  the  side 
of  the  house,  and  break  right  over  the  top  "  in  tons ;" 
on  these  occasions  they  are  obliged  to  put  in  dead 
lights.  The  house  is  coloured  red  and  white  in  Colour  oj 
horizontal  bands,  instead  of  white  as  formerly.  The  f"'ild'«9- 
change  has  been  remarked  with  approval  by  several 
witnesses  ;  see  evidence. 

It  appeared  to  the  Commissioners  that  some  kind 
of  fog  signal  should  be  used  ;  that  the  keepers 
should  have  some  means  of  signalling  ;  and  that  they 
should  have  some  kind  of  boat,  however  small,  such 
as  an  Indian  rubber  boat,  which  could  be  folded  up 
and  kept  inside  in  case  of  such  an  accident  as  a  man 
falling  off  the  rocks  in  fine  weather.  The  ventilation 
appeared  defective,  as  the  lantern  was  very  hot  and 
close.  It  was  stated  that  the  Elder  Drethren  of  the  See  page  1-'. 
Trinity  House  had  not  been  able  to  land  for  3  years. 
The  light  was  .subsequently  observed  at  11.30  when 
steaming  westward  from  Plymouth,  it  was  tested 
through  the  dark  prism  at  a  distance  of  13  miles, 
and  showed  "41  ;  in  another  observation  made  ^"^^'""'y  "' 
by  Dr.  Gladstone  it  showed  '  55.  It  appeared  to  be  •'  " 
nearly  equal  in  brilliancy  to  the  brightest  star  in  the 
Great  Bear  ;  the  sea  horizon  is  calculated  at  9  miles  ; 
the  light  was  clearly  seen  as  soon  as  the  vessel  was 
clear  of  the  point  outside  Plymouth  at  ^  past  9,  and 
it  was  still  visible  at  about  ^  past  11,  when  its  dis- 
tance was  estimated  at  upwards  of  13  miles,  about 
which  time  the  observations  were  made  with  the 
dark  prism. 

Cn  leaving  the  Eddystone,  steamed  in  to  Hamoaze, 
and  while  the  vessel  was  coaling  the  Commissiorers 
landed.  Two  and  the  Secretary  went  in  search  of 
Captain  Detcham,  the  Trinity  House  Agent ;  they 
were  informed  at  his  house  that  he  had  gone  to  the 
Eddystone. 

The  Commissioners  remarked  that  the  buoys  in 
Plymouth  Harbour  were  much  in  want  of  paint,  that 
they  were  moored  by  the  small  end  when  conical, 
that  they  were  not  arranged  on  any  system  of  shape 
or  colour. 

Ob.served  the  lishts  at  the  end  of 


9.  PLYiMOUTH  BREAKWATER.— Xo.  47. 

The  red  light,  which  appears  from  the  list  of  light- 
houses to  be  of  the  same  size  and  kind  as  the  Eddy- 
B  2 


Vol.  II.  88. 


12 


APPENDIX   TO    UEPr.RT    OX    MflHTS.  BrOYS.  AND   P.EAfOXS  : 


Cruize  of  the    stone,  appeared  to  be  very  feeble.     At  a  distance  of 
ViviJ.  2  miles  and  seen  at  shorter   distance  it  was    faint, 

' tbougli  it  is  intended  to  be  seen  at  9  miles. 

The  low  light,  catoptric,  white,  was  very  brilliant 
while  the  A'ivid  was  within  its  horizontal  range. 
The  two  lights  showed  almost  as  one  at  about  two 
miles,  though  15  feet  apart. 

With  the  glass  the  2  Plymouth  lights  could  be 
distinguished  easily  at  that  distance. 

Friday,  July  8th. — Anchored  at  Falmouth  at  1-30 
a.m.  for  fniir  hours.     The  revolving  light  at 


10.  ST.  A^•TI10NY.  FALMOUTH, -No.  49. 

showiu"  very  well.  It  was  thought  that  a  black 
panel  on  the  inner  side  of  the  lighthouse,  where  it 
is  .«eeu  against  the  skv,  might  be  an  improvement. 
At  5.30  a.m.  steamed"  westwards.  Observed  the 
beacon  on  the  Manacles,  at  the  entrance  to  the  har- 
bour ;  it  is  painted  black,  is  h)fty,  and  was  very 
clearly  seen. 

Passed  the  Lizard.  It  was  thought  worth  con- 
sideration whether  dark  marks  on  these  lighthouses 
would  not  make  them  more  visible,  as  the  structure 
is  always  seen  against  the  sky.  The  day  was  bright 
and  clear,  and  ithe  white  buildings  were  seen  at  a 
great  distance,  but  it  has  been  observed  that  white 
seen  against  the  sea  or  sky  is  not  so  well  seen  in  dull 
weather  as  darker  colours.  The  following  table 
shows  the  result  of  the  comparison  of  this  light  with 
lights  out  of  the  United  Kingdom.  There  is  a  majo- 
rity of  1  in  its  favour  in  23  comparisons  with  im- 
portant lights.  It  is  said  to  be  better  than  nine  of 
these,  inferior  to  live  ;  there  is,  therefore,  a  majority 
of  four  in  favour  of  the  Lizard  in  a  comparison  with 
fourteen  lights. 


2 

, 

^ 

g 

^ 

Xamo. 

Xatlire. 

2 

> 

!r 

a 

g. 

■g 

'5 

s 

_o 

% 

c 

■? 

X 

g 

S 

>r, 

^ 

^ 

t 

* 

O 

* 

0 

Bunkerque    -     D.  1st.,  rev. 
Grisnez-       •  '  D.  l-t.,nash 

101 
19* 

24 
22 

10 
33 

2 
108 

1 
1 

2 

1 

2 

~4 

1 

3 

■Ushant  -       -  1  D.  1st.,  Hash 
Cordouan       -  ;  D.  Isi.,  rev. 
Berliiwas       -  '  C.  1st.,  rev. 

272 
207 
365 

18 
27 

30 

7 
5 
2 
13 

3 
^ 

1 

1 

Cape  St.  Yin-  ,  C.  1st.,  rev. 

221 

30 

~ 

Gibraltar       -     D.  1st.,  fixed 

130 

1.5 

— 

1 

1 

1 
I 

1 

— 

Ccuta    -         -     D.  1st.,  fi.\e(l 

483 

2:i 

2S 

S 

1 
1 
3 

Camarat        •  |  D.  1st, rev. - 
Genoa    -        -  i 
Gozo       -       -  '     rev. 

■XiS 
.370 

21 

z 

1 

1 

1 
1 

Alexandria    •  i  ?  fixeil 

ISO 

20 

- 

3 

1 

St.P.aul's.Gulf,-) 

1 

1 

of  St.  Law-  1  >       — 
renee.             J 

— 



_ 

1 

± 

Havanna        -  ;           — 

~ 

ZL 

~ 

Lizard*        -  ,  C.  fixed 

232 

20 

so 

76 

12 

11 

i 

~ 

amined,  and  found  to  bt?  clear.  The  keeper  stated 
that  it  was  good,  and  a  boatman,  who  was  engaged 
to  show  the  best  landing-place,  said  that  the  light  was 
"  beautiful."  There  are  three  keepers  always  in  the 
house.  The  head  keeper  had  previously  lived  at  the 
Eddystone,  and  preferred  that  station,  though  he 
considers  the  sea  to  be  as  bad  there  as  at  the  Long- 
ships.  In  heavy  weather  he  states  that  waves  break 
about  the  lantern  79  feet  above  high-water  mark. 
On  one  occasion  the  sea  lifted  the  cowl  off  the  top 
so  as  to  admit  a  grrat  deal  of  water.  Several  lamps 
were  extinguished,  and  all  the  men  were  eu.'ployed 
in  baling  out  water  till  the  tide  fell. 

There  is  a  cavern  under  the  house  at  the  end  of  a  /.■, 
long  split  in  the  rock,  and  when  there  is  a  heavv  sea 
the°noise  produced  by  the  e.-^cape  of  pent-up  air  from 
the  cavern  is  so  great  that  the  men  can  hardly  sleep. 
It  was  stated  that  one  man  w-as  so  terrified  that  his 
hair  turned  white. 

When  such  sounds  are  naturally  produced  by  the 
action  of  the  waves  it  seems  possible  to  use  the  same 
power  in  the  same  manner  as  a  fog  signal. 

Near  the  Lizard,  in  a  small  island,  is  a  cave  which 
at  certain  states  of  tide  is  filled  by  the  waves. 
At  the  extreme  end  of  the  cavern  is  a  hole  about  a 
foot  in  diameter,  which  opens  towards  the  land.  The 
rush  of  air  through  the  opening,  as  each  wave  ad- 
vances from  the  mouth  of  the  cave,  is  such  as  to 
produce  extremely  loud  sounds,  which  are  heard  at 
o-reat  distances.  "Similar  roaring  caverns  are  to  be 
found  on  the  west  coasts  of  Scotland,  and  it  seems 
easy  to  imitate  this  principle  on  a  smaller  scale. 
Though  the  weather  was  remarkably  tine,  and  the 
sea  so'^calm  that  shoals  of  grey  mullet  were  resting  in 
the  lee  of  the  rock,  there  was  still  a  sufficient  move- 
ment in  the  waves  to  produce  a  very  consideiable 
hydraulic  power,  and  the  sea  is  very  seldom  without 
a  ground  swell.— See  Stevenson's  report  on  the  build- 
ing of  the  Skerry  Mhorc  lighthouse  ibr  observations 
taken  to  estimate  the  force  of  the  Atlantic  waves,  and 
the  sounds  produced  by  them  in  a  small  cavern  in 
the  rock  under  that  lighthouse. 

The  Commissioners  having  inspeclc<l  the  log, 
which  was  properly  kept,  re-embarked,  and  steamed 
west  for  Scillv.  Observed  tlie  beacon  on  the  Wolf 
Rook  to  the  eastwards,  lofty,  colored  red,  and  easily 
seen. 

Took  a  pilot  on  board  oft'  Scillv,  and  steamed  to 


Vul.   Il.;i5(i. 
Monster  Bu',ii. 


Vul.  II.  90. 


Steamed  into  Mourns  P.ay,  and  landed  Dr.  Glad- 
stone, whose  report  on 

11.  PENZANCK 

will  be  found  under  that  head.  I'asscd  the  monster 
buoy  on  the  Runnel  Stone  ;  it  was  lofty  and  black, 
and"  easily  seen.  It  is  a  cone  moored  by  the  base. 
The  buov  leaned  frnm  the  tide.  This  is  contrary  to 
Mr.  Poii"lter's  statement,  that  buoys  so  moored  lean 
towards  the  tide.     Landc-d  without  difficulty  at 

12.  TIIELONGSIIIP.S.— No.  52. 

The  sea  was  calm.  The  hou.se  is  built  on  the  top 
o;  a  conical  rook  opposite  to  the  Land's  End.  The 
light  is  catoptric,  20  reflectors.  These  were  bright 
and  well  polished,  generally  in  better  condition  than 
those  in  the  lightvcssels.  This  agrees  with  the 
statement  of  iMr.  Wilkins,  the  manufacturer,  who 
said  that  reflectors  in  lightships  wear  out  much 
sooner  than  those  on  shore.  The  house  was  being 
painled.   but  v/as  in   good  order.     The   oil   was  cx- 


13.   THE  SCTLLY  BISHOPS.— No.  54. 


Vol.  II. 


Landed  on  the  rock  without  difficulty,  and  in- 
spected the  lighthouse.  It  is  built  on  a  rock,  which 
ija  little  higher  and  longer  than  the  ICddystone.  The 
building  is  masrnificent,  and,  perliaps,  the  ino.st 
exposed  in  the  world.  The  head  keeper  has  been  in 
both  Eddystone  and  Longships,  and  thinks  that  the 
sea  is  worse  here,  though  not  much  worse.  The 
spray  goes  over  the  top  of  the  lighthouse,  1 10  feet. 
The'vibration  appears  insignilicant  as  compared  -with  Fogi.h}iuih. 
the  Eddvstone.  The  light  is  dioptric,  first  order, 
and  a  beautiful  work.  A  bell,  rung  by  machinery,  is 
fixed  near  the  top.  It  was  sounded  when  the  vessel 
left,  and  could  scarcely  be  heard  at  the  distance  of  a 
(luarter  of  a  mile,  though  the  vessel  was  stopped  on 
purpose.  There  was  a  slight  breeze,  and  the  vessel 
was  to  windward.  This  account  of  a  fog  signal  may 
be  compared  with  the  account  given  above  of  the 
noise  produced  bv  the  action  of  the  sea  in  caves. 

The  house  is  built  of  grey  granite,  painted  white. 
The  paint  is  wearing  oft",  and  the  colour  consequently 
"■rev.  the  worst  possible  for  being  seen  at  sea.  ^^^^^^^ 

On  comparing  the  tower  with  the  dark-coloured  j_^.,^.-' 
rocks  about  it  the  latter  showed  more  distinctly 
an-uinst  the  water  and  the  sky.  On  th;s  subject  the 
evidence  of  mariners  as  to  the  colour  which  they  can 
see  best  at  night,  the  American  and  Colonial  reports, 
and  the  result  of  the  observations  made  at  the 
Isle  of  Wight,  may  be  cpnsulted.  It  is  within  the 
knowledge  of  pers"ons  who  have  shot  wild  fowl  on 


PERSONAL  OBSERVATIONS   MADE   TA'   COJIMISSIONERS. 


l: 


tlic  water  by  day  and  night,  that  dark-coloured  birds 
arc  most  easily  seen,  and  tliat  yoiin.!;  swans,  wliicli 
arc  of  a  grey  colour,  are  the  most  ditHcuIt  to  distin- 
guish of  all  wild  fowl.  It  is  also  well  known  that 
smugglers,  and  coastguardmen,  and  duck  shoolers, 
who  wish  to  conceal  themselves  on  the  water,  paint 
their  boats,  and  often  dress  themselves,  in  white  or 
grev,  which  is  the  colour  of  the  lighthouse  on  the 
Sciily  Bishops.  The  agent  subsequently  stated  that 
the  eyes  of  the  men  suH'ered  from  the  glare. 

Admiral  Hamilton  remarked  that  the  keepers 
showed  certain  sliglit  indications  of  a  tendency  to 
scurvy.  On  questioning  them,  they  stated  that  lliey 
often  had  recourse  to  the  medicine  chest.  They 
stated  that  vegetables  would  not  keep  fur  any  lengtli 
of  time. 

It  is  worthy  of  consideration  whether  some  means 
should  not  be  provided  for  supplying  the  keepers  at 
exposed  stations  with  preserved  vegetables,  lime 
juice,  or  other  anti-scorbutics. 

The  Commissioners  were  much  struck  with  tlie 
general  superiority  of  the  building  as  respects  its 
design,  its  material,  its  workmanship  and  finish,  and 
internal  arrangements. 

The  secretary  tested  the  liglit  with  the  dark  prism 
at  about  1  a.m.  next  morning,  and  made  it  ■  92  at  seven 
miles.  The  boatmen  said  that  it  was  a  beautiful 
"  sharp"  light.  The  Trinity  House  agent  stated  that 
the  Elder  Brethren  had  steamed  so  as  to  compare  it 
with  St.  Agnes,  and  that  they  had  seen  the  latter  at  a 
greater  distance.     St.  Agnes  is  considerably  higher. 

The  "Vivid,"  on  leaving  the  Bishops  ran  in  to  coal 
at  St.  Mary's,  and  the  Commissioners  landed  with 
the  agent  of  the  Trinity  House,  Captain  Tregarthen, 
and  with  Mr.  Allen,  the  agent  of  Mr.  Augustus 
Smith,  the  lord  proprietor  of  the  islands,  in  a  boat 
rowed  by  the  men  of  the  Seven  Stones  lightvessel. 
The  master  was  with  them.  He  was  of  opinion  that 
a  vessel  with  a  bow  like  a  steamer  would  ride  better 
than  one  of  the  present  shape.  In  this  he  agrees 
with  the  other  keepers  of  liglitvessels  who  have  ex- 
pressed an  opinion  on  this  subject.  He  said  that  his 
present  vessel  pitches  fearfully.  He  had  once  been 
thrown  from  the  tiller  over  the  companion  by  a 
sudden  jerk.  He  did  not  seem  to  think  that  a 
circular  vessel  on  Herbert's  principle  would  answer, 
and  he  staled  that  one  of  Herbert's  buoys  moored  in 
the  neighbourhood  of  the  Seven  Stones  had.  gone 
adrift. 

The  Commissioners  rowed  about  three  miles  to 

14.  ST.  AGNES,  SCILLY.— No.  53. 

and  iTspected  that  lighthouse  at  11  p.m.  Mr.  Graves 
and  Captain  Ryder  having  mounted  the  stairs  while 
the  chairman  and  secretary  were  inspecting  certain 
books  below,  found  the  door  of  the  lightroom  locked, 
and  the  keeper  absent.  He  came  almost  imme- 
diately, and  stated  wh}-  he  had  left  the  house,  and 
that  he  was  not  obliged  to  remain  always  in  the 
lantern. 

He  stated  that  during  his  experience  of  21  years 
the  chain  of  the  revolving  apparatus  had  only 
once  broken,  and  was  then  replaced  in  a  few  minutes, 
during  which  the  frame  was  kept  moving  by  hand. 

There  are  30  lamps  and  reflectors  set  in  three  tiers, 
and  revolving  on  a  frame  with  three  faces.  The 
reflectors  were  in  good  order,  though  some  were 
50  years  old.  The  light  .seen  from  a  distance  was 
remarkably  bright.  The  log  was  inspected,  and  the 
names  of  the  Commissioners  entered  in  the  visitor's 
book.  The  house  was  very  clean,  and  appeared  to 
be  in  good  order. 

The  keeper  said  that  he  did  not  understand  lens 
lights,  but  thought  reflectors  better,  because  several 
lamps  might  be  extinguished  without  materially  in- 
terfering with  the  brilliancy  of  the  light.  He  said, 
however,  that  the  single  light  of  a  lens  light  could  be 
easily  and  rapidly  replaced,  and  it  is  evident  that 
the  care  and  labour  required  about  30  different  lamps 
and  a  like  number  of  silvered  reflectors  must  bear  no 


comparison  to  the  labour  of  cleaning  and  arranging 
one  lamp  and  dusting  a  glass  lens. 

Tl;e  Commissioners  descended  from  the  lighthouse 
to  the  beach  in  the  dark,  and  returned  on  board  at 
about  1  a.m. 

The  Ibllowing  is  the  result  of  the  comparison  of 
this  light  with  lights  not  in  the  United  Kingdom, 
abstracted  from  Mariners'  Evidence,  and  shows  a 
majorit}-  in  favour  of  St.  Agues  : — 


•i!z-..fthe 
>id. 


Naii.cs. 

Xatui-p.: 

•s 

1 

1 

s 

1    ;     .2 

1    9 

O 

* 

Q 

1.  Grisnea       - 

D.  1st.,  flash 

194 

S5 

103 

1 

— 

1 

— 

2.  Bcrlingas    - 

Cist.,  rev. 

365 

25 

2 

1 

- 

1 

- 

St.  Agues'  - 

C.  rev. 

1S3 

11! 

3 

2 

- 

2 

- 

4          1 

3 

Comparison 
with  foreman 
liyhis. 


July  9th,  at  lOi  a.m.     Steamed  for  the  y^j   jj    -i^j 

15.  SEVEN  STONES.— No.  29. 
Boarded  the  vessel  without  difliculty.  Some  of  the 
men  on  shoi'e  having  stated  tliat  the  quantity  of 
provisions  was  insuificieut  for  "  hearty  "  men,  and 
the  quality  "  indifferent,"  the  Commissioners  inspected 
the  provisions.  They  found  them  of  good  quality. 
Bread  said  to  be  hardly  sufficient  for  hearty  men. 
The  men,  11,  were  clean  and  neatly  dressed;  the 
vessel  very  clean,  and  newlj'  painted.  The  reflectors 
the  best  polished  that  liave  been  seen  hitherto,  not 
a  scratch  to  be  seen.  The  shape  of  the  vessel  appears 
slightly  sharper  forward  than  that  of  the  others 
visited.  She  is  18  years  old.  Since  she  has  been 
fitted  with  countersunk  shackles  to  her  chain  she 
has  never  been  adrift.  The  vessel  is  provided  with 
guns  and  a  gong.  They  sound  the  latter  during  fogs, 
and  fire  the  former  when  they  see  vessels  approaching 
the  Stones.  Foreign  vessels  seldom  appear  to  notice 
the  signals.  The  mate  has  only  seen  one  wreck  on 
the  Stones.  Then  they  saved  one  man  with  their 
boat,  a  common  one.  They  have  two  boats,  but  no  Xi/eioa< 
lifeboat.  The  vessel  rides  in  42  fathoms,  and  has 
occasionally  nearly  300  fathoms  of  H  inch  chain 
out. 

Though  this  is  the  most  exposed  vessel  on  the  Waves. 
coast  the  master  considers  that  from  the  length  of  the 
sea  she  rides  easier  than  vessels  moored  in  a  shorter 
sea.  As  he  expressed  it  "she  is  always  read}'  for  it," 
but  still  her  decks  are  occasionally  swept  by  the  sea, 
and  when  it  strikes  her  forward  "  it  is  like  a  four- 
pounder  going  off." 

This  statement  may  be  compared  with  that  of  the 
master  of  the  Owers  lightvessel  (aiitr)  and  that  of 
the  master  of  the  lightvessel  in  the  Humber  (see  Hull), 
both  of  whom  seem  to  consider  a  shorter  sea  more 
dangerous. 

On  the  14th,  at  Liverpool,  one  of  Mr.  Maclvor's 
captains  stated,  with  reference  to  this  light,  that  ir 
was  the  worst  he  knew.  He  passes  it  constantly,  but 
not  very  near.  It  certainly  was  in  very  good  order, 
the  small  lamps  and  reflectors  used  on  board  light- 
vessels,  even  in  the  best  condition,  cannot  be 
powerful. 
Steamed  for 


16.  GODREVEY.— No. 55. 

Landed,  and  inspected  the  lighthouse.  It  is  built  on 
a  rock  of  considerable  size,  separated  from  the  main 
land.  It  is  large  enough  to  admit  of  the  growth  of 
vegetables  for  tlie  lightkeepers,  if  (bought  necessary. 
Numerous  wild  plants  grow  there  already.  The 
spray  ha.-i  occasionally  dashed  against  the  lantern  in 
very  heavy  weather.  There  is  room  for  a  considera- 
ble number  of  workmen,  who,  with  the  contractor 
who  built  the  house,  were  still  on  the  island. 


Vol.  II.  92. 


B  3 


14 


APPEXDIX   TO    REPORT   OX   LIGHTS,  BrOTS,  AXD   BEACONS 


Cruhe  of  the        The  light  is  dioptric,  1st   order,  120  feet  above  the 

Virul.  sea.     On  luokin;,'  tioin  near  the  point  where  ihu  light 

— —  is  placed  tlw  horizon  was  seen   nearly  in  the  centre  of 

the  main   bands  of  tlie   lens,   and  in  all  the  prisms. 

Intcrniilfhxer-    -j-jig   [jgiit  appears   therefore   to   be  correctly  placed 

vatwn, direction  ^^.jjjj  yj^tl-rence  to  the  lens,  but  it  is  worth  considera- 

o/beam.  ^.^^  whetlier  a  reflector  might  not  be  introduced  on 

the  landward  side,  so  as  to  send  those  rays  to  seaward 

■which  now   serve  only  to   light  up  the  clitf  and   the 

narrow  channi-1  inside. 

It  was  remarked  that  the  outer  galleries  were  of 
iron,  and  alrc-ady  showed  signs  of  corrosion.  Some 
of  the  small  internal  fittings,  door  handles,  window 
fastiniiigs,  &c.,  were  scarcely  equal  to  a  first-class 
building.  This  li'zhthouse  is  much  visvted.  Nearly 
1000  persons  landed  on  ths  island  on  Whit  Monday, 
but  at  this  time  of  year  it  has  been  inaccessible  for 
fivt;  weeks  together. 

The  building  of  this  new  establishment  has  been 
the  subject  of  correspondence  amongst  the  lighthouse 
authorities.  The  Commissioners  had  procured  copies, 
and  the  following  is  a  short  account  of  the  contents 
of  the  parliamentary  paper  ordered  to  be  printed,  8th 
February  18oS,  which  contains  the  correspondence. 

The  first  letter  is  dated  23d  .lanuary  l»o.5,  and  is 
a  formal  request  from  the  Trinitv  House  to  the  Board 
of  Trade  for  sanction  to  the  expense  necessary  for 
-constructing  a  lighthouse  in  a  locality  to  be  selected 
by  a  committee  of  Elder  Brethren. 

It  sends  enclosures,  eight  in  number,  which  are 
petitions  addressed  to  the  Trinity  House  by  persons 
interested,  pilots,  seamen,  merchants,  shipowners, 
fishermen,  &c.,  he,  all  praying  for  a  lighthouse  to 
indicate  the  position  of  the  dangerous  reef  of  rock 
oalled  "  The  Stones,"  near  St,  ives,  in  Cornwall. 

On  the  13th  of  July  1855,  the  Board  of  Trade 
were  informed  that  the  deputy  master  and  a  com- 
mittee of  the  Klder  Brethren  who  had  examined  the 
locality  were  unanimously  of  opinion  that  a  light- 
house might  be  advantageously  erected  on  Godrevey 
Island,  and  that  site  was  recommended  by  the  Trinity 
House. 

The  report  enclosed  gives  the  reasons,  and  points 
to  the  outer  danger  as  the  best  site,  though  to  build 
a  lighthouse  on  it  would  be  ditticult  and  expensive. 

On  the  12th  of  September  1855.  It  is  suggested 
from  the  Board  of  Trade  that  the  most  northern  stone 
might  be  selected  as  the  site  of  a  lighthouse,  and 
failing  that  St.  1%-e's  Head  on  shore  is  mentioned. 

The  letter  is  accompanied  by  a  map,  and  a  letter 
from  Commander  George  Williams,  surveying  officer 
on  the  station. 

On  the  19th  of  September.  The  Elder  Brethren 
point  out  that  they  fully  concur  in  the  opinion  that 
the  outer  danger  is  the  more  eligible  site,  and  that 
it  was  the  question  of  expense  alone  which  prevented 
them  from  recommending  that  position  for  their 
Lordships'  sanction. 

On  the  19th  of  October.  The  reports  of  the 
engineers  are  transmitted  from  the  Trinity  House  to 
the  Board  of  Trade. 

On  the  13lh  of  September.  Reports  of  two  com- 
mittees of  Elder  Brethren  are  transmitted,  together 
with  an  urgent  recommendation  of  the  site  proposed, 
namely,  the  Stones.  Failing  that,  the  Committee  again 
reciimniend  Godrevey  Island. 

On  the  9th  of  October  1856.  The  Board  of  Trade 
request  that  before  sanctioning  the  building  of  the 
new  light,  Mr.  Walker,  engineer  to  the  Trinity 
House,  may  be  requested  to  state  what  would  be  the 
diHerence  in  expense  occasioned  by  the  substitution 
of  the  inner  for  the  outer  stone. 

On  the  27th  the  Elder  Brethren  tran.^mit  a  report 
from  their  (  nginecr,  and  say  tliat  "the  saving  which 
"  may  possibly  be  eflc'cted  by  the  substitutioti  of  the 
"  inner  for  the  outer  site  is  so  inconsiderable  in 
"  amount  as  to  prevent  them  from  reconnncnding  its 
"  adojition." 

On  the  14th  November  1856.  The  Board  of  Trade, 
in  a  communication  .tddressed  to  the  War  Uepartineiit, 
incjuire   whether   it   would  be   possible    to   have   the 


position  of  a .  newly  built  fort  on  St.  Ives  Head 
changed,  so  as  to  admit  of  the  building  of  a  lighthouse 
there,  and  they  intimate  that  the  building  and  main- 
tenance of  a  lighthouse  on  the  outer  stones  would  be 
attended  with  too  great  an  expense. 

On  the  6th  of  November.  The  Trinity  House 
transmit  memorials  praying  for  the  light,  which  ai'e 
acknowledged  on  the  13th  of  November,  with  a 
statement  that  the  matter  is  under  consideration,  and 
a  reply  expected  relative  to  a  site  on  Battery  Point. 

On  the  15lh.  The  reply  of  the  War  Office  was  sent 
refusing  the  proposed  site,  but  ottlL'ring  another  on 
that  of  the  magazine,  on  condition  that  a  magazine 
for  .50  hairels  of  gunpowder  should  be  erected  adjoin- 
ing the  battery,  upon  a  plan  to  be  furnished  by  the 
War  Department.  Failing  the  site  proposed,  another, 
having  reierence  to  the  line  of  fire  of  the  guns,  is 
suggested. 

On  the  28th  of  November.  Their  Lordships  de- 
cline the  site  proposed  by  the  War  Office,  as  they  do 
not  think  that  the  tower  could  be  placed  as  proposed 
without  being  liable  to  injury  when  the  guns  are 
fired.     And, 

On  the  29th  November.  The  Trinity  House  are 
informed  that  the  battery  site  being  unattainable,  or 
dangerous  from  the  situation  of  the  battery,  and  the 
outer  stones,  though  the  most  eligible,  too  expensive, 
their  Lordships  think  that  the  lighthouse  must  be 
built  on  Godrevej'  Island,  but,  as  strict  economy  should 
be  consulted,  further  plans  are  asked  for,  and  it  is 
suggested  that  the  establishment  should  not  be  treated 
as  a  rock  light. 

On  the  4th  of  February  1857.  The  Trinity  House 
transmit  a  memorial  praying  for  the  placing  of  a 
temporary  floating  light,  which  request,  on  the  12tli 
F^cbruary,  is  refused. 

On  the  4th  March  1857.  The  Trinity  House 
forward  a  memorial  praying  for  the  erection  of  the 
light  on  the  outer  stone,  and  for  a  temporary  floating 
light  in  the  meantime. 

In  transmitting  the  memorial  the  Elder  Brethren 
do  not  i)ress  their  view,  but  they  state  that  '•  should 
"  their  Lordships  see  fit  to  comply  with  the  prayer 
"  of  the  memorialists,  such  a  course  would  meet  with 
"  the  cordial  concurrence  of  the  Board."' 

On  the  9th  of  March.  The  Trinity  House  are 
informed  that  as  the  question  has  been  settled,  and 
the  preparations  for  the  erection  of  the  lighthouse 
now  in  progress,  my  Lords  consider  that  the  subject 
should  not  be  reopened. 

On  the  12th  of  April  1857.  Their  Lordships 
approve  of  the  plan  for  a  stone  lighthouse,  and  con- 
sent that  the  establishment  may  be  treated  as  a  rock 
station,  but  they  recommend  that  tenders  for  the 
construction  of  the  tower  be  invited  in  the  local 
newspapers. 

The  correspondence  concludes  on  the  ISth  Novem- 
ber 1857,  with  a  letter  from  the  Board  of  Trade, 
addressed  to  certain  memorialists,  in  which  it  is 
stateil  "  that  it  was  after  very  full  consideration 
'■  decided  to  erect  the  lighthouse  on  (iodrevey  Island, 
"  and  the  contract  having  been  entered  into  for  its 
"  erection  at  that  place,  their  Lordships  cannot  now 
"  entertain  the  application." 

The  lighthouse,  wiiich  had  been  threatened  in 
embryo  with  so  many  dangers  from  fire  and  water, 
was  ultimately  built  where  it  was  oiiiiinally  proposed 
to  build  it,  on  Godrevey  Island,  between  Battery 
Point  on  shore  and  the  outer  stone,  which  is  covered 
at  high  water,  where  it  is  inaccessible  to  men  in  bad 
weather,  and  safe  from  waves. 

The  Lighthouse  Commission  having  previously  Ji, ,,.:,,.' 
dircited  their  attention  to  this  correspondence,  corns; 
examined  the  locality,  and  came  to  th<^  conclusion 
that  the  outer  stone  was  the  best  site  for  the  light- 
house. Havins;  visited  the  Eddy.-tone  and  the  Scilly 
Bishops,  the  possibility  of  building  on  the  outer 
danger  was  proved,  and  it  was  equally  manifest  that 
the  danger  would  be  best  indicated  by  placing  a  light 
upon  it. 


PERSONAL   OBSERVATION'S   MADE   BT   COMMISSIONERS. 


1; 


On  leaving  Godrevey  sfenmed  to 

17.  TREVOSE  HEAD.— No.  56-57. 

The  lighthouses  are  built  on  a  lofty  promontory. 
There  arc  two,  niarked  D.  1st  order,  the  highest 
204  feet  above  the  sea.  It  is  not  compared  with 
foreign  h'ghts  by  mariners  in  their  evidence,  and  is 
not  mentioned  by  them,  though  it  is  considered  to  be 
one  of"  the  finest  lights  in  the  kingdom.  Its  position 
out  of  the  track  of  vcssr-ls  running  for  tlie  groat  ports 
may  perhaps  account  for  this,  but  a  great  number 
of  vessels  were  seen  in  the  neighbourhooil.  Landing 
below  the  lighthouse  appeared  to  bo  difficult,  if  it 
were  possible,  and  it  would  have  cost  too  much 
time  to  land  in  the  bay  and  Avalk  round.  After 
waiting  for  about  half  an  hour,  looking  for  a  landing 
place,  steamed  ibr 

18.  LUNDY  ISLAND.— No.  58-59. 

Saw  the  light  soon  after  sunset,  distant  aliout  15 
miles  ;  it  is  intended  to  be  seen  at  30  ;  and  one  of  the 
mariners  who  has  replied  to  the  queries  circulated, 
has  seen  it  at  45,  the  greatest  distance  at  which 
any  light,  at  home  or  abroad,  has  been  seen  by  any 
one  of  814  witnesses. 

The  upper  light  is  revolving,  D.  1st  order,  showing 
a  flash  every  two  minutes.  Tlie  lower  Hght  is 
catoptric,  and  has  nine  large  reflectors.  It  is  only 
visible  between  NNW.  and  WSW.  The  highest 
light  is  540  feet  above  the  sea,  and  .some  of  the 
witnesses  complain  tliat  it  is  often  obscured  by  fog 
collecting  about  the  summit  of  the  island.  The 
keeper,  subsequently,  stated  that  "whenever  there 
"  was  any  fog  about  it  came  his  line." 

Anchored  at  the  back  of  tlie  island,  got  a  pilot 
to  show  the  way,  and  landed.  The  chairman.  Cap- 
tain Ryder,  and  the  secretary  walked  up  to  the 
lighthouse  in  the  dark.  The  island  is  frequented  by 
a  vast  number  of  birds,  which  build  in  tlie  rocks. 
They  were  heard  on  all  sides,  on  the  water,  in  the 
air,  and  on  the  land,  screatrdng  and  apparently 
fighting  with  each  other.  The  path  upwards  is 
steep,  but  it  was  too  dark  to  see  much  of  anything. 
Near  the  lop  is  a  house,  inhabited  by  a  gentleman's 
family  in  summer.  On  arriving  at  the  liglithouse  it 
was  remarked  that  the  whitewashed  walls  of  the 
dwelling  house  could  hardly  be  distinguished  from 
the  sky.  The  under  keeper  was  found  at  his  post. 
The  head  keeper,  who  was  off  watch,  was  called,  and 
accompanied  the  Commission  over  the  establishment. 
It  appeared  to  be  in  first-rate  order.  The  lens  was 
made  by  Chance,  Brothers,  of  Birmingham.  The 
metal  fittings  were  ]iainfed  ;  those  at  Godrevey  were 
bright.  This  observation  relates  to  the  difficulty  of 
cleaning  bright  metal,  and  the  danger  of  injuring 
the  angles  of  the  prisms  during  the  operation.  There 
is  also  the  danger  of  injuring  the  polish  of  the  lens 
with  the  materials  used  for  polishing  brass,  and  the 
extra  care  and  labour  does  not  appear  to  give  any 
corresponding  advantage. 

The  reflectors  were  well  poli.shed,  and  every  part 
of  the  establishment  a  model  of  cleanliness.  The 
keeper  stated  that  the  lens  light  was  not  half  the 
trouble  of  a  reflecting  light  of  equal  power. 

Julv  10th.  On  leaving  th^  island  at  1  a.m., 
immediately  after  the  return  of  the  Commission  from 
the  lighthouse,  steamed  round  to  compare  the  upper 
dioptric  with  the  lower  catoptric  light.  On  com- 
paring them  through  the  dark  prism  from  a  distance 
of  about  two  miles  no  difference  could  be  discovered. 
When  the  upper  light  was  at  the  brightest  it  appeared 
to  be  exactly  the  same  as  the  lower.  The  light  being 
540  feet  above  the  observer,  and  the  lenses  in  all 
cases  being  made  to  throw  a  beam  at  right  angles  to 
the  axis  round  which  they  revolve,  it  is  probable 
that  the  upper  light  shows  to  greater  advantage  at  a 
greater  distance  nearer  to  the  sea  horizon,  which  was 
calculated  to  be  distant  25  miles  from  the  light. 

That  these  lenses  are  so  made  and  set  was  suffi- 
ciently manifest  from   the  place  where  the  "  Vivid  " 


lay  at  anchor.     As  the  lenses  revolved  the  beam  of  Cru'ze  of  the 
light  collected  by  each  became  clearly  visible  over  T7u.(/. 

head,  lighting  up  a  path   in  the  haze,  which,  though         

sufficient  to  make  the  beam  visible,  did  not  much 
obscure  the  light.  These  beams  were  clearly  seen 
like  the  spokes  of  a  gigantic  wheel,  diverging  as  they 
receded  from  the  source  of  light,  and  radiating  from  it 
as  a  centre. 

The  dark  prism  was  previously   tested  on  several  jjri'Uancy  of 
stars,  and   as  various  observations  of  the  same  star  Vyht,  ii.atru- 
prcduced  the  same  result,  the  instrument  appeared  to  >'icni.  Jm-  testhuj 
be  well  fitted  for  comparing  the  intensity  of  artificial  ''■ 
lights.     It  consists  of  a  wedge  of  dark  glass  cemented 
to  one  of  clear  glass,  so  as  to  produce  a  solid  parallelo- 
gram.    By  sliding  a  screen  from  end  to  end  the  light 
is  seen  through  various  thicknesses  of  darkened  glass, 
and  when  it  becomes  invisible  the  result  is  read  off  on 
a  scale.     The  standard  is  the  power  of  the  observer's 
eye,  and  varies   in  different  persons  and   at  different 
times    with   the    same    person  ;    but    for  comparing 
two  lights  side  by   side  it  must  show   which  is  the 
brighter. 

The  comparison   then  goes  to  show  that  nine  re-  Comparison  of 
flectors  in  very  excellent  condition,  set  so  as  to  throw  diojnriiwit/i 
the  light  of  nine  lamps  in  one  direction,  only  produced  ''"''1'^''"^  "!'• 
the    same    effect    as  one   of  the   8   beams    from    the  ■""'^"  ""' 
revolving  light  produced  from  one  large  lamp. 

The  fixed  light  seen  between  the  flashes  was  very 
feeble  in  comparison  Avith  them.  It  is  produced  by  a 
number  of  fixed  prisms  placed  below  tlie  revolving 
portion  of  the  lens.  The  revolving  portion  somewhat 
resembles  a  large  beehive  with  13  sides.  It  was  ^  o '<'■■■.'"  2-"« 
observed  that  the  upper  part  of  this  was  attached  to  ':'/'<'»"■ 
the  lower  or  central  portion,  so  that  the  angle  and 
sides  do  not  correspond,  and  it  was  surmised  that  this 
was  purposely  done  so  as  to  lengthen  the  duration  of 
the  flash  bv  increasing  the  lateral  divergence  of  t'le 
beams.  This  arrangement  must  diminish  the  powi-r 
of  the  flash.  It  was  also  remarked  that  the  light 
thrown  by  the  lower  prisms  on  the  interior  fittings  ^j/i,  p/'/w/;*. 
of  tlie  lantern  was  crossed  by  dark  s|iaces  correspoml- 
ing  to  the  number  of  tlie  prisms,  as  if  they  wer^'  not 
set  for  the  same  distant  point.  The  keeper  said  that 
the  light  would  appear  as  one  at  a  distance,  but  it  is 
probable  that  these  prisms  are  purpnsely  made  to 
throw  diverging  beams  downwards  on  the  sea  near  the 
island. 

The  following  is  the  result  of  the  comparison  of 
the  light  at  Lundy  Island  with  lights  not  in  the 
United  Kingdom,  taken  from  Mariners'  Evidence  : — 

Ciiii'juii  hon 
witli  fuieryn 


o 

!H 

c 

.& 

Name. 

Nature. 

•g 

'> 

1 

n 

Ig 

>. 

be 

s 

O   M 

» 

■s 

s 

a 

o 

S 

T 

O 

T 

O 

1.  Grisnez 

D.  1st.,  flash 

194 

22 

35 

lOS 

5 

2 

3 

— 

2.  Isle  dR  Bas  - 

D.  1st.,  rev. 

2i3 

24 

27 

2 

— 

1 

— 

3.  Belle  Isle       - 

D.  1st.,  rev. 

276 

27 

— 

1 

— 

1 

— 

i.  Berliniras      - 

C.  1st.,  rev. 

365 

25 

— 

2 

— 

1 

— 

5.  Roca  Lisbon - 

C.  2nd.,  rev. 

59S 

21 

— 

4 

— 

2 

— 

6.  Cape  St.  Yin- 

C.  1st.,  rer. 

221 

30 

— 

13 

1 

— 

1 

— 

cent. 

7.  Genoa    - 

?  Rev. 

370 

24 

— 

8 

1 

— 

— 

S.  Pelorus 

D.  4tli.,  flash 

72 

13 

— 

1 

— 

1 

— 

9.  CapeOttoway 

— 



— 

— 

— 

1 

— 

1 

in.  Hvi^hlands, 

. 

— 

- 

— 

— 

1 

— 

— 

New  York. 

11.  False  Point, 

— 

- 

— 

— 

— 

1 

— 

Bengal. 

Lundy" 

D.  1st.,  rev. 

540 

30 

45 

55 

15 

5 

9 

- 

Majority  in  favour  of  Lundy,  10  on  20  comparisons, 
and  as  compared  with  11  other  lights  it  is  pro- 
nounced superior  to  all,  except  one.  This  light  has 
been  seen  at  45  miles  by  one  witness,  at  35  by  two,  at 
33  by  one,  and  at  30  by  5.  It  ranks  first  amongst 
all  the  lights  meniioned,  either  at  home  or  abroad. 

Anchored   off  Pembroke    Dockyard,    and    in    the   Vcl.  !I.  286. 
evening  left  word  for  the  captains  of  several  Irish 
steamers   that  the  Commission  would  be  glad  to  sec 
them  in  the  morning   if  they  had  any  statements  to 
make  relative  to  light.'i,  buoys,  or  bi-acons. 

Monday,  July  11th.      Coaling  till  10  a.m.     As  tne 


B  4 


16 


APPENDIX   TO   REPORT   OX    LUmiS,  BUOYS..  AND   BEACONS  : 


•  of  ihe  masters  of  the  Irish  steamers  did  not  appear  it  is  to 
bepresiiiiicd  that  they  had  no  couiphiints  to  make. 

Admiral  Hamilton  visited  Mr.  Hammond,  a  retired 
commander  of  one  of  the  Government  Milford  !Mail 
Packets. 

He  stated  that  two  small  lightvessels  were  formerly 
maintained  olf  the  fjhear,  and  were  maintained  by  the 
Government.  These  have  been  discontinued  since 
the  Post  Office  Service  terminated,  but  Mr.  H.  thinks 
they  would  be  necessary  for  working  the  harbour  pro- 
perly at  nijjlit. 

■  siipp!;/.  The  "  Vivid  "  was  delaj'ed  for  some  time  in  conse- 
quence of  the  total  want  of  provision  at  Pembroke 
Dockyard  for  watering  ships  of  any  kind.  Steamed 
out  of  Milford  Haven  and  landed  at 


on  the  Scilly  Bishops  by  saying  that  it  was  a  first  Cuhur  of 
painting,  performed  by  the  builder.  He  thinks  white  buiUimj. 
the  best  colour  for  lighthouses  as  the  most  conspicuous 
when  the  sun  shines.  On  this  point  the  evidence  of 
those  wlio  look  at  the  object  is  of  more  value,  and 
grey  light  should  be  considered  rather  that  bright 
sunshine. 

The  keeper  misses  vegetables.  The  medicine 
chest  was  inspected  and  no  bottles  had  been  used,  but 
salts  and  castor  oil.  The  head  keeper  appeared 
healthy. 

Descended  the  rock  by  a  stair  cut  in  it,  and  re- 
marked the  crane  which  is  used  in  bad  weather  for 
landing  stores.  IJe-embarkcd  easily,  and  steamed  20 
miles  to 


\o\.  II.  101',        i;,    xHE  SOUTH  BISHOP  ROCK.— No.  T.:. 

The  lighthouse  stands  on  a  rock  of  some  size,  and 
is  marked  D.  1st  order,  144  feet  above  the  sea.  The 
painters  were  at  work.  The  lens  is  a  ))art  only  of 
the  old  lens  from  Lundy,  and  was  placed  a  year  ago 
instead  of  a  reflecting  light.  There  is  only  the 
central  band  of  lenses  with  eight  faces  ;  there  are  no 
prisms  above  or  below,  and  the  greater  part  of  the 
light  is  thus  allowed  to  escape. 

The  lens  is  composed  of  many  small  pieces  cemented 
together  ;  the  joints  were  very  evident  as  compared 
with  lenses  previously  seen,  and  similar  lenses  were 
afterwards  seen  in  the  museum  of  the  French  light- 
house authorities,  and  in  use  in  other  British  light- 
houses. The  illuminating  apparatus,  consisting  of  a 
small  portion  of  the  whole,  and  that  of  an  inferior 
description,  cannot  properly  be  called  "first  order" 
dioptric. 

The  keeper  stated  that  peo})le  on  .'-liore  and  the 
light-keeper  at  the  Smalls  thought  that  the  light  was 
brighter  and  far  stronger  since  the  change.  This 
evidence  is  again  strongly  in  favour  of  dioptric  lights. 
The  keeper  is  64,  and  has  been  employed  lor  upwards 
of  38  years  about  reflecting  lights.  He  considers  it 
Tcry  troublesome  work  to  clean  the  glasses  with 
brushes  and  spirits  of  wine  ;  but  admits  that  there  is 
more  labour  in  polishing  eight  reflectors  and  cleaning 
an  equal  number  of  lamps  which  were  formerly  nsed 
at  this  station.  His  evidence  may  be  contrasted  with 
that  of  the  head  keeper  at  Lundy  Island,  a  younger 
man,  who  has  charge  of  two  lighthouses  on  ditlijrent 
Ijrinciples. 

Spra}'  occasionally  strikes  the  lantern,  and   it  has 
broken    the  lower    windows   of  the    dwelling-house. 
There  is  a  patch  of  grass  in  front  of  the  door;  rain 
Wa'cr  su]}j  ly.    water  is  collected  from  the  roof.     In  order  to  avoid 
the  salt  the  keeper  turns  the  spout  from  the  reservoir 
for  some  time  after  the  rain  begins,  so  as  to  allow  tlio 
roof  to    be  well   washed.     When    it    is    sufficiently 
washed  he   turns    the   spout  into  the  cistern.     The 
water  was  tasted  and  found  to  be  good.     This  simple 
contrivance    was    thought    worthy    of  notice,   as    it 
might  escape  persons  not  forced  to  think  of  such  ex- 
pedients. 
Cimparison  rf       The  keeper  has  often  seen  vessels  very  near  the 
(Jnipiric  Willi      rock  when  fogs  cleared  up.     He  has   a  gong,  but  no 
laioptnc  ap-      bell  and    no  gun  ;  there  is    plenty   of  room  for  the 
parutus.  jj,(,3,._ 

He  is  jjrovided  with  five  red  glasses  in  a  box, 
through  which  he  tests  the  light  of  the  Smalls 
three  times  every  night  ;  and  his  light  is  similarly 
tested  by  the  keei)cr  at  the  Smalls,  who  also  tests  St 
Ann's  in  a  similar  manner. 

'I'lie  whole  establishment  was  in  \ery  good  urdrr, 
well  and  neatly  kept. 

The  painter  stated  that  the  paint  was  in  a  very  bad 
state  wiien  he  came.  He  said  that  the  horizontal 
water  spouts,  being  .square  and  made  of  iron,  rust, 
overflow,  and  damage  the])aint.  He  suggested  round 
Paini.  gutters  of  a  different  nielal.      He   thuught  that  work 

done  by  contract  for  tlie  Trinity  House  was  very 
inferior  to  work  done  by  the  paid  servants  of  the 
House.     He  accounted  for  the  bad  state  of  the  jiaiiit 


20.  THE  SMALLS.— No.  74.  Vq]   h  jq 

This  is  an  old  wooden  lighthouse,  built  1778,  on  income,  185; 
piles,  at  one  end  of  alow  rock  20  miles  from  land,  A  22,759/.  2s, 
new  stone  lighthouse,  partly  built,  stands  on  the  other 
end  of  the  same  rock,  and  shows  the  improv?ment 
that  has  taken  place  in  lighthouse  architecture  since 
that  time.  The  rock  is  not  so  high  as  that  on  which 
the  Scilly  Bishops  is  built  ;  it  is  about  the  same 
height  as  the  Eddystone  bnt  larger.  There  is  room 
to  walk  about.  It  is  above  high-water  mark,  but  the 
sea  breaks  all  about  tlie  lantern  of  the  old  light  and 
over  the  new  building  whenever  there  is  heavy 
weather.  Green  seas  pass  up  to  a  point  about  32 
feet  above  the  level  of  the  rock.  A  foreign  ship  once 
struck  at  the  end  of  the  rock  in  broad  daylight. 
The  crew,  12  men,  leaped  on  shore  ;  the  vessel  drifted 
about  three  miles  and  sank.  On  being  asked  how 
they  had  fed  so  many  men,  the  keepers  replied,  that 
they  always  had  six  mouths'  provisions  when  they 
came  off.  The  head-keeper  has  been  18  years  on  this 
station,  and  prefers  it  to  any  other  ;  he  has  refused 
to  change.  He  is  a  native  of  Wales  ;  is  married,  and 
has  a  considerable  farm  on  shore.  The  nnder-keeper 
is  a  native  of  Ealing,  a  watchmaker  by  trade,  and 
"  would  rather  be  anywhere  on  shore  at  half  the 
money."  He  said,  "This  is  rusting  a  fellow's  life 
away."  A  more  extraordinary  dwelling  cannot  well 
be  imagined,  or  a  greater  contrast  to  a  watchmaker's 
life  at  Ealing.  The  I'.ead-kccper  said  that  he  had 
caught  woodcocks  in  September,  as  also  larks,  star- 
lings, and  blackbirds.  Five  years  ago  he  caught  a  Birds. 
partridge  on  the  night  of  the  first  of  September.  He 
thought  that  probably  the  shooting  had  driven  him  to 
sea.  "  He  was  very  fat  imleed."  He  also  caught  a  Seals. 
young  seal  by  descending  from  his  perch  in  the  light- 
liouse  and  placing  a  bag  in  front  of  him  as  ho  slept. 
"  He  poked  him  uj)  behind  with  a  stick,  and  in  he 
went." 

Both  these  were  intelligent  men,  and  said  that  the 
Bishop's  light  was  much  improved  since  the  change 
to  the  dioptric  system  ;  a  reference  to  the  account  of 
the  apparatus  will  best  show  what  that  change  is,  and 
what  might  be  anticipated  from  a  still  further  im- 
provement. 

Twelve  observations  made  with  the  darkened  glass 
were  compared  with  12  made  at  the  Bishop's  on 
this  light.     These  give  44  Smalls,  48  Bishop. 

The  Smalls  has  27  large  reflectors,  which  were 
beautifullj'  kejit.  The  Bishop  a  small  portion  of  an 
indifferent  dioptric  apparatus  and  one  large  lamp. 

The  old  lighthouse  was  ascended  by  a  rope  ladder.  Dacripiicn 
The  piles,  though  they  iiave  stood  for  so  many  years,  bnildiny. 
look  very  insecure  ;  they  arc  .-^et  upright  in  the  rock 
and  have  a  few  props  on  one  side  to  resist  the  greatest 
force  of  tiie  wa\es.  The  upper  part  consists  of  a  sort 
of  platform,  on  which  provisions  and  stores  are 
placed,  which  are  not  easily  damaged  by  water ; 
above  that  is  a  wooden  barrack,  an  octagon  cabin 
in  which  the  workmen  employed  about  the  new 
building  sleep  in  berths  like  tho,se  of  a  ship,  and  they 
sleep  on  the  floor  if  there  are  too  many;  above  that 
is  the  light-keeper's  sleeping  room  and  kitchen  in  one 
which  is  entered  by  a  trapdoor  ;  above  that  is  the 
h'.ntern.     In   heavy  weather,  when  the  sea  is  dashing 


PERSONAL  OBSERVATIOXS  lUDE  BY  COMMISSIONERS. 


17 


about  the  lower  room,  workmen  and  all  congregate  in 
the  upper  room.  The  whole  structure  trembles  and 
sways  about,  aud  it  has  been  known  to  lean  nine 
inches  from  the  perpendicular.  The  whole  was  as 
neat  as  was  possible  under  such  circumstances,  and  the 
lantern,  especially,  and  all  belonging  to  it  was  in 
excellent  order. 

A  coppery  reflection  whicli  had  been  observed  on 
the  silver  of  the  reflectors  in  other  lighthouses,  both 
by  day  and  night,  was  here  found  to  proceed  from  the 
bright  copper  backs  of  the  reflectors  shining  through 
the  hole  for  the  chimney. 
hw  Light-  On  descending  from  this  old  lighthouse  the  party 

oitse.  ascended  the  new  one  bj'  the  help  of  a  chain,  and  the 

courses  of  the  lower  masonry,  which  form  narrow 
steps.  A  ladder  will  be  fixed  when  the  building  is 
oompletcd.  The  lowest  room  is  now  nearly  ready, 
and  the  lower  part  of  the  building  is  filled  with  fresh 
water  and  acts  as  a  well,  which  proves  the  excellence 
of  the  workmanship. 

The  stones  are  all  prepared  and  carefully  fitted  on 
shore, — the  lighthouse  is,  in  fact,  actually  built  there. 
Each  stone  has  a  square  hollow  on  each  edge  and  a 
square  hole  in  the  centre  ;  when  placed,  a  wedge  of 
slate,  called  a  "joggle,"  fits  into  the  square  opening 
formed  by  joining  the  two  upper  stones.  The  joint 
is  placed  exactly  over  the  centre  of  the  stone  below, 
into  which  the  joggle  is  wedged  before  the  two  upper 
stones  are  placed.  The  result  is  that  each  set  of 
three  stones  is  fastened  together  by  a  fourth,  wliich 
acts  as  a  pin  to  keep  the  tiers  from  sliding  on  each 
other.  The  base  of  the  structure  is  solid.  Two  iron 
cranes  slide  up  an  iron  pillar  in  the  centre  of  the 
building,  and  are  fixed  by  pins  at  the  required  posi- 
tion as  the  work  advances.  The  two  are  used  together 
so  as  to  obviate  any  unequal  strain. 

This  excellent  workmanship,  aud  its  progress 
beside  the  old  lighthouse,  was  striking  and  instructive. 
The  foreman  had  been  engaged  in  building  the  Scilly 
Bishops,  and  said  that  this  station  was  less  exposed 
though  not  much.  No  stone  has  been  moved  from  its 
place  since  the  work  began,  but,  as  a  proof  of  the  force 
of  the  sea,  an  iron  bar  about  two  inches  thick  and 
three  feet  long  was  shown  ;  it  was  fixed  in  the  rock 
and  had  been  bent  like  a  wire.  The  tools  of  the 
workmen,  coals,  and  such  like,  are  kept  in  places 
quarried  in  the  rock  and  covered  with  wooden  doors 
which  slope  from  the  ofiing  :  these  are  often  30  feet 
under  water. 

This  inspection  of  a  lighthouse   in  construction  on 
such  a  spot  gives  a  fair  idea  of  the  difficulties  overcome 
in  constructing  such  an  edifice  as  the  Scilly  Bishops. 
The  foreman  cauglit  and  presented  to  the  Commission 
'^"'i-  a  fine  rock  fish  ;  he   added  that  no  one  ever  fished 

there  for  amusement  for  the  fish  were  too  valuable 
and  might  be  scared  away. 

On  leaving  the  Smalls  steamed  for  the  Irish  coast, 
and  boarded  the 


Vol.  II.  2GG. 


21.  CONINGBEG  LIGHTSHIP,— No.  37. 

off  Saltees  Rocks. 

Boarded  the  vessel,  which  is  coloured  black  with 
a  white  stripe  to  distinguish  her  from  the  floating 
lights  on  the  English  coast,  which  are  red. 

She  had  three  masts  with  black  halls  and  two 
lights  ;  she  appeared  to  ride  very  easily,  and  the 
master  said  she  rode  "  beautifully."  She  is  moored 
in  32  fathoms,  and  rides  by  170  fathoms  of  chain. 
One  spare  chain  is  1|  inches,  the  other  l\.  The 
chain  is  hove  in  quite  short  once  a  month,  and  runs 
on  a  roller  low  down  in  the  hause  outside. 

There  are  200  fathoms  in  each  chain,  made  in 
lengths  of  20  fathoms,  with  a  swivel  at  each  10,  and 
with  a  mushroom  anchor.  170  fathoms  are  generally 
out,  the  shackles  are  countersunk.  There  is  a  fojr 
gong  on  board,  but  no  gun  ;  the  gong  is  sounded 
every  ten  minutes  in  fogs. 

This  is  said  to  be  the  best  Irish  lightvessel.  The 
Kish  to  be  the  oldest  and  the  worst.  The  sea  is 
•worst  at  the  Kish.  "  It  is  short."  "  Here,  though  much 


exposed,  the  sea  is  long,  and  less  difficult  to  ride  in."  Cruize  of  the 
Here,  then,  the  statement  of  the  master  agrees  with  ^"'"'• 
the  statements  of  those  on  board  other  lightvessels. 

The  Longships  and  the  Couingbeg  lightships,  though  Waves. 
the  most  exposed  in  the  kingdom,  seem  to  ride 
easier  than  vessels  in  much  more  sheltered  positions, 
and  the  master  of  the  floating  light  in  the  Humber 
complained  of  the  sea  in  the  river  as  the  worst  he 
had  ever  encountered. 

The  men  were  mustered  and  inspected.  The 
master  is  Scotch,  the  rest  Irish.  They  were  all  fine 
men,  well  dressed,  and  clean.  Inspected  the  medicine 
chest;  salts  and castoroilonly  had  been  used.  Inspected 
the  log,  which  was  regularly  kept,  but  has  no  printed 
beading  as  elsewhere.  Inspected  the  oil ;  it  looked 
thick,  but  the  master  said  "  it  burns  well.'' 

There  is  no  local  agent,  but  the  superintendent. 
Captain  Roberts,  visits  once  a  month  in  a  store  tender, 
which  brings  off  supplies  on  the  1st,  10th,  and  20th 
of  every  mouth.  The  corporation  visit  once  a  year, 
"  weather  permitting." 

The  men  have  21.  lis.  a  month.  Is.  Sd.  a  day  to 
find  themselves  ;  they  complain  that  the  allowance 
for  food  is  insutficient,  and  only  allows  of  meat  twice 
a  week.  No  beer  or  spirits  are  allowed  on  board. 
The  master  has  71.  a  month,  and  the  same  allowance 
as  the  men  ;  he  has  been  26  years  in  the  service,  and 
has  never  had  occasion  to  dismiss  a  man.  He  has 
been  in  various  lightships. 

He  showed  a  contrivance  for  making  the  trimming 
of  lamps,  when  hoisted,  safer.  A  man  was  killed 
last  year  by  falling  ofl'  the  Jacob's  ladder,  while 
trimming  the  lamps  in  a  heavy  sea. 

Inspected  the  reflectors.  They  were  not  very 
bright,  and,  in  common  with  most  others  seen  on 
board  of  lightships,  they  were  scratched.  The  vessel 
appeared  to  be  in  first-rate  order,  and  has  not  been 
adrift  within  the  last  two  yeai's. 

At  9  p.m.  left  the  vessel,  and  observed  the  lights 
which  were  then  hoisted.  They  did  not  appear  to  be 
very  bright. 

Steamed  into  Waterford  ILiirbour,  to  take  in  a 
pilot  at  Dunmore,  failed  in  obtaining  one,  so  inspected 
the  Harbour  light. 

22.  DUNMORE.  Vol.  II.  418 

There  are  three  large  reflectors  :  two  covered  with  *  °'  ' 
red  glass,  showing  to  seaward  ;  one  clear,  showing  up 
the  river.  These  were  in  very  tolerable  order,  but 
not  so  brightly  polished  as  those  in  the  first-class 
lighthouses  which  have  been  visited.  The  keeper 
spoke  favourably  of  the  oil,  and  showed  a  glass  of  it. 
His  log,  or  oil  account,  was  made  up  to  the  end  of 
May  in  form,  and  kept  in  a  rough  book  up  to  the 
present  time.  He  stated  that  he  had  written  for  a 
new  book  on  the  30th  of  May,  and  that  he  had 
received  no  answer,  and  that  Mr.  Halpin,  the  super- 
intendent, visited  him  about  once  a  month. 

Embarked  about  lOi^  p.m.,  and  observed  the  Har- 
bour lights  at  Waterford  and  Duncannon  burning 
clear.     Steamed  past 


23.  THE  HOOK.— No.  135. 

Did  not  land,  as  the  Commissioners  wished  to  see 
Tuskar  alight.  The  Hook  light  was  burning  well, 
but  could  not  be  seen  at  Coningbeg,  ten  miles 
off-. 

The  Coningbeg  light  was  passed  at  midnight,  and 
was  also  burning  well,  but  could  not  be  seen  at  any 
great  distance.  There  was  some  haze  in  the  atmo- 
sphere, but  the  night  was  fine.  There  was  a  little 
sea  on,  and  the  light  appeared  to  "wink"  as  the 
vessel  moved.     July  12,  passed 


24.  THE  TUSKAR— No.  134. 

at  about  2  a.m.     Two  white  lights,  and   a  red  ;  re- 
volving, intermittent,  burning  satisfactorily.   Weather 


18 


APPENDIX   TO    REPORT    ON    LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND    BEACONS  : 


Cruize  of  the 
Vivid. 


Vol.  II.  265. 


Vol.  II.  229, 
230. 


Liglitning  von 
iluctor  wanted. 


Comparison  of 
Dioptric  with 
Catoptric 
apparatus. 


rather  hazy.  Having  no  pilot,  and  heavy  swell  on, 
did  not  land.     At  3  a.m.  boarded  the 

25.  MONEY- WEIGHTS,  or  BLACKWATER.— 

No.  36. 

The  vessel  is  so  named  on  the  Admiralty  charts; 
in  the  Admiralty  list  of  lights  she  is  called  the 
Blackwater,  and  that  name  is  painted  on  her  sides. 
This  caused  some  hesitation,  and  might  cause  some 
confusion. 

The  vessel  has  three  masts,  with  tvro  lights,  one 
revolving.  The  lights  were  lowered  at  sunrise,  as 
the  vessel  was  boarded. 

The  reflectors  were  bright  and  well  polished,  but 
a  little  scratched  :  they  were  fully  as  well  kept  as 
any  yet  seen,  except  those  at  the  Seven  Stones,  which 
were  peculiarly  good. 

This  vessel  came  on  the  station  in  1857.  The 
master  is  an  Englishman  ;  he  stated  that  the  master 
of  the  next  vessel  to  the  northward  was  a  Welshman, 
and  the  next  an  Irishman.     The  crew  are  Irish. 

There  is  no  service  on  board  on  Sundays,  the  crew 
being  of  various  persuasions. 

The  vessel  was  built  at  Cork.  The  machine  for 
the  revolving  light  was  contracted  for  by  Chance 
of  Birmingham,  and  is  supposed  to  have  been  made 
by  j\Iilne  of  Edinburgh.  The  master  says  the  vessel 
rides  very  well  ;  he  has  a  fog  gong  which  is  sounded, 
a  bell  which  is  not  used  in  fogs,  but  no  gun  ;  he  has 
rockets  and  blue  lights.  No  meteorological  instru- 
ments are  kept  on  board.  In  summer  the  vessel  is 
moored  by  120  fathoms  of  chain,  in  winter  200. 
The  only  books  kept  are  the  log  and  oil  books  ;  these 
were  regularly  kept,  and  entered  up  to  Monday. 
There  are  no  observations  taken  of  neighbouring 
lights.  The  Tuskar  is  only  seen  occasionally,  before 
or  after  rains  (distant  18  miles).  The  allowance  of 
Is.  3d.  for  food  is  considered  insufficient.  There  are 
no  fire  buckets.  The  vessel  was  roomy  and  very 
clean  ;  the  oil  room  was  a  model  of  cleanliness.  The 
master  said  "he  had.  never  taken  in  a  sea."  That 
the  vessel,  in  his  opinion,  was  properly  placed.  He 
could  not  account  for  the  wreck  of  the  Pomona,  close 
to  this  station,  but  by  a  mistake  in  the  reckoning. 
The  wreck  was  seen  from  the  deck.  There  was  a 
library  on  board,  and  the  master  had  a  turning  lathe, 
which  he  had  taught  himself  to  use.  lie  was  bred 
to  the  sea.     Steamed  in  to 

26-27.  WICKLOW  HEAD— Nos.  132-133. 

and  anchored  for  some  hours  to  visit  the  lights  there. 
Landed  and  walked  about  a  mile  to  the  upper  light. 
It  is  fixed,  has  fifteen  24-inch  reflectors  in  two  rows. 
They  were  well  polished,  but  dented  in  many  places. 
They  were  first  placed  in  1818.  The  keeper  has 
been  many  years  on  this  station.  The  old  light  tower 
was  struck  by  lightning  some  years  ago. 

It  had  no  conductor.  The  new  tower  has  no  con- 
ductor either,  and  the  keeper  says  that  in  thunder- 
storms the  lightning  is  "  fearful,''  "  it  appears  to  play 
through  and  about  the  whole  lantern."  There  are  no 
meteorological  instruments  ;  the  clock  had  stopped 
the  printed  regulations  were  missing  at  first,  and  on 
being  found  were  nearly  illegible,  and  without  date. 
The  lower  light  is  close  to  the  sea,  and  the  two  are 
so  placed  that  when  the  upper  is  hid  by  a  hill,  it  ia 
time  to  keep  off  shore. 

There  are  15  24-inch  reflectors  fixed  in  two  tiers. 
They  were  well  kept,  but  more  scratched  than  reflec- 
tors in  other  first-class  lighthouses.  Only  one 
reflector  and  the  half  of  anotlier  can  be  seen  at  the 
same  time  by  passing  vessels.  At  the  Tuskar,  where 
this  keeper  had  been,  there  are  seven  reflectors  in  each 
of  three  faces.  At  Lundy  there  were  nine  reflectors 
on  the  same  face,  which  only  produced  as  much  effect 
as  one-eighth  part  of  the  light  of  one  lamp  placed  in 
a  lens.  It  follows  then  that  a  fixed  light  on  this 
catoptric  principle,  showing  only  one  ninth  of  the 
light  shown  at  Lundy,  cannot  be  so  good  as  a  lens. 


There  is  neither  bell,  gong,  nor  gun.     The  clock  was  Clocks  wantei 

wrong,  but  the  keeper  made  up  for  that  "by  taking  Railway  iimr. 

the  time  from   tlie  passage  of  a  railway  train   along 

shore,  at  a  distance  of  about  three  miles."    There  was 

a  barometer  and  a  register  ;  but  the  instrument  was 

old,  and  of  bad  quality.     The  fog  settles  more  about 

the  upper  light,  and  still  more  about  the  old  tower, 

which  is  still  higher.     The  spray  strikes  the  windows 

of  the  lanterns.     There  is  no  medicine  chest.     There 

is  no  lightning  conductor. 

The  keeper  has  been  35  years  in  the  service.  The 
under-keeper  died  some  time  ago,  and  the  upper 
keeper's  son,  aged  17,  is  assistant,  at  40/.,  in  the 
meantime.  The  corporation  have  not  visited  for  two 
years.  The  inspector  was  there  "two  years  ago 
last  June."  There  is  no  visitors'  book,  and  very 
few  people  visit  the  place. 

Embarked  and  stood  for 


28.  THE  KISH.— No.34. 


Vol.  II. 


Boarded  that  vessel  at  half  past  12.  She  is  a  three 
master,  with  one  ball  and  three  lights  of  8  reflectors 
each,  140  tons  burden.  There  are  six  spare  reflectors  ; 
the}'  were  in  good  order,  but,  as  is  usual  in  vessels, 
scratched.  The  lamplighter,  the  oldest  man  in  the 
service,  said  that  these  reflectors,  made  by  Wilkins, 
were  very  badly  silvered.  He  said  that  it  was 
'•exceeding  difficult  to  kee|)  reflectors  in  order  at 
sea."  ■'  The  ironwork  of  the  lamps  is  also  peculiarly 
difficult  to  keep  clean."  Called  his  attention  to  the 
scratches.  He  could  only  account  for  them  by  the 
sea  water.  The  oil  room  was  a  model  of  cleanliness. 
The  mate  in  charge  has  been  15  years  in  the  service, 
and  four  in  this  vessel.  The  new  vessel  has  never 
been  adrift.  The  old  vessels,  which  were  shorter,  and 
not  so  fine  in  the  bows,  were  often  adrift,  oftener  here 
than  on  any  other  station.  The  vessel  rides  in  nine 
fiithoms,  V.  .ill  140  fathoms  of  IJ-inch  chain.  The  mate 
stated  that  on  heaving  in  the  cable  after  the  heaviest 
gale,  the  90  fathoms  next  the  anchor  have  never  been 
raised  from  the  bottom.  This  is  ascertained  by  finding 
barnacles  on  tlie  upper  part  and  none  on  the  lower 
part  of  the  chain.  This  argument  must  be  taken  for 
what  it  is  worth.  There  is  a  gong,  as  usual,  and  a  gun, 
also  rockets  and  blue  lights.  There  is  a  medicine  chest. 
The  commonest  complaint  "  dysentery."  No  meteoro- 
logical instruments.  Gales  are  foretold  by  observing 
a  heavy  .sea,  which  comes  in  sometimes  12  hours 
before  the  gale.  Tliere  are  two  boats,  which  have 
never  been  used  to  pick  up  wrecked  men.  A  wrecked 
crew  did  come  on  board  in  their  own  boat  some  time 
ago.  The  crew,  seven,  were  mustered,  and  wei'e  fine 
looking  men.  They  consider  their  victualling  allow-  ^y^^  ^^^^j^j  ^. 
ance,  \s.  3d.,  insufficient.  They  are  allowed  neither  Lightvessel. 
spirits  nor  beer  on  board.  They  think  the  new 
vessels  a  great  improvement  on  the  old.  One  of  the 
old  vessels  was  subsequently  seen  laid  up  at  the  wharf 
at  Dublin,  and  was  evidently  an  inferior  craft  in 
every  way. 

Landed   at  Kingston   at  2.30,  and  went  by  rail  to  \q\   jj  40( 
Dublin.     Called  at  the  office   of  the  Port  of  Dublin  personal 
Corporation,  and  saw   the  whole  staff  of  tlie  office,  observation. 
They  exhibited  portions  of  the  work  entailed  on  them 
by   the  questions   of   the  Commissioners.     Tlie    cal-  Preparation  t 
culations  required  to  extract  the  financial  statements  Financial 
were  most  intricate  and  voluminous,   principally  in  R^i"r"s.  4'<-". 
consequence  of  the  present    system  of   charging  so 
many    one-sixteenths   of    a   penny    for    every   light 
passed. 

The  questions  asked,  viz.  "What  is  the  income 
derived  from  each  light  ?"  appears  a  simple  one,  but 
to  answer  it  the  wliolo  income  of  the  corporation 
derived  from  lights  has  to  be  broken  up  into  one- 
sixteenths  of  a  penny,  and  allotted  to  each  lighthouse 
passed  in  each  voyage  of  each  ship  that  has  entered 
each  port  in  Ireland  during  the  period,  and  in  some 
instances  a  I'eduction  has  to  be  made  on  every  sum 
throughout,  in  consequence  of  some  alterations  in  the 
rote  of  dues. 


PERSONAL   OBSERVATIONS   MADE    BY   COMMISSIONERS 


J9 


The  Commissioners,  accompanied  by  several  gentle- 
men connected  with  the  office,  visited  the  buoy 
establishment.  Captain  Eyder  made  the  following 
remarks. 

Visited  the  buoy  wharf  at  the  end  of  the  North 
Walk.  Saw  buoys  of  various  descriptions.  The 
Dublin  Board  have  a  few  Herbert's  buoys,  but 
consider  that  Mr.  Bindon  B.  Stoney  has  invented 
an  improvement  on  Herbert's.  The  inventor  calls 
it  the  "  keel  buoy."  ,The  keel  consists  of  an 
iron  rim  about  18  inches  in  depth,  perforated  with 
a  few  holes  to  let  the  air  escape.  '■  The  enclosed 
water,"  he  said,  "  steadied  the  buoy  by  its  inertia." 
■'  The  pressure  of  the  tide  on  the  lips  or  keel  keeps 
"  the  buoy  upright,  provided  the  point  of  attachment 
"  of  the  chain  is  rightly  placed,  and  the  keel  acts  as 
•'  ballast."  The  buoy  is  made  in  Dublin  for  half  the 
price  of  a  "Herbert."  A  16-feet  buoy  shows  12  feet 
out  of  water.  Mr.  Stoney  said  Mr.  Herbert  had 
partially  abandoned  his  theory,  "  and  lowered  his 
"  point  of  attachment  from  the  centre  of  gravity  and 
"  floatation  to  half  way  between  that  point  and  the 
"  centre  of  the  base."  3Ir.  Herbert  subsequentli/  took 
legal  proceedings  against  Mr.  Stoney  for  infringing  his 
patent. 

Captain  Roberts,  in  charge  of  the  marine  establish- 
ment, stated  that  he  used  stone  sinkers  on  sand,  and 
iron  sinkers  on  rock,  because  the  stone  sinkers 
did  not  sink  so  deep  in  the  sand,  or  oppose  so 
muc'a  resistance  to  the  weighing  ;  also  that  chains 
wear  more  on  a  sandy  bottom  than  on  rocks  ;  that 
there  is  no  oscillating  motion  in  water  15  feet  below 
the  surface. 

The  spare  buoys  are  kept  at  the  lighthouses,  and 
the  head-keepers  have  orders  whenever  a  buoy  is 
displaced  to  employ  boatmen  to  replace  it.  (^Note. — 
July  19.  No  buoys  have  yet  been  seen  at  any  light- 
house.) 

He  is  not  aware  of  any  site  requiring  a  lighthouse 
in  Ireland  besides  those  already  agreed  on. 

The  pay  of  the  floating  light  men  was  raised  in 
England  10  per  cent,  when  the  provisions  were  high 
a  few  years  since,  and  was  never  lowered.  The 
Irish  pay  was  never  raised.  The  great  advantage  of 
rollers  in  hawse-pipes  is  tliat  they  not  only  ease  the 
"  heaving  in,  but  can  easily  be  shifted  when  worn, 
"  whereas  the  hawse-pipe,  which  often  suffers  in  a 
"  heavy  gale,  must  be  shifted,  which  is  a  long  and 
"  expensive  proceeding." 

The  Dublin  Board  had  accumulated  100,000/.  to 
enable  them  to  pay  expenses  of  staff  out  of  the  in- 
terest, and  then  to  lower  or  abolish  the  light  dues, 
but  the  Board  of  Trade  preferred  to  take  100,000/. 
into  their  own  keeping. 

The  chains  are  carefully  tested,  but  Capt.  Roberts 
considered  that  the  screw  steam  tender,  lately  pur- 
chased by  a  grant  from  the  Board  of  Trade  of  4,000/., 
is  too  small  to  lay  out  heavy  buoys  on  the  NW.  coast 
of  Ireland.  In  this  the  Commissioners  entirely 
concur,  having  seen  the  vessel,  and  the  buoys  she  is 
intended  to  carry.  She  only  goes  seven  knots. 
?  system.  Captain  Roberts  visits  all  lightvessels  and  buoys 
at  short  intervals.  The  channels  at  Dublin  are 
buoyed  on  a  system,  but  he  does  not  think  it  can  be 
applied  to  passages  among  banks,  as  on  the  east  coast 
of  Ireland.  The  system  is  red  on  port  hand,  on 
coming  in,  black  on  starboard  hand. 
At  sunset  steamed  for 


the  board.     A  similar  bell  is  used  on  Kingston  Pier.  Cruize  of  the 

The   keeper  said  that  the  machine  was  easily  wound  nvid. 

up  (it  was  tried  and  found  to  be  so)  and  worked  well,  

and   that  the  bell  was  heard    14  miles   down   wind, -^"^  *'3'"''- 

though  but  a  short  distance  to  windward.     It  was 

sounded  for  an  experiment  as  the  "  Vivid "  started, 

and  was  heard  off  the   deck  about  half  a  mile  to 

windward  against  a  slight  breeze.     It  was  the  largest 

bell  and  the  best  yet  seen  or  heard  at  a  lighthouse. 

There  is  no  sun. 

At  11  p.m":five   liahts,  all  burning   brightly,  were  ^^M^lf 
I  ii      7^-  1     o  T    i_i      -n    ■,      -r?       .      ,.       1    in  36  hours 

seen,  namely, — the  Kish,  3  lights,  Baily  Houth,  fixed, 

Kingston  Pier,  revolving,  the  Pigeon  House,  and  the 

light  at  the  Buoy  Wharf  on  the  Litfey.     This  makes 

ten  lights  inspected,  and   seven   ot!iers   seen,  within 

36  hours  since  leaving  MiUbrd. 

July  13th.      At   anchor   in     Holyhead    Harbour. 

Landed  at  7i  a.m.  ;  drove  to  the 


32.  SOHTH  STACK.— No.  77-78. 


Vol.  II.  \0i. 


It  is  on  an  island,  under  a  cliff,  and  joined  to   land 

by    a   bridge.     The    sea    birds    are    preserved  as  a 

natural    fog    signal,    and    are    tame.     Gulls    sit    on  Fog  signal, 

the    walls  and  close  to  the  lighthouse,   and    scream  birds. 

continually ;   a   few    white    rabbits  sat  amongst  the 

young     gulls,    and    seemed    on    terms    of     perfect 

intimacy.     A  boat  is  suspended  some  20  feet  above 

the   sea    at    the    end    of  a   long   rope.       The    light 

is    revolving,    21     reflectors,    which    are    50   years 

old     but      in      perfect      condition      except      where 

damaged    by  bits    of   glass  from    broken    chimneys 

falling  on  them.     There   is  not  a  scratch  to  be  seen 

that  seems  new  ;  the  reflectors  are  set  on  three  faces 

of  seven  each  ;  the  system  revolves  in  six  minutes, 

and  shows  a  blight  light  every  two  minutes. 

There  is  a  fog  light  which  is  lowered  on  a  railroad  to 
within  50  feet  of  the  water.  It  has  three  reflectors 
and  revolves.  The  keeper  was  formerly  at  the  Smalls 
for  14  years,  and  "liked  it  well."  His  father  was 
there  before  him  ;  he  spoke  of  it  with  regret.  He 
keeps,lst,  oil  and  store  book,  2,meteorological  register, 
3,  journal  of  observations  on  lights  visible,  4,  visitors' 
book,  5,  order  book  ;  all  in  order.  He  has,  1,  clock, 
2,  sun  dial,  3,  barometer,  4,  thermometer,  all  in  good 
order.  For  his  own  amusement,  he  draws,  photo- 
graphs, makes  models,  keeps  duplicates  of  meteorolo- 
gical observations.  The  assistant  had  hurt  his  arm 
badly,  so  that  the  upper  man  bad  to  do  all  the  work. 
There  is  a  large  fog  bell  inverted  which  is  rung  by 
machinery.  There  are  no  guns  used  here,  but  guns  are  poq  signal  gun 
fired  from  the  mountain  above  in  thick  weather  every 
half  hour,  and  oftener  when  the  mails  are  expected; 
and  the  birds  are  preserved  as  a  natural  warning  to 
ships,  and  have  proved  useful  in  fogs.  The  guns  are 
heard  in  all  weathers  nine  miles  off  at  the  Skerries. 
The  bell  never.  It  seems  desirable  that  the  water 
supply  Laid  on  during  the  building  should  be  con- 
tinued, and  repaired  for  the  keepers,  so  as  to  save  them 
the  great  labour  and  loss  of  time  consequent  on  as- 
cending the  steps  and  going  to  a  considerable  distance 
for  water. 

The  Commissioners  have  heard  with  regret  that 
this  intelligent  keeper  has  since  been  killed,  as  ia 
supposed  by  the  fall  of  a  stone  from  the  cliff. 

Returned  to  Holyhead.     Breakfastedand  steamed  to 


^ol.  II.  262. 


29.  BAILEY  HOWTH.— No.  197. 

Landed  on  the  rocks,  and  ascended  by  steps  cut  in 
them.  The  pier  light  at  Kingston  was  not  lit  till 
some  time  after  sunset.  Houtti  light  is  a  very  fine 
establishment,  and  in  very  good  order.  It  is  a  fixed 
catoptric  light  of  17  reflectors,  which  were  well  kept, 
but  were  dusty,  in  consequence  "  of  the  work  of  the 
painters,  who  had  been  in  the  light  room  all  day." 

There  is  a  very  powerful  bell  attached  to  this  light, 
sounded  by  machinery,  -which  goes  while  winding, 
invented  by  Mr.  O'Reilly,   the  assistant   secretary  of 


C  2 


33.  THE  SKERRIES.— No.  79.  ,,  ,  „   ,„. 

\  ol.  II    104. 

This  is  built  on  a  low  island  of  some  extent,  p^g  ^innat, 
covered  with  birds,  mostly  terns,  which  are  preserved  birds. ' 
No  other  fog  signals  are  used  here,  but  mariners 
can  determine  their  position  by  distinguishing  the 
noise  of  the  birds  which  frequent  these  two  stations. 
The  keeper  has  known  fogs  to  last  48  hours, 
and  a  wreck  has  taken  place  on  the  mainland 
after  six  hours'  fog.  There  is  a  sound  two  miles 
broad  within  the  island  which  is  dangerous,  but  which 
is  passed  occasionally.     One  ship,  the  "  Regulas,"  was 


20 


APPEXDIX  TO  REPORT  OX   UGHTS,  Bt'OYS,  AXD  EEACOXS  : 


Cruise  of  the 
Vivid 


Catoptric  anil 
Dioptric  appi 
ratus  romparvi 


Vol.  II.  326 

Liverpool^  8 
hghts  seen. 


wrecked  on  llic  island  four  years  ago.  Ka(s  escaped 
from  her  :  they  have  bred  on  the  ishind,  and  are 
gradually  dc-troyinpr  the  birds.  A  cat  has  been  fried, 
but  she  preferred  birds  to  rats.  A  man  at  Holyhead 
undertakes  to  kill  tliem  all.  The  lischt  is  D.  1st  order, 
fixed,  and  is  in  excellent  order.  The  same  books  and 
instruments  are  kept  as  at  the  South  Stack,  all  in  good 
condition. 

Mr.  Baily,  who  lives  at  ililford,  is  the  agent  for 
this  and  all"  intervening  lights  ;  ho  visits  two  or  three 
times  a  year. 

This  lighthouse  has  a  tender,  which  comes  off, 
weather  permitting,  once  a  fortnight  ;  she  is  under 
charge  of  a  Holyhead  pilot.  The  keeper  stated  that 
large  glass  cliimueys  were  less  liable  to  break  than 
small  ones  ;  that  the  supjjly  was  unequal  in  quality, 
many  were  useless  (because  too  narrow  below).  He 
has  reported  this  fact  to  Jlr.  Baily.  He  has  plenty 
on  hand,  but  this  should  be  remedied.  Sometimes  of 
those  which  he  could  use  three  would  break  in  one 
night  ;  sometimes  one  would  last  for  a  year.  He 
has  been  on  this  station  for  four  years,  and  has  never 
/•  known  his  lamp  to  go  out.  He  was  formerly  at  a 
reflecting  light.  He  says  there  is  much  more  labour 
about  cleaning  reflectors,  but  much  more  watching 
about  a  lens  light.  One  of  many  lamps  may  go 
wrong  without  serious  injury  to  the  light;  but  a  single 
lamp  requires  constant  watching  and  great  care. 
(This  statement  is  incorrect  as  regards  a  fixed  catoptric 
light,  for  if  one  of  a  circle  of  lights  is  extinguished, 
so  much  of  the  horizon  will  be  dark.)  He  thinks  that 
darkened  metal  fittings  similar  to  those  in  the  lantern 
would  not  diminish  the  usefulness  of  the  light  in  any 
way,  and  woidd  save  labour  and  avoid  the  risk  of 
damaging  the  glass  of  the  lens,  which  is  inseparable 
from  cleaning  bright  metal  fittings  close  to  the  angles 
of  the  prisms.  His  lighthouse  was  in  beautiful  order, 
but  he  apologized  for  its  condition,  and  explained  that 
it  was  not  so  clean  as  it  should  he  "because  250  school 
children  and  their  teachers  visited  the  island  yester- 
day from  Holyhead  in  a  steamer."  They  drank  half 
a  butt  of  water  (which  is  scarce),  and  would  put 
their  fingers  "  on  the  brass  work."  The  birds  vrhich 
kill  themselves  against  the  lantern  arc  starlings, 
thrushes,  blackbirds,  larks,  linnets  in  flocks,  and  ducks 
occasionally. 

The  glass  of  the  upper  prisms  in  this  lens  is  of 
English  manufacture  ;  it  is  streaky  and  far  inferior 
to  the  rest  of  the  lens.  This  establishment  was  con- 
sidered to  be  the  best,  as  a  whole,  that  has  yet  been 
seen,  and  it  was  kept  in  exceedingly  good  order.  The 
five  glasses  used  for  testing  neighbouring  lights  are 
here  insufiicient.  "  The  light  at  South  Stack  could 
often  be  seen  through  six  or  seven  such  glasses." 

On  lea\'ing  this  light  the  vessel  ran  into  Liverpool. 
The  observations  of  the  Commission  on  the  lights 
under  the  authority  of  the  Corporation  ivill  be  found 
amongst  the  returns  from  local  authorities  under  the 
heading  "  Liverpool." 

On  leaving  Liverpool  the  "Vivid  "  ran  for  the  Isle 
of  Man. 


Vol.  II.  173. 


42.  THE  CALF  LIGHT— Xo.  83. 

was  observed  from    a  distance   of  about  20  miles. 
Also, 


Vol.  II.  3-Jl. 


Ireland. 
Vol.  II.  256. 


43.  DOUGLAS  HEAD. 

For  remarks  on  Douglas  Head  and  other  lights 
visited  in  the  Isle  of  Man,  sec  the  returns  from  the 
local  authorities  under  the  head  "Isle  of  Man,"  and 
page  44  below. 

The  light  has  latch/  been  transferred  to  the  Com- 
missioners of  2Cortliern  Lighthouses. 

July  16lh. — Steamed  for 

44.  SOUTH  ROCK— No.  186. 

Tins  is  a  low  tower  built  on  a  rock  ;  the  sea  covers 
it  at  high  water,  and  comes  18  feet  up  the  tower  at 


high  tides.     It  shakes  very  much  in  heavy  weather, 
and  the  spray  goes  over  the  house. 

The  Iiead-keeper  was  on  shore  on  leave  with  his 
sick  wife  wife,  leaving  a  substitute,  who  is  paid  "  a 
shilling  a  night  and  his  meat,"  and  the  under  keeper 
in  charge.  His  name  is  Stapleton,  a  powerful  man, 
who  said  that  the  only  thing  he  has  to  find  fault  with 
is,  that  the  boat  comes  only  mce  a  week.  The  pro- 
visions are  often  stale,  and  all  the  keepers  suffer  in 
health.  They  have  no  medicine  chest.  They  have 
a  library,  which  is  changed  once  a  year. 

There  are  10  reflectors  set  in  two  faces.  They 
were  in  good  order,  but  were  not  yet  cleaned  up. 
The  cleaning  leathers  and  boxes  for  materials  were 
not  in  a  very  cleanh'  condition  ;  but  generally  the 
lantern  was  in  good  order.  There  is  no  ventilation, 
and  the  keeper  says  that  the  glass  inside  "  fogs,"  and 
has  to  be  cleaned  daily.  The  bars  of  the  lantern  are 
very  thick.  There  is  no  lightning  conductor,  and 
"  the  lightning  plays  round  the  tower  fearfully."  i,y,(,„„, 
They  thought  that  it  broke  a  pane  of  glass  below  du'ctor  tea,. 
some  time  ago,  "it  seems  to  go  all  round  and  through 
"  the  lantern."  There  has  been  some  talk  of  putting 
a  conductor,  and  mending  the  outside  rail  (which  is 
of  iron,  and  much  corroded  and  broken  in  many 
]ilaces)  for  some  years  past,  but  it  has  not  been  done. 
There  is  a  thermometer  and  a  clock,  going.  There 
are  two  fog  bells,  but  they  are  "  no  use  unless  quite 
"  close."  The  Calf  of  Man,  and  ]Mull  of  Gialloway 
lights  are  seen  from  this  station.  No  observations 
of  them  are  taken.  This  light  v.'as  extinguished 
this  morning  at  3:^.  It  was  visited  on  May 
12,  by  the  Lighthouse  Board.  They  come  twice 
a  year  in  a  steamer.  There  is  but  one  wooden 
ladder  for  mounting  this  tower  ;  if  it  were  broken 
or  lost,  it  would  be  hard  for  the  men  to  descend. 
jMetal  steps  should  be  fixed  in  the  stone  as  elsewhere. 
The  Commissioners  had  some  difficulty  in  gaining  an 
entrance,  as  the  men,  having  extinguished  the  light, 
had  gone  to  sleep,  and  the  ladder  was  hauled  up. 
It  was  only  after  much  shouting  that  the  keepers 
were  aroused,  and  the  ladder  let  down.  They  have 
flag  signals,  and  a  tender  is  attached  to  the  lights. 

The  birds  killed  against  the  glass  are  blackbirds,  Birds. 
stares,   thrushes,    larks,    linnets,    woodcocks.     The 
keepers  catch  a  few  fish  off  the  rocks.     Steamed  to 


COPELAND.— No.  184. 


Vol.  II.  2S 


It  has  27  reflectors,  in  two  rows,  in  very  good 
order,  well  cleaned,  no  scratches  to  speak  of,  though 
about  40  years  old.  The  keepers  are,  John  Doyle, 
aged  57,  24  years  in  the  service,  formerly  a  stone 
ma.son  ;  he  has  been  10  years  at  Eagle  Island,  some 
time  at  Houth,  and  Pier  Head,  Kingston  :  not  in  good  Medicine  ch 
health  ;  has  no  medicine  ;  he  has  some  children. 

John  Kelly,  27,  six  j-ears  in  service,  sailor.  He 
also  complains  that  he  is  "  bound  up,"  and  would 
like  to  take  medicine  sometimes.  There  is  no  light- 
ning conductor,  and  the  lightning  "plays  all  round 
the  lantern."  There  is  a  thermometer  and  a  clock  clocks  and 
(out  of  order)  ;  they  take  their  time  by  the  sun  and  dials. 
the  almanack;  they  have  no  dial.  They  are  generally 
visited  twice  a  year  by  the  authorities,  the  superin- 
tendent comes  at  the  same  time.  They  have  a  very 
large  fog  bell  worked  by  machinery.  It  has  been 
heard  about  13  miles  off  at  Carrickfergus.  The  es- 
tablishment is  on  an  island  of  considerable  size  on 
which  cows  graze.  There  is  a  well  of  fresh  water, 
an  excellent  garden  and  some  flowers.  The  wife  of 
the  head  keeper  lives  with  her  husband,  she  is  from 
Dublin,  and  the  whole  establishment  was  in  a  very 
good  state  both  of  cleanliness  and  efficiency.  Birds  Birds. 
killed, — blackbirds,  thrushes,  stares,  larks,  linnets, 
ducks,  widgeons.  On  leaving  the  island  steamed  for 
the 

46,  47.  MAIDENS— No.  181,  182.  vol.  II.  2t 

These   are  built  on   two  rocks  about  half  a  mile 
apart,   and  eight  from   the  shore.     Landed   at   the 


PERSOXAL   OBSERVATIONS  IIADE   BY   COMMISSIONERS. 


21 


AghiniiKJ  con- 

uctor. 

^&g  siijnah. 

lloclti  wanted. 


Yaler  had. 

{edirine  c/wst 
■anted. 


M.  II.  253. 


'!ohur  nf  build- 
,gs. 


'og  sli/nals 
anting. 


soutliern  light.  There  is  a  dark  red  stripe  painted 
round  the^e  lighthouses.  This  change  is  praised  in 
tlio  "  Sailing  Directions."  There  arc  26  reflectors  in 
two  rows,  they  are  30  years  old,  and  are  beginning  to 
wear  through  ;  they  were  in  very  good  order,  so 
were  all  the  cleaning  boxes  and  leathers,  each  mate™ 
rial  kept  separate  from  the  others  ;  they  break  from 
three  to  five  chimnics  a  week.  There  is  no  conductor. 
The  lightning  is  "  very  heavy."  There  are  no  fog 
signals,  no  signals  of  any  kind.  The  clock  is  out  of 
order,  "  it  was  sent  to  be  mended  and  made  worse." 

There  have  been  no  accidents  at  this  establishment. 
The  keepers  saved  a  ship's  crew  who  were  wrecked, 
by  giving  them  ropes  to  get  on  to  the  island. 

Head  keeper,  Alexander  Power,  52,  has  seven  chil- 
dren ;  served  16  years,  was  a  farmer,  has  been  at 
Wicklow  Head  ;  appointed  by  Mr.  Halpin,  through 
influence  of  Col.  Latouche  ;  has  good  food  and  good 
health.  Gets  water  from  shore  ;  it  is  stored  in 
barrels  and  tasted  bad  ;  has  no  medicine ;  has  a 
library  ;  "  has  not  seen  clergy  for  four  years  ;"  "  has  a 
boat  of  his  own"  for  the  use  of  the  boys  to  catch  fish." 
They  catch  fish  also  off  the  rock.  The  under  keeper 
is  Charles  Page,  born  on  the  northern  rock,  has  good 
health,  has  served  on  the  north  west  coast. 

A  few  duck  and  teal  are  killed,  but  seldom.  This 
establishment  (tower  and  both  dwelling  houses)  is  a 
model  of  cleanliness.  It  is  well  kept  and  efficient. 
It  was  noticed  that  the  thick  bars  of  the  lantern  were 
opposite  to  the  lamps  of  the  upper  tier  of  reflectors, 
which  must  stop  a  considerable  quantity  of  light. 

Did  not  visit  the  other  rock,  time  and  coals  begin- 
ning to  run  short.  It  was  thought  that  a  buoy  was 
wanted  on  Allen  rock. 


48,  '19.  EATHLIN.— No.  179,  180. 

Anchored  in  Church  Bay,  and  crossed  the  island  to 
the  new  lighthouse.  It  is  built  of  grey  stone  and 
coloured  dark  red  near  the  top. 

The  American  returns  received  at  Liverpool,  men- 
tion ihat  lighthouses  there  are  coloured  zcith  reference 
to  the  back  ground,  those  projected  against  the  sky 
being  coloured  dark.  The  evidence  of  iMr.  Maclvor's 
captains  is  in  fiivour  of  this  system  ;  so  is  the  evi- 
dence of  the  793  mariners,  the  majority  of  whom 
state  that  they  can  best  discern  black  and  red 
buoys  on  the  water.  (See  table  of  experimer-ts, 
page  10.)  The  illurajnating  apparatus  consists  of  two 
first  class  dioptric  lights,  one  below,  level  with  the 
ground,  fixed  ;  the  other  above  on  the  tower,  inter- 
mitting. The  upper  light  is  obscured  by  a  metal 
tube,  which  closes  round  the  light  for  10  seconds, 
and  remains  open  for  50  seconds. 

The  keeper  considers  the  machinery  too  compli- 
acted  for  so  simple  an  object ;  it  has  been  out  of 
order  -,  it  goes  for  five  houl's  and  a  half,  and  is  easily 
and  quickly  wound  up.  The  ventilation  of  the  lower 
lantern  is  defective,  the  glasses  are  apt  to  become 
clouded  at  night.  The  frame  work  is  bright,  and  the 
keeper  considers  that  it  would  be  an  advantage  if  it 
were  dark  metal.  In  cleaning  the  metal,  it  is  diffi- 
cult to  avoid  soiling  the  glass  of  the  lenses.  The 
glass  was  made  by  Chance.  The  colour  is  good,  but 
it  is  somewhat  streaky.  The  keeper  thinks  a  lens 
light  much  easier  to  manage  than  a  reflecting  light, 
much  less  troublesome.  The  American  lights  are  now 
all  dioptric.  (See  American  return,  and  the  reasons 
there  given.) 

There  are  no  meteorological  instruments.  There 
is  a  clock.  There  are  no  fog  signals.  No  observa- 
tions are  taken  of  the  lights  visible,  namely, — Ceantire 
13  miles,  Islay  30,  and  Instra  Hull.  The  fog  seldom 
settles  on  the  island.  The  head  lighthouse  keeper 
complained  that  when  the  change  of  currency  took 
place,  no  alteration  was  made  in  their  salary,  which 
was  measured  by  guineas  ;  that  they  thereby  lost 
Is.  8d.  in  the  pound.  He  thought  the  English  light- 
keepers  were  better  paid,  although  their  provisions 
■were  no  dearer. 


The  head  keeper  had   served  at  Fastnett,  &c.,  in  Cru!:e  of  the 
both  catoptric  and  dioptric  lights.      There  are  three  V'"'"- 
keepers,  one  of  whom  is  on  leave.     The  under  keeper         """■ 
has  been  at  Fastnett,  South  Rock,  Eagle  Island,  Tory 
Island  ;  he  is  the  son  of  a  lighthouse-keeper,  and  was 
appointed  by  the  superintendent  of  lighthouses  with- 
out any  influence.     Both  are  married;   each  has  his 
own    dwelling  ;    everything  was    in    excellent  order, 
neat,  clean,  and  in  a  high  state  of  efficiency.     It  was 
not  ascertained  whether  there  was  a  lightning  con- 
ductor, or  a  medicine  chest,  the  two  articles  generally 
deficient  in  Irish  lighthouses,  and  which  seem  to  be 
most  required. 

This  light  has  been  exhibited  since  1856,  and  no  i^'rds. 
birds  have  been  killed  against  it  since  this  keeper 
came,  eight  or  nine  months  ago.  Called  on  the  pro- 
prietor, Mr.  Gage,  re-embarked  and  steamed  past  the 
Giant's  Causeway,  took  a  pilot  at  Innishovven,  and 
ran  up  Lough  Foyle  to  Londonderry,  anchored  at  a 
quarter  to  nine.  The  observations  made  on  the 
lights.  &c.  in  Lough  Foyle  will  be  found  under  the 
head  Londonderry,  Irish  Local  Returns. 

The  following  evidence  was  obtained  July  18.  After    V°'-  H.  412. 
the  minutes  were  read  and  signed,  and  while  the  secre-  Two  lights 
tary  despatched   correspondence,  Ihe  Commissioners  seen, 
went  ashore.       On    board   the    "  Rose,"    a   steamer 
belonging  to  the  Glasgow  and  Derry  Company,  was 
found  the  commander,   Mr.  Michel   j\IcLaughlin;  he  Oral  evidence 
stated  that  great  difiiculty  ia  experienced   in  distin- 
guishing the  two  lights   at  Innishowen,    which    arc 
under  the  Ballast  Board  ;    the  inner  light   should  be 
raised  20  feet,  or  the  outer  one    lowered    the    same 
distance.     A  light  on  the  west  end  of  Rathlin  Island 
would  be  serviceable,  but  one  on  Sheep  Island  would 
be  better.     A  light  on   the  south   side   of   Rathliu 
would  be  useful.     He  considers  the  Clyde  well  lit 
and  buoyed,  but  the  red  light  on  Sanda  Island  very 
indifferent. 

Mr.  AV.  Johnson,  commanding  the  "  Enniskillin,'' 
a  Liverpool  and  Derry  steamer.  He  agreed  with  the 
preceding  as  to  the  change  required  in  the  Innishowen 
light  ;  he  thought  a  light  on  the  Sheep  Island  most 
desirable  for  ships  navigating  the  Rathlin  Sound  ; 
also  that  the  lighthouse  should  stand  on  the  North 
instead  of  the  South  Rock,  and  that  there  should  be 
something  to  mark  the  Highland  Rock  among  the 
Maidens.  He  always  makes  the  north-west  light- 
ship in  approaching  Liverpool,  and  sees  the  Bidston 
light  afterwards.  Bidston  light  ought  to  be  as  good 
a  light  as  can  be  made.  A  lightvessel  outside, 
where  the  Bell  beacon  buoy  now  is,  leaving  the  buoy 
in  its  place,  would  be  of  the  greatest  possible  service. 
No  greater  improvement  to  the  Liverpool  navigation 
could  be  devised.  The  Formby  light  is  very  bad. 
The  lighthouse  should  be  on  the  Chickens  instead  of 
the  Calf  of  Man.     (See  Liverpool  return.) 

Captain  S.  A.  Bedford,  R.  N.,  commanding  the 
survey  of  the  north  west  Coast  of  Ireland,  was  sent 
for,  confirmed  general  statement,  that  the  inner 
light  at  Innishowen  should  be  rai.sed  ;  that  Arron- 
more  light  should  be  relighted.  He  referred  the 
Commissioners  to  his  evidence  published  in  the 
small  volume  of  the  report  of  the  Royal  Light- 
house Commissioners.  Had  addressed  Ballast  Board 
on  subjects  connected  with  improvement  of  navi- 
gation, but  received  no  answer,  and  is  never  com- 
monly seen  by  them  when  they  visit  the  coast,  nor  is 
liis  advice  asked  although  his  experience  extends  over 
so  many  years.  He  stated  that  at  a  very  small  ex- 
pense many  of  the  harbours  might  be  made  accessible 
at  night  (see  his  answer.  Mariner's  Evidence,  to  13, 
15,  16,  23,  19,  his  own  index  number  13),  decided  in 
favour  of  lighthouses  varying  in  colour  according  to 
the  background. 

Mr.  Richard  Hoskyn,  Master  R.N. — N.E.  survey 
of  Ireland,  confirmed  statement  that  inner  Innishowen 
light  should  be  raised,  as  also  great  value  of  lights  on 
Sheep  Island.  See  his  answer.  Is  never  consulted 
by  Ballast  Board.  Says  many  of  the  buoys  ai-e 
inaccurately  placed,  in  some  cases  tcithin  the  dangers 


C3 


22 


APPfcWuIX   TO    REPORT   ON   LIOHTS,  BUOYS,  AND   BEACONS  : 


(  ruize  of  the      they  are  meant  to  warn  navigators  oti".     Says  there  are 
Vivid.   '  many  inaccnracies  or  ambignities  in  the  Admiralty's 

book  of  lightlionses.     Considered  that  iron  buoys  otT 

Colour  or  Loch  Foyle  should  be  under  the  Ballast  Board.     Con- 

biiildtngs.  firmed  general  view  that   the  colour  of  a  lighthouse 

should  depend  upon  background.  Expressed  a  strong 
opinion  against  too  numerous  variations  in  the  exhi- 
bitions of  lights  stating  that  the  common  run  of 
seamen  will  be  puzzled.  Objected  to  the  "  tixed  and 
flashing,"  stated  that  the  fixed  portion  is  only  seen 
when  close  to.  Lighthouse  book  should  always  state 
when  there  are  two  lights  whether  they  arc  in  the 
same  tower  or  not. 

At  the  oflice  of  the  Londonderry  Harbour  Com- 
missioners were  seen  Mr.  Abraham  Stewart  and 
Mr.  Jas.  McGce,  the  harbour  master.  The  "Tuns  " 
buoy  goes  adrift  about  once  a  year,  and  it  has  some- 
times been  a  month  before  it  could  be  replaced. 
There  is  no  spare  "  Tuns"  buoy,  but  when  adrift  it 
is  replaced  temporarily  by  a  smaller  one  ;  it  is  indeed 
in  contemplation  to  substitute  permanently  a  smaller 
buoy  on  account  of  the  immense  strain  on  the  cable. 
"No  lightship  oould  ride  at  the  place  of  the  "  Tuns" 
buoy."  They  agreed  in  the  opinion  given  above  of 
the  Innishowen  lights  ;  the  small  third  light  was 
added  because  complaints  were  frequently  made, 
whereupon  they  wrote  repeatedly  to  the  Dublin 
Board,  and  at  last  the  third  light  was  added,  but  it 
is  of  little  use. 

July  20th. — Got  under  weigh  about  3  a.m.,  and  at 
5-30  landed  at 


mile  from  the  main  land, 
lighthouse.  Steamed  for 
Landed  at 


Sighted  Fannet   Point 
the    Rhinns    of    Islay. 


Vol.  XL  252.  52,  53.  INNISHOWEN— No.  177,  178. 

This  lighthouse  was  built  about  1824.     There  are 
two  towers,  which    are  exactly  on  the  same   level. 
The    lights    are    therefore    seen    as    one    by    vessels 
running  in  for  the  harbour. 
Two  totoer'>  This  has  been   much  complained  of,  and   a  single 

ohjecHonable.  lamp  and  reflector  has  been  placed  in  a  window  in  the 
outer  tower.  The  light  being  on  the  same  level  is 
doubly  objectionable,  for  vessels,  when  they  open  the 
lights,  cannot  be  sure  whether  they  open  from  the  one 
side  or  the  other.     (See  evidence  above.) 

The  inner  tower  has  three  reflectors.  These  and 
the  cleaning  boxes  were  in  good  condition.  The 
lamps  have  no  iron  chimnies.  There  is  no  conductor. 
The  keeper's  name  is  Anthony  Hicks  who  has  been 
here  22  years,  he  has  been  34  in  the  service,  he  is 
married  "and  has  grown  up  daughters.  He  was  a 
printer  in  Dublin.  He  has  been  at  Eagle  Island  and 
Cape  Clear.  There  is  but  one  keeper  at  each  tower. 
This  one  says  he  is  getting  old  and  would  willingly 
resign.  His  place  was  all  in  good  order,  very  neat 
and  clean.     His  family  help  him  in  the  duties. 

The  outer  tower  has  nine  reflectors  fixed.  The 
main  bar  of  the  lantern  is  placed  nearly  opposite  to 
the  reflectors  in  one  row,  and  must  stop  a  great  deal 
of  the  light.  The  lamps  in  both  lights  are  on  a 
diff"erent  principle  from  those  common  elsewhere,  they 
have  a  button  in  the  centre  of  the  wick  called  a 
"  deflector"  for  throwing  air  into  the  flame. 

Reflectors  and  cleaning  boxes  all  in  very  good 
order  ;  dwelling  house  the  same  ;  all  metal  work 
polished  brightly.  Powders  and  leathers  in  their 
proper  places.  The  keeper's  name  is  Hugh  Redman, 
70  years  old,  .56  in  the  service,  has  been  all  round 
the  kingdom,  has  never  been  a  day  sick,  he  has 
raised  13  or  14  children.  The  reflector  in  the  lower 
window  was  in  good  order.  It  seemed  that  three 
would  be  of  more  service,  and  these  could  be  easily 
added  by  enlarging  the  window. 

The  wife  remembers  the  loss  of  the  Rambler  on 
Allen  Rock  when  she  was  at  the  Maidens.   Steamed  for 

Vol.  11.251.  54.  INSTRAHIJLL.— No.  176. 

Found  the  surf  too  heavy  to  land.  The  light  is 
built  on  an  island   of  considerable  size,  at  about  a 


55.  OVERSAY  ISLAND,  RHINNS  OF  ISLAY—    Scotland 

No.  93.  

Vol.  II.  17<: 
and  inspected   the    lighthouse.      There    are  24    re- 
flectors revolving,  showing  a  flash  from  three  reflectors 
every  five  seconds,  built  about  1825  or  6.     The  lamps 
have  no    iron    chimnies.     Reflectors,  cleaning  boxes 
aEtl  lantern  generally  iu  good  order.     Clock  going  well  Clocks. 
iu  the  lantern.     Thei-e  are  three  keepers,  and  there  is 
a  lignal  bell  which  rings  in  each  dwelling  by  blowing 
into  a  tube  in   the   lantern.     There  is  an  answering  Sit/'io/io/ic^/t 
bell  in  the  lantern  which  was  rung  and  was  efiicient. 
The  oil    burned   is  colza,    and  is  stored  in   a  cellar 
underground.     The  oil  is  run  in  from  outside  through 
a  tube  which  has  a  cock  opposite  to  each  vessel. 

The  instruments  kept  are,  clock,  barometer,  ther-  insirumenis. 
mometer,  thermometer  in  oil  cellar,  rain  gauge,  (five,) 
all  in  a  state  of  efficiency. 

The  books    kept   are, — ilonthly    Return,    General  Sooks,  Jv. 
Order,  Shipwreck  Return,  Inventory,  Postage  Book, 
Visitor's  Book,  (seven,)  all  in  order.  There  is  a  book  of 
regulations,  and  one  on   the  barometer,  and  there  are 
a  number  of  religious  books  provided.     The  "  Illus- 
trated London   News"  and   the  " Leisure  Hour  "  are 
supplied  to  the  keeper  by  the  Board.     It  was  remarked  Colour  of  bu  ■ 
from  the  sea  that  the  colour  of  the  lighthouse  (a  light  ing. 
brown),  rendered  it   diflicult   to  distinguish  from  the 
hills  and  rocks  behind.     There  is  no  lightning   con-  So  lightning 
ductor,  and  there  are  no  fog  signals.     Each  dwelling  conductor. 
has  a  medicine  chest.     The  head  keeper  is  married  Medicine  chi 
and  has    1 1    children  who  go  to  school  on  the  main  • 
land  ;  he  has  47/.  a  year,  cow's  grass,  3/.  for  a  policy 
of  insurance,  gardens,  and  a  suit  of  clothes  once  in 
three  years.     The  inspector,  David   Scott  has  been 
twice  this  year,  in  April  and  July.     It  was  remarked 
that  the  lantern  bars   were  properly  placed,  and  that 
the  blinds  had  spring  rollers. 

Took   in   a  Portnahaven  fisherman   as  pilot,   and 
steamed  for 


D  UBH-IARTACH.— (Black  Western.) 

This  rock  has  been  thought  a  fit  situation  for  a  Abstract  .y 
lighthouse,  and  a  correspondence  on  the  subject  has  corresponda 
been  forwarded  by  the  Commissioners  of  Northern 
lighthouses.  It  begins  with  a  memorial  dated  October 
25th  1855,  from  Archibald  MacDonald,  Guide  to  the 
ruins  of  lona,  in  which  mention  is  made  of  wrecks 
which  are  supposed  to  have  taken  place  on  the  rock, 
and  the  fiicts  on  which  the  .supposition  is  founded. 
The  Scotch  Board  directed  their  engineer  to  report 
on  the  subject,  and  in  1857  an  unsuccessful  attempt 
was  made  to  visit  the  rock.  On  the  1st  July  1857 
a  report  from  Mr.  Stevenson  was  read.  Information 
as  to  wrecks  is  given,  the  position  of  the  rock  and 
the  danger  to  navigation  is  pointed  out,  and  it  is 
stated  that  the  engineer  had  in  vain  endeavoured  to 
effect  a  landing  even  in  calm  weather.  The  reporters 
add,  "  We  have  no  hesitation  in  reporting  that  the 
"  erection  of  a  lighthouse  upon  it  would  be  a  work 
"  of  no  ordinary  magnitude." 

The  Skerry  ^Mhore  is  pointed  out  as  a  parallel  case. 
The  Commissioners  delayed  further  consideration  of 
the  subject  till  they  should  have  an  opportunity  of 
visiting  the  rock  on  their  annual  voyage  of  inspection. 

On  the  20th  May  1859,  Captain  Bedford  of  the 
Admiralty  Survey  reported  a  case  of  supposed  wreck 
on  this  rock,  and  the  report  of  the  engineers  in  1857, 
contains  a  list  of  32  wrecks  on  the  neighbouring 
coasts  of  Colonsay  and  lona,  of  which  29  took  place 
since  1803. 

On  the  20th  June  1859,  the  Commissioner,  landed 
on  the  rock  without  much  difiiculty  ;  but  though  the 
weather  was  fine  there  was  a  considerable  swell  on, 
and  probably  a  landing  cannot  often  be  efi"ected  so 
easily.     The  rock  is  of  considerable  size  and  always 


PEESONAL    OBSERVATIONS   MADE    BY    COMMISSIONERS. 


23 


above  the  level  of  high  vrater.  The  boatman  stated 
that  in  a  moderate  gale  the  waves  break  over  it,  he 
has  landed  there  three  times  and  has  seen  the  waves 
breaking  over  the  rock  on  other  occasions  when 
passing  to  or  from  Barra.  He  says  that  every  spring 
the  people  of  Mull  go  out  to  Dubh-Iartach  and  pick 
up  sucli  articles  as  silver  spoons,  ship's  chains,  and 
other  heavy  things,  proving  that  wrecks  have  taken 
place.  There  is  a  reef  which  is  dry  at  low  water 
spring  tides,  and  which  runs  out  to  seaward  for  a 
considerable  distance.  The  outer  end  of  this  reef  is 
low,  but  is  generally  out  of  water.  It  is  presumed 
that  vessels  strike  on  the  outer  end  of  the  reef,  and 
when  broken  up,  that  heavy  articles  are  thrown  over 
and  lodge  in  the  holes  in  the  lower  part  of  the  reef, 
where  they  are  found  almost  every  year.  Similar 
stories  were  told  of  the  Skerry  Mhore.  The  rock  is 
better  as  a  foundation  for  a  lighthouse  than  those  on 
which  the  Scilly  Bishops,  and  Smalls  are  built.  It 
is  evidently  a  very  dangerous  reef.  Specimens  of 
the  rock  were  taken.  It  is  an  igneous  rock,  hard 
and  compact. 

On   leaving,    steamed    for    Oban.     Observed    the 
lighthouse  at 


56.  RHU  VAAL— No.  94. 
showing  over  the  outer  end  of  Oronsoy  for  a  con- 
siderable distance  from  the  point.  Read  the  corre- 
spondence on  this  subject  forwarded  by  the  Commis- 
sioners of  Northern  lighthouses,  and  studied  the  chart 
so  as  to  understand  the  question  which  has  been  the 
subject  of  much  correspondence. 

The  following  is  an  abstract.  It  comprises  68 
letters  and  191  MS.  pages,  and  extends  from  1853  to 
June  1st,  1859.  It  begins  with  an  excerpt  from  the 
engineer's  report  of  1834. 

The  proposed  light  is  there  described  as  one  of  a  series  of  lii^hts 
intended  to  open  up  the  sheltered  passage  along  the  coast  of 
Scotland  inside  the  islands. 

The  Commissioners,  in  November  1853,  reported  in  compliance 
with  a  letter  from  the  Board  of  Trade,  from  which  the  following 
quotation  is  made, — "  24th  August  1853," 

"  with  regard  to  new  works,  it  will  be  necessary  that  a  detailed 
"  statement  should  be  made  of  those  works  which  the  Commis- 
"  sioners  consider  to  be  most  pressing,  with  an  estimate  of  the 
"  whole  cost  of  the  works."' 

In  this  report  the  Commissioners  mention  "  a  first-class  light 
"  near  Portaskaig,  in  the  sound  of  Islay,  so  placed  as  to  open  the 
"  sound  fully  both  to  north  and  south,  cost  11,000?." 

Together  with  their  report  the  Commissioners  forwarded  excerpts 
of  their  proceedings,  and  of  the  reports  of  their  engineers  on  each 
of  the  sites  named. 

On  the  1st  day  of  December  1858  the  Commissioners  informed 
the  Elder  Brethren  of  the  Trinity  House  of  the  resolutions  to  which 
they  had  come,  and  mentioned  the  light  at  Portaskaig.  And,  on 
the  same  day  forwarded  a  copy  of  their  letter  to  the  Board  of 
Trade,  together  with  further  documents. 

On  the  14th  of  December,  the  Trinity  House  acknowledge  the 
receipt  of  this  communication,  and  asked  to  be  informed  of  the 
amount  of  tonnage  which  was  calculated  to  derive  benefit  in  each 
case  from  the  proposed  lights. 

Tile  calculations  were  furnished  as  requested. 
On  the  11th  of  January  1854,  the  Trinity  Hotise  replied,  and 
on  this  point  said  "That' the  light  at  or  near  Portaskaig,  in  the 
"  sound  of  Islay,  would  only  be  useful  to  vessels  passing  through 
"  that  sound,  aiid  should  therefore  be  considered  as  a  local  light, 
"  and  the  toll  to  be  imposed  be  chargeable  accordingly." 

The  Elder  Brethren,  having  stated  their  opinion,  added,  that 
"  in  the  event  of  the  intended  erections,  or  any  portion  of  them, 
"  meeting  the  sanction  and  concurrence  of  the  Board  of  Trade," 
they  would  take  an  early  opportunity  of  visiting  the  localities,  for 
the  purpose  of  forming  an  opinion  as  to  each  site. 

So  far  then  the  Trinity  House  offered  no  objection  to  the  site, 
or  to  the  nature  of  the  proposed  light  near  Portaskaig,  and  their 
views  as  to  the  charges  agreed  also  with  those  of  the  Commis- 
sioners of  Northern  Lighthouses. 

On  the  27th  of  January  1854,  the  views  of  the  Trinity  House 
were  stated  to  the  Board  of  Trade  by  the  Commissioners  of  Northern 
Light  Houses,  and  their  views  were  stated  also.  It  was  pointed  out 
that  under  the  16  &  17  Victoria  c.  131,  the  Trinity  House  had  onlv 
to  consider  the  usefulness  of  the  proposed  lights,  and  not  this 
question  of  tolls. 

On  the  11th  of  April  1854,  the  Board  of  Trade  transmitted  to 
the  Commissioners  a  report  forwarded  to  them  bv  the  Admiralty, 
and  sont  to  the  Admiralty  by  Commander  Bedford,  the  survevin<' 
officer  in  the  district,  relative  to  the  establishment  of  a  lighthouse 
in  the  sound  of  Islay,  "upon  that  point  called  Carraig  Mhoret 
"  situated  about  half  a  mile  southward  of  Portaskaig,"  which  site, 
Commander  Bedford  considered  to  be  the  best,  as  beino-  visible 
from  the  greatest  distance  north  and  south,  and  iVir  other  reasons. 

And  on  the  11th  of  May.  the  letter  of  Commander  Bedford 
sent  to  the  Admiralty,  and  by  the  Admiralty  to  the  Board  of  Trade, 
aiid  by  the  Board  of  Trade'  to  the  Commissioners  of  Northern 
Lighthouses,  was    communicated    by  the   Commissioiiers   to    the 

C4 


Trinity  House,  and  it  was  pointed  out   that  as  regards  the  Lio-hi-  Cruhc  of  the 
house  the  matter  awaited  the  sanction  of  the  Board  of  Traded  to  Vwid 

whom  it  was  referred  on  the  1st  of  December,  five  months  before.  

Their  Lordships  were  reminded  on  the  lath  of  April,  and, 
On  the  11th  of  May  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Light- 
houses expressed  a  wish  that  in  the  event  of  their  proposals  bein<f 
sanctioned  their  Lordships  would  cause  them  to  be  iiifomicd  within 
a  short  time,  so  that  steps  might  be  taken  for  proceeding  with  the 
work  in  tlie  course  of  1855. 

On  the  23rd  Jlay  their  Lordships  concur  in  the  opinion  expressed 
by  the  Commissioners  that  no  time  should  be  lost  in  makino-  such 
preparations  as  would  not  interfere  with  any  changes  in  the  "selec- 
tion of  the  sites,  which,  after  the  visit  of  the  JElder  Brethren,  it  mio-hl 
appear  expedient  to  make.  * 

And  on  the  25th  of  August  1S54,  the  Trinity  House  com- 
municated to  the  Commission  the  result  of  the  obs'ervations  made 
by  a  Committee  who  had  visited  the  proposed  sites. 

As  respects  the  proposed  light  at  Portaskaig,  the  Committee 
did  not  approve  of  the  site  chosen  bv  the  Commissioners,  and 
suggested  by  the  surveying  officer  on  the  station  in  his  letter  to 
the  Admiralty.  They  stated  their  objeclions,  and  suggested  Rhu 
Vaal,  at  the  north  end  of  the  sound  as  a  better  position  in  the 
rneantime,  and  reference  was  made  to  the  use  of  the  proposed 
light  for  the  sound  to  the  westward. 

On  the  8th  of  August  1854,  the  engineer  of  the  Commissioners 
reported  on  the  letter  of  the  Trinity  House,  and  with  reference  to 
liglit  at  Portaskaig  pointed  out  that  the  objections  of  the  Elder 
Brethren  to  the  site  selected  by  him  and  by  Captain  Bedford  in- 
dependently, were  well  grounded,  as  it  seemed  impossible  to  li<rht 
the  sound  efficiently  with  a  single  central  light.  That  a  light°at 
Rhu  Vaal  would  open  up  the  northern  entrance  to  the  sound  of 
Islay,  but  that  it  was  doubtful  whether  it  should  be  used  to  lio-ht 
the  intricate  and  dangerous  passage  between  Oronsay  and  Islay." 

It  was  also  pointed  out  that  the  question  of  a'  light  for  the 
southern  extremity  of  the  sound  of  Islay  had  not  been  decided. 

On  the  11th  of  August,  the  Trinity  House  were  informed  that 
orders  had  been  given  for  the  necessary  surveys  of  all  the  proposed 
sites. 

On  the  11th  of  October,  Captain  Bedford  wrote  to  the  Commis- 
sioners, urging  on  them  a  reconsideration  of  the  choice  of  Rhu 
Jlhaol,  and  again  recommending  the  site  near  Portaskaig  as  the 
most  eligible,  on  the  supposition  that  only  one  light  was  to  be 
establislied  in  the  district.  Captain  Bedford's  views  were  st.ated  at 
length,  and  with  respect  to  the  west,  the  danger  of  making  the 
light  visible  in  that  direction  was  stated.  The  engineer,  on  reading 
tills  letter,  had  nothing  to  add  to  his  former  report,  but 

On  the  2nd  of  November  1854,  the  Commissioners  directed  a  copy 
of  Captain  Bedford's  letter  to  be  sent  to  the  Trinity  House. 

On  the  Sth  of  November  the  Elder  Brethren  called  attention  to 
their  former  letter  as  explaining  their  views. 

On  the  loth  of  November,  the  engineer  reported  on  several 
sites,  including  Rhu  Vaal. 

On  the  l4th  the  Board  of  Trade  requested  that  plans,  &c. 
should  be  sent. 

On  the  29th  the  secretary  to  the  Commissioners  stated  to  a 
meeting  that  he  had  forwarded  a  copy  of  Captain  Bedford's  letter 
to  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  read  the  reply,  dated  18th  November 
1854,  in  which  their  Lordships  pointed  out  that  they  saw  no  reason 
to  depart  I'rom  the  view  taken  by  the  Elder  Brethren. 

On  the  29th  November  Captain  Bedford  was  so  informed. 
On  the  14th  of  December  1854  the  Trinity  House  returned  the 
plans  sent  the  Commissioners  by  the  Board  of  Trade  and  by  that 
department  to  the  Trinity  House,  with  a  letter,  in  which  is  the 
following  passage,  ** together  w-ith  a  memorandum  containing- 
"  their  Lordships'  approval  of  these  plans,  subject  to  the  observa^ 
"  tions  contained  in  the  said  memorandum,  and  their  Lordships 
"  having  requested  that,  since  any  suggestions  to  be  made  to  the 
"  Commissioners  should  in  accordance  with  the  Act  16  &  n 
"  Victoria,  c.  131,  sec.  21,  be  made  through  this  Board,  the  Elder 
"  Brethren  will,  if  they  agree  with  their  Lordships'  suggestions, 
"  cause  the  said  plans  and  memorandum  to  be  transmitted  to  the 
"  Commissioners,  to  which  request  their  Lordships  add  the  remark 
"  that  they  take  this  step  in  the  present  instance  in  preference  to 
"  the  obvious  course  of  having  the  plans  sent  for  the  observations 
"  of  this  Board  in  the  first  instance,  and  before  their  Lordships 
*'  express  their  opinion,  because  tbe  plans  are  already  in  their 
"  Lordships'  hands,  and  because  it  is  of  great  importance  to  avoid 
"  unnecessary  delay,  and  the  Elder  Brethren,  having  adopted  their 
"  Lordships'  suggestion,  and  having  given  the  plans  and  memo- 
"  randum  due  consideration,  I  am  directed  in  transmitting  them 
"  to  you  for  the  Commissioners'  information  the  views  of  the  Elder 
*'  Brethren  in  relation  to  these  respective  sites,  as  follows:  — 

The  Elder  Brethren  reserved  the  "character  of  Rhu  Vaal  and 
"  other  lights  for  future  consideration ;  the  memorandum  of  the 
"  Board  of  Trade,"  suggested  to  the  Trinity  House,  and  adopted  by 
them,  has  this  passage: 

"No.  9.  Rhu  Vaal,  Sound  of  Islay.  North  end  site  approved. 
"  The  light  should  be  made  to  serve  as  a  clearing  mark  for  the 
"  Neva  Rocks.     Initialed,  P.  H.  F. 

So  far  then  it  appears  that  all  parties  except  the  surveying  officer 
were  agreed  as  to  the  propriety  of  building  a  lighthouse  on  Rhu 
Vaal,  and  that  the  Board  of  Trade,  in  the  case  of  the  lighthouses 
referred  to  in  their  memorandum,  originated  suggestions  which 
were  adopted  by  the  Elder  Brethren,  and  approved  of  by  the  Com- 
missioners for  Northern  Lighthouses,  in  particular  a  suggestion  as 
to  the  light  now  under  consideration,  which  was  directly  opposed 
to  the  opinion  of  Captain  Bedford,  considered  of  doubtful  advan- 
tage by  the  engineer,  Mr.  Stevenson,  and  referred  to  by  the 
Committee  of  the  Elder  Brethren  who  visited  the  locality,  in  their 
letter  of  the  and  August  1854,  in  these  terms  : 

"  It  remains  further  to  notice  in  connection  with  this  subject, 
"  the  channel  between  Oronsay  and  islay  for  which  a  light  on 
"  Rhu  Vaal  might  be  in  some  degree  useful,  but  it  is  bound  on 
"  both  sides  with  rocks,  which  extend  considerably  from  the  shore 
"  and  a  light  on  Rhu  Vaal  could  not  be  sufficiently  screened  to 
"  guide  vessels  clear  of  those  dangers. 

On  the  24th  of  January  1855,  a  correspondence  relative  to  the 
sites  commenced,  and  the  result  was  communicated  to  the  Board  of 


24 


APPEXDIX   TO  REPORT  OX   LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS  ; 


Trade,    and  their    Lordships    communicated    their    views    as    to 
expense. 

On  the  11th  of  April  1855  plans  were  transmitted  to  their 
Lordships. 

Un  the  Ist  of  June  their  Lordships  requested  that  the  Northern 
Lighthouse  Commissioners  might  he  informed  that,  "  after  con- 
"  suiting;  with  Mr.  Stevenson,  and  obtaining  accurate  information 
"  on  the  subject,  they  were  satisfied  that  if  the  proposed  light  at 
"  the  Sound  of  Islay'is  intended  to  show  in  the  direction  of  the 
"  Neva  or  Balach  rocks  a  tower  100  feet  high,  as  shown  in  the 
"  working  plans,  must  be  provided  for,  it  will  be  sufficient  for 
**  the  light  to  show  as  far  as  W.X.  W.  only." 

Their  Lordships  also  suggested  that  a  window  might  be  provided 
low  down  in  the  tower,  in  case  it  should  hereafter  be  found  pos- 
sible to  render  the  channel  to  the  Sound  of  Islay  navigable  to 
coasters. 

On  the  25th  of  June  the  engineer  sent  in  the  tenders  received, 
and  pointing  out  that  the  increase  in  the  height  of  the  tower  would 
cause  increased  expense. 

On  the  2Sth  the  Commissioners  caused  their  Lordships  to  be 
Informed  that  the  engineer  had  intended,  "  in  consequence  of 
"  the  determination  of  their  Lords  to  cause  the  light  of 
"  Rhu  Vaal  Islay  to  he  shown  towards  the  westward,  as  far  as 
"  direction  of  the  Neva  Rocks,  it  was  found  necessary  to  design 
"  a  tower  UK)  feet  in  height,  which  was  not  in  the  contemplation 
"  of  the  engineers,  and  therefore  a  further  sum  would  be  necessary, 
and  on  the  .trdof  July  their  Lordships  sanctioned  the  extra  expense. 
On  the  liilh  of  February  the  engineers  reported  that  the  pro- 
priety of  lighting  tlie  passage  of  Colensay,  and  exhibiting  the 
lightin  a  western  direction,  required  further  consideration. 

On  tlie  7th  of  May  ISSii,  the  Commissioners  had  under  their  con- 
sideration a  copy  of  a  report  sent  by  Captain  Bedford  to  the  Admi- 
raltv,  and  decided  not  to  ansiver  it  till  officiallv  brought  to  their 
notice.  They  also  considered  a  memorandum  from  certain  ship- 
owners and  others  interested  in  the  matter,  stating  their  objections 
to  the  site  on  which  they  observed  the  lighthouse  in  progress. 

Ou  the  ISth  of  October  1S56  tliis  memorial  was  forwarded  to  the 
Board  of  Trade. 

On  the  29th  it  v.as  acknowledged. 

On  the  3rd  of  November,  the  subject  of  the  character  of  the  light 
was  referred  to  in  a  letter  from  the  ISoard  of  Trade  to  the  Commis- 
sioners, and  they  were  requested  to  furnish  plans. 

On  the  5th  the  engineers  repeated  their  great  doubt  as  to  the 
propriety  of  attempting  to  render  the  light  on  Rhu  Vaal  available 
in  lighting  the  channel  between  Oronsay  and  Islay,  and  tiheir 
opinions  that  the  light  showing  to  the  westward  should  be  a  danger 
light  to  warn  vessels  off. 

From  this  period  up  to  the  exhibition  of  the  light  a  corre- 
spondence W.1S  carried  on  amongst  the  authorities  relative  to  the 
character  of  the  light. 

The  Commissioners  wished  that  it  should  be  revolving,  and  show- 
red  to  the  westward  as  a  warning  light. 

On  the  15th  of  Januarj'  1857  their  Lordships  staled  their  view 
that  a  fixed  light,  so  coloured  as  to  lead  vessels  through  the 
channel  between  Islay  and  Colensay,  would  be  better  and  directed 
the  Commissioners  to  communicate  with  the  Trinity  House. 

The  Commissioners  again  stated  their  opinion  to  the  Board  of 
Trade,  and  were  again  desired  to  state  them  to  the  Trinity  House. 

The  correspondence  was  sent  to  the  Trinity  House  on  the  12th 
February  1857. 

On  the  25th  of  February  the  Trinity  House  concurred  with  the 
view  of  their  Lordships  that  the  light  should  be  lixed,  and  remon- 
strated with  the  Commissioners  on  the  irregularity  of  correspond- 
ing direct  with  the  Board  of  Trade.  But  the  Elder  Brethren 
reser\'ed  the  consideration  of  the  masking  and  colour  of  the  light. 

On  the  20th  of  July  1857  their  Lordships  "approved  of  the  cha- 
"  racter  of  the  light  proposed  by  the  Elder  Brethren,  and  con- 
••  sidered  that  the  red  shade  should  extend  from  North  to  N.  480. 
"  west  true,  as  shown  on  the  chart  sent  therewith." 

So  far  then,  the  governing  authority  appears  to  have  been  the 
Board  of  Trade,  and  the  object,  contending  for  the  opening  of  the 
chaiuiel  from  the  westward,  to  which  Captain  Bedford  and  the 
Commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses  were  opposed. 

On  the  15th  of  July  the  Trinity  House  communicated  their  view- 
to  the  Ciimmissioners,  "  That  the  light  should  be  a  fixed  white  light 
"  visible  to  the  northward  and  eastward,  and  to  the  southward  as 
*'  a  guide  to  vessels  navigating  the  Sound  of  Islay,  visible  also  to 
"  the  w-estward  as  a  warning  to  vessels  to  keep  off  from  the 
*'  dangers  abreat  of  Colensay  and  Oronsay,  and  coloured  red  only 
"  in  the  direction  of  the  east  coasts  of  Colensay  and  Oronsay, 
*'  and  w-ith  a  view  of  warning  vessels  approaching  too  near  these 
"  inlands,  when  bound  through  the  Sound  of  Islay." 

The  Elder  Brethren  also  stated  that  they  were  not  prepared  to 
recommend  that  mariners  should  be  encouraged  to  navigate  the 
dangerous  channel  between  Islay  and  Oronsay  by  night. 

The  Trinity  House  then  appear  to  have  felt  that  the  proposed 
measure  was  not  desirable. 

The  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses,  on  the  1st  of 
October  1858,  communicated  to  the  Board  of  Trade  as  to  the 
sailing  directions,  and  again  states  their  opinions  that  the  arrange- 
ment would  not  prove  satisfactory. 

Several  letters  p.issed  on  this  subject,  and  on  the  27ih  of  Octo- 
ber the  Trinity  House  stated  their  view.  Their  secretary  was 
directed  to  inform  the  Secretary  of  the  Marine  Department  for  their 
Lordships  infonnation, 

*'  That  the  Elder  Brethren  having  given  renewed  consideration 
*'  to  the  purposes  for  which  this  light  is  to  be  exhibited,  concur  in 
*'  the  first  jiart  of  the  jiaragraph  proposed  by  Captain  Sullivan,  but 
"  thcv  saw  no  reason  to  alter  the  opinion  communicated  in  the 
"  letter  of  the  15th  of  July  1857,  viz.,  that  should  it  be  found 
"  hereafter,  upon  further  survey  of  the  passage,  (viz.,  that  be- 
"  tween  Islay  and  Oronsay)  that  it  is  capable  of  being  rendered 
"  navigable  with  safety  during  the  night,  by  giving  the  light  a 
"  distinctive  character  to  the  westward,  the  adoption  of  such  a 
**  measure  may  then  be  considered, 

and,  considering  the  dangers  which  are  mentioned,  "  the  Elder 
"  Brethren  were  not  prepared,  in  the  absence  of  such  distinctive 
"  character,  to  recommend  that  masters  of  vessels  should,  undes 
"  any  circumstances,  take  a  course  defined  by  compass  bearings 


"  alone  between  the  Islands  of  Islay  and  Oronsay  during  the  night 
**  season." 

On  the  Sth  of  November  the  engineer  pointed  out  that  from 
certain  positions  the  red  light  might  be  seen  over  the  island  of 
Oronsay,  and  suggested  that  the  sailing  directions  should  be  altered. 

On  the  4th  November  1858  the  Coumiissioners  informed  the 
Board  of  Trade,  and  further  remonstrated  against  the  exhibition  of 
a  white  light  as  a  danger  light,  as  being  contrary  to  the  well 
understood  principle. 

( )n  the  i'Oth  of  November  1858  their  Lordships  informed  the  Com- 
missioi'ers  that  they  agreed  with  the  alteration  proposed  by  the  Elder 
Bretbi'en  to  be  rnade  in  the  paragraph  to  be  inserted  in  the  Notice  to 
Ma-.-iners,  and  also  as  "  to  the  use  of  a  white  light  as  a  warning|light." 

On  the  20th  November  1858  the  Elder  Brethren  had  explained 
that  their  reason  for  advising  the  use  of  a  w-hite  light  as  a  warning 
in  that  position  w-as  *' the  light  of  coloured  red  to  the  westward, 
"  as  proposed  by  the  Commissioners,"  would  not  be  visible  at  a 
"  sufficient  distance. 

On  the  14th  of  December  1858  their  Lordships  intimated  that 
it  would  have  been  better  if  the  sailing  directions  had  been  stated 
to  have  been  "  proposed  by  the  Trinity  House,  and  approved  by 
**  the  Board  of  Trade."  The  light  was  exhibited  on  the  1st  of 
January  1859. 

On  the  20th  the  Commissioners  called  the  attention  of  the 
Board  of  Trade  to  ail  article  in  the  Nautical  Jlagazine,  in  which 
the  Commissioners  were  blamed,  and  pointed  out  that  the  attack 
made  upon  them,  in  fact  advocated  the  view-s  entertained  by  them 
and  expressed  to  my  Lords. 

On  the  29th  of  January  1859  a  reply  was  sent  in  which  this  pas- 
sage occurs ;  "  My  Lords  see  nothing  in  the  article  in  question  to 
"  make  them  alter  their  opinion  deliberately  formed  after  careful 
"  inspection  of  the  spot  by  the  Elder  Brethren  of  the  Trinity 
"  House  and  Captiin  Sullivan,  on  grounds  which  my  Lords  believe 
"  are  well  known  to  the  Commissioners." 

It  appears  then  from  this  correspondence  that  the  Commissioners 
of  Northern  Lighthouses  were  overruled,  and  that  the  character  of 
this  light,  and  the  height  of  the  tower,  and  the  sailing  directions, 
were  all  in  accordance  w-ith  suggestions  originating  at  the  Board  of 
Trade,  only  partially  adopted  by  the  Trinity  House,  and  directly 
opposed  to  the  view-s  of  the  surveying  officer  on  the  station,  and 
the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses. 

On  the  20th  of  May  1859  Captain  Bedford  made  the  following 
communication  to  the  Commissioners  : 

*'  My  third,  and  most  important  item  of  information,  has  refer- 
*'  ence  to  the  Islay  light,  and  the  infonnation  I  obtained  from  the 
"  master  of  the  Colensay  mail  boat.  He  says  the  blending  lights 
"  are  distinctly  seen  by  vessels  passing  to  the  westward  of  Oronsay, 
"  that  about  six  weeks  since  he  received  information  at  Portaskaig 
*'  that  two  vessels  in  the  above  direction,  following  (1  presume)  a 
*^  general  understanding,  bore  up  for  the  Sound  of  Islay,  on  passing 
"  out  of  the  red  into  the  bright  light,  and  only  discovered  their 
*'  error  in  time  to  prevent  fatal  consequences;  this  should  be  evi- 
"  deuce  enough  that  tw-o  vessels,  in  so  short  a  space  of  time,  on  a 
"  coast  frequented  by  few,  should  have  been  nearly  wrecked,  by 
'*  following  the  usual  course  indicated  by  distinguishing  colours." 

On  the  24th  of  May  the  Commissioners  informed  the  Board  of 
Trade,  with  this  observation : 

*'  The  Commissioners  have  already  represented  this  matter  so 
'*  strongly  to  my  Lords,  that  they  have  no  further  observation  to 
"  offer." 

On  the  1st  of  June  1859  their  Lordships  acknowledged  the 
receipt  of  the  letter  of  the  24th. 

The  Lighthouse  Commissioners  after  reading  this  Remarhs  0, 1: 
correspondence,  and  having  seen  the  lighthouse  o\ev  case  of  lili 
the  land  of  Oronsay  from  the  -westward.-*,  having  studied  ^  '"''■ 
the  chart  of  the  locality,  and  having  seen  the  sea  break- 
ing heavily  on  rocks  in   the   channel  between  Islay 
and  Oronsay,  came  to  the  conclusion  that  the  views  of 
the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses  on  this 
question  were  just.   And  they  were  confirmed  in  their  g^^  oral <l 
opinion  on  examining  Captain  Bedford  subsequently  dence. 
while  in  the  neighbourhood. 

Ran  for  Oban  and  anchored. 

July  2l3t.  While  the  "Vivid"  coaled,  steamed  round 
Mull  in  the  "  Pioneer,"  questioned  the  pilots  on  board, 
and  the  fishermen  at  lona,  and  had  the  account  of  the 
Islay  Pilot  and  of  Captain  Bedford  fully  confirmed 
as  to  the  fact  that  vessels  have  been  lost  on  Dubh- 
lartach.  One  man  at  lona  stated  that  ho  had  himself 
picked  up  cannon,  which  he  had  taken  to  Oban  some 
years  ago.  Called  for  Captain  Bedford  at  Carsaie, 
and  finding  that  he  was  absent  left  a  note  for  him. 
On  arriving  at  Oban  heard  the  views  of  Jlr.  Hutcheson, 
owner  of  many  Highland  steamers,  as  to  the  building 
of  a  lighthouse  in  the  Sound  of  Jura,  he  was  much  in 
favour  of  tlie  Iron  Rock  as  a  site  for  a  lighthouse.  Mr. 
McArthur  also  expressed  a  very  strong  opinion  as 
to  the  necessity  of  a  lighthouse  on  the  Sgeir  Mhaol 
(Iron  Rock).  Mr.  Hutcheson  stated  his  belief  that 
the  present  cause  of  delay  in  building  the  lighthouse 
on  the  Iron  Rock  is  a  question  of  the  expenditure  of 
3,000/.  which  the  authorities  at  the  Board  of  Trade 
refuse  to  sanction.  The  Scotch  engineer  estimates 
the  expense  at  9,000/.  including  a  shore  light  ;  Mr.  H. 
was  owner  of  the  "  Chevalier  "  lost  on  this  rock. 


PERSONAL  OBSERVATIONS  MADE  BY  COSDIISSIONERS. 


25 


There  are  two  black  buoys  in  the  harbour  at  Oban, 
two  spare  buoys  are  kept  on  the  beach,  and  it  was 
stated  that  these  buoys  are  changed  and  overhauled 
every  three  months.  Observed  the  Lismore  light- 
house from  the  hill  above  Oban  burning  brightly,  and 
lit  at  the  proper  time. 

57.  SKERRY  MHORE.— No.  101. 

Picked  up  Captain  Bedford  at  Carsaic  and  steamed 
to  Skerry  Mhore  passing  through  the  Torren  Rocks 
at  the  end  of  the  Ross  of  Mull  ;  landed  at  the  light- 
house ;  it  is  built  on  a  reef  of  low  rocks  larger  than 
the  Scilly  Bishops.  The  stone  is  granite  from  the 
Ross  of  Mull,  and  the  building  -was  pronounced  the 
finest  yet  seen  ;  a  red  flag  was  hoisted  to  indicate 
that  it  was  safe  to  land.  It  was  suggested  that  this 
should  be  altered,  as  red  usually  indicates  danger. 
The  landing  is  by  an  iron  ladder,  and  there  are  iron 
ways  fixed  in  the  rock  fi'om  the  landing  place  to  the 
foot  of  the  building.  These  have  withstood  the  sea, 
and  enable  the  keepers  and  persons  bringing  stores  to 
move  about  the  rock  much  more  easily  than  elsewhere, 
where  these  ways  are  wanting.  The  ascent  to  the 
door  is  by  a  gun-metal  ladder  instead  of  by  metal 
steps  let  into  the  stone  as  at  the  Scilly  Bishops,  or  a 
loose  wooden  ladder  as  at  the  South  Rock  in  Ireland. 
The  first  story  of  the  building  contains  water 
tanks  for  1,300  gallons,  the  second  coal  tanks  for  13 
tons,  the  third  is  a  workshop  used  for  carpentering 
and  other  occupations.  The  fourth  story  is  a  store- 
room ;  the  fifth,  a  kitchen  ;  the  sixth  and  seventh, 
bedrooms  ;  the  eighth,  a  library;  the  ninth,  an  oil 
store  containing  1 ,038  gallons  ;  and  the  lantern  makes 
the  eleventh  story.  The  bedrooms  are  divided  into 
two  cabins  each,  there  is  a  lamp  which  stands  outside 
and  gives  light  to  each  through  windows.  The 
cabins  are  fitted  with  oak,  and  have  large  looking- 
glasses  a  foot  square  set  in  pannels  ;  the  beds  and 
everything  about  the  rooms  were  remarkably  clean 
and  neat.  The  library  is  well  furnished  with  hand- 
some chairs,  one  from  the  Bell  Rock.  The  lantern  is 
very  lofty,  and  is  surrounded  by  a  gallery  with  gun 
metal  rail ;  a  dial  is  fixed  on  the  outside.  There  is  a 
clock  in  the  light  room,  and  another  below,  all  in  excel- 
lent order.  There  is  a  ladder  of  gun  metal,  and  a  light 
rail  outside  the  lantern  for  cleaning  the  glass  ;  there  is 
a  lightning  conductor.  The  illuminating  apparatus  is 
revolving,  fixed,  prisms  below,  eight  pannels  of  lenses 
revolving,  and  eight  smaller  pannels  also  revolving 
above,  to  concentrate  the  upper  rays;  these  are  thrown 
on  eight  plane  mirrors,  which  deflect  them  to  the  horizon 
parallel  to  the  rest  of  the  beam.  The  light  is,  there- 
fore, a  fixed  light  of  low  power,  varied  by  strong 
revolving  flashes  ;  the  lamp  has  four  wicks,  and  is 
worked  by  pumps  which  ring  a  small  bell  while  in 
action.  The  lamp  machinery  is  woupd  up  every 
hour  and  a  half,  and  the  keepers  wind  the  revolving 
machinery  at  the  same  time,  though  it  will  go  for 
tliree  hours.  The  superintendent  was  at  the  light- 
house the  day  before  to  inspect  the  machinery. 

The  oil  is  hoisted  up  to  the  top  of  the  tower  by  a 
moveable  crane.  The  water  is  pumped  up  by  a  force 
pump  ;  the  kitchen  and  all  the  rooms  have  bell  signals 
worked  by  blowing  tubes,  so  that  the  keepers  can  call 
each  other  without  leaving  the  lantern. 

There  are  two  fog  bells  ringing  every  half  minute. 
These  are  supposed  to  be  too  near  the  gallery,  they  are 
not  heard  at  any  great  distance,  but  they  were  heard 
on  board  the  Vivid,  distant  about  a  mile. 

There  is  a  signal  ball  hoisted  every  morning  to 
indicate  all's  well  ;  there  are  other  signals  for  shore, 
and  a  book  is  kept  showing  them.  There  is  a  table  cal- 
culated for  the  latitude,  giving  theiours  of  lighting  and 
extinguishing  for  every  day,  and  a  picture  of  the  flame 
at  its  best,  framed  and  glazed.  There  are  three  keepers 
on  duty,  and  one  on  shore,  James  Wallace,  married,  he 
has  six  children  ;  John  W.  Hall,  married,  has  nine 
children  ;  William  Mail,  married,  four  children.  Their 
families  live  on  shore  in  Tyree  ;  they  have  dwelling, 
and  cow's  grass,  and  the  chilrden  go  to  school.  The  men 

I.  D 


say  that  they  are  healthy,  they  have  a  medicine  chest,  Cndze  of  the 
and  use  mostly  salts  and  castor  oil,  but  of  these  they  take  T'^"-'"'- 
little.  Wallace  has  been  at  Point  of  Ayre,  Barra  Head, 
and  he  saw  Skerry  Mhore  Light  from  Barra  Head. 
He  pointed  out  that  the  granite,  where  exposed,  is 
going  ;  on  rubbing  the  fingers  on  the  stone,  small 
particles  like  sand  crumbled  away.  Where  the  stone 
has  been  oiled  it  is  hai-d,  and  no  sand  can  be  rubbed 
off".  This  was  particularly  shewn  in  the  place  whore 
the  weight  goes  up  and  down,  and  where  contiguous 
portions  of  the  stone  are  oiled,  and  left  in  the  natural 
condition.  The  books  kept  are  log  book,  visitors' 
book,  journal,  return  of  shipwrecks  (blank),  store 
book,  inventory,  (six,)  all  in  good  order.  There  is  a 
barometer  and  a  thermometer  ;  no  wind  gauge,  no 
rain  gauge.  There  was  a  machine  for  measuring  tho 
force  of  the  waves,  but  it  was  abandoned  as  giving 
unsatisfactory  results.  There  is  no  life  buoy,  and 
some  of  the  keepers  are  unable  to  swim  ;  in  fine 
weather  something  of  the  kind  might  possibly  save 
life.  The  keepers  catch  a  few  fish,  such  as  little  cod  ■'^'^''• 
and  rockfish.  They  occasionally  see  seals,  and  when  Seats. 
they  come  about  the  rock  no  fish  are  to  be  got.  The  Birds. 
birds  that  kill  themselves  are  blackbirds,  thrushes, 
starlings,  and  once  a  woodcock  ;  few  are  killed  here. 
The  whole  establishment  was  in  a  state  of  complete 
efliciency,  the  men  clean  and  dressed  in  their 
uniforms,  and  everything  under  their  charge  in  first- 
rate  order. 


Vol.  II,  177. 


58.  RUADH  NA  GALL,  or  SOUND  OF 
MULL.— No.  96. 

Steamed  into  the  Sound  of  Mull,  and  inspected  the 
lighthouse  at  the  entrance.  It  is  built  on  a  point  of 
columnar  basalt  containing  agates.  The  house  of 
brick  whitened  with  stone  mouldings.  The  keepers' 
houses  are  at  a  considerable  distance,  and  there  is  a 
roadway  over  the  rocks. 

The  light,   dioptric   holophotal,   two   wicks,   red  to 
seaward,  so  as  to  distinguish  it  from  the  neighbouring 
light  of  Ard  na  Murchan,  green  towards  the  opposite 
shore,  and  white   towards   the   Sound  of  Mull.     The  Azimuthat con- 
beams     to     seaward     and    towards    the    sound    are  deiumig  appa- 
strengthened  by  a   series  of  reflecting  prisms  which  '"''"'• 
deflect  the  light  which  would  otherwise  shine  towards 
the  land  and  be  lost.     By  this  contrivance  a  light  of 
the  fourth  order  is  made  equal  to  one  of  much  greater 
power,  and  a  greater  saving  of  oil  is  eilected.     The 
keepers  are  well  lodged  ;  the  tower  is  furnished  with 
the  usual   instruments,     viz.,  clock,   dial,    telescope, 
barometer,   thermometer,  rain  gauge,  lightning  con-  Instruments. 
ductor.     There  is  a  workroom  furnished  with  tools, 
and  the  keepers  are  provided  with   a  medicine  chest, 
though  close  to    Tobarmoray.      There  is  the    usual 
blow  tube  from  the  lantern  to  the  dwelling  houses  ; 
everything  in  first-rate  order.    Captain  Bedford  stated 
that  the  green  light  did  not  appear  sufliciently  green 
from  the  opposite  shore. 

59.  ARD  NA  MURCHAN.— No.  97. 

Landed  Captain  Bedford  and  steamed  to  Ard  na 
Murchan,  landed  on  the  rocks,  and  siu-prised  the 
keeper  who  had  not  observed  the  Vivid.  The  tower 
is  of  granite  and  a  beautiful  building.  The  dwelling  Kccvcrs 
houses  are  at  the  foot,  and  are  exceedingly  comfort-  d-eiUngs. 
able  ;  there  were  the  usual  instruments,  and  every- 
thing was  in  excellent  order  ready  for  lighting.  Tho 
light  is  dioptric,  first  order,  with  a  mechanical  lamp 
fitted  with  the  warning  bell.  Two  large  reflectors  of 
silvered  glass  turn  all  the  light  from  the  landward 
side  towards  the  sea.  The  metal  fittings  were  inten- 
tionally dark ;  the  bars  of  the  lantern  were  thin  and 
set  diagonally.  There  are  two  keepers,  Henry 
Murdoch  and  William  Crouth,  both  married,  the  first 
has  no  children,  and  was  a  f;irmer,  the  other  has  one 
child,  but  he  has  been  married  only  one  year. 

They  stated  that  the  large  glass  chimnies  were  not  Glass  chimnks. 
all  of  one  gauge.     This  has  been  remarked  in  all  the 
principal  first-order  lights  visited  iu  England,  Scot- 
land, and  Ireland.     The  tower  was  struck  by  light-  ligktniiw. 


Vol.  II.  U 


26 


APPENDIX    TO    REPORT   ON   LIGHTS.  BUOYS,  AND   BEACONS  : 


CruUeofthc     uintr  some  time  ago,  but  no  damage  was  done.     The 

Vivid.  keepers  see  the  light  at  Skerry  Mliore  occasionally  ; 

•  ~  aecordi^n'T  to  calculation  from  the  heights  of  the  two 

licrht*   and  tlie  distance,  38  nautical  miles,  this  should 

be  impossible,  unless  in  consequence  of  some  peculiar 

refi-action. 

Vol.  II.  17S  60.  ISLE  ORONSAY.— No.  98. 

Steamed  to  Isle  Oronsay  and  observed  the  light  in 
the  Sound  of  Mull.  The  beam  which  is  projected  down 
the  Sound  of  the  Skye  is  very  brilliant  ;  on  entering 
the  beam,  which  projected  northwards  towards 
Glenelg  the  increase  of  power  was  very  marked,  and 
on  entering  the  harbour  the  light  disappeared  sud- 
denly at  the  point  indicated  by  the  drawings  in 
Azimuhal  j^jj.  Stevenson's  Book.     At  5  .a..m.  landed  at  the  bght- 

ZvZTl         house.     It   is  the  same  in    principle  as  that  in  the 
'^^        '  ■         sound  of  Mull.     The  illuminating  apparatus  is  of  the 
same  description.     Tiie  onlv  variety  is  m  the  number 
of  prisms  and  size   of  the  lenses  for  the  additional 
beam  which  are  calculated  according  to  the  distance 
at  which  it  is  desirable   to  see  the   light.     There  are 
seven   prisms   to   the   north,  and  twelve  to  the  south. 
This  liglit  and  Ard  na  Murchan  can  be  seen  together. 
Both  keepers  are  married,  the  one  has  four  children 
the  other  six.     Both   have  been  in  the   service  for  a 
lono-  time.     The  whole  establishment   appeared  to  be 
in  a   state   of  complete  efficiency,  and  there  were  the 
usual  books,  instruments  and  furnishing 
Birds.  The  birds  killed  here  are  larks  and  starlings— very 

few,  not  nearly  so  many  as  at  Pladda,  where  numbers 
were  killed. 


of  the  lisht.  The  keeper  intends  some  night  to  take 
out  a  couple  of  the  lenses  and  watch  the  revolutions 
from  a  neighbouring  hill  so  as  to  judge  of  the  differ- 
ence, he  was  requested  to  communicate  the  result  of 
his  experiment  to  the  secretary.  The  reflectors  in 
this  lighthouse  were  particularly  bright  and  well 
polishell.  Both  keepers  are  married,  one  has  ten 
children,  the  other  two.  One  is  from  Caithness,  the 
other  a  native  of  Skye. 

63.  STOENOWAY.— No.  105. 


Vol.  II.  178. 


61.  KYLE  AKINI.--N0.  99. 

Steamed  throu£li  the  narrows  to  Kyle  Akm.  It 
was  remarked  tha't  some  buoys  or  beacons,  or  perhaps 
a  smaU  light  similar  to  those  in  Loch  Foyle,  would  be 
an  improvement,  as  the  narrows  are  dark  for  a  con- 
siderable distance. 

Landed  at  the  lighthouse  at  Kyle  Akin,  where  the 
keepers  were  all  in  bed  ;  roused  them  and  found 
everythino-  according  to  the  regulations  ;  lamp  ready 
for  lighting,  blinds  down,  and  everything  cleaned 
up-  tie  usual  instruments,  &c.  provided  and  in 
o-ood  order.  This  light  has  a  set  of  totally  reflect- 
fno-  pT-i^ms  to  economise  the  light  and  reflect  a 
portion  of  it  to  seaward.  Towards  the  sound  the 
li<Tht  is  masked,  all  but  a  narrow  beam,  which  acts 
as"  a  leading  light,  and  clears  all  shoals.  To  seaward 
the  lio-ht  is  red,  and  is  masked  from  dangers  and  Irom 
the  shore.  It  was  observed  that  the  bars  of  the 
lantern  were  so  placed  as  to  stop  a  considerable  por- 
tion of  the  light,  and  it  was  thought  desireable, 
that  in  future  the  lens  and  the  lantern  should  be 
made  and  set  up  together  before  they  are  finaUy  placed 
so  as  to  avoid  such  imperfections. 

The  keeper  stated  that  this  light  gave  great  satis- 
faction, and  enabled  vessels  to  run  in  in  bad  weather, 
instead  of  remaining  outside,  as  they  formerly  used  to 
do,  exposed  to  the  hea^y  sea  which  sets  m  from  the 
north.  The  house  is  of  brick,  whitewashed,  with 
stone  foundation  and  mouldings;  a  bridge  joins  it  to 
the  land.     It  was  well  kept. 


Vol.  II.  17t<- 


62.  RONA.— No.  100. 


Vol.  11.  U 


Steamed  for  Rona ;  landed  outside  the  island  and 
walked  up  the  rocks.  There  is  a  reflecting  revolving 
liglit  situated  at  the  north  end  of  Rona.  The  house 
and  the  dwelling  houses  near  to  each  other,  and  pro- 
vided with  the  same  conveniences,  instruments,  &c. 
as  the  other  lighthouses  of  the  Commissioners  of 
Northern  lights.  The  reflectors  have  been  altered  so 
JJohphfinl  ^_,  j^  economise  the  light.  The  small  end  of  the  para- 
apparaius  ^^^.^  reflectors  has  been  cut  off,  and  a  hemispherical 

reflector  substituted  :  a  small  lens  is  placed  so  as  to 
intercept  the  rays  which  would  otherwise  diverge 
part  the  edge  of  the  reflectors.  The  result  is  said  to 
be  a   very  considerable  improvement  in  the  intensity 


Steamed  round  the  north  end  for  Stornoway. 
Stopped  opposite  to  the  harbour  lighthouse,  and  ex- 
amined the  "  apparent  light "  on  the  rock  at  the 
entrance  to  the  harbour.  The  light  itself  is  revolving 
catadioptric.  holophotal,  on  the  same  principle  as 
Rona,  but  with  fewer  reflectors.  There  are  two 
keepers.  The  house  is  of  iron,  lined  with  wood,  all 
but  the  upper  part  below  the  lantern,  which  is  not 
lined,  and  consequently  is  very  cold  in  winter.  The 
reflectors  were  beautifully  kept,  and  the  brasswork 
everywhere  as  clean  as  it  could  be  made.  The  keeper 
was  observed  to  interpose  the  sleeve  of  his  jacket 
between  his  hand  and  the  brass  handle  of  the  box  in 
which  the  revolving  machinery  is  placed.  In  aU  Beacon  u-'d, 
other  respects  the  house  was  furnished,  and  fitted  like  apparent  /i; 
the  others,  and  in  equally  good  order.  The  peculiarity 
of  this  light  is  the  "  apparent  light,"  which  consists 
of  a  holophotal  catadioptric  single  lamp  placed  in  a 
window  .at  the  foot  of  the  tower  as  to  project  a  power- 
ful beam  on  a  mirror  placed  on  the  top  of  a  beacon 
in  the  sea.  The  light  is  reflected  to  seawards,  and 
dispersed  by  a  lens  placed  in  front  of  the  mirror,  so  as 
to  five  the  effect  of  a  light  burning  on  the  beacon. 
The  deception  is  so  perfect  that  the  fishermen  will 
not  believe  that  there  is  not  a  light  there. 

The  pilot  on  board  has  often  seen  it,  but  thinks  it 
is  hardly  powerful  enough,  though  very  useful. 

People  on  shore  at  Stornoway  stated  that  it  was 
very  useful.  The  reflector  behind  the  light  is  made 
of  zinc,  and  the  keepers  said  that  it  was  impossible 
to  keep  it  as  bright  as  sUver.  It  was  dark,  and  an 
attempt  to  rub  it  brighter  failed  entirely.  It  is 
not  stated  in  Mr.  Stevenson's  account  of  the  light 
why  the  reflector  is  made  of  zinc.  It  appears  to  be 
inferior  to  silver,  but  it  is  probably  less  expensive. 
The  keepers  were  dressed  in  their  uniforms  ;  one  was 
formerly  a  veterinary  surgeon,  the  other  a  joiner. 
Both  married.  Both  with  considerable  families. 
After  leaving,  steamed  out  for  Orkney,  observed  the 
lights  at  the  entrance,  both  were  very  brilliant ;  made 
a'turn  to  try  to  pick  up  the  beacon  light,  but  failed  to 
see  it.  There  was  some  light  still  in  the  sky,  but  the 
reflected  light  cannot  have  much  power. 

This  light  was  subsequently  observed  by  the  secre- 
tary on  a  very  dark  night  from  the  steamer,  leaving 
Stornoway.  It  was  visible  at  a  distance  of  perhaps 
half  a  mile,  but  the  light  was  feeble ;  it  seemed  about 
equal  to  a  single  candle.  There  is  a  considerable 
divergence  in  the  beam  thrown  by  the  lower  reflector, 
for  the  light  was  seen  for  a  considerable  distance  on 
both  sides^of  the  beacon  in  passing  outside  of  it.  The 
arrangement  might  therefore  be  improved  consider- 
ably, but  the  principle  is  established.  The  beacon  is 
illuminated  by  a  lamp  on  shore,  at  a  considerable 
distance,  and  the  apparent  light  was  actually  seen  at 
a  dist,ance  sufficient  to  enable  vessels  to  clear  the 
danger.  ^^j  /,n^f 

Observed  the  Cape  Wrath  light  at  30  miles.  The 
red  and  the  white  flashes  were  brilliantly  visible  and 
easily  distinguished  from  each  other.  The  night  was 
very  clear.    The  land  of  the  Cape  seen  in  the  evening  J 

on  entering  Stornoway.  I 

July  24th,  Sunday  at  j 

64,  65.  STROMNESS.— No.  114,  115.  Vol.  if  < 

25th,  3.30  a.m.,  landed  at  the  large  lighthouse.  It 
is  of  uncoloured  stone.     There  is  a  smaller  lighthouse 


PERSONAL   OBSERVATIONS   MADE   BY   COMMISSIONERS. 


to  the  westward,  and  both  ai'e  intended  to  open  Hoy 
Sound.  The  larger  lighthouse  resembles  that  on 
Ard  na  Murchan,  and  is  a  beautiful  building.  The 
illuminating  apparatus  consists  of  three  fixed  reflec- 
tors; one  "holophotal"  as  large  as  a  small  herring 
barrel,  with  a  red  glass  in  front  showing  in  one 
direction  ;  the  other,  a  reflector  of  ordinary  size, 
showing  in  the  other  direction  ;  the  third,  a  section 
of  a  lens,  with  a  section  of  a  reflector  behind  it, 
showing  towards  the  harbour  of  Stromness,  and  across 
the  channel.  There  is  no  lightning  conductor  at 
this  house.  There  are  no  fog  signals.  The  keeper 
stated  that  he  had  never  seen  vessels  near  the  light- 
house when  fog  cleared  away.  There  are  the  usual 
books  and  instruments,  and  fittings,  all  in  good  order. 
The  head  keeper's  name  is  Peter  Ure.  He  is  married 
and  has  one  child.  The  assistant  is  unmarried.  The 
principal  has  been  at  Cape  Wrath,  Lismore,  and  Calf 
of  Man.  He  stated  that  the  red  light  at  Cape  Wrath, 
is  produced  by  ordinary  reflectors  and  red  glasses. 
Steamed  through  Hoy  Sound,  passed  the  Pentland 
Skerries;  it  was  considered  too  rough  to  attempt  a 
landing.  Sighted  Kinnaird  lighthouse.  Steamed  for 
Buchan  Ness,  and  landed  at  1 .20  p.m. 


67.  BUCHAN  NESS.— No.  124. 

The  house  is  situated  on  a  promontory,  and  sur- 
rounded by  a  plot  of  ground  belonging  to  the  Com- 
missioners. The  light  has  been  much  praised  by 
witnesses.  The  apparatus  consists  of  24  reflectors, 
fixed,  three  on  a  face.  There  is  nothing  peculiar  in 
their  construction.  They  were  extremely  well 
polished,  and  had  not  a  scratch.  The  keepers'  names 
are  Alexander  Wallace,  married,  two  children  ;  James 
Tennant,  married,  five  children.  The  principal  has 
served  at  the  Bell  Rock,  Inchkeith,  Cape  Wrath, 
Start  Point.  There  are  no  fog  signals.  The  keeper 
had  never  seen  vessels  near  in  a  fog.  He  has  heard 
the  steam  whistles  of  passing  steamers.  There  were 
the  usual  fittings,  instruments,  and  books,  all  in  order 
and  well  kept.  The  dwelling  houses  were  also 
extremely  neat,  but  it  was  thought  that  the  colour  of 
the  building  was  objectionable.  The  birds  killed 
here  are  starlings  and  blackbirds. 


68.  GIRDLE  NESS.— No.  125. 

Steamed  for  Aberdeen,  and  landed  at  Girdleness. 
This  has  two  lights  in  one  tower.  The  lower  light 
consists  of  13  lamps  and  reflectors,  fixed  in  a  gallery 
round  the  outside  of  the  tower,  about  half  way  up. 
Each  cleaning  powder  has  a  separate  box,  beautifully 
cleaned,  with  the  name  of  the  material  marked 
outside.  There  is  the  usual  box  for  holding  chira- 
nies.  The  reflectors  were  in  excellent  order.  The 
upper  is  a  lens  light,  iii-st  order,  with  a  mechanical 
lamp,  and  four  wicks.  A  portion  of  the  light  is  lost, 
for  want  of  a  reflector  on  the  landward  side.  The 
machinery  of  the  mechanical  lamp  appeared  to  be 
slightly  out  of  order,  it  worked  with  a  jerk.  There 
are  four  keepers  to  this  light.  They  are  lodged  in 
houses  originally  intended  for  two.  Three  of  the 
keepers  are  married,  one  unmarried,  one  has  four 
children.  They  are  obliged  to  make  up  a  shelf  for 
two  of  them  in  a  box  bed,  where  they  sleep  above 
others,  and  must  sufler  for  want  of  air.  There  are 
no  fog  signals  here.  In  all  other  respects  the  house 
is  fitted  and  furnished  like  the  rest,  and  is  in  very 
good  order.  The  keepers  had  not  their  unifoi-nis  and 
did  not  hoist  their  flag  as  others  have  done.  It  was 
remarked  that  the  colour  of  this  lighthouse  is  not 
clearly  distinguished  against  the  land. 

Ran  to  Aberdeen  to  coal.  Admiral  Hamilton 
and  Mr.  Gladstone  landed  and  proceeded  by  rail  to 
Edinburgh. 

Landed,  and  examined  sundry  witnesses. 

The  manager  of  the  London  and  Aberdeen  Steam 
Company  states  that  he  had  been  manager  for  eight 
years.     He  had  never  heard  a  complaint  of  the  lights 


and  had    never  known  anything   wrong  with    them  Cmize  of  the 
during  that  time.  Vivid 

Mr.  Kellasy   of  the  Local   Marine  Board,  has  dis-  

tributed  16  mariners'  questions  amongst  the  persons 
who  were  considered  best  able  to  give  information  on 
lights. 

Mr.  Rose,  a  large  shipowner,  has  never  heard  any 
complaint. 

Mr.  Campbell,  master  of  a  London  steamer,  has 
sent  in  a  return.  He  thinks  that  a  light  is  wanted 
on  Thieves  Holme,  ofi^  Kirkwall,  a  masking  on  the 
lights  at  Kinnaird  Head  and  Buchan  Ness,  to  indicate 
the  approach  to  Rattray  shoal,  and  one  at  the  East 
Neuk  of  Fife. 

The  Harbour  Commissioners  had  not  begun  to  fill 
up  the  returns  sent  in  by  the  Lighthouse  Commis- 
sioners. They  consist  of  12  members  elected  annually 
by  householders  and  shipowners,  and  19  who  com- 
pose the  town  council,  and  one  ex  officio  Harbour 
Commissioner.  The  two  leading  lights  under  their 
charge  are  red  when  the  harbour  can  be  entered  with 
safety,  green  when  it  is  dangerous.  Formerly  the  lights 
were  extinguished  when  the  harbour  was  dangerous. 
Both  these  arrangements  were  sanctioned  by  the  Com- 
missioners of  Northern  Lighthouses,  and  the  Harbour 
Commissioners  do  not  consider  themselves  responsible. 
The  former  arrangement  was  much  complained  of. 
The  latter  is  approved  of  by  the  persons  most  in- 
terested, but  there  seems  to  be  no  good  reason  for 
departing  from  the  rule  that  red  indicates  danger. 

Mr.  Reid,  the  Treasurer,  has  not  heard  any  com- 
plaints of  lights.  There  are  some  complaints  of 
Rattray  shoal. 

69,  70.  ABERDEEN.  Vol.  II.  3/2. 

(Dr.  Gladstone  revisited  these  lights.     See 
Aberdeen.) 

Visited  the  two  leading  lights.  They  are  of  iron, 
with  one  light  and  reflector  in  each.  The  colour  is 
produced  by  coloured  glass  placed  in  front  of  the 
reflectors.  The  signal  for  changing  the  colours  is 
given  from  the  end  of  the  pier  by  showing  a  light. 

There  are  no  boxes  for  keeping  the  cleaning 
materials  separate.  All  are  consequently  stowed 
away  together  in  small  wooden  ]3resses.  The  light- 
keeper  is  paralytic  ;  his  son  looks  after  the  lights. 
He  was  never  taught  to  clean  the  reflectors.  He  has 
never  been  sent  to  Girdleness  (within  a  mile)  to  see  how 
they  are  cleaned  there.  He  was  a  carpenter,  and  the 
reflectors  under  his  charge  and  everything  about  the 
place  was  in  a  condition  far  inferior  to  the  lighthouse 
under  the  Northern  Lighthouse  Commissioners. 
(No  returns  have  been  furnished,  they  have  been 
repeatedly  ashed  for.)  Embarked,  and  steamed  for 
Bell  Rock. 

71.  BELL  ROCK.— No.  126.  Voi.  II.  18". 

On  sighting  the    lighthouse,  the    day  being   grey,  n^j^^j.  gf 
and  hazy,  the  lower  part  of  the  house,  which  is  dark,  luiUing. 
and   the  lantern,  which  was   in  shadow,  were   much 
more  easily  seen  than  the  central  part  of  the  building, 
which  is  coloured  white,  and  could  hardly  be  seen  at 
all  against  the  sky. 

Observed  a  large  boat  leaving  the  lighthouse. 

The  rocks  about  the  house  were  showing  above 
water.  There  are  iron  ways  for  landing.  The 
keeper  stated  that  the  sea  rises  13  feet  up  the  base  of 
the  house.  There  is  an  excellent  gun-metal  ladder 
fixed.  The  four  keepers  are  married,  and  have  six, 
seven,  three,  and  four  children  respectively.  The  head 
keeper  is  John  Sinclair.  The  first  story  is  for  coals, 
the  second  for  water,  the  next  for  oil,  the  next  for 
bed  rooms,  lighted  as  at  Skerry  Mhore,  with  berths 
for  six  persons.  The  next  room  is  the  kitchen,  above 
that  the  sitting  room,  in  which  is  a  marble  bust  of 
Stevenson,  the  engineer,  placed  there  by  the  Com- 
missioners, with  a  marble  slab,  on  which  their  Minute 
is  engraved. 

The  light  is  revolving,  five  reflectors  on  each  of       , ,.  , 
two  faces,  two  red  and  two  white.     The  red  colour  is  '•'' 

produced  by  chimnies  of  red  glass,  which  appear  to 


T)  2 


28 


APPENDIX  TO   REPORT  ON   LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND   BEACONS  ; 


Cruize  of  the     \^  mucL  more  convenient  and  should  be  less  expen- 
^''"''  sive   than  the   large  covers   of  coloured   glass    used 

elsewhere.  The  lantern  and  all  in  it  was  in  very 
good  order.  The  reflectors  well  cleaned,  and  the 
books  properly  and  neatly  kept.  The  visitors'  book 
contained  the  names  of  a  large  party  who  had  visited 
the  light  that  afternoon,  and  had  dined  there.  The 
manner  of  the  head  keeper  gave  rise  to  some  doubts 
of  his  being  sober;  a  correspondence  followed  with 
the  Commissioners  of  Korthern  Lighthouses,  which 
ended  in  the  man  being  continued  in  his  post. 
Birds.  There  are  very  few   birds  killed  here.     Thrushes 

and  blackbirds  occasionally  in  winter.  The  keepers 
catch  a  few  fish.  It  appeared  that  this  house  was 
not  quite  so  clean  as  some  of  the  other  rock  stations. 
Steamed  in  for 

Vol.  II.  .3S.1.  '^2,  73,  74,  75.  DUNDEE. 

July  27.— Landed  at  Dundee.  Jlet  Mr.  Walsh, 
formerly  master  of  the  Trinity  House,  who  stated 
that  the  secretary  was  absent.  It  subsequently 
appeared  that  the  secretary  was  unwell. 
Oral  ciidcnce.  Captain  John  Speck,  master  of  the  pilots,  said  he 
had  never  had  a  complaint  of  anything.  He  had 
never  heard  of  any  irregularity  in  the  Bell  Eoek 
Light.  It  is  a  very  good  one.  He  has  had  con- 
siderable experience  of  the  cast  coast.  He  thinks 
that  a  light  on  the  Carr  Eock  would  be  of  advantage, 
•  several  vessels  have  been  ou  shore  on  it.  He  has 
often  heard  the  bell  on  the  Bell  Eock. 

There  is  no  uniform  system  of  tide  signals  at  the 
Scotch  ports. 

Captain  William  Lee,  commanding  one  of  the 
London  steamers,  thinks  something  should  be  done 
to  clear  Eattray  Eriggs  to  the  North,  where  he 
formerly  traded. 

Mr.  James  Simpson  thinks  the  Carr  rock  wants  a 
small  light.  Has  no  difficulty  at  the  Cross  sands. 
Thinks  the  harbour  light  very  good. 

William  Beattie  thinks  there  should  be  a  small 
light  on  the  Carr  rock.  There  is  often  a  haze  on  the 
Isle  of  May. 

July  30 Visited  the  lights  under    the    charge  of 

this  local  authority.  See  Dcsdee  Local  Authoritie.s, 
Scotland. 

Landed  the  master  of  the  corporation,  and  steamed 
for  the 

Vol.  n.  leg.  76.  77.  ISLE  OF  MAY.— No.  127. 

Observed  the  beacon  on  the  Carr  rock.  Landed 
at  the  Isle  of  May.  There  are  tno  lights  ;  the  upper 
dioptric,  first  order,-  the  second  on  that  principle  sot 
up  in  Scotland.  The  lower  and  upper  beams  of  light 
are  directed  by  mirrors,  which  are  much  spoiled. 
The  glass  is  very  green.  The  house  was  built  in 
1816.  There  are  three  keepers,  two  of  whom  are 
married.  They  have  large  families,  who  are  educated 
by  their  parents,  and  are  occasionally  sent  ashore  for 
a  time. 

They  are  very  well  lodged,  and  besides  there  is  a 
large  room  and  some  bed  rooms  which  have  occasion- 
ally been  occupied  by  gentlemen  who  had  orders 
from  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lights.  The 
whole  island  is  the  propertj'  of  the  Commissioners. 
It  was  purchased,  with  the  lighthouse  thereon,  for 
60,000/.  from  the  Duke  of  Portland. 

There  are  the  usual  fittings,  instruments,  and  books, 
all  in  good  order. 
liirds.  The   birds    killed    here    are    starlings,    thru.shes, 

blackbirds,  woodcocks,  and  small  land  birds.  No  sea 
birds  ever  kill  themselves.  The  water  is  indiflcrent. 
The  lower  light  is  arranged  for  clearing  the  Carr 
rock.  It  has  one  reflector.  A  room  below  is  occu- 
pied by  one  keeper,  who  goes  to  bed.  The  keeper 
in  the  upper  light  observes  the  lower  through  a  pane 
of  glass  on  the  landward  side,  and  if  he  sees  anything 
wrong  he  has  a  bellows  whistle,  by  means  of  which 
he  can  rouse  tlic  otlior  at  a  distance  of  about  three 
hundred  yards,  by  sounding  a  large  whistle  at  the 
head  of  the  bed.     He  stated  that  he  never  had  occa- 


sion to  rouse  the  keeper,  as  he  had  never  known  the 
lower  light  to  go  wrong  since  it  was  first  exhibited. 

July  27. — The  mechanical  lamp  on  the  contrary 
requires  careful  watching  and  constant  attention. 
The  fishermen  consider  the  lower  light  to  be  brighter 
than  the  upper  when  they  are  within  its  range. 
This  may  be  accounted  for  by  the  inferior  quality  of 
the  glass,  the  damaged  condition  of  the  mirrors,  and 
the  distribution  of  the  light  round  the  whole  horizon. 
Perhaps  also  by  the  haze  which  frequently  settles  on 
the  Isle  of  May. 

Steamed  into  the  Firth  of  Forth,  passing  the  Bass 
rock,  and  anchored  at  8'20  opposite  to  Granton 
pier. 

The  result  of  this  d.iy's  observations  is  very  much  in 
favour  of  the  lights  of  the  Commissioners  of  Northern 
Lighthouses,  as  compared  with  the  smaller  autho- 
rities, and  of  the  Dundee  lights  as  compared  with 
Aberdeen. 

Admiral  Hamilton  and  Mr.  Gladstone  visited  the  Edinburgh. 
office  of  the  Northern  Commissioners,  and  in  the 
evening  went  to  the  establishment  of  Messrs.  Milne 
and  Son,  Milton  House,  Canongate,  in  company  with 
Messrs.  Thomas  and  David  Stevenson.  Here  they 
saw  a  new  holophotal  light  in  action.  It  gave  a 
very  good  light  as  seen  from  Salisbury  Crags,  the 
distinction  of  the  white  and  red  colours  being  perfect. 
Amongst  other  explanations  given  by  Mr.  D.  Steven- 
son in  reference  to  the  machinery  at  Messrs.  Milnes, 
he  stated  that  small  lanterns  are  now  made  of  cast 
iron,  but  large  lanterns  of  gun  metal,  which  they 
prefer  to  wrought  iron.  The  astragals  are  now  made 
to  cross  one  another  diagonall}".  Although  a  silver 
reflector  is  doubtless  the  best,  a  comparative  expe- 
riment made  on  Inchkeith  with  a  silver,  a  zinc,  and 
a  brass  reflector  showed  no  great  difterence  in  the 
light  reflected,  except  as  to  its  colour.  The  Northern 
Commissioners  employ  a  very  dark  red  glass,  not  the 
ruby. 

July  28th. — Among  the  pieces  of  information  given 
by  the  Messrs.  Stevenson  in  the  course  of  conversation 
were  the  following  : — Some  samples  of  colza  oil  cor- 
rode brass  work,  but  the  pure  substance  does  not.  It 
is  not  known  what  is  the  corrosive  ingredient.  It  is 
proposed  to  employ  bricks  in  the  erection  of  the  Butt 
of  Lewis  Lighthouse  ;  specimens  of  these  bricks  were 
exhibited,  having  a  conchoidal  fracture,  and  exceed- 
ingly hard.  The  mortar  to  be  used  is  composed  of 
sand,  lime,  and  '•  mine  dust,"  that  is  scalings  of  iron  ; 
gneiss  is  considered  preferable  to  granite  for  building 
purposes,  as  it  does  not  disintegrate  when  exposed  to 
the  air  and  seawater,  as  many  granites  gradually  do. 
It  is  difficult  to  mask  a  catoptric  light  sharply,  for 
obvious  reasons,  and  this  constitutes  one  of  the  advan- 
tages of  the  dioptric  system.  Slate  roofs  have  been 
adopted  for  many  of  the  recently  built  keepers  houses 
at  the  instance  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  but  they  let  in 
wet,  and  are  greatly  inferior  to  the  leaden  roofs,  which 
the  Northern  Commissioners  prefer. 

29th. — Visited  the  Office  of  the  Commissioners  of 
Northern  Lighthouses  in  Edinburgh,  the  Secretary 
and  several  of  the  members  were  absent  on  their 
annual  tour  of  inspection  ;  Mr.  L'rquhart,  and  the 
engineer  of  the  Commissioners,  Mr.  Stevenson,  and 
his  brother  were  at  the  office.  The  papers  in  prepa- 
ration for  the  Commission  were  shown,  the  most 
difficult  and  tedious  are  those  relating  to  the  income 
of  the  various  lights.  They  will  still  take  a  consider- 
able time  to  complete.  After  a  long  interview  with 
the  gentlemen  of  the  Northern  Lighthouse  Office  the 
Comiuissioners  visited  the  establishment  of  Mr.  !Milne, 
and  inspected  a  new  revolving  light,  constructed  by 
Mr.  ]Milne  from  the  designs  of  Jlr.  Stevenson,  of  glass, 
manufactured  in  Paris,  for  Newfoundland.  The  appa- 
ratus consists  of  12  holophotcs,  arranged  on  four  faces, 
four  on  each  of  two  siiles  to  show  red,  with  red  glass 
chimnies,  two  on  the  remainder  to  show  white. 

The  holophotal  arrangement  consists  of  a  hemi- 
spherical reflector,  with  a  lens  and  reflecting  prisms 
placed  in  front.  The  lamp  slides  down  to  be  cleaned, 
and   can  never  be  wholly  removed  from  its   frame. 


PEESONAL  OBSERVATIONS  MADE   BY  COMMISSIONERS. 


29 


The  reflectors  lift  out,  but  the  glass  remains  fixed  to 
the  revolving  frame.  The  whole  rests  on  a  series  of 
rollers,  and  is  moved  hj  a  small  toothed  wheel,  work- 
ing a  largo  one  on  the  circuniforcnco  of  the  frame, 
which  is  larger  than  usual.  By  these  arrangements 
Mr.  Stevenson  secures  great  steadiness  of  motion,  and 
solidity.  The  quantity  of  oil  consumed  was  stated  to 
bo  considerably  less  than  that  burned  in  a  large  me- 
chanical lamp. 

A  letter  was  written  expressing  the  liope  of  the 
Commissioners  that  the  man  at  the  Bell  Rock  might 
not  be  punished,  and  praising  the  rest  of  the  esta- 
blishments inspected  in  Scotland. 

The  Commissioners  inspected  the  storehouses  at 
Granton.  The  superintendent  of  the  buoy  establish- 
ment stated  that  he  had  charge  of  the  whole  service. 
There  are  four  depots  for  buoys,  namely,  at  Granton, 
Corran  Ferry,  Campbelton,  and  Cromarty. 

As  full  particulars  regarding  this  branch  of  the 
service  will  be  furnished  oflSciall}',  it  was  not  thought 
necessary  to  take  notes  of  all  that  was  said  by  this 
officer. 

The  establishment  was  in  good  order.  The  spare 
buoys  newly  painted  were  ranged  under  cover.  The  oil 
for  the  lighthouses  was  stored  in  the  casks  in  which  it 
is  sent  to  tlie  different  stations,  instead  of  tins  as  used 
by  the  Trinity  House.  Tlie  oil  is  run  out  of  the 
casks  into  .■stationary  tins,  and  the  empty  casks  arc 
returned. 

Admiral  Hamilton  and  Mr.  Gladstone  called  on  the 
Lord  Provost,  as  one  of  the  most  influential  members 
of  the  Board  of  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lights, 
and  had  a  short  conversation  with  him. 

78.  GEANTON  PIER. 
The  Commissioners  inspected  the  light  at  Granton 
Pier  Head.  It  is  a  reflecting  light,  with  an  ordinary 
parabolic  reflector,  and  shows  through  a  window  of 
red  glass.  Embarked  on  board  the  "  Vivid,"  and 
steamed  to 

79.  LEITH  PIER  HEAD. 

Landed  and  inspected  the  lighthouse.  There  is  a 
tide  gauge  here,  a  line  moved  by  a  floa*  shows  to  the 
keeper  inside  the  depth  of  water  at  Leith  Docks,  and 
indicates  the  signal  to  be  hoisted.  The  signals  for 
day  are  flags  and  a  ball.  The  flags  arc  stifi'ened  by 
wires  so  as  to  be  visible  in  calms.  At  night  the 
depth  is  indicated  by  coloured  lights  produced  by 
sliding  small  panes  of  red  and  green  glass  in  front  of 
a  gas  burner,  and  behind  a  small  buU's-eye  lens,  near 
the  foot  of  the  tower.  The  light  is  under  the  Leith 
Harbour  Commissioners.  The  keeper  is  furnished 
with  a  clock,  a  barometer,  thermometer,  and  speak- 
ing trumpet,  all  in  good  order.  He  keeps  a  register, 
also  in  good  order.  The  upper  light  is  a  small  holo- 
photal,  made  in  Paris,  on  the  principle  of  Mr.  Stevenson. 
The  light  is  gas,  which  occasionally  goes  out,  and 
varies  in  intensity  with  the  pressure  on  shore,  as  the 
shop  lights,  &c.  are  turned  on  and  off.  (This  is  one 
of  the  objections  stated  by  Mr.  Stevenson  to  the  use 
of  gas  in  lighthouses.)  The  reflector  is  of  zinc, 
inferior  to  silver,  but  cheaper  and  sufficient  for  this 
position.  The  ventilation  is  said  to  be  deficient 
The  glass  inside  "fogs"  easily,  that  is  to  say  it  con- 
denses the  moisture  produced  by  the  combustion  of 
the  gas,  which  is  not  carried  away  with  sufficient 
quickness.  There  is  a  spare  oil  lamp  in  case  anything 
should  go  wrong  with  the  gas,  so  p~s  to  render  it 
useless.  The  met.al  fittings  of  the  lens  are  bright. 
The  engineer  of  the  Northern  Lighthouse  Commis- 
sioners stated  yesterday  that  the  ])ractise  of  scouring 
the  backs  of  the  reflectors  and  metal  fittings  of  lenses 
has  been  abandoned,  as  it  increases  the  risk  of  injury 
to  the  optical  portion  of  the  apparatus,  without  adding 
to  its  efficiency. 

There  are  two  keepers  at  Leith  Light,  one  always 
in  attendance.  The  establishment  was  in  an  etficieut 
condition,  and  very  neatly  kept. 

D 


80.  INCH  KEITH,— No.  128.  Cruize  of  the  ■ 

Vivid. 

Landed  at  Inch  Keith.     This  is  built  on  the  top  

of  the  island.  The  building  is  a  very  handsome  one.  Vol.  II.  188, 
and  the  dwelling  houses  very  comfortable  and  very 
neatly  kept.  There  is  a  room  called  the  visiting 
officers  room,  very  neatly  furnished,  and  reserved  for 
the  use  of  the  officers  of  the  Commission.  The  island 
is  the  property  of  tlxo  Duke  of  Buccleuch.  The  head 
keeper,  formerly  a  sailor,  has  been  at  various  stations, 
including  the  Bell  Rock.  The  assistant  and  principal 
are  both  married.  The  light  is  furnished  with  the 
usual  instruments,  fittings,  means  of  communication 
from  the  light  room,  &c.  (It  was  explained  by  the 
engineer  that  the  whistles  were  provided  to  obviate 
any  necessity  for  leaving  the  lantern  while  the  light  is 
burning.  Every  keeper  is  bound  to  remain  con- 
stantly at  his  post  in  the  lantern  during  his  watch.) 
The  light  is  revolving,  of"  built "  lenses  on  a  revolving 
frame,  and  a  set  of  stationary  mirrors  above,  none 
below.  The  mirrors  are  much  damaged,  and  the 
whole  apparatus,  like  that  .at  the  Isle  of  Man,  is  old 
and  inferior  to  the  more  modern  lights.  (The  en- 
gineer stated  that  the  Commissioners  had  often 
thought  of  renewing  the  apparatus  at  these  lights, 
but  they  were  restrained  by  the  anticipation  of  objec- 
tions to  the  expense).  There  is  an  experimental 
lantern  close  to  the  lighthouse,  visible  from  Edin- 
burgh. Some  experiments  are  to  be  tried  with  red 
glass  shortly,  meantime  there  is  nothing  in  the 
lantern. 

Steamed  past  the  Bass  Rock  and  St.  Abb's  Head, 
failed  to  observe  any  indications  of  the  new  light- 
house in  the  latter  place. 

81.  BERWICK.  Vol.  H.  294 

Observed  the  light  at  Berwick  Pier  Head.  See 
Berwick  local  authorities,  Scotland,  for  the  observa- 
tions on  this  light,  which  was  mucli  approved,  and 
to  which  Mr.  Stevenson  specially  directed  the  atten- 
tion of  the  Commissioners. 

July  30th.  Anchored  for  some  hours  at  Berwick. 
Observed  the  Longstone  Light  ;  was  informed  that 
the  Fern  Island  was  hardly  ever  seen,  distant  16  miles. 


England. 


82.  FERN  ISLAND.— No.  1. 


Landed  at  the  Fern  Island  Lights  at  half  past  five 
a.m.  There  are  two  lights  in  separate  buildings  coloured 
white.  The  larger  building  has  7  reflectors,  ordinary 
parabolic.  They  were  very  well  cleaned,  liut  show 
only  one  on  each  face.  The  outer  light  on  the  Long- 
stone  has  three  on  each  face.  It  seems  then  that  one 
parabolic  reflector  very  well  cleaned  can  very  rarely 
he  seen  at  Berwick,  distant  16  miles,  but  that  three 
can  generally  be  seen.  This  was  the  case  when  ob- 
served last  night,  the  weather  being  clear  and  the 
night  dark.  The  cleaning  boxes  and  all  within  the 
keeper's  department  were  iu  good  condition,  but  the 
revolving  machinery  was  out  of  order,  and  was  gene- 
rally of  inferior  workmanship  to  the  lights  lately 
seen.  The  Elder  Brethren  visited  the  light  on  the 
29th,  and  left  orders  for  a  man  from  London  to  visit 
the  light  and  repair  the  machinery.  The  keeper  is 
provided  with  a  thermometer  and  a  telescope,  he  has 
a  medicine  chest,  and  there  is  a  lightning  conductor. 
But  there  was  no  rain  gauge  ;  no  fog  signal ;  no 
blow  tubes  communicating  with  the  lantern.  The 
boolcs  kept  are  an  order  book  and  a  register.  The  iris,,  Scotch 
other  books  kept  at  a  Scotch  lighthouse  are  not  kept  and  English 
here.  One  diftbrence  then  in  the  services  is  that  in  LigMEstablish- 
tho  Scotch  Service,  every  lighthouse  is  provided  with  ""■"'«  compared. 
the  same  instruments  and  fittings,  and  comforts  and 
conveniences.  That  the  English  lights  are  variouslj' 
provided  in  various  situations,  and  are  rarely  furnished 
with  many  articles,  always  provided  in  the  Scotch 
lights,  such  as  the  call  whistle.  That  the  Irish 
lighthouses  visited  are  not  provided  with  meteorolo- 
gical instruments  or  medicine  chests,  or  lightning 
conductors,  or  libraries,  or  call  whistles,  or  printed 

3 


30 


APPENDIX   TO   REPORT   OX    LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND   BEACONS  : 


Cruiieo/the      framed    regulations,    or    uniforms    tor    the    men,    or 
Hvid.  clocks.  DP  dials,  or  with   any   thing    not   absolutely 

—  required  for  keeping  the  light  burning  and  the  appa- 

ratus clean. 

Vol.  II.  ti5.  83.  FERN  LOWER  LIGHT.— No.  2. 

The  lower  light  has  one  reflector,  and  shows  to 
the  northward.  The  two  lights  in  one  indicate 
a  passage,  but  they  must  show  almost  directly  over 
a  large  rock  iu  the  middle  of  it. 

There  are  three  keepers.  The  one  on  watch 
attends  to  both  lights,  and  has  to  walk  a  consider- 
able distance  from  house  to  house  during  the  night. 
At  Inch  Keith,  where  there  is  a  similar  arrange- 
ment, one  of  the  three  keepers  sleeps  in  the  lower 
lighthouse,  which  the  keeper  on  duty  in  the  upper 
light  observes  from  the  lantern  ;  if  anything  goes 
wrong  he  can  at  once  rouse  the  sleeping  keeper 
without  leaving  his  own  post  by  working  a  hand 
bellows  attached  to  a  tube,  which  blows  on  and  rings 
a  bell  at  his  ear. 
„^^j  The   birds   killed   at    Fern   Island  are   blackbirds, 

thrushes,  and  ducks,  &c.  not  many. 

The  island  is  columnar  basalt.  There  are  many 
rabbits  on  it.  There  is  an  old  chapel  restored,  and  a 
ruin  converted  into  a  dwelling,  where  clergymen  from 
Durham  occasionally  reside  for  short  periods.  Ran 
out  to  the 

^■°'-  "•  *'''  84.  LONGSTONE.— No.  3. 

buildiii  "^^^   tower   is   painted   red.      Landed   with    some 

difficulty  in  consequence  of  the  strong  tide,  which  the 
boat  could  hardly  make  way  against.  The  head 
keeper  is  William  Darling,  whose  story  is  so  well 
known.  The  assistant  is  his  son.  They  complained 
of  the  smoke  in  the  lower  dwelling  house.  The 
apparatus  is  revolving,  12  parabolic  reflectors  showing 
three  on  each  of  four  faces.  All  were  in  excellent 
condition,  though  old  and  getting  worn  out.  The 
exterior  of  the  lantern  is  cleaned  by  mounting  move- 
able wooden  steps,  which  rest  on  the  external  gallery. 
In  all  the  Scotch  lighthouses  there  is  a  fixed  metal 
stair  up  to  a  light  metal  gallery,  which  runs  all  round, 
and  handles  to  hold  on  by  while  cleaning  the  glass. 
The  metal  steps  extend  to  the  highest  point  in  the 
roof.  This  arrangement  is  certainly  preferable, 
though  the  moveable  wooden  ladder  is  less  expensive. 

Gracf  Darliny.  The  whole  of  this  establishment  is  in  excellent  order, 
clean  and  neat,  filled  with  memorials  of  Grace 
Darling.  The  father  explained  what  had  occurred 
on  the  occasion  of  the  wreck  of  the  Forfarshire,  and 
pointed  out  the  localities  from  the  tower.  He  said 
that  his  daughter  had  died  of  a  decline,  and  that  in 
his  opinion  her  end  had  been  accelerated  by  anxiety 
of  mind,  which  he  explained  by  saying  that  so  many 
ladie.s  and  gentleman  came  to  see  her,  that  she  got  no 
rest.     Steamed  to 


Vol.  II.  66.  85.  COQUET  ISLAND.— No.  4. 

Colour  of  The  nuilding  is  a  square  tower  coloured  white,  with 

building.  Castellated  dwelling  houses  about  it  similarly  coloured, 

(The  Scotch  lighthouses  are  nearly  all  left  of  the 
natural  colour  of  the  stone  of  which  they  are  built,  and 
in  many  cases  it  is  exceedingly  difficult  to  make  out 
the  building  against  the  land.  Here  were  three  light- 
houses close  to  each  other  variously  coloured.  Red 
on  the  outer  rock  where  the  building  must  be  .seen 
against  the  sea  or  sky,  and  white  where  it  is  to  be 
sesu  ai^ainst  the  hand.  In  this  the  Scotch  system 
aj  pears  to  be  somewhat  faulty.)  The  building  is 
very  handsome  and  very  convenient,  beautifully  dean 
and  neatly  kept.  The  head  keeper  is  Darling,  brother 
of  the  renowiii'd  Grace.  The  optical  apparatus  is 
one  half  of  a  first-rate  dioptric  light  on  the  Fresnel 
system.  A  narrow  strip  of  red  glass  on  either  side 
shews  proximity  to  two  rocks  to  the  north  and  south. 
A  dark  patch  on  the  glass  masks  the  light  from  the 
dangers,  and  at  the  back  a  light  shews  into  the  road- 


stead from  the  lamp  alone.  This  arrangement  is  Catoptric  and 
verv  simple,  and  gives  satisfaction  ;  it  illustrates  the  ^"V'^"'  "ppa 
advantage  of  using  lens  lights  for  such  situations  as '■'"'""'™^''"' 
explained  by  Mr.  Stevenson  in  his  conversation  with 
the  Commissioners  on  this  subject  at  Edinburgh. 
There  is  no  arrangement  of  reflectors  by  which  this 
variation  in  character  could  be  so  easily  and  so 
eftectively  given,  and  nothing  could  more  clearly 
demonstrate  the  evil  that  must  result  from  the 
position  of  the  bar  on  the  window  at  Berwick  Pier 
light,  which  acts  precisely  as  the  screen  acts  here. 

Ran  into  the  Tyne  and  up  to  Newcastle.  Called  \o\  ii_  34* 
at  the  Office  of  the  Trinity  Board,  saw  the  secretary 
and  ran  out  again.  Found  that  the  tide  was  falling  . 
fast,  so  ran  for  Sunderland,  and  got  into  dock  just  in  ^  °^'  ^^-  ^°" 
time. 

July  31. — Sunday.     Remained  in  dock. 

Up  to  this  point  the  Commissioners  have  inspected 
or  have  seen  80  light  establishments.  Many  of  the 
lights  inspected  were  also  seen  alight. 

August  1. — The  Commissioners  landed  at  Sun- 
derland. The  Vivid  with  the  secretary  on  board 
started  at  10  a.m..  and  anchored  at  8'30  p.m.  at 
Hull. 

Captain  Allen  being  anxious  to  get  in  before  dark, 
none  of  the  lighthouses  passed  were  visited.  Blowing 
hard  and  a  considerable  sea  on  at  Flamborough  Head. 

August  2. — Examined  pilot  master  at  Hull. 

He  said  the  lights  in  the  Humber  are  good,  and  did  Vol.  II.  31( 
not  wish  for  any  change.      Orfordness,  Cromer,  and  ■j  lio-hts  see 
Winterton   are  bad   to  see  in   fogs.      I  never  could  „    .    _., 
mistake  the  floating  lights  for  ships'   lights.     "  Oh  ! 
no,  I  never    knew   such    a  thing  to  happen."     The 
floating  lights  are  very  good  in  the  Humber,  dioptric 
and  catoptric  lights.     I  don't  know  much  about  them. 
The  South  Foreland  new  (electric)  light  is  the  best  I  . 

ever  saw.  I  saw  it  from  Kentish  Knock,  about  40 
miles.  I  could  not  then  see  the  lower  (catoptric 
light),  I  thought  it  was  a  star. 

Examined  Thomas  Lewis,  master  of  the  Vigilant, 
at  the  hotel.  He  said  all  the  lights  on  the  east  coast 
are  good,  Hazeborough  is,  perhaps,  a  little  low.  A 
light  would  be  useful  on  the  Cross  Sand  End.  The 
river  Humber  is  very  well  lighted  and  buoyed.  They 
are  as  good  as  can  be,  I  never  heard  a  complaint.  It 
is  all  good  all  the  way  to  London. 

"Buoys  would  be  of  no  use  on  the  way  to  Goole. 
The  sands  alter  every  spring  tide." 

Messrs.  Kriiger  and  W.  G.  Martlett,  commanders 
of  steamers  in  the  merchant  service,  bore  unqualified 
testimony  as  to  the  equality  of  the  British  lights 
with  those  of  any  foreign  country.  The  former  men- 
tioned those  in  the  Gulf  of  Finland,  and  the  latter, 
that  at  Dunkirl;  as  equal  to  the  English.  Mr. 
Kriiger  had  frequently  observed  the  revolving  light 
on  Flamborough  Head  at  a  considerable  distance  when  J^cd  liyht. 
the  red  flashes  are  not  seen,  but  the  light  presents  the 
appearance  of  two  white  flashes  separated  by  rather  a 
long  interval  from  two  similar  flashes.  The  Humber 
is  well  buoyed  and  lighted  but  a  light  on  the  Haile 
would  be  valuable.  Some  of  the  Commissioners  then 
visited  the  enclosed  dock  and  inspected  theSp.ire  Light 
ship.  The  rest  questioned  several  other  captains  and 
pilots.    For  remarks  on  the  Humber  Lights  see  Hui.L.  y^^j  jj  3J 


93,  94.  SPURN.— Nos.  9,  10. 


Vol.  II.  I 


August  3. — At  7  a.m.  landed  at  Spurn.  The  Colour  of 
larger  tower  is  of  brick,  coloured  red,  enclosed  within  budding. 
a  circular  wall,  which  also  encloses  the  dwellings,  and 
a  paved  court  with  small  gardens.  The  smaller  tower 
is  coloured  white,  and  stands  within  high  water  mark 
on  a  foundation  of  piles  and  concrete.  Both  are 
situated  on  a  long  spit  of  land  with  bent  growing  on 
it,  and  to  seaward  there  is  a  chalk  wall  with  piles  to 
keep  off"  the  encroachment  of  the  sea.  Everything 
about  this  establishment,  which  is  under  the  Trinity 
House  of  London,  is  in  excellent  condition.  The 
houses  are  large,  roomy,  well  found,  and  very  neatly 
kept.     The  lighthouses  scrui)ukiusly  clean,  and  every 


PERSONAL   OBSERVATIONS   MADE   BY   COMMISSIONERS. 


31 


Call  whistles. 


I 


lolourvf 
building. 

Experiment 
with  photometer. 


Vol.  II.  110. 


Colour  of 
building. 
Evidence. 


Catoptric  (I lid 
Dioptric 


Dioptric  appa 
ratut  afloat. 


bit  of  metal,  even  the  bars  of  the  lantern,  scoured 
bright.  The  usual  meteorological  instruments  and 
registers  are  kept.  There  is  a  medicine  chest  ;  a 
lightning  conductor  ;  the  upper  light  is  dioptric,  first 
order  ;  the  same  len.s  that  ^^■as  shewn  at  the  exhibition 
of  1851,  fixed,  with  a  fountain  lamp.  The  lantern  has 
the  diagonal  bars.  The  dome  is  white  inside.  The 
lantern  is  cleaned  outside  by  niounting  a  moveable 
wooden  ladder  instead  of  the  fixed  stage  aud  steps 
used  in  Scotland.  There  are  no  communicating  tubes 
from  the  rooms  or  from  the  lighthouse  as  in  Scotland. 
There  are  three  keepers,  and  the  one  on  watch  has  to 
walk  from  lighthouse  to  lighthouse  during  the  night. 
The  plan  pursued  at  Inch  Keith  and  elsewhere  in 
Scotland  appears  better.  There  one  keeper  watches 
both  lights,  and  can  summon  a  keeper  who  sleeps  in 
the  distant  lighthouse  without  moving  from  his  own 
post  in  the  larger  lantern. 

In  these  particulars  this  firsl-rate  English  establish- 
ment is  inferior  to  the  first-class  Scotch  stations.  In 
other  respects  it  would  be  difficult  to  find  a  better 
lighthouse  better  kept. 

The  lower  light  is  a  small  dioptric  light,  5tli 
order,  equally  well  kept.  The  house  is  joined  to  the 
sand  by  a  wooden  stage.  On  leaving  these  lights 
observed  the  red  and  white  towers  with  the  photo- 
meter, both  showing  against  a  cloudless  sky  a  slight 
purple  haze  on  the  horizon,  and  the  sun  shining 
brightly  from  a  point  behind  the  observer,  and  not 
far  from  the  horizon.  The  sky  behind  the  red  tower 
was  lost,  and  that  tower  became  invisible  at  2'10. 
The  white  tower  and  the  chalk  wall  at  the  edge  of 
the  sea  were  lost  at  2-30.  The  white  was,  therefore, 
more  clearly  seen,  because  there  was  then  more  light 
reflected  from  it  than  from  the  sky  beyond  it. 
Boarded  the 

95.  SPURN  FLOATING  LIGHT No.  1. 

The  master  has  been  thirty  years  on  this  station 
which  is  within  a  few  miles  of  the  Spurn  lighthouses. 
He  stated  that  in  hazy  or  dark  weather  he  can  often 
see  the  red  lighthouse  when  he  cannot  make  out  the 
white  one  at  all.  It  seems  that  white  is  best  seen  in 
bright  sunny  weather,  even  against  the  sky,  but  that 
dark  colours  are  best  seen  against  the  sky  in  dark  or 
hazy  weather. 

The  master  also  stated  that  the  light  on  Spurn 
Point  had  been  very  much  improved  by  the  change 
(from  catoptric  to  dioptric),  though  he  was  quite 
ignorant  of  the  nature  of  the  change,  having  never 
visited  the  lighthouse.  He  stated  that  the  small  light 
did  not  show  very  well  which  he  attributed  to  its 
proximity  to  the  large  and  very  powerful  light  beside 
it.  The  light-vessel  also  belongs  to  the  London 
Trinity  House.  The  crew  were  mostly  below  and 
were  taken  by  surprise,  but  the  vessel  was  scrupu- 
lously clean.  The  light  is  revolving.  There  are 
four  reflectors,  which  with  the  lamp  are  hung  upon 
gimbles.  They  were  very  well  cleaned  and  had 
fewer  scratches  than  are  usually  found  on  the  reflec- 
tors of  floating  lights.  The  lamplighter  explained 
that  scratches  are  often  produced  by  portions  of  the 
charred  wick  falling  on  the  silver.  These,  as  he 
expressed  it,  cut  like  a  knife,  and  unless  removed 
with  great  care,  injure  the  reflector.  He  did  not 
think  that  sand  could  get  at  them  at  sea  ;  he  thought 
that  salt  water  might,  and  might  produce  some  injury. 
It  was  observed  that  the  machinerj'  for  the  revolving 
light  worked  very  loosely,  the  cogs  worked  nearly 
out  of  gear  by  the  motion  of  the  vessel.  Remarking 
on  this,  the  master  stated  that  the  Elder  Brethren,  on 
their  late  visit  had  noticed  the  same,  but  a  great  diffi- 
culty occurs  in  rectifying  this,  for  on  tightening  the 
cogs  the  machine,  from  its  small  power,  would  fail  to 
work  and  interfere  with  the  regular  revolving  of  the 
light. 

It  seems  to  be  well  worth  consideration  whether 
small  dioptric  apparatus  could  not  be  substituted  for 
catoptric  on  board  vessels,  such  a  lamp  as  is  used  at 
the  Lower  Spurn  Land  Light  would  hardly  weigh 


more   than  the   apparatus  hoisted  by  the  lightships.  Cruizaofihe 
It  could    be   swung   on   gimbles,    and   it   might   be  Vivid. 

lowered   down  a  hollow  mast  like  the  funnel   of  a  

steamer.  Salt  water  would  not  act  on  the  glass,  and 
unless  broken  to  pieces  the  lens  would  be  much  less 
liable  to  injury  than  the  reflectors  which  seem  to  be 
more  or  less  injured  on  board  of  all  the  lightvessels, 
.and  which,  according  to  Mr.  Wilkins,  the  manufac- 
turer, wear  out  much  sooner  afloat  than  on  shore. 

The  master  stated  that  his  vessel  rides  very  easily, 
"  she  has  the  full  long  sea  from  the  German  Ocean."  ,57-^^^ 
It  seems  then  that  the  more   exposed  the  station  the 
easier  it  is  for  riding  in,  provided  the  water  be  deep. 
The   master  from  the  Hebbles  far  up  the   Humber, 
found  a  worse  sea  than  he  had  ever  found  in  his  60 
voyages  across  the  Atlantic.     The  master  at  the  Bull  See  Hull: 
complained  more  than  than  the  master  at  the  Spurn.  Vol.  II.  317. 
and  the  master  at  the  Owers  complained  more  of  his 
station  than  did  the  master  at  the  Seven  Stones,  who 
said  that  his  vessel  rode  easily  over  the  long  seas  of 
the  Atlantic.     The  master   at  the  Blackwater  made 
a  similar  statement.     Steamed  for 


96.  CROMER.— No.  12. 

Landed,  and  walked  up  to  the  lighthouse,  on  a  high 
promontory.  The  old  lighthouse  is  still  .standing 
close  to  the  edge  of  the  cliff.  It  was  abandoned 
because  it  was  feared  that  the  cliflT  would  fall.  The 
new  tower  is  built  some  distance  inland,  it  is  painted 
white  and  has  comfortable  dwellings  attached. 

The  light  is  revolving,  ten  reflectors  on  each  of 
the  three  sides.  There  are  the  long  tubes  from  above 
the  lamps  to  carry  off  the  smoke  and  other  products 
of  combustion.  j?he  dome  is  white  inside.  The  re- 
flectors were  in  in  good  order,  and  the  whole  esta- 
blishment clean  and  neat  except  where  the  painters 
were  at  work. 

The  Hazeburgh  light,  and  the  Leman  and  Ower 
floating  light,  are  seen  from  here, distant  about  1 2miles. 
In  heavy^  weather,  the  keeper  remarks,  that  the 
floating  light  dips,  and  occasion.ally  disappears  when 
the  vessel  rolls  in  the  sea.  The  revolving  machinery 
went  out  of  order  some  years  ago  by  the  breaking  of 
the  rope.  The  keeper  kept  the  lamps  moving  by  hand 
till  the  rope  was  mended.  The  reflectors  are  wear- 
ing out,  some  are  37  years  old,  and  are  better  than 
those  which  are  27.  The  copper  is  showing  here  and 
there  through  the  silver. 

The  glass  chimneys  break  according  to  the 
weather,  sometimes  three  or  four  dozen  a  mouth. 
They  vary  in  size  very  much,  some  have  to  be  re- 
turned as  useless.  The  reflectors  are  moved  from 
their  frame  when  cleaned.  This  was  considered  ob- 
jectionable by  Mr.  Stevenson,  who  thinks  that  re- 
flectors should,  if  pos.sible,  never  be  moved  from  their 
frames  to  avoid  any  change  in  their  position.  There 
is  a  lightning  conductor,  and  the  usual  books  (Trinity 
House),  and  instruments  all  in  good  order.  There  is 
no  medicine  chest,  as  the  light  is  so  near  the  town  of 
Cromer.  The  agent  resides  at  Cromer,  and  has 
charge  of  one  lighthouse.'  There  are  two  keepers, 
both  married.  The  head  keeper  was  formerlv  a  car- 
penter, he  has  been  22  years  in  the  .service.  His 
grandfather  used  to  keep  a  coal  light  at  this  station, 
and  used  to  consider  it  very  hard  work.  The  outside 
of  the  lantern  is  cleaned  by  ascending  a  moveable 
ladder.  The  sand  blows  up,  and  that  circumstance 
may  in  some  measure  account  for  sundry  scratches 
on  the  reflector.  Sighted  HAZEBOROUGH,  two 
towers,  both  white. 


97.  COCKLE.— No.  7. 

Boarded  the  Cockle  Lightship.  She  is  of  wood, 
painted  red,  shorter  than  the  Irish  light  vessels,  and 
sloping  outward,  flames  above.  No  witnesses  out 
of  the  first  500,  have  mentioned  that  this  vessel  has 
been  adrift.  The  master  stated  that  she  had  been 
twice  adrift,  in  1849  and  November  1856  as  nearly  as 
he  can  remember.     There  was  a  very  heavy  gale  from 


Vol.  II.  -0. 


n  4 


32 


APPENT)IX  TO  REPORT  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOTS,  AXD  BEACOXS : 


Uruize  of  the 
Vivid. 


Lightvessel 
adrijl. 


Model  of  vessel. 


Cleaning 
rejicctois. 


the  N.N.W.  on.  both  occasions,  and  the  ressel  was 
brought  up  ahnost  immediately  with  his  spare  anchor. 
She  would  otherwise  have  been  lost  on  the  sands. 
In  similar  weather  and  lee  tide,  the  master  and  one 
man  always  remain  on  deck  with  axes  handy,  to  cut 
the  spare  anchor  adrift.  On  both  the  occasions  the 
chain  broke  on  deck. 

The  master  thinks  the  vessel  would  ride  easier  if 
she  were  longer.  Tliis  light  is  revolving,  she  has 
four  reflectors  which  were  in  such  good  order  that 
the  lamplighter  was  requested  to  show  his  process  of 
cleaning  them;  he  first  put  on  a  canvas  apron,  he 
then  selected  from  a  particular  box  a  clean  white 
cloth  with  which  he  wiped  the  inside  of  the 
reflector,  which  he  held  against  his  breast  carefully 
avoiding  to  touch  the '  silver  with  his  hand.  He 
next  dusted  some  rouge  over  the  silver  from  a  linen 
bag,  which  acted  as  a  kind  of  sieve,  and  the  cleaning 
was  finished  with  a  leather  taken  from  another  box 
used  for  that  purpose  only.  There  was  nothing 
peculiar  in  the  process,  and  the  man  could  see  no 
reason  why  reflectors  should  be  more  scratched  at  sea 
than  on  land.  Everything  on  board  this  vessel, 
especially  the  place  set  apart  for  cleaning  the  reflectors, 
was  scrupulously  clean.  The  decks  as  white  as  those 
of  a  man-of-war.  Many  vessels  run  foul  of  the 
Cockle,  one  did  last  May.  The  master  is  a  Yarmouth 
man.  He  says  he  often  foresees  a  gale  by  noticing 
the  sea  coming  in  before  the  gale  begins.  This  was 
stated  by  the  keepers  of  the  Irish  light  vessels,  where 
barometers  are  not  provided.  This  ship  had  the 
usual  instruments,  books,  &c.,  all  kept  in  good  order. 
Ran  in  to  Lowestoft,  landed  pilot  and  took  in  another 
4  lights  seen,  for  Yarmouth  at  8  p.m.,  observed  Stamford  Lightship, 
Lowestoft  High  Light,  Lowestoft  Low  Light,  and 
two  PIER  LIGHTS.  All  ill  sight  at  the  same  time  and 
all  burning  brightly. 

Vol.  II.  73.  112.  PAKEFIELD Xo.  18. 

Observed  Pakefield  red  Light  at  8.20  p.m.  Ijright, 
it  opened  at  the  point  indicated  by  the  chart,  and 
guided  the  vessel  through  a  narrow  passage.  Shortly 
afterwards  observed  the  lights  on 

Vol.  II.  74.  113,  114.  ORFOEDNESS.— Nos.  19,  20. 

right   a-head.     The  low  light  was  decidedly  much 

brighter  than  the  hi.sh  light.     The  pilot   on  board 

said,  '•  We  always  see  the  low  light  first."    One  of  these 

is  dioptric,  and   the   other   catoptric.     The   pilot  was 

unable  to  give  any  information  as  to  which   was  the 

lens  light,   and   stated  that    the    diflerence   between 

them  was  that  one  was  to  the  castioard  of  the  other. 

Calnptric  and    Stopped  opposite   the   lights  and  endeavoured  to  test 

Dioptric  appa-  them   with    the   photometer,    but  failed    to  get    any 

ratus  compared,  pj.jiaijij,   measurement,   as  the  high  light  appeared  to 

change  in  intensity  as  the  vessel  drifted. 

Steamed  for  Harwich  and  watched  the  Orfordiiess 
lights  till  the  lower  was  lost  beneath  the  horizon  or 
behind  the  land,  at  about  13  miles  at  that  distance,  off 
Harwich  ;  both  lights  were  verj"  bright  seen  from  the 
bridge,  and  the  diflerence  between  them  was  much 
less  marked  than  from  the  northward.  The  low 
light  appeared  to  be  whiter  than  the  other,  and  was 
seen  through  a  greater  thickness  of  the  photometer 
all  along.  Both  these  lights  are  excellent.  The  low 
light  is  clearly  the  best  as  seen  from  the  nortli,  and 
sliglitly  the  best  as  seen  from  tlie  south  at  a  distance 
of  13  miles  and  under.  From  the  point  where  the 
Orfordness  lights  were  last  seen,  eight  lights  were 
visible  at  once,  each  showing  some  particular  channel, 
all  burning  brightly  and  easily  distinguished  from 
each  other.  These  v.-eiv  the  Ship  Wash  and  C'okk 
vessels,  the  Guxkleet  revolving  red,  the  distinctness 
of  this  light  was  very  remarkable,  showing  at  that 
range  a  brilliant  red,  the  two  Okfokdness  lights, 
and  three  HAR^v^cH  IIakuouu  Lights. 

The  changes  of  colour  and  position  in  these  last, 
as  the  vessel  ran  iuto  the  harliour  guided  by  them 
were  remarkably  rapid  and  distinct,   a  fourth  light 


appeared  on  entering  the  harbour,  which  changed 
with  equal  rapidity  from  white  to  red,  .and  to  white 
again  as  the  vessel  passed  tlie  shoal  which  it  indi- 
cated. (From  the  returns  it  appears  that  the  loteer 
Orfordness  liglit  is  the  dioptrie.) 


llo,  116,  117,  ll'i.  IIAKWICIL— Xos.  21,  22,  23.  Vol.  11.75,  Tf 

August  4. — Landed  to  inspect  the  harbour  lights. 
Jlr.  Yaux,  a  shipowner  and  builder,  stated  that  the 
spit  at  the  mouth  of  the  harbour  has  extended  so  far 
as  to  make  the  present  position  of  the  lights  somewhat 
objectionable.  The  lights  have  not  been  changed  for 
nine  years,  and  the  spit  has  altered  considerably.  The 
two  lights  in  one,  formerly  led  clear  of  the  spit,  they 
now  lead  directly  over  it,  and  the  rapid  changes  of 
colour  observed  last  night  are  intended  to  guide 
vessels  clear  of  the  danger.  He  thinks  that  the 
position  of  the  lights  should  be  changed.  The  keeper 
subsequently  stated  that  several  plans  had  been 
talked  of,  one  to  remove  the  lights  to  another  position 
altogether,  another  to  make  the  outer  light  a  moveable 
one  on  wheels,  a  third  to  construct  a  beacon  on  the 
spit  and  to  illuminate  it  with  an  "  apparent  light.' 
This  last  proposal  ori.£:inated  in  the  town,  the  others 
were  the  schemes  of  the  Trinity  House  who  have 
charge  of  the  lights.  Inspected  the  H.'.nwicH  High 
Light.  It  is  in  a  white  tower  with  comfortable 
dwellings  attached  and  within  it.  There  are  two 
lights  in  the  tower.  The  lower  consists  of  a  single 
Argand  burner  with  a  section  of  a  large  lens  showing 
through  a  narrow  opening  towards  the  spit  end.  One 
strip  of  this  lens  is  left  clear  and  shows  the  passage, 
the  rest  is  coloured  red  by  a  strip  of  glass,  and  shows 
the  approach  to  the  spit.  When  a  vessel  is  inside 
the  spit,  another  light  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
harbour  appears  and  leads  in.  A  portion  of  the  light 
of  a  lamp  is  deflected  by  a  section  of  a  silvered  reflector 
and  shows  through  a  window  when  vessels  reach  a 
particular  part  of  the  harbour.  By  this  arrangement 
a  portion  of  the  light  is  lost,  but  from  observation 
enough  is  used. 

The  U]iper  light  has  nine  lamps  and  reflectors  set 
in  a  hollow  curve  as  at  Lynas,  near  Liverpool.  The 
lamps  have  long  chimneys  to  the  ventilator.  Some 
of  these  are  forty  years  old.  They  are  in  very  good 
condition  and  very  well  kept.  Some  marks  were 
attributed  either  to  old  hammer  marks  nearly  worn 
out,  or  to  the  points  of  glass  from  broken  chimneys 
falling  on  the  silver.  The  keeper  stated  that  he  could 
mark  the  silver  with  his  nail.  This  remark  shows 
the  extreme  care  required  to  preserve  reflectors  in 
their  present  state  of  efiiciency. 

There  are  three  keepers,  all  married.  The  head 
keeper  is  74  years  of  age,  and  was  attached  to  the 
light  when  it  belonged  to  General  Eebow.  Tie  Coal fres  a 
remembers  the  burning  of  coal  fires  at  this  station  (^""st lights. 
when  he  was  a  boy.  The  coals  were  burned  in  a 
grate,  to  which  a  pair  of  bellows  were  attached. 
The  light-keeper  was  exposed  to  all  weathers,  and 
had  to  poke  the  fire,  throw  on  coal,  and  blow  the 
bellows  when  necessary  all  in  the  open  air.  Obser- 
vations are  now  taken  and  a  register  kept  of  the 
Gunfleet  and  Cork  lightvessels  through  three  glasses 
similar  to  those  used  at  some  of  the  lighthouses  on 
the  West  Coast  of  England.  The  keeper  stated  that 
he  could  occasionally  see  the  lights  through  more 
than  three  glasses,  but  that  the  Gunfleet  had  been 
invisililc  from  fogs  for  three  weeks  at  a  time. 

Harwich  Low  Light,  at  a  short  distance  from  the 
other  tower  and  nearer  the  sea,  has  three  reflectors 
outside  a  curve.  The  lamps  have  the  usual  long 
chininies.  and  in  addition  an  apparatus  for  condensing 
the  water  produced  by  the  combustion.     The  ventila-  ' 

tion  in  these  lighthouses  is  well  attended  to,  and  there 
are  the  usual  books  and  instruments  kept.  The  whole 
establishment  is  exceedingly  well  kept,  the  reflectors 
especially.  The  keeper  could  give  no  reason  why 
reflectors  at  sea  should  be  more  scratched  than  on 
land.      One  keeper  watches  all  night  in  the  high 


PERSONAL  ORRERVATIONS  JfADE  BY  COJIJIISSIONEES. 


33 


tl  towor.      The  other  two  watch  half  the  night  each 

II    .  at  the  lower  tower.     The  Isle  of  May  arraugcment 

would  enable  one  to  do  all. 

Inspected  buoy  establishment.    It  was  in  good  order. 
At  quarter  past  six  p.m.  passed  close  to  the  Cork 
light  vessel.     The  crew  neatly  dressed  were  mustered 
on  the  deck. 
Boarded  the 

ol.  II.  77.  119.  GUNFLEET  PILE  LIGHT.— No.  23. 

This  had  been  previously  seen  from  a  distance,  burn- 
ing well.     The  illuminating  apparatus  was  now  found 
in  very  good  order.     It  consists  of  nine  reflectors  with 
a  red  glass  placed  in  front  of  each,  fixed  on  a  triangu- 
lar frame,  and  revolving.     On  leaving  the  light  it  was 
observed  that  the  red  was   visible  all  round.     This 
Is  of  light       gives  a  good  measure  for  the  divergence  and  loss  of 
t-n  catoptric    light  inseparable  from  the  use  of  parabolic  reflectors, 
3'aratus.         r^j^^  shows  the  value  of  the  lens  used  in  some  Scotch 
Iperimeiit.       lighthouses. 

The  establishment  was  in  process  of  painting. 
There  is  a  fog  bell,  and  the  usual  instruments  are 
kept.  The  keeper  stated  that  the  sea  never  reached 
the  lantern,  not  even  spray  in  any  quantity.  On 
leaving  the  Gunfleet,  observed  the 

■)1.  II.  lU'.  120.  SUNK  LIGHT.— No.  II. 

Raw  Harwich  light  and  passed  the  Gunfleet.      Passed 
close  to  the 

121.  MIDDLE  SWIN.— No.  1.5. 

Revolving  light,  burning  brightly,  and  anchored  for 
the  night, 
ol.  II.  77.        August  5th.— Sighted  122.  The  Maplin  pile  light, 
similar  in   its  construction   to  the   Gunfleet,  No.  25. 
Boarded  the 


123.  MOUSE.— No.  1(3. 

Found  all  hands  below  except  the  look  out.  Every 
thing  on  board  the  vessel  was  in  first  rate  order,  clean 
and  neat.  The  reflectors  were  quite  equal  to  any 
that  have  been  seen  afloat.  The  gimbles  worked  well 
and  easilv.  The  lamp  room  arranged  on  the  same 
plan  as  all  the  other  lamp  rooms  on  board  Trinity 
floating  lights,  remarkably  clean,  and  the  leathers,  &e. 
all  in  their  proper  places.  Books  in  order  ;  usual 
instruments  kept.  The  master  stated  that  he  had 
once  been  adrift,  wind  N.N.W. 


Passed   124,  125,  126.  Girdlek,  Princes  Channel  Crui^eofthe 
and  ToxGUE  Lightvesscls,  No.  20,  19,  18,  and  steamed  Vivi'd. 

to  Margate.     Landed  and  drove  to  the  

Vol.  II.  118, 
119. 

Vol.  II.  79. 


127.  NORTH  FORELAND.— No.  20. 


The  tower  is  in  process  of  strengthening  previous 
to  the  placing  of  a  new  and  enlarged  and  a  dioptric 
light.  The  present  apparatus  consists  of  18  reflectors 
placed  on  the  outside  of  a  curve  in  two  rows,  each 
lamp  and  reflector  having  a  separate  iron  pillar  as  a 
stand.  This  arrangement  is  different  from  any  yet 
seen.  The  reflectors  are  in  excellent  order,  and 
apparently  very  old.  There  were  marks  of  old  inju- 
ries nearly  obliterated  by  careful  cleaning.  Each 
lamp  lias  a  long  metal  chimney  leading  to  the  venti- 
lator in  the  top.  There  is  a  tube  for  condensing 
water,  but  never  used.  A  coal  fire  was  originally 
burned  on  this  tower.  It  was  then  raised  and  the 
present  apparatus  placed  on  it.  The  interior  of  the 
tower  was  then  used  for  a  dwelling.  The  two  keepers 
now  occupy  two  neat  dwellings  at  the  foot  of  the 
tower,  and  when  the  new  light  is  placed  the  tower  is 
to  remain  empty.  The  keeper  sees  Grisnez  and 
Calais  on  fine  nights ;  he  has  seen  Dunkerque  once. 
On  that  night  there  was  a  severe  thunderstorm,  and 
the  light  appeared  as  three  lights,  one  above  the  other. 
Grisnez  and  Calais  had  the  same  appearance.  The 
keeper  had  observed  the  electric  light  while  exhibited 
at  the  South  Foreland ;  he  was  not  favourably  placed 
for  seeing  it.  He  said  it  was  flickering.  There  is  a 
sufficiency  of  evidence  given  by  witnesses  besides 
the  personal  observation  of  the  Commission  to  prove 
that  the  light  was  far  superior  in  brilliancy  to  any 
now  exbibited  on  the  coast.  Embarked  at  Ramsgate  Vol.  II.  354. 
(see  Local  Returns),  and  rounded  the  Gull,  No.  22. 
Observed  the  monster  buoy  on  the  Goodwin  Sands  Vol.  II.  120, 
riding  upright  and  showing  like  a  vessel.  Rounded 
close  to  the  stern  of  the  GooD^n^-,  No.  21,  light--  Vol  II.  12(i. 
vessel.  She  is  of  iron,  painted  red,  with  three  masts,  >,  305. 
and  apparently  longer  in  proportion  to  her  breadth 
than  the  other  lightvessel  of  the  Trinity  House,  and 
more  like  the  Irish  lightvessels. 

She  was  riding  across  both  wind  and  tide  which 
were  against  each  other,  to  windward  of  her  moorings. 
Steamed  for  Woolwich. 

The  Commission  had  nov,'  been  afloat  32  days, 
bad  almost  clrcnmnavigated  Great  Britain,  had  seen, 
so  as  to  be  able  to  form  an  opinion  of  their  efficiency, 
130  light  establishments,  of  which  79  were  per- 
sonally inspected. 


PERSONAL   OBSERVATIONS 

OF  THE  COMMISSION  ON  LIGHTHOUSES,  &c. 

IN    FRANCE    AND    SPAIN. 


Oct.  19th,  1859.— Admiral  Hamilton,  Mr.  Graves, 
Mr.  Gladstone,  and  the  Secretary,  travelled  from 
London  to  Paris. 

The  captain  of  the  steamer  stated  that  in  foggy 
weather  he  steams  by  the  sound  of  a  bell  placed  on 
Boulogne  pier,  and  that  the  sound  is  quite  sufficient 
to  enable  him  to  take  the  bearings  and  proceed 
under  full  steam.  {A  report  on  this  bell  will  be 
found  at  -page  221.)  On  arriving  at  Paris  the  Com- 
mission met  Captain  Ryder,  who  had  visited  the 
Channel  Islands  and  the  South  of  France,  and  who 
had  inspected  several  small  harbour  lights.  {His 
account  of  his  observations  will  be  found  at  page  38.) 
In  crossing  observed  the  buoy  on  the  Varne,  watching 
well  and  very  efficiently.  The  captain  states  that  he 
had  seen  a  vessel  aground  on  the  Colbart  Bank,  which 
I. 


has  neither  buoy  nor  beacon.  (A  Floating  light  has 
been  placed  on  the  Varne  since  the  loss  of  the  Bervie 
Castle.) 

Oct.  20th,  Paris. — Admiral  Hamilton,  Mr.  Glad- 
stone, Mr.  Graves,  Captain  Rj-der,  and  the  Secre- 
tary called  at  the  office  of  the  Conseil  General  des 
Fonts  et  Chaussees,  and  were  directed  to  the  house 
of  j\Ions.  Reynaud,  Directeur  General  des  Pliares, 
96,  Rue  St.  Dominique,  where  they  waited  on 
Mons.  Reynaud,  who  received  the  Commission  very 
cordially,  presented  the  chairman  with  a  map  of 
the  lighthouses  under  his  charge,  and  promised  to 
forward  the  views  of  the  Commission  as  much  as 
possible.  An  appointment  was  made  for  3  p.m.,  at 
the  establishment  of  the  Commission  des  Phares, 
Quais   du  Billy,   No.  56.     At   the  hour  agreed   on 

E 


34 


APPENDIX  TO  REPORT  ON  LIGHTS,  BdOYS,  AND  BEACONS 


t'rance.        the  Commission  accordingly  met  Mons.  Degrand  and 

Mous.   Rcynaud,   and  were   shown  the  Museum  and 

other  objects  of  interest. 

The  establisliment  consists  of  a  lofty  tower,  placed 
on  a  rising  ground  facing  the  Champ  de  Mars,  with  a 
number  of  buildings  and  workshops,  &c.  attached. 
On  the  top  of  the  tower  is  a  lantern,  from  which 
experiments  are  tried.  The  position  of  the  experi- 
mental lighthouse  is  so  chosen  as  to  command  a  clear 
range  of  1,  2,  8,  12  miles,  as  may  be  desired. 
Electric  liqht.  The  Commission  were  shown  some  experiments 
now  making  on  the  electric  light. 

The  macliine  is  a  modification  of  that  used  by 
Mr.  Holmes  at  the  South  Foreland.  It  consists  of  eight 
gets  of  horseshoe  magnets  placed  on  the  circumference 
of  a  long  wheel,  of  the  diameter  of  about  four  feet, 
instead  of  two  wheels  of  a  diameter  of  about  eight 
feet,  as  used  at  the  South  Foreland.  The  magnets 
pass  close  to  iron  discs  in  the  core  of  the  wheel,  and 
induce  currents,  which  are  conveyed  along  wires  to 
the  carbon  points  where  the  light  is  produced.  The 
wheel  is  turned  by  a  small  steam  engine ;  but  it 
might  be  made  to  revolve  by  any  other  sufficient 
mechanical  power.  One  difference  in  the  two 
machines  is,  that  in  this  the  currents  are  alternate  ; 
whereas,  in  Holmes's,  they  are  made  continuous  by  a 
complicated  arrangement  on  the  axis  of  the  wheels, 
which  reverses  the  poles. 

It  was  stated  that  the  alternation  of  the  currents 
produced  no  sensible  diii'erence  in  the  light,  and  none 
was  observed  by  the  Commission. 

The  light  was  exhibited  in  a  large  darkened  room, 
and  its  intensity  was  remarkable. 

Tested  against  an  Argand  lamp,  it  was  found  to  be 
equal  to  94  burners.  With  a  square  lens  of  cast  glass, 
and  Holme's  charcoal  points,  it  was  est  imated  at  55,000, ; 
with  the  improved  charcoal  points,  and  a  much  larger 
ground  glass,  at  220,000 ;  with  a  red  glass  interposed 
it  was  reduced  to  1,030.  (Mons.  Degrand  stated 
that  the  red,  as  compared  with  white,  improved  as  the 
distance  increased.)  And  it  was  stated  that  the  best 
lens,  with  the  most  powerful  oil  lamp,  was  only  esti- 
mated at  from  80  to  90.  The  light  varied  consider- 
ably as  the  charcoal  points  wore  away  ;  it  flickered, 
and  occasionally  went  away  altogether  for  an  instant. 
This  imperfection  seemed  to  be  caused  by  the  char- 
coal; andif  that  could  be  remedied,  either  by  the  use 
of  Professor  Way's  stream  of  mercury,  or  by  any  other 
means,  the  electric  light  produced  by  revolving 
magnets  might  be  introduced  into  lighthouses. 

The  intensity  of  the  light  was  tested  by  looking  at 
shadows  projected  by  it  on  a  screen  of  whitened 
glass  placed  at  a  distance  of  about  20  yards,  and  by 
comparing  these  with  shadows  thrown  by  a  lamp 
placed  at  a  distance  of  a  few  feet,  or  a  few  inches,  as 
the  case  might  be.  The  figures  given  arc  the  result 
of  a  calculation  founded  on  the  distances  of  the  lights 
compared,  from  the  glass  screen,  and  cannot  be 
taken  as  exact,  though  they  express  the  difference 
rouijhly. 

The  Museum  consists  of  obsolete  methods  of 
illumination,  and  improvements  now  adopted  or 
projected. 

There  are,  Tin  lamps  with  flat  wicks, — The  same 
with  round  wicks, — Concentric  wicks  now  used. 
Reflectors  of  cast  copper  silvered ;  The  same,  after 
twenty  or  thirty  years  of  service,  damaged,  worn  out, 
and  condemned. 

These  last  appeared  to  have  been  very  roughly 
handled,  and  it  was  stated  that  the  keepers  had  never 
acquired  the  art  of  cleaning  them  properly. 

There  were  spherical  reflectors  joined  together  ou 
the  same  principle  as  the  parabolic  reflectors  now 
used  in  the  light  ship  at  Liverpool. 

In  the  centre  of  the  room  is  a  trophy  of  condemned 
lenses  with  mirrors,  such  as  aro  now  used  at  the 
Skerry  Mhore  and  Inch  Keith  lighthouses  in  Scotland. 
Built  up  lenses,  such  as  the  first  lenses  were;  and  beside 
them  were  the  lenses  now  used  in  the  best  French, 
English,  Scotch,  and  Irish  lighthouses.  In  addition 
to  these,  plates  were  shown  of  glass  moulded  into  the 


required  angles  in  iron  moulds.  These  are  being 
introduced  in  French  lights,  and  it  was  stated  that 
their  reduced  cost  would  very  greatly  reduce  the 
expense  of  illumination  without  diminishing  the 
amount  of  light.  Wliat  is  lost  in  the  inferior  polish 
of  the  surfaces  is  said  to  be  gained  in  the  reduced 
thickness  of  glass. 

Mous.  Degrand  considers  that  this  improvement 
will  be  a  great  step  in  lighthouse  illumination. 

Small  lenses  of  moulded  glass  were  seen  by  the 
Commission  in  use  at  Londonderry  on  the  18th  of 
July.      See  Report  on  Lo)idonderry.  \o\.  1 

Models  of  bell  buoys,  Herbert's,  and  other  buoys 
were  shown,  and  the  Commission  were  invited  to 
visit  the  workshops  where  the  buoys  are  made. 

All  lighthouses  of  any  importance  in  France  are 
now  fitted  with  lenses,  as  it  is  considered  beyond  all 
question  that  lenses  are  superior  to  reflectors.  All 
lights  are  under  one  superintendence,  and  one  man  is 
mainly  responsible  for  their  management. 

There  are  no  independent  local  authorities  as  in 
England,  and  the  system  must  be  uniform.  It 
remains  to  be  seen  whether  the  system  works  well. 

The  Commission  were  (>xtremely  gratified  with  the 
establishment,  and  with  the  politeness  of  the  gentle- 
men who  have  charge  of  it. 

It  was  stated  that  a  fog  signal,  consisting  of  a  bell 
placed  in  the  focus  of  a  reflector  built  of  masonry,  is 
about  to  be  tried. 

October  21st,  Paris. — The  Commission  met  Mons. 
Ecynaud  and  Mons.  Degrand  at  the  establishment 
of  Mons.  Le  Peaute,  manufacturer  of  lighthouse  appa- 
ratus. The  lenses  are  ground  in  rings  on  wheels 
which  revolve  horizontally,  and  the  required  angle  is 
obtained  by  arms  which  are  fixed  to  the  axle,  and 
have  certain  cushions  at  the  end,  by  means  of  which  . 
the  prisms  are  reduced  with  sand.  The  final  polish 
is  given  by  hand  with  rouge.  The  glass  was  remark- 
able for  its  purity.  The  angles  are  all  calculated  to 
throw  a  parallel  ray  horizontally,  and  in  the  case  of 
a  light  placed  high,  the  pannels  are  slightly  inclined 
so  as  to  throw  the  rays  downwards  to  the  horizon. 
{On  this  point,  see  the  Report  on  Messrs.  Chance's 
Works,  p.  43.) 

Proceeded  thence  by  rail  to  Argenteuil,  and  in- 
spected the  establishment  of  Mons.  Joly,  where  there 
was  a  large  bell  buoy  on  the  Herbert  principle  in- 
tended for  the  mouth  of  the  Seine.  The  Secretary 
suggested  a  plau  of  ringing  the  bell,  which  was 
approved  by  the  t'reneh  engineers. 

The  buoy  is  large — o"'  80.  above  water  line,  and 
is  to  be  surmounted  by  a  ball  and  mirrors.  It  is  pro- 
vided ivith  a  fixed  projection  like  a  rudder  to  steady 
it  and  prevent  it  from  turning. 

In  the  course  of  conversation  the  engineers  stated 
that  the  light  produced  in  the  French  lighthouses 
was  more  than  that  produced  in  English  lighthouses 
of  the  same  order;  because  the  consumption  of  oil  Measure  q 
per  hour  was  yreater.  This  conclusion  can  only  be  light. 
just  if  the  oil  is  advantai/voush/  consumed.  It  was 
also  stated  that  the  flame  of  a  lamp  properly  trimmed 
is  larger  and  brighter  than  the  flame  of  the  same 
kind  of  lamp  as  used  in  the  English  lighthouses,  ac- 
cording to  the  personal  observation  of  Mons.  Reynaud 
when  in  England.  It  was  also  stated  that  the  light 
at  Grisnez  is  by  no  means  one  of  the  first  excellence, 
though  it  has  been  repeatedly  praised  by  English 
mariners  in  their  evidence  as  one  of  the  best  French 
lighthouses.  {See  Abstract  of  Mariners'  Evidence 
p.  1 10.)  This  may  arise  (according  to  Mons.  Rey- 
naud) from  the  comparison  with  the  light  on  the 
opposite  coast  (Duugeuess),  which  is  not  one  of  the 
best  in  England.  The  keepers  are  generally  said  to 
be  old  soldiers,  who  take  a  great  interest  and  pride 
in  their  lighthouses.  There  is  an  intelligent  officer, 
generally  an  engineer,  within  reach  of  almost  every 
lighthouse  in  France,  charged  with  a  superintendence 
of  the  light,  and  the  whole  system  is  under  one  man 
residing  in  Paris,  who  is  a  member  of  a  council 
(Ponts  and  Chaussees)  which  forms  a  department  of 
the    Government.      In    short,    so    far    as    the    frame 


PERSONAL   OBSERVATIONS   MADE   BY   COMMISSIONERS. 


35 


^al  Erulence. 


'■ench  hirot/nge 


oi.  II.  W. 


id  light. 


of  the  system  goes,  it  appears  to  be  peculiarly  well 
adapted  for  securing  efficient  and  uniform  lighting. 
The  buoyage  of  the  coast  is  in  like  manner  syste- 
matized, but  it  has  not  been  carried  out.  "  They  are 
now  about  to  improve  that  branch  of  the  service." 

In  the  evening,  Monsieur  Roynaud  brought  letters 
to  the  Commis.sioners,  giving  them  access  to  all  the 
lighthouses,  and  to  the  registers  kept  there. 

Mr.  Graves,  Captain  Ryder,  and  Dr.  Gladstone 
started  for  Cherbourg  next  morning.  Their  report 
win  be  found  at  page  39. 

October  22nd. — Admiral  Hamilton  and  the  Secre- 
tary proceeded  to  Bordeaux  via  Tours,  to  inspect  the 
Tour  de  Cordouan,  and  other  lighthouses,  indicated 
by  Monsieur  Reynaud  as  most  worthy  of  attention. 

Left  Paris  at  9,  arrived    at  Tours  at  2,  on  Sunday. 

October  24th. — Left  Tours  at  2,  arrived  at  Bor- 
deaux at  10  p.m. 

October  25th. — Called  on  the  consul  and  presented 
letter  from  the  ambassador. 

Bordeaux. — Went  to  the  port  and  boarded  the 
steamer  "Tanolipaz,"  for  Liverpool,  the  only  English 
steam  vessel  in  harbour. 

Captain  Charles  Baker  stated  that,  in  his  opinion, 
after  four  years'  expei'ience,  the  French  lights  were 
far  superior  to  the  English  lights  in  brilliancy,  but 
are  not  nearly  so  well  placed  ;  that  is  to  say,  they  are 
not  generally  far  enough  to  seaward — for  example, 
Ushant.  The  French  buoys  are  inferior  to  the 
English ;  they  are  few  and  tar  between,  and  do  not 
watch  in  tideways.  They  are  very  small  ;  "  a  man 
could  carry  them  in  a  wheelbarrow." 

Captain  Baker,  in  sailing  between  Liverpool  and 
Bordeaux,  sees  many  of  the  French  and  English  lights. 

He  sees  the  Longships,  No.  52,  and  complains 
that  it  is  very  poor ;  he  has  mistaken  it  for  a 
ship's  light.  On  referring  to  observations  of  the 
Commission  it  appears  that  the  light  is  catoptric, 
20  re.'ectors,  fixed,  and  when  inspected  by  the 
Commission,  July  8th,  the  reflectors  were  very 
bright.  The  boatmen  in  the  neighbourhood 
stated  that  the  light  was  "  beautiful."  Captain 
Baker's  opinion  is,  therefore,  formed  on  a  frequent 
comparison  of  French  dioptric  lights  with  an  English 
fixed  catoptric  in  good  order,  and  his  testimony 
confirms  the  rest  of  the  evidence,  and  is  favourable 
to  dioptric  lights.  With  reference  to  red  lights, 
Captain  Baker  says  that  in  hazy  weather  he  has 
seen  the  red  flash  of  the  lighthouse  at  Pontillac, 
when  the  white  light  at  the  same  place,  and  that  at 
Terre  Negre  (a  lighthouse  nearer  to  him),  were  not 
visible.  Captain  Baker  has  traded  on  the  north  coast 
of  Spain,  and  thinks  these  lights  equal  to  the  French, 
and  superior  to  the  English.  He  also  thinks  that 
lights  placed  near  high  land  are  often  obscured  by 
the  condensation  of  fogs  near  the  land. 

Boarded  a  French  steamer,  and  questioned  the 
mate.  He  thinks  the  English  lights  as  good  as  the 
French  ;  he  trades  to  the  north  of  Europe,  and  is  well 
acquainted  with  the  English  lights  ;  when  the  wind  is 
in  certain  quarters  his  vessel,  to  use  his  own  words, 
"  souvent  tombe  cr-r-rack  sur  le  galloppare." 

October  26th. —  Travelled  by  rail  to  Arcachon,  a 
newly-built  watering  place  on  the  basin  ;  hired  a  boat 
with  some  difficulty,  as  the  wind  and  tide  were  both 
contrar}',  and  were  pulled  over  by  four  Gascons  to 
the  lighthouse  on 


131.  CAP  FERRET. 

The  tower  is  white,  and  stands  on  a  low  promontory 
of  land,  which  forms  one  side  of  the  entrance  to  the 
basin.  The  channel  is  extremely  narrow  and  intri- 
cate, and  is  not  buoyed.  The  sea  was  breaking 
heavily  on  the  sand  banks,  and  on  the  Dunes  out.side. 
The  tower  is  white,  a  round  column  on  a  round 
base.  The  base  contains  the  rooms  of  the  keepers. 
The  tower  has  no  floors,  and  is  ascended  by  a  cork- 


screw stair.     The  gallery  round  the  top  is  broad,  and        Fiance. 

the  whole  edifice  is  remarkably  solid,  and  apparently  

well  built. 

The  illuminating  apparatus  is  lenticular,  but  the 
upper  and  lower  portions  consist  of  rows  of  mercurial 
mirrors,  instead  of  glass  prisms,  six  rows  above  and  three 
below.  These  are  damaged,  as  they  are  in  Scotland 
and  elsewhere,  where  they  have  been  in  use  for  a  long 
time.  They  are  considered  by  the  lighthouse  autho- 
rities in  Paris  as  out  of  date,  and  are  included  amongst 
the  curiosities  in  the  museum.  To  the  landward  side 
is  a  large  silvered  spherical  reflector,  intended  to 
reflect  the  light  to  seaward.  A  portion  of  the  light 
is  seen  above  and  below  the  mirror  from  the  basin, 
and  is  useful  to  fishermen  and  others.  Those  re- 
flectors were  clean,  but  decidedly  inferior  to  English 
reflectors  of  the  same  kind. 

The  lamp   is  a  mechanical   pumping  lamp.      The  Instruction  of 
guardian  explained   that  he   had  been    carefully  in-  keepers. 
structed  in  all  that  pertained  to  the  machinery  ;  that 
he  had  been  required  to  take  it  to   pieces,  and  set  it 
up  again,  before  he  was  intrusted  with  the  care  of  the 
light.     He  showed  his  manner  of  levelling  the  burner 
with  spirit  levels,   and  of  adjusting  the  lamp  in  the 
focus  of  the  lens,  by  means  of  a  string  attached  to  a  Direction  oj 
point  on  the  framework,  but  there  was  no  contrivance  beam. 
for  setting  the  lens   or  the  lamp,   so  as  to  throw  the 
light  downwards  to  ttie  horizon.    It  is  manifest  there- 
fore that  here,  as  elsewhere,  a  considerable  portion  of 
the  light  must  be  thrown  upwards  above  the  horizon 
and  lost.     If  the  lens  were  set   to  throw  a  horizontal 
beam,  the  light  would  pass  above  the  horizon   at  the 
height  of  the  lighthouse  ;  but  as  the  light  is  seen  at  a 
distance  of  a  few  miles,  the  beam  must  have  a  con- 
siderable   divergence,    and    that    must   be   as   great 
upwards  as  downwards;  consequently  tha  greater  part 
of  the  light  is  thrown  on  the  clouds. 


E 


Ligiitlionse  beam  tlirowu  at  right  angl 


The  bars  of  the  lantern  are  horizontal  and  ver- 
tical, instead  of  diagonal,  as  in  Scotland  ;  and,  in  that 
respect,  inferior,  for  horizontal  bars  cast  shadows  and 
obscure  the  light.     {See  Report  on  Bertcick.) 

The  lantern  is  surrounded  by  a  network  of  strong 
■wire,  as  the   number  of  large  wild    fowl  which  &y  Injunj  by  birds. 
against  it  is  such  as  to  endanger  the  strong  glass. 
About  200  birds  were  so  killed  this  year. 

There  are  three  kee]5ers.  No  provision  is  made 
for  lodging  their  families,  but  they  have  obtained 
permission  and  have  built  huts  for  themselves.  One 
of  these  was  also  occupied  by  a  party  of  sportsmen 
who  had  come  for  the  purpose  of  shooting  pigeons. 

The  register  was  inspected,  and  was  found  in 
order  ;  made  up  to  the  last  date.  The  keepers  are 
required  to  consume  a  certain  quantity  of  oil  per  Measure  of 
hour,  and  the  quantity  consumed  is  taken  as  the  mea-  ^'9^'- 
sure  of  the  light  produced.  The  quantity  is  ascer- 
tained by  sounding  the  oil  in  the  reservoir,  and  esti- 
mating the  weight  consumed  by  a  table  provided  for 
the  purpose.     (See  Captain  Ryder's  remarks.) 

There  is  a  lightning  conductor  ;  no  barometer  ; 
no  thermometer.  The  keepers  would  be  glad  to 
have  both,  and  to  keep  the  register.  There  is  no 
dial  ;  they  have  often  applied  for  one  in  vain.  There 
is  a  clock.  There  are  no  means  of  communication 
between  the  lantern  and  the  rooms  below.  The 
keeper  on  guard  is  allowed  an  arm  chair,  but  no 
books.  Arm  chairs  are  forbidden  in  Clreat  Britain, 
and  books  are  provided. 

2 


36 


APPENDIX   TO   EEPORT   ON   LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND   BEACONS  : 


Sailed  back  to  ArcacLoD,  and  slept  at  tlie  Hotel 
de  France. 

October  27.— TraTelled  by  rail  to  Bayonne,  and 
thence  three  miles  to 

132.  BIARRITZ. 

Walked  up  to  the  lighthouse,  and  found  one  of  the 
keepers  engaged  in  lighting  his  lamp,  and  the  other 
smoking  a  cigar  and  vratchiug  the  last  rays  of  the 
sunset  behind  the  Spanish  mountains. 

Hailed  the  man  in  the  balcony,  told  him  of  the 
order,  and  obtained  permission  to  mount.  The 
tower  is  built  on  a  rock  of  considerable  height,  and 
is  a  very  fine  building.  The  keepers'  dwellings  are 
about  the  base,  as  at  Cape  Ferret ;  but  there  is  no 
provision  for  lodging  the  families  of  the  keepers, 
who  live  in  the  tov.'u  in  their  own  lodgings.  The 
building  appeared  to  be  rather  extravagant  than 
otherwise,  but  not  to  equal  the  British  lighthouses  in 
providing  for  the  comfort  of  the  keepers,  though  the 
accommodation  is  ample  for  single  men.  The  tower, 
as  at  Cape  Ferret,  is  mounted  by  a  corkscrew  stair. 
The  floor  is  of  coloured  marbles.  The  illuminating 
apparatus  is  revolving,  a  system  of  16  lenses  showing 
a  flash  every  ^  minute,  and  a  system  of  8  rows  of 
plane  mercurial  mirrors  above  and  below.  The 
light  shows  all  round,  and  a  considerable  portion 
(nearly  one  half)  is  lost  on  the  landward  side.  The 
mirrors  were  damaged,  and  some  displaced  ;  the 
■tvhole  was  inferior  to  many  of  the  English  light- 
houses of  modern  construction.  The  lamp  was  the 
same  as  at  Cape  Ferret,  and  the  flame  exceedingly 
bright  and  clear.  The  keeper  seemed  perfectly  to 
understand  his  business,  and  to  take  a  pride  in  it. 
He  said  that  the  flame  "would  be  better  when  the  oil 
got  heated,  and  he  varied  it  by  moving  the  regulator 
in  the  iron  chimne}-,  so  as  to  show  tlie  ill  eflccts  of 
too  much  or  too  little  draught. 

The  men  consider  themselves  to  be  ill  paid,  on 
account  of  their  responsibility.  They  have  no  allow- 
ances beyond  their  pay,  and  they  find  it  hard  to  sub- 
sist on  that.  They  are  not  changed  from  place  to 
to  place,  as  in  England.  The  lighthouse  was  very 
clean,  but  inferior  in  that  respect  to  many  in  Great 
Britain  which  the  Commissioners  have  seen. 

The  lights  of  Fontarabia  and  St.  Sebastian  were 
very  clearly  seen,  distant  many  miles. 

On  returning  to  the  hotel  tested  the  light  with  the 
dark  prism  from  the  window,  distant  about  a  mile. 
A  wax  candle,  distant  21  feet,  gave  4-20,  light- 
house flash  3  •  50,  fixed  light,  2  •  80.  At  about  half 
a  mile  inland  the  light  was  still  brighter,  and  threw 
strong  shadows  from  the  trees  on  the  road.  As  this 
point  was  above  the  lighthouse,  and  considerably 
above  the  level  of  the  sea,  it  is  evident  that  here,  a3 
elsewhere,  the  greater  portion  of  the  light  is  thrown 
upwards,  and  never  reaches  the  sea,  while  nearly  ono 
half  is  thrown  over  the  land,  where  it  is  not  wanted 
at  all.  A  small  reflector,  fixed  inside  the  lenses  on  the 
land  side,  would  be  some  economy,  and  could  be  placed 
without  any  diificulty.    Very  few  birds  are  killed  here. 

The  result  of  these  two  comparisons  is  by  no  means 
unfavourable  to  the  condition  and  eiRciency  of  English 
lights  of  the  same  class. 

October  28th. — Travelled  by  diligence  to  St.  Sebas- 
tian, observed  the  light  showing  directly  along  the 
road  ;  it  was  very  Ijright,  but  was  certainly  not 
wanted  there. 

October  29tli Walked  up  to  the  lighthouse 


133.  FARO  DE  YEULDO. 

It  13  a  white  tower  on  the  hill  to  the  west  of 
the  port — a  low  tower  with  comfortable  dwellings 
attached ;  there  is  no  ornament,  but  it  is  very 
neat  and  remarkably  well  kept.  The  apparatus 
is  third  class  dioptric  fixed  with  three  flashes,  pro- 


duced by  a  system  of  revolving  cylindrical  prisms         Spain. 

made  in  Paris  by  Le  Paute,  the  period   of  revolution  

■^  minute  ;  the  lamp  is  mechanical,  and  has  two 
wicks.  About  one  fifch  of  the  light  is  lost  on  the  hill 
behind  the  house,  and,  though  this  light  is  about  .500  or  Direction  of 
600  feet  above  the  sea,  it  is  set  to  throw  a  horizontal  *'""'■ 
beam.  This  method  of  throwing  a  flash  has  uot  been 
adopted  iu  any  English  lighthouse  that  has  been 
visited,  and  the  result  is  satisfactory,  for  the  light 
with  two  wicks  was  clearly  seen  at  Biarrittz,  distant 
many  miles.  There  are  two  guardians,  whose  pay 
is  5,000  reals.  The  one  who  showed  the  light 
seemed  satisfied.  There  are  no  meteorological  instru- 
ments. There  is  a  lightning  conductor.  No  books 
are  provided ;  there  is  a  clock,  but  no  dial.  The 
keeper  is  a  mechanic  and  a  musician,  and  seemed  to 
be  a  very  intelligent  man  ;  his  light  was  remarkably 
well  and  neatly  kept.  The  oil  burned  is  olive  oil, 
which  costs  68  reals  the  aroba.  The  keepers  are 
provided  with  arms,  and  the  lower  windows  are 
barred.  The  court  is  covered  with  glass,  and  the 
rain  water  is  collected  and  used.  Returned  to 
St.  Sebastian  direct,  and  drove  in  a  carriage  to 
Passages,  a  small  town  about  three  miles  to  the  east- 
ward ;  it  is  built  on  both  sides  of  a  very  narrow 
entrance  between  two  hills  of  about  1,000  feet.  The 
passage  leads  from  the  sea  into  a  considerable  basin. 

Hired  a  boat  and  rowed  same  distance  to  seaward, 
landed,  and  walked  up  a  very  steep  hill,  and  then 
along  a  sheep  walk  overhanging  the  sea  to  the  light- 
house. It  is  built  on  a  peak  overhanging  the  sea, 
about  580  feet  above  the  level.  There  is  good 
accommodation  for  the  two  keepers,  who  were  profuse 
in  their  offers  of  hospitality.  One  has  a  wooden  leg, 
the  other  has  his  full  complement  of  limbs,  and  both 
appeared  to  understand  their  business,  and  to  be 
intelligent  men  ;  one  played  several  airs  on  a  guitar. 
Their  dwellings  were  not  very  clean,  and  their  diet 
seemed  to  be  spare  ;  everything  belonging  to  the 
light  was  in  extremely  good  order,  and  they  seemed 
to  take  a  pride  in  it.  Here,  as  at  St.  Sebastian,  there 
were  spare  lamps  ready  for  use,  and  everything  in 
order  and  in  its  proper  place,  as  in  well-kept  light- 
houses elsewhere. 

The  register  is  the  same  as  in  France,  and  has  a 
column  for  recording  the  appearance  of  other  lights 
visible.  The  light  is  fixed,  4th  order  dioptric,  two 
wicks  made  in  Paris  ;  set  for  horizontal  beam,  and  a 
great  part  of  the  light  lost  on  the  hills  behind.  The 
keeper  here,  as  at  the  other  light,  pointed  out  that  a 
door  to  act  as  a  reflector  would  materially  improve 
the  light.  There  are  no  meteorological  instruments  ; 
there  is  a  clock,  and  the  hours  for  lighting  and  extin- 
guishing are  specified.  Arms  are  provided,  and  the 
windows  are  barred.  Keeper  stated  that  these  precau- 
tions were  against  "  ladrones  "  (robbers),  and  that  he 
was  a  little  of  a  soldier.  They  see  many  ships  passing 
sometimes  close  to  the  rocks,  but  there  have  been  no 
wrecks.  There  are  no  fog  signals  at  either  of  these 
lighthouses.  Both  are  in  excellent  condition,  and 
arc  fully  equal  to  lights  of  similar  classes  elsewhere, 
which  was  not  anticipated.  The  keepers  stated  that 
the  lights  to  the  westward  were  of  a  larger  class,  and 
quite  as  well  kept. 

Returned  in  a  violent  storm  of  wind  and  rain, 
rowed  to  Pasages,  and  drove  to  St.  Sebastian,  where 
three  steamers  were  waiting  to  embark  a  number  of 
soldiers  for  Morocco.  In  the  night  one  of  these  was 
forced  to  put  to  sea,  and  a  large  coaster  was  driven  on 
shore  in  the  harbour. 

On  the  28th  gave  a  number  of  IMariners'  Questions 
to  the  consul  at  Bilboa,  who  happened  to  be  in  the 
hotel. 

October  30th. — Travelled  to  Bayonne. 

October  31st. — Rail  to  Bordeaux. 

November  1st. — Steamed  down  the  river  to 

134.    ROYAN; 

heavy  sea  and  bad  weather  at  the  mouth  of  the  river. 
The   buoyage  of  this  very  difficult  navigation  was 


PERSONAL  OBSERVATIONS  MADE  BY  COMMISSIONERS. 


37 


„  remarkably  defective.     The  buoys  were  few  and  far 

J^*^'       between,  and  small,  but  coloured  on  the  usual  French 
3uoyarje.  System.       Observed    the   floating   lightvcssel,    which 

■was  small,  and  similar  to  the  Ilumbcr  lightvessel. 
On  landing  hired  a  carriage,  and  drove  to  Pontillac, 
where  the  sand  was  so  heavy  that  the  carriage 
was  left. 


I  135.  MALAKOFF. 

Walked  in  the  dark  to  the  lighthouse,  -svliich  the 
Commissioners  had  been  advised  to  inspect  as  worthy 
of  their  attention.  It  is  a  lofty  construction  of 
wooden  beams,  forming  a  pyramid,  with  a  stair,  and 
an  iron  room  on  the  top  containing  the  light.  The 
keepers  (two)  have  their  dwellings  at  a  distance  of 

I  about  300  j-ards  ;  walked  to  tho  door,  got  one  of  the 

keepers  to   accompany   us,   and  ascended   the   tower. 

I  It  was  blowing  very  hard  :  there  was   no  one  in  the 

building,  and  the  doors  were  unfastened.     The  light 

'Catoptric.  is  alternately  red  and  bright,  produced  by  three  lamps 

ledliqat.  in  the  focus  of  three  large  parabolic  reflectors  of  cast 

copper,  with  galvanized  silver.  These  were  very 
dim,  badly  cleaned,  and  inferior  in  every  respect  to 
the  worst  reflectors  seen  in  England,  Their  diameter 
is  tliree  feet,  or  rather  more.  The  variation  in  colour 
is  produced  by  two  screens  of  red  glass,  which  revolve 
horizontally  on  arms  at  right  angles  to  an  upright 
axle.  On  the  top  is  a  screen  of  metal,  which  masks 
the  upper  light  when  the  two  lower  reflectors   show 

Red  light.  bright.     The  upper  reflector  has  a  red  glass  chimney. 

Ttco  bright  lights  are  considered  equal  to  three  red ; 
but,  according  to  the  account  of  this  light  given  by 
Captain  Baker,  page  35,  the  three  red  lights  are  better 
in  haz)'  weather  than  the  two  bright.  This  light  is  in- 
tended to  be  a  leading  light  when  seen  in  one  with  the 
light  at  Terre  Negre,  and  is  built  of  wood,  as  the  banks 
are  constantly  changing,  and  it  may  be  necessary 
to  move  it.  Inspected  the  register,  and  found  all  in 
order.  There  are  no  instruments  kept ;  the  keepers 
would  be  glad  to  have  them.  Both  are  married; 
their  families  live  with  them.  The  dwellings  are 
neat  and  well  kept  ;  the  wives  and  daughters  dressed 
in  tall  caps,  the  men  in  blouses.  Observations  are 
kept  of  neighbouring  lights  visible,  six  in  number, — 
Cordovan,  Terre  Negre,  La  Courbe,  Pointe  de  Graves, 
Eichard,  and  floating  light.  Of  these,  Cordouau, 
Terre  Negre,  Pointe  de  Graves,  and  La  Courbe,  were 
observed  ;  138.  the  other  two  were  invisible,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  haze.  Cordouan  shows  red  towards  the 
shore. 

November  2nd.  —  Visited  Monsieur  Botton,  the 
district  engineer,  who  gave  a  great  deal  of  information 
as  to  the  mode  of  conducting  the  lighthouse  service, 
which  will  be  given  in  detail  by  the  authorities. 
Looked  at  Cordouan  through  a  telescope,  as  it  was 
quite  inaccessible  in  consequence  of  the  heavy  sea- 
The  tower  is  coloured  white  ;  the  sea  was  breaking 
heavily  all  round  the  lighthouse,  and  it  was  impossible 
to  go  oft'.  It  was  stated  that  mirrors  are  still  used  as 
part  of  the  illuminating  apparatus.  Travelled  by 
diligence  to  Kochfort  and  by  rail  to  La  Rochelle. 

November  3rd. — Up  at  six,  started  at  eight  in  a  small 
steamer,  and  crossed  to  St.  Martin,  Isle  de  Rhe,  in  1^ 
Lours;  hired  a  carriage  and  drove  12  miles  to  the 
large  lighthouse 


139.    TOUR  DE  BALENE, 

139    on   tlie   list   of    lights   visited   or    seen    alight. 

Observed  in  crossing  a  beacon  tower  built-on  a  reef ; 

it  was  coloured  in  horizontal  stripes  red  and  black. 

See  ante  with  a  white  stripe  close  to  the  water.     It  was   re- 

^eedlcs.  marked  that  this  produced  the  effect  of  a  boat  under 

?"'""'■ ''•^*'"'''' sail  with  the  sky  showing  underneath,  proving  the 

j  advantage  of  dark  colours  for  objects  intended  to   be 

seen  against  the  sea  or  sky.     A  white  lighthouse  seen 

E 


against   the   sky  was    not   nearly   so   distinct   as  a       France. 

neighbouring    church    steeple    coloured    black,  as    a  

sailing   mark.       The   light   was    grey   and    the    sky 
covered  with  clouds. 

The  Tour  de  Balene  is  built  on  the  '-''■orthera  q^/^^^ ^y i^^^-^^ 
extremity  of  the  island.  It  is  of  yellow  stone,  i„,j^ 
with  ornaments  of  dark  grey  granite.  The  tower 
is  octagonal,  and  rises  from  a  set  of  buildings 
two  stories  high,  which  contain  numerous  rooms, 
some  of  which  are  retained  for  the  use  of  the 
authorities  who  visit  the  lighthouse.  They  were 
plainly  but  well  fitted  and  furnished.  It  reminded  the  . 
chairman  of  the  lighthouses  near  Dublin  and  Edin- 
burgh. The  ollroom  and  workroom  were  equally 
remarkable  for  their  elegant  fittings,  pavements  of 
coloured  marbles,  and  tables  of  the  same  material, 
glass  cases  for  the  necessary  tools,  spare  lamps, 
wicks,  &c.  Tho  guardian  stated  that  the  work- 
room was  not  used  for  cleaning  tho  lamps,  as  it 
is  at  the  bottom  of  the  tower.  Tho  tower  is  50 
metres  in  height,  hollow  like  the  rest,  and  ascended 
by  a  turning  stair.  Below  the  lantern  is  a  room 
with  a  spare  lamp  ready  for  use,  and  a  bed  for  a 
guardian.  This  room  is  wainscoated  with  flowered 
oak,  and  is  extremely  handsome.  It  was  subsequently 
stated  by  Mens.  Eeynaud,  that  he  thought  a  little 
ornament  of  great  practical  use,  as  it  makes  the  men 
more  careful  and  more  proud  of  their  work.  The 
lantern  is  also  paved  with  coloured  marble,  and  slabs  Ornament. 
of  the  same  material  line  the  walls  to  the  height  of 
about  sis  feet.  The  guardian  explained  that  this  was 
intended  to  prevent  dust. 

The  gallery  outside  is  broad  and  surrounded  by  a 
solid  rail.  The  second  lighthouse,  built  on  a  reef 
covered  at  high  water,  distant  about  a  mile  and  a 
balf,  vi^as  observed.  It  was  of  grey  granite,  and 
appeared  almost  black,  because  wet.  Two  keepers 
live  for  a  short  period  in  this  tower,  and  when  re- 
lieved they  are  lodged  on  shore  in  neat  houses  built 
close  to  the  largo  tower,  in  a  garden  sheltered  by 
tamarisks.  Their  wives  arid  families  were  seen. 
Also  a  system  of  spurs  of  brickwork  projecting  into 
the  sea,  intended  to  cause  the  sand  to  accumulate  and 
prevent  the  damage  which  the  sea  might  cause  in 
heavy  gales.  A  curious  effect  of  a  cross  sea  was 
pointed  out  by  the  keeper,  who  said  that  strangers 
generally  remarked  that  they  had  never  seen  anything 
similar.  It  was  sufficiently  evident  that  the  second 
light  could  not  be  visited,  as  the  sea  was  breaking 
all  about  it  in  lines  of  breakers,  moving  at  right 
angles  to  each  other. 

The  illuminating  apparatus  was  constructed  by 
Sautter  and  Co.,  Avenue  Montaigne  a  Paris. 

It  is  dioptric,  first  order,  and  consists  of  a  system 
of  16  revolving  lenses,  v/ith  prisms  above  and  below, 
to  give  the  fixed  light.  It  shows  all  round,  and  gives 
a  flash  every  30  seconds.  The  brass  fittings  are 
bright.  The  lamp  is  mechanical,  with  four  wicks,  and 
pump,  carefully  levelled  and  accurately  set  in  the 
focus  by  the  spirit  level  and  string.  The  focus  is  at 
a  distance  of  about  an  inch  above  the  wick.  The 
diameter  of  the  apparatus  is  about  six  feet  ;  ventila- 
tion is  obtained  by  doors  opening  below  the  glass  of 
the  lantern.  These  are  used  whenever  the  lantern 
is  observed  to  be  dim  from  condensation  of  vapour 
produced  by  combustion.  Small  birds  are  taken  in  Birds. 
numbers.  The  keeper  described  them  as  fluttering 
ao'ainst  the  glass  till  they  rested  on  the  stonework 
outside,  always  with  their  beaks  against  the  glass. 
The  guardians  go  outside,  catch  them  and  eat  them. 
There  are  five  guardians  attached  to  these  two  light- 
houses, under  the  superintendence  of  a  chief,  who  is  a 
native  of  the  island.  This  whole  establishment  is  ex- 
tremely handsome  and  very  well  kept.  Tho  apparatus 
is  equal  to  any  in  England,  but  not  superior  to  Lundy 
Island,  Eathlin,  Skerry  Mhore,  and  other  first-class 
British  lights  which  have  been  visited.  There  is  a 
lightning  conductor,  an  aneroid  barometer,  a  clock  ; 
but  there  are  no  means  of  communication  between 
lantern  and  dwellings.  No  books  are  provided  for 
the  men.     The  register  was  well  and  neatly  kept. 

3 


38 


APPENDIX  TO  REPORT  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS  : 


Drove  back  to  St.  Martin's  ;  hired  a  fishing-boat, 
and  sailed  fo-  La  Rochelle,  at  5  •  15,  arrived  at  10  •  25, 
head  wind  and  considerable  sea.  Observed  the  lights 
of,  2,  La  Balene  ;  .3,  St.  Martin  red  harbour  light  ; 
4,  La  Flotte  white  ditto  ;  -i,  Aiguillon  ;  6,  Chauvan  ; 
7,  Chasseron  ;  8,  Isle  d'Aix  ;  9,  10,  harbour  lights  of 
La  Rochelle.  149.  These  latter  were  very  useful,  and 
were  greatly  superior  to  lights  of  their  class  in  Eng- 
land, such  as  Littlehampton,  Aberdeen,  Dunmore, 
near  Waterford,  &c.  One  is  red,  the  other  revolving 
bright,  and  when  both  are  in  one  the  harbour  is  open. 

November  4tli. — La  Rochelle  to  Paris. 
November  5th. — Called  on  Mons.  Reynaud,  and 
finding  that  he  was  at  the  Atelier  des  Phares,  followed 
him  there ;  found  a  Commission  of  members  of  the 
Government  and  scientific  bodies  engaged  in  an 
examination  of  the  electric  light. 

Mons.  Revnaud  stated  that  they  had  succeeded  in 
increasing  the  power  of  the  light,  so  as  nearly  to 
double  its  intensity,  and  that  by  dividing  the  machine 
into  two  parts  they  had  avoided  the  danger  of  extinc- 
tion. The  experiment  under  trial  appeared  to  be  a 
comparison  between  a  single  Argand  burner,  a  four- 
wick  lighthouse  oil  lamp,  with  a  lens  of  the  first  order 
used  to  produce  a  flash,  and  the  electric  light  in  the 
focus  of  a  cast  lens  on  the  new  system  for  producing  a 
fixed  light ;  that  is  to  say,  1st,  the  light  used  in  a 
single  reliector  ;  2nd,  the  most  powerful  light  that 
is  now  produced  in  lighthouses,  on  the  dioptric 
system,  involving  a  first  cost  of  about  1,000/.  for  appa- 
ratus, and  a  cost  of  875  gallons  of  oil  per  year  for 
fuel ;  3rd.  The  electric  light  in  an  apparatus  about 
the  size  of  a  hat,  costing  about  20/.  or  30/.,  intended  to 
cast  a  horizontal  disk  of  light,  and  produced  at  the 
cost  of  the  motive  power  of  the  engine,  wear  and 
tear  of  the  machine,  and  cost  of  engineer. 

The  superiority  of  the  electric  light  was  beyond 
all  comparison.  According  to  the  calculation  of  the 
engineers  the  figures  were,  at  the  former  experi- 
ment : — 

Argand  burner,  1. 

First  order  flash,  80  to  90. 

Electric  light,  94. 

Electric  light,  cast  glass  flash,  55,000. 
Ditto         first  order  flash,  220,000. 
Ditto         doubled  (2),  440,000. 
Ditto         fixed  light,  small  apparatus  costing 
20/.  or  30/.,  figures  not  given,  but  the  light  was  so 
intense  as  to  be  painful  to  the  eyes,  and  to  obliterate 
the  shadow  cast   by  the  first  order  flash  with  an  oil 
lamp  of  four  wicks  placed  near  it,  and  at  the  same 
distance.     The  light  was  steady.     A  report  will  pro- 
bably be  given,  and  should  be  obtained  if  possible. 

It  does  not  appear  that  steam  power  is  necessary 
to  move  the  machine  which  produces  the  current  of 
electricity.  A  weight  and  a  system  of  wheels  would 
probably  give  sutficient  power  and  velocity.  If  this 
can  be  accomplished,  the  electric  light  seems  to  be  far 
superior  to  any  other  artificial  light  known. 

Tuesday  8th. — Observed  the  harbour  light  Bou- 
logne, Grisnez,  and  South  Foreland  at  .about  6  a.m., 
day  breaking.  The  stars  were  nearly  all  invisible  in 
the  light,  consequently  the  South  Foj-eland  electric 
light,  fixed  light  apparatus,  was  then,  at  a  distance  of 
29  miles,  superior  in  brilliancy  to  the  stars.  The 
fishermen  all  consider  the  new  light  an  improvement, 
and  remark  that  the  colour  is  blue.  The  sailors  on 
board  the  steamer  remarked  that  tliey  see  the  electric 
light  about  seven  miies  further  than  the  other  in  thick 
hazy  weather. 

The  Commission  crossed  the  Channel,  and  returned 
to  London. 

(Signed)         W.  A.  B.  Hamilton. 


Captain    Ryder    visited  France,   and   reported    as  Observations t\ 
follows  : —  Captain  Byde. 

150.  MARSEILLES. 

13th  October. — Visited  the  pier  lighthouse  of  the 
harbour  of  La  Joliette.  Catoptric,  fourtb  order.  No 
fog  or  telegraph  signals.  Lamp  very  clean.  Keeper 
absent  at  his  trade. 

14th. — Visited  the  lighthouse  at  Cassis,  and  after- 
wards the  two  lighthouses  at  Ciotat. 

15th. — Had  an  interview  with  the  Secretary  of  the 
Prefet  Maritime  at  Toulon,  who  passed  me  on  to  the 
Engineer  des  Travaux,  in  the  dockyard  ;  who  passed 
me  on  to  the  assistant  of  the  Engineer  des  Travaux 
Publiques,  who  gave  me  two  orders  for  Lesset  and 
La  Porquerolles. 

16th. — -A  very  wet  morning.  Started  for  small 
steamer  appointed  to  sail  on  that  day  at  7  a.m.  for 
Porquerolles.  Found  that  her  machine  had  broken 
doivn,  and  she  would  not  start  until  Tuesday  in  next 
week.     Returned  to  Paris  to  meet  Commissioners. 

151,  152.  CASSIS  AND  CIOTAT. 

The  two  lighthouses  at  Ciotat  (a  very  valuable 
harbour,  where  are  situated  the  buildings  of  the 
Messageries  Imperiale),  and  the  one  lighthouse  at 
Cassis  (another  small  harbour),  are  good  specimens  of 
lights,  which  from  their  brilliancy  must  be  useful  as 
coast  lights,  although  more  accurately  they  would 
be  considered  only  as  harbour  lights.  They,  like  La 
Joliette,  are  4th  order  ;  but  La  Joliette  alone  had  a 
reflector  back.  The  houses  are  small,  just  room 
enough  to  turn  up  stairs.  The  lamps  and  lenses  are 
always  carefully  covered  in  the  daytime,  and  the 
blinds  drawn.  The  keepers  are  in  every  case,  as 
regards  these  harbour  lights,  allowed  to  follow  a  trade 
during  the  day,  which  permits  of  their  receiving  a 
low  pay. 

There  was  only  one  point  which  caught  my  atten- 
tion, and  which  if  valuable,  may  be  adopted  by  us  ; 
viz.,  a  tin  filter  for  the  oil.  In  visiting  our  own  Filter. 
lighthouses  we  occasionally  noticed  that  the  oil  was 
thick  and  dull.  This  might  probably  be  corrected 
by  a  filter. 

I  made  no  inquiries  as  to  management,  &c.,  deem- 
ing that  all  such  queries  could  be  best  answered  at 
Paris. 

Examined  at  Marseilles,  Captain  Roberts,  of  the 
"  Vectis,"  Peninsular  and  Oriental. 

He  stated  that  he  had  answered  our  questions,  and  Oral  EviJevci 
gave  as  his  opinion  that  the  French  lights  appeared 
to  him  to  be  more  brilliant  than  the  English  ;  but 
not  being  asked  to  give  his  reason  why  they  were  so, 
had  not  stated  what  was  the  reason  of  his  opinion, 
viz.  that  the  lights,  from  being  in  the  Mediterranean, 
where  the  atmosphere  was  so  clear,  showed  much 
further,  and  could  therefore  be  placed  at  greater 
heights.  He  considered  the  Porquerolles  a  very  good 
light  ;  he  had  seen  it  25  miles  ofi".  The  Sangunez, 
on  the  coast  of  Corsica,  was  also  a  very  good  light, 
and  had  seen  it  30  miles  off  ;  Genoa  light  also  he 
had  seen  30  miles  off'.  Where  the  atmosphere  is 
clear  the  lights  can  of  course  be  placed  higher,  and 
therefore  can  be  seen  further  ofi'. 

The  greater  height  and  the  clearness  of  the  atmo- 
sphere are  calculated  to  elicit  a  very  favourable 
opinion  of  the  French  lighthouses,  and  to  make  the 
English  lights — necessarily  placed  lower,  and  therefore 
not  seen  so  far  ofi" — owing  to  that  cause  and  to  the  less 
clear  atmosphere,  compared  with  the  French  at  a 
disadvantage.  Note.  —  This  is  true  when  French 
lights  in  the  Mediterranean  or  the  south  coast  of 
France  are  compared  with  lights  in  England,  but 
cannot  apply  to  any  comparison  between  lights  that 
belong  to  the  two  countries,  and  are  situated  in  the 
English  Channel. 

He  thinks  Gozo  light,  in  the  island  of  Malta,  as 
good  as  any  French  light. 

Captain  Roberts  thinks  a  good  light  at  the  east  end 
of  Malta  would  be   a   great   advantage    to 
coming  from  the  eastward. 


PERSONAL  OBERVATIONS  MADE  BY  COMMISSIONERS, 


89 


Prefers  revolving  lights,  as  they  cannot  ho  mistaken 
for  ship's  lights. 

The  light  at  P^ort  Tine,  Quarantine  Harbour,  has 
been  most  unaccountably  delayed.  The  lamp  has 
been  returned  to  England,  and  he  hears  it  will  not 
give  satisfaction.  Captains  not  been  consulted  about 
it. 

.SV.  Allan's  Head,  eouth  coast  of  England,  ought 
to  have  a  good  light. 

Portland  lighis  atq  not  powerful  enough.  Was 
not  aware  of  lightship  being  placed  there. 

24th  October. — Cherbourg  visited  by  Captain  A. 
P.  Ryder,  Mr.  Graves,  and  Dr.  Ghidstone. 

153.  QUEEQUEVILLE  LIGHT. 

Dioptric,  fourth  order  ;  in  the  fort  near  Cherbourg. 

The  lieeper  and  his  wife  botli  intelligent  people  ; 
live  in  a  house  in  the  fort.  They  alluded  to  liaving 
moved  in  a  higher  sphere,  and  being  reduced. 

He  breaks,  on  an  average,  one  chimney  in  about 
eight  months.     He   says  wlien  they  become  perma- 
nently dull  he  breaks  tliem  purposely. 
7im  wich.  He    eflccts    an    economy  by  stretching,    and   thus 

thinning  the  wick.  It  burns  brighter  with  less  oil. 
He  considers  that  he  effects  a  saving  of  one-sixth 
of  the  oil  in  this  way.  He  cleans  the  glass  with 
spirits  of  wne  ;  it  was  certainly  very  clean.  A 
linen  cover  is  kept  over  it  all  the  day. 

His  lighthouse  is  inspected  twice  a  month  by  the 
local  agent,  one  of  the  employes  in  the  engineer 
department. 

He  stated  that  he  never  had  to  touch  the  light 
during  the  night. 

The  oil  was  kept  in  a  double  cistern.  The  cistern 
was  lined  with  zinc,  which  colours  the  oil  ;  but  he 
spoke  of  a  superior  description,  lined  with  porcelain. 
There  was  a  wooden  scale  in  the  cistern.  He  spoke 
of  an  improved  scale,  which  was  marked  as  the  oil 
was  poured  in,  and  was  therefore  more  accurate. 

He  always  empties  his  lamp  every  morning  into 
the  filter,  and  from  thence  the  oil  is  transferred  to 
the  cistern. 

Every  two  mouths  he  washes  the  cloth  at  the 
bottom  of  the  filter,  and  bakes  the  sand. 

He  is  very  careful  in  cleaning  his  lamp,  and  has 
small  brushes  of  his  own  whicli  he  passes  through 
the  oil  pipe  to  clear  the  passage,  into  which  pieces  of 
burnt  wick  sometimes  find  their  way. 

He  uses  burnt  brick  instead  of  rouge,  as  he  says 
rouge  gives  a  tinge  to  the  brass  which  makes  the 
light  yellow.  He  considers  it  important  to  have  all 
metal  as  bright  as  possible,  so  that  every  ray  may  be 
reflected. 

He  stated  that  the  last  keeper  very  much  neglected 
the  light,  and  stole  the  oil. 
onsmiiption  of  Great  precautions  are  taken  to  estimate  the  con- 
sumption. The  lamp  is  weighed  just  before  it  is 
lighted,  and  also  when  extinguished  ;  ths  difference 
is  the  weight  of  the  oil.  This  is  registered.  Tlie 
sums  of  these  weights  during  any  interval  ought 
evidently  to  equal  the  decrease  in  the  weight  of  the 
oil  in  the  cistern  ;  but  no  precaution  of  this  kind  can 
prevent  a  lighthouse  keeper,  where  there  is  only 
one,  from  selling  the  oil,  as  it  is  evidently  in  his 
power  to  cook  his  accounts.  There  is  tlm  following 
danger  in  watching  the  consumption  of  oil  too  nar- 
rowly: 

The  relative  importance  of  the  duties  of  a  light- 
house keeper,  viz., 

(1.)  Keeping  the  most  brilliant  light  possible, 

(2.)  Honestly  expending  the  oil, 
is  evidently  in  the  order  given.  If,  therefore,  there 
is  a  rogue  in  charge  of  a  lighthouse,  it  is  better 
that  he  should  keep  the  most  brilliant  light  possible, 
even  though  he  sells  some  of  the  oil.  Any  very 
rigid  and  safe  system  of  scrutiny  would  lead  the 
rogues  (who  know  that  their  chiefs  are  well  awai-e 
wliat  the  maximum  consumption  should  be),  to 
obtain   their  surplus   disposable   oil    by  diminishing 

E 


the   brilliancy  of  the  lamp  whenever  they  thought 
they  could  safely  do  so,  as  in  thick  fogs,  &c. 

The  keeper  at  Querqueville  evidently  prided  him- 
self very  much  on  his  lighthouse,  and  had  made  a 
special  study  and  hobby  of  the  duties  connected 
with  it. 


154.  FATOUVILLE  near  HONFLEUR. 

A  first-class  catadioptric  with  red  flashes,  caused 
by  a  revolving  frame  containing  cylindrical  converg- 
ing lenses  and  red  panes. 

Lighthouse  tower  grey  colour,  although  intended  as 
a  guiding  mark  for  ships  at  sea. 

The  lighthouse  and  buildings  handsome,  and  grounds 
very  nicely  kept.  There  was  a  cafe  close  to  the 
lighthouse,  kept  by  some  of  the  family.  There  were 
handsome  apartments  for  the  engineer,  who  only 
comes  there  for  a  few  days.  This  lighthouse  was  con- 
sidered by  Mr.  Reynaud  to  be  a  very  important  light. 

We  were  much  struck  with  the  order  and  regularity 
of  the  arrangements.  There  was  a  very  large  assort- 
ment of  tools  in  a  glass  press  in  the  waiting  room. 
Spare  glasses,  spare  towels,  wicks,  &c.,  were  all 
orderly  arranged  in  the  press. 

There  was  a  framed  list  of  everything  in  each  room 
hung  up  for  reference.  The  head  keeper  stated  that 
the  pumping  machine  made  the  flame  burn  irregu- 
larly. He  preferred,  he  said,  the  moderator  principle, 
which  we  saw  afterwards  at  Honfleur. 

There  was  a  reflector,  but  it  was  very  dull.  There 
was  only  one  hole  in  the  centre  of  the  roof  and  no 
upper  chimney.  The  soot  was  constantly  falling,  as  if 
the  consumption  was  imperfect. 

Tie  keeper  used  rouge  powder  for  reflector  occa- 
sionally ;  but  ordinarily  a  white  powder,  called  poudre 
d'Espagne  ;  it  looked  like  whiting.  He  stated  that 
Mr.  Reynaud  did  not  like  the  reflectors  to  be  very 
bright. 

The  quantity  of  oil  consumed  every  watch  is  mea- 
sured and  registered  by  a  steel  scale  being  placed  in 
the  lamp. 

The  machine  for  producing  the  rotatory  motion 
appeared  to  be  very  perfect.  It  will  go  for  20  hours, 
but  is  wound  up  every  night.  The  small  machine 
for  supplying  oil  is  wound  up  every  three  hours. 

There  are  three  keepers  ;  they  may  work  in  the 
day  at  a  trade,  but  not  sleep  out  at  night  without 
permission. 

We  saw  here,  and  in  all  the  larger  lighthouses,  an 
arm  chair  in  the  chamber  immediately  under  the 
lamp,  evidently  intended  for  and  most  suggestive  of 
a  nap.  The  second  keeper  it  was  stated  remained  in 
bed  while  the  one  on  guard  was  always  in  the  lantern 
or  the  chair.  The  pay  of  the  three  keepers  were 
respectively  800,  725,  600  francs,  or  32/.,  291.,  2il., 
about  half  what  they  receive  in  our  service. 

The  families  did  not  appear  to  reside  in  the  light- 
house. House  rent  is  probably,  therefore,  a  charge 
which  still  further  increases  the  disproportion  between 
the  salaries  in  the  two  countries. 

They  receive  free  lighting  and  use  of  furniture. 

There  was  a  barometer  and  thermometer,  and  eight 
observations  were  made  in  the  24  hours. 

A  record  is  also  kept  of  the  strength  of  the  wind, 
and  the  nature  of  the  clouds. 

There  were  four  rain  gauges. 

The  lighthouse  is  inspected  twice  a  month  by  the 
conductor,  twice  a  year  by  engineer,  and  once  in  two 
years  by  Mr.  Degrand  or  Mr.  Reynaud.  The  light- 
house keepers  pay  their  own  doctors  generally  ;  but 
at  some  of  the  lighthouses  the  engineers  allow  them 
advice  gratis  ;  it  depends  on  the  engineer. 

There  is  a  superannuation  after  very  long  service. 

The  keepers  said  new  oil  was  always  tried  in  a 
small  lamp  with  a  wick  supplied  for  the  purpose,  and 
if  it  did  not  burn  well,  was  returned. 

The  rule  for  lighting  was  a  quarter  of  an  houi' 
before  sunset,  and  for  extinguishing,  at  daylight. 

Everything   beautifully    clean  ;  but   not   more    so 

4 


APPEXDIX  TO   REPORT  OX   LIGHTS,  mTOTS,  AXD  BEACOXS 


Oral  Evuletwe. 


40 

than  in  our  first-class  houses  in  England  or  Scotland, 
and  some  in  Ireland.  „  .        -,         u       „,i 

Saw  this  light  from  Honfleur  sis  miles  ofi  ;  red 
flashes  very  brilliant. 

155.  HONFLEUR. 

An  English  resident  at  Harfleur,  and  accustomed 
to  navigate  the  Channel  in  a  yacht,  expressed  his 
opinion  Uiat  the  English  coast  was  better  liglited  than 
the  French,  because  the  lights  were  situated  m  more 
useful  positions,  and  were  better  distinguished  from 
one  another.  He  said  that  the  French  navigated  by 
the  lead,  and  made  comparatively  little  use  ot  the 
lights.  , 

From  the  pier  at  Honfleur  1 1  diflerent  lights,  be- 
sides red  lanterns  on  piers,  were  observed  that  night 
in  different  parts  of  the  Seine,  including  those  ot 
La  Heve,  which  were  very  bright. 

The  buoys  in  the  Seine  appeared  few  and  small ; 
none  on  any  of  the  sand  banks. 

Visited  the  Phare  de  I'Hopital  ;  third  order  ;  fixed  ; 
two  wicks. 

Moderator  lamp  ;    no  metal  chimney  running   to 

roof.  ^    ,     , 

The  moderator  has  a   small  filter,  to  prevent  dust 

beinf  forced  up  by  piston  to  the  wick. 

The  oil  is  measured  with  a  steel  measure  every 

The' lishthousc  keeper,  Victor  Helane,  was  an  old 
soldier  who  had  served  in  the  Russian  campaign  ; 
lost  his  pension  on  coming  into  the  lighthouse  service. 
His  pay  was  650  francs,  26/.  House  said  to  no 
inconvenient  ;  no  room.  _    _ 

Fatouville  is  two  leagues  ofl' ;  cannot  see  it  in  a  tog. 

26th  Oct. — Crossed  the  Seine  to  Havi'e. 
156.  CAP  DE  LA  HEVE. 

Two  lighthouses  ;  very  handsome,  connected  by  _a 
well-built"  row  of  dwellings.  A  permanent  bazaar  is 
established  in  the  lower  story.  First  class  dioptric, 
fixed.  .  ^  „       ., 

Fresnel's  upper  and  lower  mirrors.  Pumps  lor  oil 
very  clean  and  in  aood  order. 

There  were  five"  keepers.  Tlie  head  keeper  kept 
no  niaht  watch,  but  visited  the  houses  occasionally. 
The  oil  is  measured  every  hour.  The  consumption  of 
oil  appears  to  be  considered  as  the  measure  of 
efficiency,  and  any  keeper  would  be  blamed  as  having 
neglected  his  duty  if  the  consumption  had  not  reached 
the  required  figure  during  his  watch. 

The  lighthouses  are  of  the  same  height.  Their 
being  in  one  was  said  to  mark  the  position  of  some 
shoal. 

This  is  said  to  be  the  site  of  the  earhest  light- 
house in  France.   A  coal  fire  was  burnt  here  till  1790. 

27th  Oct.^-Proceeded  to  Dieppe,  and  visited  at 
night  the  lighthouse  at 

157.  AILLY. 
This  is  considered  by  M.  Reynaud  to  be  one  of  the 
very  best  lights  in  France. 

1st  order  ;  catadioptric,  revolving. 

The  flash  is  prolonged  by  the  totally  reflecting 
prisms  of  the  upper  part  of  the  apparatus  not  being 
perfectly  concentric  witii  the  annular  lenses.  There 
are  large  reflectoi-s  on  the  landward  side,  which,  how- 
ever, were  very  dull. 

In  very  good  order.  Light  very  brilliant.  The 
windows  were  very  dirty.  No  novelty  of  any  kind 
was  elicited  by  our  visit. 

(icnerul  opiuinjts. — The  interna]  arrangements  of 
the  French  lighthouses  appear  to  be  perfect. 

The  dulness  of  their  reflectors  in  the  catadioptric 
lights  appears  the  only  exception  to  their  uniform 
efficiency. 

The  lighthouses  of  the  smaller  orders  are  not  so 
well  provided  with  tools,  &c.,  as  the  larger  establish- 
ments. 

The  dioptric  principle  appears  to  be  almost 
universal.     The  French  when  Frtsucl  brought  for- 


ward his  principle  were,  unlike  the  English,  almost 
without  lighthouses.  It  was  most  economical,  there- 
fore for  them  to  place  dioptric  lights  everywhere,  the 
entire  cost  being  soon  covered  by  the  economy  in  oil. 
The  frequency  of  the  French  lights  is  also  very 
marked  compared  with  the  lights  in  the  English 
Channel.  If  there  is  no  confusion  occasioned  by 
this,  there  can  be  no  doubt  but  that  frequent  lights 
are  a  great  boon  to  navigators  in  thick  hazy  weather. 
October  28th.— Captain  Ryder  and  Mr.  Graves 
crossed  from  Dieppe  to  Newhaven.  _ 

Captain  White,  of  the  Newhaven  packet  mtormed 
them  that  the  only  two  lights  he  used  were  Cap  L'Ailly 
in  France,  and  Beachy  Head  in  England,  and  he  was 
constantly  seeing  tliem,  losing  siglit  of  one  shortly 
before  he  obtained  sight  of  the  other.  He  staled 
that  the  English  was  quite  as  good  as  the  French. 

j\Ir  Gladstone   visited  the  lighthouse  on  the  pier-  ObscT^nf:..,, 

.        ,      .  Dr.  Crladiii 

head  at 

158.  DIEPPE. 
It  is  a  fourth  order,  dioptric.  It  appeared  clean  and 
in  n-ood  condition.  The  keeper  lives  in  a  house  close 
by  the  pier,  where  he  keeps  his  oil,  stores,_  registers, 
&c.  He  complained  tliat  the  zinc  cisterns  injure  the  Ti,hi!lial.t. 
oil,  and  said  that  the  same  had  been  remarked  to  him 
by'the  keepers  at  the  Cap  deL'.iilly.  The  oil  was 
m'uch  better  when  kept  in  eartheru  jars.  The  last 
keeper  had  been  discharged  for  inattention.  The 
lin-ht  is  only  burnt  for  two  hours  at  high  water. 

°From  the  pier  at  Boulogne  Jlr.  Gladstone  watched 
the  li-rht  at  Cape  Grisnez.  It  shone  clearly,  and  the 
altcrmition  of  bright  and  dull  light  produced  a  good 
distinction. 

October  29th. — As  he  could  not  manage  to  reach 
Cape  Grisnez  on  account  of  the  distance,  Mr.  Glad- 
stone wrote  to  Admiral  Hamilton  to  that  eff'ect,  in- 
forming him  of  the  means  of  reaching  that  place  should 
he  deem  it  expedient  to  do  so.  He  had  previously 
visited  the  lighthouse  at  Cap  d'Alpreche,  and  that  on 
the  western  jetty  at  Boulogne. 

159.  CAP  D'ALPRECHE. 
The  establishment  consists  of  a  small  tower  con- 
taining a  dioptric  apparatus  of  the  third  order,  a 
little  house,  and  a  garden,  on  the  top  of  a  very 
exposed  cliff'.  The  keeper,  who  is  an  intelligent 
and  civil  man,  and  his  wife  both  complained  of 
the  cold  and  wind  from  which  they  suflfer.  The 
tower  frequently  sways  to  and  fro  with  the  wind,  and 
the  glass  of  the  lantern  is  often  cracked,  and  some- 
times blown  in,  so  that  storm  panes  are  always  kept 
ready.  The  place  appeared  clean,  and  well  kept,  and 
the  ventilation  good.  The  rope  of  the  revolving 
apparatus  is  very  thin,  but  strong,  and  the  keeper 
seemed  greatly  astonished  that  in  Great  Brit.ain  ropes 
sometimes  l)reak  ;  he  said  that  the  rope  ought  to  be 
examined  from  time  to  time,  and  changed  if  at  all 
frayed.  He  is  not  furnished  with  proper  means  for 
weighing  the  oil.  The  conductor  comes  frequently, 
perhaps  once  a  month  ;  the  engineer  occasionally. 
The  South  Foreland  lights  are  seen  from  this  tower. 

160.  BOULOGNE. 
The  tidal  light  establishment  on  the  western  jetty  j-i,i„j  /;,_,/,, 
at  Boulogne  comprises  an  iron  tower,  a  wooden  house 
for  the  keeper,  and  a  zinc  bell-house.  _  The  keeper 
is  an  ignorant  man  who  cannot  read  ;  his  son-in-law 
keeps  Uie  registers.  At  dill'erent  heights  up  the 
tower  and  facing  the  sea  are  two  windows,  each  pro- 
vided with  a  very  small  dioptric  apparatus.  They 
were  in  a  very  sooty  condition,  apparently  from  the 
want  of  ventilation.  The  lighting  of  these  indicate 
the  state,  of  the  tide,  which  is  ascertained  by  a  pole 
attached  to  a  float,  which  rises  and  falls  along  a 
graduated  scale  on  the  wall  of  the  keeper's  house. 
There  is  an  Argand  lamp  in  a  window  towards  the 
town,  which  is  lighted  merely  to  show  that  the  keeper 
is  there.  Things  looked  badly  cared  for  throughout  the 
establishment,  and  the  keeper  did  not  know  the  time. 


PERSONAL    OBSERVATIONS   MADE   ET   COMMISSIONERS. 


41 


The  bell  is  in  the  centre  of  a  large  parabolic  re- 
flector built  into  the  house,  and  facing  the  sea.  It  seems 
to  be  of  iron  covered  with  some  white  composition. 
It  is  struck  by  three  hamnaers  alternately,  which  are 
worked  by  machinery,  the  motive  power  being  a 
falling  weight  that  has  to  be  wound  up  every  half 
hour.  It  has  a  clear  sound,  but  did  not  give  the  im- 
pression of  beitig  very  loud  even  when  heard  from  the 
front  of  the  reflector. 

There  arc  buoys  on  each  side  of  the  channel  out- 
side Boulogne  Harbour ;  but  they  are  small  and  do 
not  watch  well. 


dropping  on  the   reflectors,    injured  their  reflecting       Lelaiul. 

powers.     Small  cups  required  to  be   fitted  to  catch         

the  oil. 

The  keeper  stated  that  1  argand  lamp  burnt  about 
I  pint  in  12  hours. 

The  keeper  thinks  the  rocky  point  consisting  of 
limestone  is  being  blasted  away  too  much,  as  in  gales 
of  wind  the  sea  now  breaks  much  higher  than  it  used 
to  do. 

Examined    the    oil   account  to  see    if  there   was  Consmnytion  oj 
any  great  difference  between  the  expenditures  in  the  <"V. 
different  years.     1856,  812  gallons;  1857,  812  gallons; 
1858,  823  gallons.     Again  to  compare  months. 


September,  18-59. — Captain  Ryder  and 
Mr.  Graves  visited  the  followin"-  lighthouses 
in  IRELAND  and  SCOTLAND. 

161.  THE  HOOK— No.  135. 

19th  September  1859.  7  a.m.  The  illuminating  ap- 
paratus is  catoptric  with  twenty-one  burners.  The 
reflectors  were  very  old.  The  head  lighthouse  keeper, 
Peter  Page,  appeared  intelligent ;  he  had  been  twenty- 
nine  years  in  the  service  of  the  Ballast  Board.  His 
previous  profession  had  been  bookbinding.  His 
pay  was  64/.  12*.  4d.  per  annum,  and  the  assistant 
received  46/.  3s.,  but  it  cost  them  21.  a  year  to  send 
for  their  provisions. 

There  was  no  lightning  conductor.  It  is  remark- 
able that  we  find  no  record  of  lighthouses  having  been 
struck  by  lightning,  although  many  of  them  have 
no  conductors.  There  are  two  fog  bells  rung  by 
machinery.  The  keeper  thought  that  one,  placed  on 
the  point,  would  be  heard  better.  The  sound  from  one 
bell  appeared  to  be  much  obstructed  by  a  portion 
of  the  wall  which  projected  in  front  of  it.  There 
were  no  signals  ;  the  keeper  suggested,  and  we  after- 
wards received  evidence  tending  to  show,  that  a  tide 
signal  at  the  Hook  to  indicate  when  the  bar  was 
passable  for  large  vessels,  would  be  much  valued. 
The  oil  appeared  to  be  clean  and  good.  The  chimneys 
are  broken  at  the  rate  of  about  150  to  200  in  the  year. 
The  water  consumed  by  the  keepers  is  rain  water 
collected  in  a  cask.  They  are  not  supplied  with  filters. 
A  cistern  had  been  received  some  weeks  prior  to  our 
visit,  but  no  one  had  arrived  to  erect  it. 

The  lighthouse  is  inspected  once  a  year  by  the 
Engineer  and  some  of  the  Commissioners.  Medicine 
chests  are  not  supplied  in  Irish  lighthouses.  Each 
keeper  is  allowed  an  acre  of  land  in  which  to  grow 
vegetables.  No  wreck  has  taken  place  within  sight 
of  the  lighthouse  for  4  years. 

The  paint  was  in  fair  order,  but  the  tower,  an 
edifice  of  very  considerable  age,  appears  to  admit  the 
damp  readily,  the  walls  being  covered  with  damp 
marks.  A  barometer,  thermometer,  clock,  and  sun 
dial  were  on  the  premises. 

The  ventilation  appeared  to  be  ^-ery  imperfect,  the 
smoke  settling  on  the  windows  and  top. 

The  accommodation  for  the  keepers  who  lived  in 
the  tower  was  very  indifferent,  two  rooms  only  for 
each  family.  The  time  for  lighting  the  lamps  was 
sunset,  and  for  extinguishing  them  sunrise,  this  by 
almanac  if  sun  is  not  visible.  They  had  a  smaD 
number  of  books  supplied  to  them,  but  they  had  not 
been  changed  in  6  years. 

There  was  a  great  deal  of  brassivork  about  the 
lamps  and  reflectors,  which  was  kept  highly  polished. 
The  reflectors  were  removed  once  in  6  months  for 
the  purpose  of  giving  a  thorough  polishing  to  the 
silvering,  but  every  week  to  polish  the  backs.  In 
some  lighthouses  the  brasswork  is  allowed  to  become 
a  natural  bronze  coloui-,  and  is  rarely  cleaned.  This 
saves  much  risk  to  the  reflector.  No  tools  of  any 
kind  are  supplied. 

There  appeared  to  be  a  great  deal  of  rotten  wood 
in  the  lantern  framework. 

This  lighthouse  has  been  supplied  with  new 
patterned  lamps,  which,  however,  leaked,  and  the  oil 

I.  F 


1858. 

1859 

January 

96 

98 

February 

78 

78 

March 

71 

71 

April 

55 

57 

May 

48 

47 

June 

39 

38 

July 

J6 

45 

August 

55 

5S 

September 

65 

October 

82 

November 
December 

91 
97 

II.  231. 


823 


Asked  the  keeper  what  was  the  largest  amount 
of  difference  in  gallons  between  the  expenditures  of 
two  consecutive  years  which  he  thought  would  be 
allowed  to  pass  unquestioned ;  would  50  gallons  ?  Yes, 
he  said.  He  should  not  expect  any  notice  to  be 
taken  if  his  account  one  year  was  50  gallons  over  his 
previous  account,  as  there  was  a  great  difference 
between  oils.  The  best  oil  burnt  quickest.  We  then 
visited  the 

162.  FORT  DUNCANNON.— No.  136. 

It  has  three  argands,  and  is  situated  in  a  corner  of 
the  fort.  When  in  one  with  an  inshore  lighthouse, 
the  line  is  a  leading  mark  for  crossing  the  bar.  The 
keeper  succeeded  his  father  ;  as  his  presence  is  not 
required  during  the  day,  he  receives  only  21/.  per 
annum.  There  are  no  lightning  conductors.  The 
paint  was  in  good  order,  but  the  ventilation  very  in- 
different. 


163.  NORTH  DUNCANNON.— No.  137.  Vol.  II.  232 

The  keeper  here  has  46/.  a  year.  There  was  no 
lightning  conductor.  No  water  barrel  or  tank.  The 
ventilation  was  very  good,  the  house  orderly,  and  lan- 
tern very  clean. 


164.  MINE  HEAD.— No.  140. 


\o\.  II.  233. 


Visited  this  lighthouse  on  20th  September,  5.45  p.m. 

The  illuminating  apparatus  is  dioptric  of  the  first 
order.  The  head  keeper  had  previously  been  at 
Tuskar.  No  lightning  conductor.  No  fog  or  telegraph 
signals.  About  4  chimneys  are  broken  in  12  mouths. 
The  keepers  and  their  families  have  to  drink  rain 
water,  they  have  no  filter,  and  require  a  cistern.  The  Water. 
machinery  revolves  by  aid  of  a  rope,  which  has  broken. 
It  took  20  minutes  to  shift  the  rope  working  the 
lamp  by  hand  all  the  time.  No  medicine  chest  was 
supplied,  nearest  medical  man  was  5  miles  off. 

In  the  means  used  for  communicating  from  the  lan- 
tern to  the  house  of  the  keeper  off  duty,  there  is  a 
marked  difference  between  the  lighthouses  in  Scotland, 
(all  of  which  are  fitted  with  voice  tubes),  and  the 
lighthouses  in  England  and  Ireland;  in  none  of  the  two 
latter  did  we  observe  any  such  arrangement.  It 
requires  only  two  minutes  to  shift  the  lamp. 

Consumption   of  oil  400  gallons  a  year,  less  than  qH 
half  the  quantity  burnt  at  the  Hook,  where  there  are 
only  21  burners. 


42 


APPENDIX   TO   EEPORT   OX   LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS  : 


Ireland.  On  the  20th  September,  at  9.1o  p.m.,  visited  the 

165.  YOUGHAL.— No.  141 

Vol  II  -'a-i  lio-ht.  Its  illuminating  apparatus,  is  third  order, 
fixed.  The  lighthouse  keeper  had  been  the  butler 
of  one  of  the  Lighthouse  Commissioners.  He 
had  apparently  turned  his  experience  in  cleaning 
plate,  &c.  to  good  account.  We  were  particularly 
sir  lick  with  the  neatness  and  polish  of  everything  in 
an  J.  about  the  lighthouse.  Receives  46?.  a  year. 
No  lightning  conductor,  no  signals  of  any  kand. 
Breaks  about  4  chimnies  in  12  mouths.  Burns  124 
gallons  in  the  year.  Has  no  cistern  for  water,  only 
barrel.  Has  not  been  inspected  for  more  than  two 
years.  .      . 

The  accommodation  in  his  house  and  the  ventilation 
of  the  lantern  are  very  good. 

On  the  21st  September,  at  10.30  a.m.,  visited 


Vol.  II.  234.  166.  BALLYCOTTIN— No.  142. 

Dioptric,  1st  order,  intermittent.  There  are  two 
keepers,  one  at  64Z.  the  other  at  46/.  a  year,  and 
a  foo-  bell  winder  at  36/.  No  lightning  conductor. 
Water  Breaks  2  chimneys  a  month.     There  is  no  water  on 

the  island,  it  is  brought  in  a  boat  that  is  paid  for 
attendino-  on  the  lighthouse.  A  cistern  which  had 
been  sent  from  Dublin,  was  not  fitted.  There  is  no 
medicine  chest,  the  doctor  lives  7  miles  off,  and  the 
island  is  sometimes  inaccessible. 

The  revolving  machinery  was  very  much  out  ot 
order,  the  weights  had  in  consequence  to  be  increased 
to  15  cwt.,  and  in  consequence  a  new  rope  rove, 
which  was  already  slightly  chafed. 

This  had  been  reported  at  head  quarters,  but 
nothing  was  to  be  done  until  inspector  made  his  visit. 
The  weight  of  the  machinery  that  rung  the  bell  had 
a  fall  of  only  12  feet,  and  required  to  be  wound  up 
every  three  quarters  of  an  hour. 

On  21st  September,  at  3  p.m.,  visited 

Vol.  11.  235.  167.  KOCHE  POINT,  QUEENSTOWN.-No.  143. 
The  illuminating  apparatus  is  catoptric,  fixed; 
9  red  chimnevs  to  seaward,  8  white  towards  harbour. 
There  is  only  one  keeper.  He  has  12  children. 
Eeceives  64/.  a  year.  Has  repeatedly  asked  lor  an 
assistant.  There  are  no  signals.  He  breaks  a  chm- 
Water  ney  every  night.     There    is  no  water  cistern.     The 

keeper  complains  of  the  hardship  of  having  stone 
floors  in  his  dwelling  house.  Everything  at  this 
lighthouse  appeared  to  be  in  good  order,  all  the  re- 
flectors were  covered  with  brown  paper.  The  accom- 
Birds  modation  is  good  for  a  small  family.     The  keeper 

informed  us  that  on  one  occasion  a  duck  got  into 
the  lantern  through  the  cowl,  and  fluttering  round 
broke  nearlv  all  the  chimneys,  and  put  out  the  lamps. 
As  there"  are  great  complaints  of  this  lighthouse 
not  showin<r  well  beyond  a  short  distance  to  seaward, 
we  think  it  advisable  to  state  that  we  saw  no  symptoms 
of  neMect  any  where.  If,  however,  lights  require 
careful  and  constant  attention  to  prevent  them  burn- 
ing dull,  we  deem  it  probable  that  where  there  is  only 
one  keeper,  considerable  intervals  will  elapse  without 
any  attention  being  paid  to  the  lights.  It  is  not 
possible  that  in  a  long  winter  night  of  fourteen  hours, 
one  keeper  can  keep  his  attention  constantly  alive, 
he  v\'ill,  we  believe,  inevitably  go  to  sleep. 
21st  September,  5  p.m.— Visited 

Vol.  II.  235.  168.  SPIT  LIGHT,  QUEENSTOWN.-No.  144. 
Dioptric,  4th  order,  on  iron  piles.  One  keeper  and 
an  assistant.  The  lamp  was  in  fair  order.  The 
keeper  thought  that  some  piles  should  be  driven 
round  the  light  to  keep  vessels  from  fouling  it.  It 
was  stated  that  a  more  jiowerful  light  was  going  to 
be  substituted  for  the  present  one. 

23rd  Septtmber,  3.20  p.m.— Visited  the 

Vol  II.  211.  169.  BEEVES  ROCK  LIGHT.-No.  155. 

in  the  Shannon. 


Dioptric.     There  are  two  keepers,  one  at  46/.   an     Iceland  am 
the  other  at  36/.     There   is    no   lightning   conductor        Scotland. 

nor  are   there   any   signals.     One  glass   a  mouth  is  

broken.  There  are  no  cisterns  for  the  water,  it  is 
brought  from  the  shore  in  a  boat  that  is  paid  for 
attending  on  the  lighthouse,  seven  and  sixpence  a 
week  for  two  trips.  The  keepers  who  wish  to  go  to 
church  must  pay  their  own  way,  no  Ijoat  being  pro- 
vided. 

The  accommodation  was  good,  but  there  was  a 
want  of  bedsteads.  There  was  a  small  library  which 
had  never  been  changed.  Not  been  inspected  for 
2  years. 

23rd  September,  6  p.m. — Visited  the 

170.  TAEBEET— No.  154.  Vol.  II.  iM' 

lighthouse. 

Catoptric.  19  reflectors.  One  keeper  at  64/.  No 
lightniug  conductors  or  signals.  Breaks  12  chimneys 
a  month.  Burns  about  650  gallons  a  year.  The 
pump  water  was  reported  not  to  be  good.  There 
was  no  medicine  chest ;  the  medical  man  charged 
the  lighthouse  keeper  1/.  for  every  visit. 

23rd  September,  9  p.m. — Visited 

171.  KILCEEDINE— No.  156.  Vol.  II.  Ji 

lighthouse. 

"Catoptric  2d  order  burners.  Ventilation  not  good, 
four  more  holes  required.  Porches  to  the  doors 
would  be  great  comfort  to  keep  the  wind  out.  There 
was  a  small  library  which  had  been  lately  changed. 
The  keeper  had  2  acres  of  land,  kept  9  sheep  and  a 
cow.  Depended  on  rain  water. 
24th  September,  10  p.m.— Visited 


172.  MUTTON  ISLAND— No.  160.  Vol.  II.  - 

lighthouse. 

"Catoptric.  13  burners  (bright).  Keeper  receives 
64/.  a  year.  Breaks  12  chimneys  a  month.  Accom- 
modation sufficient.  Ventilation  might  be  improved. 
This  light  is  complained  of  as  being  very  often  the 
reverse'of  brilUant.  There  is  only  one  keeper. 
29  September,  7-30  a.m. — Visited 

173.  HOLYWOOD  \o\.  II.  3 

light.     Belongs  to  Haibour  Board,  Belfast. 

"Dioptric  (red).  One  keeper,  who  is  also  pilot 
master.  Eeceives  21.  a  week.  Has  two  gongs,  but 
both  are  cracked  and  almost  useless.  Has  only  broke 
one  chimney  in  five  years,  owing  to  great  care  in 
•Gradually  heating  and  cooling  them  and  keeping  them 
quite  upright.  The  pilots  live  in  the  lighthouse, 
which  is  on  piles.  The  lighthouse  is  inspected  by  the 
engineer  to  the  Harbour  Board  twice  a  year.  There 
have  been  no  accidents,  but  the  lighthouse  has 
narrowly  escaped  injury  from  collisions.  A''entilatiou 
good,  but  the  glass  dull  on  inside  in  damp  weather. 
Accommodation  poor.  The  bedroom  chimney  smokes 
so  much  that  the  fire  cannot  be  lighted,  and  it  is 
therefore  very  cold  in  winter. 

There  are  four  other  lights,  all  of  which  were 
visited.  Thev  are  called  the  Dekjiotle  light  ;  the 
Michael  E.uxr  light,  so  named  after  a  previous  keeper; 

these  TWO  are  on  piles — and  the  two  Cottage  Island 

lighthouses.  There  is  one  argand  in  each  of  the  foirr. 
The  keepers  are  superannuated  labourers.  The 
rooms  they  live  in  are  generally  very  dirty,  and  the 
lio-hts.  which  show  through  a  cracked  bull's  eye,  have 
a^verv  neglected  appearance,  but  the  captains  who 
na««  them  constantly  say  they  are  quite  sufficient. 
30th  September,  8  a.m.— Visited  the  lighthouse  on 

174.  CUMBRAE  TRUST  .Scotl^). 

at  the  entrance  of  the  Clyde.    This  lighthouse  belongs  ^^^  jj   ^ 
to  the  Cumbrae  Trust  Commissioners. 

Catoptric.  15  reflectors  21^  inches  in  diameter. 
They  are  removed  twice  a  year  to  clean  their  backs. 
There  are  two  keepers,  one  has  60/.  a  year,  the  other 


PERSONAL   OBSERVATIONS   MADE   BY    COIDIISSIONEES. 


43 


50/.,  with  £rarilen3.  There  are  no  fog  signals,  but 
there  are  3  small  guns  used  for  saluting,  charge  1  lb. 
The  keeper  thought  that  if  the  guns  were  used  as  fog 
signals  there  would  be  an  echo  amongst  the  hills 
which  would  deceive  the  mariner  as  to  the  where- 
abouts of  the  signal.  There  is  a  cistern  for  rain. 
The  light  is  inspected  occasionally  by  Commissioners 
and  secretary.  The  watches  are  four  hours  long  ; 
keeper  rings  a  bell  for  relief;  never  leaves  the  lantern 
till  relieved.  The  lamps  are  fitted  to  lower  on  a  rod 
out  of  reflector,  which  admits  of  the  latter  being 
cleaned  -ivithout  removal. 

30th  September,  10-15  a.m. — Visited 

175.  TOWARD 
light,  belonging  to  the  Cumbrao  Trust. 

Catoptric,  holophotal,  revolving.  3  reflectors,  25 
inches  in  diameter.  The  lenses  were  in  front  of,  and 
attached  to  the  reflectors. 

The  assistant  keeper  is  boarded  by  the  head  keeper, 
the  latter  receiving  201.  a  year  for  it,  the  former  6/. 

There  is  a  lightning  conductor.  Head  light  keeper 
has  seen  a  great  deal  of  lightning,  has  known  bell 
wires  to  melt.     Breaks  one  chimney  a  month. 

Lighthouse  is  of  iron,  very  damp.  Lantern  is  to  be 
lined  with  wood.  There  is  an  alarum  in  the  light 
machinery,  but  neither  spare  lamp  or  bell  for  assistant. 
Accommodation  fair.  Ventilation  good.  The  ma- 
chinery goes  for  9  hours,  but  is  wound  up  every 
4  hours.  The  rope  is  changed  end  for  end  every 
year  till  worn  out ;  has  never  broke.  Has  chamois 
leather  in  bottom  of  chimney  boxes,  and  consider  that 
it  prevents  the  glass  chimnies  cooling  too  rapidly 
when  they  are  taken  off. 

30th  September,  11  am. — Visited  the 

176.  CLOCH 
lighthouse  belonging  to  the  Cumbrae  Trust. 

Catoptric,  9  reflectors. 

No  lightning  conductors,  no  fog  signals ;  only 
about  4  or  5  daj's  fog  in  the  year,  about  November. 
Breaks  20  chimnies  a  month. 

Ventilation  indifferent ;  obliged  to  keep  door  open, 
which  causes  a  very  unwholesome  draft  of  air.  The 
keeper  had  noticed  that  the  Toward  light  since  it  had 
been  made  holophotal  was  much  improved. 


A  gunner  at  Dumbarton  Castle,  two  boatmen,  and 
the  commander  of  the  "  Neptune,"  Kilmun  steamer, 
bore  testimony  to  the  general  efficiency  of  the  lights. 
They  said  they  knew  of  no  complaints,  but  acknow- 
ledged that  the  Cloch  was  much  brighter  than  any 
of  the  Clyde  lights. 


'27th  September  1859- — Mr.  Gladstone 
visited  the  hghthouse  on  the 

177.  COVESEA  SKERRIES— No.  122. 
in  the  Moray  Firth.  It  is  a  first-class  Scotch  light, 
fully  provided  and  fitted  up  in  the  most  approved 
manner.  It  has  a  revolving  dioptric  apparatus  like 
that  on  the  Skerry  Vore.  The  astragals  are  upright, 
but  properly  placed.  A  description  of  course  will  be 
furnished  by  the  Northern  Board.  The  head  keeper 
had  gone  into  town,  the  second  was  on  sick  leave,  so 
an  occasional  keeper  was  in  charge,  who  seemed 
to  know  little  about  the  lights  :  otherwise  all  seemed 
right.  The  fine  large  iron  pile  beacon  on  the  Skerries 
was  observed. 
1st  October.  The 

178.  GARMOYLE 
light  on  the  Clyde  was  boarded,  and  it  was  discovered 
that  Captain  Ryder  and  Mr.  Graves  had  been  there 
the  previous  night.  The  keeper,  who  lives  there  with 
his  wife,  little  son,  dog,  and  cockatoo,  said  that  he  had 
had  no  relief  whatever  for  the  last  20  years.  He  has  a 
boat.  The  lamp  consists  of  a  cistern  with  two  arms 
placed  at  an  angle,  each  provided  with  a  straight 
wick.  It  does  not  swing,  and  hence  on  rough  nights 
much  oil  is  spilt  and  much  smoke  produced  ;  even 
then,  after  a  calm  night,  there  were  dark  patches  on 
the  glass  of  the  lantern.  There  arc  no  reflectors  or 
lenses. 

The  Garmoyle  light  has  sometimes  broken  adrift. 
As  coals  were  being  taken  in  at  the  time  no  opinion 
could  be  formed  of  its  general  cleanliness  or  tidiness. 


Visit  to  Glass  Works,  Birmingham. 

Dec.  23rd. — The  Commissioners  visited  the  works  of    Birmimjliam. 
the  Messrs.  Chance.     They  were  accompanied  by  Mr.  — — 

James  Chance,  who  has  special  charge  of  the  light- 
house works,  and  Mr.  jMasselin,  the  engineer,  a  French 
gentleman.  The  glass  is  manufactured  on  tlic  pre- 
mises. Specimens  were  shown,  and  the  whole  process 
explained.  The  glass  is  of  a  very  superior  quality, 
and  seemed  quite  equal  in  colour  to  any  that  has 
been  seen  at  home  or  abroad.  It  was  superior  to  a 
specimen  of  French  glass  shown  by  the  Messrs. 
Chance,  which  had  a  decided  blue  or  green  tinge. 
The  glass  is  made  in  covered  instead  of  open  pots, 
and  improved  glass  it  is  hoped  will  be  produced. 

Besides  clear  glass,  coloured  glass  of  many  shades 
is  manufactured  on  the  premises,  where  about  1,000 
hands  are  employed. 

The  grinding  of  prisms  and  lenses  is  performed  in 
a  large  building  by  the  help  of  machinery  of  a 
superior  description  to  any  yet  seen.  The  required 
curve  on  the  reflecting  surface  is  given  by  a  rubber 
fixed  at  the  end  of  an  arm  worked  by  steam  power. 
Numerous  contrivances  have  been  introduced  by 
Mr.  James  Chance,  Avho  took  a  high  place  aK 
wrangler  at  Cambridge,  who  calculates  all  the  angles, 
and  seems  fully  to  understand  the  requirements  of 
the  manufacture  of  lenses,  a  most  difficult  and  com- 
plicated process. 

Every  lens  and  prism  is  tested  when  made,  in  a  ji[odc  of  testing 
dark  shed,  with  a  very  small  gas  flame  placed  in  the  apparatus. 
assumed  conjugate  focus  for  the  eye  of  an  observer 
placed  at  a  considerable  distance  outside  in  the  other 
focus  The  whole  polygonal  lens  is  in  like  manner 
tested  when  complete,  and  for  that  purpose  it  is  fixed 
in  a  frame  of  brass.  The  Messrs.  Chance  consider 
that  it  is  a  mistake  on  the  part  of  the  Lighthouse 
Authorities  to  order  the  glass  portion  of  a  lens  from 
one  manufacturer,  the  brass  work  from  a  second,  and 
the  lantern  which  is  to  contain  the  lens,  and  the 
lamp  which  is  to  be  used  in  it,  from  a  third  or 
fourth.  They  complain  that  they  are  not  informed 
of  the  nature  and  size  of  the  light  which  it  is 
intended  to  place  in  the  lens  which  they  are  instructed 
to  make.  They  consider  that  the  lens  and  all  be- 
longing to  it  should  be  constructed  as  a  whole  ;  and 
in  this  view  the  Commissioners  agree,  if  any  one 
manufacturer  is  able  and  willing  to  contract  fur  all 
parts  of  the  illuminating  apparatus  at  a  reasonable 
price.  The  Messrs.  Chance  state  that  they  have  not 
been  allowed  to  tender  for  the  brass  work  of  the 
lenses  manufactured  by  them,  though  they  have  been 
obliged  to  make  brass  work  in  order  to  test  the  lens 
before  it  left  the  premises,  as  the  fixing  of  the 
prisms  is  very  important;  this  complaint  appears 
reasonable. 

With  reference  to  coloured  glass,  it  was  stated  that  Direction  of 
particular  shades  have  been  tested  ;  various  shades  ijeam. 
were  shown  ;  the  subject  of  placing  panels  with 
portions  of  the  lenses  complete,  so  as  to  alter  the 
direction  of  a  ray  of  light  T\ath  reference  to  the 
horizon  and  the  altitude  of  the  light  was  discussed. 
Mr.  Chance  held  that  it  was  impossible  to  alter  the 
optical  properties  of  a  lens  when  once  ground  by 
placing  it  in  any  position  with  reference  to  the  light, 
except  the  one  for  which  it  was  intended  and  made  ; 
but  he  admitted  that  which  is  equally  clear  that  a 
great  portion  of  the  light  produced  is  now  thrown 
above  the  horizon,  and  the  quantity  lost  is  greater 
the  greater  the  elevation  of  the  light.  The  question 
of  placing  metal  reflectors  inside  the  glass  of  revolving 
lights  on  the  side,  which  was  not  required,  was  also 
discussed.      The  engineer   at  first  maintained   that 


F  2 


44 


APPEXDIX   TO   llEPORT   OX    LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AXD   BEACOXS  : 


this  could  not  be  done,  but  on  being  sbowu  how, 
admtited  tlie  practibility.  Small  reflectors  are  now- 
placed  close  to  the  electric  light  at  South  Foreland, 
and  work  well.  The  subject  of  casting  lenses  was 
mentioned.  Mr.  Chance  does  not  approve  of  the 
principle.  It  was  decided  by  the  Commission  to 
examine  Mr.  Chance  as  a  witness  on  some  future 
occasion. 


23rd  March  1860. 

Present :  Admiral  Hamilton,  Captain  Etder, 
Mr.  Graves,  and  Mr.  Gladstone. 

The  Astronomer  Royal  called  and  conversed  with 
the  Commission  on  the  subject  of  lighthouse  appa- 
ratus. His  views  appeared  to  accord  with  those  held 
by  the  Commission  in  many  respects.  It  was  pro- 
posed to  visit  a  lighthouse  for  the  purpose  of  testing 
the  position  of  the  lenses  with  reference  to  the  hori- 
zon and  the  flame.  Various  plans  for  so  testing 
the  apparatus  were  discussed,  including  the  erection 
of  a  mast  outside  the  lighthouse,  and  various  other 
schemes. 

The  drawings  of  Mr.  Stevenson  were  shown  to  the 
Astronomer  Royal,  and  he  was  informed  of  the  obser- 
vations made  at  Biarrits,  and  at  some  other  places, 
with  reference  to  the  quantity  of  light  now  apparently 
lost  on  the  sky. 


There  are  three  large  silvered   reflectors  with  a  bad  y-j^^,  ^^j^g,, 

surface.     The  light  is  produced  in  each  reflector  from         ' 

three  twisted  cotton  wicks  placed  in  a  square  saucer 
of  tin  which  goes  through  the  back  of  the  reflector, 
and  is  filled  with  oil.  There  is  no  glass  chimney  ;  Old  apparatus. 
in  short  the  lamp  is  exactly  the  same  as  the  common 
lamp  hung  in  the  poorest  fisherman's  cottage,  and 
as  old  as  the  Italian  tombs.  The  wicks  were  lighted 
and  the  three  gave  out  clouds  of  dense  black  smoke. 
The  whole  building  is  as  black  as  the  inside  of  a 
chimney,  and  the  old  man  who  has  managed  this  light 
for  40  years,  stated  that,  on  certain  nights,  the  smoke  is 
so  dense  inside  the  lantern  that  a  man  cannot  be  distin- 
guished at  a  distance  of  three  or  four  feet.  The  upper 
part  of  the  reflectors  were  covered  with  a  coat  of  soot  a 
good  half  inch  thick.  The  tin  reservoir  prevents  the 
light  from  falling  on  the  lower  part  of  it  ;  con- 
sequently the  reflectors  are  almost  useless. 

The  head  keeper  from  the  outer  lighthouse  attended, 
and  stated  that  he  could  only  sec  the  light  (distant 
about  400  yards)  on  windy  nights,  when  the  ventilation 
is  best.  A  few  pounds  spent  on  three  lamps  to  suit 
these  three  reflectors  would  make  the  light  service- 
able. Meantime  it  appears  to  be  the  very  worst  that 
has  been  seen  by  the  Commission  at  home  or  abroad. 

oth  April. — "Walked  from  Ramsey  to  the 


181.  POINT  OF  AYRE.— No.  84. 


Vol.  II.  173 


3rd  April. — The  Secretary  observed  the 

;.  LIVERPOOL  BUOYS 

in  Victoria  C'hannel.  The  conical  buoys  were  rock- 
iiio-  very  considerably  though  there  was  not  much 
sea  on. 

The  cones  bent  oyer  till  their  sides  wore  perpendi- 
cular, or  rather  overhung  the  base  ;  the  BpII  buoy 
rocked  very  much.  Supposing  the  Bell  buoy  to  be  a 
model  of  one  of  the  proposed  light  towers,  the  oscilla- 
tion was  much  more  than  that  of  the  mast  of  the 
lightship  near  it.  Supposing  the  conical  buoys  to  be 
the  steadiest  form  of  Herbert's  principle,  even  then 
the  oscillation  of  the  top  was  more  tlian  that  of  the 
mast  of  the  lightship,l)ut  then  the  sea  was  much  heavier 
in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  buoys.  On  landing, 
inspected  the  lighthouse  at 

;.         179.  THE  HEAD,  Douglas,  Isle  of  Man. 
This  is  under  the  Commissioners  for  Northern  Light- 
houses, and  was  handed  over  to  them  by  the  island 
authorities  a  short  time  ago.     A  new  house  for  the 
keeper  has  been  built. 

The  reflectors  were  in  the  usual  good  order,  but  the 
lamps  were  not  so  good,  being  the  old  lamps.  The 
whole  establishment  bore  the  appearance  of  an  old 
inferior  light,  handed  over  to  better  keeping,  and  in 
process  of '(■hange.  The  communicating  whistles  had 
been  introduced,  and  other  changes  were  in  progress. 
The  head  keeper  subsequently  stated,  tliat  when  he 
first  came,  the  reflectors  were  no  better  than  those  at 
the  end  of  the  Douglas  Pier.  That  is  very  bad. 
T'ricd  a  large  plano-convex  lens  in  the  place  tor  the 
flame,  and  saw  the  horizon  and  a  great  deal  of  sky. 
Tried  a  smaller  lens  and  saw  no  horizon,  but  all  sky. 

«/  It  follows  that  the  lower  part  of  the  flame  is  all 
reflected  on  the  sky,  though  these  reflectors  have 
been  set  by  the  keeper  with  a  slight  downward 
inclination,  and  though  it  is  only  104  feet  above  the 
s-a  level. 

4th  April. — Inspected  the 

180.  PIER  LIGHT  at  Douglas. 
Then!  is  a   good  tower   and   an  excellent  lightrooni. 


and  inspected  the  lighthouse.     It  is  a  tower  built  in  the 

middle  of  a  sandy  common,  which  has  no  road  over  it 

for  the  last  mile  or  so.     The  keeper  stated  that  it  was 

very  difficult  to  drive  goods  to   the  house.     On  one 

occasion  the  cart  was  upset,  and  a  tram  broken,  and 

they  had  to  gather  up  their  provisions  from  a  sand 

heap.     The  keeper  states  that  there  had  been  a  great  o,yj,p,;„„  ^y 

deal    of  correspondence    on    the    subject  of  a  road,  j^^,,,^ 

Found   the  reflectors  in  very  good  condition.     The 

lightroom   well  kept.     There   are  four  sets  of  lights,  Expcrime,,!. 

of    three     reflectors     each  ;     two    sets    being     red. 

The    colour   is    produced  l)y    the   chimneys.     Tried 

several  plans  for  ascertaining  whether  the  reflectors 

were  properly  placed,  and  whether  the  light  of  the 

lamp    really  falls  in   the  largest   proportion    on  the 

sea,  or  elsewhere.     In  the  first  place  ascertained  that 

all   the   lower  tier   of  reflectors  were  placed  on  the 

same  plane,  by  placing  the  head  firmly  against  the 

glass  of  the  lantern  in  such  a  position  that  the  reflected 

image  of  one   eye  was  seen  in  one  reflector   on  the 

same  level  as  the  reflected  image  of  the  horizon.     On 

making  the  machine  revolve  the  horizon  appeared  as 

a  continuous  and  nearly  straight  line  in  each  successive 

reflector. 


PERSOXAl,    OnSKUVATIOSS  MADE   EY   COIIMISSIONEKS. 


45 


emispherical  Next  placed  two  plano-convex  lenses  of  diflercut 
t  hicknesses  on  the  lamp,  Hat  side  downwards,  and  found 
that  no  rays  from  the  horizon  fell  on  the  thinner  one. 
lagc  on  iniiis-  Next  caused  one  of  the  lamps  to  be  lighted,  and  cut 
rent  screen,  out  the  size  of  the  tlame  in  thin  paper  foiled  that,  and 
.stuck  it  on  to  the  glass  chinuiey,  and  found  that  it 
entirely  masked  the  flame  from  the  back  of  the  reflector ; 
and  then  extinguished  the  lamp.  Then  turning  the 
jiaper  to  the  outer  side,  by  turning  the  chimnej',  an 
inverted  image  of  the  horizon,  and  the  landscape  out- 
side was  formed  on  the  paper  ;  and  the  general  posi- 
tion of  the  objects  seen  were  marked  on  the  paper 
with  a  pencil. 

Now,  as  a  ray  of  light   proceeding  from   A  to  B 

follows  the  same  course  as  a  ray  proceeding  from  B 

to  A,  whatever  be  the  optical  arrangement  traversed, 

this  experiment  seems   to   show  fairly  what  parts  of 

the  landscape  are  illuminated  by  the  lamp,  and  the 

lermil  uhsn-  i"esult  is  that  of  a  piece  of  paper  2x1^  inches  more 

lion.  than  one-half,  which  answers  to  the  lower  half  of  the 

flame,  was   covered  by  the  image  of  the  sky,  and  of 

the  remaining  half  fully  two  thirds  were  covered  by 

the  image  of  the  ground  near  the  lighthouse,  so  that 

of  the  light  of  two  inches  of  flame   only  about  one 

suli.  third   of  an   inch   was    thrown    on  the    sea  by  the 

reflector,  and  the  lower  and  most  luminous  portions 

■\\'ere  reflected  above  the  horizon  on  the  sky. 

The  keeper  stated  that  the  light  could  be  seen  from 
the  shore,  that  is,  from  one  of  the  points  seen  on  the 
paper  inside. 

As  the  light  shines  on  hills  also,  it  is  in  a  peculiarly 
favourable   position    for     proving    the    truth    of  the 
/■/„.' ,,4sf,--  experiment.     Accordingly  sent  for  a  lad  at  Ramsey, 
'«.  who  had  been   up  at  Prince  Albert's  tower  "  at  fire- 

work time,"  and  who  said  he  had  seen  the  light  from 
that  station  "  sometimes  in,  sometimes  out,  going  all 
round."  Now,  North  Barroole  is  1,8-50  feet  high,  and 
Albert  Tower  about  two-thirds,  say,  1,200  feet.  It 
is,  therefore,  proved  that  the  light,  at  the  Point  of 
Aye,  is  iiot  thrown  in  parallel  beams  on  the  horizon, 
but  in  widely  diverging  beams  on  the  land,  and  on 
the  sky,  above  and  below  the  horizon,  and  that  only  a 
narrow  band  of  the  flame  of  each  lamp  is  reflected  on 
the  sea  where  it  is  wanted. 

The  experiment,  therefore,  taken  eitlier  way,  is 
conclusive,  and  shows  that  only  a  very  small  portion 
of  the  light  produced  is  used  in  the  proper  plane  ;  and 
because  the'  revolving  light  shows  all  round,  so  much 
of  it  as  falls  on  the  shore  is  wasted,  even  when  it 
docs  fall  on  the  proper  plane. 

Now,  surely,  there  must  be  some  optical  arrange- 
ment by  which  this  waste  can  be  avoided.  Taking  a 
lamp  shade  as  an  illustration  ;  it  would  be  easy  to 
prevent  the  light  from  falling  on  the  upper  half  b}' 
simply  placing  a  reflector  round  the  central  band 
where  the  sea  image  was  formed  parallel  to  the  horizon. 

F 


That  arrangraent   would  prevent   the   light  from  isle  of  Man. 

being  cast  on   the  sky  and  mountains,  and  a  further         ' 

arrangement  of  cylindrical  lenses  would  surely  gather 
up  the  rays  so  as  to  f\ill  on  the  sea ;  but  at  present  it 
is  quite  certain  that  when  the  flame  is  too  low,  little 
or  no  light  is  thrown  on  the  sea  at  all. 

The  keeper  at  Point  of  Ayre  sees  in  fine  weather 
Bahama  Bank,  St.  Bees,  Little  Ross,  Mull  of  Gallo- 
way, and  mentions  in  his  book  at  9  p.m.  whether  he 
sees  them  or  not. 

6th  April. — Inspected  the  harbour  light  at 

182.  RAMSEY. 
The  people  had  notice  that  the  place  was  to  be 
inspected  ;  the  floor  was  sanded,  and  the  walls 
tolerably  clean.  The  house  is  a  tower  of  loose 
masonry  on  the  end  of  the  pier.  It  overhangs  the 
base  very  considerably,  and  when  the  sea  dashes 
against  it,  the  water  passes  through  the  walls.  The 
keeper  has  made  a  hole  at  the  door  for  the  water  to 
run  away.  The  light  is  produced  by  an  Argand 
burner  with  a  red  chimney  placed  in  the  focus  of  a 
reflector,  which  is  constructed  of  four  tiers  of  bits  of 
common  looking-glass,  set  about  a  centre  of  the  same 
material.  In  short,  the  same  kind  of  reflector  which 
was  lately  shown  by  Professor  Faraday  as  a  curiosity 
at  his  lecture,  and  is  preserved  in  the  museum  of  the 
French  lighthouse  authorities  in  Paris.  The  lamp 
and  reflector  are  fastened  to  a  bar  of  iron,  and  revolv© 
about  it  for  cleaning,  but  the  bar  slopes  with  the 
tower  ;  the  oil  flows  from  the  lamp  when  it  is  on  the 
lower  side,  and  it  must  flow  unevenly  when  the  reflector 
is  in  the  proper  position  for  showing  the  light.  The 
keeper  gets  6/.  a  year,  and  he  or  his  wife  is  ex- 
pected to  visit  the  light  three  times  on  winter  nights 
and  twice  in  summer.  He  said  there  were  complaints 
of  the  light,  but  there  was  no  inducement  to  pay  it 
attention.  "  The  house  was  neither  wind-tight  nor 
water-tight."  No  other  light  is  seen  from  the  ancho- 
rage. The  Point  of  Ayre  is  lost  about  two  miles  ofl^, 
consequently  this  is  an  important  light.  The  keeper 
complained  that  ho  had  no  means  of  cleaning  the 
outside  of  the  glass. 

The  man  was  so  sunburnt  that  he  did  not  look  like 
a  keeper  who  spends  most  of  his  time  in  a  lightroom. 
And  it  subsequently  appeared  that  he  had  just 
returned  from  a  successful  run  on  board  some  vessel. 
This  light  is  neither  well  provided  nor  well  cared  for. 
Gas  is  laid  on  close  to  the  lighthouse,  but  oil  is  used 
in  the  pier  light. 

7th  April. — Inspected  the  harbour  light  at 

183.  PEEL. 
It  is  a  wooden  building  like  a  large  sentrj'  box,  raised 
on  four  legs,  about  nine  feet  high,  and  placed  on  the 
end  of  the  pier.  A  gas  lamp  stands  close  to  it,  and  is 
masked  from  the  sea.  The  buy  who  takes  care  of  the 
light  v/orks  in  a  saw  mill.  Found  him,  and  was  told 
that  he  got  6/.  a  year  ;  as  for  the  light,  "  he  just  lights 
it  and  leaves  it." 

He  said  that  "'  the  rain  came  through  the  house,"  and 
that  "the  wind  blew  through  the  ventilators."  The 
illuminating  apparatus  consists  of  two  Argand  burners 
in  the  foci  of  two  looking-glass  reflectors,  similar  to 
the  one  at  Ramse}'  ;  the  light  is  shown  through  a 
window  of  common  glass  with  small  panes. 

Anything  like  the  filth  of  the  whole  place  has  not 
been  seen  anywhere  by  the  Commission.  The  walls, 
the  backs  of  the  reflectors,  the  mirrors,  and  even  the 
windows  were  covered  with  a  mixture  of  grease  and 
soot,  the  products  of  combustion,  which  had  not  even 
been  wiped  for  a  very  long  time. 

The  oil  lay  in  a  pool  on  the  floor,  and  bits  of  old 
wick  and  scraps  of  dirt  of  every  kind  were  littered 
about.  Asked  the  boy  if  he  spent  much  of  his  time 
in  cleaning  the  place  ;  said  "  he  just  lighted  it  and 
left  it." 

Walked  to  Port  Erin  and  tried  to  get  to  the  Calf 


46 


APPENDIX   TO    EEPOHT    OX    LIGHTS,  3U0YS,  AND    BEACONS; 


lighthouse,  failed  for  want  of  a  boat,  staid  for  a  long  9tb  ilay. — The  same  party  visited  the 

time  at  the  Sound,  but  there  was  no  one  moving  on 
the  opposite  side. 


1st  May. 

Present :  Admiral  Hajultox  and  Mr.  Gladstone. 

Colonel  La  Touche,  a  member  of  the  Ballast  Board, 
presented  himself,  and  stated  that  a  meeting  of 
members  of  Parliament  had  signed  a  paper  and 
passed  a  resolution  as  to  the  Ballast  Board,  and  the 
refusal  of  the  Board  of  Trade  to  sanction  the  expense 
of  a  steamboat,  and  that  a  question  was  to  be  asked 
of  the  Government  in  the  House. 

It  appeared  that  the  Ballast  Board  formerly  had  a 
.steamer  which  cost  20,000/.,  and  which  the  Board  of 
Trade  obliged  the  Ballast  Board  to  hand  over  to  the 
Trinity  House.  That  Board  sold  the  steamer  for 
6,000/.,  and  she  was  engaged  in  carrying  stores  to  the 
Crimea.  She  was  subsequently  sold  to  the  Sultan 
for  20,000/.,  and  is  now  his  yacht. 

The  Ballast  Board  are  now  obliged  to  borrow  a 
steamer  from  the  Trinity  House,  and  the  vessel  which 
is  lent  to  them  is  said  to  be  unfit  for  the  sea  on  the 
west  coast  of  Ireland. 

They  are  also  obliged  to  send  oil  and  stores  to  light- 
houses in  sailing  vessels,  and  the  service  often  suifers 
from  delay. 

A  case  was  mentioned  in  which  the  Ballast  Board 
had  been  obliged  to  take  a  low  offer  in  a  contract  for 
houses  at  Tuskar,  and  had  subsequently  been  obliged 
to  take  the  offer  which  they  had  originally  wished  to 
take,  as  the  contractor  reported  that  his  estimate  was 
erroneously  made  and  too  low. 


18th  April. 

Present :  Admiral  H.«irLTON,  Mr.  Graves. 
and  Mr.  Gladstone. 

Special  inspcc-      The  specifications   of  the  Lighthouse  Boards  were 
turns.  looked  over. 

4th  May. — Admiral  Hamilton   and  Captain  Ryder 
attended. 
Astronomer  The  Astronomer  Royal  looked  over  the  specifications 

Jiot/al.  sent  by  the  Trinity  House  and  the  Commissioners  of 

Northern  Lighthouses,  and  compared  the  drawings  and 
lithographs. '  Secretary  read  the  paper  drawn  up  by 
him ;  showed  part  of  the  scientific  returns  ;  Mr. 
Chance's  answer,  &c. 

8th  May. — Admiral   Hamilton,    Capt.    Ryder,  ^Ir. 
Gladstone,   and  the   Secretary,   accompanied   by    the 
Astronomer  Royal,  proceeded  by  rail  to  Tt>tness  and 
drove  to  Tor  Cross. 
See  icoodcui.  The  evening  was  wet,  and  a  haze  in  the  atmosphere. 

After  dark  observed  the  light  on  the  Start  Point  dis- 
tant four  miles  from  the  beach  in  front  of  the  hotel. 
The  revolving  beam  could  be  made  out  after  it  had 
passed,  and  showed  in  the  haze  somewhat  like  the 
tail  of  a  comet. 

From  the  sea  the  beam  appeared  to  strike  upwards, 
and  it  was  determined  to  ascend  the  hill  behind  the 
inn,  to  observe  whether  the  same  appearance  would 
continue,  and  to  what  elevation. 

The  light  was  observed  from  various  points,  and 
was  clearly  seen  at  the  highest  point  reached.  It 
appeared  to  strike  upwards  at  first,  then  at  right 
angles  to  the  light  tower,  and  finally  downwards. 

The  point  where  the  beam  appeared  to  point  down- 
wards, was  estimated  to  be  higher  th.an  the  light,  and 
in  daylight  it  appeared  to  be  so. 
Direci'wn  of  The  beam  appeared  to  diverge.     Tliis  observation 

beam.  '  confirms  those  previously  made  elsewhere,  and  proves 
that  a  considerable  portion  of  this  light  is  thrown  on 
the  sky,  and  lost  to  navigators. 


184.  START  LIGHTHOUSE.— Xo.  144.  Vol.  II.  86. 

The  comparison  of  this  light  with  foreign  lights 
in  the  mariners'  evidence  is  on  the  whole  unfavour- 
able to  it.  Of  seventeen  comparisons  ten  are  un-  .Vi.r.'/iera' 
favourable.  It  is  marked  1st  order  dioptric,  fixed  Evidence. 
and  flashing,  and  the  catoptric  lights  along  the 
same  coast  are  more  favourably  spoken  of  by  the 
witnesses.  One  object  of  the  visit  then  was  to  try  to 
ascertain  if  any  cause  could  be  discovered  in  the 
lighthouse  for  the  unfavorable  notice  of  a  first  order 
dioptric  light,  which,  in  the  ojiinion  of  the  Commis- 
sioners, should  in  this  position  be  of  the  very  best 
description. 

On  entering  the  lantern,  the  cause  was  sufiiciently 
evident,  and  the  observations  subsequently  made 
confirmed  the  first  impression. 

The  apparatus  is  on  the  same  principle  as  that  at  _\p„aratus. 
Inch  Keith  in  Scotland,  and  Biarrits  in  France. 

The  central  band  of  revolving  lenses  consists  of 
eight,  which  are  "  built  up  "  on  the  plan  originally 
designed. 

The  glass  is  green  and  full  of  flaws,  the  surfaces 
are  not  evenly  ground,  and  the  distance  of  the  lenses 
from  the  central  lamp  varies  considerably.  The 
whole  contrasts  unfavourably  with  Lundy  and  similar 
modern  lights. 

The  fixed  light  is  produced  by  a  series  of  small 
curved  mirrors  placed  above  the  lenses,  but  there  arc 
nc  such  mirrors  below  ;  and  the  light  which  falls  in 
the  direction  of  the  land,  is  not  used  at  all.  On 
further  investigation  it  appeared  that  the  mirrors  were 
intended  to  be  set  so  as  to  cast  parallel  l)eams  at  risht 
angles  to  the  tower,  and  consequently  the  greater 
part  of  these  beams  must  be  thrown  above  the  sea 
when  the  mirrors  are  so  adjusted,  uut  on  examining 
them  closely  it  was  found  that  their  positions  varied 
materially,  and  that  they  varied  from  each  other  in 
their  construction.  On  looking  downwards  on  a  large 
plano-couvex  len?^  placed  on  the  burner,  the  mirrors 
could  be  seen  reflected  in  the  place  of  the  light  ; 
and  a  reflected  image  was  also  seen  of  those  parts  of 
the  landscape  on  which  a  beam  of  light,  produced  at 
the  lamp:  would  fall,  after  it  was  reflected  by  each 
mirror. 

It  was  apparent  that  in  some  the  horizon  was   not  Direction  oj 
seen  at  all ;  in  some  the  image  was  all  sky,  in  others  all  *f  ""> ;  ""' 
sea  ;   and  the  place   of  the   horizon  varied  sensibly 
Avhen  it  was  seen.     So  far  then   as  the   fixed  light 
was  concerned,  the  appearance  observed  from  Tor 
Cross  was  ex]dainod. 

The  fixed  light  was  very  faint  on  the  beach.  On 
ascending  the  hill  it  was  lost  altogether,  because 
there  are  no  rain'ors  at  all  iu  that  direction. 

Several  attempts  were  made   to  obtain   an  image 
of  the  landscajie  from  the  lenses,  at  the  place  of  the 
lamp,  as  was  done  at  the  Point  of  Ayre  (see  Isle  of 
Man  minute),  and  at  last  by  the  following  arrange- 
ment an  image  was  seen  on   paper.     All  the  glasses  i.nisc.-: 
were  taken  out  of  a  telescope,   and    a   bit  of  oiled  himiic  of 
paper  tied  over  the  end  of  one   of  the  sliding  tubes,  lau'lscape. 
The  tubes  were  then  drawn  out  so  as  to  form  a  shade 
in  front  of  the  paper,  and  another  behind  it   for  the 
eve,  and  the  telescope  was  placed  on  the  burner  with 
the  paper  screen  in   the  ])lace  of  the  centre  of  the 
flame. 

The  lamp  had  been  previously  lit,  'the  flame  /v./i/ie. 
measured,  and  then  extinguished,  and  from  the  ex- 
periment it  appeared  that  of  a  small  flame,  less  tlian 
one  half  on  either  side  of  the  focal  plane,  throws  light 
on  the  sea  through  the  lenses,  while  more  than  one  half 
shines  on  the  sky  ;  and  that  the  revolving  light  seen 
by  the  mariner  is  mainly  derived  from  the  upper  jiart 
of  the  third  or  central  flame. 

The  fou'-th  wick  is  not  used,  and  the  flame  was 


PERSONAL   (..BSERVATIONS   MADE    BY   COJDIISSIOXEES, 


47 


le  and  'S  JuV* 

\nage  of  ha  d-       j 
'■ape.  \ 


u 

'■     ' 

o 

H 

sl^'^'Ii 

Flame  at  tlie  Start  Lighthouse,  and  position  of  the 
inverted  image  formed  bj-  the  lens  appearance  of  the  light- 
liouse  beams. 


according  to  the  regulations  of  tlie  Trinity  House  Special  inspcc- 
(as  stated  by  the  keeper).  '""'*■• 

Furtlier  observations  were  made  by  the  Astronomer  Asironumer 
Royal,  of  ■srhich  he   subsequently   communicated   an  ^".'/a'- 
account  to  the  Commission. 

Dr.   Gladstone    took    notes    of    several    matters,  Notes  by 
among  which  were  the  following  : —  ^''-  Gladstone. 

The  lamp  pedestal  was  not  quite  level.  The  outer 
flame  was  only  1  incli  high,  but  the  central  flame 
rose  to  a  height  of  2 '  75  inches. 

The  panels  bearing  the  lenses  formed  very  nearly 
a  circle  ;  0*2  inch  being  the  utmost  divergence  ;  but 
the  centre  of  this  circle  did  not  coincide  with  the 
centre  of  the  lamp  by  0' 5  or  0' 7  inch.  The  character 
of  the  several  lenses  is  given  in  the  following 
table  : — 


Height 

Panels. 

Focus  of 
lens. 

focus 
above 
burner. 

Observations. 

Frame 
vertical ? 

Incli. 

No.l. 

Bad,  and  be- 
hind lamp. 

1-S 

Upper  parts  of  annular  seg- 
ments very  defective. 

Tes. 

No.  2. 

Good  -       - 

1-9 

3rd  segment   has   two  dif- 
ferent curvatures. 

"~ 

No.  3. 

. 

1-S 

Flattening  in  centre  of  lens 

Tes. 

No.  i. 

Good  - 

19 

Very  variable 

No. 

No.  5. 

■ 

1-7 

5th  segment  has  a  better 
curvatiire  than  any  other. 

Tes. 

No.  e. 

Good  - 

1-8 

Central  lens  badly  shaped. 
2nd  segment  bad. 

— 

No.  7. 

In  front  of 

lamp. 
Beliind  lamp 

1-7 

Kjiot  in  middle  of  lens 

Tes. 

No.S. 

1-8 

1st  segment  bad ;  the  others 

Tes. 

fair. 

There   are  133  mirrors  arranged  in  7  rows  of  19 
each.     The  keepers   state  that  they  readjust  these 
twice  a   year  ;  but   the    adjustment   was  so  various 
that  when  looked  at  in  a  semispherical  mirror  placed 
on  the  burner  some    showed  sea,  some  all  sky,  and 
others  gave  broken  images. 
The   annexed  drawing  of 
the  appearance  of  six  con- 
secutive mirrors  was  made    _^     _     

at  the  time.     The  shaded  S1!F^\^\ 
part  represents  the  image  '      1       \0^' 

of  the  sea,  the  light  part ■  ■ 

that  of  the  sky, 

The  chain  for  the  revolving  apparatus  is  a  "  Jack 
chain  "  not  welded  ;  it  has  broken  several  times. 

The  result  of  the  visit  seemed  to  be  that  the  Hesult. 
evidence  given  by  maiiners  is  accounted  for  by  the 
apparatus,  and  that  the  view  previously  taken  is 
sanctioned  by  the  authority  of  the  Astronomer  Royal, 
who  was  of  opinion  that  the  centre  of  the  ray  should 
be  directed  not  above  the  horizon,  but  to  some  point 
within  it. 


On  leaving  tie  lighthouse  returned  to  Tor  Cross 
and  drove  thence  to  Dartmouth. 

Inspected  a  harbour  light,  185.  It  is  placed  in  a 
tower  of  some  size,  with  a  large  plate  glass  window,  the  Dartmouth. 
colour  (red)  is  produced  by  a  screen  of  red  glass  sus- 
pended in  the  window,  the  light  is  produced  by  the 
usual  Argand  lamp  and  silver  reflector.  There  was 
no  provision  whatsoever  for  ventilation. 

The  room  was  damp  and  the  window  fogged. 
The  woman  who  keeps  the  light  complained  that  she 
and  all  about  her  suflered  from  colds,  and  that  the 
house  leaked  terribly.  The  roof  is  flat.  There  can 
be  no  doubt  that  the  products  of  combustion  account 
for  a  considerable  part  of  the  dampness. 

May  10th. — Returned  to  London.    Admiral  Hamil- 
ton and  Captain   Ryder    proceeded  to   the   Channel  Vol.  II.' 
Islands,   and  were   joined    at  Southampton    by  Mr. 
Graves.     {See  Remarks — Jersey  and  Guernsey.)     6 
lights  seen.     191. 


F  4 


APPENDIX   TO   REPORT   OX   LIGHTS,    B0nYS,    AND   F.EACONS  : 


Special  inspec- 
tions. 

Admiralty — 
Portsmouth. 
Vol.  II.  i»9. 


May  31st. — Admiral  Hamilton,  Captain  Ryder, 
Mr.  Graves,  and  the  Secretary  went  to  Portsmouth, 
embarked  on  board  the  ''  Sprightly,''  and  examined 
the  buoys  in  the  Solent  under  the  management  of  the 
Admii'alty. 

On  crossing  one  of  the  creeks  near  Portsmouth 
several  boats  used  for  the  purpose  of  shooting  wild 
fowl  were  observed  from  the  train.  They  were 
painted  white  as  a  means  of  concealment. 

On  leaving  Portsmouth  it  was   remarked  that  all 

Colour  of  buoys,  the  buoys  on  one  side  of  the  channel  were  painted 
white,  and  the  advantage  gained  by  duck  shooters 
was  well  exemplified  by  the  extreme  difficulty  of 
distinguishing  the  white  buoys  on  the  water.  Those 
on  the  other  side  were  painted  black,  and  were  much 
more  clearly  seen.  Those  from  which  the  white 
paint  had  peeled  off,  leaving  brown  patches,  were 
better  seen  than  those  on  which  tlie  paint  was  fresh. 

Oral  evidence.  Qn  landing  at  Cowes,  and  questioning  cert.ain  pilots 
they  said,  with  reference  to  white  buoys,  "we  cannot 
"■  make  tliem  out,  we  never  see  them  at  uight."  The 
disadvantage  of  white  on  the  water  has  been  suffi- 
ciently proved  elsewhere. 

The  buoys  were  all  small,  conical,  and  moored  by 
the  apex.  It  was  stated  that  during  the  ebb,  at 
spring  tides,  and  with  particular  winds  there,  buoys 

Buoys  go  under  go  under  water  for  a  time. 

water.  j^  j^^^^,    buoy  on  Peacock's    principle    was    being 


placed  at  the  Spit.  The  bell  was  sounding.  The 
buov  was  coloured  black,  it  was  loftj-  and  clearly  seen, 
but  it  was  stated  that  a  similar  buoy  moored  outside 
the  Xeedles  had  capsized  frequently. 

The  Commissioners  were  unanimously  of  opinion  Cuik/u.m 
that  the  buoyage  of  the  Solent  was  inferior  to  that  of 
Liverpool  and  the  Downs,  where  the  buo3S  are  larger 
and  more   conspicuous,  and  where  they  are   dark  in 
colour. 

The  buoyage  of  Cowes  harbour  under  a  localautho-  Cotres. 
rity  was  complained  of  by  the  pilots  examined. 

These  witnesses  said  that  a  buoy  was  wanted  at 
Peddleton  Spit.  That  they  were  well  acquainted 
with  the  Solent,  and  did  not  care  much  about  the 
buoyage.  They  were  satisfied  with  the  New  Trinity 
House  light  at  the  Needles,  and  generally  considered 
the  British  lights  superior  to  the  French  lights,  which 
they  frequently  saw.  but  Southsea  Castle  light  under 
the  Admiralty  they  considered  to  be  "  a  poor  light," 
though  they  "  did  not  look  after  it  much. " 

The  Commissioners  returned  to  Portsmouth  and 
then  to  London. 


June  4th. — Admiral  Hamilton  and  the  Secretary 
proceeded  to  Dover.  Embarked  on  board  the  "'Vivid  " 
at  nisrhtfall  ;    steamed    to    Dungeness    and    towards 


XoTlh  Foreland. 


Lampflame. 


Inverted  image 
formed  by  lens. 


^'i'^   . 


\ 


t--=_^ 

1  'I 

W,  := 

,    'A    K.;' 

'      3    cr 

\   \  ,!'■■ 

OS  - 

1       V-' 

l-EKSOXAL   OBSERVATIONS   JUDE   BY   COMMISSIONERS. 


4.9 


Grisnez,  and  returned  to  harbour  at  about  2 '30  in 
the  morning. 

Observed   the 

192,  193.  SOUTH  FORELAND 
lights  ;  remarked  that  the  upper  light  appeared  very 
inferior  to   the   electric  light  which  was  seen  there 
formerly. 

Tlie  lower  light  has  never  been  changed,  and  gives 
a  standard  of  comparison.  It  was  remarked  tliat  the 
upper  light  (dioptric)  showed  less  well  from  the  moutli 
of  the  harbour,  but  that  as  the  vessel  receded  it 
seemed  to  become  brigliter  as  compared  with  the 
lower  catoptric  light. 

It  was  assumed,  therefore,  that  the  flame  is  placed 
with  reference  to  the  refracting  apparatus  rather 
lower  than  it  ought  to  be,  as  at  tlie  Start,  or  tliat  the 
flame  itself  was  rather  too  low. 

194.  DUNGENESS 
was  pronounced  to  be  an  inferior  light  ;  on  passing 
near,  it  was  observed  that  the  light  varied  very  per 
ceptibly  in  various  azimuths  as  the  vessel  passed 
the  reflectors.  This  defect  is  inseparable  from  a 
fixed  catoptric  light  on  the  present  system,  and  does 
not  exist  in  fixed  dioptric  lights. 

The  "  Yivid's  "  head  was  then  put  in  the  direction 
of  195,  Grisnez,  and  run  on  a  direct  course  towards 
the  light  till  Dungeness  entirely  dipped.  This  it  did 
after  running  14  miles,  the  precise  distance  given  in 
the  Admiralty  directions  as  that  at  whicli  Dungeness 
is  visible.  Grisnez  came  in  sight  at  about  five  miles 
from  Dungeness,  distant  about  18  miles.  The  night 
was  not  clear. 

There  could  be  no  doubt  that  the  light  at  Grisnez 
was  more  powerful  and  of  a  whiter  colour  than  that 
at  Dungeness.  Tlie  same  difference  in  colour  was  also 
remarked  in  the  upper  and  lower  lights  at  Soutli 
Foreland.  Grisnez  is,  however,  a  revolring  light, 
and  ought,  therefore,  to  be  more  powerful  than  the 
South  Foreland,  which  is  Jixed  dioptric.  The  latter 
was  more  powerful  and  of  a  better  colour  than 
Dungeness,  whicli  is  fixed  catoptric.  The  position, 
therefore,  of  Grisnez,  with  reference  to  other  lights, 
may  account  in  some  degree  for  the  preference  given 
to  it  over  other  foreign  lights.  It  is  the  most  powerful 
form  of  dioptric  apparatus  contrasted  with  less  power- 
ful dioptric  apparatus,  and  with  the  least  powerful 
form  of  catoptric  apparatus  placed  at  Dungeness. 

Observed  that  the  harbour  lights  at  Dover  were 
very  bad. 


June  5th. — Landed  at  Margate  and  drove  to 
196.  THE  NORTH  FORELAND.— No.  29 
to  see  the  new  apparatus  lately  erected.  (For  a 
description  of  the  old  apparatus,  see  page  33.)  The 
new  lantern  has  diagonal  bars,  and  is  a  well  executed 
work.  The  new  apparatus  is  dioptric,  first  order, 
fixed,  the  brass  work  bright. 

A  square  of  ground  glass  cut  to  fit  the  supposed 
size  of  the  flame,  has  been  provided.  It  was  placed 
in  the  centre  of  the  burner,  and  it  was  ascertained 
that  the  image  of  the  horizon,  formed  by  the  central 
band  of  lenses,  occupied  the  same  position  all  round. 
It  was  therefore  proved  that  the  lens  was  properly 
put  together,  and  that  it  was  set  upright. 

The  place  of  the  horizon  and  of  the  shore,  and  of 
objects  visible  at  sea,  were  then  mai-ked  on  the 
ground  glass  with  a  pencil,  and  a  drawing  made. 
(See  woodcut,  page  48.) 

The  upper  prisms  were  examined,  and  the  appear- 
ance of  the  landscape  noted,  and  it  was  seen  that  the 
greater  part  of  each  ring  was  occupied  by  an  image 
of  the  sea.  The  lower  prisms  were  also  examined 
and  it  was  found  that  in  these  very  little  was  to  be 
seen  but  sky. 
(.  The  lamp  was  then  lighted,  and  the  appearance  of 
the  flame  drawn  on  the  ground  glass.  (<S'ee  tvoodcut.) 
It  appeared  that  the  best  part  of  the  flame  coin- 

I. 


cided  with  the  image  of  the  sea,  and  that  very  little  Special  in- 
of  this  light  is  needlessly  thrown  on  the  sky,  except  »P<^<^'"""- 
from  the  lower  prisms,  which  should  be  raised  a  little  to 
give  their  full  effect.  The  lamp  has  four  wicks,  all  used  ; 
it  is  a  moderator,  worked  by  a  weight,  and  the  flame 
produced  was  rather  too  high  for  the  supply  of  air^ 
for  it  smoked.  The  keeper  said  that  he  liad  not  yet 
acquired  the  art  of  regulating  it,  nnd  that  he  thought 
some  change  should  be  made  in  the  shape  of  the 
chimney  or  that  it  should  be  lowered. 

The  part  of  the  circle  where  light  is  not  wanted  is  Itefieclois. 
occupied  by  two  large  metal  reflectors,  these  were 
found  to  reflect  a  large  quantity  of  light  to  the  place 
of  the  flame,  but  their  form  was  rather  irregular,  still 
on  placing  the  eye  near  the  flame  the  whole  surface 
of  the  reflector  was  seen  brilliantly  illuminated. 

A  narrow  band  of  red  glass  placed  outside  the  lens,  lied  liyht. 
causes  the  light  to  show  red  in  a  particular  direction. 

This    apparatus  appeared   to    be   very   well  con-  Conclusions. 
structed  and  arranged.     The  lamp  requires  attention, 
and  some  person  acquainted  with  its  working,  should 
be  sent  to  instruct  the  keepers  in  this  and  in  all  cases 
where  any  novelty  is  introduced. 

It  appeared  as  if  this  apparatus  had  been  con- 
structed on  the  usual  plan,  to  throw  a  parallel  beam 
from  the  centre  of  the  flame  at  right  angles,  and  the 
lamp  raised  so  as  to  bring  the  horizon  near  the  wick. 
If  this  were  done  the  light  falling  on  the  lower 
prisms  would  be  thrown  rather  above  the  horizon,  as 
was  found  to  be  the  case.  The  same  effect  would 
also  be  produced  on  the  light  from  the  upper  prisms, 
unless  they  were  raised  to  suit  the  lamp,  but  it  was 
not  observed  whether  this  had  been  done. 
On  returning  to 

197.  MARGATE, 
examined  the  harbour  light,  in  charge  of  a  local 
authority.  It  is  in  a  lofty  well  built  tower,  and  con- 
sists of  three  common  batswing  gas  burners,  without 
any  attempt  at  reflection  or  refraction.  The  red 
colour  is  produced  by  placing  some  small  panes  of  red 
glass  loose  in  the  window  of  the  lantern.  The  light 
may  serve  the  purpose  of  a  harbour  light,  but  it 
cannot  be  powerful. 

Observed    the   buoys   in   the   Thames    and   many  Thames  buoy- 
floating  lights,  which  appeared  to  be    efficient   but  age. 
which  contrasted  most  unfavourably  with   the  small 
dioptric  shore  lights   seen  in  France,  which  consume 
but  a  small  quantity  of  oil.     It  was  again  remarked 
that  experiments  should  be  tried  to  apply  the  dioptric 
system  to  floating  lights.     A  hollow  mast,   like  the  ^"^f  "^  *^*'^"' 
funnel   of  a  steamer,   to  act  as  light  tower,    and  the 
lamp   to  be   balanced  as  a  compass  is,  or  some  such 
plan  might  be  tried  so  as  to  preserve  a  constant  level. 
There  do  not  seem  to  be  any  mechanical  difficulties 
that  could  not  be  overcome. 

June  6th. — Returned  to  London.     The    chaii'man  Astronomer 
and  secretary  called  on  the  Astronomer  Royal  at  the  ■^''^°'- 
Observatory  and  showed  him  the  sketch  made  at  the 
North  Foreland,  and  told  him  what  had  been  done. 

Secretary  attended  at  the  office;  wrote  minutes, 
and  sent  out  correspondence ;  wrote  to  chairman 
suggesting  certain  points  for  the  'notice  of  Mr.  Airy 
at  the  North  Foreland. 

The  keeper   at  the  North   Foreland  having  been  Experiment; 
requested    to   make    certain    observations    sent    the  sunlight. 
following  letter  and   a  card,  which  was  left  with  him 
for  the  purpose  of  making  an  experiment  on  the  appa- 
ratus. 

"  North  Foreland  Light, 
"  Gentlemen,  '•  7th  June  1860. 

"  In  obedience  to  your  instructions  I  beg 
respectfully  to  present  the  enclosed,  the  result  of  two 
observations  of  the  sun  at  rising.  Should  further 
information  be  necessary,  I  shall  be  happy  to  give. 
"  I  am,  &c. 
"  (Signed)  Jas.  Chapman,  Keeper." 
'•  To  the  Royal  Lighthouse  Commission." 

The  Secretary  was  directed  to  send  cards  and  a 
letter  to  certain  lighthouses. 

G 


50 


APPENDIX   TO   REPORT   OX    LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND   BEACONS  ; 


Special  Inspec- 
tions. 


Rcmll. 


A  number  of  lighthouses  were  selected  for  their 
elevation,  ami  cards  were  sent  with  the  following 
letter  accordinjily. 

"  Royal  Commission,  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Btacons, 
"  7  Millbank  Street,  S.W.,  London, 
„  g;p_  '  "  11th  June  1860. 

"I  AM  directed  to  request  that  shortly  before 
sunrise  or  at  sunset  you  will  place  one  of  the  enclosed 
cards  upright  across  the  centre  of  the  burner  in  the 
dioptric  apparatus,  so  as  to  rest  on  the  metal,  and 
present  one  side  to  tlic  point  on  the  sea  horizon  where 
the  sun  rises  or  sets,  as  the  case  may  be. 

"  In  the  case  of  a  revolving  apparatus  one  side  ot 
the  lens  must  be  set  opposite  to  the  point  of  sunrise  or 
sunset,  previous  to  making  the  observation. 

"  When  the  sun  besins  to  appear  above  the  horizon, 
or  as  it  disappears,  a  bright  light  ought  to  appear  on 
the  card  placed  as  directed. 

'•  You  are  requested  to  mark  on  the  card  the  exact 
position  and  form  of  that  light. 

"  If  the  heat  be  so  great  as  to  scorch  the  paper  so 
much  the  better.  . 

"  You  are  also  requested  to  note  whether  similar 
bright  lights  appear  in  more  places  than  one,  either 
on  °the  cards  or  on  the  metal  work  of  the  lamp,  or 
elsewhere,  at  the  time  of  the  observation,  and  if  so, 
you  are  requested  to  ascertain  from  what  part  of  the 
apparatus  these  stray  lights  proceed. 

"  Y'ou  are  also  requested  to  draw  on  another  card 
the  general  form  of  the  flame  when  at  its  usual 
height 


than  in  either.  At  North  Ronaldshay  (140  feet) 
it  is  rather  lower.  At  AA"hitbj-  (240  feet)  the  horizon 
was  about  the  same  as  at  Xortli  and  South  Foreland. 
At  Grisnez  (194  feet"'  the  image  is  formed  nearly 
half  an  inch  Jiigher  than  at  Calais  (190  feet).  Skerry 
Yore  1^1 50  feet)  and  the  Start  (204  feet)  are  the 
same.  Lundy  (o40  feet)  is  the  loiccst  of  all.  The 
positions  of  the  images  formed  by  the  reflecting 
prisms  and  mirrors  were  found  to  be  equally  various 
in  the  lighthouses  where  the  experiment  was  tried  by 
the  Commissioners,  and  where  the  cards  sent  by  the 
keeper's  give  information. 

June  17th. — Admiral  Hamilton  and  Mr.  Gladstone, 
accompanied  by  the  Astronomer  Eoyal,  went  to 
Dover. 

They  visited  the  red  and  green  harbour  lights,  and  x)oief. 
looked  at  them  from  distant  parts  of  the  harbour. 
The  red  appeared  respectable  ;  the  green  light  was 
only  distinguishable  as  the  dullest  of  the  lights  round 
the  harbour,  and  by  a  greenish  or  bluelsh  hue  not 
ver)'  discernible. 

June  18th.  —  Captain  Ryder  and  the  Secretary 
joined  the  other  members  of  the  Board  and  embarked 
for  Calais. 

With  reference  to  the  electric  light,  now  removed,  jrjectric 
the  captain  of  the  steamer  stated  that  he  had  often  ecidence. 
"  carried  the  electric  light  of  the  Upper  South  Fore- 
land Light  into  Calais  harbour  when  he  could  not  see 
the  lower  catoptric  oil  light  at  all." 

In  fogs  he  has  seen  the  rays  of  the  upper  light  when 
he  could  not  see  the  light  itself.  "  It  shone  on  the 
sea  near  Dover  ;  "  the  other,  the   oil  light  now  used. 


It  may  be  well  to  repeat  the  experiment  at  sunrise      ^^^^  ^^^  ^^j^^  ^^  ^^^  ^_^^  ^J^^.]^  ^^  ^^^  °^^  ^^^^^^  j^^  ^^ 


or  at  sunset  on  difterent  days  so  as  to  check  the 
observations. 

'•  The  object  of  the  experiment  is  to  ascertain  the 
position  of  the  dioptric  apparatus  with  reference  to 
the  flame  and  the  horizon,  and  to  test  the  adjustment 
of  the  diflerent  parts  of  the  apparatus. 

"  When  the  first  experiment  has  been  completed,  on 
another  morning   or  evening    have  the  goodness  to 


say,  the    divergence  is  less).     The  lower   light  does 
not  shine  on  the  sea  near  Dover  at  all. 

198.  CALAIS. 

The  Commissioners  visited  the  lighthouse  at  Calais,  Or 

The  tower  Is  a  handsome  building,  the  entrance  paved 

with  black  and  white  marble  slabs,  forming  patterns  ; 

and  ornamented  with  busts  of  Fresnel  and  Beautemps 


place  another  card   at    right   angles   to  the  position      Beaupre.     All    the    metal    work    of  the    stairs  was 
formerly  occupied  by  the  other,  so  that  the  light  may      beautifully  polished 


fall  on  the  edge  of  the  card,  and  mark  the  direction  of 
the  lines  of  light  which  will  appear  on   the  sides  of 
the  card,  and  return  the  whole  to  me  by  post. 
"I  am,  &c. 

"  J.  F.  Cajlpbell, 

"  Secretary." 
Lighthouses  to  which  a  copy  of  this  letter  was  sent : 


Dundrum  Bay 
Scilly  Bishops 
Korth  Ronaldshay 
Skerry  Vore 
I^orth  Foreland 


t  above  the      By  whom 

ea  level. 

observed. 

62 

110 

Keeper. 

140 

Keeper. 

1.30 

Keeper. 

184 

Observed ;  * 

Keeper's 

observation 

the  same. 

190 

Observed. 

194 

Observed. 

204 

Observed;  and 

Keeper's  the 

the  same. 

240 

Observed. 

244 

Keeper. 

285 

Observed. 

372 

Observed. 

540 

Keej>er. 

Calais 

Grisnez 

Start 


Whitby      - 

Rathlin   - 

Mine  Head 

So'ith  Foreland 

Luudv 
A  number  of  these  cards  were  subsequently  returned, 
and  from  them,  and  from  other  observations  made  for 
and  by  the  Commission,  it  appeared  that  the  elevation 
of  thelight  above  the  sea  does  not  regulate  the  position 
of  the  lamp  with  reference  to  the  image  formed  bv  the 
lens.  The  distance  of  the  image  of  the  horizon  from 
the  burner  is  the  same  by  observation  at  South  Fore- 
land (372  feet  above  the  sea)  and  at  North  Foreland 
(203  feet).  At  the  Scilly  Bishops  (110  feet)  the 
iiua'^e  of  the  sun  was  formed  on  the  card  rather  AiV?/"/- 


*  OiiSERVED  by  persons   connected 
Aslror.omer  Koyal,  &c. 


vith   the   Ci>uiinissiGn, 


The  tower  has  no  floors,  it  is  57  metres  high,  and  Buildm  . 
is  ascended  by  a  corkscrew  stair.  The  keepers' 
room  and  the  lightroom  were  well  furnished,  and  the 
lantern  surrounded  with  slabs  of  coloured  marble, 
polished.  The  building  in  this  respect  is  similar  to 
the  Tour  de  Baleine  ;  and  there  is  no  lighthouse  in 
the  United  Kingdom  in  which  there  is  so  much 
ornament. 

The  illuminating  apparatus  is  dioptric,  first  order,  Appciatu 
fixed,  with  a  flash,  similar  in  plan  to  the  small  light 
at  St.  Sebastian  in  Spain.  A  fixed  light  apparatus 
with  a  series  of  three  upright  piano-cylindrical  lenses, 
revolving  outside.  The  eff'ect  is  to  produce  a  fixed 
stead}'  light,  of  the  full  power  attained  by  the  use  of 
such  apparatus,  darkened  for  a  short  period,  and  the 
dark  interval  succeeded  by  a  brilliant  flash. 

The  light  was  observed  on  the  following  evening  obsen;at,t. 
from  the  South  Foreland  upper  light,  and  was  con-  k 

sidered    to  be    very  powerful   though    less   brilliant  I 

than  the  light  at  Grisnez,  as  seen  from  the  same  spot  * 

on  the  same  night.     The  keeper  at  the  South  Foreland  ' 

anrreed  in  the  opinion  formed  from  this  observation.  [ 

The  same  observation  was  made  from  Dover  b}' 
the  members  of  the  Commission,  and  the  same  con- 
clusion arrived  at. 

It  was  also  remarked  from  Dover,  that  some  of  the 
flashes  from  Calais  were  brighter  than  others.  (See 
letter  from  the  Astronomer  Royal  on  this  point,  dated 
June  2oth,  1860,  which  contains  his  remarks  as  to 
the  French  trip,  and  account  of  his  subsequent  pro- 
ceedings at  North  and  South  Foreland.) 

The  lantern  bars  are  upright,  so  are  the  divisions 
in  the  bands  of  glass.  There  are  mirrors  on  the 
land-ward  side  ;  but  it  was  remarked  that  these  were 
not  so  well  polished  as  similar  mirrors  in  England. 

The  lamp  has  four  wicks.  The  whole  was  in  re- 
markably good  order.  The  keeper  stated  that  he 
cleaned  the  glass  apparatus  with  spirits  of  wine  and 
chamois  leather. 


PERSONAL   OBSERVATIONS   UADB   EY   COSnilSSIONERS. 


51 


On  examining  the  placing  of  the  apparatus  it 
appeared  that  the  central  bands  and  the  upper  prisms 
were  well  ]ilaced  with  reference  to  the  light;  but  that 
nearly,  if  not  quite  all,  the  light  reflected  by  the 
lower  prisms  is  lost  on  the  sky. 

The  Astronomer  Royal  was  requested  to  report  on 
this  and  the  other  lights  visited. 

In  the  evening  the  Commissioners  returned,  and  the 
dimensions  of  the  flame  were  accurately  taken,  with 
a  view  10  comparison  with  flames  elscwliere.  It  was 
better  and  steadier  than  anj'  flame  seen  in  England. 

It  was  remarked  that  the  lantern  was  surrounded 
with  a  net  of  wire,  and  its  use  was  exemplified  by  a 
museum  of  stuffed  birds,  all  of  which  had  been 
caught,  or  had  killed  themselves  at  this  light.  These 
included  many  rare  small  birds  ;  a  bittern,  some 
large  cormorants,  and  a  swan. 

The  keeper  stated  that  he  was  occupied  in  cleaning 
the  glass  when  the  swan  flew  against  the  lantern, 
just  above  his  head,  it  broke  the  glass,  and  injured  the 
lens  so  much  that  it  cost  some  3,000  or  4,000  francs 
to  repair  the  damage.  The  man  considered  that  the 
force  was  suflicient  to  have  killed  him,  if  he  had  not 
been  seated  at  his  work. 

The  superintendent  of  the  district,  Monsieur  de 
Lanois,  accompanied  the  Commissioners  in  the  evening 
and  explained  to  them  a  system  of  ventilation  of  his 
own  invention,  which  has  been  adopted  in  several 
French  first-class  lights.  It  consists  of  tubes,  which 
are  intended  by  the  inventor  to  conduct  cold  air  to 
the  lamp  down  the  same  chimney  in  which  the  column 
of  hot  air  ascends. 

The  Commissioners  were  unable  to  ascertain  that 
these  currents  were  actually  descending,  and  cannot 
understand  why  they  should,  but  the  lamp  certainly 
burned  well  and  ver}'  steadih% 

The  two  lights  at  the  South  Foreland  were  observed 
from  the  French  coast  that  same  evening  ;  the  upper 
one,  that  is  the  dioptric,  was  decidedly  the  brighter  of 
the  two.  It  was  the  opinion  of  the  Commissioners 
that  the  Point  de  Walde  light  did  not  appear  so  bright, 
when  viewed  from  Calais,  as  one  of  the  3rd  order 
should  have  appeared. 

199.  WALDE. 

On  leaving  Calais  light  in  the  morning,  the  Com- 
missioners drove  along  the  sand  to  the  lighthouse  at 
Walde.  This  is  a  pile  light,  similar  in  construction 
to  the  JIaplin  in  the  Thames, — iron  piles  on  screws 
fixed  in  the  sand.  The  illuminating  apparatus  is 
dioptric,  third  ordei-,  made  of  cast  glass  on  the  new 
principle  of  manufacture,  tried  here  as  an  experiment. 

The  image  of  the  landscape  formed  by  this  lens 
was  inferior  to  the  pictures  formed  by  ground  and 
polished  lenses.  Straight  lines  seemed  crooked,  the 
horizon  indistinct,  and  generally  the  imperfect  sur- 
faces evident  to  the  touch  must  produce  much  disper- 
sion and  loss  of  light. 


^  200.  GRISNEZ. 

iymrison  of  Compakisox  of  Grisxez,  (which  is  mentioned  by  mariners,  and 

ifUh  and  compared  oftener  than  any  other  foreign  light,)    with   12 

•ingn  liiihta.  British  lights. 


S 

-     1        = 

■~ 

3 

1  1    s 

^- 

Name  of  Light. 

Nature 

S^ 

'> 

x's'i       1 

.1 

of  Light. 

^  r" 

S 

_£J 

3  O            " 

^ 

!" 

^ 

s 

S"t     o 

* 

* 

o 

* 

O 

1.  Smith  Foreland  - 

D.  Filed 

372 

2.5 

40 

41 

11 

9 

2.  Flamboroueh 

C.  Flash 

103 

19 

32 

86 

2 

3 

— 

1 

S.  Beachy  Head      - 

C.  Flash 

185 

22 

32 

51 

5 

3 

2 

4.  Start 

D.  Flash 

204 

19 

18 

47 

3 

— 

3 

— 

5.  Lundy 

D.  Flash 

298 

30 

45 

55 

5 

2 

3 



6.  South  Stack 

C.  Flash 

201 

19 

— 

24 

— 

1 

— 

1 

7.  Cromer 

C.  Flash 

271 

22 

32 

29 

— 

2 

— 

8.  St.  Agnes,  Scilly 

C.  Flash 

13S 

16 

20 

3 

— 

1 

— 

1 

9.  Lizard 

C.  Fixed 

329 

20 

30 

76 

1 

4 

3 

— 

10.  Calf  of  Man 

C.  Flash 

S75 

2-1, 

42 

21 

1 

— 

1 

— 

11.  Dungeness  - 

C.  Flash 

92 

14 

— 

2 

1 

— 

1 

_ 

12.  North  Foreland 

C.  Fixed 

D.  Flash 

181 
194 

18 
22 

35 

108 

50 

1 
18 

1 

GSISNEZJ    O 

12* 

Of  the  12  lights  compared  with  Griznez,    7  are  Special  Impcc- 
said  to  be  better,  5  worse  ;  Majority,  2  for  British  thns. 
lights.  

Of  the  48  comparisons,  18  are  for  Grisnez,  30 
against,  majority,  12  for  British  lights. 

June  19th. — The  Commissioners  started  at  4  a.m. 
and  drove  to  C4risnez.  As  this  light  has  been  much 
remarked  by  the  mariners  who  have  given  evidence, 
and  as  it  is  so  favourably  compared  with  other  foreign 
lights,  it  was  important  to  discover  if  any  reasons 
existed  for  the  preference  over  other  foreign  lights. 

It  was  found  to  consist  of  an  apparatus  of  the  same 
description  as  that  at  the  Start  ;  16  faces  of  lenses 
revolving,  7  rows  of  mercurial  curved  glass  mirrors 
above,  and  four  below  ;  but  inside  the  revolving 
portion  of  the  apparatus,  and  on  the  landward  side 
two  large  metallic  reflectors  are  placed. 

On  examining  the  position  of  the   apparatus,  the  Direction  of 
horizon  was   high,   1^  inches  ;  but  on  examining  the  ieain. 
mirrors  they  were  all  found  to  be  set,  so  as  to  throw 
their  reflected  beams  on  the  sea. 

The  keeper  stated  that  he  set  them  without  any 
instrument,  by  the  horizon  itself;  he  also  pointed  out 
the  height  of  the  flame,  which  was  about  the  same  as 
that  used  at  Calais. 

According  to  sketches  made  by  Dr.  Gladstone  at  Observations  Ay 
the  time,  the  image  of  the  sea  horizon  as  reflected  Dr.  Gladstone. 
from  the  upper  mirrors,  generally  cuts  the  flame 
in  a  plane  considerably  higher  above  the  burner  than 
was  the  case  with  the  upper  reflectors  at  Calais,  and 
thus  a  larger  quantity  of  light  is  thrown  by  them  upon 
the  sea,  and,  perhaps,  also  upon  the  horizon.  Again, 
the  image  of  the  sea  horizon,  as  reflected  from  the 
lower  mirrors,  generally  cuts  a  very  luminous  portion 
of  the  flame,  and  does  not  impinge  upon  the  burner 
itself,  as  was  found  to  be  the  ease  in  many  other 
lighthouses.  Thus  both  the  upper  and  lower  series 
of  reflectors  are  most  efficiently  adjusted.  The  lamp 
also  was  found  to  be  perfectly  central  ;  and  the 
metallic  reflectors  were  better  polished  than  is  usual 
in  France.  The  lenses  on  the  whole  were  well  made, 
the  annular  segments  especially  being  much  better 
than  at  the  Start. 

The   following  are  the  dimensions  of  the    image  Woodcuts 
formed  by  the  lens  in   the  place  of  the  flame.     ( See  page  53. 
u-oodcut  p.  53.)    Focal  length,  three  feet  ;  horizon,  li  Secretary. 
inches  above  the  metal  of  the  lamp,  which  corresponds 
with  the  brightest  part  of  the  Calais  flame.     A  house 
at  the  edge  of  the   cliff  to  the  northward,  4  inches  ; 
the  edge  of  the   clifi'  to    the  westward,    8i  inches  ; 
height  of  flame  about  5  inches. 

The  reason  therefore  for  the  favourable  mention 
of  Grisnez  appears  sufficiently  manifest.  The  flame 
and  the  optical  apparatus  are  properly  set  with 
reference  to  each  other,  and  to  the  horizon  ;  and  the 
flame  is  of  the  right  size  for  illuminating  an  angle 
extending  from  the  horizon  to  within  a  short  distance 
of  the  lighthouse. 

Whereas  at  the  Start  the  mirrors  are  set  so  as  to  Start  and 
throw    nearly   all   their   reflected  light  on  the  sky  ;  Grisnez. 
there  are  no  mirrors  on  the  landward  side,  and  the 
flame  produced  is  so   low  that  nearly  the  whole  of  it 
is  thrown  on  the  sky  by  the  lenses. 

The  elevation  of  these  two  lights  being  the  same 
within  10  feet,  and  their  apparatus  the  same  in 
principle,  the  comparison  is  unfavourable  to  the 
British  light. 

One  of  the  keepers  had  been  in  the  French 
navy,  and  was  very  proud  of  a  Crimean  English 
medal  which  he  showed.  Few  birds  are  killed  at 
this  station,  and  there  were  no  wire  screens  round 
the  lantern. 


G  2 


62 


APPfiNDIX  TO  EEPOP.T  OX   LIGHTS,  BUOYS  AXD  BEACOSS : 


SpeM  Inspec      The  Commissioners  returned  to  Calais  and  thence 
tions.  to  Dover.    The  Secretary  drove  to  the 


201.  SOUTH  FORELAXD— No.  30 


Woodculs,  and  compared  the  position  of  the  image  formed  ^7  tj'® 

piwe  sa.  lenses.     {See   wood  cuts  on    page  opposite.)      The 

flame  was  also  compared  with  the  drawing  made  at 
Calais,  and  it  was  found  to  be  less  steady. 
Flame.  It  had  more  sharp  points  ;  it  was  lower,  and  gene- 

rally it  appeared  to  be  a  worse  flame  ;  there  are  but 
three  wicks  used. 

The  observation  made  from   the  "  \  ivid      on   t  le 
last  occasion  was  accounted  for,  as   also  the  remarks 
of  the  Captain  of  the  Dover  steamer. 
Direction  of  The  sea  near  Dover  is  illuminated  by  the  narrow 

beam.  points  of  the  upper  part  of  the  flame,  and  the  horizon 

and  the  parts  of  the  sea  near  it.  by  the  lower  and 
brio-hter  portions.  No  light  at  all  falls  on  the  sea 
below  a  point  opposite  to  the  base  of  the  lower  liglit- 
house  ;  none  at  all  at  the  edge  of  the  chff.  Ihe 
experiment  inside  was  verified  by  walking  to  the  two 
points  last  named. 
Selthig  prims.  The  keeper  stated  that  the  lower  prisms  had  been 
carefully  set  to  throw  a  le\'el  beam  very  lately,  by 
placing  a  red  ball  of  about  an  inch  diameter  on  the 
lamp,  and  looking  through  each  prism  in  turn  along 
a  spirit  level  outside  till  the  ball  was  seen. 

The  result  of  this  is,  that  the  best  of  the  light  must 
be  thrown  here,  as  elsewhere,  to  the  geometrical  and 
not  to  the  visible  horizon,  the  elevation  of  the  light 
being  372  feet,  and  the  sea  liorizou  distant  25  miles ; 
the  prisms  are  set  to  throw  a  beam  from  the  place 
occupied  by  the  red  ball  at  a  height  of  more  than 
700  feet  above  a  vessel  on  the  horizon,  while  the 
mirrors  at  Grisnez  are  set  by  the  keeper  without  any 
instrument,  to  throw  their  beams  to  the  visible  horizon 
itself,  and  on  the  sea  below  the  horizon. 
Divergence  Now  it  is  sufiiciently  evident  that  the  flame  placed 

electric  light.      in  a  dioptric  apparatus  of  this  size  must  be  ot  certain 
dimensions    to   cover  a   certain  portion    of  the  sea, 
namelv,  about  four  inches,  to  reach  in  this  case  from 
the  horizon  (on  which  the  electric  light  was  seen 
from  Boulogne)   to    near  the  place  from  which  the 
electric  lisht  was   seen  from  the  Calais  steamer.     It 
was  then  sufiiciently  intense  to  cast  a  marked  shadow 
on   one  hand  from  the  other.      It  was  also   stated 
by  the  keeper  that  the  electric   light  was  not  more 
than  one  eighth  of  an  inch  in  length,  and  that  half 
an  inch  from  point  to   point   of  the  carbons  extin- 
guished  it.      The    light   was    equally  weU   seen   m 
all  directions,    so    it   could  not    have    been   phiced 
out  of  the  central  focus,   and  it  remained  to  be  ex- 
plained how  it  had  been  made  visible  over  such  an 
an<'le.     It  was  previously  remarked  that  two  small 
mirrors  were  placed  on  either  side  of  the  light,  osten- 
sibly to  clear  the  bars,  but  it  seems  that  as  these 
mirrors  have  a  certain  height  as  well  as  breadth,  they 
and  they  only  were  the  cause  of  this  divergence. 
'       Plane  rejleclor        To  try  this,  a  common  mirror  was  placed  behind 
'       experiment.        the  flame  of  the  oil  lamp,  and  the  keeper  was  directed 
to  slope  it  downwards  and  move  it  about.     The  result 
was  as  had  been  anticipated,   that  an  observer  placed 
in  a  field  within  fifty  yards  of  the  lighthouse  saw  a 
brilliant  light  from  the  lens  and  lower  prisms,  when 
he  could  before  only  see  the  stray  light  reflected  on 
I  the  roof  of  the  lantern. 


and  Mr.  Chance  were  agreed  as  to  the  best  method  of 
remedying  these  defects,  namely,  by  setting  the  lamp 
lower  so  as  to  suit  the  position  of  the  prisms,  which 
now  throw  their  light  too  high,  and  then  lowering 
the  central  band  of  the  lens  to  suit  the  new  position 
of  the  lamp,  cutting  oflf  so  much  of  the  central  band 
as  may  be  necessary  from  the  lower  portion,  and  sup- 
plying the  gap  caused  at  its  upper  edge  with  a  new 
zone  if  required.  ^J 

On   this  point  the  letter  of   the  Secretary  to  the  Mr.  James 
Chairman,  of  the  4th  instant,  was  read  to  Mr.  Chance,  (-'^"nre. 
and  he  agreed  that  the  suggestion  therein  contained 
was   substantially  the  same    in    principle,  and  only 
varied  from  his  proposal  in  the   manner   of  accom- 
plishing the  object. 

After  some  conversation  with  Mr.  Chance,  a  letter  Meeting  mO 
was  prepared,  inviting  the  Elder  Bretlu-en  to  meet  Trinity  lim 
the  Commissioners  and  others  at  the  lighthouses  at 
North  Foreland  and  TVhitby,  on  some  day  in  next 
month. 

July  9th. — Admiral  Hamilton  and  Secretaiy.  Let- 
ters sent  to  Trinity  House,  Ballast  Board,  Northern 
Lights  Commissioners,  and  French  Authorities. 


Astronomer 
Royal. 


July  .5th.— Admiral  Hamilton  and  Dr.  Gladstone 
met  at  Macartney  House,  Blackheath,  and  were  joined 
by  the  Astronomer  Royal  and  Mr.  Chance  of  Birming- 
ham, who  had  previously  met  at  the  Observatory. 

The  Astronomer  Royal  stated  that  he  had  pointed 
out  to  Mr.  Chance,  the  defects  which  he  had  observed 
iu  the  illuminating  apparatus  at  Whitby,  and  that  he 


Dr.  Gladstone  went  down  to  Portsmouth.  In  the  observatiot 
evening  he  observed  182.  the  Warner  from  Southsea.  Dr.  Gladstf 
It  was  a  very  distinct  light. 

July  10. — Dr.  Gladstone    examined    the    light    at 
the  end  of  the  pier  at 

202.  RYDE. 
It  stands  on  a  tall  strong  post,  and  consists  of 
an  oil  lamp  surrounded  by  a  dioptric  apparatus. 
The  lamp  has  a  large  single  wick,  in  the  middle 
of  which  is  a  large  button  that  rises  as  high  as 
the  bright  portion  of  the  flame,  and  must  obstruct 
a  great  deal  of  light.  The  dioptric  apparatus  is  a 
lenticular  cylinder,  with  two  segments  above  the 
central  lens'and  two  below  it.  It  appeared  well  made,  ' 
of  good  glass,  and  in  good  order.  The  lamp  had  not 
been  cleaned  since  the  previous  night. 

The  light  shows  all  round  the  horizon. 

July  11th.— Dr.  Gladstone  visited  the  lighthouse 
at 

203.  ST  CATHERINE'S  HEAD.- No.  34.  Vol.  II.  i 
He  confirmed  the  remarks  of  the  Secretary  made 
after  his  visit  August  14th.  In  addition  he  paid 
particular  attention  to  the  illuminating  apparatus 
and  lamp.  The  apparatus  bears  the  name  of 
Wilkins,  and  the  date  1840.  The  lenticular  zones 
are  of  poor  ghass  from  Newcastle  ;  the  prismatic 
zones  are  of  much  better  glass  of  French  manufac- 
ture. The  central  bands  bring  the  horizon  of  the 
sea  to  about  0.75  inch  above  the  wicks  of  the  lamp,  but 
some  of  them  bring  it  1.1  inch  above  and  others  only 
0.65  inch.  The  keeper  stated  very  circumstantially 
the  height  of  the  flame  as  ordinarily  burnt.  The 
bright  bodv  of  flame  extends  (he  says)  to  a  height  of 
from  2^  to"2i  inches,  and  he  raises  or  depresses  the 
wicks  till  he  obtains  all  the  three  circular  flames  of 
the  same  height,  so  that  the  flame  is  even  at  top 
instead  of  being  tapering.  By  keeping  the  passages 
clean  he  prevents  the  formation  of  points  of  flame. 
The  strongest  part  of  the  flame  is  stated  by  him  to 
exteud  from  half  an  inch  above  the  wicks  to  1^  inch. 
Tlie  lenses,  therefore,  are  fairly  placed,  but  some  of 
the  lenticular  segments  do  not  agree  in  focus  with 
the  central  lens,  and  there  ai-e  irregularities  in  their 
grinding. 

In  order  to  see  the  horizon  in  the  lowest  prismatic 
zone  of  the  upper  series,  it  was  necessary  to  look  two 
inches  above  the  forther  edge  of  the  lamp;  to  see  it 
in  the  second  a  smaller  elevation  was  necessary,  and 
so  on,  till  with  the  seventh  zone  the  horizon  was  seen 
in  a  line  with  the  edge  of  the  lamp,  the  line  of  the 
horizon  as  reflected  from  the  sis  higher  prisms  cut 
[read  on  to  page  54, 


PERSONAL   OBSERVATIONS   ILVDE   BY   COMMISIONEBS. 


GRISXEZ, 


SOUTH  FORELAND 


From  a  tracing  on  ground  jjlass.  Tlie  flame  from 
measurement  of  tlie  Calais  flame.  The  land- 
scape as  it  appeared  in  the  image  formed  by  one 
of  the  revoh-ing  lenses.  Grisxez.  June  20th 
1860. 


From  a  tracing  on  ground  glass.  The  flame  from 
measurement.  Tlie  vessels  as  they  appeared  in 
the  central  band.  South  Foreland.  June 
20th  1860. 


G  3 


APPENDIX    TO    REPORT    ON    LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND    BEACONS  : 


Special  Lispec-  '^^  ^"P  "^  ^'"■'  l^MP-     From  the  lower  series  of  pris- 
tions.^  matic  zones  the  image  of  the  horizon  was  only  seen  by 

glancinjr  a  little  on  one  side  of  the  nearer  edge  of  the 

Observations  by  lamp  ;  they  were  evidently,  therefore,  of  little  or  no 
Jh.  Gladstone,  value  for  sending  the  light  to  the  horizon  or  sea. 
The  chief  keeper  (Mr.  Cummins)  had  been  a  lamp 
maker  before  entering  the  service  of  the  Trinity 
House.  When  first  at  the  Eddystone  he  burnt 
three  wicks,  but  the  inner  wick  was  afterwards 
discontinued,  without,  he  thinks,  a  loss  of  light.  The 
heat  of  the  exterior  wicks  causes  (he  says)  the  inner 
wick  to  become  gununy  and  thick,  and  sometimes  to 
smoke.  A  button  in  the  middle  improves  the  com- 
bustion. He'  prefers  a  fountain  lamp,  such  as  he 
has,  and  never  finds  any  practical  difficulty  with  it, 
but  in  cold  weather  he  wraps  the  pipe  round  with 
thick  woollen  cloth. 

As  the  oil  flow's  more  or  less  freely,  according  to 
the  temperature,  he  regulates  by  simple  contrivances 
the  height  of  the  inner  cistern,  so  as  to  give  more  or 
less  pressure  of  oil.  He  prefers  a  lamp  glass  with  a 
large  open  cylinder. 
July  12tli.— 

II  po,  204.  THE  NEEDLES.— No.  3.5. 

Lighthouse  was  visited.  In  addition  to  the  remarks 
of  the  Secretary  on  August  IStli,  it  may  be  recorded 
that  the  distinction  between  the  red  and  white  beams 
is  made  sharper  by  (he  placing  of  sheets  of  red  glass 
(like  horses'  blinkers)  at  the  junction  of  the  two 
colours  and  radially  to  the  lamp  ;  nevertheless,  the 
keeper  has  heard  that  in  passing  from  the  one 
beam  into  the  other,  an  orange  light  is  perceptible 
from  on  board  ship.  Three  wicks  are  burnt,  but 
orders  have  been  given  to  burn  four  in  future,  but 
they  have  not  been  executed  yet.  The  head-keeper, 
who  was  once  assistant  at  St.  Catherine's  Head, 
considers  the  fountain  lamp  excellent  if  properly 
managed.  He  prefers  a  lamp  glass  with  a  square 
shoulder  .and  a  straight  cylinder  above.  The  illumi- 
nating apparatus  is  by  Sautter,  and  was  erected  in 
1858. 

The  glass  is  very  good,  and  the  optical  parts  are 
very  regularly  made.  The  horizon  is  brought  by  the 
lenticular  portions  to  0.75  inch  above  the  lamp,  the 
flame  extending,  according  to  the  keeper's  statement, 
2.5  or  3  inches  with  a  good  body  of  light.  The  upper 
series  of  prisms  exhibits  the  same  phenomena  as  that 
at  St.  Catherine's  Head,  but  to  a  smaller  extent,  the 
line  from  the  horizon  as  reflected,  in  most  of  them, 
cutting  the  lamp  itself.  The  lower  series  also  resembles 
that  at  St.  Catherine's  Head  in  its  position  with  re- 
ference to  the  flame.  Thus  although  this  light 
is  jdaccd  at  no  great  distance  aliovc  the  sea  level,  the 
reflectors  are  so  placed  as  to  throw  the  light  too 
high.  During  the  first  part  of  the  visit  the  fog 
bell  was  being  rung,  but  it  required  attention,  as 
it  stopped  occasionally.  The  keeper  said  that  some 
attempts  had  been  made  to  set  it  right,  but  hitherto 
with  only  partial  success  ;  he  sees  the  bell  sometimes 
vibrate  farther  thau  at  other  times.  It  ought  to  ring 
for  an  hour  and  a  half  without  being  touched.  The 
keeper  said  there  was  much  fog  about  the  present 
position  of  the  lighthouse,  but  far  less  than  on  the 
cliflf  whore  the  previous  house  stood  ;  indeed,  he 
has  known  a  dense  fog  to  last  there  for  three  weeks. 
Tliere  was  one  envelo])ing  the  upper  part  at  the  time 
when  the  above  statement  was  made. 
thydrogai  July  16th. — Dr.  Gladstone  had  a  long  conversation 

t.  with  Dr.  Leeson  of  Bonchurch,  on  the  oxy-hydrogen 

light,  lamp  chimneys,  coloured  flames,  and  other 
matters,  which  he  promised  to  embody  in  a  reply  to 
the  scientific  questions. 

July  18th. — The  light  on  Ryde  Pier  was  observed 
by  night.  It  appeared  very  brilliant  as  seen  from 
different  parts  of  the  town.  The  Warner  lightvessel 
was  showing  a  very  bright  light  as  compared  with 
gas  lamps  tliat  were  comparatively  very  near  at  hand, 
Ihsea  and  its  periodic  waxing  and  waning  was  very  distinc- 

<''•'  tive.      The    Southsea  Castle   Light  was  showing  a 


green  light  to  all  parts  of  Ryde,  easily  distinguished 
from  tlie  white  lights  on  the  same  coast  by  its  colour, 
but  it  was  little  (if  any)  brighter  than  some  of  the 
gas  lamps  on  Southsea  Common,  and  far  less  bright 
than  the  two  large  gas  lamps  at  Portsmouth  pfer, 
although  it  is  rather  nearer  to  Ryde  than  those  with 
which  it  was  compared. 

The  buoys  between  Ryde  and  Portsmouth  were  Defective 
observed.  ^  There  was  one  of  a  conical  form,  on  the  buuijtiys. 
top  of  which  was  something  in  printing  characters. 
It  was  evidently  supposed  that  it  would  lie  somewhat 
on  one  side,  indeed  it  was  painted  with  that  view,  and 
thus  the  ^\Titing  would  be  seen  ;  but  on  the  contrary, 
the  buoy  was  riding  M-itli  its  apex  i)erpendicularly 
downwards,  and  the  inscription  was  only  legible  from 
the  sky. 

July  30th. — ^Present :  Admiial  Hajiiltox,  Captain  First  meeting 
Ri-DER,  Mr.  Gladstone,  and  Mr.  Dunbak.  ,cith  the  Trinit 

A  deputation  of  the  Elder  Brethren,  accompanied  •'^<'"*^- 
by  Professor  Faraday,  met  the  Commissioners  at  7, 
Millbank  Street,  and  heard  from  the  Astronomer 
Royal  a  statement  of  his  observations  made  at  various 
lighthouses,  which  he  had  visited  at  the  request  of 
Commissioners. 

This  statement  was  intended  to  inform  the  gentle- 
men present  of  the  jioints  which  were  to  be  explained 
more  fully  at  the  North  Foreland  Lighthouse  on  the 
2nd,  and  at  Whitby  on  the  9th  August.  The 
meeting  was  summoned  in  order  to  inform  the  Elder 
Brethren,  and  their  scientific  adviser,  of  these  points 
so  that  they  might  have  time  for  preliminary  con- 
sideration of  the  subject. 


Additional  Observations  of  Dr.  Gladstone 
on  matters  under  the  charge  of  the 
Trinity  House. 

August  1st. — Visited  the  Trinity  House  at  Tower 
Hill,  and  steamed  from  Blackwall  to  Ramsgate  in 
company  with  the  Deputy  Master  and  Captains 
Bayly,  Close,  and  Webber,  in  the  yacht  L'ene.  This 
vessel  is  intended  for  a  swift  seagoing  boat,  as  it  is 
one  of  the  duties  of  the  Trinity  House  to  accompany 
Her  Majesty  when  afloat.  The  "  Irene  "  is  the  vessel 
intended  for  this  service,  and  has  nearly  the  speed  of 
the  Royal  Yacht.  Her  lines  are  said  to  be  the  same 
as  those  of  the  "  Vivid,"  and  she  bears  a  close  general 
resemblance  to  that  vessel.  She  is  comfortably  fitted 
up.  Beside  the  service  above  mentioned,  and  her  use 
on  special  missions  of  the  Trinity  Board,  she  is  ordi- 
narily employed  in  making  inspections  and  carrying 
stores  or  buoys  to  their  destination.  She  had  in  fact 
returned  from  such  a  trip  only  the  night  before. 

She  generally  carries  two  spare  buoys,  that  if  in 
the  course  of  any  voyage  it  be  heard  that  a  buoy  is 
wanting  on  anj-  station  it  may  be  immediately  sup- 
plied. One  of  these  is  a  wreck  buoy,  the  other  is  of 
the  ordinary  form,  and  is  intended  for  replacing  one 
that  may  have  gone  astray,  the  proper  marking  of  the 
missing  buoy  being  imitated  on  a  painted  canvas 
cover,  which  is  drawn  over  the  substituti',  and  remains 
on  it  till  the  duplicate  buoy  can  be  sent  from  the  store. 

Visited  the 


204.  MUCKING No.  28. 

Light.  This  is  built  on  piles  in  the  river,  but  com- 
municates with  the  bank  by  means  of  a  bridge.  The 
edifice  is  small,  and  not  intended  for  living  in,  the 
dwelling  houses  being  on  land,  which  hoM'cver  is  now 
considered  an  unfortunate  arrangement,  as  the 
keepers  and  their  families  suffer  much  from  the  fever 
and  ague  commonly  prevalent  there. 

Tlie  source  of  illumination  is  a  fountain  lamp,  with 
two  wicks.  The  illuminating  apparatus  consists  of 
lenticular  bands,  without  prismatic  or  any  other 
reflectors.  A  great  deal  of  the  light  is  therefore  lost. 
The   glass  and  workmanship   appeared  good,  and  so 


Vol.  II.  78. 


PERSONAL   OBSERVATIONS   MADE   BY   CO.>DiIISSIONERS 


55 


was  the  adjustment  of  the  lenses,  the  water  line  of  the 
opposite  bank  of  the  river  cutting  the  flame  0-8  inch 
above  the  lamp. 

The  light  shows  red  up  and  down  the  river,  but 
white  to  passing  vessels.  In  the  white  portion  how- 
ever there  is  a  red  beam  to  mark  a  buoy. 

The  fog  bell  was  sounded,  but  did  not  work  satis- 
factorily. 

The  edifice  was  being  painted  at  the  time  of  the 
visit,  white  with  broad  black  stripes,  which  caught 
the  eye  well. 

Many  observations  were  made  in  passing  on 

BUOYS  IN  THE  THAMES,  and  at  its  Mouth. 

One  of  Herbert's  construction  was  noticed  to  be 
lying  over  very  much  on  one  side.  This  was  believed 
to  be  from  want  of  breadth  at  the  bottom,  as  it  was 
one  which  had  been  made  out  of  a  buoy  of  the  ordi- 
nary form. 

Other  Herbert's  buoys  stood  up  well,  for  instance 
that  in  the  West  Oaze. 

vSome  very  strong  Poulter's  buoys  were  observed  at 
stations  where,  as  at  the  Shivering  sand,  they  are 
very  apt  to  be  run  into.  In  this  instance  the  sphe- 
rical device  at  the  top  was  made,  not  of  thin  pieces 
of  wood  arr.auged  as  the  circumference  of  a  globe, 
but  of  stout  planks  in  the  form  of  half  segments  of 
circles  placed  radially,  and  capable  of  standing  a  hard 
blow.  These  buoys  were  very  steady,  having  a  broad 
base,  but  it  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  they  were 
observed  on  a  calm  day. 

Some  hollow  pile  beacons  were  passed.  These  had 
been  driven  into  the  ground  by  atmospheric  pressure. 
They  were  very  conspicuous.  It  was  related  that  a 
similar  one  was  erected  on  the  Goodwin  Sands,  being 
sunk  till  it  reached  the  chalk,  and  thus  a  permanent 
foundation  was  obtained. 

On  passing  the  North  Foreland  Lighthouse  a  little 
while  before  sunset,  it  was  remarked  that  it  could 
scarcely  be  distinguished  from  the  grey  sky. 

Saw  South  Sand  Head  and  the  Gull  Lights  burn- 
ing in  the  distance. 

Recent  experiments  on  the  firing  of  guns  at 
Holyhead,  the  comfort  of  keepers'  houses,  the  peculiar 
position  of  the  men  at  the  Seven  Stones  in  this  respect, 
and  other  matters,  formed  subjects  of  conversation. 


and  contended  that   it  was  properly  and  accurately  Special  Inspec- 
placed,  so  that  the  best  part  of  the  flame  illuminated  ''<""'• 
the  horizon. 

The  burner  was  then  replaced,  and  it  was  remarked 
that  the  position  of  the  horizon  seemed  to  vary  from  Direction  of 
that  formerly  observed.  Mr.  Wilkins  stated  that  the  ^"J"'^  ^  ^g 
lamp  had  been  lowered  one  eighth  of  an  inch  within  "'^P"^'^ 
the  last  three  days.  The  distance  from  the  horizon 
of  the  image  formed  in  the  place  of  the  flame  to 
the  brass  work  of  the  apparatus  was  measured  on 
a  bit  of  ground  glass,  and  compared  with  the  drawing 
made  on  a  previous  occasion,  and  the  card  sent  by  the 
keeper  at  the  i-equest  of  the  Commission,  which  shows 
the  place  of  the  sun  at  sunrise  to  correspond  with  the 
position  of  the  horizon  as  marked  in  the  drawing. 
The  difference  between  the  present  and  the  former 
position  of  the  burner,  according  to  these  observations, 
was  found  to  correspond  with  the  statement  of 
Mr.  Wilkins. 

The  effect  of  the  change  made  is  to  improve  the 
position  of  the  lamp  with  reference  to  the  prisms,  and 
to  injure  it  in  a  corresponding  degree  with  reference 
to  the  lens,  but  as  the  flame  at  this  lighthouse  has  a 
considerable  height,  this  alteration  does  not  materially 
affect  the  amount  of  light  thrown  by  the  lens  on 
the  horizon. 

The  question  then  for  consideration  is,  if  any,  or 
what  alteration  should  be  made  in  this  apparatus  as 
now  placed. 

Whether  to  lower  the  lamp  still  more,  so  as  to 
throw  the  light  from  the  prisms  still  lower,  and  to 
lower  the  lens  till  it  occupies  its  former  position  with 
reference  to  the  flame,  or  to  raise  the  lamp  to  its 
former  position,  and  alter  the  prisms  as  suggested  by 
Monsieur  Sautter,  or  to  make  some  other  alteration, 
or  to  leave  the  apparatus  as  it  is. 

It  was  remarked  that  the  shoulder  of  this  chimney  Angular 
produced  a  dark   line  in  the   light   of  the  lamp,   as  shoulder  of 
viewed    from   outside   the    apparatus    corresponding  c/'imne^. 
exactly  to  the  image  of  the  horizon. 


MEETINGS  AT  NORTB[  FORELAND 
AND  WHITBY. 

August  2nd. — Admiral  Hamilton,  Mr.  Gladstone, 
Captain  Ryder,  and  the  Secretary,  met  at  the 
ol.  II.  7'J.  f  J       ' 

'isii  to  Aorti,  207.  NORTH  FORELAND— No.  29. 

orelaiid,  with  Lighthouse.  They  were  accompanied  by  the  Astro- 
^prcsaitatives  ^^^^^(.^  Uoval.  They  were  met  by  a  deputation  of  the 
'■mse  Bmnh  Elder  Bre'thren  of  the  Trinity  House,  consisting  of 
e.  &r..  ami  the  ^''^  Deputy  Master,  Admiral  Gordon,  Captain  Bayly, 
'.itnummer  Captain  Close,  and  Captain  Weller,  who  were  accom- 
'".""'  panied  by  their  scientific  adviser  Professor  Faraday. 

They  were  met  by  Mr.  Thomas  Stevenson,  who  at- 
tended on  the  part  of  the  Commissioners  of  Northern 
Lighthouses  ;  by  Sir  James  Dombrain,  Captain 
Roberts,  and  Mr.  Halpin,  who  attended  on  the  part 
of  the  Ballast  Board  of  Dublin  ;  by  Monsieur  Sautter, 
the  maker  of  the  optical  portion  of  the  apparatus, 
who  had  come  from  Paris  ;  and  b}'  Mr.  James 
Chance,  the  maker  of  the  optical  portion  of  the 
apparatus  at  Whitby,  who  came  from  Birmingham, 
and  by  Mr.  Wilkins. 

The  Astronomer  Royal  pointed  out  to  the  gentle- 
men present  the  defects  which  he  had  observed,  the 
lamp  being  lit,  and  as  many  of  the  party  as  possible 
being  within  the  optical  apparatus,  and  in  the  lantern, 
where  they  could  best  hear  what  was  said. 

The  lamp  was  subsequently  extinguished,  and  the 
burner  removed,  two  cross  strings  were  fixed  in  the 
apparatus  to  indicate  its  centre,  and  a  wire  placed  on 
the  axis  of  the  instrument.  Monsieur  Sautter  pro- 
ceeded to  show  the  method  which  he  considered  to  be 
efl^ectual  for  exhibiting  the  qualities  of  his  apparatus, 

G 


August  3d. — Admiral  Hamilton,  Captain  Ryder, 
and  Dr.  Gladstone  met  and  talked  over  the  proceedings 
of  the  previous  day.  C'o/)^  Ryder. 

Captain  Ryder  read  a  paper  in  which  he  had 
entered  what  he  had  gathered  as  the  views  of  the 
difterent  persons  who  had  spoken  yesterday,  in  which 
the  questions  now  before  the  Commission,  and  for 
future  consideration,  were  stated  very  clearly.  The 
paper  contained  diagrams,  and  the  writer  argued  that 
the  most  important  question  was,  "  What  are  the  most 
brilliant  parts  of  a  lighthouse  flame  of  the  best 
description  ?  "  in  order  that  the  point  may  be  settled 
before  it  is  decided,  what  is  the  best  position  of  the 
lenses  and  prismswith  reference  to  the  flame.  Photographs. 

Dr.  Gladstone  was  requested  to  consider  what  were 
the  best  steps  to  be  taken  to  decide  this  question, 
and  the  photographs  of  lamp  flames  already  made  by 
the  Secretary  were  looked  at.  He  was  requested  to 
make  photographs  of  a  lighthouse  flame  at  various 
other  angles  of  vision,  so  as  to  experimentalize  on 
the  various  angles  of  flame  presented  to  the  surfaces 
of  the  upper  and  lower  prisms  and  the  lenses,  and 
for  this  purpose  to  proceed  with  Dr.  Gladstone  to 
make  the  experiment  accordingly.  y'l"  Drawing 

August  7th. — The   Secretary  made  certain   photo-  aui  onhil  ^ 
graphs  of  a  lamp  at  the  establishment  of  Mr.  Wilkins,'  volume. 
which  he  printed  on  the  8th,  and  showed  at  Whitby 
on  the  same  day. 

August  8th. — Admiral  Hamilton  and  the  Secretary 
went  to 

208,  209.  WHITBY,— No.  6,  7  \\  hitbv. 

and  met  Professor  Faraday  at  York.    The  minute   of  Professor 
the    observation  made  at  the  Point  of  Ayre,  on  the  Faraday. 
image  formed  by  a  reflector,  was  read   to  Professor 
Faraday,  as  also  the  minute  of  the  visit  to  the  North 
Foreland. 

The  drawings  made  at  the  North  and  South  Fore-  ^"9^  49,  53. 
land  and  at  Grisnez  were  also  shown  to  the  Professor, 
and  sundry  photographs. 


56 


APPENDIX   TO   REPORT   ON   LIGHTS,  BrOYS,  AXD  BEACONS  : 


On  arriving  at  Whitby,  rrofessor  Faraday,  accom- 
panied by  the  Secretary  and  Mr.  Halpiu,  visited  the 
two  lighthouses,  made  sucli  observations  as  could  be 
made  iu  the  short  time  available  at  the  north  light- 
house, and  examined  the  lamps  at  both,  after  they 
vrere  lit. 

The  general  impression  arrived  at  seemed  to  be 
that  the  account  given  by  the  Astronomer  Royal  in 
his  letter  to  the  Chairman  was  conlirmeil  by  these 
observations. 

Professor  Faraday  will  in  all  probability  report  his 
views  on  this  subject  to  the  Elder  Brethren  of  the 
Trinity  House. 

August  9th. — Admiral  Hamilton,  Captain  Eyder, 
and  Dr.  Gladstone  visited  the  lighthouses. 

Ml-.  Graves  was  prevented  from  meeting  the 
Commissioners,  and  telegraphed  to  explain  the 
cause. 

The  Deputy  Master  of  tlie  Trinity  House,  Captain 
Close,  Captain  Bayly,  and  Captain  Nesbit,  accom- 
panied by  Professor  Faraday  met  the  Commission. 

Mr.  Stevenson  and  Mr.  Halpin  were  also  present, 
as  well  as  INIr.  James  Chance,  the  maker  of  the 
apparatus.  Monsieur  Maselin  (his  assistant),  and 
Monsieur  Sautter  from  Paris. 

Monsieur  Sautter  produced  certain  photographs 
of  a  lamp  flame  which  he  had  executed  since  the 
meeting  uo  the  2d,  and  was  so  kind  as  to  present 
a  copy  to  the  Secretary  for  the  Commission. 

The  Secretary  in  return  presented  to  Monsieur 
Sautter  a  copy  of  those  taken  by  him  on  the  previous 
day. 

Dr.  Gladstone  on  the  part  of  the  Commissioners 
pointed  out  what  appeared  to  be  the  defects  iu  the 
lighthouse  apparatus,  and  his  account  of  the  meeting 
is  subjoined. 

It  appeared  in  the  north  lighthouse — 

1st.  That   the  lamp  flame  was  inferior  to   others 

seen  elsewhere,  though  much  better  than  some. 
2d.   That  the  lamp  was  slightly,  about  one  quarter 

of  an  inch,  out  of  place. 
3d.  That  the  whole    apparatus  sloped  towards  the 

sea,  which  defect  is  in  favour  of  the  prisms. 
4th.  That  there   are  no  mirrors  on  the   landward 
side,  and,  consequently,  that  about  one  half  of 
the  light  produced  is  lost  entirely. 
5th.  That   the  image  of  the  horizon  is  formed  a 
little   too   high  by  the  refracting  bands,  but  not 
in  such  a  degree  as  to  make  the   defect  impor- 
tant ;  especially  if  a  better   flame  were  intro- 
duced. 
6th.  That  the  image  of  the  horizon  formed  by  the 
upper  prisms,   falls  rather  too  far  forward,  but 
not  in  such  a  degree   as  to  make  the  light  in- 
eflicient  at  a  distance. 
Tth.  That  the  image  of  the  horizon  formed  by  the 
lower  prism  I'alls  too  low  ;  below  the  edge  of  the 
burner,  so  as  to  throw  nearly,  if  not  quite,  all  the 
light  which  falls  to  the  lower  prisms  upwards 
above  the  horizon,  except  in  the  direction  of  the 
other  lighthouse,  where  there  is  a  short  panel  in 
which   the   prisms  are  generally  well  adjusted, 
though  not  all. 
8th.  Tiiat  the  metal  chimney  above  the  flame  is 
too   short  below  the  first    opening,   because   on 
stopping  that  opening   and  altering  the  damper, 
the  flame  was  very  much  improved. 
9th.  That  the  form  of  the  chimney  was  very  defec- 
tive,  in    that   it   has   a  sharp    shoulder,   which 
materiall}'  interferes  with  the  direction  of    the 
light. 
It  appeared  to  some  of  the  gentlemen  present  that 
in  spite  of  the  observations  made  from  within,  light 
would  in  reality  be  seen  in  all  jnirts  of  the  apparatus 
from  the  sea.     It  was  decided  to  test  that  point  by 
the  manner  proposed  by  Captain  Ryder. 

The  keeper  was  instructed  to  cover  up  the  refract- 
ing band  at  a  preconcerted  signal,  and  on  returning 
to  Whitby  the  party  embarked  on  board  the  Trinity 
House  Yacht,  and  proceeded  to  sea.     On  covering 


i 


the  lens  it  was  manifest  that  no  light  radiating  directly 
from  the  lamp  was  to  be  seen  in  the  lower  prisms, 
but  that  a  weak  reflected  light,  that  from  the  inside 
of  the  lantern  or  from  some  other  source  was  barely 
seen  through  a  telescope. 

It  appeared  to  some  of  the  gentlemen  that  the  light 
would  be  seen  at  a  greater  distance,  the  vessel  there- 
fore ran  some  distance  to  sea,  when  the  experiment 
was  repeated,  and  witli  the  same  result. 

It  appeared  then  to  be  proved  that  the  observations  Result. 
made    from  within  were  confirmed    by  those  made 
from  without. 

Where  the  light  had  appeared  to  be  thrown  too  high 
it  was  found  to  be  invisible  from  the  sea. 

Where  it  appeared  to  be  properly  directed,  it  was 
seen  from  a  distance. 

South  lighthouse. 

Similar  observations  were  made  inside.  See  Dr. 
Gladstone's  remarks. 

It  was  observed  from  the  sea  that  the  light  did  not 
appear  as  a  continuous  line  when  \-iewed  through  the 
telescope,  but  as  a  broken  line,  proving  that  some 
parts  of  the  apparatus  are  not  properly  set  for  the 
existing  lamp. 

The  Chairman  requested  Mr.  Chance  to  write  to 
the  Trinity  House,  suggesting  the  alterations  which, 
as  he  thinks,  should  be  made  in  this  apparatus. 

Professor  Faraday  wUl  make  his  report  to  the 
Trinity  House,  and  it  is  proposed  to  request  that 
copies  of  these  documents  may  lie  furnished  to  the 
Commissioners.  c    j 

The  Secretary  made  several  photographs  from  ,,-J,  j"^"'?^ 
rarious  points  to  illustrate  the  proceedings,  one  from  yoi  //.  goj. 
a  point  between  the  lighthouses  and  below  tliem,  to 
show  the  general  position  ;  one  of  the  south  light- 
house, from  the  gallery  of  the  northern  lighthouse, 
showing  the  horizon,  and,  consequently,  the  angle  of 
dip. 

It  was  subsequently  found  that  on  looking  from 
the  other  lighthouse,  tlie  horizon  occupied  the  same 
position  with  reference  to  the  northern  lighthouse, 
and  that  both  are  on  the  same  level. 

Another  photograph  was  taken  from  the  gallery  to 
show  the  angle  filled  by  the  image  of  the  sea. 

And  two  were  taken  from  the  inside,  iu  which  the 
flame  and  the  image  of  the  horizon  coincident  with 
it  could  be  traced,  and  their  respective  positions 
determined. 

So  far  it  is  proved,  therefore,  that,  under  favour- 
able circumstances,  the  position  of  the  image  in  the 
lamp  flame  can  be  photograjihically  determined  at 
one  observation. 

191.  One  of  the  harbour  lights  at  Whitby  was 
visited.  There  are  three  reflectors  placed  in  a  tower 
with  gas-light  flames. 

The  chimneys  are  of  green  glass  and  peculiar  in 
their  form. 

The  eflect  of  the  bulging  shoulder,  though  good  as 
regards  the  transmission  of  the  rays,  is  bad  as  regards 
the  production  of  light.  The  lights  from  the  sea  both 
showed  green,  and  appeared  efticieut,  but  the  polish 
of  the  reflector  in  this,  as  in  other  cases,  was  in- 
ferior to  that  of  reflectors  in  Trinity  House,  and 
similar  lighthouses. 

T/ic  following  is  the  account  of  Dr.  Gladstone  : — 
Having  di-scussed  some  optical  questions,  and  the  o^.  GtadsUm 
Astronomer  Royal's  letter  relating  to  the  Whitby  accounf. 
lights,  the  party  proceeded  to  tlie  lights  in  question. 
These  are  set  on  two  white  towers,  with  the  usual 
dwellings  on  a  clifi" ;  they  are  of  thb  same  altitude,  viz. 
240  feet  above  the  sea  level,  and  are  2o8  yards  apiirt. 
The  northern  tower  was  first  entered.  The  illumi- 
nating apparatus  was  found  to  be  first  class  catadiop- 
trie,  illuminating  rather  more  than  half  the  circle, 
without  mirrors  at  the  back,  manufactiux'd  by  Messrs. 
Chance. 

Mr.  Masselin,  who  had  superintended  the  fixing  of 
the  apparatus  on  the  site,  tested  the  position  of  the 
lamp  by  means  of  the  cross  string,  and  found  it  one 


PERSONAL   OBSERVATIONS   MADE   BY   COMMISSIONKES. 


57 


eighth  of  au  inch  too  high,  according  to  Fresnel's 
rule,  and  only  one  sixteenth  of  an  inch  out  of  the 
centre.  From  the  interior  of  the  apparatus  Dr. 
Gladstone  then  examined  the  relation  of  tlie  diflerent 
parts  to  the  horizon  and  sea,  and  explained  to  the 
Deputy  Master,  Professor  Faraday,  Mr.  Stevenson, 
and  others  what  were  considered  to  be  errors  of  ad- 
justment. The  line  of  the  horizon,  as  seen  through 
the  central  lentieular  zones  comes  just  one  inch  above 
the  lamp  in  the  case  of  three  of  the  panels,  but 
1  •  3  inch  in  a  small  panel  to  the  south,  and  as  high 
as  1  •  4  inch  in  the  remaining  panel. 

There  was  no  apparent  cause  for  this  discrepancy 
in  the  setting,  nor  could  Mr.  Masselin  offer  any  ex- 
planation. The  upper  and  lower  lenticular  segments 
generally  agreed  tolerably  closely  mth  the  central 
lens  of  the  same  panel,  but  in  some  instances  they 
differed  widely. 

When  the  lamp  was  lighted  subsequently,  its  flame 
was  found  to  be  good  for  a  height  of  about  two 
inches,  so  that  only  three  of  the  panels  were  well  set 
for  it,  and  had  it  been  one  eighth  of  an  inch  lower 
(according  to  Fresnel's  rule)  so  much  good  light 
would  have  been  lost,  while  even,  as  at  present  fixed, 
the  lenticular  zones  could  send  little  light  to  a  steamer 
that  happened  to  be  passing  at  some  distance  and 
o-ave  an  image  three  inches  above  the  lamp,  or  to 
smaller  vessels  that  were  still  nearer  to  the  shore. 

Of  the  upper  series  of  prisms  the  lower  reflectors 
were  evidently  adjusted  for  the  focal  planes  decided 
on  by  Fresnel,  but  the  highest  three  or  four  directed 
their  light  too  much  towards  the  sky.  Of  the  lower 
series  of  prisms,  the  reflectors  had  their  focal  planes 
so  low  that  nothing  but  sky  was  seen  in  them 
through  the  place  where  the  main  body  of  flame  is. 
It  was  difficult  to  determine  the  position  of  the  foci_ 
of  these  reflectors  on  account  of  the  irregularity  of 
the  curved  surfaces,  and  the  numerous  strise  in  the 
glass. 

The  colour  of  the  glass  was  considered  very  good, 
but  it  did  not  appear  to  be  so  free  from  blemishes  as 
the  French.  The  astragals  of  the  lantern  are  slant- 
ing, but  those  of  the  apparatus  itself  are  vertical. 

"rhe  party  then  proceeded  to  the  southern  tower, 
and  found  the  arrangements  of  the  lantern  and  appa- 
ratus similar  to  those  already  described,  with  the 
addition  of  silvered  reflectors  on  the  land  side,  which 
showed  a  good  polish.  The  line  of  the  horizon  in 
the  central  lenses,  instead  of  being  M  inch  above 
the  lamp,  as  Fresnel  de-sires,  varied  in  the  five 
panels  from  1-4  to  1-5  inch,  while  the  image  of 
a  passing  ship  came  3-2  inch  above  the  lamp.  To 
increase  the  mischievous  action  of  this  adjustment, 
it  is  the  square  shoulder  of  the  lamp  glass  that  is 
traversed  by  the  horizontal  line,  and  the  lamp  gives  a 
singularly  poor  flame.  The  keeper  termed  it  a 
2^  inch  flame,  but  he  reckoned  from  the  metal  to  the 
tips  of  the  points.  Reckoning  from  the  commence- 
ment of  the  yellow  part,  which  was  0-5  of  an  inch 
above  the  metal,  to  the  top  of  the  undivided  luminous 
mass,  it  only  amounted  to  1  •  0  inch,  and  scarcely 
that  for  the  outer  ring  ;  so  that  in  reality  the  sea, 
even  at  the  horizon,  was  being  illuminated  only  by 
the  irregular  tongues  of  flame,  as  far  at  least  as  the 
central  lenticular  bands  are  concerned.  When  the 
flame  was  improved  (as  will  be  presently  described), 
the  body  of  iiame  reached  scarcely  two  inches  above 
the  metal  lamp,  and  the  tongues  rose  at  the  highest 
to  3-5  inches,  so  that  even  then  the  best  part  of  the 
light  was  lost.  The  remarks  made  on  the  prismatic 
zones  of  the  other  lighthouse  apply  equally  in  this 
case. 

The  lamp,  as  in  the  other  house,  has  three  wicks. 
It  is  not  considered  an  overflow  lamp  ;  nevertheless, 
there  is  an  overflow  of  about  one  fourth  of  the  oil 
consumed.  M.  Sautter  stated  the  French  practice 
to  be  to  cause  three  or  four  times  the  amount  of  oil 
actually  burnt  to  overflow.  The  lamp  glass  expanded 
very  perceptibly  from  the  bottom  to  the  shoulder, 
which  was  nearly  square.     When  placed  in  position 

I. 


Special 
Inspections. 

Whitbt. 


with  its  top  entering  the  iron  chimney  it  could  not 
be  made  perpendicular.  There  was  an  opening  and 
deflector  in  the  iron  chimney  at  the  height  of  2  feet 
1 1  inches,  another  at  the  height  of  6  feet,  and  a  third 
still  higher.  In  order  to  test  the  effect  of  a  longer 
continuous  chimney,  Professor  Faraday  covered  the 
lower  opening  with  paper,  which  instantly  produced 
more  draft,  evidencing  itself  by  a  depression  and  a 
greater  whiteness  of  the  flame.  By  turning  up  the 
wicks  and  regulating  the  damper,  it  was  now  found  ' 
that  a  considerably  higher  flame  could  be  maintained. 
On  removing  the  paper,  this  flame  started  up  into 
long  yellow  smoky  peaks,  showing  that  more  oil  was 
being  supplied  than  could  then  be  completely  con- 
sumed. When  the  six  feet  continuous  chimney  was 
lengthened  by  covering  the  opening  at  that  altitude 
also,  a  further  improvement  of  the  flame,  slight 
indeed,  but  evident,  was  effected. 

During  the  course  of  this  experiment  it  had  been 
discovered  by  looking  from  the  gallery  and  adjoining 
buildings,  that  a  good  light  was  shining  from  the 
lamp  in  the  northern  tower,  through  the  lower  reflec- 
tors in  the  direction  of  the  horizon,  and  a  better  light 
still  in  the  direction  of  the  sea,  while  little  light  was 
proceeding  towards  the  sky.  Before  going  to  the 
northern  lighthouse  to  ascertain  the  cause  of  this, 
Dr.  Gladstone  re-entered  the  lantern,  and  observed 
the  image  of  the  northern  tower  in  the  lower  series 
of  reflectors  through  the  flame  then  burning.  In  the 
lowest  reflector  the  gallery  was  just  visible  ;  in  the 
second  and  third  from  the  bottom,  the  middle  of  the 
of  the  lantern  ;  and  in  the  fourth  and  fifth  the  upper 
part  of  it,  while  the  sixth  and  highest  was  obscuied 
by  a  bar.  The  party  then  returned  to  the  northern 
tower,  and  found  that  the  small  panel  of  lower 
reflectors,  through  which  the  light  had  been  seen 
from  the  southern  tower,  is  adjusted  differently  to 
the  others,  and  has,  in  fact,  its  focal  planes  in  the 
anterior  portion  of  the  flame. 

When  standing  on  the  gallery  of  this  tower,  a  little 
light  could  be  seen  in  the  lowest  reflector  of  the  lower 
series  of  the  southern  lighthouse  ;  on  ascending  a 
ladder  it  became  more  luminous,  and  as  the  ascent 
was  continued,  light  made  its  appearance  successively 
in  the  second,  third,  fourth,  and  fifth  reflectors ;  and 
at  the  top  of  the  tower  the  tfth  was  the  most  lumi- 
nous of  all.  Thus,  in  both  these  instances,  the 
practical  test  confirmed  the  observations  made  within 
the  lantern,  and  showed  that  the  panel  of  lower 
prisms  was  in  the  one  instance  set  in  such  a  manner 
as  to  be  of  great  service,  and  in  the  other  so  as  to  be 
useless. 

On  attempting  to  rotate  the  apparatus  in  the  north 
tower,  it  was  found  that  it  had  become  fixed  by  the 
sinking  of  the  whole  table  on  one  side,  caused,  no 
doubt,  by  the  optical  apparatus  pressing  with  nearly 
all  its  weight  on  that  half  of  the  table. 

Mr.  Chance  undertook  to  suggest  to  the  Commission 
such  means  as,  on  full  consideration,  should  appear  to 
him  the  most  feasible  for  correcting  these  errors  of 
adjustment. 

In  the  evening  the  Commissioners  and  others  of  the  Diitinction. 
party   were    received    on    board    the    "  Irene,"    and  Eedhght, 
steamed  past  the  sunken  reef,  which  is  marked  by  the  '""^  ^^   *• 
two    lights  being    in    one,    and    within    which    the 
northern  light  shines  red.     As  they  advanced  towards 
the  front  of  the  cliff  on  which  the  lights  stand,  they 
observed  that  the  northern   maintained,  except  for  a 
minute  or  two,  a  very   decided  superiority  over  the 
southern  light.     At  a  preconcerted  signal  from    the 
yacht,  the   keeper  in  the  northern  house  covered  up 
the  lenticular  portion  of  his  apparatus,  when  a  great 
diminution  of  light  was  manifest,  and  the  telescope 
revealed   that  whilst  copious  rays  were  proceeding 
from  the   upper  series  of  reflectors,  a  very  faint  light 
was  alone  visible  in  the  lower   series.     The  steamer 
then  proceeded  to  a  distance  of  what  was  estimated 
by  the  commander  to  be  between  four  and  five  miles 
from  the  shore,  when  the   signal  was  repeated,  with 
precisely  the  same  results,  even  when  the  light  was 

H 


5S 


APPEXDTX   TO   REPORT   ON   LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND   BEACONS  : 


Special 
Inspections 


viewed  from  the  top  of  the  paddle-boxes,  a  position 
neailv  equivpl 'rt  to  the  horizon.  As  the  yacht 
approached  A\  aitl>y,  in  returning,  it  was  observed 
that  in  the  southern  light  it  was  only  the  lowest  of 
the  lower  series  of  reflectors  that  were  giving  any 
available  rays,  and  that  the  whole  light  was  cut  across 
the  middle  by  a  dark  biind,  suggesting  the  idea  of  tho 
central  lenticular  zone,  throwing  no  light  whatever 
upon  that  part  of  the  sea. 


Additional  Observations  of  Dr.  Gladstone 
on  Lights  in  the  English  Channel,  under 
Local  Authorities. 

August   2.  —  In    company   with    Captain    Close 
visited  the 

206.  RAM  SG  ATE 
Vol.  11.  354.     Ked    Light,    which    had    been    seen     the    previous 
Observations  bi/ cxening.^   As  on  the  previous  visit  it  was  remarked 
Dr.  Gladstone,   that   the    order  and    cleanliness   almost    universal   in 
lishts  belonging  to  the  general  Boards  were  not  exhi- 
bited  here.     On   the  glass  of  the   apparatus  were  a 
great  many  little  spots  of  paint,  which  tho   keeper 
supposed  to  have  come  when  the  room  was  painted, 
a  month  previously.     The  keeper  at  the  North  Fore- 
land subsequently  stated  that  he  cleaned  the  glass  of 
his  lisht  with  spirits  of  v>-ine  about  twice  a  week. 

The  illuminating  apparatus  is  of  French  manufac- 
ture, and  some  pieces  of  the  glass  are  full  of  bubbles. 
The  lamp  was  lighted,  and  found  to  give  an  external 
flame  of  about  an  inch  in  height,  and  an  internal  one 
of  from  two  to  three  inches.  The  sea  horizon,  as 
viewed  through  the  lenses,  cut  the  flame  0*4  inch 
above  the  lamp,  which  is  just  at  the  commencement 
of  the  bright  portion,  a  good  adjustment  for  throwing 
the  light  on  to  the  sea  -."but  it  was  far  otherwise  with 
tho  reflectors.  On  looking  into  the  upp'-r  series  of 
prisms  it  was  evident  that  very  nearly  all  the  rays 
emanating  from  the  flame  were  sent  by  them  up  into 
the  skv,  and  on  looking  into  the  lower  series  all  the 
rays  impinging  on  tliem  appeared  to  be  sent  upwards. 
Thus  the  upper  reflectors  are  rendered  nearly  use- 
less, and  the  lower  ones  worse  than  useless,  by  the 
want  of  proper  adjustment,  and  the  efficiency  of  an 
otherwise  good  lighthouse  is  much  diminished. 

Tho  green  light  on  the  cliff  was  also  visited.  It  is 
intended  to  be  seen  in  one  with  the  red  light  to  navi- 
gate the  channel.  It  is  placed  on  a  cliff  and  on  a  tall 
lamp-post,  so  that  vessels  in  the  harbour  can  scarcely 
obscure  it  :  it  is  a  gas  lamp  with  three  jets,  and  a 
reflector  behind  that  seemed  to  be  tolerably  bright  ; 
special  provision  is  made  for  ventilation  ;  the  green 
colour  is  given  by  bottle-green  glazing  ;  and  a  com- 
mon gas  lamp  near  at  hand  was  ma-ked  towards  tho 
sea.  Thus  this  light  shows  intelligence  in  its  arrange- 
ment, and  forms  a  great  contrast  to  tlie  green  gaslight 
at  Dover. 
I  Aagnst    17th. — Another  green    gas  lamp  was   in- 

spected at 
Vol.  II.  24.  192.  BRIGHTON. 

It  stands  in  a  high  position  at  the  end  of  the  i)ier. 
It  has  only  one  jet,  and  that  was  found  to  be  leaning 
very  much  over  on  one  side.  This  is  enclosed  in  a 
large  gas  lamp,  with  unusually  thick  broad  frame- 
work, and  thick  green  glass.  The  consequence  of  this 
is  that  the  light  can  be  seen  only  with  diflRculty  on  a 
clear  night  at  the  distance  of  a  mile,  whereas  tho 
common  gas  lamps  on  the  pier  show  brightly  at  much 
greater  distances,  and  in  some  azimuths  ihere  is 
scarcely  any  light  at  all. 

Under  this  light  there  is  a  bell,  which  .'s  said  to  be 
lung  during  a  fog,  but  only  between  4  am.  and  10  jJ-m. 
August  18th. — Tlio  two  liglits  at 

Vol.  11.349.  193.  NEWIIAVEN 

were  visited.  They  stand  on  the  pier,  and  are  in- 
tended for  leading  into  tlic  harbour  when  brought  into 


one.     The  innermost  one  was   found  to  be  a  wooden 
tower,  containing  a  very  antiquated  arrangement   for 
illumination.    It  consists  of  a  metallic  reservoir  for  oil 
with   three  holes   in   the  upper  part,  through  which 
rise  three  cotton  wicks.     There   are  no   lamp  glasses,  jj^fecis. 
or  other  means  of  regulating  the  draft,  and  no  means 
of  raising  or  lowering  the  wicks  except  by  the  point 
of  the  scissors.     Sperm  oil  is  burnt,  which   has  to  be 
kept  hot  in  winter.     The  keeper,  an  intelligent  man 
for  his  station,   mentioned  that  they  had  once  tried 
colza  oil,  but  found  it  unsuited  to  the  lamp,  and  they 
had  once  contemplated   burning  gas,  but  the  autho- 
rities were  deterred  by  the    first   outlay  of  laying   a 
pipe  from  the   neighbouring  town.     So  the  expensive 
sperm  oil  is  retained.     The  lamp  smokes  so  much  that 
file  keeper  has  to  clean  the  place  every  other  day,  and 
he  has  painted  it  all  black,  so  as  to  show  the  soot  and 
dirt  less.     Behind  the  lamp  is  a  segment  of  a  cylinder 
covered    with    long   narrow   strips   of    quicksilvered 
glass,   not  curved,  but  flat.     This  reflector   being  of 
a   primitive  character    and    very   old    is   the    worse 
for  wear.     Its    position  in   respect  to  tho  lamp  was 
improved  by  the  present  keeper,  but  there  is  nothing 
beyond  his  judgment  to  determine  where  it  is  to  be 
placed.     Above  the  lamp  is  a  hole  with  a  cowl  and 
vane  over  it.     In  front  of  the  lamp  is  a  window  with 
a  broad   piece    of  framework   as   a   support   exactly 
op])osite  the  middle  wick,  so  that  the  light  from  this 
wick  is  entirely  cut  ott'from  vessels  when  in  the  act  of 
making  the  harbour. 

The  outer  light  is  in  a  small  wooden  house  on  the 
pier,  which  goes  on  a  railway,  and  is  brought  into 
position  at  night  and  shunted  out  of  the  way  by  day. 
The  description  of  the  internal  arrangements  of  the 
inner  liglit  apply  equ.ally  in  this  case,  only  there  are  in 
addition  red  jianes  of  glass  in  frames  which  are  placed 
against  the  window  at  certain  states  of  the  tide. 

The  keeper,  or  his  mate,  remains  at  night  in  a  little 
pilot  house  on  the  pier.  They  keep  the  two  lights  as 
clean  as  can  be  expected  with  such  lamps. 

The  tide  signals,  consisting  of  flag   and  balls,  and 
the  tide  gauge  were  also  observed. 
August  20th. — Another  visit  was  paid  to  the  light  at 


212.  SHOREHAM, 


Vol.  II.  3.' 


prineijially  with  the  view  of  observing  the  adjust- 
ment of  the  dioptric  apparatus.  The  establishment 
was  found  as  described  a  year  previously  but  it 
was  in  a  very  dirty  condition.  This  was  due  to  the 
windy  weather,  which  caused  the  lamp  to  smoke  to  Defects. 
such  an  extent  that  even  at  the  time  of  the  visit, 
which  was  about  noon,  flakes  of  soot  were  falling  from 
the  roof,  even  on  to  the  dioptric  apparatus  itself,  and 
they  were  trodden  into  the  floor  and  steps  of  the  light- 
hou.se.  The  keeper  complained,  reasonably  enough, 
that  there  were  no  lockers  or  other  means  of  keeping 
his  cloths,  wicks,  scissors,  &c.  apart. 

Tho  dioptric  apparatus  was  made  by  M.  Le  Paute, 
and  the  workmanship  is  not  equal  to  that  of  the  more 
modern  ones  lately  seen.  Through  the  central  len- 
ticular band  the  line  of  the  sea  horizon  was  found  to 
be  projected  0'65  inch  above  the  lamp,  the  image  of 
the  open  sea  extended  thence  to  a  height  of  0'9  inch, 
and  the  inner  lagoon  and  entrance  to  the  harbour 
stretched  from  1 '  1  inch  to  £  inches  above  the  metal. 
This  position  seemed  to  make  the  most  advantageous 
use  of  the  flame.  The  upper  reflectors  were  for  the 
most  part  well  placed.  There  were  three  rings  of 
lower  reflectors  The  highest  was  admirably  set  to 
throw  the  light  of  the  lamp  on  to  the  distant  .sea,  as 
was  shown  by  that  portion  of  the  landscape  being 
projected  just  above  the  metal  of  the  lamp  ;  the  middle 
and  lowest  brought  the  image  of  the  sea  against  the 
metal  rim  itself,  so  that  only  the  side  portions  of  the 
light  were  ser\'iceable  through  then). 

This  dioptric  apparatus  therefore  was  better  ad- 
justed than  tlie  superior  one  at  Ramsgatc,  or  than 
some  of  the  1st  order  which  have  been  seen  ;  and  this 
goes  far  to  account  for  the  higli  character  which  the 
Shoreham  light  bears  along  tho  neighbouring  coast. 


PERSONAL   OBSERVATIONS   JIADE   BY   COJDIIKSfONERS. 


59 


Aservalioiis  hy      August  29tli. — An  inspection  was  made  of  the  light 
V.  Gladstone,    at 

ol.  11.  404.  213.  FOLKESTONE. 

It  was  evening,  and  the  door  of  the  lower  at  the  end 
of  the  pier  was  open,  but  no  person  seemed  to  be  in 
charge  of  the  light,  so  that  it  was  at  the  mercy  of  the 
public. 

The  tower  is  a  neat  pentagonal  wooden  edifice,  with 
five  windows  at  top.  Opposite  each  window  is  a  gas 
burner,  and  what  purports  to  be  a  reflector.  Four  of 
these  burners  are  bat's  wing  jets,  but  so  corroded  that 
they  were  found  burning  with  flames  of  various  shapes 
and  sizes,  and  behind  each  is  a  slightly  concave 
mirror,  apparently  of  brass,  but  encrusted  with  oxide 
and  dirt.  The  fifth  is  an  Argand  burner,  but  the  gas 
could  only  issue  from  two  of  the  holes,  from  which 
were  rising  two  large  separate  jets  of  flame,  and 
behind  this  was  a  small  ordinary  parabolic  reflector, 
doubtless  silvered,  but  retaining  no  trace  of  polish. 
The  windows  opposite  this  and  the  two  other  burners 
which  showed  seaward  were  of  red  glass,  that  which 
showed  towards  the  harbour  and  town  was  colourless, 
and  the  remaining  one,  which  was  intended  for  the 
sea  just  outside  the  opposite  pier,  was  dulled  by  being 
coated  with  a  thin  semi-transparent  layer  of  paint. 

Over  the  burners  was  a  bent  ventilating  apparatus, 
but  it  was  rusted  through  in  large  holes  so  as  to 
defeat  its  object.  The  inside  of  the  tower  was  very 
dirty,  and  the  whole  arrangements  showed  want  of  in- 
telligence in  the  first  instance,  and  neglect  afterwards. 
On  August  3 1st  the  establishment  of  Messrs.  Sautter 
at  Avenue  Montaigne,  Paris,  was  visited.  Tiiere  was 
little  that  attracted  notice  as  novel  after  the  visits 
paid  to  the  similar  works  of  M.  Le  Paute  and  Mr, 
Chance.  Some  beautiful  small  pieces  of  dioptric  appa- 
ratus, similar  to  those  used  in  lighthouses,  but  smaller, 
were  seen.  They  were  intended  for  ships'  lights,  and 
naturally  suggested  the  idea  of  how  necessary  it  is  to 
keep  advancing  in  the  brilliancy  of  lights  intended  as 
permanent  signals.  In  one  room  there  were  being 
fitted  up  a  revolving  light  for  the  African  coast,  and  a 
first  order  apparatus  for  the  Island  of  Capri,  where  it 
is  said  there  has  been  no  lighthouse  since  the  days  of 
Tiberius  Ctesar. 

J.  H.  Gladstone. 


Iseroations  hy  CAP  D'AILLY. 

Int.  liyUcr.  „  ,    „       _ 

started  tor  I'rance  on  the  3rd  of  September  1860, 
to  join  the  Astronomer  Rojal.  Our  principal  object 
was  to  examine  carefully  the  adjustment  of  the  lenses 
at  Cap  d'Ailly,  lighthouse,  to  ascertain  how  far  they 
were  adjusted  to  the  visible  horizon.  Landed  at  Calais, 
and  from  thence  by  diligence  and  rail  to  Dieppe. 

As  this  was  the  second  visit  I  had  paid  to  this 
first-class  lighthouse  (see  Personal  Observations  p.  40) 
it  is  unnecessary  to  say  more  than  that  we  made  the 
most  careful  observations  of  each  separate  leus,  and 
of  each  of  the  various  prisms,  the  operation  occupying 
several  hours.  The  result  is  given  in  the  Astronomer 
Royal's  letter  on  the  subject  (see  p.  85)  ;  and 
with  the  opinions  there  expressed  I  entirely  con- 
cur. The  prisms,  although  on  the  whole  well 
adjusted  to  the  horizon,  had  apparently  not  been 
tested  after  the  frames  were  erected  at  the  lighthouse, 
as  was  subsequently  done  at  South  Whitby,  in  Octo- 
ber, I860,  after  the  defects  in  that  light  had  been 
ascertained  ;  otherwise  that  perfect  precision  of  ad- 
justment, which,  as  we  saw  at  Whitby,  was  quite 
attainable,  and  which  was  finally  accomplished  by 
Mr.  Chance,  would  have  been  found  at  Ailly. 

This  was  not  the   case  ;   adjoining   prisms  varied 
from   one  another,  to  an  amount  sufficient  to   show 
that  there  had  been  no  process  of  internal  adjustment 
subsequent  to  erection. 
&  page  86.  We   were  detained  at   Dieppe  for  two  days,  and 

returned  to  England  on  the  7th  of  September. 

Alfred  P.  Rtdee. 


11th  October,  I860.— Captain  Ryder,  Mr.  Graves, 
and  Mr.  Gladstone  met  a  deputation  of  the  Trinity 
House  at 


H 


215,  216.  WHITBY  Spedal 

for   the  purpose  of  witnessing  the  result   of  certain     Inspections, 
experiments  carried  out  by  Mr.  Chance  and  Professor      to- 
Faraday  at  the  South  Light.    Admiral  Hamilton  and  ''"'^^' 

the  Secretary  joined  the  Commissioners  in  the  evening. 
12th  October — The  Commissioners  proceeded  to 
the  lighthouses,  and  several  positions  were  selected 
distant  about  500  yards  from  the  lighthouse  from 
which  to  view  the  effect  of  the  changes  which  had 
been  made. 

In  the  evening  the  Commissioners  viewed  the  light  Experiments. 
from  three  different  positions,  panels  being  brought 
in  succession  opposite  to  the  points  of  observation. 
One  position  was  selected  as  coinciding  with  the 
direction  of  the  horizon,  another  above  it,  and  a  third 
considerably  below  it. 

A  very  marked  difference  was  observed  in  the  ^>'<'««''- 
panels.  At  the  highest  position  one  gave  decidedly 
less  light  than  the  others  ;  at  tlie  lowest  position  the 
same  panel  gave  a  great  deal  more  ;  at  the  level  of  the 
horizon  it  was  very  difficult  to  discover  any  difference. 
It  seemed  then  to  be  proved  that  the  light  thrown 
above  the  horizon  may  be  advantageously  brought 
lower,  so  as  to  illuminate  the  sea  near  the  lighthouse 
without  injuring  the  efficiency  of  the  light  as  seen 
from  the  most  diistant  point  of  the  horizon. 

13th  October. — The    Commissioners   again  visited  Arljustmem. 
the  light,  and  witnessed  the  method  pursued  by  xVlr. 
Chance  in  adjusting  some  of  the  prisms. 

A  pole  with  a  white  cross  board  was  fixed  at  some  MeihotI  of 
distance  and  graduated,   so  that  a  line  drawn  from  internal  obser- 
tbe  centre  of  each  prism  to  the  horizon  should  cut  the  ''"'""'• 
lower  edge  of  the  board.     An  observer  behind  the 
burner   within    the    apparatus   looked   over    a    scale 
placed  on  the  burner  through  the  prism  to  be  adjusted 
towards  the  white  board,  and  a  workman  moved  the 
portion  of  the   prism  with  wedges   until  the   white 
board  was  seen  in  the  required  direction. 

The  prisnt  which  had  been  cast  loose  in  the  brass 
frame  was  then  fixed  with  plaster  of  Paris,  and  each 
prism  in  turn  was  so  adjusted.  Other  panels  had 
been  by  the  same  process  adjusted,  some  to  throw  the 
centre  of  the  beam  of  light  to  the  geometrical  horizon 
(that  is  considerably  above  the  visible  horizon),  others 
to  points  within  the  visible  horizon. 

In  the  evening  the  Commission  embarkprl  oti  board 
a  steamer  provided  by  the  Trinity  House,  and  pro- 
ceeded to  observe  the  result  of  the  arrangements  from 
the  sea. 

The  North  Light  had  been  left  as  it  was  found  by  Experiment. 
the  Commission  on  a  former  occasion  for  comparison. 
It  was  tlien  pronounced  to  bo  somewhat  superior  to 
the  South  Light.  It  was  now  manifestly  inferior 
when  viewed  from  a  distance  of  a  few  miles.  From 
the  greatest  distance  reached  the  difference  was  hardly 
perceptible.  The  difference  between  the  panels 
which  were  brought  successively  opposite  to  the 
position  of  the  steamer  was  in  like  manner  hardly 
perceptible  at  the  great  distance,  but  well  marked 
from  the  nearer  position. 

The  central  band  of  lenses  was  covered,  and  the  same 
series  of  experiments  repeated  with  the  prisms  aloue. 

The  amount  of  light  thrown  by  these  was  remark-  Seepage  63. 
able.    It  was  thought  by  some  of  the  gentlemen  present 
that  the  South  Light  with  the  prisms  alone  was  nearly 
as  brilliant  in  comparison  with  the  North  Light  as  it 
was  previous  to  the  alterations  with  its  full  power. 

Professor  Faraday  took   full   notes   of  all  the  pro-  ■S'ee  Professor 
ceedings;  and  it  was  suggested  (hat  the  Commission  P^>'<""'!/'^ 
would  do  well  to  apply  to  the  Elder  Brethren  for  a  ^'P"''' P-  ^^■ 
copy  of  any  report  which  he  may  make,  and  for  their 
sanction  to  its  publication  in  the  Appendix. 

Additional    Observations  of  Admiral  Ha-  Vol.  n.  39-f. 
milton  on  Local  Lights,  East  Coast  oi  observations  by 

Scotland.  Admiral 

Hamilton, 
217.  BODDAM, 
(Two  miles  south  of  Peterhead,  Aberdeenshire.) 
Lights  of  this  harbour  examined  on  6th  October 
1860.     They  consist  of  four  lights,    red,   exhibited 


60 


APPENDIX   TO   EEPORT   ON   LIGHTS,  SCOTS,  AND   BEACONS  : 


Special 

Jnspections. 


Vol.  II.  3W. 


Ireland. 
Vol.  Il.iXS. 


Apparatus, 


during  the  fisTiin?:  season.  A  large  fleet  of  lierrin<r 
boats  frequent  this  harbour,  to  whose  crews,  as  well 
as  to  those  of  the  Peterhead  boats,  these  lights  are  of 
creat  service.  The  lamps  are  furnished  with  para- 
bolic reflectors  eleven  inches  in  diameter.  Lamps 
and  reflectors  in  excellent  order, — a  condition  due  to 
the  care  and  attention  of  James  Chivas,  who  has 
charge  of  the  lights.  This  man  is  one  of  the  ''  occa- 
sional keepers  "  in  the  employ  of  the  Northern  Lights 
Commissioners  ;  and  has  been  six  years  so  employed. 
He  is  occasionally  stationed  at  the  adjoining  light- 
house of  Buchan  Ness,  a  light  under  the  Nortlieru 
Commissioners,  and  being  on  good  terms  with  the 
lightkeepers  there,  he  has  borrowed  some  of  their 
chimney  glasses,  which  are  on  the  French  model  with 
sloping  shoulders,  and  applied  them  to  the  Boddam 
Harbour  lamps  ;  and  the  combined  results  of  this 
man's  acquaintance  with  his  business,  and  his  means 
of  procuring  what  he  knows  to  be  necessary,  are  a 
set  of  coloured  lights  which  are  reputed  to  be  not 
only  of  the  utmost  service  to  the  Boddam  and  Peter- 
head boats,  but  to  the  passing  trade  generally. 

These  red  lights  are  produced  by  coloured  shades 
on  glass  sides  in  an  extra  sized  street  lamp  on  a 
sliding  iron  pedestal  about  twelve  feet  in  height. 
James  Chivas  had  adjusted  the  stem  of  the  reflectors 
to  the  focus  of  the  flame  by  an  ingenious  and  simple 
contrivance  by  means  ot  cut  corks,  and  the  result  is 
a  brilliant  light  thrown  on  the  narrow  and  rocky 
channels  leading  to  the  harbour.  The  lamps  and 
reflectors  seemed  to  have  been  originally  fitted  with 
small  consideration  as  to  their  relative  connection, 
whilst  their  present  adjustment  seems  to  illustrate 
the  necessity  of  a  proper  inspection  of  local  lights, 
and  the  advantage  of  there  being  properly  instructed 
persons  to  take  charge  of  them. 

6th  October,  1860,  10  p.m.— Revisited 

PETERHEAD, 

and  examined  harbour  lights  on  the  night  of  the  6th 
October  1860.  The  lightkeeper,  Alex.  Machie.  had 
made  good  use  of  his  time  since  his  appointment  and 
my  former  visit  en  the  28th  September  last  year  ;  the 
valuable  apparatus  and  reflectors  were  in  much  better 
order,  several  arrangements  were  more  complete,  and 
the  lightkeeper  evidently  desires  to  do  his  duty 
properly. 


October  31st,  1860. — The  Secretary,  by  direction 
of  the  Commission,  travelled  to  Waterford,  arriving 
on  the  morning  of  the  1st. 

November  1st. — Observed  the  buoys  in  Waterford 
Harbour.  Two  conical  buoys,  intended  to  float 
upright,  were  laid  on  their  sides,  the  others  were 
clearly  visible  and  showed  well,  the  morning  being 
foggy.  Mr.  Graves,  and  Captain  Roberts,  of  the 
Ballast  Board,  met  the  Secretary  at  Waterford,  and 
it  was  decided  not  to  visit  Mine  Head,  as  the  weather 
was  unfavourable. 

November  2d. — Drove  to  Dungarvon,  and  thence 
to 

219.  MINE  HEAD,  No.  240, 
to  inspect  the  lighthouse,  and  to  ascertain  whether 
any  means  had  been  adopted  by  the  Ballast  Board  for 
counteracting  the  evil  effects  of  placing  a  dioptric 
apparatus,  constructed  to  throw  a  level  beam  on  an 
elevated  site. 

Mr.  Halpin,  the  Superintendent  of  Lighthouses,  met 
the  Commission  at  Mine  Head. 

According  to  the  return  of  the  Ballast  Board 
(page  294),  this  light  was  erected  in  1851,  and  the 
apparatus  then  placed  in  it  is  now  in  use.  It  is 
dioptric,  first  order,  "  Made  by  Wilkins  of  London," 
and  its  elevation  is  2So  feet. 

The  light  was  previously  visited  by  members  of 
the  Commission  on  the  26th  September  18.59  (see 
page  38).  In  addition  to  the  observations  then  made, 
it  was  remarked  that  the  framework  on  which  the 
illuminating  apparatus  stands  is  of  wood,  a  number 
of  strong  beams  placed  round  the  edge  of  the  plat- 
form, instead  of  the  single  metal  pillar  or  metal  frame 


which  generally  supports  such  apparatus.  It  was 
stated  by  Mr.  Halpin  that  this  was  intended  to  be 
temporary,  but  no  change  has  been  made  since  the 
light  was  placed  nine  years  ago. 

The  framework  appeared  to  be  firm  and  strong,  and 
the  apparatus  level.  It  was  also  remarked  that  there 
were  no  reflectors  in  the  blank  space  corresponding 
to  the  land.  With  reference  to  tiie  placing  of  the 
burner  in  the  apparatus,  it  was  remarked  that  obser- 
vations taken  from  within  could  be  verified  by 
observations  from  the  shore  at  points  to  the  east- 
ward and  westward  at  greater  or  less  distances,  and 
a  spot  was  selected  from  which  to  view  the  light 
subsequently. 

A  drawing  was  then  made,  full  size,  showing  the 
plan  of  the  burner  (obtained  by  pressing  a  sheet  of 
paper  on  it).  The  size  of  the  flame,  and  the  position  of 
the  horizon  of  the  image  formed  by  the  refracting 
portion  of  the  apparatus,  and  the  directions  in  which 
the  horizon  was  seen  in  the  catadioptric  prisms,  both 
above  and  below.  It  appeared  that  the  flame  was 
small,  produced  by  three  wicks,  in  a  fountain  lamp 
similar  to  the  lamp,  burner,  and  flame  at  the  Start  ; 
and  that  the  burner  was  well  placed  for  the  refracting 
panels.  It  seemed  that  the  burner  had  been  raised 
so  as  to  counteract  the  effect  of  the  elevated  position 
of  the  light  ;  but  that  the  upper  and  lower  prisms 
had  not  been  adjusted  to  correspond,  and.  con- 
sequently, that  nearly  all  their  light  was  thrown 
above  the  horizon.  Their  position  was  worse  than 
that  of  the  prisms  at  Whitby,  when  they  were  first 
seen  by  the  Astronomer  Royal  and  by  the  Commis- 
sioners. The  horizon  was  seen  in  the  upper  prisms  in 
a  direction  corresponding  nearly  with  the  edge  of  the 
burner  nearest  to  the  prism,  while  in  the  lower  prisms 
it  was  seen  in  a  direction  corresponding  with  the 
inner  edge  of  the  inner  wick,  so  that  the  light  was 
masked. 

As  the  sun  neared  the  horizon  the  images  formed 
by  the  different  parts  of  the  apparatus  in  their  respec- 
tive foci  confirmed  these  observations.  The  image 
formed  by  the  refracting  panels  was  on  the  metal 
of  the  burner,  and  rose  as  the  sun  descended.  At 
the  same  moment  the  images  formed  by  the  lower 
prisms  corresponded  with  the  7iear  edge  of  the  burner, 
and  fell  below  the  edge,  and  descended  as  the  sun 
approached  the  horizon. 

The  images  formed  by  the  upper  prisms  met  at  a 
point  near  the  top  of  the  flame,  and  the  rays  there 
crossed  each  other,  and  illuminated  a  sheet  of  paper  on 
the  surface  of  the  burner  ;  but  as  the  sun  got  lower, 
the  light  approached  the  edge  of  the  burner,  the  point 
where  the  image  of  the  horizon  is  formed. 

The  sun  was  obscured  by  clouds  shortly  before  it 
set,  so  the  actual  position  of  the  horizon  could  not  be 
determined  by  this  test  ;  but  the  observation  so  far 
entirely  confirmed  those  previously  made  in  the 
manner  already'  described.  (See  MTiitht/.  North  and 
Soiitli  Foreland.  Start,  Point  of  Ayre,  &c.) 

The  Commission,  accompanied  by  the  officers  of  the 
Ballast  Board,' walked  to  a  rising  ground  in  a  field, 
distant  about  three  hundred  yards  from  the  light- 
house, and  it  ai)peared  by  eye  observations,  and 
by  looking  through  a  telescope,  that  no  light  was 
showing  in  the  prisms,  either  above  or  below.  It 
appeared  to  the  Superintendent  to  be  otherwise.  It 
appeared  to  his  vision  that,  in  spite  of  the  observations 
made  inside,  light  was  seen  in  all  the  lower  prisms, 
and  in  most  of  the  upper  ones  also.  A  liglithouse 
keeper  was  accordingly  despatched  with  orders  to  cover 
up  the  "  central  panel."  It  appeared  to  the  Commis- 
sion that  tne  man  had  misunderstood  the  order,  and 
that  he  h.ad  covered  the  large  central  zone  only  with- 
out covering  the  refracting  prisms,  for  two  spots  of 
light  could  be  seen  mth  a  dark  space  between  ;  and 
the  man  and  the  cloth  could  be  distinguished  with  the 
telesco])e,  showing  against  the  sky. 

It  appeared  to  be  otherwise  to  the  Superintendent, 
who  still  thought  that  the  light  seen  proceeded  from 
the  ujjper  and  lower  prisms. 

Captain  Roharts  was  accordingly  requested  to  pro- 
ceed to  tlie  lighthouse  .and  see  the  experiment  carried 
out.     He  did  so  ;  and  it  became  evident  to  all  present 


Direction  of ' 
beam. 


Experiment. 

Sunlight. 


See  drawing! 
at  the  endojt 
litis  Vol. 


Internal  obt 

vti  lions. 


External  ok 
ea  tions. 


Experime 


PEPSONAL  OBSERVATIONS  MADE  BY  COMMISSIONERS, 


61 


iesult. 


remeily  pro- 
\tsed. 


'ol.  II.  '2Xi. 


irection  of 


'luse  of  defect, 
i'evation. 


^lemal  obser- 
I'.ion. 


that  no  light,  except  a  faint  reflected  light,  could  be 
seen  in  any  of  the  upper  or  lower  prisms. 

In  tliis  case  then  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  the 
upper  and  lower  prisms  are  for  all  practical  purposes 
almost  useless  for  want  of  adjustment,  for  three 
methods  of  observations  lead  to  the  same  conclusion. 

The  prisms  could  either  be  adjusted  by  moving 
them  in  Iheir  frames,  or  b}'  raising  the  whole  upper 
frame  till  the  image  of  the  horizon  appears  at  the 
proper  place  ;  if  this  latter  course  be  followed,  it 
will  be  necessary  to  make  some  provision  for  raising 
the  lower  prisms,  either  by  cutting  off  part  of  the 
lower  refracting  panel,  as  was  suggested  by  Mr.  Chance 
elsewhere,  or  by  some  other  method  ;  or  the  upper 
prisms  might  be  raised  all  together,  and  the  lower 
prisms  moved  in  their  frames.  It  would  be  better  to 
lower  the  burner,  with  reference  to  the  refracting 
panels,  about  an  eighth  of  an  inch,  for  the  burner 
now  intercepts  a  considerable  portion  of  the  light 
which  should  fall  on  the  lower  portion  of  the  i-e- 
fractors  ;  but  if  this  be  done  it  will  be  necessary  to 
increase  the  size  of  the  flame  materially,  for  there  is 
nothing  to  spare  at  present. 

At  all  events  this  light  shonld  be  adjusted  as  soon 
as  possible  ;  and  if  the  lighthouse  authorities  desire 
to  carry  out  experiments  such  as  those  tried  by  the 
Trinity  House  at  Whitby,  the  position  is  in  every 
respect  peculiarly  favourable  for  the  purpose. 

A  portion  of  the  upper  prisms  is  masked  by  the 
eclipsing  shade  when  open. 

220.  DUNGARVON.— No.  139. 

It  was  remarked  that  the  light  at  the  entrance  to 
Dungarvon  was  seen  from  the  hill  at  a  point  consider- 
ably higher  than  Mine  Head,  probably  more  than  300 
feet  above  the  sea.  Il  seemed  probable  that  the  image 
formed  by  the  apparatus  was  high,  and  it  was  decided 
to  visit  the  light. 

November  3d. — The  same  party  visited  the  light. 
It  is  called  third  order,  and  52  feet  above  the  level 
of  the  sea,  the  apparatus  being  of  the  same  pattern 
as  that  at  Mine  Head,  but  without  lower  prisms, 
and  smaller.  Two  wicks  only  are  used,  with  a 
fountain  lamp.  A  drawing  was  made  similar  to  that 
made  at  Mine  Head,  and  these  two  show  plainly 
the  effect  produced  by  placing  an  apparatus  con- 
structed for  one  situation  in  another  ;  that  is  to  say, 
the  result  of  placing  a  highly  scientific  instrument, 
such  as  a  dioptric  apparatus  is,  without  mature  con- 
sideration of  the  use  to  which  it  is  to  be  put,  and  with 
out  giving  directions,  or  information  to  guide  the 
manufacturer  in  its  construction.  The  apparatus  at 
Mine  Head  wants  adjustment,  not  because  it  is  ill- 
made,  but  because  it  is  placed  285  feet  above  the  sea. 
The  apparatus  at  Dungarvon  wants  nothing,  unless  it 
be  a  better  flame,  not  because  it  is  better  made,  but 
because  it  is  placed  230  feet  lower. 

The  horizon  was  seen  in  the  upper  prisms  in  the 
direction  of  the  farthest  edge  of  the  burner,  instead  ol 
the  nearest,  and,  consequently,  nearly  all  the  light  of 
the  lamp  is  thrown  by  the  prisms  on  the  sea,  and  to  a 
point  where  vessels  pass  into  the  harbour  near  the 
lighthouse. 

The  horizon  of  the  image  formed  by  the  lenticular 
zones  is  high,  as  was  anticipated  ;  but  if  the  flame  is 
maintained  at  the  proper  height,  it  is  not  too  higli. 
If  the  flame  be  allowed  to  burn  low,  the  lenses  might 
become  of  little  use  ;  but  the  prisms  would  always 
show  light  so  long  as  the  lamp  is  burning  ;  and  this 
apparatus  being  placed  at  the  elevation  for  which  it 
was  made,  is  efficient,  as  it  came  from  the  maker  and 
without  adjustment. 

The  bars  of  the  lanterns  of  both  these  lights  are 
upright,  instead  of  diagonal,  and  there  are  no  re- 
flectors on  the  landward  side.  The  lamps  in  both  are 
fountain  lamps  ;  one  wick  is  suppressed  in  each,  and 
the  flames  of  both  lamps  were  far  inferior  to  flames 
seen  elsewhere. 

The  Commission  returned  to  Waterford,  and 
travelled  to  Dublin. 

November  oth. — The  Secretarjj  visited  the  office  of 

H 


the    Ballast    Board,    and    had    an    interview    -with        Special 
Mr.  Lees  their  secretary.    The  object  of  the  interview  ,   Inspections. 

was   to  impress   on  Mr.  Lees   the  urgent  necessity  of 

furnishing    the    remainder    of    the   returns   without  ^''"°■''-^'"""''• 
delay. 

November  6th. — The  Secretary  vi.sited 

221.  BIDSTOXE,  near  Liverpool,  Vol.  II.  32G. 

to  see  whether  any  provision  is  there  made  for  adjust-  ■^"-''^'T""''- 
ing  the  apparatus  to  correspond  with  the  elevation.  A 
drawing  was  made  which  shows  the  position  of  the 
image  formed  by  the  back  of  the  reflector,  from  which 
it  appears  that  the  image  of  the  horizon  is  very  high, 
and  that  if  the  flame  burns  low,  the  light  might 
become  invisible  at  the  horizon.  The  edges  of  the 
reflectors  were  found  to  be  set  perpendicularly.  It 
might  be  well  to  incline  them  a  little  downwards;  but 
as  the  seashore  is  distant  some  three  or  four  miles, 
the  adjustment  is  not  so  important  as  it  would  be  if 
the  lighthouse  were  placed  at  the  same  elevation,  and 
near  the  sea.  The  shape  of  the  chimneys  is  objection- 
able. The  reflectors  are  35  years  old  ;  and  though 
some  of  them  might  be  brighter,  they  were  generally 
in  much  better  order  than  when  last  seen  by  the  Com- 
mission. 

The  window  through  which  the  light  shows  is 
composed  of  small  panes  and  thick  bars,  which  must 
materially  interfere  with  the  light.  On  the  whole, 
Bidstone  compares  unfavourably  with  other  lights 
under  the  General  Lighthouse  Authorities  ;  not  in 
that  it  is  badly  kept,  but  in  that  none  of  the  modern 
improvements  introduced  into  lighthouses  elsewhere 
have  been  adopted. 

It  is  out  of  date,  but  well  preserved.  The  house 
was  neatly  kept  ;  but  in  some  disorder,  in  consequence 
of  the  presence  of  the  painters. 


VISIT  TO  BIRMINGHAM. 

On  3d  and  4th  December,  Capt.  Ryder,  Dr.  Glad- 
stone, and  the  Secretary,  occompanied  by  the  Astro- 
nomer Royal,  witnessed  some  experiments  at  Messrs. 
Chance's,  near  Birmingham.  On  the  4th  they  were 
joined  by  Mr.  Thomas  Stevenson. 

The  experiments  had  been  instituted  by  Mr.  James 
Chance,  with  a  view  to  applj'  to  the  lenses  the  same 
principle  of  rigorous  adjustment,  which  had  already 
been  applied  with  success  to  the  reflecting  portions  of 
the  apparatus,  and  at  the  same  time  to  determine  at 
what  height  above  the  burner  the  focus  should  be 
placed.  The  means  of  performing  the  experiments 
had  been  seen  and  approved  by  Professor  Faraday. 

The  arrangement  was  as  follows  : — Near  one  end 
of  a  long  dark  shed  was  placed  a  four-wick  moderator 
lamp,  with  a  good  slanting  shouldered  glass  chimney, 
and  a  metallic  chimney  with  damper  as  in  an  ordinary 
lantern.  This  lamp  could  be  raised  or  lowered  at  will 
with  great  precision.  At  the  proper  distance  in  front 
of  the  lamp  was  erected  a  series  of  lenticular  bands, 
such  as  are  employed  in  a  first  order  dioptric  appa- 
ratus. Before  these  again  were  sliding  shutters,  so 
that  the  light  which  had  traversed  any  one  of  these 
lenticular  bands  might  be  stopped  or  allowed  to  pass 
beyond.  On  the  wall  at  the  further  end  of  the  dark 
shed,  at  a  distance  of  about  36  yards,  was  a  very- 
large  sheet  of  paper,  which  received  the  light  through 
the  dioptric  arrangement.  In  front  of  this  sheet  was 
a  thin  horizontal  arm  moving  along  an  upright,  which 
was  graduated,  with  marks  answering  to  the  heights 
of  the  centres  of  the  different  lenticular  bands. 

When  the  lamp  was  raised  to  zero  on  the  scale 
annexed  to  it,  the  top  of  the  burner  was  precisely  on 
a  level  with  the  centre  of  the  central  lenticular  band 
and  with  the  corresponding  mark  on  the  upright 
against  the  sheet  of  paper.  When  it  was  lowered, 
say  28  m.,  it  is  evident  that  rays  proceeding  from 
points  28  m.,  above  the  burner,  and  passing  through 
the  centre  of  the  central  band,  should  strike  the 
paper  against  the  corresponding  mark  ;  and  that  this 
was  actually  the  case,  was  proved  by  placing  a  small 
gas-jet  at  the  same  mark,  and  viewing  it  through  the 

3 


Dr.  Gladstone't 
minute. 

Manufactory  0/ 
apparatus. 


Eiperiti 
Flame. 


Arrangemetitx. 
Apparatus. 


External  ohser^ 
vations. 


Internal  nlis 
vations. 


62 


APPENDIX  TO  EEPOET  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS: 


Special       central  lens  ncross  the  edge  of  the  apparatus  devised 

Lispeclious.     by  Professor    Faraday  for  such  purposes  when  the 

Whitby  Lights  ■were  under  discussion.     It  is  evident 

Professor  ^^^^^  ^y^^^  jj-^   when  the  lamp  is  in  the  aforesaid  posi- 

iti's"rumcnl  **°"'  *'^''  brightest  section  of  the  flame  is  at  the  height 

of  28  m.  above  the  burner,  the  brightest  portion  of 

Eipcrimeiit.  the  light  thrown  on  the  paper  will  coincide  with  the 
mark  that  corresponded  with  the  centre  of  the  cen- 
tral band  ;  supposing,  of  course,  that  any  disturbing 
rays  from  the  upper  or  lower  bands  are  cut  off  by 
the  sliding  shutters.  If,  however,  the  brightest  sec- 
tion of  tlie  Hame  is  higher  than  28  m.,  the  brightest 
portion  of  the  luminous  image  on  the  ]iaper  will  be 
below  the  said  mark  ;  and  conversely,  if  lower  in  the 
flame,  higher  in  the  image.  But  the  lamp  being  sus- 
ceptible of  elevation  or  depression,  it  was  easy  to  move 
it  till  the  brightest  part  of  the  light  fell  on  the  paper 
at  the  central  mark.  Xor  was  there  any  great 
difficulty  in  determining  this  :  simple  observation  at 
a  distance,  the  effect  on  a  secondary  shadow  thrown 

Mr.  Stevenson's  across  the  paper,  and  Mr.  Stevenson's  photometer,  all 

jihotomeier.  led  to  the  same  conclusion,  and  different  observers 
agreed  in  their  judgments.  By  this  means  the  follow- 
ing points  were  determined. 

liesuHs.  1st.  That  as   the  flame  increases,  the    section    of 

greatest  luminosity  rises.  With  a  low  flame,  but 
such  as  was  seen  at  the  Start  or  Jline  Head,  the 
brightest  portion  was  only  18m.  above  the  burner; 
with  a  better  flame  it  was  20  m.  ;  and  with  the  best 
that  was  obtained  during  the  experiments  it  rose  to 
24  m.  This  flame  presented  considerable  body,  and 
might  be  taken  as  a  very  good  specimen  of  what  is 
found  in  an  Engli-sh  1st  order  dioptric  apparatus,  but 
was  believed  to  be  inferior  to  what  is  maintained  in 
many  Scotch  lights,  and  was  certainly  smaller  than 
what  had  been  seen  by  the  Commissioners  at  Calais 
and  other  places  in  France.  It  is  possible,  therefore, 
that  in  these  best  flames  the  brightest  portion  is 
really  28  m.  above  the  burner,  the  height  decided  on 
by  Fresnel  for  the  focus  of  the  lens  ;  but  it  is  beyond 
question  that  where  in  English  lighthouses  the  focus 
has  that  position,  the  brightest  portion  of  the  light 
is  ordinarily  sent  to  the  sky.  Where  the  dip  of  the 
horizon  is  not  taken  into  consideration,  this  error  of 
adjustment  is  aggravated,  as  in  the  South  Whitby 
Light,  where  the  focus  being  3.5m.  above  the  burner, 
must  have  been  above  the  most  luminous  part  of  the 
best  known  flame,  supposing  such  had  been  burnt 
in  it. 

2nd.  That  the  section  of  gre,^test  luminosity  in  a 
flame  of  this  description  is  practically  confined  within 
narrow  limits.  There  was  no  difficulty  in  determining 
it  to  one  millimetre. 

Besides  tlie  amount  of  oil  consumed,  the  height 
to  which  the  several  wicks  are  turned  up,  the  form 
of  the  lamp-glass,  and  the  character  of  the  draught, 
must  all  have  their  influence  on  the  height  of  this 
section  of  greatest  intensity. 

Observations  were  made  on  the  different  upper  and 
?ower  lenticular  bands,  by  means  similar  to  those 
already  described.  It  was  not  so  easy  to  determine 
the  position  of  the  greatest  l)rightness  in  the  images 
thrown  on  the  paper  by  r.ays  that  traversed  these 
lenticular  segments,  as  they  e.xhibiled  the  prismatic 
colours,  but  the  whitest  part,  which  was  about  equally 
removed  from  the  red  and  the  blue,  was  assumed  as 
^  iromaiic         g„ch.     Tliis  chromatic  aberration  was  greater  as  the 

aberration.  ,        •      ,  .       ,  /■       ,  !■  i 

lenticular  segment  examined  was  further   from  the 

central  band,  and  it  was  more  apparent  in  the  lower 
than  in  the  upper  series.  The  following  conclusions 
were  arrived  at  : — 

1st.  Sup])Osing  that  the  foci  of  the  u])per  and  lower 
lenticular  bands  coinciile  with  the  focus  of  the  central 
band,  it  does  not  follow  that  the  brightest  section  of 
the  flame  as  regards  each  of  them,  also  coincides 
with  the  brightest  section  as  regards  the  central  band. 
In  fact,  the  brightest  section  of  the  flame,  as  regards 
the  lowest  bands,  was  found  to  cut  the  vertical  axis 
of  tlie  flame  at  a  higher  ]ioint  than  had  been  pre- 
viously determined  for  the  central  band. 


2nd.  On  account  of  this,  and  because  when  the 
section  of  maximum  intensity  for  the  central  band  is 
near  the  burner  (say  at  20  m.),  a  portion  of  the 
light  that  should  fall  on  the  lowest  bands  is  cut  oft"  by 
the  burner  itself,  !Mr.  Chance  proposes  that  the  foci  Proposed 
of  the  lower  bands  should  not  be  taken  at  the  same  roncrfy. 
point  as  the  focus  of  the  central  band,  but  that  they 
should  be  treated  much  in  the  same  way  as  the  lower 
reflectors  are  treated,  viz.,  that  some  point  a  little 
above  the  burner  and  in  front  of  the  vertical  axis  of 
the  flame,  should  be  taken  as  the  point  of  intersection 
of  the  axis  of  pencils  of  rays  proceeding  to  these 
lower  lenticular  bands  ;  but  it  is  evident  that  this  is 
of  less  importance  in  a  high  flame  than  in  a  low 
flame. 

3rd.  As  the  chromatic  dispersion  of  the  upper  and 
lower  bands  is  in  the  reverse  order,  that  is  to  say,  the 
red  rays  are  sent  upwards  by  the  upper  bands  and 
downwards  by  the  lower,  tvnd  the  converse  holds  good 
for  the  blue  rays,  the  two  series  of  bands  may  be  so 
adjusted  that  the  chromatic  images  produced  by  them 
should  overlap  and  neutralize  one  another,  producing 
throughout  white  light,  or  an  approach  thereto.  This 
could  be  only  very  partially  shown  in  the  actual  ex- 
periment, as  the  distance  at  which  the  paper  was 
placed  was  too  short  to  admit  of  much  overlapping, 

4th.  Though  the  colour  due  to  this  chromatic 
aberration  may  be  thus  disposed  of,  the  dispersion 
itself  must  always  remain,  when  lenses  of  the  kind 
now  ill  use  are  employed,  and  this  may  be  a  matter 
worthy  of  attention  when  further  refinements  are 
required. 

These  experiments  confirmed  the  opinion  enter-  Conrlusim 
tained  by  the  Commissioners  as  to  the  great  import- 
ance of  keeping  up  a  large  consumption  of  oil,  and 
therefore  a  large  flame,  by  showing  that  when  the 
flame  sinks,  not  merely  is  less  light  actually  produced, 
but  the  most  luminous  section  of  the  flame  sinks  below 
the  focus,  and  is  accordingly  sent  to  the  sky.  Indeed, 
before  a  dioptric  apparatus  can  be  properly  adjusted, 
it  must  be  known  what  size  of  flame  is  meant  to  be 
continuously  exhibited. 

The  man  who  attended  the  lamp  showed  the  Com- 
missioners the  large  amount  of  charring  that  took  place 
in  the  inner  wick  after  only  one  hour's  combustion. 
Mr.  Stevenson  stated  that  the  Scotch  keepers  will 
burn  a  lamp  for  16  hours  without  in  any  way  trim- 
ming the  wicks. 

An  arrangement  similar  to  that  described  above 
was  made  with  a  pump  lamp  and  a  circular  compound 
lens.  An  inverted  image  of  the  flame  was  thrown  on 
the  paper,  which  became  much  more  definite  when 
the  light  proceeding  from  the  central  portion  was 
stopped.  No  measurements  were  taken,  but  the 
result  appeared  to  be  much  the  same,  as  in  the  pre- 
ceding experiment. 

Photographs  and  measurements  of  the  flames  expe- 
rimented on  were  taken  by  the  Secretarj\ 

The  Commissioners  were  also  shown  in  the  ivorks 
an  apparatus  just  completed  for  McArthur's  Head. 
It  isofa  small  order,  but  is  interesting  from  its  includ- 
ing two  of  the  aziraulhal  condensing  arrangements, 
by  which  Mr.  Stevenson  brings  the  light  of  one  half 
of  the  circle  into  two  directions  which  he  desires 
especially  to  illuminate. 

Under  the  same  roof  was  also  the  frame  for  the  1st 
order  apparatus  to  be  erected  at  the  Smalls.  It  had 
been  designed  by  the  Trinity  House,  but  the 
Messrs.  Chance,  after  it  w.as  made,  had  to  point 
out  its  defects  to  the  Board,  and  to  obtain  their 
sanction  to  make  large  alterations  at  great  cost  ;  but 
even  now  the  Astronomer  Koyal  doubts  whether  the 
angle  pieces  of  the  slanting  astragals  are  strong 
enough  to  withstand  the  great  weight  they  will  have 
to  bear.  The  design  adopted  in  the  adjoining  appa- 
ratus for  McArthur's  Head  was  thought  to  bo  much 
stronger  and  less  obstructive  of  the  light. 

The  designs  for  the   supplemental  lantern  and  the  Electric  lit 
dioptric  apparatus  intended  lor  the  electric  light  at 
Dungeness  were  seen  by  the  Commissioners. 


Charring  of 
rcicL 


P/iOtoqraphd 

Azimuthal 
condensing  ' 
apparatus. 


Apparatua 
Smalls. 


63 


SUMMARY  OF  PERSONAL  OBSERVATIONS  OE  THE    COMMISSIONERS 
ON  THEIR  VISITS  TO  WHITBY  LIGHTHOUSES. 


The  members  of  the  Royal  Commission  having 
concluded  their  visits  of  inspection  to  French,  Spanish, 
and  British  Lighthouses,  and  examined  carefully  the 
system  adopted  in  each  country,  and  having  formed 
an  opinion  of  what  a  first  class  dioptric  light  should 
be,  determined  to  select  one  or  more  of  thefirst  order 
dioptric  Lighthouses  of  each  of  the  three  General 
Lighthouse  Authorities  in  the  United  Kingdom, 
and  then  to  compare  them  with  one  another  and 
with  the  ideal  lighthouse. 

The  Lighthouses  selected  were  those  at — 
North  Foreland  1  -r^     , 
Whitby  j  England. 

Girdleness — Scotland. 
Minehead — Ireland. 

The  following  errors  and  deficiencies  were  observed 
at  Whitby  :— 

I.    Glass    Chimney  [abrupt  shoulders  obstruct 

light]. 
II.  Metal  Uptake  [not  continuous,  di-aught  di- 
minished]. 
in.  Fountain  Lamp  [very  inefficient,  because  can 

never  produce  a  high  flame]. 
IV.    Central  Wick   [removal  of,  has  diminished 
light]. 
Y.  Burner  and  Lamp  [no  means  of  adjusting  ; 
great  difficulty  of  maintaining  foci  in  right 
place]. 
VI.  Lens  [error  in  position  of  one  of  them  ;    por- 
tion of  light  mis-directed  and  wasted]. 
VII.  Lower  Prisms  [useless,  all  light  wasted]. 
VIII.    Upper  Prisms  [some  out  of  adjustment  ;  largo 
portion  of  light  mis-directed  and  wasted]. 
IX.  Platform  [out  of  level  ;  light  more  or   less 

mis-directed]. 
X.  Adjustment  of  Lamp  Lenses  and  Prisms  [no 
attention  paid  to  dip,  waste  of  best  light]. 
XI.   Glass  [in  some  prisms  streaky,  light  scattered, 
and  more  or  less  wasted]. 
XII.  Reflectors   in    land    angle    [none     in   north 
lighthouse  ;  light    in  land   angle   wasted  ; 
reflectors     in     south     lighthouse      badly 
figured]. 
Xni.  Filter  [none  ;  oil  soiled  ;  flow  probably  im- 
peded, and  brightness  of  flame  diminished]. 
XIV.  Distinctive  Character  of  Lights  [Two  first- 
class  dioptric  lighthouses  an  unnecessarily 
expensive  means  (if  distinction], 
XV.  Relative  Height  of  the  f  wo  Lights  above  the 
sea  [same  height  above  sea  ;  impossible  to 
know  which  light   is  open  when  they  are 
nearly  in  one,  if  the  weather  is  thick  and 
the  red   light  not    easily   distinguishable 
from  the  white], 
XVI.  Height  of  Flame  of  the  Mechanical  Lamp 
in  South  Lighthouse  [placed  there  in  con- 
sequence of  the  Commissioners'  first  visit 
very    insufficiently    maintained     by    the 
keeper,    consequent     inefficiency  of   light 
both  to  near  and  distant  ships]. 
XVn.   Site    [it    is    questionable    whether   well    se- 
lected]. 

The  two  first  order  dioptric  lights  at  Whitby  have 
lately  been  erected  there  within  258  yards  of  one  an- 
other. The  illuminating  apparatus  were  constructed 
by  the  Messrs.  Chance,  of  Birmingham,  in  18.58,  and 
are  situated  at  a  height  of  240  feet  above  the  sea. 
The  Whitby  lights  were  selected  by  the  Royal 
Commissioners  for  inspection  and  comparison  (1), 
because  they  were  of  the  latest  construction  ;  (2), 
because  the  illuminating  apparatus  was  constructed 
in  England  ;  (3),  because  the  construction  was  un- 
dertaken by  a  firm,  which  has  the  privilege  of 
being  aided  by  the  mathematical  talents  of  Mr.  James 

H4 


Chance  (a  High  Wrangler  of  Cambridge")  whsoe 
presence  ensured  the  recognition  of  scientific  prin- 
ciples in  their  construction  ;*  (4),  because  their 
height  above  the  sea  would  enable  us  to  ascertain 
whether  any,  and  if  any,  what  adjustment  had 
been  made  to  allow  for  the  dip.  These  conside- 
rations pointed  out  the  Whitby  lights  as  fit  and 
proper  tests,  whether  the  knowledge  of  the  science  of 
sea  illumination,  as  exhibited  in  England  by  the 
Trinity  Board  in  charge  of  the  Lighthouses,  aided  by 
the  long  experience  of  Professor  Faraday  (who,  how- 
ever, disclaims  any  special  knowledge  of  optics)  and 
the  acquirements  of  Mr.  James  Chance,  had  made 
sufficient  progress  and  kept  pace  with  the  strides 
made  in  other  cognate  sciences.  In  short,  we  hoped 
to  find  that,  although  France  might  have  a  much 
greater  number  of  1st  class  dioptric  lights  than 
England  has  as  yet  fitted  (owing  to  her  haviug  been 
saddled  with  much  fewer  old  fashioned  lights  than 
England  had  when  the  lens  system  was  invented),  yet 
that  an  English  first  order  dioptric  of  late  construc- 
tion would  prove  to  be  not  only  in  no  way  inferior  to 
the  best  French  lights,  but  as  near  perfection  as  pos- 
sible, both  as  to  the  flame  and  as  to  construction  and 
adjustment  of  illuminating  apparatus  and  lamp. 

The  Whitby  lights  were  therefore  exposed  to  the 
severest  tests  that  occurred  to  us,  or  were  suggested 
to  us,  and  we  invited  to  the  inspection  of  them  the 
Astronomer  Royal  (who  preceded  us);  Mr.  J.  Chance, 
the  constructor,  and  his  foreman,  Mr.  Masselin ;  Pro- 
fessor Faraday,  the  scientific  adviser  of  the  Trinity 
Board  ;  Mr.  Stevenson,  the  Scotch  Lighthouse  en- 
gineer ;  Mr.  Halpin,  the  engineer  of  the  Ballast 
Board  ;  M.  Sauter,  a  French  constructor  of  light- 
house illuminating  apparatus  ;  and  the  Elder  Brethren 
of  the  Trinity  Board,  who  were  represented  by 
Admiral  Gordon,  Capt.  Close,  Capt.  Baily,  Capt. 
Nesbitt,  &c. 

We  have  little  hesitation  in  stating  that  all  of  the  ' 
above-named  gentlemen  on  leaving  Whitby  would 
have  admitted,  if  questioned  on  the  subject,  that  the 
illuminating  apparatus  in  those  lighthouses  were  faulty 
in  most  of  the  preceding  particulars  ;  and  we  regret 
to  say,  that  we  have  reason  to  believe  that  a  French 
first  order  dioptric  light  is,  owing  to  the  greater  height 
of  the  flame  and  to  other  minor  causes,  much  more 
effective  than  an  English  first  order  dioptric  light. 

I.  The  Glass  Chimney. 
The  glass  chimney  was  of  the  usual  shape  supplied 
by  the  Trinity  Board,  and  was,  as  stated  by  Mr.  James 
Chance,  7iot  like  the  chimney  supplied  by  his  firm 
to  the  Whitby  light  [with  the  illuminating  apparatus], 
the  shoulder  being  much  too  abrupt.  We  ascertained 
that  there  was  a  large  stock  of  Mr.  Chance's  chimneys 
[similar  to  the  French  chimneys]  in  the  lighthouse  ; 


*  It  is  due  to  Mr.  James  Chance  to  state,  that  the  orders  given 
to  him  are  simply  to  construct  a  certain  well-Iinowu  apparatus 
(Fresnel's  dioptric  illuminating  apparatus)  of  a  given  size.  Up 
to  the  time  of  the  commencement  of  our  inquiries,  he  had  not 
directed  liis  mathematical  researches  into  investigations  con- 
nected with  the  scientific  questions  bearing  on  the  subject. 

Mr.  Chance  wap  never  informed  of  the  height  of  a  proposed 
lighthouse ;  and  that  very  inferior  description  of  lamp,  the 
fountain,  was  ordered  of  another  firm,  leaving  him  no  option  in 
the  matter. 

It  is  due  to  Professor  Faraday  to  state,  that  he  has  always  dis- 
claimed being  considered  an  optician.  It  is  due  also  to  the 
Elder  Brethren  to  state,  that  they  make  the  same  disclaimer. 
They  appear  to  have  placed  implicit  confidence  in  Fresnel's 
calcidations,  and  supposed  that  his  adjustments  were  applicable  to 
any  height  of  flame,  and  that  there  was  no  necessity  for  tesiing  the 
adjustment  of  prisms  and  lenses  after  the  illuniinating  apparatus 
had  been  erected  at  the  lighthouse,  or  that  the  height  of  the 
light  above  the  sea  need  be  taken  into  account  in  adjustmg  the 
position  of  the  lamp. 


64 


APPENDIX  TO  REPORT  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS  : 


J 


Trinity  Board  Chimney. 


Chance's  anil  Freucli  Chimney. 


Ste  Vol  I. 
102,  diagraii 


but  the  Lightliouse  keeper  thought  it  to  be  his  duty 
to  expend  all  that  were  left  of  the  old  pattern  before 
he  commenced  using  the  chimneys  of  the  more  modern 
and  improved  shape. 

The  shape  of  the  shoulder  has,  no  doubt,  an  eflect 
on  the  draft  ;  but  whatever  may  be  the  difference  of 
opinion  as  to  the  advantage  in  regard  to  the  draft  in 
Laving  a  gradual  or  an  abrupt  shoulder,  we  have 
ascertained  quite  beyond  a  doubt  that  an  abrupt 
shoulder  will  refract  the  light  irregularly,  so  that 
many  rays  will,  on  passing  through,  be  deflected 
from  the  horizontal  direction. 

Ocular  proof  of  above  statement. 
Several  horizontal  dark  lines  were  observed,  appa- 
rently in  the  shoulder  of  the  chimney,  and  coinciding 
with  that  portion  of  the  flame  where  the  image  of  the 
horizon  was  formed,  and  from  which  the  horizon  was 
illuminated  ;  these  dark  lines  pointed  out  that  rays 
were  intercepted  which  would  otherwise  have  gone 
to  the  horizon. 

Photometric  proof  of  above  statement. 
Mr.  Stevenson  showed  us  the  result  of  some  very 
interesting  experiments,  to  ascertain  the  degree  of 
intensity  of  the  flame  when  seen  through  various 
sections  of  the  lens,  and  we  noticed  a  remarkable 
indentation  in  the  curve,  probably  caused  by  the 
abrupt  shoulder  in  the  chimney. 

Curve  of  intensity  as  ascertained  from  careful  obser- 
vations by  three  observers  ascending  Salisbury  Crags_ 


Rouo-h  sketch  of  a  photographic  representation  of 
^      flame  with  dark  horizontal  lines. 

Photographic  proofs. 

(a  1  :SIr.  Campbell  produced  a  photographic  picture,  Seerol.ir.i 
of  which    the    above   is  a  rough  sketch,  of  a  flame  ^ /.  f.<,. 
seen  throu-J-h  a  glass  chimney,  with  an  abrupt  shoulder, 
by  which  "the   effect  of  the  abrupt  shoulder  lu  pro- 
ducin.^  dark  opaque  lines  was  clearly  shown  i<ig.  (a). 

(b)  M.  Sauter  produced  photographic  pictures  ot 
flames  seen  through  the  French  chimney,  m  which 
the  shoulder  is  very  gradual,  and  no  such  dark  lines 
Bppeai'ed. 

Mem  —Orders,  it  was  understood,  were  given  on 
the  spot  bv  the  Trinity  Board  to  substitute  generally 
the  gradual  shouldered  chimneys  for  those  with 
abrupt  shoulders. 

II.  Metal  Chimney  or  Uptake. 


Hollowed  appear- 
ance supposed  to 
be  caused  by  the 
abrupt  shoulder. 


Upper  portion  of 
flame. 


In  the  1st  order  lights,  the  distance  from  the  top 
of  the  glass  chimney  to  the  cowl  is  considerable,  pro- 
bably 12  feel  at  least;  this  space  isoccupied  by  a  metal 
chimney  in  two  lengths  of  about  6  ieet  each;  and  the 
lower  lecgtli  is  again  subdivided. 


PERSONAL  OBSERVATIONS  MADE  BY  COMMISSIONERS. 


65 


The  openings  a  b,  were  suggested  some  time  since 
(15  or  16  years)  by  Professor  Faraday,  and  adopted  by 
the  Trinity  Board,  to  prevent  a  down  draught  from  the 
cowl  in  windy  weather.  Under  tlie  impression  tliat  the 
annular  opening  at  b  admitted  too  mucli  air,  and 
tliereby  injured  the  drauglit  and  lowered  the  flame, 
we  tested  the  assumption  by  filling  up  the  annular 
space  with  paper,  which  had  a  most  remarkable  eflTect. 
The  permanent  flame  was  raised  in  the  North  Light- 
house, from  about  2in.  to  nearly  3in.,  and  in  the  South 
Lighthouse  from  H  inch  to  more  than  2  inches. 
Closing  (a)  did  not  have  much  additional  good  effect. 

The  opening  (a)  mayj^therefore,  be  left  to  carry  out 
Mr.  Faraday's  remedy  for  down  draught.  Tliis  expe- 
riment showed  that  there  was  not  sufficient  draught, 
that  a  six  feet  metal  chimney  or  uptake  was  very 
much  more  effective  in  producing  an  upward  draught 
than  the  three  feet  tube  ;  but  it  was  asserted  by 
Mr.  Faraday  that  the  beneficial  effect  could  not  be 
maintained  unless  the  oil  was  supplied  more  copiously 
than  at  present  by  the  inefficient  fountain  lamp  univer- 
sally supplied  by  the  Trinity  Board  to  the  1st  order, 
dioptric  lights. 

IIL  Fotmlain  Lamp. 

The  fountain  lamp  universally  used  in  dioptric 
lights  by  the  English  and  Irish  Lighthouse  Boards 
consists  of  a  reservoir  of  oil  slightly  raised  above 
tlie  burner.  The  pressure  of  the  oil,  owing  to 
this  difference  of  level,  forces  the  oil  tln-ough  and 
past  the  wicks.  We  observed  that  the  oil  over- 
flowed very  languidly  ;  and  were  told  that  if 
the  difference  of  level  was  increased  by  raising  the 
reservoir  (the  most  evident  remedy),  the  vessel  that 
catches  and  retains  the  oil  that  has  overflowed,  would 
become  full  so  frequently  as  to  inconvenience  the 
lightkeepers,  an  argument  to  which  we  did  not 
attach  much  weight  or  importance.  We  caused  the 
level  to  be  slightly  raised,  and  the  increased  overflow 
had  an  immediate  beneficial  effect  in  raising  the 
flame  ;  but  this  method  of  keeping  a  high  flame,  owing 
to  the  irregularity  of  the  supply  of  oil,  is  very  inferior 
to  the  overflow  lamp.  The  irregularity  arises  in  the 
following  manner.  If  the  influx  of  oil  in  a  fountain 
lamp  is  increased  by  the  attendant,  the  flame  imme- 
diately rises,  the  pipes  quickly  become  hot,  the 
specific  gravity  of  the  oil  in  the  rising  branch  is 
diminished,  the  influx  of  oil  is  increased  with  great 
rapidity,  and  the  flame  becomes  extravagantly  high, 
smoky,  and  uumanageable. 

The  keeper  at  St.  Catherine's  (Isle  of  Wight), 
states,  that  when  the  oil  is  thick,  he  raises  the  reser- 
voir so  as  to  increase  pressure. 


equally  effective)  ;  a  small  alarum  is  fitted  to  them  in 
France,  which  warns  tlie  keeper  the  instant  that  the 
overflow  diminishes  in  rapidity. 


A  Fountain  lamp. 

The  level  of  oil  in  lower  reservoirs  is  maintained  I)}- 
means  of  a  float,  at  just  the  same  height  as  the  wick. 

The  Overflow  Lamps  used  in  France  and  Scotland  in 
the  1st  order  lights  ;  but  which  for  very  insufficient 
reasons  (see  letter  from  Trinity  House,  3rd  January 
1861,)  have  been  discontinued  in  England,  force  over 
three  times  as  much  oil  as  they  consume ;  whereas 
the  fountain  lamp  as  at  present  constructed  forces 
over  less  than  is  consumed. 

The  moderator  and  the  triple  or  quadruple  pump 
worked  by  machinery  are  the  two  descriptions  of 
overflow  lamps  in  use  in  France.  (The  triple  pump 
only   is   used   in    Scotland,     they    are    said    to  be 


A  lariim . 

o  is  a  cup  with  a  small  liolc  in  it,  balanced  by  the 
weight  b  ;  the  cup  is  periodically  filled  from  the  over- 
flow ;  when  full,  its  weight  depresses  it,  and  rino-s  a 
bell. 

If  the  overflow  ceases  to  pass  over  with  sufficient 
quickness  to  fill  the  cup,  and  thus  ceases  to  overcome 
the  drain  through  the  hole,  the  cup  becomes  entirely 
empty,  and  sets  off  tlie  alarum. 

It  is  of  great  importance  that  the  high  rate  of 
overflow  bo  steadily  maintained,  for  the  draught 
being  considerable  and  the  flame  high,  a  failure  in 
the  oil  supply  is  attended  with  the  following  result. 
The  oil,  instead  of  being  passed  over  in  proportion  of 
3  to  1  of  the  oil  consumed,  a  proportion  which,  by 
the  coolness  of  the  oil,  keeps  the  metal  holder  and 
wick  cool,*  and  prevents  the  rapid  consumption  of 
the  wick  by  charring,  is  passed  over  in  some  lower 
ratio,  the  wick  becomes  charred,  smoke  is  created, 
effective  flame  is  first  diminished,  aud  the  light  at 
last  either  extinguished  by  the  oil  or  tlie  oil  becomes 
so  heated  as  probably  to  injure  tlie  burners  when  the 
flame  has  burnt  the  wick  down  close  to  the  top  of 
burner.  Great  watchfulness  is  therefore  necessary 
to  maintain  the  high  flame  (which  we  observed  to  be 
universally  maintainable  in  France  and  Scotland  in 
the  overflow  lamps.  Sec  figs.  1  and  2,  at  end  of  Vol.  I.) 
With  proper  aud  constant  care,  when  the  overflow 
is  considerable,  the  wick  need  not  be  trimmed 
throughout  the  night.  The  fountain  lamp  in  use 
in  England  in  1st  order  lights,  if  we  may  judge 
by  the  Whitby  Lights,  cannot  maintain  anything 
more  than  a  low  flame  ;  see  personal  observations 
at  North  Whitby,  page  56.  (Tlie  flame  at  the  South 
Light  was  still  lower.  This  difference  was  probably 
owing  to  a  variety  at  the  Whitby  Lights  in  the  size 
of  the  supply  tubes  or  in  the  draft.)  There  is  an 
evident  loss  of  a  large  portion  of  the  light  if  a  low 
flame  is  substituted  for  a  liigh  flame.  "  This  loss 
is  greater  than  is  due  to  the  mere  diminution  of 
light  produced,  for  if  the  burner  and  the  illuminating 
apparatus  have  been  adjusted  to  one  another  for 
Fresnel's  position  of  the  foci  (which  had  reference 
to  a  very  high  flame,  and  wliicli  position  has  always 
been  given  in  England,  although  the  flames  are 
only  half  the  height  of  Fresnel's)  the  section  of 
greatest  luminosity  falls  below  the  focus  for  parallel 
rays  {q)  in  subjoined  diagram,  and  the  strongest 
light    is   therefore   sent   to   the   sky.     Again,  those 


Fig-  (1) 


*  The  oil  in  contact  with  the  flame,  by  its  rapid  change,  is 
sufficiently  cool  to  prevent  the  wick  from  being  charred,  bat  the 
whole  of  the  oil  is  sufficiently  raised  in  temperature  to  prevent  it 
becoming  thick  in  winter.  This  last  is  an  additional  recommen- 
dation of  the  overflow  lamp  compared  with  the  fountain  lamp,  as 
at  present  constructed,  in  which  the  oil  becomes  cold  and  thick 
in  frosty  weather. 


66 


APPENDIX  TO  REPORT  ON  LIGHTS,  BL'OYS,  AND  UEACONS  ; 


portions  of  the  flame  above  the  focal  line  of  the  lens 
(which  arc  the  portions  lost  when  the  flame  is  low), 
are  of  the  utmost  importance  to  the  illumination  of 
the  sea  between  the  horizon  and  the  base  of  the 
Lighthouse,  and  of  considerable  importance  to  illu- 
minating the  horizon  also. 

Let  jt.  V,  tig.  ( 1 )  be  a  full  flame  ;  a.  q,  h,  r,  a  low  flame ; 
n,b.  c,  the  focal  plane  oflens;^,  the  focus;  o,  p,  the  lens; 
then,  if  the  flame  does  not  extend  alwve  a,  b,  (the  focal 
plane)  it  is  evident  that  only  half  as  much  focal  light 
will  go  to  the  horizon  through  the  lens  as  would  go 
then^il'  the  flame  was  sulliciently  high  to  reach  above 
the  shaded  triangles.  Kays  froin  all  portions  of  the 
vertical  section  of  the  high  flame  above  the  shaded 
triangles  will,  after  passing  through  the  lens  be 
depressed,  and  illuminate  the  sea,  showing  how 
important  for  the  near  portions  of  the  sea  is  a  high 
flame. 

All  rays  from  portions  of  the  flame  below  the 
shaded  triangle  will,  after  passing  through  the  lens,  go 
to  the  sky.  This  shows  how  important  it  is  that  the 
focal  plane  of  the  lens  should  pass  through  the  flame 
at  its  lowest  section  of  maximum  intensity,  so  that  as 
few  as  possible  of  the  brightest  rays  may  be  wasted  on 
the  sky.  The  height  of  the  cen'tre  of  the  section  of 
maximum  intensity  was  estimated  by  Fresnel  to  be 
28  mm.,  or  about  1-1  in.  above  the  burner  in  a  1st  class 
dioptric.  This  height  was  not  even  approached  at 
Whitby. 

The  great  importance  of  a  high  flame  is  also 
exemplifled  when  we  consider  the  action  of  the 
upper  prisms. 

The  curvature  of  the  side  n,  b,  fig.  (2)  is  so 
calculated*  as  to  send  out  as  parallel  rays  to  horizon 
all  rays  arriving  from  the  focus  d  (or  from  wherever 
it  may  have  been  determined  to  place  that  focus)  in 
the  flame.  Any  diminution  in  the  height  of  the 
flame,  as  for  instance  from  in  to  n,  will  evidently 
diminish  considerably  the  number  of  luminous  points 
included  in  those  two  illuminating  triangles,  and  thus 
diminish  the  light  proceeding  to  the  horizon. 

In  tlie  same  way  any  diminution  of  the  height  of 
the  flame  will  diminish  the  number  of  rays  sent  by 
the  lower  prisms  to  the  horizon,  for,  as  is  evident  in 
fl<T.  (3),  the  upper  shaded  triangle  does  not  exist  as 
a^luminous  body  when  the  flame  is  lowered  from 
m  to  n.  We  have  in  both  of  the  two  last  figures 
shown  by  the  words  ski/  and  sea,  where  the  rays  from 
those  portions  of  the  flame  anterior  and  posterior  to 
the  focal  planes  are  sent  to,  if  the  rays  are  not  inter- 
cepted. 

It  has  been  stated  by  Fresnel,  and  hitherto  gene- 
rally accepted  by  makers  of  illuminating  apparatus, 
that  the  focal  plane  for  the  lens  of  a  1st  class  dioptric 
should  be  about  M  in.  above  the  burner  to  ensure 
that  the  focus  be  in  the  brightest  part  of  the  flame, 
but  Fresnel  in  giving  this  height  referred  only  to  the 
hio-li  flame  of  a  mechanical  lamp.  A  complete  series 
of  experiments  is  yet  wanting  to  ascertain  which 
is  really  the  Virightest  section  of  flames  of  different 
licislits  as  seen  from  tlie  lens  and  from  the  upper  and 
lower  [irisnis.  When  these  have  been  ascertained  by 
photograph  ic  and  yjliotometi-ic  experiments,  it  is  possible 
that  some  slight  change  may  yet  have  to  be  made,  even 
with  high  flames,  in  the  hitherto  received  positions  of 
the  foci  for  the  lens  and  prisms.  For  a  ibuntain  lamp 
this  height  should  probably  not  exceed  14  mm.  or  o  in. 
Fresnel  places  the  foci  for  upper  prisms  in  1st  order 
lights  28  mm.  above  burner,  and  the  foci  for  lower 
prisms  at  points  between  38  mm.  and  68  mm.  above 
the  burner  so  as  to  clear  the  burner  and  wick. 

Other  circumstances  of  importance  must  also  be 
taken  into  consideration  in  placing  the  foci.  It  is 
said  to  be  highly  inconvenient  to  have  prisms  which 
throw  out  converijinri  rays,  because  among  other 
matters  the  practical  adjustment  of  the  prisms  is 
much  embarrassed  thereby,  and  it  is  recommended  by 
Mr.  Chance  to  endeavour  to  give  the  prisms  a  slight 
divergence^  by  slightly  llattening  the  curved  side  of 
the  prisms. 

»  Until  lately  no  great  attention  has  been  paid  to  any  accuracy 
in  "ivins;  this  curvature.  M.  Saiiter  admitted  this.  At  North 
Foreland  we  found  the  focus  of  one  of  his  prisms  -was  II  in. 
outside  the  flame,  and  this  owing  to  tlie  en-oncous  curvature. 


Fig. (2) 


Fig.  (3) 


This  would  ensure  all  rays  Irom  luminous  portions 
of  the  flame,  after  leaving  the  prism,  becoming  slightly 
divergent.  Mr.  Chance  is  still  continuing  his  expe- 
riments on  this  interesting  subject. 

All  these  very  important  questions  regarding  the 
position  of  the  foci  depend  upon  the  primary  decision 
as  to  the  relative  importance  of  sending  rays  from  the 
brightest  poitiou  of  the  flame  to  X\m  horizon,  compared 
with  illumiiuiting  the  sea  witliin  the  horizon  by  an 
equal  distriljution  of  the  rays  through  the  angle. 


t  When  a  prism  is  found  to  luive  a  more  than  usual  amount 
of  divergence,  but  vet  not  sufficient  to  cause  its  rejection,  it  should 
be  adjusted,  Mr.  Chance  suggests,  so  that  the  upper  edge  of  the 
divergent  beam  goes  to  the  horizon,  otherwise  some  of  the  rjys 
vill  be  -anneces^arily  wasted  in  the  slij'- 


PERSONAL  OBSKRVATIONS  MADE  BY  COMMISSIONERS. 


67 


(1) 


Popular  illustrations  of  the  various  mithods  prac- 
tised and  proposed  of  dislriln/liii;/  the  rai/s  of  light 
from  the  lens  of  a  dioptric  illumi/iatiri;/  apparatus. 

(1.)  Present  syntom  (erroneous),  centre  of  brightest 
lienni  direeted  to  geometrical  horizon. 


(2) 


(2)  ami  (3),  optional  (but  not  hitherto  intentionally 
adopted  in  dioptric  lights  in  the  United  Kingdom.) 

(2.)  Directs  centre  or  upper  edge  of  the  brightest 
beam  to  visible  horizon,  and  in  so  doing  necessarilj' 
wastes  some  rays  on  the  sky. 

-Voto— In  Scotbnd  ouinR  t.)  tin-  i-'n.nt  liri^lit  i.f  tho  flames  it  is  pro- 
bable that  the  section  ui"  ^-rcat.'st  liiniiiinsit\  1.,  ^11  liiL'Ii  in  the  flame  as 
to  correct,  in  some  iiist:nu's,  tin- ill  i-iri-rts  tii.it  wi.uid  otherwise  have 
been  occasioned  by  ne;rli'ftinLr  tli'-  thp;  Ijiit  thi-^  is  only  an  accidental 
correction,  audit  may  be  ovcrd  'ue.  aoil  I  he  brightest  rays  be  dipped  below 
the  horizon  as  in  (.1). 


(3) 


(3.)  Seeiiiiig  lo  \\U\y/A'  all  the  rays,  tile  horizon 
•will  necessarily  be  de])rived  of  the  brightest  rays, 
which  will  fall  within  th.e  horizon. 


W  to  diau  rai  id 


Tiie  daugei  aii»e»  fiom  the  gieat  exaggeiatiou  m 
the  height  of  the  lighthouse  and  the  size  of  the 
illuminated  angle,  which  tends  to  bias  the  reader  in 
favour  of  (3),  whereas  if  the  sketches  were  truly 
drawn  to  scale,  the  angle  reduced  to  6°,  and  the 
light'.s  height  above  the  sea  reduced  to  its  propor- 
tionate altitude,  the  merits  of  (2)  would  become  more 
evident,  and  those  of  (3)  less  evident. 

If  ])aramount  importance  is  attached  to  sending  to 
the  horizon  the  brightest  rays  that  pass  through  the 
lens,  ravs  from  the  lower  portions  of  the  flame  as 
the  beam  is  inverted  must  lie  wasted  and  sent  above 
the  horizon.  If  paramount  importance  is  attached  to 
utilizing  all  the  rays,  very  few  rays  need  be  wasted, 
and  yet,  after  mature  consideration,  the  opinion  will 
probably  be  unanimous,^  that  notwithstanding  the 
waste  of  rays  it  is  better,  in  the  great  majority 
of  cases,  whatever  the  loss,  to  ensure  that  the  hori  • 
zon  shall  receive  the  brightest  rays.  It  must  never 
be  forgotten  that  one  great  use  of  Lighthouses  is  to 
passing  ships  who  deviate  perhaps,  considerably  from 


their  course  to  sight  the  Light  (made  out  perhaps 
30  miles  oil'  from  the  mast  head)  and  then  imme- 
diatel)'  resume  their  course.  Any  diminution  in  the 
brightness  of  the  ray  sent  to  the  horizon  would  be  a 
serious  injury  to  such  vessels. 

The  great  and  iucreased  importance  of  maintaining 
a  high  flame  in  thick  weather  is  probably  not 
sufficiently  understood  by  lighthouse  keepers,  and 
should  be  impressed  upon  them.  A  high  flame 
requires  constant  watchful  care,  and  can  only  be 
maintained  by  an  increased  expenditure  of  oil.  This 
accounts  for  the  great  disjiarity  in  the  expenditure  of 
oil  in  1st  order  lights  in  England  and  Ireland  when 
compared  with  the  expenditure  in  French  and  Scotch 
lights. 

The  Scotch  and  French  Lighthouse  Authorities  g^  y^ 
insist  on  the  maintenance  of  a  high  flame,  and  insist  piq.  2. 
on  the  consumption  of  that  amount  of  oil  which  they 
know  Ijy  experiment  is  necessary  to  maintain  a  high 
flame.  Their  consumption  is  nearly  70  per  cent,  larger 
than  the  consumption  in  an  English  or  Irish  1st  order 
light  under  the  Trinity  House.  This  very  important 
subject  requires  evideutl}'  to  be  studied  with  much 
greater  attention  in  the  English  and  Irish  first  order 
lights,  all  of  which  ought  to  be  supplied  immediately 
with  mechanical  lamps,  and  a  certain  maximum  con- 
sumption per  hour  should  be  insisted  upon. 

Since  our  last  visit  to  Whitby,  on  which  occasion 
we  found  that  the  mechanical  lamp  had  been,  in  con- 
sequence of  our  first  visit,  substituted  at  the  South 
Lighthouse  for  the  fountain  lamp,  the  North  retaining 
the  tbuntain,  we  have  obtained  two  returns,  one, 
the  observations  of  passing  mariners,  and  another  a 
return  from  the  Trinity  House,  giving  the  daily  con- 
sumption of  oil  at  both  Lighthouses  for  many  weeks. 
To  our  great  surprise  we  found  that  the  mariners 
gave  a  much  slighter  preference  to  the  South  Light 
over  the  Xorth  than  had  been  expected  considering 
that  with  a  mechanical  lamp  the  flame  can  be  main- 
tained at  a  much  greater  height,  although  at  a  consi- 
derably iucreased  consumption  of  oil.  Our  surprise  at 
this  disappointing  evidence  ceased  when  we  found,  on 
reference  to  the  Trinity  House  return  of  consumption 
of  oil,  that  the  keeper  in  charge  of  the  South  Light 
had,  either  through  ignorance  or  intentionally,  con- 
stantly consumed  onh'  the  same  amount  of  oil  in  his 
new  mechanical  lamp  as  the  keeper  in  charge  of  the 
North  Light  in  his  old  fountain  lamp  ;  the  average 
consumption  per  year  will,  unless  some  change  is 
made,  remain,  therefore  at  the  South  Whitby  not  more 
than  400  gallons  instead  of  more  than  700,  which  is 
consumed  in  Scotland  and  France,  and  the  flame 
remain  as  low  and  therefore  as  ineffective  as  before. 
We  found  that  the  Elder  Brethren  had  apparently  taken 
no  notice  whatever  of  this  ignorance  or  neglect  on 
the  part  of  the  keepers  at  the  South  Whitby,  and  we 
can  now  understand  what  had  hitherto  puzzled  us, 
viz.,  why  the  mechanical  lamps  were  condemned  by 
the  Elder  Brethren  many  years  since.  There  can  lie 
no  doubt  that  a  mechanical  lamp  is  an  expensive, 
troublesome,  complicated  instrument  if  it  is  used,  as  at 
the  South  Whitby  Light,  for  the  purpose  of  consuming 
only  a  small  amount  of  oil,  (one  gallon  in  seven  or  eight 
hours, )  and  creating  a  flame  of  about  two  inches,  which 
can  be  effected  just  as  well  by  the  common  fountain 
lamp;  while  it  is  an  invaluable  and  (for  the  benefit 
conferred)  an  economical  instrument  if  its  powers 
are  properly  developed,  to  consume  one  gallon  in  less 
than  five  hours,  and  create  a  flame  of  from  three  to 
four  inches. 

IV.    Central  Wick. 

The  next  point  to  be  remarked  ou  is  the 
absence  of  the  fourth  or  central  ivick.  The  French 
always  have  a  fourth  wick  in  their  first  order  lights, 
and  at  the  North  Foreland  and  South  Whitby  the 
Trinity  Board  have  just  readopted  them  with  the 
mechanical  lamp.  If  rays  only  originated  from  the 
outer  surface  of  a  flame,  and  did  not  pass  through 
the  flame,  it  might  at  first  sight  appear  unnecessary  to 
pay  any  attention  to  the  central  portions  of  the  flame, 
but  it  is  well  known  that  the  pencil  of  light  passing 
from  a  flame  in  any  given  direction  varies  in  intensity 


I  2 


6S 


APPENDIX  TO  REP'iRT  OX  LIGHTS,  BUcJYS,  AND  BE^VCONS  : 


with  the  depth  of  the  luminous  section  or  portion  of 
the  flame  i'rom  whence  it  has  emanated.  The  ex- 
ternal flames,  like  otlier  flames,  are  tninsparent,  and 
the  light  from  the  central  wick  ]iat->inir  tlirough  them 
senr^ibly  increases  the  quantity  of  etfective  liglit.  The 
omission  of  the  central  wick  enfeebles,  so  to  speak,  the 
central  portions  of  all  these  sections,  and  reduces  the 
amount  of  light  proceeding  in  all  directions. 
V.  Burner  and  Lamp. 

There  was  no  meaus  of  adjusting  the  height  of 
the  lamp  burner,  or  of  correcting  any  lateral  error. 

The  Inirner  at  the  is'orth  Liglithouse  was  -j^jth  of  an 
inch  out  laterally,  and  also  vertically  as  regards  the 
geometrical  horizon.  It  might  be  advisable  to 
instruct  the  light  keeper  how  to  adjust  the  position 
of  the  lamp  burner  as  is  done  in  France,  and  the 
lamps  ought  to  be  fitted  with  the  meaus  of  ready 
adjustment,  small  screws  should  be  placed  in  the 
framework  (as  in  Mr.  Chance's),  from  which,  when 
two  lines  are  stretched  across,  their  intersection 
should  cover  the  centre  of  the  burner  ;  the  keepers 
should  test  this  occasionally,  and  report  any  error, 
and  should  be  exercised,  when  inspected,  in  shifting 
lamps.  In  France  the  mechanical  lamps  are  replaced 
by  the  spare  lamps  every  three  weeks,  to  ensure  the 
pumps  being  kept  in  good  working  order. 
VI.  Lenses. 

In  the  southernmost  lens  in  the  North  Light  the 
focus  of  divergenc}',  the  rays  from  which,  when  col- 
lected by  the  lens  would  pass  to  the  horizon,  was 
about  half  an  inch  higher  in  the  flame  than  the  other 
lenses.  As  the  flame  was  at  its  best  very  low,  this  lens 
was  proljalily  of  very  little  service.  Mr.  Masselin  could 
not  account  for  this.  It  arose,  he  thouglit,  either 
from  the  curvature  being  faulty  or  the  glass  having 
a  different  refractive  power  ;  but  M.  Sauter  suggested 
another  reason,  viz.,  that  the  workmen  who  ground 
the  edges  of  the  lens  had  taken  too  much  ofl'one  edge, 
and  in  securing  the  lens  in  the  frame  had  misplaced  it. 
The  error  was  so  evident,  that  Mr.  Masselin,  Mr. 
Chance's  foreman,  was  asked  how  it  was  that  it  had  not 
attracted  his  attention  when  he  was  erecting  it  al 
Whitby  ?  He  stated  that  although  he  had  expressed 
a  wish  that  the  lanterns  should  be  first  finished,  his 
wish  was  disregarded,  and  he  was  obliged  to  erect  the 
illuminating  apparatus  while  the  lantern  w.as  being 
built,  both  operations  being  carried  on  under  a  cover, 
which  prevented  the  horizon  from  being  visible,  other- 
wise he  would  have  detected  the  erroneous  lens. 
VII.  Lower  Prisms. 

The  T^ower  Prisms  sent  all  their  rays  to  the 
sky,  7ione  to  the  horizon  or  sea. — This  most  extra- 
ordinary fact  was  detected  in  the  first  place  by  the 
Astronomer  Royal,  and  its  truth  was  confirmed  by  all 
ot  us  ;  the  only  prisms  that  sent  their  rays  even 
to  the  geometrical  horizon  level  were  those  of  one 
section  of  the  prisms  of  the  North  Light,  occupying 
only  a  very  small  portion  of  the  circumference,  and 
they  could  only  be  seen  from  the  direction  of  the 
South  Light. 

Mr.  Chance  states  that  this  error  has  arisen  from 
his  having  in  these  Lighthouses  attempted  strictly  to 
carry  out  Fresnel's  rule  as  to  the  height  of  the  foci 
for  the  lower  prisms,  a  rule  which  he  now  finds  to  be 
in  considerable  error  in  first  order  lights,  although 
correct  for  the  third  order. 

Tiiere  is  no  doubt  that  there  are  1st  class  dioptric 
Lighthouses  that  send  rays  to  the  sea  through  their 
lower  prisms — Girdleuess  for  instance  iit  Scotland — 
specially  examined  and  tested  by  the  Astronomer 
Iloyal  to  ascertain  this,  and  also  all  the  Lighthouses 
we  inspected  in  France.  Mr.  Cliance  assumes  that  this 
may  be  accounted  for  by  their  having  been  practically 
adjusted  (without  any  reference  to  Fresnel's  rule), 
by  so  fixing  the  lenses  and  prisms  that  the  optical 
image  of  the  horizon  formed  bj'  each  falls  upon  the 
brightest  part  of  the  flame.  Mr.  Chance  now,  since 
his  attention  has  been  drawn  to  it,  practically  adjusts 
all  the  lenses  and  prisms,  irrespective  of  Fresnel's  rule. 
It  is  evident  liiat  all  first  order  Lights,  and  in 
fact  all  dioptric  Lights  hitherto  erected  in  the  L^nited 
Kingdom  should,  as  early  as  possible,  be  visited  by 


competent  persons,  and  the  fact  of  the  well  or  ill 
adjustment  of  all  their  lenses  and  prisms  be  ascer- 
tained, and  any  errors  found  corrected.  The  Astro- 
nomer Royal  estimates  that  this  could  be  effected  in 
about  two  years  if  one  person  only  was  employed. 

The  Trinity  yacht  conveyed  the  Royal  Commis- 
sioners at  night  to  a  distance  of  from  four  to  five 
miles  from  the  Whitby  Lights,  when,  by  a  precon- 
certed signal,  the  central  lenses  of  the  North  Light 
were  covered,  and  it  was  then  satisfactorily  shown 
to  the  Elder  Brethren  hj  the  aid  of  telescopes  that 
there  was  no  light  in  the  lower  prisms. 

No  light  came  through  the  lower  prisms  of  the 
South  Light,  either.* 

[The  lower  prisms  at  the  South  'Wliitby  have  now 
been  adjusted,  a  verj' slight  change  in  the  position  of  the 
prisms  was  sufficient  to  efl'ect  this  important  object.] 
A^II.    Upper  Prisms. 

T7te  Upper  Prisms  icere  sensibly  out  of  adjustment. 
Mr.  Chance's  foreman,  when  seeking  for  the  horizon 
in  these  upper  prisms,  by  the  method  suggested  by 
Mr.  Campbell,  our  Secretary,  detected  some  errors 
of  adjustment  in  them.  These  jn-isms  have  since 
been  readjusted. 

IN.  Platform. 
The  Platform  or  Table  was  out  of  Level.  The 
illuminating  apparatus  has  hitherto  been  placed  on 
one  central  iron  support — this  may  in  course  of  time 
settle  or  give,  which  would  throw  out  the  action  of 
the  illuminating  apparatus  very  considerably.  At 
Gidleness  the  platform  is  supported  at  its  circum- 
ference by  a  series  of  inclined  or  zigzag  roads  ;  this 
method  of  support  appears  greatly  preferable  to  tliat 
by  central  columns.  The  maintenance  of  correct 
levels  should  be  ascertained  from  tinie  to  time  by 
means  of  a  spirit  leveL 

X.  Adjustment  of  Lenses  and  Prisms  for  the  height 
of  Light  abore  the  sea. 


As,  owing  to  the  curvature  of  the  earth  the  visible 
horizon  is  below  the  geometrical  horizon,  the  rays 
intended  for  the  visible  horizon  ought  to  be  dipped 
througli  that  angle — this  angle  will  increase  with 
the  height  of  the  Lighthouse,  d  is  the  geometrical 
and  c  the  visible  horizon,  and  d,  a,  c,  is  the  angle  of 
dip. 

Now  that  the  glass  can  be  made  very  clear,  free 
from  veins,   and  therefore   non-divergent,   and  great 

•  During  the  day,  on  looking  at  the  South  Lights,  lighted  for 
the  purpose,  from  the  gallery  of  the  North  Lieht,  also  from  a 
•window  at  its  hase,  no  light  could  be  seen  in  lower  prisms, 
it  was  only  seen  from  the  top  of  the  lantern  of  the  Korth 
Light,  considerably  above  the  horizontal  direction. 


PERSONAL  OBSERVATIONS  MADE  BY  COMMISSIONERS. 


69 


DiaTam    showing    approximately    the    efFect  produced  on  the  light  transmitted  through  the  lens  of  a  first 
class  dioptric  light  by  neglecting  the  dip. 


N.B.  The  size  of  the  angle  is  exaggerated  to  make  the  eftect  more  evident. 


accuracy  can  be  attained  in  the  shape  of  the  prisms 
and  lenses  by  the  cross-action  in  polishing  them, 
this  angle  of  dip  cannot  be  ignored  without  unnecef^- 
sarily  sending  a  considerable  amount  of  light  to  the 
sky  ;  and  the  higher  the  Lighthouse  the  more  light 
is  Avasted  in  that  direction.  The  necessity  of  taking 
the  dip  into  consideration  is  increased,  if  at  one  and 
the  same  time,  as  in  England  and  Ireland,  the  burner 
has  been  placed  with  regard  to  the  focus  of  the 
lens  in  the  position  pointed  out  by  Fresnel  (viz.: 
for  1st  order  dioptric  28  mm.  or  l-l  in.  below  the 
focus),  and  the  flame  is,  or  may  be  expected 
to  be,  lower  than  the  high  flames  created  in  Scot- 
land and  France.  The  section  of  intensest  lumi- 
nosity is  only  that  height,  (1  •  1  in.,  above  the 
burner)  in  very  high  flames,  and  is  much  nearer  the 
burner  in  low  flames,  such  as  those  produced  in 
England  and  Ireland  by  the  fountain  lamp. 

The  burner  appears  to  have  been  placed  originally 
at  the  above  distance  below  the  focus  in  England  and 
Ireland,  whatever  may  be  the  height  of  the  light 
above  the  sea,  and  notwithstanding  the  use  of  the 
fountain  lamp.  The  horizon,  therefore,  in  such  case 
takes  the  larger  portion  of  the  light  that  reaches  it 
through  the  lens  from  sections  having  their  inter- 
section higher  in  the  flame  than  the  focus  for 
parallel  rays  by  a  distance  due  to  the  dip  ;  and  as 
the  flame  is  low  by  the  inefficiency  of  the  lamp, 
the  section  of  intensest  luminosity  is  (owing  to  the 
latter  fact)  still  further  separated  from  and  dropped 
below  the  portion  of  the  flame  sending  light  to  the 
horizon,  therefore  the  necessity  of  taking  the  dip  into 
consideration  is  magnified  when  the  focus  is  at  1  •  1  in. 
above  the  burner,  and  the  flame  is  low.  Thus,  for  a 
lighthouse  240  feet  high,  at  which  the  dip  of  the 
horizon  is  16',  the  focal  point  corresponding  to  the 
sea  horizon  is  higher  than  that  corresponding  to  the 
geometrical  horizon  by  0-16  in.,  and  if  the  focal  point 
for  the  geometrical  horizon  is  l-I  in.  above  the  burner, 
the  focal  points  for  the  sea  horizon  will  be  1-26  in. 
above  the  burner.  At  this  height,  even  with  the  best 
French  lights,  the  intensity  of  the  light  is  sensibly 
diminished,  unless  the  flame  is  at  its  best,  and  with  the 
English  lamps  it  is  in  some  cases  neai'ly  lost.  It  is  very 
easy  to  adjust  the  lenses  and  prisms  in  their  frames  in 
the  workshop,  to  throw  the  most  brilliant  rays  towards 
the  visible  horizon*,  provided  an  experimental  range 
can  be  obtained.  Mr.  Chance  has  now  a  considerable 
range,  and  a  vertical  board  on  which  a  line  repre- 
senting the  visible  horizon  for  each  prism  and  lens 
is  marked  ;  a  ladder  is  placed  against  the  board,  and 

*  The  plan  jiroposed  in  2ur.  Sievensou's  work,  viz.,  to  cant 
or  tilt  the  lens,  is  erroneous,  as  tilting  the  lenses  only  distorts 
the  image  ;  it  does  not  move  it  in  altitude. 

Even  if  tilting  had  the  stated  effect,  it  -n-onld  be  veiy  nnad- 
visable  to  give  the  keepers  power  to  tilt  the  lenses. 


the  eye  is  placed  in  the  proper  position  when  any 
lens  or  prism  is  being  adjusted.  It  is  by  no  means 
an  easy  operation,  except  for  a  person  accurately 
acquainted  with  optical  science,  to  readjust  the  prisms 
after  they  have  been  erected  in  the  Lighthouse,  and 
it  should  not  be  attempted,  except  by  an  optical 
engineer,  for  this  evident  reason  that  raising  or  lower- 
ing the  lamp  has  opposite  effects  in  the  lens  and  in 
the  prisms,  and  every  prism  must  be  moved.  This 
was  effected  at  the  South  Whitby  under  Mr.  Chance's 
personal  superintendence. 

But  it  may  be  asked  what  injury  would  have  been 
done  (1),  to  the  illumination  of  the  horizon,  and  (2), 
to  the  ilhimination  of  the  sea  by  neglecting  the  dip, 
as  has  been  done  in  the  United  Kingdom  and  France, 
if  the  flame  is  maintained  at  its  proper  height,  as 
it  is  in  Scotland  and  France  by  the  use  of  the  mecha- 
nical lamp  ;  and  this  question  has  a  direct  practical 
bearing  on  the  case.  The  readjustment  of  all  the  prisms 
is  a  serious  matter.  Take  this  case,  viz.  a  light  240  feet 
above  the  sea,  as  at  Whitby,  (an  unusual  height  in  the 
United  Kingdom  , where  atmospheric  difficulties  un- 
known in  the  Mediterranean  interfere  to  prevent  the 
selection  of  great  heights),  and  let  us  suppose  that 
the  lamp  there  used  had  been  the  mechanical,  and  the 
flame  the  proper  height.  At  the  height  of  240  feet  the 
horizon  is  16  miles  distant.  The  flame  of  a  mechanical 
lamp  4  inches  high,  gives  a  divergence  of  6°. 

First,  the  Lens.  —  The  beam  passed  through  the 
lens  is  inverted.  Its  brightest  portion  occupies 
about  say  1°  of  the  angle,  the  remainder  being 
divided  in  the  following  manner,  see  diagram,  the 
lower  edge  of  the  divergent  beam  will,  in  such  a  case, 
if  the  angle  is  6°,  and  the  height  of  the  light  above 
the  sea  240  feet,  strike  the  sea  at  1090  j'ards  dis- 
tance from  the  base  of  the  Lighthouse  (within  that 
distance  no  direct  rays  will  reach  the  hull  of  a  vessel 
through  the  lens).  The  dip  due  to  the  height  of  240 
feet  is  16'.  If  the  brightest  beam  derived  from  the 
section  of  intensest  luminosity  has  a  divergence  of  more 
than  32',  without  any  sensible  decrease  of  intensity, 
then  the  horizon  wiU  be  illuminated  by  rays  from  the 
brightest  portion  of  the  flame,  and  will  not,  as  far  as 
the  lens  is  concerned,  have  suffered  by  the  light  not 
having  been  dipped  ;  but  even  supposing  that  owing 
to  the  equable  intensity  of  luminosity  extending  over 
a  portion  of  the  flame  sufficient  in  size  {\  of  an  inch)  to 
enable  the  horizon  to  be  lighted  from  the  brightest  part 
of  the  flame  though  the  light  has  not  been  dipped,  it 
is  evident  that  the  sea  within  the  horizon  must  soon 
begin  to  suffer,  for  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  the 
upper  portion  and  not  the  loxver  of  the  beam  of 
greatest  intensity  should  be  directed  to  the  horizon, 
as  in  the  former  case  the  remainder  of  the  section  of 
greatest  luminosity  will  illuminate  the  sea  instead  of  (as 
in  the  case  of  the  light  being  undipped)  going  to  the 
3 


ro 


APPENDIX    TO    UEPORT    OX    LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND    BEACONS  : 


sky.  It  is  the  sea  then,  rather  than  the  horizon,  that 
is  most  injured  (as  far  as  the  lens  is  concerned) 
by  neglecting  the  dip.  At  first  sight  we  arc 
inclined  to  suppose  that  neglecting  the  dip  may  be 
very  injurious  to  the  very  near  ships,  but  wlien  a  cal- 
culation is  made  (see  table,  p.  101),  it  is  readUy  seen 
that  dipping,  in  the  above  case,  through  the  angle  of 
IC  will  Old}-  light  up  an  additional  narrow  strip  of 
the  sea,  about  130  yards  broad. 

To  sum  up,  therefore,  the  effect  of  not  dipping  n< 
far  as  the  le/is  is  concerned,  when  tlie  mechanical 
lamp  is  in  use,  and  thejiamc  is  of  the  proper  height,  the 
effect  is — {I)  perhaps  to  slightly  injure  the  illumina- 
tion of  the  horizon  ;  (2)  certainly  to  injure  ma- 
terially the  illumination  of  the  sea  within  the  horizon: 
and  (3),  to  exclude  from  direct  rays  a  very  narrow 
strip  of  sea  near  the  lighthouse. 

Cpper  Prisms. — Neglecting  the  dip  is  a  maladjust- 
ment of  the  prisms,  and  has  this  effect,  that  the  light 
■which  reaches  the  horizon  is  taken  from  a  more 
advanced  section  of  the  flame,  reducing  thereby  the 
size  of  the  portion  of  the  flame  which  illjininates  the 
sea,  diminishing  therefore  the  total  light  sent  to  the 
sea  through  each  prism,  and  probably  transferring  the 
position  of  the  focus  for  parallel  rays  I'or  each  i>rism 
to  a  less  bright  section  of  the  flame. 

N.B.  If  the  lamp,  supposed  to  be  a  mechanical 
lamp  with  a  high  flame,  is  raised  to  dip  the  rays 
passing  through  the  lens  from  the  brightest  section 
to  the  visible  horizon,  then  the  original  error  in  the 
adjustment  of  the  upper  prisms  is  doubled,  and  great 
care  wiU  be  requisite  in  deciding  upon  how  far  it 
is  safe  to  raise  the  lamp.  At  Girdleness,  Professor 
Airv,  for  this  reason,  recommended  that  the  lamp 
should  only  be  raised  through  half  the  angle  of  dip. 
Li  England  and  Ireland,  until  the  mechanical  lamp  is 
substituted  for  the  fountain,  another  element  of  dis- 
turbance enters  into  the  question,  and  no  imperfect 
adjustment  should  be  attem])ted. 

Lower  Prisms. —  So  small  in  altitude  is  the  portion 
of  the  flame  which  the  interposition  of  the  edge  of  the 
burner  allows  to  send  rays  to  the  lower  prisms,  and 
so  narrow  therefore  the  emitted  beam  and  so  small  the 
divergence,  that  a  neglect  of  the  dip  will  very  pos- 
sibly deprive  the  horizon  and  the  sea  of  any  rays 
from  the  lower  prisms,  as  we  found  to  be  the  case  at 
the  Wliitby  lights,  where  the  lower  prisms  sent  all 
the  rays  that  passed  through  them  to  the  sky. 

!N.B.  As  the  portion  of  the  flame  which  will  send 
rays  below  the  horizon  to  the  sea,  is  that  portion  be- 
tween the  direction  of  the  axis  of  parallel  rays  and 
the  edge  of  the  burner,  any  attempt  to  raise  the  lamp,  in 
order  to  dip  the  brightest  rays  tlirough  the  lens,  unless 
the  lower  prism?  are  also  readjusted,  will  probably 
bring  the  axis  of  parallel  rays  into  the  burner,  and 
then  immediately  the  lower  prisms  will  cease  to  illu- 
minate either  the  sea,  or  tlie  horizon,  even  if  the 
latter  had  previously  received  some  lew  rays. 

It  is  right  to  state  here  that  rays  from  the  sides  of 
the  flames  may  still  be  eftective. 

Neglecting  the  dip,  therefore,  when  the  flame  is 
high,  unless  the  height  of  the  light  above  the  sea  is 
considerable,  docs  possibly  no  great  harm  to  the  efiect 
of  the  lens  at  the  horizon,  but  it  diminishes  the  light 
sent  through  the  lens  to  the  sea,  and  it  lessens  the 
amount  of  light  sent  both  to  the  horizon  and  the  sea 
I'rom  the  ripper  prisms,  and  lessens  if  it  does  not 
entirely  prevent  the  transmission  of  any  light  to  the 
sea,  and  perhaps  also  to  the  horizon  through  the  lower 
prisms. 

In  the  case  of  the  electric  light,  where  the 
dimension  of  the  luminous  body  is  only  about  \  of 
an  inch,  and  the  divergence  is  therefore  very  small, 
it  is  of  th'.'  last  importance  that  the  rays  should  be 
accurately  ilipped  and  directed.  In  the  case  of  tlie 
oil  lamp  with  a  flame  of  4  ///.,  and  a  divergence  of  6° 
for  reasons  slated  above,  the  question  is  comparatively 
of  less  importance,  provided  always  that  a  proper 
flame  is  mainiainvd,  but  as  tluix'  is  no  difficulty  in 
adjusting  the  lenses  and  ])risms  for  the  given  height, 
it  should  never  be  neglected,  as  careless  keepers  may 
neglect  to  keep  a  high  flame.  Very  careful  experi- 
ments to  measure  the  intensity  of  diflerent  .sections  as 
ecen  from  lenses  and  prisms  should  be  made. 


XI.   Crlass. 

We  noticed  that  the  glass  of  some  of  the  prisms 
at  Whitby  was  streaky  and  wavy.  Since  that  glass 
was  cast  Mr.  Chance  informs  us  he  has  efl'ected  a 
great  improvement,  by  melting  the  glass  in  covered 
pots.  Some  glass  since  produced  is  quite  free  of 
streaks,  and  of  a  very  good  colour. 

XII.  Reflectors  in  Land  Angle. 

In  the  North  AVhitby  Light  there  were  no  cat- 
optric reflectors  on  the  land  side  of  the  illuminating 
apparatus.  There  were  reflectors  in  the  South  Lights 
(but  they  were  badly  flgured).  This  would  atford  a 
good  opportunity  of  testing  the  value  of  the  catoptric 
reflector.  In  its  absence,  about  \  of  the  light,  viz.  that 
in  the  land  angle,  is  entirely  lost  and  wasted. 

XIII.  Filter  for  Oil. 

The  oil  is  not  filtered  in  the  English  Light- 
houses. The  filtration  of  the  oil  in  the  French 
Lighthouses  is  part  of  their  judicious  treatment 
of  the  science  of  illumination  ;  the  greatest  care 
being  taken  to  measure  the  quantity  consumed  in 
every  hour,  or  during  each  watch  or  guard  ;  and  the 
great  and  natural  anxiety  of  the  keepers  to  maintain 
a  perfect  flame,  precludes  the  possibility  of  the  un- 
cousumedoil  that  remains  in  the  lamp  in  the  morning, 
partly  soiled  and  injured  by  its  contact  with  the 
flame,  being  allowed  to  Ibrm  ])art  of  the  oil  at  the 
commencement  of  the  next  night  :  it  is  therefore 
carefully  removed,  but  before  being  returned  to  the 
general  reservoir  it  is  necessarily  carefully  filtered. 
Filters  should  be   introduced  in  all  our  Lighthouses. 

Xr\'.  Distinctive  Character  of  Lights. 
The  Whitby  Lighthouses  are  both  of  the  first  order, 
and  therefore  of  the  most  expensive  character.  They 
cost,  when  completed,  5,256/.,  and  they  will,  with 
high  flames,  cost  for  maintenance  about  800/.  per 
annum.  800/.  per  annum  at  4  per  cent,  represents 
a  capital  sum  of  32,000/..  which  added  to  the  primary 
cost,  viz..  5.256/..  makes  the  total  cost  of  the  Light- 
houses 37,000/.  If  the  second  Lighthouse  is  unneces- 
sary, and  sufficient  distinction  could  have  been  given 
to  one  Lighthouse  the  large  sum  of  18,500/.  has  been 
wasted.  The  direction  of  the  rock  is  sufficiently 
pointed  out  by  the  red  cut  oft". 

XV.  Relative  Height  of  the  tico  Lights  above  the  Sea. 

The  Lights  ha^e  been  placed  so  as  to  point  out  the 
line  of  direction  of  a  danger  oft'  the  harl)Our.  That 
two  Lights,  if  intended  lo  be  used  as  a  leading  mark 
to  clear  a  danger,  should  be  of  unequal  height,  one 
being  higher  than  the  other  by  a  number  of  feet  de- 
pending upon  the  distance  of  the  danger  and  the  hori- 
zon, it  might  have  been  thought,  an  axionnitic  truth 
in  Lighthouse  engineering,  and,  if  to  gain  this  object, 
it  had  been  found  advisable  to  ha\e  the  buildings  much 
closer  together,  economy  in  various  ways  would  have 
been  studied.  The  reason  why  such  Lighthouses 
should  be  of  unequal  heights  is.  that  when  of  the  same 
height  ;^as  at  Inishowen)  i;  is  impossible  to  know 
when  they  are  slightly  open,  whether  it  is  the  nearest 
or  the  most  distant  that  is  to  the  riglit  or  left,  a  very 
important  point  in  intricate  navigation.  At  Whitbv, 
the  light  in  tlie  north  Lighthouse  turns  to  red  when 
the  lights  are  in  one,  but  in  some  states  of  the  atmo- 
sphere it  is  difficult  to  distinguish  white  from  red. 

XVI.  Height  of  flame  of  the  mceha7iical  lamp  in 
the  South  Lighthouse. 
On  our  second  visit  we  found  a  mechanical  lamp  at 
work  in  South  Lighthouse,  and  all  the  up))er  and 
lower  prisms  readjusted.  Various  experiments  were 
tried  (see  Mr.  Faraday's  report),  but  it  is  necessary  to 
observe  that  the  exi)erinients  cannot  do  justice  to  the 
mechanical  lam)i,  for,  as  exhibited  in  the  South  Light- 
house on  that  occasion  and  since,  it  did  little  credit  to 
the  i)rinciple. 

The  Lighthouse  keepers  were  inexperienced,  could 
onlv  succeed  in  burning  one  gallon  in  six  or  seven  hours, 
instead  of  in  less  than  five,  as  in  Scotland,  or  as  in 
France  ;  and  on  the  night  of  the  sea  ex))eriments, 
when  we  were  disappointed  at   tlie  South  Light  not 


INVESTIGATIONS  PROPOSED   BY   DR.   GLADSTONE. 


7J 


showing  to  fjroater  advantage,  it  was  ascertained  from 
Mr.  Chance  tliat  the  nature  of  the  programme 
(which,  instead  of  heing  entirely  a  time  programme, 
as  was  suggested,  involved  constant  looking  out  for 
the  ship's  signals,  and  therefore  frequent  opening  and 
shutting  of  the  gallery  door,)  injured  the  draft, 
and  therefore  the  flame,  which  was  not  improved  l>y 
the  presence  of  additional  keepers  in  the  lantern. 
Mr.  Chance  stated  that  he  had  to  change  the  chimney 
twice  because  it  got  smoky  ;  to  trim  once,  and  that  he 
observed  the  flame  was  (strange  to  say)  brightest 
when  the  overflow  was  least,  all  proving  that  the 
flame  was  in  anything  but  a  satisfactory  state. 

The  necessity  of  maintaining  alwa3-s  •i.high  flame  ai 
4  in.  must  necessitate  constant  watch  and  guard  on  the 
part  of  the  keepers,  and  this  again  frequent  visits  on 
the  part  of  inspectors.  In  France  the  inspectors  have 
a  master  key,  so  that  they  can  ^  isit  at  unexpected 
moments.  Commanders  and  Lieutenants  of  Coast 
Guard  are  perhaps  the  persons  in  the  United  King- 
dom who  could  most  satisfactorily  perform  this  duty. 

It  would  only  be  necessary  for  them  without  any 
warning  to  enter  the  Lighthouses,  measure  the  height 


of  the  flame,  and  report  it  next  morning,  with  any  re- 
markson  thewatchfulness,orotherwise.  of  the  keepers. 
They  should  not  have  the  power  of  interfering  in  any 
other  manner,  or  of  giving  any  orders  or  instructions. 
XVII.  .S'iVe.—Owing  to  the  height  (240  feet)  of  the 
lights  above  the  sea,  they  are  frequently  obscured  by 
clouds.  It  admits  of  considerable  doubt  whether  one 
lighthouse  about  120  feet  in  height  on  an  outlaying 
rock  would  not  have  been  more  efficient  and  less 
expensive  in  the  long  run. 

It  will  Vie  seen  by  reference  to  tlie  .\stronomer  Eoval's  Report  on  his 
visit  to  Whilb.v  that  he  estimated  the  waste  of  tlie  small  quantity  even 
oflight  that  was  atlorded  by  the  old  fountain  lumps  then  in  use  as  very 
considerable,  owing:  to  the  various  errors  he  alludes  to.  leaving  only  a 
small  portion  of  the  light,  estimated  by  him  as  one  tenth  really  useful. 
Now  that  a  mcch.anical  lamp  has  been  placed  at  the  South  Whitby 
Lii^thouse,  and  all  the  lenses  and  prisms  have  been  carefully  readjusted 
by  Mr.  Chance,  the  lisht  and  brilliancy  ought  to  have  increased  most 
considerably ;  but  this  desirable  result  awaits  the  proper  raauageiuent 
of  the  lamp  and,  an  increased  consumption  of  oil. 

The  above  remarks  on  the  errors  and  deficiencies  at  Whitby  have 
been  submitted  to  the  Astronomer  Royal,  the  Commissioners  beinff 
most  anxious  neither  to  overstate  the  number  of  errors  nor  to  attach 
too  much  importance  to  any  one  of  them. 

Professor  Airy  after  carefully  considering  them,  has 
been  pleased  to  state  that  "  lie  believes  the  above 
statements  as  to  the  errors  and  deficiencies  at  Whitby 
to  be  perfectly  accurate." 


INVESTIGATIONS  PROPOSED  BY  DR.   GLADSTONE. 


Production  of  Light. 

\.  The  relative  light-producing  power  of  different 
oils  and  hydrocarbons,  both  liquid  and  gaseous,  such 
as  colza  oil,  olive  oil,  seal  oil,  porpoise  oil,  benzine, 
paraffine,  belmontine,  camphine,  coal  gas,  oil  gas,  gas 
saturated  with  vapour  of  naphtha,  in  reference  to  the 
quantity  burnt.  Each  of  the  combustibles  must  be 
burnt  to  the  greatest  advantage,  and  hence  may  re- 
quire a  particular  kind  of  lamp. 

This  was  done  in  reference  to  sperm  and  colza  oil 
before  the  change  was  made  by  the  Trinity  House. 

2.  The  relative  light-producing  power  of  the  lime 
light  as  produced  by  hydrogen  and  oxygen,  or  by 
coal  gas  and  oxygen,  and  with  various  forms  of 
apparatus  ;  also  with  caustic  lime  and  various  com- 
pounds of  lime  ;  and,  indeed,  with  the  substitution 
of  magnesia,  alumina,  or  other  earths  in  place  of  lime. 
These  should  be  referred  to  some  standard  by  which 
they  may  be  compared  with  the  combustibles  men- 
tioned in  the  previous  paragraph. 

3.  Analogous  experiments  with  electric  lights. 
Different  forms  of  galvanic  battery,  or  electro-mag- 
netic machine,  different  kinds  of  charcoal  points  or 
other  material  to  become  luminous,  different  forms  of 
regulator,  &c.,  must  be  considered. 

4.  As  the  power  of  penetrating  a  mist  is  not  always 
directly  proportional  to  the  amount  of  light  emitted 
through  a  clear  atmosphere,  the  above  experiments 
ought  to  be  repeated  in  a  mist. 

5.  The  relative  advantages  and  disadv.antagos  of 
these  several  combustibles  and  means  of  producing 
light  in  regard  to  expense,  tendency  to  smoke,  effect 
of  temperature,  effect  of  irregular  draughts,  liability 
to  explosion  or  other  accidents,  portability,  room 
required  for  machinery,  &c. 

Utilization  of  Liglit. 

6.  The  amount  of  light  lost  in  reflection  from 
polished  silver,  copper,  glass  coated  with  mercury, 
glass  covered  with  silver  by  Petitjean's  process,  by 
Liebig's  process,  &c.  This  must  be  determined  for 
various  angles. 

Professor  Potter  has  made  some  experiments  with 
reference  to  this  question. 

7.  The  amount  of  light  lost  in  transmission  through 
glass  of  various  composition.  This  is  a  composite 
phenomenon,  depending  partly  on  absorption,  which 
will  differ  with  the  thickness  of  the  glass,  and  partly 
on  reflection  from  each  surface,  which  will  difler  -with 
the  angle  at  which  the  ray  enters  the  glass,  and  the 
angle  at  which  it  emerges  from  it.  All  these  cir- 
cumstances must  be  considered. 

Professor  Potter  has  also  made  some  experiments 
in  this  direction. 

8.  How  far  the  above  results  depend  on  the  in- 
tensity or  character  of  the  light  itself. 


I  4 


9.  Whether  polarized  light,  such  as  must  be  pro- 
duced where  light  passes  through  glass  surfaces  at 
high  angles,  is  as  capable  of  penetrating  a  m.Ut  as 
unpolarized  light  is. 

10.  The  relative  value  of  difl^erent  parts  of  the 
flame  to  dift'erent  pieces  of  optical  apparatus. 

This  was  attempted  in  a  previous  paper  of  mine,  at 
least  as  far  as  the  ordinary  dioptric  arrangement  for 
a  fixed  light  is  concerned.     (See  p.  73.) 

11.  Whether  a  flame  is  perfectly  transparent  to 
its  own  rays. 

Count  Rumford  determined  that  it  is  ;  but  the  fact 
recently  recognized,  that  certain  flames  absorb  light 
of  the  same  refrangibility  as  they  emit,  would  indicate 
that  more  minute  experiments  might  show  that  it  is 
not  perfectly  transparent. 

12.  The  relative  luminosity  of  different  sections  of 
a  flame  taken  horizontally  and  diagonally  at  various 
angles.  Flames  of  all  the  different  sizes  and  characters 
actually  used  in  lighthouses  should  be  examined. 

This  experiment  it  is  proposed  by  the  Commission 
to  perform,  at  least  as  far  as  regards  a  1st  order  lamp.* 

When  all  these  questions  are  determined,  it  wiU 
probably  be  simply  a  matter  of  calcidation  to  deter- 
mine the  five  following  points  : — 

13.  The  relative  merits  of  parabolic  metallic  re- 
flectors, and  optical  apparatus  made  of  glass  alone. 

Various  computations  have  been  already  given  by 
!Mr.  Fresnel,  Professor  Potter,  Mr.  Alan  Stevenson, 
and  others,  but  more  eomjilete  data  are  desiderated. 

14.  The  angular  limits  in  the  vertical  plane,  within 
which  it  is  desirable  to  employ  .a  lenticular  arrange- 
ment ;  and  where  a  system  of  totally  reflecting  prisms 
becomes  more  serviceable. 

1 5.  The  most  advantageous  form  for  the  totally  re- 
flecting prisms. 

It  is  possible  that,  as  suggested  by  Mr.  Campbell, 
if  the  surface  by  which  thft  ray  enters  and  that  by 
which  it  emerges  were  at  right  angles  to  it,  it  might 
cause  a  saving  of  light,  notwithstanding  the  longer  space 
of  glass  which  the  ray  would  then  have  to  traverse. 

16.  The  most  advantageous  position  for  each 
separate  piece  of  optical  apparatus. 

The  Commission  have  already  given  this  matter 
much  consideration,  but  the  data  do  not  yet  exist  for 
a  complete  determination. 

1 7'.  Through  how  large  an  angle  in  the  vertical 
plane  the  divergent  beam  proceeding  towards  the 
horizon  from  a  given  lamp-flame,  and  with  a  given 
optical  arrangement,  may  be  considered  practically 
uniform  in  luminosity 

18.  The  influence  of  different  forms  of  the  shoulder 
of  the  lamp  glass  on  the  direction  of  the  emitted  rays. 

*  As  Messrs.  Chance  performed  experiments  with  this  object, 
■which  were  subsequently  inspected  by  the  Commission,  (see  p.  G 1 ,) 
they  considered  it  unnecessary  to  carry  out  thvir  previous  intention. 


ArPENDIX  TO  EEPOKT  OX  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS  : 


19.  What  kinds  of  glass  are  least  affected  by 
weather  or  siuklen  changes  of  temperature. 

20.  The  influence  of  different  forms  of  lamp  glass 
on  tho  draught.  Lamp  glasses  may  and  do  differ  in 
having  the  shoulder  at  different  heights,  shoulders  of 
different  forms,  or  no  shoulder  at  all,  and  in  having 
cylinders  uniform  in  width,  tapering,  or  trumpet- 
shaped,  and  in  their  Tvidth  and  height ;  or  they  may 
be  globular,  pear-shaped,  &c. 

21.  The  influence  of  other  parts  of  the  apparatus 
on  the  draught,  viz.,  the  continuous  metallic  chimney, 
which  may  be  wider  or  narrower,  longer  or  shorter, 
straight  or  bent,  uniform  or  otherwise  in  width,  &c. ; 
the  wick  holders,  which  may  be  thicker  or  thinner, 
more  or  less  wide  apart,  &c.,  the  central  button  or 
open  space,  &c.. 

22.  The  best  means  of  preventing  irregularities  in 
the  supply  of  air,  and  in  the  rapid  removal  of  the 
products  of  combustion  during  gusty  weather. 

23.  The  amount  of  overflow  of  oil,  which  is  con- 
ducive to  the  burning  of  the  largest  quantity  of  the 
said  oil  in  a  given  lamp. 

24.  The  most  simple  and  trustworthy  means  of 
producing  this  overflow  with  regularity. 

The  French  appear  to  have  experimented  much  on 
this  and  the  previous  question. 

25.  How  to  secure  the  requisite  strength  in  the 
astragals  or  other  framework  of  the  optical  apparatus 
and  lantern  with  the  least  possible  interference  with 
the  light. 

26.  The  amount  of  heat  rays  reflected  back  by 
mirrors  of  various  kinds.  This  need  be  considered 
only  when  the  rays  strike  the  mirror  at  right  angles 
to  its  surface. 

27.  How  far  a  flashing  light  has  the  advantage  in 
catching  the  eye  of  an  observer  at  a  great  distance, 
irrespective  of  its  intensity.  As  this  is  a  subjective 
phenomenon  it  will  differ  with  different  observers. 

Some  experiments  now  in   progress   by  Professor 
Swan  which  bear  on  this  subject  are  alluded  to  in 
Sir  J.  Herschel's  evidence  (see  Vol.  II,  page  595). 
Colour. 

28.  The  relative  space-penetrating  power,  either 
through  a  clear  or  a  misty  atmosphere  of  rays  of  dif- 
ferent refrangibility,  and  consequently  different  colour. 

Sir  D.  Brewster's  observations,  and  mine,  on  the 
Beachy  Head  Light  (and  elsewhere)  have  to  a  great 
extent  determined  this.  Messrs.  Eeynaud  and 
Degrand  have  also  published  a  paper  on  the  power 
of  the  red  ray  to  penetrate  to  great  distances. 

29.  The  particular  raj's  transmitted  by  different 
coloured  glasses,  and  how  far  this  is  affected  by  heat. 
As  the  same  nominal  colour  may  be  produced  by  dif- 
ferent means,  for  instance  red  glass  by  copper  or  by 
gold,  glasses  of  these  different  compositions  must  be 
examined.  As  the  thickness  of  the  medium  or  the 
depth  of  the  colour  most  materially  influences  the 
absorption,  this  should  he  determined  for  various 
thicknesses. 

This  has  been  partially  done  by  Sir  J.  Herschel, 
myself,  and  others. 

30.  The  most  efficient  and  easily  applied  means  for 
enabling  an  ordinary  colour-blind  person  to  determine 
the  colour  of  a  flame  seen  by  him  at  a  distance. 

31.  How  far  does  the  dffferent  power  of  irradiation 
or  diffraction  cause  one  coloured  light  to  be  more  visible 
than  another,  either  through  clear  or  misty  atmo- 
sphere, the  intensities  being  equal. 

32. Whether  there  is  anj'subjective  cause  tending  to 
the  more  ready  perception  of  some  particular  colours. 

33.  Whether  coloured  lights  can  be  advantageously 
produced  by  bringing  certain  salts,  or  other  sub- 
stances, into  tho  flame  of  the  lamp  ;  or  by  exposing 
baryta  or  strontia  to  the  oxy-hydrogeu  flame,  in  place 
of  lime  ;  or  by  steeping  the  charcoal  points  of  the 
electric  lamp  in  similar  salts. 

34.  Whether  a  larger  amount  of  coloured  light 
might  be  obtained  by  making  use  of  a  portion  of  a 
beam  prismatically  dispersed  than  by  reducing  it  by 
absorbent  media.* 

"  Sii-  David  Brewster,  in  his  reply  to  the  scientific  questions, 
received  since  this  was  ■written,  suggests  other  means  of  obtain- 
ing the  same  object. 


For/  Sit/iials. 

35.  The  manner  and  degree  in  which  fog  absorbs 
or  destroys  sounds  of  different  pitch. 

36.  The  manner  and  degree  in  which  fog  absorbs 
or  destroys  sounds  of  diffei-ent  characters  ;  for  in- 
stance, a  sharp  sound  or  a  prolonged  sound. 

37.  A  comparison  of  the  various  means  of  pro- 
ducing loud  sounds,  as  to  their  pitch,  volume,  con- 
venience, costliness,  &c.  The  bell,  gong,  gun,  drum, 
horn,  whistle,  &c.  must  be  considered. 

38.  Whether  there  are  any  reasons  existing  either 
in  nature,  or  in  the  human  mind,  which  render  more 
perceptible  a  repetition  of  the  same  sound,  or  some 
variation  in  note,  octave,  frequency,  &c. 

39.  The  influence  wliich  the  height  above  the  sea, 
at  which  the  sound  originates,  has  upon  the  distance 
at  which  it  is  audible  in  fog. 

40.  The  influence  of  a  background,  such  as  tower, 
a  cliff",  or  a  hill,  in  reflecting  sound. 

41.  The  best  means  of  directing  a  sound  in  a  par- 
ticular direction. 

42.  The  best  means  by  which  the  direction  of  a 
sound  may  be  approximately  determined  by  a  listener 
on  board  ship. 

Buildings. 

43.  Tho  relative  durability  of  different  kinds  of 
stone,  slate,  brick,  composition,  cement,  metal,  and 
other  building  materials,  when  exposed  to  sea  water 
or  seaspray,  as  well  as  the  ordinary  influences  of 
wind,  sun,  and  rain.  The  relative  costliness  and 
ease  of  working  will  depend  much  on  the  site.| 

44.  The  same  in  respect  to  different  kinds  of  paint 
and  other  colouring  materials. 

45.  The  best  form  for  resisting  the  force  of  the 
waves,  the  building  being  solid. 

This  was  determined  by  !Mr.  Alan  Stevenson  to  be 
a  hyperbolic  curve. 

46.  The  best  form  and  arrangement  of  piles,  so  as 
to  secure  the  greatest  strength  with  the  least  resist- 
ance to  the  waves. 

47.  The  best  methods  for  maintaining  a  comfor- 
table temperature  in  the  lantern,  watchroom,  and 
keepers'  houses. 

48.  The  most  convenient,  trustworthy,  and  inex- 
pensive methods  of  producing  a  continuous  movement 
for  revolving  apparatus,  working  fog  signals,  &c. 

Altitude  of  Light. 

49.  The  comparative  amount  of  interruption  in  the 
visibility  of  a  light  by  the  upper,  middle,  and  lower 
strata  of  ordinary  showers. 

Tlic  following  inquiries  are  of  a  local  character. 

50.  The  ordinary  height  of  the  sea  mists  at  or  near 
the  proposed  site. 

51.  The  influence  of  hills,  and  other  geographical 
characteristics  of  the  neighbourhood,  on  the  pro- 
duction of  clouds  during  prevailing  winds. 

52.  The  ordinary  height  at  which  these  clouds  are 
formed,  or  at  which  those  borne  by  prevailing  winds 
pass. 

53.  The  height  to  which  the  sea  spray  rises  at  the 
proposed  site  during  common  gales. 

54.  The  height  to  which  dust  rises  under  similar 
circumstances,  and  whether  it  is  of  a  character  that 
would  attach  itself  to  the  glass  of  the  lantern. 

J.    H.    Gl.ADSTONK. 

The  preceding  list  was  first  submitted  on  August 
29th,  with  the  exception  of  Nos.  19,  26,  34,  and  49, 
which  were  added  in  December  1860,  when  also  the 
following  list  was  prepared. 


AdditioNjU.  Investigations  ha\-ing  reference  solely 

to  Floatincj  Lights,  Buots,  and  Beacons. 

Action  of  Wares,  S)-c. 

55.  The  whole  theory  of  waves  in  the  open  deep  sea. 

56.  The  manner  in  which  the  movement  of  waves 
is  modified  by  tides  or  currents. 

57.  The  manner  in  which  the  movement  of  waves 
is  modified  by  the  vicinity  of  land,  either  as  a  shore 
on  one  side,  or  shores  on  both  sides,  isolated  rocks, 
or  a  bottom  at  no  great  distance  from  the  surface. 

58.  Tlie  manner  in  wliich  these  modifying  in- 
fluences act  and  re-act  on  one  another. 


INVESTIGATIONS   PROPOSED   BY    DE.   GLADSTONE. 


73 


These  questions  arc  treated  in  some  works  on 
natural  philosophy  ;  liut  not  so  fully  as  might  be 
desired,  in  any  with  which  I  am  acquainted.  If  they 
were  satisfactorily  determined  they  would  form  a 
good  foundation  for  the  following  inquiries  : — 

.59.  The  form  of  vessels  (for  ships  or  buoys),  which 
will  maintain  the  greatest  equilibrium  under  all  or 
any  of  these  circumstances. 

Questions  relating  to  the  equilibrium  of  floating 
bodies  have  frequently  been  discussed  lioth  mathe- 
matically and  iiractically,  as  by  the  Kev.  W.  Moseley, 
but  not  generally  with  reference  to  the  nature  of 
waves.  Opposite  opinions  are  expressed  by  eminent 
men  in  our  scientific  evidence. 

60.  Where  the  moorings  should  be  attached  to  such 
a  vessel,  so  as  to  interfere  least  with  the  maintenance 
of  equilibrium. 

On  this  point  also  there  is  contrariety  of  opinion 
among  tiie  scientific  evidence. 

6 1 .  The  form  of  vessel  (for  ships  or  buoys)  which  will 
offer  the  least  resistance  to  water  under  all  or  any  of 
tlie  preceding  circumstances,  when  the  vessel  is  moored. 

62.  Where  the  moorings  should  be  attached  to  such 
a  vessel  so  as  to  be  subjected  to  the  least  strain. 

63.  The  form  of  hull,  masts,  and  rigging,  least 
affected  by  high  winds,  the  vessel  being  stationary. 

64.  The  laws  that  determine  the  formation  or  shift- 
ing of  sand  banks  under  such  circumstances  as  occur  in 
nature  ;  for  instance,  at  the  embouchure  of  a  muddy  ri- 
ver where  the  sea  is  shallow  and  exposedto  strong  tides. 

3Iaterial. 

65.  The  relative  durability  of  different  woods,  iron 
in  its  various  conditions,  copper,  "  yellow  metal,"  and 
other  alloys,  and  of  these  covered  with  diflerent 
paints,  when  exposed  to  seawater  in  rapid  motion, 
air,  and  sun,  and  liable  to  the  growth  of  alga,  and  the 
attacks  of  marine  animals. 

66.  The  toughest  description  of  iron  for  moorings. 
This,  I  presume,    has    often    been    the   subject  of 

experiments  ;  but  as  the  presence  of  a  small  quantity 
of  some  other  element  will  often  alter  the  properties 
of  iron  considerably,  experiments  on  new  comliina- 
tions,  or  on  new  descriptions  of  iron  that  come  into 
the  market,  should  be  made  from  time  to  time. 


Mechanics. 

67.  The  most  perfect  mechanical  contrivance, 
practically  applicable  to  the  lantern  of  a  lightship, 
for  maintaining  it  in  the  same  horizontal  position 
under  every  variety  of  motion. 

68.  The  best  form  for  the  links  of  a  cable,  and  for 
its  fastening  to  a  floating  body,  so  as  to  ensure  the 
greatest  strength  with  a  due  regard  to  mobility. 

69.  The  best  form  of  anchor  for  different  descrip- 
tions of  river  or  sea  bottom. 

Indication  of  Buoys. 

70.  The  relative  merits  of  different  colours,  and  oi 
combinations  of  these  colours  for  catching  the  eye, 
when  the  object  so  coloured  is  riding  on  the  surface  of 
the  sea  in  thick  weather,  or  on  a  clear  night. 

The  mariners'  evidence,  and  observations  made 
by  the  Commission,  establisli  that  buoys  of  a  dark 
colour  are  most  apparent  at  night  ;  but  they  do  not 
decide  between  red  and  black,  nor  between  plain  and 
chequered  or  striped  buoys. 

71.  Whether  red  paint,  when  the  light  incident  on 
it  is  small,  is  distinguished  with  difficulty  by  ordinary 
observers  from  black  paint. 

72.  The  most  available  means  of  obtaining  sufficient 
mechanical  power  from  a  tidal  or  other  current  to 
ring  a  Ijell,  strike  a  gong,  blow  a  whistle,  or  make 
any  other  efl'ective  sound. 

Some  suggestions  are  given  in  the  scientific  evidence. 

73.  The  means  best  calculated  to  effect  the  same 
object  in  an  almost  motionless  sea. 

74.  Whetlier  any  chemical  means  of  producing 
light  can  be  made  available  for  the  illumination  of 
buoys  or  beacons  washed  over  by  the  waves,  and  which 
sometimes  cannot  be  reached  for  weeks  together. 

75.  The  relative  intensity,  expense,  and  security 
from  accidents  of  different  galvanic  lights  (as  an 
ignited  platmum  wire,  or  the  vacuum  discharge  in 
very  narrow  tubes.)  The  power  may  be  produced  on 
land,  and  conveyed  by  insulated  wires,  but  the  appa- 
ratus where  the  light  is  produced  must  require  no 
attention  for  weeks  together. 

76.  The  most  effective  means  for  reflecting  from  a 
buoy  or  beacon  under  the  aforesaid  circumstances  a 
light  produced  on  shore.  J.  H.  Gladstone. 


RELATIVE   POSITION  OF  THE   ELAME   TO  THE    DIFFERENT   PARTS 
OF  A  DIOPTRIC  ILLEMINATING  APPARATUS.* 


An  ordinary  dioptric  apparatus  for  a  fixed  light 
consists  of  lenticular  zones,  upper  prismatic  zones, 
and  lower  prismatic  zoues. 

There  are  two  objects  sought  : — 

1st.  To   send   the  strongest  possible    light  to    the 

actual  horizon. 
2nd.  To  throw  the  strongest  possible  light  on  the 
sea  between  the  actual  horizon  and    the  light- 
house, but  especially  near  the  horizon. 

To  fulfil  both  these  requirements  to  their  fullest 
extent  is  evidently  impossible  ;  they  are  antagonistic. 
It  becomes,  therefore,  a  desideratum  to  determine 
their  relative  importance.  This  will  differ  with  the 
site  ;  but  taking  this  into  account,  and  the  elevation 
of  tlie  apparatus,  it  would  be  easy  to  decide  ou  a  cer- 
tain angle  of  divergence  which  the  very  l>right  beam 
should  possess,  taking  care  at  the  same  time  that  a 


small  amount  of  light  was  allowed  to  fall  between 
that  divergent  beam  and  the  base  of  the  lighthouse. 

It  is  only  necessary,  in  this  instance,  to  consider  a 
section  of  the  flame. 

If  tliere  were  no  apparatus  at  all,  every  luminous' 
point  in  the  whole  flame  A  B,  C  D,  would  send  its 
rays  to  an  eye  on  the  horizon,  the  said  rays  forming 
a  cone,  of  which  the  luminous  point  is  the  apex  and 
the  pupil  of  the  eye  the  base  ;  and  the  farther  the 
horizon  is  from  the  flame  the  smaller  will  be  the 
divergence  of  this  cone,  and  consequently  the  smaller 
will  be  the  amocnt  of  light  received  by  the  eye.  The 
whole  of  these  rays  which  thus  reach  the  eye  on  the 
horizon  will  be  comprized  within  the  Ijeam  AM,  C  N, 
the  sides  of  which  are  approximately  parallel.  Any 
ray,  from  any  part  of  A  B,  C  D,  which  is  directed 
above  or  below  this  beam,  or  which  cuts  either  of  its 
boundary  lines  B  M,  D  N,  will  never  reach  the  horizon. 


*  This  is  printed  exactly  as  it  -was  prepared  for  the  use  of  the  Commissioners  near  the  commencement  of  our  inquiries  into  the 
proper  adjustment  of  the  illuminating  apparatus,  and  therefore  before  the  discussions  and  experiments  at  Whitby  and  Birmingham. 
In  the  diagrams  no  attempt  was  made  to  represent  the  actual  proportions  of  flame  or  glass  work  in  use  ;  and  the  whole  must  be 
taken  simply  as  a  scientific  introduction  to  the  subject  — J.  H.  G. 

I.  K 


74 


APPENDIX   TO    KEPOKT    ON    LIGHTS,  BUOTS,  AND    BEACONS : 


1st.    The  Lenticular  Zones. 

If  now,  a  leus  be  introduced  in  tlie   course  of  this 

beam,   as  at   O  P,  it  produces  both  a  loss  and   a  gain 

of  light  to  au  eye  on  the  horizon,  that  is  to  say,  some 

of  the  ravs  whiclt  formerly  entered  the  eve  are   now 


divt  rteJ  from  it,  while  other  rays  arc  brought  to  it. 
If  F  be  the  focus  of  the  lens,  answering  to  the  eye  on 
the  horizon,  no  rays  will  enter  that  eye  except  from 
luminous  points  comprised  within  the  double  triangle 
E  F  G  and  H  F  I. 


From  the  point  F  the  whole  of  the  divergent  rays 
between  F  O  and  F  P  will  be  sent  to  an  eye  on  the 
horizon.  From  any  point  K  in  the  anterior  triangle 
II  F  I   a   larger  jiroportiou  of    the   divergent    rays 


between  K  O  and  K  P  will  enter  the  ey  e  on  the 
horizon  than  if  the  lens  were  not  there,  for  the  lens 
contracts  the  whole  divergence  K  S  into  a  divergence 
of  only  T  U. 


And  similarly  from  any  point  L,  in  the  posterior 
triangle  E  F  G,  a  larger  projiortion  of  the  divergent 
rays  between  L  O  and  L  P  will  enter  the  eye  on 
the  horizon  than  if  the  lens  were  not  there,  for  the 
lens  will  contract  the  whole  divergence  V  W  into 
the  cenverging  beam  X  Y,  which  must  have  a  focus 
somewhere,  from  which  it  will  diverge  again,  but  at 
an  angle  smaller  far  than  V  L  W. 

The  nearer  the  points  K  and  L  are  to  the  point  F, 
the  larger  will  be  the  proportion  of  the  divergent 
beams  from  them  that  will  enter  the  eye  on  the 
horizon. 

By  placing  the  focus  F  in  the  anterior  part  of  the 
flame  instead  of  the  centre,  the  following  advantages 
will  be  gained  : — 1st,  it,  and  the  neighbouring  points, 
which  are  so  valuable  for  the  horizon,  will  be  situated 
in  a  very  luminous,  instead  of  a  non-luminous  part  of 
the  flame. 


2ud.  A  larger  section 
of  the  flame  will  yield 
light  to  the  eye  on  the 
horizon. 

3rd.  This  light  will 
mainly  converge  between 
the  lens  and  the  eye,  and 
hence  will  be  more  valu- 
able. 

As  far  as  the  surface  of  I 
the  sea  is  concerned,  the 
introduction  of  the  lens  in 
the  path  of  the  beam  B  JI, 
D  X,  produces  the  following  effect : — 

1st.  The  divergence  is  made  smiiller,  for  the  ray 
proceeding  in  the  direction  B  P  is  refracted  some- 
what upward,  though  still  below  P  N,  and  the  ray 
B  O  is  not  refracted  downwards  so  much  as  to  be 
parallel  with  B  P. 


RELATIVE   POSITION   OF   FLAME   AND   APPARATUS. 


This  seiulinjr  of  the  rays  further  to  sea  -will  be 
orenerally  an  advantage. 

2nd.  The  light  sent  to  the  sea  is  the  whole  of  that 
emitted  from  A  E  F  II  B,  (passins  throiiirh  O  P), 
and  half  of  that  from  EF  G  and^HFI  (with  the 
exception  of  what  goes  to  the  eye  ou  the  liorizon), 
instead  of  being  lialf  of  that  from  the  whole  flame 
A  B  C  D  ( witli  the  exception  of  what  goes  to  the 
horizon).  This  may  be  made  an  advantage  by  de- 
pressing F  sufficiently. 


3rd.  The  light  will  be  distributed  diflferently  on  the 
surface  of  the  sea. 

Hitherto  that  portion  of  the  lenticular  apparatus 
has  been  alone  considered,  which  is  interposed  in  the 
path  of  the  rays  proceeding  directly  from  the  whole 
flame  A  B  C  D,  to  an  eye  on  the  horizon  ;  but 
practically  the  lenticular  zones  are  extended  above 
and  below  this. 

The  higher  portion  of  the  leus  E  0  sends  a  por- 
tion of  the  light  that  impinges  upon  it  to  the  horizon. 


and  another  portion  to  the  sea,  whereas  without  the 
lens,  or  some  equivalent  optical  arrangement,  all  these 
rays  would  go  the  sky. 

The  lower  portion  of  the  lens  P  Q  will  cause  a 
25ortion  of  the  light  th.at  impinges  upon  it  to  proceed 
to  the  horizon,  another  portion  will  be  directed  to  a 
more  distant  part  of  the  sea  than  it  would  otherwise 
have  fallen  upon,  while  another  portion  which  would 
otherwise  have  proceeded  to  the  sea  will  be  directed 
towards  the  sky.  The  parts  of  the  flame  which  fur- 
nish these  difterent  rays  will  be  easily  seen  by  a  re  - 
ference  to  the  preceding  demonstration.  For  the 
reasons  above  given  the  focus  F  should  be  in  the 
anterior  portion  of  the  flame. 

To  secure  the  advantage  of  throwing  as  little  light 
up  to  the  sky  as  possible  by  the  lower  portion  of  the 
lens,  the  focus  might  be  advantageously  placed  at  a 
lower  point  F',  than  that  adopted  for  the  central 
part  of  the  lens. 


2nd.    The  Upper  Totally  Reflecting  Zones. 

The  reflecting  surface  of  these  prismatic  zones  acts 
as  a  mirror  ;  and  in  the  subjoined  diagrams  it  alone 
is  represented  for  the  sake  of  simplicity. 

If  this  surface  be  flat,  it  will  send  to  an  eye  on  the 
horizon  such  rays  as  impinge  on  the  said  surface  from 
a  segment  of  the  flame.  This  beam,  of  which  the 
sides  are  E  K  N  and  C  G  M,  is  really  conical, 
since  the  pupil  of  the  eye  is  smaller  than  the  segment 
of  flame  E  L,  but  as  the  horizon  is  very  distant  the 
sides  are  approximately  parallel.  All  the  light  from 
below  this  segment,  and  a  part  of  it,  wiU  be  cast  upon 
the  sea.  D  G  is  reflected  in  the  direction  G  E,  and 
B  K  in  the  direction  K  T.  Similarly  all  the  light 
from  above  this  segment,  and  a  part  of  it,  will  be  sent 
to  the  sky  B  G,  reflected  in  the  direction  G  S. 
Hence  the  segment  of  the  flame,  rays  from  which 
are  sent  to  the  horizon,  should  be  taken  as  much 
from  the  upper  and  the  posterior  portion  of  the  flame 
as  is  consistent  with  obtaining  a  good  body  of  light. 


._ .S 


3rd.    The  Lover  Totally  Reflecting  Zones.  %\°^  the  horizon  rays  from  a  segment  analogous  to 

„                -^          ^      "  "'■  that  described  in  the  case  of  the  upper  reflectors.  All 

11  the  reflecting  surface  be  flat,  it  will  send  to  an  the  rays  from  the  parts  of  the  flame  that  are  lower,  or 

K  2 


76  APPENDIX    TO  REPORT  OX  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACOXS  : 

posterior  to  thii.  senrment,  and  a  part  of  the  rays  from      cuts  off  a  large  proportion  of  these,  the  lower  prisms 
it,  ivill  be  reflected  to  the  sea  ;  but  as  the  lamp  itself      cannot  be  very  serviceable  for  illuminating  the  near 


surface  of  the  sea.     Similarly,  all  the  rays  from  those  be  taken  as  far  forward  in  the  flame  as  is  compatil>le 

portions  of  the  flame   that  are  higher  or  anterior  to  with  obtaining  a  good  body  of  light. 

the  said  segment,  and  a  part  of  the  rays  from  it,  will  J.  H.  Gladstone. 

be  reflected  to  the  sky.     Hence  this  segment  should  July,  1 860. 


4.  Addition  made  on  August.  reflected  in   the  direction  of  G  U  and  D  K    in   that 

If  the  reflecting  surface  of  the   prisms  be  flat   it      of  K  V. 
must  cause  a  wide  divergence  of  the  rays  ;  A  G  being  This  divergence  is  lessened  by  making  the  reflect- 


ing surface  concave.  The  curve  may  be  made  of 
such  a  nature  as  to  bring  all  the  rays  proceeding 
from  a  luminous  point  F  iu  the  directions  M  and  N. 
to  an  eye  on  the  horizon.  In  that  case  tlie  ray  A  G, 
will  be  reflected  in  a  direction  G  Y,  and  the  ray 
D  K,  in  that  of  K  Z,  giving  a  divergence  much 
smaller  than  before,  and  causing  the  light  that   falls 


on  the  sea  to  be  sent  nearer  to  the  horizon.  In  fact, 
the  curving  of  this  surface  produces  a  precisely 
analogouseft'ect  to  the  interposition  of  the  lens  in  the 
course  of  the  direct  rays  from  the  flame  to  the  eye  on 
the  horizon  ;  and  all  the  remarks  made  on  that  sub- 
ject and  on  the  proper  place  for  the  focus  F  will. 
mutatis  mutandis,  apply  here  also. 


I 


LETTERS   FROM   THE   ASTROXOJIER   ROYAL. 


77 


LETTERS    FROM    THE    ASTRONOMER    ROYAL. 


Royal  Observatory,  Greenwich, 
My  dear  Sir,  London,  S.  E.,  2d  April  1860. 

To  place  before  you  different  points  as  they  occur 
to  cue,  I  will  give  the  following  results  of  calculation 
of  dip  (omitting  refraction). 

Taking  4,000  miles  for  the  earth's  radius,  a  light- 
house, to  be  visible  on  the  horizon  at  30  miles  distance, 
must  be  elevated  594  feet.  Using  this  as  basis  of 
calculation,  the  following  are  the  dips  for  a  ship  at 
ditferent  distances  : — 
Miles. 
30  -  -  -       0     25     47 

25         -  -  -       0     26     13 

20  -  -  -       0     27     56 

15  -  ...       0     32     14 

10  '  -  -       0     42     58 

5  -  -         -       1      19     30 

4         -  -  -       1     38     25 

3  -  -  -       2     10     14 

2         -  -  -       3     14     21 

1  -  -  -        6     28       0 

1  -  -  -     13       0       0 

1  -  -  -     26     45       0 

Now,  in  reference  to  the  wants  of  nautical  men, 
ought  we  to  be  sure  to  provide  for  light  at  the  small 
distances  as  well  as  at  the  great  ones  ?  The  subject 
may  be  important  if  we  contemplate  the  use  of  very 
small  sources  of  light,  as  the  galvanic  spark. 

I  am,  &e. 
Admiral  W.  A.  B.  Hamilton,  G.  B.  Airt. 

&c.         &c. 


Royal  Observatory  Greenwich, 
Mt  dear  Sir,  7th  April  1860. 

I   RETURNED    from   Birmingham  on   Tuesday 
evening. 

I  went  to  Birmingham  a  little  earlier  than  I  had 
intended,  in  order  to  try  the  Australian  fixed  light  at 
night.  It  is  a  light  for  an  island,  and  shows  light  at 
seven  faces  of  eight.  I  did  not  give  much  attention 
to  the  reflector,  but  observed  carefully  the  adjustments, 
&c.  of  the  ]>risms.  The  following  is  the  general 
report  on  them. 

The  individual  prisms  were  all  properly  curved 
and  all  well  adjusted.  I  cannot  say  that  one  was 
better  than  another.  (I  have  forgotten  to  say 
that  four  posts  had  been  erected  at  my  request, 
the  distance  of  the  furthest  being  450  feet  ;  and 
bench-marks  at  the  same  level  had  been  established 
on  them  by  spirit-levelling  ;  and  by  means  of  these 
certain  marks  had  been  made  at  the  height  of  definite 
parts  of  the  glass  frame,  and  by  these  my  observations 
were  made).  Each  pannel  of  prisms  that  I  examined 
appeared  excellent.  The  vertical  spread  of  light  in 
each  prism  seemed  considerable,  fully  I'witli  undi- 
minished intensity  ;  but  this  I  found  solely  to  be  attri- 
butable to  the  vertical  depth  of  the  great  lamp  (for  the 
dioptric  part),  and  to  the  depth  and  breadth  (for  the 
upper  catadioptric  part).  Then  I  had  various  parts 
covered,  so  thati  could  examine  separately, — the  cen- 
tral dioptric  part,  and  the  upper  and  lower  cata- 
dioptric parts.  I  saw  immediately  that  the  dioptric 
part  tlirew  its  liglit  too  high,  and  that  the  catadioptric 
parts  threw  their  lights  too  low.  The  error  in  each 
case  was  considerably  under  1°  ;  but  yet,  though  (as 
I  have  said)  the  spread  from  every  individual  beam 
exceeded  1°,  besides  giving  a  quantity  of  stray  light, 
produced,  I  suppose,  by  petty  flaws,  and  illuminated 
particles  in  the  glass,  yet  this  error  in  the  general 
direction  of  the  masses  of  light  immediately  attracted 
attention.  Tlie  inference  was,  that  the  lamp  was  too 
low.  We  raised  the  lamp  pillars  -,'j  of  an  inch,  and  all 
v.-as  then  right.  During  this  time  the  lamp-flamohad 
been,  as  I  understand,  at  the  full  English  height,  not 
at  the  full  French  height.  When  the  lamp-flame 
was  lowered,  the  faults  exhibited  themselves  again. 
The  height  of  the  lamp-stand  had  been  adjusted  by 
the  engineer's  usual  rule. 


No  light-frame,  I  believe,  had  ever  been  examined 
so  well  before. 

I  consider  this  examination  important,  as  showing 
the  following  points  : — 

1.  The  general  excellence  of  the  system  of  grind- 
ing the  prisms,  and  arranging  them  in  each 
frame,  by  the  operations  in  Messrs.  Chance's 
long  gallery. 

2.  The  necessity  for  another  examination  when 
all  the  frames  are  united. 

3.  The  importance  of  not  being  bound  by  such  a 
rule  as  had  been  adopted  by  the  engineer. 

The  engineer  had  provided,  for  the  lightman's 
guidance  as  to  height,  an  apparatus  of  strings  running 
through  ver}'  small  holes,  too  delicate  (I  thought)  for 
coarse  hands.  I  suggested  a  little  pillar  standing  on 
the  pedestal. 

My  observations  show  the  importance  of  attending 
more  carefully  to  height  of  lamp  than  has  yet  been 
done,  and  show  that  in  the  use  of  small  sources  (as 
the  galvanic  spark)  it  will  be  extremely  important  to 
be  assured  that  the  height  is  always  tlie  same.  I 
have  iwitten  to  Farada}-  to  ask  him  whether  he  is 
certain  of  this  constancy  of  height. 

After  this  I  examined  carefully  (in  the  day)  the 
mathematical  process  on  which  is  founded  the  experi- 
mental process  by  which  the  curvature  of  the  curved 
reflecting  side  is  examined.     It  appears  quite  correct. 

Subsequently  I  saw  the  testing  of  one  of  the  external 
rings  of  a  lens  in  the  long  galler}'.  This  was  gouig  on 
as  a  matter  of  daily  manufacture,  and  was  not  put  up 
for  my  edification.  It  was  excellent.  I  had  no  idea 
that  a  ring  could  be  ground  to  do  its  duty  with  so 
much  accuracy. 

General  Inference. 

At  present,  the  great  excellence  of  a  lighthouse  is 
or  may  be  the  optician's  part.  The  great  defect  and 
waste  is  in  the  source  of  light. 

I  am,  &c.. 
Admiral  W.  A.  B.  Hamilton,  G.  B.  Airt. 

&c.         &c.         &c. 


Royal  Observatory,  Greenwich, 
My  dear  Sir,  11th  April,  1860. 

On  the  other  leaf  I  place  excerpt  of  a  letter 
which  I  have  received  from  Faraday,  regarditig  the 
vertical  adjustment  of  galvanic  lights.  He  has  no 
fear  about  it,  but  remarks  on  the  care  which  it  may 
require. 

I  mentioned  to  you  my  strong  objection  to  the 
entertaining  of  any  proposal  for  use  of  glass  prisms 
and  lenses,  shaped  by  any  process  except  grinding. 
The  inconsiderate  parsimony  which  has  induced  any- 
body to  contemplate  the  use  of  pressed  glass  for  light- 
houses is  to  me  totally  incomprehensible.  Let  any 
one  examine  the  straggling  beams  of  light  that  are 
given  by  the  sun  shining  through  an  ordinary  window 
glass,  or  let  him  view  a  complicated  prospect,  as  seen 
through  such  a  glass,  and  then  compare  them  with 
the  same  things  as  seen  through  a  good  ground  plate 
glass,  and  he  will  see  what  would  be  lost  by  such 
adoption,  or  rather,  he  would  see  part  of  what  would 
be  lost.  For,  I  believe,  that  the  accuracy  of  form 
which  can  be  given  to  a  pressed  piece  of  cast  glass  is 
far  below  the  accuracy  of  parallelism  of  the  two  sur- 
faces of  blown  or  sheet  glass  in  ordinary  windows  ; 
and  its  error  on  the  direction  of  a  beam  of  light 
greater  than  that  of  a  window  glass,  in  the  same 
degree  :  and  this  in  a  case  where  the  smallest  error 
is  ruinous.  An  error  of  1°  in  the  transmission  of 
light  by  a  window  glass  produces  no  danger,  and 
does  not  make  the  window  useless  ;  but  an  error  of  1° 
in  the  lighthouse  beam  would  make  the  lighthouse 
inefficient,  and  would  produce  great  dangers  on  the 
coast.  And  I  believe  that  tlie  materials  proposed  for 
use  would  be  liable  to  produce  even  a  greater  angular 
error. 


K3 


78 


APPENDIX  TO  RKPOKT  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOVS,  AND  BEACONS: 


The  piT-ccnlagc  of  saving,  which  the  ailoptiuu  of 
this  imperfect  substitute  for  jrrounfl  ghiss  would  pi'o- 
•luce,  would  be  very  small.  The  Skerry  Vore  Light- 
house cost  about  80,000/.  ;  others  have  cost  from 
10,000/.  to  40,000/.  Imagine  this  expense  in  fact 
thrown  away  to  save  200/.  or  .300/.  in  the  glasses. 
It  is  in  iact  a  kind  of  oconi)niy  which  no  one  who  uses 
spectacles  would  adopt  in  his  spectacle  glasses,  and 
which  no  hospitable  entertainer  at  dinner  would  adopt 
in  his  dinner  service. 

I  am,  he. 
Admiral  "\V.  A.  15.  Hamilton,  G.  B.  Aiuy. 

&c.  &c. 

Extract  from  a  Letter  from  Professor  Faeadat  to 
the  Astronomer  Royal,  dated  9th  April  1860. 

"  As  to  your  inquiries  about  the  electric  spark,  the 
lamp  that  Prof.  Holmes  has  had  constructed  practi- 
cally works  v.ell  ;  for,  being  adjusted,  an  edge  or 
object  near  the  light  throws  a  shadow  on  a  distant 
wall  whose  place  does  not  vary.  The  keeper  watches 
this  shadow  from  time  to  time  for  such  a  shadow), 
and  if  there  be  a  change,  corrects  for  it,  but  the  com- 
pensation for  a  change  of  place  in  tlie  carbons,  cither 
upper  or  lower,  has  been  very  good.  I  have  no  fear 
for  the  place  of  the  magnetic  electric  spark,  provided 
we  can  secure  the  attention  of  the  keepers  ;  that  will 
not  be  called  for  more  than  is  required  by  the  written 
regulations  now.  or  than  was  given  by  the  keeper  at 
the  South  Foreland  ;  but  it  must  be  a  good  deal  more 
than  what  is  absolutely  necessary  for  an  oil  lamp. 

'•  If  the  electric  light  should  come  into  use,  it  seems 
to  me  that  there  will  be  no  difficulty  in  bringing  both 
the  vertical  and  the  horizontal  divergence  easily 
under  command." 


Royal  Observatory,  Greenwich, 
London,  S.E. 
My  dear  Sib,  14th  April,  18G0. 

With  this  I  return  Mr.  Campbell's  excellent 
tetter.  The  process  which  he  has  used  at  the  Point 
of  Ayre  is  exactly  what  I  had  intended  to  use  at  the 
South  Foreland  or  the  Start  ;  with  this  modification 
only,  that  I  had  intended  to  provide  myself  with  two 
])ieces  of  dark  cotton,  so  that  I  could  cover  all  above 
and  all  below  a  single  prism  or  a  single  set  of  prisms, 
and  could  thus  analyze  the  operation  of  every  indi- 
vidual part  of  the  optical  apparatus.  I  think  that  in 
the  extension  of  operations  some  such  arrangement 
will  be  found  useful. 

I  am,  &c. 
Admiral  AV.  A.  B.  Hamilton,         G.  B.  Airy. 
&c.         iftc. 


Royal  Observatorv,  (jreenwich. 
My  Dear  Sir,  2.3th  May  1860. 

I  THINK  it  desirable  to  put  on  record  my  imi)res- 
sions  derived  from  the  examination  of  the  Start 
Lighthouse.  I  wish  that  I  had  done  so  sooner,  but 
my  time  has  been  very  closely  occupied. 

1.  Fixed  frame  in  which  the  I'otating  jjart  revolves. 
The  part  of  tliis  frame  which  guides  the  axis  of  the 
rotating  part  is  not  quite  vertical.  The  error  which 
it  ])roduced  on  a  2  feet  plumbline  was  about  -j  inch 
forwards  or  backwards,  so  that  probably  the  top  is  in 
error  about  J  inch  with  respect  to  the  bottom. 

2.  Corrections  of  radius  of  the  rotating  i)olygon." 
There  is  no  error  worth  mention. 

3.  Eccentricity  of  lamp.  The  lamp  is  about  J  inch 
eccentric.  This  arises,  I  suppose,  from  the  want  of 
vertic.ality  of  its  jiiliar  support,  which  is  disreputably 
conspicuous  to  the  eye.   The  workmanship  is  not  good. 

These  errors  do  not  in  themselves  produce  any 
sensibly  injurious  effect  witli  the  existing  large  lamp, 
supposing  it  fully  lighted  up.  (With  very  small 
lights  they  woulil  bo  intolerable.)  But  in  combina- 
tion with  the  fault  of  lighting  the  lamp  of  which  I 
next  speak.  No.  1  may  produce  a  sensible  elFect. 

4.  Elevation  of    lamp   flame.     On   examining  the 


position  of  the  inverted  imagi>  of  the  SV.S.W.  sea 
and  sky  over  the  lamp,  jis  formed  by  the  central  lenses 
of  the  sections  of  the  rotating  frame,  it  appeared  that, 
(with  irregularities  to  be  mentioned)  the  image  of  the 
sea  horizon  is  about  !•!  inch  above  the  lamp  rings, 
oftener  more  than  less.  When  the  lamp  was  lighted, 
as  in  the  usual  way,  its  outermost  ring  of  flame  was 
barely  as  high  as  tliis,  or  not  so  high.  Consequently, 
the  whole  of  that  light  is  thrown  into  the  sky.  and  "is 
useless  to  ships.  The  two  internal  rings  of  flame 
probably  send  their  brightest  light  to  the  sea  horizon, 
or  nearly  so,  and,  upon  the  whole,  their  arrangement 
is  not  injudicious.  Yet,  considering  the  eflect  of  the 
external  ring  of  flame,  a  greater  quantity  of  light 
might  be  sent  to  the  horizon,  and  a  much  greater 
quantity  on  the  sea  generally  (including  the  near 
distance)  if  the  lamp  were  raised  \  inch. 

.J.  Loss  of  light  on  the  unarmed  sides  of  the  light- 
house. On  -J  of  the  circumference,  if  my  recollection 
is  correct  (possibly  less),  no  light  is  shown,  and  the 
light  radiating  from  the  lamp  in  that  direction  is  in 
no  way  utilized.  In  the  circumstances  of  a  revolving 
light  (as  the  Start),  the  only  method  of  utilizing  this 
light  appears  to  be,  to  plant  a  spherical  concave  mirror, 
whose  centre  is  the  lamp,  in  the  inside  of  the  rotating 
part,  but  not  carried  by  the  rotating  part.  When  (as 
in  the  Start  light)  the  floor  does  not  rotate,  this  can 
be  done  without  difficulty.  In  some  constructions  I 
think  there  might  be  difficulty. 

6.  Form  of  the  central  lenses.  The  greater  propor- 
tion (about  six)  of  the  c^nitral  lenses  appeared  to  me 
to  be  not  badly  shaped:  the  image  of  the  sea  horizon 
occupied  pretty  nearly  the  same  place  as  viewed  by 
light  coming  tiirough  the  centre,  the  top,  the  bottom, 
or  the  sides  of  the  lens.  Tiie  foci  of  some  fell  short 
of  the  lamp  centre,  or  beyond  it ;  but  with  the  large 
lamp  this  is  unimportant.  But  there  was  one  lens 
extremely  bad  ;  it  produced  a  distortion  like  that  of 
a  knob  of  crown  glass.  It  could  never  have  been  veri- 
lied,  and  must  be  regarded  as  very  discreditable  to  the 
maker.  (This  is  a  very  advantageous  specimen  of 
what  would  be  produced  by  pressed  glass.)  There 
was  another,  bad  in  a  minor  degree. 

7.  Form  of  the  ring  lenses.  The  curvature  of  the 
surface  of  the  rings  is  exceedingly  erroneous.  The 
image  of  the  sea  horizon  produced  by  each  ring, 
instead  of  being  something  like  a  horizontal  line,  as  it 
ought,  is  in  all  cases  a  line  clinging  to  the  circular 
form  of  the  ring,  so  that  the  inner  portion  of  the 
ring  is  usually  seen  bright  and  the  outer  portion  dark 
(or  vice  versa.).  I  suspect  that  the  rings  have  been 
ground  in  a  spherical  bowl,  which  would  give  equal 
curvatures  in  radial  and  tangential  directions,  and  this 
would  be  erroneous.  !Mr.  Chance's  process,  of  causing 
the  ring  to  rotate  round  the  optical  axis,  vrhile  the 
transverse  curvature  is  determined  by  the  nature  of 
the  cross  stroki;  of  the  polisher,  controls  perfectly  the 
i-elation  of  the  curvatures,  and  gives  the  power  ol' 
impressing  the  proper  form  on  both.  From  what  I 
saw,  of  a  lens  ring  under  test,  and  of  the  general 
processes  of  testing  at  Messrs.  Chauce'B  works,  I 
scarcely  doubt  that  their  curvatures  are  quite  correct. 
I  should  much  like  to  examine  them  on  a  sea  horizon. 

8.  Upper  fixed  reflectors.  There  are  7x19  fixed 
looking  glass  reflectors,  each  adjustable  by  its  sepa- 
rate screws.  These  screws  do  not  strain  the  form  of 
the  glass,  but  only  alter  its  general  position.  The 
mirrors  are  therefore  subject  to  two  examinations, 
one  for  form,  the  other  for  position.  The  examination 
for  form  is  difficult  (on  account  of  the  elevation)  and 
tedious  (on  account  of  the  number)  ;  and  where  these 
circumstances  hold,  many  faulty  mirrors  will  in- 
fallibly be  inserted.  Some  of  them  gave  the  image 
nearly  as  it  ought  to  be  seen,  but  I  was  not  provided 
with  proper  apparatus  for  the  examination.  Some 
certainly  gave  the  image  as  it  ought  7iot  to  be  seen, 
and  some  were  worthless. 

For  examination  of  position,  there  is  provided  a 
small  apparatus  based  on  the  principle  of  observing 
the  surfaces  of  a  coloured  fluid  in  two  rising  ends  of  a 
horizontal  tube.     It  is   a  fault  of   principle  in    this. 


LETTERS  FR(»r  THE  ASTROXOMER  ROYAL. 


79 


that  it  adapts  the  reflectors  to  give  a  strictlj  horizontal 
beam;  but  1  see  no  difficulty  in  adapting;  it,  by  a  small 
float,  to  give  a  beam  dipping  to  or  below  the  sea 
horizon;  and,  with  this  modification,  I  approve  of  the 
principle ;  but  the  details  of  carrying  out  the  opera- 
tion of  examination  are  barbarous.  The  stand  which 
carries  the  glass  tube  ought  to  revolve  in  a  circle, 
preserving  the  radial  position  of  the  glass  tube  ;  yet 
there  is  no  revolving  radius  to  carry  the  stand  in  this 
position.  The  vertical  ranges  of  mirrors  are  in 
definite  azimuths,  and  the  stand  ought  in  succession 
to  be  placed  opposite  these  ;  there  are  no  marks  for 
the  purpose.  The  horizontal  tiers  are  at  definite 
heights,  and  the  glass  tube  ought  in  succession  to  be 
placed  at  those  heights  ;  there  are  no  marks  for  the 
purpose.  In  all  the  adjustable  machinery  that  I 
have  seen,  I  never  saw  anything  so  bad.  It  is  im  ■ 
possible  that  the  adjustments  can  be  often  examined. 

The  whole  c^f  this  system  is  unsatisfactory,  but  I 
suppose  it  will  ne\er  be  repeated. 

I  omitted  to  mention  that  some  of  the  looking 
glasses  are  much  tarnished. 

9.  Practical  eflt'ct  of  these  faults.  It  must  always 
be  borne  in  mind  that  the  eflFect  of  a  fault  is  to 
be  estimated  by  its  proportion  to  other  faults  to  which 
it  is  added.  Now  there  is  the  primary  fault  of  the 
size  of  the  lamp  flame,  producing  a  divergence  in 
every  beam  of  about  5'^.  If  the  aggregate  of  all  other 
faults  can  amount  to  o",  then,  if  the  beam  of  light 
ought  to  be  definite  in  the  vertical  direction  only, 
its  fault  is  doubled  ;  if  it  ought  to  be  definite  in 
both  dimensions,  its  fault  is  quadrupled  (and  at  any 
rate  its  intensity  is  diminished  to  \).  Now  the  re- 
fraction of  the  ring  lenses  is  so  bad  that  I  think  it 
likely  that  they  do  add  5°  of  divergence,  and  not 
improbably  the  reflectors  do  so.  On  the  whole,  I 
think  it  likely  that  the  lighthouse  does  jwt  give  half 
the  intensity  of  light  which,  as  a  large  lamp  light- 
house, it  ought  to  give,  independently  of  failing  Irom 
want  of  dip  of  the  beam  of  light. 

If,  instead  of  the  large  lamp,  there  were  a  small 
ball  of  lime,  or  a  galvanic  spark,  the  optical  fiiiliug 
would  be  intolerable. 

I  am,  &c. 
Admiral  W.  A.  B.  Hamilton,  G.  B.  Airy. 

&c.         &e.         &c. 


Royal  Observatory  Greenwich, 
Mr  DEAR  SiK,  16th  June,  1860. 

] .  I  returned  late  last  night  from  the  Whitby 
expedition.  I  reached  Whitby  on  the  evening  of 
13th,  and  (after  being  provokingly  misled  about  the 
locality  of  the  lighthouses),  found  them,  and  took 
a  partial  view  in  the  same  evening  till  the  time  of 
lighting  the  lamps.  On  the  morning  of  14th  I  went 
to  them  in  a  carriage  ;  and,  as  they  are  near  the 
Scarborough  road,  I  drove  on  to  Scarborough,  and 
thence  made  Hull  on  that  evening.  Yesterday,  15th, 
I  returned  by  way  of  Lincoln.  In  order  first  to 
despatch  unscientific  business,  I  will  mention  that 
my  son  Hubert  accompanied  me,  and  was  useful  in 
the  observations,  as  well  as  a  comfort  to  myself 
(indeed  I  should  have  been  unwilling  to  go  alone), 
and  I  therefore  think  it  right  to  consider  him  as  a 
chargeable  assistant. 

2.  The  two  lighthouses  are  on  the  edge  of  the  high 
cliflTs  between  two  and  three  miles  S.E. of  Whitby.  They 
are  about  300  yards  apart,  and  act  as  leading  lights 
for  warning  of  a  rock  called  the  "  Whitby  IJock  ;" 
both  are  first  class  fixed  lights  ;  and  each  gives 
illumination  to  something  more  than  a  semi-circumfe- 
rence. The  south  light  has  reflectors  in  the  blank 
part ;  the  north  light  has  none.  They  bear  the  name 
of  Chance,  in  an  inscription  in  large  letters  on  the 
supporting  pillar,  from  which,  as  well  as  from  the 
statements  of  the  lighthouse  keepers,  I  infer  that  the 
entire  light-frame  was  made  by  Chance's  firm.  The 
external  lantern  was  made  by  Wilkins.  The  lights 
are  at  the  ^amc  height,  240  foot  above  the  sea. 

3.  The  dioptric  part  of  the  apparatus  is  beautiful. 
The  glass  is  of  the  best  quality.  The  working  is  so 
perfectly   true    that   in   viewing    the   image    of    the 


horizon,  and  moving  the  eye  so  that  it  (the  image)  is 
shifted  from  the  broad  central  band  successively  to 
the  narrower  lateral  bands,  there  is  no  perceptible 
jump  or  indistinctness,  every  band  forming  its  imago 
truly  and  exactly  in  the  same  place.  (If  the  same 
accuracy  be  preserved  in  ring  lenses,  as  I  have  reason 
to  believe  from  the  performance  of  the  ring  which  I 
saw  under  trial  at  Chance's  works,  there  would  not 
be  the  smallest  degree  of  the  clinging  of  the  horizon 
to  the  outline  of  the  rings,  and  the  succession  of  tooth- 
forms,  which  were  so  offensive  at  the  Start.)  It  is  a 
most  beautiful  piece  of  work  ;  possible  only  where 
the  maker  is  a  man  of  science  and  also  a  practical  man. 

4.  The  catadioptric  parts  are  very  good,  but  not  so 
strikingly  good  as  the  dioptric.  The  veins  of  the 
glass  are  seen  (I  could  not  see  any  in  the  dioptric), 
and  there  was  some  difficulty  in  catching  the  image 
of  the  line  of  horizon  so  sharply.  Still,  there  it  was  ; 
and  there  was  no  difficulty  in  seeing  that  the  boun- 
dary of  light  did  move  over  the  whole  as  it  ought. 
(The  horizon  was  not  very  clear,  as  seen  by  direct 
view.) 

5.  The  reflectors  in  the  south  lighthouse  did  not 
please  me.  Their  general  form,  I  believe,  is  pretty 
correct,  but  the  details  of  the  form  are  bad.  The 
image  of  a  straight  bar  as  seen  in  them  is  as  crooked 
as  a  sheet  of  corrugated  iron.  If  I  could  have  shut 
up  the  lighthouse  into  perfect  darkness,  and  could 
have  put  a  common  candle  in  place  of  the  lamp,  I 
could  have  judged  better  of  the  effect  of  the  reflected 
light.  But  my  impression  is  that  the  reflectors  are  of 
very  little  use. 

6.  So  much  for  the  apparatus  as  prepared  for  use 
in  the  lighthouse.  Now  1  proceed  to  speak  of  its 
adjustment  in  the  lighthouse. 

7.  Upon  comparing  the  height  of  the  image  of 
the  sea  horizon  with  that  of  the  metallic  part  of  the 
lamps,  I  found  that  in  the  north  light  the  image  of 
sea  horizon  was  more  than  1  ■  1  inch  above  the  metal, 
and  in  the  south  light  more  than  1-5  inch  above  the 
metal.  The  height  of  the  lamp  flame  was  stated  by 
the  attendants  at  about  2' 5  inches;  but  when  the 
lamps  were  lighted,  and  maintained  to  what  they  con- 
sidered the  usual  and  proper  height,  I  found  that  a 
great  part  of  that  2-5  inches  was  the  spikes  of  the 
flame.  On  examining  the  image  of  the  sea  horizon, 
with  the  lamps  lighted  (which  is  by  very  far  the  best 
way),  the  following  results  were  obtained  : — 

8.  Dioptric  part.  In  the  N.  lighthouse,  a  very 
insignificant  part  of  the  continuous  flame  (with  its 
spikes)  rises  above  the  image  of  the  sea  horizon.  In 
the  S.  lighthouse,  the  spikes  only  of  the  flame  rise 
above  the  image  of  the  sea  horizon.  In  other  words, 
scarcely  any  part  of  the  light  falls  upon  the  sea, 
distant  or  near;  the  great  mass  of  light  is  thrown  to 
the  sky. 

9.  Lower  catadioptric  part.  In  both  lighthouses 
an  insignificant  part  only  of  the  light  falls  on  the  sea  ; 
in  fact,  we  pronounced  the  lower  parts  to  be  useless. 

10.  Upper  catadioptric  part.     In  both  lighthouses 
the  useful  part  of  the  light  would 
be  nearly  defined 
as  drawn   in   this 

part  A  of  the  flame  is  useful,  the  aJ      \ 
part  B  is  useles 


11.  My  impression  is,  that  in  the  north  lighthouse 
three  fourths  of  the  light  is  absolutely  thrown  away, 
and  in  the  south  lighthouse  nine  tenths  of  the  lio-ht 
is  absolutely  thrown  away.  When,  with  a  ruler,  I 
covered  the  part  of  the  flame  which  merely  gave  light 
to  the  sky,  it  was  absurd  to  see  how  little  •  was 
left  for  the  useful  part.  The  lighthouse  keepers  saw 
and  understood  it  as  well  as  myself  ;  and  my  son  can 
tell  you  as  accurately  as  I  can  how  large  is  the  loss. 
It  really  gave  me  a  feeling  of  melancholy  to  see  the 
results  of  such  exquisite  workmanship  entireh' 
annihilated  by  subsequent  faults  iu  the  mounting  and 
adjustment. 


1   tue  iigni  wouiQ    \ 

s^  diagram."^  The      ik/^VvWAV) 


K  4 


80 


APPEKDIX    TO  PvEPORT  ON  LIGHTS,  SCOTS,  AXt)  BEACONS  : 


12.  If  the  lamp  flames  were  burnt  much  higher, 
the  proportion  of  loss  would  not  be  so  great ;  but  still 
the  positive  loss  would  be  great. 

13.  To  remedy  the  evils  in  this  instance,  and  to 
make  the  lights  truly  efficient,  the  first  step  would  be 
to  raise  the  lamps  about  ^  inch  for  the  north  light- 
house, and  about  Ij  inch  for  the  south  lighthouse. 
This  would  make  the  dioptric  part  perfectly  good  ; 
but  the  catadioptric  parts  would  be  made  worse  than 
they  are  at  present.  In  order  to  correct  them,  the 
brass  frames  must  be  loosened,  and  their  upper  ends 
must  be  drawn  outwards  to  an  extent  easily  deter- 
mined by  trial.  Then  the  whole  lighthouse  would 
throw  a  magnificent  blaze  on  the  sea. 

14.  I  may  point  out  two  collateral  proofs  of  the 
extent  to  which  the  defects  of  the  lights  have  been 
practically  experienced.  The  first  is  the  introduction 
of  reflectors  into  the  south  lighthouse  and  not  into 
the  north  lighthouse  ;  the  explanation  is,  as  I  have 
stated,  that  the  south  lighthouse  is  in  more  fiulty 
adjustment  than  tlie  north.  The  second  is,  that 
sailors  have  made  complaints  that  the  lighthouse 
gallerv  cuts  off  the  lower  beams  of  light,  and  that  it 
ought  to  be  lowered  ;  the  explanation  is,  that  in  the 
fault  of  adjustment,  all  the  light  is  thrown  too  high 
and  none  is  thrown  low. 

15.  To  prevent  the  frequency  or  repetition  of  such 
faults  as  are  conspicuous  in  these  lights,  I  see  no 
course  but  the  appointment  of  a  competent  optical 
engineer,  who  shall  be  responsible  for  the  careful 
examination  of  the  lights  in  their  place  and  in 
action. 

16.  I  hf.v2  now  to  submit  another  remark  to  your- 
self and  the  Commission.  With  whom  the  blame  of 
this  fault  of  adjustment  rests  I  do  not  know,  but  I 
can  say  with  certainty  that  the  merit  of  the  most 
admirable  workmanship  of  the  glasses  is  Messrs. 
Chance's.  The  state  of  these  lighthouses  nuist  sub- 
stantially be  published  ;  they  will  necessarily  be  con- 
nected with  Messrs.  Chance's  name,  and  a  great 
blame  may  be  unjustly  thrown  upon  those  manulac- 
turers.  It  is  in  my  opinion  much  to  be  desired  that 
a  statement  of  the  condition  of  the  lighthouses,  fully 
embodying  a  recognition  of  the  beauty  of  the  work- 
manship as  well  as  an  account  of  the  fault  of 
adjustment,  should  be  communicated  first  to  Messrs. 
Chance.  (For  instance,  parts  of  this  report  might 
be  copied,  beginning  with  article  3  and  ending  with 
14,  and  also  one  which  I  am  going  to  subjoin.)  Some 
steps  might  follow,  in  the  way  either  of  correspond- 
ence, or  of  material  action,  or  of  both  ;  which,  while 
they  would  not  cause  a  suppression  of  the  statement 
which  I  have  made,  would  permit  it  to  be  given  in 
such  a  shape  as  would  prevent  the  commission  of  any 
injustice,  or  the  excitement  of  any  painful  feeling. 

17.  The  further  statement  which  I  had  nearly 
omitted  to  make  is  this  ;  that  the  engineer's  work  in 
the  frame,  &c.,  is  of  excellent  quality,  the  lamp  plll.ar 
is  firm  and  truly  central,  and  all  the  solid  work 
appears  to  be  of  the  highest  order. 

I  am,  &c., 

G.  li.  Airy. 
Admiral  W.  A.  B.  Hamilton, 
&c.  &c.  &c. 


Roval  Observatorv,  Greenwich,  S.E. 
Mv  iir.AR  Sin,      '  25th  June  1860. 

I  fnoi'osF.  in  this  letter  to  lay  before  you  the 
impressions  which  I  have  received  from  examination 
of  the  following  five  lighthouses,  viz.  : — 

The  High  Light  on  the  north  bastion  at  Calais. 

The  Small  Light  of  Cape  de  Valde. 

The  Light  of  Grisnez. 

The  South  Foreland  Light. 

The  North  Foreland  Light. 
1.  The  High  Light  of  Calais.  The  fundamental 
part  of  this  light  is  essentially  similar  to  to  those  of 
Whitby  aiul  the  Forelands  ;  a  fixed  light,  furnished 
with  bands  of  glass  for  the  central  or  dioptric  part, 
and  with  prismatic  bauds  with  internal  total  reflection 
for   the   upper    and  lower  catadioi>tric  parts.       The 


glass  is  good,  but  I  think  not  equal  to  that  at  Whitby; 
and  the  relative  adjustment  of  the  contiguous  bands 
perhaps  not  quite  so  good  as  at  Whitby.  In  respect 
of  adjustment  of  each  pannel  of  bands  or  prisms,  this 
part  of  the  structure  may  be  considered  an  exact  coun- 
terpart of  the  X.  lighthouse  at  Whitby.  The  image 
of  the  horizon,  as  formed  by  the  dioptric  bands,  is 
somewhat  more  than  an  inch  above  the  lamp  metal, 
and  all  parts  of  the  lamp-flame  above  that  height  are 
effectual  on  the  sea,  by  ojjeration  of  the  dioptric  band. 
But  from  the  lower  prisms  scarcely  a  ray  reaches  the 
sea.  and  from  the  upper  prisms  the  light  of  a  very 
small  part  only  reaches  the  sea  ;  they  are  practically 
useless. 

In  considering  this  instance,  as  also  those  of  the 
two  Foreland  lights  (both  constructed  by  French 
artists  emploj'ed  by  Messrs.  Wilkins),  and  those  of 
the  Whitby  lights  (constructed  under  the  immediate 
direction  of  a  French  gentleman,  Messrs.  Chance's 
foreman),  I  am  inclined  to  think  that  a  faulty  rule 
has  been,  at  some  time,  given  by  some  practical  au- 
thority in  France,  and  has  been  slavishly  followed  in 
France  and  England. 

Exterior  to  this  fixed  ring  frame  is  a  lightly  con- 
structed revolving  frame,  cr.rrying  (at  equal  distances 
on  its  circumference)  three  vertical  pannels,  each 
composed  of  vertical  bands  nearly  similar  (mutatis 
mutandis)  to  the  dioptric  ring-bands.  The  intersec- 
tion of  these  vertical  bands  with  the  horizontal  bands 
or  rings  ought  to  produce  exactly  the  efiect  of  a 
lenticular  pannel.  I  was  taken  by  surprise  by  this 
construction,  and  did  not  sufficiently  examine  the 
accuracy  of  the  horizontal  convergence  of  the  rays. 
But  having  heard  subsequently  from  the  pilots  at 
Dover  that  the  lighthouse  exhibits  three  flashes  in 
the  period  of  4°'  (the  time  of  revolution  of  the 
frame),  of  which  one  is  much  brighter  than  the 
others  ;  and  having  seen  from  Dover  the  extraor- 
dinary brilliancy  of  that  flash;  I  am  disposed  to  think 
that  one  of  the  flames  is  very  well  adjusted,  and  the 
other  two  very  ill. 

The  central  pillar  bears  the  name  "  Francois 
jeune." 

In  the  practice  of  adjusting  the  lamp  there  is  a 
very  great  difference  from  those  of  Whitby.  The 
rule  is,  to  burn  the  flame  to  the  height  0'  10  metre,  or 
more  than  3' 9  inches,  and  it  was  fully  at  that  height 
when  I  saw  it.  With  the  dioptric  part,  probably  the 
most  brilliant  light  of  the  flame  reaches  the  horizon, 
and  nearly  the  whole  of  the  sea  is  illuminated.  This 
effect  is  very  good,  but  might  be  considerably  im- 
proved by  j)roper  adjustment  of  the  reflecting 
prisms. 

The  lamp  is  fed  by  a  pump.  (For  lamp  glass,  see 
Grisnez,  below.  For  remarks  on  the  reflectors  in  the 
blank  sides,  see  Grisnez,  below.) 

2.  The  Small  Light  at  Cape  de  Walde,  or  Valde. 
This  is  a  fourth  class  light,  and  deserves  no  notice 
except  as  a  specimen  of  a  lighthouse  with  prisms,  &c. 
made  of  cast  unpolished  glass.  It  is  quite  sufficient  to 
condemn  the  system,  even  for  such  a  little  instrument 
as  this.  The  quality  of  every  surface  is  wretched  ; 
the  form  of  ever}-  surface  is  faulty  ;  the  surfaces  fre- 
quently have  contrary  or  ogee  curvatures.  The  pro- 
portion of  light  Sent  in  any  desired  direction  must  be 
very  small  indeed. 

3.  The  Light  of  Grisnez.  This  is  similar  to  that 
of  the  Start  f  lenticular  arrangement  for  the  dioptric 
part,  looking-glass  reflectors  for  the  catoptric  part). 
There  are  the  following  differences  of  detail :  instead 
of  eight  divisions,  as  at  the  Start,  there  are  sixteen  at 
Grisnez,  and  the  number  of  reflectors  at  Grisnez  is 
smaller  than  that  at  the  Start.  In  the  truth  of  the 
workmanship  of  the  lens  rings  there  is  a  prodigious 
difTerence.  The  rings  at  Grisnez  are  so  truly 
curved  that  the  line  of  the  sea  horizon  is  seen  to 
traverse  all,  above  or  below  the  centre,  without  any 
clinging  to  the  circumference,  or  any  tooth-like  inter- 
ruption, as  at  the  Start.  Upon  examining  the  adjust- 
ment of  the  dioptric  iiannels,  and  of  the  looking-glass 
mirrors,  it  was  evident  that,  supposing  a  good  flame 


LETTERS  FROM  THE  ASTRONOMER  ROYAL. 


81 


on  the  lamp,  every  one  of  these  would  send  light  to 
the  horizon  and  upon  the  sea,  losing  very  little  in 
the  sky.  The  adj  ustrnent  of  this,  now  an  old  fashioned 
apparatus,  is  far  the  best  that  I  have  seen. 

Tlie  keeper  appeared  to  have  no  fi.\ed  rule  of 
0- 1™  for  the  height  of  the  flame.  The  height  which 
he  exhibited  with  his  fingers  was  less  than  0*1™, 
perhaps  3  inches. 

I  omitted  to  examine  the  lamp  feeder. 
In  the  lamp-glass  here,  as  well  as  at  Calais,  the 
form  of  the  glass  differs  much  from  that  in  the 
English  lamps.  The  contraction  of  the  diameter, 
instead  of  being  made  by  a  square  shoulder,  as  in 
the  Whitby  lamps,  is  made  by  a  gradual  slope  of 
about  H  inch. 

The  diameter  of  the  lamps  is  3h  inches,  sensibly 
the  same  as  that  of  the  English  lamps.  The  number 
of  concentric  wicks,  four. 

In  this  lighthouse,  and  in  the  Calais  light,  there 
are  large  reflectors  on  the  blank  sides.  I  believe  that 
they  are  better  shaped  than  those  in  the  English 
lights,  but  they  are  so  wretchedly  dull  (scarcely 
brighter  than  a  pewter  plate)  that  I  do  not  conceive 
Ihem  to  have  any  sensible  utility. 

4.  The  South  Foreland  Upper  Light.  This  is  a 
fixed  light,  precisely  similar  to  those  of  Whitby  and 
Calais.  The  glass  is  French  (Lepaute),  furnished  by 
Messrs.  Wilkins.  The  dioptric  port  is  fairly  good, 
but  with  more  veins  than  in  those  of  Whitby,  Calais, 
or  North  Foreland  ;  and  the  curvatures  are  not  quite 
so  well  worked.  In  the  catadioptric  part,  some  of 
the  prisms  are  abominably  veiny,  never  through  their 
whole  length,  but  through  about  half,  indicating 
some  peculiarity  in  the  manufacture  of  the  glass. 
One  or  two  of  the  lower  prisms  are  sensibly  out  of 
adjustment,  as  compared  with  the  others. 

As  regards  the  action  of  the  lamp  through  the 
central  dioptric  part,  the  flame  to  the  height  of 
1|  inch  throws  its  light  to  the  sky.  The  lamp-flame 
is  maintained  to  the  height  of  2^  or  2^  inches,  and  a 
great  deal  of  its  best  part  is  efi'ective  on  the  sea. 

As  regards  the  catadioptric  parts,  the  lower  part 
is  veiy  nearly  useless,  and  the  upper  part  almost 
useless,  as  at  Whitby  and  Calais. 

There  are  reflectors  for  the  blank  sides,  bright, 
but  irregular  in  form,  as  at  Whitby. 

Lamp  Scinches  diameter,  with  three  wicks. 
The  ligh'tkeeper  said  that  there  was  great  trouble  in 
maintaining,  with  the  fountain  apparatus,  a  uniform 
high  light,  because  when  the  oil  was  cold  scarcely 
enough  was  supplied,  and  as  soon  as  the  lamp  heated 
it  rau  over  too  copiously. 

Tlie  reduction  of  the  lamp-glass  is  not  so  square  as 
at  Whitby,  and  not  so  sloping  as  in  the  French  lights, 
This  is  an  effective  light,  but  admits  of  being  much 
improved. 

.5.  The  North  Foreland  Light.  Exactly  similar 
in  form  and  arrangement  to  tlie  Whitby,  Calais,  and 
South  Foreland.  The  glass  is  beautiful  (none  but 
the  Whitby  glass  comparable  to  it),  the  dioptric  band 
well  worked  (not  quite  so  well  as  at  Whitby),  the 
catadioptric  prisms  well  adjusted  together.  The 
useless  portion  of  flame  for  the  dioptric  part  0-9  or 
I'Oinch  high.  Height  of  flame,  as  I  understood, 
near  three  inches  (the  oil  is  supplied  mechanically). 
The  catadioptric  parts  are  nearly  useless,  as  in  the 
Whitby  lights.  Bad  reflectors  on  the  blank  sides,  as 
at  Whitby. 

The  lamp,  as  at  Whitby  and  South  Foreland,  but 
there  is  a  more  careful  apparatus  for  adjusting  the 
height  of  the  lamp-glass,  which  is  praiseworthy. 
Lamp  glasses,  as  at  houth  Foreland. 

An  effective  light,  but  admitting  of  improvement. 
I  am,  &c. 
Admiral  W.  A.  B.  Hamilton,  G.  B.  Airt. 

&c.         &c. 


judicious  co-operation  with  him,  we  may  do  much  to 
improve  the  lighthouses. 

The  note  from  Cookson's  workman  on  the  Start 
lenses  is,  at  first,  a  little  obscure,  but  I  understand  it 
perfectly.  The  rings  and  the  central  lens  were  all 
ground  at  once  by  a  bowl-shaped  grinder,  as  I  sus- 
pected ;  a  very  different  process  from  the  cross-stroke 
grinding  at  Chance's.  This  rude  note  ought  to  be 
preserved,  as  a  very  interesting  document  for  the 
history  of  the  practical  science. 

My  first  recommendation  to  the  powers  would  be 
— the  Start  Light  must  be  entirely  remodelled.  It  is 
a  light  of  great  importance. 

Now,  what  in  your  judgment  would  be  the  best 
way  for  bringing  together  the  Trinity  Board,  and 
Mr.  Chance,  and  ourselves,  for  the  improvement  of 
the  Whitby  Lights  ?  It  may  well  be  done  before  )'0u 
make  your  report,  and  the  amended  state  may  make 
a  good  chapter  at  the  close  of  the  report. 
I  am,  &c. 

Admiral  Hamilton,  G.  B.  Aiet. 

&c.  &c. 


Royal  Observatory,  Greenwich, 
London.  S.E. 
Mt  deae  Sir,  3rd  July,  18fiO. 

I  return  the  proof  of  Abstract  of  Evidence  on 
Lighthouses,  &c.,  as  I  must  be  clearing  in  reference 
to  my  journey  to  Spain. 

I  have  no   doubt  that   the   failure  of  the  Whitby 
High  Lights  to  which  you  have  directed  my  attention 
is  simply  in  consequence  of  their  optical  badness. 
I  am,  &c. 
Admiral  W.  A.  B.  Hamilton,  G.  B.  Airt. 

&c.  &c. 


Royal  Observatory,  Greenwich, 
Mr  DEAR  Sir,  London,  S.E.,4th  July  1860. 

I  return   the  letters   of  Capt.  Ryder  and  Mr. 
Campbell. 

I  like  Mr.  Campbell's  proposal  of  shifting  the 
individual  reflective  prisms,  but  for  the  lower  prisms 
only.  The  diverging  form  of  the  upper  prisms 
(which  are  more  important)  will  not  permit  the 
change. 

In  regard  to  Capt.  Ryder's  proposed  order  of  action, 
this  is  one  of  the  matters  of  high  politique  in  which  I 
am  not  competent  materially  to  interfere,  only  I  say  : — 

1.  The  Whitby  light  is  the  most  flagrant  instance 
of  mismanagement, 

2.  The  constructor  of  every  part  of  the  Whitby 
apparatus  is  at  hand. 

3.  The  said  constructor  is  willing  to  go  heartily 
into  the  improvement  of  the  Whitby  light. 

Therefore,  leave  all  others  and  rest  on  it. 
And  I  also  say,  as  far  as  the  Trinity  Board  is  con- 
cerned, do  everything    openly   and  frankly   towards 
them. 

This  in  readiness  for  our  possible  meeting. 
I  am,  &c. 
Admiral  W.  A.  B.  Hamilton,  G.  B.  Airy. 

&c.  &c. 


Royal  Observatory,  Greenwich, 
My  dear  Sir,  'London,  S.E.,  29th  June  1860. 

1  enclose  a  letter  which  I  have  just  received 
from   Mr.    Chance.     It  is   clear,   I  think,   that   by 


Royal  Observatory,  Greenwich, 
London,  S.E. 
My  dear  Sir,  1st  August,  I860. 

The  point  which  I  wished  to  have  specially 
investigated  in  the  High  Calais  Lighthouse,  is  this  : — 
The  frame  is  fundamentally  that  of  a  fixed  light,  dis- 
triVjuting  its  light  equally  all  round  to  a  certain 
angular  extent,  or,  at  least,  throwing  the  same  con- 
stant light  to  Dover  (for  instance).  And  this  constant 
liti'ht  is  varied  by  the  rotation  of  a  moveable  frame, 
which  embraces  the  fixed  ligh ,  apparatus,  and  which 
carries  three  sets  of  vertical  glass  prisms,  with  surfaces 
so  curved  as  to  produce  (generallvj  the  same  effect  of 
refraction  in  a  horizontal  plane,  which  the  dioptric 
hand  produces  in  a  vertical  plane. 

If  these  vertical  glass  prisms  are  properly  adjusted, 
then,  every  time  that  any  one  of  the  three  frames  is 


82 


API'KNDIX  TO    REPORT  OX  T.IGIITS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS: 


turned  towards  Dover,  there  -will   be   a  concentrated 
beam  of  light  of  fjreat  intensity  tlirown  to  Dover. 

But  it  a])pears  that,  in  point  of  fact,  only  one  of  the 
three  beams,  thrown  in  the  course  of  a  complete- 
rotation,  possesses  any  great  intensity. 

From  this,  I  infer,  that  one  of  the  three  sets  of 
prisms  is  well  adjusted,  and  that  the  others  are  not. 

The  test  would  be  this  : — Select  an  object  at  a 
considerable  distance,  7iot  a  horizontal  line  like  the 
sea  horizon,  but  a  vertical  line  like  a  lighthouse,  or  a 
point  or  small  object  like  a  ship.  And  when  the 
prism  frame  under  trial  is  turned  towards  such  object, 
remark  where  the  image  of  such  object  is  formed,* 
not  in  regard  to  up-and-down  (as  we  have  done  for 
the  ordinary  tests  by  sea  horizon),  but  in  regard  to 
riqht-aiid-left ;  and  see  whether  its  image,  as  viewed 
through  the  whole  horizontal  range  of  the  prism 
frame,  is  in  the  same  position  (with  regard  to  right 
and-left)  for  every  one  of  the  prisms,  and  for  the 
whole  breadth  of  each  ;  and  whether  the  said  imag<' 
is  well  formed  by  each  ;  and  whether  all  the  said 
images  are  formed  very  near  to  the  vertical  axis  of 
the  lamp. 

All  the  images  ought  to  be  well  formed  and  united 
at  the  vertical  axis  of  the  lamp,  and  any  fault  in 
those  respects  would  injure  the  action  of  the  appa- 
ratus. 

The  prism  frames  ought  not  to  throw  the  image  of 
the  sea  horizon  up  or  down  ;  this  also  should  be 
examined. 

I  am,  &c. 

Admiral  W.  A.  B.  Hamilton,  G.  B.  Ainr. 

&c.  &c. 


I  intend  to  suggest  to  Mr.  Chance  some  experiments 
for  determining  the  special  section  of  the  lamp-flame 
which  will  send  to  the  horizon  the  most  brilliant  light 
through  the  reflecting  prisms. 

I  am,  &e. 
Admiral  W.  A.  B.  Hamilton,  G.  B.  Arur. 

&c.  &c. 


Eoyal  Observatory,  Greenwich, 
London,  S.E., 

6th  August  1860. 
My  df.ak  Sir, 

The  points  which  struck  me  most  in  our  late 
visit  to  the  North  Foreland  Light,  as  additions  to  what 
I  liad  previously  recorded,  are  the  following  : — 

1.  The  performance  of  the  lamp  was  very  bad  ; 
the  flame,  when  steady,  was  much  lower  tlian  when  I 
saw  it  before.  This  circumstance,  however,  assisted 
by  the  depression  of  the  lamp-flarae  (made,  as  I 
understood,  within  a  few  days),  brought  out  far  more 
clearly  than  could  otherwise  have  been  done  the  im- 
perfection of  illumination  on  the  horizon  and  on  the 
sea.  When  I  saw  the  lighthouse  before,  there  was 
good  light  on  both  from  the  dioptric  part,  the  flame 
being  then  respectably  high. 

2.  I  suspected,  from  recollection  of  my  former  ob- 
servation, and  I  now  fully  confirmeit  it,  that  tlio 
curvature  of  the  reflecting  surfaces  of  the  upper  and 
lower  prisms,  but  especially  of  the  latter,  is  much  too 
sharp.  In  the  instance  which  I  measured  best  (2d 
lower  prism),  the  horizon  image,  instead  of  being 
formed  on  the  lamp,  was  formed  1 1  inches  before 
reaching  the  centre  of  the  lauii).  The  effect  of  this 
was  to  disperse  the  light  up  and  dov.n.  In  the  present 
generally  erroneous  adjustment  of  these  prisms,  then? 
may  be'  advantage  in  this,  because  it  throws  some 
light  on  the  sea  ;  but  if  the  prisms  were  generally 
Well  adjusted,  much  of  the  light,  which  would  fall 
with  great  force  on  the  -sea,  would  be  lost. 

3.  From  a  remark  made  by  Mr.  L.  Sautter,  it  i.s 
plain  that  the  ])eculiar  effect  of  reflection  is  not  ftdly 
understood  by  him.  lie  said  that  the  adjustment  of 
the  reflecting  prisms  was  adapted  to  a  high  flame  but 
not  to  a  low  flame.  But  in  reality  an  addition  to  the 
height  of  the  flame  (though  very  valuable  for  the 
dioptric  part)  adds  nothing  to  the  useful  eflect  of  the 
reflecting  part,  as  I  have  rei)eatedly  stated  ;  and 
Mr.  Sautter's  remark,  therefore,  must  be  without 
foundation,  and  expressed  without  clear  understanding 
of  the  matter. 

It  occurs  fo  me  to  suggest  for  Professor  Faraday's 
consideration,  whether,  in  a  place  so  accessible,  gas 
might  not  be  used,  either  manufactured  on  the  spot  or 
led  from  JIargate. 

*  See.  liowever,  the  last  paragraph. 


Royal  Observatory,  Greenwich, 

London.  S.E. 
■My  dear  Sik,  9th  August  1860. 

I  EXCLOSE  a  tracing  of  a  sketch  that  I  have 
made  of  the  way  in  which  I  think  the  questions  of 
adjustment  of  the  reflecting  prisms  of  lighthouses 
must  be  treated.  I  do  not  mean  it  as  perfectly  correct 
for  angles,  &c.,  but  rather  as  a  specimen  of  method. 
I  send  a  copy  of  it  to  Mr.  Chance. 

I  am,  &c. 

G.  B.  AiHY. 
You  will  remark  that  I  still  confine  my  practical 
ideas  to  oil  lamps,  or  i, which  in  form  is  the  same 
thing)  to  gas  lamps.  I  hope  to  see  the  galvanic  light 
introduced,  but  it  will  require  a  very  extensive  change 
of  lenses  and  reflecting  prisms,  and  therefore  will  come 
very  slowh-.  I  am  prepared  with  the  principal  con- 
siderations that  will  then  have  to  Vjo  examined. 

G.  B.  A. 
Admiral  W.  A.  B.  Hamilton. 
&c.  &c. 


Koyal  Observatory,  Greenwich, 
London,  S.E., 
My  dear  Sir,  8th  September  1860. 

I  RET0RXED  yesterday  morning,  but  had  no 
leisure  to  write  to  you  yesterday  or  this  morning. 
This  letter  uill  be  posted  on  the  10th. 

I  enclose  M.  Revnaud's  letter,  which  would  have 
been  of  the  utmost  importance  to  me  if  I  had  gone 
alone,  and  was  probably  extremely  useful  in  the 
actual  case. 

My  course  of  journey  was  this  : — On  Monday 
the  3d  I  went  to  Dover  by  4-30  train,  expecting 
Captain  Ryder  either  by  that  train  or  by  the  next, 
and  proposing  to  cross  by  the  morning  steamboat  ; 
but  the  night  became  very  fine  and  calm,  and  I 
determined  to  cross  by  the  night  boat.  Established 
myself  at  Dessin's,  and  in  the  morning  worked  off  the 
Calais  Lighthouse.  Finding  that  there  is  a  diligence 
to  Boulogne  at  12,  by  which  time  the  morning  steamer 
would  be  in,  I  took  two  places  on  the  diligence,  and 
waited  at  a  corner  of  a  street  for  the  steamboat  pas- 
sengers. And  there  I  picked  up  C'aplain  Ryder. 
Then  we  went  b}'  the  diligence  (very  slow)  to  Boulogne, 
and  by  railway  to  Abbeville,  where  we  slept.  On 
the  morning  of  the  .Jth,  at  10  o'clock,  went  by  dili- 
gence to  Dieppe,  arriving  at  past  4.  It  was  too  late 
fo  do  justice  to  Cap  d'Ailly,  so  we  arranged  for 
starting  at  f>  o'clock  the  next  morning,  with  the 
hope  of  quitting  by  the  boat  at  10-40  a.m.  On  the 
morning  of  the  6th  started  at  6  o'clock,  reaching  the 
lighthouse  about  7-30,  and  proceeded  to  work,  when 
a  fog  and  shower  came  on  which  destroyed  our 
horizon.  AVe  were  compelled  to  wait  so  long  that  the 
steamer  was  effectually  lost,  so  we  transacted  our 
business  leisurely,  repeating  some  of  the  examinations 
several  times.  Started  by  the  steamer  at  lO-oO  p.m.; 
was  too  ill  to  compare  the  Cap  d'Aillj'  ami  Beachy 
Head  Lights.  Readied  Newhaven  on  the  morning  of 
the  7th,  and  came  to  London  and  Grei-nwich. 

1.  In  walking  backwards  and  forwards  on  the 
Dover  Pier,  I  remarked  the  way  in  which  the  South 
Foreland  High  Light  comes  into  .sight  over  the 
shoulder  of  the  Downs.  It  appears  as  a  very  dull 
spark,  very  slowly  increasing,  till  at  last  it  rises 
rather  suddenly  into  considerable  brilliancy.  I  in- 
ter]>ret  it  thus.  The  first  view  is  of  the  upper  prisms, 
which  are  so  imperfectly  lighted  that  even  when  all 
are  in  view  their  ligiit  is  small,  and  therefore  as  they 
come  gradually  into  view,  the  volume  of  light,  small 
at  the  utmost,  has  increased  slowly  ;  at  length  the 
[read  on  to  page  85. 


LETTERS   FROM   THE   ASTROXOMEK    ROYAL. 


83 


Examination  of  the  inclined  sections  of  the  Fliiraes  of  a  Lighthouse  Lamp,  for  estimation  of  the  most 
advantageous  place  at  which  the  image  of  the  sea  horizon,  formed  by  the  reflecting  prisms,  ought  to 
cut  the  flames.  It  is  assumed  that  lines  drawn  from  the  centre  of  the  lamp  at  an  angle  of  45°,  upwards 
and  do.vnwnrds,  will  cut  the  centre  and  most  eflicient  prisms. 


View  of  the  Flames  feosi  the  Lower  Prisms. 


(With  the  Customary  Section  no  light  is  really  useiul.) 
L2 


84 


APPENDIX  TO  REPORT  OK  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS  : 


View  or  the  Fi-Ajres  from  the  Upper  Prism?. 


(The  only  ujeful  light  for  the  Customary  Section  is  the  small  part  below  its  line.) 


For  the  Lower  Prisms  : — 

Section  1  appears  at  first  sight  to  pass  through  the  greatest  quantity  of  light,  and  thus  to  send  most 
light  to  the  sea  horizon  ;  but  in  fact  it  does  not,  because  it  passes  through  a  non  luminous  part 
of  the  outer  flame,    and  it  almost  wholly  destroys  the  light  on  the  sea.     It  is  inadmissible. 

Section  2  is  better. 

I  prefer  Section  3,  as  combining  all  interests  in  the  best  degree. 

Section  4  throws  good  light  on  the  sea,  but  the  light  to  the  horizon  is  (in  a  very  small  degree) 
diminished. 

For  the  Upper  Prisms  : — 

Sections  a,  b,  c,  possess  the  different  properties  in  degrees  very  slightly  different. 
On  the  whole  I  prefer  Section  b. 

For  Prisms  above  and  below  the  assumed  angle  of  45",  it  is  nearly  indifferent  to  what  point  they  are  adjusted, 
provided  it  is  in  the  Section  3  or  b  (as  the  prisms  are  Lower  or  Upper)  and  within  the  limits  of 
the  lamp  flame.     If  a  point  in  the  lamp  axis  be  adopted,  the  rule  will  be  this  : — 
Adjust  the  lower  prisms  to  a  point  '2^  high  in  tiie  centre  of  flame. 
Adjust  the  upper  prisms  to  a  point  1^  high  in  the  centre  of  flame. 
9th  Au£rust  1860.  G.  B.  Airt. 


II 


LETTERS  FROM  THE  ASTRONOMER  ROYAL. 


85 


central  pannels  give  their  light,  which  (from  the  cir- 
cumstances of  adjustment)  is  much  more  effective. 

2.  Shortly  after  leaving  Dover  Harbour,  the  South 
Foreland  Lower  Liglit  comes  into  view.  There  was 
no  mist  whatever  about  the  Downs,  and  both  lights 
were  seen  perfectly  well  all  the  way  to  Calais.  As 
the  bearings  of  the  lights  .sliglitly  clianged,  their 
relative  brilliancy  slightly  altered  (evidently  from 
window  bars,  position  of  reflector  edges,  &c. )  The 
result  of  very  careful  examination  was  that  the  lights 
are  exactly  equal,  sometimes  one  and  sometimes  the 
other  being  the  brighter.  Now  the  Lower  Light  is 
an  old  parabolic  mirror  light,  and  the  Upper  is  a  new 
first-cl.ass  dioptric  and  catadioptric  glass  light.  I 
conceive  that  this  comparison  is  discreditable  to  the 
Upper  Light. 

3.  The  great  Calais  Light  rose  suddenly  from  the 
sea  at  about  one  third  passage  over,  witli  good  light 
and  great  brilliancy  at  its  hrilliiint  phase.  Of  the 
apparently  triple  phnse  I  will  speak  hereafter.  On 
the  voyage  I  timed  the  brilliant  phase  and  found  the 
intervals  to  be  4  minutes. 

4.  I  saw  the  light  on  the  sands,  which  we  had  visited, 
(the  sailors  call  it  Capo  Walhhim).  It  really  gives  a 
more  respectable  light  than  I  could  have  expected 
from  such  an  unnatural  contrivance. 

5.  In  the  Calais  lighthouse,  I  examined  very  care- 
fully the  three   moveable  sets  of  vertical  prisms,  and 


found  all  to  be  in  excellent  adjustment,  a  single  prism 
in  a  single  set  being  rio  far  out  of  adjustment  as  to 
throw  the  image  of  a  ship  about  |-inch  to  one  side, 
which  is  of  no  importance,  and  none  of  them  dis- 
turbing the  horizon.  Their  focus  is  nearly  1  inch  in 
front  of  circumference  of  lamp,  which  does  no  hurt. 
(It  would  do  hurt  if  the  light  were  a  galvanic  spark.) 
I  was  a  little  puzzled  about  the  apparent  difference 
in  the  triple  flash,  till  I  had  the  clockwork  attached, 
and  the  instrument  moved  "  au  naturel  "  as  the  man 
phrased  it.  I  then  tried  the  passages  of  the  succes- 
sive sets  of  prisms,  and  found  the  interval  from  set 
No.  1  to  set  No.  2  to  be  4  minutes,  and  that  from  set 
No.  2  to  set  No.  3  to  be  4  minutes,  and  the  same 
No.  3  to  No.  1  ;  the  whole  time  of  revolution  being 
12  minutes.  It  was  plain,  therefore,  < hat  the  apparent 
triplicity  of  phase,  whose  period  is  4  minutes,  does  not 
belling  to  a  difference  of  adjustment  of  the  three  sets 
of  prisms,  but  is  something  peculiar  to  such  prisms, 
and  is  the  same  for  the  three  sets.  And  now  1  found 
the  exjilanation.  The  vertical  prisms  absnrb  all  the 
light  of  the  central  pannels  a  little  before  and  a 
little  after  the  brilliant  flash  (leaving  only  the 
light  of  the  reflecting  prisms),  and  collect  that  light 
for  the  flash.  Thus  the  brilliancy  of  light  is  repre- 
sented at  successive  times  by  successive  vertical  ordi- 
nates  of  the  curve  below  : — 


The  pilot,  who  remarks  that  after  a  the  light  sud- 
denly declines,  sets  down  a  as  a  flash  ;  then  comes  the 
great  flash,  b,  about  which  there  can  be  no  mistake  ; 
then  the  light  suddenly  rises  to  c,  and  the  pilot  con- 
sider this  to  be  a  flash.  My  first  interpretation  of  all 
this  was  erroneous  ;  and  I  am  glad  to  have  had  the 
opportunity  of  correcting  it  ;  the  correction  is  worth 
the  journey. 

6.  I  looked,  but  in  a  mere  cursory  way,  at  the 
general  optical  arrangements  of  the  glass  rings.  I 
found  those  of  the  dioptric  part  very  good  (as  before) 
for  a  large  flame,  the  image  of  horizon  being  about 
I '5  inch  above  the  lam p  metals  ;  and  those  of  the 
reflectors  asbefi.re  to  be  defective,  but  not  so  defective 
as  in  the  English  lights. 

V.  In  glancing  at  the  machinery  of  rotation,  in  an 
engineering  point  of  view,  I  found  a  fault  which  I 
could  not  have  anticipated.  Between  the  fixed  plate 
and  the  revolving  plate  there  is  a  chain  of  live 
rollers  ;  and  the  diameter  of  each  roller  bears  a  large 
proportion  to  the  diameter  of  the  ring  on  which 
it  runs.  The  slighte.-t  consideration  would  show 
that  the  fixed  surface  and  the  moveable  surface,  one 
or  both,  ought  to  be  conical,  their  vertices  meeting  at 
a  point  ;  and  the  rollers  ought  to  be  conical,  their 
vertices  being  at  the  san-e  point.  To  my  great 
astonishment  I  found  that  the  plates  are  both  flat ; 
the  rollers,  consequently,  are  always  scraping  upon 
the  plates,  either  with  the  inner  edge  of  bearing,  or 
with  the  outer  edge.  The  keeper  told  me  that  the 
rollers  at  first  were  of  iron,  and  so  much  of  scales 
was  torn  up  every  night  that  it  was  necessary  to  sweep 
the  plates  every  morning.  Rollers  of  gun-metal  are 
now  subsituted,  and  the  metal  does  not  tear  them  up 
as  before  ;  but  there  must  be  very  great  and  unneces- 
sary friction,  and  very  unnecessary  labour  is  thrown 
on  the  clock. 

8.  In  descending  from  the  lightroom  I  found  the 
chef  (whose  name  I  forget).  He  had  been  greatly 
disturbed  by  the  long  delay  of  the  visit,  which  he 
had  expected  in  July.     I  explained  the  delay  by  the 


eclipse.  He  spoke  with  contempt  of  the  Cap  d'Ailly 
light,  which  he  regarded  as  remarkable  only  for  some- 
thing picturesque  in  its  position.  All  his  admiration 
is  fixed  on  the  light  of  Belle  Isle,  which  he  describes 
as  having  this  peculiarity,  that  the  coupole  or  external 
window  frame  revolves  with  the  revtilving  light  frame. 
It  is  evident  that  there  may  be  advantage  in  this.  I 
conceive  that  this  light  might  be  well  worthy  of  a 
visit,  or  at  least  of  a  special  inquiry,  principally  for 
the  engineering  arrangements. 

9.  My  examination  on  all  these  points  of  the  Calais 
lighthouse  was  so  complete,  or  at  least  so  satisfactory 
to  me,  that  I  had  no  scruple  in  arranging  for  Captain 
Ryder's  proceeding  at  once,  as  I  have  said. 

10.  The  Cap  d'Ailly  light  contains  eight  lenticular 
dioptric  pannel.<  (revolving).  The  upper  catadioptric 
prisms  are  connected  with  and  revolve  with  the 
dioptric  pannels,  and  are  in  fact  a  continuation  of  the 
same  system,  the  prisms  being  rings  referred  to  nearly 
the  same  horizontal  axis  as  that  of  the  dioptric  pannel. 
But  the  axis  is  not  exactly  the  same,  because  the 
pannel  of  upper  catadioptric  prisms  is  hitched  about 
two  inches  on  the  pannel  of  lenses.  The  lower  cata- 
dioptric prisms  are  fixed  horizontal  rings. 

11.  The  lamp  is  fed  by  pumps.  Its  height  is  ad- 
justed every  three  weeks  (this  cannot  be  done  with  a 
fountain  lamp,  on  account  of  the  pipe  communication). 
The  oil  is  filtered  through  two  inches  of  sand,  in  the 
lower  store  rooms,  before  first  use  and  after  each 
passage  through  the  wicks.  There  are  holes  in  the 
upper  metal  chimney  into  which  there  is  a  strong 
suction  draft.  The  wicks  were  not  cleaned  from  the 
night's  work,  and  there  was  more  than  \  inch  of  char. 
On  lighting  the  lamp  the  men  could  not  get  a  4-inch 
solid  flame,  but  the  average  height  was  about  three 
inches  above  the  metals.  The  man  played  a  good 
deal  in  adjusting  the  glass  (a  glass  with  a  very  gently 
sloping  shoulder).  I  inquired  whether  he  would  like 
a  rack-and-pinion  movement,  but  he  rather  objected 
to  it,  for  the  following  reason  :  —  Sometimes  the  top 
of  the  glass  melts  (from  the  heat),  and  becomes  en- 

L  3 


86 


APPENDIX  TO  REPOPiT  OX  LIGHTS,  Bl'OYS,  AND  BEACONS  : 


sa oed  with  the  iron  chimney  in  such  a  manner  that 
there  would  he  difficulty  in  extricating  it  hy  a  mere 
raisins  and  fulling  motion  without  a  rotatory  motion, 
which  the  rack-and-piuion  cannot  give,  but  which  the 
fingers  can  give. 

12.  The  name  is  Lepautc  ;  the  date,  I  think,  1820.* 
The  mechanism  of  rotation  has  the  same  fault  as  that 
in  the  Calais  lighthouse  (see  paragraph  V,  above). 

13.  I  commenced  the  optical  examination  on  the 
sea  horizon,  hut  after  the  loss  of  it  I  used  a  well- 
detined  point  of  clitt',  two  or  three  miks  S.W..  on 
which  the  line  of  horizon  was  well  known  ;  aud  thi.s 
was  found  to  be  an  excellent  mark,  because  there  was 
no  uncertainty  about  its  identification  (which,  with 
several  parallel  streaks  on  the  sea  and  sky,  is  some- 
times very  ditficult  in  the  narrow  prisms),  and  because 
I  could  instantly  see  whether  the  convergence  forming 
the  image  was  too  near  or  too  distant.  When  the 
horizon  cleared  again  I  examined  it  as  a  sort  of  veri- 
fication, but   found  nothing  wrong  in  my  conclusions. 

14.  The  image  of  the  sea  horizon  formed  by  the 
dioptric  lenses  is  1'5  inch  above  the  lamp  metals,  and 
verv  near  the  centre.  Tlie  lens  rings  are  very  well 
worked,  so  that  in  viewing  the  horizon  image  over  the 
lamp  across  the  upper  or  lower  parts  of  the  lens,  there 
is  no  sensible  hitch  or  tooth  Irom  ring  to  ring,  or 
from  pannel  to  pannel;  very  difierent  from  the  Start, 
but  similar  to  Grisnez  ;  at  the  same  time  showing 
greater  .skill  than  is  necessarily  shown  at  Grisnez, 
because  the  Cap  d'Ailly  pannels  include  each  one 
eighth  of  the  circumference,  while  the  Grisnez  pannels 
have  only  one  sixteenth  of  the  circumference.  These 
Cap  d'Ailly  pannels  must  (with  a  lamp  flame  exceeding 
three  inches  in  height)  be  very  effective,  and  must  give 
a  great  blaze  of  light  to  the  horizon  and  on  the  sea. 

15.  On  trying  the  lower  catadioptric  prism-^,  I  found 
that  the  image  of  the  sea  horizon  was,  I  think  in  every 
instance  (Captain  Kyder  has  taken  accurate  notes), 
thrown  above  the  front  edge  of  the  lamp  metals,  not 
quite  so  high  as  I  could  wish,  but  respectably  high, 
and  these  prisms  really  are  efficient.  They  are  the 
first  that  I  have  seen  which  deserve  that  epithet.  I 
did  not  very  specially  remark  the  distance  of  converg- 
ence forming  the  image,  but  I  am  sure,  from  my 
general  remarks,  that  it  must  have  been  very  near 
the  centre  of  the  lamp.  Every  efiective  i)rism  was 
examined. 

16.  On  trying  the  upper  catadioptric  prisms  I  found 
that,  with  insignificant  exceptions  (for  which  I  refer 
to  Captain  Ryder's  notes),  the  position  of  the  image  of 
sea  horizon  may  be  thus  stated.  For  the  lowest 
prisms  it  is  formed  by  rays  whose  directions  fall  on 
or  a  little  above  the  rear  edge  of  the  lamp  metals. 
For  the  higiiest  prisms,  it  is  formed  by  rays  whose 
directions  fail  nearly  on  the  centre  of  the  lamp  metal 
rings.  For  intermediate  prisms,  in  intermediate  direc- 
tions. Thus  the  rays  may  be  represented  nearly  as 
below  : — 


say  four  times  as  much  as  at  Calais  and  six  times  as 
much  as  in  any  other  light  t'nat  I  have  seen.  I  think 
that,  for  my  own  entire  satisfaction,  I  should  have 
raised  the  path  of  rays  even  a  little  more  ;  but  the 
general  course  here  is  so  good  that  I  would  not  on 
any  account  touch  these  adjustments.  I  ought  to 
mention  that  we  examined  every  one  of  the  upper  88 
prisms. 

17.  The  accurate  optical  image  of  the  cliff  point 
v,-as  in  all  instances  formed  sufficiently  near  to  the 
centre  of  the  lamp.  Pn  some  instances  it  was  a  little 
(perhaps  two  inches)  in  front  of  the  centre  :  in  others 
it  was  as  much  in  rear.  The  latter  are  usually  those 
which  in  Captain  Eyder's  notes  are  marki'd  as  '■  con- 
fused." There  is  no  ground  of  complaint  on  that 
account. 

18.  On  the  whole  I  pronounce  this  lighthouse  to  be 
in  excellent  adjustment,  and  far  the  most  efficient  that 
I  have  seen.  M.  Revnaad  has  reason  to  be  (iroud 
of  it. 

19.  The  concave  reflectors,  which  occupy  the  three 
land  side  spaces,  are  as  dull  as  those  in  other  French 
Lighthouses  ;  by  no  means  so  brilliant  as  an  ordinary 
pewter  pot. 

20.  On  viewing  the  light  in  the  evening  from 
Dieppe  (where  it  produces  a  very  splendid  effect),  I 
remarked  that  between  t">vo  bright  flashes  there  are 
two  intermediate  little  flashes,  so  faint  that  they  would 
escape  ordinary  observation.  Captain  Kyder  in 
verifying  this  was  rather  inclined  to  consider  them  as 
successive  sudden  degrees  of  elevation  of  light.  I  am 
not  able  to  explain  their  origin. 

I  suppose  that  it  will  not  be  necessary  for  me  to  visit 
any  more  lighthouses. 

I  am,  &c. 
Admiral  W.  A.  B.  Hamilton.  G.  B.  Amv. 

&c.         &c.         8cc. 


lump  metals. 


In  every  prism   a   brilli:int    light  is   sent  to    the 
horizon  aud  a  large  body  of  light  on  the  sea,  I  should 


Perhaps  a  mistake. 


Aberdeen. 
Jlr  DE.vu  SiK,  10th  October,  1860. 

I  iiAVK  to  make  the  following   Report  on  my 
examination  of  the  Girdleness  Lighthouse. 

I  arrived,  with  my  son  Hubert,  at  ^^berdeeu.  on 
the  evening  of  Monda}',  October  8th.  On  Tuesday 
morning  I  was  visited  at  the  house  of  John  Webster, 
Esq.,  by  ilr.  Alexander  Cunningham  and  Mr. 
Thomas  Stevenson,  Secretary  and  Engineer  of  tho 
Commissioners  of  Northern  Lights.  AVith  these  three 
gentlemen  and  my  son  I  proceeded  to  the  Girdleness 
Lighthouse. 

This  lighthouse  contains  two  system.?  of  lights. 
The  lower,  at  about  }  of  the  height  of  the  building, 
consists  of  13  parabolic  reflectors  of  the  usual  form, 
occupying  with  their  light  something  more  than  the 
semi-circumference.  I  remarked  in  these  that  by 
a  simple  construction,  which  I  have  not  seen  else- 
where, great  facility  is  given  for  the  withdrawal 
and  safe  return  of  the  lamps,  for  adjusting  the  lamps 
and  for  cleaning  the  mirrors.  I  made  no  further 
remark  on  these,  but  proceeded  to  the  upper  lantern. 

The  lighthouse  here  is  that  of  a  fixed  dioptric  and 
catadioptric  light  of  the  first  order.  It  was  erected 
b}'  Mr.  Alan  Stevenson,  13  years  ago  (as  I  under- 
stood); the  light-panels  bear  the  name  of  Francois. 
The  support  of  the  light-frame  is  not  a  central  pillar 
(as  in  most  modern  lighthouses),  but  a  diagonal-braced 
frame  supporting  tlie  circumference,  which  I  greatly 
prefer.  The  lamp  is  4-wick  of  the  usual  size,  fed 
h)-  pumps.  The  arrangement  of  tlie  glasses  is  as  at 
the  Whitby  and  Foreland  Lights,  &c.,  with  6  rings 
of  prisms  below,  and  13  above.  The  rings,  both  the 
dioptric  .and  (as  I  believe)  the  lower  catadioptric  are 
bounded,  not  by  vertical  bars,  but  by  inclined  bars, 
nil  sloping  one  way:  the  oppositely  inclined  bars, 
necessary  for  firmness  of  mechanical  support,  being 
within  the  gl.asses.  This  appears  to  me  to  be  a  good 
plan,  preferable  to  that  of  rectangular  bars,  both 
optically  and  mechanically.  The  quality  of  the  glass 
is  excellent,  quite  equal  to  that  of  any  other  which  I 
have  seen. 


LETTERS   FtlOSi   THE   ASTKONOJIER   ROYAL. 


87 


On  examining  the  image  of  tlie  ?ca  horizon  (■n-hich 
was  remarliably  clear),  as  formed  by  the  dioptric 
band,  it  %\a^  at  once  evident  that  it  (the  image),  was 
a  little  too  high.  With  some  sections  of  the  band,  it 
■was  about  1^  inch  (I  believe,  but  I  had  lost  my  means 
of  measuring,)  above  the  metal  ;  with  others  about  1^;. 
Mr.  Stevenson  produced  a  drawing  of  the  lamp,  on 
whicii  the  due  position  of  the  focal  line  was  marked  ; 
and  I  showed  him,  and  he  at  once  assented,  that  the 
lamp  was  too  low  by  about  a  inch.  The  relative  ad- 
justment of  different  rings  of  the  dioptric  band,  &c., 
was  good.  I  then  examined  the  lower  reflectors,  and 
at  once  saw  what  I  have  never  seen  before.  The 
principles  which  I  have  been  anxious  to  carry  out 
regarding  the  due  Hood  of  light  upon  the  sea  are 
here  fulli/  carried  out.  In  every  instance  the  rays 
coming  from  the  sea  horizon  pass  above  the  front  edge 
of  the  lamp  metal  by  about  or  near  half  an  inch, 
measured  perpendicularly  to  the  rays  ;  and  in  the 
third  reflecting  ring  from  the  bottom  by  a  lull  inch. 
In  fact  my  principle  here  is  rather  overdone,  but  tliis 
will  be  corrected  by  the  same  elevation  of  the  lamp 
which  corrects  the  action  of  the  central  dioptric  band. 
Then  I  examined  the  upper  reflectors,  and  here  I 
found  things  very  perfectly  to  my  satisfaction.  The 
rays  coming  from  the  sea  horizon  through  the  i\-\Y 
lower  prisms  of  the  set  pas.s  well  above  the  rear  of 
the  metals,  those  which  come  from  the  highest  fall 
nearly  on  the  centre. 

Remarking  how  well  the  important  upper  set  of 
prisms  are  adjusted,  and  that  the  adjustment  which 
the  central  band  and  lower  prisms  seem  to  require 
would  slightly  injure  the  action  of  the  upper  prisms, 
I  suggested  to  Mr.  Stevenson  that  he  should  not 
raise  the  lamp  by  the  full  §  inch  of  which  I  have 
spoken,  but  perhaps  by  ^\  inch. 

The  lamp  was  lighted  for  my  inspection,  and  I  was 
able  to  point  out  more  distinctly  to  Mr.  Stevenson 
that  elevation  is  required,  and  that  the  quantitj^ 
required  is  small.  The  lamp  flame  had  scarcely 
acquired  its  full  height  while  I  remained  at  the  light- 
house, but  it  appeared  to  be  approaching  the  French 
height.  The  lamp  glass  has  the  gently  inclined  con- 
traction. I  could  almost  imagine  that  the  draft  is 
too  sharp,  and  that  the  lamp  would  burn  better  v>-ith 
holes  in  the  chimney  above  the  da.mper,  so  that  the 
damper  aperture  would  be  wider. 

This  lighthouse  has  evidently  been  most  carefully 
planned  for  the  actual  depression  of  the  horizon,  and 
has  been  maintained  in  good,  though  not  quite  perfect, 
daily  adjustment  ;  but  the  correction  required,  even 
now,  is  extremely  small. 

It  is  the  best  lighthouse  that  1  have  seen. 
I  am,  ii:c. 

G.  B.  AiRT. 
Admiral  \V.  A.  B.  Hamilton, 
&c.         &c.         &c. 


Roj-al  Observatory,  Greenwich, 
Mt  dear  Sir,  20th  October  1860. 

Ox  returning  hither  I  find  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Thomas  Stevenson,  which  is  interesting  as  re- 
gards the  history  of  tlie  manufacture  of  lighthouse 
optical  frames,  and  which  I  therefore  transcribe  at 
length  : — 

"10th  October  1860. 

"  I  find  on  looking  up  our  old  books  that  the  upper 
Girdleness  Light  was  changed  from  the  catoptric 
to  the  dioptric  system  in  1847. 

"  I  forgot  to  mention,  when  speaking  of  Francois 
as  the  manufacturer,  that  in  this,  as  in  the  other 
dioptric  lights,  all  that  was  furnished  in  France  was 
the  glass  prisms,  and  that  these  were  afterwards  all 
fitted  to;:ether  in  brass  frames  made  at  Edinburgh 
under  Mr.  Alan  Stevenson's  immediate  inspection. 
The  only  exception  to  this  was  the  lens  in  revolving 
«nd  he  cvlindric  reiractinsr  belt  in  fixed  lights  whic'n 


were  alw.iys  sent  in  their  brass  frames  by  the  French 
manufacturer." 

I  am,  &c. 

G.  B.  AiKT. 
Admiral  W.  A.  B.  Hamilton, 
&c.  &c. 


Royal  Observatory,  Greenwich,  S.E. 
My  dear  Sir,  27  October  1860. 

The  enclosed  letter  from  Mr.  Chance,  of  Octo- 
ber 26,  will  I  think  interest  you.  You  will  see  how 
heartily  and  frankly  he  enters  into  our  views. 

I  am,  &c. 
Admiral  W.  A.  B.  Hamilton,  G.  B.  Airy. 

&c.         &c.         &e. 


"  Hamstead,  Birmingham, 
"  Mv  DEAR  Sin,  26th  October  1860. 

'•  Whes  I  wrote  to  you  from  Whitby  I  expressed 
myself  as  doubtful  concerning  the  advantages  of 
aiijusting  dioptric  apparatus  by  the  image  of  an 
external  object. 

'•I  am  now  quite  delighted  with  this  mode.  Not 
only  does  it  secure  greater  accuracy  of  adjustment  of 
the  glass  itself,  but,  what  is  very  important,  it  affords 
greater  facilities  for  adjusting  the  glass  while  the 
metallic  frame  is  in  its  actual  ultimate  position  in  the 
apparatus. 

"  This  is  a  great  point  to  be  accomplished,  and  what- 
ever method  the  manufacturer  may  see  fit  to  employ, 
he  ought  to  be  required  (I  think)  to  adjust  the  glass 
in  |the  I'rames  af/er  those  frames  arc  fixed  in  their 
respective  positions  in  the  general  apparatus. 

"The  system  adopted  until  quite  recently  quite 
precluded  the  possibility  of  any  such  method,  for  the 
manufacturer  was  asked  to  supply  (generally)  only  a 
number  of  isolated  panels.  For  instance,  one  firm 
has  at  present  an  order  for  portions  of  an  apparatus 
to  be  put  together  thus  in  detail,  the  framework  being 
made  elsewhere. 

"  Most  truly  vours, 

'^J.T.  Chance." 


Royal  Observatory,  Greenwich,  S.E. 
My  dear  Sir,  10th  November,  18cO. 

I  MAY  perhaps  consider  that  a  proper  time  has 
arrived  for  the  expression  of  my  general  opinions 
regarding  the  conduct  of  the  English  lighthouses. 
It  was  my  first  intention  to  submit  to  you  answers  to 
the  specific  questions  contained  in  the  printed  letters 
of  the  Commission;  but  the  examination  of  several 
lighthouses  (of  which  examinations  the  details  have 
been  placed  before  you)  has  in  some  measure  changed 
my  views,  and  I  think  that  1  may  do  more  complete 
justice  to  the  subject  by  presenting  my  ideas  without 
reference  to  those  questions. 

The  inspection  of  the  lighthouses  to  which  I  allude, 
has  revealed  some  faults  wliich  deserve  notice,  partly 
from  their  own  specific  character,  but  more  particu- 
larly because  they  seem  to  indicate  an  antecedent 
fault  in  the  system  of  organization  under  which  they 
have  been  produced.  Referring  generally  to  my 
former  letters  for  these,  I  will  proceed  to  state  the 
course  which  I  recommend,  commencing  with  the 
personal  organization. 

1.  It  appears  to  me  that  there  is  no  person  ofl^cially 
connected  with  the  Board  of  the  Trinity  House,  who 
is  distinctly  responsible,  either  for  the  correct  coi- 
sfruetion  and  erection  of  the  illuminating  pans  tf 
lighthouses  with  reference  to  their  optical  etfect,  <r 
for  the  continual  maintenance  of  those  parts  in  prc- 
l)er  adjustment.  I  think  it  absolutely  necessary  that 
an  officer  should  be  appointed,  whom,  for  the  sake  of 
clearness,  I  will  call  '•  Optical  Engineer,"  whoso 
special  duties  should  be,  not  to  construct  or  maintain 
the  architectural  fabric  (which  must  be  intrusted  to 
the  "  Architectural  Engineer"),  excc[)t  in  indic.uin" 
the  requirements  for  elevation  and  other  dimensions 
and  for  store  space,  &c.,  but  to  construct  and  main- 
4 


88 


APPEXDIX    TO    REPORT   OX    LIGHTS,  BUOYS,    AND    BEACONS  : 


tain  in  order  the  lantern-frame  and  lantern,  the  re- 
flectors and  refractors,  and  the  machinery  connected 
with  them,  the  lamps  and  their  mechanism,  and  the 
oil  or  other  combustible. 

2.  The  e<luc:ition  of  the  "  Optical  Engineer"  ousht 
to  be  saniewhat  peculiar.  First,  he  ought  to  be  a 
trained  mechanical  engineer,  competent  to  manage  all 
the  requisite  combinations  of  cast  and  forged  metals, 
and  the  frames  and  the  mechanism  constructed  of 
them.  Secondly,  he  ought  to  understand  the  science 
of  optics,  ina  form  which  is  rather  unusual,  and  which 
none  but  a  trained  mathematician  can  master.  The 
kno\vlerl;;e  of  optics  which  is  possessed  (for  instance) 
by  an  optical  in-trum-nt  maker  is  quite  useless  for 
the  construction  of  lightliouses.  In  no  other  working 
of  gl.'.ssfs,  except  tliuse  for  lii'lithouses,  is  the  under- 
standing of  I  he  cfl'ect  of  "different  curvatures  of  a 
surface  in  different  planes  normal  to  the  surface,  re- 
ceiving rays  of  light  incident  at  high  angles  of 
incidence"  absolutely  necessary.  Thirdly,  he  ought 
lo  know  something  of  tlie  gl  iss-making;  and  ouglil  to 
be  perfectly  familiar  with  the  action  of  the  large 
lamps  under  ditferent  modifications,  as  well  as  with 
lime-light,  galvanic  spark,  &c.,  which  it  may  be  pro- 
posed to  substitute  ;  but  this  knowledge  requires  less 
of  preliminary  training,  and  will  come  with  es- 
perit-nce. 

3.  Supposing  such  an  officer  appointed,  the  ques- 
tions of  the  printed  letters  may  be  considered  as  in 
proper  train  for  solution.  There  will  be  a  ]M;rson 
who  can  lay  down  rules  for  constructors  of  lighthouse 
apparatus,  or  who  can,  if  n:'cessary,  receive  thi'ir  sug- 
gestions (which  sometimes  may  be  guideil  by  strict 
theory,  and  sometimes  by  practical  convenience),  and 
negotiate  upon  then.;  or  who  can  arrange  the  special 
constructions  required  for  difficult  sea  channels,  for 
unusual  elevations,  &c.  It  is  unnecessary  to  say 
that  it  would  be  his  duty  to  see  the  arrangements 
properly  carried  out  (a  duty  for  which  there  appears 
to  be,  at  present,  no  provision  whatever).  I  do  not 
therefore  think  it  necessary,  at  this  time,  to  enter 
into  the  details  of  those  questions. 

4.  Tlie  principal  part  of  the  optical  engineer's  duty, 
for  perhaps  the  first  two  years,  would  be  the  exami- 
nation of  existing  lighthouses,  with  the  view  of 
ascertaining  whether  they  are,  in  respect  of  permanent 
fittings  (independent  of  daily  adjustments  by  the 
lighthouse-keepeis'),  in  an  efficient  state.  VVhere 
change  is  required,  it  will  often  be  a  question  whether 
the  change  should  be  complete  or  partial.  Thus, 
supposing  it  decided  that  the  Start  Lighthouse  should 
he  remodelled,  it  may  be  a  fair  question  wliether,  in 
discarding  its  lenticular  rings,  its  lenticular  centres 
might  not  be  retained.  This  review  of  lighthouses 
will  be  a  troublesome  business,  but  is,  in  my  opinion, 
absolutely  necessary.  It  is  only  thus  that  we  can 
arrive  at  the  elimination  of  such  faulty  curvatures  as 
those  in  the  Xorth  Foreland  lower  reflectors  ;  of  such 
veiny  glass  as  that  in  the  South  Foreland  lower 
reflectors;  of  such  imperfect  lamps  as  those  which  I 
saw  in  the  Whitby  lighthouses  ;  and  of  such  light- 
wasting  ailjustment  as  I  have  reason  to  think  not 
uncommon. 

5  Passing  now  to  the  material  construction  of  light- 
houses, I  tliiiik  that,  upon  the  whole,  the  construction 
now  adopted  (with  .some  parts  purely  dioptric,  acting 
by  refraction  only,  and  other  parts  reflecting  light  by 
internal  total  reflection  in  glass,  with  scarccdy  any 
refraction)  is  a  good  one.  I  prefer  the  internal  glass 
reflection,  to  reflection  from  any  Known  metallic 
surface  which  has  been  actually  tried  in  practice  a 
sufficiently  long  time  ;  first,  because  I  believe  the 
quantity  of  reflected  light  to  be  greater;  secondly, 
because  I  think  that  by  the  subdivision  of  the  whole 
reflecting  surface  into  a  moderate  number  of  parts, 
greater  accuracy  can  be  given  to  the  adjustments  ; 
thirdly,  because  if  metallir,  reflectors  were  divided  in 
the  same  way,  they  would  bend  and  would  be  otherwise 
unmanageable.  The  curvatures,  when  the  reflection 
is  very  oblique,  require  to  be  worked  with  exceeiling 
care,  which  has  not  been  given  in  every  instance  ;  but 


the  excellent  cro«s-stroke  machinery  now  introduced 
in  the  best  factories,  with  the  modes  of  testing  prac- 
tised in  them,  are  competent  to  give  the  required 
accuraey. 

6.  There  is  a  fault  connected  with  the  dioptric 
part  which  may  hereafter  prove  a  serious  one,  namely 
the  chromatic  dispersion.  Its  effects  are  suHiciently 
conspicuous  to  the  eye;  for,  even  where  the  quality  of 
th(  glass  is  very  good,  it  is  impossible  to  see  the 
horizon  distinctly  through  the  extreme  edges.  It 
would  seem  that  the  only  way  of  diminishing  it  is  to 
effect  that  direction  of  the  rays  of  light  by  reflection  ; 
but  the  difficulty  of  ensuring  accuracy  of  reflection  at 
very  oblique  incidence  is  great;  and  on  the  wliole  I 
do  not  doubt  that  the  angle  at  which  refraction  shall 
end  and  reflection  shall  begin  has  been  fixed  with 
good  practical  wisdom. 

7.  I  can  scarcely  imagine  that  anything  like  achro- 
matized prisms  can  be  adopted  with  advantage.  At 
the  same  time  I  throw  out  this  ^vllole  subject  of  accu- 
racy of  refraction  as  one  which  deserves  careful 
consideration. 

8.  In  tlie  treatment  of  the  whole  of  this  subject  I 
insist  upon  accuracy  of  reflection  or  refraction  of  the 
beams  of  light  as  a  principle  which  ought  never  to  be 
relaxed.  It  is  true  that  a  large  dispersion  of  the 
beam,  perhaps  five  degrees,  is  produced  by  the  size  of 
the  large  oil  lamps  ;  but  if  the  faults  of  the  reflector 
or  refractor  produce  some  dispersion,  that  dispersion 
is  entirely  ad<led  to  the  dispersion  depending  on  the 
size  of  the  lamp  flame,  so  that  a  dispersion  which  needs 
not  to  exceed  five  degrees  may  be  amplified  into  nine 
or  ten  degrees,  and  the  brillianc)'  of  light  thrown 
in  a  given  direction  will  be  diminished  in  the  same 
proportion. 

9.  I  think  that  the  experimental  use  of  the  lime 
light  in  the  streets,  and  that  of  the  galvanic  spark  at 
the  South  Foreland  lighthouse,  have  sc  far  succeeded 
as  to  make  the  employment  of  these  sources  of  light 
plausible.  The  question  then  arises.  Can  they  be 
einploj-ed  with  advantage  in  existing  lighthouses  ? 
Here  the  first  consideration  will  be.  Are  the  reflection 
and  refraction  in  the  existing  lighthouses  sufficiently 
accurate  ?  In  the  case  supposed  above  (Article  x)  of 
a  lamp  dispersion  of  five  degrees,  increased  by  an  in- 
accuracy dispersion  of  five  decrees,  the  inien?ity  of 
the  beam  of  light  was  diminished  to  one  half  of  what 
it  ought  to  have  been.  But  with  lime  light  (and 
u  fortiori  with  galvanic  light),  a  lamp  dispersion  of 
less  than  half  a  degree  would  be  increased  by  the 
same  inaccuracy  dispersion  of  five  degrees,  and  the 
intensity  of  the  beam  of  light  in  a  given  direction 
would  be  dimini-hed  to  f'fth  part  of  what  it  ought  to 
be.  Without  saying  that  there  is  this  amount  of  in- 
accuracy dispersion  in  any  of  our  lighthouses,  I  do, 
at  present,  think  it  doubtful  wLetler  their  workman- 
ship and  adjustment  are  sufficiently  exact  to  give  the 
increase  of  optical  effect  whic  h  might  fairly  be  ex- 
pected from  those  intense  lights.  When  the  change  of 
light  shall  he  seriously  suggested,  a  special  examina- 
tion of  the  lighthouse  must  be  made. 

10.  Supposing  such  lights  introduced  with  good 
effect,  as  regards  the  horizon  and  the  very  distant  sea, 
it  would  be  necessary  to  provide  distinctly  for  the 
illumination  of  the  nearer  sea.  For  it  must  always 
be  borne  in  mind,  that  the  only  way  of  giving  inten- 
sity to  a  beam  in  one  direction  is  to  allow  no  light  to 
pass  in  any  other  direction  ;  and  thus,  to  make  the 
I)rincipal  part  of  the  reflectors  and  refractors  available 
near  the  horizon,  they  must  not  throw  any  light  on 
the  near  sea.  This  provision  may  be  made  perhaps 
in  part  by  throwing  a  portion  of  the  chromatic  dis- 
persion on  the  near  sea,  or  in  part,  by  giving  peculiar 
curvatures  to  one  or  two  of  the  less  important  (the 
lower)  reflectors,  adapted  to  that  purpose.  For 
arrangements  of  that  kind  the  talents  of  the  optical 
engineer  will  specially  be  required. 

11.  If  these  brilliant  and  minute  sources  of  light 
should  besnccessfullv  introduced,  it  \yould  be  possible, 
theoretically,  to  reduce  tie  dimensions  of  the  lantern 
to  a  very  small  size.     Whether  this  could  be  done 


LETTERS   FROjr   THE   ASTRONOMER   ROYAL. 


89 


practically  is  not  quite  so  certain.  Possibly  the 
iliiiicii.-iuns  might  (with  due  attention  to  the  mag- 
nituilc  of  lamp  dispersion),  be  so  far  reduced  that  an 
error  in  position  of  i-  inch  would  be  nearly  ruinous 
to  the  effect  of  the  light.  Could  we  depend  on  the 
adjustments  being  maintained  so  exact  ?  If  we  could, 
there  would  be  some  advantage  in  these  small  light 
cases.  The  glass  might  be  selected  of  perfect  qualit}'; 
the  loss  of  light  from  passing  through  a  great  thick- 
ness of  glass  would  be  diminished ;  possibly  the 
grinding  of  the  curves  might  be  more  manageable, 
and  therefore  more  accurate  ;  certainly  the  expense 
would  be  diminished.  On  many  accounts  it  is  highly 
desirable  to  prosecute  experiments  on  the  easy  and 
certain  use  of  these  sources  of  light. 

These  are  the  principal  matters  bearing  on  the 
praciical  administration  of  the  lighthouses,  which 
occur  to  me  at  the  present  time.  Should  any  other 
ideas  occur  to  me,  I  will  have  the  pleasure  of  sub- 
mitting them  to  you. 

I  am,  &c. 
Admiral  W.  A.  B.  Ilumilton,  G.  B.  Aiuv. 

&c.  f<cc. 

Eoyal  Observatory,  Greenwich,  S.E., 
iNIr  Dear  Sik,        '        8th  December  1860. 

1  RETURNED  froui  Birmingham  on  Tuesday  even- 
in  g,  December  4th. 

The  business  at  Birmingham  consisted  chiefly  in 
ascertaining  the  point  of  the  lamp  flame  which  might 
be  considered  as  brightest,  the  trial  being  what  part 
of  the  flame  sent  the  most  brilliant  light  to  the  screen 
at  the  cud  of  the  long  gallery  in  Messrs.  Chance's 
lighthouse  fiictory.  The  optical  apparatus  used  con- 
sisted of  the  bauds  forming  one  section  of  the  dioptric 
part  of  a  fixed  light,  every  one  of  which  was  tried 
separatelv.     The  reflecting  prisms  were  not  mounted. 

The  first  operation  in  the  logical  order  (though 
not  in  the  actual  order  of  proceedings)  was  the  veri- 
fication of  the  zero  of  the  scale  by  which  the  depres- 
sion of  the  entire  lamp  frame  was  registered.  For 
this  purpose  a  small  graduated  standard  was  placed 
upon  the  lamp  metals,  and  a  gas  burner  was  lighted 
at  the  bar  uear  the  distant  screen  (which  bar  was 
always  adjusted  to  the  height  of  the  band  under  trial), 
and  its  image  was  observed  upon  the  small  standard 
as  formed  by  different  bauds  of  the  dioptric  ring.  In 
this  manner  it  was  found  that  for  the  broad  central 
band,  and  for  each  of  the  upper  bands,  when  the 
deiiression  scale  indicated  20  millimetres,  the  image 
fell  upon  20  millimetres  of  the  standard  in  the 
axis  of  the  lamp  ;  and  thus  in  subsequent  expe- 
riments the  depression  of  the  entire  lamp  to  any 
particular  reading  indicated  that  the  optical  image  of 
the  distant  screen  zero  was  elevated  by  that  reading 
above  the  lamp  metals.  For  the  lower  bands  the 
adjustment  hacl  been  made  to  a  constant  rc:i(M:ig,  I 
think  18  millimetres  above  the  front  edge  of  the  lamp 
metals  ;  and  this  adjustment  seemed  to  be  fairly  pre- 
served, in  correspondence  with  a  depression  of  the 
lamp  frame  to  20  millimetres. 

On  the  evening  of  Monday,  3rd  December,  the 
lamp  being  pump-fed,  the  lamp  glass  with  gradually 
inclined  shoulder  (like  the  French  lamp  glasses),  and 
the  flame  very  fully  high  for  an  English  lamji,  but 
not  so  high  as  in  the  French  lighthouses,  but  forming 
a  very  good  solid  body  of  brilliant  flame  ;  the  ex- 
periments were  tried  upon  one  band  at  a  time,  simply 
by  uncovering  one  band,  covering  all  the  others,  aud 
observing  how  the  shadow  of  a  horizontal  bar  near 
the  screen,  adjusted  to  the  height  of  the  band,  fell 
with  reference  to  the  place  of  brightest  illumination. 
And  I  was  struck  with  the  general  delicacy  of  this 
apparently  rough  method  of  trial.  A  change  of  one 
millimetre  (■j'j-iucli)  in  the  height  of  the  lamp  frame, 
was  in  every  instance  detected  by  the  change  in  the 
appearance,  as  to  whether  the  brightest  part  of  the 
li^ht  fell  or  fell  not  upon  the  horizontal  bar  ;  and  in 
many  instances  a  change  of  i  a  millimetre  (j'd-inch) 
was  clearly  discoverable. 


The  result  of  this  evening's  work  was  that  the 
height  of  the  brightest  point  of  flame  above  tho 
metals  was  from  21  to  22  millimetres;  certainly  not 
more  than  22. 

The  various  bands  agreed  very  well  in  this  :  the 
upper  bands  (adjusted  for  intersection  of  axes  of 
pencils  to  the  same  point  as  the  special  focus  of  the 
central  band),  and  the  lower  bands  (which,  though 
adjusted  on  a  different  principle,  as  I  have  said, 
agreed  in  giving  strongest  light  when  the  depression 
of  lamp,  or  elevation  of  focus  of  central  band  above 
the  lamp  metals,  was  21  or  22  millimetres).  The 
chromatic  aberration  introduced  some  uncertainty  ; 
but  the  judgment  of  the  eye  became  at  last  pretty 
decisive. 

On  the  morning  of  Tuesday,  December  4th,  the 
experiments  were  repeated  essentially  in  the  same 
way  ;  but  the  lamp  was  in  a  better  state.  Its  flame 
was  perhaps  |  inch  higher  than  on  December  3rd. 
It  was  at  a  good  French  height,  though  not  the 
highest.  (I  believe  tiiat  a  camera-obscura  trace 
made  by  Mr.  Campbell  will  give  accurate  informa- 
tion on  the  state  of  the  flame.)  The  result  now  was 
that  the  point  to  be  used  for  the  brightest  in  the 
fame  was  23  to  24  millimetres  above  the  lamp  metals  ; 
and  I  believe  that,  on  the  whole,  we  were  all  in- 
clined to  prefer  23  to  24.  When  we  tried  28  milli- 
metres the  light  on  the  zero  of  the  screen  was  very 
much  diminished.  I  felt  very  great  surprise,  and  so 
I  believe  did  all  who  were  present,  that  Fresnel 
could  have  fixed  upon  such  an  element  of  adjustment. 
When  the  evil  from  thus  throwing  the  light  too  high 
is  aggravated  by  the  dip  of  the  sea  horizon  (Fresnel's 
28mm.  adjustment  being  intended  for  geometrically 
horizontal  rays),  which  for  20'  dip  corresponds  to 
about  5  millimetres  in  height  of  focus  in  lamp, — so  that 
really  33  millimetres  is  the  height  to  be  tried,  in 
comparison  with  23  or  24,  which  we  found  best, — the 
loss  of  light  is  absurd. 

A  polyzonal  lens  was  then  mounted  ;  and,  generally 
speaking,  it  seemed  to  lead  to  the  same  conclusions. 
But  the  light  upon  the  screen  could  not  be  observed 
with  so  much  accuracy,  because  the  lens  produced  a 
rude  image  of  the  lamp  flame,  and  the  eye  was  dis- 
tracted by  the  images  of  the  bright  edges  of  the 
various  cyliuders  of  flame  produced  by  the  separate 
wicks,  and  by  the  colours  which  accompanied  them. 

It  appears  to  me  that  two  results  of  considerable 
importance  have  been  attained  in  these  experiments. 
(1.)  We  have  ascertained  with  much  accuracy  the 
height  to  which  the  sea  horizon  focus  oun-ht  to  be 
adjusted.  (2.)  We  have  acquired  a  very  good  idea  of 
the  degree  of  accuracy  at  which  the  adjustments 
ought  to  aim. 

After  finishing  our  proper  experiments  we  saw 
Mr.  Stevenson's  light  lantern  for  MacArthur's  Head 
which  is  a  remarkable  instance  of  the  arrano-ements 
which  an  optical  engineer  of  lighthouses  ought  to  be 
prepared  to  make  when  need  requires.  We^also  saw 
the  frame  of  the  Smalls  Fixed  Light,  which  an  agent 
of  Messrs.  James  Walker  and  Burgess  came"  to 
examine  ;  it  is  framed,  for  optical  convenience,  with 
inclined  uprights  ;  but  I  was  not  satified  with'  their 
bracing. 

We  also  saw  the  plans  (apparently  yet  imperfect) 
for  the  galvanic  spark  light  to  be  mounted  on  tho 
Dungeness  Lighthouse. 

I  had  nearly  omitted  to  mention  one  circumstance 
regarding  the  lamp.  After  two  or  three  hours  burn- 
ing of  the  lamp  on  the  evening  of  December  3rd,  it; 
was  found  that  the  innermost  wick  was  charred 
black  two  inches  down.  The  outermost  wick  'i\-as 
very  little  charred.  It  would  be  desirable,  if  possible 
to  prevent  this.  ' 

I  am,  &c. 
Admiral  W.  A.  B.  Hamilton,  Q  J5    ^iry- 

&c.         &c.         &c.  ■     ■    ..      . 


90 


APl'E.VDIX    TO    RI:P<)RT   oN    LIGHTS,  BCOYS,  ASl>   BEACONS; 


REPORTS,    .^c.    BY   PROFESSOR   FARADAY. 


Repout,  !<jc.  to  the  Deputy-Master  and  Breturen 
of  the  Trinity  House. 

The  Royal  Commission  on  Lights,  &e.  having 
desired  to  meet  the  Brethren  of  the  Trinity  House  at 
the  North  Foreland  and  'Whitby  Lighthouses,  with 
certain  otlier  persons,  such  as  the  nianulacturers  of 
the  apparatus,  the  representatives  of  the  Irish  and 
Scotch  lighthouses,  the  Astronomer  Eoyal,  ike,  for 
the  purpose  of  making  certain  practical  cummunica- 
tions  to  them,  which  could  not  be  so  well  done  by 
writing  or  elsewhere,  such  meetings  have  taken 
place.  The  one  at  thi-  North  Foreland  occurred  on 
the  2d  of  August,  wlicn  there  were  present  Admiral 
Hamilton,  Captain  Ryder,  Dr.  Gladstone,  the  Astro- 
nomer Royal,  iind  ^Ir.  Campbell  of  the  Royal  Com- 
mission: Admiral  (iordon,  Captain  Close,  Cajjtain 
Bayly,  Captain  Weller  of  the  Trinitv  House;  Sir 
James  Dumbrain  of  the  Irish  Board,  and  Mr.  Halpin 
and  Captain  Roberts,  ilr.  Stevenson  of  the  Scotch 
Board,  ^Ir.  Soutter.  of  Paris,  the  maker  of  the  ap- 
pariitiis.  with  Mr.  Wilkins,  and  myself.  The  other 
at  Whitby  occurred  on  the  9th  of  the  same  month, 
when  the  same  persons  were  present,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  Asironomei-  Royal.  Captain  Weller,  Sir 
James  Dumbrain,  and  Captain  Roberts,  and  the  addi- 
tion of  Captain  Nisbet,  E.B.  Trinity  House,  and 
Mr.  J.  Chance,  the  manufitcturer  of  the  apparatus, 
with  M.  JIasseliu.  I  was  there  on  the  part  of  the 
Trinity  House  as  their  scientific  adviser  in  experi- 
mental lights ;  and  although  I  do  not  wish  to  assume 
the  character  or  respun-ibility  of  optical  or  civil 
engineer,  I  feel  it  my  dnty  at  the  call  of  the  deputy 
master,  to  give  my  impression  and  conclusions. 
Having  received  no  descriptive  written  document 
from  the  Royal  Commission,  I  may  perhaps  pass  by 
some  points  requiring  attention,  unawares. 

The  object  ol'  the  Royal  Commission  was,  I  believe, 
to  point  out  the  necessity  of  a  final  examination  of 
tlie  optic  apparatus  in  the  lighthouse  itself  after  its 
erection,  and  the  demonstration  of  a  mode  of  making 
that  examination  in  a  practical  manner,  which  I  may- 
call  the  metliod  of  the  Commission.  The  object  of 
tlie  optic  apparatus  in  a  lighthouse  is  to  convey  the 
rays  from  the  source  of  light  to  the  sea  horizon,  or 
to  the  parts  of  the  sea  between  that  horizon  and  the 
shore,  in  the  most  abundant  degree  possible,  and  in 
the  most  favourable  manner.  This  effect  is  obtained 
by  a  certain  position  and  adjustment  of  the  parts  of 
the  refracting  and  reflecting  apparatus,  and  whether 
these  arc  right  in  this  respect  may  be  ascertained  by  a 
process  in  some  degree  the  reverse  of  tlie  illuminating 
method.  Tlius,  suppose  the  lamp  is  lighted,  a  given 
bright  spot  in  its  flame  selected,  and  a  given  piece  of 
the  glass  apparatus  adjusted,  so  as  to  transmit  the 
light  passing  through  it,  from  tbe  chosen  spot  to  the 
sea  horizon  ;  then  if  the  adjustment  be  right,  an 
obsi-rver  placed  on  the  other  side  of  the  flame,  and 
looking  through  the  spot  and  tlie  glass,  will  see  the 
horizon;  and  this  is'  an  observation  easily  made  in 
tbe  daytime,  either  with  the  flame  actually  ex- 
isting, or  with  indicating  gauges  at  the  burner 
(as  tlie  edge  of  a  card  for  instance),  representing 
given  or  selected  parts  of  the  flame.  If  the  horizon 
does  not  appear  in  the  right  place  the  adjustment  is 
wrong.  The  same  kind  of  test  may  be  applied  to 
every  part  of  the  apparatus  in  turn,  whether  refractive 
or  reflective,  in  respect  of  any  part  of  the  horizon  or 
the  sea  or  the  sk}-,  and  in  respect  of  any  part  of  the 
flame  or  luminous  object.  A  luminous  point  being 
selected,  that  place  which  the  eye  sees  through  it 
will  be  the  place  to  wli  eh  the  rays  issuing  from  it 
in  tha'.,  direction,  will  proceed. 


This  appears  to  me  to  be  an  excellent  practical 
application.  In  principle  it  is  perfect.  The  appli- 
cation, however,  cannot  be  equally  perfect,  because 
of  the  inevitable  imperfections  of  construction.  StiU 
the  quality  of  the  glass  and  its  workmanship  have 
arrived  at  such  a  degree  of  excellence  as  to  justify 
the  application  of  tliis  refined  kind  of  inspection  ; 
which  may  be  anticipated  and  worked  up  to,  by  pro- 
cesses applicable  in  the  nianufactcry. 

Assuming  that  the  apparatus  is  as  perfect  in  its 
execution  as  can  be  expected,  then  the  causes  that 
may  interfere  with  the  due  effect  (and  chiefly  by 
mal-adjustment)  are  several.  First,  those  connected 
with  the  lamp  and  flame.  The  Fresnel  lamp  has  a 
burner  and  cottons  having  a  horizontal  Avidtli  of  3j- 
inches  in  diameter ; — the  flame,  as  it  rises  from 
this  base  is  obscure  above  and  near  to  the  cotton, 
then  becomes  luminous  and  powerful,  and  contracting 
as  it  rises,  usually  ends  in  a  series  of  forky  tongues. 
When  supplied  by  an  overflowing  lamp  urged  by  the 
draught  of  a  good  chimney,  the  bright  part  of  the 
flame  may  be  from  2-.  to  4  inches  from  the  bottom  to 
the  top  of  the  chief  tongues  of  flame  ;  these  latter 
having  no  smoke  at  their  tops  ;  and  the  horizontal 
section  passing  through  the  widest  and  brightest  part 
of  the  flame,  will  be  from  f  to  ^  of  an  inch  above  the 
burner.  It  is  assumed  that  this  section  should  coin- 
cide with  the  focal  plane  of  the  lenticular  bands,  or 
merely  refracting  part  of  the  apparatus  ;  for  then 
the  most  powerful  rays  proceed  in  a  horizontal  direc* 
tion,  and  will  fall  on  the  sea  horizon  when  the  light 
has  little  or  no  elevation  above  the  sea.  All  the 
light  which  emanates  below  that  plane,  and  passes 
through  the  lenticular  bands,  will  be  thrown  up  into 
the  sk)-  above  the  horizon,  but  all  that  emanating 
from  the  great  body  of  the  flame  above  tliat  plane, 
will  be  cast  over  the  sea  between  the  horizon  and  the 
shore,  doing  good  service  to  the  mariner. 

Tlie  selection  of  this  plane,  or  of  the  point  in  the 
centre  of  the  flame  coinciding  with  it,  which  is  called 
the  focal  point  in  respect  of  the  refractors,  is  of  great 
importance.  By  numerous  experiments  and  trials 
in  France  it  is  considered  as  ?8  mm.  or  1 .05  of  an 
inch  above  the  burner.  Now  the  brightest  horizontal 
section  of  the  flame,  may  be  1.12  inches  above  the 
burner  with  a  well  arranged  overflowing  lamp,  or 
only  0.75  of  an  inch  above  it,  with  a  low  flame  and 
non-overflowing  lamp  ;  and  the  adjustment  in  height 
of  the  lamp  which  would  suit  the  first  and  send  a 
fine  body  of  light  from  the  upper  part  of  the  flame 
over  the  sea,  would,  with  the  latter,  send  little  to  the 
sea,  and  the  greater  part  of  the  light  to  the  sky  ;  so 
that  not  merely  has  the  adjustment  to  be  attended 
to,  but  ahso  the  lamp  suite<l  to    the  adjustment. 

As  far  as  my  observation  goes,  the  lamp  should 
overflow  freely,  so  that  only  one  fourth  of  the  oil 
that  passes  over  and  through  the  nicks  should  be 
burnt.  It  should,  in  the  case  of  a  first  order  lamp, 
have  four  wicks,  and  a  chimney  of  glass  and  iron  6 
feet  high.  As  much  oil  as  possible  should  be  burnt 
without  smoking,  for  when  in  a  good  state  the  light 
is  as  the  oil  burnt.  The  lights  at  Whitby  had  not 
overflow  lamps,  and  onlj'  a  certain  amount  of  oil 
could  be  burnt,  and  a  certain  height  of  flame 
(lower  at  the  South  than  at  the  North  Lighthouse) 
be  obtained.  By  making  the  oil  overflow  and  raising 
the  wick,  the  flame  was  raised  at  the  base,  but  began  to 
smoke.  By  virtually  lengthening  the  chimney,  through 
the  application  of  paper  valves,  the  whole  flame  was 
raised  both  at  the  base  and  at  the  summit,  and  the  com- 
bustion very  greatly  improved,  and  tliat  contiuuouslv. 
But  the  nd  ustnu'iit  of  the  optical  jiart  of  the  appa- 
ratus fit  for  the  one  state  of  flame  woidd  not  be  fit  for 


REPORTS,    frC.    BY   PROFESSOR   FARADAY. 


91 


the  other.  Being  examined  in  tlie  manner  proposed 
by  the  Commission,  if  the  combustion  were  low,  the 
ray  proceeding  from  the  eye  to  the  horizon  would  be 
mucii  too  liigh  in  the  flame,  whereas  with  a  full  and 
proper  flame,  it  might  pass  in  the  best  direction  ;  for 
ilie  ditl'ercnce  in  level  of  the  brightest  sections  of 
two  such  flames  may  be  as  much  as  f  of  an  inch, 
and  every  diminution  in  the  good  condition  of  the 
flame,  whether  from  the  construction  of  the  lamp  or 
inattention,  tends  to  rob  the  flame  at  the  upper  or  sea 
supplying  part. 

In  respect  of  the  reflectors  circumstances  are 
different.  The  whole  of  the  flame  radiates  light 
towards  each  of  the  upper  reflectors.  If  tlie  eye  be 
so  placed  (as  in  the  Royal  Commission  process),  as 
to  see  the  horizon  through  the  flame,  in  the  middle  of 
one  of  the  reflecting  prisms,  then  all  the  flame  above 
that  line  will  throw  its  light  into  the  sky,  and  only 
that  part  below  the  line  will  throw  its  light  on  to 
the  waters.  Hence  the  line  through  the  flame,  or 
rather  through  its  projection  at  the  reflector,  should 
go  through  a  bright  and  abundant  part  of  it,  and 
should  also  leave  as  much  as  possible  of  the  flame 
below  that  line,  since  that  is  the  part  which  radiates 
light  to  the  sea  ;  i.e.,  the  observer's  ray  should  be 
taken  as  far  back  towards  him,  and  as  far  up,  as  is 
consistent  with  a  good  line  of  flame  for  the  horizon, 
and  then  the  reflector  ought  to  be  adjusted,  so  as  to 
throw  this  light  which  has  reached  it,  onward  in  the 
right  direction.  As  regards  the  upper  reflectors, 
generally  a  point  in  the  centre  of  the  flame,  1.55 
inches  above  the  burner,  is  from  careful  experiment 
considered  as  that  which  gives  the  best  result,  and  is 
called  the  focal  point  for  the  upper  reflectors,  being 
common  to  all. 

In  respect  of  the  lower  reflectors,  matters  are  very 
uiflerent.  The  burner  and  cottons  cut  off  much  of 
tlie  light  of  the  flame  from  them.  With  the  best 
flame  one  half  of  the  light  is  thus  lost,  and  with  a 
low  flame  only  a  fourth  or  a  fifth  may  pass  to  them 
to  be  utilized.  The  line  of  sight  should,  as  regards 
the  observer,  be  taken  as  far  forward,  and  up,  as  is 
consistent  with  its  passing  through  a  bright  part  of 
the  flame ;  for  here  again  it  is  the  part  of  the  flame 
below  this  which  sends  light  to  the  sea,  whilst  the 
part  above  casts  its  rays  into  the  sky.  In  the  French 
experience  and  practice,  not  one  focal  point  but 
several  foci  are  taken  for  the  different  reflecting 
prisms.  These  are  points  in  a  vertical  line  in  the 
centre  of  the  flame,  tlie  lowest  focus  is  for  the  upper 
reflector,  and  the  highest  for  the  lower  reflector,  and 
they  are  respectively  at  the  following  heights  above 
the  burner,  38,  42,  47,  53,  60,  and  68  millimeters. 

The  lamp,  optical  apparatus,  and  adjustments  which 
I  have  referred  to,  have  had  reference  to  a  liorizontal 
line  ;  and  it  is  so,  that  nearly  all  the  apparatus  made 
in  or  for  England  have  as  yet  been  so  constructed  ; 
but  the  sea  horizon  does  not  correspond  with  a  line 
horizontal  at  the  lighthouse,  it  forms  an  angle  with 
it,  and  tliat  so  much  the  greater  as  the  light  is  higher 
above  the  level  of  the  sea.  At  the  North  Foreland 
the  two  make  an  angle  of  about  14'. 2,  and  at  Whitby 
of  about  l6'.5.  Hence,  if  the  chief  ray  of  light  be 
sent  horizontall)',  it  will  pass  over  the  sea  and  be 
wasted  ;  and,  indeed,  more  light  with  it,  even  the  16'.  5 
seconds,  which  ought  to  fall  on  the  sea.  This  con- 
dition is  .seen  at  the  Whitby  lighthouses  by  the 
Commissioners'  mode  of  examination  a  little  modified. 
To  correct  this  error  for  the  lenticular  bauds,  it 
would  be  sufficient  to  raise  the  lamp  an  equal  number 
of  minutes,  (about  \  of  an  inch  for  Whitby);  but  such  a 
proceeding  would  increase  the  error  for  the  reflectors 
both  above  and  below,  and  can  only  properly  be  met 
by  instructions  to  the  maker  of  the  apparatus  at 
first. 

The  French  Authorities  only  take  account  of  this 
difference  between  the  sea  and  true  horizon  when 
the  height  of  the  light  is  60  meters  (about  200  feet) 
and  upwards  above  the  sea.  For  my  own  part  I  do 
not  see  why  it  should  not  be  taken  into  account  for 
an  heip;lit  of  50  feet  and  upwards.     Twelve  or  thirteen 

ivr 


j'ears  ago  the  Lundy  Light  had  its  chief  rays  sent  to 
the  sea  horizon,  and  I  made  an  instrument  which  was 
used  by  Mr.  Wilkins  for  the  proper  adjustment  of 
tlie  reflectors.  Since  then  the  reflectors  have  been 
changed  for  others  on  the  catadioptric  principle,  and 
these  have  their  rays  directed  horizontally  as  at  first, 
and  the  same  rule  has  held  ever  since.  Mr.  Chance 
tells  me  he  is  now  constructing  apparatus  with  the 
rays  directed  to  the  sea  horizon. 

Cases  may  arise  where  a  high  light,  not  being  a 
leading  light,  might  better  have  its  chief  ray  sent, 
not  to  the  extreme  sea  horizon,  but  some  intermediate 
distance,  where  in  hazy  weather  the  light  might 
require  to  be  in  some  degree  concentrated.  Such 
cases  are  nautical  in  their  nature,  but  if  they  occur, 
instructions  should  be  given  to  the  maker  beforehand, 
since  the  correction  or  adjustment  cannot  properly  be 
made  afterwards. 

The  first  application  of  a  new  and  searching 
method  of  examination,  not  applied  until  after  the 
workmen  have  been  fitting  and  handling  the  heavy 
parts  of  the  apparatus  in  the  laiithorn  of  the  light- 
house may  discover  either  derangements  of  the  whole, 
or  of  parts.  From  the  expressions  of  the  makers, 
M.  Sautter  and  Mr.  Chance,  I  understand  that  these 
can  be  rectified  in  apparatus  already  erected,  and 
can  be  prevented  in  apparatus  to  be  made  hereafter, 
so  that  the  test  proposed  makes  no  undue  claim  on 
the  manufacturer. 

The  Royal  Commission  when  at  Whitby,  pointed 
out  certain  deficiencies  in  the  illumination  of  the  sea  ; 
and  the  waste  upon  the  sky  of  a  portion  of  the  light 
which  the  lamps  sent  to  the  glass  apparatus,  both 
results  being  indicated  by  the  mode  of  day  examina- 
tion. The  lower  reflectors  especially  appeared 
inoperative,  not  merely  because  only  a  little  light 
could  in  any  case  fall  upon  them,  but  because,  if  a 
good  lamp  had  been  in  the  centre,  the  adjustment 
of  the  reflectors  was  out.  A  like  condition  of  matters 
was  indicated  when  at  the  North  Foreland. 

Of  the  two  lights  at  Whitby  within  258  yards  of 
each  other,  the  .North  Light  lamp  is  much  better  than 
that  at  the  South  Light  ;  it  gives  a  higher  flame  and 
burns  more  oil,  and  the  appearance  at  sea  corresponds 
to  this  difference.  But  besides  that,  there  are 
differences  in  adjustment.  An  excursion  to  sea  at 
night  on  the  9th  was  made,  and  at  a  given  signal  the 
whole  of  the  lenticular  band  of  the  North  Light  was 
covered  up,  only  the  reflectors  being  left,  to  compare 
with  the  whole  of  the  South  Light  as  a  standard. 
In  this  state  the  North  Light  was  nearly  equal  to  the 
South  Light  in  brilliancy,  and  in  certain  positions  of 
the  ship  was  quite  equal  to  it.  The  light  was  thus 
covered  up  and  uncovered  asrain,  twice,  and  the 
observations  were  made  at  distances  of  four  and  seven 
miles.  They  showed  that  the  upper  reflectois  at  thi-< 
house  were  well  adjusted  to  cast  the  light  upon  thj 
sea.  Here,  therefore  (at  Whitby),  it  appears  to  me 
it  would  be  best  to  make  any  proposed  changes,  for 
they  could  be  carried  out  at  the  South  Lighthouse  bv 
Mr.  Chance,  the  maker  of  the  apparatus,  who  was 
present  and  who  understands  every  point  in  the  matter, 
and  the  North  Light  could  be  left  as  a  standard  bv 
which  to  estimate  the  improvement  gained. 

I  am  persuaded  that  the  condition  and  character  of 
the  lamp  has  a  most  important  influence  over  the 
results  that  have  been  and  are  to  be  acquired.  Some 
persons  call  a  flame  3^^  inches  high,  which  I  and 
others  would  consider  as  only  2^  or  2  inches  in  the 
ert'ectual  part.  Some  persons  count  from  the  top  of 
the  burner  to  the  top  of  the  tongues  of  flame,  whereas 
the  bright  luminous  part  of  the  flame  often  begins  4 
of  an  inch  above  the  burner,  and  as  a  body,  ceases, 
it  may  be  an  inch  or  even  two  inches  beneath  the  top 
of  the  longest  smokeless  tongues.  The  difl"erence  ic 
the  consumption  of  oil  at  the  difft^rent  liirhthoiises 
shows  the  preat  diversit}'  existing  amongst  the  flames 
of  different  lamps;  to  which,  if  one  common  standard 
of  adjustment  in  respect  of  the  optic  apparatus  be 
applied,  it  must  as  often  be  wrong  as  right.  It  appears 
to  me  that  the  first  thing  is  to  have  an  excellent  and 


92 


APPENDIX   TO   KEPORT   OX   LIGHTS,  Bt'OYS,  AND   BEACONS: 


constant  lamp,  and  that  all  lighthouses  of  the  same 
oriler  shouhl  have  a  lamp  of  tlie  same  qualily  ; — that 
the  glass  chimney  employed  should  have  a  gradually 
rounded  shoulder  and  not  a  sharp  square  one,  which 
greatly  disturbs  the  direction  of  the  light  ; — that 
■when  the  best  form  has  been  attained  it  should  be 
adhered  to  ; — and  that  the  glass  and  iron  chimney 
tosetlier  should  he  continuous  for  6  feet.  Then  the 
practicable  constant  size  and  condition  of  the  flame 
of  such  a  lamp  should  be  determined,  and  a  general 
gautrc  and  measure  of  tlie  bright  part  of  it  and  its 
position  in  relation  to  the  burner,  be  supplied  to  each 
lighthouse  (which  could  easily  be  done  by  an  outline 
drawing  on  open  wire  gauze,  or  otherwise  ,  that  the 
keeper  may  report  whenever  the  lamp  falls  short  of  its 
required  duty.  Having  such  a  lamp  it  should  be 
ascertained  whether  the  foci  for  the  adjustment  of  the 
optical  apparatus  at  present  adopted  are  the  b 'St  for 
it,  as  the  French  Authorities  believe,  or  whether  they 
could  he  advantageously  altered  ;  and  then  apparatus 
constructed  in  future  should  be  made  in  conformity 
thereto,  and  finally  tested  in  their  place  by  the  Koyal 
Commission  process. 

If  Mr.  J.  Chance  were  authorized  to  procure  such  a 
lamp  for  the  South  Whitby  Liglithouse  (that  is,  a 
lamp  which  being  excellent  could  be  easily  and 
certainlv  repeated),  and  were  then  to  adjust  the  optic 
apparatus  to  it,  the  result  could  easily  be  tested  by 
a  comparison  with  the  unaltered  Xorth  Light  :  but 
it  would  be  desirable  to  be  able  to  ascertain  separately, 
as  far  as  may  be,  the  etfect  due  to  the  improved 
lamp,  and  that  due  to  the  re-adjustment  of  the 
glass. 

With  respect  to  the  North  Foreland  Lighthouse, 
M.  Sautter,  the  manufacturer,  met  the  Royal  Com- 
mission and  the  Trinity  Board  there,  and  heard  atul 
saw  all  that  passed.  I  understood  him  to  admit  freely 
the  principle  advocated  by  the  Royal  Commissiim, 
but  to  assert  that  the  apparatus  was  in  perfect  ad- 
justment for  a  ^ro/jcr /««);j.  Setting  up  the  gauges 
at  the  burner,  according  to  the  focal  places  assumed 
and  adopted  in  France,  the  apparatus,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  one  or  two  prisms,  certainly  was  in  beautiful 
adjustment  to  them.  For  my  own  iiart,  I  am  of 
oiiiniou  that  in  relation  to  the  generality  of  lamps 
as  1  have  seen  them  burning,  the  foci  (at  least  of 
the  lenticular  part)  are  taken  too  high.  The  chief 
focus  at  the  North  Foreland  has  been  placed  28 
millimetres  above  the  burners.  As  I  saw  the  lamp 
burning  on  the  evening  of  Weduesday  the  8th  instant, 
and  the  keeper  said  it  was  in  its  right  and  u^ual 
state,  the  chief  plane  of  light  was  not  above  22  milli- 
metres above  the  burner  ;  and  if  account  be  taken  of 
the  dip  of  the  sea  horizon,  which  is  here  about  14'. 2, 
the  burner  ought  to  be  raised  on  that  account  -t 
millimetres  more,  making  the  distance  below  the  focal 
]dane  18  millimeters  only  instead  of  28.  If,  however, 
the  lamp  were  raised  enough  for  the  correction  of  this 
dilference,  it  would  greatly  throw  out  of  adjustment 
both  the  upper  and  lower  reflectors. 

M.  Sautter  is  of  opinion  that  the  apparatus  requires 
no  adjustment,  but  is  correct  tor  a  proper  overflow 
lamp.  He  has  full  confidence  in  the  French  autho- 
rized foci.  He  is,  however,  ready  to  raise  the  lam]) 
and  to  readjust  the  reflecting  pri>ms  to  any  degree 
the  Trinity  House  may  require.  Though  I  think  that 
the  foci  may  perhaps  be  altered  with  advantage,  and 
intend  making  an  investigation  of  their  jilaees  whiii 
a  good  standard  lamp  is  employed,  if  the  Trinity 
Board  desire  it,  1  am  not  prepared  to  go  hastily  in 
opposition  to  the  conclusions  carefully  drawn  from 
theorv,  experiment,  and  long  practical  application  by 
the  authorities  in  France  ;  and,  theretbre,  am  of 
opinion  that  if  JIM.  Sautter  and  Wilkins  place  a 
proper  lamp  in  the  lighthouse,  and  leave  it  and  the 
optical  apparatus  in  that  state  of  adjustment  which 
the  former  approves  of,  and  will  be  responsible  for, 
the  determination  of  any  iurthcr  change  there,  rany 
rrniain  until  alter  the  efiect  has  been  aseerlained  of 
the  alterations   at  Whitby,  the  ehaugeu  at  the  North 


Foreland  itself,  and  the  re-examination  of  the   places 
of  the  foci. 

(Signed)         M.  F.vkaday. 
Roval  Institution, 
i6th  August  1860. 


Report  ox  Focal  Foists. 
Royal  Institution,  Isi  September,  1860. 
Ix  reference  to  the  examination  (proposed  at  the 
end  of  my  report  of  the  16th  August  1860)  of  the 
focal  points  heretofore  adopted  in  France  and  also 
in  this  country,  I  have  to  state  that  from  consider- 
ations founded  upon  the  size  of  a  good  lamp  flame,  I 
came  to  the  conclusion  that  the  focal  point  for  the 
lenticular  or  dioptric  part  was  right,  or  very  nearly 
so,  but  that  those-  adopted  for  the  upper  and  lower 
reflectors  were  much  too  low.  Those  for  the  lower 
reflectors  may  be  represented  by  a  common  intersect- 
ing point,  10  mm.  above  the  burner,  and  48  mm.  from 
the  axis  on  the  side  towards  the  reflectors.  My  first 
judgment  was  to  alter  this  point,  by  raising  it  so  that 
it  should  be  20  mm.  al)Ove  the  burner,  and  oO  mm. 
from  the  axis.  Mr.  James  Chance  invited  me  to  see 
two  fine  first-class  lights  for  Russia,  one  of  which, 
being  a  fixed  light,  he  had  of  his  own  judgment 
and  experience,  adjusted  to  foci  difterent  to  the 
above.  I  found  the  effect  of  this  alteration  to  be 
very  excellent,  and  I  found,  moreover,  that  his  num- 
bers and  mine  were  so  near  to  each  other  as  to  render 
them,  in  effect,  coincident.  I  consider  the  result, 
therefore,  a  full  practical  confirmation  of  the  numbers, 
and  I  do  not  hesitate  to  recommend  this  alteration  for 
the  adoption  of  the  Trinity  House. 

With  regard  to  the  upper  reflectors,  my  preliminary 
judgment  was  for  a  far  greater  change.  The  French 
authorities  (which  we  in  England  have  thus  far 
followed)  is  for  a  common  focus  for  all  the  upper 
reflectors  placed  in  the  axis  of  the  flame,  and  raised 
38  ram.  above  the  burner.  I  think  the  common  focus 
ought  to  be  27  mm.  above  the  burner,  and  32  mm. 
from  the  axis  on  the  side  from  the  reflectors.  I  have 
endeavoured  experimentally,  with  a  good  lamp,  to 
establish  or  correct  this  estimate,  and  my  results  gave 
a  point  30  mm.  above  the  burner  and  32  mm.  aside 
from  the  axis  as  an  excellent  place  ;  but  I  desire  to 
carry  out  this  change  upon  a  whole  panel  of  upper 
reflectors  before  I  recommend  it  finallv  to  the  Trinitv 
Board. 

(Signed)     M.  Faraday. 
To  P.  H.  Berthon,  Esq., 

&c.         &c.         &c. 


Report  on  Experiments  at  ^Messrs.  Ciiascf.'s 
Works  and  at  Wiiitcy,  in  relation  to  focal  points. 
I  HAVE  been  to  Birmingham,  and  worked  for 
two  days  with  Mr.  James  Chance  upon  the  determi- 
nation of  the  best  focal  points  for  the  upper  refleetrng 
prisms.  1  still  see  reason  to  expect  much  improve- 
ment by  the  change  referred  to  in  my  Report  of  the 
1st  instant,  and  now  propose  to  carry  out  that  change 
experimentally  at  Whitb}'. 

For  this  purpose  I  propose  (as  before)  that  the 
North  \Miitby  Light  be  left  untouched  for  a  standard. 
That  Mr.  J.  Chance  provide  for  the  South  Light  a 
good  overflow  lamp,  with  a  continuous  chimney  6  feet 
in  length  from  the  bottom  of  the  glass,  and  adjust  it 
so  that  a  ray  from  the  sea  horizoti  passing  through 
the  middle  of  the  lenticular  zone  shall  intersect  the 
axis  of  the  lamp  at  a  point  2Snmi.  above  the  burner. 
That  the  lower  reflecling  prisms  of  all  the  four  octants, 
save  the  third,  counting  from  the  north,  be  adjusted 
to  the  sea  horizon,  from  a  focus  20mm.  above  the 
burner  and  oO  nmi.  from  the  lamp  axis  towards  the 
reflectors.  That  the  upper  reflecting  prisms  (save 
those  of  octant  No.  3)  be  adjusted  to  the  sea  horizon, 
but  from  diflereut  foci  ;  the  north  jianel  or  No.  1, 
to  a  focus  2()mm.  above  the  burner  and  30  mm.  from 
the  lamp  axis,  on  the  side  from  the  reflecting  prisms  ; 
panel  No.  2,    to  a  focus  28  mm.  above  the  burner. 


KEPORTS,    &C,    BY      R0FE3S0R    FARADAY. 


f)3 


and  30mni.  aside  ;  the  south  panel,  or  No.  4,  to  a 
focus  28n]ni.  above  and  'lOinm.  aside.  The  octant 
No.  3,  to  have  both  the  up|)er  and  lower  rcflectinj:; 
prisms  adjusted  by  the  French  foci,  aud  not  to  the 
sea  horizon  but  to  the  true  horizon. 

I  then  propose  to  go  to  sea  at  night  time,  and  ex- 
amine the  effect  of  these  different  adjustments  at 
distances  up  to  18  or  20  miles,  moving  on  some 
such  course  as  that  a  plan  of  which  is  herewith  sent 
(marked  P,  see  diagrams,  next  page),  that  the  eft'ect 
of  each  adjustment  may  bo  observed  and  compared 
with  the  North  Light  ;  and  I  propose  that  at  the  ex- 
treme distance  the  lenticular  baud  shall  be  screened 
off  so  that  in  returning  the  oiJect  of  the  reflecting 
prisms  o«///  shall  be  seen  and  compared,  the  northern 
light  still  remaining  unchanged. 

This  sea  trip  will  probably  decide  ihe  best  arrange- 
ments, but  if  cause  appears  for  trial  of  any  other  foci, 
or  any  other  arrangement,  such  arrangements  can  be 
made  in  a  day  or  two,  and  a  second  night  examination 
at  sea  be  made. 

The  expense  incurred  by  the  experiments  at  Bir- 
mingham, by  those  now  recommended  at  Whitby,  and 
for  apparatus  I  have  had  occasion  to  order,  will  pro- 
bably not  exceed  300  pounds. 

I  have,  &c. 
(Signed)         M.  Faraday. 

Royal  Institution, 
14th  "September  1860. 


REroRT  on  Experiments  at  Whitut  in  relation  to 
the  FocAi.  Points  of  Lighthouse  ArrARATUs. 

The  experiments  referred  to  in  the  report  of  the 
14th  of  September  have  now,  by  the  authority  of  the 
Trinity  House,  been  carried  out,  not  only  in  London 
and  Birmingham,  but  also  at  Whitby,  and  the  Deputy 
Master,  with  certain  of  the  Brethren,  have  there 
entered  into  an  examination  of  the  results. 

The  South  Light  at  Whitby  was  inferioi-,  on  the 
occasion  of  the  former  visit,  to  the  North  Light, 
though  both  lamps  were  of  the  same  construction. 
That  in  the  North  house  was  left  unchanged,  to  serve 
as  a  standard.  That  in  the  South  house  was  changed 
for  one  with  four  wicks,  and  a  plentiful  overflow,  and 
the  light  it  now  gives  is  not  merely  considerably  more 
than  before,  but  more  than  that  of  the  North  Light. 
It  has  burnt  well  from  the  first.  The  average  pro- 
portion of  oil  consumed  in  a  fortnight  is  1.5  pints  for 
the  South  Light,  and  13  pints  for  the  North  Light 
per  12  hours.  These  quantities  accord  with  the  pro- 
portion of  light  which  they  really  give. 

In  reference  to  the  focal  changes  and  adjustments 
for  the  experiments,  the  following  arrangements  were 
made.  There  were  four  equal  octants  or  eights  of 
glass  apparatus  in  the  Whitby  South  Lighthouse, 
■vtith  a  central  lamp  to  the  whole.  Each  had  its 
three  parts  ;  the  lenticular  band,  the  upper,  and  the 
lower  reflectors.  The  lenticular  part  is  the  most 
powerful,  the  upper  reflectors  come  next,  and  the 
lower  reflectors  are  last.  The  adjustment  is  made, 
first,  by  the  elevation  of  the  lamp  for  the  lenticular 
band,  and  after  that  by  the  position  of  the  prisms  for 
the  reflector  part.  The  lenticular  part  is  (in  the 
Whitby  case)  adjusted  for  all  the  octants  at  once. 
The  French  focus  for  this  part  has  been  adopted, 
namclv,  28  mm.  above  the  burner,  but  the  French 
authorities  send  the  chief  ray  on  a  horizontal  level  for 
a  light  of  such  a  height  as  Whitby,  whereas  I  have 
sent  it  down  to  the  sea  horizon.  No.  3  octant  was 
selected  to  represent  the  French  adjustment,  but  it 
was  impossible,  whilst  regulating  the  lenses  of  the 
other  octants,  to  separate  this  from  them,  so  that  it 
had  an  advantage  in  the  comparison  as  respects  this 
lens  part : — as  to  the  reflectors,  however,  the  focus 
(or  common  focus)  for  the  upper  set  is  38  mm.  above 
the  burner  in  the  axis  of  the  flame,  and  9  mm.  up  and 
50   aside  for  the    lower   set.     These  were    adjusted 

M 


accurately  in  the  lighthouse  to  the  fnie  horizon  or 
dead  level. 

The  other  octants  had  each  a  pair  of  common  foci 
for  the  reflectors,  as  follows  : — 

No.  1  (d)  20  mm.  up  and  30  aside  upper  reflectors 
and  (i)  20  up  and  .50  aside  lower  reflectors.  {See 
wood  cut,  page  94. ) 

No.  2  (e)  28  mm.  up  and  30  aside  upper  reflectors 
and  (i)  20  up  and  .50  aside  lower  reflectors. 

No.  3  (g)  38  mm.  up  and  0  aside   ujiper  reflectors 
and  (k)  9  up  and  50  aside  lower  reflectors  (French). 
No.  4  (h)  23  mm.  up  and  40  aside  upper  reflectors 
and  (k)  9  uj)  and  50  aside  lower  reflectors. 

The  octants  1,  2,  and  4  had  their  adjustments  made 
to  the  sea  horizon. 

The  intention  of  all  these  arrangements  was  to 
discover  and  establish  (what  was  expected  on  prin- 
ciple) that  much  light,  hitherto  thrown  up  into  the 
sky,  might  bo  disposed  of  on  the  sea  between  the 
distance  and  in  shore,  without  any  diminution  of  the 
light  on  the  sea  horizon  ;  and  that  if  particukr  regions 
in  certain  directions  short  of  the  horizon  required  an 
especial  amount  of  light,  what  special  or  common  foci 
were  proper  for  such  a  purpose. 

The  night  sea  voyage  was  so  arranged  that  bj- turning 
the  apparatus  the  various  octants  (with  ail  the  light  on) 
could  be  observed  at  different  distances  as  the  ship  went 
out,  the  effect  of  the  change  from  the  one  to  the  other 
being  remarked,  and  at  the  same  time  a  continual 
comparison  with  the  unchanging  North  Light  being 
made.  On  returning  towards  laud  the  lens  part  of 
all  the  octants  was  blinded,  so  that  a  like  comparison 
of  the  reflectors  without  the  fojjses  could  be  made  over 
the  same  series  of  distances. 

When  in  shore,  i.e.,  about  a  mile  or  a  mile  and  a 
half  ofl',  the  octants  1,  2,  and  4  surpassed  the  French 
octant,  as  was  expected  ;  the  same  effect  continued 
when  further  out,  but  diminished  in  proportion.  At 
10,  12,  and  14  miles  out  the  difference  between  the 
octants  diminished,  but  the  French  octant  never  sur- 
passed No.  2  or  No.  1,  and  v.'as,  as  some  thought, 
rather  beneath  them.  The  constant  North  Light  was 
most  important  in  helping  to  settle  these  differences. 
When  the  lenticular  bauds  were  screened  off",  the 
reflector  bands  alone  gave  bright  light,  but  there 
were  differences  of  the  same  kind  as  those  already 
described,  though  greater  in  proportion. 

Every  one  present  made  their  observations  for 
themselves,  but,  I  believe,  with  a  like  result.  I  had 
expected  No.  2  to  be  a  best  if  not  the  best  arrange- 
ment, and  I  am  happy  to  believe  the  Deputy  Master 
and  Brethren  came  to  that  conclusion,  .since  they 
directed  that  it  should  be  the  type  and  pattern  of 
adjustment  for  all  the  octants  of  both  the  Whitby 
Lighthouses. 

Like  observations  to  those  just  described  had  been 
made  on  shore,  and  with  the  like  result,  but  we  had 
not  then  the  same  advantage  of  observing  at  very 
long  distances,  nor  that  of  comparing  with  the  stan- 
dard North  light. 

On  the  Monday  we  wrought  at  the  Lighthouse  for 
the  purpose  of  verifying  or  correcting  the  focus  for 
the  lower  reflectors.  Mr.  James  Chance,  in  making 
the  adjustments,  found  that  numbers  varying  some- 
what from  tliose  I  had  given,  and  even  more  fiom  the 
French  numbers,  caused  the  rays  to  be  more  parallel  ; 
and,  as  they  were  to  supply  the  sea  horizon,  such 
parallelism  would  be  an  advantage.  The  numbers 
were  (i.)  25  mm.  up,  and  -10  aside.  (These  numbers 
w-ere  used  on  the  night  of  the  sea  observations.)  By 
trial  I  became  satisfied  of  the  reality  of  the  advantage, 
and  recommend  these  numbers  to  be  adopted  for  the 
lower  reflectors. 

All  the  time  we  were  at  Whitby  (eight  or  nine 
days)  Jlr.  Chance  and  myself  were  occupied  in  learn- 
ing, practising  new  methods  of  adjustment  and  cor- 
rection, and  using  new  instruments  ;  and  I  cannot  say 
too  much  in  thanking  Mr.  Chance  for  the  earnest 
and  intelligent  manner  in  which  he  has  wrought  with 
me   in   the  experiments,  working  and  thinking  every 

3 


94 


APPENDIX    TO    REPORT    ON    LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND    BEACONS  : 


point  out.  The  method  of  adjustment  is  now  so 
perfect  that  the  authorities  can  hardly  require  more 
accuracy  than  the  manufacturer  can  ensure.  The 
Trinity"  House  may  direct  at  its  pleasure  that  the 
light  of  one  part  "of  an  apparatus  .shall  be  thrown 
chietlv  in  one  direction,  as  the  sea  horizon,  and  that 
of  another  part  in  another  relative  direction,  as  nearer 
to  the  coast,  and  I  have  no  doubt  tliat  if  the  electric 
li<rht  or  any  other  of  the  compressed  intense  illumi- 
nations bo  hereafter  adopted,  ihe  principles  and 
methods  of  adjustment  now  devised  and  carried  into 
practice  will  prove  of  very  great  and  special  ad- 
vantage. 

Eoyal  Institution,  (Signed)     M.  Faradat. 

19th  October  1860. 


Position  of  the  experimental  common  foci  for 
the  Upper  and  Lower  Refiecto:'S  supposed  to  be 
situated  on  the  left-liand  side  of  the  ilame  repre- 
sented in  tlie  figure. 

The  words  "  common  focus  "  are  intended  tc 
exin-ess  that  point  from  which  the  rays  which  lie  in 
a  plane  passing  through  it  and  the  axis  of  the  flame  and 
apparatus,  and  also  through  the  middle  of  tlie  pieces 
of  glass  associated  in  one  panel  (as  of  the  upper  or 
lower  reflectors)  shall  be  made  by  adjustment  to  pro- 
ceed to  any  given  spot,  as  for  instance  a  point  on  the 
sea  horizon. 


(b)  The     burner,    from    which    the 

heights  of  the  foci  are  set  off. 

(c)  The  cotton. 

(f)  The  bright  part  of  the  flame. 

(a.  a)  The  axis  of  the  flame  from  which 
tlie  side  distances  are  mea- 
sured. 

(r>)  20  millimetres  \\\\  30  mills,  aside. 

(e)  28  „  30 

(g)  3S  ,.  0         „ 
(ri)  2S            „               40 

(i)  20  „  ->0 

(k)     9  ,,  50 

(l)  2.5  „  40         „ 


Report  on  the  South  LiGHTnorsE  at  "WHiinr. 

Roval  Institution. 
20th"  November  1860. 
The  adjustment  of  this  Lighthouse  has  been 
completed  by  Mr.  James  Chance  according  to  the  in- 
structions received  i'roni  the  Trinity  House: — the  len- 
ticular part  from  a  common  focus  27  or  28  mm.  above 
the  l)urnrr,  the  ujijier  reflectors  from  a  common  focus 
28  mm.  up  and  30  aside,  and  the  lower  reflectors 
from  a  common  focus  25mm.  up  and  40  aside;  the 
mean  ray  being  sent  to  the  sea  horizon.  The  only 
exception  is  in  the  north  lenticular  panel,  the  .sea 
horizon  focus  of  which  is  2.)  mm.  above  the  burner. 
The  present  condition  of  the  experimental  inves- 
tigation of  the  lenticular  part  of  the  apparatus  makes 
menat  sorry  for  this  circumstance. 

The  character  of  the  lamp  and  its  flame  is  most 
essential.  The  latter  ought  to  be  well  watched  and 
cared  for.  I  find  it  very  difiieult  to  devise  a  sure 
check  on  tlie  attendance.  A  pint  and  a  half  (or 
somewhat  more)  of  oil  ought  to  be  burnt  every  hour 
in  a  first  order  himp  with  a  brilliant  flame  ;  but  it  is 
diliicult  to  found  an  eftcctual  check,  either  upon  the 
i|Mantit)'  of  oil  which  disappears,  or  upon  the  time 
of  the  keeper'.-!  visits  to  the  lamps. 

I  have  not  seen  the  lighthouse  since  the  adjust- 
n-ents  were  made,  but  tluy  were  made  by  Mr.  James 
Chance  himself,  and  I  have  the  fullest  trust  in  him. 
I  enclose  his  report. 


Kverything  thus  far  cnpifirms  me  in  the  opinion 
that  what  the  Trinity  House  has  done  in  this  case 
has  been  done  well  ;  that  every  future  case  can  be 
considered  in  relation  to  the  adjustments  necessary 
for  it  from  the  very  beginning,  and  that  that  adjust- 
ment can  be  carried  out  with  certainty. 

(Signed)         !M.  Faiuday, 


Report  of  Alterations  made  in  the  Dioptric 
Apparatus  at  the  South  Ligiituouse  at  Whitby. 

Glass  VTorks,  near  Birmingham, 
17th  iS'ovember  ISfiO. 

1.  Ileifihl  of  the  lump  in  relation  to  the  refractors. 

The  lenticular  panels  have  not  a  common  focal 
plane  ;  and  as  I  bad  no  authority  to  readjust  the 
lenses,  the  lamp  has  been  so  placed  that  28  mm.  is 
the  maximum  distance  of  the  burner  below  the  sea 
horizon  focus  of  any  retracting  panel. 

The  2d,  3d,  4th,  and  5th  panels,  counting  from 
the  north,  have  their  respective  sea  horizon  foci  from 
27  mm.  to  28  mm.  above  the  burner,  whereas  the 
1st  panel  has  its  sea  horizon  focus  onlv  2.5  mm. 
above  the  burner. 

I  doubt  not  that  this  last  panel  is  better  placed  for 
sending  the  brightest  light  to  the  sea  horizon  than 
the  other  three  (thougli  not  intentionally). 


[^To  face  juirjc  94.] 


KeI'Lkctor  Foor. 


Upper  Reflectors  : — 

1 .  20  up  30  aside,  new. 

2.  28  up  30  aside. 

3.  38  up     0  aside,  French. 

4.  28  up  40  aside. 

Lower  : — 

5.  11  up  48  aside,  French. 

6.  20  up  49  aside,  new. 


Beport  of  Experiments  at  Whitby,  \9th  October  1860. 


REPORTS,  &C.  BY  PROFESSOK  FARADAY, 


95 


The  due  position  of  the  burner,  both  vertically  and 
horizontally,  is  defined  by  the  intersection  of  two 
wires  or  strings  to  be  passed  and  stretched 
diametrically  through  two  pairs  of  holes  fixed  per- 
manently for  that  purpose  on  the  uprights  of  the 
apparatus. 

2.  Upper  Reflectors. — The  sea  horizon  focal  lino 
of  each  prism  has  been  made  to  pass  through  a  point 
28  mm.  above  the  burner,  and  30  mm.  behind  the 
axis  cf  the  system. 

3.  Lower  Reflectors. — The  sea  horizon  focal  line 
of  each  prism  has  been  made  to  pass  through  a  point 
25  mm.  above  the  burner,  and  40  mm.  before  the 
axis. 

4.  Lamps. — The  south  lighthouse  is  at  present 
provided  by  me  teiiiporurHi/  with  two  good  mechan- 
ical four  wick  lamps,  and  the  requisite  supplj^  of 
surplus  burners,  8jc.  &c.  I  purpose,  however,  sending 
ultimately  two  pressure  four-wick  lamps,  as  I  prefer 
the  greater  simplicity  of  construction  of  this  kind  of 
lamp. 

(Signed)         Jajies  T.  Chance. 

Memoeakdltji. 

The  metaUlc  reflectors  at  the  South  Whitby  light 
are  not  being  used  at  prese7it  m  consequence  of  the 
injury  which  the  reflected  heat  of  the  flame,  now  so 
much  increased,  causes  to  the  burner.  This  is  a 
matter  for  future  investigation. 

(Signed)         J,  T.  C. 
To  Professor  Faraday, 
&c.  &c. 


Eeport  of  Experiments  at  Birmingham  on  the 
Focal  Points  of  the  Lenticular  Panel  of  a 
Fixed  First  Order  Lighthouse  Apparatus. 

Eoyal  Institution, 
3d  December  1860. 

I  have  been  engaged  at  Birmingham  for  three  da3's 
(26tb,  27th,  28th  November)  with  Mr.  James  Chance, 
in  ascertaining  for  each  particular  rib  of  such  a  panel 
as  that  referred  to  above,  the  best  point  or  points  in 
relation  to  the  burner  from  which  the  rays  should 
issue,  that  the  maximum  illumination  might  be  at  the 
horizon  ;  and  also  testing  by  practice  the  method  pro- 
posed by  Mr.  J.  Chance  of  adjusting  the  ribs  to  each 
other  and  to  the  lamp,  so  that  they  should  coincide  in 
their  action. 

A  fixed  light  lenticular  panel  consists  of  a  chief 
broad  middle  band,  and  of  other  bands  or  ribs  above 
and  below  it,  forming  two  groups,  generally  nine  in 
each.  These,  when  associated  in  the  panel  frame, 
have,  according  to  the  accepted  rule,  their  common 
focus  at  28  mm.  above  the  burner  of  the  lamp. 

The  relation  of  the  flame  and  burner  to  the  upper 
and  lower  parts  of  the  lenticular  panel  is  the  same  in 
kind,  though  not  in  degree  as  their  relation  to  the 
upper  and  lower  reflectors.  Thus,  the  opaque  burner, 
which  hides  much  of  the  flame  from  the  lower  reflec- 
tors, also  hides  flame  from  the  lower  part  of  the  len- 
ticular panel,  though  not  in  the  same  degree  ;  but  as 
the  lenticular  panel  is  a  very  chief  part  of  the  appa- 
ratus, any  desirable  correction  which  can  be  made 
amongst  its  parts,  if  possible,  becomes  of  importance. 

Using  a  flame  such  as  that  represented  in  the 
report  of  the  I9th  October  l^'GO,  in  conjunction  with 
a  panel  of  the  kind  described,  and  casting  the  light 
passing  through  each  rib  separately  in  a  perfectly 
horizontal  direction,  we  found  that  the  best  focal  point 
for  the  middle  or  chief  rib  was  20  mm.  above  the  burner 
at  the  axis  ;  that  the  upper  ribs,  though  varying  one 
from  another,  might  have  the  same  points  of  20  mm. 
taken  for  their  average  or  common  focus  ;  and  that 
the  lower  ribs  required  much  higher  focal  points  in 
the  axis,  varying  from  about  18  to  30  mm.  above  the 
burner,  all  of  v.hich  might  be  referred  to  a  common 
focus,  11  mm.  up  and  o6  mm.  aside  towards  the 
panel. 

M 


Supposing  that  these  numbers  (or  any  other)  were 
determined  upon,  then  the  possibility  of  adjusting  the 
parts  of  the  panel  to  each  other  came  to  be  con- 
sidered ;  without  which  possibility  it  would  not,  he 
right  for  the  authorities  to  require  that  a  fini?hed 
panel  should  be  subject  to  examination  by  the  foci- 
meter,  in  relation  to  such  given  points.  The  ribs  of 
a  lenticular  panel  cannot  be  adjusted  to  each  other  by 
any  rotation  of  them  on  a  horizontal  axis,  as  is  the 
case  with  the  ribs  of  a  reflector  panel,  but  only  by 
elevation  or  depression  in  respect  of  each  other  ;  and 
now  Mr.  Chance  proceeded  to  show  me,  how,  by 
ascertaining  the  best  focal  point  for  each  rib  and 
their  relation  to  the  focal  point  of  the  great  central 
rill,  he  ascertained  how  much  they  were  in  error  ; 
and  then  what  proportion  of  glass  would  require  to 
be  removed  from  the  broad  bearing  surface  of  this  or 
that  rib  to  bring  the  whole  into  nearest  approximation 
to  the  desired  position.  This  he  carried  into  effect 
with  the  panel  which  we  had  had  under  examination, 
and  which  had  been  constructed  in  the  ordinary  way, 
and  without  any  particular  view  to  such  a  correction  ; 
and  the  consequence  was  that  a  panel  was  produced, 
which,  when  set  up  with  the  focimeter  upon  the 
burner  at  the  numbers  given  above,  and  a  small  flame 
upon  the  distant  (107  feet)  dead  level  for  each  rib, 
gave  a  perfect  practical  result.  The  space  between 
the  green  and  red  light  was  the  part  of  the  flame 
observed,  and  the  error  for  any  rib  was  not  more  than 
1  mm.  except  in  two  cases  out  of  nineteen,  in  which 
it  did  not  exceed  2  mm.  AVhen  the  great  lamp  was 
lighted  the  effect  was  in  accordance  with  the  expected 
result.  The  coincidence  of  all  the  rays  in  one  common 
maximum  could  only  be  observed  at  a  great  distance, 
i.e.,  at  the  dead  level  horizon  ;  but  each  rib  could  be 
examined  for  itself  c^ud  for  the  dead  level  of  that 
rib. 

It  must  be  thoroughly  understood  that  the  focal 
numbers  have  relarion  to  the  flame  of  the  great  lamp. 
As  before  stated,  the  higher  and  more  powerful  the 
flame,  the  greater  height  should  the  focal  distances 
be  above  the  burner,  but  even  with  a  very  high 
flame  we  do  not  find  that  the  focal  point  of  the  middle 
belt  and  upper  ribs  can  be  raised  higher  than  23  or 
24  mm.  above  the  burner,  without  sending  the 
brightest  light  to  the  sky.  The  character  and  size  of 
the  flame  differ  very  much  at  times,  and  even  with 
the  same  flame  persons  differ  very  much  in  their 
estimate  of  its  magnitude,  and  the  place  of  its 
brightest  part.  We  have  taken  a  flame  corresponding, 
as  far  as  I  can  judge,  with  that  figured  in  the  report 
of  the  19th  October  1860.  It  is  easy  to  obtain  a 
higher  flame  by  close  attention  and  for  a  short  time; 
but  I  do  not  think  that  a  higher  one  is  often  sustained 
in  lighthouses. 

In  respect  of  the  "  Smalls "  light,  therefore,  I 
recommend  a  focal  jjoint  for  the  central  and  upper 
ribs  of  the  lenticular  panel  of  20  (or  21)  mm.  above 
the  burner;  and  for  the  lower  ribs  a  point  11  mm. 
up  and  36  mm.  aside  in  relation  to  the  dead  level, 
and  a  further  correction  of  3  mm.  for  the  dip  to  the 
.sea  horizon. 

The  final  examination  of  an  optic  apparatus  for 
lighthouses  can  only  be  carried  on,  with  the  degree 
of  accuracy  which  I  have  described,  at  the  manufac- 
tory, or  at  a  place  arranged  with  all  appliances  for 
the  purpose,  or  at  the  lighthouse  (when  in  pUce) 
when  there  is  a  gooa  clear  sea  horizon.  In  the  ca;e 
of  the  ■'  Smalls "  no  difficulty  will  occur  since  the 
apparatus  is  already  in  the  hands  of  Messrs.  Chance. 

Perhaps  it  may  be  agreeable  to  the  Trinity  House 
to  be  informed  that  the  changes  proposed  now  and 
formerly  are  all  in  accordance  with  observations  made 
by  the  A.stronomer  Royal  at  Messrs.  Chance's  in  the 
beginning  of  the  year,  and  which  he  communicated  to 
me  personally  in  April  last. 

(Signed)         M.  Fakaday. 

3d  December  1860. 


96 


APPENDIX  TO  REPORT  ON  LIGHT?,  BUOTS,  AND   BEACONS  : 


Korth  Foreland  Light, 
Tu  r.  II.  Ecrthou,  E^q.         27tli  August  18(j0. 
Sir, 

I  bog  with  great  respect  to  make  the  following 
report  njion  the  four-wick  burner  and  pressure  lamp 
now  in  use  at  this  station  : — ■ 

To  the  inquiries  of  committees  at  various  visits  as 
to  the  height  at  which  the  flame  could  be  maintained, 
the  lightkeepers  have  not  been  able  to  return  a  satis- 
factory answer,  the  flame  never  having  reached  the 
desired  height,  although  still  closely  attended  to. 
Still  there  were  times  at  which  the  light  burnt  much 
better  than  others,  and  without  perceptible  cause. 
This  led  to  a  consideration  of  the  draught  throiigit  t/ie 
burner. 

Whereupon  the  cylinder  was  lowered  a  little  more, 
and  a  small  ])iece  of  piping  placed  so  as  to  connect 
the  pipe  of  the  throttle  valve  with  that  immediately 
above,  thereby  imperfectly  forming  one  continuous 
piece  six  feet  four  inches  high,  through  which  the 
draught  ascends  from  the  burner. 

Tlie  efli-'ct  of  this  was  soon  evident,  the  flame, 
under  the  control  of  the  condenser  or  throttle  valve, 
was  continued  at  un  average  height  of  at  least  3i 
inches,  probably  nearer  4  inches,  with  no  tendency  to 
smoke,  consuming  3  pints  more  oil  than  on  the 
previous  night,  and  although  necessarily  requiring 
close  attention,  not  that  very  anxious  attention  which 
it  has  heretofore.  This  was  iirst  tried  on  the  night 
of  the  22d,  and  continued  up  to  the  present  time 
with  the  same  result,  although  the  trial  is  an  imper- 
fect one. 

I  have,  &c. 
(Signed)         Jas.  Ciiai'MAX. 


Extract  of  Letter  from  Messrs.  Cua.xce,  dated 
6th  December  1860. 

'•  "We  bi-g  lo  acknowledge  your  letter  of  the  .jth 
instant  with  its  enclosure,  and  to  assure  you  that  wo 
.shall  at  once  proceed  with  the  adjustment  and  con- 
struction of  the  apparatus  for  the  Smalls  Light,  in 
conformity  with  Professor  Faraday's  recomuiendation 
and  with  your  desire." 


HePOUT    UX    TUE    SMALT.S    An-AIJATUS. 

lioyal  Institution, 
gjij^  30th  January,  1861. 

I  wext  on  Monday  last  to  the  manulactory  of 
Messrs.  Chance  at  Birmingham,  to  examine  the 
optical  apparatus  for  the  Smalls  Light.  You  arc 
aware  that  in  consequence  of  certain  careful  and  \n-o- 
longed  experimental  inquiries,  adjustments  altogether 
new,  both  as  to  their  amount  aud  their  nature,  have 


been  determined  upon,  and  put  into  practice  for  the 
first  time  in  this  apparatus. 

The  manufacturer  was  instructed  to  adjust  the 
various  glass  pieces  by  the  following  foci,  the  dis- 
tances given  being  the  foci  distances  above  the  burner 
and  aside  from  its  axis  : — 

m.m.  m.ni. 

L'ppcr  reflector  bands        -  28  up  and  L'O  aside. 

Lower         „  „  -  25  up  and  40  aside. 

Lenticular  refracting  panel — 

Central  zone  and  the  upper 

ribs  -  -  -  21  up  and    0  aside. 

The  lower  ribs       -  -   11  up  and  36  aside, 

all  these  adjustments  being  to  the  sen  horizoti. 

The  apparatus  has  been  put  together  by  Mr.  James 
Chance  with  these  adjustments,  and  being  in  a  proper 
place,  I  had  the  fociiueter  set  upon  the  burner  and  a 
true  sea  horizon  mark  placed  in  the  distance. 

The  whole  was  so  true  that  the  ray  proceeding  to 
the  eye  through  the  middle  of  each  piece  of  class 
])assed  by  the  i'ocimeter  at  the  point  desired.  The 
greatest  departure  was  but  2  m.m.,  and  very  few  of 
these  occurred.  Further,  the  manner  in  which,  as 
the  apparatus  revolved  or  the  eye  was  moved  about, 
the  object  at  the  horizon  passed  laterally  from  one 
panel  to  another,  or  vertically  from  one  rib  to  another, 
showed  the  perfection  of  the  adjustment  of  each 
individual  piece  by  the  harmony  and  consistencj-  of 
the  whole,  though  there  were  above  300  pieces  of 
glass  associated  together. 

At  night  the  lamp  v/as  lighted  and  observed  from 
the  distance  ;  the  results  accorded  perfectly'  with  the 
anticipations.  As  the  head  was  raised  or  lowered  each 
piece  of  glass  showed  its  maximum  effect  at  the  right 
place,  its  light  coming  in  or  going  out  as  it  should  do  in 
relation  to  the  distant  horizon  ;  and  I  think  that,  as 
i'ar  as  regards  the  system  of  adjustment,  the  power  of 
carrying  it  into  effect,  and  finally  of  examining  its 
correct  application,  everything  is  proved  to  be  prac- 
ticable, and  has  here  been  realised.  The  essential 
points  now  are  to  supply  a  good  lamp,  and  to  provide 
that  it  be  kept  in  good  order. 

In  relation  to  colour  and  striie  tlie  glass  was  very 
good. 

Captain  Bayly  and  Captain  Xisbetwcre  present  at 
the  examination. 

It  is  to  be  remembered  that  the  adjustments  made 
arc  all  in  reference  to  the  large  flame  of  a  lamp  having 
four  cottons,  the  utmost  advantage  having  been  taken 
of  such  portions  of  the  flame  as  were  visible  in  dif- 
ferent directions.  These  adjustments  would  not  be 
the  most  perfect  for  a  concentrated  light,  such  as  the 
magneto-electric  discharge. 

I  am,  &c. 
(Signed)  M.  Faraday. 

P.  II.  Berthon,  &c.,  &c., 
Trinity  House. 


DBSERVATIONS   BY   MR.  JAMES   CHANCE. 


97 


OBSERVATIONS  BY  MR.  JAMES  CHANCE. 


Glass  Works,  near  Birmingham, 
Siii,  26th  Jaiiu.-iry,  1861. 

I  RKCEiVED  a  letter  from  you  last  November, 
in  which  you  intimated  that  I  might  make  additions 
to  the  answers,  which  I  had  already  sent,  to  certain 
questions  issued  by  the  Commission  for  Lights,  &c. 

I  have  been  too  much  engaged  to  avail  myself 
sooner  of  this  opportunity,  but  1  now  enclose  some 
observations  concerning  the  subject  to  which  those 
questions  refer,  and  also  a  table,  with  the  general 
theorem  for  its  calcul.ation,  in  relation  to  question 
No.  3. 

This  table,  as  you  are  aware,  has  been  prepared  in 
accordance  with  the  suggestions  of  Captain  Ryder, 
one  of  the  Commissioners. 

T  am,  &c. 
J.  F.  Campbell,  Esq.,  James  T.  Chance. 

Secretary  to  the  Royal 

Commission  for  Lights,  &c. 


In  April  last  I  replied  to  some  printed  questions 
issued  by  the  Royal  Commission  for  Lights,  Buoys, 
and  Beacons,  in  reference  to  the  desirability  of  certain 
data  being  connnunicated  to  the  manufacturer  of 
dioptric  illuminating  apparatus  for  Lighthouses,  upon 
his  receiving  an  order. 

The  attention,  which  subsequent  opportunities  have 
enabled  me  to  give  to  the  subject  of  that  kind  of  ap- 
paratus, has  convinced  me  of  the  great  practical  im- 
portance of  the  suggestions  implied  in  those  questions. 

At  that  time  I  assumed  that  the  respective  foci  of 
the  dioptric  and  catadioptric  portions,  corresponding 
to  raj's  emerging  in  the  *  level  direction,  had  been 
placed  in  the  best  positions  in  relation  to  the  flame, 
and  to  the  wick-holder  (or  "  burner  ")  of  the  lamp  ; 
and  that  the  only  question  which  depended  upon  the 
elevation  of  the  apparatus  was,  whether  or  not  those 
foci  should  by  adjustment  be  made  to  become  in  all 
or  some  cases  the  sea-horizon  foci. 

The  sanction  of  long  usage,  combined  with  the 
highest  scientific  authority  in  the  first  instance, 
justified  me  in  making  that  assumption. 

No  one,  however,  could  inspect  an  apparatus 
adjusted  according  to  the  received  focal  arrangements, 
in  relation  to  the  lamp,  without  being  struck  with  the 
large  proportion  of  light  which  was  thrown  above  the 
level  direction,  and  still  more  so  above  the  sea-horizon 
direction,  not  only  by  the  two  catadioptric  portions  of 
the  light,  but  even  by  the  dioptric  one.  But,  in  expla- 
nation of  this  apparent  waste  of  illumination,  it  wa,s 
urged  that  the  customary  focal  adjustments,  although 
they  might  cause  the  diversion  of  so  much  light 
upwards,  were  the  best  ones  for  transmitting  the 
beams  from  the  most  effective  sections  of  the  flame 
in  the  direction  of  the  sea  horizon  ;  and  th.at  it  was 
not  even  necessary  to  make  an  allowance  for  the  dip 
of  the  horizon. 

In  the  spring  of  last  year  the  Chairman  of  the 
Royal  Commission  put  me  into  communioa*.ion  with 
the  Astronomer  Royal,  who  on  two  oceasioMS  at  that 
time  visited  these  works  in  reference  to  the  cfusstions 
"aised  by  the  Commissioners  concerning  dioptric  sea- 
■  lights.  On  one  of  these  visits  Professor  Airy  exa- 
mined the  directions  of  the  most  effective  beams  of 
light  proceeding  from  the  diflerent  parts  respectively 
of  a  first  order  fixed  apparatus,  whose  focal  adjust- 
ments in  relation  to  the  lamp  were  for  the  most  part 
in  accordance  with  the  recognized  system  ;  and  for 
that  purpose  he  employed  a  series  of  posts  placed  at 

*  Tlie  -word  "  Icuel"  is  used  to  signify  the  horizontal  direc- 
tion ;  that  is,  the  directionwhich  is  at  right  angles  to  thevertical 
axis  of  the  apparatus. 

I. 


various  distances  from  the  apparatus,  and  having  the 
level  direction  indicated  upon  them. 

The  observations  of  Professor  Airy  on  ihat  occa- 
sion, combined  with  subsequent  experiments,  which  I 
was  thereby  induced  to  make,  rendered  me  sceptical 
as  to  the  existing  system  of  adjustments  for  the 
larger  kind  of  dioptric  lights  ;  and,  shortly  after- 
wards, in  the  construction  of  some  first  order  appa- 
ratus for  the  Russian  Government,  besides  allow- 
ing for  the  dip  of  the  horizon,  I  departed  consider- 
ably from  the  accustomed  rules,  so  far  as  it  con- 
cerned the  positions  of  the  sea-horizon  foci  of  the 
upper  and  lower  series  of  the  totally  reflecting 
zones.  The  chief  change  was  made  in  the  adjust- 
ment of  the  lower  reflectors,  by  raising  from  lOmm. 
to  12mm.  higher  above  the  burner,  than  what  had 
been  previously  done,  the  place  of  intersection  of  the 
axes  of  the  pencils  of  light  transmitted  by  the  succes- 
sive zones  respectively  to  the  sea-horizon.  This 
change,  while  it  seemed  to  benefit  decidedly  the  dis- 
tant sea,  transferred  from  the  sky  to  the  sea  an  im- 
portant angle  of  vertical  divergence  of  very  effective 
illumination.  Since  that  time.  Professor  Faraday, 
on  behalf  of  the  Trinity  Board,  arranged  a  most 
complete  set  of  experiments  at  Whitby,  which,  as  the 
Commissioners  are  aware,  impressed  upon  the  minds 
of  those  who  witnessed  them  a  conviction  that  the 
old  system  of  adjusting  the  upper  reflectors,  no  less 
than  the  lower  ones,  admitted  of  considerable  modi- 
fications. 

Professor  Faraday  and  myself  have  subsequently 
been  making  some  experiments  upon  the  adjustment 
of  the  refracting  portions  of  the  fixed  dioptric  appa- 
ratus; and,  although  it  would  scarcely  be  suitable  for 
me  to  enter  here  upon  the  details  of  those  experi- 
ments, I  may  safely  assert  that  they  have  unquestion- 
ably raised  doubts  concerning  the  received  focal 
adjustments  of  the  refractors  in  relation  to  the 
burner.  Those  experiments,  indeed,  quite  confirm 
the  observations  made  by  the  Astronomer  Royal  when 
he  inspected  last  spring  at  these  works,  on  the  occa- 
sion already  referred  to,  a  first  order  fixed  apparatus. 

The  primary  problem,  then,  is,  to  determine  the 
best  positions  in  the  flame  of  the  sea  horizon  foci  of 
the  refracting  portion,  and  of  the  two  reflecting  por- 
tions, respectively,  of  the  apparatus ;  and  whether  these 
positions  are  to  be  constant  for  all  elevations  of  the 
lantern,  and  for  all  the  peculiarities  of  different 
localities  ;  or  whether  in  any  one  of  the  three  por- 
tions above  named  the  adjustment  of  the  sea  horizon 
foci  in  relation  to  the  lamp  should  be  adapted  specially 
to  the  elevation  of  the  light  and  to  the  peculiar 
requirements  of  the  place  which  has  to  be  lighted. 

I  use  the  term  sea  horizon  foci,  because  I  take  for 
granted  that  every  portion  of  the  apparatus  should, 
in  all  cases,  be  adjusted  in  reference  to  the  sea 
horizon  direction  and  not  the  level  direction.  For 
the  refractors  and  the  lower  reflectors  it  is  quite 
essential,  as  I  am  about  to  show,  to  make  the  adjust- 
ments with  reference  to  the  sea  horizon  ;  and  inasmuch 
as  there  is  no  practical  difficulty  whatever  in  causing 
rays  of  light  from  any  given  points  in  the  flame  to 
emerge  from  the  apparatus  in  the  direction  of  the  sea 
horizon  quite  as  accuratelj'  as  in  any  other  direction  ; 
therefore,  apart  from  any  real  advantages  to  be  gained 
by  thus  taking  the  dip  of  the  horizon  into  account, 
the  omission  of  that  correction  implies  an  inexpedient 
disregard  of  accuracy  of  adjustment  generally.  It 
should  also  be  borne  in  mind  that  any  error  in  arriving 
at  the  level  direction  is  as  likely  to  send  the  light 
still  more  above  the  sea  horizon  direction  as  to  bring 
it  downwards. 

The  first  questions  which  the  manufacturer  would 
wish  to  have  answered,  before  proceeding  with  any 
adjustments,  would  be,  what  are  the  special  require- 
N 


98 


APPENDIX   TO   REPORT   ON    LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AXD   BEACONS : 


jnents  of  the  particular  locality  ?  Is  it  desired  to 
Bend  the  most  effective  beams  of  light  to  the  furthest 
•listance,  although  the  mariner  might  thereby  be 
deprived  of  the  advantage  of  light  as  he  approached 
shore  ?  Or  is  it  necessary  to  illuminate  the  sea  up 
to  a  moderate  distance  from  the  Lighthouse,  notwith- 
standino-  that  this  provision  might  slightly  diminish 
the  intensity  of  illumination  at  and  beyond  the 
horizon  ?  Or,  in  the  case  of  a  fixed  light,  is  its 
intended  site  to  be  such,  that,  within  certain  points  of 
the  compass,  the  furthest  range  of  visibility  must  lie 
chiefly  provided  for  ;  while  within  other  angles  of 
the  horizontal  arc  to  be  lighted  the  part  of  the  sea 
near  to  shore  should  have  its  share  of  illumination  ? 
Let   us  then  consider   whether    any   portion  of  a 


vertical  divergence  equal  to  the  dip  of  the  horizon, 
illumiuates  nearly  three-fourths  of  that  distance 
(accurately  0.732).  To  show,  on  the  other  hand, 
how  little  is  gained  by  increased  vertical  divergence 
at  the  sacrifice  of  brilliancy  at  the  horizon,  it  may 
be  added  that  an  angle  of  vertical  divergence,  also 
equal  to  the  dip  of  the  horizon,  illuminates  only  a 
small  fraction  of  a  mile  as  we  approach  within  one 
or  two  miles  or  so  from  the  tower. 

III.  Upper  Reflectors. — It  is  in  this  portion  of  a 
dioptric  apparatus,  and  generally  in  this  only,  that  it 
is  feasible  to  provide  for  the  illuminatiou  of  the  sea 
towards  land,  by  a  corresponding  adjustment  of  the 
sea-horizon  foci,  without  any  serious  diminution  of 
the  light  received  by  the  distant  sea.     This   circum- 


dioptric  and  catudioptric  apparatus  could  h.ave  its  stance  arises  from  the  relative  positions  of  the  fl.amo 
adjustments  accommodated  to  the  particular  circum-  and  of  the  reflecting  zones,  by  which  there  is  a  con- 
stances  of  its  intended  destination.  For  this  purpose 
it  will  be  convenient  to  refer  separately  to  each  of  the 
three  component  parts  of  a  complete  light,  namely, 
the  lower  reflectors,  the  middle  belt  of  refractors,  and 
the  upper  reflectors. 

I.  Lower  Reflectors.     The  position  of  these  zones 

relation  to  the  burner,  which  intercepts  from  them 


siderable  range  due  to  the  breadth  of  the  flame,  for 
illuminating  the  sea-horizon  effectively,  and  yet  fur 
])roviding  a  large  angle  of  vertical  divergence  below 
the  sea-horiion  direction. 

Undoubtedly  there  are  certain  oblique  sections  of 
the  flame  which  would  produce,  through  the  respec- 
tive reflecting  zones,  the  maximum   intensity  of  illii- 


a  laro-e  iwrtion  of  the  flame,  confines  their  vertical  minatiou  in  the  direction  of  the  horizon  ;  and  ii 
divergence  within  so  narrow  a  range,  that  if  they  cases  where  the  distant  sea  alone  has  to  be  provided 
were lidjusted  with  reference  to   the  illumination   of      for,  the  sea-horizon  foci  of  the  upper  reflectors  should 


the  sea  near  to  shore,  the  sea-horizon  would,  in  all 
cases  except  those  of  a  low  elevation,  receive  either 
no  light  at  all,  or  only  a  very  faint  one.  The  best 
use,  therefore,  which  can  be  made  of  the  lower  re- 
flectors is,  to  transmit  to  the  sea-horizon  the  light 
from  the  most  brilliant  iiarts  of  the  flame,  which  cor- 
respond with  the  respective  zones.  These  parts  lie 
within  narrow  limits,  which  evidently  change  their 
position  according  to  the   height  of  the  flame.     The 


be  placed  in  those  sections  resjiectively. 

Generally,  however,  a  slight  diminution  of  light 
at  the  horizon  will  be  admissible  for  the  sake  of  illu- 
minating the  parts  of  the  sea  near  to  the  tower,  and 
in  such  cases  the  positions  of  the  sea-horizon  foci  in 
relation  to  the  burner  must  depend  in  some  degree 
on  the  intended  elevation  of  the  apparatus  above  the 
sea.  Sujipose,  for  example,  that  light  were  required 
up  to  one  nautical  mile  in  each  of  the  two   instances 


only  practical  way   is,  to  choose    such   a  height  of     of  elevations  of  1.50  feet  and  250  feet  respectively. 

flame  as  is  likely  to  be  actually  maintained,  and  then      The  requisite  angle  of  vertical   divergence  from  the 

sea-horizon  direction  downwards  would  in  the  former 
case  be  1°  13'  15'',  whereas  in  the  latter  one  it  would 
be  2°  ti'  15",  that  is,  53'  larger. 

There  is  of  course  a  limit  to  this  angle  of  vertical 
divergence,  and  accordingly,  for  high  elevations  we 


to  place  the  sea-horizon  foci  at  the  greatest  distances 
above  the  burner  which  are  compatible  with  the 
most  effective  illuminatiou  of  the  sea-horizon  by  each 
of  the  reflectors  respectively. 

The  choice  of  these   foci  may   vary   slightly   with 
the  differences  of  optical  judgment  of  difterent  per-      must  be   content  with   the   light   not  approachii 
sons  •    but    whatever    positions    of  the   foci  may   be      near  to  the  tower,  the  distance  from  the  tower 
determined  upon,  it  is  evident  that   all  adjustments 
just  be  made   to  the  sea- 


of  these  lower  reflectors   m 
horizon  direction. 

II.  The  Refractors. — The  main  point,  especially 
in  .the  case  of  a  fixed  light  is,  to  determine  the 
briLrhtest  sections  of  the  flame  corresponding  with 
the^'middle  belt,  and  all  the  other  refracting  bands 
above  and  below  respectively  ;  and  then  so  to  adjust 
these  various  refracting  parts  in  relation  to  the 
burner  that  their  respective  sea-horizon  foci  shall  be 
placed  in  the  corresponding  brightest  sections  of  the 
flame.  These  focal  positions  can  only  be  obtained 
by  experiment,  and  they  will  vary  with  the  height 
of  the  flame  and  the  optical  judgment  of  the  ob- 
server ;  but  the  limits  of  variation  are  confined  within 
the  height  of  only  a  few  millimetres.  One  thing, 
however,  is  quite   certain,    that   the   sea-horizon   foci 


which  the  sea  can  be  illuminated  being  nearly  pro- 
portional to  the  height  of  the  tower  for  a  given  size 
of  apparatus. 

I  append  a  table  which  may  be  useful  in  deter- 
mining the  best  positions  of  the  sea-horizon  foci  of 
the  upper  reflectors  for  any  particular  situation  and 
elevation. 

This  table  was  framed  according  to  the  suggestions 
of  Captain  Alfred  Eyder,  R.X.,  one  of  the  Koval 
Commissioners,  and  is  extremely  convenient  for  ex- 
hibiting, in  addition  to  the  other  information  which 
it  aflbrds,  the  heights  in  the  axis  of  the  flame  which 
subtend  at  the  middle  of  the  refractors  certain  angles 
of  vertical  divergence. 

I  have  added  the  general  exiu'essions  which  connect 
the  angle  of  visible  dip  of  any  point  on  the  sea  for  a 
given  height  of  tower  with  the   distance  of  that  point 


must  not  be  placed  below  the  corresponding  brightest  from  the  Lighthouse,  in  order  that  the  accompanying 

parts    of  the   flame,  for  the  sake  of  increasing  the  tal)le  may  be  extended  as  it  may  he  required, 
vertical  divergence  below  the  sea-horizon  direction,  In  regard  to  the  ada))tatJon  of  the   upper  reflectors 

for  that  increment  would  be  very  small,  whereas   the  in  any  degree  to  the  illumination  of  the  sea  ne.ar  to 

loss  of  liirht  at  the  horizon  would  be  considerable.  the  tower,  it  may  be  argued  that  such  a  height  of  the 

The  importance  of  accuracy  of  adjustment   to  the  flame  ought  always  to  bo  maintained  as  will  effect 

sea-horizon,  both  of  the  refractors  and  of  the   lower  that  purpose  through  the  medium  of  the  refractors. 


reflectors,  is  enhanced  by  the  consideration  that  the 
same  parts  of  the  flame,  within  a  narrow  range  (not 
exceeding  one  quarter  of  an  inch  even  for  a  high 
elevation!  such  as  that  of  500  feet),  which  illuminate 
the  sea-horizon,  also  illuminate  about  three-fuitrlhs 
of  the  whole  distance  from  tlie  sea-horizon  to  the 
base  of  the  tower. 

In  i-eferencc  to  this  inqxirtant  consideration,  it 
mav  be  useful  to  rennuk  that  an  angle  of  verticid 
di\'ergence  equal  to-oni-  fourth  of  the  dip  of  the 
liiirizon  illuminates  (Mie-hall'  of  the  whole  distance 
from  the  horizon  to  the  tower  ;  and  that  an  angle  of      wl 


With  that  reasoning  I  entirely  concur,  but  still  the 
flame  will  be  sometimes  allowed  to  become  somewhat 
low,  and  the  mariner,  on  approaching  land,  might 
consequently  be  deprived  of  the  customary  beacon. 
Kow  the  great  advantage  aftbrded  by  the  upper 
reflectors  is  that  the  parts  of  the  sea  near  to  land  are 
illuminated  by  them,  even  when  the  jiame  is  low,  so 
that  they  serve  to  compensate  for  the  non-eft'ectiveness 
of  the  refractors  when  the  flame  is  low,  as  well  as  to 
increase  their  eftectiveness  when  the  flame  is  high. 

It  nun'  l>c    said   that   the  accuracy  of  adjustment 
wliich   is    imjilied   in    the    foresoinK    remarks  is   not 


OBSERVATIONS   BY   MR.  JAMES   CHANCE. 


99 


generally  practicable.  There  is,  however,  a  plan  of 
proceeding  which  removes  all  difficulties.  Before  a 
single  piece  of  glass  is  adjusted  in  its  place,  the  whole 
of  the  metallic  framework  should  be  fitted  together 
just  as  it  will  be  at  its  final  destination,  and  the  glass 
must  be  adjusted  while  the  framework  is  in  that 
state  of  vltimate  completeness.  Every  part  of  the 
ajjparatus  may  then  be  adjusted  to  the  sea-horizon 
direction  just  as  accurately  as  if  the  glass  were  being 
placed  in  the  frames  at  the  Lighthouse  itself,  with  a 
well  defined  sea-horizon  for  the  object,  which,  how- 
ever, is  not  in  this  climate  of  frequent  occurrence. 

I  doubt,  indeed,  very  much,  whether  such  accuracy 
of  adjustment  would  have  been  practicable  in  the 
ordinary  course  of  manufacture,  hart  it  not  been  for 
the  employment  of  that  internal  method  of  inspecting 
the  direction  of  light  proceeding  from  an  external 
object,  which  was  pursued  by  the  Commissioners  and 
by  the  Astronomer  Royal  in  the  examination  of  various 
Lighthouses  during  last  year,  and  which  I  have  found 
to  lie  almost  indispensable  in  determining  the  most 
advantageous  positions  of  the  sea-horizon  foci  of  the 
refractors  and  reflectors. 

A  first  wder  fixed  apparatus,  which  has  just  been 
completed  at  these  works  (or  the  Trinity  House,  being 
intended  for  the  Smalls  Lighthouse,  was  in  course  of 
construction  last  summer,  but,  by  the  direction  of  the 
Elder  Brethren,  the  final  adjustments  of  this  appa- 
ratus were  expressly  delayed  until  December  last,  for 
the  purpose  of  adopting  all  the  latest  modifications 
which  might  seem  desirable,  in  consequence  of  the 
various  experiments  made  both  here  and  at  Whitby 
by  Professor  Faraday,  to  which  I  have  alluded.  This 
apparatus,  accordingly,  includes  the  innovations  of 
adjuslment  to  which  I  have  referred  in  the  foregoing 
observations. 

While,  therefore,  I  have  now  been  making  addi- 
tional remarks  in  reply  to  the  first  three  cjuestions  of 
the  Commissioners,  my  former  answer  to  the  fourth 
question  is  not  ajiplicable  to  present  circumstances. 

James  T.  Chance. 


To  find  the  equation  between  the  distance  from  the 
Tower  of  any  point  on  the  sea  and  the  angle  of  its 
visible  dip  : 

Let  C  be  the  light  on  the  tower  C  E  ; 

E  P  Q  the  sea  ; 

C  T  the  direction  of  a  ray  of  light  without  refraction  ; 

C  m  P  its  actual  path  ; 

C  N  and  PM  are  horizontal  ; 

N  P  and  C  M  are  vertical  ; 

N  C  T  is  the  visible  dip  at  C  of  the  point  P  ; 

Join  C  P  ; 

Let  r  =  radius  of  curvature  of  the  sea  at  E  ; 

N  C  T  =  ^  C  E  =:  A        C  N  =  .r         N  P  =  ^; 

y  =  .r  tan  S  +  T  P  ; 

and  as  T  C  P  is  very  small, 

_  •  08.     X- 

cos-  S         r      cos-'  S 


T  P  =  T  C  P- 

because  TCP  may  be  taken  ■=. 


~{sccNo;e) 


.-.  TP  =  (-08  -f-  -08  tau-S)—  =_  .qs  —approximately 

for  such  values  of  8  as  occur  in  practical  questions  ; 

hence  y  =  x  tan  S  -|-  -08  ^ 


also  ^=CE-fEM  =  A  + 


2r 


therefore  x-  —    "^    x  tan  S  +  " '"     —  o 
0-84  0-84 


—  r  tan  5 


GV- 


:-  h  0-,s4 


0-84  V 1       V  r  •  tan-  8/ 

(the  positive  sign  is  not  required). 


At  the  sea-horizon,  where  bothvalues  of  a;  are  equal, 
J  _  2A     0-84  _  Q 
r  •   tan  -  8 
Let  A  =  visible  dip  of  the  sea-horizon 

D  =  distance  of  the  sea-horizon  from  the  tcwer 


Then  tan  A 


=  y 


■>h 


0-84 


and  D  = 


a  /  z  r  h 

V     0-84 

{'-v/'-(S-,V 


Let 


sin  6 


-— ^  tan  6  •  sin— -  for  finding  x  from  3 


and  tan  I  =  - 
If  8  be  small 


'h  + 


^.0-42) 


for  finding  8  from  x. 


0-84  r     '^        r-J 


5  A 
Let  8  =  — j-,  then  a;  =    i^,    that  i.s,  one  half  of  the 

whole  distance  from  the  sea-horizon  to  the  tower  is 
illuminated  by  an  angle  of  vertical  divergence  equal 
to  |th  of  the  visible  dip  of  the  horizon. 

Again,  let  J  =  2  A,  then  a-  =  2  dA  —     /|  \ 

.*.  D  —  a,-  =  0  •  7320o  X  D,  that  is,  nearly  three- 
fourths  of  the  whole  distance  from  the  sea-horizon  to 
the  tower  is  illuminated  by  an  angle  of  vertical  diver- 
gence equal  to  the  visible  dip  of  the  horizon. 

James  T.  Chance. 


A"o/p — I  am  indelited  to  the  Astronomer  Royal  for 
information  as  to  the  correction  for  refraction.  " 


N  2 


100 


APrE>;DIX    TO   EEPOKT   ON    LIGHTS,  BL'OVS,  AXD   BEACONS  : 


--ll 


OBSERVATIONS   BY    MK.  JAMES   CHANCE. 


fOl 


=>) 

-  fl 

j[ 

_g  o 

^                                  CO                                                                      O                                                                          00                           1^           ^ 

L 
I.I 

11 

^                       o                                               ^                                                 r~                  o        « 

<    S,K 

S 

II     ^ 

is                                       O                                                                                   *^                                                                                  ^                              ^            ,.M 

u   o 

S                   "="                                       °S                                       CO              n      ii 

D.O. 

60  g 

1                    ^                                          S                                          1^               "      ^■ 

« a 

<    Q 

W      [O 

o 

§ 

_o   g 

o  g 

•.g  « 

*Ec  'E  ■** 

wco»/?os«t^^r^oi»^C)r^coaooo«3cooo>o^oocoo<^«if5t-o  —  ^co 

^    60 

aia/cooo-j.o>iooo-it-iNoonmo05C  —  t^moo-to-n  —  u^mmxtc".-; 

t>    (-    o 

.gj^nn*T|..n!co.^«~i»cDo.mo.--^<NirimmTr.no»t,  ec 

ll 

o   i   g* 

o                                                                     ^.-,_^._,._^^^^^._._7i<ri(7ic^ 

o  ^ 

g2 

Kii 

^ 

C3  S 

■^     1/1    (U 

« 

^g§ 

^QOoo--'(Moeo'oco«r-ot~ot^t-co(Mt^»ntni.oa)(?i»--*  —  ino^ooc-i 

"o   bo 

■SiS'o 

ll 

~  r^  00  OT  -^  M  4  o  o  t»  i  -^  IN  m  in  to  <»  o  o  M  n  in"  tc  00  oC  o  -t  00  ^'  in  M  c>' 

-;                        -.-   —  —  —  ^   —  IMIMIM(N(MCq(MnMCOmmmcO^'tTfU3U5tOtO 

■sl 

rt   '^ 

OJ    « 

.g 

SOTtDO)t^«00(Nt-^00'*00^»n05WeOCSCT»CCTi©»OQO»f^i?)CnOaOOi 

S  £ 

^t-ooc350>oO"  —  <><c<«)nm-*^T).ininintotou5i^t^t^oocimo--CT 

«*-  c 

'gooOO^_--.r^--i-<--.--<.--^.---'---.-.------------;--<NC<IN 

O    o 

■-5|  ^. 

"3  S 

it  ° 

i30(Ni?<'*'00*nt^«)tD-*Ci001inQOC10000ff?Oin-C--'l-— 'OTOtOOl^ 

tn    U3 

1)  iM  oo  m  i~  o  m  -n  t^  oo  o!  o>  o  cs  oi  00  t-  ID  uT  -*  =•]  c  CO  -^  -t  —  o  I-  lo  -  n  CO 

1 

> 

g  CD  --  CO  rf  CO  t-  CO  en  o  r-.  CT  rf  --p  m  o  i~  CO  en  o  r-  r>i  !^^  CO  Tf  uj  .,  oo  c=  (N 

3  CT  CT  <^^  l^l  M  M  c-i  !^!  co'  cc'  n  n  n  n  n  CO  CO  CO  4  ^i  4  4  4  4  4  4  -t  in  o  in  -o 

a 

is 

«C  *^  r;=  ^  "rt  < 

(u  a  to  __,  u    |{ 

r§   71  Cn   C   -T   O    X   I-  -X    Sr.   "   -I-  ac    0<   ^   —  O  C-t  00   -*   C   I-  CC   C  1-  '*   CC   -?!  *-  Ol  («  O 

i^'  0  'i.'S  2  'S  .2 

S    '^  B    a    o    so 

ISSSSS?5V;SSSS;?,S?!?!S?;SSS22222U:I;222;2: 

■S  S  ^  .2  "  S 

a-.sa 

B  g    ,    a 

'^•=|.S'13< 

.ooincotDiN«^cocoooo^(Mcoinc^cotoCT!cot^eO'*o^oocif-»n^-tai 

.    -,    O  —          f?     II 

i«i-OCKinc;>oooo-ro-fi»0500005t,o-M05in  —  ooooOToo  —  CO 

M 
Distanci 
he  sea-h 
inwards 
minated 
vertii 
angle  = 

^m  —  ■no-*0!CO<oOTi-ocor-oco>noo  —  l-tocn»l.tt-cooo-fo>oo> 

S  '"'•^  "^  ■»  "^  «>'  =>'  "■'  2  2  2  «'"' ;::"-' 2  2  si's  2  2  2  2;' i  ^I's's's  2  2  2 

** 

1 

» 

^    occ.iji^^coocoojoO'l'^QOcoin-.j.cococointnr^os'^cocDOiniMt^t^ 

'o 

Hi 

S—   CI-*          MTf          <MU5—   ^  —   CO          CO          CO          CO          CO          COrt-f          COOClr-  — 
^      OlM-Cl^Ci^^cOOO— ■C0«500^C0OQ0^C0OQ0^C0C000i.0^r^-*t^O 

a 

„„^„^c^(Mc.,  ,Dcor5coco-*TfTP^inininm                     -himcmco-* 

•R 

4) 

HI 

-4N                               -♦?»       Hw        -+r*             H-i 

ja  t3 

^      t^OOI?I^IM-l'CDC»nOt^-*'^(»»^tO^Tj<OTj«OCDOOO<NCl-q'l?100cD 

-     -rmo        —  iMco-r        — CO-*        (NcoiQ  —  eom^coo  —  co«<N^  —  Tfooco 

III 

pOOOOOOO-----«-----.«,J.O,IJ,<N«««<NCOCOCO-t 

°  ^ 

o  ^ 

£  S 

o  ,> 

ri  i 

.,    ciincoroinas^oioco^OOai^.—  iMcoinoooiNtoaoiNcoOtfs^^^ 

n-t 

~    inoujinmuj            --.Mco^"nior..<ricOTf.o       CTcO'*in-.^(NCTco-*'n 

1 1 

^    (^■*^co»n'Not--*p-iooiniNcst^-*^ooincoot^^^air-»nco^i^co 

13    cj 

TbZ 

^cOTfino       rttNiNcotiTfiB            — Mcocortin            ^ctintji       cM^f^o 

(D     *^ 

3-g 

o     0000>-«^^^r^^rHpH(N(N(N(N<NCTIN(NCOCOCOCOeOCO-^-<ti'<1i»nin 

^  .2 

H  ° 

i^ 

,f  §  ^ 

^    oi^-d'Ocot^cocooNincicot^oit-.^to.-ii^CTt^coi^C'l 

s'i 

H! 

-      <N-im.»(M-          OOTfcOINiM-.--                 W^TtTfcOCOCNiM 

^    o^^oicO'i'Ointot^QOojooiMco-^^incot^xoo^ 

s^? 

-iNcoto        --Mco-l'u--,oicOTPL'j«iMco-l'.ni:c^ 

s« 

rt  s-3 

o    ^^-H.-.«^oi<ri'NO»ciiMcococococo.*^'t-^-t-»l'»n»n 

.s 

......  . 

s 

"to 

a 

f: 

«t-i  s  t^ 

o  9  w 

g 

2*S 

^»O(N-t<D00O(NTfte 

co<n«eo>n<N-*       os 

> 

i  g5 

C 

•    1    •    •    •    1    .    I    1    ■   i    .    I    1    1    1    1    1    ,    ,    , 

o 

o.        ■         „• 

>     coa»co»nincooi'Cicooo»^tDcct^i^t^eOTj.co^oococo-fTf-c^c^Oi- 

^         V        ° 

~co       -v  ^  ^  ^  ^       co>n<M.*        «•»        cNTf        (NTf        -coinco-Sw^ij 

0,       "      .2      <J 

^.-cococ>cnoo«^-22222222:2222222;:°°'"^2;;; 

1^1 

o    oocoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo 

> 

stance  frore 
e  tower  of 

the  sea 

horizon 
D. 

S"°="2::::22222:;:22222i:s::22222gSsi5S^S 

•J      .c 

Q      - 

«        o        o 

ht  abo 
eaoft 
re  of  t 
paratUi 

|§SSgS2Sg§ggSggg2ggSg§egg§SgSgg§ 

j^                           -"-'-"r-.«-.-.-i„«„<niNc|ciNCTCTIMConcO  coSxf  o 

•s      "      g      « 

1    a    -s    s 

p.    ja 

S         3 


o     -E 

ea        O 


a    o 


I  ® 

II 


N  S 


PvEPORT  BY  MESSRS.  I).  &  T.  STEVENSON, 


102 

The  following  Kcport  was  sent  by  the  Commi??ioncvs 

of  Northern  Lighthouses  on  oth  February  1861  :— 

Eeport   to  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses 

on  Experiments  on  Lighthouse  Flames,  by  Messrs. 

D.  and  T  Stevenson,  Engineers  to  the  Board. 

In  consequence  of  the  result  of  the  experiments 
on  lighthouse  flames,  which  were  instituted  at  Bir- 
mingham by  Mr.  Chance,  and  at  which  Mr.  Thomas 
Stevenson,  by  request  of  the  Royal  Commission,  was 
present,  we  intimated,  on  10th  December,  our  wish 
to  repeat  the  experiments  which  were  made  by  us  at 
Edinburgh  in  July  last.  These  showed  that  with 
the  lamp  28°"°  below  the  horizontal  axis,  the  larger 
portion  of  the  light  was  thrown  lielow  the  axi.al  line, 
a  result  difl'erent  from  what  had  previously  been  as- 
certained at  Birmingham.  It  was  therefore  desirable 
that  the  Edinburgh  exi)eriments  should  be  verified, 
and  we  were  accordingly  authorized  by  the  Commis- 
sioners to  do  so. 

After  l)eing  very  much  retarded  by  the  occurrence 
of  unfavourable  weather,  we  have  at  length  succeeded 
in  getting  suitable  nights  for  experimenting.  Instead 
of  again  using  the  annular  lens,  which  was  the  instru- 
meul  employed  in  our  former  observations,  we 
thought  it  better  to  use  the  cyliudric  refractor  as  that 
instrument  had  been  selected  for  trial  by  Mr.  Chance, 
and  in  this  way  the  Binuaigham  and  Edinburgh  ex- 
periments are  rendered  comparable,  the  same  kind  of 
instrument  having  been  used  on  both  occasions. 

The  result  of  the  experiments  just  completed  li'^s 
been  a  verification  of  those  made  with  the  annular 
lens.  The  following  conclusions  are  deducible  from 
the  four  diagrams  which  accompany  this  Report,  .and 
which  represent  observations  that  were  made  with 
the  burner  placed  at  the  French  standard  height  of 
28mm  below  the  centre  of  the  refractor  : — 

1st,  The  most  powerful  portion  of  the  luminous 
beam"  in  three  of  the  series  of  experiments  dips  0"^  30' 
below  the  principal  axis  or  earth's  tangent,  and  in 
one  of  them  about  0"^  47'. 

2nd,  A  large  portion  of  the  luminous  beam  is  very 
nearly  of  equal  power.  The  whole  of  this  portion 
also  dips  below  the  axis. 

3rd,  Above  the  axial  line  the  light  loses  power 
somewhat  suddenly. 

When  the  flame  is  of  the  standard  height  and  form 
used  in  the  Northern  Lighthouses  it  does  not  there- 
fore appear  to  be  necessary,  even  in  the  highest 
dioptric  station  in  Scotland,  to  raise  the  burner  above 
the  standard  height  in  order  to  throw  the  beam  of 
strongest  light  upon  the  horizon;  the  strongest  light 
bein^^in  all  cases  (assuming  the  arrangement  to  be 
correct)  already  fully  below  the  horizon,  for  the  level 
of  the  intensest  section  of  the  flame  averages  in  these 
experiments  about  f  of  an  inch  above  the  French 
standard. 

We  have  furnished  the  Eoyal  Commission  with  a 
copy  of  the  photograph  of  the  Northern  Lighthouse 
flame,  so  that  they  will  be  able  to  compare  it  with 
the  one  used  at  Birmingham,  which  being  considei-- 
aV>ly  smaller  may  account  for  the  difleience  between 
the  results  of  the  Birmingham  and  Edinburgh  ex- 
periments. (Signed)  D.  and  T.  Stevenson. 
Edinburgh,  oth  February  1861. 


and  burner  of  the  different  stations  on  the  sloping 
face  ot  Salisburgh  crags  were  marked  by  pegs,  and 
ascertained  in  different  ways,  all  of  wliich  gave  very 
nearly  the  same  results.  The  methods  adopted 
were  the  measurement  of  the  vertical  angles  by 
the  theodolite,  the  ascertainment  of  the  level  of 
each  peg  by  means  of  the  spirit  level  ;  and  lastly, 
these  results  were  tested  very  accurately  in  the 
following  manner  : — The  heights  above  the  burner, 
of  the  images  of  the  pegs,  were  carefully  ascertained 
in  the  lightroom  by  means  of  a  millimetre  scale  with 
a  sliding  index,  the  zero  of  which  corresponded  with 
the  top  of  the  burner,  which  was  carefully  set  28™™ 
below  the  level  of  the  centre  of  the  refractor.  The  ob- 
servations were  made  by  three  independent  observers, 
and  with  two  photometers  of  different  construction. 

Figs.  I,  2,  3,  and  4,  show  the  different  observations, 
and  Fig.  5  is  the  mean  result.  Fig.  6,  is  a  section 
showing  the  relative  positions  of  the  apparatus  and 
the  sloping  bank  from  which  the  observations  were 
made.  It  will  be  observed  that  in  consequence 
of  the  slope  there  is  a  slight  difference  in  the  dis- 
tance of  the  different  points  of  observation  from 
the  instrument  ranging  from  1,284  to  1,357  feet,  the 
maximum  difterence  being  73  feet.  In  case  this 
difference  should  have  affected  the  results,  we  tested 
the  intensity  in  the  same  plane  at  a  distance  of  1,357 
feet,  as  compared  with  1,284  feet,  and  found  that  the 
difference  of  intensity  at  these  distances  could  not  be 
measured,  so  that  in  our  observations  the  variation 
due  to  the  sloping  face  may  be  disregarded. 

It  is  of  course  understood  that  the  diagrams  refer 
solely  to  the  refracting  part  of  the  first  order  fixed 
light  apjiaratus,  and  that  they  do  not  represent 
qudiititative  valuations  of  the  difl'erent  intensities  of 
the  light,  but  only  show  accuratel)'  the  direction  of 
the  light  of  maximum  iutensit_y,  and  also  the  order  of 
tlic  beams  of  different  intensity  in  the  vertical  plane. 

(Signed)         U.  and  T.  Stevenson. 
Edinburgh,  26th  February  1861. 


Continuation  of  Observations  by  Mr.  J.  Chance. 
Since  my  former  remarks  were  written,  the  Commis- 
sioners of  Northern  Lighthouses  have  kindly  sent  me  a 
copy  of  a  report  which  Messrs.  Stevenson  had  recently 
communicated  ujion  the  subject  of  lamp-flames,  aiul  which 
gives  the  experimented  results  obtained  by  them  in  reference 
to  the  position  of  the  most  illuminating  part  of  the  flame. 

Those  results  differ  most  widely  from  similar  ones  pre- 
viously ascertained  at  Birmingham  by  methods  of  observa- 
tion not  the  same  as  those  adopted  by  Messrs.  Stevenson. 

Even,  however,  if  the  same  mode  of  observing  the  relative 
intensities  of  illumination  had  been  jmrsued  in  the  two 
cases,  a  difference  in  the  respective  results  would  have  been 
antieijiated,  because  the  flame  employed  at  Edinburgh  was 
higher  than  the  maximum  flame  used  at  Birmingham. 

But  I  am  by  no  means  satisfied  that  the  admitted  difference 
in  the  two  flames  accounts  for  the  whole,  or  even  the  greater 
part,  of  the  discrepancy  in  the  results. 

The  position  of  the  most  effective  part  of  the  flame,  as 
determined  at  Edinburgh,  is  at  least  half  an  inch  above  that 
ascertiiined  at  Birmingham  with  the  maximum  height  of 
flame  then  attainable. 

In  a  first  order  fixed  light  lately  finished  for  The  Smalls, 
the  sea  horizon  focus  has  been  designedly  placed  in  that 
part  of  the  flarae,iwhich  was  assumed  to  be  the  most  effective, 
but  which  is  fifteen  milhmetrcs  below  the  position  which 
the  results  obtained  at  Edinburgh  would  assign  as  the 
brightest  part. 

.V  portion  of  this  distance  of  15""".  would  be  due  to  the 
difference  between  the  heights  of  flame  maintained  in  Scot- 
land and  England  respectively;  but  I  do  not  believe  that 
the  whole  of  this  discrepancy  of  the  adjustments  sanctioned 
•:  exneriments  referred  to  in  the  foregoing      i"  the  two  countries  is  to  be  explained  by  tlie  difference  of 

1       1   A    .1      >    o     4-   i.'',i;.,i.„..r^l,     Tl,^.      laniijs  and  lamp-tlames. 
■e  made  at  Arthur  s  Seat,  ^'|;"J;"^Sl';^,^i;",'  l  'am  very  glad  to  learn  that  the  Trinity  House  are  in- 

vestigating thoroughly  the  question  of  lamps,  and  the  best 
mode  of  maintaining  high  flames ;  but  supposing  that 
point  to  be  settled,  and  assuming  a  given  height  of  wick 
and  flame  as  the  standard  ones,  which  are  to  he  always,  and 
everywhere,  maintained,  there  still  remains  considerable 
doubt  as  to  the  position  in  relation  to  the  burner  (or  wicks 
holder),  n-hieh  the  sea  horizon  focus  ouglit  to  occupy,  in 
order  that  the  sea  horizon  may  have  the  brightest  illumina- 
tion ;  and  until  this  problem  is  conclusively  settled,  all 
ojrtical  adjustments  of  diojrtric  apparatus  must  remain  in- 
determinate. It  seems,  therefore,  to  be  of  fundamental 
importance  that  measures  should  be  adopted,  without  delay, 
to  reconcile  the  experimental  discrepancies  which  at  present 
exist.— March  23,  1861.  James  T.  Chance 


Note  to  their  Report  of  oth  February  1861,  on  the 
Experiments  on  Lighthouse  Flames,  by  Messrs.  D. 
and    T.    Stevenson,    Engineers    to    the   Northern 
Lighthouse  Board. 
The 
Report  wer 

lighting  apparatus  was  placed  in  a  lantern  glazed 
with  plate  glass,  the  instrument  employed  being  a 
first-class  cylindric  refractor,  and  a  four-wick  mecha- 
nical lamp  similar  in  all  respects  to  those  used  in  the 
Northern  Lighthouses.  The  place  where  the  obser- 
vations were  made  was  the  steeply  sloping  face  of 
Salisburgh  crags,  distant  about  440  yards  from  the 
experimental  light-room.  The  observations  were  re- 
peated on  several  evenings  with  nearly  similar  results. 
Those  shown  in  the  diagram  were  the  last  m.adc,  and 
from  greater  precision  having  been  attained  in  the 
arrangements,  are  regarded  as  in  every  respect  the 
most  accurate.    The  positions  iu  reference  to  the  leus 


:ij' 


S.1  ^g 


■-=  ^°         S.  ~~  5-  ^. 

-~  UepressifJTV    ^    £lei'atwn. 


I     '   i.  "  '  i  '    '    I    '    ■  i  ■    ■  i 

%°       ^"       S.       s.       "        ^= 

Depression     ^    JiRe^'atLcn 


ABSTRACTS  AND  SUMMARY  OF  EVIDENCE. 


103 


ABSTRACTS   AND  SUMMARY  OF  EVIDENCE. 


The  following  Abstracts  have  been  made  from  the 
Keplies  to  the  Questions  circulated  by  the  Cora- 
mission,  which  are  as  follows  : — 


No.  of 

Circular. 

Questions 
in  each. 

I. 

26 

Sent  to  the  three  General 
Authorities. 

II. 

19 

Sent  to  Authorities  having 

Lighthouses. 

charge  of  more  Light- 
houses than  one,  so  far  as 
was  then  known. 

II. 

20 

Sent  to  Authorities  having 

Floatinc;  Lights 

charge  of  Flo.iting Lights. 

in. 

58 

Sent  to  Authorities  h.aving 
charge  of  Lights  ;  184  in 
number. 

IV. 

69 

Sent  to  Authorities  having 
charge  of  Floating  Lights. 

V. 

27 

Sent  to  Authorities  having 
charge  of  Buoys  and  Bea- 
cons; 184  in  number. 

VI. 

20 

Sent  to  Lloyd's  Agents, 
184  returns. 

VII. 

13 

Sent  to  the  Mercantile 
Marine,  1,000  sent  out, 
144  returns.  See  Abstract. 

VIIL 

36 

Sent  to  Mariners  ;  about 
3,000  circulated  ;  793 
returns. 

IX. 

25 

Sent    to   Men   of   Science, 
50  returns. 

X. 

4 

Sent  to  the  same,  and  to 
Manufacturers. 

XL 

35 

Sent  to  Foreign  Govern- 
ments, 13  returns. 

XIL 

1 
353 

Sent  to  Steam  Companies 
whose  vessels  pass  Colo- 
nial Lights,  3  returns. 

CIRCULAR  I. 

This  Circular  is  made  up  from  Letters  sent  at 
various  times  to  the  three  General  Lighthouse 
Authorities.  These  were  framed  as  much  as  possible 
so  as  to  ask  the  same  questions  in  all  cases;  but,  from 
the  varying  constitution  of  the  authorities,  the  ques- 
tions could  not  be  identical,  and  consequently  the 
replies  vary  somewhat  in  their  order.  The  informa- 
tion obtained  has  been  embodied  in  the  Report,  and 
the  details  are  given  in  Vol.  II. 


CIRCULAR  IL 

LIGHTHOUSES.— (General  Return.) 
itracts  and  J.  Nttiiie    and    address  of  General    Light- 
'^'  house  Authority. 

Copies  of  this  form  were  sent  to  all  Lighthouse 
Authorities  in  the  United  Kingdom  whose  names 
could  bo  ascertained,  and  who  appeared  to  have  more 
Lighthouses  than  one  under  their  jurisdiction.  The 
Custom  House  Authorities  furnished  a  list.  The 
Board  of  Trade  were  applied  to,  but  they  could  give 
no  information  as  to  Local  Authorities.  Tlie  returns 
will  be  found  at  the  pages  marked  opposite  to  the 
questions  in  the  Cii'cular.    See  Vol.  II. 


The  description  of  the  several  Lighthouse  Aathor'i- ■^/'stracU  and 
ties  will  be  found  in  the  Report  at  page  22,  and  a  ^"'""'a'y- 
list  of  the  Local  Authorities  at  page  280,  Vol.  II. 
There  are  in  all  184  Authorities  in  the  United  King- 
dom having  charge  of  Lights,  &c.,  whose  existence 
is  now  known  to  the  Lighthouse  Commissioners;  but 
there  are  Lights  for  which  there  are  no  returns. 
None  of  the  Superintending  Authorities  had  lists  of 
the  Local  Authorities,  which  they  are  supposed  by 
the  Act  of  Parliament,  in  some  degree,  to  superintend; 
and  the  returns  are  incomplete,  partly  because  the 
Lighthouse  Authorities  were  not  ascertained  at  first, 
and  i)artly  because  many  of  them  furnished  no  returns 
to  the  Circulars  which  were  sent  to  them,  though 
several  pressing  letters  were  in  some  instances 
written  on  the  subject  at  long  intervals. 

2.  List  of  Hghthouses  under  the  super- 
intendence of  this  Authority,  with  a 
general  Chart  showing  their  positions, 
and  a  special  return  for  each  light- 
house. 


[uestion,  and  lists  prepared  by  •See  Vol.  II. 
and  liepoTt. 


See  replies  to  thi 
the  Commissioners. 

See  also  the  published  Admiralty  list  of  Lights. 
See  also  the  map  at  the  end  of  Vol.  I.,  on  which 
the  Lighthouses  and  the  Local  Authorities  are 
marked. 

3.  General  principles  which    regulate    the 
choice  of  site  for  lighthouses. 

No  general  principles  regulate  the  choice  of  sites 
in  the  United  Kingdom  ;  they  are  selected  as  occasion 
demands  ;  and  much  correspondence  has  taken  place 
amongst  the  Authorities  relative  to  some  particular 
sites. 

The  Trinity  House  choose  sites  which  embrace  the 
largest  arcs  of  the  horizon,  and  "  best  indicating  the 
dangers  of  the  locality." 

The  Scotch  Commissioners  refer  to  a  memorandum 
by  Mr.  Stevenson,  which  states  certain  general  prin- 
ciples ;  but  the  Scotch  Authority  acts,  subject  to  the 
Trinity  House  and  the  Board  of  Trade.  The  prin- 
ciple of  the  Ballast  Board  is  to  select  the  most  salient 
points,  but  that  Authority  is  subject  to  the  same 
control.  The  Local  Authorities  cannot  act  upon  any 
general  principles. 

In  France,  see  page  669,  Vol.  IL,  there  is  a  general 
system;  and  in  countries  where  a  system  of  lights  is 
about  to  be  introduced,  such  as  Spain,  a  general  prin- 
ciple is  to  be  adopted. 

4.  What  is  the  height  for  a  light  above 
the  water  which  it  is  considered  inex- 
pedient to  exceed  ? 

The  average  of  the  opinions  of  136  mariners  is  in 
favour  of  206  feet,  see  Abstract:  page  587,  Vol.  11. 
The  highest  light  on  the  coast  of  England  is  Lundy, 
540  feet  above  the  sea. 

The  Trinity  House  considers  that  the  height  is 
entirely  dependant  on  the  locality.  The  Commis- 
sioners of  Northern  Lighthouses  think  it  advisable, 
if  possible,  not  to  exceed  150  to  200  feet.  The  Irish 
Board  are  of  the  same  opinion.  But  lighthouses  in 
Scotland  and  Ireland  are  placed  at  a  greater  eleva- 
tion, as  Barrahead,  680  feet  in  Scotland,  the  Scelligs, 
372,  in  Ireland. 

The  Local  Authorities  do  not  give  valuable  infor- 
mation; and,  on  the  whole,  it  appears  that  on  the  coasts 
of  the  United  Kingdom  from  150  to  200  feet  is  the  best 
height  ibrplacing  alight,  so  as  to  gain  the  greatest  pos- 
sible range  and  avoid  clouds.  Every  locality,  however, 
has  its  own  peculiarities,  which  should  be  considered 

N  4 


104 


APPENDIX  TO  REPORT  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS: 


Abstracts  and  before  a  light  is  placed  on  a  new  site.  For  example, 
^ummari/.  g,  light  placed  on  the  cliff  above  the  Needles  was 
found  to  be  so  often  enveloped  in  clouds  that  it  was 
necessary  to  transfer  it  to  the  Needles  rocks, — sacri- 
ficing range,  and  expending  a  large  sum,  to  gain  a 
clearer  atmosphere  at  the  foot  of  the  clifl'. 

The  formation  of  clouds  depends  on  so  many  local 
circumstances,  that  it  is  impossible  to  lay  down  any 
rule.  The  atmosphcie  of  the  Mediterranean  is  gene- 
rally clear,  but  in  particular  states  of  the  weather, 
and  with  a  blue  sky  and  strong  wind,  thick  clouds  of 
mist  are  sometimes  condensed  for  weeks  together 
about  the  tops  of  Gibraltar  rock  and  Apes  Hill.  The 
lighthouse  at  Gibraltar  is  placed  low  down  on 
Europa  point. 

5.  The  different  descriptions  of  illuminating 

apparatus  (dioptric,  catoptric,  &c.) 
employed. 

1.  Dioptric-lights  placed  behind  glass  apparatus 
which  refracts  the  rays. 

2.  Catadioptric-lights  placed  behind  glasses,  some 
of  which  refract,  and  others  both  refract  and  reflect ; 
or  behind  such  glasses,  and  also  in  front  of  glass  or 
metal  reflectors,  which  reflect  some  of  the  light 
towards  the  glasses  which  subsequently  refract  it. 

3.  Holophotal,  consisting  of  a  special  arrangement 
of  glass  lenses  and  silvered  or  glass  reflectors,  by  which 
it  is  intended  to  utilize  all  the  light  produced  from  a 
given  source.  Some  rays  are  reflected,  some  refracted; 
some  both  reflected  .ind  refracted. 

4.  Catoptric,  consisting  of  lights  placed  in  front  of 
metallic  reflectors. 

In  dioptric  and  catadioptric  lights,  so  called,  a 
single  lamp  with  1,  2,  3,  or  4  wicks  is  used.  In  holo- 
photal lights  a  single  large  lamp  is  occasionally  used, 
as  at  Hoy  in  Scotland.  Occasionally  the  principle 
has  been  applied  to  a  number  of  the  old  parabolic 
reflectors,  each  altered,  and  each  with  a  separate 
source  of  light,  as  at  Rona,  also  in  Scotland.  Catop- 
tric lights  generally  consist  of  from  1  to  30  parabolic 
silvered  reflectors,  each  with  a  separate  lamp.  The 
aperture  of  these  reflectors  is  generally  large,  and  the 
angular  aperture  and  consequent  divergence  consider- 
able. 

6.  General    principles   which    govern    the 

selection  of  the  particular  description 
of  illuminating  apparatus  adopted  at 
each  site. 

No  definite  principle  exists  in  the  United  Kingdom. 

The  Trinity  House  consider  that  it  is  dependant 
upon  the  extent  of  arc  to  be  illuminated. 

The  Scotch  Board  state  no  principle  which  can  be 
called  general,  but  state  considerations  which  bear 
upon  the  flame,  and  the  i)articular  locality.  The 
Irish  Board  state  similar  considerations,  but  also 
point  out  the  necessity  of  considering  the  distinctive 
character  of  neighbouring  lights.  Local  Authorities 
have  no  general  principle.  The  French  have  a  general 
principle,  which  has  been  laid  down  and  acted  upon7 
see  page  669,  Vol.  II. ;  and  that  piinciple  is  about  to 
be  copied  by  countries  which  contemplate  establishing 
a  new  system  of  lights.  In  the  United  Kingdom,  prac- 
tically, nothing  is  decided  on  this  point;  and  dioptric, 
catoptric,  and  catadioptric  apparatus  are  placed  witli- 
out  reference  to  site. 

7.  The  different  characters  of  illuminating 
apparatus  (fixed,  revolving,  &c.)  em- 
ployed. 

Fixed,  revolving,  flasliing,  and  revolving  lights 
with  alternate  colours,  for  England  ;  the  same  for 
Scotland,  with  the  addition  of  holophotal  and  inter- 
mitting lights. 

In  Ireland  all  the  ordinary  varieties;  Local  Autho- 
rities throughout  the  kingdom  generally  fixed. 

By  fixed  lights  are  meant  lights  which  are  visible  in 
particular  directions,  either  all  round,  or  within  an  arc 


of  the  circle  only.  Revolving  lights  illuminate  only  cer- 
tain arcs  of  a  circle  at  once,  and  their  beams  revolve  so 
as  to  illuminate  larger  arcs,  or  the  whole  circle  at  inter- 
vals. The  effect  is  that  of  a  light  waxing  and  waning 
for  a  time,  and  succeeded  by  an  interval  of  darkne-ss. 

Flashing  lights  only  differ  from  revolving  by  the 
greater  rapidity  of  their  intervals. 

Fixed  varied  bj'  flashes  is  a  fixed  light  of  certain 
power,  alwaj's  visible  in  certain  directions,  and  varied 
by  recurring  flashes  of  greater  power  and  brilliancy, 
such  as  at  Grisnez,  Calais,  &c  The  effect  is  pro- 
duced b}'  making  portions  of  the  apparatus  fixed  and 
other  parts  moveable  ;  or  by  moving  the  whole  ap- 
paratus, of  which  a  portion  consists  of  annular 
bands.  The  distinction  does  not  exist  in  catoptric 
lights,  and  is  liable  to  this  disadvantage  :  such  a 
light  may  appear  to  be  a  revolving  light,  when 
be_yond  the  range  of  the  fixed  light. 

Intermittent  are  fixed  lights  which  are  from  time 
to  time  obscured  by  covering  them  up  with  opaque 
substances.  Tlie  principle  causes  a  waste  of  oil  ;  for 
the  light  is  entirel}'  lost  while  obscured  ;  whereas  in 
revolving  lights  it  is  condensed,  and  is  alwaj-s  visible 
in  some  direction.  At  Rathlin  and  at  JNIine  Head 
one-sixth  of  the  oil  is  burned  to  waste,  and  the  light 
might  still  be  mistaken  for  a  fixed  or  perhaps  a  re- 
volving light.  Similar  lights  exist  in  Scotland.  The 
light  is  much  less  powerful  than  the  revolving  and 
flashing  lights. 

Double  lights  are  sometimes  used  ;  two  entire  esta- 
blishments in  separate  towers,  sometimes  two  in  the 
same  tower.  Such  lights  exist  in  England,  Scotland, 
and  Ireland  ;  though  they  are  not  mentioned  under 
this  question.  See  Whitby,  where  there  are  two,  and 
the  Caskets,  where  there  are  three.  This  distinction 
is  the  most  costly  of  all.  It  is  one  of  those  used  in 
France. 

8.  General  principles  which  govern  the 
selection  of  the  character  of  the  illumi- 
nating apparatus  (fixed,  revolving, 
&:c,),  and  colour  adopted  in  each  site. 

There  does  not  appear  to  be  9.uy  general  principle 
which  is  acted  upon  in  the  United  Kingdom.  The 
English  and  Irish  Boards  have  regard  to  other  lights 
in  the  locality. 

The  Scotch  Board  refers  to  a  treatise  by  ilr.  Steven- 
sou,  in  which  the  principle  stated  is  nearly  the  same 
as  that  which  is  stated  in  the  French  return  ;  but  from 
the  correspondence  relative  to  the  lights  at  the  Butt 
of  Lewis  and  at  other  sites,  it  appears  that  the  Com- 
missioners of  Northern  Lighthouses  are  not  allowed 
to  carry  out  the  principles  which  are  laid  down  iu  the 
treatise  to  which  they  refer. 

"  1st.  The  most  prominent  points  of  a  line  of  coast, 
"  or  those  first  made  on  oversea  voyages,  should  be 
"  first  lighted ;  and  the  most  powerful  lights  should 
'■  be  adapted  to  them,  so  that  they  may  be  discovered 
"  by  the  mariner  as  long  as  possible  before  his  reach- 
"  ing  land. 

"  2nd.  .So  far  as  is  consistent  with  a  due  attention 
"  to  distinction,  revolving  lights  of  some  description, 
"  which  are  necessarily  more  powerful  than  fixed 
"  lights,  should  be  employed  at  the  outposts  on  a 
'•  line  of  coast. 

•'  3rd.  Lights  of  precisely  identical  character 
"  and  appearance  should  not,  if  possible,  occur 
•'  within  a  less  distance  than  100  miles  of  each  other, 
"  on  the  same  line  of  coast  which  is  made  by  over- 
"  sea  vessels. 

"  4th.  In  all  cases,  the  distinction  of  colour  sliould 
"  never  be  adopted,  except  from  absolute  necessity." 

8.  Drawing  of  each  description  of  illumi: 
nating  apparatus  (dioptric,  catoptric, 
&c.),  and  each  character  of  light 
cmploj-ed. 

Drawings  have  been  furnished  by  tlie  Trinity 
House.  These  are  lithographs  from  the  trade  lists 
of  manufacturers. 


ABSTRACTS   AND   SUMMARY   OF   EVIDENCE. 


105 


The  Scotch  Board  have  furnished  a  gi'eat  number 
of  well-executed  drawing?,  many  of  wliicli  arc  re- 
]n-esentations  of  apparatus  designed  by  the  gentle- 
men who  made  the  drawings,  and  which  are  now  in 
use.  The  Irish  Board  have  also  furiushed  well- 
executed  small  drawings.  Of  the  Local  Authorities, 
many  have  furnished  drawings,  which  are  all  bound 
together  and  preserved. 

10.  Fill  up  Table. 

The  tables  will  be  found  in  Vol.  II.,  at  the  pages 
marked  opposite  to  this  question  on  the  circular. 

11.  State  what  stores   are  usually  supplied 

by  open  contract,  and  the  means 
adopted  for  testing  all  stores  suppMed. 

Nearly  all  stoi-es  arc  supplied  by  open  contract,  to 
the  three  General  Lighthouse  Authorities.  The 
means  of  testing  them  arc  stated  at  length  in  the 
rejilies,  and  seem  to  be  effective. 

12.  General    principles   which   govern   the 

selection  of  log  signals,  and  of  the 
lighthouses  to  which  they  are  sup- 
plied. 

None  are  used,  except  bells.  Many  suggestions 
have  been  made.  See  replies  to  Circular  I.  26.  at  the 
pages  marked. 

13.  If  a  general  code  of  tide  sign.ils  is  in 

force,  give  it ;  and  if  not^  state  general 
principles  v.'hich  govern  the  selection 
of  tide  signals,  and  of  the  lighthouses 
to  which  they  are  supplied. 

No  general  code  exists.  No  such  signals  are  used 
at  large  lighthouses,  and  every  local  authority  which 
shows  tide  lights,  or  other  signals,  has  its  own  system 
of  signals  and  its  own  code.  A  national  system,  and  a 
general  understanding  on  this  point,  seems  to  be 
much  wanted  ;  and  the  more  applicable  such  a  system 
is  to  the  whole  world,  the  better  it  will  be. 

14.  Nature  and  dates  of  any  memorials  or 

applications  for  lighthouses  on  new 
or  old  sites  since  January  1845,  and 
nature  and  dates  of  replies. 

Refer  to  the  replies,  which  are  voluminous.  See 
Circular  II.  for  the  pages. 

15.  Total  income  and  total  expenditure  on 

maintenance  of  lighthouses,  in  each 
year  since  January  1845. 

By  adding  together  the  sums  returned  by  the  three 
General  Authorities,  the  following  result  is  obtained. 


Total 

Total  Income. 

Expen 

diture. 

£ 

s. 

d. 

£ 

s. 

d. 

1845 

.     434,216 

9 

11 

120,639 

7 

2 

1846 

-  411,894 

12 

7 

130,434 

8 

6 

1847 

-  435,358 

15 

1 

144,458 

7 

8 

1848 

-  436,342 

19 

5 

149,115 

5 

2 

1849 

-  430,480 

5 

9 

140,827 

7 

3 

1850 

-  374,933 

4 

11 

135,162 

9 

6 

1851 

-  403.369 

6 

1 

135,631 

2 

9 

1852 

-  395,730 

6 

1 

134,088 

8 

5 

1853 

-  422,897 

8 

0 

135,896 

4 

6 

1854 

-  313,275 

4 

1 

135  448 

18 

10 

1855 

-  311,961 

2 

6 

113,024 

15 

2 

1856 

-  352,163 

12 

3 

143,180 

13 

7 

1857 

-  310,780 

14 

1  ) 

155,120 

11 

.3 

1858 

-  296,886 

12 

6 

131,520 

0 

9 

16.  Course   pursued    for   ascertaining   the 
vahie  of  the  various  improvements  of 
a    scientific    character    subnn'ttcd    to 
the  General    Authority   making  this 
return. 
The  answers   only  apply  (o  a  particular   class  of 
scientific  suggestions — those  which  can  be  tried  expe- 
rimentally in  a  lighthouse  ;  and  these  are  practically 
tested  by  the  engineers  emploved  by  the  Lighthouse 
Beards. 

The  Local  Authorities  apparently  have  few  sugges- 
tions made  to  them. 

1/.  Dates  of  all  applications  by  the  above 
General  Lighthouse  Authority  for 
power  to  construct  or  re-construct  or 
alter  the  lighthouses,  since  1st 
October  1853,  with  date  of  final 
approval;  and  in  case  of  non-com- 
pliance, the  reasons  given  for  any 
deviation  from  the  application. 

See  the  replies,  Vol.  II.  at  tlic  pages  marked  on  the 
CircuL'ir. 

They  are  voluminous,  and  give  an  iusiglit  into  the 
working  of  the  present  system  oF  Government.  A 
mass  of  correspondence  has  also  been  sent  to  the 
Commission,  and  some  of  the  subjects  therein  referred 
to  are  mentioned  in  the  oral  evidence. 

IS.  Furnish  a  copy  of  any   General  Rules 
and  Regulations  issued  for  the  Inspec- 
tion and  management  of  lighthouses, 
and  copies  of  all  printed  forms  in  use 
relating  to   lighthouses,  classified  and 
bound. 
Copies  have  been  furnished  but  arc  not  published, 
as  they  are  very  voluminous;  the  papers  are  all  pre- 
served. 

19-  General  Remarks. 

The  English  and  Irish  Boards  furnish  some  infor- 
mation relative  to  their  correspondence  with  the 
Superintending  Authorities,  and  other  matters,  which 
illustrate  the  action  of  the  present  system  of  govern- 
ment. 

The  .Scotch  Authority  m.ikes  no  remarks  under 
this  question. 


CIRCULAR  U.— continue,]. 
FLOATING  LIGHTS— (General  Return.) 

1.  Name  and  address  of  general  Lighthouse 

Authority. 

Trinity  House,  Vol.  IL,  p.  107  ;  Ballast  Board, 
p.  263  ;  Liverpool,  p.  335  ;  Hull,  p.  316  ;  Stockton- 
on-Tees,  p.  362  ;  Carlisle,  p.  301. 

2.  List  of  floating  lights  under  the  super- 

intendence of  this  Authority,  with  a 
general  chart  showing  their  positions, 
and  a  special  return  for  each  floating 
light. 

See  the  returns  at  the  pages  indicated  in  the  cir- 
cular, Vol.  IL  Trinity  House  33  ;  Ballast  Board  4  ; 
Liverpool  3  ;  Hull  2 ;  Stockton  on-Tees  1  ;  Carlisle 
1.    Total  44. 

3.  State  general  principles  which  regulate 

the  choice  of  positions  for  floating- 
lights. 

As  near  the  danger  as  is  consistent  with  safety,  cr 
as  leadino;  lights  ia  narrow  channels. 


106 


APPENDIX  TO  EEPOUT  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS 


Aistracis  and  ^    Number  of  spare  floating  lights — where 
Suminar,/.  j_^^^^    iiioorcd  —  proportiou    of    crew 

attached  to  them— if  fully  equipped 
with  stores. 

Trinity  House  4  ;  Balla.,t  Board  1  ;  Liverpool  2  ; 
Hull  1.   ■ 

5.  General    principles    adopted  for    distin- 

guishing floating  lights  from  one 
another"  by  day  and  by  night,  and 
from  other  vessels  by  day. 

Name  written  on  side  ;  colour  ;  arrangement  and 
number  of  lights,  of  masts  :  masthead  balls,  and  blue 
lights;  shape  and  rig. 

6.  Is  there  any  marked  peculiarity  in  the 

light  exhibited  by  a  floating  light 
which  ensures  it  from  being  mistaken 
for  ships'  lights,  or  others. 

Superior  brilliancy,  variation  in  intensity,  inter- 
vals of  darkness,  colour,  number  of  lights,  relative 
positions  of  lights. 

7.  The  different  description  of  illuminating 

apparatus  (dioptric,  catoptric,  iVc.) 
employed. 

Catoptric  and  dioptric.  The  forms  of  some  of  the 
reflectors  used  at  Liverpool  and  Hull  vary  froin  the 
others.  A  dioptric  light  is  used  at  8tockton-or-Tecs. 


8. 


General  principles  which  govern  the 
selection  of  the  particular  description 
of  illuminating  apparatus  (dioptric, 
catoptric,  eS:c.)  adopted  in  each  posi- 
tion. 
Catoptric  is  geueraliy  retained,  but  there  are 
three  dioptrics. 

9.  The  different  characters  of  illuminating 

apparatus  (fixed,  revolving,  &c.)  em- 
ployed. 

Fixed  and  revolving. 

10.  General    principles   which   govern  the 

selection  of  the  character  of  the  illu- 
minating apparatus  (fixed,  revolving, 
&c.),  and  colour,  in  each  position. 
Dependent  on  lights  in  the  vicinity. 

11.  Fill  up  table. 

See  Returns. 

12.  Drawing  of  each  description   and  cha- 

racter of  illuminating  apparatus  em- 
ployed. 

Drawings  have  been  furnished. 

13.  General  principles    which   govern  the 

selection  of  fog  signals. 
Gongs  are  almost  always  used.  Bells  were  dis- 
continucil  in  Ireland  to  avoid  mistaking  them  for 
ships  bells.  Guns  are  proposed;  atmospheric  whistles 
were  tried,  and  did  not  succeed.  Bells  and  gongs  at 
Liverpool. 

14.  If  a  general  code  of  tide  signals  is  in 

force,  give  it;  and  if  not,  state 
general  principles  which  govern  the 
selection  of  tide  signals,  and  of  the 
floating  lights  to  which  they  are 
supplied. 
None  arc  used. 


1.5.   Nature  and  date   of   any   applications 
for   floating   lights    since  January   1, 
1845. — Nature  and  date  of  replies. 
See  Returns,  which  are  voluminous. 

16.  Total  income  : — Total  expenditure  on 
maintenance  of  floating  lights  in  each 
year  since  January  1st,  1845. 
See  Returns. 

17-  Course  pursued  for  ascertaining  the 
value  of  the  various  improvements  of 
a  scientific  character  submitted  to 
the  General  Authority  making  this 
return. 

Consideration  by  the  Authorities  and  by  their 
scientific  advisers,  and  occasionally  experiment. 

18.  Furnish  a  copy  of  any  General  Rules 
and  Regulations  issued  for  the  Inspec- 
tion and  Management  of  Floating 
Lights,  and  copies  of  all  printed 
forms  in  use  relating  to  the  same. 
Copies  have  been  furnished,  and  are  preserved. 

19-  Dates  of  all  applications  by  the  above 
General  Authority  for  power  to  place 
floating  lights  in  new  positions,  since 
October  1,  1853,  with  date  of  final 
approval ;  and,  in  case  of  non-com- 
pliance, the  reasons  given  for  any 
deviation  from  the  application. 

See  Returns. 

20.  General  Remarks. 

Under  this  question  the  Trinity  House,  to  avoid 
repetition,  have  given  replies  to  those  questions  in 
Circular  IV.  which  are  of  a  general  nature.  See 
page  108,  Vol.  IL 


CIRCULARS  III.  and  IV. 

It  seems  impossible  to  give  the  information  con- 
tained in  the  replies  to  these  Circulars,  in  a  more 
condensed  form,  as  abstracts.  A  number  of  tables 
have  been  constructed  from  the  replies,  and  these 
appear  in  the  Report.  A  reference  to  the  Circulars 
at  the  beginning  of  Vol.  I.  will  show  where  the 
information  given  may  be  readily  found. 

The  replies  are  numbered  throughout  the  Appendix, 
so  as  to  correspond  with  the  Questions  in  Circulars 
III.  and  IV.  Attention  is  directed  to  Plates 
3  and  4,  in  Vol.  I.,  made  from  Circular  IH.,  showing 
the  income  and  expenditure  ;  and  consumption  of  oil 
at  lighthouses  under  the  three  General  Authorities. 


CIRCULAR  V. 

BUOYS  AND  BEACONS. 

A  considerable  portion  of  the  information  obtained 
in  reply  to  the  questions  in  tliis  Circular  has  been 
tuhuhit'ed,  and  is  printed  at  jjage  280,  Vol.  II.  It  was 
not  tliought  necessary  to  repeat  it  here. 


ABSTRACTS  AND  SUMMARY  OF   EVIDENCE. 


107 


CIRCULAR  VI. 

Abstract  of  Lloyd's  Evidence. 


Ab&trarts  unfi 
Summary. 


Questions. 


1.  Have  tlie  goodness  to  write  your 
name  and  address,  and  state  jour 
occupation. 

2.  Wliat  is  the  name  of  the  port  or 
place  to  which  your  answers  refer? 

3.  Give  the  title  and  address  of  any 
authority,  resident  or  otherwise, 
exercising  control  over,  and  re- 
sponsible forthe  efficiency  of  liglits, 
buoys,  or  beacons  in  the  port  or 
place. 

4.  Do  you  consider  that  the  port  or 
place  and  the  coasts  immediately 
adjacent  are  sufficiently  well 
lighted,  buoyed,  and  beaconed  ? 

5.  Point  out  any  improvement  which 
you  can  suggest  in  the  position  or 
size  of  the  buoys  or  beacons,  or  in 
the  position,  number,  height,colour, 
or  other  peculiarity  of  the  lights 
or  the  lighthouse  in  or  near  the 
port  or  place  above  named. 

6.  Name  the  precise  sites  on  which 
you  would  recommend  the  placing 
of  additional  lights,  buoj's,  or 
beacons,  and  give  j'our  reasons. 

7.  Wliat  is  the   combustible  (oil,  gas, 

&c.)  used  in  the  lighthouses  or 
harbour  lights  in  or  near  the  port 
or  place  named  ? 

8.  If  you  are  aware  that  any  of  the 
lights  as  above  have  been  acciden- 
tally extinguished  or  have  «o<beea 
dvly  exhibited  within  the  last  few 
years,  state  when,  and  mention 
any  accident  that  may  have  oc- 
curred in  consequence. 

9.  If  you    have    known    any  of    the 

buoys  to  have  been  displaced  with- 
in a  like  period,  state  when,  and 
for  how  long,  and  mention  any 
accident  that  may  have  occurred 
in  consequence. 

10.  ]\Iention  any  accident  that  may  be 
fairly  attributed  to  a  ?t-an?  of  lights, 
buoys,  or  beacons  in  the  locality. 

11.  If  tide  signals   are   used,   describe 

tbeni.  If  no  tide  signals  are  used, 
state  whether  you  think  they  arc 
wanted,  and  mention  the  descrip- 
tion which  you  think  best  suited 
for  the  locality. 

12.  If  fog  signals  are   used,    describe 

them.  If  none  are  used,  state 
whether  you  think  any  are  re- 
quired, and  mention  the  system 
you  think  best  suited  for  the  local- 
ity, and  the  position. 
1.3.  How  are  the  buoys  or  beacons 
in  the  port  or  place  coloured  ? 
What  is  the  form  ?  If  they  are 
arranged  on  any  system,  describe 


Would  }'ou  recommend  any 
change  in  their  colour,  form,  or 
arrangement  ? — if  so,  what  18  that 
change  ? 


184 


17o  Answers 

9  Blanks 
91  Answers 
93  Blanks 


177  Answers 
7  Blanks 


70  Answers 
114  Blanks 


106  Answers 
78  Blanks 


167  Answers 
17  Blanks 


7  Answers 
177  Blanks 


'         69  Answers 
I       115  Blanks 


92  Answers 
92  Blanks 


51  Answers 
133  Blanks 


■')5  Answer; 
129  Blanks 


Abstract  of  the  Answers. 


Lloyd's  Agents  and  persons  known  to  them. 


Ill  Ports  separately  named,  once  or  more. 

64  Districts. 

91  Number  of  Local  Authorities  named 
(see  Map).  The  rest  refer  to  districts 
under  the  General  Lighthouse  Au- 
thorities. 


85  Affirmatives,  favourable. 
92  Negatives,  unfavourable. 

("Lights     23 

70" Suggest  improvements  in/  Buoys     29 

(_  Beacons  18 


r  Lights     51 

106  Suggest  additional  Buoys      33 

(_  Beacons  22 


167  Name 


Oil 

Other  com-  i  rr,  ,, 

1      .-I,,  <  tallow 

bustibles        1  — 


-  115 

-  45 

-  6 
[Electric  light     1 


f  Gas 


6  Number  of  accidents  (to  lights). 
1  Resulting  in  accidents  (to  ships). 


60  Number  of  accidents  (to  buoys). 
9  Resulting  in  accidents  fto  ships). 


f  Lights     39 

29  Accidents  from  want  of<  Buoys     31 

(^Beacons  22 

41  Describe  tide  signals. 
10  Think  they  are  wanted. 


31  Describe  fog  signals. 
24  Think  they  are  wanted. 


1' Black  and 

red     47 

120  Answers 

120  Describe  system  J  Black 

-     42 

64  Blanks 

— colour         - )  Red     - 

-     22 

I  White 

-       9 

'Cone     - 

-     21 

Can     - 

-     12 

„              „      tbrm<^  Nun 

-      7 

1  Square 

7 

[_Barre] 

2 

134  Answeis 

12  Advise  change. 

50  Blank, 

122  Do  not. 

Lloyd's 
Hiiiknce. 


108 


APPENDIX   TO   REPORT   O.V   MGHTS,  I3U0T?,  AND   BEACONS: 


Alisliiieh  and 


QUKSTIOXS. 


Lloyd's 
Evidence. 


15.  If  any  local  dues  arc  levied  on 
shipping  in  respect  of  local  lights, 
buoys,  or  beacons,  state  what  they 
are,  and  to  whom  they  are  paid. 

16.  Specify   the    nature  of  any  com- 

plaints tliat  during  the  last  few 
years  m.iy  (witliin  your  knowledge) 
have  been  addressed  to  tlie  autho- 
rity aforesaid,  with  reference  to 
lights,  buo}-s,  or  beacons  under 
their  control,  and  the  result. 

17.  What  in  your  opinion  is  the 
general  feeling  of  the  mariners" 
frequenting  the  port,  as  to  the 
efficiency  of  the  lights,  buoys,  or 
beacons  in  or  near  it  ? 

18.  So  far  as  you  are  informed  or 
can  ascertain,  what  is  the  general 
feeling  amongst  mariners  fre- 
(|uenting  the  port  as  to  the  local 
dues  collected  in  resi)ect  of  lights, 
buoys,  or  beacons  being  excessive 
or  otherwise  ? 

19.  So  far  as  you  are  informed,  are 
the  local  dues  so  collected  applied 
to  the  purposes  for  wliicli  they  are 
nominally  levied  ? 

20.  Are   you    aware  of  the   existence 

of  any  general  opinion  in  the  loca- 
lity as  to  the  present  management 
of  lights,  buoy?,  and  beacons  by 
the  authority  aforesaid  ? — if  so, 
state  shortly  what  it  is. 


Answers 

AND  Blanks. 

Totals. 

71  Answers 
113  Blanks 


23  Answer 
161  Blanks 


151  Answers 
33  Blanks 


28  Answers 
156  Blanks 


62  Answers 
122  Blanks 


63  Answers 
121  Blanks 


Abstract  of  tiu;  Answers. 


71  Mention  local  dues. 


23  Specify  complaints. 


81  Feeling  favourable. 
70  Feeling  unfavourable. 


16  Dues  thought  excessive. 
12         „         „       otherwise. 


60  Affirmatives. 
2  Negatives. 


56  Opinion  favourable. 
7  Opinion  unfavourable. 


Kole. — The  evidence  will  be  found  at  length,  together  with  other  evidence,  under  the  name  of  the  General 
I.ic.hthouse  Authokitv  having  jurisdiction  in  the  district  referred  to,  or  under  the  name  of  the 
Local  Authority,  when  the  evidence  applies  to  a  place  under  local  jurisdiction.  31  of  the 
returns  are  placed  after  the  Trinity  House  return  ;  26  after  flie  return  of  the  Commissioners  of 
Northern  Lighthouses  ;  14  after  the  return  of  the  Ballast  Board  ;  making  71  returns  applicable  to 
the  three  General  Lighthouse  Authorities.  113  are  placed  under  the  names  of  the  Local  Autho- 
rities tg  whose  jurisdiction  they  seem  to  apply  and  are  not  numbered. 


Mereanllk 
Maniic. 


CIRCULAR   VII. 

Abstract  of  Mercantile  Marine  Evidence. 
Special  Questions. 


1.  Have  the    goodness  to  write    your 

name,    state   your   occupation,    and 

give  your  address. 

2.  If  your  evidence  is  intended  to  apply 

to  any  one  jiarticular  locality,  here 
write  the  name  of  the  port,  place,  or 
district  to  wliich  your  answers  refer. 


114 


Answers  114 


24 


Names. 


Name  45  separate  localities,  namel}', 
Aberdeen,  3;  Ardrossan,  1  ;  Belfast,  1  ; 
Bristol  Channel,  4 ;  Bridgewater,  1  ; 
Boston,  1 ;  Clyde,  10  ;  Cork,  2  ;  Dundee, 
4  ;  Dublin,  2  ;  Exniouth,  2  ;  East 
Coast  and  English  Channel,  1  ;  Fal- 
mouth, 2  ;  Friih  of  Forth,  2  ;  Foyle 
IJiver,  1  ;  Greenock,  1  ;  Glasgow,  1  ; 
Hull,  5  ;  Harwich,  2  ;  Hartlepool,  1  ; 
Ipswich,  1  ;  Jersey,  2  ;  Liverpool,  3  ; 
London,  3  ;  Leith,  2  ;  Milford  Haven, 
1  ;  Newport  (Monmouth),  1  ;  New- 
castle-upon-Tyne, 2  ;  Orkney,  1  ;  Ply- 
mouth, 6  ;  Padstow,  1  ;  Slioreham,  1  ; 
Sunderland,  5  ;  St.  Ilelier  and  Bay  of 
St,  Aubyn,  1  ;  Shields,  3  ;  Stockton,  2  ; 
Swansea,  2  ;  Sligo,  1  ;  Solw.ay  Frith,!  ; 
Tyiie,  5  ;  Tenby,  2  ;  Whitby,  I. 

Do  not  name  localities. 


ABSTRACTS  AND   SXJJIMARY   OF   EVIDENCE. 


109 


Number  of  Questions. 


Totals  of 

Answers 

AND  Blanks. 


3.  Give  the  title  and  address  of  any 
authority,  resident  or  otherwise, 
exercising  control  over  or  respon- 
sible for  the  efficiency  of  the  lights, 
buoys,  or  beacons,  in  the  place  to 
which  your  evidence  applies. 

4.  Judging  from  facts  within  your  own 

knowledge,  or  from  your  own  expe- 
rience, how  is  the  service  conducted 
by  the  authority  having  the  manage- 
ment of  or  control  over  the  lights, 
buoys,  or  beacons  above  referred  to  ? 

5.  So  far  as  you  are  informed,  what  is 
the  opinion  generally  expressed  by 
master  mariners  frequenting  the 
place  above  named,  as  to  the  effi- 
ciency and  sufficiency  of  the  lights, 
buoys,  and  beacons  above  referred  to? 

6.  Are  any  dues  levied  or  collected  at 
tlie  port  or  place  avowedly  in  respect 
of  lights,  buoys,  or  beacons,  other 
than  dues  collected  for  lights,  &c., 
under  the  control  of  the  Trinity 
House  Commissioners  of  Northern 
Lights  and  Ballast  Board  ? 


If  no  dues  are  levied  or  collected 
avowedlj'  for  the  maintenance  or 
construction  of  lights,  buoys,  and 
beacons,  from  what  funds  are  the 
lights,  buoys,  and  beacons  to  which 
your  evidence  refers  maintained  ? 

As  a  payer  of  light  dues,  do  you  con- 
sider the  dues  above  named  exces- 
sive or  otlierwise  ? 


9.  If  you  think  the  charge  objectionable, 
mention  any  instances  in  which  it 
presses  heavily  or  unequally,  or 
unjusth'  ;  or  any  facts  in  support  of 
your  opinion. 


10.  If  you  consider  that  they  are  not 
properly  applied,  mention  any  in- 
stancesof  misapplication  within  your 
own  knowledge,  and  which  you  are 
pi  epared  to  substantiate,  if  necessary, 


114 


Answers    83 
Blanks       31 


114 


Answers    74 
Blanks        40 


114 


Abstkact. 


114 


114 


Answers    50 
Blanks       64 


Answers  ■  46 
Blanks       68 


114 


28         Name  Local  Authorities. 
41         Name  the  General  Authorities. 
7         Nil. 


70         Favourable. 
3         Unfavourable,  see  71 
3        Nil. 


63 
16 
4 


74 


88,  91. 


Favourable. 

Unfavourable. 

Nil. 


Name  15  localities  in  which  local  dues  are 
levied,  namely  :- 


Aberdeen. 

Briilgewater, 

Clyde. 

Cardiff. 

Dundee. 

Falmouth. 

lifracombe. 

Liverpool. 


Milford  Haven. 

Newcastle-on-Tyne. 

Plymouth. 

Shields,  North. 

Shields,  South. 

Sunderland. 

Stockton. 


See  Answers,  of  which  no  abstract  can  be 
made. 


Answers    7 1 

30 

Excessive. 

Blanks       43 

36 

Oth^.'rwise 

5 

Nil. 

31  State  general  objections  and  mention  cases, 

namely, — General  charges,  9  ;  Coasters 
dues  1  ;  Guernsey  and  Jersey  1  ;  Rams- 
gate  I ;  St.  Anthony  Ligiit  1 ;  Cumbrae, 
Glasgow,   Clyde,  5  ;    Cobler  Buoy   3  ; 
Blytli  1  ;    Sunderland   1  ;  Seaham   1  ; 
Hartlepool  I  ;  Stockton   1  ;    Middles- 
boro'  1  ;  Whitby,  or  Staiths  1  ;  Bristol 
Channel  I  ;  Solway  Frith  1  ;  Leith  1  ; 
Greenock  1 ;  Bridgwater  1  ;  exemption 
of  ships  of  Her  Majesty's  navy  1, 
Satisfied. 
15     '   Nil. 
4 

13  Name  instances  of  improper  application 
of  funds,  namely, — Funds  said  to  be 
misapplied  at  Greenock  Harbour 
Trust  3  ;  the  River  and  Harbour 
Trust,  Glasgow,  3 ;  Trinity  House  ; 
Tay  ;  Saltash  ;  Ramsgate  Harbour  ; 
Cumbrae  Light  Trust ;  Cumbrae  ; 
Clyde,  Greenock,  and  Glasgow ;  Cor- 
poration, Newcastle;  Cobler  Buoy,  Salt- 
ash,  2  ;  Tyne,  Newcastle  ;  Mercantile 
Marine  Fund  ;  generally. 

32  Otherwise. 
1         Nil. 


Abstracts  an 
Summary. 


Mercantile 
Marine. 


0  3 


110 


Abstracts  and 
Summary, 

Mercantile 
Marine, 


12 


13. 


APPENDIX  TO   REPOHT   ON   LIGHTS,   BUOYS,  AND   BEACONS  : 
General  Questions. 


NrMBEi;  OF  QUESTIOX.S. 


1 1.  Speaking  generally,  and  as  a  payer  of 
(lues  levied  by  the  three  general 
Lighthouse  Boards  in  respect  of 
lights,  buoys,  and  beacons,  are  you 
satisfied  with  the  operation  of  the 
system  under  which  tliese  dues  are 
are  levied  and  administered  ? 

If  there  are  any  facts  witliin  ycur 
own  knowledge,  which  you  ciin  sub- 
stantiate if  necessary,  and  which 
show  injurious  results  from  the 
system  above  referred  to,  have  the 
goodness  to  state  the  facts. 

If  you  wish  to  suggest  any  alteration 
in  the  system  under  which  the  dues 
last  named  are  levied  and  adminis- 
tered, here  state  your  views  as 
shortly  as  possible. 


Totals  of 

Answers 

AND  Blanks. 


Answer? 
Blanks 


42 


114 


Answers 
Blanks 


114 


Answers 
Blanks 


Abstract. 


24 

44 

4 


Satisfied. 

Otherwise. 

Nil. 


State  such  facts 
Do  not. 


Suggest  alterations 

Do  not. 

Nil. 


jWc. 1,000  copies  of  these  questions  were  issued  on  the  4th  of  February  1860,  and  on  the  14th  of  March  112 

returns  had  been  i-eceivcd.  The  names  were  selected  from  the  following  lists  : — 1,  Subscribers  to 
Lloyd's  ;  2,  Members  of  Marine  Boards;  3,  Delegates  from  out  ports  who  attended  tlie  Shipowners' 
Meeting  in  London  in  1858.     See  Vol.  11.  page  426  for  the  names,  &c. 


CIRCULAR  VIII. 

Mariners'  Evidence,  Abstracts. 


Questions. 


1.  Are  you  well  acquainted  with  any  parti- 

cular parts  of  the  coast  of  the  United 
kingdom  or  the  Colonies  ? — if  so,  name 
them, 

2.  Are    you    well     acquainted    with    any 

foreign  coasts  ? — if  so,  name  them,  or 
those  parts  of  them  with  which  you 
are  well  acquainted. 

3.  Do  you  think  that  the  coasts  of  the 
United  Kingdom,  or  the  part  or  parts 
of  them  which  you  have  named  above, 
are  well  lighted  ? 


4.  Do   vou   think    that   the  coasts  of  the      586  Answers 
United  Kingdom  arc  as  well  lighted  as      207  Blanks 
any   of   the  foreign  coasts   which   you  | 
have  alrcad}-  named  ?  j 


Totals. 
790  Answer.' 


456  Answers 
237  Blanks 


715  Answer: 
78  Blanks 


If  vouthink  that  the  coasts  of  the  United 
Kingdom  are  not  so  well  lighted  as  thost 
of  any  other  country  or  countries,  name  i 
those  countries  in  the  order  in  which 
you  prefer  their  lights. 

Have  you  ever  noticed  any  derangement 
or  irregularity  in  the  light  of  a  light- 
house or  floating  light  ;  or  have  you 
ever  known  it  to  go  out  ;  or  have  you 
ever  known  a  floating  light  to  be  off  her 
station? — if  so,  state  when  and  where. 

AVhat  British  and  wh-it  foreign  light 
jiavc  you  usually  seen  furthest  ofl",  and 
which  of  the  two  has  been  usually  visible 
Qt  the  grcistest  distance  ? 


311  Answers 
482  Blanks 


655  Answer; 
138  Blanks 


655  Answer.- 
157  Blanks 


Abstract  of  Answers. 
Sec  Index  for  the  coasts  named. 


See  Index  for  the  foreign  coasts  named,  which 
include  most  of  the  sea  coasts  in  the  world. 


564 
110 


17 

3 

14 

514 

18 

8 

8 

38 

200 
33 
18 
45 
15 

477 

111 

38 

23 

(i 


Direct  affirmatives. 

Qualified  affirmatives,  suggesting  improve- 
ments. 

Qualified  negatives,  mentioning  local  de- 
fects. 

Direct  negatives. 

Doubtful. 

No  answer  to  this  question. 

Direct  afTirmatives.  f  j^.g^i,,^ 

Doubtful  affirraatives      -,'  French       -         -    25 
,^      ,.,.  ,  .•  <   Gulf  of  Finland  -      4 

Doubtful  negatives         -  )  united  states     -    .i 
Direct  negatives.  (^Danish    -  -     i 

No  answer  to  this  question. 

Prefer  England. 

Name  countries  preferred,  viz. 

Name  countries  equal. 

No  opinion. 

No  answer  to  this  question. 

Have  not  in  either. 

Have, — either  in  lighthouse  or  lightship. 

Have. — in  ligh'houses  and  lightships. 

lioubtful. 

No  answer  to  this  question. 


r  France    ■ 
',  Spain 
Russia 
J  Sweden 

Lltnly 


312  Name   Biitish  and  foreign  lights   .-ecu  far 

off. 
149  The  British  light  usu.ally  seen  farthest  oflf. 

74  Tlio  foreign  light  usually  seen  farthest  oflf. 

69  British  and  foreign  lights  aa  equal, 

51  Have  no  opinion. 

20  Are  double  answcra. 


ABSTRACTS   AND   SUMRURY   OF   EVIDENCE. 


Ill 


QuEsnoNS. 

8.  Have  you   ever   felt  a  want  of   light- 

houses or  floating  lights  on  any  part  of 
the  coast,  or  in  any  of  the  channels  of 
the  United  Kingdom  ? — if  so,  where  ? 

9.  Do   you   think  that  the  floating  lights 

generally  in  the  United  Kingdom  are 
sutHciently  brilliant  or  distinct  in  cha- 
racter to  prevent  them  from  being  mis- 
taken for  ship's  lights  or  shore  lights  ? 


10.  Do  you  think  that  the  fog  signals  now 
used  in  lighthouses  and  floating  lights 
in  the  United  Kingdom  are  efficient  ? 


11.  Do  you  think  that  fog  signals  are  used 

with  sufficient  frequency  in  lighthouses 
and  floating  lights  in  the  United  King- 
dom ? 

12.  Have  you    experienced    inconvenience 

from  a  want  of  tide  signals  in  light- 
houses and  floating  lights — or  from  their 
inefficiency — ^r  from  a  wautof  uniform 
system  ? — if  so,  state  where. 

13.  Do  you   think  that  the   coasts  of  the 

United  Kingdom  are  well  supplied  with 
buoys  and  beacons  ? 


14.  Do   you  think  that  the    coasts   of    the 

United  Kingdom  are  as  well  supplied 
with  buoys  and  beacons  as  those 
foreign  coasts  which  you  have  already 
named  at  Question  2.?  If  you  do  not, 
name  the  country  best  supplied, 

15.  Have  you  ever  felt  the  want  of  buoys  or 
beacons  on  any  part  of  the  coast  of  the 
United  Kingdom  ? — and  if  so,  where  ? 


16.  Are  you  aware  of  the  existence  of  diffi- 
culty in  navigating  any  particular 
channels,  harbours,  &e.,  owing  to  the 
system  of  buoying  there  used,  or  the 
absence  of  system  ? — if  so,  name  them, 
and  the  defect  in  each  case. 

17.  What  is   the  shape  and  colour  of  the 

buoys  which  you    can  see    best    at 
night? 


Totals. 


Abstract  of  Answers. 


18.  If  you  have  ever  had  occasion  to  make 
a  claim  for  the  return  of  light  dues  er- 
roneously charged,  state  how  often,  and 
the  result. 

Be  so  good  as  to  attend  to  the  directions  for 
signing,  S^c.  at  numbers  33,  34,  35,  36. 


645  Answers      297  Have  felt  the  want,  and  say  so. 
148  Blanks  31  Have  noticed  defect,  but  now  remedied. 

305  Have  not  felt  the  want,  and  say  so. 

5  Doubtful. 

7  No  answer  to  this  question. 

488  Direct  affirmatives. 

102  Qualified  affirmatives   suggesting  improve- 
ments. 

21  Qualified    negatives   suggesting    improve- 
ments. 

22  Direct  negatives. 

22  Doubtful. 
3  No  answer  to  this  question. 

352  Direct  affirmatives. 
78  Qualified  affirmatives  suggesting  improve- 
ments. 
37  Qualified    negatives    suggesting   improve- 
ments. 
94  Direct  negatives. 
34  Doubtful. 
44  No  answer  to  this  question. 

327  Direct  affirmatives. 

82  Direct  negatives. 
129  No  opinion,  or  no  experience. 

66  Suggest  improvements. 

588  Answers      515  Have  not  experienced  any  inconvenience. 
205  Blanks  50  Have,  and  suggest  improvements. 

23  Have    had    no    experience,    or    have    no 
ojjinion. 


Abstracts  ami 
Summanj. 
Marine!  s. 


658  Answers 
135  Blanks 


639  Answers 
154  Blanks 


604  Answers 
189  Blanks 


668  Answers 
125  Blanks 


488  Answers 
305  Blanks 


647  Answers 
146  Blanks 


563  Answers 
230  Blanks 


Shape : 
405  Answers 

388  Blanks 
Colour  : 
698  Answers 


95  Blanks 


513  Answers 
280  Blanks 


545  Affirmatives,  direct  and  general. 
83  Qualified  affirmatives,  with  particular  ex- 
ceptions. 

12  Qualified    negatives,     referring     to     local 

defects. 
15  Direct  negatives. 

13  No  answer  to  this  question. 

442  Direct  affirmatives. 

6  Qualified  affirmatives  suggesting  improve- 
ments. 
5  Foreign  countries  as  well  supplied. 
8  Foreign  countries  better  supplied. 
27  Have  no  opinion. 

456  Have   never  felt  the  want  of  buoys  and 
beacons. 
12  Have  felt  the  want,  but  now  remedied. 
174  Have  experienced  the  want,  and  state  where. 
3  Have  no  opinion. 
2  No  answer  to  this  question. 

472  Are  not  aware  of  any  difficulty. 

14  Complain  of  want  of  system. 

15  Suggest  a  general  system. 
52  Mention  local  defects. 

10  No  answer  to  this  question. 
Shapes 


333  Have   formed 
anopinion  as 
to  shape 
72  Have  not. 

657  Have  formed 
anopinion  as 
to  colour     - 
41  Have  not. 


Nun  -  123 

Spiral       -    25 

Round      -    12 

,   Other  shapes  16 

*-  333 

COLOUB. 

Black  -  40 

Dark     -  -  9 

Red  -  -  2 

Chequered  - 1 
Red  and  White 

White  -  -  6 

Not  classed  -  4 


L  1 

493  Have  not  had. 
14  Have. 
6  No  answer  to  this  question. 


0  4 


112 


APPENDIX   TO    REPORT   ON    LIGHTS,   BUOYS,    AND   BEACONS  ; 


A!>stracts  and 
Summar;,. 


QcEsnoss.  Totals. 


Special  Questions. 

Am/  of  the  foUouing  questions   remaining 
unanswered  to  he  crossed  tvith  the  Pen. 

19.  Has  it  ever   occurrcil   to  you  that  any  I  343  Answers 

particular  system  of  lighting,  difterent      450  Blanks 
from  that   at  present  employed,  would 
have  facilitated  navigation  ?^if  so,  de-  i 
scribe  the  system  that  would,  in   your 
opinion,  be  an  improvement.  I 

20.  If  you  have  formed  any  opinion  as  to      335  Answers 
the  extreme  height  above  the  level  of  ,  458  Blanks 
the  sea  which  should  not  be  exceeded  iu  1 

placing  the  light  of  a  lighthouse  on  the  | 
coasts  of  the  United  Kingdom,  men-  \ 
tion  the  height.  ! 

I 

21.  Can  you   suggest   any  improvement  in  ,  375  Answers 
the  position,  height,  nature,   colour,  or  ;  4 IH  Blanks 
means   of  identification   of  any  light-  | 

houses,  floating  lights,  buoys  or  beacons 
in   the  United  Kingdom  ? — if  so,  sug-  I 
gest  the  imiuovoment,  and  give  your  i 
reasons. 

22.  Would  vou  suggest   the  entire  removal  j  331  Answers 
or   a    change    in    the   position    of  any      462  Blanks 
lighthouse,     floating    light,    buoy    or  , 

beacon? — if  so,  name  it,  and  st.ate  j 
why  you  think  it  should  be  moved. 

23.  Would  you  suggest  the  placing  of  a  new      466  Answers 
lighthouse,     floating     light,    buoy,    or      327  Blanks 
beacon  on  any  part  of  the  coasts  of  the 

United  Kingdom  ? — if  so,  state  where 
it  should  be  placed,  and  why.  , 

24.  If  you  are  in  the  habit  of  passing  light-     509  Answers 

houses   with    coloured   lights,   do   you      284  Blanks 

consider  that  they  are  discernible  at  a 

sufficient  distance,  and  that  such  lights 

are    sufficiently    distinguishable    from  | 

one  another,  and  from  white  ligiifs  in 

all  weathers? 

25.  If  you   have  formed  any  opinion  as  to  '  416  Answers 
the  comparative  merits  of  each  descrip-      377  Blanks 
tion  of  coloured  light  (red,  green,  blue, 

&e.),  as  regards  their  application  to  | 
lighthouses  and  floating  lights,  state  it.  i 


Abstract  of  Answers. 


26.  If  you  are  acquainted  with  any  system 
of  colouring  lighthouses  or  lightships 
by  which  they  are  easily  seen  and 
readily  identified,  describe  the  system. 

27.  What  system  of  fog  signal  applicable  to 
lighthouses  and  floating  lights  in  use 
in  this  or  foreign  countries  do  you 
think  best  ? — Describe  it. 


28.  If  you  think  that  any  uniform  system 

of  buoyage  applied  to  coasts,  harbours, 
channels,  &c.,  would  facilitate  naviga- 
tion, give  yuur  opinion,  and  describe 
the  system. 

29.  What  system  or  description  of  tide 
signals  apjjlicable  to  lighthouses  and 
floating  lights  do  you  think  best  ? — and 
if  you  are  able,  give  the  code  for  day 
and  night. 

30.  Have  you  ever  made  any  representations 
or  proposals  regarding  the  lights, 
buoys,  or  beacons  of  the  coasts  of  the 
United  Kingdom  ? — if  so,  state  to  whom 
-—the  subject — and  the  result. 


352  Answers 
441  Blanks 


384  Answers 
409  Blanks 


268  Answers 
525  Blanks 


202  Answers 
591  Blanks 


249  Have  no  suggestions  to  make.  ' 
82  Make  suggestions  or  desire  alterations. 
12  No  answers,  or  no  opinion. 


128  Have  not  formed   an  opinion,  or  indefinite 

reply. 
203  Have  formed  an  opinion  and  state  height — 
4  No     answer     to        ^^^t     ^'i"-   !     "^^^     ^°- 
this  question.  luo      24     !     mo      17 

I        130        19       '       •MK)  6 

200         45       I       5110  4 

Mean  2:i0  feet 

193  Are  satisfied,  and  make  no  suggestions. 
171  Suggest  alterations  as  improvements. 
11  No  opinion,  or  no  answer  to  this  queslion. 


210  JIake  no  suggestions  or  are  satisfied. 
109  JIake  suggestions  for  removal  or  change. 

7  No  opinion. 

5  No  answer  to  question. 

130  Make    no    suggestions,    or    say    they    are 
satisfied. 

3  il  Make    suggestions  for  placing  new  light- 
houses. 
5  No  opinion,  or  no  answer  to  question. 

391  Are  generally  satified  with  coloured  lights. 
84  Generally  satisfied,  but  mention  defects. 
15  Are  not  satisfied  with  coloured  lights. 
19  Have  no  opinion  or  experience. 

fRed          .         -  215 

j  Green         -      -  12 

303  Have     formed     an  J  Blue         -        .  5 

opinion  favourable  to    ).  Red  and  green  12 

113  Have  no  opinion.       j  White     -         -  29 

(_Red  and  white  30 


145 

90 

117 

51 

30 

303 


148 
86 
34 


Are  satisfied  with  present  system. 
Are  not  satisfied,  and  make  suggestions. 
Have  no    opinion,    or   give   no    answer  to 
question. 

Have  an  opinion,  and  prefer  "  the  present 
system." 

Have  no  opinion.     ('Gongs         -         -  117 

I  Gongs  and  bells  -  50 

Prefer         -         -  <;  Bells  as  used        -  38 

I  Whistles     -         -  10 

LtWms         -            -  88 


Are  in  favour  o^  some  uniform  system. 
In  favour  of  present  arrangements. 
Have  no  opinion. 


65  Are  satisfied  with  present  arrangements. 
62  Point  out  defects  or  improvements. 
75  No  experience  or  uo  opinion  to  give. 


373  Answers  i     62  Have  made 
420  Blanks      |  tafion     - 

■  311  Have  not  m 


P 
repre.^On-  | 

;k1o  any.     j 


ucrrssruily 
uusuccesslully 
uucerlaiii 
no  reply,  result   not 

stated  or  in  aU- 

aiico. 


ot) 
..J2 


ABSTRACTS  AND  SUMMARY  OF   EVIDENCE. 


lis 


Questions. 

31.  It'  you  arc  practically  acquainted  with 

any  lightliouse  or  floating  liglit,  tlie 
liglit  of  which  has  been  changed  from 
the  catoptric  (indicated  in  the  official 
lists  by  C),  to  tlie  dioptric  principle 
(indicated  by  D.)  ;  and  if  you  have 
formed  any  decided  opinion  as  to  the 
superiority  of  either  principle,  state  it. 

32.  If  from  your   general  experience  you 

have  formed  a  decided  opinion  as  to  the 
comparative  merits  of  the  two  principles 
named  above,  state  it,  and  your  reasons. 


33.  If  you  have  served  at  sea,  state  for  how 
long. 

34.  If  you  comniand  a  vessel,  give  her  name 
and  tonnage,  and  port  of  register,  and 
if  a  steamer,  her  horse  power. 

35.  Ee  so  good  as  to  sign  your  name,  stating 
your  present  occupation,  and  giving  an 
address. 


36.  Date  and   fold  the  paper  and  send  it 
(unpaid)  to  the  nearest  post  office. 


Totals. 


221  Answers 
572  Blanks 


163  Answers 
630  Blanks 


Abstract  op  Answkrs. 

lights  changed,  and  prefer       -  J  D.  33 
ITS  Are  not  acquainted,  or  give  no  opinion. 
7  No  answer  to  this  question. 


Abstracts  and 
Summary, 


(C. 

23  Have  formed  a  decided  |  D. 

opinion  and  give  rea-<|  Cata.  D. 
sons,  prefer    - 


-  I  C.  afloat, 
V.      as 


D. 


hore 


7  Have  not  formed  an  opinion. 
9  Name  places  where  liglits  are  excellent. 
4  No  answer  to  this  question. 
See  Index.  ~1    [    P.  145  Pilots. 

M.  511  Jilaster  Mariners. 
FJM.    40  Foreign  Masters. 


3 

31 

1 

1 


See  Index. 


X 


See  Index. 


J   L 


s. 

10  Surveying  Officers. 

i. 

8  Yachtsmen. 

E. 

1  Elder  Brother,  Tri- 

nity House. 

UN. 

1  Admiral  EN. 

RN. 

61  Officers  do. 

CE. 

1  Civil  Engineer. 

15  Other  occupations, 

professions,  &c. 

Total 


793 


J\'ote. — In  March  1860,  after  "these  answers  had  all  been  received,  printed,  and  abstracted,  a  number  of 
forms  which  were  sent  to  the  Secretaries  of  the  Yacht  Clubs  in  April  1859  were  i-eceived  by  some 
members,  and  were  then  filled  up  and  sent.  They  are  printed  separately  and  are  not  included  in 
this  abstract. 


SUilMARY    OF    THE    EVIDENCE    OF 
MARINERS. 

The  evidence  collected  from  mariners  is,  perhaps, 
the  most  important,  as  containing  the  views  and 
opinions  of  a  very  large  number,  nearly  800,  of  the 
persons  for  whom  lighthouses  are  erected,  and  buoys 
and  beacons  jilaced.  That  evidence  leads  to  the 
following  conclusions  : — 

1st,  It  appears  from  the  replies  to  questions  1,  2, 
33,  34,  35,  that  the  witnesses  are  those  best  qualified 
liy  their  experience  and  habits  to  form  an  opinion  as 
to  British  lights,  and  to  compare  them  with  those  of 
foreign  countries  throughout  the  world.  There  are 
few  places  of  importance  in  the  world  which  are 
frequented  by  traders,  which  are  not  mentioned  in  this 
list  of  witnesses  ;  and  every  part  of  tlie  coast  of  the 
United  Kingdom  is  mentioned  by  witnesses  who  are 
practically  acquainted  with  it. 

2nd,  It  appears  that  of  715  witnesses  who  reply  to 
the  3d  question,  onlj'-  17  express  a  positive  opinion 
that  the  coasts  of  the  United  Kingdom  are  7iot  well 
lighted. 

3rd,  Only  8  out  of  586  express  a  positive  opinion 
that  these  coasts  are  not  so  well  lighted  as  the  foreign 
coasts  which  they  know  ;  but  out  of  306  who  reply 
to  question  5,  46  name  countries  whose  lights  they 
consider  equal  or  superioi-. 

These  two  replies  appear  to  be  somewhat  contra- 
dictory ;  but  taking  doubtful  affirmatives  and  negatives 
together  with  direct  negatives,  the  result  appears  to 
he  that  from  thirty-eight  to  fifty-six  of  the  witnesses 
have  a  general  opinion  that  the  lights  of  certain  other 
countries  are  nearly  as  good,  if  not  equal  or  superior, 
to  British  lights.  The  countries  named  are  given  in 
the  abstract. 

I. 


Foreign   places   with  which  the  witnesses  arc 
acquainted.     Questions  1,  2,  33,  34,  35. 


Penmark 
Norway 

Baltic  anclGulf 
of  Finlaud. 

Xorth  Sea 

White  Sea 

Gulf  of  Both- 
nia. 


Archipelaf^o    - 
Black  Sea 
Prussia    - 
Africa 

West  Indies 
and  West 
India  Islands. 

South  America 

North  America 

China 

East  Indies     - 

Persian  Gulf  - 
Australia    and 
New  Zealand 
Jersey      - 


Some  of  the  Places  embraced  under  the 
Principal  Head. 


North-west  Coast—Bayonue,Eourdeaux,Erest, 

Rouen,  Calais,  &c. 
River  Elbe,  Viborp,  &c.    - 
Christiana,  Bergin,  Ac.        -  -  -       - 

Gottenburg,  Holnistad,  Stockholm,  &c. 
Rugen,  Gothland,  Revel,  Abo,  St.  Petersburg 


Archangel,  &c. 

Finland,  North-west  coast,  &c. 


North  Coast,  Bilboa,  Cajio  Fiuisterre,  Cadiz, 

&c. 
Viffo,  Lisbon,  and  St.  Tjncent     -  -  . 

Giljraltar,  Valencia,  Gulf  of  Lyons,  Marseilles, 

Malta,  Italian  Coast,  Scilly,  &c. 
SmjTna,  &c.  -  -  -  .        . 

Constantinople,  Danube,  Odessa,  Crimea,  &c. 
Dantzic,  Konigsberg,  See.  -  ,  - 

Egypt,  Arabian   Gulf,  Mozambique,  Cape  of 

Good  Hope,  Coast  of  Guinea,  &c. 
Cuba,  Domingo,  Jamaica,  Jcc.     - 


Amazon,  Brazilian  Coast,  Chili,  &c. 
St.  Francisco,  Gulfof  Mexico,  St.  Lawrence,  &c. 
China  Seas  .  -  ,  .  _ 

Hindostaii,   Bombay,    Malabar,    Coromadel, 
Calcutta,  Ceylon,  &c.  &c. 


Number 
to  whom 
known. 


So  far  then  the  evidence  is  matter  of  opinion  ;  and 
the  opinion  of  mariners  is  very  strongly  ic  favour  of 
British  lights. 

The  6th  question  was  framed  for  the  purpose  of 


114 


APPENDIX  TO  REPORT  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS  : 


Marintrt' 
vidence. 


obtaining  from  eye-witnesses  all  possible  information 
as  to  defects  in  the  practical  -svorking  of  the  system 
in  force  for  maintaining  lights. 

It  must  be  borne  iu  min<l  that  the  men  who  speak 
are  those  who  use  the  lights,  and  are  anxiously 
watching  them  at  all  times  and  seasons  ;  men  who 
have  the  very  best  opportunity  of  discovering  faults, 
and  the  strongest  interest  in  pointing  them  out. 

Of  655,  149  have  noticed  irregularities  either  in 
lighthouses  or  lightships,  or  in  both.  But  on  looking 
closel}'  to  this  evidence,  it  comes  out  that  in  many 
instances  the  same  mishap  has  been  noticed  by  a 
great  number  of  persons,  and  that  the  accident  has 
occurred  at  some  period  long  past,  but  still  fresh  iu 
the  memory   of  old  sailors  ;  that  a  large  proportiou 

The  following  table  is   abstracted   i'rom  the  evidence  given    by    mariners   in    reply    to    Question  7,  which 
comprises  three  :  viz. — 

7  a.  What  British  light  have  you  usually  seen  furtliest  off? 
7  b.  What  foreign  light  have  you  usually  seen  furthest  oif  ? 
7  c.  Which  of  the  two  has  been  usually  seen  at  the  greatest  distance  ? 


of  the  accidents  are  the  breaking  adrift  of  lightships, 
and  that  these  are  recorded  by  the  Authorities,  and 
remembered  as  remarkable  events  by  the  crews  of 
the  vessels. 

477  of  the  witnesses  have  never,  in  all  their  long 
experience,  noticed  any  irregularities  at  all  ;  and  the 
accidents  recorded  by  the  rest  are,  generallv  speakiuc. 
such  as  are  almost  inseparable  from  the  service. 
This  testimony  then  is  highly  honourable  to  the 
Authorities  who  have  charge  of  the  lights. 

So  is  the  evidence  obtained  in  reply  to  the  7th 
question. 

Its  bearing  can  be  seen  by  reference  to  the  two 
tables  which  follow. 


1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7.      8. 

9.       10- 

Name  of  Light. 

Nature. 

Height 

Miles, 
visible. 

Miles 
seen. 

Noticed 
by. 

Comparison. 

Majority. 

EXGLAXD. 

^ 

o 

* 

o 

1 

Tynemouth 

* 

C.  rev. 

154 

17 

18 

11 

2 

2 

Flamborough  Head 

* 

C.  rev. 

214 

19 

32 

86 

14 

7 

7 

- 

3 

Cromer 

•* 

C.  rev. 

274 

22 

32 

29 

3 

2 

1 

- 

4 

North  Foreland 

* 

C.  fixed     - 

184 

18 

40? 

7 

2 

1 

1 

_ 

6 

South  Foreland 

* 

D.  1st,  fixed 

372 

25 

40 

41 

13 

2 

11 

_ 

6 

Dengeness 

* 

C.  fixed       - 

92 

14 

— 

2 

3 

~ 

3 

7 

Beachv  Head 

* 

C.  rer. 

285 

22 

32 

51 

10 

8 

2 

8 

St.  Catherine's,  I.W. 

0 

D.  1st,  fixed 

178 

18 

— 

5 

- 

3 

- 

3 

9 

Portland 

0 

C.  fixed 

222 

19 

— 

2 

_ 

3 

- 

3 

10 

The  Start 

0 

D.  1st,  flash 

204 

19 

18 

47 

7 

10 

- 

3 

U 

The  Lizard 

o 

C.  fixed 

232 

20 

30 

76 

11 

12 

_ 

1 

12 

St.  Agnes,  Scilly 

* 

C.  rev. 

138 

16 

— 

3 

2 

- 

2 

- 

13 

Lundy  Island 

* 

D.  lst,rev.  C.  fl.  (2  lights) 

540 

30 

45 

55 

15 

4 

11 

_ 

14 

South'  Stack,  Holyhead 

* 

C.  rev. 

201 

19 

— 

39 

7 

5 

2 

- 

15 

Skerries 

© 

D.  1st,  fixed 

117 

15 

— 

2 

_ 

1 

- 

1 

16 

Calf  of  Man 

SCOTLANT). 

rir 

C.  rev.  (2  lights) 

282 

24 

42 

21 

' 

" 

2 

" 

17 

Mull  of  Galloway 

* 

C.  rev.  int. 

325 

23 

— 

6 

3 

_ 

3 

_ 

18 

Barra  Head 

0 

C.  int.  rev. 

680 

33 

— . 

8 

_ 

2 

- 

2 

19 

Buchan-ness 

* 

C.  flash 

130 

16 

— 

2 

1 

_ 

1 

_ 

20 

Bell  Bock      - 

IRELAND. 

o 

C.  rev. 

93 

15 

~ 

6 

2 

1 

" 

1 

21 

Tuscar          ... 



C.  1st,  int. 

101 

15 

36 

29 

2 

2 

- 

_ 

22 

Ballvcotton 

0 

D.  Ist,  flash 

195 

18 

— 

9 

_ 

3 

- 

3 

23 

Old  Head,  Kinsale 

* 

D.  1st,  fixed 

236 

21 

— 

9 

4 

_ 

4 

24 

Fastnet,  Cape  Clear  - 

* 

D.  1st,  rev. 

148 

IS 

30 

30 

9 

5 

4 

_ 

25 

Black  Kock 

0 

D. new         _          -          . 

~ 

1 

- 

1 

- 

1 

579 

112 

77 

40* 

witnesses. 

184 



Comparieons 

The  1st  column  contains  the  reply  to  Question 
7  a. 

The  2nd,  3rd,  and  4th  are  taken  from  the  Admiralty 
List  of  Lights. 

The  5th  gives  the  greatest  distance  at  which  the 
light  named  has  been  seen  by  any  one  of  the  wit- 
nesses wlio  has  stated  that  fiict. 

The  6tli  shows  the  total  number  of  witnesses  who 
named  each  light  in  reply  to  7  a. 

The  7th  shows  the  number  of  comparisons  favour- 
able to  the  British  light  named. 

The  8  th  the  number  favourable  to  the  foreign  lights 
named. 

The  9th  and  lOtb  give  the  majorities  for  or  against 
each  light,  and  the  totals  show  the  results  of  the  com- 
parison ;  ^  means  British  light,  Q  foreign,  and  the 
majority  is  40*. 

Similar  tables   arc  given  under  the  names   of  the 

light,  together  with  the  remarks  of  the  Commission. 

The  lights  follow  each  other  in  the  above  table,  in 

the  order    of    their  geographical    position,  sunwise, 

that  is,  north,  east,  south,  west. 

579  witnesses  have   mentioned  the  25  lighthouses 


named  in  the  above  table  as  the  British  lights  which 
they  have  usuallj'  seen  furthest  oif. 

These  have  made  184  direct  comparisons  with  the 
foreign  lights  which  they  have  usuallv  seen  furthest 

otr. 

And,  in  reply  to  the  question  which  of  the  two  has 
been  usually  seen  at  the  greatest  distance — 
111  are  in  favour  of  British  lights  ^ 
72         „             „         Foreign  lights  Q 
Giving    a   majority   in    favour   of  British    lights 
of  40^:-.  

The  following  table  shows  the  result  of  the  com- 
parison as  it  atlects  the  preference  shown  for  the 
foreign  lights  named. 

*  Means  favourable  to  British  lights. 
O         J,  „        lights  elsewhere. 

The  European  lights  are  arranged  iu  their  geo- 
graphical order,  beginning  from  the  north  and  fol- 
lowing the  coast.  The  result  is  the  same  as  the 
former  table  ;  but  this  shows  which  of  the  foreign 
lights  are  preferred.  These  are  nearly  all  dioptric, 
most  of  them  are  French,  and  the  rest  are  generally 
in  southern  latitudes,  where  the  atmosphere  is  clear. 


ABSTRACTS   AND   SUMMARY   OF    EVIDENCE.  115 

COMPAKISON  of  Fifty  Lights  in  Europe  and  elsewhere  with  Twenty-five  British  Lights. 


Name. 

Nature. 

Height. 

Miles 
visible. 

Seen. 

Noticed 
by 

Compa- 
rison. 

Majority. 

' 

* 

O 

* 

o 

1 

Dagerort               -               -              - 

?  fixed 

328 

21 

35 

15 

5 

5 

- 

2 

Naze  of  Norway 

X>.  1st,  flash 

164 

24 

— 

7 

2 

- 

2 

- 

3 

Hantsholm 

?  rev. 

218 

18 

. — 

1 

1 

- 

1 

- 

4 

Helgoland              -               -                - 

?  fixed 

221 

20 

20 

5 

.3 

- 

3 

- 

5 

Schowen             -              - 

D.  1st,  rev. 

171 

20 

23 

11 

1 

_ 

1 

- 

6 

Duukerque 

D.  1st,  rev. 

194 

24 

40 

2 

1 

- 

1 

- 

7 

Calais             .            .         -             - 

D.  1st,  flash 

190 

20 

— 

2 

1 

- 

1 

- 

8 

Grisnez 

D.  1st,  flash 

194 

22 

35 

108 

30 

18 

12 

- 

9 

Ailly 

D.  1st,  rev. 

305 

27 

— 

1 

2 

_ 

2 

- 

10 

Fecamp         -             -           -            - 

D.  1st,  fixed 

426 

18 

— 

2 

2 

_ 

2 

- 

11 

LeHeve        -              -             -         - 

D.  1st,  fixed 

397 

20 

— 

7 

2 

4 

_ 

2 

12 

Barfleur      ...             - 

D.  1st,  rev. 

236 

22 

— . 

12 

_ 

5 

_ 

5 

13 

La  Hagne                .             .             , 

D.  1st,  fixed 

157 

18 

. — 

3 

_ 

3 

_ 

3 

14 

Isle  de  Bas 

D.  1st,  rev. 

223 

24 

27 

2 

1 

- 

1 

- 

15 

Ushant        .             -             .             - 

D.  1st,  fixed 

272 

18 

— 

7 

n 

_ 

3 

- 

16 

Belle  ne 

D.  1st,  rev. 

276 

27 

— 

1 

1 

- 

1 

_ 

17 

Cordouan 

D.  1st,  rev. 

207 

27 

30 

5 

- 

1 

_ 

1 

18      Knisterre 

D,  1st,  rev. 

474 

20 

— 

1 

3 

_ 

3 

- 

19 

Bayonne             -               - 

T>.  2d,  rev. 

603 

20 

30 

3 

- 

2 

_ 

2 

20 

Bertingas 

C.  1st,  rev. 

365 

25 

— 

2 

5 

_ 

5 

- 

21 

Roca  (Lisbon^ 

C.  2d,  rev. 

598 

21 

— 

4 

5 

_ 

5 

- 

22 

Cape  St.  Vincent 

C.  1st,  rev. 

221 

30 

— 

13 

10 

3 

7 

- 

23 

Tarifia 

D.  1st,  fixed 

132 

20 

— 

1 

1 

_ 

1 

- 

24 

Gibraltar             -               - 

D.  1st,  fixed 

150 

15 

— 

1 

2 

_ 

2 

- 

25 

Ceiita 

D.  1st,  fixed 

483 

23 

28 

8 

- 

1 

_ 

26 

Camarat           -                 -                 - 

D.  1st,  rev. 

426 

27 



1 

_ 

1 

_ 

27 

PerqueroJes             .             -            - 

rv.  1st,  flash 

262 

20 

— 

1 

- 

1 

_ 

28 

Genoa 

?  rev. 

370 

24 

— 

8 

1 

5 

_ 

29 

Leghorn                 -                -           - 

?  rev. 

154 

19 

— 

1 

_ 

1 

_ 

30 

Peloaus  (Faro) 

D.  4th,  flash 

72 

13 

— 

1 

5 

- 

5 

- 

31 

Gozo 

?  rev. 

400 

24 

35 

8 

1 

1 

_ 

. 

32 

Alexandria 

NORTH  AMERICA. 

?  fixed 

180 

20 

3 

2 

~ 

2 

~ 

33 

St.  Paul's,  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence      - 

Fixed         .... 

140 

20 





4 

_ 

4 

_ 

34 

Mora  Havana,  W.I.I. 

C.  1st,  fixed  and  flash    - 

146 

1? 



— 

_ 

2 

3 

35 

Havanna           _                  -                  - 



— 





4 

_ 

4 

^ 

36 

Cape  Ottawa,  U.S. 

D.  5th,  fixed  and  flash   - 

54 

12 





1 

_ 

1 

_ 

37 

Highlands  of  Navesink,  U.S. 

D.  1st,  2nd,  North,  fixed 

248 

20 





4 

4 

_ 

„          South,  rev. 



22 





_ 

2 

_ 

2 

38 

Sand  Island,  Alabama 

D.  1st,  fixed 

152 

19 





2 

_ 

2 

39 

New  .Jersey             -                 -         - 



4C» 

Sandy  Hook,  U.S. 

D.  3d,  5th,  6th,  fixed      - 

90 

15 



— 

1 

_ 

1 

_ 

41 

Highland,  C.  Cod 

SOUTH  AMERICA. 

D.  1st,  fixed 

195 

20 

~ 

1 

1 

42 

Monte  Video 

Fixed  and  flash 

486 

25 

__ 



_ 

1 

_ 

1 

43 

Valparaiso             ... 

D.  'Jth,  fixed  and  flash   - 

197 

20 

— 

— 

2 

- 

2 

- 

44 

Koll 

. 

_ 

_ 

_ 

5 

_ 

5 

45 

False  Point,  Bengal,  E.I. 

Fixed 

123 

18 





1 

_ 

1 

_ 

46 

CapeFria,  Brazil 

Rev. 

1000 

20 



— 

_ 

2 

_ 

2 

47 

Pedra  Banca,  or  Horsburgh,  E.I.     - 

Rev. 

95 

15 





_ 

3 

_ 

3 

48 

Fire  Island,  U.S. 

D.  1st,  rev. 

89 

15 





1 

_ 

1 

49 

Bombay  Coloba  Point,  E.I. 

Rev. 

132 

17 





1 

- 

1 

_ 

50  1  Neuvet,Cuba       -             - 

C.  let,  rev. 

176 

15 

— 

— 

- 

1 

1 

116 

67 

The  opinions  given  are  supported  by  the  facts 
stated,  and  confirmed  by  this  comparison,  and  the 
evidence  can  only  lead  to  the  conclusion  that  the 
coasts  of  the  United  Kingdom  are  better  lighted 
than  those  of  any  foreign  country  frequented  by 
British  ships,  or  by  the  foreign  traders  who  have 
been  kind  enough  to  give  their  evidence. 

But  while  the  evidence  is  so  far  favourable,  the 
replies  to  the  8th  question  show  th.at  of  645  witnesses 
nearlv  one  half  have  felt  a  want  of  lights  on  some 
part  of  the  coasts  of  this  kingdom,  and  their  evidence 
is  of  great  value  as  showing  the  points  to  which  the  go- 
verning authorities  should  now  direct  their  attention. 

So  in  reply  to  the  9th  question  the  testimony  is  not 
so  favourable  to  the  brilliancy  of  floating  lights,  and 
it  is  evident  that  great  improvements  may  be  effected 
in  them.  The  reflectors  are  known  to  be  smaller  and 
less  well  kept  than  those  on  shore.  The  lights  are 
nearly  all  catoptric  ;  nevertheless  488  out  of  658 
witnesses  think  them  sufficiently  brilliant  or  distinct 
in  character  to  prevent   them   from  being  mistaken 


for  ships'  lights  or  shore  lights,  and  there  seems  to  be 
little  ground  for  complaint. 

In  reply  to  question  10  :  352  out  of  639  state  that 
they  are  satisfied  with  the  fog  signals  :  and  in  reply  to 
question  1 1 ,  327  out  of  604  say  that  they  think  these 
signals  are  used  with  sufficient  frequency  ;  but  there 
is  a  large  proportion  who  are  not  satisfied,  and  who 
suggest  alterations  and  improvements,  and  here  again 
the  testimony  is  valuable,  as  showing  where  defects 
exist. 

Lights  on  shore  are  good,  but  something  more  is 
wanted.  Floating  lights  are  good,  but  they  might 
be  better.  But  fog  signals  have  in  many  instances  not 
been  remarked  on.  The  witnesses  are  generally  satisfied, 
probably  because  they  do  not  care  much  about  the 
matter;  but  many  of  them  have  never  heard  a  fog  signal 
at  all.  And  it  is  manifest  that  a  gong  or  a  bell  cannot 
be  heard  at  any^great  distance,  except  under  favourable 
circumstances. 

Only  50  out  of  588  have  felt  inconvenience  from 
a  want  of  tide  signals.     They  do   not   seem  to  be 


P  2 


116 


APPENDIX  TO   REPORT   ON  LIGHTS,   BUOYS,  AND   BEACONS: 


Siimman/, 


Mariners^ 
evidence. 


required  in  connection  with  great    lights  ;    but   they 
would  be  useful,  and  should  be  uniform  in  harbours. 

The  evidence  is  highly  favourable  to  the  buoyage, 
absolutely  and  as  compared  with  foreign  buoyage. 
Only  1.)  out  of  668  express  a  positive  opinion  that 
the  coasts  of  the  United  Kingdom  are  not  well  supplied 
with  buoys  and  beacons,  and  only  8  out  of  488  express 
a  positive  opinion  that  foreign  countries  are  better 
supplied. 

But  in  reply  to  question  1.5,  174  out  of  847  state 
that  they  have  felt  a  want  of  buoys  or  beacons,  and 
point  out  where.  The  buoyage  is  good,  but  incomplete, 
and  it  might  be  extended  and  improved. 

In  reply  to  question  16:  472  out  of  647  deny  that 
they  tind  an}'  difliculty  in  navigating,  but  79  suggest 
alterations  or  wish  for  a  general  system  of  buoj'age. 

The  witnesses  appear  to  feel  confidence  in  their 
own  power  of  getting  over  difficulties,  but  to  be 
aware  of  the  defects  in  the  system,  and  the  wants 
which  exist. 

In  reply  to  question  17:  the  men  who  use  the  buoys 
and  beacons  state  clearly  and  distinctly  the  shape  and 
colour  which  they  can  see  best  at  night.  Conical, 
that  is  an  angular  shape,  is  best  discerned  ;  probably 
because  the  lines  cross  the  horizon,  and  contrast  with 
the  curved  form  of  waves. 

Black  and  dark  colours  are  best  seen  on  the  water, 
because  the  water  reflects  all  the  light  that  is  going, 
and  the  dark  colour  appears  as  a  dark  spot  on  a  light 
ground.  Red  is  next  to  lilack,  probably  because  that 
colour  is  the  greatest  contrast  to  the  blue  or  green  tinge 
of  the  light  most  commonly  reflected  from  the  sky 
by  the  sea.  White  is  the  worst,  obviously  because 
the  sea  is  a  light  background. 

The  next  question  IS,  relates  to  the  payment  of  dues, 
and  is  answered  by  513,  of  whom  14  only  had  occasion 
to  claim  a  retiu-n  of  sums  erroneously  charged,  but  the 
witnesses  are  not  generally  of  the  class  who  pay  dues. 

The  series  of  questions  which  follow  arc  marked 
"  Special  QnESTioxs,''  and  were  intended  rather 
for  those  who  might  have  given  special  attention  to 
particular  subjects  than  for  the  great  body  of  mariners. 
The  answers  to  these  are  much  less  numerous  than 
the  replies  to  questions  on  matters  of  fact  and  opinion, 
and  of  daily  experience. 

In  reply  to  Question  19,  82  out  of  3  43  make  sug- 
gestions as  to  alteration  in  system  of  lighting  ;  and 
on  referring  to  the  answers,  it  will  bo  found  that  they 
apply  rather  to  particular  eases  than  to  any  general 
system. 

Question  20  is  on  a  matter  of  o'oservatiou,  and 
elicits  more  cvidcncj.  It  gives  200  feet  as  the  best 
height  for  a  light  ou  these  coasts,  on  an  average 
of  the  opinions  of  203  witnesses. 

Question  21  asks  tor  suggestions  An'  the  improve- 
ment of  lights,  buoys,  or  beacons  :  171  witnesses 
have  suggestions  to  oft'cr,  but  many  of  these  relate  to 
local  changes. 

Question  22  asks  for  suggestions  as  to  removal  or 
change,  and  109  suggestions  are  made. 

Question  23  points  to  the  placing  of  new  lights, 
buoys,  or  beacons;  and  331  suggest  the  placing  of  new 
lights. 

The  result,  then,  of  these  three  questions  is,  that 
more  witnesses  desire  the  placing  of  new  lights,  &c., 
than  the  removal  or  alterations  of  those  which  exist. 
This  will  afl'ord  useful  data  for  the  Authorities. 

Question  24  asks  for  opinions  as  to  existing  coloured 
lights,  and  elicits  the  fact,  that  only  15  are  not  satis- 
fied with  them,  but  84  others  mention  defects.  There 
are  509  answers;  so  this  testimony  is  strcmgly  in 
favour  of  the  coloured  lights  which  are  used. 

Question  25  is  of  some  importance  as  giving  a 
measure  of  the  value  of  various  colours.  Thus,  bltic 
has  only  5  advocates  ;  whereas  red,  singly  or  in  con- 
junction with  wliito  or  green,  is  ])referred  by  257. 
(ireen,  singly  or  with  red,  is  preferred  by  24.  White 
is  menti(med  by  29,  who  seem  to  have  misunderstood 
the  question.  Competent  witnesses,  then,  speaking 
from  their  own  experience,  prefer  red  to  green,  and 
green  to  blue.  The  number  of  witnesses  is  large,  303; 
and  the  majority  for  red  alone  gioat,  215  out  of  303. 
Quciition  26   elicits  90   valuable   suggestions   for 


colouring  lighthouses  and  lightships.  They  can 
easily  be  referred  to.  Vol.  II..  561,  and  are  well  worth 
attention  as  practical  suggestions. 

Question  27  produces  a  large  majority  in  favour  of 
gongs  and  guns  for  fog  signals. 

Question  28  shows  that  148  are  in  favour  of  some 
uniform  system  of  buoyage.  The  suggestions  made 
are  various  ;  86  are  in  favour  of  the  existing  state  of 
things,  but  on  examination  it  appears  that  of  these 
30  are  pilots,  who  may  be  prejudiced  in  favour  of  an 
arrangement  which  only  pilots  can  understand,  and 
which  renders  their  services  more  essential. 

Question  29  elicits  62  suggestions  as  to  tide  signals, 
which  should  be  considered  when  a  regular  system  is 
introduced  into  that  branch  of  the  .service. 

Question  30  seems  to  show  that  these  witnesses  do 
not  generally  make  representations  as  to  lights  ;  and 
Questions  31  and  32  show  that,  as  one  of  the  wit- 
nesses remarks,  "  they  don't  know  the  ropes,"  Catop- 
tric and  Dioptric,  though  they  are  peculiarly  well 
qualified  to  express  an  opinion  on  the  light  shown  for 
their  special  benefit. 

The  whole  evidence  is  highlj^  creditable  to  the 
general  intelligence  and  practical  common  sense  of 
nearl}'  SOO  witnesses,  who  have  replied  to  this  Cir- 
cular of  which  3000  copies  were  issued  ;  and  that  evi- 
dence is  well  worthy  of  attentive  consideration. 

The  following  tables  have  been  prepared  by  Captain 
Ryder.  In  the  first  the  number  of  times  that  a  light 
is  mentioned  as  seen  at  great  distances  (column  6, 
page  114),  is  taken  as  a  test  of  the  efficiency  of  diflerent 
descriptions  of  apparatus,  dioptric,  catoptric,  &c. 

The  test  is  liable  to  this  disadvantage, — one  light 
may  be  so  placed  as  to  attract  the  notice  of  more  wit- 
nesses than  another  ;  for  example,  Flamborough  Head 
is  in  the  track  of  colliers,  and  is  mentioned  as  a  good 
light  86  times,  while  Barra  Head,  which  is  of  the 
same  description,  is  in  a  more  remote  situation,  and  is 
only  mentioned  8  times,  Lundy  55  times,  and  Girdle 
Ness,  which  is  a  dioptric  light,  and  was  pronounced 
by  the  Astronomer  Royal  to  be  well  set  and  with  a 
good  flame,  is  not  mentioned  at  all. 

Lundy  on  the  direct  comparison  with  foreign  lights 
(columns  7  and  8,  page  114),  has  a  majority  of  11  ; 
Flamborough  has  only  a  majority  of  7  ;  but  in  num- 
ber of  observations  Flamborough  stands  before  Lundy, 
though  Lundy  has  been  seen  at  45  miles  (the  greatest 
distance  named),  and  Flamborough  only  at  32. 

If  the  greatest  distance  at  which  a  light  has  been 
seen  is  taken  as  the  test,  Flamborough  should  stand 
fifth  instead  of  first. 

If  the  largest  majority  on  direct  comparisons  with 
foreign  lights  be  the  test,  it  stands  fourth. 

In  the  second  table,  page  118,  i\u:  lights  are 
arranged  according  to  the  order  of  merit  indicated  by 
the  number  of  witnesses  who  state  that  they  have 
seen  them  at  great  distances,  and  the  number  of 
comparisons  with  foreign  lights  is  shown.  B  means 
better,  W  worse  ;  thus,  Flamborough  is  thought  by 
2  observers  to  be  better  than  Grisnez,  by  3  worse, 
leaving  a  majority  of  1  in  favour  of  Grisnez  as  com- 
pared with  Flamborough.  The  whole  of  the  compari- 
sons are  added  at  the  ends  of  the  vertical  and  horizontal 
columns,  and  give  the  same  result  as  was  arrived  at 
in  the  two  former  tables.  Take  for  instance  Grisnez 
compared  with  the  British  lights,  the  total  is  B  30, 
W  18,  that  is,  30  observers  name  British  lights  they 
have  seen  further  than  Grisnez,  although  they  have 
seen  Grisnez  further  than  any  other  foreign  light  ; 
and  18  observers,  having  the  sameoiiinion  of  Grisnez 
in  comparison  with  other  foreign  lights,  have  also 
seen  it  further  otf  tlian  any  British  lights,  giving  a 
majority  of  12  in  favour  of  British  lights  generally 
compared  with  Grisnez  ;  but  if  the  number  who  men- 
tion a  light  be  the  test,  then  Grisnez  has  108,  and  no 
other  light  comes  near  it. 

Ailly,  which  the  French  authorities  consider  one  of 
their  best  lights,  which  was  examined  by  the  Com- 
mission and  the  Astronomer  Royal,  and  found  to  be 
an  excellent  light,  is  only  mentioned  by  one  witness, 
and  he  considers  that  it  is  surpassed  by  Flamborou'jh 
and  Beachy  Head,  in  which  opinion  he  is  unsupported. 


MAKINERS   EVIDENCE. 


117 


o  :2 


kH     S 


2    o 


S  O 

c:  O 


■g  fcb 

1         1         1         1          1                  1         1         1         1         1         1         1         1         I         1         [         1         1          I         ! 

Oh -2 

1         1         1         1          1                  1         1         1         1         1         1         1         1         1         1         1         1         1         1         j 

1              [           •' 

1  s 

K* 

O^PJ 

1 

1 

'S-a 

1         1         1         1         1                  I         1         1         1         1         1         1       "^        1         1         1         1       '^        1         1 

1             1              1 

■*  ^ 

§-s 

1                  1                  1                  1                 I                                    1                  1                  t                  1                  1                  1                 .                                     1                  1                  1                  1                                     II 

1             1              1 

~> 

■2 

g« 

rt 

. 

~ 

o 

t)     fl 

• 

^ 

-^ 

g 

If 

1         1         1         1         1                  1         1       S        1         1         1         1         1         1         1         1         1         1         1         1 

1      1      1 

?!>■■ 

".1 

=J 

^ 

to 

g. 

.2  tb 

►3 

P4 

!     < 

^  a 

0-2 

1     1     I     1    ^*-  .g    i     1     1     1     1     1    "    1     1     1     1     1     1     1     1 

1      I      1 

St^ 

to 

bI 

g 

^■^ 

"fl 

S 

S 

a 

0  to 

hH 

1    1   S    1    1         1   §    1    1    1    M    1    1    1    1    1    1    1    1 

!    1 

Sd 

O 

si 

'"' 

3 

ll 

u 

C.'S 
0    'A 

1   .'^    1    1    1         1    1    1    1    1    1    1    1    1   '-    1    1    1    1    '^  - 

'  ^    1 

iri 

n  '-O 

0 

.H  to 

b.  .5 

SIlsl       5-IlSsz:i|«i"=»l''l 

—  > 

0 

1        1 

S  "^ 

"S  > 

"  s 

fi 

**-     .2 

SS^SS^iSSSSs::''"'*'"'^'^'""'^'' 

Oi      CT 

« 

>5     & 

0 

1^      S 

.£3 

o 

•a 

• 

=  §.-3 

2ggS!2S222?iS;-2;;i?2g222:2;S 

2   2 

K  go  -3 

(^    S   —  T 

, 

o      1       . 

• 

^     ^      u 

r-     0 

S     a     B 

—     «-fooot,     o^o>-iomoooQO<Nmr.SSS 

to    „     a 

lM!MOs^<^^r:lN^-.c^c^)    —    ^Mo-.n           ^„"JJ 

■5    -=     ^ 

"    1 

^     to 

I-- 

1 

1 

to 

to 

■ 

1  1 

ic  revolving 
ic  fixed 
c  revolving 
ic  revolving 
c  flashing 
0  fixed 
ic  revolving 
c  revolving 
ic  intermitter 
ic  revolving 
ic  revolving 
ic  revolving 
c  flashing 
c  fixed 
ic  inter,  revo 
ic  fixed 
ic  revolving 
ic  revolving 
;  fixed 
ic  revolving 
;c  fixed 
c  fixed 

to 

' 

p 

0      u 

' 

5                1 

z    *^    '^    i^    'i^    'tX    ^    'T^    z^    c.    i^    zi    'IZ    't,     ^    i2    i:     t-    .X     ^     t-     u 

"E    '£ 

^ 

|-|-|,|-|,|,|'|.|<|'g-§<|,|,|-|-|-|-|.|.|,g. 

doQdSaoSiSoooQQdoodftcSoo 

0    tj 

, 

a 

'     ' '     ' 

•      ■ 

1 

■5     (tj 

1        ,                 '                         1                :                                                  til 

•2      ° 

,             c- 

i    s 

, 

0        *- 

-^    «s 

1                 1            '                 '            1           ,      1                 1           <                 ' 

, 

1 

-fj.          H 

^     '           >.                     ' 

1 

^              M 

'     1             T>         '          '                  "i        'S    ?    ■          ' 

<:4-. 

-                 -c      1      S                   1                                a            g     0            a                   ' 

0                            1 

To                    g            "3-^                             -"a'''              o^             " 

' 

s 

"A 

9          a       §2              a'il^'Sso.M'Sss 

w 

Flamboi 
Lizard 
Lundy 
Bcechy 
Start 
South  F 
South  S 
Fastnet 
Tuskar 
Cromer 
Calf  of 
1     Tynemo 
jjallycot 
Old  Ilea 
Earraht; 
North  F 
Mull  of 
Bell  Roc 
St.  Catn 
St.  Agn. 
Dungent 
Tortlai.d 

1  ^ 

p  o  -a  s  «  i 

S.;C         O         O'         >-      ig 


■s 

0 

- 

S 

'2 

.2 

X, 

^ 

1^ 

/^ 

3J 

■5 

S 

a 

a. 

o 

■5 

a 

« 

^ 

"S 

5 

n 

£ 

■0 

JS 

=:; 

¥ 

Tn 

« 

'' 

.c 

R 

" 

A 

i* 

Jr; 

=i 

^ 

^ 

^ 

0 

0 

i 

Z 

J! 

1- 

g 
cu 

?i 

t- 

2 

q; 

0 

-^  .a  .^  ^  o  b  a 
o-  .;^    ■  >^-^  to     -^ 

^  3  ?!  j-  ".^  s  S 


0)  ^  3  a  s  ^  " 


o  ^ 


?  .9  £  S  .s  %     " 


'bb'^  13  o  ^  to.E  ^ 
'^  >  a  "  ^  'S  .i  to 
,    f'  rt  rt  „  fc  o  :- 


H  3o;5  ^o       oj 

3  °.a  s  a,  J3  §  a 
^2_|To^r^| 

■  jD  c  „  «ri  .2  -g  S 


.2  ^^  .£  o  to  gi^  ■S 
ll  .£  -a  ^      ;3  g  3 

■^  ■"    to  o    p  rt    ^  *j 

s.S'S  IS  s  o- 


P  3 


118 

APPENDIX   TO 

REPORT 

ON 

UGHTS,    BUOYS 

AND   BEACONS : 



Table  constructed  by  Captain  Ryder  from 

i 

•z. 

Name. 

5 

1 

> 

1 

0 

I 

1 

1 

Genoa. 

Gozo. 

Naze  of  Norway. 

i^ 

1 
Description   -          -          "  !    I^- 

- 

C. 

D. 

D. 

D.       -        D.  j 

D. 

Order  or  No.  of  Burners     -  IstO. 

—    lstO.|lstO.|lstO.|lstO.'    —     lstO.|l5tO. 

z 

^"   C  Revolving 

- 

- 

1 

1 

1 

- 

M      ^i 

- 

o 

1  J    Filed   - 
5   L  Flashing 

1 

1 

— 

— 

— 

1 

-    1 

~ 

1 

ENGLISH  LIGHTS.                                  [ 

Height  above  Water          -  \ 

1 

L94  fl.'  328    1  221 

108    1     15    1    IS 

236 
12 

171 
11 

483 

8 

370 
8 

400 
8 

164 

~    1 

Name. 

'5 

Q 

■=        C 

1" 

haracter.    1  g 

No.  of 

i    r 

Observations    - 

■S 

be 

t 
1 

\ 

1 

A 

ij- 

d  > 

Designation  of  Lamp  1 

! 

l\ 

X 

Designation    H""" 
offamp.     |gP,fJ„^ 

FlamborougU 

c. 

21 

1 

- 

- 

Feet.            [ 
214      86    1 

Argaiid, 

parabolical    \ 
reflector,     j 

5-159 

(B2'  Bl    i  Bl 
IWS|W2   1-Wl    1    -    1 

1           i           I           1 

Bl 
W      ! 

- 

- 

B 

Wl       — 

Lizard 

c. 

19 

i 

1 

i 

229 

76 

Argrand,      , 
parabolical 

reflector.     \ 

5-710 

fBl! 

l'W4     — 

B2 

\ri  I 

- 

- 

B 

Wl 

B 

W3 

Bl 

AV         - 

Lundy 

D. 

1st  order 

1 

"~ 

i 

5M 

55 

Concentric   - 

wick  lamp, 

lenses,  and 

prisms. 

10-069 

fBs! 

- 

Bl 

- 

- 

- 

B 

■wi 

- 

Beachy  Head 

c. 

30           1     — 

—  1    285 

1 

51 

1 

Areand, 

parabolical 
reflector. 

4-362 

(•B5 
IW3 

B 
Wl 

- 

B 
Wl 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Start 

P. 

1st  order' 

1 

"1 

1 

20* 

47 

Concentric 
wick  lamp, 
lenses,  and 

mirrors. 

8-795 

(BS 

- 

B 
Wl 

B 
W2 

- 

- 

B 
Wl 

- 

- 

South  Forelaiul 

D. 

1st  order 

" 

1 

~ 

372 

41 

3  concentric 

wick  lamp, 

refractors  and 

reflectors. 

8-866 

fBU 
1-0  2 

- 

Bl 
W 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

South  Stack 

C. 

21 

- 

201 

39 

Arpand, 
parabolical 

4-9-21 

rB 
Iwi 

- 

- 

B 
Wl 

- 

- 

- 

_ 

Fastnet 

D. 

1st  order 

- 

- 

148 

30 

1  concentric 
wick  lamp, 

10-579 

{- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Tuskar 

C. 

1st  order 

1 

- 

- 

101 

29 

Burners, 
parabolical 
reflectors. 

5-S87 

{- 

- 

Bl 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Cromer 

C. 

30 

- 

- 

274 

29 

Argand.          4*524 
parabolical 
reflectors. 

/B 
iW2 

Bl 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Bl 

Calf  of  Man   - 

c. 

1st  order 

- 

- 

375 

21 

— 

4-4S7 

{V 

_ 

_ 

_ 

_ 

_ 

_ 

_ 

_ 

Tynemouth 

C. 

18 

— 

— 

154 

11 

Ajyand, 

parabolical 
reflectors. 

3-%7 

{- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

^v' 

BaUycottin 

D. 

1st  order 

- 

- 

1 

196 

9 

1  concentric 

wick  lamp, 

vertical 

rcflCTttors. 

12-372 

{- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Old  Head,  Kinsale    - 

D. 

1st  order 

- 

1 

~ 

236 

9 

1    7-793 

{- 

]B1 

_ 

_ 

_ 

_ 

_ 

_ 

Barrahead    - 

C. 

1st  order 

1 

- 

1 

080 

8 



5-558 

{- 

x>-i,   -   j   - 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

North  Foreland 

C. 

1st  order 

- 

1 

- 

203 

7 

Argand, 
parabolical 
reflectors. 

6-230  |{Bl 

Bl 

1 
i    - 

- 

!  - 

- 

-    j    - 

- 

Mull  of  Galloway     - 

C. 

1st  order 

1 

- 

1- 

325 

\      6 

— 

6-833     [_ 

_ 

Bl 

— 

i  " 

~ 

-    1    - 

~ 

BellEock    - 

0. 

1st  order 

1 

- 

- 

90 

1      f. 

6-769  .  |_ 

Wl 

_ 

_ 

_ 

_ 

_    1    - 

^ 

St.  Catherine's 

D. 

let  order 

" 

1 

" 

17S 

J      ' 

3  concentric    10"  162 
wick  lamp, 
refractors  and 
reflectors.     | 

{- 

- 

- 

Wl 

- 

— 

— 

I    _ 

- 

St.  ARnes,  Scilly 

C.    1        30 

1 

^1- 

I 

- 

138 

3 

Argand, 
parabolical 
reflectors. 

4-451 

{V 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

' 

Dungencs8    - 

C. 

18 

—      1 

i-l      98 

2 

Argand, 
parabolical 
i    reflectors. 

6-790    [^1 

Bl 
W 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Portland     - 

c. 

17 

—      1 

- 

,222        3 

1 

1      Argand, 
parabolical 
reflectors. 

6-502  l^_ 

- 

- 

B 
Wl 

|- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Skerries 

Buchanni'bS     - 

Totals    - 

D. 
C. 

1st  order 
1st  order 

1 

' 

U7        2 

130        2 

Concentric 
wick  lamp, 
refractors 
and  prisms. 

9-068     {_ 
5-233    {_ 

Bl 
W 

Bl 

C16 
D8 

— 

13 

— I — 1 :         ■    ■              1 

1  BSD 

8  !    :)  1    -     1  57-               -      !W  18 

B5 

BS 
W3 

B 

B 
VTl 

Bl 
W6 

Bl 
Wl 

B2 
W 

mariners'  evidence. 


119 


Answers  to  Circular  VIII.,  Question  7. 


« 


D. 
IstO.  1 


Argand 
para- 
bolical 
retleotors. 


D. 

1st  O.  1st  O.  1st  O. 


« 

t§ 

"5 

•3 

3 

s 

s 

V 

" 

n 

X 

'■5 

—  D. 

—  IstO. 


Wl 

B 

W3 


W 1     \V  1     W 


120 


APPENDIX  TO  EEPORT  OX  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  EEACONS : 


Circulars  IX.  and  X. 

It  has  been  thought  advisable  not  to  attempt  to 
abstract  the  Answers  to  these  two  Circulars.  The 
opinions  and  suggestions  of  the  gentlemen  who  have 
been  so  kind  as  to  furnish  replies  are  best  given  in 
their  own  words,  and  they  can  easily  be  referred  to. 
See  Circular  and  list  of  names,  Vol.  II.  at  the  be- 
uiuning,  and  at  page  o89. 


There  are  two  questions  in  Circular  III.  the  answers  to 
which  desen-e  some  more  particular  notice. 

Questions  43  and  44  relate  to  income  and  expenditure, 
and  when  they  were  first  jjrepared  the  Commission  had  no 
reason  for  supposing  that  to  answer  them  x\'ould  occasion  any 
serious  amount  of  trouble.  As  each  hght  has  an  income  de- 
rived from  dues  levied  on  passing;  ships,  and  an  expen- 
diture, it  seemed  to  be  a  simple  question  to  ask  what  that 
income  and  expenditure  was  in  certain  years  or  quarters. 

The  questions  were  accordingly  put,  and  the  answers 
have  been  gi'i'en,  but  to  prepare  these  replies  has  occa- 
sioned a  vast  amount  of  trouble.  To  have  answered  the 
questions  in  the  form  in  which  they  were  originally  put 
would  have  cost  much  more. 

It  ai)pears  that  in  England,  Ireland,  and  Scotland  dues 
are  collected  for  the  three  countries.  A  ship  which  is  liable 
to  pay  dues  in  respect  of  an  English  light  may  touch  at  an 
Irish  port,  and  pay  there,  and  so  the  tolls  are  not  separately 
collected. 

Formerly,  a  system  of  cross-counting  existed,  by  which 
the  dues  were  apportioned,  and  the  amounts  for  each  light 
kept  separately  ;  hut  this  system  was  abandoned  by  direc- 
tion, as  it  is  stated,  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  consequently 
the  following  process  had  to  be  gone  through  before  the 
income  of  any  light  could  be  ascertained.  The  whole 
income  of  the  Authority  making  the  return  had  to  be  broken 
up  into  sums  of  sixteenths  of  a  penny,  and  allotted  to  each 
lighthouse  passed  in  each  voyage  of  each  ship  that  had 
entered  a  port  in  the  country  during  the  period  ;  and  the 
Authorities  had  then  to  communicate  the  result  of  their 
calculations  to  each  other  before  they  could  make  up  the 
returns-  In  some  cases,  a  further  calculation  had  to  be 
made,  in  consequence  of  reductions  in  dues,  and  the  labour 
was  so  enormous  that  the  Commissioners  altered  their 
<)uestions,  when  they  were  informed  of  their  effect. 

They  thought,  however,  that  it  «-as  necessary  to  the  com- 
pleteness of  their  inquiri-,  to  have  some  information  on  this 
important  subject ;  they  retained  part  of  the  questions,  and 
returns  have  accordingly  been  obtained. 

The  Commissioners  were  not  directed  to  report  and  have 
not  reported  on  the  subject  of  dues,  but  it  formed  part  of 
their  duty,  under  the  head  of  economy,  to  ascertain  how  the 
accounts  were  kept,  and  ample  information  on  this  head  may 
now  he  gathered  from  the  returns. 

It  is  evident  that,  so  long  as  dues  are  levied  as  at  present, 
the  relation  between  the  jirobable  expense  of  erecting  and 
maintaining  a  new  light  on  the  one  liand  and  its  probable 
income  on  the  other,  will  continue  (whether  rightly  or 
wrongly  is  a  matter  of  opinion)  to  weigh  with  the  Light- 
house Authorities,  when  considering  a  demand  for  a  new 
light,  and  will  assist  or  retard  its  erection.  'Ilie  annual 
income  of  each  existing  lighthouse  has  been  ascertained  for 
the  Commissioners,  and  printed  in  the  rejdies  to  the  Special 
Returns,  Circular  III.,  and  will  prove  for  some  time  to 
come  of  great  value  to  the  authorities  when  considering 
what  toll  should  be  levied  in  respect  of  any  new  light- 
house or  floating  light.  Knowing  from  the  returns  now 
printed  what  a  given  toll  per  ton  produces  from  the 
same  trade  in  the  nearest  lighthouses,  it  will  be  easy  to 
name  a  toll  per  ton  which  shall  produce,  if  thought  advis- 
able, a  yearly  stmi  equal  in  amount  to  the  cost  of  main- 
tenance and  the  interest  on  the  first  outlay  or  within  certain 
limits  to  any  less  or  greater  sum. 


A  diagram  has,  therefore,  been  prejiared,  and  is  placed 
at  the  end  of  this  volume,  and  an  inspection  of  it  will  best 
show  what  is  the  proportion  betiveeu  the  income  and  ex- 
penditure of  various  lights. 

The  incomes  of  English  lighthouses  are  generally  very  large. 
The  Scotch  lighthouses  on  the  east  coast  have  large  incomes 
also,  but  the  highest  Scotch  income  is  far  below  that  of 
twelve  English  lights,  and  the  income  of  the  Smalls, 
'22.7s9l..  is  very  far  abo\e  the  highest  Scotch  income.  The 
Bell  Rock  is  5,134/.,  and  that  exceeds  the  highest  Irish 
income,  Wieklow  3,510/.  Every  lighthouse  in  England, 
more  than  pays  its  expenses,  but  a  large  proportion  of  the 
lights  in  Scotland  and  Ireland  do  not.  In  short,  it  is 
manifest  that  the  income  and  the  exjjenditure  of  different 
lighthouses  now  bear  no  sort  of  proportion  to  each  other, 
for  the  expenditure  is  about  the  same  in  lights  of  the  same 
size  in  the  whole  of  the  United  Kingdom.  From  this  it 
appears  that  the  principle  of  keeping  the  income  of  a  light 
proportionate  to  its  expenditure,  has  not  been  carried  out, 
and  that  the  distinction  between  England,  Scotland,  and 
Ireland  in  this  respect  is  not  of  much  importance. 

A  vessel  arriving,  say  at  Liverpool,  from  America,  must 
pass  English  and  Irish,  perhaps  Scotch  lights ;  she  may 
come  in  from  the  north  or  the  south  ;  she  may  be  driven 
out  of  her  course  ;  and  many  vessels  are  in  fact  wrecked  on 
the  western  islands  of  .Scotland,  and  on  the  west  of 
Ireland,  and  make  these  coasts  when  tliey  intend  to  make 
some  other.  There  are  few  lights  on  the  western  coasts, 
and  they  have  small  incomes  ;  but  it  does  not  seem  to  make 
much  difference  to  the  crew  and  owners  '  of  a  vessel,  if 
wrecked  for  want  of  lights,  whether  tlie  dark  coast  forms 
jiart  of  one  or  of  the  other  division  of  the  United  Kingdom. 
And  yet  it  is  frequently  argued  that  because  a  smaller 
amount  of  dues  is  levied  from  passing  ships  in  Scotland 
and  Ireland,  therefore  less  money  should  he  spent  in  erect- 
ing and  maintaining  hghts  on  the  dangerous  coasts  which 
are  least  visited. 

'I  hat  principle,  if  carried  to  its  legitimate  conclusion, 
would  leave  the  whole  west  of  Scotland  and  of  Ireland,  the 
most  dangerous  of  the  coasts  of  this  kingdom,  in  darkness. 
Questions  IS  and  1!)  of  Circular  VI.,  and  Questions 
7,  S,  II,  1-,  and  13  of  [Circular  VII.  also  relate  to 
dues.  From  the  first  two  it  apjjcars  that  so  far  as  the 
agents  for  Lloyd's  and  those  whom  they  have  consulted 
are  aware,  there  is  no  very  general  feeling  hostile  to 
the  existing  system  of  levying  dues,  or  to  their  application. 
Only  16  \i'itnesses  of  the  first  class  think  dues  excessive,  or 
are  aware  of  such  an  opinion.  There  are  184  returns,  and  a 
much  larger  number  of  persons  interested  had  the  oppor- 
tunity of  complaining  if  so  disposed.  ITie  opinions  of  a 
still  larger  number  are  expressed  by  Lloyd's  agents,  and 
have  been  collected  by  them.  Of  the  second  class  of  wit- 
nesses :  The  mercantile  marine,  those  on  whom  the  dues 
fall ;  a  still  larger  number,  nearly  a  thousand,  must  have 
received  the  circular  ;  for  only  a  very  few  of  the  papers  sent 
out  were  returned  by  the  post  office.  The  number  lof 
complaints  in  the  replies  to  Questions  7,  S,  II,  12, 
and  13  prove  that  whatever  may  be  the  objection  to  the 
existing  method  of  raising  funds  for  hghthouse  purposes, 
the  majority  of  those  who  pay  the  dues  have  no  grievance 
which  they  considered  of  sufficient  importance  to  induce 
them  to  complain.  Only  35  out  of  nearly  1,U00  suggest 
an  alteration  in  the  system  under  which  dues  are  levied 
upon  them,  and  administered  by  the  three  General  Light- 
house Authorities;  and  of  the  31,  who  think  jiartieular  /n  j__ 
dues  "  excessive  "  or  "  objectionable,"  a  large  jjroportion  U/U/Min 
specify  Local  Dues,  and  in  some  cases  the  same  charges  are/T 
nni'j(''""'"^*  by  several  independent  witnesses. 

These  questions,  then,  have  elicited  the  fact,  that  those 
who  pay  the  dues  are  not  generally  dissatisfied  with  the 
existing  state  of  things ;  and  the  replies  to  Questions 
43  and  44  in  Circular  III.  show  what  that  state  of 
things  now  is  so  far  as  concerns  the  levying  of  light  dues 
and  the  expenditure  on  lighthouses. 


MINUTES    OF    EVIDENCE 


TAKEN     BEFORE    THE 


COMMISSIONERS  APPOINTED  TO  INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION 
AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


Thursday,  29tli  November  1860. 

PRESENT  : 

Rear-Admiral    WillijVji    Alexander  Baillie  Hamilton,  R.N. 
Captain  Alfred  Phillii's  Ryder,  R.N. 
John  Hall  Gladstone,  Esq. 

Rear-Admiral  William  Alex^vnder  Baillie  Haiiilton  in  the  Chair. 


Peter  Henry  Berthon,  Esq.,  examined. 


1.  (President.)  You  are  Secretary  of  the  Trinity 
House  ? — Yes. 

2.  Wlien  were  you  first  appointed  ? — I  was  ap- 
pointed Secretary  in  April  1 856,  Iiaviug  then  been  40 
years  in  the  service. 

3.  In  whom  is  the  appointment  of  secretary  vested  ? 
— In  the  corporation  of  Trinity  House.  It  is  a  re- 
commendation generally  from  the  Committee  of  the 
Wardens,  confirmed  by  the  court  of  the  Corporation. 

4.  Who  is  it  that  prepares  tlie  annual  estimates 
which  are  now  submitted  to  the  Board  of  Trade  ? — 
They  are  prepared  in  the  different  departments, 
examined  in  the  Accountant's  office,  and  approved  by 
tlie  wardens,  and  laid  on  tlie  table  of  the  court,  and, 
when  approved  by  the  court,  are  sent  to  the  Board 
of  Trade. 

5.  What  is  the  exact  date  that  you  would  fix  as 
the  period  when  the  Lighthouse  Service  of  the  Trinity 
House  came  under  the  control  of  the  Board  of  Trade  ? 
— The  1st  of  October  1853,  under  the  Merchant 
Shipping  Act  of  1853. 

6.  You  consider,  I  presume,  that  by  that  act  a 
section  only  of  the  Trinity  House,  namely,  that  which 
has  to  do  with  the  management  of  lighthouses,  buoys, 
and  beacons  was  to  come  under  the  control  of  the 
Board  of  Trade,  and  not  the  Corporation  of  Trinity 
House  as  a  corporation  ? — Not  as  a  corporation,  but 
as  respects  that  section  only  of  its  functions  which  re- 
late to  the  management  of  lighthouses,  buoys,  and 
beacons,  and  ballastage,  which  were  made  subject  to 
the  control  of  the  Board  of  Trade  as  respects  expen- 
diture by  that  Act. 

7.  Do  you  think  you  can  furnish  the  Commissioners 
with  a  copy  of  the  estimates  of  expenditure  on  light- 
houses as  they  were  prepared  for  the  Trinity  House 
before  the  passing  of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act, 
and  a  copy  of  the  last  or  present  estimates  ? — There 
were  no  estimates  prepared  previously  to  the  pass- 
ing of  the  Act  of  1853.  The  expenses  were  in- 
curred as  they  became  necessary,  and  they  were 
considered,  of  course,  with  reference  to  the  means  of 
the  Corporation  to  incur  them,  but  no  detailed  esti- 
mate was  made  annually  of  what  might  be  expected 
to  be  incurred  in  eacli  year.  At  the  end  of  the  year 
we  had  to  make  a  return  to  Parliament  of  all  the 
expenses  for  the  maintenance  of  lighthouses,  together 
with  the  revenue  frour  the  lighthouses. 

8.  Can  you  produce  a  copy  of  such  return  ? — I 
have  not  the  parliamentary  papers  with  me,  but  they 
are  filed.  We  have  every  one  of  them,  year  by  year, 
from  1834,  I  tliink,  down  to  1853,  I  moan  the  annual 
returns  made  to  Parliament  showing  the  amount  of 
the  collection  and  expenditure  for  each  lighthouse. 


9.  Then  that  return  is  no  longer  given,  made  out 
in  that  shape  ? — No. 

10.  Since  the  passing  of  the  Act  of  Parliament  ? — 
Yes  ;  we  account  now  only  to  the  Board  of  Trade  for 
the  revenue  and  tlie  expenditure,  aud  they  account  to 
Parliament. 

11.  (Captain  Ryder.)  Is  the  account,  as  laid  before 
Parliament  now,  more  or  less  explanatory  than  it  was 
before  ? — Much  less  so.  I  might  even  go  further, 
and  say  that  it  gives  no  explanation  now,  but  merely 
a  single  item,  the  gross  receipt  on  one  side  of  the 
collection  for  lighthouses,  buoys,  and  beacons,  and  the 
gross  expenditure  on  the  other. 

12.  Is  the  account  which  you  give  in  to  the  Board 
of  Trade  more  or  less  explauatory  than  that  which 
you  previously  gave  to  Parliament  ? — It  is  considera- 
bly less  explanatory,  inasmuch  as  the  Board  of  Trade 
do  not  require  the  amount  collected  for  any  indi- 
vidual light,  or  its  expenses  ;  I  do  not  know  whether 
they  can  get  at  the  expenditure  for  any  particular 
light,  but  if  they  can  it  must  be  by  an  analysis  of 
the  accounts  ;  they  are  uot  shown  in  a  single  item, 
as  tlie  Corporation  of  Trinity  House  used  to  show 
them  to  Parliament. 

13.  (President.')  What  was  the  date  of  the  Act  of 
Parliament  requiring  the  Trinity  House  to  purchase 
certain  private  lights  ? — It  was  the  6tli  aud  7th  of 
William  the  4th,  chapter  79,  section  42,  passed  on 
the  13th  of  August  1836.  Under  the  Act  of  the 
3rd  of  George  the  4th,  the  Corporation  were  em- 
powered to  appropriate  a  certain  amount  of  funds, 
which  were  then  in  their  hands,  to  purchase  the 
private  lights,  and  under  that  Act  of  Parliament  the 
purchase  of  the  Flatholm,  the  Fern,  and  the  Burn- 
ham,  were  respectively  made  in  1823,  1825,  and 
1829. 

14.  Can  you  state  whether  previously  to  that  there 
had  been  other  or  frequent  Acts  of  Parliament,  direct- 
ing the  Trinity  House  to  deal  with  their  funds  in  a 
particular  way  ? — I  am  not  aware  that,  until  1822, 
there  ever  was  an  Act  of  Parliament  directing  the 
Corporation  of  Trinity  House  to  deal  with  their  funds 
in  any  particular  way. 

15.  (Captain  Ryder.)  Has  the  action  of  the  Mer- 
chant Shipping  Act  necessitated  any  increase  of  cor- 
respondence on  the  part  of  the  Trinity  House  ? — 
Certainly. 

16.  Can  you  give  any  estimate  of  the  proportionate 
increase  in  the  correspondence  ;  for  example,  has  it 
doubled  ?  —  I  should  say  that  it  has  more  than 
doubled.  There  is  a  very  largo  increase  ;  in  1859 
we  received  240  letters  from  the  Board  of  Trade,  and 
we  wrote  to  them  211,  and  this  year  there  is  about  the 


P.  H.  Berthon, 
Esq. 


Q 


122 


MINUTES  OF  EVIDENCE  TAKEN  BEFORE  THE  COJEMISSIONEBS  APPOINTED  TO 


P.  H.  Bertlion,  Same  proportion  ;  all  that  correspondence,  or  nearly 
so,  originated  in  consequence  of  tlie  control  of  the 
Board "^if  Trade. 

17.  Has  your  correspondence  with  the  Scotch  and 
tlie  Irisli  Boards  been  increased  by  the  action  of  the 
Merch-i.nt  Shipping  Act? — I  cannot  say  that  it  has 
been  increased  much,  and  for  this  reason  that  tlie 
Corporation  exercised  a  control  over  those  two 
Boards,  to  a  certain  extent,  previously  to  the  passing 
of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act. 

18.  The  same  control  as  there  is  now  ? — I  think 
more  ;  a  greater  control. 

19.  {President.)  Have  those  letters  principally 
been  on  the  subject  of  expenditure,  or  discussions 
upon  matters  entirely  connected  with  the  lighthouses 
themselves,  their  erection,  or  the  nature  and  de- 
scription of  the  light — I  mean  in  tlie  majority  of 
cases  '' — The  majority  of  cases  of  course  would  apjily 
to  questions  connected  with  the  expenditure. 

20.  Has  there  been  any  increase  in  the  establish  - 
nient,  although  there  has  been  an  increase  of  clerical 
labour? — Not  since  1854.  In  1854  an  arrange- 
ment of  the  official  establishment  was  made  by  the 
Board  of  Trade  under  the  powers  given  to  them  by 
the  Act  of  Parliament. 

21.  When  the  Board  of  Trade  settled  the  establish- 
ment officially,  was  it  done  by  increasing  or  diminish- 
ing the  clerical  staff'? — They  took  the  clerical  staff" as 
we  had  it. 

22.  (  Captain  Ri/der.)  And  left  it  so  ? — Yes  ;  at 
the  time  that  the  official  establishment  was  defined  by 
the  Board  of  Trade,  the  Corporation  had  found  it 
necessary  to  employ  three  extra  clerks,  who  have  been 
since  retained  with  the  special  concurrence  of  the 
Board  of  Trade. 

23.  Many  of  the  questions  which  have  been  ad- 
dressed by  this  Commission  to  the  Authorities  of  the 
Trinity  House  have,  I  conclude,  passed  more  or  less 
under  your  review  ? — They  have.  I  have  seen  all 
of  them,  but  they  have  been  so  numerous  that  I 
have  not  had  an  opportunity  of  giving  them  all  very 
full  consideration. 

24.  Since  the  time  when  the  Board  of  Trade  has 
exercised  control,  it  may  be  stated,  may  it  not  that  a 
new  system  of  accounts  has  been  adopted  different 
from  that  which  existed  before  you  were  jilaced  under 
the  Board  of  Trade  ? — Certainly. 

25.  You  have  stated  that  many  of  the  questions 
that  have  proceeded  from  this  Commission  have  come 
more  or  less  under  your  review  ? — I  have. 

26.  Could  you,  under  the  old  system  of  accounts 
at  the  Trinity  House,  have  answered  those  questions 
mure  or  less  readily  than  under  the  present  system  ? 
— Many  of  them  more  readily. 

27.  is  there  any  longer  any  payment  of  charities 
out  of  the  moneys  received  for  liglithouse  dues  to 
persons  who  are  other  than  pensioners  of  the  esta- 
blishment ? — None.  The  incumbents  of  the  pensions 
at  the  passing  of  the  Act  of  1853,  were  to,  die 
out.  I  think  the  Commissioners  will  see  by  the 
Return  made  to  Parliament  by  the  Board  of  Trade 
that  tlie  pensions  have  been  reduced  from  about 
20,000/.  to  about  10,000/.  per  annum. 

28.  Then  out  of  what  fund  is  that  remaining  sum 
paid  ?  —  The  Mercantile  Marine  Fund  was  made 
chargeable  with  all  the  pensions  then  subsisting. 

29.  Then  virtually  it  comes  out  of  the  light  dues  ? 
— Clearly  ;  but  it  is  a  vanishing  amount. 

30.  {Mr.  Gladstone.)  Docs  that  include  the  pen- 
sions given  to  superannuated  lightkeepers  ?  — No  ;  it 
does  not  ;  those  are  pensions  and  allowances  of  the 
establishment  allowed  by  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act 
to  be  given  by  the  Corporation,  with  the  sanction 
and  concurrence  of  the  Board  of  Trade. 

31.  Do  you  think  there  is  any  minimum  rule  as  to 
tne  number  of  cubic  feet  to  be  allowed  for  .sleeping 
accommodation  for  lighthouse  keepers  in  the  light- 
houses of  England  ?• — lam  not  aware  of  any  minimum. 

32.  (Captain  Jti/der.)  Is  there  any  diff'erencc  in 
the  ])lan  adopted  now  by  the  Board  of  Trade  and  that 
liy  the  Trinity  House  previously  to  1854,  to  ascertain 


the  views  of  the  Shipping  Interest  regarding  the 
necessity  of  erecting  a  lighthouse,  or  making  a  change 
in  an  existing  lighthouse  before  tolls  are  levied  ? — 
There  is  ;  the  system  pursued  by  the  Corporation 
previously  to  1854  was  this  ;  when  the  necessity  for 
a  lighthouse  in  any  particular  position  had  been  re- 
presented to  them,  and  they  had  satisfied  themselves 
that  it  w.is  necessary,  petitions  were  invited  from  the 
trade  particularly  interested  in  the  locality  ;  subscrip- 
tion parchments,  prepared  by  the  solicitor,  were  sent 
to  each  of  those  ports,  to  be  signed  by  the  parties 
interested  in  the  trade,  who  prayed  the  Corporation 
to  establish  the  light,  and  who,  in  the  same  document, 
undertook  to  pay  such  reasonable  toll  for  the  main- 
tenance of  the  light  as  might  be  imposed  upon  it,  and 
an  aiiplication  was  then  made  to  the  Crown  for  a 
patent  empowering  the  Corporation  of  Trinity  House 
to  li;vy  such  tolls.  For  each  light  so  erected  a 
patent  was  issued  under  the  Royal  Seal  enabling  the 
Corporation  to  erect  a  light  and  to  levy  a  specified  toll. 
That  was  the  course  pursued  previously  to  18-54. 
With  respect  to  any  system  that  is  now  pursued  by 
the  Board  of  Trade,  I  am  unable  to  give  the  Com- 
missioners precise  information. 

33.  Why  does  not  the  Tiinity  House  now  collect 
the  suffi'ages  of  the  Shipping  Interest  as  it  did  before? 
— ^Because  no  patent  is  now  necessary  for  the  collec- 
tion of  the  tolls. 

34.  {Mr.  Gladstone.)  With  respect  to  the  erection 
of  a  new  lighthouse,  or  an  alteration  of  any  existing 
lighthouse,  is  that  decided  at  the  general  court  of  the 
Corporation,  or  in  the  Lighthouse  Committee  ? — In 
the  general  court  of  the  Corporation. 

35.  The  Lighthouse  Committee  has  nothing  to  do 
with  it  ? — I  do  not  say  that  exactly,  because  the 
Lighthouse  Committee  may  be  consulted  on  the  sub- 
ject ;  but  the  determination  to  establish  or  to  alter  a 
light  is  upon  the  decision  of  the  court,  and  not  with 
the  Lighthouse  Committee  alone. 

36.  The  Lighthouse  Committee,  in  point  of  fact,  is 
rather  an  executive  than  an  administrative  body  ? — 
Yes;  clearly. 

37.  {Captain  Ryder.)  In  what  respect  has  the  posi- 
tion in  which  the  Trinity  House  stood  to  the  Shipping 
Interest  been  changed  by  the  Merchant  Shipping 
Act  ? — Since  the  passing  of  the  Merchant  Shipping 
Act  the  Corporation  of  Trinity  House  have  not  been 
so  directly  in  communication  with  the  Shipping  In- 
terest as  previously  ;  the  Board  of  Trade  acting  now 
intermediately  between  the  two. 

38.  {Mr.  Gladstone.)  Was  not  the  question  of  the 
necessity  of  a  lighthouse  in  a  particular  spot  more 
fully  ventilated  under  the  old  system  than  at  present? 
— I  think  it  was. 

39.  {President.)  Could  3'ou  furnish  the  Commis- 
sioners with  a  copy  of  the  last  prospective  annual 
estimate  that  was  submitted  to  the  Board  of  Trade  ? 
— Yes. 

40.  Will  you  also  furnish  the  Commission  with  the 
last  account  laid  before  the  House  of  Commons  before 
the  passing  of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act  ? — Yes  ; 
that  will  be  the  account  for  1852.  1  do  not  think  that 
we  rendered  an  account  for  1853,  because  the  Act  of 
Parliament  came  into  operation  previously  to  the  ex- 
piration of  that  year.  I  therefore  tliink  that  the  last 
account  rendered  to  Parliament  was  for  1852. 

41.  The  Commissioners  would  also  like  to  have  a 
copy  of  the  last  quarterly  expenditure  account  that 
was  sent  to  the  Board  of  Trade  ? — I  will  supply  it. 

42.  Could  you  now  state,  without  referring  to 
documents,  whether  there  is  an  item  in  your  annual 
estimates,  which  are  submitted  to  the  Board  of  Trade 
for  "  Miscellaneous  "'? — Yes  ;  there  is. 

43.  Can  you  state  to  the  Commission  whether  that 
miscellaneous  estimate  is  a  smaller  one  now  than  it 
was  before  the  lights  were  placed  under  the  Board  of 
Trade  ? — We  made  no  estimate  previously.  The 
amount  is  about  4,000/.  a  year,  and  includes  law 
charges,  travelling  expenses,  expenses  of  the  commit- 
tees of  inspection,  itc,  and  the  annuities  with  which 
the  private  lights  had  been  chargeable  when  we  pur- 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


123 


chased  them.  These  are  things  that  wc  cannot 
classify  under  the  different  heads  that  the  Board  of 
Trade  have  given  us. 

44.  In  the  year  1836,  the  Trinity  House  was  called 
upon  to  purchase,  and  to  take  the  management  of  all 
the  coast  lights,  then  in  the  hands  of  private  indi- 
viduals ? — Yes. 

45.  And  the  amount  paid,  as  awarded  by  juries, 
for  tho.se  lights,  amounted  to  1,182,545^.?  —  The 
total  sum  paid  for  those  Lighthouses,  the  stores,  &c., 
therein,  and  for  the  tolls  chargeable  in  respect  of 
them,  amounted  to  1,200,246Z.  16*'.  4d.,  as  shown  by 
a  return  in  the  Appendix  to  Report  of  Select  Com- 
mittee of  184o.     Fo.  443  et  scq. 

46.  Which  money  was  borrowed  from  the  Bank  of 
England,  and  from  individuals  on  the  security  of  the 
Ught  dues  ?— Yes. 

47.  What  was  the  amount  of  interest  that  you  were 
required  to  pay  on  that  sum  ? — We  first  paid  4  per 
cent.,  which  was  reduced  to  3  per  cent  in  1844. 

48.  Do  you  think  that  the  Trinity  House,  taking 
into  consideration  this  large  sum,  which  they  were 
obliged  to  ]iay  for  private  lights,  by  the  Act  of  1836, 
as  awarded  b_v  juries,  spreading  that  sum  over  the 
70  lighthouses  iu  the  kingdom  under  their  manage- 
ment, could  form  an  approximate  estimate  of  the 
average  cost  to  the  Shipping  Interest  of  this  country  of 
each  of  those  lighthouses  ? — 1  do  not  think  wc  can 
give  the  cost  of  the  very  ancient  lighthouses. 

49.  {Captain  Ryder.)  Did  the  Corporation  propose 
to  reduce  the  light  dues  in  1847  and  1852,  and,  if  so, 
by  what  amounts  ? — ^Yes.  I  cannot  say  to  what 
amount  in  1847 — but  in  1852  the  amount  was  40,800/. 

50.  What  was  the  answer  of  the  Board  of  Trade  to 
that  proposition  ? — With  respect  to  the  reduction  of 
1847,  I  can  give  this  answer  : — The  light  dues  having 
been  given  under  the   Act  of  1836  as  security  to  the 


parties  from  whom  we  were  to  obtain  loans,  the  then 
president  of  the  Board  of  Trade  thought  that  we 
could  not  make  any  reduction  of  the  light  duties  until 
the  whole  of  the  debt  had  been  paid  off,  inasmuch 
as  it  would  be  depriving  those  parties  of  their 
security. 

51.  That  was  with  regard  to  1847  ? — Yes. 

52.  Was  the  same  answer  given  to  the  application 
for  1852  ? — In  1852  an  application  was  made,  and  a 
reduction  took  place  in  the  coasting  trade  to  the 
amount  of  about  15  per  cent.  That  reduction  was 
then  effected,  but  it  must  be  understood  that  it  was 
five  years  later,  when  the  debt  had  been  considerably 
reduced,  and  when  the  same  objection  could  not  bo 
validly  taken,  and  that  a  large  reduction  had  already 
been  made  in  1849. 

53.  What  reductions  were  made  in  the  light  dues 
in  consequence  of  the  suggestions  of  the  Trinity 
House  in  1849  and  1852? — The  reduction  in  1849 
was  estimated  at  79,800/.     That  in  1852,  at  40,800/. 

54.  To  what  trade  did  those  reductions  apply  ? — 
Principally  to  the  coasting  trade  in  both  instances. 

55.  What  reductions  have  been  made  since  ? — For 
this  information  I  beg  to  refer  to  Parliamentary 
Paper  No.  80,  of  last  session. 

56.  Is  there  any  retirement  or  allowance  of  Elder 
Brethren  ? — No. 

57.  How  many  Elder  Brethren  are  there  over  the 
age  of  70  ? — Two. 

58.  Are  there  any  who  are  incapacited  for  active 
duties  ? — No.  I  cannot  say  that  any  of  them  are  in- 
ca))acitated. 

59.  What  duties  do  the  three  oldest  Elder  Brethren 
perform  ? — They  take  their  regular  turn  of  duty  at 
the  Trinity  House  ;  they  do  not,  of  course,  go  so 
often  afloat  ;  but  they  perform  all  the  duties  of  the 
Committees  to  which  they  belong. 


P.  H.  Berthon, 

Esq, 


Mr.  Robin  Allen  examined. 


60.  {President.)  You  have  been  acting  as  secretary, 
or  clerk,  to  the  Committee  appointed  to  receive  and 
send  returns,  in  compliance  with  the  requisitions  of 
this  Commission  ? — Yes. 

61.  Do  you  recollect  our  having  applied  for  copies 
of  the  specifications  and  drawings  of  two  of  your  most 
modern  lights  ? — Yes. 

62.  You  sent  to  the  Commissioners  copies  of  the 


specifications,  and  copies  of  the  drawings  that  accom- 
panied the  specifications  ? — Yes. 

63.  Can  you  state  to  the  Commissioners  who  made 
those  drawings  ? — They  were  used  for  the  general 
purposes  of  the  Trinity  House  at  that  time,  and  were 
originally  prepared  by  Mr.  Wilkins.  Since  then  modi- 
fications have  been  made  and  new  drawings  prepared 
by  Mr.  Walker. 


Adjourned. 


Friday,  7th  December,  1860. 

PRESENT : 

Rear-Admiral  William  Alexander  Baillie  Hamilton,  R.N. 
Captain  Alfred  Phillips  Ryder,  E.N. 
John  Hall  Gladstone,  Esq. 
Samuel  Robert  Graves,  Esq. 

Rear-Admiral  William  Alexander  Baillie  Hamilton  in  the  Chair. 
The  Right  Honourable  Thomas  Milner  Gibson,  M.P.,  and  Thojias  Henry  I'akeer,  Esq.,  e-^amined. 


64.  President.  { To  Mr.  Milner  Gibson.)  You  are 
President  of  the  Board  of  Trade  ? — Yes. 

65.  How  long  have  you  been  President  of  the 
Board  of  Trade  ?  —  I  think  I  became  President  in  the 
summer  of  1859. 

66.  The  Commissioners  wish  to  ask  how  far,  as 
the  member  of  the  Government  presiding  over  so 
great  a  department  as  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  one 
comprising  such  a  diversity  of  business,  you  charge 
yourself  with  the  management  of  that  portion  of  its 
business  which  relates  to  lighthouses,  and  how  far 
you  have  been  able,  during  the  time  of  your  pre- 
sidency, to  make  yourself  acquainted  with  the  usual 
course  of  that  business  ?  —  The  question  embraces 
two  or  three  points  ;  the  fact  is,  that  questions  are 
prepared  and  submitted  in  a  clear  form  to  the 
President  by  those  who  have  examined  them  ;  and 
it  is  not  very  difficult  to  fonn  an  opinion  of  the 
right  course  to  be  taken  in  any  particular  case  that 
arises.  Having  the  advantage  of  the  opinions  of  those 
who  ai'e  proi'essionally  acquainted  with  the  subject 


under  consideration,  it  is  like  any  other  branch  of 
business  in  a  public  oflice  ;  of  course  the  two  sides 
of  each  question  are  submitted,  and  it  is  for  me,  at 
the  Board  of  Trade,  to  decide  upon  the  whole  which 
is  the  right  course  to  be  taken,  so  far  as  our  jurisdic- 
tion goes. 

67.  You  have  stated  that  it  is  not  very  ditficult  to 
come  to  a  conclusion  as  to  the  right  course  to  be 
taken  upon  any  particular  case  that  arises,  those 
whose  duty  it  is  having  examined  the  papers,  and 
the  questions  being  submitted  in  a  clear  form  to  the 
President  ? — Just  so. 

68.  Then,  in  order  that  this  Commission  may  be 
informed  who  those  persons  are,  at  the  Board  of 
Trade,  who  prepare  the  statements  upon  which  you 
come  to  a  conclusion,  you  will,  perhaps,  he  so  kind 
as  to  tell  us  to  whom  certain  letters  arriving  at  the 
Board  of  Trade  on  the  subject  of  lighthouses  would 
be  referred  in  the  first  instance,  and  the  course  they 
would  take  before  the  report  upon  them  was  finally 
completed  for  your  information  ? — Upon  any  question 


Ht.  Hon. 
T.  M.  Gibson, 

M.P. 
T.  H.  Farrer, 

Esq. 

7  Dec.  1860. 


124 


jnXUTES   OF   irS^DEXCE  TAKEN   BEFORE  THE   COilMISSIONERS   ATPOIXTED   TO 


Si.  Hon. 
T.  M.  Gibson, 

M.P. 
T.  a,  Farrer, 

7  Dec.  1S60. 


of  a  lighthouse,  Captain  Sulivan,  for  instance,  would 
draw  up  a  memoraudum,  uot  binding  upon  the 
President,  but  for  his  information,  so  far  as  it  goes  ; 
and  Jlr.  Farrer  or  Mr.  Booth,  or  both,  would  have  an 
opportunity  also  in  submitting  Captain  Sulivan's 
memorandum  to  the  President  to  make  any  remark  of 
his  own;  and  also  Mr.  Williams,  iu  a  matter  of  account ; 
and  there  would  accompany  those  memoranda,  the 
correspondence  and  papers  relating  generally  to  the 
subject,  so  as  to  form  all  that  would  be  requisite  to 
enable  the  President  to  come  to  a  conclusion  upon 
the  question.  In  the  case  of  the  Scotch  Lights  there 
would  be  a  correspondence  between  the  Board  of 
Trade  and  the  Trinity  House  and  the  Korthern 
Light  Commissioners  ;  and  there  would  be  memorials 
in  many  cases,  proljably  the  memorials  of  the  Trade 
and  Shipping  interest,  urging  that  any  new  light 
should  be  erected  or  alterations  made  ;  there  would  be 
various  communications  from  the  persons  interested, 
and  also  professional  opinions  ;  and  from  these,  taken 
together,  there  would  be  sufficient  to  enable  the 
President  to  decide  as  to  the  course  to  be  taken. 

69.  In  order  to  excuqilify  more  fully  what  the 
system  is  with  which  you  have  now  been  good 
enough  to  acquaint  the  Commissioners,  might  they 
be  informed  to  whom  the  letter  of  the  23d  of  January 
18.5o,  on  the  subject  of  the  Godrevy  lighthouse,  was 
first  submitted  by  the  Secretary  of  the  IMarinc  Depart- 
ment ? — Not  being  President  at  the  Board  of  Trade 
in  1855, 1  cannot  give  the  informatiou,  but  Mr.  Farrer, 
the  Assistant  Secretary  to  the  Board  of  Trade  is  here, 
aud  will  give  the  information. 

{Mr.  Farrer.)  I  cannot  charge  my  memory  with 
it  without  referring  to  the  pajiers.  On  doing  so 
I  see  that  this  letter,  after  going  into  the  registry 
room,  was  marked  with  Admiral  Becchey's  name,  and 
went  to  him  ;  it  also  has  my  name  upon  it  ;  my 
name  is  put,  as  a  matter  of  course,  on  all  papers  iu  the 
Marine  Department  ;  and  this  paper  probably  was 
taken  by  Admiral  Beeehey  direct  to  Lord  Stanley  of 
Alderley,  then  our  President.  I  see  that  the  answer 
was,  that  it  would  be  taken  into  favourable  consider- 
ation. That  minute  is  in  Admiral  Becchey's  hand- 
wi'iting.  I  cannot  charge  myself  with  everything 
that  passed,  but  I  should  mention  that  the  papers  do 
not  show  by  any  means  all  that  passed,  because 
here,  as  in  every  other  case  of  business,  the  real 
business  is  often  done  by  personal  communication  ; 
and  as  this  was  a  matter  very  much  discussed,  I 
know,  although  I  was  often  not  present,  that  there 
were  many  personal  communications  between  Admiral 
Beeehey,  the  Deputy  jNIaster  of  the  Trinity  House, 
and  Lord  Stanley  of  Alderley. 

TO.  (  To  Mr.  Farrer.)  Will  you  be  good  enough  to 
turn  to  the  letter  of  the  Board  of  Trade  to  the 
Trinity  House,  dated  12th  of  September  1855  ? — I 
have  it  here. 

71.  Cau  you  state  to  the  Commissioners  by  whom 
the  report  or  submission  was  made  upon  which  the 
order  was  given  for  that  letter  to  be  written  ? — This, 
I  see,  was  sent  to  me  in  the  first  place  ;  and  I  sent 
it  in  to  Admiral  Beeehey,  who  seems  to  have  written 
a  long  minute  upon  it,  and  who  seems  to  have  per- 
sonally communicated  with  the  Deputy  Master,  and 
also  with  the  Hydrographer,  for  the  purpose  of  getting 
the  remarks  of  some  Admiralty  surveyor  upon  it  ; 
and,  finally,  a  letter  was  written  upon  a  minute  in 
Admiral  Beechey's  handwriting ;  no  doubt  written  by 
him,  as  his  minutes  constantly  were,  by  the  direction 
of  the  President,  Lord  Stanley  of  Alderley.  There 
seems  to  have  been  a  great  deal  ot  personal  communi- 
cation and  consideration  beforehand. 

72.  Have  you  got  the  paper  upon  wliich  3"our 
letter  of  the  9th  October  1856  was  written  ? — Yes,  I 
have  it  ;  a  letter  of  the  Trinity  House,  dated  13th  of 
September. 

73.  Can  you  inform  the  Commissioners  who  gave 
the  order  for  that  letter  to  bo  WTitten  ? — Yes.  There 
a[)pears  to  have  been  a  legal  question  involved,  and 
there  is  an  opinion  of  mine  upon  it  ;  there  is  then 
an  opinion  of  Admiral  Beeehey,  and  also  au  opinion 
of  Mr.  Booth's. 

74.  Was  it  at  any  time  a  question  of  money  or  of 


expenditure.  It  is  stated  that  they  wished  to  be 
informed  of  the  diiferer.ce  of  expense  ;  by  whom  in 
the  department  was  it  suggested  that  that  question 
should  be  asked  as  to  a  difference  of  expense  ? — I 
speak  somewhat  in  doubt,  but  as  ftir  as  I  can  see  from 
these  papers  it  appears  that  the  proposal  of  the 
Trinity  House  was  one  that  would  involve  very  con- 
siderably greater  expense  than  had  been  originally 
contemplated  by  Admiral  Beeehey,  and  I  see  that  I 
merely  pointed  out  in  my  minute  the  legal  position 
under  the  Statute  which  the  Board  of  Trade  and  the 
Trinity  House  respectively  held.  Admiral  Beeehey 
had  wished  to  have  some  further  information  as  to 
the  probable  cost  iu  case  of  its  being  placed  upon  one 
stone  or  upon  the  other  stone,  and  consequently 
upon  that  suggestion  this  letter  of  ours  of  the  13th 
September  1856  was  written  asking  the  question. 

75.  {To Mr.  Mibier  Gibson.)  Has  it  bceu  necessary 
to  increase  the  clerical  staff  of  the  Marine  Department 
of  the  Board  of  Trade  to  any  considerable  extent  in 
consequence  of  the  lighthouse  business  alone? — There 
has  been  no  increase  of  the  staff  since  I  have  been  at 
the  Board  of  Trade,  that  I  am  aware  of,  on  account  of 
the  pressure  of  that  business.  There  is  of  course  a 
good  deal  of  business  in  the  Marine  Department. 

76.  But  you  think  not  with  reference  particularly 
to  the  lighthouse  business  ? 

{Mr.  Farrer.)  The  clerical  business  of  the  Marine 
Department  is  constantly  growing.  No  doubt  there 
have  been  additions,  but  I  am  not  aware  of  any 
specific  additions  lately  on  account  of  that.  There 
were  at  the  time  when  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act 
was  passed,  or  rather  when  the  Act  of  1853  was 
passed. 

{Mr.  MLner  Gibson.)  I  may  just  observe  that  soon 
after  the  passing  of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act  of 
course  there  would  bo  many  novelties  to  deal  with, 
and  difficulties  to  encounter,  that  do  not  arise  now 
that  matters  have  got  into  a  state  of  routine.  Diffi- 
culties at  first  existed  which  are  not  so  great  now. 

77.  We  have  found  during  our  enquiry  that  lighthouse 
illumination  is  a  complicated  subject,  which  has  occu- 
pied much  of  the  attention  of  scientific  men;  is  there 
any  officer  of  the  Board  of  Trade  who  is  practically 
acquainted  with  those  sciences  which  enter  into  the 
construction  and  use  of  illuminating  apparatus,  such 
as  optics,  glass  manufacture,  combustion,  ventilation, 
the  best  forms  of  vessels  for  floating  lights,  and  the 
forms  of  buovs  and  beacons  ? — The  Trinitj'  House 
has  the  advantage  of  the  advice  of  Professor  Faraday, 
who  is  a  very  eminent  scientific  man,  and  thoroughly 
acquainted,  I  should  think,  with  the  chemical  part  of 
the  question  as  it  relates  to  illuminating;  and  they  have 
the  benefit  of  their  engineer,  Mr.  Walker.  It  cannot 
be  .said  of  the  Board  of  Trade  that  they  have  there  a 
person  specially  appointed  as  a  chemist,  or  specially 
appointed  as  an  optician.  I  may  mention  that  Pro- 
fessor Faraday  does  the  work  for  the  Board  of  Trade 
for  the  Colonial  lighthouses;  the  Trinity  House,  as 
regards  the  lighthouses  in  England,  take  his  advice; 
there  are  separate  boards  for  Ii'eland  and  Scotland  ; 
but  still  the  Trinity  Corporation  has  a  certain  au- 
thority, and  Professor  Faraday's  advice  is,  of  course, 
always  to  be  had  by  the  Trinity  House,  and  he  is 
their  chemical  and  scientific  adviser  upon  illuminating 
questions  and  lights. 

{Mr.  Farrer.)  He  has  also  advised  the  Trinity 
House  upon  the  ojitical  part  of  the  business. 

{Mr.  Milner  Gibson.)  The  Commissioners  must 
bear  in  mind  that  we  at  the  Board  of  Trade  have  the 
advantage  of  the  information  which  is  obtained  by 
all  these  different  bodies  from  their  scientific  advi 
scrs,  because  it  may  centre  there;  aud  if  any  question 
in  dispute  has  to  be  decided  we  have  the  benefit  of  all 
the  correspondence  aud  all  the  professional  opinions 
that  have  been  given.  With  regard  to  the  forms  of 
Buoys  and  Beacous,  that,  as  I  suppose,  has  reference 
to  what  is  the  best  thing  to  be  seen  at  sea;  and  that 
is  a  matter  that  a  sailor,  who  is  in  the  habit  of  looking 
out  for  such  things,  would  be  the  best  judge  of,  I 
think.  What  are  the  easiest  colours  to  discern,  aud 
the  easiest  forms  to  see,  at  a  distance; — I  think  that 
we  have  an  opportunity  of  forming  an  opinion  upon 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OP  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


125 


sucli  questions  as  those  ;  at  least,  wo  have  the  liest 
advice,  and  we  have  the  opinions  before  us  of  most 
competent  men ;  we  may  have  the  advice  of  Mr.  Steve'i- 
son,  a  very  eminent  man  in  Scotland,  and  Professor 
Faraday,  and  Mr.'Walker,  according  to  the  diiferent 
questions  that  may  arise.  Upon  purely  nautical  ques- 
tions, of  course  we  have  nautical  opinions. 

78.  You  say  you  have  nautical  opinions  ? — Yes  ; 
we  have  in  the  Board  of  Trade  itself  ;  but  we  are  not 
bound  by  them,  because  we  may  have  before  us  the 
nautical  opinions  of  the  Trinity  House. 

79.  You  mean  therefore  the  nautical  opinions  of 
the  Trinity  House,  the  Lighthouse  Authorities,  as 
well  as  of  those  officers  who  are  in  your  own  depart- 
ment ? — Just  so  ;  the  President  for  the  time  being, 
if  he  chooses  to  avail  himself  of  all  the  information 
within  his  reach  upon  any  question  of  this  character, 
has  the  means  of  coming  to  a  sound  decision  upon  it. 

80.  With  respect  to  those  means,  are  they  such  as 
you  have  already  enumerated,  or  do  you  refer  par- 
ticularly to  means  actually  within  the  office,  and 
which  have  not  been  alluded  to  in  your  previous 
answers  ? — I  speak  of  the  means  which  are  within 
the  office,  and  also  of  the  means  which  are  out  of  the 
office,  because  the  means  in  the  office — the  memo- 
randa drawn  up  by  those  who  are  in  the  office — would 
be  but  the  opinions  of  gentlemen  in  tlie  office,  and 
not  binding  upon  the  President;  he  might,  comparing 
those  opinions  with  other  professional  opinions, 
perhaps  difier  from  those  in  the  office  ;  he  is  bound 
to  come  to  his  decision  upon  all  the  information  before 
him,  I  conceive,  and  these  memoranda  are  drawn  up 
there  for  the  guidance  and  information  of  the  Pre- 
sident, but  not  to  bind  him. 

81.  Ai-e  the  Commissioners  to  understand  that  you 
have  no  persons  in  the  office  besides  those  that  are 
enumerated  in  the  official  lists  who  have  special  means 
of  making  themselves  acquainted  with  the  subject  of 
lighthouse  illumination,  or  who  have  studied  the 
subject  either  before  or  since  the  passing  of  the  Mer- 
chant Shipping  Act  ? — ^No,  not  that  I  am  aware  of, 
not  in  the  office  ;  no  person  that  can  be  regarded  as 
specially  so  employed.  When  you  speak  of  light- 
house illumination  there  are  so  many  branches  of  it  ; 
do  you  mean  the  chemical  branch  ? 

82.  I  would  say  both  optical  and  chemical  —  On 
these  points  we  have  the  advice  of  Professor  Faraday 
througli  the  Trinity  House. 

(Mr.  Farrer.)  And  also  with  respect  to  Colonial 
lighthouses  we  have  his  advice  direct. 

(Mr.  Milner  Gibson.)  Our  control,  in  point  of  fact, 
is  the  control  of  the  purse.  We  have  ultimately  to 
decide  whether  any  proposed  expenditure  to  be 
charged  upon  the  Mercantile  Marine  Fund  is  to  be 
undertaken  or  not  ;  whether  upon  the  whole,  viewing 
the  thing  in  all  its  bearings,  it  is  desirable  that  the 
proposed  expenditure  should  take  place  or  not. 

83.  I  do  not  know  whether  you  have  had  occasion 
to  look  at  the  Reports  of  the  various  Select  Committees 
which,  since  1822,  have  been  appointed  by  Parlia- 
ment to  inquire  into  the  management  of  the  light- 
houses of  this  kingdom.  If  you  have  done  so,  and 
have  seen  the  Report  of  the  Committee  of  1834,  I 
would  ask  whether,  as  a  principle,  you  concur  in  the 
opinion  of  that  Committee  as  to  "  the  paramount 
necessity  of  having  the  best  lighthouses  and  floating 
light  establishments  for  this  great  naval  and  com- 
mercial country  which  the  state  of  science  can 
aiford  ? " — Jly  opinion  is  that  every  lighthouse  or 
floating  light  should  be  as  good  as  science  can  make 
it,  in  order  to  answer  the  purpose  for  which  it  was 
intended.  For  instance,  although  a  particular  light 
might  not  be  the  brightest  or  the  best  in  existence, 
still  if  it  answered  the  purpose  for  which  that  par- 
ticular light  was  intended,  I  should  not  think  it 
necessary,  therefore,  because  it  was  inferior  to  what 
might  exist,  to  go  to  the  expense  of  altering  it.  The 
question  that  I  should  consider  would  be  this  :  Is  the 
light  as  good  as  it  need  be  for  the  particular  purpose  ? 
If  it  were  a  tirst-class  light  then  I  have  no  doubt 
that  it  ought  to  bo  as  good  as  seieuco  could  make  it  ; 

Q 


but  if  it  were  one  that  need  not  bo  seen  for  so  great  a 
distance,  or  not  of  so  important  a  character,  it  might 
answer  the  purpose  for  which  it  was  intended, 
although  perhaps  not  altogether  as  good  as  science 
could  make  it.  Of  course  we  must  bear  in  mind  that 
we  have  expenditure  to  consider,  and  that  these  lights 
being  a  charge  upon  the  trade  and  merchant  shipping 
of  the  country,  unnecessary  expenditure  ought  not  to 
be  incurred.  The  cost  necessary  to  make  things 
as  good  as  they  ought  to  be  made  must  be  in- 
curred, but  unnecessary  expenditure  it  is  our  duty  to 
avoid. 

84.  You  have  just  stated  that  you  are  of  opinion 
that  the  lighthouses  should  be  the  best  that  science 
can  afford  to  make  them,  in  order  to  answer  the  par- 
ticular purpose  for  which  they  are  intended,  but  that 
it  is  above  all  things  essential  for  the  Board  of  Trade 
to  consider  what  expense  is  necessary  or  unnecessary, 
as  the  case  may  be,  in  order  that  the  lights  shall  be 
the  best  that  science  can  aflbrd,  and  fit  ibr  the  par- 
ticular purpose.  Do  you  feel  satisfied  that  you  have, 
in  the  office  of  the  I?oard  of  Trade,  the  means  of 
coming  to  a  satisfactory  conclusion,  in  your  own 
mind,  as  to  what  is  really  necessary  and  unnecessary 
in  the  way  of  expense  ? — I  think  that  we  have  great 
aids  in  the  Board  of  Trade,  which,  in  conjunction 
with  the  information  wc  get  from  the  Trinity  House, 
and  the  Northern  Light  Commissioners,  and  the  Bal- 
last Board  in  Ireland,  is  quite  sufficient  to  enable  the 
President  to  come  to  a  conclusion  upon  any  particular 
point  of  that  sort. 

So.  Then  perhaps  you  would  admit,  that  in  the 
process  of  coming  to  such  a  conclusion  considerable 
time  must  be  occupied,  and  a  considerable  amount  of 
business  and  clerical  work  gone  through,  not  having 
the  necessary  machinery  exactly  in  your  own  depart- 
ment ? — -We  have  a  good  deal  of  machinery  in  our 
own  department ;  but  of  course  you  cannot  lay  down 
any  general  rule,  as  applicable  to  every  question  upon 
which  there  may  be  some  difference  of  opinion.  Some 
are  simple  questions,  some  are  complicated  ;  some  are 
trifling  in  importance,  and  others  are  of  very  great 
importance ;  therefore,  of  course,  the  consideration  to 
be  given  to  them,  and  the  trouble  that  is  taken  must 
have  some  relation  to  the  character  of  the  questions 
themselves.  I  may  state  this,  that  Professor  Faraday 
and  Mr.  Stevenson  have  been  from  time  to  time  in 
personal  communication  with  the  Board  of  Trade  ; 
and  it  is  not  necessary,  in  order  to  have  their  advice 
on  all  occasions,  to  go  through  a  correspondence. 
Upon  a  recent  occasion,  a  question  arising  as  to  a 
change  in  the  mode  of  illuminating  the  Dungeness 
Lighthouse,  I  had  a  personal  conference  with  Pro- 
fessor Faraday,  in  order  to  hear  from  him  what  his 
opinions  were  as  to  the  scheme  proposed. 

86.  May  I  ask  whether,  in  your  communications  on 
that  subject  with  Professor  Faraday,  that  part  of  the 
question  was  gone  into  which  relates  to  the  eligibility 
of  the  particular  site  of  Dungeness  for  the  exhibition 
of  the  light  proposed  to  be  shown  there  ? — Upon  that 
point,  which  is  nautical,  I  should  have  the  benefit  of 
the  advice  of  Captain  Sulivan  ;  I  should  also  have 
the  benefit  of  the  advice  of  the  Trinity  House  ;  they 
would  give  opinions  as  to  the  character  of  the  light 
which,  in  point  of  brightness,  ought  to  be  exhibited 
from  Dungeness,  and  the  height  and  position  of  the 
lighthouse  at  Dungeness.  Then  Professor  Faraday, 
who  is  an  eminent  chemist,  would  give  his  opinion  as 
to  whether  the  proposed  plan  was  likely  to  produce 
that  intensity  of  light  which  the  nautical  authorities 
said  was  desirable  for  that  site. 

87.  My  question  was  rather  to  ascertain  whether 
the  one  particular  subject  of  eligibility  of  position  for 
the  exhibition  of  the  electric  light  at  Dungeness 
actually  came  under  discussion  in  your  communications 
with  Professor  Faraday  ? — It  was  understood  that  the 
brilliancy  of  the  Dungeness  light  ought  to  be 
increased  ;  that  as  it  is  a  light  of  great  importance  to 
ships  coming  up  channel,  and  as  it  must  necessarily 
stand  on  low  ground,  and  in  a  climate  subject  to  thick 
weather,  it  was  thought  very   important  that  at  any 

3 


lit.  Hon. 
T.  M.  Gibson, 

MP. 
T.  H.  Farrer, 

Esq. 

7  Dee.  1860 


126 


MINTTTES   OF   EVmENCE   TAKEN   BEFORE   THE    COMMISSIONERS   APPOINTED   TO 


Bt.  Hon.        rate  the  light  i<hould  be  able  to  peneti'ate  through  a  thick 

T.  M.  Gibson,    atmosphere  as  far  as  possible,  and  to  be  visible  at  all 

_,  n  r:'  times  as  far  as  possible.   Having  to  improve  Duiigeuess 

Esq        '    ligiitj  it  '*^^*  thought  that  perhajjs  the  electric  light, 

as  lieiug  of  greater  briUiaucy,  would  be  applied  there 

7  Dec.  I860,     with  advantage  ;  and  Professor  Faradav  was  consulted 

• mainly  upon  the  plan   of  the  electric  light  ;  whether 

it  had  been  already  sufficiently  tested  to  justify  the 
expenditure  proposed  to  be  incurred  by  adopting  it  at 
Dungeness,  and  whether,  in  his  opinion,  it  would 
answer  the  purpose  proposed. 

88.  Are  the  Commissioners,  therefore,  to  under- 
stand that  the  question  of  the  fitness  of  the  site  of 
Dungeness  for  a  further  trial,  as  well  as  the  exhibition 
of  the  electric  light,  did  come  under  discussion  in 
your  communications  with  Professor  Faraday  ? — I 
would  answer  that  question  by  saying  that  the 
adoption  of  the  electric  light  for  the  present  at 
Dungeness  may  be  considered  in  some  measure  a 
further  trial,  aud  in  pursuance  of  experiments  that 
had  ah'eady  been  made,  but  which  we  should  not 
have  adopted  unless  the  trial  which  the  electric  light 
had  already  received  elsewhere  had  given  such  con- 
fidence in  it  as  to  justify  this  further  ti-ial. 

89.  You  think  it  probable  that  the  question  of 
Dungeness  as  to  the  position  of  the  light  did  embrace 
the  two  points,  both  of  site  for  trial,  and  as  pre- 
senting a  good  opportunit}'  for  exhibiting  a  bright 
light  where  a  bright  light  was  needed  ? — Yes.  I 
never  heard  that  it  was  an  ira)>roper  site  for  the  trial. 
Nothing  was  said  against  it  as  a  site  for  the  trial ; 
but  the  main  point  dwelt  upon  was  that  it  was  very 
important  that  at  Dungeness  you  should  have  a  light 
of  great  brilliancy  that  could  ]ieuetrate  a  thick  foggy 
atmosphere  as  far  a?  possible,  inasmuch  as  it  was  low 
ground,  and  vessels  -would  be  drawing  in.  The 
brilliancy  of  the  light  has  a  good  deal  to  do  with  its 
being  seen  in  a  hazy  atmosphere  ;  you  have  many  fogs 
as  you  approach  the  narrows  hanging  about  the  low 
ground  of  Dungeness  and  the  Romney  marshes.  It 
is  very  important,  therefore,  that  you  should  have  a 
light  that  can  penetrate  a  thick  atmosphere.  I  .should 
perhaps  add,  that  at  the  time  this  question  arose  the 
Start  Lighthouse,  as  well  as  Dungeness,  required  a 
new  lighting  apparatus,  and  that  the  expediency  of 
trying  the  new  electric  light  at  the  Start  was  con- 
sidered. In  some  respects,  e.ff.,  height  and  land  fall, 
the  Start  would  have  been  preferable.  But  the  ques- 
tion was  decided  in  favour  of  Dungeness  by  Professor 
Faraday's  opinion,  that  the  electric  light  should  at 
jiresent  be  tried  in  a  fixed  light  and  not  in  a  revolving 
light,  which  the  one  at  the  Start  must  be. 

90.  I  think  you  have  stated  that  the  Board  of  Trade 
has  ample  means  of  coming  to  a  decision  upon  various 
matters  that  may  be  called  scientific,  from  being  able 
to  refer  to  scientific  authorities,  as  they  now  exist  in 
the  several  Lighthouse  Boards  ;  but  supposing  the 
Board  of  Trade  to  differ  from  any  of  the  recommenda- 
tions of  the  Executive  Boards  on  nautical  engineering 
or  scientific  matters,  what  would  be  the  course  that 
you  would  then  adopt  before  forming  au  oi)inion  which 
might  differ  in  natui-e  and  degree  from  that  of  any  of 
the  Executive  Boards  ? — We  are  not  the  managing 
Executive  of  the  Lighthouse  system  ;  we  do  not 
profess  to  be  that ;  we  do  not  act  in  that  spirit.  Tho 
powers  which  are  vested  in  the  Board  of  Trade  by 
Act  of  Parliament  were  for  the  purpose  mainly  of 
controlling  the  expenditure,  and  of  preventing  un- 
necessary expenditure  ;  and  when  any  jjlan  is  sub- 
mitted to  us,  we,  of  course,  before  we  sanction  it, 
satisfy  ourselves  that  it  is  a  necessary  aud  judicious 


expenditure,  that  the  professional  advice  and  the 
scientific  opinions  are  of  a  character  to  justify  it,  and 
that  the  plaus  arei  n  conformity  witii  the  best  profes- 
sional opinions.  It  is  a  very  dithcuh  thing  exactly  to 
define  what  is  the  power  of  the  controlling  body  that  is 
said  to  hold  the  purse-strings  ;  it  is  difficult  lo  draw 
the  line  exactly  beyond  which  it  must  not  go  ;  but 
the  view  that  I  take  of  it,  having  looked  at  the  Act  of 
Parliament,  is  simply  this,  that  we  are  to  decide 
whether  any  proposed  expenditure,  on  the  whole, 
ought  to  be  undertaken  or  not.  That  is  what  we  have 
to  decide,  and  we  must  get  all  the  information  that 
bears  upou  that  to  enable  us  to  come  to  a  decision. 
With  reference  to  the  other  part  of  the  question,  I 
may  state,  that  since  I  have  been  at  the  Board  of 
Trade  we  have  had  no  differences  with  the  Trinity 
House  ;  at  any  rate,  I.  do  not  recollect  anything  but 
small  matters.  With  the  Xortheru  Light  Commis- 
sioners there  have  been  some  differences.  There  was 
a  disagreement  between  the  Northern  Light  Commis- 
sioners and  the  Trinity  House  as  to  the  character  of 
the  Ehu  Vail  Light, — as  to  its  site,  I  believe, — and 
the  Board  of  Trade  agreed  with  the  Trinity  House. 
We  consider  that  we  have  got  the  means  of  deciding 
nautical  questions,  or  of  forming  a-  very  good  opinion 
upon  them,  in  the  Board  of  Trade  itself. 

91.  {To  3Ir.  Farrer.)  It  appeal's  that  a  letter  was 
written  on  the  4th  of  November  1856,  to  the  Depart- 
ment of  the  Secretary  for  War,  on  the  subject  of  the 
erection  of  a  Lighthouse  on  St.  Ive's  Point.  Can  you 
inform  the  Commissioners  by  whom  the  order  for  the 
wi'iting  of  that  letter  was  given  ? — It  was  written 
upon  the  minute  of  Admiral  Beechey, — I  see  that  it 
has  his  initials, — after  a  communication  with  Lord 
Stanley  of  Alderley,  and  some  communication  with 
Mr.  Williams  .ibout  money.  I  should  mention  that 
sometimes  the  President's  own  minute  or  initials 
appear  on  our  papers  ;  sometimes  any  of  us,  as  it 
may  happen,  takes  the  papers  in  to  him,  and  receives 
his  directions,  and  we  make  a  note  of  them  ourselves. 

92.  Then,  in  answer  to  a  letter  from  the  Trinity 
House  to  the  Board  of  Trade,  of  the  4th  February 
1857,  a  letter  was  written  on  the  12th  of  Februai-y 
1857  in  reply.  Can  you  inform  the  Commissioners 
by  whose  orders  that  letter  was  written  ? — -It  was 
WTitten  by  the  direction  of  Lord  Stanley  of  Alderley, 
after  a  communication  Avitli  Captain  Sulivau  and 
myself.  When  I  say  that  this  was  done  I  only  tell 
you  what  I  see  hai)pened  by  our  own  minute  papers  ; 
it  is  quite  possible  that  many  other  communications 
may  have  taken  place  which  are  not  noted  on  our 
minute  papers. 

93.  A  letter  was  also  ^vi'itten  on  the  9th  of  March 
1857  by  the  Board  of  Trade  to  the  Secretary  of  the 
Trinity  House,  on  the  subject  of  the  Godrevy  light- 
house. Can  jow  inform  the  Commissioners  by  whose 
order  that  letter  was  written  ? — That  was  wi'itten  by 
the  direction  of  Lord  Stanley  of  Alderley,  upon  a 
minute  by  Captain  Sulivan. 

94.  {Captain  Ryder.)  What  is  the  course  adopted 
with  letters  arriving  at  the  Board  of  Trade  on  the 
subject  of  lights,  buoys,  aud  beacons  in  the  colouies, 
previously  to  a  decision  being  come  to  by  the  Lords 
Commissioners  of  the  Privy  Council  for  Trade  ? — Tho 
course  adopted  is  precisely  the  same  as  in  tlie  case  of 
the  English  lighthouses,  so  far  as  the  routine  of  tho 
oftice  is  concerned.  Of  course  the  circumstances 
differ  much.  And  the  mode  of  obtaining  advice  from 
engineers  or  other  persons  out  of  the  office  differs 
from  the  mode  of  obtaining  it  where  we  have 
Executive  Lighthouse  Boards  to  deal  with. 


Adjourned  till  Tuesday  uext,  at  12  o'clock. 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


127 


Tuesday,  11th  December,  1860. 

PRESENT  : 

Rear- Admiral  William  Alexander  Baillie  Hamilton,  R.K. 
Captain  Alfred  PniLirs  Rtder,  E.N. 
John  Hall  Gladstone,  Esq. 

Eear-Admiral  William  Alexander  Baillie  HAinLTON  iu  the  Chair. 
Sir  James  Dombkain,  examiued. 


95.  {Chairman.)  You  are  one  of  the  members  of 
the  Corporation  of  the  Ballast  Board  of  Dublin  ? — 
Yes. 

96.  You  were  formerly  an  of5icer  in  the  Royal 
Navy,  and  commanded  the  Coast  Guard  in  Ireland  ? 
. — Yes.  I  established  the  Coast  Guard  in  Ireland 
in  the  year  1819,  and  commanded  it  for  30  years, 
and  my  duties  of  inspector  led  me  to  visit  every 
Coast  Guard  station  at  least  once  every  year,  and 
frequently  much  oftener.  By  those  duties,  frequently 
performed  afloat,  I  became  thoroughly  acquainted 
with  the  whole  coast,  and  since  that  period,  namely, 
when  I  left  the  Coast  Guard,  I  have,  as  a  member  of 
the  Ballast  Board,  attended  every  inspection  but  one, 
as  a  member  of  the  Inspecting  Committee. 

97.  How  long  have  you  been  a  member  of  the 
Ballast  Board  of  Dublin  ?^I  think  I  have  been  a 
member  of  the  Board  for  nearly  fourteen  years.  I 
think  it  was  in  1847  that  I  became  a  member. 

98.  Two  of  the  Committees  of  that  Corporation 
seem  to  be  appropriated  to  lighthouse  duties,  namely, 
the  "Lightship  Committee,"  and  the  "Inspecting 
Committee"? — It  is  one  Committee,  namely.  Inspect- 
ing Committee,  who  visit  and  inspect  both  lighthouses 
and  lightships. 

99.  During  the  whole  of  those  fourteen  years  have 
you  been  employed  generally  upon  matters  concerning 
the  lighthouses  of  Ireland  ? — Yes  ;  but  the  inspection 
of  the  lighthouses  did  not  commence  till  a  few  years 
after  I  had  been  appointed  one  of  the  Board.  There 
had  not  been  any  previous  inspection  by  Committees 
of  the  Board,  I  believe,  for  a  number  of  years,  but 
after  joining  the  Board  I  saw  the  great  importance  of 
the  Commissioners  themselves  becoming  acquainted 
with  their  establishments  on  the  coast,  and  I  was  cue  of 
those  who  very  strongly  urged  upon  the  Board  <he 
necessity  of  getting  a  steamer  for  the  purpose  of 
making  those  inspections.     I  think  it  was  in  1852. 

100.  Are  the  Commissioners  to  understand  that 
there  was  no  regular  system  of  inspection  antecedent 
to  the  period  when  you  made  that  suggestion  ? — 
None  ;  but  the  inspections  were  carried  on  by  Mr. 
Halpin,  who  duly  reported  his  proceedings  to  the 
Board. 

101.  Who  was  Mr.  Halpin? — He  was  called,  I 
think,  inspector  and  engineer. 

102.  Had  he  anything  to  do  with  the  actual  con- 
struction, either  of  the  lighthouses  or  the  illuminating 
apparatus  ? — He  had  everything  to  do  with  the 
construction  of  lighthouses,  and  the  mode,  of  lighting 
them,  as  a  great  number  were  built  entirely  under 
his  management  and  under  his  direction  and  at  his 
suggestion. 

103.  What  part  was  he  required  to  take  with  respect 
to  the  ordering  of  the  illuminating  apparatus  ? — The 
truth,  I  believe,  is  that  it  was  left  entirely  to  Mr.Halpin's 
recommendation,  of  course  under  the  sanction  and 
approval  of  the  Board,  but  he  was  the  originator  of 
all  the  works  that  were  required  for  the  lighthouse 
establishments. 

104.  Then  who  is  the  present  engineer  ? — Mr. 
Halpin,  the  son  of  the  late  Mr.  Halpin,  is  the  Super- 
intendent, under  the  denomination  given  him  by  the 
Board  of  Trade. 

105.  Who  is  the  inspector  ? — He  is  of  the  light- 
house establishments,  and  Captain  Roberts  of  light- 
ships and  buoys.  Mr.  Halpin's  denomination  is  now 
"  Superintendent." 

106.  Should  you  say  that,  in  practice,  there  was 
any  disadvantage  in  the  circumstance  of  having  the 
person  who  constructs  or  directs  the  construction  and 
the  person  who  inspects  one  and  the  same  ? — My  own 
impression  always  has  been,  and  I  have  never  con- 


Sir 

J.  DoTitbr 


cealed  it  from  the   Board,  but  at  all  times,  and  on  all  

occasions,  when  on   inspection,  or  otherwise,  that  the    n  jjuj.  i860. 

Inspector  and  the  Engineer  ought  to  be  two   separate      

and  distinct  persons.  I  think,  in  principle,  that  the 
person  who  constructs,  directs,  and  certifies  should'not 
be  the  inspector  of  his  own  work  ;  and  further,  that 
as  all  applications  for  lighthouses,  buoys,  and  beacons 
are  based  on  nautical  grounds,  that  the  inspector 
should  be  a  naval  officer. 

107.  Can  you  state  what  the  instructions  are 
under  which  the  Inspector  now  makes  his  visits,  or 
who  gives  the  instructions  ? — Indeed,  it  has  been  left 
hitherto,  I  think,  to  himself,  to  inspect  when  he 
could  ;  but  his  duties  are  so  numerous  that  I  am 
afraid  I  could  not  report  that  any  general  inspection 
has  been  undertaken  by  the  present  Superintendent, 
except  when  he  has  accompanied  the  Inspecting 
Committees. 

108.  You  have  just  stated  that  his  duties  are  "so 
numerous,"  can  you  at  all  describe  to  the  Commis- 
sioners what  those  duties  arc  ? — He  holds  the  situa- 
tion not  only  of  Superintendent  and  Engineer  and 
Inspector  of  Lighthouses  but  he  is  also  Engineer  of 
the  Port,  under  the  Port  of  Dublin  Corporation,  and 
those  duties  have  been  onerous,  and  very  heavy  upon 
him ;  but  the  Board  have  lately  taken  means  to 
relieve  him  from  a  great  portion  of  the  Port  duties, 
in  order  to  enaljle  him  to  devote  his  attention  more  to 
the  Lighthouse  Department. 

109.  Is  he  the  regularly  salaried  Engineer  of  the 
Port  of  Dublin  Corporation  ? — His  salary  is  paid 
partly  from  the  Marine  Fund,  and  jiartly  from  tho 
Port  Fund. 

110.  Can  you  separate  the  proportions  ? — I  think 
two  thirds  are  paid  by  the  Board  of  Trade  out  of  the 
Mercantile  Marine  Fund,  and  one  third  by  the  Port, 
amounting  all  together  very  closely  to  1,000/.  a  year 
now. 

111.  (Jlr.  Gladstone.)  It  appears  that  the  salary 
is  800/.,  and  that  there  is  .an  allowance  of  100/.  for  a 
residence  ? — Yes  ;  I  think  it  is  800/.,  which  increases 
year  by  year,  I  think,  to  920/.,  or  something  like  that. 

112.  {Chairman.)  Is  it  exclusively  for  his  duties 
as  connected  with  the  Lighthouse  service  of  the 
Ballast  Board  that  he  receives  this  salary  out  of  the 
Mercantile  Marine  Fund  ? — Yes,  he  receives  two  thirds 
from  the  Mercantile  Marine  Fund,  and  one  third  from 
the  Port. 

113.  Are  the  two  thirds  from  the  Mercantile 
Marine  Fund  in  virtue  of  his  office  as  Superintendent 
of  the  Lighthouse  Board  ; — Certainly,  as  Superinten- 
dent and  Engineer. 

114.  {Captain  Rt/der.)  Are  the  Commissioners  to 
understand  that  the  Superintendent  has  no  special 
instructions  with  regard  to  his  inspections,  and  that 
he  does  not  inspect  regularly  ? — He  has  no  special 
instructions,  but  occasionally  he  has  instructions  to 
inspect  any  particular  station  that  may  require  his 
attendance,  or  report  upon  any  matter  specially  re- 
ferred to  him. 

115.  {Chairman.)  Can  you  furnish  the  Commis- 
sioners with  the  Inspector's  last  Annual  Report  of  his 
visits  ? — I  am  afraid  that  there  is  not  any  Annual 
Report  from  the  Inspector. 

116.  What  .should  you  s.ay  was  the  average  time 
that  elapses  between  the  Inspector's  visits  to  the 
Lighthouses  ? — He  has  accompanied,  for  the  last  seven 
or  eight  years,  the  Committee?  rf  Inspection,  iu  all 
cases,  and  those  have  been  his  inspections,  when  ac- 
companying the  Committees,  but  he  has  not  made  any 
general  inspection  at  any  other  time. 

117.  Should  you  say  those  inspections  of  the  Com- 
mittee were  annual   and  regular  ? — Certainly,  from 


Q-i 


128 


MINUTES   OF   EVIDENCE   TAKEN   BEFORE  THE   COJOHSSIONERS   APPOINTED   TO 


Sir  the  time  tliey  first  commenced   they  have  been   ex- 

J.  Dombrain.     ceeclin"-ly  so,  and  more   than  annual,  sometimes  they 

:  have  been  twice  in  a  year. 

11  Dec.  16W.  jj^  (Captain  Ryder.)  What  is  the  longest  time 
that  has  ehipsed  between  the  visits  of  the  Superin- 
tendent to  any  particuhir  lighthouse  ? — I  cannot 
exactly  charge  my  memory  with  those  which  have 
not  beer>  inspected,  from  the  inability  of  'tlie  Com  - 
mittsee  to  communicate  with  particular  lighthouses 
on  the  coast,  it  may  have  been  in  some  cases 
two  or  three  years  ;  but  all  the  principal  lighthouses, 
with  one  or  two  exceptions,  have  been  inspected 
annually,  and  those  exceptions  have  been  accounted 
for  by  the  state  of  the  weather. 

119.  Some  of  those  lighthouses  which  have  not 
been  visited  on  account  of  the  weather  might  have 
been  visited,  might  they  not,  by  the  Inspector  from 
the  shore  ? — Undoubtedly  they  may  have  been,  if  he 
could  have  found  time  to  have  done  it. 

120.  {Chairman.)  Can  you  state  the  method  of 
ordering  the  annual  supply  of  stores,  including  the 
requisitions,  &c.,  showing  at  what  step  the  documents 
are  submitted  to  the  Ballast  Board  ;  or  could  you 
produce  the  last  year's  requisition  for  stores  ? — There 
is  no  requisition  to  the  Board  whatever,  exclusive  of 
oil,  and  the  supply  of  all  stores  has  rested  hitherto 
■with  the  Superintendent.  I  took  the  trouble,  latch-, 
to  inquire  from  Jlr.  Ilalpin  upon  what  principle  fur- 
niture and  various  articles,  for  the  use  of  the  Light 
Keepers,  were  supplied,  whether  there  was  any  fixed 
rule  as  to  the  quantity  or  not,  and  he  stated  to  me 
that  it  was  quite  arbitrary  with  himself  to  order  what 
he  thought  necessary  for  them  ;  and  upon  ascertain- 
in"  this,  I  drew  out  and  submitted  a  form  to  the 
Board,  and  which  has  been  ordered  to  be  adopted. 

121.  You  have  stated  that  the  supply  of  .'ill  stores 
rests  with  the  Superintendent  ? — Yes. 

122.  Can  you  give  the  Commissioners  a  description 
of  the  requisition  upon  which  he  orders  the  stores  to 
be  supplied  ? — It  is  on  application  from  the  Light 
Keepers,  stating  to  him  what  is  required  to  replace 
either  that  which  has  been  worn  out  or  become  defec- 
tive from  other  causes. 

123-  {Captain  Byder.)  Or  anything  that  may  be 
fequired  in  addition  ? — Yes. 

124.  {Chairman).  Is  that  application  from  the 
Light  Keepers  made  upon  any  tabulated  paper  or 
printed  form  ? — I  believe  it  is  to  the  Superintendent. 

125.  Then,  in  time,  is  not  that  submitted  to  the 
Ballast  Board  ? — No  ;  the  accounts  of  the  cost  of  all 
these  articles,  of  course,  all  pass  through  the  Board  ; 
and  in  future,  as  I  have  already  stated,  the  Board 
will  have  these  requisitions  before  them  ;  the  articles 
are  generally  supplied  by  contract.  Annual  tenders 
are  called  for  for  the  supply  of  certain  articles,  such 
as  brushes,  brooms,  and  various  things  of  that  kind 
which  are  required  by  the  Light  Keepers ;  it  is 
always  done  by  public  advertisement. 

126.  Can  you  produce  the  last  year's  report  of  the 
stock  remaining  in  hand,  the  document  actually  pre- 
sented to  the  Board  with  the  minutes  upon  it  ? — I 
cannot  do  so,  for,  as  already  stated,  the  system  is  not 
yet  in  operation. 

127.  {Captain  Ryder.)  Is  there  such  a  thing? — I 
apprehend  Mr.  Ilalpin  has  some  such  returns  at 
present,  and  that  he  can  furnish  the  Commissioners 
with  them  when  he  is  called  upon  to  do  so. 

128.  Has  he  produced  such  a  document  to  the 
Ballast  Board  as  to  the  stock  remaining  in  hand  ? — 
Whenever  it  is  called  for,  on  any  particular  occasion, 
a  return  is  immediately  ])roduced  by  Mr.  Ilalpin,  but 
not  so  clear  and  com{)rehensive  as  the  one  no^7 
approved  by  the  Board. 

129.  {Chdirman.)  I  believe  you  ai'e  one  of  the 
Visiting  Committee  ? — Yes. 

130.  As  one  of  that  committee,  can  you  ])roduce 
the  last  general  account  of  the  state  of  the  fabrics 
and  illuminating  appanvtus,  &c.,  showing  the  repairs 
that  were  necessary  ? — I  can  produce  the  minute  book 
of  tho  inspections,  which  will  show  the  Commissioners 


the  duties  performed  by  the  Inspecting  Committee,  at 
each  Lighthouse  establishment,  on  the  coast.  Their 
observations  are  always  directed  to  tliu  state  of  the 
buildings  and  the  state  of  the  apparatus,  the  repairs 
necessary,  and  in  fact  the  general  state  of  everything, 
houses  and  everything  else.  I  have  the  minute  book 
of  inspection  with  me  if  the  Commissioners  wish  to 
see  it.  I  brought  it  for  our  own  reference,  in  case 
the  Commissioners  should  ask  any  question  connected 
with  it 

131.  Can  you  state  the  course  which  is  adopted  in 
each  case  for  making  the  required  repairs,  showing 
the  time  that  elapses  from  the  date  of  the  requisition 
until  the  repairs  are  taken  in  hand  ? — I  cannot  do 
that.  Air.  Halpin  could  supply  the  Commissioners 
with  that  information. 

132.  {Captain  Ryder.)  Do  you  know  the  course 
that  is  generally  adopted  with  regard  to  local  afi'airs  ? 
—Yes. 

133.  What  is  the  course  taken  ? — We  have  been 
very  anxious  indeed, — that  is,  the  Inspecting  Com- 
inittee, — on  all  occasions,  to  endeavour  to  get  the 
small  work  that  is  required,  such  as  painting  and 
small  repairs,  done  by  some  local  parties.  It  has 
hitherto  been  the  practice,  on  the  part  of  the 
Superintendent,  to  send  mechanics  and  artisans  from 
Dublin  to  execute  those  repairs,  to  do  painting  and 
things  of  that  nature,  which  we  thought  ought  and 
could  be  done  much  more  economically,  and  probably 
just  as  well  upon  the  spot ;  we  have  very  strongly 
urged  it,  and  pressed  it  upon  ilr.  Halpin  to  do  so, 
and  I  believe  in  a  great  number  of  cases  he  has 
adopted  our  views  ;  but  there  are  some  parts  to 
which  it  is  necessary  to  send  persons  from  Dublin, 
for  instance,  anything  connected  with  the  apjiaratus 
— lamps  or  anything  of  that  kind — we  are  obliged  to 
send  a  proper  lamp  fitter  from  Dublin,  we  could  not 
find  a  person  of  that  kind  on  the  spot ;  but  in  all 
other  matters,  in  small  repairs,  we  have  urged  it 
very  strongly  on  all  occasions  that  they  should,  if 
possible,  be  done  by  local  tradesmen. 

134.  {Chairman.)  You  say  that  it  has  been  tin 
habit  of  the  Superintendent  to  send  persons  from  Dub- 
lin to  execute  ordinary  repairs,  excepting  those  you 
have  mentioned  ? — I  think  principally  for  painting 
and  repairs  of  lamps,  and  things  of  that  kind. 

135.  With  the  exception  of  matters  which  related 
to  the  illuminating  apparatus  persons  might  have 
been  employed  on  the  spot  ? — Yes. 

136.  Should  you  say  that  that  had  been  the  practice, 
with  respect  to  Lighthouses,  at  whatever  distance 
from  Dublin  ? — The  practice  has  hitherto  been  to  send 
persons  from  Dublin,  but  latterly  that  has  been  dis- 
continued to  some  extent. 

137.  You  have  already  stated  that  you  strongly 
recommended  that  a  new  system  should  bo  adopted, 
and  that  parties  on  the  spot  should  be  invited  to 
undertake  what  was  required  to  be  done  ? — Yes ;  and 
I  know  that  in  some  cases  that  has  been  carried  out. 

138.  {Captain  Ryder.)  In  many  of  the  replies 
which  you  have  given,  you  have  spoken  of  the  Super- 
intendent being  urged  to  do  this  and  pressed  to  do 
that.  I  wish  to  know  how  it  is  that  he  does  not  obey 
the  orders  which,  I  understand  by  those  expressions 
are  given  to  him  liy  the  Committee  on  Lighthouses  ?^ 
I  have  already  stated  that  Mr.  Ilalpin's  duties  are 
very  heavy.  In  addition  to  that  his  state  of  health 
is  not  good.  lie  is  now  laid  up,  and  has  been  ordered, 
1  believe,  not  to  attand  to  any  work  whatever  for 
three  months.  INIr.  Halpin,  I  believe,  is  a  very  zea- 
lous and  very  anxious  man,  but  he  troubles  himself  too 
much  in  the  details  of  the  establishment  without,  in 
my  mind,  looking  to  the  main  features  of  it  ;  that  is,  if 
the  smallcstaccount  comes  before  him  bethinks  itneces- 
sary  that  he  should  go  through  that  account  and  make 
his  report  upon  it,  whereas  it  is  one  of  those  ordinary 
returns  such  as  may  come,  by  a  printed  form,  from  a 
Ligbtkccper,  and  he  thinks  it  necessary  that  he  sliould 
go  into  the  detailsof  that  himself  instead  of  intrusting 
it  to  the  people  in  his  office,  thereby  occupying  a 
great  deal  of  his  time,  in  my  opinion,  unnecessarily. 


IXQUIRE  INTO  TlfE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


129 


It  lias  boon  very  much  urged  upon  liim  by  the 
Board  thut  he  should  cndea.-our  to  uiuke  a  dillerent 
arrangement,  so  as  to  be  able  to  devote  ino.e  of 
his  time  to  the  princ'oal  part  of  his  dulies.  The 
Board  have,  as  I  stated  before,  relieved  him  from  a 
great  derd  of  his  jiort  duties,  and  have  told  him  now 
that  they  will  recjuire  that  he  shall  make  at  least  one 
annual  inspection  of  all  the  Lighthouses  ou  the  coast, 
irrespective  altogether  of  the  proceedings  of  ihe  In- 
specting Committee. 

139.  {^Mr.  Gladstone.)  Do  not  the  Secretaries  of 
the  Ballast  Board  relieve  him  of  some  of  the  duties 
you  have  just  mentioned  ? — The  Board  have,  within 
the  last  few  months,  ordered  that  in  future  all  cor- 
respondence connected  with  the  establishment  should 
be  addressed  to  tiie  Secretary,  and  by  that  they  hoped 
to  be  enabled  to  see  what  Mr.  Hatpin  really  had  to  do, 
and,  as  far  as  possible,  to  relieve  him  from  the  very 
minute  details  which  ho  has  hitherto  thought  it  ne- 
cessary to  go  into. 

140.  (C/iairman.)  Then  to  whom  had  that  corre- 
spondence been  addressed  previously  to  its  being  or- 
dered to  go  to  the  Secretaries  ? — To  Mr.  Ilalpin. 

141.  I  presume  that  the  official  correspondence 
from  the  Board  of  Trade  was  not  addressed  to  Mr. 
Ilalpin  ?— No,  it  was  not.  I  am  speaking  of  tho 
establishment  which  is  considered  under  INIr.  Ilalpin's 
superintendence,  as  Superintendent  cf  Lighthouses 
and  Engineer. 

141.  You  stated  that  you  had  brought  with  you  tho 
minute  book  of  the  inspections — can  you  produce  tho 
last  report  of  Captain  Roberts,  of  his  inspections  ?  — 
No  ;  I  liave  not  got  the  last  report  of  his  inspection, 
although  I  have  the  report  of  the  Committee  of  In- 
spection ou  both  lighthouses  and  lightships. 

143.  (Captain  Ri/der.)  Is  Captain  Roberts's  report 
a  full  one  ?  —  He  reports  on  all  occasions  after  in- 
spection, and  also  whenever  any  matter  arises  neces- 
sary for  the  Board  to  be  informed  of,  and  I  may  take 
the  opportunity  now  of  saying  that  a  more  anxious  or 
zealous  man  I  do  not  know,  and  he  discharges  his  duty 
to  the  perfect  satisfaction  of  every  member  of  the 
Board. 

144.  {Chairman)  I  take  for  granted  that  you  know 
the  Midge,  the  present  buoy  boat  of  the  Ballast  Board? 
.—Yes. 

145.  As  a  person  accustomed  to  the  sea,  do  you 
consider  the  "  Midge"  a  fit  vessel  for  tho  duties  she 
has  to  perform  ? — I  consider  her  a  most  dangerous 
vessel,  and  wholly  unsuited  for  the  purpose  for  which 
she  was  intended.  Only  within  the  last  fortnight  she 
had  to  take  out  a  light  ship  to  replace  another,  merely 
as  far  as  the  "  Kish,"  and  she  could  not  accomplish  it; 
she  was  obliged  to  come  back  ;  it  was  only  blowing 
moderately  strong,  but  she  could  not  accomplish  it. 

146.  Was  it  over  contemplated,  in  supjilying  tho 
"Midge,"  that  she  was  to  undertake  the  duties  of 
replacing  a  light  vessel  ? — Certainly. 

147.  Do  you  think  that  the  Board  of  Trade  was 
aware  that  she  was  expected  to  perform  that  duty  ? 
— She  was  built  under  the  orders  of  the  Board  of 
Trade,  and  it  was  very  strongly  urged  upon  them 
to  have  a  vessel  sufficiently  largo  to  enable  her  to  do 
that  duty  to  a  certainty — at  all  times  to  be  enabled  to 
do  it;  but  the  President  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  at  the 
time,  limited  the  expense  to  a  certain  sum;  he  would 
not  allow  a  few  hundreds  more  to  have  a  proper 
vessel,  and  hence  the  unfortunate  craft  that  we  have 
got. 

148.  Was  it  subsequently  to  the  sale  of  tho 
"Argus"  that  this  vessel  was  intended  by  tho  Board 
of  Trade  to  perform  the  duty  of  shifting  a  light  ship  ? 
— Yes.  I  should  slate  that  when  the  *'  Argus"  was 
dispensed  with  in  Ireland,  the  arrangement  under 
which  it  was  done  was,  that  we  were,  at  any  time 
that  we  required  it,  to  have  a  steamer  belonging  to 
the  Trinity  Board  stationed  at  Milford,  for  the  purpose 
either  of  shifting  light  ships  or  any  other  purpose 
that  we  might  actually  require;  but  in  our  applica- 
tions to  the  Trinity  Board,  we  have  found  that  it  has 
often  been  attended  with  the  most  serious  inconve- 
nience to  them   to  give  us  a  vessel,   even  for  our 

I.  R 


inspection,  and  therefore  we  have  not  applied  to  them 
to  shift  a  I'ght  ship,  for  we  knew,  from  our  com- 
munications with  them,  that  it  has  only  been  at 
great  inconvenience  to  their  department  that  they 
have  given  a  vessel  upon  almost  any  occasion,  and 
upon  our  last  application,  I  think  about  August,  they 
were  compelled  to  refuse  one. 

149.  What  was  the  date  when  the  "Midge"  was 
employed  to  shift  the  ''  Kish"  light  ship,  as  you  have 
mentioned  ? — I  think  about  a  fortnight  ago. 

100.  Had  you  applied  to  the  Trinity  llouse  in  the 
first  instance  ? — No,  not  for  that,  because  the  distance) 
was  so  very  short;  the  distance  was  only  seven  or  eiglit 
miles. 

101.  {Captain  Hi/der.)  How  did  you  shift  tho 
"  Kish"  light  vessel  ? — We  shifted  her  at  last  by  the 
"Midge,"  but  with  a  great  deal  of  trouble. 

152.  {3Ir.  Gladstone.)  And  loss  of  time  ?— Yes  ; 
perhaps  I  may  observe  here,  that  when  that  vessel 
gets  two  heavy  buoys  on  her  deck,  it  is  positively 
dangerous  for  her  to  go  to  sea. 

153.  (C/iairman.)  Do  you  remember  that  an  ar- 
rangement was  entered  into  with  the  City  of  Dublin 
Steam  Packet  Company  to  replace  light  vessels  if 
required  to  do  so,  and  can  you  state  whether  tho 
arrangements  were  made  by  tlie  Ballast  Board  or  by 
the  Board  of  Trade  ? — I  tliink  ihero  was  one  occa- 
Eion — I  cannot  exactly  charge  my  memory  with  it^ 
on  which  an  application  was  made  to  the  City  of 
Dublin  Company,  by  the  Ballast  Board,  for  the  hire 
of  a  vessel  to  shift  one  of  our  light  ships,  for  which  I 
think  they  were  paid  120/.  I  am  not  quite  sure,  but 
I  think  that  was  the  case;  but  no  general  arrangements 
have  been  ever  entered  into  with  them,  although  wo 
were  permitted  to  make  such  an  arrangement  by  tho 
Board  of  Trade  if  we  could  do  so. 

154.  Are  you  aware  of  any  reasons  for  the  ar- 
rangement not  being  carried  out? — The  City  of 
Dublin  Company  stated  that  they  could  not  be  an- 
swerable for  supplying  a  vessel  when  wo  might 
require  it,  at  a  short  notice  ;  that  their  vessels  were 
eno-a"ed  in  the  trade  and  commerce  of  the  Port,  and 
that  they  could  not  take  them  off  their  lines  for  tho 
purpose  of  shifting  light  vessels. 

155.  I  perceive,  in  answer  to  our  question  9,  with 
respect  to  the  mode  of  selecting  and  appointing 
officers,  th.it  the  appointments  of  the  Ballast  Board 
are  subject  to  to  the  approval  of  the  Lord  Lieutenant 
and  the  Board  of  Trade ;  has  the  power  of  disap- 
proval ever  been  expressed  by  the  Board  of  Trade,  or 
by  the  Lord  Lieutenant  ? — Never,  I  believe. 

156.  It  would  appear,  at  first  sight,  that  the  Ballast 
Board  was  subject  to  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Trinity 
House,  and  to  a  certain  extent  of  the  Board  of 
Trade  ? — Precisely  so. 

157.  But  it  appears  that  there  is  also  another 
jurisdiction  that  enters  into  tho  Government,  viz., 
that  of  the  Lord  Lieutenant  ? — Yes. 

158.  Then  the  Lighthouse  system  in  Ireland  may 
be  said  to  have  a  quadruple  government — its  own 
Board,  the  Trinity  House,  the  Board  of  Trade,  and 
the  Lord  Lieutenant  ? — That  of  the  Loiri  Lieutenant 
is  merely  as  to  the  confirmation  of  appointments,  or 
the  disapproval  of  them  ;  it  enters  in  no  part  into  the 
general  management  of  the  establishments  in  any 
way — it  is  merely  that  if  you  propose  the  appoint- 
ment of  a  new  officer,  or  an  increase  of  salary,  ac- 
cording to  the  Act  under  which  tlie  Board  is  con- 
stituted, you  must  submit  it  to  the  Lord  Lieutenant, 
and,  if  he  does  not  disapprove  of  it,  I  think  in  21 
days,  then  the  oppointment  may  take  place. 

159.  But  his  approval  or  disa]iproval  applies  to 
officers  of  every  description,  dots  it  not  ? — Not  to 
Light  Keepers. 

160.  But  to  tho  salaried  officers  ? — Merely  to  the 
salaried  officers  under  the  Board. 

161.  (3fr.  Gladsln7ic.)  And  as  to  making  any  rule, 
order,  or  regulation  ? — Yes  ;  there  are  certain  regu- 
lations for  the  government  of  the  Port,  not  as  a 
lighthouse  establishment — there  are  regulations  such 
as  for  the   quays    and   matters   of    that    kind  ;  for 


Sir 
J,  Duvibrah. 


130 


MIN'UTKS   OF   EYIDEXCE   TAKKX   BEFORE  THE   COMMISSIOXEKS   APPOINTED   TO 


J.  Dumbrain. 

11  Dec.  1860. 


Rt.  Hon. 

Earl  nfMeath 


instance,  at  this  moment  the  Board  have  under  their 
anxiou.-i  consideration  regnlation.s  for  the  government 
of  the  quay.s,  which  may  bo  termed  Harbour  Regula- 
tions ;  those,  when  they  are  properly  digested  and 
considered  will  be  submitted  to  the  Lord  Lieutenant 
for  his  approval — indeed,  I  believe  that  they  are 
already,  probably  since  I  left,  or  they  were  to  have 
been— but  nothing  connected  with  the  Lighthouse 
whatever,  it  is  merely  the  Port. 

162.  Do  you  thiiik  that  the  Act  of  Parliament 
merclv  relates  to  the  Port  in  that  instance  ? — Yes. 
All  the  ofKeers  in  the  establishment,  the  Commissioners 
will  observe,  are  paid  part  Port  Fund  and  part  Light- 
house Fund,  excepting  Captain  Koberts — he  is  on 
the  Lighthouse  Fund  solely. 

163."  (  Chairman.)  Can  you  state  how  the  power 
given  to  the  Board  of  Trade  by  the  Merchant  Ship- 
ping Act,  in  Sections  422  and  423,  to  control  expen- 
diture, is  exercised  ? — It  is  exercised  by  the  Board  of 
Trade  in  this  manner:  — Our  expenditure  is  controlled 
br  annual  estimates  ;  the  annual  estimates  are  sub- 
mitted to  the  Board  of  Trade,  showing  what  is  required 
for  everything  connected  with  the  establishment,  as  far 
of  course  as  human  foresight  can  give  it,  down  to  the 
minutest  particulars ;  it  is  then  sent  forward  to  the 
Board  of  Trade,  and  they  state  whether  they  approve 
of  those  general  estimates  or  not.  But  they  have 
<nven  us  an  order  also  that,  even  as  to  those  which 
they  approve,  if  it  be  any  extensive  or  new  work, 
that  ii  shall  not  be  carried  into  execution  by  the  Board, 
although  the  Estimate  may  have  been  approved  by 
them,  until  the  subject  of  that  particular  work — if  it 
be,  as  I  have  stated,  of  an  extensive  character — is 
again  brought  under  their  notice  ;  and  all  cases 
which  may"  arise  incidentally — that  is,  any  damage 
that  may  occur  that  could  not  be  foreseen — is  then  to 
be  submitted  to  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  they  give 
their  authority  upon  it  or  not,  as  they  think  proper. 

164.  {Chairman.)  Then  no  fund  is  allowed  to  you 
for  incidental  expenses  ? — Not  a  shilling.  I  will  men- 
tion an  instance.  The  Annual  Estimates  provided  a 
sum,  I  think,  amounting  to  3,700/.  ;  it  was  for  the  alter- 
ation of  three  lights  on  the  coast,  from  catoptric  to 
dioptric  :  they  approved  of  the  annual  estimates  in 
the  gross,  but  when  we  applied  to  them  to  make  this 
alteration  at  one  or  two  particular  lights,  which  we 
thouirht  of  very  great  importance  to  have  made  diop- 
tric, they  refused  it. 

165.  Did  the  Board  give  their  reasons  for  not 
allowing  it  ? — Yes  ;  and  their  reasons  were  that  until 
the  old  catoptric  retlectors  were  worn  out  they  would 
not  sanction  an  alteration.  In  our  recommendation 
we  selected  three  of  the  most  important  stations,  as 
we  thought,  ujion  the  coast  ;  the  first  was  Cork 
Harbour,  which  has  a  bad  light,  and  yet  it  is  a  very 

The  Right  Honourable  the 

169.  ( Chairman.)  You  are  one  of  the  members  of  the 
Ballast  Board  of  Dublin  ? — I  am. 

170.  How  long  have  you  been  a  member  of  that 
Board  ? — I  think  about  eight  years. 

171.  You  were  chairman,  I  believe,  of  the  visiting 
committee  of  1 859  ? — I  was. 

172.  Can  you  state  to  the  Commissioners  what  the 
views  of  the  Ballast  Board  are  with  regard  to  the 
adoption  of  a  uniform  system  of  buoyage,  both  as  to 
the  best  colours  for  buoys,  as  well  as  the  system 
under  which  the  buoys  should  be  placed  V — 'J'ho 
opinion  of  the  Ballast  Board  is  that  a  uniform  system 
of  buoyage  should  be  adopted  throughout  the  United 
Kingdom. 

173.  Then  at  present  no  regular  system  of  buoyage 
does  exist  in  Ire'aud  ? — None. 

174.  Can  you  state  whether  the  suggestions  as  to 
the  colouring  of  the  buoys  in  particular  localities 
have  been  made  by  the  Ballast  Board  to  the  Boanl  of 
Trade,  and  whether  the  suggestions  of  tlie  Ballast 
Hoard  have  been  adopted  or  not  ? — Suggestions  have 
been  made  by  the  Ballast  Board  with  a  view  of  can-y- 
in"  out  a  uniform  system  round  the  Irish  coasts,  but 
without  success.  Captain  Roberts,  .seeing  the  very 
great  difficulties  and  dangers  incurred  by  masters  of 


important  light  at  Roche's  Point,  which  is  seen  at  a 
very  short  distance.  Then  there  is  Copeland  Island 
at  the  entrance  to  Belfast  Lough,  and  Tory  Islaud, 
which  is  generally  first  made  by  vessels  coming 
north  about. 

166.  (Captain  Ryder.)  How  long  will  the  reflectors 
at  those  three  lighthouses,  in  your  opinion,  last?  First, 
take  Roche's  Point  in  Cork  Harbour  ? — Generall}',  I 
think,  they  may  last  for  nine  or  ten  years,  affording  a 
diminished  light  every  year.  At  Cork,  on  a  very 
recent  occasion,  the  owners  of  one  of  the  Atlantic 
steamers  reported  to  the  Ballast  Board  that  on  a 
certain  night,  when  within  five  or  six  miles  of  the 
land,  the  light  at  Roche's  Point  was  not  distinguish- 
able, and  they  attributed  this,  in  their  report,  to  the 
neglect  of  the  light  keeper,  who  they  said  could  not 
have  had  the  lamps  lighted  at  the  time  ;  but  an  inquiry 
was  immediately  instituted  by  the  Ballast  Board, 
when  they  found  that  the  light  had  been  duly  exhi- 
bited, but  its  power  is  so  circumscribed  that  it  was 
not  seen  at  that  distance.  It  was  represented  to 
the  Ballast  Board  also  by  the  Admiral  at  Cove, 
and  the  Admiral  urged  upon  us  the  placing  of  a 
better  light  there,  but  which  was  refused  by  the 
Board  of  Trade,  it  being  one  of  the  places  that 
we  had  long  previoush'  recommended  on  our  tours  of 
inspection.  AVe  looked  at  it  in  this  light — that  Cork 
and  Belfast  were  the  two  principal  ports  in  Ireland, 
and  that  to  those  we  would  apph-  the  better  light  as 
soon  as  we  could,  the  Tory  Island  light  being  the 
light  which  is  generally  made  by  vessels  coming  from 
America,  we  considered  of  equal  importance. 

167.  Are  there  any  other  catoptric  lights  which  the 
Ballast  Board  would  wish  to  change  as  soon  as 
possible  to  dioptric  lights  ? — Yes  ;  I  am  quite  sure 
that  they  would  change  the  whole,  because  before  the 
Board  were  put  under  the  control  of  the  Board  of 
Trade  it  was  part  of  their  arrangement  that  as  the 
others  became  worn  out,  or  any  circumstances  arose 
to  render  it  desirable  that  the  better  light  should  be 
exhibited,  it  should  be  taken  in  hand,  and  annually 
some  should  be  changed. 

168.  Then  are  the  Commissioners  to  understand 
that  if  the  Ballast  Board  had  retained  the  manage- 
merit  of  its  own  pecuniary  affairs  there  would  have 
been  a  much  larger  number  of  dioptric  lights  in 
Ireland  than  there  are  at  present  ? — I  can  have  no 
question  about  it.  provided  the  Trinity  Board  con- 
curred with  us,  which  I  am  very  happy  to  say  they 
have  done  on  all  occasions.  There  has  never  been 
any  ditlerence  of  opinion  between  us,  and  we  find 
them  most  anxious  to  meet  our  views  and  wishes  in 
every  respect.  We  have  really  found  them  very 
obliging  on  all  occasions. 

Eakl  of  Meath  examined, 
vessels  navigating  along  our  shores  from  the  different 
.-ystems  of  buoying  that  exist  in  difi'erent  localities, 
recommended  our  Board  to  adopt,  throughout  the 
entire  of  their  jurisdiction,  the  simple  plan  of  painting 
all  buoys  red  on  the  starboard  hand  and  black  on  the 
port  in  entering  harbours,  rivers,  and  channels,  and 
that  chequered  buoys  should  mark  all  middle  dangers. 
This  plan  was  approved  of  by  our  Board,  but,  on 
being  placed  before  the  Elder  Brethren  for  their 
consideration,  it  failed  to  obtain  their  approval,  and 
therefore  could  not  be  put  into  execution.  I  may 
add  that  this  plan  has  been  adopted  for  some  time  by 
the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lights,  as  also  by  the 
Belfast  and  Derrv  Harbour  Commissioners,  and  if  we 
had  been  allowed  to  adopt  it  the  system  would  have 
become  general  in  the  Irish  Channel.  As  to  the 
colours  of  buoys,  I  believe  that  all  practical  men  are 
of  opinion  that  red  and  biack  are  best  seen  in  our 
waters.  Suggestions  have  been  made  by  the  Ballast 
Board. 

175.  Some  of  the  buoys  on  the  coast  of  Ireland,  I 
believe,  have  been  placed  there  by  the  Admiralty  ; 
can  you  state  in  what  localities  buoys  have  been  so 
placed  by  tho  Admiralty? — I  know  of  a  certain 
number  of  Admiralty  buoys,  but  I  could  not  go  over 
the  list  of  them  without  refreshing  my  memory. 


INQXJIRK  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


J  31 


1 76.  Do  you  remember  the  circumstances  attending 
an  application  from  tlie  Admiralty  Board  to  the 
Balhist  Board  to  phico  buoys  at  Berehavon  ? — I  do, 
perfectly.  For  correctness  sake  I  would  refer  the 
Commissioners  to  the  correspondence  from  the  Ballast 
Board,  \\'hich  has  been  given  in  our  answers  to 
questions  17  and  18,  Circular  5. 

177.  It  appears,  from  that  correspondence  to  which 
you  have  referred,  that  the  Admiralty  declined  to 
take  any  share  in  the  expen-:e  of  laying  down  those 
buoys,  and  that  in  consequence  the  Board  of  Trace 
refused  to  sanction  any  expense  on  the  part  of  the 
Ballast  Board  for  the  same  purpose.  Would  the 
placing  of  those  buoys  in  that  locality  have  been  of 
use  to  the  merchant  shipping  and  to  the  trade  gene- 
rally?— Most  undoubtedly  it  would  to  the  trade  iu  gen- 
eral of  the  kingdom.  These  useful  buoys  have  not 
been  placed  in  consequence  of  the  Board  of  Trade 
refusing  to  adopt  them,  as  the  Admiralty  could  not 
sanction  the  expenditure  of  two-thirds  of  the  cost. 

178.  (Captain Bijihr.)  Then,  because  men  of  war 
frequent  the  harbours  on  the  coast  of  Ireland,  the 
merchant  shipping  is  deprived  of  buoys  ?  —  Such 
appear  to  be  the  views  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  indeed, 
I  am  sorry  to  say,  that  on  all  subjects  referred  to  them 
they  invariably  seem  to  be  guided  in  their  decisions 
by  that  wretched  low  principle  of  economy,  and  not 
by  the  consideration  of  what  amount  of  public  benefit 
is  likely  to  accrue  from  the  execution  of  the  public 
works  submitted  to  them  for  their  approval.  I  look 
upon  that  board  as  a  sad  clog  to  all  improvement  in 
lighting  and  buoying  the  dangers  of  the  coasts  of  the 
United  Kingdom,  and  in  support  of  what  I  have  just 
stated,  I  should  wish  to  mention  one  case  out  of  many 
in  the  same  class,  viz.,  that  of  the  Londonderry  Har- 
bour Commissioners  with  regard  to  the  Tuns  Bank 
Buoys.  About  a  couple  of  miles  outside  the  entrance 
to  Lough  Foyle,  and  in  the  open  sea,  lies  a  very 
dangerous  bank,  called  the  Tuns,  right  in  the  fair 
way  of  vessels  making  for  the  Lough.  For  the  safety 
of  ships  either  trading  with  Derry  or  running  for 
shelter  in  stress  of  weather  to  the  Lough,  it  is  most 
essential  that  this  should  be  well  marked,  and  it  was 
therefore  with  this  conviction  that  the  inhabitants  of 
Londonderry,  a  good  number  of  years  ago,  went  to  the 
expence  of  placing  two  buoys  upon  it.  They  have 
now  got  an  Act  of  Parliament,  accurately  defining 
the  limits  of  their  jurisdiction,  and  authorizing  them 
to  levy  certain  dues  for  lighting  and  marking  with 
buoys  and  beacons  all  that  is  within  their  conser- 
vancy. The  Act  is  very  clear  in  stating  the  purposes 
for  which  the  dues  are  to  be  applied.  The  Tuns 
Bank  is  a  good  way  outside  the  limits  of  the  jurisdic- 
tion of  the  Commissioners  under  this  Act,  and  by  it 
they  are  strictly  prohibited  from  laying  out  any  of 
the  dues  collected  in  the  port  except  on  certain  works 
for  the  maintenance  and  improvement  of  the  naviga- 
tion of  the  Lough  within  the  boundary  as  detailed  in 
the  Act.  They  have  therefore  proposed  to  the  Ballast 
Board  to  hand  over  to  them  these  two  buoys  on  con- 
dition of  their  maintaining  them.  This  the  Ballast 
Board  considered,  under  all  the  circumstances  just 
mentioned,  to  be  but  a  fair  arrangement,  and  a  pro- 
position that  they  had  no  right  to  refuse.  They 
therefore  forwarded  an  application  to  the  Board  of 
Trade  for  permission  to  take  them  undtr  their  charge, 
but  that  Board,  true  to  their  guiding  principle,  re- 
turned for  answer  "  that  they  had  no  objection  to  the 
"  two  buoys  in  question  being  transferred  to  the 
"  Ballast  Board",  provided  that  the  expense  of  paint- 
ing and  repairing  them  was  met  by  a  small  toll  on 
the  Trade  of  the  port,  but  as  the  Commissioners  of 
Londonderry  cannot  expend  the  dues  raised  under  the 
Act  except  for  the  purposes  specified  by  the  Act,  the 
demand  of  the  Board  of  Trade  cannot  be  complied 
with,  and  these  very  important  buoys  will  henceforth 
be  neglected,  and  when  worn  out  or  washed  away 
will  not  be  replaced  ;  most  assuredly,  when  this  takes 
plcae,  which,  sooner  or  later,  will  take  place,  a  vast 
amount  of  calamities  must  ensue.  Hundreds  of  lives 
will  be  sacrificed,  and  hundreds  of  thousands  of  pounds 

R 


n  Dec.  1860. 


worth  of  cargos  will  be  lost,  a  sad  realization  of  the        Rt.  Han. 
bitter  fruits  of  tliat  miserable  cheeseparing  principle   •^'"■'  ofMeath. 
that  guides  the  decisions  of  the  Board  of  Trade. 

179.  {Chairman.)  As  you  were  one  of  the  visit- 
ing committee  of  1859  you  can  probably  inform  this 
Commission  whether  ths  floors  of  the  dwelling-houses 
of  the  lightkeepers  are  generally  of  wood  or  of  stone  ? 
— They  are  generally  of  stone  ;  but  orders  have  been 
given  to  replace  the  stone  floors  by  wooden  floors. 

180.  {Captain  Ryder.')  When  were  those  orders 
given  ? — They  have  been  given  at  various  times. 

181.  Has  any  long  interval  elapsed  between  such 
orders  being  given  and  their  being  complied  with  ?— 
Those  orders  have  not  been  alwa3's  complied  with 
immediately. 

182.  Has  more  than  a  year  elapsed  between  the 
giving  of  the  orders  and  their  execution  ? — More  than 
a  year  has  elapsed  before  those  orders  have  been 
carried  out, 

183.  Have  more  than  four  years  elapsed  ? — I  hardly 
think  that  more  than  four  years  have  elapsed. 

184.  (Chairman.)  Can  you  state  to  the  Commis- 
sioners the  .system  of  promotion  of  light-keepers  :— 
who  promotes  them,  whether  it  is  by  seniority,  or 
what  the  claims  are  which  go  to  make  up  a  suflicient 
case  for  promotion  ?  —  Light-keepers  are  recom- 
mended for  promotion  to  the  Board  by  the  Inspector, 
not  iiccordiug  to  seniority,  but  according  as  he  thinks 
the  men  deserve  it. 

18.5.  Then  it  is  the  Board  which  promotes,  and  the 
Inspector  who  recommends  ? — Undoubtedly. 

186.  (To  Sir  James  Dombrain.)  Is  that  system  to 
be  maintained  ? — Eeturns  have  been  called  for  of  the 
principal  as  well  as  of  the  assistant  light-keepers,  and 
the  superintendent  has  been  directed  to  state  in  the 
column  of  observations  his  reasons  for  not  recom- 
mending men  from  the  position  of  assistant  to  that  of 
principal  light-keepers  according  to  seniority,  to  fill 
up  vacancies  .as  they  arise  on  the  establishment. 

187.  Is  this  return  to  be  made  annually? — I  shall 
propose  that  it  shall  be. 

185.  (To  the  Earl  of  Meath.)  You  are,  I  presume, 
aware  of  all  the  circumstances  attending  the  purchase 
and  sale  of  the  Argus  ? — I  am. 

189.  I  believe  the  building  of  the  Argus  was  ordered 
before  the  Ballast  Board  came  under  the  control  of  the 
Board  of  Trade  ? — It  was. 

190.  Was  that  vessel  ordered  to  be  built  upon  a 
communication  having  taken  place  with  the  Trinity 
House  ? — No. 

191.  Was  she  built  specially  with  reference  to  the 
service  she  would  have  to  perform  on  the  coast  of  Ire- 
land, and  that  sort  of  seas  that  she  would  have  to 
encounter  on  that  coast  ? — It  was  with  that  view  that 
she  was  built  under  the  orders  of  the  Board. 

182.  Then  I  conclude  that  the  Board  furnished  her 
builder  with  information  as  to  all  that  she  would  be 
required  to  carry,  and  the  description  of  service  she 
would  have  to  perform  ? — He  was  informed  fully  of 
all  that  she  would  be  required  to  do. 

193.  And  when  the  vessel  was  completed  and 
handed  over  to  the  Ballast  Board,  did  that  Board  iu- 
tirely  approve  of  the  description  of  vessel  furnished 
to  them  ? — Upon  trial  she  was  found  to  be  eminently 
well  fitted  for  that  service. 

194.  How  long  was  she  in  the  possession  of  the  Bal- 
last Board  before  she  was  ordered  to  be  sold  ? — About 
two  years. 

195.  In  the  course  of  those  two  years  had  she  been 
duly  and  fully  employed  ? — I  can  hardly  say  that  she 
had  been  either  duly  or  fully  employed,  as  there  were 
certain  members  upon  the  Board  who  still  hung  to  the 
idea  of  the  old  system  being  the  better  and  the  luore 
economical  with  regard  to  supplying  the  difierent  sta- 
tions with  stores  ;  but  before  she  was  sold,  and  before 
she  was  out  of  our  hands,  the  Board,  I  might  almost 
say,  had  unanimously  agreed  that  the  supply  of  stores 
would  be  much  better  done  by  her  than  by  the  little 
sailing  vessels  that  were  employed.  As  an  example,  to 
show  how  defective  the  present  system  is, — upon  the 


132 


MIXUTKS   0?    EYIDEXCE   TAKEN   BEFORE   THE   OOXTMISSIONERS   APPOINTED   TO 


n  Dec.  ISGO. 


Jtt.  ffi'ti.  inspection  of  1859  wc  found  that  the  sailing  vessels 
Earl  of  Meath.  with  the  oil  and  stores,  that  hail  left  Dublin  Harbour 
in  the  first  days  of  tlie  month  of  May,  had  not  arrived 
at  two  of  the  most  important  stations  on  the  west 
coast  in  the  month  of  September.  One  of  the  most 
important  liglits  on  that  coast,  Sline  Head,  the  com- 
mittee of  inspection  found  to  be  destitute  of  good 
oil.  Tliere  were  in  the  tanks  of  one  of  the  light-houses 
270  gallons  of  bad  oil,  which  had  been  condemned 
four  years  before  ;  and  somewhere  about  the  same 
quantity  in  the  otlier  lighthouse,  which  the  keepers 
were  burning  as  well  as  they  could,  but  giving  a  very 
decreased  light,  so  much  so  as  entirely  to  alter  the 
character  of  tliose  lights. 

196.  {Mr.  Gladstone.)  How  came  it  to  happen  that 
there  was  such  a  quantity  of  bad  oil  in  one  of  the 
lighthouses  ? — It  was  a  collection  of  refuse  oil  for 
some  years  wliich  had  remained  there,  as  no  oppor. 
tunity  had  occurred  during  tli.at  period  to  take  it 
away. 

197.  {Captain  Ryder.)  Do  you  find  that  the  oil  de- 
teriorates after  keeping  ? — After  a  year's  keeping  it  is 
never  so  good 

198.  {Chairman.)  And  after  that  time  it  deterio- 
rates rapidly  ? — Yes. 

199.  {Captain  Ryder.)  What  is  the  practice  with 
regard  to  the  sale  of  old  stores,  bad  oil,  &c.? — There 
is  a  great  diHiculty  in  getting  rid  of  them  anywhere, 
particularly  at  the  Rock  Stations.  The  sailing  vessels 
that  supply  the  stations  by  contract  are  not  paid  to 
take  away  any  refuse,  oil,  or  stores  ;  and  as  we  liave 
not  a  steamer  of  our  own  to  go  round  and  collect  them, 
and  bring  them  cither  to  Dublin  or  to  Cork,  or  Belfast 
to  be  sold,  the}'  remain  a  dead  loss  at  those  stations. 

200.  Are  tliese  accumulations,  of  which  you  have 
spoken,  still  existing  at  the  lighthouses  round  the 
coast  ? — They  still  do  exist  to  some  extent  ;  some 
have  been  disposed  of  since. 

201.  {Chairman.)  Are  the  Commissioners  to 
understand  that  sailing  vessels  continued  to  be  em- 
plojed  subsequently  to  the  Ballast  Board  having 
possession  of  the  "  Argus  "  ? — They  are  employed  up 
to  the  present  moment  in  supplying  stores  and  oil. 

202.  They  were  still  employed  while  the  "  Argus  " 
was  your  vessel  ? — Matters  had  not  been  completed 
to  make  an  alteration  before  she  passed  from  our 
hands.  Had  she  been  left  with  us,  it  was  the  full 
intention  of  the  Board  to  have  employed  her  regularly 
in  supplying  stores  and  oil,  and  in  shifting  lightships 
and  buoys. 

20,3.  During  the  two  years  that  she  was  in  your 
hands  was  she  employed  at  all  in  visiting  or  inspect- 
ing by  the  Board  ? — She  was  regularly  employed  ia 
inspecting  by  the  Board. 

204.  Wis  she  employed  at  all  for  carrying  buoys  ? 
— Yes,  during  our  inspections. 

20o.  Do  you  remember  the  sum  that  was  paid  for 
tliat  vessel  ?~I  think  it  was  about  20,000/. 

206.  Do  you  know  what  she  was  sold  for  ? — I  think 
she  was  sold  for  10,000/. 

207.  Have  you  heard  what  has  become  of  her  ? — 
I  have  hoard  that  she  was  taken  out  to  the  Mediter- 
ranean and  the  Black  Sea  during  the  Crimean  war, 
and  was  found  to  be  one  of  the  best  vessels  that  ever 
went  there  ;  she  has  now,  I  believe,  been  purchased 
by  the  Sultan,  and  is  used  as  his  yacht. 

208.  Who  was  the  constructor  of  that  vessel  and 
her  engines  ? — She  was  built  at  Greenock  by  Messrs. 
Caird. 

209.  Were  the  engines  by  Caird  or  Napier  ? — They 
were  constructed  by  Messrs.  Caird. 

210.  {Captain  Ryder.)  If  the  Ballast  Board  was 
allowed  to  purchase  anotlier  vessel  for  a  similar  object. 
namely,  to  carry  stores  and  buoys  for  the  purpose  of 
shifting  light  vessels  and  for  the  inspections,  would 
the  Ballast  Board  wish  to  have  a  vessel  like  the 
"Argus"  in  all  respects,  or  if  different  in  what 
rtspect  ? — I  do  not  think  thai  they  could  get  a  vessel 
mere  coniidetely  fitted  to  perform  all  that  service  than 
the  ''Argus,"  auJ  iu   that  opinion,  Captain  Koborts, 


who  commanded  her,  fully  concurs  ;  the  one  that  is 
at  present  lent  to  us  periodically  by  the  Trinity 
Board  is  totally  unlit  for  the  service  ;  we  have 
tried  her  now  for  some  years,  and  find  that  she  is 
totally  unable  to  cope  with  the  heavy  weather  on 
'  the  west  coast  of  Ireland.  No  later  than  during 
the  inspection  of  September  1859,  we  were  detained 
at  various  places,  her  captain  deeming  it  dangerous 
to  go  to  sea,  whilst  we  saw  the  mereliaut  steam  vessels 
taking  the  sea  and  continuing  their  usual  avocations. 
The  Committee  were  obliged  to  leave  her  in  tho 
Shannon  for  nearly  a  week,  and  to  perform  as  much 
of  the  inspection  as  they  could  by  cars  ;  in  fact,  they 
came  round  the  whole  south  of  Ireland  and  reached 
Dublin  before  the  captain  thought  it  safe  to  take  tho 
sea  and  bring  her  round  there  ;  and  thereby  the  out- 
lying lighthouses  were  not  visited,  and  valuable  time 
was  lost  by  the  Inspecting  Committee.  I  am  merely 
stating  the  opinions  of  the  entire  Board,  that  the 
duty  of  inspection,  and  of  supplying  oil  and  stores, 
can  never  be  done  satisfactorily  or  safely  unless  the 
Board  are  possessed  of  a  thorough  good  sea-going 
steamer  to  enable  them  to  wait  their  opportunities  to 
inspect  and  to  leave  stores  at  the  outlying  lights. 

211.  {Chairman.)  How  many  spare  light  vessels 
have  you  for  the  Irish  service  ? — I  think  two. 

212.  {Sir  James  Dombrain.)  We  have  a  second 
one  that  might  be  used  upon  an  emergency,  but  sho 
is  worn  out ;  there  is  only  one  regular  one. 

213.  Where  are  these  vessels  stationed?  —  In 
Dublin. 

214.  {Mr.  Gladstone  to  the  Earl  of  Meath.)  Suppose 
that  the  Coneybegs  light  vessel  was  reported  to  the 
Ballast  Board  by  telegraph  to  be  adrift  in  a  gale  of 
wind,  what  steps  would  be  taken  ?  ^vould  j-ou  send 
your  spare  light  vessel  in  tow  by  the  "Midge"?— 
Most  undoubtedly  not  ;  she  is  quite  incapable  of 
doing  that  service.  The  only  available  step  to  take 
would  be  to  apply  to  the  Dublin  Steam  Packet 
Company  to  give  us  a  steamer  to  tow  our  spare  light 
ship  to  the  place,  and  it  is  very  doubtful  whether, 
under  their  pressing  engagements,  they  could  give  a 
vessel  upon  a  short  notice,  and  they  would  have  the 
power  of  charging  any  exorbitant  sum  they  might 
choose  to  demand,  whereas  if  we  had  an  efiieient 
steamer  of  our  own,  the  light  vessel  might  be  replaced 
in  about  ten  hours,  and  further  in  support  of  these 
assertions  as  to  the  utter  uselessness  of  the  "  Midge  " 
for  the  performance  of  the  duty  assigned  to  her  by  the 
Board  of  Trade,  I  beg  to  state  the  following  fact  to 
the  Commission  : — It  was  in  October  last  that  one  of 
the  Burford  Bank  buoys  was  reported  to  have  sunk  ; 
it  was  blowing  fresh  at  the  time,  and  the";\Iidge" 
was  sent  to  tow  the  spare  buoy  to  replace  the  one 
sunk, — this,  after  a  considerable  time  spent  on  the  trial, 
she  was  unable  to  do, — she  lost  her  way  altogether, 
and  fell  back  on  the  buoy,  which  struck  her  vei-y 
heavily  under  the  counter.  I  am  satisfied  that  any 
of  the  small  steam  tugs  of  the  port  of  Dublin,  and 
they  are  all  small,  would  liave  succeeded,  under  the 
same  circumstances,  in  towing  out  this  buoy.  Should 
the  "  Midge "  be  caught  with  heavy  buoys  on  her 
deck  in  anything  like  a  gale,  and  off  a  lee  shore,  she 
will  be  obliged,  to  save  hereself  and  crew,  to  throw 
the  buoys  overboard,  and  to  do  this  with  the  few 
hands  she  has,  and  rolling  heavily  as  she  does  in  bad 
weather,  is  a  service  both  of  great  difficulty  and 
danger.  I  know  that  it  is  Cajitain  Robert's  opinion 
that  a  vessel  of  the  size  and  power  of  the  "Vestal" 
would  cost  no  more  in  coals  while  buoy-shifting  than 
the  "  Midge,"  as  buoys  can  only  be  shifted  in  fine 
weather.  The  "  Vestal "  in  a  couple  of  fine  d.ays 
would  shift  all  the  buoys  between  Dublin  and  Wrcx- 
ford,  as  she  could  carry  the  whole  of  them,  about  20 
in  number,  on  her  deck  ;  whereas,  the  "  Midge " 
would  liave  to  make  about  six  trips  there  and  back, 
and  if  bad  weather  came  on  would  be  prevented  from 
working,  perhaps,  for  weeks.  1  believe  that  all  that 
can  be  said  in  favour  of  the  "  Midge,"  is,  that  she 
sails  tolerably  well  with  a  fair  wind.     Her  maximum 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OP  LI  GHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


133 


speed  under  steam  and  the  most  advantageous  cir- 
cumstances does  not  exceed  eight  Icnots  ;  but  if  there 
is  anything  of  a  head  sea  and  fresh  breeze,  she  Iiardly 
goes  aliead  at  all. 

215.  (ChairtiKui  to  the  Earl  of  3Ieath.)  Are  you 
prepared  to  say  that  those  members  of  the  Ballast 
Board  who  are  engaged  in  lighthouse  management 
would,  to  the  best  of  your  belief,  agree  witli  you  in 
the  answers  with  which  you  have  favoured  the  Com- 
mission ? — I  feel  confident  that  they  would. 

216.  {Captain  Ryder.)  How  is  the  water  for  the 
use  of  the  keepers,  kept  in  the  lighthouses  ?— 
Generally  in  wooden  barrels. 

217.  Are  there  any  other  means  of  keeping  it  ?— . 
Latterly  we  have  ordered  slate  tanks  to  be  erected  in 
most  of  the  stations. 

218.  On  visiting  some  of  the  Irish  lighthouses  I 
found  tanks  there  which  had  been  sent  to  hold  the 
water,  but  they  had  not  been  erected,  and  they  had 
been  waiting  for  many  months  on  that  account  ?— . 
That  was  undoubtedly  the  neglect  of  the  Superin- 
tendent ;  he  had  oixiers  to  have  them  erected. 

219.  Have  the  lighthouse  keepers  in  Ireland  any  uni- 
form ? — Up  to  the  present  time  they  have  not  had  any, 
but  the  Board  of  Trade  have  sanctioned  the  necessary 
expenditure  to  give  keepers  and  the  light  ship 
crews  a  uniform  similar  to  that  which  is  given  by  the 
Trinity  Board  to  those  under  their  control. 

220.  Are  the  lighthouses  painted  by  contract  ?— 
No. 

221.  How  are  they  painted  ? — -By  day's  work. 
Men  are  sent  from  Dublin  to  paint  them  by  day's 
work  ;  but  it  is  the  determination  of  the  Board  to 
have  them  in  future  painted  by  contract,  the  Board 
supjilj'ing  the  oils  and  the  paint. 

222.  How  is  coal  supplied  to  the  lighthouses  ?— 
By  contract. 

223.  Is  it  supplied  from  Dublin  ? — No  ;  from  the 
nearest  town  wherever  we  can  make  the  best  contract 
for  a  lighthouse. 

224.  How  is  the  Kish  Light  vessel's  position  in- 
dicated in  a  fog  ? — By  a  gong. 

225.  {Chairman.)  Has  there  been  any  proposi- 
tion from  the  Ballast  Board  as  to  the  use  of  a  dif- 
ferent description  of  signal  for  the  Kish  Light  ? — It 
was  proposed  by  the  Ballast  Board  to  have  a  gun. 

226.  What  was  the  reason  why  that  proposal  was 
not  adopted  ? — The  Board  of  Trade,  I  am  informed, 
objected  to  it,  lest  it  should  be  mistaken  for  the  South 
Stack  gur.. 

227.  Did  the  Ballast  Board  admit  the  justness  of 
that  objection  ? — Undoubtedly  not. 

228.  Did  they  state  to  the  Board  of  Trade  their 
difference  of  view  ? — It  was  so  extraordinary  an  ob- 
jection that  they  could  not  imagine  on  what  ground 
it  could  be  argued,  as  it  implied  a  total  ignorance  by 
the  man  navigating  the  channel  of  the  points  of  the 
compass — of  his  right  hand  from  his  left. 

229.  Can  you  inform  this  Commission  whence  the 
desire  for  a  gun,  as  a  fog  signal,  for  the  Kish  Light 
originated? — The  application  came  from  the  City  of 
Dublin  Steam  Packet  Company. 

230.  That  is  a  company,  I  believe,  which  runs  its 
vessels  between  Dublin,  Holyhead,  aud  Liverpool  ? — 
Tes  ;  I  believe  they  must  have  nearly  a  dozen  vessels 
between  the  Port  of  Dublin  and  Liverpool  and  Holy- 
head running  daily. 

231.  You  are  not  aware  that  that  company  has 
ever  raemoralized  the  Board  of  Trade  as  to  having  a 
gun  for  a  fog  signal  at  the  Kish  Light  ? — I  believe 
they  did. 

232.  (Mr.  Gladstone.)  Did  the  Trinity  House 
take  any  part  in  the  question  ? — No. 

233.  {Chairman  to  Sir  James  Dombrain.)  You 
have  heard  what  Lord  Meath  has  stated  as  to  the  ac- 
cumulations of  condemned  oil  at  the  various  light- 
houses, and  the  reasons  stated  by  his  lordship  for 
those  accumulations.  Have  any  steps  been  taken  to 
alter  that  state  of  things  ? — Yes.  On  our  last  inspec- 
tion we  found   that  these  accumulations  were  still 

R 


going  on,  and  we  reported  specially  to  the  Board  one         ^'-  •^''"• 
or  two  cases,   and  one  particularly,  namely,  the  Old  ^'"'^  <'f  ^I<^<^t^^- 
Head  of  Kinsale,  where  stores  had   accumulated  lor     nDec   isco 

several  years,  and  where  a  man  was  paid  Is.  or  8*.  a ' 

week  to  take  care  of  those  old  stores  for  about  eight 
years.  In  other  cases  we  found,  as  wo  went  on,  that 
the  old  stores  were  not  disposed  of,  and  we  took 
upon  ourselves,  as  the  Inspecting  Committee,  in 
order  that  this  might  be  done  aw.ay  witli  at  once,  to 
direct  the  light  keepers  to  get  proposals  for  the 
purchase  of  the  old  stores,  if,  in  their  opinion,  the 
estimates  were  fair — to  accept  the  sums  offered — 
we  thought  it  not  worth  while  to  let  that  state  of 
things  remain  any  longer.  We  thought  it  a  great 
pity  that  they  should  be  deteriorating  every  day, 
and  we  desired  them  therefore  to  accept  the  highest 
tenders  that  came,  and  to  remit  the  amount  im- 
mediately to  the  Ballast  Board.  Of  course  Mr. 
Halpin  was  called  upon  for  an  explanation  as  to 
these  accumulations,  and  Mr.  Ilalpin  stated  that  ho 
had  called  on  several  occasions  for  tenders,  but,  in 
consequence  of  their  not  coming  up  to  the  amount 
which  he  thought  the  things  ought  to  have  realized, 
he  did  not  accept  them,  the  power  to  accept  or  reject 
them  having  also  been  with  Mr.  Halpin,  and  these 
were  matters  which,  in  fact,  were  never  brought  be- 
fore the  Board  at  all. 

234.  {Captain  Ri/der.)  Are  there  still  old  stores 
unsold  at  the  exposed  Rock  stations  ? — I  believe 
there  are  still  some  unsold,  but  I  will  not  be  positive 
upon  that  point,  because  I  think  it  is  very  likely  that 
Mr.  Halpin  may,  since  our  inspection,  have  caused  a 
good  many  of  them  to  be  sold. 

235.  Are  you  aware  at  the  Ballast  Board  of  any 
outstanding  accounts  in  the  matter  of  lighthouses  ? 
— On  our  last  inspection  we  found,  at  three  stations' 
in  particular,  that  there  were  outstanding  accounts 
and  the  first  one  was  at  Rathlin  Oberine,  and  it  wiis 
about  four  years  old  ;  they  wore  disputed  accounts 
by  the  superintendent,  but  we  had  not  been  informed 
of  their  existence  before. 

236.  {Chairman.)  Has  the  superintendent  a 
balance  in  hand  out  of  which  to  meet  outstanding 
accounts  at  whatever  time  they  may  be  presented  ? — 
The  Superintendent,  in  his  annual  estimates,  pro- 
vides for  every  contingency  at  each  station,  and  if  any 
lapse  in  one  year  they  are  provided  for  in  the  next 
estimates,  consequently,  whenever  those  accounts  are 
presented,  he  has  the  means  of  immediately  certifying 
them  when  they  are  paid  ;  they  go  to  the  Board 
first. 

237.  {Captain  Ryder  to  the  Earl  of  Meath.)  Are 
there  any  lighthouses  which  the  Ballast  Board  are 
of  opinion  should  be  built  without  delay  ? — There 
is  one  very  important  point  at  which  they  would 
desire  to  have  a  light,  either  on  the  Blaskets  or 
on  the  Foze,  so  as  to  lead  ships  from  the  south- 
ward into  the  Shannon.  We  have  placed  the  pro- 
ject before  the  Trinity  Board,  and  they  have  agreed 
that  a  light  should  be  placed  there,  and  they  hav« 
recommended,  in  preference,  the  Foze. 

238.  What  are  the  distinctive  features  of  those  two 
sites  ? — The  Foze  is  an  outlying  rock  of  rotten  con- 
struction, and  about  800  yards  in  circumference. 

239.  Is  that  the  site  that  you  proposed  ? — We 
recommend  the  Foze  Rock,  should  it  be  found  prac- 
ticable to  erect  a  lighthouse  on  it,  but  failing  in  that, 
we  suggest  that  one  should  be  built  on  the  outer 
Blasket  ;  this  i^and  lies  about  one  mile  aud  a  half 
inside  the  dangers,  and  rises  nearly  to  a  height  of 
200  feet  above  the  sea.  There  is  no  doubi  that 
the  Foze  is  the  preferable  site  of  the  two,  and  as 
the  Trinity  Board  concurred  in  that  view,  our 
superintendent  sent  a  foreman  to  watch  his  oppor- 
tunity to  get  on  the  rock  ;  ho  remained  there  for 
several  months,  and  once  effected  a  landing  for 
about  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  and  he  took  a  ground  plan 
of  the  rock,  and  brought  off  specimens  of  it.  Our 
superintendent  is  of  opinion  that  before  any  light 
could  be  erected  on  that  rock,  it  would  bo  necessary 

3 


134 


MINUTES   OF   EVIDENCE   TAKEN   BEFORE   THE   COMMISSIONERS   APPOINTED   TO 


Rt.  Hon.        to  cut  it  down  to  nearly  the  surface  of  the  sea  ;  he 
Earl  of  Meatli.   does  not  consider  it   altogether  impossible  to  build  a 

tower  on    this  rock,  but  it  will  be  undoubtedly  a  work 

11  Dec.  ISGO.  qC  jJj^i.  requiring  the  very  highest  engineering  skill, 
and  a  very  great  expenditure  of  money,  and,  I  fear, 
will  be  attended  with  great  loss  of  life  whilst  building, 
and  when  finished,  if  ever  it  is,  a  most  insecure  and 
dangerous  position  for  a  light,  and  for  the  persons 
who  will  have  to  attend  it  ;  whereas  on  the  outer 
Blasket  there  will  be  but  little  ditiiculty  or  expense 
in  erecting  and  maintaining  the  buildings  required. 

240.  {Captain  Ri/der  to  Sir  James  Dombrain), 
Has  the  Ballast  Board  received  any  application 
from  Galway  for  the  improvement  of  the  light 
exhibited  ou  Mutton  Island  in  that  bay  ? — Yes  ;  an 
application  was  made  by  the  Harbour  Commissioners 
of  Galway  to  the  Ballast  Board  to  place  a  light  ship 
to  mark  the  Marguerite  rock  in  the  entrance  of  Galway 
Harbour.  One  of  the  Lever  line  of  packets  ran  upon 
it,  and  many  ^^Tecks  have  taken  place  within  the  last 
30  years.  Another  i)roposition  was  to  alter  and 
improve  the  character  of  the  Mutton  Island  light,  the 
Ballast  Board  fully  concurred  in  the  necessity,  and 
the  Trinity  Board  agreed  with  them,  but  on  an  appli- 
cation to  the  Board  of  Tratle  they  stated  that  as  this 
appeared  to  be  for  local  purposes  they  would  not 
sanction  it.  Upon  that  subject  I  should  say  that  I 
think  a  much  broader  and  more  comprehensive  view 
ought  to  be  taken  by  them  generally  with  regard  to 
the  coast  of  Ireland.  There  is  very  little  trade  on  the 
west  coast  of  Ireland  and  all  its  harbours  from  which 
you  can  draw  any  funds  to  keep  up  these  lights, 
buoys,  or  beacons,  whilst  the  whole  of  the  west  coast 
of  Ireland  is  it  seems  calculated  for  asylum  harbours, 
and  it  is  run  for  by  vessels  that  get  into  distress,  and 
various  things  of  that  kind  occur,  and  you  cannot 
look  to  local  means  to  support  lights,  buoys,  or 
beacons.  There  are  many  cases — for  example,  in 
Crookhaven,  sometime  ago,  we  recommended  that 
a  beacon  should  be  placed  on  the  Alderman  Rock 
at  the  entrance  to  Crookhaven,  but  the  Board  of 
Trade  refused  it  on  the  ground  that  it  was  entirely 
for  local  purposes.  I  then,  on  my  individual  res- 
ponsibility, stated  to  the  Board  that  I  had  seen  as 
many  as  60  or  70  vessels,  of  many  nations,  at 
anchor  in  Crookhaven  ;  it  is  a  great  port  for  vessels 
caught  by  easterly  winds,  homeward  bound,  to  make 
for  to  wait  a  change  of  wind.  I  stated  this,  and  the 
Board  thereupon  put  it  very  strongly  to  the  Board  of 
Trade,  who  yielded  at  last,  and  sanctioned  a  beacon 
being  placed  there.  Since  that,  applications  have 
been  made  to  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  memorials 
have  been  addressed  to  them  from  a  number  of  in- 
fluential persons  in  the  country,  and  from  the  masters 
of  numerous  vessels  which  were  lately  detained  in 
Crookhaven  from  stress  of  weather,  urging  upon  their 
lordships  to  allow  the  light  to  be  removed  from 
Crookhaven  to  the  Alderman  Eock,  upon  the  ground 
that  the  cost  of  the  beacon  and  the  cost  of  the  tower 
to  put  the  light  upon  would  be  so  immaterial,  and  the 
light  being  so  very  important,  in  consequence  of  the 
extreme  difficulty  in  distinguishing  the  Alderman 
Rock  at  night,  it  being  so  low,  whilst  all  the  land 
very  near  to  it  in  the  back  ground  is  so  high,  and 
they  thought  it  might  have  been  done  at  the  same 
time,  as  the  one  would  be  almost  as  expensive  as 
the  other.  Upon  turning  back  to  the  oi-iginal 
papers  under  which  the  light  was  erected  at  Crook- 
haven, I  found  that  the  former  superintendent,  Mr. 
Ilalpin,  under  whose  direction  it  was  built,  stated 
that  there  could  be  no  question  but  that  the  Alderman 
Rock  was  the  better  place  for  it,  but  he  had  his 
doubts  as  to  the  solidity  of  that  rock  to  bear  a  light- 
house. Of  course  I  assume  now  that  Mr.  Halpin,  the 
present  engineer,  must  have  satisfied  himself  of  the 
solidity  of  the  rock,  inasmuch  as  the  beacon  to  be 
placed  upon  it  in  all  probability  would  he  much 
heavier  than  the  tower  for  the  light,  because  it  is  to 
be  a  solid  structure,  and  to  cost  1.100/.  or  1,200/., 
and  one  of  the  grounds  upon  which  the  Board  oi 
Trade  had  refused  the  application  for  the  tower  was 


that  the  Alderman  Rock  was  a  tidal  rock,  but  such 
is  not  the  case — the  rock  is  at  least  18  or  20  feet 
above  high  water  spring  tides. 

241.  (C/iairmau.)  You  have  mentioned  an  instance 
in  which  the  Board  of  Trade  had  declined  to  establish 
a  liglit  for  general  purposes,  considering  it  to  be  a 
local  light  :  are  you  aware  of  any  difficulties  occurring 
in  the  matter  of  buoyage  Irom  a  similar  view  being 
taken  by  the  Board  of  Trade  ? — Perhaps,  before  I 
answer  the  latter  part  of  your  question,  I  may  refer 
to  another  case,  of  vast  importance  in  my  opinion, 
which  is  the  Copeland  Light.  Very  strong  I'epre- 
sentations  were  made  to  the  Ballast  Board  and  to  the 
Board  of  Trade  upon  the  subject  of  that  light  and 
fog  bell,  and  a  committee  of  the  Board  was  appointed, 
of  which  Lord  Meath  was  chairman,  they  went  down 
and  went  most  thoroughly  into  the  subject  with 
the  Belfast  Harbour  Commissioners,  examining  the 
whole  matter  in  the  closest  detail,  and  they  came  to 
the  determination  that  it  was  highly  important  and 
necessary  that  the  light  should  be  lowered  from  the 
Copeland  and  put  upon  the  Mew  Island,  with  a  fog 
bell  to  it.  The  Mew  Island  is  an  outlying  danger,  at 
least  a  mile  from  the  Copeland  Island.  More  recently, 
upon  fresh  representations  being  made  to  the  Board 
of  Trade,  the  Elder  Brethren  were  ordered  to  meet 
the  Committee  of  the  Ballast  Board,  and  to  go  down 
to  see  how  far  they  concurred  in  tlie  view  of  the 
committee  which  was  appointed  by  our  Board.  We 
met  them  there,  and  they  went  into  the  subject,  and 
also  strongly  recommended  that  our  suggestion  should 
be  carried  out.  The  Board  of  Trade,  however,  say 
that  this  is  more  a  harbour  light,  and  more  for 
Belfast  than  for  the  general  trade,  and  that  unless  the 
Belfast  people  arc  prepared,  by  a  tonnage  upon  ship- 
ping, to  contribute  to  the  expense,  they  will  not 
sanction  it.  Now  it  is  no  more  a  harbour  light  than 
any  other  light  that  I  know  upon  the  whole  coast  of 
Ireland.  It  is  a  leading  light  for  the  Channel,  the 
great  leading  light  for  all  vessels  either  coming  into 
the  Channel  or  leaving  it  ;  and  a  bell  would  be  most 
important,  for  that  coast  is  very  subject  to  fogs, 
arising  it  is  supposed  from  the  very  extensive  back- 
water of  Strangford  Lough.  There  is  no  question  in 
theworld  that  many  a  vessel  would  have  been  saved 
had  there  been  a  light  and  a  bell  u])on  Mew  Island  ; 
but  it  remains  now  in  that  state  that  the  Board  of 
Trade  have  said  they  would  not  grant  it  unless  there 
was  a  contribution  from  Belfast.  The  proposition  of 
the  Board  of  Trade  was  that  the  Harbour  Committee 
of  Belfast  should  contribute  one  third  of  the  expense, 
by  means  of  levying  an  extra  tonnage  rate  upon  all 
vessels  going  into  their  port,  until  that  third  was 
raised  ;  and  in  that  case  the  Board  of  Trade  would 
consent  to  defray  the  other  two  thirds.  The  Ballast 
Board  have  again  represented  in  as  strong  terms  as 
they  could  their  opinion  that  this  ought  not  by  any 
means  to  be  considered  as  a  local  light,  or  that  local 
funds  ought  to  be  contributed  towards  it  ;  but  not- 
withstanding this  strong  expression  of  their  views,  it 
has  again  been  refused  ;  we  can  only  regret  that  the 
views  and  opinions  of  two  such  bodies  as  our  own, 
and  the  Trinity  Board  should  have  so  little  weight. 
It  should  be  remembered  that  the  Ballast  Board  in 
Ireland  are  looked  upon  by  the  Irish  public  as  the 
controlling  body  in  matters  of  this  kind ;  and  it  cer- 
tainly does  occasion  a  considerable  amount  of  dis- 
satisfaction when  their  representations  upon  subjects 
like  this  of  great  and  important  interest  to  the  com- 
merce of  this  country  are  disregarded. 

242.  Have  there  not  been  wrecks  lately  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  the  Copeland  Light  ? — Immediately 
on  the  Mew  Island  there  have  been,  I  believe,  three 
steamers  lost  upon  it. 

243.  (  Captain  liiplcr.)  Recurring  to  your  answer 
with  regard  to  the  Mutton  Island  Light,  it  appears 
that  by  the  decision  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  however 
much  the  trade  of  Galway  may  increase  and  however 
important  it  may  be  for  the  Mutton  Island  Light  to 
be  improved,  the  Mutton  Island  Light,  being  a 
general  light  but  in  fact  being   treated  by  the  Board 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS.  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


13e 


of  Trade  as  a  local  light,  cannot  be  improved,  but 
must  remain  for  ever  an  inferior  light  ? — The  arrange- 
ment entered  into  originally  with  the  Board  of  Trade, 
when  the  Irish  Lighthouse  establishment  was  placed 
under  their  authority  by  the  Merchant  Shipping 
Act,  was  this — that  the  Board  of  Trade  agreed  to 
maintain  all  our  existing  harbour  lights  intact,  but 
would  not  sanction  any  fresh  harbour  lights,  in- 
volving increased  expense,  unless  they  were  supported 
by  local  contributions  or  by  local  means. 

244.  Has  the  decision  of  the  Board  of  Trade  with 
regard  to  the  Mutton  Island  Light  been  submitted  to 
the  Harbour  Commissioners  of  Galwiiy  ? — Yes,  it 
has. 

245.  What  was  their  reply  ? — I  do  not  think  that 
any  reply  was  received  from  them,  although  c  com- 
munie.ition  took  place  about  two  years  since. 

246.  Was  there  not,  at  the  time  when  the  Board  of 
Trade  received  under  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act 
the  control  over  the  Ballast  Board,  a  large  balance  in 
the  hands  of  the  Ballast  Board  ?— Yes,  100,000?., 
which  was  handed  over  to  them. 

247.  For  what  purpose  had  that  100,000/.  been 
accumulated  ? — For  the  purpose  of  placing  additional 
lights  and  additional  buoys  and  beacons  round  the 
coast  ;  it  was  to  meet  any  expenditure  of  that  kind 
which  may  have  been  found  necessarj'.  And  con- 
sidering that  the  Board  had  about  that  period  taken 
a  very  deep  interest,  by  its  inspections  round  the 
coast,  they  would  have  found  abundant  ways  of  em- 
ploying that  money  most  usefully  for  the  benetit  of 
the  trade  of  the  country. 

248.  What  sum  of  money  has  been  laid  out  by  the 
Board  of  Trade,  and  what  liabilities  have  been  in- 
curred by  them  up  to  the  present  date,  for  Irish 
lighthouses  ? —About  40,000/.,  including  the  Calf 
Eock,  the  estimates  for  which  have  not  yet  been 
allowed,  although  recommended  by  the  Ballast  Board, 
amounting  to  17,000/. 

249.  Had  the  100.000/.  of  which  you  have  spoken 
remained  in  the  hands  of  the  Ballast  Board  what 
works  would  you  have  undertaken  which  have  not 
been  undertaken  at  present  ? — It  would  be  exceedingly 
difficult  to  answer  that  question  satisfactorily.  Of 
course  if  we  had  had  the  means  we  would  have  gone 
perhaps  rather  in  advance  of  the  applications  to  us, 
and  have  expended  at  least  the  interest  arising  from 
that  sum,  which  was  from  3  to  4,000/.  a  year;  on  going 
round  the  coast,  as  we  have  done  as  a  committee  of 
inspection,  we  have  seen  many  things  that  it  would 
be  very  desirable  to  do  on  general  public  grounds, 
but  which  we  know,  unless  applications  were  got  up 
to  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  they  proved  to  be  questions 
of  general  utility,  they  would  not  be  listened  to.  We 
would  have  taken  many  things  in  hand,  I  have  no  doubt, 
a  vast  number  of  things,  as  to  the  marking  of  the  coast 
in  various  ways  by  buoys  and  beacons,  whi eh  would 
have  been  of  very  great  general  utility  ;  but,  knowing 
how  we  stand  with  the  Board  of  Trade,  we  could  not 
submit  any  one  of  these  things  to  them  under  existing 
circumstances,  particularly  with  respect  to  llumina- 
ting  and  marking  harbours  of  refuge. 

250.  What  are  the  principal  harbours  of  refuge  on 
the  coast  of  Ireland  ? — I  will  begin  from  Dublin  and 
take  Waterford. 

251.  Is  that,  as  a  harbour  of  refuge,  well  lighted 
and  marked  ? — Xo:  it  is  not. 

252.  What  does  it  require  to  complete  it  as  a  harbour 
of  refuge  ? — It  requires  either  a  light  or  a  beacon  on 
the  spit  near  Passage  ;  it  was  lately  applied  for,  and 
the  Trinity  Board  did  not  concur  with  the  Ballast 
Board  in  the  necessity  of  it,  inasmuch  as  they  con- 
sidered it  was  local,  and  not  necessary  for  the  general 
shipping,  but  I  entirely  differ  in  that  view.  The  next 
are  Crookhaven  and  Long  Island.  Very  recently 
the  Board  of  Trade  have  referred  to  us  an  applica- 
tion to  place  a  beacon  at  Long  Island,  at  the  east 
end. 

253.  Is  there  any  local  trade  there  that  is  benefited 
by  that  beacon  ?  —Very  trifling  indeed. 


254.  Had  there  been  a  local  trade  there  that  would        ^'-  ^on. 

have   been   benefited   by  that  beacon  do    you  think,   ^"''^  "f  Meath. 
jndging  from  your  experience  as  to  other  applications,     jj  iw~io«o 

that  the   Board  of  Trade   would  have  consented   to " 

placing  beacons  there  ? — No  ;  I  think  they  would 
have  refused  it.*  The  next  harbour  is  Berehaven  — 
that  is  a  very  important  one. 

255.  What  are  the  marks  there  r — There  is  a  light 
at  the  eastern  entrance  on  Rhuancarrig,  and  a  beacon 
tower  at  the  western  entrance,  so  constructed  that  it 
can  be  at  any  time  converted  into  a  lighthouse  tower; 
and  I  think  it  would  be  very  important,  when  the 
Calf  is  lighted,  that  that  light  should  be  exhibited  to 
show  the  other  entrance — the  second  entrance  into 
Berehaven. 

256.  It  is  a  considerable  harbour  of  refuge,  is  it 
not  ? — Yes. 

257.  Has  any  application  been  made  with  respect 
to  that  ? — No.  There  were  applications  originally 
about  placing  a  beacon  tower  there,  and  we  did  that;  we 
built  that  at  a  cost,  I  suppose,  of  about  1,000/.,  and  there 
it  stands  at  present.  The  next  is  a  part  of  the  coast 
where  I  have  known  vessels  take  refuge  on  three  or 
four  occasions,  and  very  large  vessels  ;  but  it  is  a  port 
very  little  known;  it  is  the  Kenmare  River.  There  are 
two  harbours  in  it,  the  harbour  of  Sneem  and 
Kilmichaelogue,  two  remarkably  good  anchorages, 
and  which,  1  think,  it  would  be  very  desirable,  inex- 
pensively, to  mark  by  beacons — small  beacons,  which 
Vt-ould  cost  very  little  indeed,  and  still  they  might  be 
highly  serviceable. 

258.  Has  any  application  been  made  upon  that  sub- 
ject ? — No  ;  I  do  not  think  there  has  been  ;  but  these 
are  things,  as  I  said  before,  which,  if  we  had  had  the 
means  at  our  own  disposal,  the  Committee,  going 
round  and  seeing  the  utility  of  them,  would  have  had 
no  hesitation  whatever  in  doing.  The  next  is  Valentia, 
which  was  well  marked  previous  to  the  passing  of  the 
Merchant  Shipping  Act  ;  that  is  pretty  well 
defined,  and  more  especially  it  will  be  if  a  light 
be  jilaced,  as  recommended,  upon  either  the  Foze 
or  the  Blaskets.  It  would  bo  great  leading  light 
for  the  Shannon  as  well  as  a  general  coast  light. 
After  leaving  Galway  there  are  several  safety  har- 
bours, in  which  vessels  occasionally  take  refuge. 
For  example,  there  is  Caslah  Bay  ;  that  I  do 
consider  a  very  important  one.  There  is  one 
beacon  upon  a  rock  at  the  entrance  of  it.  It  has 
plenty  of  water — seven  fathoms — and  it  is  one  which 
we  would  have  marked  more  distinctly  than  it 
is  at  present,  had  it  been  under  our  control.  After 
that,  is  Black  Sod  Bay,  where  we  very  lately 
recommended  beacons  to  be  put,  but  it  was  refused 
upon  the  usual  ground  that  it  was  local,  and  must 
be  kept  up  by  local  means.  Then,  after  that,  you 
come  to  a  harbour  of  refuge,  called  Broad  haven, 
which  was  well  marked  previously  to  the  passing  of 
the  Merchant  Shipping  Act.  The  Bay  of  Killybegs, 
in  like  manner,  is  well  marked.  Lough  Swilly  is 
greatly  improved  l)y  the  buoys  which  have  recently 
been  placed  there  under  the  authority  of  the  Board 
of  Trade,  on  the  recommendation  of  the  Inspecting 
Committee,because  it  was  a  harbour  of  refuge.  With 
regard  to  Lough  Foyle,  a  proposition  was  laid  before 
us  the  other  day  by  the  Londonderry  Harbour  Com- 
missioners to  be  allowed  to  improve  their  harbour  by 
putting  up  another  light  inside  and  within  their  juris- 
diction, which  we  have  consented  to.  But  the  Tuns 
buoy  remains  under  no  person's  charge.  The  Local 
Board  deny  that  it  is  under  their  jurisdiction,  and,  con- 
sequently, if  it  is  washed  away  it  will  not  be  replaced. 
Then  we  come  to  Larne,  which  was  well  marked  pre- 
viously to  the  passing  of  the  Mercantile  Shipping  Act, 


•  Next  to  Crookhaven  is  Dunmanns  Bay,  in  which  there  is 
very  safe  and  secure  anchorage  above  Carberry  Island.  I  luive 
known  two  or  three  very  bad  wrecks,  with  great  loss  of  property 
occur  from  the  want  of  a  beacon  to  guide  vessels  to  the  above 
anchorage. 


R4 


136 


MTXTTEi?  OF  EYIDEN'CE  TAKEN  BEFORE  THE  COMMISSIONERS  APPOIKTED  TO 


Bt  Hon         '^ntl  *'i<^°  ^o  Belfast,  as  to  vi'liich  there  is  a  great  qucs- 
Earlof  Meath.   tion  now  about  the  Copolaiid.  Belfast  is  most  decidedly 

a  harbour  of  reiuge,   and  the  light  is  one  unqucstion- 

11  Dec.  1  SCO.    ably  for  general  purposes.     I  do   not  think  that  we 

can  call  any  others  harbours  of  refuge,   inasmuch  as 

they  are  tidal  down  to  Dublin.  Strangford  and  Car- 
lingford  are  both  tidal  harbouis,  and  therefore  cannot 
fairly  be  considered  harbours  of  refuge. 

259.  Are  the  Commissioners  to  understand  that  the 
Board  of  Trade,  as  a  general  rule,  have  no  objection 
to  marking  and  buoying  bays,  which  may  be  con- 
sidered, or  which  may  serve  as  Harbours  of  Refuge, 
provided  there  is  no  port  inside  them,  but  that  they 
refuse  always  to  li^bt  those  harbours  ? — Having  ex- 
perienced so  much   difiiculty  in  getting  harbours  of 

refuge  marked  and  buoyed,  we  have  not  applied  for 
lights,  knowing  that  they  would  be  refused. 

260.  Has  the  Ballast"  Board  any  intention  to  pro- 
pose the  erection  of  any  beacon  on  the  Coneybegs 
Rock  ? — No,  I  believe  not.  We  think  that  a  light 
vessel  there  is  be  the  best  way  of  marking  it. 

261.  What  were  the  circumstances  attending  tho 
application  from  the  Ballast  Board  for  permission  to 
place  a  buoy  on  the  Korth  Briggs  ? — 

262.  ( To  the  Earl  of  Meath.)  ^Yl)en  I  visited 
Limerick  I  was  informed  that  within  the  last  20 
years  all  the  buoys,  amounting  to  more  than  20  in 
number,  which  marked  the  estuary  of  the  Shannon, 
had  been  gradually  washed  away,  and  never  replaced, 
leaving  the  numerous  dangers  and  shoals  in  that 
estuary  entirely  unmarked.  Will  you  refer  to  Section 
394  of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act,  and  say  whether 
the  Ballast  Board  has  not  power  under  that  clause  to 
insist  upon  the  Local  Board  at  Limerick  replacing 
such  of  those  buoys  as  are  within  the  line  of  juris- 
diction marked  out  by  their  Act  of  Tarliament  ? — 
I  was  not  aware  of  the  power  given  to  the  Light- 
Louse  Boards  in  the  United  Kingdom  by  that  sec- 
tion of  the  Act,  and  I  have  strong  doubts  whether 
that  authority  has  ever  been  exercised  by  the  Ballast 
Board. 

263.  Are  you  of  opinion  upon  perusing  that  clause 
that  the  Ballast  Board  has  the  power  Avhich  I  have 
spoken  of  ? — It  appears  to  me  very  clearly  that  they 
have  the  power. 

264.  {Chairman.)  You  stated,  I  think,  that  you 
were  not  aware  of  the  existence  of  such  a  power  as  is 
given  in  those  sections.  Is  there  any  law  adviser 
now  attached  to  tho  Ballast  Board,  or  is  there  any 
professional  person  to  whom  you  habitually  refer  in 
any  case  in  which  you  have  doubts  as  to  your  power 
of  actiou  ? — We  have  a  solicitor,  and  we  take  tho 
opinion  of  the  Attorney-General  for  the  time  being 
on  any  difficult  point  of  law  which  may  present 
itself. 

265.  {Captain  Ih/der.)  Can  you  recall  the  circum- 
stances attending  the  loss  of  the  yacht  belonging  to 
the  Marquis  of  Drogheda  off  tho  Harbour  of  Sligo  ? — 
I  recollect  the  occurrence.  He  had  got  the  last 
Admiralty  Chart  on  board,  on  which  was  marked  a 
buoy  to  show  a  bank  at  the  entrance  of  the  river, 
and  he,  on  a  line  morning,  went  in  to  look  for  this 
buoy,  and  in  looking  for  the  buoy  he  got  on  the  bank 
where  his  yacht  was  lost,  the  buoy  having  been 
washed  away  two  or  three  years  before  and  never 
having  been  replaced.  This  buoy  was  under  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  Harbour  Commisssioners  of 
Sligo. 

266.  Ought  those  Harbour  Commissioners  to  have 
reported  tothe  Ballast  Board  at  Dublin  tho  circum- 
stances of  their  having  abandoned  any  intention  to 
replace  that  buoy  ? — I  believe  there  is  nothing  re- 
quiring them  to  do  tliat. 

267.  {Chairman  to  Hir  Jatnes  Dombrain.)  Have 
any  communications  passed  between  tho  Admiralty 
and  the  Ballast  Board  on  the  subject  of  the  Roche's 
Point  Light,  or  upon  any  other  subjects  connected 
with  lights  ? — I  recollect,  upon  the  subject  of  the 
Roche's  Point  Light,  tluit  a  communication  was  made 
from  tlie  Admiral  at  Q\ieenstown  ;  but,  prior  to  that, 
a  strong   rccommendatiou    had   liecu   made   to   the 


Ballast  Board,  upon  the  necessity  of  a  light  between 
Roche's  Point  and  the  Hook  Tower,  and  the  Board 
upon  that  representation — immediately  took  measures 
for  placing  a  light  on  Cable  Island  ;  they  entered 
into  contracts  for  it,  and  a  part  of  the  tower  is  at  this 
moment  standing  ;  this  was  previous  to  the  passing 
of  the  ilercantile  Marine  Act. 

268.  Were  the  communications  upon  this  subject 
between  the  Ballast  Board  and  the  Admiralty? — Yes; 
and  they  represented  it  very  strongly,  and,  as  I  have 
stated  already,  it  had  so  far  progressed  that  part  of 
the  tower  is  at  this  moment  standing  on  Cable 
Island.  They  took  the  land,  and  they  commenced 
building  the  tower,  when  some  representations  wero 
made  to  the  Admiralty  by  the  merchants  of  Cork, 
and  the  Admiralty  immediately  communicated  with 
the  Ballast  Board,  and  recommended,  instead  of  the 
one  light  on  Cable  Island,  that  there  should  be  two 
lights — one  on  Ballycotton  Island,  and  the  other 
on  Jlinehead  ;  and  upon  that  representation  those 
two  lighthouses  were  built. 

269.  The  light  dues  on  coasting  vessels,  including 
vessels  navigating  between  English  and  Irish  porls, 
and  navigating  tlie  English  Channel  as  well  as  tho 
Irish  Channel,  have  been  very  greatly  reduced,  have 
they  not  ? — They  have  been  greatly  reduced,  and 
they  always  were  much  lower  in  Ireland  than  it 
either  England  or  Scotland. 

270.  But  that  would  not  affect  them  in  the  English 
vovago,  where  thev  had  to  pay  English  dues  upen 
English  lights  ?— Xo. 

271.  Is  it  still  the  case  that  vessels,  having  any 
weight  on  board  at  all,  not  strictly  ballast,  are  obliged 
to  pay  lisht  dues  ? — It  is  a  subject  that  has  very 
frequently  been  brought  under  our  notice,  and  only 
the  other  dav  we  were  obliged  to  inflict  a  fine  upon  a 
merchant  in  Dublin  for  taking  what  he  called 
dunnage,  but  which  was  evidently  in  lieu  of  taking 
the  ballast  of  the  Corporation,  because  every  vessel 
taking  in  ballast  is  bound  to  take  it  from  the  Ballast 
Board,  and  this  person,  in  shipping  fifty  or  sixty 
jars  of  vitriol  managed  to  take  fifty  or  sixty  tons 
of  dross  from  his  vitriol  works  which  he  called 
merely  dunnage  ;  but  when  he  got  over  to  AVhite- 
haven,  the  place  to  which  the  vessel  was  going,  he 
paid  a  man  sixpence  a  ton  to  discharge  this  from  his 
Tessol  into  the  sea,  and  that  came  to  our  knowledge, 
and  we  found  it  necessary  to  summon  him  and  tho 
captain  of  the  vessel,  and  we  inflicted  a  penalt_y  of  10/. 
upon  him,  as  it  was  an  evasion  of  the  law  as  to  taking 
ballast. 

272.  Are  the  Commissioners  to  understand  that  a 
vessel  carrying  anything  but  ballast  would  bo  charge- 
able with  light  dues  ? — Yes  ;  having  any  cargo. 

273.  Has  not  that  law  been  found  to  operate 
prejudicially  upon  vessels  which  would  come  back 
witli  small  and  perhaps  remunerative  cargoes  but  for 
having  to  pay  the  light  dues  ? — No  ;  I  do  not  think 
it  would  operate  in  that  way.  We  have  frequent 
instances  coming  before  us  of  vessels  claiming  ex- 
emption from  light  dues  from  various  causes  ;  for 
example,  a  vessel  may  come  in  for  a  market  with 
potatoes,  and  she  cannot  make  her  market,  and  there 
she  is  subject  to  light  dues ;  but  we  remit  them  in 
cases  of  that  kind,  and  every  leniency  that  the  Board 
can  show  is  shown  towards  trade  in  those  respects. 
It  is  not  their  wish  to  enforce  heavy  dues  for  merely 
trifling  things,  and  it  constantly  occurs  that  we  remit 
those  dues. 

274.  Would  it  not  act  slightly  in  this  way,  that 
whereas  Ireland  is  essentially  an  exporting  country, 
from  the  nature  of  its  produce  it  would  become  to  a 
greater  extent  an  importing  country  if  vessels  were 
allowed  to  bring  in  a  small  portion  of  cargo  without 
having  to  pay  light  dues  on  their  whole  tonnage  ? — T 
think  it  would  be  exceedingly  difiicult  to  draw  the 
line  to  know  what  would  bo  a  fair  proportion  on 
a  vessel,  tho  tonnage  of  which  would  be,  say  sixty 
tons,  and  so  on  ;  as  the  tonnage  rises  you  would  have 
to  have  a  sliding  scale,  showing  how  much  you  would 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  lilTOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


137 


allow  each  vessel  to  carry  without  paying  light  dues. 

275.  If  you  could  establish  arainimuni  freight  upon 
■which  no  light  dues  were  to  be  charged,  do  you  think 
that  that  would  be  a  benefit  to  the  owners  of  the 
coasting  vessels  ? — Unquestionably  to  that  extent  it 
would  he,  but  the  light  dues  are  so  exceedingly  light 
that  I  do  not  thin!-;  it  would  operate  at  all  upon  the 
trade. 

276.  {Coptdin  Ri/der.)  How  many  keepers  are 
there  at  Roche's  Point  ? — Only  one. 

277.  What  arc  his  instructions  for  night  work,  as 
to  remaining  awake  ? — He  is  expected  to  remain 
awake  the  whole  night. 

278.  Even  during  the  whole  winter's  night  of  15 
hours  ? — Yes. 

279.  Do  you  think  it  possible  that  one  man  can  do 
his  duty  properly  through  so  long  a  period  at  night  ? 
—Certainly  not ;  and  upon  our  last  inspection  wo 
urged  upon  the  Superintendent  to  pay  again  the 
money  the  lightkceper  had  paid  for  a  person  to  assist 
him  during  the  previous  winter,  and  we  also  urged 
upon  the  Superintendent,  upon  next  preparing  his 
estimates,  to  provide  for  an  occasional  assistant,  at 
all  events  for  the  winter. 

280.  Are  there  any  other  such  lights  on  the  coast 
of  Ireland,  with  only  one  keeper  ? — There  are  several 
lights  with  only  one  keeper,  but  not  one  of  the  im- 
portance that  that  is. 

281.  Then  there  are  some  lights  so  unimportant 
that  the  men  in  charge  of  them  may  go  to  bed  ? — I 
cannot  say  that  ;  I  should  be  very  sorry  to  say  that 
as  to  any  light,  but  I  mean  that  they  are  not  of  that 
very  important  character  that  Roche's  Point  is,  in 
8uch  cases  the  Lightkeeper's  family  assist  him. 

282.  How  then  is  the  duty  performed  when  there 
is  no  family  ? — We  are  careful  to  place  men  who  have 
families  where  there  is  only  one  keeper  employed. 

283.  Are  you  of  opinion  that  it  is  right  that  there 
should  be  only  one  ligluhouse  keeper  at  any  light- 
house under  your  Board  ? — Certainly  I  am  of  opinion 
that  there  ought  to  be  two,  and  I  believe  that  that  is 
the  opinion  of  every  one  of  the  members  of  the 
Inspecting  Committee  ;  but,  under  the  regulation 
under  which  the  harbour  lights  were  to  be  maintained 
in  their  integrity  as  they  stood  by  the  Board  of 
Trade,  we  feel  that  we  could  not  well  ask  them  to 
grant  another  keeper,  because  they  would  immediately 
say,  that  is  an  increased  expense  that  was  never 
contemplated,  it  entered  into  no  part  of  our  bargain. 

284.  {Mr.  Gladstone.)  How  many  keepers  are 
thereat  the  rock  stations  ? — We  have  just  succeeded 
in  getting  permission  fi-om  the  Board  of  Trade  to 
have  a  third  man  always  present  at  a  rock  station, 
where  the  families  are  not  aisle  to  be  accommodated  ; 
the  only  exception  is  the  Black  Rock  in  the  entrance 
to  Sligo,  the  reason  being  that  it  was  too  near  the 
mainland. 

285.  How  long  were  you  in  obtaining  that  permis- 
sion ? — I  think  we  had  been  applying  for  it  for  three 
joars, 

286.  {Chairman  to  the  Earl  of  Meath.)  Your 
correspondence  has  been,  I  presume,  considerably 
enlarged,  from  the  jurisdiction  under  which  you  are 
now  placed,  namely,  that  of  the  Board  of  Trade  ? — 
It  has  been  very  much  augmented. 

287.  {Captain  Ri/dcr.)  Does  it  require  any  addi- 
tion to  your  staff  ? — Occasionally  we  are  obliged  to 
get  in  additional  help,  but  the  whole  subject  has  been 
referred  to  the  committee,  to  see  in  what  manner  the 
generally  increased  work  can  be  fairly  apportioned 
amongst  the  subordinate  clerks,  and  what  additional 
assistance  may  be  required. 

288.  ( To  Sir  James  Dombraiii.)  Is  there  any 
system  of  signals  used  ? — They  have  now  been  sanc- 
tioned by  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  orders  have  been 
given  to  carry  tliem  out. 

289.  Has  there  been  any  application  to  the  Ballast 
Board  to  show  tidal  .signals  at  the  Hook  Lighthouse  ? 
—Not  an_v. 

290.  {Mr.  Gladstone  to  the  Earl  of  Mcath.)  Y"ou 
have  been  speaking  of  many  large    questions,  such 

I. 


as   the    erection   of  lighthouses  ;  do  those  questions        lit-  l^on. 
come  before  the  whole  of  the  Port  of  Dublin  Corpo-    Earl  of  Meath 
ration  or  before  the  Committees  ? — Before  the  whole     ,,  t.      ;„^„ 

lioarcl.      Hie  Visiting  Committees   make  a  report  on 

all  subjects  that  may  come  under  their  observation  to 
the  Board  as  soon  as  they  return,  and  they  daily  in 
their  lour  round  the  lights  constitute  themselves  into 
a  Board,  and  put  down  their  observations  seriatum  on 
all  points  ;  having  done  that,  they  make  a  resume  of 
that  in  the  shape  of  a  report,  but  both  their  daily 
observations  and  the  report  are  given  on  their  return 
to  the  whole  Board. 

291.  What  proportion  of  the  time  of  the  General 
Board  of  the  Port  of  Dublin  Corporation  is  given  to 
the  subject  of  lighthouses,  buoys  and  beacons  ? — We 
meet  twice  a  week  in  Dublin  ;  one  day  in  the  week 
is  devoted  exclusively  to  lighthouse  business,  i'.nd  the 
other  day  to  the  Port  of  Dublin  business. 

{Sir  James  Domhrain.)  I  would  add  to  what  Lord 
Jleath  has  stated,  that  we  have  other  committees  ;  for 
instance  the  Inspecting  Committee  and  various  others, 
and  anything  that  may  occur,  almost  everything 
upon  the  coast  that  has  been  reported  upon  by  them, 
and  anything  that  arises  upon  it,  is  all  referred  back 
to  the  Committees,  and  if  there  is  any  question,  then 
the  Committee  meet  and  report  again  to  the  Board  ; 
and  in  this  way  the  time  of  some  of  the  members  is 
almost  wholly  occupied. 

292.  {Captain  liyder.')  In  a  case  of  emergency 
who  is  it  that  acts  ? — The  Board  are  specially  sum 
moncd  in  any  case  of  emergency. 

(  The  Earl  of  Meath.)  A  Board  can  be  formed  any 
day  of  the  week  as  there  are  so  many  members  who 
live  in  town  within  call. 

(.S'(>  James  Domhrain.)  Frequent  special  Boards 
are  summoned. 

{The  Earl  of  Mcath.)  And  besides  that,  members 
of  the  Board  call  in  constantly  during  the  week 
to  see  what  is  going  on,  and  to  hear  what  commu- 
nications may  have  been  forwarded  to  the  office  since 
the  last  day  of  meeting. 

293.  {Mr.  Gladstone.)  If  any  scientific  improve- 
ments are  suggested  to  the  Corporation,  to  whom  are 
such  questions  referred — suppose  for  example  that  the 
Electric  Light  were  suggested  ?  —  To  the  whole 
Board,  and  it  would  be  discussed  before  the  whole 
Board. 

294.  Have  you  any  scientific  gentleman  speciallj 
attached  to  the  Board  ? — As  such,  we  have  none. 

295.  Do  you  know  whether  any  experiments  of  a 
scientific  character  are  made  ? — Only  by  the  Super- 
intendent. 

296.  {Chairman.)  Would  that  be  under  the 
directions  of  the  Board  ? — Yes. 

297.  {Mr.  Gladstone.)  Arc  you  aware  of  any  par- 
ticular experiments  which  the  Superintendent  has 
either  been  directed  to  make,  or  has  himself  ori- 
ginated ? 

{Sir  James  Domhrain.)  I  think  there  have  been 
some;  for  instance,  the  intermitting  light,  and  things 
of  that  kind  ;  they  originated  with  the  Superintendent, 
and  a  great  deal  of  machinery  has  been  invented  by 
him  and  improved  upon.  Before  concluding,  may  I 
be  permitted  to  add,  that  I  am  anxious  to  bear  my 
testimony  to  the  general  good  character  of  the  light- 
keepers  ;  complaints  are  very  rare,  their  families  are 
as  well  brought  up  as  their  means  will  admit,  and 
they  appear  extremely  grateful  to  the  Board  for  their 
consideration,  in  supplying  them  with  small  libraries 
for  their  instruction  and  edification.  The  Board 
have  also  been  induced  to  recommend  to  the  Board  of 
Trade  to  allow  the  men  for  medical  attendance,  and 
to  sanction  a  plan  of  life  insurance  on  the  same  prin- 
ciple as  is  at  present  allowed  lightkeepers  under  the 
Trinity  Board.  Directions  have  also  been  given  for 
improvement  in  the  present  dwellings  of  the  light- 
keepers,  although  I  am  sorry  to  say  in  this  respect 
their  intentions  will  in  future  be  counteracted  by  the 
Board  of  Trade.  In  the  houses  which  are  to  be 
built  for  the  lightkeepois  for  the  Calf  Rock,  the  ac" 
comniedaliou  that  our  Bo.ird  proposed  to  give  the 

S 


138 


MINUTES  OF  EVIDENCE  TAKEN  BEFOEB  THE  COMMISSIONERS  APPOINTED  TO 


Jtt.  Hon. 

Earl  uf  Mealli. 


keepers  has  been  eireumseribed  by  the  Board  of 
Trade.  I  think  this  extremely  injudicious ;  the  men 
are  phiced  in  most  remote  situations,  thrown  entirely 
on  their  own  resources  for  society,  and  generally  with 
large  families.  Every  comfort  therefore,  consistent 
with  their  position  should  be  readily  accorded  to 
them,  and,  above  all,  ample  room  for  their  large 
families,  in  some  instances  consisting  of  10  or  12 
children. 

298.  {Chairman  to  the  Earl  of  Meath.)  Have  you 
ever  had  any  difficulty  in  making  a  Board  ? — None 
whatever.  We  are  an  unpaid  Board  ;  and  yet,  to  my 
certain   knowledge,   but  two  instances  have  occurred 


during  the  last  eight  years,  when  a  sufficient  number 
of  members  did  not  attend  to  form  a  Board  on  the 
regular  day  of  meeting  ;  and  in  both  instances  special 
meetings  were  held  on  the  following  days. 

299.  You  have  heard  the  evidence  given  by  Sir 
James  Dombrain,  do  you  concur  generally  in  the 
tenour  of  that  evidence  ? — I  do  thoroughly. 

300.  (To  Sir  James  Dombrain.)  You  have  heard 
the  evidence  given  by  Lord  Meath,  do  you  concur  in 
all  that  has  fallen  from  him? — Quite  so. 

Adjourned  till  Thursday  nest  at  12  o'clock. 


T.  11.  Far 


Tuesday,  18th  December  1860, 

rr.ESEXT  :  ' 

Eear-Admiral  William  Alex.us'der  Baillie  Hamilton,  R.N. 
Captain  Alfued  Phillips  Ryder,  R.N. 
Junx  Hall  Gladstone,  Esq. 
Samuel  Robert  Graves,  Esq. 
Rear- Admiral  William  Alexander  Baillie  Hamilton  in  the  Chair, 
Thomas  Henry  Faerek,  Esq.,  (Secretary  of  the  Marine  Department  of  the  Board  of  Trade,)  further  examined, 

a  right  decision  upon  particular  cases  relating  to 
lighthouse  control  and  management,  and  the  course 
taken  on  such  occasions  was  to  some  extent  specified 
by  the  President  of  the  Board  of  Trade.  Do  you 
recollect  Mr.  Milner  Gibson's  statement  on  that  point? 
— Yes,  I  have  a  general  recollection  of  it. 

309.  Are  you  aware  whether  in  the  case  of  Mr. 
Gordon's  original  estimate  of  18,689/.  for  a  light- 
house on  the  Great  Basses  that  that  estimate  was 
referred  to  any  of  the  lighthouse  authorities  for  their 
opinion  ? — I  think  perhaps  I  had  better  say,  in  the 
first  instance,  that,  as  I  understood  Mr.  Milner 
Gibson  on  the  last  occasion,  he  was  referring  rather 
to  the  duties  which  the  Board  of  Trade  has  to  per- 
form in  connexion  with  the  other  lighthouse  boards 
than  to  the  executive  work  wich  they  may  have 
had  to  do  with  regard  to  colonial  lighthouses. 
With  regard  to  colonial  lighthouses,  which  they  them- 
selves erect,  of  course  they  are  obliged  to  employ 
professional  persons,  and,  so  far  as  the  professioufd 
work  is  concerned,  of  course  they  must  be  guided  by 
the  advice  of  those  professional  persons  whom  they 
employ.  In  that  respect  the  executive  duties  the 
Board  of  Trade  performs  with  regard  to  colonial  light- 
houses diffi-r  from  the  duties  which  they  perform  in 
controlling  the  expenditure  of  the  three  lighthouse 
boards.  With  regard  to  the  particular  question  re- 
lating to  the  Great  Basses,  I  should  mention,  in  the  first 
place,  that  the  person  who  could  have  given  the  fullest 
information  upon  this  subject  is  unfortunately  gone, 
Admiral  Beechey.  I  have  personally  but  a  limited 
knowledge  of  all  that  passed  on  that  occasion,  for 
there  was  a  great  deal  of  work  in  the  Board  of 
Trade  connected  with  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act 
at  that  time  which  occupied  me,  and  I  am  not  able  to 
give  a  full  or  detailed  account  of  all  that  passed 
between  Admiral  Beechey  and  the  different  persons 
whom  he  and  Lord  Stanley  of  Alderley  consulted 
with  respect  to  the  Great  Basses.  But  I  happen  to 
know  that  Admiral  Beechey  did  consult  a  great  many 
persons  upon  the  subject  of  the  Great  Basses  Light- 
house. I  know,  for  instance,  that  he  was  in  constant 
communication  with  the  late  Deputy  Master  of  the 
Trinity  House  about  it.  There  was  no  official  com- 
munication with  the  Trinity  House,  for  the  obvious 
reason  that  if  we  had  referred  to  the  Trinity 
House  officially  they  would  have  told  us  that  they 
could,  if  we  pleased,  oV>tain  for  us  a  report  from  Mr. 
Walker  on  the  subject,  and  we  should  then  only 
have  been  having  one  engineer  criticising  the  work 
of  another,  a  thing  which  I  believe  no  professional 
person  likes,  and  certainly  a  thing  which  engineers  do 
not  like,  and  which  would  never  end  well.  But 
Admiral  Beechey  did  consult  the  Deputy  blaster 
of  the   Trinity   House,  and  many  other  experienced 


301.  (Chairman.)  Is  the  President  of  the  Board  of 
Trade  unable  to  attend  to-day? — He  has  just  wTitten 
to  me  to  say  that  he  is  ill,  and  will  l)e  much  obliged 
if  the  Commissioners  will   postpone  his  examination. 

302.  Since  you  favoured  us  with  your  evidence  on 
the  7th  instant,  the  Board  of  Trade  have  been  so 
good  as  to  furnish  this  Commission  with  a  precis  of 
the  case  of  the  Great  Basses  Lighthouse.  That  is  a 
case  with  which,  I  presume,  you,  as  Marine  Secretary 
of  the  Board  of  Trade,  must  be  more  or  less  ac- 
quainted ? — Yes. 

303.  It  would  appear  from  the  paper  sent  to  the 
Commissioners,  that  since  1855  more  than  40,000/. 
have  been  expended  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  a 
lighthouse  on  the  Great  Basses,  and  yet  that  there  is 
no  apparent  intention  to  erect  any  lighthouse  there  ; 
that  in  fact  directions  have  been  given  by  the  Board 
of  Trade  for  the  sale  of  the  materials  already  sent 
out  to  Ceylon,  and  that  the  Board  of  Trade  are 
waiting  for  a  report  from  the  Governor  of  Ceylon 
before  taking  the  final  steps  to  establish  floating 
lights  off  the  Great  Basses  ?— Yes. 

304.  Are  you  in  a  position  to  state  what  the  actual 
sum  is  that  has  been  expended  for  the  purposes  of 
erecting  a  lighthouse  on  the  Great  Basses  ? — I  can- 
not state  it  with  certainty,  because  some  of  the  ac- 
counts of  the  resident  engineer  are  not  yet  finally 
settled,  and  because  we  do  not  know  whether  the 
materials  and  lighting  apparatus  which  have  been 
sent  out  are  sold  or  not,  or  what  they  will  fetch ;  but 
I  believe  we  may  put  the  total  expense  at  somewhere 
between  40,000/.  and  50,000/. 

305.  I  observe  in  the  return  sent  from  the  Board 
of  Trade  on  the  5th  of  July  1859,  that  the  original 
estimate  for  the  cost  of  the  Great  Basses  is  put  at 
33,916/.;  would  it  not  be  better  if  it  were  entered  in 
this  return  as  an  amended  estimate  ? — Yes,  I  think 
it  would.  It  was  put  there  as  the  original  estimate 
upon  which  the  Board  of  Trade  undertook  the  work. 
A  previous  estimate  was  gi\en  by  Mr.  Gordon  for  a 
smaller  sum,  but  the  plan  upon  which  that  estimate 
•was  based  was  considered  not  satisfactory.  After  a 
great  deal  of  discussion  between  Admiral  Beechey 
and  the  various  persons  whom  lie  consulted  on  the 
subject,  the  original  plan  was  enlarged,  and  the  con- 
sequence was  an  increased  estimate. 

306.  (  Captain  Ryder.)  What  was  the  amount  of 
the  original  estimate  ? — The  original  estimate  given 
to  the  Board  of  Traile  with  the  plans  was  18,689/. 

307.  {Mr.  Graves.)  You  allude  to  Mr.  Gordon's 
estimate  ? — I  allude  to  the  first  estimate  Mr.  Gordon 
gave  us  with  his  original  plans. 

308.  {Chairman.)  In  Mr.  Milner  Gibson's  answer 
on  a  former  occasion  mention  was  made  of  the  means 
at  the  disj)osal  of  the   Board  of  Trade  for  coining  to 


INQFIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


139 


]icrsous.  Ho  w.as  very  anxious  about  tlicse  plans  of 
Mr.  Gordon,  and  was  for  weeks  constantly  discussing 
tliera  witli  Mr.  Gordon,  and  consulting  tlie  Deputy 
Master  and  other  competent  persons  about  tliem. 
His  private  papers,  wlucli  would  no  doubt  show  muck 
that  he  did,  are  not  with  us  ;  l)ut  I  see  from  notes 
on  the  official  jiapers  that  on  particular  points  ho 
had  conversations  with  and  consulted  Sir  Roderick 
Jlurchison  and  Mr.  Walker.  I  see  that,  for  instance, 
he  took  their  advice  about  the  stones  to  bo  used.  I 
know,  in  short,  though  I  cannot  give  the  particulars, 
(hat  Admiral  licecliey  bestowed  a  great  deal  of  labour 
and  thouglit  upon  lliese  plans,  and  got  all  the  informa- 
lion  that  he  could.  What  that  information  was,  and 
what  that  advice  was,  there  is  nobody  now  living''! 
lielieve  who  can  say  ;  but  I  think  it  is  obvious,  from 
the  very  fact  that  Mr.  Gordon's  original  plan,  which 
was  to  cost  18,689/..  was,  by  the  intervention  of 
the  Board  of  Trade,  raised  to  33,000/.  or  34,000/., 
that  some  pains  were  taken  in  criticising  Mr.  Gordon's 
original  plan. 

310.  Do  you  recollect  the  amount  that  was  in- 
cluded in  the  amended  estimate  for  the  steamer, 
which  Mr.  Gordon  had  not  considered  necessary  ? — 
I  believe  that  the  15,000/.  by  which  the  estimate 
was  increased,  is  due  to  the  addition  of  the  cost  of  the 
steamer,  and  to  the  substitution  of  a  stone  basement 
to  the  tower  for  an  iron  one. 

311.  (Mr.  Graves.)  By  whose  recommendation 
was  it  that  the  iron  basement,  which  appeai'ed  to  be 
in  the  original  plan  of  Mr.  Gordon,  was  changed  for 
a  stone  basement  ? — It  was  certainly  done  liy  Lord 
Stanley  of  Alderley's  direction,  and  no  doubt  on 
Admiral  Beechey's  recommendation.  But  who  further 
advised  Admiral  Beechey  on  this  point  I  cannot  say 
with  ccrtaint3\  I  know  that  there  was  a  great  deal 
of  consultation  aliout  it,  especially  with  the  late 
Dejiut)^  Master  of  the  Trinity  House  ;  but  I  cannot, 
as  I  said  before,  tell  you  all  the  steps  that  were  gone 
through,  or  all  the  persons  who  were  consulted  about 
it.  T  happen  to  know  that  there  was  great  discussion 
upon  the  character  of  the  stone  to  be  used  ;  that  Darley 
Dale  stone  was  proposed  ;  that  Sir  Roderick  Murchi- 
son  and  Mr.  Walker  were  consulted  as  to  whether 
that  stone  w.as  a  proper  stone  ;  and  that  it  was  decided 
that  granite,  although  more  expensive,  was  preferable. 

312.  {Chairman.)  Would  it  be  convenient  for  you 
to  produce  the  letter  of  the  15tliof  September  1855, 
!Mr.  Gordon's  first  report,  which  would  naturally  in- 
clude plans  and  estimates  ? — Certainly.  I  will  put 
in  a  cojiy  of  all  these  papers.  (Here  the  witness  put 
in  a  paper  marked  A. )  I  will  also  send  to  the  Com- 
missioners the  original  drawings  and  plans  ;  but  these 
last  we  should  be  glad  to  have  back  again. 

313.  I  conclude  that  the  Board  of  Trade,  exercising 
a  controlling  power  in  lighthouse  matters,  were  aware 
of  the  cost  of  the  erection  of  certain  lighthouses  in 
these  islands  having  some  analogy  to  that  to  be 
erected  on  the  Great  Basses,  such  as  the  vSkerry  Vorc 
Lighthouse  on  the  west  coast  of  Scotland,  which  cost 
in  round  numbers  90,000/.,  the  Bell  Rock,  on  the 
east  coast  of  Scotland,  which  cost  in  round  num- 
bers 61,020/.,  and  others.  It  would  be  natural,  I 
presume,  to  compare' the  estimate  sent  in  for  a  light- 
house on  the  Great  Basses  with  the  cost  of  such 
lighthouses  as  I  have  mentioned.  Do  yoii  know 
whether  any  such  reference  was  made  to  the  cost  of 
previously  erected  lighthouses  ? — I  have  not  the 
slightest  doubt  that  it  was,  although  I  have  no  recol- 
lection at  all  upon  that  subject.  As  I  have  said  before, 
I  do  not  know  all  that  passed,  but  I  have  not  the 
slightest  doubt  that  such  reference  was  made.  It 
was  one  of  the  things  on  which  Mr.  Gordon  prided 
lliIn^^elf,  that  by  means  of  his  iron  work  he  was  en- 
al.iled  to  do  works  of  this  description  much  more 
cheaply  than  they  had  been  done  by  other  boards.  I 
should  mention  that  any  very  slight  difference  in  the 
circinnstanccs,  such  as  the  height  of  the  rocks  out  of 
the  water,  &c.,  will  make  all  the  difference  in  the 
comparative  cost  of  a  work  of  this  description. 

314.  It  would  appear  that  subsequently  to  Jnlv 
J  858   the  Governor   of   Ceylon    represented    to  the 


Board  of  Trade  that  he  considered  Mr.  Gordon's 
estimate  of  the  probable  cost  of  what  remained  to  be 
done  for  erecting  the  light  as  far  too  low,  and  that 
Mr.  Gordon  had  understated  the  time  in  which  the 
work  could  bo  completed,  and  that  in  a  subsequent 
despatch  the  Governor  states  that  Mr.  Poingdestro 
had  informed  him  that  he  esliinali'<l  the  yearly  expen- 
diture, including  a  steamer  at  2(),()()0/.,  and  the  dura- 
tion, of  the  work  at  five  years  ;  that  he  the  Governor 
had  gone  carefully  into  the  grounds  of  this  computa- 
tion and  was  satisfied  that  they  were  substantially 
correct.  The  Governor  also  expresses  a  belief  that 
had  the  difficulties  of  the  work  been  properly  under- 
stood it  would  never  have  been  commenced;  but  that 
nobody  knew  them,  and  that  many  of  the  facts  which 
had  been  gathered  were  the  results  of  recent  experi 
ence.  Have  I  stated  the  case  accurately  ? — That  is 
what  the  Governor  stated. 

315.  It  would  appear,  then,  upon  this,  that  the 
Board  of  Trade  wrote  to  the  Governor,  informing 
him  that  steps  involving  further  expenses  must  be 
delayed  until  the  Governmeut  had  determined  what 
course  to  take.  Do  the  papers  now  sent  to  the  Com- 
missioners show  precisely  what  the  course  is  that  the 
Government  do  intend  to  take,  or  have  any  fresh 
steps  been  taken  since  Noveniber  last,  which  is  the 
date  of  the  papers  sent  to  the  Commissioners  ? — All 
the  papers  that  we  have  had  recently,  that  is  to  say, 
the  accounts  of  the  Admiralty  survey,  confirm 
Captain  Sulivan's  opinion,  that  the  proper  mode  of 
lighting  these  dangers  will  be  by  lightvessels  ;  but 
no  final  steps  have  been  taken,  or  can  be  taken,  until 
the  Board  of  Trade  receives  the  Governor's  report 
giving  a  detailed  estimate  of  the  cost  of  building  light- 
vessels  in  Ceylon  or  at  Bombay,  and  a  report  on 
the  mode  of  communicating  with  the  lightvessels 
when  established,  and  on  the  cost  of  maintaining  them. 

316.  (Captain  Ryder.)  How  is  Mr.  Gordon,  the 
engineer,  paid,  who  was  employed  to  make  the  esti- 
mates ;  by  a  fee,  or  by  a  commission  on  the  estimates  ? 
—By  a  commission  on  the  outlay. 

317.  (Chairman.)  I  see  by  the  return  sent  to  the 
Commissioners  from  the  Board  of  Trade  on  the  5th 
July  1859,  that  the  list  of  the  lighthouses  in  the 
colonies,  under  the  control  of  the  Board  of  Trade, 
then  in  course  of  erection,  ends  with  the  Great 
Basses.  Are  there  at  this  moment  any  other  light- 
houses, either  in  course  of  erection  or  for  which 
estimates  have  been  prepared,  that  are  not  included 
in  that  list,  or  is  it  in  contemplation  to  erect  any 
other  lighthouses  in  our  colonies  ? — There  are  some 
lighthouses  in  some  foreign  countries  which  are 
needed  for  the  wants  of  British  trade,  towards  the 
erection  of  which  the  English  Goverment  are  afford- 
ing foreign  and  distant  governments  assistance,  more 
particularly  by  supplying  the  lighting  apparatus,  and 
in  some  cases  engineering  help.  The  expense  of  course 
is  brought  before  Parliament  in  the  annual  votes.  I 
may  mention  the  Cani  Rocks  off  Tunis,  and  three 
lighthouses  now  in  course  of  erection  by  the  Egyptian 
Government  in  the  Red  Sea.  There  are  also  certain 
other  lighthouses  for  which  the  Board  of  Trade  have 
supplied  or  are  supplying  the  lighting  apparatus  ;  for 
instance,  those  in  Vancouver's  Island.  There  are 
also  certain  other  colonial  lighthouses  contemplated  ; 
in  the  Bahamas. 

318.  Can  you  furnish  the  Commission  with  the 
names  of  any  of  the  engineers  who  are  employed  at 
present  by  the  Board  of  Trade  on  distant  service 
connected  with  lighthouses  ? — The  engineer  employed 
on  the  Red  Sea  lighthouses  is  Mr.  Parkes,  a  pupil  of 
Mr.  Walker,  who  was  recommended  by  him  to  the 
Board  of  Trade  as  the  resident  engineer  for  the 
erection  of  the  Cerigo  Lighthouse,  who  subsequently 
worked  for  the  East  Indian  Government  at  Kurrachee, 
and  is  now  in  the  Red  Sea,  superintending  the  com- 
mencement of  the  three  lighthouses  there.  He  made 
the  original  plans  and  estimates  in  the  case  of  the  Red 
Sea  lighthouses.  The  Cerigo  Lighthouse  was  built 
according  to  the  plans  of  Mr.  Walker,  the  Trinity 
House  engineer.  The  Great  Isaacs  Lighthouse  wa 
planned  by  the  Admiralty,  the  Cay  Lobos  Lighthouse 


T.  H.  Farrer, 

Esq. 


S  2 


HO 


MIXUTES   OF   EVIDENCE   TAKEN   BEFORE   THE   COMMISSIOXERS   AFPOINTED   To 


T.  H.  Farrer, 
Esq. 

18  Dec.  18G0. 


by  Sir.  Gordon.  Both  these  -n-orks  were  very  satis- 
factorily carried  on  by  Mr.  Scott,  C.E.,  as  resident 
engineer  under  Mr.  Gordon.  He  has  just  come 
home.  Sir.  Harvey,  the  colonial  engineer,  will 
probably  be  emplo^-ed  in  constructing  any  further 
lighthouses  in  the  Bahamas.  At  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope  Mr.  Cousens  is  employed  as  clerk  of  the  works 
under  Mr.  Gordon  to  carry  out  Mr.  Gordon's  plans 
for  the  Roman  Rocks  and  Cape  Point  lighthouses. 

.319.  {Mr.  Grarcs.)  In  giving  orders  for  the  light- 
ing apparatus  for  a  lighthouse  to  be  erected  out  of 
the  Imperial  funds,  who  is  it  in  your  department  who 
submits  plans  and  specifications  for  the  inspection  of 
the  parties  who  make  the  tenders  ?  —The  plans  and 
drawings  are  prepared  by  the  engineer  who  has  the 
conduct  of  the  work,  if  the  engineer  is  employed 
by  the  Board  of  Trade.  lu  certain  cases  the  Board 
of  Trade  have  asked  for  the  assistance  of  the  Trinity 
House,  and  then  plans  are  prepared  in  the  same 
manner  in  which  the  ordinary  Trinity  House  plans 
are  prepared.  In  .ill  cases  the  api)aratus  is  inspected 
by  Professor  Faraday  before  it  is  finally  accepted. 

320.  Has  the  illuminating  apparatus  for  the 
colonial  lighthouses  been  generally  supplied  by  one 
firm,  or  have  several  firms  contributed  to  the  supply 
of  the  apparatus  ? — As  a  general  principle,  the  Board 
of  Trade  have  been  anxious  to  obtain  as  much  com- 
petition as  possible,  and  they  have  required  tjtders 
from  the  three  or  four  firms  which  make  this  apparatus. 
On  particular  occasions,  where  time  has  pressed,  or 
where  there  have  been  other  special  reasons,  they  have 
been  content  to  go  to  one  of  the  known  makers,  the 
prices  being  pretty"  well  ascertained,  and  the  lowest 
price  for  similar  apparatus  obtained  on  some  previous 
occasion  being  t.iken  as  .a  guide. 

321.  In  the  case  of  the  lighting  apparatus  required 
for  the  Red  Sea  lights,  was  it  publicly  advertised 
for  ? — We  never  advertise  for  lighting  apparatus, 
because  there  are  only  four  or  five  firms  in  the  world 
that  make  the  apparatus,  but  we  send  the  specifica- 
tions to  those  firms,  and  get  tenders  from  them. 

322.  Then  has  the  lighting  apparatus  been  supplied 
by  one  or  other  of  these  well-known  makers? — I 
think  it  has  all  been  supplied  l)y  one  or  other  of  those 
makers. 

323.  In  purchasing  oil  and  stores  for  the  illumin.v 
tion  of  a  colonial  lighthouse,  do  you  invite  puldic 
tenders  for  them  ? — The  oil,  which  is  the  principal 
thing,  is  always  obtained  from  the  Trinitv  House  ; 
they  obtain  their  large  .supply  of  oil  by  public  adver- 
tisements in  the  usual  way,  and  they  supply  us  with 
any  quantity  of  oil  that  we  want  for  colonial  light- 
houses, and  then  we  settle  accounts  with  them. 

324.  {Captain  Ryder.)  Do  you  find  much  difterence 
in  the  tenders  for  supplying  illuminating  apparatus 
which  are  sent  in  by  those  two  or  three  firms  of 
which  you  have  spoken  ? — The  best  way  of  answering 
this  question  will  be  to  put  in  a  paper  showing  the 
amoutits  of  the  several  tenders  for  lanterns  and  light- 
ing apparatus  in  a  few  recent  cases.  There  was  one 
curious  case  in  which  one  of  the  Lighthouse  Boards 
pressed  the  Board  of  Trade  to  allow  a  certain  maker 
to  have  the  contract  at  the  price  of  1,527/.  with- 
out competition.  The  Board  of  Trade  insisted  on 
competition.  Six  firms  were  invited  to  tender,  and  the 
same  maker  who  had  previously  asked  1,527/.  sent 
in  the  lowest  tender  and  obtained  the  contract  at  the 
price  of  1,382/.,  thus  illustrating  the  importance  of 
such  competition  as  is  practicable.  {The  witness  here 
put  in  the  paper  marked  B.) 

325.  Is  it  not  probable  when  the  competition  is  so 
limited  that  there  may  be  an  understanding  between 
those  firms  as  to  the  ))rices  which  they  shall  fix  ? — I 
should  think  it  i)riibabh\  judging  a  priori. 

326.  {Mr.  Gladstone.)  In  what  shape  is  the  speci- 
fication for  the  illuminating  apparatus  for  colonial 
lighthouses  drawn  up  ? — I  can  furnish  the  Commis- 
sioners with  a  specimen. 

327.  What  is  the  course  pursued  by  the  Board  of 
Trade  in  ordering  the  lenticular  illuminating  appara- 
tus for  a  new  site  from  the  manufacturers  ;  and  will 
you  have  the  goodness  to  furnish  the  Commissioners 
with  copies  of  theplans  and  specifications,  &c.  actually 


submitted  to  the  manufacturers  in  ordering  the  last 
two  sets  of  lenticular  apparatus,  of  a  large  size,  or  of 
peculiar  forms,  which  have  been  purchased  ? — I  will 
put  in  four  sj)ecifications  for  dioptric  lights  apparatus  ; 
viz.,  for  Lobos  Cay,  by  5Ir.  Gordon,  and  for  the 
three  lighthouses  in  the  Red  .Sea  by  ^Ir.  Parkes. 
{Tlie  leitness  here  put  in  the  papers  marked  C.) 

328.  {Mr.  Graves.)  Can  you  state  the  gross  an- 
nual amount  voted  b)'  Parliament  during  the  past 
five  years  for  the  erection  of  colonial  lighthouses, 
including  grants  to  foreign  governments  for  light- 
houses ? — I  i>ut  this  in.  (  The  witness  here  put  in  the 
printed  estimates  marked  D.) 

329.  Can  you  also  state  the  amount  of  dues  levied 
for  colonial  lights  erected  under  the  Merchant  Ship- 
ping Amendment  Act  of  1855  ? — Cape  Race  is  the 
only  case  in  which  dues  have  been  levied. 

330.  Is  the  amount  received  at  Cape  Race  sufS- 
ciently  large  to  lead  to  a  greater  extension  of  the 
system  of  lev3'ing  tolls  ? — There  is  a  good  deal  to  be 
said  pro  and  con  in  that  matter.  On  the  one  hand, 
if  the  shipping  pay  for  a  light  there  will  be  greater 
facilities  on  the  part  of  the  Home  Government  in 
getting  the  necessary  lights  erected  ;  and  the  ques- 
tion whether  the  shipping  interest  is  willing  to  pay 
is  a  good  test  of  the  real  utility  of  a  light.  On  the  other 
haml,  there  are  not  many  places  in  the  colonies  in 
which  snch  a  system  can  be  applied  without  the  ob- 
jection that  the  tax  so  taken  is  a  tax  upon  trade  to 
British  ports,  which  does  not  fall  upon  the  trade  to 
foreign  ports. 

331.  {Mr.  Graves.)  It  has  come  to  the  knowledge 
of  this  Commission  that  in  the  matter  of  colouring 
buoys  the  Board  of  Trade  has  overruled  the  opinions 
of  the  Ballast  Board  ;  will  you  point  out  (he  section  in 
the  Merchant  Shipping  Act  under  which  this  control 
is  exercised  ? — I  presume  it  must  be  uuJcr  either  the 
406th  or  the  408th  section  of  the  Act.  The  action 
of  the  Board  of  Trade  generally  arises  where  there  is 
n  difterence  between  the  Trinity  House  generally  and 
the  Scotch  or  Irish  Board,  and  I  believe  has  only  been 
exercised  in  such  cases. 

332.  (  Chairman.)  I  understand  you  to  s.ay  that  it 
is  oiilv  where  a  difterence  of  opinion  exists  between 
the  Scotch  and  Irish  Boards  and  the  Trinity  House 
that  the  action  of  the  Board  of  Trade  arises  ;  but  I 
think  it  would  appear  from  the  coriesiwndence  fur- 
nished to  this  Commission  that  in  the  matter  of  light- 
ing the  passage  between  Islay  and  Colonsay  the 
Board  of  Trade  did  insist  upon  a  certain  description 
of  light,  while  the  Trinity  House  had  concurred  with 
the  Scotch  Board  in  objecting  to  that  light  which  the 
Board  of  Trade  determined  should  be  exhibited  ? — I 
believe  that  there  may  in  some  cases  have  been  an 
irregularity  in  the  mode  of  conducting  the  corre- 
spondence between  the  Boards,  but  I  believe  it 
will  be  found  that  in  the  end  the  Board  of  Trade  have 
never  insisted  upon  any  opinion  on  a  nautical  ques- 
tion as  against  the  Scotch  or  Irish  Boards,  unless  with 
the  concurrence  of  the  Elder  Brethren.  I  .should 
add  that  the  letter  of  the  Act  doe-s  I  believe,  in 
some  cases  enable  them  to  overrule  both  the  Trinity 
House  and  the  Scotch  or  Irish  Boards. 

333.  Practically,  do  jou  make  any  distinction  in 
the  controlling  power  of  the  Board  of  Trade  over  the 
Trinity  House  as  against  the  Scotch  and  Irish 
Boards  ? — We  consider  that  in  the  case  of  the  Trinity 
House  the  question  for  the  Board  of  Trade  is  simply 
a  financial  question.  In  the  case  of  the  two  other 
Boards  the  Board  of  Trade  may  have,  and  often  has, 
a  nautical  control  as  well  as  a  liuaucial  control. 

334.  {Chairman.)  Then  why  do  you  consider  it 
necessary  that  a  more  specific  control  should  be  ex- 
ercised over  the  Scotch  and  Irish  Board.*,  and  a  con- 
trol other  than  that  of  financial  ? — In  the  first  place, 
BO  it  is  in  the  Act  of  Parliament.  The  reason 
for  putting  it  .«o  in  the  Act  probably  was  that  in  the 
Scotch  Board  they  have  no  nautical  knowledge  or 
experience  ;  a:id  in  the  Irish  Board  the  nautical 
knowledge  and  experience  is  very  inferior  nautical 
knowledge  and  experience  to  that  of  the  Elder  Bre- 
thren of  the  Trinity  House, 


INQUIRK  IXTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  HUNAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


Ill 


335.  (Captain  Ri/der.)  Must  not  the  financial  con- 
trol of  which  you  speak,  as  the  only  control  over  the 
Trinity  House,  often  become  a  nautical  control  ?— 
Mv.  Milner  Gihson  li.is  stated  that  it  is  very  difficult 
to  know  wliero  the  power  of  tlic  purse  ends.  The 
line  can  only  be  drawn  satisfactorily,  by  a  cei'- 
tain  amount  of  discretion,  good  sense,  and  forbear- 
ance on  tlie  part  of  those  who  are  intrusted  with 
this  power. 

336.  (Mr.  Graves.)    Financially  speaking,   is    the 
controlling  power  over    tlie  three  Boards  exercised 
precisel}'  in   (lie  same  manner  with  regard  to  the  ap- 
proval  of     expenditure?  —  In    precisely    the    same* 
manner. 

337.  (Chairman.)  Does  it  extend  to  all  particulars, 
the  sm.allest  as  well  as  the  greatest  ? — The  smallest 
as  well  as  the  greatest. 

338.  (Mr.  Graves.)  What  is  the  course  adopted  for 
the  purpose  of  olitaining  the  sanction  of  the  Board  of 
Trade  to  any  expenditure  ? — There  is  au  annual  esti- 
mate, which  contains  all  the  items  of  current  expen- 
diture, and  when  tliis  estimate  is  approved  there  is 
no  occasion  to  come  to  the  Board  of  Trade  again  for 
approval  of  the  separate  items,  except  in  the  case  of 
new  works  or  very  extensive  repairs,  in  which  case 
the  Board  of  Trade  requires  special  plans  and  esti- 
mates before  the  work  is  undertaken.  In  addition 
the  tenders  are  also  submitted  to  the  Board  of  Trade. 

339.  What  is  the  course  adopted  with  items  of 
expenditure  which  must  constantly  occur,  but  which 
are  not  included  in  the  estimate  ? — The  case  is,  I 
think,  not  so  common  as  one  would  imagine.  Small 
items  can  almost  always  be  included  in  the  annual 
estimates,  and  if  there  is  a  large  unforeseen  expense 
required,  such,  for  instance,  as  the  immediate  repair 
of  a  lighthouse,  or  a  lightship  bi'oken  adrift,  the 
Lighthouse  Boards  would  at  once  take  any  steps 
which  might  be  immediately  necessary,  and  would, 
at  the  same  time,  apply  to  the  Board  of  Trade,  being 
perfectly  confident  of  the  approval  of  that  Board,  In 
fact  they  have  the  power  of  doing  this  by  the  terms 
of  the  Act. 

340.  In  order  to  elucidate  the  question  still  further, 
I  will  suppose  such  a  case  as  the  steam  tender  of  the 
Dublin  Board  losing  the  screw  of  her  engine;  would 
the  Board  lie  enabled  to  replace  that  without  coming 
to  the  Board  of  Trade  to  sanction  the  expenditure  ?^ 
I  am  not  quite  sure  what  the  letter  of  the  law  might 
be  in  such  a  case  ;  practically,  they  would,  if  the 
case  was  urgent,  do  what  was  needed,  and  would  come 
to  the  Board  of  Trade  for  the  approval  of  that  ex- 
penditure, which  would  be  given  as  a  matter  of  course. 

341.  (Mr.  Gladstone).  How  are  men  selected  for 
appointment  as  lighthouse  keepers  in  the  colonial 
lighthouses  under  the  Board  of  Trade  ? — It  is  always 
left,  as  fiir  as  possible,  to  the  colonial  government. 
We  look  to  the  Governor  as  responsible  for  the  ma- 
nagement of  the  lighthouse  ;  the  only  way  is  to  get 
as  much  local  responsibility  as  possible. 

342.  Have  you  any  means  of  ascertaining  whether 
their  qualifications  are  properly  tested  ? — The  cir- 
cumstances  are  so  few  and  so  diflerent  that  it  would 
be  impossible  to  apply  any  general  rule.  Where  we 
have  several  lighthouses,  as  in  the  Bahamas,  which 
is  the  only  case,  we  make  the  Governor  responsible, 
and  appoint  under  him  an  efficient  inspector,  and  we 
rely  upon  those  two  persons  for  the  practical  control 
of  the  establishment. 

343.  The  Governor  and  the  inspector  ? — Yes 

344.  Did  you  ever  send  out  any  educated  light- 
keepers  ? — The  Admir.alty,  before  the  Board  of  Trade 
had  anything  to  do  with  colonial  lights,  sent  out  one 
to  the  Falkland  Islands.  The  Board  of  Trade  have 
sent  out  to  Vancouver's  Island  two  qualified  light- 
keepers.  They  have  also  in  one,  if  not  in  more  ca  ses, 
where  there  was  no  school  for  instructing  lightkeepers 
in  the  place,  sent  out  efficient  workmen  to  put  up 
the  lighting  apparatus,  who  were  bound  to  remain 
a  certain  time  after  it  was  completed,  in  order  that 
they  might  give  persons  there  instructions  in  the 
management    of  the  light. 

345.  (Chairman.)  Have  you  anything  further  to 
to  add  on  the  subject  of  the  functions  exercised  by 

s 


the  Board  of  Trade  ? — I  .should  scarcely  be  dealing 
fairly  with  the  Commissioners  if  I  did  not  say  that 
whilst  I  am  quite  alive  to  the  historical  and  other 
reasons  for  the  present  system,  it  involves  a  good  deal 
of  circumlocution  and  consequent  delay.  Differences 
of  opinion  are  not  always  e.asy  to  settle  where  there 
is  but  one  department  to  .act,  and  where  there  are 
three  or  four  to  be  consulted  before  a  conclusion  can 
be  come  to,  the  difficulties  are,  of  course,  much  in- 
creased. Further,  I  ought  to  say,  that  the  Board  of 
Tr.ade  have  in  some  cases  found  considerable  difficulty 
in  exercising  their  i)eculiar  functions,  viz.  : — the  con- 
trolling expense.  Many  lighthouses  have  been  built 
in  Scotland  out  of  the  Consolidated  Light  Dues,  and 
•■::  niany,  if  not  in  most,  of  these  cases,  the  Board  of 
Trade  liavo  been  of  opinion  that  the  plans  were  too 
ex])ensive.  Whether  they  have  been  right  or  wrong 
in  their  opinions,  they  have  found  themselves  unable 
to  enforce  them  to  any  material  extent,  except  by 
withholding  altogether  their  consent  to  the  uuder- 
takins,  which  is,  of  course,  a  very  serious  matter. 

346.  (Chairman.)  Have  you  any  particular  in- 
stance you  would  wish  to  specify  ? — I  should  be 
nuwilling  to  trouble  the  Commissioners  with  the  nu- 
merous long  correspondences  we  have  had  with  the 
Northern  Lights  Commissioners  on  this  subject. 
There  is,  however,  one  case,  viz.,  that  of  the  Pabba 
Beacon,  which  so  well  illustrates  this  difficulty,  that 
I  will  put  in  the  correspondence  (  The  icitness  here 
put  in  the  papers  marked  E).  The  undertaking  is  not 
a  large  one,  but  the  correspondence  illustrates  the 
difficulties  of  the  subject.  And  I  am  the  more  anxious 
to  put  it  in  because  the  Board  of  Trade  made  a  slip 
in  the  first  instance,  by  omitting  specially  to  call  for 
full  particnl.nrs  ;  .ind  because  that  omission  led  to 
great  subsequent  difficulties.  The  case  therefore  not 
only  illustrates  the  difficulty  of  controlling  expendi- 
ture, but  shows  how  important  it  is  for  the  Board  of 
Trade,  to  require  before  a  work  is  undertaken,  the 
very  fullest  particulars  of  what  is  intended,  and  of 
the  manner  in  which  the  work  is  to  be  executed.  I 
should  add  with  reference  to  Messrs,  Stevenson's 
Letter  of  the  22d  September,  1858,  that  the  Board 
of  Trade  have  ue\er  considered  that  their  plans  were 
in  general  carelessly  made,  or  that  they  under  esti- 
mated the  expense.  On  the  coutrary,  in  their  works, 
the  actual  outlay  has  generally  been  very  near  the 
estimates. 

Adjourned, 

A, 

Paper  referred  to  in  reply  to  Question  312. 
Copt  of  Mr.  Gordon's  Fikst  Repokt  with  Designs 
and  Estimates  for  a  Lighthouse  on  the  Great 
Basses  oft' the  South-east  Coast  of  Ceylon. 

22,  Fludyer  Street,  Whitehall, 
Sin,  I5th  September,  1855. 

I  HAVE  now  the  honor  to  comply  with  the 
desire  of  the  Lords  of  the  Committee  of  Privy 
Council  for  Trade,  conveyed  to  me  in  your  letter  of 
date  16th  of  July  last,  that  I  should  prepare  and 
submit  plans  and  estimates  for  the  lighthouse  which 
it  is  proposed  to  erect  on  the  Great  Basses  upon  the 
south-east  coast  of  Ceylon,  and  that  I  should  consider 
the  relative  expense  and  advantages  of  stone  andiroa 
as  the  materials  for  constructing  the  same. 

The  position  of  the  reef  of  rocks  called  the  Great 
Basses  is  stated  now  to  be  81°  31'  26"  east  longitude, 
and*  and  6^  11'  48"  north  latitude.  They  are  about 
eight  miles  off  the  south-east  coast  of  Ceylon,  and 
consist  of  smooth  red  granite. 

Mr.  Arrowsmith  having  kindly  furnished  me  with 
an  outline  of  this  part  of  the  coast  of  Ceylon,  and 
position  of  the  Great  Basses,  1  have  copied  the  same 
on  drawing  A. 

It  was  reported  by  the  liydrographer  f  "  that  com- 
"  pared  with  its  present  dangerous  state,  that  im- 
"  portant  turning  point  of  Indian  navigation,  will  be 

*  Admiral  Sir  Fleetwood  Pellew's  report,  9th  May  1853,  and 
Capt.  W.  K.  Hall,  of  H.M.S.  "  Styx." 
f  Admiral  Sir  Francis  Beaufort,  13th  July,  1853, 


T.  H.  Farrer, 

Esq. 


It-: 


MINUTES   OF   EVIDENCE   TAKEN    BEFORE   THE   COMMISSIONERS  APPOINTED   TO 


r.  H.  Famr,    '•  placed   in   relnthe  security  by  the  display  of  one 

Esq.  a  light  on  the  Great  Bass.     The  main   object  being 

'    ,   J   '•  the  land  fall  of  vessels  from  the   southward,  those 

^'^' ■•   "  coming   from    the     westward    will    see    the    Great 

"  Basses,  and  carry  with  them  its  bearing  quite  far 
"  enough  to  avoid  the  Little  Basses.  Vessels  from 
"  the  northward,  at  least  dui-iug  the  continuance  of 
"  the  western  monsoon,  will  have  made  the  coast  of 
'■  Ceylon  to  the  northwards  ;  and  during  the  eastern 
'•  monsoon,  they,  as  well  as  all  vessels  from  the 
"  Strait  and  from  the  eastward,  -.vill  run  down  their 
"  latitude." 

Tlie  Great  Basses,  where  it  is  proposed  now  to 
erect  u  lighthouse,  are  stated  by  the  late  Admiral 
Sir  Gordon  Bremer,  and  the  late  Captain  D.awson  of 
the  Royal  Engineers,  to  "  consist  of  two  small  iiclds 
"  of  red  granite,  each  of  about  60  to  TO  feet  in 
"  breadth,  and  120  or  130  feet  long,  the  utmost  rise 
"  of  which  above  the  level  of  the  sea  is  9  to  10  feet. 
"  There  is  a  considerable  under  water  communication 
"  between  the  two,  and  breakers  extending  to  tho 
"  north-eastward  and  south-westward,  in  all  about 
'  eight  hundred  yards  of  broken  water."* 
•  "The  sea,  particularly  from  the  south-westward,  is 
"  broken  at  50  yards  distance  by  sunken  rocks,  and 
"  appears  in  moderate  weather  only  to  shut  over  the 
"  visible  rocks  after  being  thus  deprived  of  its 
"  impetus.  On  the  outermost  or  easternmost  of 
"  these  rocks  we  landed  and  remained  nearly  five 
"  hours,  taking  bearings  and  angles,  and  II. M.S. 
"  'Tamar'also  passed  completely  round  them  in  a 
"  strong  gale." 

On  13th  May,  18.33,  Commander  W.  K.  Hall,  in 
H.IM.  steamer  "  Styx"  anchored  in  five  fathoms,  about 
a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  its  north-east  end  under  its 
lee,  (a  strong  double-reefed  topsail  breeze  blowing 
with  a  proportionate  sea,)  and  found  landing  wast 
impossible.  He  pulled  within  50  feet  of  its  N.W. 
side,  which,  he  says,  was  as  close  as  he  could  "  safely 
"  approach  in  the  cutter,  and  on  this  side  any  heavy 
"  stores  for  the  erection  of  a  lighthouse  could  be 
"  landed  with  groat  ease.  Tho  monsoon  blows  nearly 
"  along  the  line  of  the  Basses,  and  a  ship  could  lie  in 
"  five  or  six  i'athoms,  100  yards  off,  and  in  calm 
"  weather  warp  close  in,  and  with  her  own  derrick, 
"  land  them  on  the  rock,  for  within  50  feet  there  are 
"  four  fathoms  of  water,  sand,  and  coral  bottom." 

On  drawing  A.  is  also  copied  Capt.  ^^'.  K.  Hall's 
sketches  of  the  Great  Basses.  That  oificer  informed 
the  commander-in-rchief  that  the  strong  weather  he 
experienced  in  May  (during  the  S.W.  monsoon) 
clearly  showed  how  well  protected  a  lighthouse  would 
be  on  the  easternmost  rock.  The  same  ofiicer  states 
that  in  September,  October,  and  November  there  is 
fine  and  smooth  weather,  and  '•  in  September  and 
"  October  little  or  no  wind." 

Captain  Biden,  Master  Attendant  at  Sladras,  has 
reported  that  "  except  in  bad  weather  and  a  high 
"  sea,  a  considerable  ])ortion  of  the  rock  is  ahvays 
"  visible,  and  the  rise  and  fall  of  sea  does  not  exceed 
"  three  feet." 

The  operations  for  the  construction  of  the  lighthouso 
might  in  his  opinion  safely  be  commenced  early  in 
October,  and  continued  with  little  intermission  till  tho 
cud  of  April  ;  and  he  says,  "  when  once  the  outworks  to 
"  ])rotocl  the  artificers  in  the  construction  of  the  basc- 
"  ment  are  sufficiently  raised  to  resist  the  surge  of  tho 
"  sea'duriug  the  south-west  monsoon,  I  am  of  opinion 
."  that  (with  the  aid  of  a  suitable  boat  moored  under 
"  the  lee  of  the  rock)  the  work  may  be  successfully 
"  carried  on  throughout  tlie  year." 

There  is  some  disjiarity  in  the  accounts  of  tho 
number  of  rocks  forming  the  Great  Basses.  The  late 
Sir  J.  Gordon  Bremer  and  the  late  Capt.  Dawson, 
U.K.,  mentioned  two  rocks  ;  Ca])t.  Biden,  from  the 
deck  of  I'eninsular  and  Oriental  Steam  Company's 
ship  "Bentinck,"  when  about  one  and  a  half  miles 
from  the  rocks,  sketched  three  rocks  stretching  inline 
from  S.W.  to  N.E. 

Capt.  \V.  K.  Hall,  it  will  be  seen,  has  sketched 
some  more,   and   es]ii'('i:illy  a  low   rock   to  the  south- 

*  gee  report  ot  these  officiTs,daltd  11  tU  November,  1826. 


ward  of  the  largest  one  of  the  reef,  which  forms  a 
good  breakwater  ;  such  disparity  may  be  accounted 
for  by  the  difterent  times  and  different  conditions  of 
the  sea.  The  accompauying  colored  sketch  B.  will 
give  a  pretty  correct  view  from  the  seaward  showing 
the  lighthouse  of  the  form  described,  and  recom 
mended  hereafter,  and  of  the  desert  coast,  olf  v.hich  it 
will  be.  Over  a  great  part  of  that  desert  district  of 
Ceylon  the  late  Capt.  Dawson,  U.K.,  had  travelled. 

The  nearest  station  to  the  Basses  is  Ilambautottc, 
and  that  small  place  is  about  24  miles  to  the  west  by 
south.  To  the  eastward  of  that  station,  except  at  the 
Kirinde  salt  store,  the  sea  coast,  and  for  miles  inland, 
is  uninhabited.* 

Mr.  Arrowsmith  informs  me  that  the  Kirdinde  or 
Mahagam  River  is  said  to  have  water  at  all  times. 
Its  source  is  in  the  high  lands,  and  from  this  river, 
the  mouth  of  which  is  about  15  miles  from  the  Great 
Basses,  the  principal  supply  of  fresh  water  will  most 
probably  have  to  be  obtained. 

Communication  must  be  arranged  by  means  of 
several  small  vessels,  or  one  or  two  larger  vessels, 
between  the  coast  and  the  Great  Basses,  for  provision.s, 
water,  and  stores,  when  the  lighthouse  shall  have  been 
completed  ;  and  during  the  time  of  the  construction  a 
vessel  of  about  150  or  200  tons  ought  always  to  be 
stationed  at  the  anchorage  indicated  by  Capt.  W.  K. 
Hall  {see  drau-ing  A.) 

Point  de  Galle  may  afford  every  facilitj'  for  hiring 
good  and  safe  boats  for  the  service  ;  but  the  vessel  to 
be  anchored  inside  the  reef  during  the  construction  of 
the  lighthouse  may  be  lent  b}'  the  Admiralty,  or  it 
maybe  purchased  in  London  for  about  1,600/..  and  sold 
afterwards  at  a  fair  price  in  India. 

The  reef  can  be  reached  from  Point  de  Galle  in 
24  hours  under  easy  steam,f  but  it  is  quite  unnecessary 
to  have  a  steamer  in  attendance  on  the  lighthouse 
work.  Vessels  under  canvas  will  be  more  in  accord- 
ance with  the  nature  of  the  work  and  its  economy 
than  steam  can  be  in  that  part  of  the  world,  and 
sailing  vessels  will  be  able  to  make  their  passages 
between  the  Reef  and  Galle  during  the  monsoon. 

The  lighthouse  must  be  of  great  strength  at  its  base 
to  resist  heavy  blows  of  the  sea.  It  is  well  to  suppose 
the  waves  may  equal  in  height  the  large  waves  of  the 
Atlantic,  which,  from  crest  to  bottom  of  hollow, 
measure  perpendicularly  32  to  36  feet.  It  has  been 
found  at  the  Bishojj's  Rock,  westward  of  Scilly,  by 
Mr.  Nicholas  Douglas,  the  superintending  engineer 
of  the  Bishop's  Rock  Lighthouse,  now  in  construc- 
tion by  the  Trinity  House,  that  waves  of — 

S  feet  number  35  in  one  mile  and  8  per  minute. 

l.T     .,         „        5  and  6         „  5  ,, 

20     „         „        3  „  4  „ 

In  looking  about  for  a  type  of  such  a  structure  to 
resist  the  power  of  the  sea,  the  lighthouses  which 
appear  best  to  answer  the  requirements  of  the  Great 
Basses  are  the  tower  of  Cordouan,  which  has  stood  for 
two  centuries  and  a  half.  The  tower  of  the  Eddvstouc, 
by  Smeaton,  and  its  enlarged  copies  at  tlie  Bidl  Rock 
by  Mr.  Robert  Stevenson,  and  at  Skerryvore  by  Mr. 
Alan  Stevenson,  and  the  tower  on  Plymouth  Break- 
water by  j\Ir.  James  Walker.  These  may  be  said  to 
offer  only  two  types  ;  a  third  type,  however,- is  seen 
in  Martello  Towers.  IMy  earliest  design  for  lighting 
the  Great  Basses  and  Little  Basses  consisted  of  two 
towers  like  Martello  Towers,  though  somewhat  higher 
in  pro]iortion. 

]Jut  now  that  only  one  light  is  required,  and  that 
is  ordered  to  be  120  feet  above  the  sea  on  the  Great 
Basses,  which  otl'er  a  site  about  8  teet  above  water,  I 
propose  a  ^lartello  Tower  as  my  model  for  stability  ; 
and  remembering  that  the  lighthouse  of  La  Mer 
Sauvage  at  Bell  Isle  is  a  lofty  cylindrical  shaft,  rising 
out  of  a  sliort  cylinder  of  large  dimensions,  I  have 
designed  what  is  shown  on  drawings  C.  andD. 

There  is  no  pretension  to  architectural  elegance  in 
my  design  ;  it  will  sutRce  if  we  succeed  in  not  offend- 
ing   the    eye    in  that    particular    department.       The 


•  See    Master    Attendant 
lit  Deeeniber  ISSa. 
t  Capt.  W.  K.  Ilall,  R.N. 


Steward's    letter    from    Colombc 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


.1^3 


eiifiinccr  looks  first  for  stability.  The  ai'cliitectural 
difference  of  existing  lighthouse  towers  for  somewhat 
similar  situations  is  great  between  the  noble  and 
highly  adorned  architecture  of  Cordouan  Tower,  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Garonne,  and  the  unadorned,  unpreten- 
ding square  turret  of  Hango-ude  at  the  south  cape  of 
Finland,  yet  the  shape  and  scYere  simplicity  of  the 
Finnish  work  is  equally  well  suited  for  its  purpose  as 
the  enriched  architecture  of  Cordouan. 

On  drawing  E.  will  be  found  the  sea  level  shown 
as  a  datum  line,  and  in  reference  to  it  the  towers  of 
Cordouan,  Eddystone,  Bell  Rock,  Skcrryvore,  Heaux 
de  Brehat,  and  the  lighthouse  which  I  now  design  for 
the  Great  Basses. 

I  propose  to  adopt,  as  shown  on  drawing  C,  a 
cylindrical  basement  of  masonry,  surrounded  by  an 
outer  case  or  circumvallation  of  cast  iron  two  inches 
thick,  all  the  flanges  joining  the  plates  being  inside. 
This  basement  will  be  30  feet  high  above  the  rock. 
The  masonry  inside  of  this  cast  iron  shell  is  to  be  set 
in  bitumen,  worked  hot  and  bonded  to  the  outer  circum- 
Tallatiou.  This  external  cylinder  and  its  core  of 
masonry  will  have  to  bear  the  shocks  of  the  sea  when 
it  rushes  over  the  sui-face  of  the  red  granite  rock  on 
which  the  tower  is  to  rest.  In  order  to  prevent  salt 
water  remaining  in  contact  with  this  iron  circumval- 
lation or  revetement,  I  propose  to  put  a  dwarf  outwork 
or  riug,  or  plinth,  of  cast  iron  about  two  feet  high 
round  the  extreme  base,  leaving  an  annular  space 
about  one  foot  all  round  the  basement,  and  to  pack 
that  space  bet«'ccn  the  ring  and  the  main  revetement 
by  running  in  hot  Trinidad  pitch  or  bitumen  mixed 
with  sand  and  small  gravel. 

In  course  of  time  (whether  long  or  short)  this  cast 
iron  ring,  if  found  then  to  be  softened  by  the  salt 
water,  or  injured  by  boulders  or  wreck  timber,  can 
be  repaired  easily,  and  packed  again  with  bitumen. 

From  this  Martello  Tower  is  to  spring  the  column 
or  shaft  which  has  to  carry  the  light  at  the  requisite 
elevation. 

Drawing  D.  exhibits  the  casement  as  it  would 
appear  if  Ijuilt  of  pickdressed  granite,  all  set  in 
bitumen. 

Accommodation  for  light-keepers  will  be  provided 
in  and  upon  the  basement,  which  may  be  covered 
with  an  awning.  There  is  also  space  for  fresh  water 
and  for  exercise  at  the  basement.  The  column  which 
rises  from  it  will  afford  sufficient  space  for  all  stores 
and  further  accommodation.  The  diameter  of  the 
lofty  column  will  depend  upon  the  nature  of  the  light, 
and  the  diameter  of  the  lantern  which  contains  it. 

If  a  revolving  light  should  be  determined  upon,  it 
can  be  had  in  a  diameter  of  9  feet,  10  feet,  11  feet,  or 
12  feet.  Upon  these  diameters  of  lanterns  and  tower 
upon  the  number  of  faces  of  reflectors,  and  the  num- 
ber of  lamps  and  reflectors  in  a  face,  tlie  cost  of  con- 
struction and  annual  maintenance  will  depend. 

The  illuminating  apparatus  should  consist  either  of 
four  faces  or  of  six  faces.  The  latter  number  is  pre- 
ferable, and  the  following  is  a  calculation  of  times  of 
the  duration  of  light  and  darkness  from  four  faces 
and  from  six  faces,  as  they  will  be  observed  by  seamen 
at  the  greatest  distance,  or  in  bad  weather  : — 

With  four  faces. — If  the  full  beam  of  light  from 
one  face  of  reflectors  passes  over  90°  in  30",  of  which 
16"  are  light  and  74°  are  dark,  the  seaman  will  have 
merely  o'3  to  set  the  full  beam  of  light  at  a  distance, 
and  will  be  in  comparative  darkness  24 '7. 

If  the  light  passes  over  90°  in  60''  the  seaman  will 
have  10  "6  time  of  the  light,  and  49" '4  of  darkness. 
iVith  six  faces. — If  the  light  passes  over  ^th  of  a 
circle,  or  60°  in  30",  and  16°  are  light  and  44°  are 
dark,  the  seaman  will  have  8"  of  light  and  22"  of 
darkness. 

If  the  light  passes  over  60°  in  60"  and  16^  arc  light 
and  44°  are  dark,  the  seaman  will  have  16" and  44"  dark. 

The  above  remarks  have  reference  only  to  revolving 
frames  and  reflectors,  and  their  lamps,  a  system  to  be 
preferred  to  the  catadioptric  system  of  Fresnel,  which 
is  no  doubt  the  most  philosophical,  and  luminous 
silver  reflectors,  each  having  its  own  lamp,  are  more 
simple,  liowever,  and  preferaide  in  many  respects  for 
the  remote  position  of  the  Great  Basses,  where  the 

s 


solitary  central  mechanical  lamp  of  Fresnel  might  bo 
neglected,  and  the  horizon  consequently  left  in  darkness. 

The  lamps  for  the  reflectors  should  bo  in  all  the 
essential  measurements  tlie  same  as  those  which  were 
supplied,  and  have  answered  so  well,  in  the  light- 
house which  I  engineered  for  Point  de  Galle.  Tlie 
glasses,  cottons,  oil,  and  treatment  will  be  the  same  in 
both  lighthouses. 

The  "  four  faces  "  above  mentioned  may  be  made 
■with  only  one  lamp  on  each  face,  or  with  two  lamps, 
or  with  three  lamps  on  each  face. 

The  '■  six  faces  "  above  mentioned  may  also  be  made 
■with  one,  two,  or  three  reflectors  on  a  face.  Each 
reflector  requires  one  pint  of  cocoa  nut  oil  per  night, 
so  that  with  "  six  faces  "  of  three  reflectors  each,  the 
consumption  will  be  18  pints  of  oil  per  night,  the  cost 
of  which  will  not  exceed  in  all  3*.  a  night. 

Drawing  F  gives  an  enlarged  view  of  such  a  lantern 
and  light  apparatus  as  I  prefer  for  this  lighthouse. 
With  these,  the  light,  when  made; out  on  the  extreme 
horizon,  or  in  thick  weather,  will  appear  alternately 
very  bright  and  dark  in  the  times  stated  above.  In 
very  clear  weather  three  naked  flames,  i.e.,  their  mere 
radiating  light  will  l.io  seen  as  a  constant  light  at  a 
distance  of  six  or  seven  miles,  varied  in  the  times 
stated  above  on  page  11  by  the  very  bright  beams  of 
reflected  light. 

I  am  desired  to  take  into  consideration  the  relative 
expense  and  advantages  of  stone  and  iron  as  materials 
for  the  construction  of  this  lighthouse  tower. 

The  general  comparative  values  of  different  mate- 
rials for  the  construction  of  liglilhouses  in  the  colonies 
are  particularly  stated  in  the  letter  which  I  had  the 
honor  to  address  to  you,  of  date  26  July  last,  by  order 
of  Lord  Stanley  of  Alderley  °to  that  letter  I  beg  to  refer. 

For  the  proposed  liglitliouse  on  the  Great  Basses 
we  shall  now  specially  consider  the  relative  advantages 
and  expense  of  iron  and  masonry,  including  in  the 
latter  both  stone  and  brickwork,  as  they  can  be  con- 
structed on  that  rock. 

If  wo  refer  to  the  Madras  Lighthouse  Tower  con- 
structed by  Major  J.  T.  Smith  of  the  Madras 
Engineers,  we  shall  find  that  at  similar  prices,  and 
with  similar  abilities  of  the  masons,  we  could  not 
construct  a  suitable  lighthouse  tower  even  under  the 
most  favourable  circumstances  at  tlie  Basses  in  less 
than  five  or  six  years  of  time,  and  at  a  cost  of  about 
19,000Z. 

The  construction  of  the  Madras  Lighthouse  occu- 
pied five  years  and  five  months,  and  Major  vSmith 
informs  us  that  "  the  use  of  stone  greatly  added  to 
"  the  difficulties  and  delay  of  the  work,  owing  to 
"  the  limited  number  of  stone  cutters  procurable  for 
"  employment  at  the  building,  and  the  constant  dis- 
"  appointments  in  the  supply  of  the  materials  owing 
"  to  the  quarries  being  at  a  distance."  In  another 
place  he  speaks  of  the  great  delay  in  procuring, 
finishing,  and  fitting  the  granite  stones  facing  the 
pedestal.  He  adds  also  that  "  under  the  most  favour- 
able circumstances,  only  between  three  and  four 
"  courses  of  stone  were  completed  in  a  single  month, 
"  and  in  spite  of  all  the  pains  whicii  could  be  taken 
"  the  natives  inserted  and  fixed  (certain  iron  clamps) 
"  so  inefficiently,  that  they  could  in  fact  be  of  but 
"  little  real  benefit." 

Such  being  the  difficulty  and  delay  of  constructing 
a  well-dressed  granite  building,  witli  all  the  immediate 
convenience  of  Madras  itself,  the  probabilities  of 
constructing  of  granite  a  lighthouse  on  the  Great 
Basses,  where  it  ■will  be  subject  to  heavy  blows  from 
the  sea,  not  experienced  by  the  Madras  one,  would 
be  vastly  greater.  The  Great  Basses  are  16  miles 
from  any  fresh  ■water,  they  are  upwards  of  50  miles 
from  Matura,  whence  lime  would  have  to  be  brought; 
they  are  26  miles  from  Hambantotte,  the  nearest 
settlement  on  the  coast  from  which  any  assistance 
could  be  got.  A  granite  quarry  would  have  to  be 
sought  out  and  opened,  and  the  dressed  stones  trans- 
ported a  great  distance,  and  if  the  S.  W.  monsoon 
set  in  whilst  the  work  on  the  rock  was  green  great 
loss  would  ensue. 

The  liest  granite  would  have  to  be  carried  by  sea 
from  Dondra  Head,  which  is  upwiirds  of  50  miles 

4 


7'.  H.  Far 

E.sn. 


U4. 


MINUTES  OF  EVIDEN'CE  TAKEN   BEFORE  THE  COilMISSIONERS  APPOIXTED  TO 


T.  H.  Farrer, 


18  Deo.  1S60. 


distant.  All  the  adjoining  coast  of  Ceylon  from 
Dondra  Head  to  the"  eastward  is  an  unhealthj  and 
almost  uninhaljited  country. 

To  build  a  sutlicicnt  base  on  the  rock  with  bricks 
and  mortar  alone,  or  even  with  cement  would  be 
highly  injudicious. 

I,  therefore,  prefer  the  tower  and  basementexhibitcd 
on  drawing  C.  A  granite  stone  basement  would 
appear,  if  adopted,  as  shown  on  drawing  D. 

1  propose  to  cut  two  concentric  rings  as  seats  for 
the  lighthouse  in  the  granite  rock,  ami  insert  in  them 
the  two  concentric  cast  iron  towers  .shown  on  draw- 
ing C.  The  outer  tower  which  will  have  to  resist 
heavy  blows  from  the  sea,  will  be  made  of  cast  iron 
plates  two  inches  thick,  all  flanged  and  bolted  togither 
in  the  inside,  and  this  will  be  carried  up  30  feet  high. 

As  each  course  of  plates  of  this  tower  is  laid  and 
bolted  together,  the  interior  will  be-  filled  up  to  the 
same  level  by  the  best  large  Ceylon  bricks  (12x6x4); 
no  mortar  or  cement  will  be  used,  but  bitumen  from 
the  island  of  Trinidad,  mixed  with  an  equal  quantity 
of  sharp  sand,  will  be  applied  hot  instead  of  water 
or  other  cement.  The  inside  and  outside  of  the  iron 
work  will  be  well  paid  over  with  the  same,  and  the 
spaces  between  the  iron  and  the  brickwork  will  bo 
carefully  run  in  at  every  course  of  bricks  with  the 
game  hot  bituminous  mixture. 

The  extensive  use  of  this  bitumen  from  the  pitch 
lake  of  Trinidad  in  the  Westminster  New  Bridge 
and  various  other  engineering  works,  is  now  well 
known  to  engineers  and  its  properties  can  be  entirely 
relied  upon. 

I    propose  to  have  all  the   iron  work   of  the  base- 
ment well  coated  with  a  preparation  of  Trinidad  pitch. 
The  outside  of  it  to  be   sanded  and  coloured  up  a 
very  light  brown  or  dirty  white. 

The  lofty  shaft  which  carries  the  lantern  will  bo 
made  in  plates  of  cast  iron  one  inch  thick,  and  lined 
with  thin  wrought-iron  resting  against  the  flanges  of  the 
tower  by  non-conductors  of  heat.  There  will  be  a  film  of 
air,  or  rather  a  hollow  cylinder  of  air,  of  about  3i 
inches  thick  acting  as  a  non-conductor,  and  which 
may  by  the  altitude  of  the  tower  be  changed  with 
great  nijiidity.  From  former  experience  of  iron 
towers  in  hot  climates,  I  am  warranted  in  s.aying 
that  the  rooms  in  the  shaft  itself  would  form  excellent 
apartments  for  sleeping  or  otherwise. 

The  hollow  central  column  which  will  be  ob.'^erved 
in  drawing  C,  is  for  the  transport  of  oil  and  other 
lightroom  stores  by  day,  and  for  the  descent  of  the 
moving  weight  of  the  revolving  machinery  by  night. 
There  will  al.so  be  in  this  central  column  a  leaden 
pipe  for  the  conveyance  of  dirty  water  from  a  sink 
in  the  highest  room  down  to  the  sea. 

The  top  of  the  dwelling  rooms  in  the  basement 
will  be  decked  over  by  3-iuch  deck  planking,  ren- 
dered safe  from  fire  by  Mr.  Maugham's  process.  This 
deck  will  form  a  good  space  for  exercise.  It  is  to  be 
covered  in  almost  all  weathers  by  an  awning  stretched 
from  the  shaft  to  stanchions  all  round  the  Martello 
Tower. 

Ventilation  will  be  secured  to  these  basement 
rooms  by  the  ]iorts  shown  on  drawing  C,  and  the 
ventilation  will  be  arranged  as  suggested  by  Admiral 
Beechey,  in  such  manner  that  one  or  more  of  these 
rooms  may  be  used  as  a  sick  bay  in  case  of  cholera 
or  fever. 

On  the  deck  part  of  the  basement  at  the  south-ea.st 
side  of  the  building  will  be  placed  a  deck  water-closet 
■with  cistern  and  other  arrangements  for  cleanliness 
and  comfort,  and  the  rock  at  the  ba.se  will  be  chan- 
nelled to  suit  the  same. 

The  space  for  accommodation  in  this  lighthouse, 
drawing  C,  will  be  as  great  as  that  of  Skerryvore  or 
of  Brehat  for  keepers'  water,*  provisions,  and  stores. 


*  I  propose  to  have  a  small  still,  by  means  of  which  to  obtain 
freshwater  for  washing,  and  even  for  drinking,  in  cases  of 
extremity.  From  each  10  lbs.  of  fuel  carried  to  the  lighthouse 
■we  may  be  assured  of  100  lbs.  or  10  gallons  of  fresh  water.  I 
have  lately  been  making  some  experiments,  which  induce  me  to 
believe  that  by  coucentratiug  the  suu's  rays,  the  fuel  for  such 
distillation  of  water  may  be  saved. 


Over  and  iibove  which  we  have  got  the  decked  space 
covered  by  the  awning. 

If  my  design,  as  shown  on  drawings  C.  and  F.,  be 
adopted,  tlie  whole  of  the  work  above  referred  to 
ehonld  be  made,  erected,  and  tried  in  London  under 
my  immediate  direction  ;  then  dismounted,  shipped  at 
the  proper  season,  and  landed  part  at  the  site,  part  at 
Point  de  Galle. 

Whilst  the  work  is  in  progress  in  this  country  the 
rock  at  the  site  can  bo  prepared  by  tlie  resident 
engineer,  who  will  have  charge  of  the  whole  work,  as 
I  have  arranged  in  so  many  previous  lighthouses. 

My  resident  engineer  should  be  sent  out  to  Point  de 
Galle  by  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  taking  with  him  a 
trammel,  models  and  drawings  for  all  excavation 
necessary  on  the  rock,  and  some  eye  bolts,  and  a  few 
ring  bolts  ;  stone  cutters'  tools,  forge,  tents,  and  fresh 
water  tanks,  jumping  irons.  The  wrought  iron  crow's 
nest  framing,  stay  chains,  and  refuge  to  be  fixed  on 
the  middle  of  the  site. 

ILaving  effected  a  landing  on  the  north-east  rock 
from  a  good  and  safe  Point  de  Galle  boat,  in  the  fine 
and  smooth  water,  the  resident  engineer  and  his  party 
must  mark  out  with  white  paint  upon  the  rock  the 
site,  and  cause  eye-bolts  to  be  sunk  twelve  inches  into 
the  granite,  to  which  life  lines,  water  tanks,  &c.,  &c., 
may  be  made  fast. 

The  landing  place  on  the  north-west  side  of  the  rock 
must  have  his  early  and  special  attention,  and  also  a 
rude  jetty  formed  for  boats  to  land  and  embark  work- 
men. 

The  same  officer  should  take  out  a  strong  crane  and 
erect  it  close  to  the  jetty.  When  the  lighthouse  is  to 
be  shipped  from  this  country  it  will  be  well  to  send 
part  of  it  by  the  ship,  of  .about  200  tons,  above 
referred  to  at  page  6,  having  a  crew  of  12  persons, 
including  captain  and  mate.  When  she  shall  have 
arrived  out  the  six  seamen  might  bo  dismissed.  If  they 
do  work  at  the  rock  for  certain  extra  pay  Cingalese 
or  Lascars  might  be  employed  in  their  stead.  The 
captain,  first  and  second  mate,  carpenter,  steward,  and 
cook  should  remain  with  the  vessel. 

This  crew  and  the  working  party  on  the  rock,  which 
may  consist  of  15  or  20  people  more,  should  not  be 
left  without  a  surgeon.  A  young  man  who  had  seen 
some  medical  practice  in  the  mercantile  service  should 
be  engaged  for  the  term  necessary,  which  I  estimate 
to  be  12  or  14  months  at  most. 

It  may  be  well  to  venture  here  the  suggestion  that 
the  resident  engineer  should  bo  considered  the  super- 
cargo, and  have  charge  of  everything  but  the  working 
and  discipline  of  the  ship.  These  latter  duties  will, 
in  my  opinion,  be  best  carried  on  by  a  captain  who 
has  traded  in  the  east  and  has  had  command  of  a 
black  crew. 

Estimating  for  the  proposed  work  is  attended  with 
some  difficulty,  particularly  before  my  Lords  have 
decided  upon  what  amount  of  light  is  to  be  exhibited 
on  this  tower,  and  before  they  h.ave  decided  what  the 
basement  of  the  tower  itself  is  to  be. 

My  estimates  of  cost  are  at  follows  :— 
No.  1. — The  design  shown  on   the  ac-  £ 

companying  drawings  B.,  C,  and  F., 
can  be   carried  out,  having  a  lantern 
12  feet  in    diameter,   and    the    liglit 
permanently  exhibited,  for  the  sum  of       13,6.J0     0 
Add  7i  per  cent,  for  contingencies  1,023   15 


^£14,673  los. 


No.  2. — If  the  light  exhibited  shall  con- 
sist of  only  one  light  on  e.ach  of  four 
faces,  as  explained  in  page  11,  tho 
work  can  be  executed,  having  a 
lantern  8  feet  in  diameter,  and  the 
light  permiinently  shown,  including 
contingencies  for        ...  8,503     0 

No.  3.— If  the  light  exhibited  shall 
consist  of  two  reflectors  on  each  of 
four  faces,  having  a  lantern  nine  feet 
in  diameter,  the  work  can  be  ex- 
ecuted, and  the  light  i)enuanently 
shown,  including  contingencies,  for  -         9,600    0 


INQtriEE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


145 


No.  4 — If  the  light  exhibited  shall  con- 
sist of  three  reflectors  on  each  of  four 
faces,  having  a  lantern  11  feet  in 
diameter,  the  work  can  be  executed, 
and  the  light  permanently  shown, 
including  contingencies  for   - 

No.  5. — If  the  light  exhibited  shall  be 
the  same  as  stated  above,  No.  1,  and 
with  a  stone  tower,  as  shown  in 
drawing  D.,  tlie  basement  of  tlie 
tower  to  be  constructed  of  pick- 
dressed  granite  instead  of  that  re- 
ferred to  above  at  No.  1,  the  cost 
will  be  .  -  -  - 

Add  10  per  cent  for  contingencies 


ROCKABILL. 


16,990 
1,699 


.€18,689     0 


It  will  be  seen  that  estimates  No.  1  and  No.  5  will 
give  the  best  light  to  the  seaman.  It  also  appears  that 
estimate  No.  1  may  be  executed  and  permanently 
lighted  in  about  18  months  time,  and  that  there  is 
little  prospect  of  No.  5  being  executed  within  six 
years,  while  the  latter  will  cost  4,000/.  more  than  the 
former. 

I  venture  to  recommend  strongly  to  my  Lords  the 
tower  and  lighting  apparatus  shown  in  drawings  B.,  C, 
and  F. 

The  detailed  specification  for  these  lighthouses  are 

all  drawn  up  and  ready  for  being  fairly  copied  out  so 

soon  as  my  Lords  have  determined  which  of  the  five 

schemes  estimated  for  is  to  be  proceeded  with. 

I  have,  &c. 

(Signed)         Alexander  Gokdon. 

B. 

Paper  referred  to  in  replij  to  Question  324. 

Tenders  for  Dioptric  Lighting  Apparatus  and 

Lanterns. 

The  names  are  omitted. 


Lighting  Apparatus. 

Whitby, 
North. 

Whitby, 

South. 

Bishops. 

Needles. 

Messrs.  A.- 
Messrs. B.- 
Messrs. C.- 

£ 

907 

1,00.3 

995 

£ 

77S 
778 
885 

£      s. 
1,313   10 
1,225     0 
1,394     0 

£      s. 

1,087     0 
1,020     0 
1,192     0 

Messrs.  D.    - 

£2,028 

- 

- 

Needles. 


Messrs.  A. 
Slessrs.  B. 
Messrs.  C. 
Messrs.  D. 
Jlessrs.  E. 
Messrs.  F. 


Messrs.  A. 
Messrs.  B. 
Messrs.  C. 
Messrs.  D. 


NoRTU  Foreland. 


Arran  Islands. 


2,320 

0     0 

1,852 

5     0 

1,658 

15     0 

1,415 

0     0 

1,392 

0     0 

1,382 

19      3 

Lighting 

Apparatus. 

£ 

s.     d. 

1,018 

10     0 

1,055 

0     0 

1,165 

0     0 

1,192 

0     0 

Fixed  Light. 

Revolving  Light. 



Lan- 

Appara- 

Lan- 

Appa- 

tern. 

tus. 

tern. 

ratus. 

Messrs.  A.     -       - 

850 

1,150     0 

850 

1,550 

Additional     if      witli 

holophotal    annular 

prisms 

— 

— 

— 

125 

Messrs.  B. 

816 

1,252  13 

81G 

1,609 

Additional      if     irith 

holophotal    annular 

prisms 

— 

■ 

152 

£10,500    0 


Messrs.  A. 
Messrs.  B. 
Messrs.  C. 
Messrs.  D. 


Messrs.  A. 
Messrs.  B. 
Messrs.  C. 
Messrs.  D. 


Messrs.  A. 
Messrs.  B. 


Messrs.  A. 
Messrs.  B. 
Messrs.  C. 


Lighting 
Apparatus. 


£  s. 

1,997  0 

2,460  0 

2,190  0 

1,909  0 


Lantern. 


1,157  13 

1,095  0 

1,160  0 

1,225  0 


Tory  Island. 


Lighting 
Apparatus. 


1,568  0  0 

1,629  0  0 

1,790  0  0 

1,890  0  0 


MacAbthur's  Head. 


Lighting 
Apparatus. 


469     0     0 
502   15     0 


Cay  Lobos. 


Lantern. 

Apparatus. 

Messrs.  A.         -          . 
Messrs.  B.         -              -          . 
Messrs.  C.          -         - 
Messrs.  D.         -          . 
Messrs.  E.         -                 -         . 
Messrs.  F.      - 

£    s.     (I. 
1,3.39     0     0 
1,210     0     0 
1,720     0     0 
1,163   10     6 
1,384     0     0 
1,397     0     0 

£       s.    a. 

1,584     0     0 

1,963     5     6 
1,746     0     0 

DuNGENESS.' 


Lantern. 


£     s.  d. 

1,199  14  10 

1,511     0  0 

1,670     0  0 


*In  this  case  the  old  lantern  was  to  become 
the  property  of  the  contractor. 


Paper  referred  to  in  rep  I//  to  Question  327. 
Lobos  Ciy  Lighthouse,  Bahamas. 
Specification  of  Lighting  Apparatus  and  Lamps 
required  for  the  Lobos  Cay  Lighthouse  being 
for  a  fixed  catadioptric  light  of  the  size  and 
power  generally  known  as  the  first  order  of 
Fresnel's  system. 

Catadioptric  Apparatus. 

The  lighting  apparatus  is  to  be  for  a  fixed  light  to 
illuminate  360  degrees,  and  is  to  be  composed  of 
eight  cylindrical  lenticular  panels  of  glass  refractors, 
forming  a  circular  figure,  in  the  centre  of  which  the 
concentric  wicked  lamp  is  to  be  placed.  Eight  cata- 
dioptric panels,  in  the  shape  of  a  cupola,  placed  above 
the  said  cylindrical  lenticular  panels,  and  eight  cata- 
dioptric panels  placed  below  the  same  lentioulated 
cylinder,  forming  a  cylindrical  figure  with  necessary 
opening  portion  for  the  attendant. 


T.  H.  Farrer, 

Esq. 

18  Dec.  1860. 


T 


146 


MINUTES  OF  E^aDENCE  TAKEN  BEFORE  THE  COMMISSIONERS  APPOINTED  TO 


T.  H.  Farrer, 
Esq. 


IS  Dec.  18G0. 


The  whole  apparatus  is  to  be  moiiiitotl  in  a  brass  or 
gun-metal  frame  and  supported  by  a  cast-iron  column 
with  a  table  or  pillar  placed  in  centre  of  both  the 
lenticulated  system  and  the  lantern. 

Lamps  with  Concentric  JVicks. 
There  are  to  be  provided  ten  four-wick  lamps  all 
exactly  alike  in  shape  and  in  every  particular  of  tho 
most  improved  construction,  so  that  in  the  event  of 
one  jretting  out  of  order  at  any  time,  there  may  be 
but  little  delay  in  replacing  it  by  another. 

Service  Gallery. 
There  is  to  be  provided  a  cast-iron  service  gallery 
or  cast-iron  stage  or  platform  fitted  inside  just  below 
the  level  of  the  glass  of  the  lantern  round  the  cata- 
dioptric  apparatus  for  the  purpose  of  ailbrding  easy 
access  to  the  outside  of  the  lenticulated  apparatus. 

Fittings  and  Stores. 
The   contractor   is  also   to   provide  the  following 
stores,  &c.: — 

150  chimney  glasses  for  the  four-wick  lamp. 
120  feet  of  wicks  of  each  of  the  four  numbers. 

„  ,„      ,,         .,  r     Each  can  to  be  fitted  with 

6  oQ-gallon  oil  cans  .  »  i        i      -^i, 

"  "~  "^  I  a  strong  gun-metal  cock  with 

^  "      .,','  <J  a  strong  screwed  bush,  which 

„  ,  "  I  bush  is  to  be  firmly  soldered 

2  1-q"^«         "  Ltothecan. 

2  drainers  for  oil  cans. 

1  6-gallon  filtering  tub. 

1  4-gallon  oil  jack. 

2  lighting  bu:-ners. 

2  pair  of  chimney  tongs. 
6  pints  spirits  of  wine. 

1  set  Fresnel's  measures. 

2  trimming  trays. 
2  trimming  cans. 

2  japanned  store  boxes. 

12  lbs.  of  polishing  powder  in  tin  boxes. 

72  lens  cloths. 

72  plate  glass  cloths. 

72  fine  chamois  leathers. 

6  pairs  of  trimming  scissors. 

2  sets  mandrils. 

1^  cwt.  of  finest  cotton  waste. 

2  large  sponges. 

Packing. 
All  the  parts  of  this  lighting  .apparatus  to  be  packed 
in  good  stout  deal  cases,  and  those  containing  the 
lenses  to  be  properly  lined  with  tin,  and  when  packed 
pi-operly  soldered,  so  as  to  be  air  and  water  tight.  jS'o 
hay  or  substance  that  absorbs  or  retains  moisture  to 
be  used,  but  all  articles  or  stores  likely  to  be  damaged 
by  shaking  to  be  packed  in  pine  shavings  or  pine 
saw  dust. 

Approval. 
The  whole  of  the  apparatus  is  to  be  made  perfect 
in  all  its  materials  and  details  of  workmanship,  and  to 
be  finished  in  the  very  best  and  most  approved 
manner,  erected  and  tried  on  the  premises  of  tho 
contractor  to  the  satisfaction  of  ]\fr.  .Alexander  Gor- 
don, the  engineer  of  the  lighthouse,  or  such  person 
as  may  be  appointed  to  superintend  the  same. 

Delivery. 

The  contractor  to  provide  all  packing  cases  and 
packing,  and  to  deliver  alongside  in  the  port  of 
London. 

Pavment. 
One  half  of  the  price  to  be  paid  to  the  contractor 
when  the  engineer  of  the  lighthouse  shall  report  that 
more  than  half  the  woik  is  completed,  the  other  moiety 
to  be  i)aid  when  the  engineer  sliall  report  that  the 
whole  contract  has  been  completed  and  delivered  to 
his  satisfaction. 


The  time  allowed  for  the  completion  and  delivery 
is  to  be  months  from  the  date  at  which  the 

order  is  given   to   the  contractor,  under  a  penalty  of 


twenty  pounds  for  each  and  every  week  that  the  work 
shall  be  delayed  by  the  contractor  beyond  the  said 
allowed  time  of  months. 

(Signed)         ALEXA>fDER  Gokdox. 
14  July  1857. 


Red  Sea  LiGninousES. 
Specification  for  Lighting  Apparatus. 

The  apparatus  for  the  first  light  will  be  formed 
to  illuminate  225  degrees  of  the  circle,  and  be  com- 
posed of  five  segments.  Each,  segment  will  be  com- 
posed of  a  central  refractor  panel,  one  catadioptric 
panel  above  and  one  below  the  same. 

Tho  central  refractor  panel  will  be  a  compound 
cylindrical  refractor  made  of  a  central  annular  lens 
with  16  rings,  eight  above  and  eight  below,  the  lens 
accurately  and  securely  fitted  in  brass  frames,  the 
five  ])anels  forming  a  segment  of  a  circular  figure 
6  feet  0-jij-  in.  in  internal  diameter. 

Each  catadioptric  panel  of  the  upper  part  will  be 
composed  of  13  segments  of  zones,  each  catadioptric 
panel  of  the  lower  part  of  six  segments  of  zones; 
each  panel  being  fitted  correctly  in  brass  fi'araes; 
when  fitted  together  the  height  from  the  bottom  of 
the  lower  zones  to  the  top  of  the  upper  zones  to  be 
9  feet  Qi  in. 

The  apparatus  will  stand  upon  a  cast-iron  column 
1 1  inches  diameter  and  f  inch  thick.  The  top  will 
be  turned  and  prepared  to  fit  the  lens  table,  the  foot 
prepared  as  may  be  directed  to  be  secured  to  tho 
floor. 

The  table  will  be  cast  in  four  pieces,  bolted  together 
by  the  flanges  with  a  sufficient  number  of  wrought- 
iroD  bolts.  A  proper  opening  will  be  made  iu  the 
table  to  allow  of  access  to  the  interior  of  the  appa- 
ratus, and  a  wrought-iron  step  ladder  formed  between 
it  and  the  floor  of  the  lightroom. 

Eight  wrought-iron  standards,  with  ;|-inch  screws 
at  the  bottom  end,  will  be  fitted  upon  the  rim  of  the 
table,  and  secured  below  with  ornamental  gun-metal 
nuts.  They  will  be  connected  at  the  top  by  a 
wrought-iron  ring  lg"xf".  secured  to  the  heads  of  the 
standards  by  f"  screws  upon  which  the  upper  panels 
will  rest.  The  centre  and  lower  panels  -vn\\  rest  on 
curved  wrought-iron  stays,  with  the  ends  bent  to  fit 
between  the  standards,  to  which  they  will  be  secured 
by  i-inch  bolts  and  nuts.  The  tops  of  the  upper 
panels  will  be  secured  by  a  gun-metal  ring  2  ft.  3  in. 
diameter  and  |  in.  thick,  prepared  for  the  ventilating 
tubes  to  pass  through,  to  which  the  tops  of  the  brass 
frames  will  be  bolted. 

Tliree  iron  stays  to  connect  the  lens  table  with  tho 
brackets  which  support  the  trimming  stage  will  be 
provided  and  fitted  to  the  table  at  one  end,  and  the 
other  end  jirepared  t-o  be  fitted  to  the  brackets. 

Three  lamps  of  the  first  order,  each  having  four 
concentric  wicks,  as  supplied  to  the  Trinity  House, 
will  be  furni.shed  complete. 

Three  additional  burners,  each  of  which  will  fit  to 
any  of  the  lamps,  will  be  furnished. 

Coi)per  ventilating  tubes,  on  Professor  Faraday's 
principle,  will  be  fitted  to  the  appar.atus,  to  be  formed 
of  sheet  copper,  of  2-^  lbs.  to  the  superficial  foot. 

The  holophotal  revolving  light  appnr.itus  will  con- 
sist of  eight  segments.  Each  segment  will  be 
composed  of  a  central  annular  refractor  one  holo- 
photal panel  above  and  one  below  the  same.  Each 
holophotal  panel  of  the  upper  portion  to  be  composed 
of  18  zones,  and  of  the  lower  portion  of  8  zones,  all  of 
3  ft.  .3J-  in.  focal  distance. 

The  .apparatus  will  be  supported  on  a  strong 
improved  revolving  machine  of  the  best  construction 
with  guide  roller  pulleys,  gut  Hues,  and  weight 
complete. 

The  lens  table  to  be  cast  in  four  pieces  as  in  the 
case  of  the  lixed  light,  the  framing  to  be  similar  so 
far  as  sr.itabk-,  the  top  to  bo  furnished  with  rollers 
and  collar  in  the  usual  manner  working  in  a  gun 
metal  ring  firmlj'  secured  to  the  rafters  of  the  lantern 
as  may  be  directed. 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


ur 


Three  lamps  and  burners  and  ventilating  tubes 
similar  to  tliosc  described  for  the  first  apparatus  will 
bo  furnished  complete. 

The  second  order  fixed  light  will  be  formed  to 
illuminate  360  degrees,  and  will  consist  of  six  seg- 
ments, each  segment  being  composed  of  a  central 
refractor  panel,  one  catadioptric  panel  above  and  one 
below  the  same. 

The  central  refractor  to  consist  of  a,  central  lens 
with  12  rings,  six  above  and  six  below.  The  upper 
catadioptric  portion  of  12  zones,  and  the  lower  por- 
tion of  five  zones.  The  whole  will  be  correctly  fitted 
in  brass  frames,  and  will  form  when  put  together  a 
circular  figure  4  feet  7^  inches  internal  diameter,  and 
7  feet  high. 

The  apparatus  will  be  supported  upon  a  cast-iron 
column  and  table,  and  wrought-iron  frame  similar 
to  that  described  for  the  first  order  apparatus,  but 
of  reduced  dimensions  proportioned  to  the  size. 

Three  lamps  of  the  second  order  with  three  burners 
as  supplied  to  the  Trinity  House,  and  ventilating 
tubes  complete  will  be  furnished. 

After  the  whole  shall  have  been  erected  and  approved, 
the  several  parts  will  be  marked,  taken  down,  and 
packed  in  suitable  and  approved  cases  in  such  manner 
that  no  package  shall  exceed  4  cwt.  in  weight.  The 
contents  and  weight  of  each  package  will  be  furnished 
to  the  engineer. 

Payment  to  be  made  on  certificate  of  delivery. 


D. 

Papers  referred  to  in  reply  to  Question  330. 
Lighthouses  Abroad. 
Estimates  of  the  Sums  as  voted  in  the  Ye.ars  1856 
to  1860,  inclusive,  to  defray  the  Cost   of  Erecting 


and  Maintaining 
abroad. 


the  under-mentioned  Lighthouses 


1856- 


Twenty-nine  thousand  four  hundred  Pounds. 


- 

it  ■ 

Services. 

Yeor  185 
ing31 
1857. 

Bahamas  : 

To  defray  the  expense  of  maintaining  the  light- 

houses at  Abaeo,  Gun  Cay,  and  C.iy  Sa 

Bank  : 

Wages,    three   lighticeepers  at    70/. 

f 

each         -         -         -          _          _ 

210 

Wages,  three  assistant  ditto  at  36/. 

each     -         -          -          - 

108 

Rations  for  keepers  and  assistants   - 

120 

Oil  and  stores  for  lighting 

1,100 

Repairs,  boat  hire,  and  incidentals  - 

ess 

Allowances  for  superintending  and 

inspecting    the   lighthouses,   and 

expenses  connected  therewith 

224 

'>  400 

Falkland  Islands  : 

For  -wages,  &c.  of  lightkeepers 

200 

For  oil  and  stores  for  lighting 

-100 

GOO 

Nova  Scotia  : 

Contribution  towards  the  expenses  of  t 

le  esta- 

hlishment  at   Sable   Island,   for  the 

reliefof 

persons  shipwrecked 

. 

400 

Newfoundland  : 

For  the  completion  of  the  lighthouse 

on  Cape 

Race           -           -           -           . 

. 

1,000 

Ceylon  : 

To  defray  the  expense  of  erecting  a 

£ 

lighthouse  at  the  Great  Basses  Rocks, 

on  account  of  which  a  sum  of  3,000/. 

was   voted   last   year   (Explanatory 

Paper  A.,  page  30)          -         -        . 

17,000 

For  purchase  of  a  steamer  for  the  car- 

riage of  materials  and  stores  for  the 

lighthouse                    ... 

*G,000 



23,000 

Ionian  Islands  ' 

To  defray  the  expense  of  erecting  a  lig 

hthouse 

on  the  northern  point  of  the  Island  o 

'  Cerigo 

(Explanatory  Paper  B.,  page  30) 

£ 

2,000 

29,400 

1857-8. 
Thirty-seven  thousand  and  sixty  Pounds. 


T.  H.  Fairer, 

Esq. 


Service. 


For  Maintenance  of  Lighthouses  already 
erected,  viz.: — 

Bahamas   (Ahaco,  Gun  Cay,  and  Cay 

Sal  Bank) 
Falkland  Islands        -  .  . 

Newfoundland  (Cape  Race) 
For  new  works  (lighthouses  to  be  erected 
and  in  course  of  erection): 
Newfoundland  (Cape  Race) 
Ceylon  (Great  ISasses  Rocks)     - 
Ionian  Islands  (Cerigo) 
Bahamas  (Great  Isaac) 

„         (Cay  Lobos) 
Cape  of  Good  Hope  (South  Point) 

t)  1,  (Roman  Rocks)  - 

Western    Australia    (King    George's 
Sound)         -         .        -  .  . 

For  contribution  towards  the  expenses  of 
the  establishment  at  Sable  Island,  Nova 
Scotia,  for  the  relief  of  persons  ship- 
wrecked       •         -  -  . 


Estimate  for  the 
Years 


2,400 

2,460 

600 

600 

— 

GOO 

1,000 

>3,000 

8,000 

2,000 

4,000 

— 

7,500 

— 

5,000 

— 

3,500 

— 

1,500 

3,500 


Board  of  Trade,  1 
April  1857.     J 


1858-9. 
Twenty-seven  thousand  one  hundred  Pounds. 


Years 

Service. 

1S57. 

1858. 

For   Maintenance  of  Lighthouses  already 
erected,  viz: — ■ 

Bahamas  (Abaco,  Gun  Cay,  and  Cay 
Sal  Bank) 

Purchase  of  schooner  for  the  use 
of  the  above  Iighthouses,includ- 
ing  repairs,  maintenance,  &c.  - 
Falkland  Islands  (Capo  Pembroke)    - 
Ionian  Islands  (Cerigo) 
Newfoundland  (Cape  Race) 
For     New    Works    (Lighthouses    to    be 
erected  and  in  course  of  erection)  : 
Ceylon  (Great  Basses  Rocks) 
Ionian  Islands  (Cerigo) 
Bahamas  (Great  Isaacs) 

„       (Cay  Lobos) 

Cape  of  Good  Hope  (South  Point)     - 

„                 (Roman    Rocks) 

Western  Australia    (King   George's 

Sound)       .... 

Miscellaneous  : 

For  contribution  towards  the  expenses 

of  the  establishment  at  Sable  Island, 

Nova  Scotia,  for  the  relief  of  persons 

shipwrecked           ... 

Inspection  of  light  apparatus 

£ 

2,460 

600 
600 

8,000 
4,000 
7,500 
5,000 
3,500 
1,500 

3,500 

400 

£ 

2,600 

2,500 
600 
300 
600 

10,000 

2,000 
6,500 

1,500 

400 
100 

£37,060 

27,100 

Board  of  Trade,      "1 
SOth  March,  1858.  J 


T  2 


148 


MINUTES   OF   EVIDENCE  TAKEN   BEFORE   THE   COMIHSSIONERS   APPOINTED   TO 


H.  Farrer, 
Esq. 


1859-60. 

Thirty-six  thousand  seven  hundred  Pounds. 

I 

Years 


Service. 


ISGS.         18511. 


For  Mainifcance  of  Lighthouses  already 
erected,  and  of  the  New  Lighthouses 
expected  to  be  lighted  during  the  year, 
viz.: — 

Bahamas  (Abaco,  Gun  Cay,  Cay  Sal 
Bank,  Great  Isaacs,  Lobos  Cay,  and 
Lighthouse  schooner) 
Falkland  Islands  (Cape  Pembroke)  - 
Ionian  Islands  (Cerigo) 
Newfoundland  (Cape  Kace) 
Western   Australia    (King    George's 
Sound)         '  '  '  'r 

For  New  Works  (Lighthouses  in  course  of 
erection) : 

Ceylon  (Great  Basses  Rocks) 
Bahamas  (Great  Isaacs) 

„        (Cay  Lobos) 

Cape  of  Good  Uope  (Roman  Rocks) 

British  Columbia  (for  the  erection  of 

lighthouses   in  Fucas   Straits    and 

Esquimau    Ilarbour,    Vancouver's 

Island)         -  -  -  • 

Miscellaneous : 

For  contribution  towards  the  expenses 
of  jthe  establishment   Sable  Island, 
Nova    Scotia,    for    the    relief     of 
persons  shipwrecked 
Inspection  of  lighting  apparatus 


.5.100 
600 
300 
600 

1,500 


10,000 
2,000 
6,500 


5,000 
600 
300 
600 

600 


10,000 
4,800 
4,800 
2,500 


CoKRESPONDENCE  respecting  the  Construction  of 
the  Pabba  Beacon,  between  the  Board  of 
Trade  and  the  Commissioners  of  Northern 
LiGUTHOUSES,  referred  to  in  reply  to  Question 
346. 

Northern  Lighthouse  Office, 
Sir,  Edinburgh,  22d  July  1858. 

I  XM  directed  by  the  Commissioners  of 
Northern  Lighthouses  to  transmit  herewith  accounts 
given  in  by  Messrs.  vStevenson,  as  per  list  annexed, 
thirteen  in  number,  and  amounting  to  920/.  14,<;.  Ad. 

These  are  submitted  for  the  sanction  of  my  Lords 
previous  to  being  paid. 


X27,100 


36,700 


»  Of  this  sum  3,500/.  is  to  be  repaid  eventually  from  the 
revenues  of  the  colony,  and  the  lighthouses  will  be  maintained 
entirely  by  the  colony. 


1860-61 
Seventeen  thousand  Pounds. 


Service. 


Total  Estimates  for 
the  Years 


For  Maintenance  of  Lighthouses  already 
erected,  and  of  the  New  Lighthouses 
expected  to  be  lighted  during  the  year, 
viz.: — 

Bahamas  (Abaco,  Gun  Cay,  Cay  Sal 
Bank,  Great  Isaacs,  Lobos  Cay,  and 
Lighthouse  schooner) 
Falkland  Islands  (Cape  Pembroke)    - 
Ionian  Islands  (Cerigo) 
Newfoundland  (Cape  Race) 
Western    Australia    (Iving    George's 
Sound)  -  -  " 

For  New  Works  (lighthouses  in  course  of 
erection)  : 

Ceylon  (Great  Basses  Rocks) 
Bahamas  (Great  Isaacs) 

„        (Cay  Lobos) 

Cape  of  Good  Hope   (Roman  Rocks) 

British  Columbia  (for  the  erectiou  of 

lighthouses  in  Fucas    Straits   and 

Esquimalt    Harbour,    Vancouver's 

Island)         -  -  -  - 

Red  Sea,  three  lanterns  and  apparatus 

Miscellaneous : 

For    contributions    towards  the   ex- 
penses of  the  establishment  at  Sable 
Island,   Nova  Scotia,  for  the  relief 
of  persons  shipwrecked 
Inspecting  of  lighting  apparatus 


5,000 

5,800 

600 

600 

3O0 

300 

600 

2U0 

10,000 
4.800 
4,800 


1,00(1 
1,000 


400 
100 


400 
100 


17,000 


(Signed) 
The  Secretary 
Marine  Department, 
Board  of  Trade. 


I  am,  &c. 
Alexr.  Cunningham, 
Secretary. 


List  of  Accounts  referred  to. 

1.  Miscellaneotis. 

Charged   Abstract  G.,  account   for  quarter  to  31st 

March  1859. 

£    s.    d. 
Admiralty  Light  list  -  -         5   10     3 

Indian  Lighthouse         -  -  -       1(>     4     9 

Chart         -  -  -  -  -         4     4     0 

2.  Extra  Repair. 
Ch.-irged  Abstract  A.,  Bell  Rock,  Vou- 
cher 9,  quarter  to  31st  March  1859. 
BellEock  -  -  -  -       10  10    0 


3.   Percentage  on  TAghts  furnished. 
Charged  Abstract  L.,  in  accounts   for 

the  quarter  to  31st  March  1859. 
Rona  .  .  -  . 

Kyleakin  .... 

Oronsay  .... 

Sound  of  Mull  -         -  -         - 

LTshenish  .... 

Pabba  Beacon  ... 

4.    Contemplated  Lights. 

Charged  Abstract  L.,  in    .accounts  for 
the  quarter  ending  31st  March  1859. 
Ilolborn         .... 
Corran         ..... 

St.  Abbs         .... 


102 

10 

0 

102 

10 

0 

47 

10 

0 

75 

0 

0 

432 

10 

0 

27 

10 

0 

33 

9 

4 

13 

13 

0 

OO 

13 

0 

^920 

14 

4 

Sir. 


In  addition  to  the  above  a  vote  of  2,121/.  19.«.  10(/.  was  taken 
for  a  lantern  and  dioptric  apparatus  presented  by  H.M.  Govern- 
ment to  the  Bey  of  Tunis  for  a  lighthouse  on  the  Cuui  Rocks. 
(See  p.  9,  of  202  of  1860,  of  Civil  Contingencies. 


Office  of  Committee  of  Privy  Council 
for  Trade,  Marine  Department, 
Whiteh.ill,  11th  August  1858. 
I  am  directed  by  the  Lords  Committee  of 
Privy  Council  for  Trade  to  acknowledge  the  receipt 
of  your  letter  of  the  22d  ultimo,  transmitting  for 
their  Lordships' sanction  certain  accounts  of  Messrs. 
Stevenson,  amounting  to  nine  hundred  and  twenty 
jiounds  fourteen  shillings  and  fourpence 
(920/.  14«.  4rf.) 

]My  Lords  direct  me  to  observe  with  reference  to 
Messrs.  Stevenson's  professional  charges  on  five 
hundred  pounds  (500/.),  the  estimated  cost  of  tho 
I'abba  Beacon  works,  amounting  to  twenty-seven 
pounds  ten  shillings  (27/.  \0s.),  that  in  the  letter 
from  this  dep.irtment  of  the  24th  June  1857,  their 
Lordsldips  approved  of  the  erection  of  an  iron  bcncon 
on  the  island  of  Pabba,  similar  in  character  to  that 
on  the  Callaeckstone,  and  as  the  cost  of  the  works 
according  to  the  account  which  has  been  rendered, 
is    only    one    hundred   and   twcuty-ono   pounds    ten 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


149 


Bhilliujis  (121/.  lO.s-.),  my  Lords  will  be  glad  to  be 
infoi'mid  why  tliu  Uoinmissioners  are  charged  ou  the 
estimate  lor  a  plan  not  approved  or  carried  into 
ell'ect  instead  of  au  estimate  for  the  substituted  plan 
for  it. 

I  am,  &c. 
(Signed)         T.  II.  Fauker. 
The  Secretary  to  the 
Commissioners  of 
Northern  Lighthouses. 


Northern  Lighthouse  Office, 
Sm,  Edinlnirgh,  17th  August  1858. 

I  HATE  to  acknowledge   the  receipt  of  your 
letter  of  the  11th  current,  with  Rome  observations 
on  the  account  of  Messrs.  Stevenson.     These  obser- 
vations having,  in  the  absence  of  the  Secretary,  been 
communicated    to    Messrs.     Stevenson,    I    am   now 
directed  to  forward  a  copy  of  their  answers. 
I  am,  &c., 
(Signed)        Ales.  Cunningham, 
The  Secretary  Secretary. 

Marine  Department, 
Board  of  Trade. 

(Copy.) 

Deae  Sit7,  Edinburgh,  16th  August  1858. 

We  have  received  from  you  the  letter  of  the 
Board  of  Trade  of  11th  August,  relative  to  our 
accounts,  and  we  now  return  it  with  the  following 
explanations. 

The  beacon  at  Pabba  was  originally  proposed  by 
us  to  be  made  of  stone,  as  there  was  abundance  of 
stone  on  the  ground,  and  the  estimated  cost  was  500/. 
We  were  instructed,  however,  to  prepare  plans  for 
an  iron  beacon  ou  the  same  principle  as  that  erected 
at  Kyleakin,  and  the  beacon  on  that  principle  has 
now  been  erected.  It  must  be  observed,  however, 
that  the  only  resemblance  between  the  beacons  at 
Kyleakin  and  Pabba  is,  their  being  both  of  malleable 
iron  rods  arranged  on  the  same  principle  of  construc- 
tion. Kyleakin  is  ou  a  rock  which  covers  only 
about  4  feet  at  high  water,  while  Pabba  is  on  a  low 
water  rock,  on  which  there  is  a  rise  of  15  feet,  the 
one  beacon  is  20  and  the  other  40  feet  in  height. 
The  sum  of  121/.  10s.  does  not  include  the  whole 
expenditure  on  Pabba,  which  amounts  to  502/.  os.  2d. 
Having  made  a  preliminary  sketch  for  a  stone 
beacon,  and  afterwards  full  drawings  for  an  iron  one, 
we  consiikr  we  are  justified  in  making  the  charge 
for  conducting  the  works  on  an  expenditure  of  500/., 
the  original  estimate. 

We  are,  &c. 
(Signed)        D.  and  T.  Stevenson. 
A,  Cunningham,  Esq., 
&c.  &c. 


Office  of  Committee  of  Privy  Council 
for  Trade,  Marine  Department, 
Sir,  Wliitehall,  7th  September  1858. 

I  AM  directed  by  the  Lords  of  the  Committee 
of  Privy  Council  for  Trade  to  acknowledge  the  receipt 
of  your  letter  of  the  17th  ult.,  enclosing  a  copy  of  a 
letter  from  Messrs.  Stevenson  ou  the  subject  of  their 
charge  for  designing  the  Pabba  Beacon. 

In  reply,  I  am  to  state  for  the  information  of  the 
Commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses,  that  my 
Lords  in  their  letter  of  the  11th  ultimo,  stated  that  the 
sum  of  one  hundred  and  twenty-one  pounds  (121/.  10«.) 
appeared  by  the  accounts  rendered  to  that  time  to  have 
been  expended  in  respect  of  the  Pabba  Beacon.  Since 
the  date  of  that  letter  the  accounts  forwarded  by  the 
Commissioners  have  been  received  ;  and  my  Lords 
find  that  charges  for  this  beacon  are  contained  therein 
amounting  to  three  hundred  and  sixteen  pounds 
eighteen  shillings   and   seven-pence  (3161.  ISs.  Id.), 


being   sums  expended  by  J.  J.  Cochrane,  for  wages, 
travelling,  and  incidental  expenses. 

The  accounts  already  rendered  to  this  Board 
show,  therefore,  that  the  sum  of  four  hundred  and 
thirty-eight  pounds  eight  shillings  and  seven-pence 
(438/.  8s.  Id.)  has  been  expended  on  the  beacon  in 
question,  to  the  end  of  June  last  ;  and  my  Lords 
reciuest  that  you  will  move  the  Commissioners  to 
furnish  them  with  a  statement  of  the  sums  expended 
on  this  beacon  subsequent  to  those  contained  in  the 
accounts  rendered ;  or  if  no  payments  Lave  been 
made,  with  a  statement  of  the  liabilities  incurred,  in 
order  that  my  Lords  may  have  before  them  a  detailed 
account  of  the  expenditure  of  this  beacon,  which 
Messrs.  Stevenson  state  in  tlieir  letter  amounts  to 
five  hundred  and  two  pounds  live  shillings  and  ten- 
pence  (502/.  5s.  2d.). 

I  am,  &c. 

The  Secretary  (Signed)         T.  H.  Faeeeb. 

Commissioners  of 

Northern  Lighthouse, 
Edinburgh. 


T.  H.  Farrer, 
Ksq. 


SiK, 


Northern  Lighthouse  Office, 
Edinburgh,  8th  September  1858. 
I  AM  directed  by  the  Commissioners  af 
Northern  Lighthouses  to  acknowledge  receipt  of 
your  letter  of  yesterday,  stating  that  the  expenditure 
on  Pabba  Beacon,  appearing  from  the  accounts 
rendered  to  the  Board  of  Trade,  was  438/.  8s.  Id.  ; 
and  I  am  directed  to  state  that  the  Commissioners 
have  since  paid  ont  63/.  IQs.  Id.;  tliese  sums  together 
make  the  amount  902/.  5s.  2d.,  as  stated  by 
Mr.  Stevenson. 


(Signed) 
The  Secretary 

Marine  Department, 
Board  of  Trade. 


I  am,  &c. 

Alex.  Cunningham. 


Sir, 


Office  of  Committee  of  Privy  Council 
for  Trade,  Marine  Department, 
Whitehall,  25  th  September  1858. 
I  AM  directed  by  the  Lords  of  the  Committee 
of  Privy  Council  for  Trade  to  acknowledge  tlie  receipt 
of  your  letter  of  the  8th  instant,  on  the  subject  of  the 
expenditure  ou  the  Pabba  Beacon,  and  to  request  that 
you  will  move  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Light- 
houses  to  be  so  good  as  to  furnish  their  Lordships 
with  the  further  information  specified  below. 

Enclosed  is  a  statement  of  the  several  items  of 
expenditure  so  far  as  my  Lords  are  able  to  make  it 
out. 

The  item  No.  2  appears  to  be  a  charge  amounting 
to  41/.  12s.  for  wages  to  J.  Cochrane,  for  inspecting 
the  progress  of  the  work  whilst  at  the  manufacturers. 
This  inspection  appears  to  have  lasted  nearly  four 
months,  to  have  been  paid  for  at  the  rate  of  8i.  a  day, 
and  to  have  cost  nearly  a  third  of  the  original  con- 
tract price.  My  Lords  request  that  the  Commissioners 
will  inform  them  whether  it  is  their  usual  practice  to 
allow  a  charge  of  this  description.  The  Board  of 
Trade  are,  of  course,  aware  that  in  the  case  of  build- 
ings erected  by  a  contractor  under  the  superinten- 
dence of  an  engineer,  it  is  customary  to  allow  a  clerk 
of  the  works  ;  but  they  are  not  aware  of  any  case, 
whether  in  England,  Leland,  or  the  Colonies,  where 
work  has  been  made  and  put  together  on  the  con- 
tractor's premises  for  removal  to  erection  in  another 
place  in  which  there  has  been  a  separate  charge  for 
an  inspector  present  during  the  time  for  the  con- 
struction of  the  work.  In  other  cases,  apparently 
similar,  which  have  fallen  under  the  cognizance  of 
this  Board,  the  responsibility  of  certifying  that  works 
of  this  description  are  properly  executed  has  rested 
with  the  engineer,  and  no  extra  charge  has  Ijeen  made 
by  him  on  that  account. 

T  3 


150 


SnXUTES  or  evidence  taken  before  the  COSOnSSIONERS  APPOINTED  TO 


r.  H.  Farrer, 


The  item  Xo.  3.  includes,  iu  addition  to  the  130/. 
whii'h  oonstiiutod  theorij;inal  contract  price,  fin  addi- 
tioual  sum  of  110/.  5s.  Sd.  tor  work  done  in  the  con- 
tractor'-s  shop.  My  Lords  would  be  glad  to  be 
inibrnied  how  it  happened  that  this  work  was  not 
included  in  the  original  specification. 

My  Lords  jiresume  that  the  item  No.  4,  amounting 
to  108/.  12s.  5rf.,  is  for  the  cost  of  erecting  the  beacou; 
but  they  request  to  be  informed  if  this  is  the  case. 

The  item  No.  6,  amounting  to  63/.  IGs.'d.,  consists 
of  suras  for  which  no  accounts  have  yet  been  rendered. 
Mv  Lords  would  be  obliged  if  the  Commissioners 
would  inform  them  in  what  manner  this  sum  has  been 
expended. 

I  am,  &c. 
(Signed)         T.  II.  Fakuee. 
The  Secretary  to  the 
Commissioners  of 

Northern  Lighthouses, 
Ediubnrffh. 


!Mr.  Cochrane,  after  completing  Cairnbulg  and  Pabba 
during  the  past  season,  sometime  since  left  their 
employment. 

I  am,  &c. 


(Signed) 
The  Secretary 

Marine  Department, 
Board  of  Trade. 


Ales.  Cuvkingiiam. 

Secretary. 


SiK, 


Sir, 


Northern  Lighthouse  Office, 
Ediuburijh.  2d  October  1858. 


Office  of  Committee  of  Privy  Council 
for  Trade,  Marine  Department. 
Whitehall,  13th  October  1858. 
I  AM  directed  by  the  Lords  of  the  Committee 
of  Privy    Council    for    Trade    to    acknowledge    the 
receipt   of  your  letter  of  the  2d  instant,  relating  to 
the  expenditure  in  respect  of  the  Pabba  Beacon. 

With  reference  to  this  subject  my  Lords  direct  me 
to  observe  that  the  facts  of  the  case  appear  to  be  as 
follows  : — 

jSIessrs.  Stevenson,  in  their  report  of  November 
1856,  recommended  a  beacon  to  be  placed  in  the 
Sound  of  Pabba.  and  estimated  the  cost  at  500/. 
This  proposal  having  been  submitted  for  the  sanction 
of  the  Trinity  House  by  the  Commissioners  of 
Northern     Lighthouses,     a     Committee    of     Elder 


I  HAVE  to  acknowledge   receipt  of  your  letter      B^ytiiren    (accompanied    by    Captain     Sulivan    and 

of  25th   ultimo,  enclosing  a  classified   account  of  the      j^j^.^   gteveuson)   examined  'the   place  iu  May   1857, 

'"     "     ~  ,       .  --  ,-..«-      and  stated  it  to  be  their  opinion  that  one  on  a  similar 


cost  of  Pabba  Beacou,  and  submitting  certam  queries 
thereon.  Having  laid  the  same  before  the  Commis- 
sioners of  Northern  Lighthouses,  I  am  directed  to 
state  in  reply, — 

First,  The  qu.-ilifications  required  in  an  inspector  at 
the  erection  of  a  beacon  are  of  a  very  peculiar  nature, 
as  the  execution  is  often  a  work  of  great  difficulty, 
and  attended  v.ith  great  risks.  It  is  difficult  to 
appreciate  the  value  of  an  acquaintance  with  fixtures 
in  rock  and  iron  fitting  being  combined  with  a  know- 
ledge of  boating  in  exposed  situations.  These 
qualifications  Mr."  Cochrane  has  proved  himself  to 
possess  in  an  eminent  degree,  and  to  secure  the  ser- 
vices of  such  an  individual  (taken  from  a  previous 
remunerating  employment)  the  Commissioners  have 
found  it  necessary  to  give  him  permanent  pay.  Thus 
Mr.  Cochrane  has  been  employed  in  preceding  years 
in  attending  the  execution  of  Vasa,  Calleach,  Loch 
Inver,  and  Stroma  Beacons,  the  latter  a  work  of  great 
difficulty.  In  the  working  season  of  1857  he  was 
cno-a"-ed  on  Stroma,  and  in  preparations  for  Cairn- 
bufo-lBeacou  ;  but  during  the  winter  all  beacon  works 
are^uecessarily  suspended,  and  the  Commissioners 
are  of  opinion  that  in  place  of  keeping  the  inspector 
idle  while  in  their  pay,  it  was  better  to  find  employ- 
ment for  him  iu  the  manufacturers'  yards,  where  his 
services  are  by  no  means  disadvantageous.  His 
presence  does  not  interfere  with  either  the  duty  or 
responsibility  of  the  engineers  in  directing  the  works, 
and  had  it  not  been  that  he  was  iu  the  Commissioners' 
pay  during  the  suspension  of  his  active  duties  he 
would  not  have  been  there  at  all. 

Second,  The  Pabba  Beacon  was  never  estimated  by 
Messrs.  Stevenson  in  iron  ;  they  proposed  to  build  it 
of  stone.  ISIy  Lords  directed  it  to  be  of  iron,  on  the 
same  principle  as  that  designed  for  Calliach,  and 
drawings  were  accordingly  made  and  oft'ers  taken 
upon  this  footing,  and  the  work  was  executed  in 
terms  of  the  drawing  and  offi^r.  The  situations  of 
Calliach  and  Pabba  were  however  essentially  different, 
the  latter  re(piiring  a  40-foot  beacon,  while  the  former 
was  only  20  ;  and  after  the  Pabba  Beacou  was  com- 
pleted :uid  erected  in  the  work  yard  in  Edinburgh, 
according  to  the  original  design,  it  was  found  not  to 
be  sufficiently  rigid,  and  additional  ties  were  ordered 
to  be  supplied  till  the  engineers  were  satisfied  of  its 
rigidity.  Hence  the  charge  for  extra  work,  which 
is  correctly  stated  iu  Mr.  Dove's  account. 

Third,  The  item  No.  6.  in  my  Lords,  classified 
account,  63/.  16*.  7d.,  is  of  the  same  description,  and 
will  fall  to  be  included  in  the  item  No.  4,  the  cost  of 
(.reeling  the  beacon. 

The  Commissioners  have  to  add  that  there  being 
no  immediate  prospect  of  additional  beacon  works, 


principle  to  that  on  the  Callacckstone  might  be  suffi- 
cient for  the  purpose.  JMr.  Stevenson,  my  Lords  are 
informed,  at  the  same  time  stated  his  opinion  that  the 
cost  of  a  beacon  to  be  made  of  iron  on  this  principle 
would  cost  less  thau  200/. 

My  Lords  then  opproved  of  an  iron  beacon,  similar 
in  character  to  that  on  the  Callacckstone,  instead  of 
one  of  stone,  as  before  proposed. 

Specifications  and  a  sketch  of  an  iron  beacon  were 
then  prepared  by  Messrs.  Stevenson,  and  a  tender 
for  the  construction  of  the  beacon  for  130/.  was 
accepted.     This  tender  did  not  include  the  erection. 

It  now  appears  that  the  sum  expended  on  this  iron 
beacou  amounts  to  502/.  5s.  3d.,  instead  of  being  less 
thau  200/.,  as  my  Lords  hoped  and  supposed  would  be 
the  case. 

The  details  of  the  expenditure  of  this  sum  of 
five  hundred  and  two  pounds  five  shilliugs  and  three- 
pence (502/.  OS.  3d.)  appear  to  be  as  follows  ;  and  if 
the  statement  is  not  correct,  my  Lords  will  be  obliged 
if  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses  will 
correct  it. 

Statement  of  Account. 


Paid  Messrs.  Stevenson,  cousidering 
subject  of  works  for  rocks  in  Sound  of 
Skye,  correspondence,  report.  &c.,  and 
time  assistants  preparing  tracings,  &c. 

Travelling  and  personal  expenses 

Making  tracings  of  Skye  Beacon  and 
buoys  for  Trinity  House  and  Board  of 
Trade  -  -  -         _    - 

Paid  .1.  Cochrane  wages  for  inspecting 
beacou  at  manufacturers,  8*.  per  day  at 
four  months  -  -         " 

Paid  ]\Ir.  Dove  for  beacon  as  per  con- 
tract -  .  .  - 

Ditto  extra  work  in  the  manufacturers' 
shop        -  -  ... 

Paid  wages  of  inspector  and  workmen     - 

Travelling  expenses  of  ditto  - 

Incidental  expenses    -  - 

Paid  Railway  Company  for  carriage  of 
materials         -  -  -  _  - 

Further  sums  expended  by  Commis- 
sioners, but  whether  in  respect  of  cost 
of  work  in  the  manufacturers'  shop  or  of 
work  on  the  spot  in  erecting  the  beacon, 
is  not  quite  certain,  as  the  accounts  are 
not  received,  and  the  terms  of  the  Com- 
missioners' last  letter  are  not  quite  cle.ir 


£ 


34  13 
3  19 


1   11     6 


41  12    0 
130     0    0 


110 

5 

8 

93 

6 

9 

12 

17 

1 

2 

8 

7 

15    0 


63  16    7 


^502 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


151 


Upon  tills  state  of  facts  my  Lords  observe, — 

First,  That  the  whole  cost  has  been  a  great  deal  more 
than  tlioy  expected,  and  amounts  to  about  the  sum 
which  Messrs.  Stevenson  estimated  the  stone  beacon 
would  cost. 

Secondly,  That  Messrs.  Stevenson's  plan  for  the 
work  to  be  done  iu  the  manufixcturers'  shop  must 
have  been  far  from  complete  and  sufficient. 

Thirdly,  That  a  large  item  in  the  cost  is  for  an 
inspector  in  the  manufacturer's  shop,  whoso  services 
it  apjiears  were  not  necessary  for  the  purpose  of  the 
particular  work,  who,  however,  was  thus  paid  in  order 
to  retain  him  in  the  service  of  the  Commissioners,  and 
who  has  since  left  that  service. 

The  money  has  now  been  spent,  and  my  Lords 
cannot  refuse  to  sanction  the  payment  of  Messrs.  Ste- 
venson's percentage.  But  they  think  it  right  to 
point  out,  for  the  special  consideration  of  the  Com- 
missioners, how  strongly  this  case  illustrates  tho 
importance  of  having  in  all  cases  a  complete  estimate 
of  the  whole  cost  of  a  work  carefully  prepared,  sub- 
mitted, and  sanctioned  before  the  work  is  undertaken. 

As  regards  the  charge  for  Mr.  Cochrane's  atten- 
dance, my  Lords  think  that  it  can  hardly  with  propriety 
be  said  to  have  been  incurred  on  account  of  the 
Pabba  Beacon.  They  think  also  that  no  similar  charge 
should  be  incurred  iu  future  cases  of  works  of  this 
character. 

I  am,  &c. 
(Signed)         T.  IL  Fai:ker. 
The  Secretary  to  the 

Commissioners  of 

Xorthern  Lighthouses. 


Northern  Lighthouse  Office, 
Sir,  Edinburgh,  23d  December  1858. 

Your  letter  of  the  13th  October,  on  the  sub- 
ject of  Pabba  Beacon,  was  duly  received,  and  laid 
Ijefore  the  Commissioners,  who  referred  it  for  expla- 
nation to  Messrs.  Stevenson.  They  have  now  re- 
ceived the  observations  of  these  gentlemen,  and  I  am 
directed  to  enclose  a  copy. 

I  am,  &c. 
(Signed)        Alex.  CuNNiNc.nAM, 
The  Secretary  Secretary. 

Marine  Department 
Board  of  Trade. 

(Copy.) 
Dear  Sir,  Edinburgh,  22d  December,  IS.jS. 

We  have  to  acknowledge  having  received 
from  you  the  letter  from  the  Board  of  Trade  of  13th 
October  last,  relative  to  Pabba  Beacon,  and  we  re"Tet 
tliat  circumstances  have  prevented  us  from  sooner 
replying  to  it. 

We  siiould  willingly  have  avoided  making  a  reply, 
but  some  of  the  statements  regarding  us  personally 
seem  to  us  to  I'equire  explanation. 

The  first  statement  which  we  would  notice  is,  that 
wherein  it  is  said  that  "  this  case  sti-ongly  illustrates 
"  the  importance  of  having  in  all  cases  a  complete 
"  estimate  of  the  whole  cost  of  a  work  carefully  pre- 
"  pared,  submitted,  and  sanctioned  before  the  work  is 
'■  nudertaken."  In  the  case  of  Pabba,  as  indeed  in 
all  cases,  this  course  was  followed.  We  prepared 
and  submitted  to  the  Commissioners  an  estimate 
amounting  to  oOO^.  for  a  stone  beacon,  which  we  con- 
sidered the  most  suitable  design  for  the  locality. 
That  design  was  however  objected  to  by  the  Board  of 
Trade,  and  we  were  ordered  to  erect  a  beacon  of 
malleable  iron,  which  has  cost  about  5001.  For  this 
beacon  no  estimate  was  either  asked  from  us,  or  made 
by  us,  but  it  appears  that  a  casual  conversation  as  to 
its  probable  cost  has  been  founded  on.  The  letter 
states  that  "  their  Lordships  are  informed  that  Mr, 
"  Stevenson  gave  his  opinion,  on  the  late  voyao-e  with 
"  Captain  Sulivan  and  tho  Elder  Brethren,  that  a 
"  beacon  of  iron,  made  on  the  same  princi-ole  as  that 


"  of  Calliach,  would  cost  less  than  200/."     Mr.  Thos.     j,  ^^  p^^^^^ 
Stevenson,  who  accompanied  the  deputation,   has  no       '    £^„ 

recollection   of  having  made  such  a  statement  with  '- 

reference  to  Pabba,  nor  does  it  seem  possible  that  it     18  Dec.  isco. 

could  have    been  made,   seeing  that  the   small  spur      

beacon  of  Calliach,  measuring  only  20  feet  high,  and 
erected  on  a  rock  that  almost  never  covers,  cost  115/. , 
while  Pabba  Beacon  is  40  feet  high,  and  is  submerged 
to  the  depth  of  15  feet  at  high  water,  and  much  more 
exposed.  There  must,  therefore,  it  is  evident,  be 
some  misunderstauding  on  this  point.  But  it  is  clear 
that  any  such  verbal,  ofi'hand  opinion,  even  if  it  were 
causually  made  in  the  course  of  general  conversation, 
could  not,  and  ought  not  to  have  been  regarded  as 
Laving  .any  definite  value,  having  been  given  in  ab- 
sence of  plans  and  data,  and  without  any  arithmetical 
calculation  whatever,  and  certainly  without  tho  very 
slightest  conception  that  such  a  statement  would  lie 
regarded  as  an  official  communication  to  be  after- 
wards founded  on. 

The  next  point  wc  have  to  notice  is  a  comphiiiit  as 
to  the  incompleteness  and  insufficiency  of  our  plans, 
which  were  furnished  for  tlie  contractor  to  work 
from  ;  and  here  it  becomes  necessary  to  give  some 
explanation  of  the  circumstances  of  tliis  work, 
although  we  have  already  d(5ne  so  in  our  letter  of 
29th  September.  The  kind  or  style  of  lieacou  which 
was  adopted  at  Pabba  diflers  from  what  is  in  common 
use,  and  was  introduced  by  us  several  years  ago,  and 
applied  at  certain  parts  of  the  coast  where  the 
beacons  were  not  exposed,  and  did  not  require  to  ex- 
ceed about  20  feet  in  lieight.  At  Pabba,  however, 
owing  to  the  peculiarity  of  the  site,  the  requisite 
height  was  40  feet,  and  while  we  foresaw  that  the 
same  principle  could  not  be  applied  without  extra 
staying  or  bracing,  we  could  not  tell  beforehand  the 
exact  amount  of  bracing  which  might  be  found  neces- 
sary in  order  to  produce  sufficient  rigidity.  We 
therefore  considered  it  advisable  that  the  contractor 
should  make  as  few  ties  as  possible  in  the  first  in- 
stance, so  that  when  the  main  pillars  of  the  beacon 
were  framed  together  tie  after  tie  could  be  added  till 
the  desired  rigidity  was  obtained,  and  our  plans  and 
specification  were  framed  accordingly.  In  this  way 
we  avoided  the  risk  of  having  tjes  forged  which 
might  afterwards  be  found  to  be  unnecessarj'.  In 
fact,  the  structure  was  purely  an  experimental  one, 
and  the  experiment  was  not  proposed  by  us  (as  we 
recommended  stone)  but  by  the  Board  of  Trade,  and 
we  state  with  confidence  that  our  plans  and  specifi- 
cations provided  "  completely  "  aud  "  sufficiently  " 
for  the  carrying  out  of  that  experiment  in  the  most 
economical  manner  in  which  it  could  be  done,  which 
is  the  object  of  all  successful  engineering. 

We  shall  only  add,  that  we  think  we  can,  with 
equal  confidence,  refer  the  Commissioners  to  the 
amount  of  our  estimates  as  compared  to  the  actual 
cost  of  our  works,  in  proof  of  the  care  with  which 
our  designs  are  considered  and  our  estimates  are 
made.  Thus  we  find  that  the  five  new  lighthouses  of 
Rona,  Ushenish,  Kyleakin,  Oronsay,  and  Sound  of 
Mull  (the  accounts  of  which  are  now  closed),  were 
estimated  by  us  at  the  aggregate  sum  of  32,000/.,  aud 
they  have  cost  30,911/.  15^.  Stroma  Beacon,  esti- 
mated at  1,000/.,  cost  1,191/.  13s.  lOd.  ;  Loch  Inver 
Beacon,  estimated  at  700/.,  cost  710/.  17*.  ;  while  the 
works  of  Uust,  Whalsey,  Brcssay,  aud  C.anturkhead,  of 
which  the  accounts  are  not  yet  quite  closed,  will  show 
a  no  less  close  approximation  between  the  first  esti- 
mate and  the  actual  cost. 

The  only  other  point  in  their  Lordships'  letter 
which  we  have  to  mention  is  that  with  reference  to 
our  fee  of  27/.  lOs.  for  the  erection  of  Pabba  Beacon. 
On  this  subject  their  Lordships  state,  that  as  '■  the 
"  money  has  now  been  spent,  they  cannot  refuse  to 
"  sanction  the  payment  of  Messrs.  Stevenson's  per- 
"  centage."  We  regret  that  we  cannot  regard  this  ex- 
pression, when  taken  in  connexion  with  the  state- 
ments which  precede  it,  in  any  other  light  than  that 
of  censure.  We  are  unable,  however,  to  sej  in  what 
respect  such  censure  applies  to  us  in   the  particular 


152 


MINTJTES  OF  EVIDENCE  TAKEN  BEFORE  THE  COJDnSSIONERS  APPOINTED  TO 


T.  H.  Farrer     case  in   question  ;  and  we  have  yet  to  learn  that  a 
£sg.  beacon  40  feet  high,  erected  on  a  low  tide  rock,  sub- 

merged  15  feet  at  high  water,  and  placed  in  a  remote 

IS  Dec.  1S60.    district  of  the  highlands,  can  be  efficientl;/  constructed 

for  a  sum  materially  under  the   cost  at  which  Pabba 

Beacon  has  been  constructed. 

Holding  these  views,  we  feel  that  we  should  be 
compromising  our  position  and  our  own  feelings  were 
we  to  accejjt  the  fees  under  such  a  reservation  as  to 
the  sanction  for  their  payment  as  the  letter  of  the 
Board  of  Trade  conveys,  and  therefore  we  have  re- 
spectfully to  inform  the  Commissioners,  that  while 
that  censure  (which  we  trust  has  arisen  from  mis- 
conception of  the  circumstances  of  the  case)  remains 
unrecalled,  we  prefer  to  decline  accepting  our  fees  in 
connexion  with  the  work  in  question. 
We  are,  &c. 
(Signed)  D.  and  T.  STETEXso>f. 
Alexander  Cuningham,  Esq. 


Office  of  Committee  of  Privy  Council  for  Trade, 
Marine  Department, 
Slit,  Whitehall,  4th  January  18.59. 

I  AM  directed  by  the  Lords  of  the  Committee  of 
Privy  Council  for  Trade  to  acknowledge  the  receipt 
of  your  letter  of  the  23d  ultimo,  transmitting  copy 
of  Messrs.  Stevenson's  observations  on  the  letter  from 
this  department  of  the  13th  October  last,  relating  to 
the  Pablia  Beacon. 

In  reply,  my  Lords  direct  me  to  request  that  you 
will  point  out  to  the  Conmiissioners  of  Northern 
Lighthouses,  that  when  the  sketch  of  the  iron  beacon 
was  forwarded  to  the  Board  of  Trade,  with  a  tender 
for  its  execution  for  130/.  (which  was  after  the  sur- 
vey of  the  place  by  the  Elder  Brethren,  Capt.  Sulivan, 
and  Mr.  Stevenson),  no  information  was  given  to 
their  Lordships  that  the  sketch  was  an  experiment, 
still  less  that  such  heavy  expenses  for  additional  work 
and  inspection  as  have  since  been  incurred  would  be 
required.  My  Lords  cannot  but  think  that  the  in- 
terest of  the  public  service  would  have  been  better 
served  had  Mr.  Stevenson,  if  he  foresaw  these  matters, 
brought  them  to  the  notice  of  the  Commissioners,  and 
pointed  out  that  an  iron  lieacon  would  probably  be  as 
costly  as  the  one  originally  proposed,  more  especially 
as  all  parties  must  have  Ijeen  aware  that  the  sole 
ground  of  proposing  a  change  was  a  presumed  savin'^ 
of  expense. 

I  have,  &c. 
(Signed)         T.  H.  Farreb. 
The  Secretary 

Commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses, 
Edinburgh. 


Northern  Lighthouse  Office, 
Sir,  Edinburgh,  14th  January  1859. 

I  AM  directed  by  the  Commissioners  of 
Northern  Lighthouses  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
your  letter  of  the  4th  instant  regarding  the  accounts 
for  Pabba  Beacon.  Having  communicated  this  to 
Messrs.  Stevenson,  I  am  directed  to  transmit  a  copy 
of  their  answer. 

I  am  further  directed  to  add,  that  so  far  back  as 
22d  July  last,  ]\Iessrs.  Stevensons'  accounts,  amount- 
ing to  920/.  14s,  Ad.,  were  transmitted  to  my  Lords. 
As  the  Conmiissioners  now  understand  that  Messrs. 
Stevenson  decline  to  accept  the  percentage  on  this 
beacon,  while  no  objection  has  been  stated  to  the  other 
accounts,  the  Commissioners  submit  that  they  should 
be  returned  for  payment. 

I  am,  &c. 
(Signed)         Alex,  Ccxningham, 
The  Secretary  Secretary. 

Marine  Department, 
Board  of  Trade. 


(Copy.) 
Edinburgh,  8th  January  1859. 
(Pabba  Beacon.) 
Deak  Sir, 

We  have  received  from  you  the  letter  of 
4th  .January  from  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  the 
Board  of  Trade,  in  answer  to  ours  of  the  23d  De- 
cember, regarding  Pabba  Beacon.  It  is  evident  that 
there  exists  to  some  extent  a  misunderstanding  at  the 
Board  of  Trade  with  reference  not  only  to  the  work 
itself,  but  also  to  our  connexion  it  with  ;  and,  there- 
fore, we  have  again,  very  reluctantly,  to  address 
the  Commissioners  on  the  subject. 

It  is  stated  in  the  letter  of  the  4th  January  from 
their  Lordships,  that  the  sketch  of  the  iron  beacon 
was  forwarded,  with  a  tender  for  its  execution,  for 
130/.  ;  that  sum,  as  the  Commissioners  are  aware, 
only  included  the  cost  of  the  work  delivered  at 
Granton,  but  did  not  cover  the  additional  expense  of 
its  erection,  and  other  contingencies,  which  their 
Lordships  appear  to  have  greatly  under  estimated. 

Their  Lordships  consider  that  it  was  our  duty  to 
have  stated  that  such  additional  outlay  would  be 
required  ;  but  it  did  not  occur  to  us  to  do  this,  seeing 
that  the  specification  stipulated  distinctly  that  the 
beacon  was  to  be  delivered  at  Granton  ;  and  it  was 
therefore  apparent  on  the  face  of  the  documents  that 
additional  expenditure  would  be  requisite.  We,  there- 
fore, did  not  make  an  estimate  of  the  additional 
expenditure  required  ;  but,  had  we  been  called  upon 
to  do  so,  we  could  have  furnished  an  approximate 
total  estimate.  That  estimate,  although  our  original 
views  as  to  the  requisite  number  of  additional 
braces,  and  the  time  occupied  in  erection,  have  been 
somewhat  exceeded,  we  should  certainly  not  have 
stated  lower  than  400/.,  being  100/.  below  our  esti- 
mate for  the  stone  beacon.  But,  not  having  been 
required  to  furnish  such  an  estimate,  the  whole  of  the 
misunderstanding  in  the  matter  has  followed,  and  for 
this  we  submit,  that  if  blame  is  to  be  imputed  at  all, 
it  certainly  does  not  rest  with  us. 

The  additional  work  referred  to  may  be  divided 
into  two  compartments  : 

First.  The  additions  made  to  the  beacon  before  it 
left  the  contractors'  workyard.  These  were  the  addi- 
tional braces,  amounting  to  62/.  \~s.'2d.,  the  applica- 
tion of  which  was  consequent  on  the  experimental 
nature  of  the  structure,  and  was  partially  aiiticiiiated; 
also  additional  fixtures  which  Avere  required  to  adapt 
the  beacon  to  the  rock  on  which  it  was  placed.  This 
latter  alteration,  which  formed  only  the  ordinary 
addition  to  a  work  during  its  progress,  and  included 
tools,  templets,  &c.,  cost  47/.  8s.  Id.,  making  the  total 
sum  for  the  additional  works  before  the  beacon  left 
Edinlmrgh,  110/.  os.9d. 

The  Second  compartment,  forming  the  greater  part 
of  the  additional  outlay,  embraces  the  carriage  of  the 
beacon  to  its  site,  and  its  erection  thereon,  and 
amounts  to  221/.  15s.  lOd. 

In  explanation  of  this  part  of  the  outlay,  we  have 
to  state  that  the  rock  on  which  the  beacon  was  placed 
was  found  to  be  very  difficult  to  work,  and  was,  more- 
over uncovered  for  only  a  very  short  time  during 
spring  tides,  and  piu-t  of  four  months  was  occupied  in 
sinking  the  six  a]K'rtures  for  the  uprights. 

In  February  only  14  hours  work  could  be  enected 
on  the  rock. 

In  !ALirch  only  32  hours  work  could  be  effi.'Cted  on 
the  rock. 

Til  April  only  35^  hours  work  could  be  effiicted  on 
the  rock,  being  only  8  days  of  10  hours  a  day  diu'ing 
these  three  months. 

Their  Lordshi]is  also  seem  to  consider  that  we 
ought  to  have  stated  that  the  beacon  was  experi- 
mental. In  answer  to  this  we  have  only  to  say  that 
we  understood  that  all  the  parties  interested  were  per- 
fectlv  aware  of  the  fact  that  the  largest  beacon  which 
had  up  till  that  date  been  constructed  by  the  Commis- 
sioners on  that  principle  was  the  Calliach  Stone, 
which  was  only  20  feet  high,  and  that  the  Pabba  Bea- 
con, which  was  40  feet  high,  placed  on  a  tide-covered 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  COXDITION  A\D  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  HEACOXfi. 


15.3 


rock,  and  submerged  15  feet  at  high  water,  was  there- 
fore to  that  extent  an  experimental  structure.  The 
construction  aUuded  to  was  introduced  hy  us  a  few 
years  ago,  and  adojited  with  marked  econoni)'  for  some 
small  beacons,  with  the  approval  of  the  Board  of 
Trad(!,  who  suggested  its  application  at  Pabba  also. 
We  certainly  did  not  anticipate  that  our  endeavours 
to  reduce  the  cost  of  beacons  by  the  introduction  of 
ii  new  constrnction  should  have  involved  us  in  this 
correspondence  regarding  Pabba,  where  the  new  con- 
struction was  substituted  for  the  stone  beacon,  whicli 
we  considered  to  be  the  most  suitable  for  that 
locality. 

However  we    may   regret   the   misunderstanding 
which  has  occurred,  we  certainly  did  not  create  it, 
and  we  think  it  is  not  just  that  it  should  be  made  the 
ground  of  personal  censure  on  us,  which  we  regret 
to  oliservc  their  Lordships'  letters  appear  to  conve}'. 
We  are,  &c. 
(Signed)         D.  and  T.  Stevexsox. 
A.  Cuningham,  Esq., 

Secretary  Northern  Lishthousc  Board. 


Office  of  Committee  of  Privy  Council  for  Trade,      f  ^  Farrer 
Marine  Department,  Esq. 

Sir,  Whitehall,  20th  January  18.59.  

I  AM  directed  by  the  Lords  of  the  Committee     18  Dec.  I860. 

of  Privy    Council    for    Trade    to    acknowledge  the 

receipt  of  your  letter  of  tho  14th  inst.,  on  the 
subject  of  the  .accounts  for  Pabba  Beacon,  My  Lords 
return  the  accounts  which  were  forwarded  with 
reference  to  this  subject,  in  order  that  they  may  be 
settled  by  the  Commissioners. 

I  am,  &e. 
(Signed)  T.  A.  Faurf.r. 

The  Secretarj-  to  the 

Commissioners  of  Ivorthern  Lighthouses. 


Thursday,  20th  December  1860. 

PRESENT  : 

Rear-Admiral  William  Alexander  Baii.lie  Hamilton-. 
Captain  Alfred  Phillips  Rtder,  R.N. 
John  Hall  Gladstone,  Esq. 
Duncan  Dunbar,  Esq. 
Samuel  Robert  Graves,  Esq. 
Rear-Admiral  William  Alexander  Baillie  Hajiilton  in  the  Chair. 
Rear-Admiral  Robert  Gordon  (Deputy  Master  of  the  Trinity  House)  examined. 


345.  (Chairman.)  Since  what  time  have  you  been 
Deputy  Master  of  the  Trinity  House  ? — Since  August 
1858. 

346.  Does  it  occur  to  you  that  any  improvement 
might  be  made  in  the  mode  of  electing  the  Elder 
Brethren  ? — I  cannot  imagine  that  the  Board  would 
lie  improved  by  any  diiferent  mode  of  election  from 
the  present,  as  it  is  obviously  the  interest  of  the 
Elder  Brethren  themselves  to  elect  men  whose  quali- 
fications are  known,  and  who  are  able  and  willing  to 
take  their  share  in  the  active  duties  which  devolve 
upon  them,  which  might  not  be  the  case  if  the 
elections  depended  upon  influence  out  of  doors. 

347.  Are  you  of  opinion  that  the  duties  performed 
by  an  Elder  Broiher,  during  the  first  eight  years  that 
he  is  in  the  Examining  Committee  are  of  service,  as 
better  fitting  him  for  a  post  on  the  Light  Committee  ? 
— There  is  no  rule  that  the  first  eight  years  after  an 
Elder  Brother's  election,  should  be  served  in  tho 
Examining  Committee  ;  his  appointment  thei-eto  being 
dependent  upon  circumstances  ;  but  that  is  the  period 
that  a  member  will  usually  remain,  when  once  ap- 
pointed to  it.  Three  out  of  the  four  present  members 
of  that  Committee  had  previously  passed  four  years 
in  the  Committee  for  Lights.  The  experience  acquired 
in  the  Examining  Committee  is  of  advantage  in  the 
future  consideration  of  questions  which  may  come 
before  the  Elder  Brethren  in  other  Committees,  or  at 
the  Board. 

348.  You  have  stated  that  the  experience  acquired 
upon  the  Examining  Committee  is  of  advantage 
for  the  future  duties  of  the  acting  Elder  Brethren  ; 
do  you  refer  more  particularly  to  the  duties,  and  to 
questions,  relating  to  ligliting,  buoying,  &c.  ? — Yes. 
The  general  knowledge  and  information  that  they  get 
upon  all  questions  relating  to  Buoyage,  Beaconage, 
Pilotage,  and  the  capacity  of  Pilots,  is  of  importance  in 
all  the  duties  performed  by  an  Elder  Brother. 

349.  {C'nptahi  liyder.)  Is  it  possible,  under  tho 
present  svsteni  of  nominating  the  Committees,  that  an 
Elder  Brother,  who  has  only  lately  become  an  Elder 


20  Dec.  1860. 


Brother,  may   be    nominated   one   of  the  Examining;      Uear-Adm. 
Committee  or  of  the  Light  Committee  ? — Yes  ;  because  Robert  Gordon. 
the  Committees   being  nominated  on  Trinity  Monday 
in   each  year,  any  vacancy  that  subsequently   takes 
place    is    usually   filled  by  the   member    coming   in, 
unless  there  shall  be  strong  grounds  for  an  alteration. 

350.  {3Ir.  Gladsto7ic.)  Can  30U  mention  any  in- 
stances of  that  having  actually  been  carried  into 
effect  ? — Yes  ;  I  may  say  that  Captain  Bayly,  who  is 
present,  was  in  that  position  ;  he  was  placed  in  the 
Light  Committee,  and  h.as  remained  so  to  the  present 
time,  and  Captain  Arrow  also  ;  it  is  the  general  rule. 

351.  {Captain  Ryder.)  Are  the  members  of  the 
Examining  Committee  and  the  Light  Committee  se- 
lected for  any  peculiar  qualifications  for  the  work  to 
lie  done  by  those  Committees,  or  in  what  way  are  they 
elected  ? — They  succeed  by  rotation.  The  Deputy 
Chairman,  who  is  next  in  seniority  in  the  Committee, 
succeeds  to  the  Chair  ;  the  Chairman  leaving  every 
year,  with  the  exception  of  the  Chairman  of  the 
Examining  Committee,  who  remains  two  years. 

352.  Am  I  to  understand  you  to  say,  that  the 
members  of  the  Light  Committee  and  Examining 
Committee  are  among  the  youngest  of  the  Elder 
Brethren,  or  not  ? — I  should  say  that  they  usually  are 
so,  because  they  at  once  enter  upon  the  most  active 
executive  duties  of  the  Corporation,  by  which  alone 
their  experience  can  be  matured. 

353.  (Chairman.)  The  number  of  acting  Elder 
Brethren  being  fixed,  do  you  consider  that  it  would 
be  advantageous  to  the  interests  of  the  Service  to 
facilitate  the  retirement  of  the  more  aged  amongst 
the  Elder  Brethren,  so  that  younger  members  might 
be  more  rapidly  admitted  to  the  list  of  acting  Elder 
Brethren? — I  think  it  would  be  advantageous, 
although  at  the  jtresent  moment  there  are  no  members 
of  the  Board  whose  opinions  and  unfailing  judgment 
are  of  more  value  than  those  of  the  two  eldest  mem- 
bers of  the  Corporation,  who  alone,  for  some  years  to 
come,  would  be  atfected  by  a  scheme  for  retirement  ; 
yet  it  is  unjust  that  a  man  who  has  been  actively 

U 


154 


MINUTES    OF    EVIDENCE    TAKEN    I3EF0EE   THE    COMMISSIONERS    APPOINTED    TO 


Eear-Jidm 
Jlobert  Gordi 


enfased  for  20  or  25  years   should  be   compelled  to 
remam  in  harness  until  his  death.     It  is  not  so  with 

the  clerks  of  the  establishment,  who  have  the  option 

20Dic.  1S60.  of  i-ytirement  at  60  years  of  age,  under  fixed  regula- 
tions,  and  it  is,  of  course,  an  advantage  to  every  ser- 
vice that  promotion  should  be  kept  up  in  it.  I  think 
therefore  that  the  Elder  Brethren  should  retire  on 
their  full  salaries,  after  the  age  of  70,  with  the 
exception  of  the  Deputy  Master,  for  whom  an  allow- 
ance of  five  sixths  might  be  deemed  sufficient  :  but  if 
he  should  vacate  the  Chair  before  that  age,  I  think  he 
ought  to  be  allowed  to  retire  from  the  Board,  as  he 
could  not  well  return  to  the  general  duties  of  the  Com- 
mittees any  more  than  a  captain  could  well  again 
become  a  first  lieutenant. 

354.  Have  the  recommendations  of  tiie  Committee 
of  the  House  of  Commons  of  1834  with  regard  to  the 
more  extended  admission  of  naval  officers  into  the 
Trinity  House  been  adopted,  and  if  not,  can  you  say 

why  ? I  am  not  aware  that  the   number  of  naval 

officers  was  specified  by  either  of  the  Committees  of 
the  House  of  Commons.  At  the  present  moment 
there  are  two  members  qualified  by  naval  service, 
and  one  other,  a  lieutenant  in  the  navy,  vvho 
qualified  by  commanding  a  merchant  ship.  I  think 
the  circumstance  that  a  larger  number  of  naval 
officers  have  not  been  elected  Elder  Brethren  may 
be  attributed  partly  to  the  infrequency  of  vacancies, 
and  partly  to  the  consideration  that  as  the  funds  of 
the  Corporation  are  provided  by  the  merchant  shipping 
and  not  by  the  navy,  it  is  scarcely  just  to  the  mem- 
bers of  the  merchant  service  that  they  should  be 
precluded  from  attaining  the  only  position  to  which 
they  can  aspire  as  the  result  of  honourable  servitude  in 
the  mercantile  marine  of  the  country. 

355.  With  respect  to  the  present  remuneration  of 
the  Elder  Brethren,  do  you  consider  it  adequate  to 
all  the  duties  they  hnve  to  perform  ? — I  consider  the 
remuneration  very  ir.adequate  to  the  services  they 
are  called  upon  to  peribrm.  The  duties  of  the  Elder 
Brethren  have  greaiiy  increased,  but  not  so  their 
remuneration,  w^hich  ought  to  be  increased  also.  I 
shall  be  glad  to  auswrr  the  most  searching  questions 
on  this  head,  as  a  del;  sion  exists  among  many  persons 
that  although  the  s^.iary  of  the  Elder  Brethren  is 
but  small,  they  have  the  means  of  reimbursing  them- 
selves from  some  othtr  source. 

356.  {Mr.  Graves.)  Is  there  any  other  source  of 
income  attaching  to  the  office  of  the  Elder  Brethren 
besides  the  7,000/.  chargeable  to  the  Mercantile 
Marine  Fund  for  the  remuneration  of  the  whole 
Board  of  20  ? — Nothing  whatever  beyond  the  small 
remuneration  they  receive  for  attending  and  advising 
the  judge  of  the  Admiralty  Court,  which  is  paid  by 
the  litigating  parties,  aud  averages  about  lOl.  annually. 
The  fee  is  two  guineas  each  day.  Sometimes  causes 
last  over  one  day,  but  it  is  rare,  for  they  are  usually 
settled  in  a  day.  It  very  frequently  has  taken  me  a 
day  or  two  to  go  into  all  the  voluminous  evidence 
on  both  sides  before  I  went  into  Court  to  assist  the 
judge.  As  Deputy  Master  I  do  not  attend  the  Admi- 
ralty Court. 

357.  ( Captain  Ryder.)  Are  there  any  naval  officers 
among  the  Younger  Brethren  eligible  for  election  of 
the  Elder  Brethren  ? — Yes,  several. 

358.  Can  you  furnish  the  Commission  with  a  list 
of  those  who  are  candidates  for  appointment  as  Elder 
Brethren,  showing  how  long  it  is  since  they  com- 
menced to  be  candidates  ? — Yes;  it  shall  be  sent. 

The  same  icas  handed  in  as  follows  :- 


7th  Dec.  1858         -     Captain  Rich.   CoUinson,  K.N., 

C.B. 
6th  Sept.  1859        -     Captain   Samuel  Grurnev  Cres- 

well.  E.X. 
3rd  April  1860       •     Captain  Sherard  Osborn,  R.N.. 

C.B. 
1st  Mav  1860         .     Captain     Erasmus     Ommaney, 

K.N. 

359.  What  is  the  mode  of  electing  a  Younger 
Brother  to  become  an  Elder  Brother  ? — He  must  be 
proposed  by  one  member  of  the  Board,  aud  seconded 
by  another,  and  is  then  elected  by  ballot  to  be  placed 
upon  the  list  of  Candidates.  The  Elder  Brethren  are 
selected  from  this  list  by  ballot.  A  candidate  must  have 
commanded  a  ship  for  four  years.  In  the  navy 
the  rule  is  not  so  stringent  as  to  the  period.  A 
Younger  Brother  becomes  eligible  to 'be  elected  an 
Elder  Brother  on  being  admitted  as  a  Candidate. 

360.  {Mr.  Graves.)  Do  the  members  of  the  Light 
Committee  sit  as  nautical  advisers  in  the  Admiralty 
Court  ? — Yes ;  in  turn  with  other  members. 

361.  {3Ir.  Dunbar.)  Does  His  Eoyal  Highness  the 
Prince  Consort  receive  any  remuneration  as  Master 
of  the  Trinity  House  ? — Not  one  farthing. 

362.  Do  any  of  the  Honorary  Brethren  receive  any 
remuneration  ? — Nothing  whatever. 

363.  {Mr.  Graves.)  Are  the  honorary  members  ever 
called  upon  to  perform  any  duties  at  the  Trinity 
House  ? — They  can  sit  and  vote  at  the  Courts  as  has 
occasionally  been  done. 

364.  It  appears  from  a  Return  at  page  70,  that  the 
average  period  which  the  present  members  of  the 
Corporation  of  Trinity  House  have  to  wait  on  the 
list  of  Younger  Brethren  previously  to  election  to 
Elder  Brethren,  is  about  9  years,  3  being  the  shortest, 
and  24  the  longest  period  ;  can  you  say  whether  such 
detention  acts  prejudicially  or  otherwise  on  the 
efficiency  of  the  Corporation  ? — Such  a  Return  is  no 
test  of  the  average  period,  because  a  member  may  be 
a  Younger  Brother,  and  even  a  Candidate  for  many 
years  Avhile  he  continues  going  to  sea;  but  he  only 
becomes  an  Eligible  Candidate  for  election  when  he 
has  ceased  going  to  sea,  and  is  prepared  to  under- 
take the  duties  of  the  Corporation. 

365.  Can  you  favour  us  with  a  return,  showing  the 
period  that  the  members  of  the  present  Board  had 
to  remain  from  the  time  they  became  eligible  to  the 
time  of  their  election  ? — A  return  shall  be  made. 

The  same  was  handed  in  as  follows : — 
Rear- Admiral  Gordon.  Deputy-^Mn^tor  about  S  years. 
Captain  Weller  -  "         '■        '_ 

.,       Madan  -  -         ■•        j      -, 

„       Pixley 
„       Farquharsou 
.,       Farrer 
„       Bax 
„       Redman 
„       Owen 
„       Pigott 
„       Shuttleworih 
.,       Drew 


5lh  May  1840 

7th  Nov.  1843 
4th  August  1846 
1st  Dec.  1846 
28th  Jan.    1851, 
date  of  re-ad- 
mission to   list 
of  candidates. 


Read-Admiral    the  Honourable 

Frederick  de  Ros. 
Captain  George  Evans,  R.N. 
Captain  Lewis  T.  Jones,  R.N. 
Captain  Bart.  J.  Sulivan,  R.N. 

Rear- Admiral  Robert  FitzRoy, 
(an  Elder  Brother  from  July 
1837  to  June  1843). 


y 

4 

8 

11 


Were 

Pelly 

Close 

Fenwick 

Bavly 

Webb 

Nisbet 

Arrow 


If 
3| 
3 


366.  In  the  election  from  Younger  ^  to  Elder 
Brethren,  is  there  any  limitation  of  age  ? — Not  by 
statute  or  rule  ;  but  by  practice  a  candidate  after  50 
is  not  likely  to  be  elected. 

367.  I  desire  to  know  whether  practically  the  elec- 
tion of  Elder  Brethren  has  been  usually  confined  to 
ship  masters  sailing  out  of  London  ? — Practically  it 
has  been  confined  to  officers  who  have  commanded 
ships  out  of  Loudon. 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


155 


368.  (Afr.  Dunbar.)  Have  you  ever  had  any  ship 
masters  not  belonging  to  London  as  Candidates,  or  are 
there  any  at,  the  present  moment  wlio  are  Candidates; 
for  example,  have  you  ever  had  a  master  from  Liver- 
pool or  Glasgow,  or  any  other  outport,  who  desired 
fo  heeome  a  Candidate  ? — Yes;  I  believe  that  Captain 
Richard  Drew  came  from  Bristol  ;  he  was  one  of  the 
Elder  Brethren.  Two  of  the  present  members  of 
the  r5oard  had  sailed  frequently  from  other  ports  than 
London  ;  and  the  qualifioation  of  one  was  partly  from 
Liverpool  and  partly  from  Loudon. 

369.  Have  any  persons  at  the  outports  applied  to 
be   made  Younger  Brethren  ? — Yes. 

370.  Can  you  give  the  number  witliin  the  last  .50 
years  ? — About  30  ;  but  there  is  no  condition  as  to 
what  port  a  man  belongs  to,  provided  he  proves  his 
qualitieation  as  having  commanded  a  ship. 

371.  {Captain Ryder.)  What  is  the  number  of  the 
Younger  Brethren  ? — There  is  no  limit  as  to  numbers, 
but,  as  far  as  can  be  ascertained,  there  are  now  living 
about  ISO. 

372.  What  proportion  of  the  Younger  Brethren 
belong  to  ships  trading  from  London,  and  what  pro- 
portion belong  to  ships  trading  from  the  ontports  ? — 
It  would  appear  to  be  in  the  proportion  of  one  to  live. 

373.  ( Chairman.)  Do  any  of  the  statutes  relating 
to  the  Trinity  House  provide  that  the  Younger 
Brethren  shall  be  exempt  from  public  civil  duties  ? — 
Yes  ;  under  the  Charter  of  Incorporation  they  are 
exempt  from  serving  on  juries,  and  from  filling 
parochial  offices. 

374.  Then  this  may  in  some  way  account  for  the 
long  list  of  Younger  Brethren  ? — Yes. 

The  following  extracts  from  an  old  record  of  the  Cor- 
poration may  explain  the  views  originally  entertained 
upon  this  subject.  "  Exemption  from  land  service  was 
"  grounded  on  a  supposition  that  all  the  members  of  the 
'•  Cor|)(iration  are  by  its  constitution  obliged  to  attend 
"  the  King's  service  at  sea  for  defence  of  the  realm  at 
"  one  hour's  warning."  And  it  is  urged  by  Mr.  Pepj's, 
who  was  the  first  INIaster  of  the  Corporation  under 
the  Charter  of  Confirmation  of  King  James  the  First, 
that  the  number  of  the  Younger  Brethren  could  not  be 
too  great,  that  mariners  are  the  strength  of  the  nation, 
that  every  one  has  a  right  to  be  a  Brother,  and  that 
if  there  were  4,000  it  would  be  much  more  for  the 
King's  service  than  400. 

375.  (^Captain  Bt/der.)  How  many  candidates 
among  the  Younger  Brethren  are  there  at  the  present 
moment  for  Elder  Brethren? — 59;  but  of  these 
probalily  40  are  ineligible,  either  from  the  [icrmanent 
disqualification  of  age,  or  the  temporary  ones  of  hold- 
ing commands,  or  being  in  public  employment,  or  in 
business  as  brokers. 

376.  {Mr.  Graves.)  Do  you  think  it  desirable  that 
any  one  should  be  admitted  to  be  a  Younger  Brother 
who  does  not  mean,  bona  fide,  to  become  ultimately  a 
candidate  for  the  office  of  an  Elder  Brother  ? — 1  see 
no  advantage  to  the  public  service  in  a  man  who 
becomes  a  Younger  Brother  under  those  circum- 
stances. I  cannot  tell  what  the  intentions  of  a  man 
may  be. 

377.  {Captain  Ryder.)  Does  the  fact  of  the  master 
of  a  merchant  ship  being  a  Younger  Brother  recom- 
mend him  to  shipowners  for  employment  ? — I  do  not 
imagine  that  it  has  any  weight. 

378.  Are  any  inquiries  made  as  to  the  character  of 
men  before  they  are  nominated  Younger  Brethren  ? — 
No,  not  by  the  Board  ;  it  has  been  held  that  e\  cry 
man  who  has  commanded  a  ship  is  entitled  to 
become  a  Younger  Brother. 

379.  (Mr.  Dunhar.)l!i  it  not  the  practice  to  require 
a  good  introduction  from  a  respectable  person  before 
a  man  is  nominated  a  Younger  Brother  ? — It  is  the 
Practice  that  the  person  proposing  a  Younger  Brother 
should  have  ascertained  his  character. 

380.  He  must  be  proi^osed  by  an  Elder  Brother  ? — 
Yes. 

381.  {Chairman.)  Then,  practically  speaking,  any 
Elder  Brother  before  proposing  a  person  to  become  a 

u 


Younger  Brother  satisfies  himself  as  to  his  j)revious 
character  and  services  ? — Yes. 

382.  {3Ir.  Graves.)  I  think  you  stated  that  when 
an  applicant,  to  be  made  a  Younger  Brother,  is  proved 
to  be  eligible,  he  has  to  undergo  election  by  ballot  on 
the  part  of  the  court  ? — No,  not  to  be  made  a  Younger 
Brother. 

383.  {Captain  Ryder.)  Has  any  applicant  been 
rejected  ? — Never,  that  I  remember. 

384.  {Mr.  Graves.)  Can  you  suggest  any  change 
that  would  lead  to  any  imiuovcment  in  the  present 
mode  of  admitting  Younger  Brethren  ? — No  ;  I  do 
not  see  that  any  is  required.  It  is  so  open  to  every 
one  for  admission  as  a  Younger  Brother,  that  I  do 
not  see  that  any  advantage  could  be  gained. 

385.  Do  you  consider  that  the  open  character  of 
the  admission  is  as  likely  to  produce  efficient  appli- 
cants as  if  the  number  of  the  applicants  was  limited 
by  annual  election  ? — I  cannot  see  any  advantage  in 
that. 

386.  {Mr.  Dunbar.)  Do  you  see  any  objection  to 
the  shipping  interest  through  the  Local  JVIarine 
Boards  electing  a  certain  number  of  the  Elder 
Brethren  ? — I  consider  that  it  would  be  highly  pre- 
judicial to  the  independence  of  the  Corporation  if  any 
of  its  members  were  appointed  as  delegates  from  any 
particular  ports,  however  great,  wealth}-,  or  impor- 
tant those  ports  might  be.  The  Corporation  holds 
itself  aloof  from  all  parties,  politics,  or  local  influences 
of  every  kind,  and  considers  that  its  functions  are  to 
assist,  protect,  and  forward  to  the  utmost  of  the  power 
entrusted  to  it  the  great  aud  important  niaritime 
interests  of  the  United  Kingdom  at  large. 

387.  {Mr.  Graves.)  How  many  committees  have 
practically  to  deal  with  matters  relating  to  Lights, 
Buoys,  and  Beacons? — As  committees,  the  Light  Com- 
mittee, and  the  Examining  Committee  are  princi- 
pally concerned  ;  but  they  have  no  independent  con- 
trol without  the  sanction  of  the  Board. 

388.  Is  there  not  also  a  committee  that  has  to  deal 
with  matters  of  account,  revenues,  &c.  ? — Yes;  that 
is  the  Wardens. 

389.  (Mr.  Gladstone.)  What  proportion  of  the 
time  occupied  by  the  general  courts  is  given  to  the 
subject  of  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons  ? — That  varies 
and  must  depend  upon  the  amount  of  work  that  is 
before  them. 

390.  I  mean,  tiiking  it  on  the  whole,  taking  the  year 
round  ;  is  it  half  or  the  greater  part  of  the  time  ? — 
It  is  one  very  important  portion  of  the  duties  ;  it  is 
rather  difficult  to  say  what  proportion  it  is,  because 
there  is  never  a  Board  that  there  is  not  something 
connected  with  Lights,  Buo_ys,  and  Beacons  to  con- 
sider ;  it  is  the  main  part  of  the  business.  All  these 
subjects  are  considered  both  in  Committee  and  at  the 
Board. 

391.  (Chairman.)  Is  there  any  ditFerence  between 
a  Board  and  a  Court  ? — Yes ;  the  Courts  meet 
monthly  aud  the  Boards  weekly ;  the  Courts  must 
consist  of  16  members,  with  the  Master  or  Deputy- 
Master  in  the  Chair,  and  they  confirm  the  proceedings 
of  the  Boards  aud  Committees. 

392.  Then  those  Courts  are  irrespective  of  the 
general  Court,  which  is  held  on  Trinity  Monday? — 
Entirely  so. 

393.  (Captain  Ryder.)  Would  a  shipmaster  at 
Liverpool  who  applied  aud  got  made  a  Younger 
Brother  be  exempt  from  parochial  duties  in  Liver- 
pool ? — Yes. 

394.  {Mr.  Graves.)  I  think  you  said  that  there  is 
no  person  a  member  of  the  Board,  whose  qualification 
was  from  the  outports  ? — Yes,  with  the  exceptions 
before  named. 

395.  {Captain  Ryder.)  K  any  applications  were 
made  from  the  outports  in  the  United  Kingdom, 
would  there  be  any  objection,  on  the  part  of  the 
Corporation,  to  nominate  the  applicants  as  Younger 
Brothers  if  2)roperly  recommended  ? — None  whatever, 
from  any  port  in  the  United  Kingdom. 


Rear-Adm, 

Molicit  Gordon. 


iOD 


MINUTES  OF  EVIDENCE  TAKEX  BEFORE  THE  COMMISSIOXERS  APPOIXTED  TO 


""O  Dec.  ISBO. 


Bear-Adm.  396.  (Chairman?)  I  see  that  on  the  Committee  for 

'fo4er<  GuTilon.  Lighthouses  there  are  five  names  exclusive  of  that  of 
tlie  houorarv  chairman,  can  you  sav  what  is  tlie 
averaee  number  of  the  members  of  that  Committee 
who  attend  ? — Ever}'  one  attends  constantly. 

397.  ( To  Captain  Bai/Ii/.)  You  are  one  of  tlie 
Elder  Biethicn  of  the  Trinity  House,  and  Chairman 
of  the  Light  Committee  ? — Yes. 

398.  There  being  five  members  on  the  Light  Com- 
mittee, of  which  you  are  the  Chairmau,  can  you  state 
what  the  average  attendance  at  the  meetings  of  that 
committee  is  ? — I  should  think  upon  the  average  there 
are  three  there  every  day;  the  members  are  frequently 
awaj'  on  duty;  sometimes  two  members  are  away  for 
three  weeks  on  duty  afloat. 

399.  (  To  Admiral  Gordon.)  I  believe  that  under 
the  ftlerchant  Shipping  Act  the  accounts  of  the 
Lighthouse  tolls  are  laid  before  Parliament  at  an 
earlier  period  than  they  used  to  be  before  that  Act 
came  into  operation.  This,  I  conclude,  must  be  con- 
sidered as  an  advantage  and  an  improvement  so  far. 
Could  jou  inform  the  Commissioners  generally  of  the 
benefits  that  have  accrued  to  the  interests  of  navi- 
gation, and  the  juirposes  for  which  sea  marks  and 
lights  were  intended,  by  the  operation  of  those  clauses 
of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act,  which  relate  to  the 
control  exercised  under  that  Act,  over  the  three 
Lighthouse  Bo.ards  ? — I  am  not  aware  of  any  benefit 
having  resulted  to  the  public  service  by  placing  the 
Trinity  House  under  the  control  of  the  Board  of 
Trade,  beyond  that  of  having  the  accounts  of  the 
Lighthouse  Tolls  laid  before  Parliament  at  an  earlier 
])eriod  than  thej'  used  to  be  ;  but  the  accounts,  so  far 
as  they  i-elate  to  the  Trinity  House,  were  then  far 
more  explanatory  than  they  are  at  present.  The 
ground  for  giving  such  extensive  powers  to  the  Board 
of  Trade  over  the  affairs  of  the  Trinity  House  was, 
that  Parliament  ought  to  have  a  greater  control 
over  the  Light  duties,  which  were  considered  as 
public  money  ;  but  in  fact,  Parliament  does  not  now 
vote  the  money  for  the  service  of  the  Corporation, 
but  only  sees  the  Eeturns  laid  before  it  by  the  Board 
of  Trade,  who  regulate  the  expenditure  at  their 
absolute  pleasure. 

400.  Then  sujjposing  an  act  passed  or  a  regulation 
made  by  which  a  return  \\  as  had  to  the  state  of  things 
as  they  existed  when  the  Trinity  House  had  the  sole 
management  of  the  funds,  does  it  seem  to  you  now, 
as  you  have  had  some  experience  as  a  member  of  the 
Corporation  of  Trinity  House,  and  have  seen  the 
working  of  its  machinery,  that  you  could  have 
proceeded  gradually  to  diminish  the  Light  duos  ? 
— There  can  be  no  doul>t  that  the  tolls  would 
have  been  reduced  under  the  sole  management  of 
the  Corporation,  when  the  debts  which  they  had 
been  obliged  to  incur  by  order  of  Parliament  in  the 
purchase  of  private  lights,  had  been  paid  off.  I 
think  they  would  havu  been  reduced  quite  as  low 
as  at  present. 

401.  Do  you  consider  that  any  greater  reduction 
in  light  dues  would  by  this  time  have  been  made  liy 
the  Trinity  House  had  they  continued  in  the  un- 
interrupted control  and  management  of  their  funds, 
as  was  the  case  prior  to  the  passing  of  the  ^Merchant 
Shipping  Act,  and  before  the  Act  of  1836  Avhich 
obliged  them  to  make  those  costly  purchases? — It  is 
now  impossible  to  say  exactly  what  reductions  would 
have  lieen  made. 

402.  {Mr.  Dunbar.)  Putting  aside  the  question  of 
charity,  would  you,  as  a  Corporation,  have  considered 
yourselves  justified  in  accumulating  upwards  of 
300,000/.  out  of  funds  rai.sed  for  the  lights  from 
the  .shipi)ing  interest  ? — Xo,  certainly  not. 

403.  Do  you  consider  that  any  disadvantage  has 
arisen  to  the  shipping  interests  through  the  double 
action  of  the  Board  of  Trade  and  the  Trinity  House? 
— The  assumption  of  control  over  the  expenditure, 
in  the  most  trifling  matters,  has,  I  think,  unneces- 
sarily increased  the  details  of  the  accounts  and  the 
correspondence   between   the   two   boards,   and   has 


caused  a  greater  feeling  of  dissatisfaction  than  any 
other  subject,  because  the  Elder  Brethren  were  led 
to  believe,  when  they  acquiesced  in  the  Merchant 
Shipping  Act,  that  it  was  not  the  ntention  of  the 
Board  of  Trade  to  interfere  in  their  duties,  but  that 
their  Accounts  of  Income  andExpentlitiire  alone  were 
to  pass  through  that  department.  It  was,  however, 
soon  found  that  but  few  of  the  general  duties  of  the 
Trinity  House  could  be  carried  on  without  involving 
questions  relating  to  money,  of  the  disbursement  of 
which  the  Board  of  Trade  assumed  the  direction, 
which  they  exercised  in  a  manner  which  I  cannot 
but  consider  as  frivolous  and  unnecessarily  arbitrary, 
and  interfering  with  the  "  management''  vested  in  the 
Trinity  House  by  the  Act.  I  apply  the  terms  frivo- 
lous, arbitrary,  to  cases  like  the  following:  On  submit- 
ting a  specification  for  a  new  steam  vessel  to  the 
Board  of  Trade,  they  refused  to  sanction  a  double 
bulk  head,  which  the  Elder  Brethren  thought 
desirable,  and  in  the  specification  for  the  cabin 
furniture  they  struck  out  the  word  "  sofa,"  and 
introduced  the  word  "  seat."  Secondly,  on  the 
appointment  of  the  successor  to  the  Buoy  Keeper  at 
the  Tees,  whose  duties  are  very  important  in  constantly 
watching  the  shifting  of  the  sands,  and  as  frequenllv 
removing  the  buoys,  the  Elder  Brethren  appointed 
the  son  of  the  late  keeper,  who  had  constantly  as- 
sisted his  father,  and  is  a  very  alile  and  intelligent 
young  man.  The  Board  of  Trade  would  not  sanc- 
tion his  appointment  until  after  much  unnecessary 
correspondence  on  the  sr.bject.  On  another  occasion 
the  Board  of  Trade  "  insisted  "  upon  being  furnished 
with  some  charts  which  had  been  placed  in  the 
hands  of  the  Elder  Brethren,  as  the  private  property 
of  one  of  the  Sub-commissioners  of  Pilotage  at 
Ipswich,  which  of  course  we  refused  to  give  up, 
without  the  sanction  of  the  owner.  Again,  in  not 
only  prescribing  the  mode  in  which  our  accounts 
shall  be  kept,  but  in  sending  an  officer  to  inspect 
the  method  adopted  for  keeping  them  at  the  wliarf 
at  Blackwall.  Again,  moreover,  in  matters  of  Con- 
tracts, the  Board  of  Trade  require  all  specifications 
to  be  sent  to  them  liefore  tenders  are  invited,  and 
they  prescribe  the  manner  and  extent  of  the  invitation; 
and  when  the  tenders  are  received,  if  the  Elder 
Brethren  think  it  expedient  not  to  adopt  the  lowest 
their  reasons  are  often  overruled,  and  even  if  the 
lowest  tender  is  proposed  for  acceptance  the  Board 
of  Trade  still  require  to  see  all  the  tenders  that 
hsxc  been  sent  in  before  any  one  is  accepted.  It 
requires  but  one  step  further  to  render  the  whole 
system  ridiculous,  iiamel}-,  to  furnish  their  Lord- 
ships with  samples  of  all  the  various  items  of  food, 
clothing,  &c.,  they  arbitrate  upon.  The  delay 
thus  occasioned  has  been  stated  by  the  contrac- 
tors in  some  cases  to  be  very  objectionable,  as 
the  market  price  of  an  article  may  fluctuate  con- 
siderably between  the  time  of  making  the  tender 
and  that  of  the  decision  come  to  upon  it.  In 
one  instance  the  Board  of  Trade  proposed  to  invite 
tenders  for  the  repair  of  the  Lyra  sailing  vessel, 
and  it  was  only  upon  a  very  strong  remonstrance  to 
the  effect  that  such  an  arrangement  had  been  found 
by  shipowrcrs  to  be  practically  dis.advantageous,  it 
being  impossible  to  ascertain  the  exact  amount  of 
repair  re(iuired  by  a  vessel  until  she  had  been  placed 
in  the  shipwright's  hands,  and  her  defects  discovered, 
and  that  the  tender  consequently  covered  all  possible 
contingencies^lhat  their  Lordships  then  consented 
to  the  work  being  done  in  the  ordinaiy  way.  The 
result  justified  this  course,  the  vessel  having  proved 
sounder  when  stripped  than  had  been  anticipated, 
and  the  expense  c<msequently  .smaller  than  any  con- 
tractor could  have  ventured  to  name.  While  on  the 
subject  of  Contracts  I  may  mention  some  exceptions. 
The  Board  of  Trade,  not  anxious  I  presume  to  iucur 
the  serious  responsibility  attending  the  safety  of  our 
Lightvessels,  allowed  cliain  cables  to  be  exceptions 
to  the  supplies  by  contract,  and  permitted  the  Elder 
Brethren   to    continue    their   practice   of   requiring 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


157 


Messrs.  Brown,  Lenox,  &  Co.  to  manufiicture 
cli.'iius  for  their  special  service  of  the  very  best 
material  and  -workmauship  that  can  be  obtained, 
arranging  the  price  per  ton  at  the  commencement  of 
each  year.  The  Board  of  Trade  lias  also  very 
recently  allowed  the  Elder  Brethren  to  confine  their 
tenders  for  Lightvessels  to  a  limited  nnmber  of  highly 
respectable  building  firms,  chiefly  in  the  River,  where 
the  work  can  be  executed  under  their  own  and  their 
surveyors  immediate  supervision.  Some  of  these 
matters  are,  perhaps,  trifles  in  themselves,  but  they 
indicate  the  power  the  Board  of  Ti-ade  assumes  in 
our  concerns,  and  the  inconsistency  of  the  whole 
proceeding,  because  the  Elder  Brethren  are  frequently 
referred  to  by  the  Board  of  Trade  to  procure  Light, 
house  works  for  colonial  or  foreign  governments. 
This,  although  evincing  confidence  in  the  Elder 
Brethren,  tells  the  other  way  as  to  their  integrity 
and  judgment  in  th:  management  of  their  own  con- 
cerns. In  affairs  of  real  importance,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  Godrevy  Lighthouse  and  a  pilotage 
case  at  Falmouth  which  is  referred  to  in  the  Ap- 
pendix to  the  Report  of  the  Select  Committee  of  the 
House  of  Commons  on  Merchant  Shipping,  the  dif- 
ferences have  been  very  few — they  have  not  occa- 
sioned the  feeling  of  irritation  caused  by  the  inter- 
ference in  minor  matters,  in  which  I  consider  the 
Board  of  Trade  to  have  greatly  exceeded  any  powers 
granted  to  fhcm  by  the  422nd  Sections  of  the  Mer- 
chant Shipping  Act. 

404.  {C/iairman.)  You  have  stated  that  the  Board 
of  Trade  requires  all  specifications  to  be  sent  to  them 
before  tenders  ai'e  invited,  and  that  they  prescribe 
the  manner  and  extent  of  the  invitation.  Is  it  the 
case  that  the  Board  of  Trade  requires  the  Trinity 
House  to  furnish  them  with  the  specifications  in  all 
instances  for  illuminating  apparatus  ? — Yes. 

405.  Is  it  by  the  Board  of  Trade's  prescription  that 
these  specifications  are  framed  and  drawn  up  ? — Xo  ; 
they  do  not  prescribe  the  form  of  the  specification. 

406.  Does  the  Board  of  .Trade  specify  the  names  of 
the  firms  to  whom  invitations  to  tender  for  such  ap- 
paratus arc  to  be  sent  ?  —  It  has  done  so ;  but  the 
number  of  firms  who  are  supposed  capable  of  exe- 
cuting the  work  for  lighthouse  purposes  is  very 
limited. 

407.  Can  }'ou  state  generally  in  what  respect  the 
position  in  which  the  Trinity  House  formerly  stood 
to  the  shipping  interest  has  been  changed  by  the 
operation  of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act  ? — T>y  re- 
moving it  from  the  intermediate  position  which  it 
held  between  the  shipping  interest  and  the  Govern 
meut.  Before  the  passing  of  the  Merchant  Shipping 
Act  no  new  lights  were  established  nor  tolls  imposed 
without  the  previous  concurrence  of  the  trade  imme- 
diately interested  therein. 

408.  The  Merchant  Shipping  Act  would  appear  to 
necessitate  the  referring  of  all  questions  concerning 
sites  of  lighthouses,  buoys,  and  beacons,  their  order, 
character,  and  colour,  &c.,  to  the  Board  of  Trade, 
whilst  the  Elder  Brethren  have  necessarily  had  con- 
siderable experience  in  such  matters.  Have  you  ob- 
served whether  any  and,  if  so,  what  inconvenience 
attends  this  arrangement  ? — I  do  not  consider  that 
the  Board  of  Trade  has  any  direct  authority  in  such 
matters,  excepting  the  inspection  that  is  given  them 
b}'  the  393rd  section  of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act, 
but  the  power  of  controlling  expenditure  given  by 
clauses  422  and  423,  is  used  as  a  ground  of  dictation 
as  to  sites,  &c.  for  lighthouses.  In  most  cases,  how- 
ever, the  Board  of  Trade  has  ultimately  concurred  in 
the  views  of  the  Elder  Brethren. 

409.  Do  you  consider  that  some  modification  of  the 
interpretation  which  would  now  seem  to  be  put  upon 
clauses  422  and  423  of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act 
which  you  liave  just  mentioned,  would  give  greater 
freedom  to  the  action  of  the  Trinity  House,  and 
enable  them  to  confer  a  greater  amount  of  benefit 
upnu  the  interests  under  their  charge  in  the  matter 
of  lights,  buoys,  and  beacons  ? — Yes,  certainly. 

U 


■ilO-  Could   you   point    out    to   what   extent    such       Rear-Adm. 
modification    in    the    interpretation   of  those    clauses   Robert  Gordor. 

would    be    beneficial    to    the    interests   under    your  

charge  ?— The  Trinity   House    were  under   the    im-    20  Dec.  IBS'- 

pression  that  those  clauses  limited  the  interference  of     ' 

the  Board  of  Trade  to  the  sanction  of  Estimates,  but 

in  practice  the   special  expenditures  throughout  the 

year  have  to  be  discussed,  and  this  minute  supervision 

is  felt  to    be  unnecessary    and  attended  with  great 

inconvenience.     I   think  that  when  the  estimates  for 

the  year,  with  the  fullest  explanatory  details  that  can 

be  given,  have  been   once  submitted  to  and  approved 

of  by  the  Board  of  Trade,  there  ought  to  be  no  further 

question  on  their  part,   as  to  the  mode   in  which  the 

work  should  be  executed  ;  and  the  responsibility  should 

devolve  on  the  Elder  Brethren,   provided  the  amount 

does  not  exceed  the  sum  estimated  for.     On  rendering 

the  accounts  I  think   it  would  be  a  great  saving  ol" 

labour  if  they  were  transmitted  to  the  Ajdit  Office 

direct. 

411.  {Mr.  Dunbar.)  Do  you  consider  that  if 
matters  relating  to  accounts  alone  were  under  the 
Board  of  Trade,  that  the  action  of  the  Trinity  House 
in  the  management  of  Lights,  Buoy.s,  and  Beacons 
would  be  more  free,  and  more  advantageously  exer- 
cised for  the  benefit  of  the  interests  with  which 
you  are  charged  ? — Yes  ;  if  you  mean  that  their 
powers  were  restricted  to  the  supervision  of  the 
correctness  of  our  accounts,  it  would  greatly  increase 
our  freedom  of  action. 

412.  {Chairman.)  The  Merchant  Shipping  Act 
prescribes  a  certain  control  over  the  Ballast  Board 
of  Dublin  through  tlie  Trinity  House,  is  that  control 
fully  exercised  by  the  Board  of  Trade  under  that 
Act  ?_Yes. 

413.  Have  you  formed  any  opinion  as  to  the  effect 

of  the   working   of    that    part    of    the   Act  ? The 

arrangement  in  force  previously  to  the  Act,  was,  I 
think,  more  simple  and  afibrded  sufficient  control,  as 
far  as  the  efficiency  of  lighting,  buoying,  and  beacon- 
age goes,  but  we  had  no  control  over  tlieir  expendi- 
ture, or  their  financial  arrangements.  Some  irregu- 
larities have  existed  in  the  working  of  the  machinery 
of  the  Act,  but  the  proceedings  are  generally  con- 
ducted in  conformity  witli  it. 

414.  You  mean  then  that  the  arrangement  in  force 
previous  to  the  Act  was  more  simple,  and  atiforded 
efilcient  control  ? — Yes ;  I  think  it  did. 

415.  It  has  come  to  the  knowledge  of  this  Com- 
mission that  the  Dul)lin  Ballast  Board  "have  no  efficient 
steamer  at  their  command,  and  that  the  only  steamer 
really  at  their  disposal  is  the  "Midge."  Are  you  of 
opinion  that  the  Ballast  Board  ought  to  have  an  eflS- 
cient  steamer  at  their  disposal  for  general  service  ? — 
I  consider  that  the  Ballast  Board  ought  to  have  a 
steamer  as  efficient  as  any  one  possessed  by  this  Cor- 
poration. 

416.  Do  you  consider  that  the  "Midge"  is  efficient 
for  their  work? — I  do  not  know  the  "Midge,"  but  from 
what  has  been  reported  to  me  of  her  size  and  character 
I  think  she  must  be  wholly  inefficient  for  the  work, 
supposing  her  duties  to  be  the  same  as  those  which 
are  executed  Ijy  the  steamers  employed  by  this 
Board. 

417.  You  have  stated  that  you  think  the  Ballast 
Board  ought  to  have  an  efficient  steamer  ;  what  do 
you  consider  the  inconveniences  are  of  their  bein"- 
without  one  ? — They  must  be  great  to  the  Ballast 
Board  from  the  infrequency  of  inspections,  in 
addition  to  their  having  no  vessel  to  convey  their 
stores. 

418.  This  Commission  is  aware  that  the  Ballast 
Board  is  entirely  dependent,  for  their  inspections,  on 
the  Trinity  House  steamers  ;  are  there  no  inconve- 
niences attending  this  state  of  things  ? — The  incon- 
venience to  the  Trinity  House  arises  from  the  West- 
ern district  being  deprived  for  so  long  a  time,  of  the 
services  of  its  ves.sel,  at  a  period  of  the  year  wlien  she 
is  required  in  London  to  receive  the  annual  supplies 
for  the  District,  and  to  distribute  them  amongst   the 


158 


MINUTES   OF   EVIDENCE  TAKEN   BEFORE  THE  COMMISSIONERS  APPOINTED  TO 


Bear-Adm. 
Robert  Gordon. 


20  Dec.  1S60 


various  Lijrht  Est;il)lis!iments  on  that  station.  Last 
year  one  of  the  London  vessels  was  obliged  to  supply 
stores  for  the  Western  District,  and  vessels  were  hired 
at  Milford  to  ctlect  the  reliefs  of  tho  differeat  light- 
vessels  on  that  Station. 

419.  You  hare  stated  that  under  the  Merchant 
Shipping  Act  a  control  is  exercised,  through  tho 
Trinity  House,  over  the  Ballast  Board  ;  is  a  similar 
control  exercised,  under  that  Act,  over  the  Scotch 
Board  ? — Yes;  and  my  rem.arks  with  respect  to  the 
operation  of  that  control  iu  Ireland  apply  generally  to 
the  Scotch  Board. 

420.  {Captain  Ryder.)  Previously  to  the  passing 
of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act.  I  believe  that  the  6th 
and  7th  of  William  the  4th,  iu  Sections  42  and  43, 
Chapter  79,  governed  the  power  of  the  Scotch  and 
Irish  Lighthouse  Boards,  to  erect  Lighthouses ;  and  I 
see,  on  looking  at  those  clauses,  that  an  appeal  from 
the  Scotch  or  Irish  Board  lay  to  the  King  iu  Council, 
in  case  the  Trinity  Board,  to  whom  they  were  obliged 
to  submit  any  proposal  to  erect  a  lighthouse,  disap- 
proved of  their  proposal  ;  but  that,  if  the  Trinity 
Board  approved  of  tlieir  proposal  the  erection  could 
proceed  without  further  interference.  Under  sec- 
tion 40o  of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act,  do  you  un- 
derstand that  after  the  approval  of  the  Trinity  House, 
of  the  proposal  to  erect  a  lighthouse  made  by  the 
Scotch  or  Irish  Board,  the  Board  of  Trade  can  inter- 
fere with  that  proposal,  and  that  thus  an  entire  change 
has  t.aken  place  in  the  power  of  the  Scotch  and  Irish 
Boards,  and  the  ultimate  action  of  the  Trinity  House  ? 
^You  are  right  as  to  the  change  of  power,  because 

t  is  at  the  discretion  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  whether 
they  wdl  allow  the  money  for  tho  building  upon  a 
eite  which  they  do  not  approve. 

421.  (Mr.  Gladstone.)  When  there  are  communis 
cations  between  the  Northern  Commissioners  or  the 
Ballast  Board,  and  the  Board  of  Trade,  respecting 
either  tho  erection  of  new  Lighthouses,  the  placing 
or  alteration  of  buoys,  or  the  ivarying  of  the  character 
of  a  Light,  do  those  communications  always  pass 
through"  the  Trinity  House  ? — Yes,  they  do  always 
now. 

422.  {Mr.  Jhinbnr.)  Has  there  ever  been  an 
instance  of  the  Dublin  Board  and  the  Trinit}'^  House 
here  agreeing  to  anything,  and  the  Board  of  Trade 
upsetting  it  ? — No,  1  do  not  remember  any  cases  at 
this  moment,  excei)t  one,  which  the  Board  of  Trade 
considered  to  be  of  a  local  character,  and  the  case  of 
the  gun  for  the  Kish  Bank  Lightvessel. 

423.  I  think  vou  stated  that  they  could  do  that 
if  they  liked  ?— Yes,  I  consider  that  they  luave  the 
power. 

424.  Arc  the  Scotch  Lights  erected  out  of  tho 
General  Fund  ? — To  the  best  of  my  knowledge  they 
arc  paid  out  of  tho  General  Fund. 

425.  Is  there  a  proposal  at  the  present  moment 
to  erect  a  light  on  the  Orkney  Islands  ? — There  is 
a  proposal  which  has  been  before  us. 

426.  Would  that  Liglit  be  erected  out  of  the 
General  Funds  ? — That  would  depend  entirely  upou 
whether  it  couhl  be  considered  a  General  Coast  Light. 

427.  Who  would  have  the  benefit  of  that  light? — 
The  vessels  trading  among  those  islands.  We  have 
not  consented  to  its  erection,  because  we  consider 
the  light  to  be  of  so  entirely  local  a  character  as 
to  render  it  doubtful  whether  any  toll  which  could  be 
imposed  upon  the  trade  that  would  derive  benefit  from 
it  would  be  at  all  adequate  to  its  maintenance. 

428.  Do  the  Scotch  Lighthouses  pay  their  cv.-n 
expenses  ? — Since   the  method   of  keeping  accounts 


has  been  regulated  by  the  Board  of  Trade  it  has 
not  been  possible  to  determine  the  revenue  for  each 
light,  but  the  Keturus  called  for  by  the  Commis- 
sioners for  1852  and  1858  will  enable  you  to  form 
some  opinion.  Fi-om  a  calculation  made  iu  1859. 
founded  upon  the  proportion  of  receipts  of  former 
years,  it  would  appear  that  the  excess  of  expenditure 
(inclusive  of  that  for  new  works)  over  revenue  in 
Scotland  in  1858  was  upwards  of  32,000/. 

429.  {Chairman.)  The  case  of  the  Godrevy  Light- 
house appears  to  the  Commissioners  to  be  one  in 
which,  after  the  Trinity  House  and  Board  of  Trade 
had  concurred  in  the  change  of  site  to  the  outer 
rock,  at  or  close  to  the  danger,  the  Board  of  Trade 
refused  its  .sanction,  and  the  lighthouse  was  event- 
ually erected  on  a  site  considerably  within  the 
danger;  after  making  full  allowance  for  the  difference 
in  the  expense,  if  the  outer  site  had  been  finally  agreed 
on,  but  not  forgetting  that  a  higher  toil  might  have 
been  levied  in  respect  of  this  lighihonse  to  meet 
that  expense,  are  you  of  opinion  that  the  determi- 
nation come  to  b}'  which  a  lighthouse  was  jilaced 
on  Godrevy  Island  was  one  that  the  Trinity  House, 
having  a  due  regard  to  all  the  purposes  for  which 
an  expensive  light  had  to  be  placed  in  that  position, 
would  ap])rove,  supposing  their  action  to  be  altogether 
unfettered,  and  not  limited  as  it  is  now  by  the 
operation  of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act  ? — Had 
the  question  rested  solely  with  the  Elder  Brethren, 
tho  light  would  I  think  have  been  placed  on  thfl 
Outer  Stone;  any  apparent  indecision  respecting 
building  on  the  Stones  arose  fiom  an  expression  of 
Admiral  Beechey's,  who  had  accompanied  the  Com- 
mittee at  the  request  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  and 
who  said,  "  It  is  no  use  your  recommending  the 
Stones,  the  Board  of  Trade  will  never  sanction  the 
expense." 

430.  {Mr.  Dunbar.)  After  what  Admiral  Beechey 
said,  did  you  still  recommend  the  site  of  the  Stones 
for  the  Lighthouse  ? — ^Yes,  we  did. 

431.  Did  any  correspondence  take  place  in  con- 
sequence of  that  ? — Yes. 

432.  And  the  Board  of  Trade  still  adhered  to  their 
determination  ? — Yes. 

433.  {Chairman.)  It  is  probable  that  the  case 
of  the  Light  on  Rhu  Vaal  (Sound  Islay)  has  come 
under  your  notice  ? — Yes. 

434.  With  regard  to  Rhu  Vaal  (Sound  Islay) 
were  the  Trinity  House  and  the  Board  of  Trade 
agreed  as  to  the  site  and  character  of  the  light, 
the  height  of  the  tower,  and  the  sailing  directions  or 
notices  issued  to  mariners  ? — Yes,  we  were  agreed 
as  to  the  character  of  the  light;  the  height  of  the 
tower  did  not  come  under  our  consideration,  and, 
as  to  the  sailing  directions  in  tho  notice  to  mariners, 
although  we  do  not  usually  interfere  with  such  part 
of  the  duties  of  other  Boards,  on  this  occasion  we 
were  invited  to  draw  them  up,  which  we  did. 

435.  Did  the  Trinity  House  agree  with  the 
suggestion  from  the  Board  of  Trade  that  the  light 
should  be  made  to  serve  as  a  clearing  mark  for  the 
Keva  Rocks  which  arc  in  the  passage  between  Islay 
and  Colonsay  ? — The  Trinity  House  disapproved  of 
opening  that  channel. 

436.  As  the  matter  now  stands,  was  the  action 
of  the  Board  of  Trade,  in  suggesting  the  particular 
application  of  the  light,  in  your  opinion  within  the 
meaning  of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act  ? — I  doubt 
whether  it  was  strictly  in  accordance  with  the  spirit 
of  the  Act. 


Adjourned  to  Saturdny  rext  at,  iialfti,:s(  eleven  o'clec! 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


159 


Saturday,  22d  December  1860. 

PHESENT  : 

Rear-Admiral  William  Alexander  Baillie  IIamu.tox. 
Captain  Alfred  Piiillii'S  Ryder,  R.N. 
JoHX  Hall  Gladstone,  Esq. 
Samuel  Robert  Graves,  Esq. 
Rear-Admiral  William  Alexander  Baillie    Hamilton  in  the  Chair. 
Rear-AJiuiral  Robert  Gordon  further  examined. 


Rear-Adm. 

Robert  Gordon. 


I 


437.  {Chairman.)  Although  it  would  appear  from 
your  evidence  on  the  last  day  of  your  attendance 
here,  that  the  more  active  and  direct  service  con- 
nected with  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons  was  limited 
to  the  Committee  for  Lights,  and  in  some  parts  of  it 
to  the  Examining  Committee,  yet  I  imagine  that  the 
duties  on  which  the  whole  body  of  the  Elder 
Brethren,  although  belonging  to  other  Committees, 
are  engaged,  are  more  or  less  of  that  description 
which  \yould  add  to  their  qualification  for  the  executive 
duties  that  would  devolve  upon  them  when  they 
come,  in  usual  course,  to  be  members  of  either  the 
Light  Committee  or  the  Examining  Committee.  I 
may  remark  that  the  duties  of  the  several  Committees 
are  stated  at  page  73  of  the  Appendix  in  the  return 
to  the  requisition  of  this  Commission,  dated  the  27th 
May  1839,  but  it  might  be  convenient  if  you  would 
repeat  those  duties  here  ?  —  Perhaps  I  shall  best 
explain  by  detailing  to  the  Commissioners  tlie  duties 
of  the  separate  Committees,  which  are  as  follows  : — 
With  reference  to  the  Examining  Committee,  and  the 
Committee  for  Lights,  I  may  explain  that  as  a 
general  rule  the  Examining  Committee,  in  addition  to 
their  duties  as  examiners  into  the  competency  of 
pilots,  masters  in  the  navy,  and  masters  of  other 
vessels  in  matters  of  pilotage,  are  responsible  to  the 
Board  for  the  correctness  of  marks,  bearings,  &c., 
inserted  in  "Notices  to  Mariners"  issued  by  the 
Trinity  House.  They  also  consider  the  advisability 
of  m.aking  alterations  in  the  position  of  Buoys, 
Beacons,  or  Lightvessels,  whether  suggested  by 
members  of  the  Board,  or  by  any  other  persons.  If 
their  report  is  approved  by  the  Board,  the  Light 
Committee,  as  the  Executive  Committee  in  all 
matters  connected  with  Lights,  Buo3"s,  and  Beacoiii, 
are  directed  to  carry  the  proposed  alterations  into 
effect.  In  the  same  way  the  Pilotage  Committee  are 
responsible  for  everything  connected  with  pilots  and 
pilotage  duties  in  all  ports  in  England  under  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  Trinity  House.  The  Wardens 
control  expenditure,  and  consider  all  questions  of 
importance,  alone,  or  in  conjunction  with  the  Com- 
mittee interested  in  the  question,  as  the  case  may 
be.  The  Supervisors  of  the  Ballast  Department 
regulate  the  important  duty  of  raising  and  supply- 
ing ballast  to  ships,  together  with  the  management 
of  the  numerous  craft  required  for  that  service,  in 
which  nearly  300  men  are  employed  ;  and  I  am 
gratified  in  being  able  to  say  that  order  and  good 
conduct  is  the  general  rule  of  this  rough  service, 
which  has  been  considerably  extended  within  a  few 
years,  in  consequence  of  a  large  body  of  men, 
termed  "ballast  heavers,"  totally  unconnected  with 
the  Corporation,  having  claimed  the  protection  of, 
and  voluntarily  plac'd  themselves  under  the  authority 
of  the  Trinity  House.  The  Pension  Committee  is 
formed  by  members  of  other  Committees,  but  their 
duties  have  become  light  since  we  have  been  pro- 
hibited from  granting  pensions  to  decayed  and  worn- 
out  seamen  and  their  families.  The  duties  of  all  the 
Committees  are  purely  executive.  The  administrative 
jurisdiction  rests  witli  the  Board,  whose  sanction  is 
required  to  confirm  the  act  of  any  Committee  beyond 
its  ordinary  routine  duties. 

438.  What  you  have  now  stated  does  not  go  to 
show  how  much  of  the  time  of  the  Elder  Brethren, 
forming  the  Light  Committee,  is  employed  afloat. 
Can  you  furnish  the  Commissioners  with  anything 
like  an  abstract  of  the  number  of  days  that  each 
member  has  served  afloat,  from  the  1st  of  January  in 
this  year  to  the  present  time  ? — I  havft  prepared  an 
abstract,  which  I  wiU  hand  in. 


(  TIte  same  teas  handed  in  as  follows]  : — 
Number  of  days  in  which  the  members  of  the  Light 
Committee  have  been  .afloat  since  the  1st  of  January 
1860. 

Captain  Close  -     65  days    Chairman  of  the  Com- 

mittee until  Trinitj' 
Monda}'. 
„       Bayly  -     96     „        Chairman  of  the  Com- 

mittee te  this  time. 
„       Pelly  -     14     „ 

„  Nisbet  -  123  „ 
„  Arrow  -  63  „ 
„       Were  -     24     „ 

439.  {Mr.  Graves.)  It  appears  then  that  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Light  Committee  are  frequently  absent, 
employed  personally  in  superintending  the  removal 
and  replacing  of  IJuoys  and  Lightships,  and  in  the 
monthly  service  of  relieving  crews  ;  could  not  this 
service,  to  a  large  extent,  be  entrusted  to  a  nautical 
euperintendeut  as  at  Dublin  ? — I  think  not  ;  one  of 
the  principles  acted  upon  by  the  Elder  Brethren  is 
not  to  delegate  to  a  subordinate  officer  the  execution 
of  any  service  that  they  consider  it  their  duty  to  per- 
form themselves  ;  and  it  is  a  great  public  benefit  that 
their  numbers  enable  them  to  do  this  without  neglect- 
ing their  other  duties. 

440.  {Mr.  Gladslone.)  Then  it  appears  that, 
generally  speaking,  two  or  three  of  the  Elder 
Brethren  proceed  to  perform  the  duties  alluded  to  in 
the  previous  question  ;  do  you  think  that  those  duties 
would  not  be  efficiently  discharged  by  one  of  tho 
Elder  Brethren  ? — I  should  say  tliat  it  was  always  of 
advantage  to  have  the  judgment  of  two. 

441.  {Chairman.)  Does  the  necessity  of  having 
more  than  one  Elder  Brother  apply  to  the  service  of 
relieving  the  crews  ? — Yes.  Some  of  the  advantages 
attending  small  Committees  accompanying  the  reliefs 
of  the  crews  of  Lightvessels  are  the  following  : — 
1.  Frequent  visiting  and  inspecting  the  Lightvessels 
and  their  crews,  and  thus  affording  an  opportunity  for 
immediately  investigating  any  complaint  or  mis- 
understanding before  any  of  the  parties  have  left 
their  vessel.  This  duty,  if  entrusted  to  any  officer, 
would,  on  thereceipt  of  his  report,  involve  the  necessity 
of  sending  another  vessel  with  a  Committee  to  in- 
vestigate the  circumstances,  or  to  bring  on  shore 
the  party  complained  of,  thus  greatly  deranging  the 
routine  of  the  relief  and  increasing  the  expense. — 
2nd.  Personally  observing  the  efficiency  of  the 
Lights,  and  the  correctness  of  position,  and  the  con- 
dition of  Buoys  in  the  channels  they  pass  through,  and 
placing  Wreck  Buoys  where  necessary.  These  trips 
with  the  Reliefs  also  aflbrd  the  Junior  Members  of  the 
Examining  Committee  good  opportunities  for  becom- 
ing practically  acquainted  with  the  marks  for  the 
various  Buoys,  and  of  testing  the  correctness  of  the 
charts  as  to  their  position.  It  is  scarcely  possible  to 
imagine  any  motive  except  a  sense  of  duty  that  could 
induce  gentlemen  to  leave  their  homes  and  families  for 
1-0  many  days  together  at  all  seasons  of  the  year,  with- 
out the  slightest  personal  advantage  accruing  from  it. 

442.  {Mr.  Gladstone.)  It  appears  that  the  expenses 
of  the  Committees  of  Inspection  at  the  various  stations 
in  1858  amounted  to  821/.  lis.  Id.;  of  what  did  those 
expenses  mainly  consist  ? — Subsistence  at  so  much 
per  diem  when  afloat,  and  travelling  expenses,  and 
subsistence  when  proceeding  by  land,  as  when  we 
went  to  meet  the  Commissioners  at  Whitby. 

443.  {Mr.  Graves.)  In  answer  to  our  requisition 
of  the  loth  February  1860,  a  return  has  been  sent  in, 
marked  E,  giving  a  detailed  account  of  the  expen- 
diture for  salaries  and  establishment  for  the  yeai-s 


U4 


160 


MINUTES   OF   EVIDENCE   TAKEN   BEFOllE   THE   COMMISSIONERS   APPOINTED   TO 


Kear-Adm.      endinff  the  31st  December  1857  and  18.58,  araountiiii; 
Uobert  Gordon,  in  the  lattei'  year  to  14,774/.;  will  you  explain  wlia» 

is  meant  by  '■establishment,"  and  whether  the  exi)en- 

22  Dec.  18G0.    jij(„,.(,  giyeu  i.s  limited  to  matters  relating  to  lights, 

'~~~^^       buovs,   and    beacons  ? — The  word   "  Establishment " 

in    Statement  E.    includes    the  Elder   Brethren,  but 

applies  to  those  clerks  and  ollicials  only  whose  salaries 

arc  chargeable  against  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons. 

444.  Is  the  gross  expenditure  of  the  Establishment, 
14,774/.,  all  chargeable  to  the  Mercantile  Marine 
Fund  ? — 14,774/.  is  not  the  gross  expenditure  of  the 
Trinity  House  Establishment,  but  is  that  poi-tion  of 
the  amount  which  is  chargeable  to  the  Lights,  Buoy.s, 
and  Beacons  Account  of  the  Mercantile  Marine 
Fund. 

44o.  {Capf.  Bi/der.)  How  is  the  clerk  paid  that  is 
necessary  for  conducting  the  affairs  of  the  charities 
and  almshouses  of  the  Corporation  ? — The  clerks 
who  perform  the  duties  connected  with  the  charities 
are  paid  exclusively  from  the  separate  income  of  the 
Corporation. 

446.  Do  the  charities  of  the  corporation  occupy 
much  of  the  time  of  the  Elder  Brethren  in  adminis- 
tering them  ? — The  almshouses  are  under  the  super- 
vision of  Elder  Brethren  (generally  residing  in  the 
neighbourhood)  who  voluntarilj'  undertake  that  duty. 

447.  Do  the  Elder  Brethren  receive  any  salary 
from  the  charities  ? — None  whatever. 

448.  {Mr.  Graves.)  It  appears  by  the  detailed 
account  of  the  expenditure  for  superannuation 
allowances  in  the  year  ending  1858,  under  the  head 
of  "  official  establishment,"  that  several  names  are 
given  ;  does  that  term  apply  solely  to  lights,  buoys, 
and  beacons,  or  does  it  include  officials  who  have 
been  connected  with  other  duties  in  the  establish- 
ment ? — I  will  furni.sh  an  answer  to  that  question. 

{The  same  was  handed  in  as  folio  ivs)  : — 
Official  Establishment. — Supekanxdations. 


Original 
Appoint- 
ment. 

Super- 
aunuatcu. 

Former  Ofllee. 

Buttcrfield,  C.    - 

1811* 

1853 

Accountant. 

ButterficlcI.J.II. 

1837 

1856 

Collection  Accounts, 
Examination  De- 
partment. 

Cole,  J.  W.        - 

1824 

1855 

Collector  of  Light 
Duties  Office. 

Cotton,  B. 

1812 

1855 

Collector  of  Light 
Duties. 

Duval,  P.  S.      - 

1824 

1855 

Collector  of  Light 
Duties  Office. 

Hall,  J.     - 

— 

1850 

Surveyor  of  81iipping. 

Herliurt,  J. 

1803 

1856 

Secretary. 

Ritherdon,  R.    - 

1837 

1857 

Cterk  iu  various  de- 
partments,— last  in 
Pension  Depart- 
ment. 

White,  n.  A.     - 

lS2.'i* 

1851 

Pourth  Clerk,  (Light 
Committee). 

Williams,  AV.    - 

1824 

1855 

Collector  of  Light 
Duties  Office. 

Hodges,  T. 

1824* 

18.53 

Head  Messenger. 

Parsons  W.       - 

— 

1858 

Night  Watchman. 

Jones.  Mrs.  E. 

1843 

Widow  of  Captain 
.leukin  .Jones,  K.N., 
an  I'.lder  Brother, 
drowned  while  on 
duty. 

Wejnton.Mrs.JI. 

1847 

Widow  of  an  Elder 
Brother,  who  diid 
from  illness  hrought 
on  hy  exposure 
while  on  duty. 

*  These  allowances  were  granted  prior  to  1st  October  185.'!, 
and  were  accepted  by  the  Board  of  Trade  as  chargeable  on  the 
Mercantile  Marine  Fund  under  sec.  XII.  of  the  Act  10  &.  17 
Vict.,  cap.  131. 

All  the  above  allowances  were  made  in  consideration  of 
services  in  the  Corporation's  Official  establishment,  compre- 
hending more  or  less  of  the  period  prior  to  185.'!,  and  were 
accepted  by  the  Board  of  Trade  as  within  the  meaning  of  the 
sections  XII.  and  XIII.  of  the  Act  above  quoted.  Messrs. 
Cotton,  Williams,  and  Duval  were  superannuated  when  the 
duties  of  the  collection  at  London  were  transferred  from  the 
Trinity  House  to  the  Custom  House.  Mr.  Cole's  allowance  was 
granted  shortly  after  the  completion  of  that  nrrangement. 


449.  At  page  89  in  the  detailed  account  of  the 
exjieiiditure  in  respect  of  Lighthouses  for  the  year 
ending  18.58,  there  is  an  item  for  "office  and  house 
expense.s,"  amounting  to  3,467/.  17s.  5d.  ;  can  you 
furnish  the  Commissioners  with  a  return  showing  the 
details  of  that  expenditure  ? — Yes,  certainly. 

( The  same  was  handed  in  asfolloics)  : — 

Office  and  IIocse  Expense,?.- 
Detail  of  Charr/es  in   18.58. 

£     s.    d. 

Stationery,  ])rintiug,  account  and 
minute  books,  gazettes,  and  news- 
papers, advertisements,  and  printing 
notices  to  mariners         -         .  .     1031     7   11 

Insurance  -         -         -         .         -         46  10     0 

Uniform  clothing  to  messengers  (6)      -         43     .5     0 

Wages  to  gatekeeper,  night-watchman, 

and  domestic  servants  -  -       239  13     6 

Tithe.s,  water  rate,  and  gas         -  -       203   10     0 

Coals,  firewood,  candles,  oil,  and  coke  -       1.58   15     9 

Repairs  and  supplies  to  the  house  and 

offices 208   16     2 

Annual  proportion  chargeable  to  the 
Mercantile  Marine  Fund  of  exiien.-:es 
for  Ijoard  of  housekeeper  and  do- 
mestic servants,  as  agreed  on  with 
Board  of  Trade  -  -  -     1000     0     0 

Proportion  of  expense  of  Trinity  Mon- 
day Anniversary  Entertainment  to 
Her  iliijcsty".-^  Ministers,  &c. — Annual 
amount  agreed  on  iu  like  manner       -       300     0     0 

Postage,      carriage,      and      incidental 

charges  -  -  -  =       199  19     0 

Repair  and  maintenance  of  Pay  Hall  for 
pensioners         -  -  -  -         ;^,G    0     1 

£3467  17     .5 


450.  {Captain  Bi/der.)  How  many  candidates  for 
the  position  of  Elder  Brethren  were  there  at  the  last 
two  elections  for  Elder  Brethren  ? — 55  and  59  ;  but 
I  should  observe,  as  on  the  Last  ex.tmination,  that  a 
large  proportion  of  these  were  ineligible. 

451.  How  do  they  give  notice  of  their  being  can- 
didates ? — They  request  one  member  of  the  Board  to 
propose  and  another  to  second  them,  upon  which  a 
ballot  is  taken. 

452.  What  notice  to  candidates  is  given  of  a  va- 
cancy previous  to  election  ? — No  public  notice,  as  the 
occurrence  of  a  vacancy  is  always  immediately  known 
amongst  them. 

453.  What  steps  are  taken  by  candidates  to  bring 
their  peculiar  claims  under  the  notice  of  the  Elder 
Brethren  ? — They  apply  personally  to  the  Elder 
Brethren,  and  state  their  qualifications. 

454.  Do  the  honorary  Elder  Brethren,  or  persons 
unconnected  -with  the  Trinity  House,  take  an  interest 

in  the  elections,    and  canvass  for  their  proteges  ? 

Certainly  not. 

455.  What  are  considered  (he  qualitieations  or 
services  which  are  recognized  its  claims  for  the  ap- 
jioinlmeut  ? — Having  attained  the  rank  of  commander 
iu  the  navy  for  at  least  four  years  previously,  serving 
afloat  during  part  of  that  time,  or  having  been  a 
master  in  the  merchant  service  on  foreign  voy.ages 
lor  at  least  four  years. 

456.  {Mr.  Graves.)  Are  the  steam  and  siiiling 
vessels  owned  and  employed  by  the  Trinity  House 
Corporation  used  for  any  other  purposes'  besides 
those  duties  which  are  performed  in  connection  with 
lights  ? — They  are  not  employed  for  any  other  jnir- 
poscs. 

457.  I  ob.serve  that  the  remuneration  of  the  Trinitv 
Honsi'  engineer  was  changed  from  a  .system  of  com- 
mission to  one  of  salary,  while  at  the  same  time  (he 
mode  of  remunerating  the  engineer  to  the  Northern 
Commissioners  was  changed  from  a  salary  to  a  com- 
mission ;    can     you    give    the    Commissioners    any 


IXQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITIOX  AND  JrANAGE.MENT  OP  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BKACONS. 


161 


reason  for  this  rhange  ? — With  respect  to  the  En- 
gineer to  the  Corporation  of  the  Trinit}'  Honse,  tlie 
change  was  adopted  to  save  unpleasant  discussion 
upon  niinnte  items,  but  I  can  give  no  answer  witli 
reference  to  the  Engineer  to  the  Northern  Lights. 

4o8.  Did  the  change  originate  with  the  Trinity 
House,  or  the  Board  of  Trade  ? — It  was  pro])osed  by 
tlie  Trinity  House,  and  concurred  in  by  the  Board  of 
Trade. 

4.59.  {C/iairiiiri/i.)  Will  you  be  good  cnongli  to 
state  exactly  the  course  the  light  or  toll  dues  now 
take  from  the  period  of  their  being  received  until  the 
portion  of  them  that  is  intended  for  the  service  of 
lights  comes  to  the  Trinity  House  ? — The  course  is 
this  :  The  amounts  collected  are  remitted  to  the 
Trinity  House  by  the  collectors,  daily,  weekly,  or 
nionthh',  according  to  the  size  of  the  jiort,  and  ])aid 
into  the  Bank  of  England  to  "The  Trinitj- House, 
London,  Public  Account."  The  collections  are  then 
paid  over  by  the  Trinity  House  to  Her  Majesty's 
Paymaster  General,  to  the  account  of  the  Jlercantile 
Marine  Fund,  usually  in  sums  of  10,000/.  each.  All 
sums  for  disbursements  have  to  be  imprest  for. 
10,000/.  is  generally  asked  for  at  a  time.  The 
applications  to  the  Paymaster  General,  both  to  p.ay 
in  and  to  draw  out,  go  through  the  Board  of  Trade. 

460.  {Mr.  Graves.)  Suppose  the  Trinity  House 
was  relieved  of  all  duties  connected  with  the  collec- 
tion of  light  dues,  and  the  duties  of  the  Trinity  House 
were  confined  to  the  simple  expenditure  for  main- 
tenance of  lights,  &c.  ;  can  you  give  the  Commis- 
sioners any  idea  of  the  saving  that  would  be  effected 
in  the  st.aff  of  the  Trinity  House  by  such  a  change  ? 
— It  would  probably  enable  us  to  dispense  with  the 
services  of  five  members  of  our  official  establishment, 
and  of  one  supernumerary,  that  is  to  say,  of  1  senior 
clerk,  at  a  salary  from  300/.  to  600/.  per  annum  ;  4 
junior  clerks,  80/.  to  200/.  per  annum  ;  1  super- 
numerary, 104/.  per  annum  ;  the  aggregate  amount  at 
the  present  moment  being  974/.  per  annum.  But  on 
the  other  hand  there  would  be  the  set  off  of  super- 
annuations upon  abolition  of  office,  &c.,  and  so 
long  as  Light  Duties  are  levied  their  collection 
would  need  to  be  subjected  to  an  examination  as 
rigid  as  that  which  it  receives  at  our  hands,  involving 
a  similar  expense  in  some  other  department.  The 
saving  with  us  on  account  of  book.s,  forms,  receipts, 
&c.  would  be  about  200/.  per  annum. 

461.  Can  you  give  the  Commissioners  a  general 
opinion  as  to  what  would  be  the  saving  in  the  item 
of  collection  if  the  light  dues  were  entirely  abolished  ? 
— I  can  give  no  estimate  of  the  saving,  excepting  as 
respects  the  commission  allowed  to  the  collectors  of 
customs  who  collect  tliose  dues  afloat,  which  amounled 
in  the  year  ending  30th  September  1860  to  1,723/. 
Ss.  Id. 

462.  {Chairman.)  Then  I  suppose  that  the  Custom 
House  authorities  are  those  who  would  best  afford  us 
that  information? — Yes,  I  should  think  so. 

463.  Then  your  answer  refers  only  to  the  collec- 
tion of  dues  remitted  to  the  Trinity  House,  and  not 
to  those  collected  by  the  Scotch  or  Irish  Boards  ? — 
Yes,  solely  to  those  collected  by  the  Trinity  House. 

464.  Adverting  to  the  question  put  at  your  last 
examination  relative  to  the  light  at  Rhu  Vaal,  and  to 
the  interpretation  which  would  appear  to  have  been 
put  on  clause  422  of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act,  as 
to  the  controlling  power  of  the  Board  of  Trade  ia 
that  instance,  and  seeing  that  in  case  of  a  difference 
of  opinion  between  the  Scotch  Board  and  the  Trinity 
Board  the  Act  makes  the  Beard  of  Trade  the  ultimate 
referee,  are  you  of  opinion  that  inconvenience  to  the 
public  service  might  arise  from  the  power  given  to 
the  Board  of  Trade  by  that  Act  being  so  interpreted  ? 
— Yes.  It  is  not  desirable  that  the  Board  of  Trade, 
who  are  the  ultimate  referees,  should  interfere  until 
appealed  to  ;  but  courtesy  to  the  naval  adviser  of 
the  Board  of  Trade  has  induced  the  Trinity  House  not 
to  decline  being  accompanied  by  him  whilst  employed 
in  preliminary  inspections. 

I.  X 


465.  I  think  that  in  the  case  of  the  light  at  Phludda 
tlie  suggestion  did  to  some  extent  originate  with  the 
Board  of  Trade  ? — Yes  ;  the  suggestion  originated 
with  the  Board  of  Trade,  but  was  concurred  in  iiy 
the  Trinity  House. 

466.  You  are  acquainted  with  the  case  of  the 
Skervoile  or  Iron  Rock  in  the  Sound  of  Jura  ; — Yes, 
I  am. 

467.  Then  in  this  case  the  Board  of  Trade  appears  to 
have  refused  their  sanction  to  the  estimate,  after  the 
Trinity  Board  and  Scotch  Board  had  concurred  as 
to  the  site,  and  after  the  Board  of  Trade  had  ap- 
proved both  the  site  and  plans  as  submitted  by  the 
engineer  employed  by  the  Scotch  Board  ;  and  the 
first  letter  of  tlie  correspondence  sent  to  us  is  dated 
the  28th  of  March  1859,  and  continues  till  the  30th 
June  1859.  The  lighthouse  has  not  yet  been  com- 
menced. The  most  prominent  feature  in  the  closing 
letters  being  that  the  Board  of  Trade  assert  that 
the  expense  of  lighthouse  keepers'  dwellings  in 
Ireland  is  much  less  than  that  estimated  for  the 
keepers'  houses  for  the  Skervoile  Rock,  whilst  the 
Northern  Commissioners  state  that  they  had  ascer- 
tained that  the  expense  in  Ireland  in  the  light- 
houses referred  to  ia  18«.  9d.  per  square  foot,  while 
in  the  buildings  proposed  for  this  Scotch  lighthouse 
it  is  only  13«.  8c?.  Does  it  seem  to  you  that  the 
action  of  tlie  Board  of  Trade  in  this  instance  was 
within  the  meaning  and  intent  of  the  Merchant 
Shipping  Act  ;  or,  supposing  that  it  was  within  the 
intent  of  the  Act,  do  you  consider  such  action  is 
advantageous  to  the  mariner's  interests  ? — I  do  not 
consider  that  it  was  within  the  spirit  of  the  Act  ; 
nor  do  I  consider  it  advantageous  to  the  interests  of 
the  mariner. 

468.  Do  3'ou  know  whether  the  method  adopted  by 
the  Scotch  Board  for  drawing  up  pl.ans  and  making 
estimates,  advertising  for  tenders,  &c.,  is  the  same 
as  that  which  is  adopted  at  the  Trinity  House  ? — I 
have  no  cognizance  of  their  mode  of  conducting 
those  duties. 

469.  By  clause  408  of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act 
the  Trinity  House  has  power  to  direct  the  Scotch 
Board  to  proceed  to  erect  a  lighthouse  in  any  situa- 
tion ;  has  the  Trinity  Board  the  jiower  to  adopt  any 
one  of  the  following  courses :  First,  to  order  the 
Scotch  Board  to  obtain  estimates  from  any  other  than 
their  own  engineer  ? — No,  they  have  not. 

470.  Secondly,  to  order  their  own  engineer  to  pro- 
ceed to  Scotland,  and  make  estimates,  and  advertise 
for  tenders,  and  proceed  to  erect  ? — No. 

471.  Thirdly,  have  they  any  power  under  the  Act 
which,  if  exercised,  would  prevent  such  a  state  of 
things  as  that,  after  the  necessity  for  a  lighthouse  has 
been  admitted,  the  plans  being  approved,  but  the 
estimates  not  being  approved,  a  year  may  elapse,  and 
the  lighthouse  not  be  commenced,  because  the  Board 
of  Trade  will  not  allow  the  specification  to  be  adver- 
tised, but  insist  upon  the  estimate  being  first  lowered  ? 
— No  ;  I  do  not  consider  that  the  Trinity  House 
has  any  power. 

472.  You  probably  remember  the  question  of  tlia 
colour  of  the  light  to  be  shown  in  the  Sound  of 
Islay  ? — Yes. 

473.  In  this  case  the  views  of  the  Scotch  Commis- 
sioners were  strongly  supported  by  the  Admiralty 
Surveyor,  C.aptaiu  Bedford,  an  officer  of  great  local 
experience  ;  and  one  of  the  points  at  issue  was  the 
colour  to  be  shown  by  tlie  light  at  Rhu  Vaal,  vvliieh 
the  Scotch  Commissioners  wished  to  be  red,  as  accord- 
ing with  the  directions  as  to  colours  indicating 
danger.  The  Board  of  Trade  (the  Trinity  House 
concurring)  directed  the  Scotch  Commissioners  to 
break  through  their  rule  on  this  point,  and  show  a 
white  light  as  a  warning  light  from  danger.  Are 
you  of  opinion  that  this  was  an  exercise  of  power 
within  the  meaning  and  intent  of  the  Act  ?  — As  we 
do  not  consider  Red  to  be  exclusively  a  Danger 
light,  I  think  that  it  was  an  exercise  of  power  within 
till.'  meanini  and  intent  of  the  Act. 


Rcar-Adm. 
liobtrt  Ouniun 


162 


MIXUTES   OF   EVIDENCE   TAKEN    BEFORE   THE   COStMISSIONERS  APPOINTED  TO 


i?, 

JluUrl  C 


■Urn  4"-*-  Then  you  do  not  think  that  an  enforced  change 

ordon.  of  llic  Scotch  practice  is  likely  to  lead  to  confusion  iu 
the  mind  of  the  mariner  ? — Not  to  a  man  of  ordiiiary 
18G6.     i„telli"-ence    who    paid    attention    to  the   directions 

issued"  on  the  subject.     Similar  cases  exist  at  Scilly, 

-ivhcre  white  lights  are  seen  over  the  numerous  dangers 
-.lurounding  those  islands.  The  light  at  the  Monach 
Ishuids  will  be  a  Danger  light,  and  not  a  leading  one  ; 
s,nd  if  the  principle  of  using  red  only  for  warning 
lights  be  admitted,  this  light  should  be  red,  whereas 
the  Elder  Brethren  have  considered  that  its  warning 
rays  ought  to  be  extended  to  the  utmost  possible 
range. 

475.  Are  you  at  all  acquainted  with  the  question 
that  arose  about  the  character,  whether  it  be  local  or 
general,  of  the  light  at  Port  Askaig  and  Port  Gordon 
Coran  ? — Yes. 

476.  They  appear  to  be  cases  in  which  there  were 
differences  of  opinion  as  to  whether  the  light  should 
be  considered  a  local  or  a  general  light  ;  will  you 
state  what  was  the  course  adopted  by  the  Elder 
Brethren  previously  to  1854,  before  they  entertained 
the  project  emanating  from  either  of  the  other  two 
Boards  for  erecting  a  new  lighthouse  or  improving 
the  old  light,  showing  the  nature  of  the  evidence  that 
guided  them  to  a  decision  that  the  application  should 
bo  "ranted  or  refused  ? — Whatever  evidence  was  sub- 
mitted by  the  other  Boards  was  carefuUy  considered, 
and  as  a  gereral  rule  the  site  itself  was  inspected. 
The  Trinity  House  regarded  it  as  within  their  pro- 
vince, in  eases  where  the  light  would  not  be  of  general 
utility,  to  withhold  sanction  unless  the  expenses  were 
defrayed  from  local  revenues.  I  may,  perhaps,  be 
allowed  to  quote  a  letter  addressed  to  the  Irish  Board, 
which  had  reference  to  a  similar  case  : — "As  respects 
"  the  erection  of  a  lighthouse  on  Gaily  Head,  I  am 
"  to  refer  to  a  letter  from  this  Board,  addressed  to 
"  your  predecessor,  under  date  23rd  of  August  1850, 
"  in  which  the  opinion  of  the  Elder  Brethren  on  a 
"  like  proposal  was  communicated  to  the  Corpora- 
"  tion.  The  Elder  Brethren  have  carefully  reviewed 
"  the  whole  of  their  proceedings  on  tnat  occasion, 
"  and  also  the  additional  papers  now  submitted  for 
"  their  consideration,  and  they  have  instructed  me  to 
"  slate  that  thev  do  not  feel  justified  in  departing  from 
"  the  decision  communicated  in  Mr.  Herbert's  letter 
"  above  adverted  to.  They  are  of  opinion  that,  having 
"  regard  to  the  moderate  distance  intervening  between 
"  the  spheres  illuminated  respectively  on  the  Head  of 
"  Kinsalc  and  that  on  the  Fastnett  Kock,  and  also  to 
"  the  general  outline  of  the  coast  between  the  two, 
"  there  does  not  api»ar,  on  the  ground  of  the  general 
"  navigation  of  passing  vessels,  to  be  any  necessity 
"  for  a  Coast  light  on  Gaily  Head.  If  it  be  intended 
"  that  the  proposed  light  should  be  altogether  of 
"  a  local  character,  and  be  maintained  by  a  local 
"  rate,  the  Elder  Brethren  would  of  course  offer  no 
"  objection  to  its  establishment.  But,  assuming  that  the 
"  proposal  contemplates  a  general  coast  light,  to  be 
"  chargeable  on  all  passing  vessels,  they  feel  bound 
"  to  be  guided  in  their  opinion  by  the  general  prin- 
"  ciple  which  they  have  hitherto  observed  in  such 
"  cases,  and  not  to  agree  to  increase  the  burden  on 
"  shipping  by  the  multiplication  of  lighthouses,  unless 
"  those  already  existing  in  the  locality  are  found 
"  to  be  so  inadetiuate  that  ordinary  skill  and  prudence 
"  on  the  part  of  mariners  are  considered  insufficient 
"  for  its  safe  navigation.  They  are  of  opinion  that 
"  were  they  to  disregard  altogether  the  question  of 
"  expense,  and  be  guided  solely  by  the  consideration 
"  of  what  may  tend  to  improve  and  to  render  the 
"  navigation  of  our  coasts  more  easy  to  indifferent  or 
"  incompetent  navigators,  they  might  be  led  to  mul- 
"  tiply  the  number  of  lighthouses  on  almost  every 
"  portion  of  the  coasts  of  the  United  Kingdom." 

477.  In  the  case  of  the  ligiit  at  Whalsey,  with 
which  you  .are  prol<ably  acquainted,  it  appears  that 
the  Scotch  Board,  after  suggesting  a  site  for  the 
lighthouse,  changed  tlieir  views  for  the  reasons 
given,  and  suggested  a  new  site,  and  that  the  Trinity 
House  concurred  in  both  steps  ;  that  the  Boiird  of 
Trade,  although    distinctly  warned  of  the  probable 


effect  of  delay,  namely,  a  claim  for  damage  by  the 
contractor,  delayed  their  decision  so  long,  that 
786/.  \5s.  had  to  be  paid  to  the  contractor,  in  addition 
to  his  first  contract,  for  the  alleged  rise  iu  prices,  &c. 
Are  you  of  opinion  that  the  action  arising  out  of 
the  supposed  interpretation  of  the  Merchant  Shipping 
Act  in  this  instance  was  beneficial,  and  that  a  strict 
adherence,  to  the  spirit  of  the  Act  had  been  observed 
in  all  that  was  done  in  this  case  ? — The  Trinit)'  House 
concurred,  for  the  reasons  given  at  page  124,  in  the 
general  returns  to  the  Commission,  namely,  that 
sanction  having  been  given  by  the  Elder  Brethren 
for  placing  the  light  on  the  Outer  Bound  Skerry,  the 
Northern  Commissioners  (at  a  time  of  the  year  when 
inspection  by  the  Elder  Brethren  was  impracticable) 
represented  the  total  unfitness  of  that  site,  and  pro- 
posed a  change  to  Gruna.  Upon  this  representation, 
the  Elder  Brethren  assented  to  the  change;  but  on 
subsequently  visiting  the  spot,  they  found  the  Bound 
Skerry  to  be  in  every  way  well  adapted  for  building 
upon,  and  they  therefore  revoked  their  sanction  to 
building  upon  Gruna,  and  reiterated  their  preference 
for  the  Outer  Skerry.  I  am,  therefore,  of  opinion 
that  the  power  of  the  Board  of  Tr.ade  was  bene- 
ficially exercised  in  requiring  a  change  of  site,  but 
I  know  nothing  of  the  delay  which  your  question 
attributes  to  them. 

478.  In  the  matter  of  North  Unst,  the  Northern 
Commissioners,  in  proposing  a  means  of  communica- 
tion with  the  lighthouse,  advocating  either  the 
formation  of  a  good  serviceable  path,  and  the  placing 
of  a  look-out  man  on  the  establishment,  or  an  electric 
telegraph,  state  that  the  services  of  a  boat  being 
wanted,  they  proposed  to  retain  the  services  of  one 
experienced  boatman,  who  would  engage  others  when 
they  were  wanted.  The  Board  of  Trade  reply 
that  the  Scotch  Commissioners  may  have  the  wire  if 
they  will  give  up  the  experienced  boatman  ;  and  this 
not  being  acceded  to  by  the  Scotch  Commissioners, 
they  refuse  to  allow  the  use  of  the  path,  and  the 
Scotch  Board  decline  the  responsibility  as  to  any 
accidents  that  may  occur.  Do  you,  with  your  ex- 
perience in  matters  connected  with  lighthouses,  think 
that  there  is  any,  and,  if  any,  what  connection 
between  the  two  matters,  namely,  the  establishing  of 
an  electric  wire  which  has  been  approved  of,  the  ex- 
pense of  which  has  been  sactioned  by  the  Board  of 
Trade,  and  the  retention  of  the  services  of  an  ex- 
perienced boatman,  the  necessity  of  which  is  urgently 
maintained  by  the  Scotch  Commissioners,  who  are 
responsible  for  the  efficient  maintenance  of  a  safe 
communication  with  and  tr.*insit  to  the  lighthouse  ?— 
The  circumstances  adverted  to  have  not  in  any  war 
come  under  the  cognizance  of  the  Trinity  House,  and 
I  should  therefore  decline  giving  an  opinion  on  them. 

479.  Are  you  acquainted  with  the  circumstances 
under  which  the  site  on  which  the  light  at  North 
Unst  is  built  was  selected  ? — Yes.  An  application 
was  received  from  the  Admiralty  during  the  Kussian 
war,  for  the  immediate  placing  of  lights  in  that 
locality. 

480.  Are  you  aware  that  there  had  lieen  any 
doubts  or  question  as  to  the  site  of  the  light  on  North 
Unbt  before  the  Elder  Brethren  visited  it  ? — Some 
correspondence  took  place.  The  Northern  Commis- 
sioners preferred  Lambaness,  as  they  did  not  consider 
it  practicable  to  erect  and  maintain  a  Lighthouse  on 
the  Muckle  Flugga. 

481.  Can  you  say  whether  the  alteration  in  the 
site  of  the  temporary  lighthouse  at  North.  Unst 
was  first  proposed  by  the  Trinitj-  House,  or  by  the 
Board  of  Trade,  or  by  some  other  authority  ? — The 
question  of  Site  was  decided  by  us  on  visiting  the 
localities.  Admiral  Beechey  accompanied  us  on  our 
inspection. 

482.  As  regards  the  light  on  Ilolborn  Head,  in  this 
case  there  is  a  correspondence  extending  i'rom  the 
24th  of  December  1856  to  the  9th  of  February  1860, 
and  probably  down  to  the  present  time,  regarding  a 
right  of  way  from  Scrabster  Harbour  to  the  proposed 
site  of  the  lighthouse  on  the  grounds  of  a  Mr.  Sinclair. 
The  proposed  road  is  to  pass  through  Mr.  Sinclair's 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


163 


grounds,  and  he  offers  to  make  no  charge  for  the 
land  to  bo  occupied  by  the  road,  provided  it  is  a 
load  of  good  construction,  available  for  carti?,  &c.  and 
he  offers,  in  case  he  ever  makes  any  use  of  it,  to 
undertake  the  expense  of  maintenance  as  often  as 
approved  of  the  Scotch  Commissioners.  But  the 
Board  of  Trade  appear  to  expect  Mr.  Sinclair  to  give 
them  the  land  over  which  the  road  is  to-  pass  for 
nothing.  The  lighthouse,  urgently  required  and 
pressed  for,  is  delayed  for  four  years,  while  the  Board 
of  Trade  is  bargaining  about  the  road.  Has  the 
operation  of  the  Mercliaiit  Shipping  Act,  as  it  appears 
to  be  put  in  force,  in  this  instance,  been,  in  your 
opinion,  a  beneficial  operation  as  regards  trade,  and 
the  interests  of  the  mariner  ? — I  know  nothing  of  the 
circumstances,  and  am  therefore  unable  to  answer 
your  question. 

483.  In  the  case  of  the  light  at  the  Butt  of  Lewis, 
the  Scotch  Commissioners  propose  that  the  light 
should  be  "  first  order,  flashing  white,"  in  order  to 
give  the  greatest  range  possible.  The  Board  of 
Trade  disapprove,  on  the  score  of  the  expense  for  the 
apparatus  (600/.  to  700/.  extra).  The  Elder  Brethren 
select  a  site  for  another  lighthouse,  namely,  that  on 
Monach  Islands,  70  miles  from  the  Butt  of  Lewis, 
which  is  to  be  "  flashing  white,"  and  they  desire  that 
the  Butt  of  Lewis  be  a  fixed  light.  The  Scotch 
Commissioners  represent  that  the  illuminating  of  the 
Butt  of  Lewis  is  part  of  their  great  scheme  ;  and  that 
they  propose  to  hnve  a  fixed  light  at  Stour  Head  ; 
and  that,  apart  from  the  value  of  the  light  on 
the  Butt  of  Lewis  becoming  diminished  in  the  ratio 
of  one  to  three,  their  plan  of  lighting  the  channels 
will  be  seriously  injured,  and  they  will  be  prevented 
from  giving  to  vStour  Head  the  distinctive  and  in- 
expensive character  of  being  fixed.  But  they  are 
finally  overruled.  What  is  your  opinion  of  the  work- 
ing of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act  as  put  into  opera- 
Adjourned  till  Thursday 


tiou   in  this  case  ? — The   arrangements  finally  deter-       Rear-Ad 
mined  on  for  the  Monach  and  the  Butt  of  Lewis  are  j}.jbert  Gordon. 

those  deemed  by  the  Elder  Brethren   to  be  the  most  

expedient.     The    dangers    surrounding  the    Monach    --  Dec.  isco. 

group  being  far  greater  than  those  in  the  neighbour- 

hood  of  the  Butt  of  Lewis,  the  most  efficient  descrip- 
tion of  warning  light  was  considered  the  fittest  for  the 
locality.  No  evil  can  accrue  to  vessels  seeing  the 
light  at  the  Butt  of  Lewis  within  the  ordinary  lange 
of  a  fixed  light  ;  and  although  the  distance  is  consider- 
able between  that  light  and  the  Monach,  it  is  important 
that  their  respective  characters  should  be  so  distinctive 
that  the  mariner  making  the  land  from  along  over-sea 
voyage  should  not,  by  any  possibility,  mistake  them. 
The  necessity  for  these  important  lights  wiU  probably 
involve  an  arrangement  different  from  that  contem- 
plated, at  Stour  Head,  which  is  comparatively  of  midcr 
consideration.  In  coming  to  this  determination  the 
Elder  Brethren  took  a  practical  view  of  the  subject, 
which  they  think  would  have  been  concurred  in  by 
any  seaman  who  had  witnessed  the  low  and  dangerous 
coasts  of  the  Monach  Islands,  strewed  with  wrecks  ; 
and  in  doing  this,  I  consider  that  the  Trinity  House 
have  acted  consistentl_y  with  the  spirit  of  the  Act. 

484.  You  arc  aware  that  the  French  authorities 
have  a  geuei  al  system  of  arranging  the  character  of 
their  lights,  and  the  Scotch  Commissioners  would 
seem  to  wish  to  have  some  such  system.  Would  an 
alteration  in  the  character  of  the  light  at  the  Butt  of 
Lewis  disturb  such  a  system,  or  is  the  question  of  a 
system  one  that  has  been  considered  ? — The  liutt  of 
Lewis  has  never  been  illuminated.  If  we  were  com- 
mencing de  novo  the  entire  system  of  the  illumination 
of  our  coasts,  it  is  probable  that  alterations  in  the 
present  character  of  our  lights  would  be  considered  ; 
but  the  practice  is  to  place  a  light  of  the  most 
distinctive  and  efficient  character  according  to  the 
position  in  which  it  is  required. 

j'ext,  at  Twelve  o'clock. 


Thursday  27tli  December  1860. 

TRESENT  : 

Eear-Admiral  William  Alex.ixder  Baillie  Hamilton. 
•John  Hall  Gladstone,  Esq. 
Eear-Admiral  William  Alexander  Baillie  Hamilton  in  the  Chair« 
Eear-Admiral  Robert  Gordon  further  examined. 


455.  {Chairman.)  Considering  the  great  advance 
in  engineering  skill  and  science,  and  the  cases  in 
which  the  greatest  (apparent)  natural  difficulties  have 
been  overcome,  as  instanced  in  the  erection  of  such 
lighthouses  as  the  SeiUy  Bishop  and  the  Smalls,  &c., 
have  the  Elder  Brethren  come  to  any  conclusion  as 
to  the  general  expediency  of  placing  lighthouses  on 
extreme  points  of  danger,  where  possible  ? — Yes,  as 
a  general  principle,  but  cases  may  arise  in  which  the 
advantage  to  be  derived  from  placing  a  light  on  the 
very  extreme  point  of  danger  may  not  be  sufficient 
to  warrant  a  very  large  increase  of  expenditure. 

456.  The  Commissioners  are  under  the  impression 
that  the  Ballast  Board  recommended  that  a  fog  signal 
gun  should  be  placed  on  board  the  Kish  Lightvessel, 
but  that  the  Board  of  Trade  refused  its  sanction  on 
the  ground  of  its  being  possibly  mistaken  for  the  gun 
at  the  South  Stack.  Can  you  saj"  from  memory 
whether  this  case  was  referred  by  the  Board  of  Trade 
to  the  Trinity  House  for  its  opinion,  and  whether  the 
Elder  Brethren  coincided  in  the  grounds  of  the 
objection? — The  case  was  refeiTed  by  the  Irish 
Board  to  the  Trinity  House,  who  sanctioned  the  gun. 

487.  Would  it  not  have  been  according  to  usage 
and  practice  if  the  opinion  of  the  Trinity  House  had 
been  taken  before  the  Board  of  Trade  vetoed  the  re- 
commendation of  the  Ballast  Board  ? — The  Board  of 
Trade  vetoed  the  proposition  after  we  had  concurred 
in  it. 

488.  With  respect  to  Buoyage,  can  you  inform  the 
Commissioners  whether  the  expense  of  buoyage  is 
an  increasing  item  ? — Yes,  because  buoj's  of  improved 
construction  and  larger  size  are  constantly  being 
introduced. 


489.  Can  j-ou  form  any  opinion  as  to  the  average 
annual  increase  of  that  item  in  the  last  five  years  ? — 
It  is  difficult  to  give  even  an  approximate  average, 
of  any  value,  because  the  annual  expense  varies  con- 
siderably. Beacons  are  included  with  Buoys  in  the 
calculations,  therefore  the  average  increase  in  the 
item  of  Buoys  alone  is  not  readily  determined.  No 
regular  annular  supply  of  Buoys  is  obtained,  but  as 
the  stock  of  any  particular  description  is  diminished 
it  is  replenished.  In  the  last  five  years,  new  Buoys 
were  furnished,  as  will  appear  in  this  paper. 


The  foUoicing  j'aper  was  handed  in : — 
"Wooden  Buoys. 

8  feet 
7  feet 


6  feet 
4  feet 
Wreck  Buoys 
Convex  Base,   (Poul- 
ter's).  8  feet 
do.  9  feet 
Flat-bottom  iron 

Buoys      (Lenox's), 
8  feet 

r  One,  6  feet 
1855<  spiral  iron 
L  buoy. 


1S56. 

5 
0 


0 


0 


1853. 

21 

8 

3 

0 
12 

1 
0 


1 


1859. 
19 

20 

0 
16 

0 
I 


13 


0 

r     One  Patent 
,„.,,)  wooden  Buoy, 
I      with      iron 
V.    partition. 

490.  I  believe  that  the  Trinity  House  has  buoys  oflf 
the  Owers,  ofi"  Christ  Church  "Ledge,  and  off  the 
Manacles;  can  you  inform  the  Commissioners  from 
what  depot  those  Buoys  are  supi>lied  or  replaced, 
where  they  are  repaired,  and  from  what  establish- 
X2 


164 


iirXUTES   OF  EVIDENCE  TAKEN'  BEFORE  THE  CO^nriSSIONERS  APPOINTED  TO 


liearAJm.      aient  or  slalion  they  are  watched  ? — The  Buoys  for 
SoOcrt  Gordon,   the    Owers   and  Clirist  Church  Ledge  are  rephiced 

from  the  store  at  East  Cowes,  and  they  are  repaired 

27  Dec.  iSfiO.     jjj    Cowes.      That   for    tlie  IManaclcs  "is  repaired  at 

Plymouth  ;  they  are  all  supplied  in  the  first  instance 

from  Blaokwall. 

491.  Then,  if  any  considerable  number  of  Buoys 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  East  Cowes  depot  were 
added  to  the  Trinity  House  charge,  I  conclude  that 
they  would  have  to  he  also  supplied  from  the  esta- 
blishment at  Blackwall  in  the  first  iustance  ? — Yes. 

492.  Would  the  present  establishment  at  Blackwall 
admit  of  its  furnishing  a  greater  number  of  buoys 
than  it  does  at  present  with  the  number  of  workmen 
there  employed  ? — The  arrangements  are  sufficient, 
but  it  would  be  necessary  to  employ  additional  laViour. 

493.  Have  flie  Elder  Brethren  of  the  Trinity 
House  come  to  an}^  conclusion  as  to  which  is  the 
better  form  and  character,  or  in  other  words,  the 
best  buoy  for  exposed  situations,  where  it  is  necessary 
to  give  the  utmost  possible  warning  to  mariners,  as 
in  the  case  of  the  approaches  to  the  Goodwin  Sands, 
&c.  ? — In  answer  to  Question  6  in  the  Buoy  and 
Beacon  Returns,  it  has  been  stated  that  for  exposed 
channels  and  coasts,  the  Hollow  Bottom  Buoys, 
Herbert's  Patent,  or  the  large  Egg  Bottom  Buoys,  as 
at  the  back  of  the  Goodwin,  are  the  most  approved. 

494.  I  believe  that  a  still  larger  buoy  than  any  of 
those  now  floating  at  the  back  of  the  Goodwin  has 
been  proposed  and  even  tried  by  the  Trinitj-  House, 
but  is  now  discontinued.  Can  you  inform  the  Com- 
missioners of  the  reasons  why  no  larger  buoy  than 
the  largest  now  in  use  has  been  sanctioned  ? — Upon 
the'  first  introduction  of  monster  buoys,  the  iron 
ballasted  buoys  were  the  only  ones  known,  but  when 
improvements  took  place  in  the  construction  of  buoys 
by  using  water  ballast  and  hollow  bottom  buoys, 
they  were  found  to  bo  so  superior  to  any  other  that 
they  have  been  finally  adopted,  and  although  not  quite 
PC  larfc,  they  are  er|ually  conspicuous,  and  far  more 
manageable. 

495.  I  suppose  that  a  very  considerable  item  in  the 
expense  of  buoyage  would  be  chargeable  to  the 
replacing  of  buoys  consequent  on  their  breaking 
adrift,  or  being  damaged  ? — The  number  of  buoys 
that  break  adrift,  where  anchored  upon  fair  holding 
ground,  is  very  few.  Casualties  arise  from  a  rocky 
bottom,  and  accidents  from  vessels  running  foul  of 
them. 

496.  Do  you  think  that  you  have  arrived  at  a 
perfect  mode  of  securing  buoys  ? — Yes,  I  think  wo 
have,  with  the  exception  I  have  alluded  to  in  the 
case  of  a  rocky  bottom. 

497.  I  suppose  that  you  will  be  of  opinion  that  on 
a  coast  like  ours,  approachable  in  many  instances  by 
narrow  and  dangerous  channels,  and  to  which  such 
a  vast  amount  of  merchant  shipping  resort,  the 
buoyage  system  is  scarcely  inferior  in  importance  to 
0  perfect  system  of  lights  ? — In  many  positions  it  is 
superior,  because  Buoys  can  be  placed  where  Lights 
cannot,  as  at  the  back  of  the  Goodwin  Sands,  and  we 
already  find  that  the  multiplication  of  Lights  is  so 
great,  that  it  is  extremely  diflicult  to  give  them  a 
distinguishing  and  discriminating  character. 

498.  {Mr.  Gladstone.)  In  your  return  to  our 
Circular  No.  5,  you  stated,  that  in  buoying  any  single 
channels  in  future,  the  rule,  where  there  are  no  special 
circumstances  to  require  its  modification,  will  be  to 
place  buoys  of  a  single  colour,  either  black  or  red, 
on  the  starboard  side,  on  entering  from  the  sea,  and 
party  coloured  buoys,  either  black  and  white,  or  red 
and  v.-liite,  on  the  port-hand,  the  outermost  buoy  on 
either  hand  being  a  beacon  buoy  if  necessary, 
middle  dangers  being  marked  by  white  buoys  wiih 
black  beacons  of  various  distinctive  shapes.  Have 
you  carried  out  your  plan  in  anj'  instance  ? — We  havo 
not  had  occasion  to  fresh  buoy  any  channel  ourselves, 
but  we  have  recommended  tho  adoption  of  the  system 
referred  to  fur  Lough  Swilly. 

499.  {Chairman.)  Are  you  aware  whether  tliat 
rocommendalion  has  been  carried  out? — I  cannot 
siiy  we  liave  no  information. 


oOO.  But  you  are  probably  aware  of  the  correspon- 
dence between  the  Ballast  Board,  the  Board  of  Trade, 
and  the  Trinity  House  on  the  subject  of  colouring 
the  buoys  in  Lough  vSwilly,  and  if  so,  you  will  be 
awaro  that  the  Board  of  Trade  there  prescribe  a 
mode  of  colouring  to  be  adopted  as  regards  those 
buoys  ? — Yes.  I  should  not  say  that  the  Board  of 
Trady  prescribed  the  mode,  although  the  suggestion 
in  this  particular  instance  emanated  from  them. 

oOL  Do  you  consider  that  the  meaning  and  inten- 
tion of  the  ilerchant  Shipping  Act  has  been  rightly 
interpreted  in  the  action  taken  in  this  case  ? — I  do 
not  consider  that  the  question  of  the  colour  of  Buoys 
belongs  to  the  Board  of  Trade  under  the  Act. 

502.  {Mr.  Gladstone.)  Do  you  consider  it  would 
be  desirable  if  the  uniform  system  now  approved  by 
you  were  adopted  throughout  the  channels  of  the 
United  Kingdom  ? — I  think  there  are  many  situations 
in  which  the  principle  might  be  adojited  without 
danger  ;  but  where  the  channels  are  intricate,  or  there 
is  more  than  one  channel,  it  is  always  a  matter  re- 
quiring great  consideration  before  the  colours  of 
IJuoys  of  long  established  character  are  altered. 

o03.  You  are  aware  that  the  Scotch  system  is 
different  from  that  proposed  by  you,  namely,  red  on 
the  starboard  and  black  on  the  port  in  entering,  and 
that  many  of  the  ports  and  channels  under  tho 
Ballast  Board  are  buoyed  on  a  system  exactly  the 
reverse  of  the  Scotch,  namely,  red  on  the  port  and 
black  on  the  starboard.  What  is  your  opinion  of  the 
fact  that  there  are  those  two  systems  in  use,  in  addi- 
tion to  the  one  proposed  by  you,  and  those  adopted 
by  local  authorities  ? — I  think  that  it  is  very  objec- 
tionable, and  that  the  system  of  having  buoys  of  one 
colour  u])on  one  hand  and  checkered  on  the  other  is 
the  best  for  single  channels,  as  we  have  approved  of 
for  Lough  Swilly. 

504.  Do  you  consider  that  you  have  any  power  to 
insist  on  the  Irish  or  Scotch  Board  varying  the 
colour  or  character  of  the  buoys  ? — We  may  have 
the  power,  but  have  confiued  our  interference  to  re- 
commendations. 

505.  Do  you  consider  that  you  have  any  such 
power  over  local  authorities  ?  —No  case  that  I  re- 
member has  arisen  for  calling  upon  us  to  exercise 
authority.  With  reference  to  local  lights  our  authority 
is  more  defined,  and  we  have  exercised  it  on  some 
occasions. 

506.  Bi^  by  Sections  394  and  403  of  the  Merchant 
Shipping  Act,  you  can  insist  on  the  Scotch  or  Irish 
Boards  or  the  local  authorities  placing  a  buoy  or 
varying  the  colour  or  character  of  a  light.  Do  you 
know  why  the  same  power  has  not  been  given  you 
to  insist  on  a  variation  in  the  colour  and  character 
of  a  buoy  ? — I  do  not  know. 

507.  Then  am  I  to  understand,  however  important 
you  may  consider  it  to  be,  that  there  should  be  uni- 
formity in  the  buoyage  of  the  channels  throughout 
the  United  Kiiigdom,  no  means  are  provided  by  the 
Merchant  Shipping  Act  for  ensuring  this  uniformity  ? 
—  We  have  never  intcrlered  with  the  detail  of 
management  of  the  duties  of  the  Irish  or  Scotch 
Boards,  excejiticg  in  special  cases  which  have  been 
referred  to  us,  and  should  any  special  case  arise, 
■we  should  undoubtedly  express  our  opinion  upon  it. 

508.  Do  you  contemplate  changing  the  buoyage 
of  any  channels  in  conformity  with  your  ])resent 
system  ? — Not  in  any  channel  under  our  jurisdiction 
in  its  entire  system. 

509.  Why  do  you  not  contemplate  changing  the 
existing  buoyage  of  channels  ? — Because  we  consider 
that  an  entire  change  of  system  would  be  attended 
with  far  greater  danger  to  navigators  than  the  con- 
tinuance of  the  well-known  and  long  established 
character  of  the  Buoys  of  any  channel. 

510.  {Chairman.)  You  are  aware  that  there  was 
iFome  corres]iondence  between  the  Trinity  House  and 
the  Board  of  Trade  on  the  subject  of  the  Dartmouth 
Beacon.  I  believe  the  Board  of  Trade  did  not 
apjuove  of  the  Trinity  House  Engineer's  design,  and 
tliev  required  the  substitution  of  one  less  costly  ? — 
Yes,  but  the  question  of  placing  a  Beacon  has  not  been 


IKQtriEE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


16,5 


reverted  to  by  the  Trade  of  the  Port  who  would  be 
called  upiin  to  pay  toll  for  it. 

511.  Til  I'll  in  the  above  case,  no  beacon  has  been 
placed  ? — No,  it  has  not  been  placed. 

512.  Are  yon  aware  that  b)'  any  reduction  in  the 
estimate  for  a  light,  a  buoy,  or  a  beacon,  a  less 
suilicient  article  has  been  placed  than  would  have 
boon  the  ease  if  the  ori.sinal  estimate  had  been 
adhered  to  ? — In  the  case  of  the  Anquette  Beacon  at 
Jersey  a  reduction  in  the  expense  and  consequent 
size  of  the  Beacon  may  to  a  certain  extent  have 
affected  its  efficiency,  but  it  would  be  to  a  very  limited 
extent. 

513.  I  believe  that  the  Board  of  Trade  is  in  the 
habit  of  applyinn;  to  the  Trinity  House  to  procure 
tenders  for  the  Illuminating  apparatus  for  lighthouses 
in  the  colonies  ? — Yes,  they  have  done  so. 

514.  Do  you  remember  what  assistance  the  Board 
of  Trade  asked  of  the  Trinity  House  in  the  matter 
of  the  Great  Basses  Lighthouse  ? — I  have  no  re- 
collection of  any  correspondence  on  the  subject. 

515.  {Mr.  Gladstone.)  Has  the  Trinity  House  ever 
exercised  the  power  given  it  over  local  lights,  buoys, 
and  beacons,  by  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act,  Section 
394  ? — A  case  occurred  recently,  in  which  a  Local 
Authority  wished  to  discontinue  a  Light  on  the  ground 
that  they  had  not  funds  for  maintaining  it,  but  the 
Trinity  House  would  not  sanction  its  being  dis- 
continued. 

516.  In  the  visits  of  the  Commissioners  they  have 
found  that  some  of  the  local  lights  are  in  a  very  bad 
and  inefficient  condition;  have  you  ever  enforced  any 
improvement  of  such  a  light  ? — No,  v^e  have  not 
considered  the  mode  of  maintenance  of  Local  Lights 
to  be  under  our  jurisdiction. 

517.  Then,  however  faulty  a  Local  Light  may  be,  do 
you  imagine  that  3^ou  have  no  control  over  it  what- 
ever ? — As  we  have  no  control  whatever  over  local 
funds,  we  do  not  deem  it  proper  to  control  their  ex- 
penditure. Wo  consider  Local  Lights  to  be  regulated 
by  the  local  authorities  from  their  own  funds. 

518.  {Chairman.)  But  setting  aside  the  question 
of  your  authority,  you  will  probably  be  of  opinion 
that  it  is  scarcely  to  be  called  a  local  question,  where,  as 
in  the  case  of  Aberystwith  in  the  month  of  Novem- 
ber of  last  year,  several  vessels  were  wrecked,  and  a 
considerable  loss  of  life  occasioned  from  the  deficiency 
and  bad  management  of  the  local  light,  when  it  is 
very  possible  that  some  of  those  vessels  might  have 
been  foreigners,  and  that  neither  the  property  nor  the 
lives  lost  could  be  said  to  be  of  local  interest  ? — The 
result  was  undoubtedly  general  in  its  importance,  and 
so  far  not  a  question  of  local  interest. 

519.  (Mr.  Gladstone.)  Have  3-ou  any  special  means 
of  ascertaining  the  condition  of  lights,  buoys,  and 
beacons  under  the  management  of  local  authorities  ? 
—We  do  not  interfere  with  local  authorities  unless 
we  are  applied  to  by  them. 

520.  Then  however  bad  a  local  light  may  be,  you 
do  not  oflicially  become  acquainted  with  the  fact  ? — 
No,  not  officially. 

521.  (Chairman.')  Then  supposing  that  a  light 
under  the  management  of  either  of  the  two  otner 
general  authorities  were  commonly  complained  of  as 
decective,  is  there  any  machinery  by  which  you  would 
necessarily  become  ofiicilly  acquainted  with  such 
fact  any  more  than  in  a  case  of  a  local  light  ? — I 
think  a  defect  in  any  General  Light,  I  mean  under 
either  of  the  different  boards,  would  very  soon  be 
represented  to  us,  but  I  consider  those  Lights  in  a 
very  different  position  from  Local  Lights. 

522.  But  would  that  be  the  case  under  any  present 
statutory  enactment  or  rule  of  oflice  ? — Any  defect  of 
a  Coast  Light  under  cither  of  the  other  authorities 
would  be  represented  by  them  to  us  with  any  pro- 
position for  its  improvement. 

523.  Has  any  case  ever  occurred  in  which  a  light 
under  either  of  the  Scotch  or  L-ish  Boards  has  been 
so  complained  of  or  represented  to  the  Trinity  House  ? 
— Cases  have  been  submitted  to  us  by  the  other 
Boards  for  the  improvement  of  coast  lights,  which 
have  been  concurred  in,  I  think,  invariably. 


27J)uc.  1860. 


524.  Then  has  any  complaint  ever  been   made  to      Sear-Adm, 

you  from  those  who  are   interested   in  the   liglits Hobcrt  Gordon. 

that  is,  those  who  use  them — of  a  faulty  light,"and  a 
liglit  faulty  from  bad  management,  &c.,  belonging 
eitiier  to  the  Scotch  or  Irish  Board  ?— I  have  no 
recollection  of  a  single  complaint  of  Lights  belonging 
to  either  of  the  Boards. 

525.  By  Clause  392  of  the  Merchant  Shipping 
Act,  the  Trinity  Board  has  power  at  all  times  to 
enter  any  of  the  Scotch  or  Irish  Lighthouses  ;  has  that 
power  in  any  case  been  exercised  ? — "Very  frequently. 

526.  Has  the  exercise  of  that  power  been  in  con- 
sequence of  any  representation  as  to  deficiency,  or  any 
remarks  of  your  own  as  to  deficiency  or  imperfection  ? 
— No,  but  as  taking  the  opportunity  of  being  in  the 
locality  to  visit  and  compare  dilFerent  Lights,  and 
they  are  visited  whenever  an  opportunity  occurs. 

527.  You  say  that  these  lights  are  visited  whenever 
opportunities  occur  ;  does  the  reply  to  Question  8, 
Circular  1,  at  Page  79,  and  those  which  follow  include 
all  the  inspections  of  those  lights  which  took  place  in 
those  two  years  ? — Yes,  they  do,  but  we  do  not  con- 
sider that  we  are  called  upon  to  visit  the  Scotch  and 
Irish  Lights  unless  there  may  be  some  special  reason 
for  doing  so. 

528.  {3/r.  GladstoJie.)  Has  a  local  lighthouse,  hnoj, 
or  beacon  ever  been  surrendered  to  the  Trinity  House 
under  the  authority  given  in  the  Merchant  Shipi)iug 
Act  by  Section  413  ?— No  ;  but  cases  have  arisen  in 
which  application  has  been  made  to  the  Trinity 
House  to  taktf  Local  Lights  under  their  management 
as  at  Dartmouth  and  Carnarvon. 

529.  Has  this  been  carried  out  in  either  of  those 
cases? — No;  because  there  did  not  appear  to  be 
funds  sufficient  for  their  maintenance. 

530.  Am  I  right  in  believing  that  the  Trinity  House 
gave  certain  buoys  to  the  town  of  Dartmouth  ? — Yes, 
they  did. 

53  L  Are  you  aware  whether  they  have  maintained 
those  buoys  ? — They  are  maintained,  but  we  have 
represented  that  they  were  not  maintained  in  a  proper 
condition. 

532.  Su]5posing  you  hear,  as  we  have  heard  with 
respect  to  Dartmouth,  that  a  buoy  is  off  its  station, 
do  you  consider  that  you  have  no  power  to  compel  the 
local  authorities  to  replace  it? — Ouly  by  representation. 
We  should  represent  to  the  authority  that  such  an 
accident  had  taken  place,  and  call  their  attention  to 
it  in  order  that  it  might  be  replaced. 

533.  But  supposing  that  request  were  disregarded, 
what  step  would  then  be  taken  ? — I  consider  that  our 
authority  would  cease  then,  unless  by  application  to 
Her  Majesty  in  Council  for  the  transference  to  us, 
which  would  involve  the  imposition  of  an  adequate 
toll  for  maintenance. 

534.  ( Chairman.)  T  believe  that  Mr.  James  Walker 
is  the  engineer  employed  by  the  Trinity  House  for 
lighthouse  purposes.  Has  he  any  particular  title, 
such  as  lighthouse  engineer,  or  any  other  ? — He  is 
termed  Engineer  in  Chief  to  the  Trinity  House. 

535.  Could  you  give  the  Commissioners  an  outline 

of  the  duties  that  Mr.  Walker  has  to  perform  ? To 

make  preliminary  surveys  and  reports  where  any 
worKS  such  as  Lighthouses  and  dv.'ellings,  or  Beacons 
or  storehouses  are  proposed — to  prepare  preliminary 
designs  and  approximate  estimates  of  cost — to  report 
on  alterations  that  may  be  proposed — to  prepare 
detailed  and  working  drawings,  with  specifications, 
conditions,  &c.,  with  copy  for  contractors — to  super- 
intend   the    execution    of    the  work — to  report  the 

progress    of   each    work    weekly,   or   as   required 

to  grant  certificates — and  finally  to  adjust  accounts 
and  differences  where  the  works  ara  under  con- 
tract— to  make  purchases  and  contracts  for  materials 
— to  engage  workmen — arrange  wages,  and  examine 
and  certify  bills.  In  some  cases,  as  the  Needles 
and  the  Smalls,  where  the  tenders  from  con- 
tractors have  exceeded  the  Engineer's  estimates,  the 
Elder  Brethren  have  committed  the  work  to  Mr. 
Walker,  to  make  contracts  for  the  materials,  and  to 
have  the  works  executed  by  workmen,  paid  by  the 
Corporation.     lu  these  cases  the  total  cost  has  been 


X3 


166 


MINUTKS   OF   EVIDENCE   TAKEN    BEFORE   THE   COMMISSIONERS   APPOINTED  TO 


Rear  Adm.      l^^s   than   the  lowe.-^t  tender   n-coived.     1    may    siiltl 
Rt'it.t  Gordon,  that  Mr.  Walker  has  to  find  his  own  clerks  and  office 

assistants,  and  that   tlie  labour  wliich  devolves  upon 

27  Dec.  18G0.  i\,Qm  must  be  very  considerable. 
— —  53(3.  Then  these  duties,  which  you  have  just  de- 
tailed as  belonging  to  Mr.  Walker,  relate  specially  .and 
exclusively  to  works  connected  with  building? — Yes, 
but  I  should  have  added  that  Mr.  Walker  has  also 
lately  been  consulted  on  some  matters,  such  as  lanterns 
for  foreign  stations,  the  Electro  Magnetic  liglit,  jmr- 
chase.s  of  land,  armature  of  apparatus,  revolving 
machinery,  &c.  ;  he  also  prepares  plans  and  specifica- 
tions for  Lighting  Apparatus. 

537.  He  has  nothing  do  do  then  with  the  examina- 
tion of  lighthouse  apparatus  ? — Not  the  illuminating 
apparatus. 

538.  It  would  appear  that  in  Scotland  there  is  an 
officer  entitled  superintendent  of  light  keepers,  whoso 
duty  it  is  to  go  round  to  the  several  lighthouses  in 
Scotland,  and  to  examine  the  lightkeepers  as  to  their 
entire  proficiency  in  all  their  duties,  and  who  has  to 
report  periodically  to  the  Commissioners  of  Northern 
Lighthouses.  There  is  also  in  the  Scotch  establish- 
ment a  "  foreman  of  light-room  repairs,"  who  in  like 
manner  periodically  visits  all  the  lighthouses,  to  see 
that  the  apparatus,  machinery,  &c.  are  in  perfect 
order,  in  order  that  he  may  perform  any  necessary 
repairs  on  the  spot.  Has  the  Trinity  House  any 
such  officer  ? — No  ;  this  duty  is  performed  under  the 
frequent  supervisiou  of  Committees  of  the  Elder 
Brethren.  An  establishment  was  formed, at  Blackwall, 
for  the  purpose  of  effecting  re])airs  to  lamps,  &c.,  but 
was  ibund  to  be  more  expensive  and  less  efficient 
than  when  performed  by  the  lamp  manufacturer 
employed  by  the  Corporation. 

539.  Then  am  I  to  understand  that  the  lamp 
manufacturer  ii.ays  any  periodical  visits  such  as  are 
performed  by  the  superinteudeut  of  lightkeepers  and 
the  foreman  of  lightroom  repairs  in  Scotland  ? — No, 
he  acts  only  under  orders  received  from  the  Board. 

540.  I  believe  that  the  per-centage  formerly 
allowed  to  collectors  of  customs  for  calculating 
vessels'  expenses  ibr  light  duties  has  been  abolished  ; 
can  you  say  when  that  allowance  was  withdrawn  ? — 
No  per-centage  has  been  allowed  by  the  Board  of 
Trade  where  an  appointment  or  transfer  to  another 
port  has  taken  place  subsequently  to  the  29th  of 
April,  1854,  excepting  to  the  ports  of  Cowes,  Deal, 
Falmouth,  Milford,  and  Weymouth,  where  a  commis- 
sion is  still  allowed  in  consideration  of  the  collection 
heiug  m.ade  partially  afloat. 

541.  Are  you  aware  of  any  complaints  having  been 
made  as  to  difficulties  in  obtaining  the  accustomed 
calculations  since  the  allowance  was  abolished  ? — 
There  have  been  remonstrances  froiu  various  collectors 
as  to  the  hardship  of  having  to  do  this  work  without 
remuneration,  and  of  being  held  responsible  for 
errors  when  they  have  no  benefit  of  commission,  nor 
in  some  cases,  tlio  aid  of  a  clerk,  and, perform  more 
laborious  duties  than  their  predecessors  did. 

542.  It  must  occasionally  occur  that  demands  are 
made  upon  you  for  a.ssistance  in  cases  of  urgent 
personal  distress  or  disaster,  have  you  any  fund  set 
apart  and  included  in  the  estimate  submitted  to  the 
Board  of  Trade,  to  enable  you  to  meet  such  cases  on 
the  moment  ? — To  meet  those  cases,  100/.  per  annum 
has,  upon  the  representation  of  the  Elder  Brethren, 
liecn  sanctioned  in  the  annual  estimates,  to  be  applied 
at  our  discretion  (without  ])reviously  representing  the 
circumstances  to  the  Board  of  Trade)  in  payment  of 
»ny  allowances  for  medical  and  other  expenses 
caused  by  the  illness  of  lightkeepers,  seamen,  &c.  ;  but 
it  is  1o  be  confined  to  cases  where  the  need  for 
medical  attendance  is  caused  by  circumstances  specially 
connected  with  the  service. 

543.  1  believe  in  the  consideration  you  have  had  to 
give  to  the  question  of  establishing  an  Electric  Light, 
the  risk  to  be  incurred  by  erecting  the  necess.ary 
uiachiuery  within  the  lighthouse  itself  has  been  an 
important  one  ? — Yes,  it  has. 

544.  Has  that  been  from  any  apprehension  as  to 
the  explosion    of  the  boiler  ? — The  Lighthouse  not 


being  adequate  for  the  space  required  for  the 
machinery  is  one  cause,  and,  secondly,  from  the 
unwillingness  to  incur  any  risk  from  accident  that 
might  happen  to  the  boiler  or  machinery  within  the 
building. 

545.  Can  you  state  what  is  the  horse  power  that 
Mr.  Holmes  reckons  to  be  necessary  for  working  the 
machinery  ? — I  think  it  is  two  engines  of  three  horse 
power. 

546.  I  suppose  it  would  be  scarcely  possible  to 
burst  the  boiler  of  an  engine  of  three  horse  power  ? — 
I  am  not  prepared  to  answer  that  question. 

547.  In  the  selection  of  Dungeness  as  the  site  for 
the  a])proaching  exhibition  of  that  light,  I  suppose 
that  the  additional  expense  that  would  be  incurred 
for  carriage  was  fully  taken  into  consideration  ?— 
Yes,  all  this  was  fully  considered.  Circumstances, 
however,  have  arisen  which  render  it  possible  that 
the  selection  of  that  site  may  not  be  carried  into  efft'ct. 

548.  I  would  ask  you,  supposing  all  things  equal, 
and  that  the  Electric  Light  were  equally  applicable  to 
a  revolving  as  to  a  fixed  Light,  whether  such  a  site  as 
the  Start,  which  is  one  of  the  salient  points  of  our 
coast,  and  an  imjiortant  and  favourite  landfall,  would 
be  by  you  considered  as  a  more  eligible  position  for 
the  exhibition  of  the  light  than  Dungeness  ? — As  a 
position  there  cau  bo  no  doubt  that  it  would  be 
superior,  but  the  difficulty,  that  has  hitherto  arisen  is, 
that  with  our  present  knowledge  of  the  electric  light 
some  doubt  exists  as  to  whether  it  is  so  well  adapted 
for  a  revolving  as  for  a  fixed  light  ;  but  this  will 
probably  be  tested. 

549.  {Mr.  Gladstone.)  As  a  general  principle, 
would  you  adopt  the  dioptric  system  for  the  illumi- 
nation of  a  new  lighthouse  ? — As  a  general  principle, 
I  should  say  yes,  but  it  would  depend  very  much 
upon  the  arc  to  be  illuminated. 

550.  Would  it  depend  at  all  upon  whether  it  was  a 
fixed  or  a  revolving  light  ? — A  fixed  coast  Light 
would  be  dioptric,  but  I  am  by  no  means  satisfied 
that  for  a  revolving  light  the  dioptiic  is  the  best. 

551.  You  have,  I  know,  lately  substituted  the 
dio))tric  for  the  catojitric  apparatus  in  one  or  two 
lighthouses  ;  has  the  Board  of  Trade  made  any 
objection  to  the  expense  ? — None,  beyond  their  vigil- 
ance as  to  our  contrat'ts. 

552.  Were  the  reflectors  worn  out  ? — They  have 
been  defective.  Wherever  we  have  found  it  necessary 
to  incur  considerable  expense  for  repairs  we  have 
established  the  dioptric  system. 

553.  {Chairman.)  What  is  the  class  of  men 
generally  selected  by  the  Elder  Brethren  to  form 
part  of  the  crew  of  a  ligatshij)  ? — Young  men  who 
have  been  at  sea. 

554.  Are  any  particular  i[ualifications  or  certificates 
required  of  them  ? — Certificates  of  age  and  he.-dth, 
and  of  conduct  and  character  as  seamen  in  the  ships 
in  which  they  have  served. 

555.  It  is  immaterial,  I  conclude,  whether  llicy 
have  served  in  men-of-war  or  in  meichantmen  ?— 
Quite  so  ;  we  have  many  from  both  the  navy  :ind 
merchant  service. 

556.  Have  you  any  fixed  limit  with  regard  to  the 
age  of  those  who  are  entered  for  the  Lightship  service  r 
— No  man  is  admitted  above  the  age  of  28. 

557.  Do  you  superannuate  them  at  any  particular 
age  ? — No,  there  is  no  specified  age  ;  but  if  a  man  is 
found  to  lie  unable  to  perlbrni  his  duties,  he  is 
superannuated. 

558.  You  have  said  that  they  arc  not  admitted 
after  the  age  of  28.  Take  the  case  of  a  seaman  from 
a  man-of-war  who  would  become  entitled  to  his 
retiring  pension,  and  say  a  full  retiring  pension, 
which  in  these  days  he  may  arrive  at  between  the 
iiges  of  35  and  40,  and  supposing  him,  in  tiddition  to 
his  good  character,  to  be  a  healthy  man,  you  would 
still  think  that  the  rule  had  better  be  adhered  to, 
which  on  the  one  hand  would  keep  such  a  man  out  of 
the  service,  and  on  the  other  obliges  you  to  enter  a 
com])aratively  young  man  ? — Yes,  I  consider  it  should 
be  adhered  to,  because  it  would  not  be  just  to  pension 
a  man  from  the  Mercantile  Marine  Fund  who  had 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


167 


uot  passed  the  prime  of  his  life  in  a  service  paid  from  lamp    room  ? — Meu  are  selected,  accordiug  to   their 

that  fund.  seniority,  who  are  desirous  of  becoming  lamp  trimmers 

oo9.  Are  there    any  regulations    iu  force    wliic'h  in  tlie   Lightvessels,  and   they  are  instructed   in  the 

provide  for  eacli  man  composing  the  crew  of  a  light-  necessary  duties 


Rear-Arlm. 

Robert  Gwthi. 


ship  being  instructed  in  the  art  of  trimming  lamps, 
cleaning  reflectors,  &c.  ? — No,  not  the  crew 
generally. 

560.  Then  by  what  process  is  a  selection  made  of 
those  men   who  have  the  charge  of  the  lamps   and 

Adjourned 


561.  Do  these  men  receive  a  higher  salary  than 
the  rest  of  the  crew  ?— Yes,  a  slight  increase  ;  and 
the  senior  seaman  on  board  a  Lightvessel  applies,  if 
he  wishes,  for  that  appointment. 


Wednesday,  2nd  January  1861. 


Eear-Admiral  William  Alexander  Baillie  Hajiilton,  R.N. 
John  Hall  Gladstone,  Esq. 

Rear-Admiral  TVilllasc  Alexander  Baillie  Hajiilton  iu  the  Chair. 

William  Henry  Cutler,  Esq.,  and  Professor  Frederick  Hale  Holmes,  examined. 


565.  {Chairman  to  Jlr.  Cutler.)  I  believe  you  are 
employed  professionally  by  the  proprietors  of  the 
Electric  Light  ? — Yes. 

566.  Then  3'ou  can  inform  the  Commissioners  pro- 
liably  how  matters  stand  financially  respecting  the 
light  ? — A  very  large  outlay  has  been  incurred  by 
the  proprietors  with  a  view  to  the  development  of 
the  light,  and  this  outlay  is  constantly  being  increased, 
and  no  return  has  been  received  by  the  proprietors, 
except  a  few  hundred  pounds  from  the  Trinity  House 
for  the  use  of  the  apparatus  at  the  South  Foreland, 
during  some  experiments  that  were  made  at  that 
lighthouse. 

567.  Is  this  constant  increase  that  you  have  men- 
tioned consequent  upon  any  delay  that  you  can  attri- 
bute to  any  of  the  authorities,  or  is  it  one  that  would 
naturally  follow  in  the  course  of  the  proper  develop- 
ment of  the  electric  light  ? — Considering  the  very 
lung  time  during  which  this  matter  has  occupied  the 
attention  of  the  Trinity  House,  I  am  inclined  to  think 
that  a  very  considerable  delay,  over  and  above  what 
would  have  taken  place  had  I  been  dealing  with  ordi- 
nary customers,  has  occurred,  and  I  consider  that  it 
is  not  a  delay  consequent  upon  the  proper  develop- 
ment of  the  electric  light. 

568.  Can  you  give  the  Commissioners  any  general 
statement  as  to  the  amount  that  has  been  expended 
in  the  bringing  out  of  this  electric  light  by  the  pre- 
sent proprietors  ? — I  believe  a  sum  of  not  less  than 
from  23,000/.  to  25,000/. 

569.  Can  you  state  at  about  what  date  any  com- 
munications on  the  subject  of  the  electric  light  with 
the  Trinity  House  first  commenced  ? — I  believe  it 
was  in  the  year  1856. 

570.  Can  you  state  what  is  now  doing  by  the 
Trinity  House  with  the  electric  light  ? — The  plans 
and  specifications  have,  at  the  request  of  the  Trinity 
House,  been  submitted  to  Mr.  Walker,  their  engineer, 
with  a  view  to  the  erection  of  the  apparatus,  and  the 
exhibition  of  the  light  at  Dungeness  lighthouse. 

571.  Do  you  know  whether  any  orders  have  been 
given  to  the  proprietors  for  proceeding  to  set  up  the 
light  at  Dungeness  lighthouse  ?  -  Several  months  ago, 
after  tlie  experiments  at  the  South  Foreland  had 
ceased,  and  which  experiments  were  considered  per- 
fectlj-  satisfactory,  we  were  requested  to  send  to  the 
Trinity  House  estimates  and  specifications  for  erect- 
ing the  light  at  Dungeness  ;  we  subsequently  sub- 
mitted drawings,  specifications,  and  estimates  of  the 
terms,  and,  so  lar  as  I  know,  they  were  agreed  to. 
Those  plans,  specifications,  and  estimates  were  subse- 
quently submitted  to  Mr.  Walker,  the  engineer  of  the 
Tiiuity  House,  and  he  required  various  alterations 
and  additions  to  be  made,  principally  I  believe  owing 
to  the  peculiarity  of  the  Dungeness  lighthouse,  which 
is  very  ill  adapted  for  the  reception  of  our  appara- 
tus on  its  top,  in  consequence  of  an  accident  by  liglit- 
ning  which  took  place  some  years  ago.     These  altera- 

X 


W.  H.  Cutler. 

Ksq. 

Prof.  F.  II. 

Holmes, 


tions    and     additions    of   Mr.    Walker  rendered    it 

necessary  for  us  to  alter  our  estimate   and   suecifica- 

tion,  and  considerably  increase  the  sum  for  which  we 

originally  offered  to  adapt  the  lighthouse  to  our  light. 

The  fresh  estimate  has  not  yet  been  agreed  to  by  the     2  Jan.  isci 

Trinity  House.  

572.  You  have  stated  that  the  Dungeness  Light- 
house was  ill  adapted  for  the  electric  light  in  con- 
sequence of  the  condition  of  the  tower,  which  had 
been  damaged  by  lightning  ;  setting  aside  the  con- 
dition of  the  tower,  do  you  know  whether  Dungeness 
is  a  site  that  the  proprietors  of  the  light  would 
have  considered  a  desirable  one,  in  all  respects,  for 
the  exhibition  of  the  electric  light  ? — Certainly  not; 
Dungeness  would  not  have  been  the  lighthouse 
selected  by  the  proprietors,  inasmuch  as  its  range 
is  only  10  miles  and  a  fifth  ;  nor  can  it  be  called  a 
leading  light,  as  other  lights  are  visible  at  the 
same  time  ;  nor  is  it  on  a  salient  point ;  nor  can 
that  part  be  considered  a  useful  landfalL  The  pro- 
prietors would  have  rather  chosen  an  important 
lighthouse,  such  as  the  Start,  which  is  a  projecting 
point  of  the  Channel,  where  the  light  can  be  seen 
for  about  19  miles. 

573.  You  have  mentioned  the  Start  as  a  desirable 
point  for  the  exhibition  of  the  electric  light  ;  you 
are  probably  aware  that,  at  the  Start,  the  light  is 
a  revolving  light,  and  it  has  been  stated  to  the  Com- 
mission that  the  electric  light  is  not,  as  yet,  adapted 
for  a  revolving  light  ? — Mr.  Holmes  will  be  better 
able  to  give  the  Commissioners  information  upon 
that  subject. 

574.  {To  Professor  Holmes.)  How  would  you 
describe  yourself  as  connected  with  the  electric 
light  ? — That  I  am  the  discoverer  of  the  fact  that 
tlie  magneto-electric  machine  can  produce  the  so- 
called  electric  light  ;  that  is,  a  current  of  electricity 
passing  between  separated  carbon  points. 

575.  It  has  been  stated  to  this  Commission  that  the 
magneto-electric  light  is  uot  adapted  for  a  revolving 
light,  and  that  that  constitutes  an  objection  to  its 
being  exhibited  at  the  Start  Lighthouse.  Do  you 
ditfer  from  that  statement  which  has  been  made  to 
the  Commission? — Certainly;  and  for  this  simple 
reason,  if  a  flashing  Fresuel  lens  is  employed,  that,  as 
it  is  admitted  that  the  magneto-electric  light  can  be 
placed  in  a  focus  of  an  ordinary  stationary  lens, 
there  can  be  no  possible  reason  given  why  there  is 
not  also  the  same  focus  for  it  in  a  flashing  lens. 

576.  Mr.  Campbell  wishes  you  to  be  asked  whether, 
when  you  put  alight  in  the  chief  focus  of  a  lens  either 
fixed  or  revolving,  you  would  provide  any  means  of 
causing  a  divergence  in  the  beam  greater  than  that 
which  would  result  from  the  size  of  the  light,  which 
is  taken  to  be  about  the  eighth  of  an  inch  ? — Any 
amount  of  desired  divergence  can  be  given  to  a  light 
in  constructing  the  lens  ;  but  Messrs.  Chance  have 
given  me  their  opinion  to  the  efl'ect  that  without  any 

4 


168 


MIXrTES   OF   EVIDENCE  TAKEX   EEFORE   THE- COMMISSIONERS   APPOIXTEn  TO 


W.  H.  Cutler,    provision  for  divergence  there  will   be   ample  from 
Fr  iF  H.     *'"-'  ''S^^*"  ''^i^'fi  ''"  *''C  lens  is  properly  constructed, 
Hulmes.         ftD<l  adapted  for  it. 
577.  ( 7'o  J//-.  Cutler.)  You  arc  probably  aware  of 

2  Jan.  ISRl.     the   expense  which  would  have   to   be    incurred   in 

order  to  adapt  the  tower  of  Dungeness,  in  its  present 

fitatc,  for  the  reception  of  the  electric  light.  l)o  you 
think  that  if  you  had  been  permitted  to  ei'ect  your 
own  tower  and  apjjaratus  on  that  site  it  would  have 
been  much  more  expensive  than  altering  the  present 
tower  to  receive  it  ? — The  additional  cost,  over  and 
above  that  to  be  incurred  for  adaiiting  the  Dunge- 
ness Lighthouse  to  the  electric  light,  would  not 
exceed  2,000/.  to  erect  anew  iron  lighthouse  with  all 
the  necessary  ap])urtenances,  such  as  light  keepers 
dwellings;  whilst  the  estimated  cost  of  altering  the 
present  tower  to  receive  the  light  would  amount  to 
nearly  1,.500/. 

.578.  In  erecting  an  iron  lighthouse  tower  de  novo 
would  you  make  ])rovision  for  the  machinery  neces- 
sary for  producing  the  electric  light  being  placed 
within  tlie  tower,  and  not  in  buildings  adjoining,  as  is 
now  proposed  to  be  done  by  the  Trinity  House  ? — 
Certainly. 

o79.  AVhat  is  the  space  in  square  feet  that  you 
would  require  for  the  engine  room  ? — We  should 
propose  to  erect  the  steam  engines  and  apparatus  at 
the  upper  part  of  the  tower.  The  advantage  of  this 
would  be  to  dimini.sli  the  number  of  attendants  by 
one  half,  and  economy  in  other  respects  would  be  the 
result. 

580.  You  have  said  that  there  would  be  fewer  at- 
tendants required  ;  how  many  attendants  are  now 
necessary  in  consequence  of  the  position,  by  the 
Trinity  House  arrangement,  of  the  engine  house  ; 
and  how  many  would  you  employ  when  the  engines 
were  placed  as  you  would  place  them  ? — Under  the 
Trinity  House  arrangement  two  liglitkeepers,  one 
engineer,  and  one  assistant,  are  necessary.  By  the 
proposed  plan,  one  engineer  and  an  assistant  would 
be  sufficient  to  do  the  whole  work. 

581.  Would  you  work  one  engine,  or  would  you 
Lave  duplicate  engines  ? — Probably,  for  extra-caution 
sake,  two  engines  may  be  desirable. 

582.  I  conclude  then  that  with  two  engines  you 
would  work  at  a  very  low  pressure  ? — Certainly. 

583.  Then  there  could  be  no  danger,  humanly 
speaking,  of  an  engine  of  three-horse  power  bursting  ; 
and  I  conclude  that  there  would  be  less  hazard  to  the 
lighthouse  than  now  exists  in  every  house  where  there 
is  a  kitchen  boiler  ? — I  consider  there  would  be  no 
danger  whatever. 

584.  You  consider  then  that  there  has  been  delay 
in  bringing  forward  and  in  properly  testing  this 
light  ? — Yes  ;  very  considerable  delay. 

585.  Do  you  consider  that  delay  owing  to  the  matter 
not  being  properly  understood  by  the  lighthouse  autho- 
rities ? — Most  undoubtedly  :  the  subject  being  one  of 
a  very  novel  and  scientific  character,  it  was  unlikely 
that  it  would  be  thorougldy  understood  at  first,  by  the 
authorities  at  the  Trinity  House.  I  should  add  that 
they  have,  from  time  to  time,  as  I  am  aware,  con- 
sulted Professor  Faraday  upon  the  subject,  and  I 
believe  he  has  reported  very  favourably  of  the  light. 

.586.  Are  you  in  a  position  to  state  that  any  con- 
tinued delay  in  the  erection  of  the  light  might  be  fatal 
to  its  exhibition,  or  at  any  rate  that  it  would  put  it 
beyond  the  power  of  the  prisent  ]n-oprietors  to  go  on 
with  it  ? — The  continual  outlay  wiiich  delay  occasions 
is  very  considerable;  and  I  fear,  if  some  return  is  not 
shortly  received  by  the  proprietors,  the  success  of  tlie 
undertaking  will  be  imperilled. 

587.  Considering  that  it  would  be  more  or  less 
discreditable  to  this  country,  after  all  that  has  bceu 
done,  with  its  great  resources,  scientific  and  otherwise, 
if  the  electric  light  should  be  exhibited  in  any  foreign 
country  before  it  is  set  up  in  England  ;  can  you  in- 
form the  Commissioners  whether  tliere  is  any  project 
for  exhibiling  it  in  any  country  abroad  ? — Tlie  lira- 
ziliau  Uovernnicnt  have  made  inquiries  on  the  sub- 


ject of  the  light,  and  I  am  informed  that  they  would 
immediately  adopt  it  in  one  or  two  new  lighthouses 
which  they  are  now  erecting  in  that  counti-y  if  it 
were  adopted  in  this  country,  and  I  believe  we  should 
also  have  orders  for  making  the  apparatus  for  the 
Swcdisli  Government  as  soon  as  it  was  adopted  here. 

588.  {Mr.  Gladstone  to  Professor  Holmes.)  You 
have  stated  that  you  were  the  discoverer  of  the  Axct 
that  the  magneto-electric  current  could  be  sent  be- 
tween charcoal  points,  and  give  a  brilliant  electric 
light ;  can  you  state  to  the  Commissioners  the  date 
of  your  first  experiments? — In  1853  or  1854  ;  I  think  • 
it  was  in  1854  in  Paris. 

589.  \Aliat  led  you  to  make  those  experiments  in 
Paris? — In  1853  I  was  asked  to  be  referee  in  a  case 
in  Paris,  concerning  some  magneto-electric  machines 
that  were  erected  ibr  tlie  purpose  of  producing  gas 
for  combustion  by  the  decomposition  of  water; 
The  proprietor  of  those  machines  undertaking  that 
they  should  produce  a  certain  quantity  of  gas  per 
hour,  and  getting  up  a  company  there  for  carrying  it 
out,  on  tlie  experiment  being  tried  it  was  found  to 
be  a  failure.  The  machines  then  for  a  time  were  con- 
sidered useless,  and  several  persons,  M.  Becqucrel, 
others,  and  myself,  were  requested  to  give  au  opiniou 
as  to  the  purpose  or  purposes  for  which  these  ma- 
chines might  be  made  available  ;  all,  but  myself, 
decided  that  they  were  no  more  than  toys  ;  but  I  pro- 
jiosed  that  they  might  be  employed,  and  that  I  would 
(by  certain  alterations  that  I  would  undertake  to  make 
in  the  machines),  enable  them  to  be  used  for  the  depo- 
sition of  metals  in  electroplating  and  gilding  ;  per- 
haps, in  some  instances,  for  the  decomposition  of 
mineral  substances.  But  above  this  I  gave  my  opinion 
that  I  thought  it  possible  to  produce  the  electric 
light  by  means  of  those  machines.  My  propositions 
were  entirely  ridiculed,  and  the  consequence  was  that 
instead  of  saying  that  I  thought  I  could  do  it,  I  pro- 
mised to  do  it  by  a  certain  day.  On  that  day,  with 
one  of  Duboscq's  regulators  or  lamps,  I  produced 
the  magneto-electric  light  for  the  first  time.  But  as 
the  machines  were  illeonstructed  for  the  purpose, 
and  as  I  had  considerable  dilficulty  to  make  even  a 
temporary  adjustment,  to  produce  a  fitting  current, 
the  light  could  only  be  exhibited  for  a  fev,'  minutes 
at  a  time,  say  10  or  20  minutes,  when  the  adjustments 
were  entirely  displaced  by  the  friction ;  the  rubbing  sur- 
faces were  worn  away.  From  this  time  1  directed  my 
attention  more  particularly  to  the  reconstruction  of  the 
machines  entirely,  from  the  very  framework  upwards, 
so  as  to  produce  the  current  that  I  saw  necessary  for  the 
electric  light.  In  order  to  get  rid  of  the  friction  I 
employed  rollers,  at  first  small,  which  became,  Irom 
the  lai'ge  amount  of  electricity  passing,  melted  with 
the  heat,  and  I  now  employ  large  ones,  exposing  a 
broad  surface  of  contact,  so  tliat  after  16  or  17  hours 
continual  work  the  whole  of  the  machine,  in  every 
part  of  it,  remains  perfectly  cool,  showing  that  there 
is  no  injurious  friction  in  any  part  of  it. 

590.  The  French  Government  have  lately  been 
performing  experiments  with  the  magneto-electric 
light  ;  do  3'ou  consider  that  those  experiments  grew 
out  of  your  first  trials  ? — The  experiments  now  being 
tried  in  France  are  befng  carried  on  by  a  man  who 
was  formerly  instructed  by  me,  and  working  under 
me  ;  they  were  being  carried  ou  by  the  identical 
machine  which  I  left  in  Paris. 

591.  Did  you  continue  your  experiments  long  in 
Paris  ? — A  short  time  after  the  lirst  production  of 
the  light,  I  left  Paris  in  consequence  of  not  liking 
the  treatment  I  received  from  the  French  Company, 
and  I  then  went  to  Belgium,  as  a  machine  had  been 
constructed  there  under  my  directions,  and  with  that 
machine  I  continued  my  experiments.  About  this 
time,  in  1856,  Captain,  now  Admiral,  Fitzroy, 
was  commissioned  by  the  Admiralty  to  go  to  Brussels 
and  see  tlie  light,  and  report  upon  it.  And 
at  that  time  the  light  obtained  was,  within  a 
mere  fraction,  as  powerful  as  I  have  it  at  the  pre- 
sent time.      .Shortly  after  his  return  to  London,  I 


INQUIRi:  IXTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAgEMKNT  OV  LIGHTS,  BUOY.S,  AND  BEACONS. 


169 


par 


came  ovei  and  saw  Captain  Shcpliard,  of  the  Trinity      in  order  to  keep  up  a  constant  stream  of  vapouriLod 

'"""'"    ""■'    ""'  '"°   "" "'""   '"  ""'    ""*"        carbon  from  one  point  to  the  other.     Now,  I  do  not 

consider  that  absolutely  necessary,  as  I  find  that  the 
current  passing  alternately  from  each  carbon  point  to 
the  other  ivill  produce  still  the  electric  light,  in  con- 
scqiionce  of  the  enormous  rapidity  of  the  changes  of 
direction  ;  wiiile  the  vapour  produced  by  the  current 
before  it  is  still  between  tlie  carbon  points  in  suf- 
ficient quantity  to  carry  the  electricity.  The  light 
jn-oduced  by  this  means  is  not  of  the  same  character 
as  the  other.  In  this  both  carbons  burn  at  the  samo 
rate.  The  focus  is  larger,  in  consequence  of  both  ends 
or  extremities  of  the  carbon  being  equally  heated  ; 
but  there  is  always,  and  mast  nocessarilv  be,  a 
coloured  tiamo  surrounding  the  light,  giving  i't  a  very 
peculiar  character,  and  distinguishing  it  completely 
from  tlie  magneto-electric  light,  produced  by  the 
current  passing  always  in  one  direction.  This  is 
owing,  I  believe,  to  the  dispersion  of  particles  of 
carbon  into  the  air  by  the  contact  of  the  two,  the 
upv.'ard  and  do^v-nward  stream  of  vajjourized  or 
liquefied  carbon,  the  particles  so  projected  into  the 
surrounding  air  burning  and  producing  the'peculiar 
flame  of  carbonic  oxide. 

594.  Do  you  propose  to  use  the  alternate  currents, 
or  the  currents  brought  into  one  direction,  at  Duu'i-e- 
iioss  ? — T!ic  currents  uniformly  in  one  direction. 

o9.J.  Do  you  think  that  that  has  a  ])re|)onde'rance 
of  advantage  ? — I  believe  the  advantage  to  be  this, 
that  the  light  is  more  steady,  and  quite  free  from  that 
peculiar  tremnlousness  that  to  me  is  escecdinn-ly 
disagreeable  to   the  eye   when   close  to  it;  whether 

s  injurious  to  the  eye  permanently  I  am  not  pre- 

red  to  sa}-. 

596.  xlre  the  carbons  em])loyed  bv  vou  the  same 
as  tliose  employed  in  producing 'the  or'dinarv  galvano- 
olectric  light  ?— Any  carbons  that  will  suit  the  cue 
electricity  will  suit  the  other. 

597.  Have  you  made  many  experiments  on  car- 
bons ?— K"o,  I  have  not ;  I  have  taken  those  that  are 
to  be  got  in  the  market  up  to  the  present  time. 

598.  {Chairman.)  Are  you  aware  of  the  exact 
description  of  carbon  now  being  used  in  makin"' tie 
experiments  at  Paris  ?— Yes.  One  kind  of  urepare'd 
carbon  now  employed  in  Paris,  if  it  can  be  manu- 
factured, would  give  a  very  superior  light  :  but 
hitherto,  from  all  I  can  learn,  no  pieces  have  been  made 
ol  It  more  than  three  inches  long,  from  some  ditH- 
cuity  I  believe,  in  its  manufacture.  Of  the  carbons 
that  1  employ  each  pair  consists  of  one  a  foot  lou" 
and  the  other  six  inches  long.  I  believe  also  that 
another  manufacturer  is  taking  up  the  subject  now 
m  laris;  and  although  not  manufacturing  carbons 
so  perfectly  as  the  small  specimens  that  I  saw  there 
still  they  are  much  more  free  from  iron  than  any  that 
i  have  hitherto  had  to  use. 

599.  What  is  the  length  of  the  carbon  that  vou 
consider  necessary  to  be  placed  in  the  machinery  o'f  a 
lighthouse  ?_A  lamp  consumes  five  inches  an  hour 
or  from  five  to  five  and  a  half,  the  two  tOTether' 
Hence,  if  the  sum  of  the  two  together  is  about  18 
inches,  the  light  will  continue  for  upwards  of  three 
hours  wiihout  changing  the  lamp. 

600.  (Mr.  Gladstone.)  Have  you  made  any  experi- 
ments with  a  view  to  obtain  a  variety  in  the  colour  of 
the  light,  by  steeping  the  carbons  in  different  salts 
or  any  such  metliods  ?— I  have  ;  and  the  result  as  fir 
as  a  coloured  lighr,  is  concerned,  is  satisfactory  •  but 
as  far  as  the  lens  is  concerned,  it  is  most  unsatisfactorv 
as  a  deposition  of  the   " -i>  _  ,    .  ,  .  -  ' 


House,  and  got  his  permission  to  put  a  magneto- 
electric  machine  r.p  at  their  Experimental  Light- 
house at  niackwall,  and  it  was  there  tried  for  a 
number  of  nights,  say  f)-oni  6  till  10  in  tlie  evening; 
and,  from  the  satisfaction  that  it  seemed  to  give  to 
the  Trinity  House  authorities,  the  South  Foreland 
Ligiithousc  was  given  to  me  to  place  the  light  in  ; 
my  understanding  Vi-ith  the  Trinity  House  at  that 
time  being,  that  il',  at  the  end  of  three  months,  there 
v,-as  no  fault  found  with  the  light,  then  it  should  be 
idaced  permanently  in  some  lighthouse.  At  the  end 
of  the  three  months  trial  at  the  South  Foreland  the 
Trinity  House  required  a  further  trial  of  six  months, 
during  which  six  months  it  was  to  be  entirely  under 
their  own  control,  I  not  being  allov/ed  to  interfere  at 
all  in  the  carrying  out  of  the  experiment.  During  this 
time  the  light  was  put  to  a  vorj'  severe  test,  as  one  of 
the  lightkeepers,  who  had  been  accustomed  to  the  ar- 
rangement, of  the  lamps  in  the  lantern  from  the  com- 
mencement was  suddenly  removed,  and  another  took 
his  place  without  any  previous  instruction.  This  man, 
being  unacquainted  with  the  light,  thought  it  was 
(}uite  strong  enough  if  he  allowed  the  carbon  points 
to  touch,  as  then  the  light  required  no  attendance 
whatever,  and  he  could  leave  it  in  that  way  for 
hours  together  ;  and  I  had  to  report  to  the  Trinity 
House  that  such  was  the  case,  and  tliat  whenever 
this  man  was  on  duty  there  vras  a  very  poor  light, 
and  that  his  answer,  when  spoken  to  by  the  other 
lightkeeper,  had  been,  "  1;  is  quite  good  enough." 
One  of  the  lightkeepers  from  the  lower  light  at 
the  South  Foreland  was  ordered  to  instruct  him, 
and  tills  man,  the  instructor,  had  never  had  an  hour's 
management  of  the  lanij),  except  during  the  interval 
of  a  few  days  between  the  leaving  of  the  first  liglit- 
kceper  and  the  coming  of  his  successor  ;  still,  wi(h 
that  slight  amount  of  instruction,  the  man  was  able 
afterwards  to  carry  out  tlioso  instructions  so  as  to 
keep  the  light  at  its  proper  brightness  the  whole  of 
the  night  without  difficulty.  This  took  place  with 
lamps  or  regulators,  which  I  have  now  superseded. 
The  diliiculty  of  managing  those  lamps  v.-as  not  in 
their  construction,  but  in  consequence  of  their  being 
composed  of  clockwork  ;  and,  what  with  changes  of 
temperature,  the  hardening  of  the  oil  in  this  clock- 
work, and  the  rough  manner  in  which  uneducated 
men  poured  the  oil  into  tliis  clockwork,  the  lamps 
were  liable  to  stoppage,  and  then,  if  not  attended  to, 
the  light  Vi'ould  become  extinct.  In  the  new  lamps 
to  supersede  those,  all  the  clockwork  is  omitted,  and 
I  now  feel  perfectly  independent  of  a  man  for  three 
hours  at  a  time.  The  attendance  of  the  lightkeeper 
will  be  simply  required  to  renew  the  carbons  every 
three  or  four  hours ;  and  in  case  of  one  carbon  burning 
a  little  faster  than  the  other,  so  as  to  cause  the  point 
to  ascend  or  descend,  that  he  should  then,  by  merely 
turning  a  little  button,  regulate  the  height  from  time 
to  time. 

592.  (  Chairman.')  Has  the  lightkeeper  any  means 
of  ascertaining  wlien  the  point  is  descending  or 
ascending  above  or  below  the  focus,  without  actually 
looking  at  the  fiame  itself? — At  the  back  cf  the  light 
is  a  small  reflector,  a  few  inches  in  dhuneter,  occu- 
pying a  part  of  the  lantern  that  is  black  or  dark  ; 
through  this  reflector  a  small  hole  is  drilled,  and  the 
light  passing  through  this  hole  falls  on  a  disc,  on 
which  are  three  lines.  When  the  light  is  perfectly 
in  focus,  this  small  star  or  disc  of  light  falls 
across  the  centre  line  ;  if  it  ascends,  it  falls  on  the 
lower  line  ;  if  it  descends,  it  falls  on  the  upper  one, 
or  approaches  it.  Therefore,  without  looking  at  the 
light,  the  man  simply  regards  the  position  of  this 
luminous  point  on  the  disc,  and  turns  the  button 
accordingly,  either  up  or  down. 

593.  (Mr.  Gladstone.)  Your  present  apparatus  in- 
cludes an  elaborate  contrivance  for  bringing  the 
alternate  positive  and  negative  currents  into  one 
direction  ;  did  this  form  part  of  your  original  appa- 
ratus ? — Yes.  My  original  idea  was  that  it  would  be 
necessary  to  have  the  current  always  in  one  direction 

I. 


TV.  H.  Cutter. 

Prnf.  F.  H. 
Holmes. 

2  Jan.  1861. 


as  a  deposition  of  the  vapour  of  whatever  I  impreg- 
nate the  carbon  with  is  deposited  in  all  directions  on 
fne  glass  of  the  lanterns  and  on  the  lens,  renderin.'  it 
opaque  in  a  few  hours,  and  in  m.'iny  instances"  to 
produce  a  coloured  light  ;  and  as  very  poisonous  sub- 
stances are  used  It  must  necessarily  be  injurious  to 
the  health  of  the  keepers,  who  have  to  breathe  a  con- 
taminated atmosphere.  I  may  mention  as  one,  nitrate 
of  strontia,  which  produces  a  reddish  coloured  li<'ht 
and  is  highly  poisonous.  '^    ' 

601.  Do  you  not   think  it  possible   that  you  may 
discover  some  substance,  the  products  of  the  decern- 


170 


MINPTES   OF   EVIDENCE  TAKEN    BEFORE   THE   COSQIISSIONERS   .VPPOIXTED   TO 


Tf.  B.  Culle 

Esq. 

Pfof.  F.  B. 
Holmes. 

2  Jan.  1S61. 

position  of  which  are  permanent  gases  at  the  ordi- 
nary temperature,  and  not  injurious  ? — I  am  not  at 
prei^ent  aware  of  any  such;  but  as  regards  the  exhi- 
bition of  colour,  three  or  more  short  chimneys, 
built  one  on  to  the  other,  each  of  them  an  inch  or  so 
in  lengtli,  placed  at  the  end  of  a  lever,  clockwork 
giving  motion  to  them  upwards  and  downwards, 
will  cause  changes  in  the  colour  of  the  light  from 
white  through  two  or  three  or  more  colours,  to  white, 
and  back  again,  with  any  required  velocity. 

602.  {Chairman.)  What  do  you  consider  will  be 
the  size  and  diameter  of  the  lenticular  apparatus 
required  for  the  exhibition  of  your  light  for  light- 
house purposes,  and  for  a  fixed  light  ? — The  size 
lens  that  1  should  employ  would  be  that  of  the  sixth 
order,  the  focus  being  so  small,  merely  requiring  such 
a  size  lens  as  to  enable  the  hand  to  be  put  within  to 
clean  it. 

603.  Have  you  made  any  calculation  as  to  the 
difference  of  cost  between  such  an  apparatus  and 
that  required  for  a  first  class  dioptric  light  ? — The 
best  answer  perhaps  that  I  can  give  to  that  question 
will  be  the  estimate  that  Mr.  Chance  gives  me  for 
lantern,  and  the  lens  complete  for  the  electric  light 
as  intended  to  be  mounted  at  Dungeness,  and  that 
amounts,  I  believe,  to  445/.  But  this  includes  two 
entire  lenticular  apparatus,  mounted  one  over  the 
other,  in  order  that,  on  the  carbons  in  one  lamp 
being  enlirely  consumed,  the  lamp,  now  ready  in  the 
other  lenticular  apparatus,  is  simply  ignited,  and  in 
doing  this  the  one  in  which  the  carbon  has  been  con- 
sumed is  extinguished  at  the  same  instant,  and  thus, 
by  means  of  the  two  lenses,  the  light  never  ceases  for 
an  instant. 

604.  Then  whilst  the  cost  of  the  dioptric  apparatus 
at  the  North  Foreland  is  1,018/.  \0s.,  including  trans- 
port for  one  light,  you  are  to  be  charged  44o/.  for  two 
illuminating  apparatus  ? — Precisely  so.  I  would  also 
add  that  the  lantern  is  constructed  of  bent  plate 
glass  with  diagonal  bars,  made  very  thin,  so  that  no 
shadow  can  possibly  be  thrown  on  an}'  part  of 
the  sea. 

605.  {Mr.  (rladstoiie.)  How  long  do  you  imagine 
that  a  set  of  magnets  Avill  last  in  constant  use  in  your 
machine  ? — If  in  constant  use,  for  ever  ;  the  efliect  of 
the  helices  passing  the  magnets  being  to  continue  the 
strength  of  the  magnets  up  to  a  certain  point.  I  find 
bj'  experience  that  the  magnets  are  stronger  after  six 
months'  use  than  they  were  after  a  week's  use.  On 
taking  the  machiue  to  pieces  at  the  South  Foreland, 
by  direct  trials  made  of  their  strength,  the  compari- 
sons being  made  with  the  strength  taken  at  the  time 
of  erection,  I  find  that  the  strength  is  identical  with 
that  after  the  first  removal  of  the  armatures,  imme- 
diatelv  after  their  being  magnetized  :  they  cannot  wear 
out,  as  they  are  not  touched  in  any  part  l)y  tlie  re- 
volving armatures.  I  am  glad  to  have  this  opportu- 
nity of  contradicting  a  report  circulated  by  an 
engineer  who  has  been  employed  by  the  Board  of 
Trade,  that  the  machines  were  taken  to  pieces  at  the 
South  Foreland,  and  the  magnets  found  to  have 
lost  all  their  force.  The  value  of  such  an  assertion 
mav  be  known  from  this,  that  at  the  time  tlie  report 
was  spread  the  niacliines  were  n(it  taken  apart. 

606.  Is  there  much  wear  and  tear  in  any  other 
part  of  the  apparatus  ? — No  more  than  the  ordinary 
wear  and  tear  of  double  conical  bearings,  with  which 
I  believe  the  amount  of  friction  to  be  reduced  to  its 
minimum.  The  commutator  merely,  from  the  slight 
action  on  its  edges  of  the  current  of  electricity,  re- 
quires trimming,  or  in  other  words,  dressing  on  the 
surface,  every  six  weeks.  The  commutator  will  wear 
out  in  about  30  years,  and  the  cost  of  renewal  would 
be  about  20/. 

607.  {Chairman.)  Do  3-ou  consider  that  the  mag- 
neto-electric light  can  be  said  to  have  had  a  complete 
and  fair  trial  at  the  South  Foreland,  considering  that 
the  lenticular  apparatus  there  was  adapted  for  a 
Fresncl  oil  lamp  of  three  inclies  and  three  quarters 
in  diameter? — If  the  lens  had  been   perfect  for  that 


diameter  of  lamp  or  li2ht,  it  could  not  have  been  fit 
for  a  light  the  eighth  of  an  inch  in  diameter.  Hence 
it  would  follow  that  a  full  lens  of  light  could  not  be 
seen  from  any  point  :  but  in  fact,  at  the  commence- 
ment of  the  experiments  at  the  South  Foreland,  the 
lens  was  most  imperfect  for  the  Frcsnel  lamp  itself. 

608.  You  have  said  that  the  lens  at  the  South 
Foreland  Light  was  most  imperfect  for  the  Fresnel 
lamp  itself;  did  you  find  that  the  zones  or  prisms 
were  less  imperfect  than  the  lenses  ? — The  imperfec- 
tion was  principally  in  the  zones  or  prisms ;  one 
panel  of  the  lens  only  was  out  of  the  perpendicular, 
throwing  the  light  upwards  ;  but  witli  regard  to  the 
zones,  to  the  best  of  my  remembrance,  ont  of  96 
zones  only  two  directed  the  rays  of  light  horizontally, 
the  other  94,  with  one  or  two  exceptions,  throwing 
the  light  upwards  at  a  considerable  angle,  instead  of 
on  to  the  sea  or  to  the  horizon  ;  some  of  them  as 
much  as  one  inch  in  a  foot,  and  one  of  them  more 
than  an  inch  and  a  half  in  one  foot. 

609.  This  dis-adjustment  that  you  speak  of  is 
with  reference  to  the  lamp  as  originally  fitted? — Yes. 

610.  How  was  it  ascertained  that  this  one  lens 
and  the  94  zones  or  prisms  were  so  much  out  of 
adjustment? — When  a  person  is  in  the  lantern  of 
any  lighthouse,  and  looks  across  the  lens,  so  as  to 
allow  the  eye  to  look  towards  the  glass  on  the  oppo- 
site side  of  the  lantern  between  the  prisms,  then,  if 
the  light  passes  from  those  prisms  in  a  perfectly 
horizontal  line,  it  would  be  imjiossible  to  see  the 
reflected  light  upon  the  glass  of  the  lantern.  But 
observing  in  this  manner  the  South  Foreland  lens,  I 
found,  to  my  surprise,  that  the  light  thrown  back  to 
my  eye  from  the  glass  of  the  lantern  was  that  of  a 
prism  two  ranks,  in  someinstances,  lower  than  the  one 
I  was  looking  over.  And  with  respect  to  the  defective 
adjustment  in  any  panel  of  the  lens,  this  may  be 
i-eadily  discovered  by  placing  the  e_ve  on  the  level 
of  the  centre  of  the  flame,  and  then  observing  the 
reflected  ligiit  on  the  lens  itself.  If  the  reflected  light 
from  the  lens  itself  is  thrown  back  to  the  eye  exactly 
across  the  line  of  light  you  are  l.oking  at,  then  the 
panel  is  perpendicular  and  in  its  place,  but  if  not,  it 
shows  at  any  rate  that  one  surface  of  the  lens  is  out 
of  the  perpendicular  ;  and  in  examining  the  lens  I 
have  alluded  to  in  this  way,  I  foimd  the  reflected  ray 
to  be  thrown  much  below  the  centre  of  the  light,  and 
therefore  sending  its  light  upwards,  above  the  sea. 
The  direction  of  this  panel  was  towards  the  Dungeness 
Lighthouse  :  it  passed  over  Dover  Harbour. 

611.  Did  you  take  any  steps  for  the  re  adjustment 
of  the  defective  lens,  or  of  the  94  defective  zones 
or  prisms  ? — The  first  defect  that  I  reported  to 
the  Trinity  House  was,  that  the  shadows  of  the 
brass  framing  of  the  lens  did  not  fall  on  the 
astragals  of  ihe  lantern,  but  fell  at  the  side  of  them, 
so  increasing  the  shadow  materially  at  sea.  Upon 
this  one  of  the  Elder  Brethren  came  down  to  .see  the 
lens,  and  ordered  the  lens  to  be  turned  slightly  on 
its  axis.  This  did  not  remedy  the  defect,  and  for 
this  reason — the  lens  is  an  inch  and  a  half  or  there- 
about out  of  the  centre  of  the  lantern,  and  therefore 
in  putting  one  shadow  right,  the  others  were  made 
worse.  1  took  that  opportunity  of  one  of  the  Elder 
Brethren  being  down  there  a  second  time,  to  mention 
the  defect  in  the  prisms,  and  on  calling  at  the 
Trinity  House  .';onie  time  after,  I  saw  Professor 
Faraday  there,  and  we  had  some  conversation  on  the 
subject.  It  was  then  proposed  that  Mr.  Wilkins 
should  send  down  a  man  to  alter  any  prisms  that 
I  should  point  out  as  being  defective,  and  to  change 
their  position  in  the  frames  ;  but  it  was  then  pro- 
posed at  the  same  time  that  the  correction  should  be 
made  by  sloping  the  entire  panel  containing  a  set  of 
these  defective  prisms,  but  that  I  was  on  no  account 
to  adjust  it  for  my  light,  but  it  was  to  be  adjusted 
for  a  large  Fresncl  lamp.  On  the  man  coming  down 
to  make  tiiese  alterations  he  soon  discovered  that  it 
was  totally  impossible  to  make  the  correction  by  any 
alteration  in  the  position  of  the  panel  ;  that  each 
zone  or  prism  would  u-.juire  to  be  removed  and  re-sct, 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGE>IENT  OF  LIGHTS,  Bf  OTS,  AND  BEACONS. 


171 


and  this  he  at  once  commenced  doing,  employing  as 
his  assistants  the  two  lightkeepers.  On  commenc- 
ing to  re  set  them  after  one  day's  work  I  observed 
the  effect  at  night,  and  found  that  they  were  still 
very  much  out  of  the  truth,  some  of  tlicm  being 
very  much  over  corrected  so  as  to  direct  the  rays  too 
much  ill  a  downward  direction  ;  and  tlic  next  day  I 
assisted  the  man  by  showing  him  a  ready  means  of 
ascertaining  wlien  the  rays  passed  exactly  in  a 
horizontal  direction  from  the  lens.  This  was  done 
by  placing  on  the  outside  of  the  lens  a  straight  edge 
— say  three  feet  in  length — on  which  a  spirit  level 
being  placed,  it  was  nicely  adjusted  to  a  level,  the 
end  of  the  edge  being  exactly  opposite  the  middle  of 
any  zone  to  be  adjusted;  the  red  ball  of  an  inch 
and  a  half  in  diameter,  previously  used  as  represent- 
ing the  flame  of  the  lamp,  being  in  its  place.  On 
directing  the  eye  along  this  straight  edge  to  the 
prism,  tho  ball  ought  to  be  seen;  and  now  the  defect 
was  very  readily  discovered  in  the  set  of  these  zones 
or  prisms,  for  it  was  found,  in  many  instances,  that 
the  eye  had  to  be  elevated  three  inches,  still  looking 
to  the  centre  of  this  prism,  before  this  ball  could  be 
seen.  And  on  changing  the  prism  slowly,  and  alter- 
ing its  set,  these  rays,  passing  through  the  prism  from 
the  ball,  were  gradually  brought  down,  so  that  at  last 
the  eye,  on  looking  in  a  direct  line  corresponding 
with  the  straight  edge,  saw  the  centre  of  the  ball 
exactly  opposite  to  that.  In  this  way  not  only  the 
lower  but  the  upper  prisms  were  altered  ;  and  to  the 
best  of  my  remembrance  there  were  only  two  that 
were  found  correct  enough  to  leave  them  as  they 
were.  The  time  occupied  in  doing  this  I  believe  to 
have  been  between  two  and  three  weeks. 

612.  In  the  last  reply  you  spoke  of  adjusting  tho 
lenses  and  prisms  horizontally  ;  do  you  mean  to  the 
geometric  or  to  the  sea  horizon  ? — ^To  the  geometric 
horizon,  as  that  was  the  direction  that  was  given, 
Wilkins's  man  having  orders  to  correct  them  to  the 
exact  level,  or  exactly  at  right  angles  to  the  perpen- 
dicular. 

613.  Mr.  Campbell  wishes  you  to  be  asked  whether 
the  electric  light  and  the  red  ball,  of  which  you  have 
spoken,  were  set  in  the  focus  of  the  lens  in  the  axis 
of  the  whole  instrument,  and  generally  as  much  in  the 
centre  as  possible  ? — In  adjusting  the  lens  and  prisms 
the  red  ball  was  placed  in  the  exact  ceutie,  but;  my 
light  was  always  placed  by  me  at  about  3-16ths  of  an 
inch  above  the  true  centre,  but  still  in  the  axis  of  the 
apparatus. 

614.  {Mr.  Gladstcne.)  Were  the  3-16ths  of  an 
inch  with  a  view  to  bringing  the  horizontal  beam  of 
light  down  to  the  sea  horizon  ? — It  was. 

615.  (C/iairmaii.)  Mr-  Campbell  wishes  you  to  be 
asked  wliether,  in  raising  your  light  so  as  to  bring 
the  beam  of  light  dowk  lu  the  sea  horizon,  you  con- 
sidered the  case  of  the  prisms  as  well  as  the  case  of 
the  lenses  ? — Yes.  I  knew  that  I  should  lose  a  por- 
tion of  light  from  the  upper  prisms,  but  as  I  consi- 
dered my  light  or  luminous  point  to  be  beyond  the 
focus  of  the  apparatus,  in  consequence  of  being  in  the 
axis  instead  of  round  the  axis,  as  the  flame  of  the 
lamp  is,  the  raising  of  this  point  compensated  in  some 
measure  for  its  distance  further  back,  and  brought 
the  rays  of  the  lower  prisms  further  out  towards  the 
horizon  than  they  would  otherwise  have  fallen. 

616.  Mr.  Campbell  understands  you  to  say,  that 
when  the  operation  was  completed  the  upper  prisms 
were  sending  rays  above  the  geometric  horizon ;  the 
lens  part  was  sending  rays  down  to  the  sea  horizon, 
and  the  lower  prisms  were  sending  rays  to  the  geo- 
metric horizon  ? — It  is  true  that  the  lens  was  sending 
the  rays  to  the  sea  liorizon,  the  lower  prisms  were  also 
sending  them  to  the  Spa  horizon,  because  I  do  not 
consider  tiiat  in  raising  the  light  3-16lhs  of  an  inch, 
that  I  raised  it  sufficiently  high  to  throw  them  to  the 
geonie'ric  horizon.  Witli  regard  to  the  upper  prisms 
I  sacriliced  some  rays,  but  the  rays  of  my  light  that 
fall  on  the  upper  prisms  are  only  the  rays  of  the 
lower  carbons,  and  not  near  so  powerful  as  the  rays 
that  fall  on  the  lens  and  lower  prisms. 

617.  The  electric  light  being   so  placed,  and  about 


Y2 


the  size  of   a  pea,   how  do  you   account  for  the  fact     ^-  -^  '^«*''^ 
that  it  was  seen  close  to  Dover,  and  on  the  horizon  ?      Profp  h 
— In  this^  way,   that   although  my  light  was  raised        ''holmes. 

3-16ths  of  an  inch  above  the  true  centre  of  the  lent!-  

cular  apparatus,   still  it  was  by  my  calculation  l-8th      2  Jan.  1861. 

and  a  sixteenth  below   where    it  should    have   been 

placed  to  bring  the  rays  from  the  lower  prisms  to  the 
geometric  horizon. 

618.  Will  you  look  at  this  drawing  (m  Me  .<4/)/>en- 
dix  to  the  Report.)  {The  same  being  shown  to  the 
witness.)  This  is  traced  from  the  inverted  imnse  of 
the  landscape  formed  by  the  lens  at  the  South  Fore- 
land lighthouse,  on  a  sheet  of  ground  glass  placed  in 
the  focus  of  the  lens  ;  your  liglit  was  accordingly  in 
this  position  ;  by  what  process  did  you  get  the  di- 
vergence which  is  represented  on  this  drawing  by 
nearly  three  inches  of  flame,  whereas  your  light  is 
represented  by  l-8th  of  an  inch,  and   corresponds   in 

size  with  the  image  of  a  ship  di-stant  about  a  mile  ? 

With  regard  to  the  distant  rays  it  was  in  fact  simply 
the  divergence  due  to  the  furm'ation  of  the  lens,  but  the 
light  falling  on  the  sea  close  in  shore  was  due  to  the 
reflection  by  the  small  circular  conical  reflector  placed 
under  the  light  horizontally  to  intercept  all  those  rays 
that  fell  on  the  service  table  of  the  lens,  and  in  fact 
all  that  fell  below  the  lower  series  of  zones  or  prisms. 
Those  rays  so  reflected  were  thrown  up  into  the 
third  and  fourth  rank  of  the  upper  prisms,  coming 
then,  as  it  were,  from  a  point  something  like  three 
inches  or  more  below  the  real  focus  of  the  lens  ;  they 
made  a  corresponding  angle  in  issuinn-  from  the 
upper  prisms  with  the  horizontal  line,"  and  hence 
descended  to  the  sea  at  a  distance  varying  from  two 
to  four  miles. 

619.  In  the  apparatus  which  is  row  being  con- 
structed by  Mr.  Chance  for  the  magneto-electric  light 
to  be  exhibited  at  Dungeness,  is  provision  madeby 
reflectors,  or  by  any  other  means,  for  obtaining  the 
requisite  divergence;  I  mean  suHicient  to  illuminate 
the  sea  in  shore  ?— This  part  does  not  concern  the 
apparatus  at  all  that  Mr.  Chance  is  makinsr,  but 
depends  entirely  upon  a  small  reflector  that  will  be 
placed  in  the  same  position,  and  below  the  luminous 
point.  But  the  eflect  in  the  small  lens  will  be  much 
greater  ;  instead  of  throwing  the  light  so  far  out  at 
sea,  as  at  the  South  Foreland,  the  light  will  now  be 
brought  almost  cloae  round  the  lighthouse. 

620.  Mr.  Campbell  wi.shes  you  to  be  asked  with 
reference  to  the  rays  that  went  further  to  sea.  It 
was  observed  by  the  Coramissioneis,  on  their  visit  to 
the  lighthouse  at  the  South  Foreland,  that,  besides  the 
conical  reflector  which  you  have  mentioned,  there  was 
another  reflector  placed  behind  the  electric  lio-ht, 
which  appeared  to  be  an  upright  leflector,  composed 
of  two  portions  of  a  hollow  cylinder.  Will  that  re- 
flector, in  any  way,  account  for  the  divergence  which 
was  discovered  to  exist,  and  which  has  not  yet  been 
accounted  for  ? — I  should  say  decidedly  not.  The  use 
of  that  re  ector  was  partially  to  destroy  the  enormous 
shadows  produced  conjointly  by  the  frame  of  the  lens 
and  the  astragals  of  the  lantern,  and  was  so  formed 
that,  looking  at  that,  and  the  light  from  any  point  round 
the  lantern,  the  light  reflected  in  the  reflector  was 
always  distant  from  the  light  itself  three  inches,  and 
thus  that  light  always  passed  into  and  crossed  the 
shadow  irom  the  main  light.  But  that  the  liwht 
reflected  from  this  was  not  at  all  equal  to  the  li°lit 
itself  was  very  evident  to  any  one  standing  outsTde 
the  lighthouse,  as  then,  in  the  air,  the  shadow  from 
the  astragal  and  frame  still  had  the  appearance  of  a 
dark  line  in  the  air,  and  if  the  light  had  been  equal 
to  that  from  the  reflector  these  lines  or  shadows  in 
the  air  would  have  been  nearly  invisible. 

621.  But,  in  speaking  of  the  first  reflector,  which 
you  mentioned,  you  said  that  in  consequence  of  the 
reflection  the  light  appeared  to  radiate  Irom  a  point 
behind  that  reflector  ;  did  the  light  not  radiate  in 
like  manner,  or  appear  to  radiate,"from  points  behind 
the  cylindrical  upi  ight  reflector  also  ;  and  did  the  light 
not  then  thereby  seem  to  diverge  from  the  coiijuglite 
focus  of  the  lens,  so  that  the  lens  would  bring  those 
rays  to  a  focus  at  some  point  outside  the  lighthouse. 


172 


.AnXUTES   OF   EVIDENCE   TAKEN"   BEFORE  THE   COJfMISSIOXERS   AVPOINTED   TO 


ir.  H.  Culler,  from  which  thev  would  again  diverge,  so  as  to  give  the 
p   ^*'-  required  divergence  ? — Yes. 

™'',  '•     ■  622.  Will  net  that  perhaps  account  for  the  other- 

Wise  unexplained  divergence  f — tor  the  reason  1  have 

2Jan.  ISi'.I.     already  given,   I  should   say  not,   because  those  rays 

were  so  feeble  that  they  could  not  be  called  the  rays 

of  the  light. 

623.  Were  those  reflectors  of  polished  silver  similar 
to  the  reflectors  used  in  the  catoptric  lighthouses  ?  — 
Yes,  they  were. 

624.  Then  why  should  the  rays  from  that  piece  of 
silver  be  less  brilliant  tliaii  the  reflected  r.ays  from 
other  pieces  of  silver  ? — Because  the  form  of  the 
reflector  prevented  the  formation  of  a  focus,  whereas 
in  large  reflectors  intended  to  be  used  in  liglithouses 
the  construction  is  such  that  the  rays  from  the  focus 
pass  out  nearly  in  parallel  lines,  and  you  see,  from 
wherever  it  can  be  observe^l,  the  whole  reflected  on 
the  same  held  ;  but  in  my  small  reflector  the  reverse 
was  the  case,  the  light  in  that  always  appearing  less 
in  size  from  its  peculiar  curvature  than  the  light 
itself. 

625.  Had  you  these  reflectors  from  the  beginning, 
and  was  the  light  always  placed  as  you  have  de- 
scribed ? — The  light  was  always  placed  slightly 
above  the  true  centre  of  the  lens,  but  I  had  not  the 
reflectors  at  the  commencement. 

626.  Was  the  divergence  observed  to  be  the 
same  after  the  reflectors  were  there  as  before  r — The 
first  report  that  was  made  to  me  on  the  divergence  of 
the  light,  was  by  Professor  Faraday,  who  said  that 
lie  was  surprised  to  find  the  sea  so  lighted  up,  and  so 
equallv  from  the  horizon  to  within  a  lew  miles  of  the 
lighthouse.  At  that  time  no  reflectors  whatever 
were  used,  and  the  application  of  the  reflectors  was 
an  afterthought,  in  consequence  of  the  dark  shadows; 
the  total  darkness  at  sea  in  the  shadows  of  the  astra- 
gals was  misunderstood  by  captains  and  otliers  at  sea, 
and  was  supposed  to  be  a  total  extinction  of  the 
light  during  the  time  thcj'  sailed  or  steamed  tliroujih 
them,  and  in  cousenuence  of  that  I  jdaced  a  small 
reflector  with  a  peculiar  curve  at  the  back  of  the  light. 

627.  But  the  other  reflector  was  there  before  ? — 
Kg.  Then  it  struck  me  also,  that  the  light  in  the 
lantern  was  so  disagreeably  strong  that,  if  I  placed  a 
small  reflector  under  the  light  as  well,  I  might 
utilise  that  light  by  throwing  it  into  the  upper 
prisms,  and  causing  it  to  light  up  the  sea  close  in  shore. 

628.  Do  you  consider  that,  even  afier  the  adjust- 
ment of  the  lens  and  prisms  by  Jlr.  Vt'ilkius's  man, 
the  apparatus  at  the  South  Foreland  was  sufficiently 
adapted  for  the  magneto-electric  light  to  afford  a  fair 
trial  of  that  light  during  the  remainder  of  the  ex- 
periments ? — I  do  not,  the  divergence  being  enor- 
mously too  great. 

629.  It  appears  then,  from  all  you  have  stated, 
that  a  very  large  proportion  of  the  light  which  was 
produced  from  the  magneto-electric  light  was,  with 
the  South  Foreland  apparatus,  and  even  after  the 
adjustments,  thrown  upwards  above  the  horizon,  and 
that  still  the  remainder  of  the  light  produced  that 
cfl'ect  beyond  and  at  the  horizon,  and  near  the  light 
at  Boulogne,  and  near  Dover,  which  has  been  so  much 
admired  by  those  who  have  observed  and  reported  on 
the  light  during  its  exhibition  ? — Yes  ;  even  with  this 
apparatus,  adapted  to  an  enormous  lamp  compared 
with  my  light,  I  got  this  effect. 

630.  It  might  be  stated  by  some  that  they  were 
not  satisfied  as  to  the  sufliciency  and  accuracy  of 
your  means  of  testing  the  amount  of  the  divergence, 
which,  you  have  said,  was  enormously  too  great — in 
fact,  double  that  which  you  required  ;  what  answer 
would  you  give  to  any  such  objection  ? — In  the  first 
place  the  light  was  constantly  observed  from  the 
lantern  of  Grisnez,  Calais,  Dungeness,  and  the  Xorth 
Foreland.  Grisnez,  Calais,  and  the  North  Foreland, 
were  considerably  above  mj-  natural  horizon  ;  hence 
if  the  light  was  seen  there,  all  the  light  seen  there 
must  have  been  light  perfectly  useless  at  sea.  Dunge- 
ness is  not  so  much  above  my  horizon  as  the  others, 
but,  being  above,  I  requested  that  the  observations 
should  be  made  from  the  foot  of  the  tower,  and  not 


from  the  lantern  ;  hut  I  found  that  they  were  made 
from  the  lantern,  which,  as  I  have  stated,  is  above  my 
horizon,  I  have  also  tried  the  amount  of  divergence, 
by  allowing  the  shadow  from  an  opaque  substance  to 
be  thrown  through  the  rays  at  night,  and  I  have 
always  found  tiiat  nearly  half  the  rays  pass  above 
the  horizon.  In  these  observations  I  have  used  the 
Gull  Stream  Light  as  my  horizon  at  night,  and  I 
have  also  frequentl)*  observed  the  under  surfaces  of 
clouds,  passing  over  the  sea  at  perhaps  two  or  three 
miles  distance,  illuminated  ;  although,  from  the  fact 
that  the  Calais  Light  was  perfectly  visible  under  the 
clouds,  I  should  judge  that  their  altitude  must  have 
been  considerably  above  that  of  the  lighthouse. 

631.  (.1/-.  Gladstone.)  You  spoke  of  the  upper 
prisms  being  of  minor  importance,  because  the  main 
light  was  from  the  upjwr  charcoal  point  ? — Yes. 

632.  The  upper  prisms  form  a  more  complete  series 
usually  than  the  lower  prisms,  and  I  presume  that 
there  would  be  no  difficulty  in  inverting  the  position 
of  those  points  ? — Not  the  least.  In  lenses  constructed 
for  the  electric  ligbt,  the  lower  prisms  would  be  in- 
creased, and  the  upper  prisms  would  be  diminished, 
as  being  less  useful. 

633.  (^Chairman.)  You  mean  in  constructing  them? 
— Yes.  An  inverted  lens,  such  as  that  of  the  South 
Foreland,  would  certainlv  have  been  more  eiicctive 
for  me  than  in  its  present  state. 

634.  (Mr.  Gladslniic.)  Can  you  not  adjust  the 
light  so  as  to  throw  a  considerable  amount  of  rays 
upon  the  upper  prisms? — Yes;  by  a  dili'eront  con- 
struction of  tlie  lamp  or  regulator  I  can  cause  the 
current  to  pass  in  a  reverse  direction  ;  hence  the 
lower  carbon  would  become  the  more  luminous,  and 
the  upper  carbon  the  loss  luminous  in  opposite  posi- 
tions to  the  present.  In  that  case  the  powerful  rays 
would  all  be  thrown  upon  the  upper  pris-ms. 

()3o.  Supposing  you  allowed  alternate  negative 
and  positive  currents  to  pass  between  the  charcoals, 
would  you  not  have  both  points  equally  luminous  ? — 
Certainly. 

636.  Do  you  think  that  anything  would  be  gained 
b}-  that  ? — I  do  not ;  at  present  my  opinion  is  the 
contrarv,  that  neither  of  them  would  become  so 
luminous  as  by  the  present  method  of  sending  the 
current  in  one  direction.  I  have  at  present  no  reason 
to  alter  that  opinion. 

637.  The  electric  light  from  charcoal  points  con- 
■tains  a  very  Large  amount  of  highly  refrangible  rays. 
I  observed  at  the  Soulh  Foreland  that  the  glass 
became,  in  consequence,  fluorescent  ;  do  you  think 
that  this  self-luminous  glass  adds,  to  an  appreciable 
extent,  to  the  value  of  the  light  ? — To  a  certain 
extent  I  would  say  yes.  The  light  given  off  by  this 
lens  in  a  state  of  fluorescence  is  very  perceptible, 
where  the  direct  rays  cannot  be  seen  at  all  ;  and  I 
have  found  that  it,  together  with  the  diffused  light  of 
the  lantern,  gives  a  shadow  equal  to  that  made  by  the 
moon  when  four  days  old  at  a  distance  from  the 
lighthouse  of  about  300  yards. 

638.  (  Chairmmi.)  -Mr.  Campbell  wishes  you  to  be 
asked  whether,  amongst  your  methods  of  testing  the 
divergence  of  a  beam,  you  ever  tried  to  ascertain 
whether  you  could  soe  the  light  from  the  lower  South 
Foreland  lantern  before  tliose  reflectors  of  which  you 
have  spoken  were  plact-d  there  ? — Tiie  direct  rays  ot 
light,  before  the  reflectors  were  placed,  were  not 
visible  from  the  lantern  of  the  South  Foreland,  that 
is  the  lower  South  Foreland.* 

639.  {Mr.  GUulsfone.)  Were  they  afterwards  ?— 
Yes  ;  and  always  from  the  prism  on  which  the  lower 
reflector  threw  the  light. 

640.  {Chairman.)  Mr.  Campbell  wishes  you  to  be 
asked  this  question,  whether  after  the  reflectors  were 
placed,  on  looking  from  the  lower  South  Foreland  the 
light  was  visible  in  any  part  of  the  apparatus  in  the 
upper  lighthouse  at  the  South  Foreland? — It  was 
visible  in  the  upper  jirisms. 


*  The  image  of  tlie  lantern  of  the  lower  tower  was  formed  by 
the  refract  irs,  in  the  upper  at  about  three  inches  above  the  burner, 
and  two  inches  above  the  image  of  the  horizon, — J.  F.  C. 


IXQUIUE  INTO  THE  COXDiTIOX   A.\D  JIAXAGEMEXT  OF  LIGmS,  BfOYS,  AND  BEACOXS. 


I  to 


Gih  (Jlr,  Glads/one.)  Have  you  ever  cxpciicnccd 
any  difficulty  from  clironiatic  aberration  ;  or,  in  other 
words,  has  the  whole  divergent  beam  of  light  been 
alvviivs  a  uniform  colour  throughout  its  divergeuee  ? 
— No  beam  of  light  in  p;iss!ng  tlirough  any  one 
pri-irii  escaped  decomposition  ;  but  tlic  result  of  the 
assemblage  of  these  coloured  rays  after  passing 
^speaking  now  of  t ha  rays  direct  fi'om  the  luminous 
point)  gave  almost  a  uniform  tint,  but  not  perfectly. 
Sometimes  to  the  eye  the  ray  would  apjjcar  slightly 
reddened,  at  other  times  slightly  greenish,  but  in  a 
ver)'  slight  degree.  Not  so  with  regard  to  the  rays 
taken  up  by  the  lower  horizontal  refiector.  From 
this  the  rays  were  highly  coloured,  and  I  considered 
that  this  might  be  turned  to  useful  account,  in 
letting  the  mariner  know  when  he  was  too  close  in 
shore. 


rise    and    fall    of  the    tide  witliout    fracturing    the 
cable. 

64o.  Reverting  to  the  question  of  expense  or  dif 
fcrcnce  of  cost  between  the  magneto  electric  light 
and  a  first-class  light  on  the  dioptric  principle,  or  of 
a  light  so  costly  as  that  at  Beechoy  Head,  where 
there  are  30  burners  ;  do  you  consider  that  a  very 
material  saving  would  be  etfeeted  by  a  more  general 
application  of  the  magneto-electric  light  to"  light- 
houses, &c.  ? — If  the  apparatus  is  placed  as  1  should 
Avish  it  to  be,  in  the  watch  room  at  the  top  of  the 
tower,  that  is,  immediately  under  the  lantern,  so  that 
no  more  than  the  present  stafl",  only  of  a  different 
class,  would  be  required,  then  the  expense  of  the 
magneto-electric  light,  including  fuel,  the  carbon 
burnt  in  the  lamp,  and  employing  one  engineer  in-tead 
of  a  lightkeeper,  at  a  higher  salary,  would  not  exceed 


15".  //.  Calk, 
/■:.,/. 

Prr.t:  F.  H. 
2  J;n.  ISll. 


642.    Has  chromatic    aberration   formed  a  subject      the  expense  of  such  a  light  as  that  at  Beechey  Head, 
of  consideration    between    you  and   Mr.    Chance  in      But  perhaps  it    is    hardly    so    much  a  question    of 

economy  as  of  efficiency ;  for  as  the  light  has  beer 
increased  from  aii  argand  burner,  of  an  inch  in 
diameter,  to  one  of  three  inches  and  three  sixteenths 
in  diameter,  burning  sixteen  times  as  much  oil,  ant' 
evidently  at  sixteen  times  the  cost,  foi'  the  purpose  of 
greater  efficiency,  in  proposing  this  light  v.-itli  its 
properly  a<ijusted  lens,  I  imagine  it  will  give  five 
times  the  light  of  such  a  large  lamp;  and  there  seems 
at  once  to  be  no  re:ison  why  five  times  i be  price 
should  not  be  paid  for  it.  But  the  real  cost  of  such  a 
light,  as  I  have  stated  before,  with  all  the  proper 
accommodation  for  the  apparatus  at  the  top  of  the 
lighthouse,  will  not  in  my  opinion  be  greater  than 
that  of  Beechey  Head. 

646.  (Mr.  Gladstone.)  Have  you  paid  any  attention 
to  the  use  of  reflectors  instead  of  the  dioptric  appar- 
atus ? — Yes.  I  have  paid  a  great  deal  of  attention  to 
reflectors,  and  I  have  made  several  forms  of  reflectors 
for  the  purpose  of  revolving  or  flashing  lights.  These 
reflectors  are  of  a  peculiar  form,  the  lower  portion  of 
the  reflector,  up  nearly  to  the  centre,  being  generated 
by  a  parabolic  curve,  moved  horizontally  through  forty 
five  degrees,  and  then  revolving  on  its  axis,  so  as  to 
form  the  end  curves  of  the  reflector ;  the  upper  por 
tion  being  formed  in  the  same  manner,  but  usin"  an 
elliptical  curve,  causing  it  to  revolve  also  horizontally 
on  i<s  axis  through  ibrty-five  degrees,  and  then  by 
revolving  on  its  axis  producing  a  curve  at  the  two 
ends  of  the  reflector,  the  curvature  being  brought 
down  about  three  quarters  of  an  inch  below  the  hori- 
zontal line  in  which  the  light  would  be  placed.  The 
eflect  of  such  a  reflector  as  this,  when  revolving 
quickly,  is  that  the  light  remains  visible  for  one- 
eighth  of  the  time  of  its  revolution,  and  in  that  caso 
appears  to  be  perfectly  uniform.  When  revolviu;; 
slowiy  the  light  still  remains  for  more  than  the 
eighth  part  of  the  time  of  its  revolution,  but  it 
appears  brightest  at  coming  on  and  going  off  owinn- 
to  the  concentrated  rays  from  the  two  ends  of  the  re- 
flector passing  the  eye  successively.  The  upper  por- 
!u)  protection  would  be  required  either  from  the  tion  of  the  reflector  has  the  eftect  of  lighting  up  all 
weather   or  from  the   sea,  the  light  burning   equally      the  sea  equally  from  the  point  that  it  first  strikes  it — 


arranging   the    new    apparatus?  —  He   says   lie  can 
nearly  do  away  with  it. 

643.  (Chairman.)  Have  you  received  any  appljci- 
tion  to  light  buoys  or  beacons  by  means  of  the 
magneto-electric  light  ? — No,  I  have  not ;  but  its 
applicabilitj''  for  the  purpose  is  extraordinary,  and 
I  have  no  hesitation  iu  saying  that  I  am  prepared  to 
place  a  series  of  buoys  of  a  peculiar  construction, 
say  round  a  sand  bank,  that  shall  require  visitina; 
not  more  than  once  in  three  months  ;  that  those 
buoys  shall  alternately  for  a  short  period,  say -half 
a  minute,  shine  with  the  electric  light  iu  its  full 
force  one  after  the  other,  so  that  no  instant  shall 
occur  when  none  of  the  buoys  are  luminous,  and 
that  this  shall  continue  niglit  after  night  for  three 
months,  without  i-encwing  the  carbons,  or  without 
any  attendance  whatever  except  at  the  machine  room 
on  shore.  All  that  would  be  required  for  it  on 
-hore  would  be  one  system  of  apparatus  for  pro- 
dacing  the  electric  liglit  similar  to  the  one  lately 
in  use  at  the  South  Foreland,  and  two  men  to  attend 
to  it ;  and  then  at  periods  of  three  months,  say, 
some  persons  instructed  in  it,  to  visit  those  differ- 
e!it  buoys,  and  to  renew  the  carbons.  The  stiuc- 
ture  that  I  propose  for  the  buoys  has  some  pecu- 
liarities. Each  buoy  is  provided  with  what  I  term  a 
water  anchor,  as  well  as  the  cables  and  anchors  that 
anchor  it  to  the  bottom  of  the  sea.  This  water  anchor 
consists  of  a  flat  plate  douljle  the  diameter  of  the  buoy, 
iir  even  more  than  double  the  diameter,  through  a 
liole  in  the  centre  of  which  the  cables  pass  ;  this  flat 
iron  plate  is  supported  by  chains  hangmg  to  hooks 
round  the  buoy  ;  its  depth  in  the  water  ought  not  to 
be  less  than  ten  feet,  and  the  effect  of  it  is  that  a 
wave  striking  the  side  of  the  buoj'  presses  with  equal 
force,  from  its  extra  weight,  upon  that  side  of  the 
flat  plate,  and  prevents  nearly  all  rolling  motion  in 
the  buoy.  The  light  apparatus  applied  to  each  buoy 
would  be  on  the  top  of  a  short  mast,  so  as  to  raise  it, 
fay  from  10  to  20  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea  ;  but 


brilliant,  if  not  more  brilliant,  under  water  than  in 
the  air.  Should  the  wind  be  high  enough  to  blow  it 
out,  by  the  very  principle  of  its  construction  it  re- 
lights itself  in  an  instant,  and  this  may  occur  over 
and  over  again  during  the  half  minute  of  the  time 
that  it  is  to  give  light,  and  will  merely  occasion  in  a 
high  wind  a  series  of  brilliant  flashes  instead  of  a 
Constant  light. 

644.  You  consider,  I  presume,  that  tlie  magneto- 
electric  ligh.t  would  be  perfectly  applicable  for  light 
ships  ? — It  is  perfectly  applicable  for  light  ships  in 
tv.-o  different  ways  ;  one  where  a  ship  is  built  for  it, 
and  takes  its  machines  and  stock  of  coals  on  board; 
and  the  other  where  the  position  of  the  light  required 
is  sufficiently  near  shore  to  carry  out  an  electric 
cable  to  it,  and  then  the  apparatus  may  be  placed  on 
shore.     I  have  designed  an  apparatus  to  allow  for  the 


and  that  point  may  be  chosen  at  will — to  the  horizon. 
The  eflect,  also,  of  continuing  the  elliptical  curve  at 
the  two  ends  of  the  reflector  below  the  light  is  to 
partly  destroy  that  inequality  in  the  light  which  is 
produced  from  the  parabolic  part,  as  it  sends  the  rays 
through  the  other  focus  of  the  ellipse,  and  then 
spreads  them  out,  fan-like,  horizontally.  Suppose 
for  instance,  that  the  parabolic  rays  diverged  four  or 
five  degrees,  making  iu  all  forty-nine  or  fifty  degrees, 
the  others  may  be  made  to  diverge  at  ten  miles 
distance,  so  as  to  cover  several  miles  more  of  ho- 
rizon; in  fact  the  divergence  is  entirely  at  the  will 
of  the  constructor  of  the  reflector,  depending  entirely 
upon  the  distance  of  the  outside  of  the  focus  of  the 
ellipse,  or  in  fact  the  distance  between  the  two  foci 
of  the  ellipse. 


Adjourned. 


Y3 


174 


MIXUTES   OF    EVIDEXCE   TAKEN    BEFORE   THE   COSnilSSIONERS   APPOINTED   TO 


Wednesday,  23rd  January  1861. 

PKEJE.NT  : 

Rear-Admival  William  Alexander  Baillie  HAjnLTOx,  R.N. 
Cfiptaiii  Alfred  Phillips  Rydek.  R.X. 
John  Hall  Gladstone,  Esq. 
Rear-Admiral  Willlam  Alexander  Baillie  Hamilton  in  the  Chair. 


Northern  Lighthouse  Office, 

A.  Cuniugham,    '  'i;.  Edinburgh,  Jauuuiy  17,  1861. 

£gq_  I   AM   directed    by    the    Conimii^sioners    of 

D.  Stevenson,    Xorthern  Lighthouses  to  acknowledge  receipt  of  your 

Esq.  f olographic  message  of  loth,  and  of  Admiral  Hamil- 

t'  .     [s-r,      ton's  letter  of  same  date,  and  to  state  tliat  the  Secre- 

"'  '*''      "'_'     tary   and   Mr.   Stevenson   will   be   in   attendance  on 

Tuesday,  the  22nd,  at  12  o'clock  noon. 

They  will  then   arrange  as  to  the   Commissioners" 
attendance,  if  not  accompanied  by  them. 

I  am,  &c. 
The  Secretary  Alex.  Ccnixoham,  Secretary. 

Royal  Commission  on  Lights,  &c. 


Roval  Commission  on  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons, 

7,  Millbauk  Street,  19th  January,  1861. 

With  reference  to  the  last  paragraph  of  your 

letter  of  the  17th  inst.,  I  am  directed  to  state  that  the 

Commissioneis  are  unwilling   to  give   the   Northern 

Lights  Commissioners  the  trouble  of  coming  to  London, 

but   if  there  is  any  point  on  which   they   think   this 

Commission  should  be  specially  informed,  or  if  there 

is  any  st.ateraent  connected  with  the  maugeraent  of 

Scotch  Lighthouses   they  would  wish   to   make,  this 

Commission   would    be    glad    to    have  the   same    in 

writing  v.'ith  as  little  delay  as  possible. 

1  am,  <\c. 

J.  F.  Campbell, 
A.  Cuningham,  Esq.  Secretary. 

A  statement  ivas  sent  on  the  \9th  of  Fehruary,  and 
is  added  In  the  evidence  at  p.  lS6. 


Mr.  Alexander  Cuningham  and  !Mr.  David 
Stevenson  examined. 
647.  (Chairman    to    Mr.    Cunimjham.)    You    are 
Secretaiy  to  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Light- 
houses ? — Yes. 

643.  How  long  have  you  been  secretary  to  the 
Commissioners? — I  have  been  secretary  since  1812. 
I  have  been  in  the  service  since  1826. 

649.  I  believe  the  number  of  the  Commissioners  is 
28  ?— Yes. 

650.  Under  the  Act  there  is  power,  I  believe,  to 
add  to  the  number  ? — Yes,  which  has  been  acted 
upon  ;  the  Provosts  of  Dundee  and  Greenock  have 
been  assumed. 

651.  Since  what  time? — Since  the  passing  of  the 
Act  of  Victoria,  chapter  104,  and  the  sheriff  of 
Haddington  was  assumed  too.  at  a  general  meeting  in 
January,  now  current,  in  consequence  of  the  erection 
of  a  lighthouse  at  St.  Abb's  Head. 

6-i2.  Making  the  number  29  ?— No,  not  adding  to 
the  number,  because  of  the  death  of  Mr.  Urquhart, 
ihc  week  before,  and  liis  vacancy  not  being  filled  up, 
his  sheriffship  merges  in  another  county. 

653.  They  are  called  the  provosts  of  royal  burghs, 
and  of  Greenock  ? — Yes. 

654.  They  are  not  necessarily  royal  burghs  ? — Not 
necessarily. 

655.  {Capt.  Ryder.)  Are  all  the  royal  burghs 
included  ? — No. 

656.  {Chairman.)  Does  the  Aci,  constiluting  the 
present  board  of  Commissioners  of  Lighthouses, 
provide  for  the  summoning  and  holding  of  meetings  ? 
— Not  the  present  Act,  which  is  the  17ih  and  I8th  of 
Vict.,  cap.  184.  The  previous  Acts  are  all  repealed,  and 
the  Commissioners  are  re-incorpor.ated  under  that  Act. 

657.  {Capt.  Iii/dir.)  There  is  no  provision? — No. 

658.  {Chairman. )  By  the  18lh  section  of  the 
original  Act,  provision  was  made  for  tlie  meetings  of 
the  Commissioners  ? — Yes,  and  in  point  of  fact,  the 
Commissioners  have  now  four  general  meetings  in 
the  year,  and  a  committee  meeting  once  a  fortnight. 

659.  It  h.is  fallen  to  you,  I  believe,  to  prepare  tlse 


returns,  which  have  been  sent  from  time  to  time  to 
this  (Junimission,  in  answer  to  our  requisitions  ? — Yes. 

660.  From  some  of  those  returns,  it  would  appear 
tliat  very  lengthened  correspondence  between  the 
Commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses  and  the  Board 
of  Trade  has  taken  place  ? — Yes. 

661.  Has  this  correspondence  arisen  out  of  the 
powers  given  to  the  Boai'd  of  Trade,  under  the 
Merchant  Shipping  Act  of  1854  ? — Yes. 

6(>2.  Are  vou  aware,  whether  the  Commissioners 
of  Northern  Lighthouses  interpret  the  action  of  the 
Board  of  Trade  under  that  Act,  in  the  same  way  that 
the  Board  of  Trade  does  ? — I  think  not,  judging  from 
their  actions. 

663.  In  answer  to  the  requisition  of  this  Commis- 
sion, dated  the  4th  of  June  1859,  it  is  stated  that  the 
duties  of  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses 
are  to  take  charge  of  those  lighthouses  ;  that,  prior  to 
1857,  those  duties  were  discharged  by  a  committee  of 
all  the  members  resident  in  Edinburgh,  which  com- 
mittee met  evei-y  alternate  Wednesday,  denominated 
the  Bell  Rock  Committee,  but  that  many  of  the  most 
etlicient  members  having  withdrawn  their  attendance, 
on  account  of  dissatisfaction  with,  and,  indeed,  the 
•joustant  interference  by,  the  Board  of  Trade,  which 
they  considered  prejudicial  to  the  interests  of  the 
commission,  an  attempt  was  made  to  reconstruct  the 
committees,  by  appointing  a  committee  of  three  to 
attend  each  month  by  rotation.  Those  committees 
were  composed,  in  a  great  measure,  of  members,  who, 
although  equally  dissatisfied  with  the  proceedings  ol 
the  Board  of  Trade,  yet  considered  it  their  duty  to 
continue  to  act.  Can  you  inform  the  commission, 
whether  it  was  on  account  of  the  nature  and  extent  of 
the  control,  exercised  by  the  Board  of  Trade,  or  of  the 
manner  in  which  it  was  exercised,  or  both,  that  occa- 
sioned this  very  serious  cessation  of  the  Commissioners 
of  Northern  Lights  ? — I  should  say  it  was  from  both. 

664.  Then  with  respect  to  the  nature  and  extent  of 
the  control  exercised  by  the  Board  of  Trade,  are  you 
prepared  to  state  any  cases  in  illustration  of  the 
nature  and  extent  of  that  control  ? — I  think  they 
were  generally  stated  in  the  correspondence  which 
has  been  transmitted  to  the  Commission.  The 
first  discussion  arose  in  regard  to  Whalsey  Skerry, 
the  next  in  regard  to  Flugga  or  North  Unst,  as  it  is 
called,  and  then,  the  lights  on  the  ivest  coast,  and  ge- 
nerally, regarding  estimates  of  expenditure  of  all  kinds. 

665.  {Capt.  Ryder.)  Since  the  passing  of  the  Act  ? 
— Yes.  Perhaps  I  might  add,  that  the  services  of 
the  Commissioners  are  entirely  gratuitous,  and  my 
impression  is,  that  they  felt  this  constant  interference, 
and  the  non-appreciation  of  their  services,  and  that 
this  feeling  induced  them  to  withdraw. 

666.  {Chairman.)  As  secretary  to  the  Commis- 
sioners, and  being  perfectly  conversant,  not  only 
wi»h  the  frequency  of  their  attendance,  but  with  the  at- 
tention, more  or  less,  which  they  paid  to  their  duties, 
are  you  prepared  to  say  that  those  gei.tlemen  have  de- 
voted the  best  of  their  attentioa  to  the  business  they 
were  called  upon  to  trai:suct  on  all  occasions  ? — Yes. 

667.  Do  you  consider  that  that  attention  has  been 
in  its  results,  of  service  to  the  public,  as  far  as  the 
lighthouses  in  that  country  are  concerned  ? — I  should 
say  so  certainly. 

668.  You  have  referred  to  the  returns  made  to  this 
Commission  for  cases  illustrating  the  manner  in  whiclt 
the  control  of  the  Board  of  Trade  has  been  exercised 
over  tlie  northern  Board  ?  — Yes,  I  have. 

669.  Une  ol'  those  cases  I  see  is  the  question  of  the 
site  of  a  lighthouse  at  >\'halsey  Skerry  in  Shetland, 
and  the  point  in  dispute  was  a  distance  of  about  700 
yards,  and  whether  the  light  should  be  placed  upon  the 
extreme  point  of  danger,  or  at  a  more  commodious  point 
for  building  at  that  distance  within  the  danuer.     The 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION   AND  MANAGLMEN  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS, 


175 


Board  of  Trade  you  say  overruled  you  ? — They   did 
eventually. 

670.  Under  what  section  of  the  Merchant  Shipping 
Act  of  1854  do  you  consider  that  the  Board  of  Trade 
had  the  power  of  determininfr  questions  of  site  ? — It 
is  under  sections  404,  405  and  40f)  ;  but  the  control 
as  to  Whalsey  did  not  take  place  under  this  Act  ;  it 
was  built  before  this  Act  was  passed,  at  least  it  was  in 
progress.     It  was  the  first  Merchant  Shipping  Act. 

671.  It  would  appear  from  the  correspondence  that 
there  had  been  considerable  discussion  between  the 
Commissioners  of  Northern  Lights  and  the  Trinity 
House  upon  the  subject  of  the  site  of  this  lighthouse  ? 
—Yes. 

672.  The  matter  has  ended  in  the  light  being  placed 
in  a  position  different  from  that  which  the  Commis- 
sioners of  Northern  Lights  recommended  ? — Yes. 

673.  I  believe  that  in  general  the  complaint  of  the 
Board  of  Trade  has  been  that  the  Commissioners  of 
Northern  Lights  have  been  au  expensive  body  ? — I 
believe  it  has,  but  I  do  not  know.  It  is  so  stated  in 
Capt.  Sulivan's  evidence  before  the  Merchant  Ship- 
ping Committee. 

674.  We  gather  from  the  correspondence  in  this 
case,  first,  that  if  the  Northern  Commissioners  had  not 
been  overruled  the  light  would  have  cost  about  10,000/. 
less  than  it  has  cost,  irrespective  of  the  very  great 
additional  cost  for  maintenance  on  account  of  its 
position  ;  and  secondly,  that  if  it  had  been  in  the 
position  recommended  by  the  Commissioners,  it  would 
have  shown  over  a  larser  arc  than  it  does  at  present  ? 
—Yes. 

675.  Is  it  the  case  that  Mr.  David  Stevenson,  wlio 
is  now  employed  as  one  of  the  engineers  to  the  Com- 
missioners of  Northern  Lighthouses,  used  to  have  a 
seat  at  the  Board  ? — Yes,  he  had. 

676.  Since  when  has  he  ceased  to  sit  at  the 
Board  ? — Since  January,  1855.  It  was  one  of  the 
first  acts  of  the  Board  of  Trade.  In  consequence  of 
a  representation  from  the  Board  of  Trade  a  long 
correspondence  ensued,  and  the  Commissioners  re- 
monstrated, and  even  threatened  to  resign  their  posi- 
tion as  Commissioners,  if  he  was  withdrawn. 

677.  Then  it  would  appear  that  they  had  a  very 
strong  opinion  as  to  the  value  of  Mr.  Stevenson's 
services  as  an  officer  of  their  Board  ? — Yes  ;  they  had. 

678.  As  an  officer  of  that  Board,  did  he  act  as  a 
permanent  inspector,  or  could  you  specify  at  all  the 
duties  that  he  was  called  upon  to  perform? — He  had 
charge  of  the  ordinary  maintenance  of  the  establish- 
ment, the  preparation  of  plans,  and  the  inspection  of 
new  works.  The  maintenance  of  the  ordinary  esta- 
blishment was  after  his  resignation  transferred  to  me. 

679.  But  the  preparation  of  plans  is  still  confided 
to  Mr.  Stevenson  ? — Yes  ;  to  Messrs.  Stevenson. 

680.  Can  you  specify  more  particularly  those  ser- 
vices which  were  formerly  performed  by  Mr.  Steven- 
son, as  an  officer  of  the  Scotch  board,  and  which  are 
now  conducted  by  you  in  consequence  of  his  ceasing 
to  be  au  officer  of  that  board  ? — The  ordinary  main- 
tenance and  superintendence  of  the  existing  lights, 
the  formation  of  contracts  for  stores,  the  care  and 
inspection  of  the  light  keepers,  providing  stores  of 
all  descriptions,  and  keeping  the  light  houses  and  ma- 
chinery in  proper  repair. 

681.  {Capt.  Ryder.)  In  fact,  the  duty  of  a  general 
manager  ' — Yes. 

682.  {Cliairman.)  Then  Mr.  Stevenson  was  able  to 
pay  periodical  visits,  and  personally  to  inspect  the 
various  lighthouses  under  the  Board  ? — I  think  that 
he  annually  inspected  every  lighthouse  on  the  esta- 
blishment of  the  Board  at  that  time. 

683.  I  see  that,  in  the  return  sent  to  this  Commis- 
sion, there  is  a  superintendent  of  light  keepers,  and 
a  foreman  of  lighthouse  repairs  ? — There  are.  Those 
are  officers  who  now  act  under  me. 

684.  Those  officers  were  in  existence  while  Mr. 
Stevenson  was  an  officer  of  the  Board  ? — They  were. 

685.  {Capt.  Ryder.)  What  is  your  title  now? — I 
am  called  Secretary  and  sometimes  General  Manager. 

686.  There  is  no  addition  to  the  title  ? — No. 

687.  {Mr.  Gladstone.)  Are  there  questions  arising 
at  the  ordinary  meetings  of  the  Board,  which  involve 
engineering  or  scientific  knowledge  ? — Constantly. 

688.  Do  you  think  it  desirable  that  there  should  bo 


D.  Stcveiisi 
i\7. 


some  one  always  present  at  the  meetings  who  is  ac-   -4.  Cimingham, 
quainted  with   those  subjects  ? — I  think  it  would  be  ^-'"'i' 

very  advantageous. 

689.  Does    it   not    sometimes    happen    that    those  

questions,   although  of  some   importance,  are   not  of    23  Jan.  18G1. 

sufficient    importance    to     submit    formally    to    Mr.      

Stevenson  ? — It  does. 

690.  At  present  if  those  questions  are  submitted  to 
Mr.  Stevenson,  does  that  involve  the  paying  him  a 
fee  ? — It  does. 

691.  {Captain  Ryder.)  What  was  Mr.  Stevenson's 
salary  when  he  was  engineer  aiid  manager  of  the 
Board  ? — 900/.  a  year,  besides  the  assistant's  time 
in  preparing  plans  for  new  works,  and  all  travelling 
expenses. 

692.  Is  that  the  salary  for  one  assistant  ? — It  is  just 
the  charge  for  making  the  plans. 

693.  Can  you  give  a  list  of  the  payments  to  Mr. 
Stevenson  during  the  five  yeai-s  since  his  change  of 
position  ? — The  fees  paid  to  Messrs.  Stevenson  since 
1st  January  1855  to  1st  January  1861,  being  six 
years,  have  amounted,  on  an  average,  to  1,252/.  per 
annum,  which,  includes  all  expenses  for  travelling 
charges  and  assistants'  time.  During  these  six  years 
Messrs.  Stevenson  have  designed  and  executed  for 
the  Commissioners  13  new  lighthouses,  and  designed 
and  started  four,  being,  in  all,  17  lighthouses,  10 
beacons,  four  alterations  of  stations,  in  all  31  new 
works,  which  have  cost  125,100/.,  the  whole  of  which 
has  been  paid  under  certificates  granted  from  time  to 
time  by  the  engineers.  Besides  this  about  40  sui-veys 
and  reports  on  remits  have  been  made,  and  several 
elaborate  trains  of  experiments  have  been  conducted, 
the  whole  of  which  duties  have  been  included  under 
the  average  payment  of  1,252/.  per  annum  for  en- 
gineering charges  and  expenses.  That  portion  of 
Mr.  Stevenson's  duties  which  he  performed  as 
manager  was  transferred  to  me,  and  an  addition  was 
made  to  my  salary — it  was  then  800/. — of  100/., 
making  900/.,  and  about  a  third  of  my  time  is  occu- 
pied by  this  new  business. 

694.  {Chairman.)  Has  there  been  any  saving 
effected  in  consequence  of  the  change  of  Mr.  Steven- 
son's position  ? — I  should  think  there  has,  considering 
the  number  of  works,  and  the  impossibilily  of  Mr. 
Stevenson  being  able,  combined  with  the  ordinary 
management,  to  have  superintended  the  erection  of 
the  numerous  extensive  works  which  have  been  carried 
on  during  the  last  five  years. 

695.  {Captain  Ryder  to  Mr.  Stevenson.)  Could  you 
at  the  previous  salary  have  conducted  those  numerous 
works,  with  the  duties  of  management  as  well  ? — 
Certainly  not.     It  would  have  been  quite  impossible. 

696.  {Mr.  Gladstone  to  Mr.  Cuninghani.)  If  a 
scientific  improvement,  engineering  or  otherwise,  be 
suggested  to  the  Board,  what  is  the  course  at  present 
adopted  for  testing  its  valu.e  ? — It  is  remitted  to  the 
engineer  to  experiment  up  on,  and  report  under  the 
direction  of  the  Board  ;  and  he  is  paid  separately. 
But  all  such  jiayments  are  included  in  the  statement 
I  have  made  as  to  the  payments  received  by  Messrs. 
Stevenson. 

697.  {Captain  Ryder.)  Can  you  give  the  Commis- 
sion any  idea  of  tlie  number  of  experiments  so  re- 
mitted, and  the  expense  that  has  been  incurred  in 
respect  of  them  ? — There  have  been  five  or  six  such 
remits  and  reports.  The  sum  paid  has  been  123/.  9*. 
and  Messrs.  Stevenson  are  at  present  engaged  in 
further  experiments. 

698.  Are  as  many  scientific  improvements  now  sub- 
mitted to  the  Board  as  when  Mr.  Stevenson  attended 
its  meetings  ? — Pretty  much  the  same. 

699.  But  some  improvements  are  suggested  which 
are  really  of  little  or  no  value  ;  are  all  improvements 
submitted  to  the  engineers,  or  do  the  Commissioners 
use  their  own  discretion  ? — There  are  some  sugges- 
tions which  any  one  can  see  through.  I  do  not  think 
that  those  are  remitted  to  the  engiueeis  ;  the  more 
important  are  remitted. 

700.  {Chairman.)  Can  you  inform  this  Commission 
wheiher  there  is  any  prospect  of  the  lighthouse  on  tho 
Skervuile,  or  Iron  Rock,  being  commenced  ii)  tho 
Sound  of  Jura  ? — It  is  impossible  for  me  to  say. 

701.  Can  you  inform  the  Commission  where  that 
matter  is  now  hung  up  ? — The  Commissioners  origi- 

4- 


176 


MINUTES   OF    EVIDENCr.   TAKEN'   BEFORE   THE   CO^!MISSIO^"EKS   .U'POINTED   TO 


A.  Ommgham,   y_g_\{y  lepoi'tcQ  upon  the  proposed  site,  aud  the  Board 

^"l-  of  Inule  aud  the  Trinity  House  concurred  with  the 

D.  Stcicnsov,  -       -  -  ~- 


2.-!  Jan.  ISGl. 


Commissioiiers  in  the  sch;ction  of  Skervuile  .-is  the 
propL'r  sitL'  for  the  erection  of  the  lij;:ht.  The  Coni- 
iiiissioners  then  proceeded  to  give  orders  to  the  en- 
sinoer  to  prepare  the  plans,  which  he  did,  and  tlu- 
i^peciiicatiou  aud  estimates  were  sent  to  tlie  Board  of 
Trade.    They  objected  to  the  amount  of  the  estimate. 

702.  Did  they  approve  of  the  plans  ? — Yes,  they 
did.  They  wrote  to  the  Commissioners  to  say  that  they 
■would  give  6,000/.  to  be  expended  on  that  light, 
and  thcTCommissioncrs  had  recourse  again  to  their 
enprineers  to  ask  them  whether  the  plans  could  pos- 
sibly be  executed  for  6,000/.  The  engineers  reported 
that  it  was  quite  impossilde,  but  that  they  could  put 
up  a  liglithouse  on  Skervuile  for  6,000/.,  of  wood,  if 
the  Boiud  of  Trade  ap|)roved.  The  Board  of  Trade 
wrote  back  to  say,  that  they  did  not  object  to  the 
plans  ;  but  the  lighthouse  must  be  built  for  6,000/. 
or  not  at  all.  The  estimate  was  9,360/.,  and  the 
Commissioners  wrote  back  to  say  that  ihoy  were 
very  sorry  the  light  v\-as  not  to  Ije  ereeted.  There 
has  been  some  correspondence  since  of  which  I  luivo 
brought  a  copy,  from  which  I  will  read  this  passage — 
"  It  has  occurred  to  my  Lords,  with  a  view  of 
"  settling  this  long  pending  question,  that  the  objects 
"  in  view  might  possibly  be  attained  by  placing  a 
"  light  on  Diinans'  Head  abreast  of  the  Iron  Rock, 
"  with  a  red  baud  of  light  thrown  over  the  rock." 

703.  In  the  letter  you  have  just  read  to  tho  Com- 
mission a  passage  occurs  to  the  elleot,  that  it  has 
occurred  to  the  Lords  of  the  Coraiiilttce  of  Privy 
Council  for  Trade,  with  the  view  of  settling  this  long 
pending  question,  that  the  objects  in  view  might  po^. 
sibly  be  attained  "by  placing  the  light  on  Dunan 
"  Head  abreast  of  the  Iron  Rock."  L'nder  what 
section  of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act  of  1854  do 
vou  consider  the  Board  of  Trade  empowered  to  sug- 
gest sites  ? — I  do  rot  find  any  section  which  confers 
such  a  power,  unless  it  be  assumed  under  the  405th 
section,  where  the  Board  of  Trade  may  "give 
"  any  directions  they  may  think  fit  in  relation  to  the 
"  matters  submitted  to  them."  But  the  Commis- 
sioners, the  Trinity  House,  aud  the  Board  of  Trade 
being  agreed,  and  having  expressed  their  agreement 
upon  the  site,  I  v.ould  hold  that  the  powers  of  the 
statute  are  exhausted,  and  that  if  any  other  site  is  to 
be  adopted,  the  directions  of  the  statute  must  be 
again  followed  out.  If  tho  site  agreed  upon  is  to  be 
rejected,  and  another  site  to  be  adopted,  the  whole  of 
the  process  must  be  gone  through  again,  as  provided 
in  the  statute. 

704.  But  as  there  is  this  question  of  change  of 
site,  and  as  this  work  has  been  in  abeyance  for  about 
three  years,  what  is  there  to  prevent  these  changes 
going  on  ad  hijinittnn  ? — Nothing. 

705.  I  believe  that  very  strong  opinions  have  been 
expressed  to  the  Commissioners  as  to   the  eligibility 
of  the  Iron  Rock,  and   the  expediency  of  selecting  it 
as   the  position   Ibr  the   light  ? — There    have  ;    and 
they  have  expressed   their   opinion   to   the   Board  of 
Trade,    that    the    Iron  Rock   should    have    had  tho 
precedence    in    execution    of   other    lights    on    that 
coa^t.     I  may  mention   a  conversation  which  T  had 
with   Capt.  Graham   of  the  "  Clansman  "  at   Olian,  a 
Tessel  which  passes  up  and  down  the  Sound  of  dura 
twice  a  week,  in  which  he  stated  that  he  never  could 
go   to  rest  until  he  was    past    the  Skervuile   Roek, 
cither  going  or  returning  ;   that  he  never  considered 
himself  in  safety  till  he  knew  he  was  past  that.     This 
conversation  he  accompanied  with  a  request  to  know 
■whether  the  Commissioners  would   authorize  the  ex- 
hibition  of  a   light  u])on  a  distiller}'  on   the   shore, 
because  lie  said  that   the  lights  from  flic  furnaces  of 
that  distillery  had   occasionally    guided    him   past  ; 
nnd  that  even  that,  however  small  it  might  be,  would 
be  a  ndief  to  him.     I  told  him   that   the  exhibition 
of  such  a  lemiiorary   light   as   ho   suggested  was  a 
matter  •which  the  Commissioners  could  not  entertain  ; 
that  the  other  proposal  was  before  the  Board  of  Trade, 
and  itrcsted  with  them  to  authorize  it.    He  expressed 
his  opinion  that  he  would  like   a  light  on  the  Iron 
Rock  in  preference  to  all  the  other  lights  erecting  on 
tho  coast,  as  he  considered  it  much  more  inqiortant, 


The  Commissioners  coincide  in  those  opinions  ex- 
pressed by  Capt.  Graham  ;  and  upon  this  point  I  will 
read  an  extract  from  a  letter  which  was  addressed  to 
the  Board  of  Trade,  dated  the  28th  April  18oS):— 
"  With  these  remarks  the  Commissioners  confidently 
"  s  initthis  important  question  for  the  consideration 
"  of  my  Lords,  reminding  their  Lordships  that  the  Com- 
"  missiouers  have  already  pointed  out  that  a  light  in 
"  this  situation,  lying  in  the  highway  from  the  Clyde 
"  to  ihe  highlands,  and  frequented  by  many  thousands 
"  of  human  beings,  is  more  urgently  wanted  than 
"  others  that  arc  in  progress.  Thus,  it  is  only  a  few 
"  years  since  that  a  steamer  of  the  value  of  15,000/. 
"  was  totally  ■^v^ecked  on  the  rock  in  question.  And 
"  the  Commissioners  think  that  the  trade  will  have 
"just  cause  to  complain  if  the  erection  of  the  light- 
"  house  is  abandoned  in  consequence  of  the  estimate 
"  being  higher  than  may  have  been  contemplated  by 
"  mv  Lords,  while  other  lights  of  much  less  iinjior- 
"  tance  are  being  proceeded  -with." 

706.  Can  you  remind  the  Committee  of  the  date  on 
which  ilessrs.  Stevenson's  original  estimate  for  tho 
lighthouse  Oil  the  Iron  Rock  was  forwarded  to  tho 
Board  of  Trade  ?— March  1859. 

707.  I  believe  it  is  the  case  that  the  engineers  ere- 
jjloved  o;i  this  occasion  have  not  been  able  in  any 
way  to  diminish  the  original  estimate  upon  tho  plans 
•svhich  have  been  approved  by  the  Board  of  Trade  ? — 
They  nave  not. 

70S.  Can  vou  state  generally  what  the  usual  number 
of  contractors  is  that  tender  for  the  erection  of  light- 
houses iu  Scotland  ? — They  vary  very  much — accord- 
ing to  the  extent  of  work  which  induces  a  great  mauy 
to  come  forward. 

709.  Hoes  it  ever  include  tenders  from  other  parts 
than  from  Scotland  ? — It  has  never  yet,  but  that  is 
not  the  fault  of  the  Conunissioners.  AVhea  the  plans 
are  returned  by  the  Board  of  Trade  and  approved, 
flic  Commissioners  advertise  for  contractors  iu  the 
local  iia])ers,  and  in  the  "  Times  "  newspaper  iu  Lon- 
don, and,  in  answer  to  those  advertisements  tenders 
are  transmitted.  In  the  recent  case  of  Jionach, 
where  this  course  was  pursued,  the  Commissioners 
had  15  inquiries,  including  one  from  Loudon  aud  one 
from  Londonderry.  The  following  arc  the  addresses  : 
— Mr,  Hender.soii,  Glasgow  ;  Mi\  McDonald,  Glas- 
gow ;  Messrs.  Barr  and  Co.,  Ardrossan  ;  I>Ir.  R. 
Montgomery,  Mull  ;  ~SIy.  A.  Kinghorn,  Leith  ;  Mr. 
D.  W.  Aruoti,  Inverness  ;  Mr.  D.  Scott,  Montrose  ; 
Mr.  Mackay,  Inverness;  Jlr.  Stu.art,  Fetcrhead; 
Mr.  Dunnet,  Helensburgh  ;  Mr.  Robertson,  Portree  ; 
Mr.  Russell,  Glasgow ;  Mr.  H.  Kinghorn,  London- 
derry ;  Jlr.  Jacksou,  10,  Cannon  Street,  London  ; 
Mr.  Spence,  Mull. 

710.  How  mauy  tenders  ■s\-erc  there  ? — Of  thoso 
eight  tendered. 

711.  Were  they  all  Scotch  ? — Yes.  In  other  cases 
the  Commissioners  are  prevented  from  advertising 
by  the  Board  of  Trade  for  their  tenders,  such  as  for 
lanterns  aud  apparatus,  and  they  are  directed  to 
transmit  the  specifications  to  certain  named  houses 
iu  England  and  Scotland.  I  may  also  mention  the 
lightning  conductors.  In  1857;  the  Commissioners 
issued  tenders  to  two  firms  in  Scotland,  Messrs. 
ililne  and  Son,  and  Adie  and  Son.  Jlilne  and  Son's 
offer  of  206/.  \os.  6(1.  was  recommended  to  the  Board 
of  Trade  for  acceptance  ;  and  had  the  Commissioners 
been  untrammelled,  would  have  been  accepted  of 
before  a  letter  came  from  Me.s.srs.  Milne  and  Son  with- 
drawing their  offer  in  consequence  of  a  rise  in  the 
ju'lee  of  copper.  The  Board  of  Trade  then  directed 
the  Commissioners  to  reissue  their  tenders,  and  named 
in  addition  four  houses  in  England  and  two  in  Glas- 
gow. This  was  done,  and  tenders  again  submitted 
from  one  house  in  London,  one  iu  Glasgovi',  and  the 
previous  offerers,  Messrs.  Adie  and  Son  and  3Ii!ne  and 
Son.  Milne  aud  Son  were  again  the  lowest  at 
256/.  10*.  ;  but  at  an  advance  on  their  previous  offer 
of  50/.,  and  it  was  accepted.  Thus  a  loss  of  50/.  on 
this  article  was  incurred  solely  from  the  delay  caused 
by  transmitting  the  tenders  to  London.  Again,  in 
the  course  of  last  year,  the  Commissioners  applied  to 
the  Board  of  Trade  for  theirsanction  to  supply  light- 
ning conductors,  when  the  Boai-d  of  Trade  wrote  to 
the  Commissioners  to  suspend  operations  for  a  time. 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BL'OYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


17; 


Then  came  a  suggestion  that  a  Mr.  CTray  of  West- 
minster would  supply  hollow  tube  at  the  rate  of 
4s.  7i)d.  per  foot,  which  tiiey  stated  was  much  below 
the  rate  of  the  Commissioners  previous  contract  of 
6»'.  2dk.  The  Commissioners  pointed  out  that  that 
rate  had  included  fixing  and  |  every  other  cost,  while 
Mr.  Gray's  was  for  the  rod  per  foot  only,  delivered  in 
Loudon.  The  Board  of  Trade  replied  that  they  had 
overlooked  this,  and  requested  tenders  to  be  issued. 
Tenders  were  accordingly  sent  to  all  the  previous 
English  houses  named,  with  the  addition  of  Gray. 
Only  three  Scotch  lirms  tendered.  Gray  also  ten- 
dered for  the  rod, — but  not  to  fit  it  up — at  Ss.  lOrf.  per 
foot.  Adie  and  Son  was  accepted  ;  and  the  contract 
was  made  at  the  rate  of  Is.  lOyi.  per  loot  for  solid 
rod,  or  5s.  '3d.  incKisive  of  all  expense  for  fitting. 

712.  Are  you  aware  that  Messrs.  Stevenson  are 
sufficiently  acquainted  with  engineering  works  in 
England,  to  bo  able  to  answer  tiie  questions  which 
this  Commission  wish  shortly  to  put  to  Mr.  David 
Stevenson  as  to  the  means  of  comparing  the  esti- 
mates for  works  similar  in  name  and  character  in  the 
three  countries  ? — I  should  think  they  are,  as  I  believe 
they  have  had  extensive  works  to  execute,  both  in 
England,  Ireland,  and  Scotland. 

713.  {To  Mr.  Slevenso/i.)  The  greater  part  of  the 
voluminous  correspondence  between  the  Board  of 
Trade  and  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Light- 
houses, which  has  come  before  this  Commission,  has 
relation  to  the  questions  of  estimates  and  the  cost 
of  works.  Perhaps  you  could  inform  the  Commis- 
sion generally  where  the  dififerenee  has  arisen,  or 
point  out  particularly  where  objections  have  been 
made  to  the  cost  of  the  works  undertaken  by  the 
Commissioners  of  Northern  Light?  ? — With  regard 
to  the  engiueering  dififerences  between  the  Board  of 
Trade  and  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lights,  in 
order  that  you  may  understand  them,  I  should  wish 
to  say  that  their  position,  with  reference  to  the  Boai-d 
of  Trade,  has  changed  on  several  occasions.  Some- 
times, as  has  already  been  stated,  the  Commissioners 
have  been  resisting  what  they  considered  undue  ex- 
penditure, and  sometimes  the  Board  of  Trade  on 
their  part  have  been  objecting  to  what  they  con- 
sidered to  be  undue  expenditure.  I  do  not  of  course 
impute  any  desire  to  the  officers  of  the  Board  of 
Trade  to  interfere  unnecessarily,  but  I  believe  they 
have  sometimes  acted  on  imperfect  or  inaccurate 
data.  In  18o3,  when  I  was  appointed  as  Engineer 
to  the  Board,  on  the  resignation  of  Mr.  Alan  Steven- 
son, from  bad  health,  the  Board  were  engaged  in 
building  the  Whalsey  Skerries,  and  alter  the  Northern 
Lights  were  put  under  the  Board  of  Trade,  the  first 
time  I  was  in  London,  was  for  the  purpose  of  en- 
deavouring to  show  that  a  light  in  that  particular 
locality  was  necessary,  the  Board  of  Trade  being  of 
opinion  that  it  was  unnecessary  to  encounter  so  much 
expenditure — about  11,000/.  in  putting  a  light  there. 
That  was  the  original  estimate  for  the  light  on  Gruna. 
Then,  as  it  has  been  explained  by  Mr.  Cuningham, 
tha:,  interview  did  not  terminate  in  the  result  antici- 
pated, and  the  Board  of  Trade  desired  the  works 
to  be  stopped.  Again  the  Board  of  Trade,  some 
months  afterwards,  allowed  the  light  as  proposed 
by  the  Commissioners  on  Gruna  to  go  on,  but  the 
contractor  made  a  claim  amounting  to  nearly  800/.  for 
delay,  which  was  paid  to  him.  Then  in  1854  when 
the  Trinity  House  and  the  Board  of  Trade  visited 
Shetland,  they  proposed  that  the  light  should  be  moved 
from  the  Island  of  Gruna  to  the  Bound  Skerry  Rock 
lying  about  700  yards  in  front  of  it,  and  be  erected 
there  at  an  additional  cost  of  about  10,000/. 

714.  {Capt.  Ryder.)  Making  20,000/.  altogether  ? 
— Yes.  But  the  Commissioners  being  of  opinion  that 
all  the  purposes  of  navigation  would  be  served  by 
having  a  light  on  Gruna  did  not  see  the  propriety  of 
placing  it  on  Bound  Skerry.  However  the  Trinity 
House  and  the  Board  of  Trade  considered  the  outer 
spot  preferable.  The  Commissioners  explained  their 
views  very  fully  at  the  time,  and  those  views  were 
generally  that  this  light  was  intended  to  mark  the 
geographical  position  of  a  long  group  of  islands  ex- 
tending 15  miles  from  the  mainland  of  Shetland, 
and  not  to  indicate  a  local  danger,  and  they  could  not 
see  the  object  in  removing  the  light  so  very  small  a 
space    as    600    or    700  yards  seaward   of   the   site 

I.  1 


proposed   at   such  an    expense,    the  exposure  of  the   ^1.  Cuningham, 
outer    site    rendering   very    substantial     and     costly  ^'•l- 

works  necessary,   and   a   constant    extra  annual  cost        ■  '^"^'"«'". 
in    keeping    up    the  light.     The   other   difference  of  ''^' 

opinion  was  as  to   Lamba  Ness  and  Muckle  Flugga    23  Jan.  1861. 

in   the  north  of  Shetland.     The   Commissioners   had      

put  up  a  temporary  light   there  lor  the  Baltic  fleet. 

715.  At  both  of  those  places  ? — No  ;  at  Muckle 
Flugga.  But  they  had,  before  putting  up  that  tem- 
porary light,  expressed  their  opinion  that  Lamba 
Ness  was  a  proper  place  at  which  to  establish  a  light, 
and  their  reason  for  doing  so  was  that  the  light  on 
Lamba  Ness  would  complete  along  with  ^\■halsey 
Skerries  the  lighting  of  the  whole  of  the  eastern 
coast  of  Shetland,  whereas  were  the  light  placed  on 
Muckle  I"lugga  it  would  be  cut  of}'  by  Lamba  Ness, 
and  would  leave  a  large  portion  of  intervening 
coast  dark.  lu  this  they  were  overruled,  the  Trinity 
House  and  the  Board  of  Trade  agreeing  that  Muckle 
Flugga  was  the  fiivourable  point.  The  light  has 
been  erected  there  at  a  cost  of  about  32,000/.,  the 
estimate  for  the  light  on  Lamba  Ness,  where  the 
Scotch  Board  wished  the  light  to  be,  was  11,000/. 
or  12,000/. 

716.  So  that  an  injury  has  been  done  at  a  cost  of 
20,000/.  ? — There  can  be  no  doubt  that  such  is  the 
difference  of  cost.  The  Commissioners  were  of  opinion, 
after  a  full  investigation  of  the  matter,  and  they 
remain   so  now,  thai   a   light  on  Lamba  JSess  would 

have  been  far  more  efRciunt  than  a  light  on  Muckle 
Flugga,  In  fact,  my  opinion  is  that  to  complete 
the  lighting  of  that  coast  a  light  at  or  near  Lamba 
Ness  is  still  necessary'.  The  Commissioners  were 
memorialized  in  favour  of  Lamba  Ness  by  the 
shipping  interest  at  Peterhead,  and  thereafter  they 
took  the  opinion  of  the  different  shipping  interests 
on  the  coast  ;  they  applied  to  Hull,  Aberdeen,  Dundee, 
Leith,  Frazerburgh,  and  I  believe  that  all  of  those 
ditferent  interests  concurred  in  thinking  that  Lamba 
Ness  was  a  better  site  than  North  Unst.  The  first 
question  about  the  estimates,  or  about  the  cost  of 
works  was  with  reference  to  this  light  at  Muckle 
Flugga.  We  reported  that  a  permanent  light  there 
would  cost  27,500/.,  and  Mr.  James  Walker,  the 
engineer  of  the  Trinity  Board,  was  consulted.  The 
Board  of  Trade  thought  that  a  smaller  estimate  might 
be  stated,  and  the  plans  which  we  made  were  sub- 
jected to  the  review  of  Mr.  James  Walker,  with  whom, 
as  there  was  a  question  of  some  little  dithculty  as  to 
the  safety  of  temporaiy  buildings  on  that  rock,  and 
the  best  structure  for  a  permanent  tower,  we  very 
gladly  at  once  agreed  to  co-operate  in  the  matter. 
We  had  a  good  deal  of  correspondence  with  Mr.  Walker 
on  the  subject,  and  after  in.specting  the  plans  we  had 
prepared  Mr.  Walker  says,  "  as  respects  the  general 
"  design  of  the  tower  and  the  dwellings  the  principle 
"  of  economy  appears  to  me  to  have  been  very  strictly 
"  attended  to."  Those  works  have  been  since  exe- 
cuted, and  the  actual  cost  is  32,478/.,  it  having  been 
estimated  by  us  at  27,500/.  exclusive  of  the  landin<^ 
place  and  stair  up  to  the  top  of  the  rock.  However, 
whether  the  Commissioners  in  these  questions  as  to 
the  best  sites  for  Whalsey  and  Unst  were  right  or 
wrong,  they  are  settled  now,  and  the  only  reason 
for  referring  to  them  is  to  show  that  the  Commis- 
sioners were  actuated  by  a  desire  to  do  as  much 
good  as  they  could  for  the  navigation,  and  at  the 
same  time  to  do  it  without  expending  what  they  con- 
sidered to  be  an  unnecessary  sum  of  money.  Then 
the  next  questions  had  reference  to  Ushenish,  Rona, 
Kyleakin,  Isle  Ornsay,  Sound  of  Mull,  and  Rhu 
Vaal  Tlie  Commissioners  were  asked  by  Admiral 
Beechey  to  prepare  plans  for  those  on  as  economical 
a  scale  as  they  could  possibly  be  prepared,  and  the 
only  diflbrence  between  the  sort  of  work  employed  at 
Muckle  Flugga  and  that  adopted  at  these  new  lights 
was  that  instead  of  having  roofs  of  lead  the  Com- 
missioners were  asked  by  the  Board  of  Trade  to 
adopt  slate.  We  reported  that  in  some  situations 
slate  might  be  used,  but  in  others  we  conceived  that 
it  would  be  not  at  all  a  saving  ultimately  to  employ 
slate,  but  that  lead  ought  to  be  adopted.  After  a 
good  deal  of  difficulty  the  Board  of  Trade  agreed 
to  adopt  lead  for  Ushenish,  but  for  the  other  lights 
slate  was  adopted. 

717.  Can  you  state  the  difference  in  price  Vetween 


178 


MINUTES   OF   EVIDENCE   TAKEX    BEFOHE   THE   LOMiUSbXONKRS   Al'POlNTEU   TO 


A.  Cii'iiiir/!:am, 
D.  Sfet'cnsoJiy 

23  Jan.  l^Cl 


a  slate  nntl  a  lend  roof? — 240/..  incliuliiig  the  cost  of 
iron  beams  instead  of  wood. 

718.  On  each  site  ? — Yes,  there  being  240/.  diffe- 
rence on  each  site.  Those  plans,  after  being  all 
arranged,  ivere  sent  to  the  Board  of  Trade,  and.  on 
returning  them,  a  statement  was  made,  tliat  "  the  dc- 
"  signs  were  made  out  with  due  regard  to  economy." 

tFo.  Be  good  enough  to  supply  the  date  when  that 
statement  was  made  ? — oth  March  1855.  Those  lights 
were  executed,  and,  with  reference  to  one  of  them, 
Khu  Vaal,  it  is  right  to  say  that  the  original  site  which 
the  Commissioners  projiosed  was  nearer  to  the  en- 
trance of  the  Sound  of  Mull. 

720.  Which  entrance  ? — The  north  entrance  :  but 
Admiral  Beechey.  wishing  to  open  up  the  Sound 
between  Islay  and  Orousay,  suggested  that  the  site 
of  the  light  'should  be  moved  further  out,  and  that 
the  height  of  the  tower  should  be  raised  for  that  pur- 
pose. That  increased  the  original  estimate  by,  I 
think,  a  sum  of  1,500/.  Those  lights  were  all  ar- 
r.inged  and  executed,  and,  after  that,  I  had  no  reason 
to  suppose  that  the  Commissioners  would  liave  had 
any  further  difficulty  on  the  subject  of  the  estimates 
with  Admiral  Beechey,  as  they  had  come,  to  a  sort 
of  understanding  as  to  the  style  of  the  building 
and  the  character  of  the  work,  and  all  the  details 
of  it.  Hov.-ever,  in  the  meantime.  Captain  Sullivan 
was  appointed  the  successor  of  Admiral  Beechey, 
and  then  the  question  came  fo  be  considered  with 
regard  to  Phladda,  Corran,  and  Macarthur's  Head  ; 
biU,  with  reference  to  those  in  jiarticular,  the 
plans  that  we  made  out  for  those  lighthouses  were, 
as  regards  materials  and  workmanship,  the  very 
s.ame  as  the  plans  which  had  been  executed  under 
the  sanction  of  the  Board  of  Trade.  There  was 
no  difference  in  their  style  or  size,  and  those  on 
being  sent  to  London  were  objected  to  by  the  Board 
of  Trade  on  account  of  their  expense.  It  was  sug- 
gested that  all  the  cut  stone  should  be  taken  out  of 
them,  for  there  was  cut  stone  round  the  windows  and 
round  the  doors.  It  was  also  stated  that  all  the  cor- 
nices that  were  in  the  rooms  round  the  ceilings  should 
he  dispensed  with.  The  removal  of  the  cut  stone 
made  a  dilierence  in  the  estimate  of  .^bout  170/. 

721.  On  each  site?—  Yes,  and  the  cornices  <,i 
about  11/.,  making  together  about  180/.  on  each  site. 
After  a  great  deal  of  correspondence  the  lights  of 
Macarthur's  Head,  Phladda,  and  Corran  Avere  ap- 
proved, and,  with  this  alteration  they  were  executed. 
Subsequently  to  that,  the  Iron  Rock  and  Stour  Head, 
and  Butt  of  Lewis,  were  also  ordered,  and  the  plans 
for  those  were  submitted  to  the  Board  of  Trade  ; 
and,  with  reference  in  particular  to  the  Iron  Rock,  as 
has  been  already  explained,  that  work  has  been 
stopped  cu  account  of  the  estimates  being  higher 
than  their  lordships  were  disposed  to  s.auction.  I 
may  ex|ilain  that  those  plans  which  were  submitted 
are'  exactlv  the  same  in  character  and  style  in  every 
respect  asMacarthur's  Head,  Corran,  and  Phladda  ; 
and  the  estimates,  in  fact,  are  made  out  exactly  on 
the  same  principles  as  the  estimates  for  those  other 
works  which  had  been  executed  within  the  last  two 
or  three  years. 

722.  llave  you  removed  what  they  call  the  orna- 
mental work  from  the  estimates  for  Skervuiie  ? — Yes  ; 
everything.  And  I  cannot  conceive  how' Captain  Suli- 
van  could  say  that  these  houses  to  which  I  refer  were 
more  like  gentlemen's  hou.ses  than  lightkeeper's  dwell- 
ings, as  he  did  in  his  evidence  before  the  Mevchant 
Shipping  Committee.  lie  must,  in  my  oi)ihion,  have 
made  some  mistake.  The  houses  are  simple  brick 
cottages  of  the  plainest  kind,  with  slated  roofs,  with- 
out any  cut  stone  at  doors  or  windows,  while  the 
interior  is  simply  plastered,  without  cornices  or  any 
kind  of  ornament,  aud  the  woodwork  is  plain  nd 
simply  varnished,  and  there  is  no  paintwork  em- 
ployol.  The  Commissioners  were  asked  by  the  Board 
of  Trade  to  restrict  the  estimate  of  Skervuile  to 
6,000/.  ;  and  here,  I  think,  it  will  be  probably  right 
to  sav  that  my  brother  and  I  have  done  all  that  we 
could' to  meet  the  views  of  the  Board  as  to  the  matter 
of  keeping  down  the  estimtites  ;  but  after  doing  all 
that  we  could  we  saw  that  the  thing  in  the  case  of 
Skervu'le  was  .simply  imjjossible,  and  represented  it 
to  the  Commissioners,  and  as  a  proof  of  the  impos- 
sibility of  it  we  referred  to  the  neighbouring  work 


of  !Macartluu'":.  Head,  v.-liicli  had  been  sanctioned  bv 
the  Board  of  Trade  only  a  year  before,  which  has  a 
tower,  only  30  feet  high,  and  houses  only  for  Iwo 
keepers,  the  whole  of  it  on  the  mainland,  the  sanc- 
tioned estimate  for  which  was  5,700/.  ;  whereas  this 
work,  which-  the  Conmiissioners  were^  told  was  not 
to  exceed  6,000/.,  consisted  of  dwellings  ashore 
for  three  lightkeepers,  and  a  detached  tower,  with 
lightkeepers'  accommodation  also,  on  a  rock  three 
miles  from  the  land.  We  naturally  thought  that 
there  could  be  no  difficulty  in  seeing  at  once  that 
such  a  thing  could  not  be  done,  and  so  we  reported  ; 
but  we  said  that  the  only  way  of  meeting  the  views 
of  the  Board  of  Trade  was  to  make  on  the  rock  a 
timber  erection  ;  and  after  making  sketches  and  con- 
sidering the  thing,  we  found  that  we  could  make  such 
a  timber  erection  lor  a  sum  not  exceeding  6,000'.,  in- 
cluding the  bouses  ashore,  and  we  so  reported  to  the 
Commissioners.  However,  the  Board  of  Trade  in 
reply  objected  to  the  use  of  timber,  and  stated  that 
they  had  no  objections  whatever  to  the  plans,  but 
they  objected  to  the  estimate,  and  that  unless  the 
estimate  coulJ  be  restricted  to  6,000/.  the  work  must 
be  abandoned.  They  also  rei'erred  to  houses  in  Ire- 
land, which  thej'  said  had  been  built  at  a  much  less 
cost  than  those  estimated  for  at  Skervuile.  A  cor- 
respondence was  accordingly  opened  with  Ireland,  and 
it  was  found,  from  the  data  which  we  obtained,  that 
the  Irish  houses,  as  measured,  taking  the  area  of  the 
house  accommodatiou,  were  actually  higher  than  the 
estimates  v.hich  we  had  given  for  those  to  be  erected 
at  Skervuile,  our  estimate  being  18s.  od.,  and  the 
Irish  houses  18*.  9d.  per  square  foot.  I  understand 
that  the  cost  per  foot  for  the  North  Foreland  dwell- 
ings was  '25s.  -id.  ;  so  that  if  my  information  is 
correct,  the  Scotch  prices  instead  of  being  the  highest 
arc  the  lowest  of  the  three. 

723.  Do  you  mean  per  square  foot  ? — Y'es.  So 
that  in  that  respect  it  would  a])pear  that  the  Board  of 
Trade  had  realh'  gone  upon  imperfect  or  inaccurate 
data.  We  adhered  to  our  opinion,  that  the  works 
conld  not  be  executed  under  the  estimate  that  we 
had  given  ;  and  here  I  should  like  just  to  say,  that 
really  an  estimate  is  of  no  value  at  all,  in  fixing  the 
ultimate  cost  of  a  work,  although  it  ought  to  indicate 
to  those  undertaking  the  work  th.e  total  cost  of  the 
undertaking  ;  what  1  mean  is,  that  an  engineer's 
estimate  cannot  regulate  what  the  cost  of  the  work 
is  to  be.  That  is  purely  a  contractor's  question,  and  de- 
pends upon  -the  view  which  the  contractors  take  of 
the  site,  and  the  capabilities  of  tiie  locality.  It  is 
th.e  contractor's  business  to  consider  tl.at.  In  taking 
such  offers  from  contractors,  the  Board  of  Northern 
Lights  pursue  the  very  same  course  which  is  followed 
in  all  the  public  Boards  with  which  I  am  connected, 
and  which  is  also  followed  by  all  the  public  com- 
panies with  which  I  have  been  connected  as  engineer, 
and  that  plan  is,  that  after  the  plans  are  made,  and 
the  estimates  prepared,  these  estimates  do  not  go 
into  the  hands  of  the  contractors  ;  the  contractors  do 
not  see  them,  but  they  are  ])ut  in  possession  of  the 
])lans  and  the  specifications,  and  then  each  contractor 
for  himself  makes  his  own  estimate  of  what  the  value 
of  the  work  is.  Sometimes  the  contractor's  offer  is 
exceedingly  erroneous  ;  for  example,  the  very  last 
tenders  that  we  had  for  the  masonry,  &c.,  of  a  light- 
house at  Monach,  ranged  from  7,048/.  to  I7,c6o/., 
our  estimate  being  about  8.000/. 

724.  {Ctipt.  Bi/dcr.)  Is  it  possible  that  any  infor- 
mation can  reacli  the  contractors,  as  to  the  estimate 
that  has  been  made  ? — No.  I  do  not  see  that  it  is  ; 
nor  if  it  were,  could  it  in  tlie  least  degree  influence  the 
tenders  for  works  of  masonry  in  diflicult  localities, 
seeing  that  it  :s  open  to  competition,  and  that  con- 
tractors are  numerous.  But  at  all  events,  there  is  no 
cure  for  it,  and  it  is  done  with  every  work  in  the 
kingdom.  The  problem,  which,  in  jwint  of  fact, 
the  Board  of  Trade  have  asked  the  Commissioners 
to  solve,  as  to  the  Iron  Rock,  is  neither  more  nor 
less  than  to  alter  the  physical  circumstances  of  the 
locality,  seeing  that  they  object  to  timber,  for  nothing 
else  will  alter  the  amount  of  the  estimate.  I  wish 
further  to  state,  with  reference  particularly  to  Cap- 
tain Sulivan's  evidence  before  the  Merchant  Shipping 
Committee  of  last  year,  and  in  support  cf  what  I 
have  already  said,  with  reference  to  the  views  of  the 


15QUIEK  INTO  THE  CONDITION'  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


179 


Board  of  Trade  regarding  estimates,  that  lie  tlierc 
draw^  ^  comparison  between  a  lightliouse  at  Harwieli, 
proposed  to  be  erected  by  the  Trinity  House,  and  the 
proposed  lighthouse  on  Holboru  Head.  -He  states  the 
estimates  of  the  Harwich  lighthouse  and  buildings  at 
800/.  and  the  api)aratus  at  4001.,  being  together  1,200/, 
and  that  at  Holborn  Head,  which  he  styles  a  similar 
lighthouse,  at  from  4,000/.  to  5,000/.,  and  he  ad- 
duces this  in  pro  >f  of  the  greater  expense  of  the 
establishments,  erected  by  the  Commissioners  of 
^Northern  Lighthouses.  But  it  so  happens  that  tl\e 
two  cases  are  not  -^iisceptilile  of  comparisoii  at  all. 
On  writing  to  the  Trinity  House,  the  Northern  Light 
Commissioners  were  informed,  that  the  estimate 
for  the  lighthouse  at  Harwich  was  1,000/.  instead  of 
800/.,  as  stated  by  Captain  Sullivan,  and  that  the 
light  was  a  small  lixed  light,  the  apparatus  illumi- 
nating 168  degrees  of  the  horizon,  the  apparatus  being 
already  in  their  i)ossessioii,  and,  therefore,  not  in- 
cluded in  the  estimate. 

7'23.  Is  there  a  tower  ? — Xo  ;  at  Harwich  it  is  a 
light  exhibited  from  a  window  in  the  dwelling  house. 
The  estimate  for  Holborn  Head  submitted  by  the 
Commissioners  is4,21o/.,  and  this  is  for  dwellings  for 
two  light  keepers  ;  for  a  raised  tov/er  10  or  12 
feet  above  the  dwelling  from  which  to  exhibit  tlie 
light,  this  being  necessary  because  the  arc  of  illu- 
niiuation  is  22ij  degrees  ;  a  road  of  communication 
to  the  liglithouse  which  is  estimated  at  5.50/.  ; 
the  land  at  200/.  ;  the  revolving  apparatus  and 
machinery  for  a  Hashing  light,  and  also  10  per 
cent,  for  incidents  to  cover  inspector's  wages  and 
other  contingencies.  The  only  items,  therefore,  Avhicli 
can  be  compared  are  the  cost  of  the  dwellings, 
those  in  the  case  of  Harwich  being,  as  I  have  stated, 
1000/.,  and  those  in  the  ease  of  Holborn  Head  being 
12.j0/.  The  increase  of  250/.  is  due  mainly  to  the 
additional  cost  consequciit  on  a  tower  being  necessary 
in  order  to  illuminate  the  larger  arc.  That  appears 
to  be  the  only  item  that  can  be  compared  in  the 
two  cases,  and  they  are  estimated  .seemingly  yery 
ne!;rly  upon  tlie  same  terms,  instead  of  Vieing  so 
widely  dilfijrent  as  has  been  represented.  In  proof 
of  the  correctness  of  the  estimate  which  we  made 
for  Holborn  Head,  I  hive  further  to  state  that  when 
tiie  work  was  advertised  for  tender  there  were  eight 
otfers  ;  the  lowest  offer  for  the  work,  including 
dwellings,  road  walls,  &c.,  was  2,104/.,  being  48/. 
below  our  estimate. 

72G.  Can  you  submit  a  list  of  the  estimates  for  the 
different,  works  executed  by  the  Commissioners  of 
Northern  Lights,  and  of  the  sums  for  which  they 
have  been  completed  ? 


Estimate 



of 

Actual 

Messrs. 

Cost  of 
AVork. 

Stevenson. 

£ 

£ 

\im\  lip-'.ithouse          ... 

5,500 

4,D60 

K;.  :rar.i:;  r'::i;bouse  -               -              . 

5,500 

6,108 

1   iv  (  Mn::    ly  li;;hthouse 

4,500 

4,462 

L■^il;•ni  li  li_:l)tbouse  - 

11,500 

9,176 

bound  of  :^^uU  liglithouse 

5.000 

6,202 

Sounil  of  Islay  lighthouse 

6,500 

7,437 

Kantickhcad  lighthouse 

5,200 

6,GG1 

Bressa  Sound  liulithouse 

5,000 

5,163 

Whalsey  Skerries  lighthouse  - 

2ii,S18 

21,450 

Unst  lighthouse 

27,500* 

32,478t 

.Stroma  Skerries  beacon 

1,000 

1,191 

Vasa  beacon  -             -             .             . 

300 

139 

loch  Inver  beacon     .             .             - 

700 

710 

Pabba  beacon 

500 

502 

Calliach  Stone  beacon 

SO 

115 

Tuesdale  beacon         -             -             _ 

400 

313 

Brander  Eock  beacon 

160 

119 

Start  Point  lighthouse,  repairs 

SCO 

::MuU  of  Kintvre  lighthouse,  repairs     - 

1,924 

2,422 

Sanna  lighthouse,  repairs 

450 

431 

Duiiglas  Head,  alterations 

500 

530 

Total 

103,532 

110,374 

works,  on  which  about  60  different  contractors  were 
employed.  They  were  estimated  at  103,532/.,  and 
have  cost  110,374/.,  being  a  ditlerencc  of  6,562/., 
which  may  be  accounted  for  by  additional  work  in 
landing  place  and  stair  at  North  LTnst,  not  included  in 
original  estimate,  fov  that  work  in  our  original  estimate 
was  stated  in  our  report  of  9th  April  is'oo,  to  be  only 
a  "_  general  idea  of  its  probable  cost "  in  consequence 
of  its  difficulty.The  whole  has  been  finished  without 
any  legal  question  with  any  of  the  contractors.  There 
are  seven  lighthouses  at  iirosent  in  progress,  which 
have  been  estimated  as  follows,  but  he  accounts  not 
being  closed  their  cost  cannot,  as  yet,  be  stated,  viz. : — 

£ 
-    4,240 


A.  Cunitigham^ 

D.  S  eienson^ 
Es,,. 

23  Jan.  1861. 


4,760 
5,740 
4,215 
8,(i00 
8,600 
14,400 
1,300 

£ 
,9,700 
.9,603 


*  Exclusive  of  landing  place  and  stair. 
T  Inclusive  of  landing  place  and  stair. 
This  list  embraces  ten  lighthouses,  seven  beacons, 
four   alterations    and   repairs    at   stations,    bcin"  22 


Corran  .... 

Phladda  .... 

McArthur's  Head 

Holborn  Head       -  -  .  . 

Butt  of  Lcii-is         -  -  .  . 

St.  Abb's  Head     -  .  .  . 

Monach  Isles         -  -  .  . 

Sound  of  Harris  Beacons 

Estimated  but  not  sanctioned. 
Stour  Head,  lighthouse  and  road,  3  miles 
Iron  Rock  Lighthouse       -  -  . 

727.  Do  you  think  it  possible  in  this  case  of  tender- 
ing for  a  large  engineering  work,  that  there  could  be 
any  agreement  between  the  persons  tendering  as  to 
the  ]>rice  to  be  ofiered,  which  might  secure  to  them, 

in  rotation,  the  execution  of  expensive  works  ? I  do 

not  tiiink  that  that  is  jiossible  in  this  instance,  and  I 
may  state  further,  in  corroboration  of  this,  that  all 
the  works  referred  to  in  the  table  have  been  let 
for  sums,  which  my  own  experience  tells  me  are 
just  about  the  sums  they  ought  to  have  been  let 
for.  I  know,  for  example,  one  of  our  works,  Dcvaar, 
which  was  done  before  we  had  anything  to  do 
with  the  Board  of  Trade  at  all  ;  in  that  case  the 
contractor  shewed  me  his  books,  and  I  was  satis- 
fied that  he  had  lost  500/.  by  that  contract.  He 
aslced  me  to  bring  it  before  the' Commissioners  to  see 
whether  anything  could  be  done,  and  I  did  bring  it 
before  them,  but  nothing  could  be  done.  The  con- 
tr.actor  for  the  Butt  of  Lewis,  now  in  progress, 
offered,  verbally,  1000/.  if  the  Commissioners  would 
rid  him  of  his  contract  ;  and  this  offer  was  verbally 
communicated  to  Captain  Sulivan. 

723.  Are  contractors,  who  the  Commissioners  may 
suppose  to  have  lost  by  their  contr.acts,  ever  remuner- 
ated for  the  loss  ? — Never  within  my  own  knowledge  I 
thiuk  with  one  exception.  I  may  also  add  that  the  plan 
of  remuneratiug  contractors,  who  have  under  estimated 
their  work,  is  certainly  not  a  good  one,  as  it  only 
holds  out  an  inducement  for  "contractors  not  to 
go  into  their  offers  with  sufficient  care,  in  the 
hope  that,  if  they  have  made  a  mistake,  they 
will  not  suffer  by  it.  In  other  words,  it  is  not  a 
fair  competition  ;  there  should  be  a  bona  fide  under- 
standing between  the  employer  and  the  contractor 
that  his  offer  is  the  sum  for  which  he  is  to  do  the  work. 
With  reference  to  the  acceptance  of  a  tender,  the 
Commissioners  have  also  had  considerable  difficulty 
with  the  Board  of  Trade.  In  issuing  advertisements, 
the  Commissioners  invariably  say  that  they  are  not 
bound  to  accept  the  lowest  tender,  the  obje'ct  of  this 
is  quite  intelligible,  it  being  to  prevent  people  from 
tendering  who  have  no  intention  of  finishing  the  work, 
or  who  from  want  of  experience  have  misunderstood 
its  nature,  and  it  is  too  commonly  the  case  for  such 
people  to  do  so.  However,  instead  of  aciing  upon  that 
principle,  the  Board  of  Trade  always,  in  eugiucerin"- 
works,  have  insisted  that  the  Commissioners  shall 
accept  the  lowest  tender,  and  this  has  given  rise  to 
much  correspondence  and  diflereuce  of  opinion.  And 
here  I  would  state  that  in  all  my  experience  as  an  en- 
gineer, I  never  kiiew  any  instance  of  public  companies 
or  other  Boards  for  whom  I  have  acted,  rejectiii"-  the 
opinion  of  their  engineer  as  to  the  acceptance  of  the 
tenders— it  beinghis  business — and  his  responsibility  to 
inquire  into  the  necessary  acquirements  of  the  diflx-rent 
offerers,  and  also  into  their  experience  and  stability  ; 
in  fact,  their  general  reputation  as  contractors  ;  and  to 
advise  accordingly.    However,  in  some  cases  with  the 


IS'i 


MINUTES   OF   EVIDENCE  TAKEN    BEFORE  THE   COMMISSIOXERS  APPOINTED  TO 


A.  Cuningham,  J3,,5rd  of  Trade  this  li.Ts  not  been  done  ;  for  example,  to 

r>   c7*''  t;ike  an    instance  of  a.  very  important  and  expensive 

If.  oterenson,     ,     ,  i    ,     i  '       i  ^  i  ,»■ 

£sn  ligl't,  "e  recomineuded  that  the  second  lowest  otierer 

ought   to  be  accepted,  for  reasons  which  we  specified, 

23  Jan  1S61.     as  we  considered  that  the  lowest  offerer  had  not  ex- 

perience  in  such  works,  and  had  taken  so  mistaken  a 

view  of  some  parts  of  it,  that  we  did  not  feel  war- 
ranted in  recommending  him  to  be  entrusted  with  so 
important  a  work.  There  were  some  of  the  items  of 
his  tender  which  at  once  convinced  us  that  ho  had  not 
given  a  sufficient  amount  of  utteutiou  to  the  peculi- 
arities of  the  work,  and  ail  this  we  stated.  The 
Commissioners  reconmiended  the  rejection  of  his 
offer,  but  the  Board  of  Trade,  directed  it  to  be 
accepted.  The  contractor,  however,  withdrew  his 
tender,  and  we  again  recommended,  that  the  next 
lowest  offer  should  be  taken  ;  and,  after  further  cor- 
respondence, it  was  agreed  to.  Another  instance  I  may 
mention,  where  tenders  were  given,  and  where  we 
felt  ijuite  convinced  that  the  amount  of  the  lowest  offer 
would  not  suffice  to  purchase  the  materials.  We  repre- 
Bented  this  to  the  Commissioners,  and  recommended 
the  third  lowest  offerer.  Our  motive  was  this  :  the 
second  and  third  offerers  were  very  near  in  price  ; 
but  the  third  one  being  resident  in  Edinburgh,  and  the 
second  one  at  a  distance,  we  thought  we  should  be 
better  able  to  secure  the  work  being  properly  done, 
having  it  so  near  our  own  eye  ;  but  the  Board  of 
Trade  directed  that  the  loiresf  offerer  was  to  be 
accepted. 

729.  What  was  the  difference  between  the  ofier  you 
recorameuJed  and  the  lowest  ? — The  third  offer  which 
we  recommended  was  47/.  10s.  above  the  lowest. 
That  lowest  offer  was,  however,  accepted,  and  in  reply 
the  contractor  stated  that  he  had  made  an  error  in  his 
calculations,  and  he  wished  an  addition  to  be  made  to 
his  estimate,  which  addition  brought  him  above  the 
third  offerer  ;  we  again  reported  that  the  third 
offer  ought  to  be  accepted,  but  the  Board  of  Trade 
directed  the  second  offer  to  be  accepted,  and  he  got 
the  work. 

730.  Is  there  any  other  instance  ? — Yes  ;  with 
reference  to  another  work,  we  recommended  that  the 
second  lowest  offerer  should  be  accepted,  and  repre- 
sented that  the  lowest  offerer  had  evidently  committed 
some  error,  as  his  price  was  too  low.  The  Board  of 
Trade  directed  that  the  lowest  offerer  should  be 
accepted,  but  he  afterwards  withdrew  his  offer,  stating 
that  he  had  made  an  error  in  his  calculations,  and 
the  second  lowest  was  then  taken. 

731.  Is  there  any  difference  in  the  time  of  lighting 
and  extinguishing  in  Scotland  as  com]>ared  with  Eng- 
land and  Ireland  ? — Yes.  The  late  Mr.  Robert  Ste- 
venson, after  consulting  Professor  Henderson,  the 
professor  of  practical  astronomy,  proposed  to  alter  the 
time  of  lighting  and  extinguishing  from  "  sunset  till 
sunrise  "  to  "  the  going  away  of  daylight  in  the  even- 
ing till  the  return  of  daylight  in  the  morning,"  and 
that  change  was  introduced  after  observations  had  been 
made  at  a  great  many  lighthouses  on  distant  objects. 
A  table  applicable  to  the  site  of  each  lighthouse  is 
calcidated  and  hung  in  the  light  room,  stating  the 
times  of  lighting  and  extinguishing  for  every  day  in 
the  year;  ami  upon  a  calculatioii  made  we  find  that 
the  annual  saving  due  to  that  alteration  is  about 
1,600/.  a  year.  In  order  further  to  show  that  the 
Commissioners  are  desirous  to  effect  economy  in  every 
possible  way,  I  may  state  that,  in  six  condensing 
lights  erected  in  the  Sounds  of  the  Western  Islands, 
an  annual  saving  of  384/.  has  been  effected.  In 
this  particular  apparatus,  which  was  the  suggestion 
of  my  brother,  Mr.  Thomas  Stevenson,  by  using  a 
small  burner,  and  condensing  the  rays  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  greatest  distance  at  which  they  require 
to  be  .seen,  you  have,  for  a  small  expenditure  of  oil, 
the  light  due  to  a  larger  lamp  and  apparatus.  The 
saving  of  3S4/.  is  for  oil  and  five  |)cr  cent,  interest 
on  the  amount  of  first  cost  save  1  which  was  about 
1,000/.  for  the  six  lights. 

732.  {Chaiivvin.)  Have  you  ever  had  occasion  to 
call  the  attcution  of  the  ligtitkeepers  to  their  not 


burning  sufficient  oil  ? — Yes.  With  regard  to  the 
dioptric  lights  there  is  an  instruction  to  the  light- 
keepers  ;  we  know  from  experience  that  when  that 
instruction  is  acted  up  to,  a  certain  quantity  of  oil 
should  be  expended  ;  not  less  than  a  gallon  in 
five  hours  ;  and  when  we  find  that  it  does  not  come 
up  to  that,  then  the  attention  of  the  lightkeeper  is 
called  to  the  fact. 

733.  Are  there  any  instances  of  the  lightkeepers 
neglecting  to  burn  sufficient  oil  ? — {Mr.  Cuningham.) 
There  have  not  been  many  instances  that  it  would  be 
worth  remarking  upon.  There  are  certain  of  the 
lightkeepers  who  we  see  do  not  burn  the  quantity,  but 
it  is  difficult  to  find  fault  with  them,  for  they  are  apt 
to  think  too  much  about  it,  and  they  may  therefore 
waste  the  oil.  Where  we  find  that  they  are  decidedly 
not  burning  enough  then  we  call  their  attention  to  it. 
In  point  of  fact  within  the  last  six  months  that  has 
been  done,  for  there  have  been  one  or  two  cases 
in  which  the  lightkeepers  have  not  kept  up  a  proper 
flame. 

{Mr.  Stevenson.)  I  might  add,  to  what  Mr. 
Cuningham  has  stated,  that  in  each  light  room  there 
is  a  diagram  showing  the  height  of  the  flame  to 
be  kept  up  ;  and  when,  from  the  consumption  of  the 
oil  being  low,  the  Commissioners  have  reason  to 
suppose  that  the  flame  has  not  been  fully  kept  up 
to  the  size  they  have  had  occasion  to  represent  this 
to  the  lightkeeper.  When  the  mechanical  lamp  was 
first  introduced,  indeed,  the  Commissioners  gave  a 
premium  of  1/.  annually  to  certain  lightkeepers  for 
keeping  up  a  good  flame,  but  the  practice  is  not 
continued  now. 

734.  Do  you  believe  that  the  flame  is  almost  uni- 
versally maintained  at  its  very  highest  ? — Yes  ;  at  or 
very  near  it,  that  is  my  firm  belief.  It  requires  skill 
as  well  as  watching.  A  lightkeeper's  duties  cannot  be 
performed  without  a  course  of  regular  training,  and 
the  efficiency  of  the  light  is  due  to  the  manner  in 
which  these  duties  are  performed.  We  find  that 
where  the  best  flame  is  kept  up  the  fewest  glasses  are 
broken,  and  the  fewest  wicks  used.  The  same  lamp 
glass  has  been  known  to  last  seven  years,  and  the 
same  wicks  five  or  six  nights. 

( Chairman.)  What  is  the  material  j'ou  employ 
in  the  construction  of  your  buildings  ?  —  Before 
the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses  were 
put  under  the  Board  of  Trade,  they  had  adopted 
brick,  on  account  of  its  being  a  cheaper  material 
than  stone  or  iron,  at  certain  situations  :  and  they 
had,  for  the  same  reasons,  recommended  that  the 
recent  lighthouses  .should  be  built  of  brick  ;  but 
the  Board  of  Trade  have  invariably  suggested  that 
the  stoue  of  the  place  might  be  cheaper,  and  more 
advantageously  employed  than  brick.  We  were  of  a 
different  opinion,  believing  that  the  brick  would  be 
the  cheaper  material  of  the  two.  This  is  consequent 
upon  the  great  expense  of  opening  quarries,  and 
paying  damage  to  the  proprietors,  and  other  expenses 
contingent  upon  qitarri/ing  operations,  as  well  as  the 
uncertainty  of  getting  suitable  materials  even  after 
the  quarries  have  been  opened,  the  great  object  of 
the  contractor  being,  in  all  these  situations,  to  do  as 
little  work  as  possible  on  the  spot,  so  as  to  save  taking 
men,  and  maintaining  them  there,  for  that  is  a  great 
part  of  his  expense.  On  all  occasions  we  have  put 
it  in  the  option  of  the  contractor  to  employ  cither 
brick  or  stone,  and  we  have  never  got  an  ofl'er 
as  far  as  I  recollect,  in  which  the  contractor  did 
not  undertake  to  make  erections  of  brick  cheaper 
than  of  stone,  and  that  brick  brought  from  consider- 
able distances.  I  have  further  to  state  as  to  brick, 
that  the  brick  that  we  employ  is  not  common  brick,  it 
is  composition  brick,  prepared  for  the  purpose.  The 
Board  of  Trade  have  suggested  to  use  common 
Vjrick,  but  the  Commissioners  have  represented  that  it 
would  be  very  injudicious  to  employ  common  brick, 
more  esjjecially  as  the  extra  cost  of  employing  the 
su])erior  brick  is  only  60/.  for  each  lighthouse  and 
buildings. 

73j.  Are  there  any  communications  going  ou  with 
respect  to  the  lighthouse  at   Holborn  Head  ? — The 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


181 


last  communication  with  reference  to  Hollorn  Head 
had  regard  to  the  estimate  for  the  lighting  aj  paratus, 
iron  parapet  and  lantern,  &c.  which  we  estin.at;d  at 
l,13o/.,  tlie  Board  of  Trade  stated  that  they  had 
received  a  lower  estimate  of  a  similar  light  from 
Mr.  Willvins,  and  desired  the  Commissioners  to  alter 
their  estimate  to  600/.  ;  on  this  being  represented  to 
us  by  the  Commissioners  we  at  once  stated  that  we 
couhl  not  alter  our  estimate,  for  an  engineer's  esti- 
mate is  made  out  on  the  professional  responsibility 
and  reputation  of  the  engineer  making  it  ;  he  cannot 
make  an  estimate  in  any  respect  diflerent  from 
what  he  believes  to  be  its  true  valne  ;  and  that  the 
true  plan  by  which  to  test  Mr.  Wilkins'  estimate 
would  be  for  Mr.  Wilkins  to  give  in  an  offer  for  the 
work  when  about  to  be  contracted  for,  and  then  it 
would  be  seen  at  what  cost  it  would  be  executed.  At 
the  same  time  we  added  that  Mr.  Wilkins  had  made 
several  offers  for  apparatus  to  be  supplied  to  the 
Northern  Light  Commissioners,  but  he  had  not  as 
yet  succeeded  in  being  the  lowest  offerer,  and  con- 
sequently, had  done  no  work  for  them,  and  further 
that  the  plans  and  specifications  were  not  ready  for  the 
lishting  apparatus  for  Holborn  Head.  The  Board  of 
Trade  then  wrote,  saying  that  they  wished  those  plans 
and  specifications  to  be  forwarded  to  them  for  further 
consideration,  when  they  were  prepared,  and  that  is 
how  the  matter  stands. 

736.  Mr.  Wilkins,  therefore,  had  never  seen  the 
plans  or  specifications  ? — No. 

737.  What  is  the  character  of  the  light  at  Eona  ? 
— A  flashing  light,  of  the  natural  colour. 

738.  The  red  shade  then  has  been  removed  ?^ 
Yes. 

739.  Was  Admiral  Beechy  acting  for  the  Board  of 
Trade,  when  the  character  of  that  light  was  decided 
upon  ? — Yes  ;  he  was  their  adviser. 

740.  Did  he  recommend  any  change  ? — We  recom- 
mended to  the  Commissioners,  and  the  Commissioners 
to  the  Board  of  Trade,  that  it  should  be  a  flashing 
light,  showing  white  all  round  the  Sound  of  Apple- 
cross.  That  was  submitted  to  the  Board  of  Trade, 
and  Admiral  Beechy  recommended  that  it  should 
show  red  down  the  Sound  of  Applecross.  This 
was  ordered  to  be  done  by  the  Board  of  Trade,  and 
we  prepared  the  red  shades  for  that  purpose,  and 
afterwards,  upon  a  visit  by  Captain  Sulivan,  before  the 
light  was  exhibited  he  conceived  that  it  was  better  that 
it  should  be  white  down  the  Sound  of  Applecross  as 
we  had  originally  designed  it,  and  accordingly  the  red 
shades  were  ordered  to  be  removed,  and  kept  for  some 
other  place  where  a  red  light  was  needed. 

741.  Then  in  this  case  who  was  the  authority  who 
first  suggested  the  change  in  the  colour  of  the  light  ? 

Admiral  Beechey  was  the  first  who,  to  my  personal 

knowledge,  suggested  the  change. 

742.  Under  what  section  of  the  Merchant  Shipping 
Act  0^18.54  do  you  conclude  that  the  Board  of  Trade 
proceeded  to  give  directions  as  to  the  colour  of  the 
light  ? — That  I  do  not  know.  I  have  never  studied 
the  Act  myself. 

743.  {To  Mr.  Cuiiing/iam.)  How  does  the  light 
appear  marked  on  the  Admiralty  chart  now  ? — In 
the  chart,  published  eighteen  months  ago,  it  was 
stated  to  be  red,  as  originally  proposed  by  Admiral 
Beechey. 

744.  Have  yon  represented  to  the  Admiralty  that 
that  is  a  mistake  ? — Yes  ;  that  was  immediately  re- 
presented. 

745.  Has  it  been  altered  ? — I  cannot  say  whether 
the  chart  has  been  altered  or  not. 

746.  Did  they  ever  answer  your  letter  ? — No,  they 
never  did. 

747.  The  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lights  are 
in  the  habit  of  communicating  with  the  Admiralty 
upon  matters  relating  to  lighthouses  ? — Yes. 

748.  Frequently  ? — Not  very  frequently. 

749.  {Capt.  Ryder?)  Upon  what  kind  of  questions? 
— It  is  more  in  relation  to  the  changes.  We  revise 
the  list  of  lights  every  year  ;  but  it  was  in  the  course 
of  going  round   in  the  Pharos  that  it  was  pointed  out 


that  this  light  was  described  as  red,  and  from  the  first  -^^  '^^J''?*'^"!. 
port  we  touched   at   I   sent  off  a  letter  to  the  Ad-    jy  Stevenson 
miralty,   as  the   chart  had  just   then  been  published        '  Esq. 
I  have  no  doubt  that  it  is  now  corre.ct.  

750.  Was  the  original  plan  of  the  Commissionera     23  Jan.  1861. 

of  Northern  Lights  with  regard  to  the  height  of  the 

beacon  at  Cairnbulg  carried  out  ?  —  (To  3Ir. 
Stevenson.)  It  was  originally  intended  to  be  higher, 

and  estimated  at  1,000/.,  but  by  the  directions  of  the 
Board  of  Trade  the  beacon  was  cut  down,  and  cost 
720/.  Diminishing  the  height  reduces  the  cost  very 
little,  for  all  the  expensive  work  of  foundations,  &c., 
remains  the  same. 

751.  How  many  feet  was  it  cut  down? — About 
15  feet. 

752.  Did  the  Harbours  of  Refuge  Commissioners 
visit  the  neighbourhood  ? — Yes,  they  did. 

753.  Did  they  express  any  opinion  as  to  the  height 
of  that  beacon  ? — It  was  stated  in  evidence  at  Fraser- 
burgh that  it  was  considered  to  be  too  low  ;  and  Cap- 
tain Washington  asked  me  at  Peterhead  why  the 
Cairnbulg  beacon  was  not  higher,  and  I  told  him  that 
it  had  been  reduced  by  the  direction  of  the  Board  of 
Trade. 

754.  Has  there  been  any  light  built  at  Kirkwall  ? 
— No  ;  not  by  the  Commissioners. 

755.  Have  they  had  any  project  before  them  for 
building  a  light  there  ? — Not  at  Kirkwall,  but  in  the 
Sound  leading  into  Kirkwall,  on  Hellyar  Holm. 

756.  Has  that  project  been  adopted,  and  if  not,  why  ? 
— ( To  Mr.  Cuni7igham.) — It  has  not  been  adopted. 
There  was  a  very  strong  opinion  expressed  by  the 
Trade  as  to  two  stations  ;  one  on  Thieves  Holm,  and 
the  other  on  Hellyar  Holm  ;  and  the  Commissioners 
without  expressing  any  very  decided  opinion,  although 
tliey  stated  their  general  preference  for  Hellyar  Holm, 
communicated  those  tv/o  stations  to  the  Trinity  House 
in  the  terms  of  the  statute,  to  submit  the  matter  to 
the  Board  of  Trade,  and  the  Trinity  House  wrote  back 
and  inquired  about  the  shipping  at  Kirkwall.  The 
Commissioners  sent  them  an  answer  to  say  that  there 
were  471  vessels,  of  an  aggregate  tonnage  of  49,331, 
and  then  came  a  replv  from  the  Trinity  House, 
declining  to  submit  the  light  to  the  Board  of  Trade. 
The  Commissioners  replied  to  that  letter,  stating  their 
opinion  that  the  Trinity  House  in  refusing  to  submit 
the  plans  to  the  Board  of  Trade  had  overlooked 
their  functions,  as  defined  by  the  Act. 

{Some  correspondence  was  handed  in.) 

757.  {Chairman.)  This  Commission  have  notified 
to  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lights  that  they 
would  have  some  questions  to  put  about  the  difference 
between  the  Board  of  Trade  and  the  Commissioners 
of  Northern  Lights  in  the  matter  of  the  Pabba  beacon; 
but  as  the  whole  of  the  correspondence  relative  to 
that  subject  is  now  before  the  Commission,  as  given 
in  the  evidence  of  Mr.  Farrer,  the  secretary  to  the 
marine  department  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  this 
Commission  will  not  now  trouble  you  with  any  ques- 
tions on  the  subject  ?---Very  well. 

758.  In  his  evidence  Mr.  Farrer  has  done  full  jus- 
tice to  the  engineers  of  the  Scottish  Board,  in  being 
at  the  pains  to  state  that  the  cost  of  the  works  upon 
which  they  had  been  employed  in  general  has  ap- 
proximated very  closely  to  the  estimates.  {To  Mr. 
Stevc}ison.) — Have  you  any  observation  to  make 
about  the  Tuisdale  beacon  ?• — -We  survej'ed  the  rock 
and  recommended  a  cast  iron  beacon  in  that  situation 
as  being  a  proper  structure,  considering  the  exposure 
and  the  nature  of  the  rock.  That  rock  is  at  the 
entrance  of  the  Sound  at  the  Calf  of  Man,  and  is 
exposed  to  very  heavy  seas,  as  I  know  from  having 
in  1835  attended  an  engineering  work  going  on 
for  a  whole  season  at  the  place.  The  Board  of  Tradj> 
stated  that  they  conceived  the  estimate  for  this 
beacon,  which  was  800/.,  to  be  too  high,  and  we 
reported  that  we  could  not  see  that  a  beacon  of 
that  sort  could  be  reduced  in  height,  so  as  to  make 
any  notable  difference  in  the  estimate,  and  that  the 
only  plan  was  to  erect  a  malleable  iron  beacon  ;  at 
the  same  time  we  pointed  out  that  iu  that  exposed 


182 


MIXUTES   OF   EVIDENCE  TAKEN   BEFORE   THE   COSmiSSIONERS   APPOINTED   TO 


A.  Cunnlgham,  Bituation,    where    the    beacon    would    be   submerged 

^^9-  somewhere  about   nine  teet  iu  a  very  heavy  sea,  we 

X».  S^icnson,    coy^eived  that  a    malleable  iron  structure,   from  its 

'^  vibration,  was  not  so  good  as  a  cast-iron  one. 

2.3  Jan.  1861.  "i^^-  T'*^  msilleable  iron  beacons  you  make  are 
"  '  much  weaker  than  cast-iron  ? — Yes,  much  weaker, 
as  they  are  comparatively  light  and  cheaj)  ;  and  the 
Board  of 'I'rade  after  much  correspondence  determined 
upon  putting  up  a  malleable  iron  beacon  ;  but  it  is 
quite  an  experimental  structure,  seeing  that  tho 
malleable  iron  has  not  been  exposed  to  such  seas, 
and  it  may  be  many  years  before  it  is  exposed  to  the 
maxinumi  waves  due  to  the  exposure.  In  that  case, 
our  opinion  ss  engineers,  was  overuled  by  the  Board 
of  Trade. 

7G0.  {Capt.  Ryder.)  You  said  just  now  that  be- 
cause of  the  exposure  to  which  the  beacon  would  be 
subject  you  recommended  cast  iron  in  preference  to 
malleable  ? — Y'es. 

761.  (Cfiairman  to  Mr.  Cunhigham.)  In  reference 
to  the  correspondence  with  respect  to  Korth  Unst, 
already  before  this  Commission,  have  any  steps  been 
adopted  to  facilitate  the  communication  between  the 
lighthouse  and  the  shore  ? — No  ;  the  matters  remain 
exactlj'  as  they  were  when  that  correspondence  was 
reported. 

7G2.  Do  you  consider  that  the  men  in  the  light- 
house are  secure  ? — If  I  did  thero  would  be  end  of  the 
f|uestion,  but  I  do  not  consider  myself  iu  the  slightest 
degree  responsible  for  their  security. 

763.  {Capt.  Ryder.)  Is  it  of  great  importance  that 
a  signal  should  be  made  and  seen  every  day  that  aU 
is  well  in  the  lighthouse  ? — It  is. 

764.  Do  you  "feel  coutident  that  the  present  arrange- 
ment is  sufficient,  and  that  the  man  who  is  directed 
to  go  every  day  to  look  for  the  signal  does  so  ? — 
No  ;  and  I  have  numerous  complaints  from  the  light- 
keepers  on  shore  of  the  toil  that  is  endured  in  making 
a  journey  of  five  miles  every  day  over  a  very  rocky 
headland  without  any  shelter.  But  in  justice  to  the 
lightkeepers,  I  have  no  reason  tn  doubt  that  they 
do  it.  On  one  occasion,  during  the  winter  of  1S59, 
one  of  the  lightkeepers  was  nearly  lost  in  tho  sno-,v. 

765.  What  was  the  estimated  expense  for  tho 
footway  and  sentry-box  ? — 7oO/. 

766.'  What  was  the  estimated  expense  of  the  c!ce- 
tric  commtinication  ? — 600/.  The  Board  of  Trade 
wrote  and  said  that  they  would  permit  t!ie  placing 
of  an  electric  communication,  provided  the  Com- 
missioners would  dismiss  their  attending  boatman, 
which  the  C'lmmissioners  declined  to  accede  to,  as 
the  boatman's  services  were  required  to  convey  the 
lightkeepers  backwards  and  forwards.  Although  the 
island  is  195  feet  above  high  water,  and  the  lower 
50  feet  more  above  that,  the  sea  has  on  several  occa- 
sions passed  in  pretty  large  masses  of  water  across 
the  top  of  the  rock. 

767.  (Chainiuin  to  Mr.  Stevenson.)  In  the  state- 
ment lately  made  by  you  it  appears  that  jour 
estimates  for  the  lighthouse  and  buildings  at  Xorth 
Unst  were  remitted  to  the  engineer  of  Trinity  House 
for  an  oi)inion.  AVere  any  objections  made  by  you  to 
your  estimates  l-eing  referred  to  a  third  party  ?-— 
Xot  in  that  jiarticular  case.  Seeing,  as  is  stated  in 
my  evidence,  that  there  was  a  difterence  of  o])inion 
as  to  tho  safety  of  the  temporary  buildir.gs  to  be 
erected  on  Flugga,  and  seeing  that  there  was  no 
experience  whatever  of  the  nature  of  the  seas  there, 
we  cordially  agreed  that  iSIr.  Walker  should  be  con- 
sulted, and  we  acted  in  that  as  we  have  done  in  all  our 
business  whenever  a  question  of  difficulty  has  occurred. 
We  invariably  readily  ])roposo  that  the  opinions  of  our 
brother  engineers  should  be  taken  ;  and  I  may  mention, 
that  in  our  business  we  have  had  occasion  to  consult 
Mr.  Walker,  Mr.  Kcndell,  Jlr.  George  Kennie,  Sir 
William  Cubitt,  and  Mr.  James  Leslie,  of  EdinbuTgh. 
and  other  engineers  in  that  way.  But  when  Admiral 
Beechey  proposed,  when  these  Sound  lights  we'e 
to  be  erected,  that  our  plans  and  specification 
should  pass  under  the  review  of  another  engineer, 
we  at  once  said  to  him,  and  said  to  the  President  of 


the  Board  of  Trade  at  the  time,  that  we  could  not 
agree  to  any  such  supervision,  and  that  we  supposed 
that  Admiral  Beechey  was  not  aware  what  was  the 
j)raclics  of  engineers  in  such  matters. 

768.  I  think  it  was  stated  to  this  Commission  when 
they  were  on  the  West  Coast  of  Scotland  that  slates 
had  been  tried  for  keepers'  dwellings,  and  that  it  was 
found  impossible  to  keep  the  roofs  in  an  ctfective  state 
in  very  exposed  situations  where  slates  were  triete, 
for  they  were  being  continually  blown  off",  and  slaters 
had  to  be  sent  for  from  a  great  distance  and  at  awk- 
ward times  of  the  year  ? — In  some  sheltered  situations 
I  have  no  hesitation  whatever  iu  employing  slates — 
but  we  have  stated  over  and  over  again  to  the  Com- 
missioners of  Northern  Lights  that  in  such  places  as 
Kona  for  example  or  Cantick  Head,  where  the 
lights  are  placed  near  the  brow  of  a  hill,  the  wind 
acting  on  the  face  passes  up  and  strikes  the  roof  of 
the  house  at  such  an  angle  that  the  water  is  blown 
under  the  slates,  and  in  such  a  situation  as  that  we 
cannot  possibly  keep  the  inside  of  the  roofs  dry.  In 
such  situations  I  have  no  hesitation  in  saying  that  I 
do  not  think  it  is  judicious  or  advisable  to  employ 
slates  because  the  rooting  of  the  house  must  within  a 
very  short  time  decay  from  the  constant  damp  caused 
by  the  water  passing  under  the  slates.  The  comfort 
of  the  keepers  is  aft'eeted  if  it  goes  to  a  great  extent ; 
it  has  not  fortunately  gone  (o  a  great  extent  in  any 
of  these  buildings  yet  :  but  they  are  ueveitheless 
damp  and  we  cannot  make  them  dry. 

769.  You  require,  do  you  not,  a  heavy  coping  of 
stonework  to  keep  lead  down  ? — Y'es  ;  the  roofs  are 
llat  and  the  lead  is  kept  dov.ii  by  a  coping  of  stone. 
Wliere  these  leaden  roofs  have  been  applied,  I  think, 
probably  for  30  years,  we  have  not  had  any  trouble  with 
them  ;  hardh-  any  repairs  have  been  required,  and  in 
situations  where,  if  there  had  been  slates,  v.-e  should 
have  constantly  been  obliged  to  repair,  which  it  would 
be  very  difficult  and  troubiescme  to  do  in  such  situa- 
tions. At  the  Butt  of  Lewis  when  the  Board  of 
Trade  desired  us  to  adopt  slate  they  expressed  an 
opinion  that  it  might  be  repau-ed.  We  said  that 
there  was  no  town  neai-er  than  Stornaway,  some  30 
miles  oil,  where  any  tradesman  resided,  and  that  of  all 
places  in  the  world  that  was  just  the  place  to  apply 
lead.  The  Board  of  Trade  on  the.se  recommenda- 
tions acceded  to  it,  and  there  is  to  be  a  leaden  roof  at 
the  Butt  of  Lewis,  but  at  St.  A'ubs  Head,  though  very 
exposed,  they  would  not  sanction  it. 

770.  In  their  visits  to  the  various  lighthouses  in 
Scotland  this  Commission  have  observed  that  many  of 
tho  lighthouses  .and  the  buildings  attached  to  them  are 
not  painted  white  or  whitewashed,  as  is  the  case  gene- 
rallv  in  England  :  can  you  give  any  reason  for  the 
lishthouse  towers  and  buildings  in  Scotland  being  so 
froquentlv  left  of  the  natural  colour  of  the  stone,  when 
there  can  be  no  doubt  that  in  those  latitudes,  and  in 
the  ordinary  state  of  our  atmosphere  a  great  white 
jiatch  permanently  ]iresented  to  the  eye  by  a  white 
li"-hthousc  and  buildings  and  walls  is  of  the  utmost  use 
to  the  mariner  iu  sailing  along  the  coast  or  making 
the  land  ? — I  can  give  no  reason  for  it  ;  I  quite  con- 
cur that  all  brick  towers  at  all  events  should  be 
painted  white.  Vrith  reference  to  many  of  the 
northern  light  towers  I  may  say  that  from  being 
built  of  whitish  coloured  stone  they  probably  do  not 
so  niucli  require  it. 

{Mr.  Cuningliam.)  The  prevalence  ot  snow  at  the 
most  inclement  seasons  of  the  year  is  one  great  ob- 
jection, and  they  would  never  be  seen  at  all  if  white. 

771.  Would  not  that  be  a  reason  for  their  being 
painted  lilack  or  checkered  ? — Y'es,  of  course  ;  but 
we  have  no  complaint  of  their  not  being  perfectly 
visible. 

772.  Are  you  aware  v.hcther  there  is  any  intention 
on  the  part  of  the  Commissioners  of  Northern 
Liahts  to  erect  any  permanent  beacon  on  the  Skairs 
of  "Cruden  or  Ilattray  Briggs  or  Scotstownhead  ? — 
I  think  not.  Tiie  Commissioners  have  recently  sub- 
mitted to  the  Board  of  Trade  a  proposal  which  ema- 


IXQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


188 


iiated  from  tlio  Adiuirahy  to  ciU  ofi'  (he  li.srht  on 
Buchaii  Xoss  :iii<l  Kiuuiiini's  Head  in  such  a  way  as 
to  clear  Rattray  Briggs,  the  arrangements  for  that  are 
now  in  progress,  and  if  that  succeeds  probably  the 
whole  ol)iect  may  be  attained  by  mooring  a  l)uoy  at  the 
end  of  the  Briggs,  whether  it  will  ride  there  remains 
to  be  seen  ;  they  are  to  darken  the  coast  line  of  light. 
Messrs.  Steyeusoii  are  now  constructing  screens  for 
that  purpose,  and  it  will  be  carried  out  in  the  ensu- 
ing season.  I  am  not  aware  that  any  application  has 
been  submitted  for  marking  the  Skairs  of  Cruden. 

773.  I  suppose  it  may  liaye  been  reported  to  the 
Commissioners  of  Northern  Lights,  or  they  may  be 
aware  that  many  vessels  do  go  on  the  Kattray  Briggs 
in  the  day  time  ? — Yes. 

774.  Then  masking  the  lights  of  Kinuaird  Head 
and  Buchan  Ness  is  so  far  good  that  it  will  be  of 
service  to  mariners  for  navigation  by  night ;  but  you 
think  )'ou  will  be  able  to  place  a  buoy  of  sufficient 
size  and  sufficiently  secure  to  guide  mariners  in  pass- 
ing along  the  coast  by  day  ? — Yes. 

775.  {Captain  Bi/ilcr.)  What  kind  of  buoy  are  you 
going  to  ]iut  there  ?— ^^'e  have  yet  to  consider  that. 

77(3.  {Chairman.)  Is  there  any  intention  to  place 
such  a  buoy  ? — Yes  ;  and  a  beacon  has  been  spoken 
of ;  but  the  scheme  has  not  yet  been  matured. 

777.  It  has  been  already  stated  in  evidence,  in 
the  case  of  North  Unst,  that  something  like  a 
reproof  was  conveyed  to  the  Commissioners  of 
Northern  Lighthouses  from  the  Board  of  Trade, 
on  account  of  their  having  taken  the  sense  and 
opinions  of  the  passing  trade  as  to  the  superior 
recommendations  of  the  site  at  Lamba  Ness,  pro- 
posed by  the  Northern  Commissioners,  over  the 
site  at  North  Unst,  proposed  by  the  Trinity  House 
and  Board  of  Trade.  You  are  aware  that  in  the 
early  statutes  giving  power  to  the  general  lighthouse 
authorities  to  erect  a  light,  the  very  essence  of  that 
power  was  made  to  consist  in  representations  hav- 
ing been  made  from  those  engaged  in  the  passing 
trade  as  to  the  necessity  for  a  light  in  a  particular 
position  ;  do  you  suppose  that  this  essential  element 
towards  establishing  a  light  has  been  at  all  abolished 
bv  the  INIerchant  Shipping  Act  of  1854,  under  which 
the  Board  of  Trade  has  found  fault  with  the  Northern 
Commissioners  for  the  course  they  took  in  this  in- 
stance ? — I  do  not  consider  that  it  is  abolished  ;  but 
it  has  fallen  into  disuse. 

778.  {Captain  Ryder.)  Do  the  Northern  Commis- 
sioners, before  they  suggest  any  lighthouses,  seek  the 
opinions  of  the  passing  trade  ? — The  opinions  of  the 
Commissioners  are  generally  founded  upon  applica- 
tions from  the  passing  trade,  which  render  it  unneces- 
sary for  them  to  seek  those  opinions. 

779.  Opinions  as  to  particular  sites  ? — Yes. 

780.  Under  what  circumstances  was  the  opinion  of 
the  passing  trade  solicited,  with  regard  to  the  position 
of  the  lighthouse  at  North  Unst  as  compared  with  the 
proposed  site  at  Lamba  Ness  ?— With  regard  to  a 
remark  made  in  a  letter  from  the  Board  of  Trade, 
dated  the  1st  of  March  1855,  that  the  Commissioners 
canvassed  for  the  opinions  of  ship-masters  on  the 
matter  referred  to,  the  following  are  the  circumstances : 
— The  Commissioners  did  not  ask  any  o))inions  on  the 
subject  until  it  was  brought  before  them  anew  by  a 
memorial  from  the  shipping  masters  of  Peterhead, 
pointing  out  the  peculiar  advantage  of  placing  a 
lighthouse  on  Lamba  Ness,  and  it  was  remitted  to 
Mr.  Stevenson  to  report  on  that  memorial  ;  the 
Commissioners  then  thought  it  their  duty  to  ascer- 
tain the  views  entertained  on  this  subject  in  other 
sea  ports  carrying  on  the  chief  trade  with  Greenland 
and  the  North  of  Europe  by  communicating  with 
Aberd(!en,  Frazerburgh,  Dundee,  Leith,  and  Hull. 
This  course,  instead  of  licing  unusual,  has  been 
frequently  adopted  by  the  Commissioners  with  re- 
gard to  other  proposed  lighthouses,  and  the  Com- 
missioners in  soliciting  the  opinion  of  the  passing 
trade  were  very  careful  not  to  show  that  there  was 
any  diiference  of  opinion  between  them  and  the  Board 
of  Trade,  or  what  site  the  Commiesion^rs  themselves 
preferred. 


lH\.  Keferring  to  the  abstract  of  the  correspond- 
ence with  regard  to  the  proposed  erection  of  a  light- 
house at  St.  Abb's  Head,  wo  have  observed  that  the 
Board  of  Trade  disapprove  of  the  proposal  of  the 
Commissioners  of  Northern  Lights  to  make  a  survey 
tor  the  site  of  the  proposed  lighthouse.  Will  you 
explain  what  survey  was  necessary  in  the  case  ? — 
The  first  letter  which  the  Commissioners  addressed 
to  the  Board  of  Trade  was  quite  general,  and  the 
reply  stated  that  the  communications  should  have 
come  through  the  Trinity  House  in  terms  of  the 
statute.  The  Commissioners  answered  that  they 
would  immediately  cause  a  survey  to  be  made,  in 
order  that  they  might  ascertain  the  precise  position 
of  the  light  to  submit  to  the  Trinity  House  and  to 
bring  it  liefore  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  the  Board  of 
Trade  refused  to  sanction  the  Commissioners  making 
such  a  survey.  The  consequence  of  this  is,  that 
unless  the  Commissioners  are  authorized  to  survey, 
in  order  to  ascertain  the  site  they  would  recommend, 
it  becomes  impossible  for  them  to  make  any  recom- 
mendations to  the  Trinity  House  to  be  submitted  to 
the  Board  of  Trade,  as  provided  by  statute. 

782.  Since  that  correspondence  are  you  prepared 
to  say  that  you  have  made  any  more  suggestions  for 
sites  ? — None  ;  since  that  correspondence  the  com- 
missioners have  made  no  proposals  for  new  light- 
houses, the  sites  of  which  had  not  been  surveyed  pre- 
vious to  that  correspondence,  but  in  regard  to  that  of 
Hellyar  Holm,  I  may  explain  that  that  emanated 
from  memorials  from  different  ports  in  Orkney,  which 
the  Commissioners  remitted  to  their  engineer  to  report 
upon,  and  having  received  that  report,  they  trans- 
mitted the  substance  of  it  to  the  elder  brethren. 

783.  What  steamers  have  the  northern  commis- 
sioners now  ? — The  "  Pharos." 

7S4.  What  size  is  she  ? — 250  horse-power  and  500 
tons  over  all. 

785.  Have  they  any  other  steamer  ? — Yes  ;  another 
steamer  which  is  not  in  use,  the  old  "  Pharos." 

786.  She  is  under  repair  ? — No  ;  she  is  lying  in 
the  docks  at  Leith. 

787.  Out  of  repair  ? — No  ;  she  is  kept  in  repair. 
She  is  lying  in  Leith  docks,  under  directions  to  be 
sold. 

788.  Could  her  services  be  usefully  applied  ? — I 
think  they  might  be,  and  I  have  directions  at  this 
moment  from  the  Commissioners  to  report  to  them  in 
detail  upon  that  subject.  I  think  that  by  dispensing 
with  an  equivalent  number  of  attending  boats  on  the 
west  coast,  and  substituting  the  old  "Pharos"  to  do 
their  duty,  while  there  are  numerous  departments  of 
work  that  she  could  do,  no  extra  cost  would  be 
incurred. 

789.  Can  you  use  the  old  "  Pharos  "  without  per- 
mission from  the  Board  of  Trade  ? — No  ;  we  have 
solicited  that  ])ermission,  and  it  has  been  refused. 
The  employment  of  the  old  "  Pharos  "  would  be  an 
additional  expense  of  about  1,700/.  or  1,800/.  a  year, 
but  I  believe  the  saving  of  boat  hire  on  the  west 
coast  would  exceed  that  sum. 

790.  Do  you  inspect  the  lighthouses  ? — I  do. 

791.  Do  j'ou  visit  each  of  them  once  a  year  ? — No  ; 
from  their  number  I  cannot  overtake  that  now. 

792.  How  often  do  you  visit  each  lighthouse  ? — I 
visit  each  lighthouse  at  all  events  once  in  every  two 
years. 

793.  What  portion  of  the  year  is  occupied  by  you 
in  inspecting  lighthouses  ? — July  and  August,  and 
sometimes  September. 

794.  Do  you  go  alone,  or  do  you  go  with  the  Com- 
missioners ? — Sometimes  with  the  Commissioners 
and  sometimes  alone. 

795.  Do  you  think  that  such  an  amount  of  inspec- 
tion as  is  made  is  suincient  ? — With  a  competent  stafT 
under  mo  the  amount  of  inspection  might  be  sufficient, 
but  the  lighthouses  arc  increasing  so  rapidly  that  I 
think  it  would  require  a  second  inspector  of  Light 
Eoom  repairs.  The  present  man  cannot  possibly 
overtake  the  whole  of  the  lighthouses  in  one  year  ;  ho 
cannot  get  at  them  in  winter,  and  during  the  summer 

Z  4 


■1.  Cuninnham, 
D.  Stevenson, 


23  Jan.  1861. 


184 


MINTJTKS   OF   EVIDENCK   TAKEN    BEFORE   THE   COMMISSIONEKS   APPOINTED   TO 


A.  Cuninghuvi,   season  he  ha?  not  time  to  overtake  tlieni  and  to  exc- 

^^1-  cute  the  necessiiry  repairs  at  all  the  establishments,  so 

D.  Stevenson,  .  ..    •  -  .  _  ..    .    . 


23  Jan.  ISGl. 


that  we  are  obliged  to  m.ake  ii  selection  of  lighthouses 
for  him  to  visit  everv  year. 

796.  What  were  your  qualifications  for  inspecting 
lighthouses  ? — None  originally  ;  I  was  educated  as  a 
writer  to  the  Signet,  and  in  that  capacity  was  secre- 
tary of  the  Commissioners,  but  I  had  no  education 
which  qualified  me  for  discharging  the  engineering 
duties  of  the  department.  My  long  service,  however, 
and  frequent  visits  have  enabled  me  to  pick  up  a  good 
deal  of  information  as  to  my  duties. 

797.  What  option  was  given  you  as  to  accepting  these 
duties  ? — None  ;  if  any  option  had  been  given  me  I 
■would  never  have  accepted  tLem  at  the  salary  at 
whicli  they  were  imposed  upon  me. 

798.  Do  the  duties  of  Secretary  and  inspector  in- 
terfere with  one  another  ? — Yes,  to  a^  certain  extent 
they  do  ;  as  during  my  absence  my  more  legitimate 
duties  as  secretai}  are  in  a  great  measure  at  a  stand 
until  my  return. 

799.  (J/r.  Gladsloiie.)  AVhat  are  the  various  duties 
of  the  Foreman  of  Lighthouse  Repairs  ? — He  goes 
round  the  various  establishments  with  an  assistant  and 
executes  repairs  upon  the  burners  of  the  lamps,  and 
different  things  in  the  light  rooms,  and  that  occupies 
his  time,  as  1  have  ah-eady  stated,  constantly  ;  he 
makes  a  regular  tour. 

800.  Does  he  make  any  inspections  ? — He  as  well 
as  the  Superintendent  have  instructions  to  report 
anything  that  they  see  out  of  order  immediately  to 
me  ;  he  does  not  make  any  authorized  inspection. 

801.  Have  yon  adopted  a  uniform  system  of 
buoyage  in  all  the  channels  under  your  jurisdiction  ? 
— Yes,  we  have. 

802.  ( Captain  Ryder.)  Has  that  met  with  general 
approval  ? — Very  general  approval. 

803.  Have  you  had  any  objections  made  to  it  ? — 
None  ;  except  by  the  Trinity  iJoard. 

804.  (Mr.  Gladstone.)  It  has  been  objected  to 
your  system  of  placing  red  buoys  on  one  side,  and 
black  buoys  on  the  other,  that  the  red  buoys  are  not 
to  be  distinguished  from  the  black  in  twilight ;  in- 
deed I  have  heard  it  stated  by  scientific  men  that  red 
is  not  very  discernible  in  a  f\iint  light  :  are  you  aware 
of  any  practical  difhculty  having  thus  arisen  ? — None, 
for  there  has  been  no  complaint  whatever  of  the  system; 
I  may  mention  that  several  improvements  have  been 
suggested,  but  in  consequence  of  the  disapproval 
of  the  Trinity  House  the  Commissioners  saw  that  it 
i\'as  of  no  use  proceeding  any  further  at  present  until 
matters  were  brought  into  some  kind  of  shape,  in  fact 
until  this  Commission  should  have  rejiorted.  The 
improvements  which  have  been  suggested  are  amongst 
others  the  numbering  of  the  buoys  with  large  numbers, 
BO  that  a  man  when  he  gets  into  a  channel  has  only  to 
lower  his  boat  and  send  to  the  buoy  and  ascertain  the 
number,  wjien  he  knows  exactly  where  he  is.  That 
is  one  recommendation,  but  I  have  had  no  complaints 
of  the  red  colours  with  the  exception  of  the  conversa- 
tion that  I  had  w'ith  Captain  Sullivan,  who  approved 
of  the  system  of  beacons  and  buoys  being  uniform, 
but  proposed  to  change  the  colours. 

805.  Have  you  made  any  experiments  on  Herbert's 
buoys  ? — We  have  had  one  in  use  for  several  years, 
but  we  do  not  approve  of  it  ;  we  find  them  ride 
heavily,  and  they  drag  very  much. 

806.  (Captain  Iti/der.)  Do  they  drag  or  break  ? — 
Both  :  1  know  that  we  have  had  to  bring  up  a  buoy 
from  its  moorings  and  to  put  another  one  down  ;  that 
is  in  the  Firth  of  Forth. 

807.  (Mr.  Gladstone.)  Have  you  applied  the  same 
system  to  beacons  that  you  have  applied  to  buov's  ? — 
No;  that  is  a  very  difficult  subject,  to  indicate  by  colour 
on  which  side  the  Vjeacon  should  be  passed  ;  we  liave 
in  narrow  channels  adopted  the  system,  for  example, 
iu  Loch  Fine. 

808.  (Captain  Ihjder.)  Are  you  the  author  of  a 
Code  of  Tidal  Signals  for  day  and  night  ?  — Yes. 

809.  \\\\\  you  be  so  good  as  to  send  a  copy  to  the 
Commissioners  ? — Yes. 

810.  (Mr.  Gladstone  to  Mr.  Stevenson.)    You  em- 


ploy in  several  instances  revolving  lights  alternately 
red  and  white,  and  on  the  side  that  shews  red  vou 
place  a  larger  number  of  burners  :  have  you  reason 
to  think  that  this  obviates  the  ditiiculty  arising  from 
the  reduction  of  the  light  by  means  of  the  absorbent 
red  glass  ? — Yes  ;  it  is  possible  to  equalize  the  beams, 
for  it  was  done  at  the  Bell  Rock,  where  experiments 
extending  over  four  years  shewed,  that  as  viewed  from 
Arbroath,  12  miles  of!',  there  were  only  four  nights 
each  year  on  which  the  white  light  was  seen  when 
the  red  light  could  not  be  seen  ;  but  by  equalizing  the 
beams  you  restrict  the  power  of  the  white  light,  and 
in  some  situations  it  may  be  more  advantageous  to 
adopt  the  more  powerful  white  beam  so  that  the  light 
may  be  sooner  picked  up  at  a  distance,  and  the  weaker 
red  beam  be  seen  on  a  i:earer  approach,  when  the 
light  appears  red  and  white  alternately.  This  is  a 
well-known  principle  widel}'  recognized  in  lighthouse 
engineering,  in  particular  in  the  French  fixed  light, 
varied  by  flashes  and  all  such  arrangements  where 
lights  of  unequal  intensity  are  employed. 

811.  (Chairman.)  When  in  Edinburgh  last  you 
called  my  attention  to  a  notice  by  M.  Reguaud  and 
M.  Degrand  iu  the  '"  Comptes  Rendus,"  as  to  the  pene- 
trating power  of  red  and  white  lights  under  certain 
conditions,  as  far  as  my  memory  serves  me  it  was 
made  out  by  those  gentlemen  that  the  conditions 
would  not  be  very  difiicult,  under  which  the  red 
might  be  made  to  penetrate  under  certain  circum- 
stances even  beyond  the  white  light  ? — I  believe  it 
to  be  perfectly  possible,  to  make  the  red  penetrate 
further  than  the  white  ;  but  to  cflect  that  you  must 
necessarily  employ  a  very  weak  white  light.  The 
statement  that  they  make  is  that  having  a  red 
and  white  beam  of  equal  intensity  the  red  beam  has  a 
greater  penetrating  power  than  the  white  beam. 

812.  What  is  the  proportion  of  red  which  is  neces 
sary  to  give  equal  intensity  ? — We  have  found  at  the 
Bell  Rock  five  to  three,  as  formerly  communicated  to 
the  Commissioners.  The  five  are  21  inch  reflectors, 
.and  the  three  2.j  inch,  the  burners  all  the  same  size, 
but  it  depends  on  the  kind  of  medium  employed. 

813.  What  is  your  opinion  of  the  eflect  at  the 
horizon  ? — I  have  no  doubt  that,  at  the  horizon,  in 
some  particular  states  of  the  atmosphere,  the  white 
light  will  be  seen  before  the  red  light,  but  practically 
speaking,  I  think  it  is  a  red  and  a  white  light,  and  is 
so  seen  for  all  practical  purposes. 

814.  What  is  the  proportion  at  Cape  Wrath  ? — 
There  the  white  beam  is  stronger  ;  but  if  the  li^ht 
now  building  at  Butt  of  Lewis  were  made  revolving 
it  would  be  necessary  to  equalize  Cape  Wrath, 
which  would  then  be  regarded  more  as  an  iniier  or 
subsidiary  light. 

815.  (Mr.  Gladstone.)  Have  you  any  red  and 
white  revolving  dioptric  lights  ? — No.  Hitherto  no 
red  and  white  revolving  dioptric  lights,  with  one 
great  central  lamp,  so  far  as  I  know,  have  been  con- 
structed. 

816.  (Capt.  Rijder.)  Not  even  in  France? — No, 
not  that  I  am  a^\■are  of.  They  have_/!r.rfrf  lights  varied 
by  red  flashes. 

817.  (Chairman.)  In  the  return  sent  to  this  Com- 
mission from  Edinburgh  there  is  a  report  of  yours 
and  your  brother's,  of  experiments  on  red  lights. 
Have  you  made  any  further  experiments  since  the 
date  of  that  report  ? — None.  We  considered  that  we 
had  arrived  at  a  satisfactory  result,  as  to  the  best 
method  of  producing  a  red  light  in  a  first  class  fixed 
dioptric  apparatus,  and  that  it  was  unnecessary  to 
make  any  I'urther  experiments. 

818.  (Capt.  Rt/dcr.)  That  was  on  the  best  kind 
of  red  glass? — Yes.  By  using  bright  red  chimneys 
of  homogeneous  gold  ruby  glass,  for  first  order 
dioptric  apparatus,  instead  of  panes  of  red  glass, 
which  formerly  were  used,  and  applied  to  the  win- 
dows of  the  lantern,  the  objection  to  that  being  that 
there  was  condensation  between  the  red  and  the 
white  glass,  and  that  interfered  very  much  with  the 
light. 

819.  What,  in  your  opinion,  is  the  most  powerful 
illuminating  apparatus   for  the  exhibition  of  a  re- 


INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


185 


volviug  light  ? — The  best  apparatus  in  use  is  ibe 
Holophotal  revolving  apparatus,  as  exhibited  at 
2<orth  Ronaldsay  and  Whalsej'. 

820.  Can  you  f'urnisli  the  Commissioners  with  any 
statistics,  showing  the  vahie  of  tliis  Ilolophotiil 
arrangement,  in  comparison  with  the  ordinary  catop- 
tric or  dioptric  apparatus,  the  consumption  of  oil 
being  the  same  ?— Not  exactly,  but  according  to  the 
experiments  and  calculations  we  have  made,  we  con- 
clude that  the  upper  and  lower  Holophotal  panels  on 
each  face  of  the  apparatus  are  together  nearl}'  equal 
in  power  to  tlie  lens,  thus  nearly  doubling  the  light 
in  each  flash,  an  increase  which  is  very  much  greater 
than  that  due  to  the  corresponding  auxiliary  portions 
of  the  catadioptric  light,  even  in  the  most  improved 
form,  the  consumption  of  oil  remaining  the  same. 

821.  How  many  intermittent  lights  are  there  in 
Scotland  ? — Three. 

822.  Is  there  not  a  necessary  loss  of  light  from 
adopting  this  principle,  and,  if  so,  how  much  ? — 
The  intervals  are  2^  minutes  light  and  half  a  minute 
dark,  so  that  one-sixtli  of  the  light  is  lost. 

823.  Was  this  method  adopted  for  the  purposes  of 
distinction  only  ? — Yes.  Tlie  light  exhibited  has  the 
same  intensity  as  a  stationary  catoptric  light,  and  is 
thus  preferrable  to  the  fixed  red  as  a  distinction. 

824.  Would  you  now  in  any  new  works  adopt  this 
principle  ? — Not  if  it  could  be  avoided,  but  still  it  is 
preferable  to  a  fixed  red  light  ;  and  tliere  is  no  doubt 
that  the  intermittent  is  a  distinction  which  shows  very 
well. 

825.  (C/iainnan.)  Are  the  Commissioners  of  North- 
ern Lights  at  all  in  favour,  or  have  they  considered 
the  propriety  of  introducing  gas  where  practicable  ? 
— Yes  ;  that  has  been  brought  before  them,  and  has 
been  considered,  but  the  difficulties  of  establishing 
a  gas  manufiictory  at  almost  any  of  the  northern 
lighthouses  is  such  as  hitherto  have  rendered  it  im- 
possible for  them  to  adopt  it. 

826.  Then  I  may  assume  that  where  it  would  be 
practicable  there  is  at  present  no  objection  ? — No 
objection  whatever. 

827.  Of  course  if  the  gas  were  not  manufactured 
specially  for  the  lighthouse,  but  could  be  obtained 
from  a  neighbouring  source,  it  would  lie  chea])er 
than  oil  ? — Yes,  perhaps  it  would  ;  but  it  would  be 
necessary,  of  coarse,  still  to  be  prepared  with]  a  lamp 
in  case  of  gas  failing. 

828.  {Mr.  Gladstone  to  Mr.  Cmtingham.)  Ton 
have  furnished  the  Commission  with  details  of  the 
expenses  of  the  ditfi?rent  lighthouses  in  respect  to  the 
cost  of  repairs  and  building  ;  the  cost  of  the  repairs 
of  the  illuminating  apparatus,  the  cost  of  painting, 
oil  and  wicks,  the  keepers'  salaries,  and  you  have  fur- 
nished us  with  the  total  expenditure  for  each  light- 
house for  1858.  Now,  on  comp.aring  the  sums  of 
those  items  with  the  total  expenditure,  I  find  a  great 
discrepancy;  for  instance,  the  average  expenditure  of 
the  first  order  of  dioptric  lights  in  Scotland  I  find  to 
be  380/.,  while  the  sum  of  the  items  is,  on  the  aver.age, 
only  263/.  ;  to  what  is  the  remaining  117/.  due  ? — • 
There  are  various  sums  included  in  the  total  account 
which  are  not  included  under  any  of  the  separate 
items,  such  as  rent  of  ground,  allowances  in  place  of 
ground,  boat  attendance — a  heavy  item,  and  several 
others  which  make  up  the  ditierence. 

829.  ( Capt.  Ryder.)  ^Vhat  is  the  expense  of  tho 
management  of  the  Scotch  lighthouses? — In  reference 
to  the  revenue  of  the  Board  I  make  it  to  be  about 
2  per  cent. 

830.  Can  you  give  us  the  items  ? — Yes.  Salaries 
of  the  establishment  for  ordinary  management,  sta- 
tionery, &e.  This  statement  has  been  made  already 
to  the  Commission  in  reference  to  Captain  Sullivan's 
evidence,  that  the  expense  of  management  by  the 
Commissioners  was  16  per  cent,  upon  their  revenue. 

831.  {Chairman.)  Does  that  include  expenses  for 
collection? — I  cannot  imagine  what  is  included 
under  the  16  per  cent. 

832.  Have  you  got  as  a  separate  item  the  expenses 
of  collection  ? — I  think  so  ;  but  our  expenses  on  this 
head  are  not  above  50/.  a  year.     The  collectors  aie 

I.  A  ; 


now  forced    to    collect    the    light  dues  without  any   A.  Ciminrjham, 
remuneration.  Esq. 

833.  While   on  the   subject   of  expense,   from  the    ^-  *''<''•<''«"". 


length  of  time  that  you  have  been  secret.ary  to  the 
Commissioners  of  Northern  Lights,  you  can  probably 
state  to  this  Commission  how  nmch  the  correspond- 
ence of  your  office  has  been  increased  in  consequence 
of  the  system  established  by  the  provisions  of  the 
Merchant  Shipping  Act,  and  to  what  extent  the  office 
is  charged  with  the  expense  consequent  on  such  an 
increase  of  correspondence  ? — The  increase  of  tlie 
cerrespondence  has  been  very  great,  and  probably 
the  correspondence  with  the  Board  of  Trade  itself 
amounts  to  all  the  others  put  together,  but  the  increase, 
beyond  the  stationery,  has  cost  the  Board  nothing. 

834.  (Captain  Bi/der.)  What  power  of  interfer- 
ence have  the  Commissioners  in  Scotland  with  the 
local  authorities,  in  the  matter  of  lights,  buoys,  and 
beacons  ? — The  Commissioners  have  power,  with  the 
sanction  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  under  the  394th  sec- 
tion of  the  Act,  to  compel  any  local  authoritv  to 
remove  or  discontinue  the  lights  ;  and  no  local  autho- 
rity is  to  erect,  or  discontinue  or  remove  any  lights, 
without  the  authority  of  the  Commissioners. 

835.  Do  you,  under  that  clause,  take  a  power  of 
inspection  ? — No,  we  do  not  conceive  that  to  be  con- 
ferred. 

836.  Do  the  Commissioners  think  that  such  powers 
might  be  beneficially  conferred  upon  them  ? — The 
Commissioners  did  think  so  ;  and  they  proposed 
clauses  to  the  Board  of  Trade  upon  the  introduction 
of  the  first  Merchant  Shipping  Act,  which  they  de- 
clined to  adopt.     I  will  send  3'ou  the  clauses. 

837.  Have  you  frequently  lieen  called  upon  to 
exercise  the  powers  which  you  say  the  Commission- 
ers have  under  the  Act ;  the  limited  power  of  inter- 
ference ? — We  have  had  numerous  applications  from 
local  authorities  for  authority  to  exhibit  their  lights, 
and  which  the  Commissioners  have  sanctioned,  either 
with  or  without  modification. 

838.  Do  you  know  of  any  cases  in  which  tolls  are 
levied  for  lights  by  local  authorities,  and  where  no 
light  is  exhilnted  ?— I  think  there  are  some  cases  of 
tolls  being  authorized  to  be  levied  by  local  authorities, 
who  are  directed  by  the  Acts  to  erect  lights,  and 
which  is  not  done  ;  but  I  am  not  aware  that  any 
specific  toll  for  lights  is  authorized  to  be  levied,  or 
which  are  levied  without  there  being  a  light. 

839-  Does  not  the  Act  that  you  refer  to,  give  power 
to  local   authorities  to  place  "their  lights  under  the 

control  of  the  Commissioners  for  Northern  Lights  ? 

Yes,  by  section  395,  if  any  local  authoiity  fails  to 
obey  any  direction. 

840.  That  empowers   vou  to  take  it  from  them  ? 

Y'es. 

841.  Therefoi-e  their  power  is  to  be  exercised 
W'heuever  the  local  authority  fails?  —  Yes.  They 
have  only  to  fail,  and  for  the  Queen  on  the  applica- 
tion of  the  authority  to  say  that  we  are  to  take  up  the 
matter. 

842.  Has  this  power  been  exercised  ? — No. 

843.  In  no  case  ? — I  do  not  know  that  it  could  be 
called  the  exercise  of  a  power  ;  but  we  have  arrsmged 
for  assuming  the  Douglas  Head  Light,  at  the  Isle  of 
Man.  Certainly,  under  those  clauses,  by  arrangement 
with  the  Commissioners  of  Harbours,  and  theBoard 
of  Trade  have  sanctioned  a  toll  for  the  public  light, 
and  we  levy  that  toll. 

844.  H.ave  j-ou  any  power  under  the  Act,  to  oblige 
a  local  authority  to  ]iut  in  an  efficient  state  auv 
buoy?  —  I  do  not  think  so.  That  question  arose 
the  other  day  in  the  Solway  Firth,  where  the  Com- 
missioners upon  the  occasion  of  visiting  a  light- 
house there,  were  very  much  struck  with  the  inade- 
quacy of  the  buoys,  and  they  applied  to  and  obtained 
the  sanction  of  the  Board  to  call  upon  the  authorities 
to  put  their  buoys  in  a  better  state.  It  then  .appeared 
that  the  buoys  were  beyond  the  limits  of  their  harbour 
in  the  open  sea,  where  they  had  no  right  to  be  placed, 
and  the  Commissioners  then  said  that  the  only  thing 
to  do  was  for  them  to  assume  them.  The  Board  of 
Trade  have  decided  that  they  are  to  be  left  alone. 


Esq. 


23  Jan.  18G1. 


186 


JlINUiES   OF   EVIDKKCE   TaKEN    BKIORK   THE   COMMISSIONERS   APPOINTED   TO 


A.  Ciininghum, 

Esq. 

T).  Slevens:ui, 

Esq. 

23  Jan.  ISCl. 


845.  {Chairman  to  Mr.  Stevenson.)  Can  you 
state  geuerally  what  the  ditierences  ai-e  which 
have  arisen  between  the  general  authorities  on  tlie 
character  of  the  Hhu  Vaal  light  ? — The  Commis- 
sioners of  Northern  Lights  considered  that  it  was 
unsafe  to  sliow  a  light  through  the  Sound,  between 
Oronsay  and  Islay,  so  as  to  open  it,  iu  consequence 
of  the  intricacy,  slioalness,  and  hazard  of  the  naviga- 
tion. The  Board  of  Trade  took  another  view,  and 
conceived  that  it  would  be  advisable  to  open  up 
this  passage,  and  accordingly  the  light  was  |)laced  in 
such  a  situation,  and  at  such  a  height,  as  to  enable 
us  to  do  that.  A  plan  was  proposed  for  openiug  up 
this  channel,  and  the  matter  was  referred  to  the 
Trinity  House,  aiul  the  Trinity  House  .agreed  with 
the  Commissioners  for  Northern  Lights  that  it  was 
not  advisable  to  open  up  the  channel  as  a  navigable 
channel,  but  they  believed  it  wouhl  be  advisable  to 
show  a  light  through  this  channel  as  a  danger  light. 
The  Commissioners  remained  of  opinion  that  it  would 
be  betier  not  to  tb.row  a  light  through  that  channel 
at  all,  so  as  to  run  any  chance  of  leading  vessels 
towards  it  ;  but  they  said  that  now  that  a  light  was 
erected  there,  and  that  the  light  was  to  be  shewn,  it 
ought  to  be  a  distinct  danger  light, — a  red  light  ; 
the  Trinity  House  .and  the  Board  of  Trade  both 
agreed  tliat  it  ought  to  be  a  white  light,  so  as  to 
show  i'.s  far  as  possible,  and  to  warn  all  vessels  of 
their  approacli  towards  this  passage.  The  light  was 
accordingly  arranged  iu  accordance  with  the  direc- 
tions of  ^hc  Board  of  Trade  and  the  Trinity  House, 
and  miide  so  as  to  rhow  a  white  light  through  the 
passage  and  a  red  light  towards  Colonsay,  and  the 
no  ices  v.-erc  drawn  accordingly.  The  Commissioners 
poinlel  out  that  if  the  notice,  as  drawn,  remained  as 
it  was,  that  part  of  the  red  light  would  be  seen  over 
ihe  island  of  Oronsay,  and  might  occasion  inconveni- 
ence or  danger.  The  notice  was  accordingly  altered, 
and  so  tlie  light  remained.  Subsequently  to  its  exhi- 
bition. Captain  Dedibrd  wrote  to  the  Commissioners, 
and  to  the  Admiralty  too,  I  think,  to  state  that  two 
vessels  had  been  misled  by  seeing  this  light  over  the 
laiid.  This  wa.s  represented  to  the  Boanl  of  Trade, 
and  the  Commissioners  received  directions  to  alter  the 
1  ight  after  its  exhibi;ion,  and  to  mask  it,  so  that  no  red 
lisrht  should  be  seen  over  Oronsay ;  that  alteration  was 
made,  .and  the  light  was  I'e-advertised.  But,  even  as 
exhibited  now,  it  is  not  in  accordance  witli  either  of 
the  views  held  by  the  Commissioners,  which  were: 
first,  that  the  light  should  not  be  shewn  through 
that  passage  ;  and,  second,  that  if  it  were,  it  should 
be  red  and  not  white. 

84G.  In  the  additional  correspondence,  regarding 
Rhn  Vaal,  which  the  Secretary  has  placed  before  this 
Commission  to-da}-,  there  is  a  notice  to  m.ariners  as  to 
the  character  of  this  light,  in  which  notice  it  would 
appear  that  the  white  light  to  the  eastw!ird  is  to  be  a 
leading  light,  .and  the  white  light  to  the  westward  a 
danger  light.  By  whom  were  those  instructions  drawn 
up  ? — By  the  Trinity  House,  I  believe. 

847.  Then  is  it  the  custom  of  the  Trinity  House 
to  draw  up  directions  gener.ally  as  to  .all  lights, 
whether  under  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lights 
or  Irish  or  English  lights  ? — No. 

848.  You  have  stated  that  the  shewing  of  a  white 
light,  for  the  purpose  of  opening  up  the  passage, 
originated  with  the  Board  of  Trade  ;  where  does  it 
appear  in  the  .Merchant  Shipping  Act  that  the  Board 
of  Trade  have  the  power  of  originating  any  proceed- 
ing ? — It  originated  in  the  form  of  a  suggestion, 
which  I  think  the  Board  of  Trade  have  the  power  to 
make. 

849.  (Captain  Ryder.)  Are  the  Commissioners  to 
understand  that  the  light,  as  now  exhibited  at  l{hu 
Vaal,  carries  out  the  wishes  and  intentions  of  the 
Board  of  Trade,  which  was  to  light  up  the  Sound  of 
Oronsay  and  invite  mariners  into  it  at  night,  and  also 
carries  out  the  intentions  and  wishes  of  the  Trinity 
House,  by  acting  as  a  danger  liglit,  to  warn  mariuers 
out  of  tlie  Sound  of  Oronsay,  a:id  is  in  direct  oppo- 
sition to  tlie  views  of  the  Northern  Commissionera 
ulif^wina;  a  light  through  the  .Sound  of  Oronsay,  which' 


they  thought  should  be  kept  dark,  and  by  being  a 
white  light  instead  of  a  red  one,  as  is  the  practice  of 
the  Northern  Commissioners  in  all  other  parts  of 
.Scotland  ? — The  only  thing  is  that  of  course  it  is  not 
a  leading  light,  inasmuch  as  they  have  distinctly 
stated  in  their  notice  that  it  is  a  warning  light,  and 
the  Board  of  Trade  have  in  point  of  fact,  for  the 
present  at  least,  agreed  to  the  suggestion  of  the  Trinity 
House  that  it  ought  not  to  be  a  leading  light  but  a 
warning  one,  and  so  far  the  Board  of  Trade  have  de- 
ferred to  the  opinion  of  the  Trinity  House  as  the  light 
now  stands  ;  both  having  gone  against  the  opinion  of 
the  Scotch  Commissioners. 

8.50.  {Chairman.)  So  far  as  it  appears  to  this 
Commission,  the  Northern  Commissioners  need  not 
have  existed  at  all,  so  far  as  carrying  out  their  yiewa 
are  concerned  in  this  particular  instance,  for  the  Tri- 
nity House  and  the  Board  of  Trade  have  done  the 
thing  for  them  ? — That  is  practically  the  state  of 
the  case  in  the  instance  of  Khu  Vaal  ;  they  altered 
the  site,  they  altered  the  height,  and  they  altered  the 
character  of  the  light,  and  they  di-ew  up  the  sailing 
directions. 

S5L  {Captain  Ryder.)  Will  you  furnish  this  Com- 
mission with  a  list  of  the  principal  works  in  which 
j'ou  have  been  engaged  ? — I  carry  on  business  in 
partnership  with  my  brother.  We  are  joint  engineers 
to  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses.  W'e 
have  also  acted  for  many  years  as  consulting  engineers 
to  the  Board  of  Works  at  Newfoundland,  and  designed 
and  superintended  (he  execution  of  lanterns  and  appa- 
ratus for  six  lighthouses  for  that  country.  We  also 
designed  the  appar.atus  for  the  Horsburgh  lighthouse 
at  Singapore,  and  are  now  advising  as  to  the  erection 
of  two  lighthouses  in  India.  We  also  act  as  engineers 
to  the  Fishery  Board,  and  have  executed  harbour  works 
lor  that  Board  on  all  parts  of  the  coast  of  .Scotland,  there 
being  very  few  harbours  in  Scotland  on  which  we  have 
not  been  employed.  We  acted  as  engineers  for  the 
improvement  of  the  navigation  of  the  rivers  Kibble, 
Dee,  Lune,  T.ay,  Forth,  Fos.sdyke  in  Lincolnshire,  and 
others.  We  have  .also  been  extensively  employed  as 
harbour  engineers  both  in  England  and  Ireland,  and 
have  been  employed  by  the  Admiralty,  the  Treasury, 
the  Woods  .and  Forest.',  .and  other  public  boards  and 
private  companies. 

Adjourned. 


Statement  by  the  Sherifl'  of  Ayrshire  to  the  Koyal 
Commission  on  Lights,  &c. 

I  avail  myself  of  the  permission  of  the  Commis- 
sioners to  give  an  explanation  and  statement  of  the 
ScDtti.sh  Lighthouse  administraticm.  which  has  been 
the  subject  of  severe  and  unjust  animadversion  by 
Captain  Sulivan,  the  nautical  advi-ser  of  the  Board  of 
Trade,  in  his  evidence  before  a  Committee  of  the 
House  of  Commons  on  Merchant  Shipping. 

The  general  purport  of  his  evidence  is  that  the 
Scottish  Board  is  not  qualified  for  discharging  its 
duties,  and  that  in  its  conduct  it  has  been  the  cause 
of  both  serious  expense  and  of  trouble  to  the  Bo.ards 
as.sociated  with  it.  A  most  unfavorable  contrast  is 
also  presented  of  the  Scottish  Board  and  its  man.age- 
menl  with  those  of  both  England  and  Ireland,  de- 
scribing in  p.articuli;r  its  rate  of  expenditure  as  50 
per  cent,  more  than  that  of  England,  and  100  per 
cent,  than  that  of  Ireland. 

Perhaps  the  best  general  answer  to  this  general 
attack  is  to  refer  to  the  condition  of  the  Northern 
Lighthouses  and  of  the  establishment  as  they  fell 
under  the  observation  of  the  Royal  Commissioners. 
If  they  were  found  to  be  inferior  to  those  of  England 
and  Ireland  let  them  be  condemned,  but  if  cquah  still 
more  if  superior,  the  sweepins:  condemnation  of 
Captain  Sulivan  can  be  regarded  as  neither  correct 
nor  just. 

2nd.  In  reg.ard  to  his  special  objections,  the  first 
is  as  to  the  composition  of  the  Scottish  Board,  as 
consirtiug  of  lawyers  solely  in  its  .attending  members, 
who  are  called  on  to  decide  questions  upon  which 
alone  it  is  said  a  nautical  man  is  competent  to  give 
an  opinion. 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION   AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BOITYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


187 


The  Boiu-d,  it  may  be  mentioned,  consists  of  the 
the  Lord  Advocate  and  Solicitor  General,  the 
sherifts  and  cliiel'  magistrates  of  the  principal  mari- 
time counties  and  cities  of  Scotland,  and  comprises 
among  its  former  members  eleven  out  of  the  thirteeu 
supreme  judges. 

The  first  answer  to  Captain  Sulivan's  remark  is, 
that  if  his  criticism  is  just,  this  evil  has  been  aug- 
mented by  the  Board  of  Trade  in  injudiciously 
depriving  the  Scottish  Board  of  their  salaried 
engineer,  who  used  to  be  present  at  every  Board 
meeting.  AVith  his  great  experience  and  intimate 
knowledge  of  everything  relating  to  Lighthouses, 
Mr.  Stevenson  was  an  adviser  equal  at  least  to  any 
nautical  man. 

It  may  be  stated  that  the  Northern  Light  Commis- 
sioners have  never  been  insensible  to  the  value  of 
nautical  opinions,  and  that  before  being  placed  under 
the  Board  of  Trade  they  invariably,  prior  to  erecting 
a  Lighthouse,  took  into  consultation  the  most  expe- 
rienced navigators  they  could  procure  in  cases  of  any 
difficulty. 

The  objection  of  Captain  Sulivan  to  the  constitu- 
tion of  the  Scottish  Board  is  the  more  extraordinary 
that  it  applies  with  even  greater  force  to  the  Board 
of  Trade,  of  which  he  is  the  adviser,  seeing  that  its 
members  are  also  civilians,  with  various  and  impor- 
tant duties  to  discharge,  and  subject  to  such  frequent 
changes  as  to  place  them  at  great  disadvantage  iu 
acquiring  a  sufficient  knowledge  of  Lighthouse  ad- 
ministration. In  eight  years  there  have  been  six 
Presidents  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  giving  only  an 
average  of  16  months  attendance  to  each. 

The  constitution  of  the  Board  of  Trade  is  con- 
sidered to  be  one  great  cause  of  the  evil  and  diffis- 
rences  which  have  arisen  for  the  necessary  conse- 
quence of  the  various  duties  of  its  frequently 
changing  members  is  tliat  a  great  deal  too  much 
authority  is  unavoidably  devolved  on  their  naval 
adviser,  who,  the  Scottish  Commissioners  are  given 
to  understand,  transacts  the  greater  part  of  the 
business,  giving  orders  in  engineering  matters  out  of 
his  sphere,  and  corresponding  always  iu  name  of  the 
Board.  It  is  obvious  if  this  statement  be  correct, 
of  which  the  Royal  Commissioners  may  satisfy  them- 
selves, that  it  is  an  extremelj'  inexpedient  arrange- 
ment giving  the  nautical  adviser  too  much  unacknow- 
ledged jjower,  and  enabling  him,  when  writing  in  the 
name  of  the  Board,  to  avoid  a  free  discussion  as  well 
as  the  publicity  and  consequent  opeTi  responsibility 
for  Ills  individual  management  and  correspondence. 

It  has  always  been  felt  an  extremely  delicate 
thing  to  comment  on  communications  uoniinally  from 
the  Board,  but  which  the  Scottish  Board  believe  to 
be  exclusively  of  the  naval  adviser. 

The  evil  of  an  anonymous  or  undisclosed  individual 
exercising  such  extensive  powers  is  so  great  that  the 
general  opinion  is  that  the  control  over  the  Lighthouse 
Boards  would  be  more  properly  entrusted  to  a  special 
British  Commission  or  to  the  Board  of  Admiralty 
rather  than  to  the  Board  of  Trade. 

In  the  case  of  the  Admiralty  there  would  be  a 
mixed  board  of  naval  men  aud  civilians,  all  acting  in 
their  own  proper  names,  and  with  avowed  respon- 
sibility. 

3rd.  It  cannot  be  admitted  that  civilians  are  unfit 
to  discharge  their  duties  as  Commissioners  of  Light- 
houses. It  may  be  conceded  that  they  are  not  so 
well  qualified  as  naval  men  to  point  out  in  the  first 
instance  the  sites  for  Lighthouses  and  Beacons,  but 
on  the  other  hand  it  is  not  a  very  recondite  matter 
to  Aveigh  and  to  decide  upon  the  evidence  regarding 
sites  when  there  is  difference  of  opinion. 

If,  however,  there  is  any  force  in  the  objection  to 
the  competency  of  the  Scottish  Board,  it  applies  even 
more  strongly  to  the  interference  and  orders  of  the 
Board  of  Trade  through  their  successive  naval  advisers 
in  matters  where  neither  they  nor  any  other  unprofes- 
sional man  can  possibly  have  the  necessary  knowledge. 

Reference  is  here  made  to  their  opinions  and  dic- 
tation as  to  buildings,  the  plans  and  estimates,  the 
structures,  whether  they  ought  to  be  of  masonry,  iron, 
or  the  like  ;  the  materials,  whether  of  stone,  and  the 

A  a 


the  roofs,  whether    Commissioners 
of  Aorthern 


description  of  stone  or  brick  iic 
to  be  of  lead  or  slate. 

It  is  needless  to  point  out  how  injurious  to  the 
Board  of  Trade  as  a  board  of  control  and  authority, 
such  dnterfeience  in  details  must  be.  It  is  indeed 
scarcely  credible  that  the  Messi'S.  Stevenson,  men  of 
undoubted  eminence,  aud  at  the  very  head  oi  iLei' 
profession  as  lighthouse  engineers,  should  in  theii 
own  department  be  controlled  and  overruled,  and 
have  their  plans  and  works  altei-ed  by  a  single  naval 
gentleman. 

Then,  upon  the  point  of  expense.  Captain  Sulivan 
iu  his  evidence  censures  the  Scottish  Works  as  more 
expensive  thaii  either  the  English  or  Irish,  aud  in 
proof  of  that  quotes  the  expense  of  some  Harwich 
buildings  for  a  light  where  there  is  no  tower,  and 
contrasts  the  cost  with  the  cost  of  a  Scottish  complete 
lighthouse  and  all  its  appendages  atllolboru  Head  and 
he  repeats  the  contrast  in  the  case  of  a  proposed 
lighthouse  on  the  most  outlying  of  the  Monacli 
Islands,  where  there  is  neither  stone,  sand,  lime,  nor 
even  water,  and  no  inhabitants. 

There  is  evidently  in  such  matters  no  one  point  of 
resemblance.  As  well  might  the  cost  of  the  Harwich 
buildings  be  compared  with  that  of  the  Bell  Rock  or 
Skerryvore  Lighthouse. 

4th.  Some  notice  is  now  required  of  the  special 
difi'erences  between  the  Board  of  Trade  and  the 
Scottish  Board,  of  which  the  two  most  important 
instances  relate  to  the  Flugga,  or  North  L^nst  Light- 
house, aud  that  of  Whalsey,  to  which  Captain  Sulivan 
in  his  evidence  is  understood  to  allude  in  terms  dis- 
paraging to  the  opinions  of  the  Scottish  Board. 

In  regard  to  North  Unst,  the  subject  is  fully  before 
the  Royal  Commissioners,  and  need  not  be  resumed 
here,  further  than  to  say,  that  the  Scottish  Board 
considered  the  site  of  Lambanness  to  be  preferable 
to  that  chosen  for  the  Lighthouse,  even  though  it 
could  have  beeu  constructed  at  the  same  cost, 
and  iu  this  they  were  confirmed  by  their  engineer 
and  by  the  unanimous  opinion  of  the  shipping  interest 
of  Peterhead,  Aberdeeu,  Hull,  Leith,  &c.,  whose 
commanders  of  ships  are  the  chief  navigators  of 
these  seas,  and  are  of  a  class  comprehending  such 
men  as  Scoresby,  Penney,  and  others. 

But  the  excess  of  cost  of  building  on  the  site  chosen 
was  more  than  20,000/.,  the  actual  sum  expended 
being  about  32,000Z.,  while  JMr.  Stevenson's  estimate 
for  a  light  on  Lambanness  was  10,000/. 

To  a  person  accustomed  to  give  due  weight  to  the 
opinions  of  those  diftering  from  him,  it  would  have 
occurred  as  a  more  judicious  course  not  to  incur  au 
extra  expense  of  20,000/.  (which  would  have  sufficed 
to  erect  two  additional  lighthouses),  where  competent 
judges  actually  preferred  the  Lambanness  site  as 
preferable  in  a  nautical  point  of  view,  but  it  cannot 
be  disputed,  that  in  a  case  where  there  were  such 
authorities  on  either  side,  it  was  a  most  unfortunate 
instance  to  be  selected  as  a  proof  of  the  actual  in- 
competency of  the  Northern  Lighthouse  Board. 

oth.  As  to  Whalsey,  the  dittereuce  of  expense 
(above  8,000/.),  was  greatly  in  I'avour  of  the  site 
advocated  by  the  Commissiouers.  It  is  true  that 
Admiral  Beechey's  site  was  about  700  yards  more  in 
advance,  but  it  must  be  kept  in  view  that  the  object 
of  this  light  was  uot  to  point  out  any  particular  rock 
or  local  danger,  but  to  indicate  the  geographical 
position  of  the  great  group  of  islands  called  the  Out- 
skerries  of  AVlialsey,  and  to  enable  vessels  to  give 
them  a  large  offing.  Moreover,  the  tower  on  the 
Inner  Island  as  suggested  by  the  Commissioners, 
while  answering  equally  well  all  the  purposes  of  that 
forced  on  them  at  an  extra  cost  by  the  Board  of 
Trade,  would  liave  opened  up  from  its  superior 
height  a  larger  space  of  sea.  Ou  both  questions,  the 
Royal  Commissioners  have  full  evidence  before  tiiem, 
and  are  the  best  judges  of  the  controversy  ;  but  it 
does  seem  a  strange  conclusion  at  which  Captain 
Sulivan  arrives,  that  the  Northern  Commissioners 
are  the  opponents  of  economy,  and  the  advocates  of 
useless  expenditure.  As  au  element  for  judging  on 
the  subject,  it  may  be  stated  that  the  sacrifice  of  cost 
made  in  selecting  the  present  sites  of  the  two  Ii<;ht- 


L'qhtho 


188 


5IINUTES  OF  EVIDENCE  TAKEN  BEFORE  THE  COMSnSSIOXERS  APPOINTED  TO 


Con  missioners    jjouggg  jn  question  over  those  submitted  by  the  Com- 

of  Northern      jj^i,:;onci-s.  is  not   less   thau  50.000/.     The  additional 

LijiMouscs.      ^^^^  ^^^  buildin.ir  is  30,000/.,  and  the  additional  annual 

expense  of  maintenance  will  be  600/.  per  annum    at 

Unst,  and  400/.  at  Whalsev,  which  is  equivalent  to  u 

capitid  sum  of  20.000/.  at  "least. 

tith.  There  is  another  lighthouse,  that  of  Rhu  Vaal, 
in  the  Sound  of  Islayl  regarding  which  great 
differences  of  opinion  have  arisen  on  several  points 
between  the  Board  of  Trade  and  the  Scottish  Board, 
in  which  the  former  seem  to  be  clearly  in  error.  The 
whole  of  the  discussion  on  this  subject  is  also  before  the 
Eoval  Connnissioners,  from  which  they  can  form  their 
opinion,  and  it  is  thought  that  they  will  not  hesitate 
in  deciding  that  the  change  of  site  and  consequent 
raising  of  the  lighthouse  tower,  at  au  extra  cost  of 
1,500/!,  so  as  to  admit  of  being  seen  through  the 
sound,  and  its  beingmade  visible  across  to  Oronsay,  was 
injurious,  and  that  from  the  same  lighthouse  to  shew 
a  "white  licrht  to  indicate  that  one  passage  was  .s.-ife, 
aud  that  another  was  dangerous,  has  a  great  tendency 
to  mislead  vessels. 

7th.  There  has  been  a  stop  put  to  the  erection  ot 
several  lighthouses,  viz.,  one  on  the  Iron  Rock  in  the 
Sound  ofJura,  another  on  Holbornhead  (though  this 
last  is  now  conceded),  a  third  on  Stourhead  in  Suther- 
laudshire,  for  reasons  of  the  most  unsatisfactory 
character. 

At  Holliornhead  the  proprietor  claimed  compensation 
for  his  ground,  and  that  a  road  should  be  made  from 
the  neighbouring  harbour  of  Scrabster.  He  offered 
a  reference  of  the  former  point  to  arbiters,  and  the 
Commissioners  recommended  the  acceptance  of  his 
terms  to  the  Board  of  Trade.  The  Board  of  Trade, 
however,  thought  the  ])roprietor's  demands  were 
unreasonable,  and  after  a  lengthened  correspondence 
on  tliis  subject,  the  erection  of  the  lighthouse  was  on 
this  ground  indefinitely  postponed,  the  necessity  for 
the  ifght  having  been  "admitted.  Surely  this  was  a 
great  mistake. 

After  a  delay  of  three  years  the  lighthouse  has 
been  sanctioned  by  the  B"oard  of  Trade,  and  the 
proprietor's  claims  have  been  virtually  acceded  to. 
It  has  now  been  contracted  for. 

In  regard  to  the  lighthouse  on  the  Iron  Rock,  the 
reason  tbr  suspending  it  is  equally  groundless.  The 
necessity  for  a  lighthouse  has  beeu  admitted,  and  the 
plans  have  been  approved  of,  aud  submitted  with  an 
estimate  to  the  Board  of  Trade,  but  while  the  plans 
were  approved  of,  the  estimate  was  olyected  to  as  too 
hiffh,  and  the  Commissioners  were  required  to  give 
lower  estimates.  Messrs.  Stevenson  stated  that  they 
could  give  a  cheaper  plan,  of  an  inferior  description, 
but  that  they  could  not  estimate  the  cost  of  the  approved 
plan  at  a  les^  sum  thau  they  had  mentioned.  Tho 
Board  of  Trade  reject  the  inferior  str'jcture,  but  insist 
upon  lower  estimates,  and  thus  the  erectiou  of  tho 
lighthouse  has  been  suspended  upon  the  most  insuf- 
ficient ground.  It  is  not  the  estimate  whether  high  or 
low.  but  the  contract  price  which  regulates. 

Most  people,  when  building,  prefer  to  have  full  and 
safe  estimates. 

When  the  high  reputation  of  Messrs.  Stevenson,  as 
lishthouse  engineers,  equal  to  that  of  any  engineers 
in  the  world,"  is  considered,  it  is  a  singular  mark  of 
distrust  not  to  proceed  upon  their  estimates,  but 
rather  to  leave  for  an  indefinite  time  the  coast  unpro- 
tected. 

8th.  Two  recent  acts  of  the  Board  of  Trade  are  de- 
serving of  notice,  as  exercising  an  undue  control  over 
the  Scotch  Board.  On  opening  up  the  tenders 
lately,  Messrs.  Stevenson  recommended  in  two  in- 
stances that  the  lowest  offer  should  not  be  accepted. 
The  Coinmissionrrs  gave  effect  to  their  recommen- 
dation, proceeding  onthe  ground  in  one  instance,  that 
they  were  satisfied  from  the  lowuess  of  the  tender, 
that  the  contractor  must  have  made  some  serious 
error  in  his  calculation,  and  in  the  other,  that  they 
did  not  approve  of  the  contractor. 

The  Board  of  Trade  altered  the  decision  of  the 
Scottish  Board,  and  appoinle.l  ihe  lowest  tenders  to 
be  accepted.  What  is  tlie  use  of  an  cngiurer,  if  his 
opinions  on  such  jioints  are  to  be  disregarded  .•" 


After  the  contractors'  offers  were  accepted  by  the 
Commissioners  under  the  direction  of  tlie  Board  of 
Trade,  the  one  contractor  acknowledged  havins;  made 
an  error,  and  was  liberated,  while  the  other  asked 
leave  to  withdraw,  which  was  granted  by  the  Board 
of  Trade. 

9th.  One  other  topic  remains  relative  to  Captain 
Sulivan's  statement  that  the  Irish  buildings  are 
cheaper  than  those  in  Scotland.  The  subject  was 
slightly  touched  upon  before,  in  regard  to  the  cost  of 
the  Harwich  buildings,  but  the  present  remarks  apply 
to  the  general  contrast  between  the  expense  of  build- 
ings in  Ireland  and  in  Scotland,  which  is  represented 
to  be  100  per  cent,  cheaper  in  Ireland.  Inquiry  has 
been  made,  and  the  report  to  the  Board  of  Northern 
Lights  is,  that  taking  buildings  in  localities  which 
admit  of  comparison,  the  Scottish  buildings  cost 
actually  less  than  those  of  Ireland.  That  result  was 
intimated  to  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  was  neither  ad- 
mitted nor  denied. 

Silence  in  relation  to  so  grave  an  animadversion 
was  not  the  proper  mode  of  disposing  of  it,  aud  tho 
fact  goes  far  towards  settling  Ihe  complaint  of  im- 
proper interference  'o}-  the  Board  of  Trade,  or  their 
otticials. 

In  Captain  Sulivan's  evidence  there  is  a  statement 
bv  him  to  the  effect  of  the  accommodation  given  to 
the  lighthouse  keepers  being  unnecessarily  large  as 
well  as  fine  in  the  workmanship.  So  far  is  that  from 
being  the  case,  that  the  houses  recently  built  with 
three  rooms  and  a  kitchen,  and  without  proper  out- 
door conveniencies  are  not  sufficiently  commodious. 
Of  this  the  Commission  can  form  a  judgment  from 
their  own  inspection.  One  thing  at  all  events  is 
clear  enough,  that  to  describe  these  dwellings  to  be 
like  gentlemen's  houses  is  more  of  the  nature  of  a 
figurative  expression,  than  of  evidence  to  a  fact. 

There  is  given  in  an  Appendix  a  statement  fur- 
nished at  the  request  of  the  Commissioners,  by 
Messrs.  Stevenson  on  the  result  of  the  recent  im- 
])rovements  in  lighthouse  illumination,  which  have 
been  made  for  the  Board. 

In  conclusion,  it  may  be  observed  that  the  great 
object  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  or  their  advisers,  seems 
to  be  to  consult  au  economy  (it  is  thought  a  false 
economy)  in  mere  original  outlay  without  due  con- 
sideration of  the  solidity  and  i)ermancnce  of  the 
■works. 

The  Northern  Lighthouse  Board  have  ever  been 
studious  of  true  economy,  and  as  instances  they  may 
refer  to  the  avoiding  the  waste  of  light  by  the  use  of 
the  mechanical  lam])  of  Fresnel,  insteadof  tlie  lamp 
used  in  England  and  Ireland,  and  to  the  abridging  of 
tho  daily  period  of  illumination  of  lighthouses  founded 
on  observations  by  their  engineers  of  the  precise  time 
when  ihev  become  or  cease  to  be  visible,  instead  of 
adopting  the  period  from  sunset  to  sunrise. 

John"  Chhistisok. 

AVc  concur  in  the  above — • 

George  Dingwall  Fokdyce, 
Sheriff'  of  Sutherland  and  Caithness. 
Thomas  Cleghorx, 

Sheriff'  of  Argyllshire. 

E.  D.  Sandfori), 

Sheriff  of  Wigtown  and  Kirkcudbright. 

1  concur  gener.ally  in  the  preceding  statement, 

F.  ijRo^vx  Douglas, 

Lord  Provost  of  Edinburgh, 


Note  as  to  Improvements  on  Lighthouse  Illumi- 
nation   peculiar   to    the   Northern    Lighthouse 
Board,    by  which  a    saving    of   expenditure    is 
annually  efiected. 
Having  been  instructed  by  the  Board  to  report  on 
these    improvements  on  Lighthouse  Illumination,  by 
which  an   annual   saving  is  effected,   and   which  are 
believed  to  be  still  peculiar  to   the  Northern   Light- 
houses,  we  now  beg   leave   to   submit   the  following 
statement. 


XQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


189 


We  do  not  think  it  necessary  to  do  more  than 
allude  to  the  introduction  of  the  holophotal  system,  by 
which  the  principle  of  total  reflection  was  applied  to 
revolving  lights,  or  to  refer  to  other  improvements 
tending  to  increase  the  efficiency  of  the  lights,  as 
those  plans  are  now  in  general  use.  We  ])ass  on, 
therefore,  to  the  following  annual  savings  which  liave 
been  effected  by  the  adoption  of  improvements  which 
are  perhaps  still  peculiar  to  the  Scotch  Lights. 

1st.  By  a  system  of  tables  furnished  to  each  Light- 
house, by  which  the  unnecessary  burning  of  the  oil 
during  daylight  has  been  prevented.  The  S3stem 
(elsewhere  adopted)  of  lighting  at  sunset,  and  keeping 
the  lamps  burning  till  sunrise,  occasions  a  needlessly 
large  expenditure  of  oil  in  our  northern  latitude. 
During  the  long  periods  of  twilight,  more  especially 
in  the  summer  months,  there  is  broad  daylight,  which 
not  only  renders  Lighthouses  unnecessarj',  but  even 
though  they  were  at  such  times  necessary  the  light 
emanating  from  them  is  not  visible  at  any  considerable 
distance.  The  tables  furnished  for  the  guidance  of 
the  lightkeepers  are  calculated  for  every  day  in  the 
year,  and  are  based  on  actual  observations  which  were 
made  at  different  lighthouses  on  the  times  after  sunset, 
when  certain  distant  objects  ceased  to  be  visible.  By 
the  adoption  of  this  plan  an  annual  saving  results  of 
not  less  than  1,600/.,  representing  at  5  per  cent,  a 
capital  sum  of  32,000/. 

2nd.  B}'  the  adoption  at  Stornoway  Bay  of  an  Appa- 
rent or  Beacon  Light,  placed  on  Arnish  Point,  and 
lighted  by  a  strong  beam  of  light  thrown  from  a 
lighthouse  on  the  mainland,  nearly  the  same  efficiency 


has  been  secured  as  if  the  tower  had  been  erected  on   ^-  Cumncjham, 
Arnish  Reef  itself,  which  is  a  sunken  ledge  of  rocks     n   i',"'''   „ 
projecting  from  the  shore  into  the  iairway  which  leads  Esq. 

to  the  bay  or  anchorage.  _^ 

The  petitioners  for   the   Stornoway  Light  were  of    23  Jan.  1S6I. 

opinion  that    the    tower    should    be    erected  on  the 

Arnish  Reef,  but  the  apparent  light  has  answered 
every  purpose,  and  a  saving  has  in  this  way  been 
effected  of  at  least  3,000/.,  which,  at  5  per  cent., 
gives  an  annual  saving  of  150/. 

3rd.  By  the  adoption  of  the  plan  of  Jzimuthal 
Condensing  Lights  at  Kyleakin,  Oronsay,  Sound  of 
Mull,  Carran  Phladda,  and  McArthui-'s  Head,  a 
great  saving  has  been  effected.  The  practical  effect 
of  this  arrangement  is,  that  with  a  burner  consuming 
but  a  small  quantity  of  oil,  a  light  is  obtained  in  the 
only  directions  in  which  great  power  is  required, 
equal  to  a  first  order  light.  Taking  the  most  limited 
view,  the  saving,  on  the  supposition  that  reflectors 
were  used  to  supplement  a  light  of  the  common  kind 
in  particular  directions  would  amount  to  3.S4/.  Ms.  ; 
but  as  at  four  of  the  stations  above  named,  there  is 
reason  to  doubt  whether  reflectors  could  (owing  to 
local  peculiarities)  be  applied  at  all,  the  total  saving 
would  amount  to  8.35/.  per  annum,  representing  the 
capital  sum  of  17,100/. 

From  the  above  statement  it  appears  that  the 
Northern  Lighthouse  Board  has,  by  the  adoption  of 
improved  methods  of  illumination,  been  enabled  to 
effect  an  annual  saving  amountinsr,  on  the  most 
moderate  supposition,  to  about  2,000/.,  which  repre- 
sents the  capital  sum  of  40,000/, 


Friday,  1st  February  1861, 


Kear-Admiral  William  Alexander  Baillie  Hajiiltox,  R.N. 
JoHx  Hall  Gladstoxk,  Esq. 
Samuel  Robert  Graves,  Esq. 

Rear-Admiral  William  Alexander  Baillie  Hajiilton  in  the  Chair. 

Captain  Bartholomew  James  Sulitax,  R.N.,  examined. 


852.  {Chairman.')  You  are  the  professional  member 
of  the  Board  of  Trade  ? — Yes. 

853.  How  long  have  you  been  in  that  position  ? — 
Four  years. 

854.  What  do  you  consider  to  be  your  position  at 
the  Board  of  Trade  with  respect  to  the  management 
and  control  of  lighthouse  authorities  ? — I  am  the  pro- 
fessional adviser  of  the  President  of  the  Board  of 
Trade  on  all  points  that  may  be  considered  nautical 
and  professional  connected  with  lighthouse  autho- 
rities, and  pilotage  authorities. 

855.  The  Commission  will  be  obliged  to  confine 
their  examination  of  you  to  this  day,  as  time  is 
pressing,  and  they  are  desirous  of  presenting  their 
report  to  the  Queen  as  soon  after  the  meeting  of  Par- 
liament as  possible  ? — As  I  have  had  notice  only  since 
yesterday  afternoon  I  have  had  very  little  time  indeed 
to  go  through  the  evidence*  in  order  to  be  prepared  to 
answnv  such  parts  of  it  as  I  feel  require  to  be 
answered. 

856.  With  reference  to  your  letter  of  last 
Wednesday,  requesting  that  you  might  be  examined 
by  this  Commission,  it  is  right  I  should  state,  that  it 
has  always  been  our  Intention  to  examine  you,  but 
we  deferred  doing  so  until  the  evidence  from  the 
lighthouse  authorities  was  in  print,  so  that  the  officers 
of  the  Board  of  Trade  might  see  that  evidence,  and 
have  an  opportunity  of  making  any  statement  that  it 
might  be  thought  desirable  to  make.  If  you  have 
seen  that  evidence,  although  you  may  not  have 
had  much   time   to   go   into  it,  and   have  any  obser- 


vations to  make  upon  that  evidence,  the  Commis 
sioners  will  be  glad  to  receive  those  observations 
now  ? — J  will  confine  myself  to  a  few  principal  points, 
as  I  really  have  not  had  time  to  make  all  the  obser- 
vations that  I  should  have  wished  to  make  on  the 
evidence,  and  which  I  think  are  necessary.  I  will 
begin  with  the  evidence  of  Sir  James  Dombrain,  and 
will  refer,  in  the  first  place,  to  question  145,  which 
relates  to  the  fitness  of  the  "  Midge,"  schooner,  for  the 
duties  she  had  to  perform. 

857.  Do  you  call  her  a  schooner  ? — Yes.  It  is 
stated  in  the  evidence  that  she  is  wholly  unsuited  for 
the  purpose  for  which  she  was  intended,  because  she 
could  not  tow  the  '■  Kish,"  light  vessel  ;  and  it  is  also 
stated,  in  answer  to  question  147,  that  the  Board  of 
Trade  did  know  that  she  was  required  to  perform 
that  duty,  that  is,  to  tow  light  vessels.  I  must  give 
first  the  most  positive  contradiction  to  that  state- 
ment, and  I  will  briefly  state  what  gave  rise  to  this 
vessel  being  built.  The  duties  of  the  buoy  service 
had  been  performed  by  a  small  sailing  buoy  vessel  ; 
they  required  a  new  vessel,  and  without  alluding  to  a 
steamer  at  first  thej'  asked  our  consent  to  a  sailing 
schooner  of  100  tons  for  the  buoy  service,  and 
exclusively  for  the  buoy  service;  that  was  immediately 
sanctioned,  tenders  were  obtained,  several  of  which 
were  sent  in  from  good  builders  for  a  schooner. 
Before  any  final  steps  were  taken, — and  in  the  first 
instance,  privately  between  myself  and  Captain 
Roberts — Captain  Roberts,  either  personally  or  by  note, 
told  me  that  he  should  be  very  glad,  or  that  the  Eal- 


0<rt.  B.  J. 

Suiiva„,  n.y. 


The  oral  evidence  of  the  three  lighthouse  authorities. 

A  a  3 


100 


MINUTES   OP   EnOENCE   TAKEN   BEFORE   THE   COMMISSIONEKS   AVPOIXTED   TO 


Ciipt.  B.  J 
SuUvan.  B.y. 


last  Board  would,  if  they  could  get  a  small  engine  put 
in  the  vessel,  so  that  a  small  iiuxiliary  screw  vessel 
miaht  be  had  instead  of  a  sailing  schooner,  in  order  to 
facilitate  the   buoy  service.     After  discussing  it  with 
him,  and  thinking  it  a  reasonable  proposition,  as  they 
had  no  steam  vessel   on   that  coast,  and    particularly 
because  I  thought  that  a  sailing  vessel  would  be  com- 
parativeh'  useless  when  the  water  was  calmer  and  more 
smooth,  "which    would    be    the    very   best    time    for 
examining  and   shifting  the  buoys,  I  first    spoke  to 
the  President  about  it,  and  asked  him  to  sanction  an 
increased   estimate   for    a   steam  vessel    instead  of  a 
sailing   vessel.     Having    arranged    that  this    should 
be  sanctioned,  application  was  then   officially  made, 
which  was  of  course   sanctioned,  and  the  first   esti- 
mates   I    think    that    we    received    from    our    own 
surveyor,  or    from    Caiitain     Roberts — I  do  not  re- 
member which — were   for  3,500/.   for  a  small  screw 
schooner    instead    of    about    2,000/.     for    a    sailing 
schooner.     We    asked    them   to    try  for    tenders    for 
building  this  vessel,  if  they  wished  it,  in  Dublin,  or 
we  would  obtain   them  for  them  in  London,  and  wo 
offered  them  the  assistance  of  our  surveyor  for  the  pur- 
pose.    This  was  principally  done  privately   between 
myself  and  Captain   Roberts,  who  had  come  over  as 
nt^ent  lor  the  Ballast  Board  ;  but,  on  examination,  it 
was  found  that  we  could  only,  for  the  sum  fixed  ujion, 
obtain  a  vessel  of  the  second  class,  that  although  the 
frame  would  liave  been  equally  sound  she  would  have 
to  be  ])hiuked  with  inferior  material,  and  would  not 
therefore  have  been  a  first-class  vessel.      Upon  that  a 
requisition   was    made   that  an   increased  sum — from 
3.500/.  to  4,000/. — might  be  sanctioned,   in  order  to 
have  a  first-class  screw  schooni^r  instead  of  a  second- 
class  one.     I  should  like  to  show  the  Commissioners 
how  perfectly  wrong    the   statement  was,   but  which 
was  apparently  confirmed  by  the  Earl  of  Meath,  that 
we  refused  the  additional  sum   in   order   to  furnish 
them    with    a  better    vessel.     I    will  just   read    one 
sentence  to  show  this  :  -'In  reply,  T  am  directed  to 
"  acquaint  you  th.it  their  lordships  have  no  objection 
"  to  expend  the  sum  of  4,000/.   in  order  to  obtain  a 
"  first-class  vessel." 

858.  {Mr.  Graves.)  What  is  the  date  of  that 
letter  ?— The  31st  October  1857.  We  go  on  to  say 
that  tenders  have  been  obtained  from  Mr.  Langley,  a 
builder  in  London,  and  which  have  been  the  lowest, 
who  was  ready  to  complete  a  vessel  of  that  class  for 
about  that  sum  of  money.  No  other  request,  that  I 
am  aware  of,  was  ever  made  by  them  for  a  better 
vessel.  Every  request  relating  to  her  was  complied 
with  from  the  first — from  a  sailing  schooner  to  a 
steamer — and  again  from  a  second-class  vessel  to  a 
first-class  vessel  ;  but  throughout  the  whole  there 
never  was  the  slightest  allusion  to  her  being  fit  for 
towing  light  vessels.  On  the  contrary,  the  buoy 
service  was  alone  alluded  to  ;  aud  I  know  that  at  thi^ 
time  the  City  of  Dublin  Steam  Packet  Company  had 
a  contract  with  them,  which  was  never  altered,  to 
tow  light  vessels  with  one  of  their  steamers  whenever 
required  ;  and  I  was  therefore  perfectedly  surprised 
when  I  saw  that  an  attempt  had  been  made  to  tow  a 
light  vessel  with  a  little  schooner  of  25  horse  power. 
I'think  that  the  Commissioners  will  see  the  very  great 
difference  between  a  vessel  being  fit  for  the  buoy 
service,  which  had  been  previously  done  by  a  little 
vessel  of  60  tons,  and  a  vessel  that  was  fit  to  tow 
light  vessels  in  that  sea. 

859.  It  was  before  you  becnnie  the  jirofessional 
member  of  the  Board  of  Trade  that  the  Aigus  Irish 
steamer  was  sold  ? — It  was. 

860.  Then  you  cannot  probably  inform  this  com- 
mission why  she  was  sold,  or  answer  the  question  that 
we  are  desirous  of  having  answered,  whether  it 
would  not  have  been  the  more  advantageous  course, 
seeing  that  the  Argus  had  been  built  and  paid  for, 
and  was  peculiarly  adapted  for  the  service  for  which 
she  was  intended,  if  the  Irish  Board  had  been  com- 
p(ill>-d  to  use  her.  and  employ  her  for  the  pur))Os;'S  for 
',\liicli  she  was  built,  rather  than  that  she  should  have 


been  sold  at  the  end  of  3  or  4  years  at  a  sacrifice  of  a  | 

sum   of  8,000/.   or    10,000/.  ?— Not   having  been  en-  | 

gaged  in  the  matter,  I  cannot  of  course  answer  posi- 
tively ;  but  after  I  had  come  to  the  Board  of  Trade, 
and  an  application  was  made  by  the   Ballast  Board 
for  a  new  steamer,   irrespective  of  the  Midge,   for  a 
new  large  steamer;  not  knowing  what  had  occurred 
about   the    Argus,   I  gave   a    very    decided   opinion 
that  a   steamer  was   even  more  required  ibr  Ireland 
than  for  Scotland,  as  they  have  many  more  lights  and 
light  ships, — of  which  the  Scotch  have  none, — and 
more   buoys,   and    I  recommended    that  the  request 
should   be   complied  with.      But    when    I  spoke    to 
the    ]iresident  and    secretary  about  it,   I  found  that 
tlu-y  had  had  a  steamer,  and  that  she  had  never  been 
used  for  the  purpose  for  which  they  professed  to  want 
one,    and    that    she   had   been   sold   in    consequence 
of  suggestions  emanating  from  their  own  body  to  the 
President   of  the   Board    of  Trade  ;    that  of    course 
altered  my  opinion,  and  I  could  not  then   have   re- 
commended that  those  who  having   the  steamer,  and 
had  not  used  her,  and  who  themselves  suggested  that 
she    should    be   sold,    at    a    great    sacrifice,     should 
again   come  to  have   a  large    sum   taken  out    of  the 
Mercantile    Marine    Fund    to    supply    them    with  a 
steamer.     With  respect  to  the  power  that  we  had  to 
make  them  use  their  steamer,I  doubtwhelher  any  such 
power  is  given,  as  long  as  we  could  not  show  that  the 
lights  were   inefficient,  or  that  some  work  had   been 
neglected  ;  our    power  has   refei'ence   to   controlling 
the  expenditure,  and  as  less  was  perhaps  being  ex- 
pended Ijy  the    vessel  lying  there,   altliough  it  pre- 
vented  their  having    a  sufficient    inspection    of   the 
lights,  I  do  not  see  how    we  could  have  interfered  to 
say  how  they  should  do  their  work  ;  for  that  certainly 
would  have  been  carrying  interference   far   beyond 
what  has   been  strongly  objected  to  as  too  much  in- 
terference.   The  only  reason  that  I  see  we  could  have 
given   for   it   would  have  been  that  we  had  seen  that 
expense  was  incurred  for  work  that  this  vessel  might 
have  done. 

861.  (3/r.  Graves.)  You  have  stated  that  tenders 
were  made  in  London  ;  may  I  ask  you  whether  those 
tenders  were  received  at  the  request  of  the  Ballast 
Board,  or  by  the  Board  of  Trade  direct  ? — So  much 
was  done  privately  between  me  and  Captain  Roberts, 
who  came  over  here  with  their  authority  to  act,  that 
we  were  really  more  assisting  them.  Our  engineer, 
and  shipwright  surveyor,  gave  them  all  the  assist- 
ance they  could  at  the  request  of  Captain  Roberts, 
both  in  designing  the  vessel  and  the  engines,  and  ob- 
taining contracts,  and  in  inspecting  the  vessel  when 
built." 

862.  Were  the  tenders  referred  to  received  by  you 
direct,  or  did  they  go  the  Ballast  Board  in  Dublin  ?  i. 
— The  tenders  were  obtained  through  our  surveyor,          | 
I  believe,  and    forwarded    to    the  Ballast   Board  ibr 
their  consideration. 

863.  With  reference  to  the  Midge  ;  do  you  consider 
her  thoroughly  adopted  for  a  buoy  vessel,  for  the 
purpose  of  taking  out  buoys  and  replacing  them  ? — 
I  have  always  considered  her  so  ;  and  when  we  con- 
sider that  the  same  work  had  been  done  by  a  vessel 
of  half  her  size,  and  therefore  she  has  much  more 
room  for  stowage,  and  in  carrying  out  buoys,  in 
addition  to  the  steam  power,  which  gave  her  a  speed 
of  above  eight  knots,  and  she  could  go  out  in  fine 
weather  when  a  sailing  vessel  would  have  been  in- 
efficient ;  I  think  there  is  no  doubt  that  she  was  fi:r 
superior  to  anything  they  had  had  before,  and  per- 
fectly sufficient  for  the  purpose. 

864.  {Chairmnn.)  You  have  just  now  spoken  of 
the  engineer  and  shipwright  surveyors  as  having 
aided  you  in  the  specifications  and  contracts  for  the 
Midge  ? — Y'^es. 

865.  I  think  you  mean  that  tliis  connnission  slioiild 
understand  that  the  management  of  lighthouses,  and 
lighthouse  business  generally,  so  far  as  the  Board  of 
Trade  has  to  do  with  it,  devolve  upon  you  ? — So  far 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  C0NI>ITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS, 


19J 


as  advising  the  President  on  all  practical  points  ;  but 
on  points  connected  with  the  powers  given  by  the 
Act  to  control  expenditure,  he  would  have  the  advice 
of  Mr.  Farrer  and  Mr.  Booth. 

866.  Referring  to  what  you  said  about  your 
engineer  and  shipwright  surveyor;  wlio  would  you 
say  you  had  to  assist  you  in  the  business  of  lighthouse 
nianagemeut  at  the  Board  of  Trade  ? — In  connexion 
with  the  lighthouse  work,  those  persons  do  not  apply  at 
all;  it  was  entirely-  an  extra  thing  their  doing  this  for 
the  Ballast  Board.  In  connexion  with  the  lighthouse 
authorities  we  have  only  the  opinions  of  their  own 
engineers  to  guide  us.  So  far  as  it  applies  to  light- 
houses, I  think  we  have  means  quite  suflicient  to 
enable  us  to  form  an  opinion  upon  those  subjects  that 
we  are  called  upon  to  form  an  opinion  ujion  :  and  I 
believe  that  the  lighthouse  engineers  would  object  to 
their  plans  or  estimates  being  submitted  to  ,any  other 
engineer. 

867.  {3Ir.  Gladstone.)  When  a  general  lighthouse 
nulhority  proposes  to  change  a  catoptric  for  a  dioptric 
light,  and  applies  to  you  for  the  requisite  funds,  what 
determines  your  approval  or  disapproval  ? — In  all 
cases  that  have  occurred  of  that  kind  the  question 
for  consideration  has  been  whether  that  light  required 
to  bs  restored.  If  it  was  still  a  good  light  on  the 
catoptric  principle,  and  did  not  require  repair  or  res- 
toration on  that  principle,  I  should  not  I'ecommend 
that  the  expense  of  putting  a  new  dioptric  light 
::hould  be  incurred.  But  I  think  there  has  bten 
only  one  instance  in  which,  on  those  grounds,  we 
Iiave  refused.  I  think  one  Irish  case.  Those  which 
the  Trinity  House,  and  some  which  the  Ballast  Board 
have  asked  for,  I  know  have  been  granted  imme- 
diatel)'.  From  the  time  that  I  first  came  to  the 
i'.oard  of  Trade,  and  first  studied  and  understood  the 
subject.  I  have  been  very  partial  myself  to  the  dioptric 
light;  and  in  fact  have  not  recommended  the  sanc- 
tioning of  one  catoptric  light  since  I  have  been  at 
the  Board  of  Trade.  On  the  contrary,  the  first  thing 
I  did,  after  studying  the  subject,  was  to  stop  a 
catoptric  light  that  had  been  already  ordered  for  a 
colonial  lighthouse  under  us,  recommending  that  the 
engineer  should  provide  a  dioptric  light;  and  therefore 
the  feeling  has  been  to  encourage  the  dioptric  light 
everywhere,  to  sanction  no  others  for  a  new  light, 
and  to  sanction  no  others  when  a  change  takes 
place  ;  that  is,  not  to  make  a  change  from  a  good 
catoptric  to  a  dioptric  merely  for  the  purpose  of 
making  a  change,  if  the  catoptric  light  was  still  in 
good  order. 

838.  Then  do  you  consider  a  dioptric  light  superior 
to  a  catoptric  light  under  all  circumstances  ? — I  think 
there  are  some  advantages  in  it  which  make  it  desi- 
rable to  adopt  it  in  all  circumstances  where  a 
large  arc  has  to  be  lighted.  If  it  was  to  light  only 
a  narrow  band  of  light  in  a  channel  I  would  still, 
for  the  sake  of  economy,  light  it  by  a  reflector 
and  a  small  lam])  ;  but  where  a  large  arc  has  to 
be  lighted  I  think  there  is  no  question,  from  the 
simplicity,  more  than  the  extraordinar}'  power  of  the 
dioptric  light,  that  it  is  desirable  to  adopt  it  ;  but  it 
is  ]iarticularly  so  with  fixed  lights,  because  you 
overcome  the  intermittent  character  of  the  fixed 
light,  consequent  on  your  changing  your  position 
from  the  focus  of  one  reflector  to  the  interval 
between  two  reflectors.  If  you  compare  the 
dioptric  light  with  the  catoptric  fixed  light,  when 
you  ai'e  in  the  focus  of  a  reflector,  I  do  not  think 
there  is  any  superiority  in  the  dioptric  ;  but  the 
advantage  of  a  continuous  equal  light  is  so  great 
that  I  should  never  sanction  its  being  applied 
any  longer  to  fixed  lights.  With  respect  to  revolving 
lights,  I  have  no  doubt  that  a  good  catoptric  light  is 
better  ibr  the  sailor,  in  some  respects,  than  the  dioptric. 
The  advantage  of  the  slow  revolution  and  the  gradual 
coming  in   of  a  fine  large  light,  which  shows  longer 

A  ; 


and  goes  out  again  gradually,  I  think,  gives  it  a  su- 
periority over  even  the  longest  flash,  as  you  must  call 
it,  of  the  dioptric  light.     And  were  ons  only  to  con- 
sider that  ]ioint,  I  think  I  should   still  prefer  for  Ihe 
revolving  lights,  where  a  large  number  of  reflectors 
was  used,  a  catoptric  light.     But  when   you  consider 
the  extra  expense  of  maintenance,  and  the  simplicity 
and  facility  of  keeping  clean  the  glass,  instead  of  hav- 
ing to  polish  the  reflectors,  I  think  that,  on  the  whole, 
I  would  decide  to  give  the  preference  to  the  dioptric, 
even  for  revolving  lights.    I  observe  that  one  witness 
has    endeavoured  to  create    an   impression    that  the 
Board  of  Trade  had  rather   discouraged  the  use  of 
dioptric  lights,  and  I  would  wish  to  point  the  attention 
of  the  Commissioners  to  a  paper  which  was  drawn  up 
by  my  suggestion, — after  obtaining  the  opinions  from 
different  Boards, — for  the  use  of  the  colonies,  in  order 
to  endeavour   to    prevent  their   sending   home    any 
longer  for  catoptric  lights,  and,   therefore,   giving  a 
decided  opinion  in  tavour  of  the  dioptric  light  ;  and 
it    has    been     only  in    one    case,  I  ihiiik     at    Cork, 
where  the    Irish    Commissioners  could  not    show  us 
that  ths    light,    as   a   catoptric    light,  was  a  bad  one, 
and    was     requiring   repair   or     alteraticn,     that  we 
refused  the    money    to   place  a  new 'dioptric   appa- 
ratus there.     My  remarks  on   this  subject  now  ^^iil 
save  me   from  going  into  that   subject    again.     The 
Tory  Island  light  was  alluded  to  by  one  of  the  wit- 
nesses, and   that,   I   think,   is   another  proof  that  the 
witness  must    have    quite    mi  junderstood   the  whole 
thing,  for  he  has  made  a  great  mistake.     The  Tory 
Island  light  being  a  great  sea  light  for  the  Western 
Ocean,  the  change  was  sanctioned,  I  believe,  to  a  di- 
optric light   almost   as   soon  as  the    application  was 
made  to  us — at  all  events  with  very  little  delay— and 
there  has  been,  as  there  generally  has  been,  with  the 
Irish  Board,  unusual  delay  in  carrying  it  out,   after 
our  sanction  has  been  given  ;  but  certainly  no  delay 
has  been  caused  by  us,  that  I  can  recollect,  in  getting 
the    best  possible     light     for  Torj'   Island.      I    may 
state,  in  addition,  that  I  should  have   hesitated  much 
longer   in   adopting   dioptric  revolving  lights  had  we 
only  possessed  the  original  revolving  light  of  Tresnel, 
as  there  was  not  on\j  a  loss  of  light  in  that  light,  but 
a  very  serious  evil,  1  believe,  which  I  think  has  not 
been  sufticiently  seen  by  tliose  who  fix  on  the  character 
of  the  lights,  and  I  was  glad  to  find  that  Mr.  Stevenson 
confirmed  my  opinion,  which  is,  that  alight  should  not 
show  a  different  character  at  different  distances  ;  that 
whatever   the  character   is   that  is  given  for  a  light, 
whether  you  see   it  first  on  the  horizon  or  through  a 
fog  close  to  you,   that  character  should  never  vary. 
I  am,  therefore  much   opposed   to  intermittent  lights 
fixed    and    flashing,    which    some    of    the    French 
lights,  I  believe,  are.    But  the  original  dioptric  Fre- 
snel's  light  was  an  entirely  fixed   and  flashing  light  ; 
it  gave,  at  short  distances,  a  fixed  light  with  a  flash  at 
iutervals,  and  beyond  a  certain  distance,  or  in  a  fog 
at  a  short  distance,  you  saw  only  the  flash.     When  I 
consulted  Mr.  Stevenson  on  the  subject,  he  gave  me 
one  instance  of    a  vessel  having  been  lost   through 
that  very  thing.  Mr.  Stevenson's  beautifid  holophotal 
light  having  done  away  with  that,  and  also  increased 
the  power  of  the  light  in    a    considerable  proportion, 
has,  I  think,  done  away   with  the  objection.     There- 
fore I  have  no  hesitation,   if  the  holophotal  light    is 
used,  in  recommending  always  that  a  revolving  light, 
as  well  .as  a  fixed  light  should  be  dioptric. 

869.  Would  you  therefore  veto  any  proposition  to 
put  up  a  fixed  and  flashing  light  ? — Certainly,  as  far 
as  our  power  went  of  objecting  to  it  ;  but  as  no  pro- 
position of  the  kind  has  been  made  since  I  have  been 
at  the  Board  of  Trade,  with  the  views  which  I  think 
are  now  generally  entertained,  I  should  doubt  whether 
any  proposition  of  the  kind  would  be  made  again.  1 
believe  that  wc  should  confine  ourselves  to  two  lights 
— a  fixed  light,  if  possible,  and  where  for  distinction 
a  revolving  light  was  necessary,  I  would  confine  it  to  a 
holophotal    light — because,  although  Frcsnel's  liihs 

i4 


192 


MINUTES   OF   EVIDENCE   TAKEN    BEFORE   THE   COMMIS^^IONERS   APPOINTED   TO 


Cap 


,  jj  J  are  all,  to  a  certain  extent,  flashing  lights,  I  think 
n  ay.  it  i^  best  to  consider  them  all  as  revolving  lights, 
—  merely  regulated  by  the  diflerent  intervals  ;  and,  as  a 

I.  ist">l.      rule,   the  larger  the  lens   and    the  fewer  the  lenses 

on  a  circle  that  you  have,  where  a  quick   flash  is  not 

absolutely  necessary,  the  better. 

870.  You  said  just  now  "'fixed  if  possible;"  do  you 
consider  a  fixed  light  superior  to  a  revolving  light? — 
Excepting  in  a  iQW  ]).irticular  instances  of  per- 
haps great  sea  lights,  where  the  power  of  a  flash 
would  be  valuable,  I  think  as  a  rule  it  -would  be 
better  to  have  fixed  lights  only,  where  distinction 
was  not  necessary,  as,  from  the  simplicitv  and  the 
expense,  they  are  decidedly  pref.  rable.  But 
there  are  some  few  great  se:i  stations,  some 
points  that  ships  make  when  homeward  bound,  par- 
ticularly on  our  south-west  coasts,  where,  if  the  most 
powerful  revolving  light  could  be  put,  without  inter- 
fering with  the  character  of  any  lights  near  it,  I 
sliould,  in  those  cases,  put  it  in  preference  to  a  fixed 
light. 

871.  Your  objection  would  depend  somewhat  on 
the  length  of  the  interval  between  the  flashes,  ])ro- 
bably  ? — I  thinkthat  if  you  reduced  the  interval  much, — 
that  is,  if  you  multiply  the  flashes, — you  would  also 
reduce  the  power  so  generally,  that  you  would  lose  the 
advantage,  for  such  stations,  of  a  revolving  light. 
There  is  no  doubt  that  any  one  of  the  large  lenses,  with 
8  on  the  circle,  gives  a  far  more  powerful  revolv- 
ing light  than  what  would  be  considered  first-class 
flashing  lights  ;  but  in  which  the  amount  of  light  is 
divided  among   16,  24,  or  32  lenses. 

872.  Would  not  the  question  of  the  period  of  the 
interval  of  the  light  depend  very  greatly  upon  the 
rapidity  with  which  the  apparatus  turned  ? — What- 
ever interval  is  given  to  it  (I  am  speaking  of  the 
power  of  the  light  while  it  was  showing),  I  believe 
you  lose  a  good  deal  of  the  power  when  you  mul- 
ti])ly  the  circular  lenses  to  give  a  flashing  light. 

873.  (J/r.  Graves.)  The  great  inferiority  of  the 
Cork  light  has  been  very  prominently  brought  before 
this  Commission,  and  it  appears  now  that  vou  refused 
to  sanction  its  improvement  by  substituting  a  diop- 
tric light.  Will  you  be  good  enough  to  state  what 
steps  were  taken  by  the  Marine  Department  of  the 
Board  of  Trade  to  satisfy  themselves  of  the  necessity 
or  otherwise,  of  that  change  ? — I  have  not  liad  time  to 
refer  to  the  papers  on  that  question,  but  tlie  papers 
will  show  the  correspondence  that  took  place.  I  have 
not  a  doubt  myself,  judging  from  what  we  have  done 
in  other  eases,  that  we  asked  them  their  reasons  for 
wishing  it  to  be  changed,  and  that  they  did  not  satisfy 
us  that  it  was  because  the  light  was  a  bad  one  and 
requiring  repair  or  chauge,and  therefore  we  refused  it. 

874.  Has  the  Admiralty  forwarded  to  the  Board  of 
Trade  any  memorial  from  the  Cunard  Steam  Companv 
relative  to  the  inefficiency  of  the  Cork  Light  ? — I  re- 
collect a  complaint  of  the  liglit  being  made — not  of 
its  deficiency,  but  of  the  light  being  neglected  in 
some  way.  My  impression,  judging  oidy  from  recol- 
lection, is,  that  on  the  occasion  referred  to  it  was  not 
any  defect  in  the  quality  of  the  light  itself,  but  that 
there  had  been  neglect. 

875.  May  the  Commission  infer  that  no  communi- 
cation was  made  by  the  Admiralty  to  you  on  the  sub- 
ject ? — No  ;  I  recollect  a  communication  being  made 
respecting  a  Cunard  steamer,  on  a  certain  ni<rht, 
complaining  of  that  light  ;  but  I  lielieve  that  tliere 
was  nothing  in  it  to  show  tl:at  the  light  wanted 
change. 

870.  In  vetoing  the  recommondation  of  the  Ballast 
Board  on  so  important  a  subject,  would  you  nil 
consider  it  necessary  to  have  personal  observations 
made  on  the  subject,  in  advising  the  Bo.ard  of  Trade 
to  refuse  its  sanction,  or  would  you  simply  act  uptm 
the  reasons  given  for  the  change? — On  the  corre- 
spondence. 

S77.  {Mr.  Gladstone.)  What  are  the  descriptions 
of  illuminating  apparatus  which  have  been  recentlj 


put  up  in  the  colonial  lighthouses  under  your  juris- 
dictiou  ? — There  has  not  been  an  but  the  dioptric 
light  s.anctioned  for  the  colonies  since  I  have  been  at 
the  Board  of  Trade.  There  were  lights  that  had  been 
sanctioned  and  made,  before  I  came  to  the  Board  of 
Trade,  that  have  been  sent  out  since,  and  which  were 
too  far  advanced  to  be  stopped  ;  but  the  only  one 
that  was  ordered  and  not  too  far  advanced  I  stopped. 

878.  Have  you  confined  yourselves  to  a  fixed  diop- 
tric light,  and  to  Jlr.  Stevenson's  holophotal  revolv- 
ing light  ? — I  think  most  certainly  ;  I  am  not  aware 
of  any  other  class  of  light  that  we  have  put  up  our- 
selves in  the  colonies. 

879.  What  description  of  lamp  do  you  employ  ? — 
The  four  wick  lamp  for  the  first-class  lights  with  the 
centre  wick  removed;  but  we  have  .adopted,  instead  of 
the  mech.inical  principle  for  feeding  it,  on  the  recom- 
mendation, I  think,  of  ilr.  Wilkins — .and  I  believe  it 
has  also  been  adopted  by  the  Trinity  House — the 
ordinary  cistern  for  feeding  the  lamp  by  gravity, 
which  is  more  simple  than  the  mechanical  apparatus. 

880.  Do  you  have  returns  made  to  you  of  the 
quantitv  of  oil  which  has  been  burnt  ? — We  have  had 
most  perfect  returns  from  the  colonies  in  answer  to  a 
form  sent  to  all  the  colonies,  not  only  as  to  those 
lights  we  have  put  up,  but  as  to  all  their  own  lights, 
and  I  believe  that  those  returns  have  been  laid  before 
this  Commission. 

881.  What  are  the  instructions  which  you  give  to 
the  keepers  about  the  quantity  of  oil  to  be  burned  ? — 
All  the  lights  that  we  put  up  .are  entirely  managed 
by  colonial  authorities — we  have  none  of  them  in  our 
own  hands.  They  have  had  instructions  similar 
to  those  of  the  Trinity  House  sent  out  for  their  guid- 
ance, and  the  management  has  been  entirely  left  to 
the  colonial  authorities.  In  some  fc^Y  instances,  at 
their  request,  we  have  sent  them  out  competent  per- 
sons from  England. 

882.  As  far  as  you  are  aware  the  plan  adopted  is 
the  same  as  that  of  the  Trinity  House  in  such 
matters  ? — I  think  so.  I  should  not  feel  so  confident 
al)Out  adopting  that  mode  of  feeding  the  lamp  in  pre- 
ference to  the  mechanical  apparatus  at  home,  but  I 
have  thought  it  preferable  for  sending  lights  abroad, 
where  there  would  lie  more  doubt  about  getting  per- 
sons to  repair  tliem  if  the  lamps  got  out  of  order,  and 
where  perhaps  the  lightkeepers  would  not  be  so 
good. 

883.  You  have  not  eft'ected  the  s.ame  saving  of  oil 
as  has  been  efti-cted  in  the  Scotch  lighthouses,  by 
lighting  and  extinguishing  the  lamp  when  the  sun  is 
a  certain  distance  beneath  the  horizon  ? — I  supposed 
that  the  regulation  everywhere  was,  that  the  lights 
were  lighted  from  sunrise  to  sunset.  I  can  fancy  that 
in  the  much  longer  twilights  of  Scotland,  particularly 
in  summer,  a  great  sum  might  be  saved  ;  but  in  the 
colonies,  ]).articularly  those  which  are  more  tropical, 
the  change  to  twilight  is  so  quick  that  it  is  not  so 
important. 

»84.  {C/iainnaii.)  You  have  spoken  of  your  po- 
sition as  guardian  of  the  pecuniary  interests  of  the 
merchant  ship])ing  trade  ?— I  think  the  Board  of 
Trade  is  the  guardian  of  the  interests  of  the  shipping 
by  which  the  light  dues  are  paid. 

885.  Just  so.  As  guardian  of  the  pecuni.ary  in- 
terests of  the  merchant  shipping,  and  considering  the 
necessity  for  economy  in  the  application  of  the  Mer- 
cantile Marine  Fund,  do  you  con^ider  that  those  in- 
terested in  the  merchant  shipping  would  object  for 
one  moment  to  tlie  expenditure  of  anj'  reasonable  suii. 
of  money  to  secure  the  best  possible  light,  or  that  they 
would  not  rather  object  to  anything  like  parsimony  or 
economy,  if  the  principle  of  economy  were  carried  out 
so  far  as  to  stand  between  the  shipping  and  their 
being  supplied  witli  the  best  possible  light  that  science 
r:in  ])roduce  ? — I  do  not  suppose  that  they  would  ever 
object  to  such  expenditure  as  you  have  mentioned. 
Keither  would  the  Board  of  Trade  ever  object  to  an 
expenditure   of  that   kind.     The   Bo.ord  of  Trade,  I 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


19Vy 


lielicve,  liaa  always  acted  on  tliis  ]ivinripl(' — that 
where  tlie  etiicieiicy  of  important  lights  was  coiK^erned, 
no  money  question  should  be  allowed  to  interfere.  I 
may  mention  two  instances  which  gave  I'isc  to  a 
ditference  of  opinion,  before  I  came  to  the  Board 
of  Trade,  with  the  ;Scotch  Commissioners,  as  to 
two  lights  in  Shetland,  the  Whalsey  Skerries  and 
North  Unst.  In  both  those  cases,  although  at 
a  considerable  additional  expense,  the  Board  of 
Trade  agreed  with  the  Trinity  House  in  placing 
ihe  lights  on  the  most  expensive  but  certainly  best 
stations  for  the  shipping  interest,  that  is,  nearer 
the  outer  danger,  contrary  to  the  recommendation  of 
the  Northern  Light  Commissioners.  And  I  think 
that  shows  that  where  the  efficiency  of  the  light 
and  the  safety  of  the  trade  was  concerned,  inoney 
was  not  thought  of  as  the  most  imjjortant  point.  It 
has  been  only  on  points  where  the  efficiency  of  the 
light  or  its  value  to  the  trade  was  not  for  one  moment 
in  question  that  attempts  have  been  made  to  cut 
down  the  expense.  The  next  matter  that  I  would 
refer  to  is  the  Berehaven  buoys.  Upon  tliat  point  Cap- 
tain Ryder  puts  this  question, — "  Then,  because  men- 
•'  of-war  frequent  the  harbours  on  the  coast  of  Ireland, 
"  the  merchant  shipping  is  deprived  of  buoys  ?"  I 
must  say  that  he  quite  misunderstood  the  question  if 
that  is  his  impression.  The  Admiralty  apj)lied  for 
the  buoys  because  large  men-of-war  were  frequenting 
more  than  ever  Berehaven  ;  and  so  much  was  it  a 
question  of  men-of-war,  and  not  of  the  general  trade, 
that  one  buoy  in  the  harbour  was  on  a  4-fathom  patch 
that  nothing  but  a  line  of  battle  ship  could  touch  ; 
and  we,  is  the  guardians  of  the  merchant  shipping 
interest,  thought,  as  this  was  required  for  the  fleet 
frequenting  Berehaven,  it  was  fair,  if  not  all,  at 
least  that  a  great  portion  of  the  expense  of  putting 
those  buo3's  should  be  borne  by  the  Admiralty,  and 
not  by  the  ]\Iercantile  Marine  Fund.  And  I  think 
that  decision  was  perfectly  right.  But  that  because 
the  men-of-war  frequented  the  harbour  of  Berehaven 
the  merchant  shipping  were  to  be  deprived  of  buoys 
is  ipiite  erroneous,  and  I  cannot  understand  how 
such  an  opinion  could  have  been  formed  ;  the 
Admiralty  would  not  provide  the  expense  of  the 
buoys,  or  a  portion  of  the  expense,  and  the  men-of- 
war  have  been  deprived  of  the  buoys.  But  the 
merchant  shipping  interest,  I  believe,  had  never  ap- 
plied for  buoys  there,  and  therefore  they  have  not 
been  deprived  of  them.  And  when  we  think  that 
men-of-war  have  the  benefit  of  all  the  lights, 
without  paying  anything  towards  them,  surely  it  is 
not  too  much  to  expect  that,  where  buoys  are  required 
more  especially  for  men-of-war  in  one  port,  that  a 
portion,  if  not  all  the  expense  of  those  buoys  should 
be  borne  by  the  Admiralty.  And  the  principle  has 
been  carried  out  in  Portsmouth,  where  a  portion  of 
the  expense  of  the  Warner  lightship  has  been  borne 
by  the  Admiralty,  as  it  is  equally  valuable  to  the 
merchant  shipping  coming  to  the  Motherbank  and 
to  the  men-of-war  coming  to  Spithead.  In  the  an- 
swer to  that  question  allusion  is  made  to  two  buoys 
in  the  Port  of  Londonderry,  and  a  complaint  is  made 
that  we  would  not  sanction  those  buoys  being  taken 
under  the  Mercantile  Marine  Fund.  I  may  state,  as 
a  rule,  that  the  principle  is  not  to  grant  the  expense 
of  harbour  lights  and  buoys  out  of  the  Mercantile 
Marine  Fund.  In  Ireland,  before  the  Board  of  Trade 
had  an)'thing  to  do  with  it,  the  Ballast  Board  had 
lighted  and  buoyed  a  great  many  harbours,  such  as 
would  never  have  been  done  by  the  general  fund  in 
England  or  Scotland,  and  an  arrangement  was  made 
that  those  should  be  maintained,  but  that  no  new 
ones  should  be  put  down,  except  on  the  principle 
that  they  must  be  in  some  way  more  or  less  beneficial 
to  the  passing  trade,  as  well  as  to  the  harbour. 
Whenever  the  passing  trade  is  so  far  interested  that 
a  ])lace  may  bo  used  for  refuge,  we  have  .always 
consented  to  a  portion  of  the  expense,  and  in  some 
eases  all  of  it,  being  borne  by  the  Mercantile  Marine 
Fund  ;  but    if  we  granted    all  the.  lights   and  buoys 

I.  B 


required  for  the  small  Irish  ports  out  of  that  fund) 
we  should  be  doing  a  great  injustice  to  the  general 
trade,  who  would  have  to  pay  for  this.  And  the 
same  observation  applies  to  several  other  objections 
made  to  our  interference,  in  the  evidence  of  the 
Ballast  Board  Commissioners. 

886.  You  have  spoken  of  two  buoys  in  the  Port  of 
Londonderry  ;  you  do  not,  I  suppose,  allude  to  the 
Tuns  buoy  at  the  entrance  to  Loch  Foyle  ? — Yes. 

887.  Do  you  consider  that  the  Tuns  buoy  is  in  the 
Port  of  Londonderry  ? — It  is  so  far  in  it  that  it  was 
under  their  jurisdiction,  I  think.  I  now  speak  from 
recollection. 

888.  Are  you  aware  that  some  time  back  there  was 
an  act  of  parliament,  at  least  so  I  have  been  given 
to  understand,  defining  the  limits  of  the  Port  of 
Londonderry,  and  that  the  Tuns  buoy,  as  I  can  well 
understand,  from  its  position,  was  excluded  from  the 
port,  and  considered  to  be  in  the  open  sea,  and  that 
therefore  they  had  not  a  power  to  levy  dues  on  ship- 
ping entering  the  port  to  maintain  a  buoy  beyond 
their  jurisdiction.  And  further,  I  would  ask  whethei 
it  is  not  the  case  that  the  Tuns  shoal  is  a  most  dan- 
gerous shoal  lying  in  the  way  of  vessels  working  to 
the  westward,  aloug  the  north  coast  of  Ireland,  es- 
pecially those  seeking  shelter,  and  so  working  under 
head,  as  that  shoal  lies  in  their  way  ;  and  I  would 
also  ask,  if  the  Trinity  House  has  a  general 
authority,  and  can  buo}'  the  entrance  to  the  Tees, 
and  support  buoys  which  are  purely  local,  although 
they  cannot  be  of  assistance  to  the  passing  trade, 
how  it  is  that  the  Tuns  buoy,  which  is  now  excluded 
by  Act  of  Parliament  from  its  local  place  as  belong- 
ing to  the  Port  of  Londonderry,  can  be  otherwise 
considered  as  a  buoy  marking  a  sea  shoal  along  the 
coast  ? — Without  a  chart  before  me,  I  should  not  like 
to  answer  positively  some  parts  of  the  question  ;  but 
I  am  (juite  sure  that  we,  in  deciding  as  we  did, 
adopted  the  general  rule,  and  that  my  conviction  was 
at  the  time  that  they  could  not  fairly  be  considered 
necessary  for  the  general  trade,  but  were  necessary 
for  the  trade  of  the  port.  Whatever  buoys  the 
Trinity  House  may  have,  under  similar  circumstances, 
certainly  if  they  were  to  apply  to  us  now  for  any  buoys 
that  were  as  much  necessary  for  the  entrance  of  a  port 
as  I  believe  these  to  be,  we  should  not  grant  them 
out  of  the  Mercantile  Marine  Fund.  The  next  point 
that  I  have  to  notice,  is  the  question  of  the  gun  in  the 
Kish  light  vessel,  and  to  that  i-eally  the  same  argu- 
ments would  apply  as  those  which  I  have  used  with 
respect  to  the  buoy.  I  cainiot  think  a  gun  in  the 
Kish  light  vessel  necessary  for  the  passing  and 
general  trade,  and  it  has  only  been  specially  asked 
for  by  steamers  crossing  between  Dublin  and  Holy- 
head. If  a  gun  is  only  required  for  them,  on  the 
same  principle  that  it  has  been  generally  adopted, 
they  should  pay  for  it,  or  the  Post  Office  that  they 
have  a  contract  with.  In  the  case  of  the  gun  at 
Holyhead,  the  Admiralty  having  jurisdiction  in 
Holyhead  Harbour,  we  considered  that  they  should 
pay  what  we  thought  a  fair  proportion  of  the  ex- 
pense for  the  steamers  coming  to  Holyhead  Har- 
bour ;  but  as  much  as  the  gun  on  Holyhead  Moun- 
tain might  be  valuable  to  vessels  coming  round  the 
Stacks,  or  coming  up  or  down  tb'^,  channel  in  a 
fog,  we  thought  it  might  be  fair  to  pay  half 
the  expense  out  of  the  general  fund,  lieeause  the 
general  trade  would  be  partially  interested.  But, 
with  regard  to  the  Kish  light  vessel,  I  cannot  see 
that  the  gun  would  assist  the  general  trade  at  all ; 
and  I  think  it  is  possible  that  it  might  be  mistaken  by 
vessels  which  were  out  of  their  reckoning  in  the 
Channel  coming  from  the  southward,  and,  if  it  were 
so,  it  would  be  very  dangerous  ;  for  instance,  if  they 
mistook  it  for  the  Holyhead  gun.  No  person  having 
the  responsibility  there  should  sanctioia  the  gun 
unless  a  distinctive  signal  is  made  by  that  gun — I 
mean  distinct  from  the  Holyhead  gun  ;  and  in  giving 
our  sanction  to  its  being  put,  which  we  have  lately 
done,  provided  the  expense   does  not  come  out  of  the 

b 


Ciipi.  B.  J. 
Sulwan,  Ji.N 


104. 


MINUTES   OF    EVIDENCE   TAKEN   BEFOBE   THE   COJISIISSIONERS   APPOINTED   TO 


Capl.  B.  .1. 
S„lir,m,  Jl.\. 


Mercaiitilc  ^Marine  Fund,  wc  liavo  made  a  ooiidilion 
that  the  gun  shiilllie  lired  twice  at  short  intervals  ior 
each  signal,  instead  of  once  as  at  Holyhead,  in  order 
to  prevent  the  possiliility  of  a  mistake  ;  and  if  the 
expense  is  not  borne  by  the  Mercantile  Marine  Fund, 
we  ha^  e  not  the  slightest  objection.  But  that  double 
discharge  will  make  it  very  expensive.  The  Holy- 
head gun,  with  its  single  discharge,  is  a  far  greater 
expense  tiian  any  one  would  suppose  The  powder 
costs  from  150/.  to  200/.  annually,  which  would 
of  course  be  double  for  the  Kish  gun  ;  and  that 
it  should  be  paid  out  of  the  general  fund,  by 
dues  levied  on  the  general  trade,  which  is  utterly 
uninterested  in  it,  would  certainly  not  be  fair.  And 
therefore,  although  we  did  not  oppose  the  gun 
being  put  there  if  the  parties  interested,  and  who 
want  it  will  pay  for  it,  we  do  object  to  its  being 
put  there  and  being  paid  for  out  of  the  general  fund. 

889.  (Mr.  Graves.)  The  gun  you  are  referring  to 
was  applied  for,  I  believe,  two  or  three  years  back. 
Did  the  application  come  through  the  Trinity  House 
to  the  Board  of  Trade,  or  direct  from  the  Ballast 
Board? — I  tiiink  that  the  applications  have  been 
principally  made  from  the  Dublin  Company.  Some 
of  them  ha\  e  been  made  verbally  by  the  chairman  of 
the  Dublin  Steam  Packet  Company  ;  but  there  have 
been  applications  through  the  Ballast  Board. 

890.  Did  not  the  Ballast  Board  recommend  that 
a  gun  should  be  placed  there  ? — I  think  they  did. 
Thev  certainly  have  required  it,  and  we  objected  to 
it  at  first  on  account  of  the  great  expense  of  the 
guu,  the  gun  being  fired  twice  at  every  signal,  as  it 
must  be  for  safety,  and  to  the  ex)iense  coming  out  of 
the  Mercantile  Marine  J"und.  We  have  recently  ob- 
jected again  to  the  gim  being  placed  there  at  the  ex- 
pense of  the  Mercantile  Marine  Fund. 

891.  Is  it  according  to  the  usual  course  of  business 
that  an  application  of  this  kind  should  be  received  or 
not  direct  from  the  Board  of  Trad(>  without  going 
through  the  Trinity  House  'f — I  think  it  has  come 
regularly  through  tl»e  Trinity  House.  I  do  not 
recollect  at  this  mcnnent,  for  I  have  not  got  the 
papers;  but  we  have  had  so  many  personal  interviews 
with  Mr.  Watson,  I  think,  on  the  subject,  such  direct 
communications,  that  I  do  not  now  recollect  every- 
thing that  has  taken  place. 

892.  The  reason  why  I  ask  you  these  questions  is, 
that  I  hold  in  my  hand  a  letter  from  the  Board  of 
Trade,  in  which  it  is  stated,  as  their  ground  of 
objection,  that  the  guu  on  board  the  Kish  light 
ship  might  possibly  be  mistaken  for  the  gun  on 
Hohhead  ^Mountain.  Has  the  opinion  of  tiie  Trinity 
House  been  taken  on  that  ]>articular  subject  ? — Cer- 
tainly if  we  were  called  upon  for  our  opinion  we 
should  give  it  without  consulting  the  Trinity  House. 
If  the  Trinity  House  had  sent,  or  whoever  may  have 
asked  for  the  opinion,  if  the  opinion  had  been  sent 
tlirough  the  Trinity  House,  and  communicated  to 
us  by  them,  we  should  have  conferred  witli  them  on 
the  subject. 

893.  In  tliis  letter  it  is  also  stated,  that  steamers 
crossiug  the  channel  could  not  mistake  one  gun  for 
the  other,  but  that  vessels  passing  up  and  down  the 
channel  might  jiossibly  do  so  if  they  were  out  of  their 
reckoning  ? — Yes. 

894.  Does  not  tlmt  lead  to  the  inference  that 
passing  vessels  would  take  advantage  of  it  ? — No  ; 
but  that  they  might  mistake  it. 

895.  You  are  still  of  opinion  that  that  is  a  good 
objection  to  tlie  gun  ? — A  good  objection  to  the  ex- 
pense being  borne  by  the  Mercantile  Marine  Fund  ;  it 
is  no  olijection  to  the  gun  if  the  expense  is  to  be 
borne  by  others,  and  a  distinctive  signal  is  given  ; 
but  if  you  have  two  distinct  guns  firing,  two  signal 
guns  so  near  to  each  other,  1  think  they  would  be 
as  dangerous  as  having  two  lights  next  to  each  other 
of  the  same  character. 

896.  There  is  a  now  fog  Ijell  l)eing  made,  is  there 
not,  for  that  ship  ? — We,  from  the  first,  stated  that  we 
would  sanction  an  estimate  for  any  more  powerful 


bell  that  they  wished  to  have.  At  thni  time  the 
Trinity  House  had  adopted  the  bell  of  Mr.  Wilkins, 
which  was  supposed  to  be  much  more  powerful,  and 
^yo  believed  would  answer  the  purpose  of  this  light 
%essel  better,  than  the  gong  now  there,  and  therefore 
we  otfered  to  sanction  the  estimate  necessary  for  such 
a  bell,  and  to  adopt  it  iu  preference  to  the  guns,  and 
an  arrangement  was  made  with  Mr.  Wilkins  for 
such  a  bell ;  but  we  have  since  been  informed  that 
further  experiments  with  this  bell  had  rather  raised 
a  doulit  as  to  its  eflieiency  in  such  a  jwsition,  and 
while  the  Trinity  House  still  think  it  would  be  useful 
on  shore  for  the  lighthouses,  the  Ballast  Board  have 
thought  it  necessary  to  give  up  the  idea  of  the  bell, 
Mr.  Wilkins  having  requested  them  to  withdraw  the 
contract  for  it. 

897.  Then  has  the  cancelling  of  the  contract  with 
Mr.  Wilkins  for  this  bell  been  done  at  the  request  of 
the  Ballast  Board  ? — I  think  so.  We  were  informed 
by  the  Ballast  Board  that  Mr.  Wilkins  had  requested 
them  to  withdraw  the  contract  for  the  bell,  as  he 
thought  it  would  not  answer  the  purpose. 

898.  At  what  distance  has  he  stated  in  his  first 
estimate  that  this  bell  could  be  heard  ? — I  think  three 
miles. 

89.9.  Do  you  believe  such  a  thing  possible  ? — Yes  ; 
certainly,  from  what  we  have  heard.  1  believe  that  the 
Trinity  House  are  still  of  opinion  that  it  wiU  answer. 

900.'  {Mr.  Gladstone.)  1  see  that  there  are  bells  at 
Poolbeg,  Bailey,  ."-ud  Kingstown,  near  the  Kish  light  ; 
do  you  not  think  that  it  might  be  mistaken  for  one  of  them 
if  it  rang  a  bell  ? — It  is  impossilile  that  they  could  be 
mistaken  for  this  peculiar  hell  of  Mr.  Wilkins's,  as  it 
was  to  be  struck  by  a  revolving  hammer  with  several 
blows  per  second,  so  as  to  make  a  continuous  ringing 
sound  instead  of  the  blows  of  the  ordinary  bell. 

901.  You  would  have  an  objection  to  an  ordinary 
bell  under  the  circumstances  in  the  Kish  light  ? — It 
would  of  course  depend  upon  what  Ijells  were  near  it, 
whether  it  could  be  mistaken  for  any  other. 

902.  There  appear  to  be  really  three  others  veiy 
much  nearer  than  the  gun  at  Holyhead  ? — This  bell 
could  not  have  been  mistaken. 

903.  (Mr.  Graves.)  You  stated  that  the  principal 
ground  of  your  objection  to  this  gun  arose  from  con- 
sidering that  it  should  not  be  maintained  out  of  the 
Mercantile  Marine  Fund;  do  not  the  steamers  that 
pass  from  Holyhead  to  Dublin,  carrying  Her  Ma- 
jesty's mails,  and  a  very  large  number  of  passengers. 
daily  pay  toll  for  the  Kish  light  ? — Yes. 

904.  Is  it  not  therefore  reasonable  that  any  expen- 
diture of  a  moderate  kind,  which  would  rather  lessen 
the  risk  to  life  and  property  and  the  mails,  should  be 
borne  out  of  the  Mercantile  Marine  Fund,  when  those 
vessels  carrying  the  passengers  and  mails  contribute 
so  large  a  sura  annually  for  the  maintenance  of  that 
light  ? — I  cannot  alter  the  o]iinion  that  I  have  given, 
that  the  additional  cost  of  a  gun  placed  in  that  vessel 
for  two  special  lines  of  steamers  should  not  be  borne 
by  the  Mercantile  Marine  Fund,  which  is  principally 
supported  by  the  passing  trade.  I  may  take  an 
instance  with  regard  to  the  vessels  at  the  other  end 
of  their  journey — the  Admiralty  there  pay  a  portion 
of  the  exj)ense  of  the  gun  for  their  coming  into 
Holyhead  Harbour, — for  that  is  just  on  the  same 
principle. 

905.  Have  you  any  idea  of  the  amount  of  the  light 
dues  that  the  mail  steamers  pay  .innually  for  the  use 
of  the  Ki.sh  light  ' — No  ;  I  have  not.  The  funds  are 
now  all  amalgamated,  so  that  it  is  almost  impos- 
sible to  separate  them  ;  we  have  no  means  of  separ- 
ating them  ;  without  we  got  a  special  return  from  the 
steam  companies  we  could  not  ascertain  exactly  what 
they  ]iaid  I  may  add  that  if  out  of  the  ^Mercantile 
Marine  Fund  a  gun  is  maintained  in  the  Kish  light,  I 
do  not  see  how  it  could  be  refused  for  every  light 
vessel  on  the  coa.sts  of  England  and  Ireland,  and 
which  would  enormously  increase  the  expense.  The 
next  point  that  I  would  refer  to  is  to  be  found  in  the 
evidence  of  the  Earl  of  Meath.     He  illustrates  what 


IXQUIRE  IXTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  JUNAGKMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYP,  AND  BEACONS. 


liio 


ho  con.-iilers  to  be  the  improper  refusal  of  the  Board 
of  the  Trade  to  grant  money  out  of  the  IMercantile 
Marine  Fund,  by  the  case  of  Copeland  Island;  and  by 
his  evidence  it  would  be  supposed  that  the  Ballast 
Board  and  the  "^'rinity  House  agreed  that  the  light- 
iiouse  should  be  changed  from  one  island  to  another, 
and  tliat  the  whole  should  be  done  at  the  expense  of 
the  Mircantile  Marine  Fund,  but  that  the  Board  of 
Trade  had  refused  the  money  contrary  to  the  opinion 
both  of  the  Ballast  Board  and  of  tlie  Trinity  Board. 
I  may  say  that  I  entertain  great  doubts  myself  if  there 
would  be  the  least  advantage  in  making  this  change. 
The  light  is  now  on  the  highest  island,  and  although 
a  low  island  extends  to  the  eastward  of  it  some  little 
distance,  and  therefore  vessels  coming  from  the  east- 
ward would  find  the  light  best  if  on  that  low  island, 
yet  vessels  coming  from  the  westward — for  instance, 
from  Belfast  towards  Copeland  Island — would  cer- 
tainly then  have  the  light  in  the  worst  position  for 
them,  and  having  it  now  on  the  island  that  is  nearest  to 
them  in  their  eastern  course  is,  I  think,  an  advantage. 
Anotlter  difficulty  would  be  that  the  high  western 
island  would  mask  the  light  in  a  certain  direction  ; 
that  is,  to  vessels  coming  from  the  westward.  Therefore 
I  cannot  consider  the  change  desirable  (^ven  for  the 
trade  of  Belfast.  For  the  passing  trade  there  is  no 
question  whatever  that  it  is  utterly  unnecessary,  and 
so  decided  is  the  opinion  of  the  Trinity  House  on 
this  point,  that  while  they  give  their  consent  to  the 
change  proposed,  they  do  it  on  this  condition  :  In  a 
letter  to  the  Ballast  Board,  sent  in  the  ordinary  course 
for  the  information  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  they 
state  that,  "  having  regard  to  the  alteration  being  for 
"  the  benefit  of  the  local  trade,  it  appears  to  this  Board 
"  that  the  expense  of  the  change  should  be  met  by  an 
"  increase  of  toll  for  the  light  upon  vessels  entering  or 
"  departing  from  Belfast  Lough."  The  Trinity  House 
have  made  their  consent  conditional  on  that,  and  in 
taking  the  same  view  we  are  only  acting  iu  accordance 
with  the  expressed  condition  of  the  Trinity  House. 
Therefore  the  statement  of  Lord  Meath  is  directly 
contrary  to  the  fact  that  we  have  set  both  tlfeir 
opinions  on  one  side.  The  next  point  I  would  refer 
to  is  at  Question  258,  put  to  Lord  Meath,  as  to  the 
money  expended  bj^  the  Board  of  Trade  for  Irish 
lighthouses.  His  answer  is,  "  About  40,000/.,  in- 
"  eluding  the  Calf  Rock,  the  estimates  for  which  have 
•'  not  yet  been  approved,  although  recommended  by 
•'  the  Ballast  Board,  amounting  to  17,000/."  I  can 
only  say  that  such  a  statement  by  Lord  Meath  shows 
that  he  can  know  nothing  whatever  of  the  proceed- 
ings of  his  own  Board  on  this  subject.  The  facts  are 
these  :  On  the  18th  of  March  1858,  the  plans  and 
estimates  were  sent  to  the  Board  of  Trade  for  their 
approval,  and  they  were  returned  with  the  sanction 
of  the  Board  of  Trade  to  the  plans  and  estimates  on 
the  27th  of  March,  within  nine  days  of  our  receiving 
them,  with  a  request  that  tenders  might  inunedi- 
ately  be  obtained  to  carry  on  the  work  ;  the  dwellings 
were  not  included  in  those  estimates  and  plans,'  and 
we  suggested  that  they  should  be  at  once  proceeded 
with  iu  order  that  the  works  might  be  combined.  No 
reply  was  made  to  that  communication  I'or  nearly 
twelve  months  ;  that  is,  from  the  27th  of  March  1858 
to  the  10th  of  March  1859.  On  the  22d  of  March 
we  pointed  out  to  them  that  the  plans  for  the  dwell- 
ings required  reduction.  That  is  alluded  to  in 
another  place  as  a  proof  of  how  we  unnecessarily 
curtailed  their  desire  to  improve  the  dwellings  of 
their  lightkeepors.  ,The  reduction  was  made  on  this 
ground.  They  proposed  to  have  six  good  rooms  for 
each  keeper's  dwelling — four  being  the  outside  num- 
ber which  had  been  given  up  to  that  time  I  lielieve  in 
any  dwelling  in  England  or  Scotland,  and  I  believe  in 
Ireland — and  they  stated  their  reason  to  be,  not  the 
accommodation  of  the  families,  as  Lord  Meath  states 
here,  but  that  "  extra  accommodation  might  be  pro- 
"  vided  for  ship^\Tecked  mariners  if  thrown  on  those 
"  shores."  On  the  22d  of  March  we  wrote  to  them 
requiring  them  to  reduce  their  plans  to  four  rooms 

B 


each,  the  regular  allowance  that  was  made  either  in 
Ireland  or  in  Scotland,  and  we  showed  them  that  the 
four  rooms  gave  as  large  an  amount  of  accommodation 
as  had  ever  been  allowed  to  lighthouse  keepers.  I 
may  here  remark  that  these  are  the  very  dwellings 
that  Mr.  Stevenson  calls  in  question  in  the  compari- 
son made  with  the  Scotch  dwellings  as  to  the  com- 
parative estimates,  and  he  states  that  the  accommo- 
dation was  so  much  less  and  that  my  statement  before 
the  Coimnittee  of  the  House  of  Commons  was  wrong. 
Before  referring  this  back  to  the  Ballast  Board  I 
compared  the  amount  of  accommodation  in  Ireland 
with  the  amount  of  acconniiodation  in  Mr.  Stevenson's 
dwellings,  and  I  was  quite  satisfied  that  there  was 
the  full  amount  of  400  square  feet  of  area  in  each 
dwelling  as  was  given  in  the  Scotch  dwellings,  and 
it  was  on  that  ground  that  we  refused  them  the  extra 
two  rooms.  Therefore  I  can  positively  say  that  the 
accommodation  in  those  dwellings  was  quite  as  great 
when  they  were  reduced,  and  when  their  estimates 
were  afterwards  changed,  as  in  any  of  the  houses 
provided  by  the  Scotch  Commissioners,  and  therefore 
the  comparison  is  a  fair  one,  and  not  as  Mr,  Steven- 
son said,  made  erroneously.  The  Ballast  Board 
Commissioners  reduced  their  estimates  from  2,000/. 
for  the  four  dwellings,  which  were  equal  to  six  dwell- 
ings, to  1,500/.  for  the  four  dwellings  when  they 
were  reduced  to  the  same  size  as  the  Scotch  dwellings, 
or  400/.  per  dwelling,  a  little  more  than  half  the 
amount  of  Mr.  Stevenson's  estimates  for  similar 
dwellings.  The  reduced  estimates  were  sanctioned 
by  us  in  May  1859,  two  months  only  after  first 
receiving  tho.se  estimates,  and  from  May  1859  as  to 
the  dwellings  and  from  March  1858  as  to  the  buildings 
nothing  was  sent  to  us  in  the  shape  of  tenders,  nor 
was  our  consent  asked  to  sanction  any  tenders  for 
proceeding  with  this  work  until  the  22nd  of  November 
1860,  more  than  two  years  having  been  taken  up  by 
the  Ballast  Board,  or  by  their  engineer,  Mr.  Halpin, 
in  carrying  out  what  we  had  sanctioned.  On  the 
27th  November  we  referred  them  back  for  more 
information,  and  we  received  that  information,  and 
sanctioned  their  acceptance  of  tenders  on  the  10th  De- 
cember, so  that  the  delay  in  carrying  out  the  work  rested 
entirely  with  the  Ballast  Board,  as  their  tenders  were 
not  sent  to  us  for  approval  till  two  years  and  a  half 
after  we  had  sanctioned  the  plans  and  estimates. 
I  think  it  will  be  seen  that  this  bears  out  what  I 
have  stated  before — that  Lord  Meath  could  not  have 
understood  what  had  been  done  at  his  own  Board  on 
the  subject.  A  question  was  put  by  one  of  the 
commissioners  (question  254)  to  Lord  Meath — "  Had 
"  there  been  a  local  trade  there  it  would  have 
"  been  benefited  by  that  beacon.  Do  you  think, 
"  judging  from  yotu-  experience  as  to  other  applica- 
"  tions,  that  the  Board  of  Trade  would  have  con- 
"  sented  to  placing  beacons  there  ?"  By  that  it  is 
inferred  that  if  the  local  trade  would  be  benefited 
as  well  as  the  passing  trade,  it  would  stop  our  granting 
any  outlay  from  the  Mercantile  Marine  Fund.  That 
is  totally  erroneous — such  an  idea  has  never  been 
expressed  in  any  communication  that  we  have  had 
with  the  Ballast  Board.  If  the  local  ti'ade  alone  was 
interested,  we  should  not  sanction  the  outlay.  But 
however  largely  the  local  trade  might  be  interested, 
if  the  passing  trade  would  be  interested  in  being  able, 
by  these  beacons,  to  use  the  place  as  a  port  of  refuge, 
the  application  would  have  been  granted  as  it  was  in 
this  case.  At  question  259  a  similar  opinion  is  ex- 
pressed— "  Are  the  commissioners  to  understand  that 
"  the  Board  of  Trade,  as  a  general  rule,  have  no 
"  objection  to  marking  or  buoying  bays  which  maybe 
"  considered,  or  which  may  serve  as  harbours  of 
"  refuge,  provided  there  is  no  port  inside  them,  but 
"  that  they  refuse  always  to  light  those  harbours  ?" 
That  is  also  quite  an  erroneous  impression,  and  I 
need,  I  think,  only  instance  the  case  of  Galway. 
Although  there  is  a  harbour  inside  of  Galway  Bay, 
two  new  lights,  at  a  great  expense,  have  been  sanc- 
tioned by  the  Board  of  Trade  for  better  lighting  th*- 

b2 


Cupl.  B.  J- 

>-tr,van,  K.N. 


196 


MINUTES    OF    EVIDEN'CE   TAKEN    BEFORE    THE    C05DUSSIOXERS    APPOINTED   TO 


1  Feb.  1861. 


Capt.  B.  .1.  entrance  to  Gahvay  Bay.  wluch  is  iu  itself  a  large 
Suhvaii.  li.y.  port  of  refuge.  They  have  been  sanctioned  and 
built.  Thev  are  on  the  Arran  Islands,  at  the  en- 
trance of  the  bay,  and  it  is  only  a  second  harbour  light 
in  Gahvay  Harbour  itself  that  has  been  refused  on 
the  principle  that  it  was  purel_v  a  local  light  for  a  local 
harbour.  The  whole  of  the  entrance  to  that  bay  and 
harbour  has  been  lighted  at  the  expense  of  the  JNIer- 
cantile  Marine  Fund,  out  of  which  fund  the  harliour 
light  on  Mutton  Island  is  also  maintained  ;  but  an 
additional  local  light  in  the  harbour  inside,  not  re- 
quired for  nndving  the  bay  or  for  the  purposes  of 
refuge  in  the  bay,  should  not  come  out  of  that 
fund. 

906.  {Mi:  (h-avca.)  Are  not  the  lights  in  the  en- 
trance to  the  bay  used,  to  a  very  large  extent,  as  coast 
lights  ? — The  passing  trade  round  there  is  very  small. 
For  the  coast  trade  only  ])assing,  the  one  light  on 
Arran  Island,  as  before,  would  have  answered  every 
purpose  ;  but  it  was  thought  for  that  trade  safeh'  en- 
tering Galway  Bay  for  refuge,  or  for  the  trade  of 
Galway  Bay  entering  it  safely,  that  the  two  lights,  one 
at  each  passage,  were  much  safer  than  one  large  cen- 
tral light,  and  they  were  unhesitatingly  sanctioned  by 
the  Board  of  Trade,  at  the  expense  of  the  iSIercantilc 
Marine  Fund,  and  were  just  completed  when  I  canu' 
to  the  Board  of  Trade,  I  think  in  18o(>.  It  was 
before  my  time. 

907.  Is  it  not  notorious  that  vessels  seekiug  shelter 
run  up  till  they  anchor  in  the  roads  close  to  Mutton 
Island  in  Galway  Bay  ? — One  favourite  place  of  shel- 
ter is,  I  think,  under  the  Arran  Islands— they  anchor 
under  the  Arran  Islands.  But  the  light  that  was 
asked  for  at  Black  Rock  was  entirely  asked  for,  I 
believe,  ibr  the  new  Galway  stetuners;  and  certainly 
the  .Southampton  Dock  people  might  just  as  well 
expect  the  Mercantile  Marine  Fund  to  light  the 
entrance  to  their  docks,  as  at  Galway  Harbour  for 
the  mail  steamers  to  expect  that  the  Mercantile 
Marine  Fund  should  place  another  light  for  their  use. 

908.  Did  not  the  Commissioners  of  Galway  Harbour 
express  their  willingness  to  allow  a  toll  to  be  collected 
for  that  light,  if  it  were  erected  out  of  the  Mereanlile 
Marine  Fund? — I  do  not  recollect  at  this  moment. 

909.  Did  the  Ballast  Board  reconunend  that  a  light 
should  be  placed  there  to  be  maintained  out  of  the 
Mercantile  Marine  Fund  ? — I  think  they  did.  I  can- 
not speak  jjositively  about  it,  but  the  principle,  I  am 
convinced,  was  perfectly  right,  not  to  sanction  that 
light  out  of  the  Mercantile  Marine  Fund — that  is, 
supposing  that  the  priuciiile  on  which  we  have  gene- 
rally acted  in  sanctioning  expense  out  of  that  fund 
is  a  right  one;  because  we  cannot  make  a  diU'erence 
between  one  place  and  another.  Question  284  refers 
to  keepers  for  rock  stations  :  "  How  many  keepers 
"are  there  at  the  rock  stations? — We  have  just  suc- 
"  ceeded  in  getting  permission  fiom  the  Board  of  Trade 
"  to  have  a  third  man  always  present  at  a  rock  station 
"where  the  families  arc  not  able  to  be  accommodated; 
■'  the  onlv  exception  is  the  Black  Rock  in  the  entrance 
"  to  Sligo,  the  reason  being  that  it  was  too  near  the 
'•main  land."  It  appears  to  be  inferred  that  there  has 
been  a  difficulty  iu  getting  that  from  us.  I  may  say, 
as  a  rule,  that  we  have  always  sanctioned  three  or 
four  men  for  rock  stations,  and  I  am  not  aware  that  it 
has  ever  been  objected  to  for  a  moment;  where  fami- 
lies could  not  reside  with  them — there  has  never  been 
a  difference  of  opinion,  that  I  am  aware  of,  ou  the 
subject. 

The  evidence  goes  on  in  this  way  :  '•  How  long 
"were  you  in  obtaining  that  permission  ? — I  think  wo 
"  have  been  applying  for  it  for  three  years." 

That  is  au  extraordinary  thing.  I  do  not  recollect 
any  queslion  arising  between  us  unless  it  has  been  a 
question  where  a  family  has  resided  ou  a  rock  or  au 
island,  and  to  a  liglithouse  in  that  case,  as  a  rule,  we 
should  not  saui'tion  three  keepers  ;  because  there  is 
not  a  case,  1  believe,  under  the  Trinity  House  in 
which  there  are  more  than  two  keepers  where  the  fa- 
milies reside  on  the  spot ;  but  if  they  arc  cut  off  from 


the  dwellings  by  sea,  I  have  no  hesitation  in  saying, 
that  we  should  uot  think  of  refusing  au  additional 
keeper.  I  have  not  had  time  to  look  into  this  case, 
but  I  do  not  recollect  ever  having  refused  a  keeper 
to  a  light  for  three  years.  I  have  nothing  more  to 
say,  I  think,  upon  the  evidence  given  liy  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Ballast  Board. 

910.  In  July  ]8o9,  the  Irish  Board  proposed  certain 
buoys  for  Lough  Swilly  ? — They  did. 

911.  In  August  18.)9,  that  proposition  received  the 
sanction  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  excejit  as  regards 
colours  ? — It  did. 

912.  .The  Board  of  Trade,  it  appears,  suggested 
that  one  buoy  should  be  checkered  on  each  .side  ? — 
That  I  do  uot  recollect. 

913.  Did  the  Ballast  Board  propose  any  particular 
mode  of  colouring  those  buoys  ? — 1  think  thev  recom- 
mended that  they  should  !)e  red  ou  one  side  and  black 
ou  the  other. 

914.  Did  the  Board  of  Trade  make  any  alteration 
'n  the  recommendation  of  the  Ballast  Board?  —  The 
Board  of  Trade  suggested  that  two  dark  colours 
should  not  be  used  to  mark  the  two  sides  of  a  chan- 
nel, but  that  there  should  be  on  one  a  dark  colour,  and 
a  parti  colour  on  the  other,  such  as  black,  and  black 
and  white,  or  red  and  rc<l  and  white,  which  would 
better  murk  the  sides  of  the  Channel. 

915.  Under  what  clause  in  the  Merchant  Shipping 
Act  has  the  Board  of  Trade  power  to  originate  or 
require  the  colour  of  the  buoys  to  be  changed 
from  the  recommendation  of  one  of  the  govern- 
ing bodies  ?  The  alteration  was  a  suggestion 
from  us  for  their  consideration — not  exercising  any 
power  to  make  them  alter  it,  but  a  suggestion  from 
us  for  their  consideration — whether  this  psu'ticular 
class  of  colours  for  buoys  would  uot  be  better  than 
two  dark  ones.  That  suggestion  was  agreed  to,  I 
believe,  both  by  the  B.allast  Board  and  the  Trinity 
House  ;  but  I  believe,  had  we  desired  to  exercise  an 
authority,  we  had  perfect  power  to  do  so  under  the 
Merchant  Shipping  Act,  in  one  way  by  refusing  to 
sanction  the  outlay  necessary  for  those  buoys  if 
our  views  had  not  been  adopted  ;  .ind  we  might, 
although  we  have  never  exercised  such  power,  have 
gone  still  further,  and  directed  what  should  be  doni- 
in  placing  those  buoys,  and  they  must  have  followed 
our  direetious. 

916.  {Chairman.)  But  although  you  say  you  have 
never  exercised  that  power — namely,  the  power  of 
directing  what  should  be  done  ;  jet  you  do  conceivi 
that  the  ^Merchant  Shipping  Act  gives  vou  that 
l)Ower  ? — Certaiulv  ;  by  the  406th  section  of  tin- 
Merchant  Shipping  Act,  it  is  stated — "In  order -to 
"  obtain  such  sanction  as  aforesaid,  the  Trinity 
'•  House  .shall  forward  a  copy  of  their  notification. 
'•  accompanied  by  copies  of  all  comraunications  thai 
'■  have  passed  between  the  Trinity  House,  and  the 
"  said  commissioners  or  corporation  to  the  Board  of 
"  Trade  ;  and  such  Board  shall  have  power  to  give 
"  any  directions  they  may  think  fit  in  relation  to  the 
'•  matters  submitted  to  them  by  granting  or  with- 
"  holding  their  sanction,  either  wholly  or  partiallv. 
'•  and  either  with  or  without  modification."  The 
407th  section  then  goes  on — "  The  Trinity  House 
■•  shall  forthwith  connnunicate  the  direetious  given 
"  by  the  Board  of  Trade,  in  relation  to  the  matters 
"  aforesaid  to  the  said  commissioners  or  corporation 
"  and  the  said  commissioners  or  corporation  shall. 
"  upon  the  receipt  of  such  directions,  be  bound  to 
'■  act  in  conformity  therewith,  and  to  do  or  forbear 
''  doing  anything  thereby  directed  to  be  done  or  for- 
"  borne."  That  power  has  never  once  been  exercised 
inider  those  two  clatises  l)v  the  Board  of  Trade.  1 
have  before  said  that  on  these  points  the  President 
would  have  the  legal  advice  of  the  Secretaiy  and 
Assistant  Secretary  ;  and  I  should  not  venture  to 
speak  decidedly  on  the  subject  did  I  uot  know  their 
opinions. 

917.  Then  you  consider  that  the  Merchant  Shi])- 
ping  Act   virtually   puts   an  end  to  all  independent 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


ly? 


authority  on  the  part  of  the  three  general  lighthouse 
hoards  ? —  Independent  authorit}-  certainly  ;  so  far 
that  they  have  no  power  to  act  independently  of  the 
Board  of  Trade  in  placing  any  new  light,  Ijiioy,  or 
beacon,  or  in  doing  anything,  or  in  altering  any 
lighthouse,  buoy,  or  beacon,  that  requires  an  additional 
outlay.  That  must  be  applied  for  to  the  Board  of 
Trade. 

918.  Then  their  fuuctions  resolve  themselves 
simply  into  that  of  being  officers  of  the  Board  of 
Trade  ? — Xo  ;  I  think  not,  because  they  originate  all 
new  works  ;  luit  let  me  say  that  this  applies  entirely 
to  the  two  Boards  and  not  to  the  Trinity  House  ;  the 
two  Boards  having  communicated  through  the 
Trinity  House.  We  have  power  to  give  instructions 
to  the  Trinity  House  with  reference  to  the  applica- 
tions of  those  two  Boards.  Those  two  Boards  are 
certainly  not  independent  authorities  so  far  as  exer- 
cising any  independent  power  goes,  for  they  are 
subject  not  only  to  the  objection  of  the  Trinity 
House,  but  also  of  the  Board  of  Trade  ;  but  the 
Board  of  Trade  has  power  to  decide  between  those 
two  Boards  if  they  should  differ  on  any  point. 

919.  Then  would  it  not  simplify  matters  if  the 
Scotch  and  Irish  Boards  were  made  de  facto  part  of 
the  esfablishnient  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  because, 
although  you  have  said  that  they  may  originate 
matters  yet  that  may  be  said  of  the  officers  of  every 
department  ;  you  may  require  this  or  that  officer  to 
originate  a  scheme  because  it  is  his  duty  to  do  so  ; 
but  if  you  are  at  the  Board  of  Trade  to  be  the  over- 
ruling power,  it  comes  to  the  same  thing,  whether  it 
be  originated  in  your  own  office,  by  your  own  officers, 
or  nominally  in  another  office  by  persons  supposed 
to  be  distinct  authorities  ? — The  Northern  Light 
Commissioners  have,  or  the  Ballast  Board  have,  cer- 
tainly hitherto  always  so  far  acted  indi^pendently  that 
they  have  never  been  by  any  authcirity  of  the  Board 
of  Trade  compelled  to  do  anything  fliat  they  olijected 
to  do ;  so  far  the  power  has  never  been  exercised. 

920.  Would  you  say  that  that  applies  to  the  action 
taken  in  the  case  of  the  light  at  Rhu  Vaal  ? — The 
character  of  the  light  at  Rhu  Vaal  was  altered 
certainly,  liut  by  the  opinion  of  the  Trinity  House 
and  the  Board  of  Trade  conjointly  on  a  purely 
nautical  question,  which  nautical  question  there  is 
reallv  no  person  competent  to  give  an  opinion  upon 
in  the  Scotch  Board. 

921.  But  I  think  an  opinion  was  given  on  the  sub- 
ject bv  the  surveying  officer  on  the  station  ? — There 
was  ;  but  I  am  quite  convinced  that  he  was  wrong, 
and  the  Trinity  Brethren  who  were  there  and  myself 
quite  concurred  on  the  point  that  the  Scotch  propo- 
sition was  entirely  ^\Tong.  There  was  some  little 
diffiijrence  at  first  between  us  as  to  which  would  be 
the  best  plan.  I  differed  in  one  respect  from  the 
Trinit}'  House,  but  I  eventually  agreed  with  their 
opinion,  and  I  am  quite  convinced  that  no  persons 
having  the  responsibility  of  fixing  the  character  of 
that  light  could,  doing  their  duty  and  understanding 
nautical  matters,  have  left  the  light  in  the  way  it  was 
projjosed  to  be  left  by  the  Northern  Light  Commis- 
sioners. The  facts  are  these  :  a  channel  seven  or  eight 
miles  distant  from  that  light  has  dangerous  rocks  in 
it,  and  the  question  is,  should  that  light  be  made  use 
of  to  warn  vessels  from  running  into  that  danger  or 
to  guard  them  through  it,  or,  on  the  other  hand, 
should  it  be  left  dark,  and  should  vessels  be  allowed 
to  run  on  these  rocks  within  the  range  of  the  light 
wliich  they  are  denied  the  use  of.  I  was  perfectly 
astonished  to  find  that  any  proposal  of  the  kind 
could  be  made,  and  more  particularly  by  a  nautical 
man.  I  think  I  can  illustrate  the  point  very  clearly 
by  taking  the  case  of  the  Scilly  Islands.  For  many 
years  the  St.  Agnes  light  was  the  only  Scilly  Island 
light,  and  vessels  bound  up  channel,  making  Scilly, 
had  a  dangerous  reef  of  rocks  to  avoid,  six  or 
seven  miles  seaward  of  St.  Agnes  light,  on  cer- 
tain bearings,  and,  according  to  the  Scotch  Commis- 

B 


sioners  view  of  the  case  in  that  dangerous  direc- 
tion the  St.  Agnes  light  should  have  been  darkenedj 
and  should  only  have  shown  a  light  in  the  direction 
that  a  vessel  could  have  approached  it  safely.  Now, 
would  any  one  for  one  moment  have  taken  the 
responsibility  of  darkening  the  St.  Agnes  light  over 
the  Bisboiis  and  Western  rocks  of  Scilly,  or  would 
tliey  not  have  said  it  is  important  to  have  a  light 
showing  as  far  as  possible  over  those  rocks,  in  order 
that  by  its  bearing  a  vessel  might  know  her  danger 
and  haul  out  in  time  to  avoid  those  rocks.  Now, 
on  that  hinges  the  whole  question.  I  am  convinced 
that  no  sailor,  who  really  iniderstood  the  question, 
would  say  that  dangers  seven  miles  from  the  light  in 
the  exact  direction  that  vessels  are  likely  to  approach 
it,  are  better  left  dark  than  that  a  bright  light  should 
be  used,  if  possible,  to  guard  them  from  the 
dangers. 

922.  Was  not  it  a  question  of  the  colour  of  that 
light  ?  —  The  first  question  is,  a  light  at  all, 
or  darkness.  The  next  question  is,  supposing  it 
was  allov.'ed  that  the  Scilly  light  should  warn  vessels 
from  those  western  rocks,  seven  miles  off,  should  that 
be  done  by  colouring  the  light  over  those  rocks 
that  would  reduce  its  extent  of  range  one  third, 
or  should  it  be  made  to  show  as  far  as  possible  over 
those  rocks.  I  have  no  hesitation  in  saying,  that 
99  seamen  out  of  100  would  say,  let  us  see  the 
brightest  light  as  far  as  possible  over  those  rocks, 
instead  of  a  red  one,  as  the  rocks  might  be 
sometimes  guarded  at  a  distance  of  a  mile  or 
two  beyond  them  by  a  bright  light.  If  that 
light  was  a  red  one  it  might  only  show  to  a 
mile  or  two  inside  them,  and  so  vessels  might 
get  on  the  rocks  for  want  of  seeing  the  red  light 
when  a  bright  light  would  have  saved  them. 
Then  there  is  a  third  question.  Suppose  a  passage 
for  a  ship  through  those  rocks,  would  j^ou  use 
that  light,  not  only  for  a  warning  liglit,  in  order  to 
clear  them,  but  would  you  endeavour  to  use  it, 
so  that  if  a  vessel  could  not  haul  up  in  time  to 
avoid  them  it  should  enalile  her  to  take  a  safe 
passage  through  them  ?  Now,  in  this  case,  the 
passage  through  them  was  two  or  three  miles  in 
width,  and  if  a  red  light  had  been  shown  alone  it 
would  have  often  left  the  rocks  outside  the  light, 
when  a  bright  light  might  have  enabled  a  vessel  to 
haul  up  and  weather  Oronsay.  But  my  own  view 
was,  that  while  the  danger  should  have  been  guarded 
against  with  a  bright  light — that  is,  that  a  bright 
light  should  be  shown  over  the  dangerous  lines  of 
approach — the  clear  central  channel  should  be  left 
with  a  red  light,  because  while  a  vessel  was  in  dark- 
ness outside  the  red  light  she  would  be  in  perfect 
safety  ;  if  she  saw  the  red  light  she  would  be  in  per- 
fect safety.  But  the  danger  would  be  guarded  by  the 
most  powerful  light,  and  she  would  soonest,  in  thick 
weather,  see  the  light  that  would  save  her.  If  you 
adopted  the  red  light  as  the  danger  light  you  would, 
in  the  case  of  a  distant  danger,  often  throw  the 
bright  light  in  the  clear  channel,  where  it  would  be 
less  important,  and  leave  the  danger  unguarded  by  the 
red  light.  Whereas,  if  you  guard  the  danger  by  a 
bright  light,  you  ensure,  at  all  times,  the  greatest 
protection  in  the  direction  of  the  danger.  If  the  red 
light  was  obscured  at  a  certain  distance,  a  vessel  in 
darkness  would  be  in  safety,  and  if  in  danger  would 
have  the  most  powerful  light  to  guard  that  danger. 
If  the  danger  is  quite  close  to  the  light,  so  that  the 
comparative  range  of  the  red  and  the  white  lights  is 
unimportant,  it  may  be  a  question  whether  to  make 
the  red  a  danger  light  ;  but  certainly  it  would  in- 
crease the  danger  where  that  danger  lies  at  a  dis- 
tance of  some  miles  from  the  light.  We  have  instances, 
I  think,  of  the  red  light  marking  the  clear  channel  ;  on 
the  Irish  coast  there  is  one  leading  inside  the  Cope- 
land  Islands.  Harbour  lights  are  often  red,  and  if 
a  principle  is  to  be  laid  down  not  to  be  departed  from, 
then  I  would  certainly  adopt  a  bright  light  for  a 
b  3 


Capt.  B.  J. 
Sulivan,  R.\. 


1^ 


MINUTES    OF    EVIDE.VCE    TAKEN    BEFORE   THE    COMHISSIONERS    APPOINTED   TO 


Cap'-  B.  J. 
Salicaii,  J{.X 


danger  liglit,  aiul  a  red  light  for  a  safety  light  ;  be- 
cause, while  one  might  lead  a  vessel  astray  daiigcr- 
oush',  the  other  could  not;  aud,  therefore,  as  there 
was  a  good  light  uear  this  channel,  although  I  would 
have  warned  vessels  against  using  that  channel,  had  I 
had  the  sole  responsibility  of  lighting  the  channel,  I 
would  have  placed  a  bright  light  there  only  over  the 
dangerous  rocks,  and  then  Iiave  had  a  red  band  ol' 
light  in  the  clear  channel. 

923.  Have  you  not,  in  point  of  fact,  assumed  that 
very  responsibility,  in  having  the  light  according  to 
your  own  wish  in  this  respect,  ditferent  from  that 
which  was  proposed  by  the  Scotch  Commissioners  ? — 
No  ;  certainly  not.  The  Board  of  Trade  have  san'-- 
tioned  the  plan  proposed  by  tlie  Trinity  House,  which 
Board  therefore  shares  the  responsability,  and  which 
is  a  plan  that  makes  the  light  a  warning  light,  but 
which  does  not  act  as  a  leading  light  through  danger, 
if  necessary. 

924.  Still  the  fact  remains  the  .same  ;  although,  as 
you  have  stated,  you  have  not  overruled  these  two 
Boards,  yet,  in  this  case,  there  would  seem  to  havo 
been  an  exception  ? — In  this  case,  with  the  conseiit 
of  the  Trinity  House,  or  in  supporting  the  view  of 
the  Trinity  House,  we  certainly  have  overruled  them 
in  the  character  of  this  light.  I  may  also  say  that 
before  I  came  to  the  Board  of  Trade,  in  the  same  way 
with  the  Trinity  House,  the  Board  of  Trade  had 
overruled  the  Scotch  Commissioners  on  the  position 
of  those  two  lights  in  Shetland  that  I  previously 
alluded  to.  But,  by  saying  that  we  had  not  overruled 
those  Boards,  I  meant  that  we  had  not  exercised  that 
authority,  under  the  406th  and  407th  clauses,  which 
I  think  we  had  power  to  do — to  make  them  do  a 
thing  which  the  Trinity  House  and  the  other  Board 
conjointly  had  differed  from  the  Board  of  Trade  ujion. 

925.  You  think  that  you  were  still  acting  within 
your  authority  when  the  Board  of  Trade  overruled 
the  Commissioners  for  Northern  Lighthouses  in  the 
selection  of  the  illuminating  apparatus  to  l>e  used  at 
the  Butt  of  Lewis  ? — That  was  again  a  question  of 
the  character  of  the  light,  and  I  have  not  the  slightest 
doubt  that  the  Trinity  House  and  the  Board  of  Trade 
have  adopted  the  rigiit  distinction.  To  show  this,  I 
will  state,  as  a  rule,  that  it  would  be  desirable  to  have 
revolving  lights  and  tixed  lights  alternately  on  the 
coast  ;  and  as  Cape  Wrath,  the  next  great  sea  light,  is 
a  revolving  light,  the  Butt  of  Lewis,  under  ordinary 
circumstances,  should  be  a  fixed  light,  particularly 
as  there  is  no  outlying  danger,  aud  as  it  is  a  light 
that  vessels  can  boldly  run  for  ;  therefore  there  is 
another  reason  why  it  should  be  a  fixed  light. 
When  I  first  thought  that  the  Butt  of  Lewis  should 
be  a  fixed  light  the  Mouach  lighthouse  was  not 
yet  decided  upon.  I  had  already  marked  a  position 
somewhere  on  that  west  coast  for  one  more  light. 
when  asked  by  the  President  of  the  Board  of 
Trade  what  more  would  be  watited  to  complete  the 
lighting  of  the  coast.  Therefore  I  knew  that  a 
light,  that  ought  to  be  a  revolving  light  or  flashing 
light,  would  come  somewhere  midway  on  that 
western  coast,  which  was  another  reason  why  the 
Butt  of  Lewis  .-liould  be  a  fixed  light.  Another 
reason  was,  that  the  light  that  would  come  next  again 
to  the  Monach  light,  although  an  intermittent  light, 
is  so  likely  to  be  mistaken  for  a  fixed  light,  but  never 
can  be  mistaken  for  a  revolving  light.  If  a  fi.xed 
light  had  been  |)laced  on  the  Monach  group  we  might 
have  had  two  lights  near  each  other  that  might  be 
mistaken.  When  a  man  sees  a  light  for  two  min\ites 
and  a  half  not  varying  he  may  not  take  the  trouble 
to  look  for  the  short  interval  when  it  is  darkened, 
but  he  may  have  satisfied  himself  that  it  was  a  fixed 
light.  He  could  not  mistake  a  quick  revolving 
light  for  Bnrra  Head,  but  he  might  mistake  Barra 
Head  for  a  fixed  light.  The  corresi)ondencc  will 
show  that  that  oj)iDion  was  expressed  to  the  Trinity 
House  before  they  had  decided  on  the  character  of 
those  lights,  and  they  immediately  acquiesced  in  that 


view.  They  agreed  with  us  that  a  revolving  light 
for  Monach,  aud  a  fixed  light  for  the  Butt  of  Lewis, 
were  the  best. 

926.  When  you  state  that  it  would  only  be  over 
the  Northern  Coramissiouers  and  the  Ballast  Board 
that  you  would  be  likely  to  exercise  the  absolute  au- 
thority given  to  you  under  the  406th  and  407th  sec- 
tions of  tlie  Merchant  Shipping  Act,  yet  some  such 
authority  seems  to  have  been  practically  exercised  in 
the  case  of  Godrevy,  because  the  Trinity  House  had 
selected  a  site  originally,  aud  that  was  not  the  one 
finally  adojjted  by  the  Board  of  Trade  ? — I  can 
assure  the  Commission  that  this  is  quite  a  mistake. 
It  is  true  that  eventually  there  was  a  difi'erence  of 
opinion  between  tlie  Trinity  House  and  the  Board  of 
Trade,  and  the  Board  of  Trade  exercised  an  authority 
under  the  power  given  to  them,  of  not  granting  the 
money  for  what  was  required,  for  a  more  expensive 
site.  So  far  as  we  have  a  control  over  the  money, 
we  have  a  cei'tain  power  ;  but  so  far  was  it  in 
reality  from  •  that  site  having  been  selected  by  the 
Board  of  Trade  contrary  to  the  opinion  of  the  Trinity 
House,  that  the  papers  published  on  the  subject  will 
show  a  totally  different  state  of  things.  The  facts 
are  these  :  the  Trinity  House,  in  January  185.3, 
forward  a  number  of  memorials  for  the  light  in  ques- 
tion to  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  they  state  that  they 
will  give  their  o])inion  upon  it  when  the  committee 
has  examined  the  site.  The  memorials  consist  of 
eight  from  all  the  ditferent  ports  in  the  west  of  Corn- 
wall, where  the  trade  is  interested  in  this  light,  and, 
without  exception,  those  memorials  ask  for  the  light 
on  CTodrevy  Island,  where  it  now  stands,  or  one  in  a 
still  worse  position,  on  the  mainland,  and  not  one  of 
them  asks  for  a  light  on  the  Stones.  The  Trinity 
House  having  sent  their  Committee  to  examine  into  the 
question  forward  to  the  Board  of  Trade  the  report  of 
that  Committee  in  July  1855.  That  Committee 
having  discussed  the  question  of  the  site,  both  on 
Godrevy  and  on  the  Stones,  come  to  this  conclusion ; 
"  That  the  erection  of  a  lighthouse  on  the  former  (tho 
"  Stones)  would  be  an  undertaking  whicli,  even  if 
'■  practicable,  would  require  a  larger  outlay  of  money 
'•  than  would  be  considered  comp.atible  with  the  object 
'•  in  view,  and  they  are  of  opinion  also  that  the  site  on 
'•  Godrevcy  Island  will  indicate  the  immediate  vicinity 
"  of  the  '  Stoues,'  with  sufficient  ju-ecision  to  warn 
••  vessels  approaching  the  coast  off  the  danger.  In  that 
••  position  it  will  also  be  most  valuable  to  vessels  steer- 
•'  ing  along  the  coast,  .and  particularly  to  those  bound 
•■  iuto  or  coming  out  from  St. Ives  or  Hayle,  as  a  leading 
"  mark  through  the  safe  channel  between  Godrevy 
"  Island,  and  the  southernmost  '  Stone.'"  They  also 
state — "  Under  all  the  circumstances,  therefore,  the 
•'  Committee  resolved  unanimously  to  recommend  the 
"  Court  to  adopt  the  site  on  Godrevy  Island  as  the 
••  most  suitable  for  a  lighthouse.  They  .are  of  opinion 
"  that  a  tower  of  moderate  elevation  will  be  suHicient, 
••  and  they  trust  that  the  facilities  afibrded  at  St.  Ives, 
"  or  llayie,  for  carrying  on  the  work  will  enable  the 
"  Corporation  to  accomplish  it  at  a  reasonable  outlay, 
"  and  within  a  short  period  of  time."  Now,  nothing 
can  be  plainer  than  that,  after  considering  the  whole 
question,  the  Tiinity  House  came  to  the  conclusion, 
and  recommended  to  the  Board  of  Trade,  that  the 
light  should  be  put  on  Godrevy  Island  as  the  best  of 
the  two  positions  asked  for  by  all  the  memorials  ;  and 
if  the  Board  of  Trade  had,  without  any  further 
discussion,  approved  of  that  suggestion, — which  I 
allow  I  should  havV"  recommended  to  have  been  done, 
— then  the  light  would  have  been  exactly  where 
it  is,  on  the  recommendation  and  responsibility  of 
tho  Trinity  House  alone,  sanctioned  by  the  Board, 
and  no  question  of  error  as  to  that  position  would 
ever  have  been  raised.  But,  before  sanctioning  that. 
Admiral  Beechy  raised  a  question,  by  a  minute  of  his. 
as  to  a  further  consideration  of  the  practicability  of 
putting  it  on  the  Stones  if  possible  before  sanction- 
ing  what    might    be   an   inferior    position,    and   the 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  IJGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


199 


<|uestion  wiis  referred  to  tlie  surveying  officer  of 
the  neighbourhood.  That  led  to  more  investigation, 
and  the  result  was,  that  it  was  ascertained  that 
if  the  liglit  could  be  erected  there  (for  there  was 
some  doubt  even  to  the  last  whether  it  would  Ijb 
practicable),  it  would  be  done  at  a  cost  of  something 
lil^e  50,000/..  instead  of  about  8,000/.  in  the  other. 
Tlie  result  of  tliat  was,  that  the  Board  of  Trade  de- 
cided to  adliero  to  the  first  recommendation  of  the 
Trinity  House.  In  that  decision,  I  confess,  after 
visiting  the  spot  and  going  cai"efully  through  all 
the  opinions,  I  quite  concurred,  and  I  will  go  still 
further,  and  say,  that  even  if  there  had  not  been  that 
difference  of  expense,  or  <any  doubt  about  the  practica- 
bility of  it,  for  the  sake  of  opening  the  small  channel 
inside  the  Stones,  I  would  have  preferred  putting  the 
light  in  the  present  position.  I  have  consulted  seve- 
ral masters  of  coasters — I  think  three  on  one  occasion 
in  St.  Ives  and  Hayle — and  they  all  three  of  them 
told  me  that  for  their  coasting  trade,  and  for 
steamers,  which  always  use  that  channel,  a  light  is 
nuich  betler  on  Godrevy,  to  ecable  them  to  use  that 
channel  at  night  than  if  put  on  the  Stones.  I  can 
(juite  understand  that,  and  I  believe  that  for  over- 
.sea  vessels  the  light  is  quite  near  enough  the  danger, 
and  for  the  advantage  of  keeping  that  channel  open 
for  the  coasting  vessels  by  night,  I  should  have  de- 
cided the  disputed  point  as  it  has  been  decided,  under 
any  circumstances.  We  have  heard  of  no  accidents 
of  any  kind  since  the  light  has  been  erected  on  God- 
revy. 

927.  You  will  conclude,  I  imagine,  that  my  reason 
for  putting  the  question  was  as  a  sequence  to  the 
answer  given  to  the  Question  429,  by  the  deputy 
master  of  the  Trinity  House  ? — Yes  ;  but  I  think  it 
is  impossible  that  any  one  can  dispute  this  fact,  that 
if  the  Board  of  Trade  had  not  existed  as  a  con- 
trolling authority  over  the  Trinity  House,  and  they 
had  been  left  entirely  to  the  memorials  and  their 
own  decision,  the  light  would  have  been  in  the  very 
same  spot  as  it  is  now.  I  may  add,  that  the  differ- 
ence of  opinion  which  arose  with  Admiral  Beechey 
and  the  Trinity  House  was  as  to  whether  the  light 
raiglit  not  have  l)een  put  on  St.  Ive's  Point,  and 
made  a  leading  light  past  the  Stones.  The  Trinity 
House  objected,  .and  Admiral  Beechey  at  last  coin- 
cided with  them.  I  think  that  in  that  case  the 
Trinity  House  were  right,  for  I  would  much  prefer 
putting  the  lighthouse  where  it  is  ;  but  at  the  same 
time,  as  there  was  a  doubt  about  the  site,  it  was 
a  cpiestion  that  should  have  been  opened  and  dis- 
cussed. 

928.  With  reference  to  what  has  just  passed,  I 
■would  ask  j'ou  whether  you  are  aware  that  the 
Board  of  Trade,  as  exercising  that  authority  which 
you  have  just  spoken  of,  have  any  fixed  principle 
or  rule  as  to  the  placing  a  light,  if  it  be  possible, 
on  the  most  extreme  point  of  danger  to  be  guarded? 
— Most  certainly,  as  a  rule,  they  would  prefer,  as 
they  have  in  two  cases  in  Scotland,  to  put  a  light 
as  near  the  danger  a.s  possible.  Had  the  Stones 
been  a  continuous  reef  extending  from  Godrevy 
Island,  I  should  have  recommended,  if  practicable, 
regardless  of  expense,  that  a  light  should  have 
been  put  on  tlio  Stones  ;  but  that  case  is  entirely 
altered  when  the  navigable  channel  used  in  pre- 
ference Ijy  the  coasters  exists  so  close  to  the 
light  that  they  can  now  pass  it  quite  close,  and  be 
sure  that  they  are  iuside  of  the  dangerous  rocks. 
I  will  now  proceed  with  mj'  general  remarks. 
In  answer  to  Question  404,  "  Is  it  the  case  that 
'•  the  Board  of  Trade  requires  the  Trinity  House 
"  to  furnish  tliem  with  the  specification.?,  in  all 
"  instances,  for  ilhimiuating  apparatus  ?" — The  de- 
put}'  master  of  the  Trinity  House  says  "Yes."  This 
is  a  mistake  on  tiie  part  of  Admiral  Gordon.  The 
plans  and  estimates  were  sent  for  our  approval,  but 
I  am  not  aware  of  our  ever  having  asked  the  Trinity 
House   to   send  us  their  specifications  before  we  .ap- 

B 


proved.  We  have  on  two  or  three  occasions,  when 
we  have  been  engaged  in  colonial  lighthouses, 
asked  !hem  to  send  us  their  specifications  for  our 
assistance  in  framing  specifications  for  colonial  light- 
houses. Admiral  Gordon  .says,  in  answer  to  410,  that 
he  thinks  the  general  estimates  for  the  year  should 
be  submitted  only  to  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  not  the 
special  estimates  for  the  difTerent  outlays.  Now, 
supposing  that  the  Board  of  Trade  is  to  exercise  the 
control  given  to  it  by  the  Act  of  Parliament,  it  would 
be  impossible  to  take  the  whole  of  the  estimates  and 
to  inquire  into  every  case  mentioned  in  those  esti- 
mates, to  enable  us  to  get  the  information  necessary, 
with  plans  and  estimates  for  them  all,  and  to  enable 
us  to  give  an  opinion  on  the  whole  estimates  at 
once  for  the  year.  We  give  a  general  approval  of 
the  estimates,  which  are  rough  estimates  before  the 
plans  and  specifications  have  l!)een  made  out,  with  the 
understanding  that  each  specific  ivork  is  to  have  its 
plans  and  estim.ates  sanctioned  by  us  when  the  case 
arises.  It  would  be  impossible  to  exerci.se  anv  con- 
ti-ol  over  them,  or  to  offer  any  opinion  ujjon  tlieni,  if 
any  other  plan  was  adopted.  At  Question  436  I  find 
this  :  "As  the  matter  now  stands,  was  the  action  of 
"  the  Board  of  Trade,  in  suggesting  the  particular  ap- 
"  plication  of  the  light,  in  your  opinion  within  the 
"  meaning  of  the  Merchant  Shipping  Act  ? — I  dou'nt 
"  whether  it  was  strictly  in  accordance  with  the 
"  spirit  of  the  Act."  I  may  say  that  since  I  have  been 
at  the  Board  of  Trade  I  have  endeavoured  as  much  as 
pos.sible  to  settle  those  points  that  we  each  have  to 
give  an  opinion  upon  without  correspondence,  and  to 
ende.avour  by  meeting  on  the  spot  to  .settle  everything 
by  discussion  on  the  spot  before  a  formal  propos.al  is 
made  ;  and  I  am  quite  sure  that  we  have  reduced  the 
correspondence,  and  the  difficulty  also  of  agreeing, 
veiy  much  by  doing  so  ;  and  therefore  many  of  the 
things,  particularly  relating  to  Scotch  lights,  that 
have  been  decided  upon,  have  been  decided  in  the 
first  i)lace  by  discussion  between  the  parties.  I  have 
on  two  occasions  accompanied  the  Trinity  Board  to 
meet  the  Scotch  Commissioners,  or  Mr.  Stevenson, 
to  settle  these  points,  and  on  both  occasions  we  have 
settled  the  points  that  had  previously  given  rise  to 
correspondence,  and  would  have  given  rise  to  much 
more  correspondence  ;  we  have  settled  them  in  one 
day  without  any  difficult}'.  Although  this  may  ont 
be  strictly  in  accordance  with  the  Merchant  Shipping 
Act,  what  we  agreed  to  has  afterwards  been  sent 
in  the  usual  form,  thi'ough  the  different  Boards. 
But  I  believe  that  had  we  chosen  to  direct  that 
alter.atiou  in  the  light  it  would  have  been  in  strict 
accordance  with  the  spirit  of  the  Statute  ;  but  in 
this  ca,se,  as  we  were  acting  in  conjunction  with  the 
Trinity  House,  I  cannot  see  how  Admiral  Gordon 
should  think  that  we  were  .going  beyond  the  spirit 
or  even  the  letter  of  the  Act.  There  is  one  point 
in  Admiral  Gordon's  evidence  that  I  wish  particularly 
to  explain.  In  one  answer  he  speaks  of  my  having 
gone  with  the  Trinit}'  House  Committee  in  their 
steamer,  as  if  it  was  not  their  wish  that  I  should 
go,  but  that  they  did  not  like  to  refuse  the  request 
of  the  Board  of  Trade  that  I  should  go  with  them, 
I  was  ver}'  sorry  to  see  that,  because  the  first 
time  that  I  accompanied  them,  I  did  so  at  the  request 
of  Captain  Shepherd,  the  then  Deputy  Master,  and  he 
certainly  agreed  with  me  that  it  would  be  desirable 
that  we  should  go  down  and  see  those  things  on  the 
spot,  with  the  Northern  Light  Commissioners,  and  so, 
if  possible,  settle  them.  He  certainly  expressed  his 
wish  that  I  should  accompany  them,  and  had  I  not 
supposed  that  on  every  occasion  I  have  been  with  them 
I  had  gone  with  that  understanding,  or  had  I  supposed 
for  a  moment  I  was  considered  to  bo  only  tolerated  on 
board  because  the  Bo.ard  of  Trade  liad  requested 
it,  I  certainly  should  not  have  accompanied  them. — 
Referring  to  the  464th  question,  this  is  what  is  said  ; 
"  Adverting  to  the  question  put  at  your  last  ex.ami- 
"  nation  relative  to  the  light  at  Rhu  Vaal,  and  to 
b  4- 


Cdpl.  B.  J. 
Sulimn,  R.N: 


200 


MINUTES    OF    tVIDEXCE    TAKEN    BEFORE    THE    COMMISSIONERS    APPOINTED    TO 


Capt.  B.  J.       "  the    intorpretation  wliirli    woulil    appear    to    have 
SuUian,  R.N.    "  hceu  put  "Ml  eh»\ise  422  of  the  Merchant  Shipping 

'•  Act,  as  to   the  controlling  power  of  the  Board  of 

1  Feb.  1801.  i;  Trade  in  lliat  instance,  and  seeing  fliat  in  case  of 
••  a  difterence  of  opinion  between  the  Scotch  Board 
•'  and  tlie  Trinity  Board  tlie  Act  makes  the  Board 
"  of  Trade  the  uhimate  referee,  are  j'ou  of  opinion 
•'  that  inconvenience  to  the  public  service  might 
"  arise  from  the  power  given  to  the  Board  of  Trade 
"  by  tliat  Act  being  so  interpreted?  —  Yes;  it  is 
"  not  desirable  that  the  Board  of  Trade,  who  are 
"  the  ultimate  referees,  should  intei-fere  until  ap- 
"  pealed  to  ;  but  courtesy  to  the  naval  adviser  of 
"  the  Board  of  Trade  has  induced  the  Trinity  House 
'  not  to  decline  being  accompanied  by  him  whilst 
"  employed  in  preliminary  inspections."  The  next 
point  is  the  Iron  Rock.  Question  467  is  put  to  Ad- 
miral Gordon  as  to  the  site  of  the  Iron  Rock  for  a 
lighthouse,  and  the  expense  of  that  lighthouse,  which 
led  to  its  being  refused  by  the  Board  of  Trade.  If 
the  Commissioners  will  refer  to  the  previous  corre- 
.spondence  on  that  subject,  they  will  hnd  that  Cap- 
tain Bedford  had  recommended  Dunan's  Head, 
abreast  of  the  rock,  as  the  site  ;  that  Mr.  Stevenson 
had  recommended  a  site  somewhere  on  the  main,  on 
account  of  the  expense  of  putting  it  on  the  Iron 
Rock,  and  that  while  Goat  Island  would  be  the  best 
for  leading  to  the  small  anchorage,  Dunan's  Head 
would  be  the  best  position  for  lighting  vessels  in 
safety  past  the  Iron  Rock,  and  therefore  agreeing 
with  Cajitain  Bedford.  After  that,  the  representa- 
tives of  the  three  Boards  met  on  the  spot,  and  with- 
out any  reference  to  the  cost  of  the  thing,  or  to  the 
trade  for  which  it  would  be  erected,  it  was  decided 
that  the  best  site  would  be  the  Iron  Rock,  and  no 
one  can  doubt  that  if  no  other  thing  was  considered, 
the  Iron  Rock  would  be  the  best  site  ;  hut  when  the 
Northern  Light  Commissioners  sent  the  plans  and 
estimates  for  it  to  the  Board  of  Trade,  we  found 
that  it  would  cost  nearly  10,000/.  ;  above  6,000/. 
for  the  light,  and  3,400/.  for  the  three  keepers 
dwellings  on  shore,  together  with  the  necessary 
storehouse  and  road  and  enclosure  that  would 
have  to  be  made.  It  was  then  certainly  the  duty  of 
the  Board  of  Trade  to  consider,  whether  such  an 
outlay  from  the  Mercantile  Marine  Fund  would  Ik^ 
justifiable  for  the  amount  of  trade  using  that  channel, 
and  it  was  ascertained  that,  even  if  charged  for  a 
rock  station,  the  tolls  that  could  be  levied  for  the 
light  would  only  amount  to  75/.  a  year,  and  there- 
fore the  remaining  cost, — besides  the  first  heavy  cost — 
of  300/.  or  400/.  a  year  at  least,  must  have  been  a 
permanent  charge  on  the  shipping  of  the  United 
Kingdom,  to  enable  the  small  trade  of  that  channel 
to  have  this  light  on  the  Iron  Rock.  The  decision 
come  to  was,  that  unless  it  could  be  i)ut  there  for 
very  much  less,  something  like  6,000/.  or  7,000/., 
we  should  not  feel  justified  in  granting  the  money 
for  it.  That  question  also  raises  the  jjoint  of  the 
cost  of  these  dwellings  ;  the  estimate  for  three 
keepers  dwellings  of  four  rooms  each  was,  as  I  said 
before,  with  the  necessary  outworks,  3,400/.  ;  but  if 
we  separate  the  bare  dwellings  from  the  rest,  I 
think  it  would  amount  to  something  vxcT  2,000/. 
Now,  the  accommodation  given  by  Mr.  Stevenson's 
buildings  for  keepers,  compared  with  their  cost  is, 
in  my  opinion,  after  having  carefully  considered  the 
whole  matter  for  a  long  time,  not  in  jn-oportion  to 
what  it  is  in  Kngland  or  Ireland  ;  and  although 
Mr.  Ste\enson  disputes  the  i)oint  with  regard  to  a  com- 
parison with  one  of  the  worst  rock  stations  in  Ireland, 
■which  we  hajipencd  to  have  before  us  at  the  same 
time,  I  repeat  that  the  actual  comparison  is  this, — that 
for  dwellings  of  rlic  same  size,  with  just  as  much 
acconnnodation  in  Ireland  as  they  pro])0.sed  to  give 
in  Scotland,  while  Mr.  Stevenson's  estimates  ex- 
ceeded,! thiidi,  2000/.  for  three  dwellings,  (he  Ballast 
Board's  estimates  were  l.oOO/.  for  four  dwellings. 
The  (piestion  bad  arisen  before  with  regard  to  several 


other  lighthouses,  and  when  I  first  went  down,  I  was 
surprised  to  see  at  Rhn  Vaal  the  most  expensive 
style  of  dwelling  that  it  is  possible  to  conceive  ;  that 
is,  dwellings  on  one  floor,  of  cour.se  entailing  double 
the  foundation  and  double  the  roof  for  the  same 
amount  of  accommodation.  Except  it  were  in  a 
very  exposed  position,  I  do  not  think  that  we  should 
be  warranted  in  sanctioning  such  an  outlay,  because 
it  has  not  been  found  necessary  in  England.  On  the 
most  exposed  positions,  such  as  the  Lanil's  End  or 
Lizard  Point,  the  Trinity  House  has  always  put 
double  dwellmgs  of  two  stories,  and  1  believe,  every 
other  thing  being  equal,  that  the  difierence  would 
.amount  to  something  like  30  per  cent.  By  per.son- 
all}-,  in  the  first  instance,  explaining  to  Mr.  Steven- 
son, and  afterwards  in  writing,  they  were  told  that 
we  should  not  again,  except  in  special  cases,  sanction 
the  cost  of  putting  the  dwellings  on  one  floor,  and 
that  they  should  be  put  on  two  floors.  It  was  done 
in  two  out  of  the  three  next  lighthouses  sanctioned:  but 
we  were  asked  to  sanction  a  singh?  stored'  dwelling  at 
Pladda,  as  it  might  require  the  light  to  .show  over  it, 
and  that  was  immediately  sanctioned  ;  the  Board  ot 
Trade  therefore  first  reduced  the  expense  l)y  making 
them  build  on  two  stories.  I  mention  this  case 
because  in  a  letter  written  to  this  Board.  I  believe 
by  the  Northern  Light  Commissioners,  thej'  have 
stated  that  they  have  brought  the  expense  down  as 
low  as  possible;  but,  in  fact,  what  they  have  brought 
it  down  to  was  done  by  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  not 
by  them,  because  the  Board  of  Trade  said,  you  must 
build  them  on  two  storeis  ;  and  also  said,  you  must 
have  no  ornamental  cut  stone  or  cornices  in  the 
rooms,  which  I  see  Mr.  Stevenson  allows,  in  his 
evidence,  amounts  to  180/.  for  one  small  dwelling.  It 
is  by  these  means,  our  objecting  to  the  items,  that 
the  expenditure  has  been  reduced  to  what  it  is  ;  but 
after  all  that,  we  find  the  amount  comes  to  about 
700/.  a  dwelling,  for  the  three  keepers  dwellings  on 
the  island  of  Jura,  for  the  Iron  Rock  Lights.  I  do 
not  think  that  the  Board  of  Trade  would  be  justified 
in  sanctioning  such  large  estimates  for  dwellings, 
unless  they  are  perfectly  satisfied  that  dwellings 
perfectly  good  and  strong  in  every  respect  could  not 
be  built  for  a  lower  sum.  I  have  no  doubt  what- 
ever in  my  own  mind,  that  these  Scotch  dwellings 
cost  a  very  unnecessar}-  sum,  comparing  them  with 
the  English  and  Irish  dwellings.  I  can  come  to  no 
other  conclusion,  notwithstanding  what  Mr.  Steven- 
son has  said.  And  I  have  another  means  of  compa- 
rison. The  coast-guard  authorities  have  lately  been 
building  new  coast-guard  cottages  round  the  coast  of 
England,  and  I  have  had  their  plans  and  specifica- 
tions sent  to  me.  I  could  not  find  the  large  drawings 
to  bring  with  me,  but  this  little  sketch  {exhibiting 
the  same)  will  give  an  idea  of  them  ;  and  there  is, 
as  nearly  as  ])ossible,  the  same  area  in  the  ground 
floor,  and  they  give  nearly  the  same  amount  of  accom- 
modation as  the  Scotch  and  English  dwellings  ;  hut 
tliey  are  divided  diflerently,  for  instead  of  two  rooms 
of  12  feet,  giving  an  area  of  12  feet  by  24,  which  is 
about  the  size  of  the  Scotch,  where  they  have  a 
staircase  outside,  they  give  one  larger  room,  and 
divide  the  bedrooms  into  three  instead  of  two,  which 
I  think  is  a  better  arrangement.  Those  dwellings 
appear  all  to  be  constructed  of  the  best  material, 
quite  good  enough  for  any  class  of  man  that  a  light- 
keeper  can  possibly  be.  As  far  as  durability  goes, 
they  have  been  constructed  without  regard  to  ex- 
pense on  that  point,  and  they  have  been  built  as  solid 
and  good  dwellings  for  the  coast  guard  ;  and  I  think 
we  may  fairly  compare  those  with  what,  in  similar 
situations,  a  lighthouse  dwelling  should  cost. 

929.  You  are  speaking  of  the  dwelling  houses  in 
connexion  with  the  lighthouse  on  the  Island  of  Dura, 
but  in  general  I  should  think  they  would  hardly 
admit  of  a  comparison  with  the  dwellings  f'oi'  the 
coast  guard,  as  you  wnuld  uatm'ally  select  a  sheltered 
place  for  them  on   a   wild   coast,  whereas   for  a  light- 


IXQX'IRE  IXTO  THE  CONDITIOX  AND  MANAGEMEXT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  .V^'D  BEACOXS. 


201 


bouse  you  must  take  the  most  exposed  place  on  that 
coast  r — The  coast  guard  are  as  close  to  the  coast  as 
the  lighthouses,  and  the  being  a  little  more  or  loss 
exposed  would  not  affect  the  price,  if  the  distance 
from  labour  and  material  is  not  greater,  and  the 
facility  of  obtaining  materials  the  same. 

930.  {Mr.  Graves.)  Are  these  buildings  built  of 
brick  or  stone  ? — They  are  of  brick  in  some  places, 
and  stone  in  others. 

931.  Would  you  sanction  the  construction  of  dwell- 
ing houses  iu  Scotland  of  brick  ? — They  use  it  by 
preference. 

932.  (Chairman.)  Is  it  solely  on  account  of  the 
cost  of  the  dwellings,  and  not  of  the  lighthouse,  that 
the  Board  of  Trade  has  declined  to  go  on  with  the 
lighthouse  on  the  Iron  Rock  ? — Certainly  not.  The  cost 
of  the  lighthouse  is  the  principal  reason.  The  cost 
of  these  coast-guard  cottages  per  pair  in  the  different 
localities  varies  from  about  3oO/.  a  pair  to  700/.  orToO/. ; 
the  latter,  I  think  in  one  case  only,  where  the  material 
has  to  be  drawn  seven  miles;  the  average  is  about 
500/.  a  pair  for  dwellings,  as  to  which  I  have  had 
the  opinion  of  the  engineer  officer  attached  to  the 
Board  of  Trade,  Captain  Galton,  and  which  opinion 
is,  th.at  although  not  as  expensive  in  many  cases  as 
the  Scotch  specifications,  they  are  quite  enough  for  any 
class  of  men  of  that  kind.  He  winds  up  his  opinion, 
having  compared  the  plans  and  specifications  of  the 
two,  in  these  words  : — "  There  cau  be  no  doubt  that 
"  the  cottages  proposed  for  the  coast  guard  are  amply 
"  adequate  for  the  class  of  men  who  inhabit  them, 
"  and,  consequently,  any  expenditure  incurred  to 
"  obtain  more  expensive  dwellings  is  a  waste  of 
"  money." 

933.  Is  it  not  the  case  that  you  have  approved  of 
the  plans  sent  in  by  the  Scotch  Board  ? — The  plans 
and  estimates  came  together. 

934.  Have  you  approved  of  the  plans  ? — We  have 
not  approved  of  the  plan  for  the  lighthouse  on  the 
Iron  Rock,  but  it  is  not  that  which  gave  rise  to  it  ; 
we  have  approved  of  similar  plans  for  dwellings  in 
other  phu'es. 

935.  Who  is  to  prepare  the  plans  if  the  Scottish 
Commissioners  are  not  to  prepare  them  ? — There  has 
been  no  question  as  to  whether  they  are  to  make 
them  or  not.  We  have  suggested  an  alteration  in 
the  plans  to  this  extent— after  I  saw  Rhu  Vaal ; — at 
the  same  time  we  suggested  that  the  dwellings  should 
be  of  two  storeys ;  we  also  suggested  that  the  light- 
kee]>ers  should  have  not  less  than  four  rooms  instead 
of  three  rooms. 

936.  I  am  speaking  of  the  plan  of  the  lighthouse 
which  you  say  you  did  not  approve  ? —  The  only 
objection  to  the  plan  of  the  lighthouse  on  the  Iron 
Kock  is  its  cost  ;  we  think  that  it  is  out  of  projDOrtion 
to  the  wants  of  the  tr.ade  iu  that  place. 

937.  Ai'e  you  of  opinion  that  there  is  any  one 
more  capable  of  forming  a  just  estimate  for  such  a 
work,  when  the  plans  have  been  approved,  than  the 
engineer  employed  by  the  Commissioners  of  Northern 
Lights,  or  that  there  is  any  set  of  men  more  capable 
of  judging  of  the  reasonableness  of  that  estimate 
than  the  Scotch  Commissioners  themselves  ? — I  be- 
lieve that,  although  the  plans  may  be  very  good,  they 
may  be  carried  out  in  an  expensive  way,  and  that  the 
Scotch  dwellings  have  cost  more  than  dwellings  for 
those  keepers  need  have  cost.  I  have  formed  that 
opinion  after  making  all  the  inquiries  that  I  can, 
and  seeing  the  dwellings  myself ;  and  I  may  instance 
this  :  I  made  one  inquiry  through  a  friend  at  Oban. 
I  saw  some  very  good  houses  that  were  built  for  gen- 
tlemen there — one  for  the  surveying  commander  at 
Oban,  and  I  thought  I  should  like  to  know  the  cost  of 
such  houses.  I  wrote  to  him,  and  sent  him  an  exact 
sketch  of  one  of  the  double  storied  houses  in 
question.  I  asked  him  to  inquire  of  the  builder  who 
built  his  house  what  a  gentleman  could  get  such 
a  cottage  built  for  at  Oban,  of  the  very  best  material 
and  workmariship,  well  finished,  enough  for  a  gentle- 
man's small  house,  to  be  thoroughly  strong,  and  to  be 

I.  C 


a  good  winter  residence  iu  that  climate  if  necessary  ;      Capt.  B.  J. 
and  the  answer  was  to  this  efl'ect,  that  they  had  only     Sulwan,  iJ.A. 

one  builder  at  Oban,  and,  therefore,  he  was  an  cxpen-  

sive  one,  although  a  very  good  one,  and  he  said  that  he       '  Fcb^lSGl. 

could  not  build  such  a  house  at  Oban  under  400/.  ;  or, 

if  cut  stone  were  used  for  cornerstones,  which  would 

have  to  be  brought  from  Glasgow,  460/.     This  would 

have  been  an  exactly  similar  dwelling  to  the  one  at 

Corran  Point,   for  which   I  think   the  estimate  was 

1,400/. 

938.  But  Oban  is  a  town,  the  workmen  and  ma- 
terials being  all  convenient,  and  CorranToint  is  in  an 
exposed  situation  where  there  would  be  great  diffi- 
culty in  getting  either  the  one  or  the  other  ? — I  men- 
tion Corran  Point  because  it  has  not  the  objection  of 
being  an  outlying  island,  for  there  is  a  village 
for  workmen  to  live  in,  close  to  it,  and  it  is  not  much 
more  isolated  than  Oban.  I  would  take  HolbornHead 
as  an  instance.  The  original  estimates  for  Holborn 
Head  were,  I  think,  4,600/.  for  a  small  harbour  light  ; 
and  the  dwelling,  taking  the  criterion  of  the  other 
lights  for  that,  would  in  the  same  way  have  repre- 
sented about  a  sum  of  1,400/.  It  was  suggested  to 
the  Scotch  Commissioners  that,  for  a  small  harbour 
light  like  that,  a  house  with  a  light  at  the  gable  of 
the  keeper's  dwelling  would  answer  all  the  purpose, 
and  so,  save  a  tower.  The  Trinity  House,  without 
any  suggestion,  adopted  that  verjf  plan  shortly  after- 
wards for  a  harbour  light  at  Harwich.  I  had  sug- 
gested it  for  Holborn  Head  before,  as  I  had  seen  even 
first  class  lights,  when  height  was  not  required,  on 
the  Danish  coasts,  of  the  same  kind,  where  onlv 
half  a  circle  required  to  be  lighted,  the  lantern  was 
fixed  at  the  end  of  a  gable,  and  it  answered  all  the  pur- 
pose ol'  a  tower  at  a  much  cheaper  rate.  And  if  I  had 
been  responsible  for  erecting  lights,  in  the  case  of 
all  harbour  lights,  and  in  several  cases  I  think  on  the 
west  coast  of  Scotland,  where  the  height  of  a  tower 
was  not  required,  I  would,  at  much  smaller  cost, 
have  given  the  necessary  efficiency  to  a  light  in  that 
manner.  At  Holborn  Head  the  Commissioners 
adopted  our  suggestion  to  a  certain  extent,  but  they 
have  connected  a  small  tower  with  the  dwelling  which 
has  reduced  the  cost  to  1,200/.  or  a  little  more  than 
that.  At  Holborn  Head  there  is  every  facility  for 
building  keepers'  cottages  as  cheaply,  I  believe,  as  you 
can  build  one  in  any  place  in  England.  The  old  red 
sandstone  that  would  have  to  be  cut  out  for  the  foun- 
dation is  a  good  building  stone.  No  material  from 
a  distance  would  be  required  of  that  kind.  There  is  a 
village  close  at  hand,  where  people  would  reside,  and 
a  town  a  small  distance  off,  and  I  cannot  fancy  any 
place  therefore  where  works  ought  to  be  executed  at 
a  lower  rate  than  at  Holborn  Head.  The  lighthouse 
on  Languard  Point,  at  Harwich,  is  of  brick  material, 
which  has  to  be  conveyed  there,  it  is  on  a  shingle  point 
requiring  a  more  expensive  foundation.  For  that 
foundation  they  asked  2001.,  and  for  the  house  800/. 
more  ;  the  light  will  be  placed  in  the  gable,  and  allow- 
ing that  a  fourth-class  light,  which  is  the  only  one 
in  question,  could  be  placed  for  aliout  600/.  in  that 
gable,  which  I  am  convinced  it  could  be,  or  certainly 
for  700/.  or  800/.,  the  wliole  expense  of  that  would 
be  reduced  to  about  1,600/.  or  1,800/.  Now  at  Hol- 
born Head  there  is  the  additional  cost  of  a  road 
and  walls,  but  certainly  in  no  way  could  that  run  up 
an  additional  2,000/.,  and  from  the  tenders  that  have 
been  made  for  the  building  portion  of  the  work  the 
cost  will,  I  think,  be  consider.ibly  under  the  original 
estimate  although  probably  not  the  amended  estimate 
that  was  made  after  we  had  discussed  the  question 
in  correspondence  with  the  Light  Commissioners.  I 
am  convinced  that  a  much  cheaper  class  of  dwelling 
and  building  altogether,  with  equal  Btren"th  and 
durabilit)",  might  have  been  adopted  for  this  class  of 
light  ;  and  the  more  I  have  seen  and  gone  into  the 
question,  and  discussed  it  with  Messrs.  Stevenson,  the 
more  I  have  heard  their  objections  the  moie  am  I  con- 
vinced that  we  have  not  taken  a  wrong  view  on  these 
points,  and  I  am  sure  that  there  is  no  reason  why  the 


202 


MIXirrES   OF   EVIDEXCE   TAKEX    BEFORE   THE   COMMISSIONERS   APPOINTED   TO 


Capt.  B.  J. 
Sulivan,  li.X 


ings  in  Scotland  should  cost  so  much  more  than  in 
England  or  in  Ireland.  I  mentioned  this  subject  to 
a  gentleman  of  property  residing  in  the  highlands  in 
an  out  of  the  way  place,  and  he  was  astonished  when 
I  told  him  what  the  dwellings  cost.  He  told  me  that 
he  had  just  had  two  ornamental  lodges,  containing 
four  rooms  each,  built  for  his  park,  that  they  were 
built  of  the  best  materials,  and  handsomely  con- 
structed, and  that  they  had  cast  him  5001.  a 
pair.  And  surely,  if  these  are  facts,  it  cannot 
be  necessarj',  at  least  in  a  place  like  Corran  or  Holborn 
Head,  that  more  than  double  that  sum  should  be 
spent  for  two  keepers'  dwellings.  I  think  that  taking 
the  average  of  the  Trinity  House  dwellings  they  cost 
about  1,000/.  a  pair,  or  something  less;  but  in  one  very 
exposed  place  at  Sennen's  Cove  four  dwellings  for 
the  keepers  have  been  built  for  1,000/.  That  is  an 
out  of  the  way  place  on  the  Cornish  coast,  and  farther 
from  a  town  than  Holborn  Head  is.  An  application 
was  made,  at  first  privately  to  me,  from  parties  who 
were  interested  in  a  harbour  light  on  the  west  coast 
of  Scotland  on  an  island  ;  all  I  could  do  was  to  refer 
them  to  the  Scotch  Board.  I  was  told  that  the  late 
Mr.  Stevenson  had  long  ago  selected  this  very 
site  for  the  purpose,  but  that  it  had  been  given  up. 
I  said  that  we  had  no  power,  and  that  it  must  come 
through  the  Scotch  Board  ;  but  I  was  anxious  to  see 
what  means  existed  in  this  island  for  erecting  these 
buildings,  and  I  asked  a  person  moving  in  the  matter 
whether  they  had  the  means  of  building,  in  the  is- 
land, the  necessary  works.  He  said  that  there  was 
a  very  good  builder  there,  that  there  were  persons  iu 
the  island,  who  were  interested  in  getting  this  light, 
who  would  render  every  assistance,  and  that  he  was 
Bure  it  could  bo  done  at  a  cheap  rate.  I  asked  him, 
whether  he  would  ascertain  from  the  builder  there 
what  a  dwelling  for  a  keeper,  with  the  necessary 
fittings  for  a  light,  could  be  erected  for ;  that 
it  must  be  all  of  the  best  material,  strong  and 
durable,  and  fit  for  a  respectable  keeper  to  live  in. 
Shortly  afterwards  he  ent  me  a  sketch  made  by  this 
builder  of  a  dwelling  i\  which  he  only  gives  two  rooms 
to  each  keeper,  and  a  l.ttle  tower  attached  to  the  dwell- 
ing; there  are  four  r.ioms,  but  the  rooms  are  much 
larger  although  fewer  in  number,  tEey  are  16  by  13 
instead  of  12  by  13.  i5ut,  allow  that  it  is  40  per  cent, 
under  what  the  accommodation  for  the  Scotch  houses 
could  be  given  for.  Tiiere  is  a  little  tower  proposed  to 
put  the  light  on,  and  he  olfers  to  build  ;.that  light- 
building  of  the  best  material  for  350/.  Now  I  have 
not  any  doubt  that  if  I  had  the  entire  management  of 
putting  a  light  in  that  island,  that  I  would  put  a  very 
good  harbour  light  there,  with  buildings  as  strong 
and  durable  although  not  as  handsomely  finished  as 
Mr.  Stevenson's,  and  that  at  the  outside  it  should  cost 
no  more,  complete,  than  from  1,200/.  to  1,500/.  I  be- 
lieve 1,000/.  I  cannot  have  the  slightest  doubt  about 
it.  And  that,  I  think,  goes  entiiely  to  confirm  my 
opinion,  that  the  style  of  those  houses  is  unnecessarily 
expensive.  I  may  mention  one  thing  that  took  place 
in  my  presence  when  we  entered  those  little  houses 
at  lUiu  Vaal,  which  only  gave  three  rooms,  although 
too  well  finished  for  the  keepers.  One  of  the  Elder 
brethren  who  was  with  me  exclaimed  "  I  do  not 
wonder  now  at  the  Scotch  dwellings  being  so 
expensive  when  I  see  how  they  are  finished;  we 
are  content  with  iron  bolts,  but  here,  everything  is 
brass."  Then  merely  on  our  representation  Mr. 
Stevenson  allows  in  his  evidence,  that  on  two  of 
those  dwellings,  in  ornament  alone,  in  cut  stone  and 
cornices  to  the  rooms,  the  amount  has  been  reduced  by 
181/.  ;  and  I  think  that  justifies  the  opinion  we 
had  formed,  that  the  original  plans  were  unnecessarily 
expensive,  and  that  we  were  right  in  endeavouring  to 
reduce  the  amount  before  we  sanctioned  the  expen- 
diture. 

939.  (Mr.  Graves.)  Seeing  that  the  Northern  Com- 
missioners assert  that  they  cannot  get  an  efficient 
lighthouse  and  suitable  dwelliugs  built  on  the  Iron 
Eoek  at  a  less  cost  than  Mr.  Stevenson's  estimate,  and 


that  the  Board  of  Trade  will  not  grant  the  snm  re- 
quired, the  question  is  naturally  suggested  what  will 
be  the  practical  issue  of  this  difl^erence  of  opinion  ?— 
I  believe  it  "tnight  easily  be  settled  if  there  were  not 
difficulties  connected  with  the  triple  government 
About  two  months  since  the  Scotch  Commissioners 
wrote  to  us  enclosing  a  letter  from  Captain  Graham, 
of  the  clansman,  showing  the  importance  of  having  a 
light  in  Jura  Sound.  In  the  letter  Captain  Graham 
particularly  dwelt  on  his  anxiety  one  night  in  passin" 
the  rock,  because  he  did  not  know  how  far  he  wae 
from  Dunan's  Head  iu  consequence  of  the  darkness  of 
the  night.  On  that  we  wrote  to  the  Northern  Light 
Commissioners  suggesting  that  as  Dunan's  Head  would 
really  in  a  great  measure  answer  as  well  as  the  Iron 
Rock,  at  all  events  as  the  light  could  be  put  there 
for  half  the  cost  of  the  light  and  dwellings  lor  the 
Iron  Rock,  and  might  answer  all  the  purposes  required 
of  a  light  in  that  channel ;  we  suggested  to  them  whe- 
ther they  could  not  re-open  the  question  by  proposing 
a  light  on  Dunan's  Head,  and  that  we  should  be 
quite  ready  to  grant  the  necessarv  sanction  for  the 
outlay  as  quickly  as  it  could  be  done,  that  the  light 
might  be  proceeded  with  as  soon  as  possible.  Mv  own 
conviction  was,  and  is,  that  that  was  the  best  way  to 
meet  that  difficulty,  that  while  it  would  reduce  the 
expense  greatly,  both  of  the  first  cost  and  the  main- 
tenance, it  would  equally  supply  the  wants  of  the 
trade  in  that  sound.  The  principal  trade  requiring  a 
light  there  consists  of  the  few  steamers  that  run  two 
or  three  times  a  week  up  and  down  that  sound,  and 
only  for  them  would  the  expense  of  the  light  be 
justifiable,  and  on  nautical  grounds  I  am  convinced 
myself  that  a  light  on  Dunan's  Head  would  aftbrd 
those  steamers  as  mucb  safety  for  passing  the  Iron 
Rock,  as  if  it  were  on  the  rock  itself.  I  was  iu  hopes 
that  by  suggesting  this  to  the  Northern  Light  Com- 
missioners we  might  get  over  the  difficulty,  and  get 
the  light  so  much  wished  for  by  Captain  Graham  and 
his  friends.  The  Scotch  Commissioners  replied  to 
the  eU'ect  that  they  could  not  re-open  the  question,  as 
it  had  been  decided  to  be  on  the  Iron  Rock,  in  fact  as 
it  were  going  on  the  difficulty  of  their  re-opening  the 
question  when  the  Trinity  House  and  Board  of 
Trade  had  already  decided  that  it  should  be  in  ano- 
ther place  ;  at  all  events  shewing  that  they  would  not 
meet  our  views  halfway  in  order  to  get  this  question 
settled,  and  so  it  rests  at  present.  Since  that  time  I 
have  seen  Mr.  Stevenson  and  Mr.  Cuninghani,  and 
they  both  expressed  their  opinion  that  they  would  be 
quite  satisfied  with  it  on  the  rock.  Mr.  Stevenson 
said  that  it  was  in  accordance  wit'u  his  previous 
opinion,  and  that  if  we  wished  them  to  put  it  on 
Dunan's  Head,  in  order  to  save  the  expense, 
they  were  quite  ready  to  do  so.  But  we  could  not 
do  that  without  exercising  the  power  which  we  have 
never  yet  exercised,  and  do  not  wish  to  do.  But  I 
am  in  hopes,  with  the  concurrence  of  the  Trinity 
House  and  the  Northern  Light  Commissioners  if  they 
will  not  stick  on  the  formal  point  and  will  meet 
us  half  way,  that  we  shall  get  the  light  on  Dunan's 
Head  instead,  which  will  I  believe  answer  all  the 
purposes  of  the  trade,  and  be  more  in  accordance  as 
to  expense  with  the  small  toll  obtainable  and  with 
the  trade  of  the  place. 

940.  {Chairma7i.)  Without  impugning  the  reason- 
ableness of  the  proposal  made  by  the  Board  of  Trade, 
and  without  questioning  the  practical  merits,  nauti- 
cally  speaking,  of  that  proposal,from  what  clause  of  the 
Merchant  Shipping  Act  do  you  gather  that  the  Board 
of  Trade  can  take  the  initiative  in  a  question  of 
placing  Lights  on  or  lighting  our  shores  ? — Our  letter 
to  the  Northern  Light  Commissioners  shows  that  we 
distinctly  wished  them,  in  accordance  with  the  Act, 
to  take  the  initiative  by  re-opening  the  question,  and 
by  making  a  proposal  through  the  proper  channel,  be- 
cause we  did  not  wish  to  exercise  the  authority  that 
we  might  exercise  in  directing  them  to  place  it  there 
without  their  doing  so  ;  and  that  is  the  real  difficulty 
that   we  now  labour  under.     As    they  rested  their 


IXQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIOHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


203 


case  so  much  upon  the  letter  that  was  written  by 
Captain  Gi'ahani,  I  was  anxious  to  know  his  opinion 
upon  this  point  ;  and  I  wrote  to  liim  asliing  him  for 
it,  and  this  is  his  answer  : — "  In  reference  to  the 
"  proposed  light  in  the  Sound  of  Jura,  I  am  of 
"  opinion  that  the  Iron  Rock  is  the  proiier  site  for  a 
"  light  in  that  locality  ;  but,  under  all  consideration?, 
"  of  the  extra  expense  of  building  and  maintaining 
"  the  same,  and  also  the  higher  rate  of  toll  that 
"  wouhl  be  levied  on  ships  passing,  perhaps  Dunan's 
"  Head  would  bo  most  advisable.  I  see  no  really 
"  serious  objection  against  the  light  being  erected 
"  on  Dunan's  Head.  The  steamers,  which  I  am 
"  sure  represent  more  than  half  the  tniilic  of  the 
"  sound,  would  have  no  difficulty  in  passing  by 
"  safely  if  the  light  was  shown  on  Dunan's  Point. 
"  On  the  night  referred  to  in  my  communication 
"  to  the  Northern  Light  Commissioners  I  would 
"  have  had  no  difficulty  at  all  if  the  light  had 
"  been  shown  on  the  Head."  Now  I  think  that 
quite  confirms  the  opinion  that  we  had  previously 
expressed  to  the  Northern  Light  Commissioners, 
that  if  they  would  agree  to  this  alteration  it  would 
meet  the  wants  of  the  trade,  and  do  it  at  a  cost  more 
in  accordance  with  what  would  be  justifiable  for 
such  a  trade.  Captain  Graham  goes  on  to  say  : — 
"  I  do  earnestly  hope  that  we  will  get  a  light  some- 
"  where  soon  in  that  locality.  I  was  born  in  sight 
'•'  of  the  Iron  Rock,  and  still  it  gives  me  more 
"  anxiety  to  pass  by  it  safely  than  all  the  other 
"  rocks  between  Glasgow  and  Stornaway."  I  may 
say  this,  that  the  sailing  vessels  in  that  channel  are 
very  few,  and  I  have  not  heard  of  any  accident 
to  one  on  the  rock.  There  would  be  still  the  advan- 
tage of  a  beacon  on  the  rock,  and  a  small  band  of 
coloured  light  thrown  from  Dunan's  Head  across  the 
rock  would  keep  vessels,  working  up  and  down, 
clear  of  it  when  standing  across.  That  it  is 
only  a  reasonable  proposition  that  this  saving  should 
bo  made,  I  think  is  shown  by  a  case  on  our  own 
coasts,  where  a  somewhat  similar  point  was  decided 
by  the  Trinity  House  alone.  Those  who  know 
Falmouth  harbour  will  recollect  the  Black  Rock,  in  the 
middle  of  the  harbour,  which,  on  a  small  scale,  is  ex- 
actly like  the  Iron  Rock  in  the  middle  of  Jura  Sound ; 
but,  as  the  channel  is  much  narrower  than  Jura 
Sound,  it  is  of  course  more  dangerous  to  vessels 
than  the  Jura  Sound  channel.  If  cost  had  been  set 
aside,  there  is  no  doubt  that  a  lighthouse  on  the 
Black  Rock  would  h.ave  been  the  best  position  for 
vessels  entering  Falmouth  harbour,  because  it  would 
liaht  both  channels  for  vessels  coming  in,  and  would 
enable  them  to  go  as  near  the  rock  as  was  safe  ; 
but  the  Trinity  House  put  the  light  on  the  main  point, 
and  put  the  l:)cacon  on  the  Black  Rock,  and  that  has 
answered  the  purposes  of  a  very  large  trade  ;  so 
much  so  that  in  24  hours  I  have  known  170  vessels, 
both  during  the  day  and  night,  pass  in  safety  into 
Falmouth  harbour.  For  that  immense  trade  a 
beacon  on  the  rock,  and  a  light  on  the  point,  are 
sufficient  ;  and  certainly  for  a  very  small  trade,  that 
will  not  pay  one  eighth  of  the  cost  of  maintenance, 
a  similar  arrangement  would  be  quite  sufficient.  If 
the  Northern  Light  Commissioners  would  not  stick 
to  the  ex.act  form  on  this  question,  but  would  be 
prepared  to  meet  us  half  way  for  the  sake  of  getting 
this  light  there,  I  have  no  doubt  that  it  could  be  pro- 
ceeded with  next  summer.  I  may  add  fairly  that 
this  shows  the  great  inconvenience  of  dealing  with 
two,   and  still  more  with  three,  governments. 

941.  {Mr.  Gladstone.)  The  Irish  lighthouses  have 
been  constructed  usually  at  about  as  great  an  ex- 
pense as  the  Scotch  lights.  Have  you  had  any 
occasion  to  complain  of  the  expense  in  recent  erec- 
tions in  Ireland  ? — The  only  erection  in  Ireland 
since  I  have  been  at  the  Board  of  Trade  that  has  led 
to  a  question  of  expense,  I  think,  is  the  case  I  have 
alluded  to  ;  namely,  the  dwelling  on  the  Calf  Rock, 
in  which  case  we  n^ido  them  reduce  the  expense. 
But,  judging  from  the  estimates  of  the  cost  of  the 

C 


lighthouses    on   the   Calf  Rock   and   on   the  Black      Capi.  B  J. 
Rock,  and  comparing  those  with  such  lights  as  those    Sulivan,  ./?.A. 
of  North  Unst,  the  Butt  of  Lewis,  and  the  pi'oposed      ^  T.-lT^gei 
light  on  the  Jlonach  Islands,  I  should  think  the  cost        ______' 

of  the  Irish  lights  very  much  less  in  proportion  than 
the  Scotch  lights  ;  for  instance,  if  we  take  the  Calf 
Rock,  it  is  a  rock  very  much  exposed,  that  can 
only  be  landed  upon  occasionally,  with  the  whole 
Atlantic  Sea  coming  in  against  it,  and  affording,  I 
should  think,  at  least  as  difficult,  if  not  a  more  diffi- 
cult, site  than  North  Unst.  But  I  speak  of  North 
Unst  with  more  reserve,  because  I  have  not  been 
there.  I  judge  only  b}'  the  estimated  cost,  which  is 
confirmed  b)-  the  tenders  that  we  have  now  sanc- 
tioned, and  whicli  is,  I  think,  not  more,  but  much 
less,  than  the  cost  of  North  Unst  ;  the  estimate  for 
the  Calf  Rock  is  only  17,400Z.  That  is  the 
sanctioned  tender,  both  for  the  lighthouse  and  all  the 
works  necessary  on  the  shore,  including  the  dwelling 
houses.  For  Black  Rock,  I  think,  the  tenders  are 
15,000/.;  very  little  more  than  the  estimated  cost  of  the 
Monach  Island  and  the  Butt  of  Lewis  Lights,  the 
former,  I  think,  being  14,000/.,  and  the  latter  being 
12,000/.,  while  there  is  no  comparison  as  to  the 
difficulty  of  the  situation.  The  estimate  for  the 
dwellings  on  the  Black  Rock,  where  the  difficulty  of 
landing  is  so  immense,  and  where  everything  will 
have  to  be  taken  up,  I  believe,  on  inclined  planes,  is 
only  1,500/.,  no  more  th.an  for  the  ordinary  dwellings 
of  the  Scotch  lighthouses  in  small  stations,  such  as 
Pladda  and  Carran,  and  less  considerably  than  the 
estimates  for  the  dwellings  either  on  Monach  or  the 
Butt  of  Lewis.  While  I  have  been  speaking  of  the 
cost  of  the  Scotch  dwellings  as  1,400/.  .and  1,500/., 
I  have  been  taking  the  lowest  rate  of  estimate. 
For  the  Monach  group  the  estimate  alone  is  above 
2,000/.,  for  the  Butt  of  Lewis  somewhere  about 
the  same  ;  and  jet  in  the  Monach  group  there  is 
a  beautiful  landlocked  cove,  where  vessels  can  lie 
in  perfect  safety.  Everything  could  be  landed 
close  to  the  spot,  while  at  the  Black  Rock  everything 
has  to  be  landed  with  the  greatest  difficulty,  only 
in  fine  weather,  and  to  an  extent  that  cannot  be 
compared  with  the  difficulties  on  Monach  and  the 
Butt  of  Lewis.  At  Question  74  this  appears  : — 
"  Were  they  all  Scotch  tenders  ? — Yes.  In  other 
"  cases  the  commissioners  are  prohibited  from  adver- 
"  tising  by  the  Board  of  Trade  for  their  tenders, 
"  such  as  for  lanterns  and  apparatus,  and  they  are 
"  directed  to  transmit  the  specifications  to  certain 
"  specified  houses  in  England  and  Scotland."  That 
is  quite  a  mistake.  We  have,  as  a  rule,  said  that  as 
to  buildings  it  should  be  done  by  general  tenders, 
but  we  have  never  said  that  the  more  important 
works,  such  as  lanterns  and  apparatus,  should  not  be 
done  by  general  lenders.  Then  Question  750  and 
the  answer  .are  these — "  Was  the  original  plan  of  the 
"  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lights  with  regard  to 
"  the  height  of  the  Caimbulg  beacon  carried  out  ? — 
"  It  was  originally  intended  to  be  higher,  but,  by  the 
"  directions  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  the  beacon  was 
"  cut  down."  Mr.  Stevenson  there  alludes  to  a  beacon 
having  been  cut  down.  It  is  true  that  we  requested 
them  to  reduce  the  expense,  which  would  reduce  the 
beacon  from  40  to  30  feet.  A  reef  of  rocks  extends 
a  very  short  distance  from  the  land,  and  there  are 
many  parts  on  our  coasts  which  are  quite  as  dangerous 
without  a  buoy  or  beacon,  and  if  it  were  not  such  rn 
exposed  coast  it  is  a  place  where  a  buoy  would  answer 
every  purpose,  and  no  more  than  the  expense  of  a 
buoy  would  be  justifiable.  Therefore,  a  be.acon  that 
will  always  show  from  15  to  20  feet,  I  think,  above 
high-water  mark,  and  which  will  be  so  much  more 
conspicuous  than  any  buoy  would  be,  certainly 
answers  all  the  necessities  of  the  case,  and  therefore 
it  was  a  case  in  which  we  might  fairly  ex])ect  to  get 
it  done  at  a  more  reasonable  cost  than  that  at  first 
proposed  for  a  40  feet  beacon,  and  that  was  the  reason 
for  wishing  it  to  be  cut  down.  There  is  another  case 
of  the  Tuesdale  beacon  in  the  Isle  of  Man.  Mr.  Steven- 

c  2 


204 


MINUTES   OK   EVIDEXeE   TAKEN"   BEFORE  THE    COMMISSIOXERS   APPOINTED   T(J 


Capt.  B.  J. 
Sulaan,  jR  N. 


Bon  proposed  one  of  those  large  and  expensive  east- 
iron  beacons  ;  it  is  in  a  narrow  channel  where  it  is 
not  wanted  to  guide  a  vessel  to  the  Channel — the  land 
does  it,  and  it  is  only  when  close  in,  that  a  vessel 
requires  to  pass  the  danger,  and  therefore  a  large 
beacon  is  not  necessary.  A  short  time  before,  the 
Scotch  Board  had  erected  a  small  class  of  wrought- 
irou  beacon,  costing,  I  think,  only  80/.  on  the 
Calliach  Kock,  and"  it  seemed  to  the  Bo.ard  of 
Trade  that  a  beacon  something  of  that  class,  which 
would  be  less  expensive,  would  answer  the  pur- 
pose better.  Mr.  Stevenson  gave  a  plan  and  esti- 
mate for  a  beacon  of  that  construction,  which  he  said 
he  would  not  recommend,  as  he  preferred  the  other, 
as  he  considered  it  in  the  light  of  an  experiment  ;  but 
the  estimate  was,  1  think,  a  little  more  than  half  the 
cost  of  the  first  proposed  beacon,  and  the  size  of  it 
would  answer  all  the  purpose.  The  Board  of  Trade 
considered  that  it  would  be  a  fair  case  for  testing  one 
of  the  new  wrought-iron  beacons,  which  was  so  much 
cheaper,  in  a  site  of  that  kind,  and  therefore  that 
they  would  approve  of  that  beacon,  notwithstanding 
Mr.  Stevenson  not  being  answerable  for  its  durability, 
as  a  desirable  experiment;  but,  if  it  succeeded,  it 
might  lead  to  reducing  the  cost  of  the  beacons  ;  and 
I  think  that  tliat  was  a  proper  thing  to  do  under 
existing  circumstances.  The  next  ease  that  I  have 
to  refer  to  is  that  of  the  Uust  boatman.  It  was  pro- 
posed to  run  a  telegraph  from  the  island  to  the  shore, 
and  a  permanent  boatman  had  been  sanctioned  for 
that  shore  station  on  the  ground  of  his  being  required 
to  go  up  the  hill,  I  think,  to  look  out  for  signals  daily. 
We  said  that  if  this  telegraph  was  carried  to  the 
houses  of  course  this  man  would  lie  unnecessary  ;  and 
as  for  a  rock  station  alone,  I  do  not  know  of  any 
case  where  permanent  boatmen  are  kept,  but  that 
boatmen  are  hired  for  the  occasion,  or  it  is  done  l)y 
contract ;  it  was  thought  that  if  he  was  not  necessary 
for  a  signal  man,  which  was  the  ground  on  which  he 
was  made  permanent,  his  expense  might  be  saved 
annually,  and  so  make  np  somewhat  for  the  cost  of 
the  telegraph.  The  Scotch  Commissioners  refused 
the  telegVaph  on  tliose  conditions,  and  they  said  that 
the  boafman  was  necessi-.ry.  Xow  as  fishermen  can 
be  hired  there  to  man  the  boat,  I  see  no  reason  why 
the  boat's  crew  could  not  be  hired  periodically,  or 
when  required,  as  they  are  at  other  stations  both  in 
England  and  Ireland,  and  I  believe  in  Scotland,  where 
no  permanent  man  is  kept.  And  therefore,  because 
they  still  insisted  upon  having  this  signalman  to  look 
out  for  signals  under  the  name  of  a  boatman,  we  re- 
fused to  sanction  the  cost  of  the  electric  telegraph. 
Tiie  road  for  the  signalman,  if  lie  was  retained,  was 
not  necessary  over  jihiin  open  moor  ground  like  that  ; 
and  we  stated  that  if  there  were  any  difficult  passes 
where  little  bridges  were  required,  we  should  liavo 
no  objection  to  the  outlay  ;  but  that  to  make  a  road 
of  that  distance  to  the  hill,  to  en.able  him  to  walk  over, 
we  tl'.ought  unnecessary,  and  we  refused  it. 

912.  Was  it  not  the  case  that  he  was  upon  one 
occasion  nearly  lost  ? — I  am  not  aware  of  that  ;  but 
it  was  distinctly  stated  to  them,  that  if  tliere 
were  any  difficult  passes  or  water-courses  which 
made  it  dangerous  for  him  to  cross,  we  had  no  objec- 
tion to  the  expense  of  making  them  safe,  but  that  a 
road  over  the  open  was  not  required.  My  recollec- 
tion is  that  that  followed  the  telegraph  ;  but  at  all 
events,  if  the  telegraph  was  adopted,  it  was  certain 
that  tlie  road  would  not  be  wanted.  If  the  telegraph 
was  adopted,  I  cannot  see  why  tlie  signalman  was 
wanted  ;  the  signalman  was  asked  for  and  sanctioned, 
not  as  a  boatman,  but  distinctly  as  a  signalman  ;  and 
it  was  only  wlien  the  telegraph  question  was  raised 
that  it  was  said  he  was  wanted  to  be  retained  as 
a  boatman.  Then  came  the  question  of  beacons  and 
buoys,  as  to  colours  ;  and  I  wish  merely  generally  to 
state  that  1  am  quite  certain,  as  a  general  principle, 
that  it  is  not  safe  to  mark  tlie  sides  of  channels  bv 
red  and  black  buoys.  I  have  had  probably  as  much 
experience  as  auy  person  in  marking  channels ;  for 


example,  in  the  Baltic,  where  we  had  an  immense 
deal  of  that  to  do,  putting  down  marks  for  vessels  to 
go  through,  at  short  notice  ;  and  we  found  nothing 
60  good  to  prevent  a  mistake,  whether  for  large  or 
small  vessels,  as  a  parti-coloured  buoy  on  one  side, 
and  a  dark-coloured  buoy  on  the  other,  because  they 
could  not  possihh'  be  mistaken  ;  and  I  adopted,  there, 
red,  and  red  and  white,  or  black,  and  black  and  white. 
I  believe,  with  regard  to  red  and  black,  that  they  are 
apt  to  be  mistaken  for  each  other,  and  I  cannot  con- 
sider them  safe,  and  that  is  why  I  should  not  recom- 
mend their  being  sanctioned  without  clearing  myself 
of  the  responsibility  of  adopting  those  colours.  I  may 
instance,  in  order  to  try  the  question,  that  when  going 
down  the  Swin,  with  the  Elder  Brethren,  dis- 
cussing this  point,  after  Lord  Clarence  Paget  had 
mooted  the  (luestioi;,  I  was  asked  suddenly  by  one  of 
the  Elder  Brethren  of  the  Trinity  House,  '•  YMiat 
colour  is  that  buoy  ?"  AVe  were  ai)proachiug  it  in  a 
certain  light.  Others  were  asked  ;  and  I  think  we 
were  evenly  divided  in  opinion,  for  about  half  said 
red,  and  the  other  half  said  black  ;  but  as  we  drew 
up  to  it  and  got  it  in  another  light  it  was  seen,  I 
think,  to  be  black  ;  but  there  was  quite  a  difllerence 
of  opinion  until  then.  In  going  into  Barnstaple, 
in  the  "  Banshee,"  with  tlie  Harbour  of  Refuge  Com- 
missioners on  board,  we  were  approaching  a  buoy, 
and  I  asked  all  the  gentlemen  on  the  paddle-box  the 
question,  "  Is  that  a  black  or  a  red  Inioy  ?"  Some  pro- 
nounced it  black,  and  some  pronounced  it  red;  but  as 
the  light  changed  some  of  them  changed  their  opinions, 
and  as  it  came  alongside  I  think  that  it  proved  to  be 
a  red  buoy.  It  was  utterh'  impossible  for  a  stranger, 
who  had  to  pass  on  one  side  of  a  black  buoy,  and  on 
the  other  side  of  a  red  buoy,  that  he  could  have 
known  on  which  side  safety  lay.  Whether  you  use 
red  or  black  is  of  less  importance,  so  long  as  you 
have  the  other  side  stripes  or  checkered.  I  am  con- 
vinced that  the  best  is  to  have  black  on  one  side 
and  checkered  on  the  other,  or  red  on  one  side  and 
checkered  on  the  other — and  it  was  on  that  ground 
that  ^\-e  susirested  it  to  the  Ballast  Board  for  Loucrh 
Swilly. 

943.  (Mr.  Graves.)  Do  you  approve  of  one  general 
system  of  buoys  ? — I  think  it  is  desirable  to  lay  down 
one  uniform  system  ;  that  is,  I  would  endeavour,  iu 
buoying  all  new  places,  to  establish  this  system, — 
that  black  or  red  buoys  sliould  be  on  the  one 
hand,  and  black  and  white  or  red  and  white  on 
the  other.  In  the  same  way,  if  buoys  have 
beacons  on  them,  on  one  side,  where  tiie  one  colour 
is,  there  should  be  one  ball,  and  on  the  other  side, 
where  the  two  colours  are,  there  should  be  two  balls. 
That  .system  has  now,  at  my  suggestion,  been  added 
to  our  naval  signal  books  for  buoying  and  beaconing 
channels,  and  I  drew  it  up  at  the  request  of  Admiral 
Hope  and  others  who  were  employed  to  revise  the 
signal  book.  I  am  sure  it  is  the  right  system  ;  but  I 
would  not  think  of  breaking  up  the  old  and  well- 
established  system  of  buoys  in  places  where  every 
man  iu  a  coaster  knows  them  well,  merely  to 
change  them  to  this  system  ;  I  would  trv  to  bring 
it  about  wherever  I  could,  and  always  adopt  it  in  new 
places  :  but  I  would  not  try  to  break  up  so  well- 
established  a  system  as  that  at  the  entrance  to  the 
Thames,  where  there  are  several  channels. 

944.  (Chairman.)  Witli  resjiect  to  going  in  to 
Barnstaple,  Mr.  Campbell  wislies  you  to  be  asked 
whether  there  was  any  other  buoy  that  might  be 
compared  with  the  one  colour  which  you  were  uncer- 
tain about  ? — I  do  not  recollect  at  this  moment  ;  but 
I  may  say  that  a  black  buoy  gets  rusty,  and  a  red 
buoy  becomes  black  as  it  gets  dirty,  and  that  in- 
creases the  difficulty,  particularly  in  different  lights. 

94o.  (Mr.  Gladstone.)  Do  you  think  that  your 
objection  applies  equally  in  a  bright  light  as  in  a  dull 
light  ? — It  is  more  difficult,  in  the  bright  light  of  the 
sun,  to  distinguish  them,  than  in  any  other  ;  but  I 
cannot  fanc)'  anyone  mistaking  a  striped  or  checkered 
buoy  for  a  dark  buoy  of  one  coloar. 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  COXDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


205 


946.  {Mr.  Graves.)  How  do  you  mark  the  centre 
danger  .according  to  your  system  of  buoyage  ? — The 
only  point  tliat  would  require  a  ditTcrent  class  of  buoy 
would  be  the  divergent  point  at  the  two  ends  of  a 
bank,  which  could  ahv.iys  be  mirked  by  a  particular 
beacon  buoy,  and  perhaps  a  white  buoy  ;  I  do  not 
like  them  generally ;  but  they  might  answer  the 
purpose  with  beacons.  Where  you  have  a  divergence 
forming  two  channels,  you  would  follow  the  rule  in 
each  channel  as  in  a  single  channel. 

947.  The  Commission  have  taken  the  eTidence  of 
(i.J7  mariners  on  the  question  of  the  colour  of  buoys, 
and  40S  out  of  that  number  have  given  their  prefer- 
ence for  black,  and  only  13  have  expi-essed  a  prefer- 
ence for  checkered  ?  —  I  should  quite  accord  with 
them  if  I  had  merely  to  decide  what  one  buoy  to  mark 
one  danger  should  be — the  darker  the  buoy  the  better, 
and  therefore  black.  But  if  they  had  been  asked 
what  buoy  would  you  place  on  the  opposite  side  of 
a  channel  ?  I  think  the  majority  of  them  would  have 
told  you,  a  black  and  white  buoy  of  the  same  kind,  in 
preference  to  a  red  buoy. 

948.  Seeing  that  you  rather  agree  in  the  fact  that 
it  is  difficult  to  alter  the  established  system,  is  it  not 
reasoinible  to  ask  you  why  you  should  not  adopt  the 
most  approved  system  of  existing  buoyage  rather  than 
adopt  any  one  ditferent  from  what  is  carried  out  in 
England,  in  Ireland,  and  in  Scotland  ? — I  do  not 
think,  that  because  a  parti-coloured  buoy  is  adopted, 
it  can  be  said  that  we  should  adopt  a  new  system. 
It  is  very  much  used  on  the  coast  of  England,  more 
perhaps  where  there  are  single  channels,  for  example 
I  may  instance  Yarmouth.  The  Scotch  system  has 
only  been  adopted  recently,  or  within  the  last  few 
years,  I  think,  so  that  1  do  not  believe  it  is  an  old 
established  system.  The  Irish  Board  had  certainly 
commenced  no  system  of  the  kind  until.  I  think,  they 
proposed  to  adopt  it  in  that  very  place  vvdiere  wo 
suggested  the  other  alteration. 

There  is  another  point,  with  regard  to  the  ex- 
penses of  management  which  will  be  found  at 
Question  830,  and  which  has  been  called  in  question 
b}'  the  Scotch  Commissioners,  as  to  the  per-centage. 
In  giving  my  evidence  before  the  committee  on 
merchant  shipping  I  took  roughly  the  whole  ex- 
pense of  the  maintenance  of  the  lighthouses,  and 
the  cost  of  management.  I  did  not  allude  at  all  to 
the  outlay  on  new  works,  as  comparing  the  actual 
expense  of  managing  the  lights  with  the  expense 
of  maintenance  during  the  year ;  I  have  now,  in 
order  to  sec  whether  I  was  wrong,  made  a  more  care- 
ful estimate.  If  3'ou  take  the  actual  cost  of  the 
maintenance  of  the  Scotch  lights,  buoys,  and  beacons, 
it  amounts  to  19,400/.';  the  salaries,  superannuations, 
and  office  expenses,  due  to  the  management  alone, 
amount  to  3,868,  so  that  the  actual  per  centage  of 
management,  compared  with  outlay  on  maintenance, 
is  20  per  cent.,  instead  of  16  as  I  said  before.  If  you 
include  new  works  also,  and  so  take  the  whole  outlay, 
and  then  the  expense  of  management,  and  add  the 
engineer's  expenses,  which  I  have  not  included,  and 
the  miscellaneous  expenses  to  the  others,  and  compare 
that  with  the  whole  outlay,  I  iind  that  the  cost  is  11 
per  cent.  I  find  that  taking  the  same  comparison  of  the 
Trinity  House  under  the  first  head  it  would  be  about 
21  per  cent,  for  management,  and  under  the  second 
head,  if  the  new  works  are  all  included,  15  per  cent., 
both  of  them  higher  than  the  Scotch.  If  I  take  the 
Irish,  I  find  that  under  the  first  head  it  is  only  7  and 
3  lOtlis  per  cent.,  only  one  third  of  the  Scotch,  and 
under  the  second  head  o  and  7  lOths.  ]\Ir.  Stevenson 
has  made  a  mistake  in  saying  16  per  cent,  upon  their 
revenue — my  comparison  was  on  the  outlay.  Mr. 
Stevenson  has  said  that  we  objected  to  the  cost  of  the 
lantern  at  Holborn  Head  because  we  had  had  an  esti- 
mate from  Mr.  Wilkins  of  a  lower  amount.  It 
might  appear  that  we  had  had  an  estimate  from 
Mr.  Wilkins  for  a  similar  lantern  to  compare  withMr. 
Stevenson's,  but  we  had  nothing  of  the  kind.  I  only 
took  what  we  had  last  paid  Mr.  Wilkins  for  a  similar 

c 


ordered  for  the   colonies,  and  compared  it  with  that.      Caot.  B.  J. 
There  is  one  point,  and  one  which  I  have  only  recently    Suhuan,  R.N 
discovered  myself.     In  some  cases  for  colonial  lights,      .  _,  , 
wlien    the  principal   makers   of    the    apparatus  and      _______ 

lights  have  recently  competed  for  a  light  at  home, 
in  order  to  save  time  and  trouble,  if  the  one  who 
gained  that  was  willing  to  t.ake  the  one  for  the 
colony  at  the  lowest  tender  that  he  had  taken  for 
the  other,  we  have  given  it  to  him  also,  and  in 
asking  Mr.  Wilkins  if  he  would  take  the  light  that 
we  were  ordering  for  the  colony  at  the  same  cost  as  he 
had  taken  and  made  a  lanteru  for  the  Ballast  Board 
he  said  no,  because  this  light  was  to  be  done  on  the 
Trinity  House  specification,  and  he  could  not  do  it. 
I  asked  him  what  the  difference  was,  and  be  said, 
that  the  Trinity  House  had  the  metal  filed 
smooth,  and  the  Irishj  Board  had  the  rough 
casting  painted.  I  was  perfectly  astonished  to  find 
that  this  finishing  alone  cost  more  than  one  third  the 
value  of  the  lantern.  I  then  asked  him  whether 
if  we  had  these  lights  finished,  not  on  the  Trinity 
House  specification,  but  on  the  Ballast  Board  speci- 
fication in  the  rough,  he  would  take  it  on  the  Ballast 
Board  cost  of  the  lantern,  and  he  did  it  directly.  I 
asked  him  whether  there  was  any  advantage  in  the 
other  mode  ;  and  he  said  that  it  was  in  the  finish  only, 
but  he  thought  th.it  it  took  the  paint  better  when 
rough;  it  was  not  painted  when  finished  ;  but  in  use 
and  durability  there  was  no  difference.  That  may 
give  rise  to  a  question  with  the  Trinity  House.  I 
think  that  the  lantern  is  just  as  good  in  the  rough 
painted,  and  we  have  adopted  it  since  for  those 
that  we  have  ordered  for  the  Red  Sea.  I  think  it  is 
a  fair  thing  to  ask  the  Trinity  House  and  the  North- 
ern Light  Commissioners  to  do  the  same,  in  order  to 
save  the  expense  in  lanterns  in  future. 

949.  {Mr.  Graves.)  Have  you  formed  any  opinion 
as  to  the  adv.antage  of  Herbert's  Fair  Way  Light,  or 
of  the  possibility  of  keeping  it  moored  ? — Yes,  we 
have  given  our  opinion  upon  that,  and  it  is  an 
unfavourable  one.  The  first  principle,  as  to  lighting 
a  channel,  I  think  is  a  question  quite  open  to  dis- 
cussion, but  my  opinion  at  present  is  against  it. 
I  would  rather  light  the  shores  than  mid  channel. 

9.30.  {Chairman.)  I  thought  th.at  this  was  a 
principle  of  keeping  shore  lights,  and  adding  the 
mid  ciiaunel  ? — Where  there  is  no  danger  in  the 
channel  I  would  not  add  lights  merely  to  mark  the 
roadway.  Another  proposal  for  using  such  a  light 
was  the  to  mark  the  dividing  point  between  the  two 
channels,  or  to  give,  as  it  were,  a  landfall  to  vessels 
coming  into  soundings.  I  think  that  would  be  a  better 
use  for  the  light  than  merely  to  mark  the  centre 
of  the  channel,  but  I  do  not  think  it  is  necessary. 
We  have  now  a  good  light  exactly  on  the  dividing 
point  at  the  outer  danger  at  the  Scilly  Islands,  and  the 
only  advantage  in  a  light  further  off  would  be  that  it 
might  prevent  a  vessel  occasionally  getting  on  the  wrong 
side  of  the  Scilly  Islands  ;  but  if  the  weather  is  so 
thick  that  she  cannot  make  the  Bishops  light  so  as 
so  as  to  know  which  side  she  is  going  of  the 
Scilly  Islands,  it  is  hardly  possible  that  she  would  hit 
the  other  vessel,  in  that  weather,  further  outside  ; 
and,  therefore,  the  only  time  apparently  tliat  the  more 
advanced  light  would  be  wanted,  the  chances  are  a 
hundred  to  one  almost  against  her  making  that  light. 
Then,  again,  with  regard  to  the  class  of  lightvcssels 
proposed,  however  much  some  may  approve  of  Her- 
bert's plan  of  mooring  beacons,  or  even  light  vessel.?,  I 
can  hardly  fancy  any  one  adopting  such  a  plan  for 
such  a  position  as  that,  in  preference  to  a  well-tried 
form  of  light  vessel,  which  would  be,  I  believe,  far  safer 
generally  than  such  a  structure  as  that.  In  the  first 
place,  if  they  break  adrift,  a  lightvessel  is  manageable, 
and  there  is  no  danger  to  her  crew  ;  l)ut  ifone  of  these 
break  adrift  it  may  cause  the  destruction  of  every  man 
in  her,  and,  for  that  reason,  the  Board  of  I'rade  was 
against  trying  it  in  such  :;  position,  for  instance, 
ns  the  Stones  off  Godrevy,  because  we  would  not  take 
the  responsibility  of  risking  men's  lives  in  a  structure 


206 


jnNTTES  OF  EVTDKNCE  TAKEX   BEFORE  THE  COMMISSIONERS  APPOINTED  TO 


whicli,  if  it  did  break  adrifr,  must  take  them  to  cer- 
tain destruction,  w'aeveas  a  lightvessel  can  lioist  her 
sails  and  make  for  a  place  of  safety.  Then  another 
reason  why  I  do  not  think  any  one  would  be  justified 
in  trying  such  an  experiment  is,  that  the  large  bea- 
cons which  have  been  constructed  for  the  purpose  of 
frying  it  have  not  yet  had  a  satisfactory  trial.  The 
one  that  was  tried  on  the  Goodwin  Sands  disappeared, 
and  I  believe  has  never  been  discovered.  The  one 
that  was  moored  off  the  Godrevy  Reef  broke  adrift 
soon  after  being  placed  there,  and  therefore  I  think 
that  shows  that  it  would  not  have  done  to  risk  men's 
lives  in  a  structure  of  that  kind.  I  had  forgotten  one 
thing  in  connexion  with  Godrevy,  which  is,  tliat  in 
addition  to  the  light  which  the  Trinity  House  recom- 
mended, the  Board  of  Trade  suggested  that  a  large 
buoy  or  beacon  should  be  placed  on  the  Stones  to 
add  to  the  safety  of  vessels  rounding  it. 

9.51.  {Chairman.)  Can  you  state  to  the  Commis- 
sion when  there  will  probably  be  any  exhibition  of 
the  electric  light  for  illuminating  a  lighthouse  ? — The 
time  entirel}'  rests  between  the  Trinity  House  and 
the  patentees  ;  all  that  the  Board  of  Trade  has  done 
has  been  to  sanction  the  necessary  outlay'.  I  believe 
there  has  been  some  new  idea  of  placing  .another 
tower  for  it,  which  was  started  by  the  patentees  ; 
that  is,  a  person  very  much  interested  in  the  matter 
called  upon  me  to  ask  whether  such  a  thing  would  be 
sanctioned,  under  the  idea  that  an  iron  tower,  of  120 
feet  in  heiglit  could  be  placed  on  a  loose  shingle 
foundation  at  Dungeness,  for  about  1,400/.  ;  and  when 
I  stated  that  an  iron  tower  of  that  height,  without  a 
lining — a  plain  skeleton  tower — erected  in  the  maker's 
yard  in  London  for  inspection,  and  delivered  on  board 
a  vessel,  cost  above  6,000/.,  and  that  to  that  would 
have  to  be  added  all  the  cost  of  the  foundations  in 
Dungeness  shingle,  I  think  the  opinion  was  entirely 
altered,  and  I  have  not  heard  anything  further  on  the 
subject.  It  therefore  rests  with  them.  There  is  one 
point  in  Admiral  Gordon's  evidence,  touching  upon 
that,  that  I  should  like  to  make  a  remark  upon. 
There  appears  to  have  been  some  doubt  whether 
Dungeness  was  a  proper  site  for  trying  that  electric 
light.  At  first  my  own  idea  was,  that  such  a  point 
as  the  Start  ■v\ould  have  been  a  better  point;  but 
when  I  understood  that  neither  those  Elder  Brethren 
who  had  witnessed  the  trials  nor  Professor  Faradaj 
were  sufficiently  satisfied  with  its  capabilit}'  for  a 
revolving  light,  to  warrant  the  experiment,  I  com- 
pletely gave  up  my  opinion  :  and  as  it  had  to  be 
tried  upon  a  fixed  light,  and  us  Dungeness  lan- 
tern and  light  were  at  that  time  about  to  be  changed, 
it  seemed,  although  not  the  most  important  position 
on  the  coast,  a  right  and  proper  position  in  which 
to  try  the  electric  light,  because,  if  it  did  not  answer, 
less  expense  would  be  incurred  in  doing  it. 

952.  i'ou  are  a  memlier  of  the  Thames  Conservancy 
Board,  are  you  not  ? — Yes. 

953.  Do  not  the  duties  you  have  there  to  perform 
necessarily  occupy  a  good  deal  of  your  time  ? — It 
generally  takes  me  two  days  a  week.  If  theie  is 
anything  important  that  I  know  of  at  the  Board  of 
Trade  I  give  up  the  Conservancy  for  that  day,  and 
go  to  tlie  Board  of  Trade  in  preference  ;  or  if  the 
■work  has  accumulated,  so  that  I  have  left  any 
papers  unfinished  the  day  before,  I  should  probably 
endeavour  to  get  awny  early  from  the  Conservancy 
Board  and  finish  the  day  at  the  Board  of  Trade ;  but 
that  rarely  occurs.  I  am  generally  cm])loycd  the 
greater  portion  of  the  d.ay  at  the  Conservancy  Board, 
and  that  leaves  me  quite  time  enough,  on  the  other 
days,  to  do  the  work  at  the  Board  of  Irade. 

9.34.  I  SCO  that  the  Thames  Conservanc)-  has  placed 
D,  very  effective  light  at  Northfleet,  which  you  arc 
obliged,  by  courtesy  to  the  Trinity  House,  to'  call  an 
illuminated  beacon,  and  it  is  lighted  with  gas  at  a 
very  small  expense.  From  the  experience  that  this 
light  alone,  which  is  uiuler  your  own  conservancy, 
has  aflbrded  you,  would  you  not  be  favourable  to  the 
introduction  of  gas  where  possible  in  lighthouses  ? — 


I  have  not  seen  that  light  lighted,  not  having  been 
down  there  by  night,  but  I  have  seen  gas  in  liirhts 
on  the  coast,  and  I  should  certainly  be  favourable  to 
the  introduction  of  gas  wherever  it  could  be  intro- 
duced, on  the  score  of  expense.  I  do  not  think  that 
experiments  have  been  made  up  to  the  present  time 
sutficicntly  to  tell  whether  it  would  equal  the  power 
of  a  first-class  light,  but  I  do  not  see  why  arrange- 
ments should  not  be  m.ade  for  making  gas  answer  all  L 
the  purpose.  I  think  that  if  I  had  to  give  an  opinion  I 
npon  the  point,  and  a  lighthouse  was  to  ba  lighted 
where  gas  was  within  reach,  I  should  hesitate  before 
I  recommended  that  the  expenditure  for  a  lamp 
should  be  sanctioned,  if  gas  could  be  obtained. 

9.JO.  1  may  assume,  that  if  the  Trinity  House  or 
any  lighthouse  authority  came  to  the  Board  of  Trade 
with  a  request,  that  a  certain  small  sum  might  be 
allowed  for  experiments  in  gas,  that  the  Board  of 
Trade  would  be  quite  ready  to  sanction  it  ? — Most 
decidedly.  I  think  there  lias  been  no  instance  of 
any  sum  that  has  been  asked  for,  large  or  small, 
for  experiments,  being  refused.  I  cannot  recollect 
an  instance,  from  the  smallest  sum  up  to  the  sum 
necessai'v  for  the  electric  light. 

906.  Can  you  inform  this  Commission  whether  any 
lighthouse  authorities  have  applied  to  the  Board  of 
Trade  for  permission  to  make  experiments  in  gas  ? — 
Xo  ;  I  am  not  aware  of  any.  While  on  that  point  I 
should  like  to  say  one  thing.  As  I  have,  on  several 
occasions,  to  a  certain  extent,  called  in  question 
Mr.  Stevenson's  estimates,  and  the  expense  of  his 
structures,  I  wish  to  put  on  record  my  opinion  that 
his  works  are  most  beautiful  ;  that  they  are,  I  think, 
equal,  if  not  su]>erior,  to  anything  I  have  seen,  and 
that  it  is  to  Mr.  Stevenson  we  owe  the  present  state 
of  our  lighthouse  illumination — for  the  improvements 
on  the  P'resuel  light  which  he  has  made  have  really 
given  us  the  superior  class  of  lights  that  we  have 
now  in  England.  All  that  has  been  done,  that  I  can 
see.  to  improve  on  the  system,  and  to  give  us  a  belter 
class  of  dioptric  light,  has  been  done  by  Messrs. 
Stevenson,  and  I  believe  that  that  is  quite  the  feeling 
of  every  one  at  the  Board  of  Trade. 

907.  Are  you  quite  satisfied  with  the  machinery 
which  has  been  at  your  disposal  hitherto,  for  coij- 
ducting  the  business  connected  with  the  erection  of 
lighthouses  in  British  possessions  abroad  ?—  I  think 
that  Ave  require  more  fixed  engineering  advice.  I 
think  that  anv  Board  that  has  to  carry  out  lighthouse 
work  should  have  a  permanent  engineer  attached  to 
it,  whose  duties  would  be  confined  to  that  subject,  and 
who  would  do  it  satisfactorily.  Hitherto  the  Board 
has,  in  carrving  out  colonial  lights,  obtained  what 
was  considered  the  best  class  of  professional  assistance 
in  London  ;  but  1  do  not  think  that  on  the  whole  it 
has  been  satisfactory.  The  system  of  erecting  lights 
in  the  colonies  with  materials,  as  well  as  the  working 
start",  sent  out  from  England  has  not.  I  think,  been  a 
good  one.  I  will  take  the  instance  of  the  Bahama 
lights.  The  Great  Isaac's  light  was  handed  over  to 
the  Board  of  Trade  by  the  Admiralty  ;  but  the 
Cay  Lobos  light,  at  the  suggestion  of  the  engineer 
engaged  bv  the  Board  of  Tri  de,  was  erected  of  iron, 
sent  out  from  England,  together  with  its  whole 
foundation,  and  the  working  staft'  to  erect  it.  The 
cost  of  that  iron  tower  and  buildings  has  altogether 
exceeded  24.000/.,  and  I  believe  that  lights  can  vciy 
often  be  erected,  with  material  and  means  to  be 
found  on  the  spot,  at  a  much  lower  cost  tlian  in  the 
way  in  which  they  have  been  erected  by  sending 
the  material  from  England.  I  was  told  that  it  had 
been  done  in  consequence  of  the  Bahamas  not  .afford- 
ing any  material  fit  for  erecting  a  lighthouse  ;  but, 
on  the  question  being  put  to  an  engineer  resident  in 
the  Baham.as,  he  gave  a  very  decided  opinion,  that 
all  the  material  necessary,  both  in  stone  and  wood, 
was  obtainable  in  the  island.  And  for  a  particular 
site,  at  our  request,  he  furnished  us  with  an  estimate 
for  building  a  tower  and  dwellings  for  a  lighthouse 
at  about  5,000/.,  which,  with  the  lantern  and  appa- 


INQUIRE  INTO  THE  CONDITION  AND  MANAGEMENT  OF  LIGHTS,  BUOYS  AND  BEACONS. 


207 


ratus  sent  from  England  complete,  would  not  exceed 
8,000i.  I  believe,  judging  from  the  Cay  Lobos 
light,  that  if  an  iron  tower,  necessary  for  the  light 
in  question,  were  sent  from  England,  with  people  to 
erect  it,  it  would  cost  nearly  double  that  sum. 
The  engineer  employed  by  our  consulting  engineer 
to  erect  the  Bahama  lights  was  requested  to  furnish 
us  with  a  report  on  the  sites  recommended  for  new 
lighthouses  before  he  returned,  and  he  gave  us  a  very 
valuable  report  on  the  different  sites,  with  plans  and 
sections  ;  but  he  reported,  in  nearly  every  case,  that 
there  was  no  material  to  construct  the  towers,  but 
that  iron  towers  must  be  sent  from  England.  In  proof 
of  his  statement  he  brought  home  specimens  ot  the 
stone  ;  and  in  the  case  of  the  verj'worstquality  of  stone, 
which  the  reporting  engineer  had  pronounced  to  be 
lotallv  untit,  but  which  the  colonial  engineer  declared 
to  be  quite  fit  for  the  purpose,  we  have  had  it  tested  as 
to  its  strength  by  Mr.  Coode,  the  engineer  of  the 
Portland  breakwater,  who  has  pronuuced  it  capable 
of  bearing  a  weight  seven  times  as  great  as  that 
which  it  could  be  called  upon  to  bear  by  being  used 
for  building,  and  therefore  confirming  the  opinion 
of  the  colonial  engineer.  There  are  other  qualities  of 
stone  in  other  sites,  which  are  still  superior  ;  and 
there  can  be  no  question  that,  in  a  hot  climate,  a 
stone  tower  is  far  superior  to  an  iron  one,  on  account 
of  the  heat  ;  and  I  cannot  fancy  any  case  in  which 
an  iron  tower,  sent  from  England,  can  be  desirable, 
unless  iu  a  case  where  there  is  no  material  to  be 
found.  The  onh'  instance  in  which  we  have  sent 
out  material  which  has  been  erected  at  a  cheap 
cost  has  been  in  the  case  of  King  George's  Sound, 
where  a  small  tower  was  sent  out,  but  no  work- 
men or  statl',  from  England.  It  was  erected  and 
dwellings  built  round  it  by  local  means,  and  a 
second    dwelling    for    a    small     harbour     light    with 


the  same  means,  and  the  works  were  erected  under      Capt.  B.  .1. 
the   superintendence  of  a  sergeant  of  sappers,  who    SuUran,  n.N. 

acted   under  the   orders  of   an  officer    of    engineers  

on  the  station  ;  and  the  larger  light  of  the  two  has  '  ^^"^^  '^^^ 
been  erected  with  its  dwellings,  and  the  smaller  light 
jilaced  in  a  dwelling  in  the  harbour,  at  a  cost  alto- 
gether of  5,000/.,  which  is  the  cheapest  work  of  the 
kind  that  has  been  done.  To  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope 
iron  has  also  been  sent  out,  and  I  think  quite  unne- 
cessarily, for  I  believe  the  stone  on  the  spot  might 
have  answered  all  the  purposes  for  one  at  least" of 
the  two  lighthouses.  Another  iron  lighthouse  has 
also  been  sent  to  Cape  Eace,  and  certainly  there  are 
great  complaints  of  it  for  that  climate  ;  and  I  do  not 
think  it  is  likely  that  the  Board  of  Trade  will  a" ain 
erect  a  single  lighthouse  in  a  colony  where,  by  any 
means,  material  can  be  found  on  the  spot,  and  superin- 
tendence, material,  and  workmen.  I  should  not  myself 
advise  the  use  of  iron  lighthouses  anywhere  where 
they  can  be  possibly  avoided.  I  may  mention,  as  an 
instance,  Vancouver's  Island.  We  decided  to  have 
two  lighthouses  constructed  by  colonial  means,  and 
I  gave,  roughly,  a  very  low  estimate  for  the  con- 
struction of  those  lighthouses,  compared  with  what 
iron  lighthouses  had  cost.  Both  of  them  are  on 
small  islands,  one  some  way  from  the  main,  and 
they  have  been  erected  with  local  means.  The 
lanterns  and  apparatus  were  sent  from  England  ;  and 
although  labour  has  been  unusually  high,  from  the 
state  of  the  colonv,  exceeding  II.  a  day  for  some 
workmen,  the  cost  has  not  very  much  exceeded 
our  original  estimate.  I  think  that  the  two  lisrht- 
houses,  one  being  on  a  tower  of  80  feet  high,  with 
a  second-class  revolving  light,  and  the  other,  a 
harbour  fourth-order  light,  on  a  low  tower,  will  not 
cost  altogether  above  12,000/. 


The  witness  withdrew. 


Mr.  TnoMAS  Stevexsox,  C.E., 

958.  (Chairman.)  From  your  experience  of  the 
Board  of  Northern  Lights,  do  you  consider  that  it  js 
necessary  that  an  engineer  should  be  present  at  every 
meeting  of  the  Board  ? — In  my  estimation  such  con- 
stant attendance  is  not  absolutely  called  for.  The 
whole  ordinarj'  management  of  the  lighthouses,  stores, 
and  shipping  are  quite  foreign  to  the  profession  of 
civil  engineering.  It  seems  to  be  sufficient  that  the 
engineer  should  attend  en  presenting  a  report  on  any 
matter  that  may  have  been  remitted  to  him,  or  in 
laying  before  the  Commissioners  reports  on  new 
works  in  progress.  I  often  found  it  to  be  a  very 
great  waste  of  time  to  be  obliged  to  make  arrange- 
ments to  attend  meetings  when  my  presence  could  be 
of  no  use  whatever. 

959.  Do  you  think  it  is  an  advantageous  arrange- 
ment   to   restrict    the    engineer    to    a    Board   from 


examined,   received  February  4th.  ,^    j, 

engaging  in  general  business? — No,  I  do  not  ;  and  it    ■^'f^^^jw.  C'.£. 
is  not  consistent  with  my  knowledge  that  Boards  or      4  y^^  jggi 
public  companies  employing  engineers  do  so  restrict  " 

them.  If  a  man  is  so  isolated  he  is  very  apt  to  lose 
energy  and  fall  behind  in  his  professional  knowledge, 
whereas,  if  he  engages  in  general  practice  he  is 
brought  into  contact  with  the  men  in  his  professsion, 
his  view.s  and  experience  are  enlarged,  and  he  is  the 
better  able  to  deal  with  the  difficulties  he  may  meet 
with.  It  generally  happens  too  that  one  branch  of 
engineering  throws  light  upon  another.  For  example, 
if  the  lighthouse  engineer  be  also  a  harbour  engineer, 
he  will  find  that  the  knowledge  of  the  action  of  the 
waves  which  he  is  constantly  acquiring  in  his 
experience  of  harbour  works,  will  be  of  the  highest 
value  to  him  in  designing  beacons  and  light  towers  in 
exposed  situations. 


Captain  Sdlivax  re-examined. 


960.  Have  you  any  observations  to  make  in  reply 
to  the  statement  of  the  Commissioners  of  Northern 
Lights,  a  copy  of  which  has  been  shown  you  ? — ^^I 
think  nearly  every  point  in  that  statement  has  been 
answered  in  my  previous  evidence,  but  there  are  two 
mistakes  in  the  statement  which  I  must  correct. 
AVith  respect  to  the  land  at  Ilolborn  Head,  the  pro- 
prietor at  first  required  two  roads  to  be  made,  which 
would  have  caused  an  unnecessary  outlay  i'rom  the 
Mercantile    Marine    Fund   for   his    advantage.      We 


refused  to  sanction  any  expense  for  roads  beyond 
what  was  necessary  for  the  lighthouse  communication 
and  the  result  was  that  one  road  along  the  shore 
sufficient  for  this  purpose,  has  at  last  been  agreed  to! 
The  second  mistake  is,  that  I  objected  in  my  evidence 
to  the  lightkeepers  having  so  much  accommodation. 
On  the  contiary,  I  pointed  out  that  three  rooms  were 
not  sufficient  accommodation  ;  and  since  I  have  been 
at  the  Board  of  Trade,  a  fourth  room  has  been  given 
in  every  new  dwelling. 


Capt.  B.  J. 
SuUvan,  R.N. 


Cc4r 


208 


APPENDIX  TO  P.EPOKT  OX  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS  : 


ILLUMINATING  APPARATUS. 


Trinity  House,  London.  K.C. 
Sir,  libth  December,  18()0. 

1  All  directed  to  transmit  to  you,  for  the  infonnatiou 
of  the  Royal  Commissioners  on  Lights,  Buoys,  and 
Beacons,  a  List  of  Contracts  for  the  supjily  of  Illuminatinuf 
Apparatus  to  the  Trinity  House,  or  to  other  Boards  throufrh 


the  Trinity  House,  since  1st  January,  1853,  m  conformity 
with  the  Kequisition  dated  21st  ultimo. 
1  ha\-e,  &c. 

P.  II.  Bertiiox. 
J.  F.  Campbell,  Esq. 
&c.     &.C.     &c. 


List  of  Contracts  for  the  supply  of  Illuminating  Apparati'S  to  the  Trinity  Hon.^e,  or  to  other  Boards  through 
the  Trinitv  House,  since  1st  JanviaiT,  185^. 


Date 

of 
Adver- 
tisement. 


Situation  illuminating 
apparatus  "was  designed 
for,  and  order  of  ditto. 


Estimate 
made 


Names  of 
Contractors  who 

tendered. 


Amount 

of 
Tender. 


Tender 
accepted. 


Lundy,  Holophotal  Cata- 
dioptric. 


*  Bishop,  Catadioptric  - 


*  Whitby— South.  Cata- 

dioptric. 
Do.   South   and    North 
do. 

*  Yi'hithy— North,  Cata- 

dioptric. 


*  Needles,  Catadioptric 


North   Torcland,   Cata- 
dioptric. 


f  Cani  Ivocks  2nd  order, 
Fixed  Dioptric  Appa- 
ratus. 


t  Vancouver'.'!  Island, 
Hace  IJock  (2nd 
order). 


Chance,  Bros. 


vr.  -n-ilkins 
De  Ville  &  Co. 


TTilkins  &  Co. 
J  I.  Sautter 
Chance,  Bros. 

Wilkins  &  Co. 
JI.  Sautter 
Chance,  Bros. 
JI.  Lepaute 

Wilkins  &  Co. 
JI.  Sautter 
Chance,  Bros. 

Wilkins  &  Co. 
JI.  Sautter 
Chance,  Bros. 


Chance,  Bros. 


JI.  Lepaute 


Sautter  &  Co. 
Wilkins  &  Co. 


Chance,  Bros. 
Wilkins  S;  Co. 


Wilkins  &  Co. 
De  Tille  &  Co. 
Chance,  Bros. 


With  Stevenson's 
improved  revolv- 
ing apparatus    - 1,690 
Without      do      -  1,495 
-  1,635 
-2,150 


L.IIS  10 
1,391  0 
1,225     0 


2,028     0 


1,087  10 
1,192  0 
1,1)20     0 


Apparatus 
Ittflcctors 


Optical  portion     SOG     0 

Other  Portion  and 

Liinteru. 

£1185  15s.  T<7. 


Total 

-  1,055 

0 

Apparatus 
Reflectors 

-    1,160 
32 

0 
0 

Total 

-    1,192 

0 

Apparatus 

-    1,1G5 

0 

Do. 
Reflectors 

964 
54 

10 
0 

Total 

-    I.OIS 

10 

Optical 
Part. 


£    s.    J. 
1,132  10  0 


I  1,355     0  0 

I 

I  1,030     0  0 


Framework, 


£     s.    d. 
371   17  0 


GOO     0  0 
oS5     0  0 


Chance,  Bros. 
1,495/. 


Wilkins  &  Co. 
l,313i  10.«. 


Chance,  Bros. 
778/. 


Chance,  Bros. 
l,OOSi, 


Wilkins  &  Co. 
1,087/.  10.V. 


Wilkins  Ss  Co. 
1018/.  10s. 


Chance,  Bros. 

S06/. 
Wilkins  &  Co. 
U8.5/.  15s.  "(/. 


Optical  Part, 

Chance,  Eros. 

1,030/. 

Framework,  &c., 

Wilkins  &  Co. 

371/.  17s. 


1856: 
June  30. 


1858  : 
Feb.  8. 


April : 


April. 
March, 


•  The  tenders  for  these  four  stations  were  invited  together,  and  re.eard  being  had  to  the  necessity  of  providing  lighting  apparatus 
ot  the  bcst  material  and  manufacture  required  for  the  very  important  stations  at  the  Bishop  and  the  Needles,  and  Inspecting 
Committees  having  expressed  doubts  as  to  the  equality  of  Jlessrs.  Chance's  lenses  witli  those  which  have  been  supplied  by 
Messrs.  Wilkins.  the  Board  resolved  to  accept  the  tenders  of  Jlessrs.  Wilkins,  although  not  the  lowest,  for  the  apparatus  required  at 
those  two  stations,  also  to  accept  Messrs.  Chalice's  tenders  for  the  apparatus  required  at  the  Whitby  lighthouses,  although  not  the 
lowest,  in  consideration  of  the  non-acceptance  of  their  tenders,  for  the  reasons  above  stated,  for  the  Needles  and  Bishop  Lights. 

t  Procured  at  the  request  of  the  Board  of  Trade. 


ILLUMINATING  APPARATUS. 


209 


Bate 

of 

Adver- 

tisemen 

Situation  illuminating 

apparatus  -was  designed 

1    for,  and  order  of  ditto. 

Amount 

of 
estimate 
made 

in 

Names  of 

Contractors  -who 

tendered. 

Amount 

of 
Tender. 

Tender 
accepted. 

Dale 

of 

Contract. 

1 

Office. 

/ 

f  Esquimault    Harbour. 
(4tl>  order). 

] 

f 

Wilkins  &  Co.     - 
De  Ville  &  Co.    - 
Chance,  Bros. 

Optical 
Part, 

Framework, 
&c. 

Optical  part, 

Chance,  Bros. 

89/. 

Framework,  &c., 

Wilkins  &  Co. 

72/.  18.S-.  Id. 

£     s.    d. 
101    15  0 
108     0  0 

S9     0  0 

£     .V.    d. 
72   18  7 
112     0  0 
82     0  0 

1859: 
August. 

do. 

t  Trincomalee,  Ceylon  ; 
Elephant  Island  (4th 
order). 

2 

Wilkins  &  Co.      - 
De  Ville  &  Co.    - 
Chance,  Bros. 

117   10  0 
145     0  0 
115     0  0 

25  10  0 
50     0  0 
27     0  0 

Wilkins  &  Co., 

Optical  part, 

t  U"/.  10*. 

Framework,  &c., 

25/.  lOs. 

November. 

1 

1 

t  Foul       Point       (2nd 
order). 

Smalls  (1st  order) 

1  i 

o 

K 

Wilkins  &  Co.      - 
De  Ville  &  Co.    - 
Chance,  Bros. 

Wilkins  &  Co.      - 
Chance,  Bros. 

1,115     5  0 
1,260     0  0 
1,060     0  0 

369  15  0 
562     0  0 
411     0  0 

Optical  part, 

Chance,  Bros., 

1,060/. 

Framework,  &c., 

Wilkins  &  Co., 

369/.  15s. 

Optical  part. 

Chance,  Bros., 

1429/. 

Lamps,  &c.. 

Wilkins  &  Co., 

174/.  15s. 

do. 
do. 

Optical 
Part. 

Lamps,  &c. 

V 

£     ...    d. 
1,49G   UP  0 
1,429     0  0 

£     s.    d. 
174  15  0 
190  10  0 

1860: 
June 
do. 

Trinily  House 
contracts  and 
tenders. 


f  Procured  at  the  request  of  the  Board  of  Trade. 

i  This  tender  accepted,  it  being  considered  that  the  gain  of  4  weeks  in  the  time  of  manufacture  counterbalanced  the  small 
additional  cost  of  2/.  10.s'. 


Light  Vessels,  &c. 

Between  the  1st  January,  1853,  and  June  1860,  catopric 
apparatus  was  supplied  by  Messrs.  Wilkins,  and  when  in- 
tended for  a  light  vessel  was  included  with  the  lantern  in 
one  estimate.  The  ajiparatus  for  the  Guntleet  Lighthouse 
in  1855,  was  distinct  and  the  price  for  a  "  revolving  appa- 
"  ratus  showing  red  light  bv  3  Iam])s,  and  parabolic  reflectors 
"  on  each  face  of  a  triangular  frame  "  was  49-1/.  4s.  Since 
1857,  the  price  of  catoptric  apparatus  has  been  included  in 
Messrs.  Wilkins'  price  lists,  extracts  from  which  are  sub- 
joined, \iz., — 


1858. 

1859. 

18G0. 

£  s.  a. 

£   s.    d. 

Argand  lamps, 

— Lifrhthouse 

1  12    9 

1  12    9 

1  12    9 

Liiyht  vessel 

2    9    3 

2    9    3 

Il«(lector3 

Lighthouse 

21    7    t! 

21    7    0 

Light  vessel 

4    9    0 

4    9    G 

Burners    -      - 

liighthouse 

13    1! 

12    6 

Light  vessel 

12    6 

1    2    U 

12    6 

The  apparatus  for  the  Varne  light  vessel  was  included  in 
the  same  tender  as  the  lantern,  but  was  supplied  pursuant 
to  public  advertisement,  as  under. 


Date 

of 
Adver- 
tisement. 

Situation  illuminating 
apparatus  was  designed 
for,  and  order  of  ditto. 

Amount 

of 

Estimate 

made 

in 
Office. 

Names  of 

Contractors  who 

tendered. 

Amount 

of 
Tender. 

Tender 
accepted. 

Date 

of 

Contract. 

1860. 
Jlay 

Varne  light  vessel,  float- 
ing light,  lantern,  and 
revolving  apparatus. 

No 
Estimate. 

Wilkins  &  Co.     - 
De  Ville  &  Co.     - 

384/.  2s.  3(/.  in  six  weeks. 
449/.  in  18  weeks. 

Messrs.  Wilkins 

1860 
June, 

Trinity  House, 

I'bth  December,  1860. 


P.  H.  Berthox, 

Secretary. 


Dd 


210 


APPENDIX  TO  REPORT  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS  : 


SPECIFICATIONS  FOR  ILLUMINATING  APPARATUS  BY  THE  THREE 
LIGHTHOUSE  BOARDS. 

arranijement  is  styled  "  Azimuthal  condensing,"  and  was 
contrived  by  Mr.  Stevenson.  A  light  of  this  kind  was  visited 
and  seen  alight  by  the  Commissioners  in  the  Sound  of  Skye, 
and  was  found  to  be  effective  ;  a  comparatively  small  lamp 
giving  a  verj^  brilliant  light  where  required,  and  being 
effectually  masked  elsewhere. 

The  apparatus  at  St.  Abb's  Head  is  of  a  less  complicated 
description.  It  is  a  revolving  light,  with  eight  panels,  and 
shows  less  design. 

The  apparatus  for  Rona  is  revohnng,  and  consists  of  a 
series  of  reflectors  of  a  peculiar  form,  fitted  with  lenses  in 
front,  an  arrangement  called  "'  Holophotal." 

All  these  are  working  drannngs,  the  designs  of  Messrs. 
Stevenson,  the  engineers  employed  by  the  Commissioners  of 
Northern  Lighthouses,  but  who  are  not  permanently 
attached  to  the  ser-(-ice. 

The  written  specifications  contain  full  details  as  to  the 
constiiiction  of  nearly  all  parts  of  the  apparatus,  including 
glass,  metal,  and  machinery. 

"  Northern  Lighthouses  Office, 
"  Sib,  Edinburgh.  11th  April,  1S60. 

"  With  reference  to  your  letter  of  the  28th  ulto.,  I  am 
now  directed  by  the  Commissioners  I'f  Northern  Lighthouses  to 
state,  that  the  course  pursued  by  the  Commissioners  in  obtaining 
tenders  for  an  illuminaKngl  lenticular  apparatus,  used  to  be  by 
advertisment  ;  but  now,  under  orders  from  the  Board  of  Trade, 
the  specifications  and  plans  are  printed,  and  sent  to  certain  trades- 
men pointed  out  by  them,  viz  ; — 

Simpson  and  Co.,  Deville  and  Co.,  London  ;  Chance, 
Birmingham  ;  Sautter  and  Co.,  of  Paris. 
'*  I  also  send  herewith  specifications  and  working  drawings — 
1  and  il.  St.  Abb's  Head — machine  and  glass  work. 
3  and  4.    Drun,  Cautickhend,   and  Brcssey  Sound — 

machine  and  reflectors. 
5.  Mac  .\rthur  s  Head — apparatus. 
"  These  are  accompanied  by  eight  working  drawings,  among 
which  will  be  found  the  drawings  prepared  in  the  case  of 
]\Iac.\rthur's  Head,  to  enable  the  light  to  be  properly  arranged  in 
the  light-room,  and  cutt-off'and  changes  of  colour  to  be  effectually 
laid  off,  so  that  the  light  may  fulfil  the  objects  for  which  it  was 
designed.  '       I  am.  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  Ser%-anl, 


Specifications  On  the  I'Sth  March,  18()(>,  a  letter  was  addressed  to  the 
/or  illuminating  three  Lighthouse  Boards,  of  which  the  following  is  a  copy  : — 
apparatus.  jj^^j.^j  Commission,  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons, 

7,  iliilbank  Street,  S.W.,  London, 
S,r.,  March  28,  1860. 

1  am  directed  to  request  that  you  will  move  the  Elder 
Brethren  of  the  Trinitv  House  (the  Commissioners  of  Northern 
Lighthouses)  (the  Ballast  Board)  to  cause  the  Commissioners  to  be 
intiirmed — what  is  the  course  pursued  by  them  in  ordering  a  lenti- 
cular illuminating  apparatus  for  a  new  sitefrom  the  manufacturer; 
and  to  furnish  the  Commissioners  with  copies  of  the  plans,  specifi- 
cations, &c.,  actuallv  submitted  to  the  manufacturers  in  ordering 
the  last  two  sets  ol' lenticular  apparatus  of  large  size,  or  peculiar 
form,  which  have  been  purchased. 

I  am  also  to  request  that  similar  information  may  be  furnished 
with  reference  to  catoptric  apparatus,  and  with  as  little  delay  as 
possible. 

1  am.  Sir. 
P.  H.  Berthon,  Esq.  'Sour  obedient  Senant, 

S.C.      ic.      &c. '  J.  F.  CA5IPBELL,  Sccrctarv. 

On  the  3rd  of  April  the  reply  of  the  Trinity  House  was 
sent.  The  commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses  sent 
their  reply  on  the  1  Ith,  and  the  reply  of  the  Ballast  Board 
was  sent  on  the  loth  of  December. 

The  letter  of  the  Trinity  House  was  as  follows,  and  the 
forms  and  drawings  referred  to  therein  were  printed  forms 
and  lithographed  drawings. 

In  the  case  of  the  North  Foreland  and  Whitby  Light- 
houses, the  specification  consists  of  one  of  the  forms  filled 
up,  with  the  number  of  horizontal  degrees  intended  to  be 
illuminated,  and  the  number  of  panels  required,  and  in  each 
See  CircularX.ca.se  provision  is  made  for  large  reflectors  to  be  fitted  in 
Vol  IT.  '  the  "  vacant  central  refractor  panels.'  The  dimensions  are 
given,  but  the  Uthograjihed  drawings  do  not  include  the 
reflectors,  and  no  mention  is  made  of  the  elevation  at  which 
the  light  is  to  be  placed  above  the  sea  level. 

In  the  case  of  reflector  lights,  as  stated  in  the  letter, 
there  is  no  departure  from  the  old  system,  which  is,  to 
direct  Messrs.  Wilkins  to  supply  a  certain  well-known  form 
of  apparatus. 

Trinitv  House,  London, 
Sir,  '  3rd  April  1860. 

I  am  directed  to  transmit  to  you  the  enclosed  Return  in 
replv  to  your  letter  dated  2Sth  ultimo,' relating  to  the  mode  of  pro- 
cedure ill  ordinary  lighting  apparatus. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be. 


Your  most  obedient  servant, 


J.  F.  Campbell,  Esq., 
&c„ 
Roval  Commission  i 


P.  H.  Berthon. 


Trinily  Hjuse. 


Scotch  Board. 


"  Return  to  REijirisiTioN,  dated  28th  JIarch  1860. 

"  The  course  pursued  in  ordering  a  lenticular  illuminating  ap- 
paratus for  a  new  site  trom  the  manufacturer,  nnth  copies  of  the 
plans,  specifications,  &e.,  actually  submitted  to  manufacturers,  in 
oidering  the  last  two  sets  of  lenticular  apparatus  of  large  size,  or 
peculiar  form,  which  have  been  purchased.  Similar  infoimation 
with  reference  to  catoptric  apparatus. 

"  .\s  regards  lenticular  apparatus,  the  course  would  be  to  send 
copies  of  the  enclosed  Forms  A.  and  B.  to  Messrs.  Wilkins  and 
Messrs.  Deville,  Lcndon,  and  to  Jlessrs.  Chance,  Birmingham,  and 
of  A.  only  to  Messrs.  Lepaute  and  Messrs.  Sautter  (Letourneau), 
Paris. 

"  Copies  of  plans  and  specifications  actually  submitted  to  manu- 
facturers in  ordering  the  last  two  sets — thos'e  for  the  North  Fore- 
land and  the  Whitby— are  transmitted.  These  were  sent  to  the 
firms  above  mentioned. 

•'  The  Commissioners  will  observe  that  in  these  the  optical 
portion  is  not  separated  from  the  lamps  framework  and  fitting  up 
at  the  station.  The  plan  of  dividing  the  work  has  not  yet  been 
cirricd  out  at  any  of  the  Corporation's  own  lighthouses,  but  has 
been  adopted  wiih  cconomv  and  success  in  regard  to  apparatus 
for  certain  foreign  and  colonial  lights  which  the  Elder  Brethren 
have  procured  at  the  request  of  the  Board  of  Trade.  This  course 
has  been  pursued  with  the  view  of  including  the  French  firms  in 
the  competition.  The  manufacturer  of  lamps,  frames,  &c..  being 
an  entirely  distinct  speciality  to  that  of  glass,  advantages  both  as  to 
qualitv  and  cheapness  result  from  ilealing  with  each  separately. 

"  In  the  case  of  catoptric  appatatns.  the  romse  pursued  would 
be  to  order  Messrs.  Wilkins  to  furnish  it,  in  comformily  with  the 
List  of  Prices  offered  by  them,  and  approved  by  the  Board,  at  the 
commencement  of  each  year." 

Trinity  House,  London,  P.  H.  Bekthos, 

3rd  April  1861).  Secretary. 

The  letter  of  the  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lighthouses 
was  as  follows,  and  was  accompanied  by  nine  large  and  very 
well  executed  drawings  of  the  apparatus  ordered  for 
St.  Abb's  Head,  and  MacArthur's  Head,  lens  lights;  and 
for  Rona,  a  reflector  light. 

The  apparatus  for  Mac.\rthur's  Head  consists  of  numerous 
ingenious  contrivances  for  throwing  light  of  various  colours 
and  intensities  in  different  directions  so  as  to  use  advanta- 
geouslv  as  much  as  possible  of  the  light  produced.     The 


Secretary." 
On  the   18th  December  1860  the   following    letter   was 
received  : — 

Ballast  Office,  Dublin, 
Sir.  15th  December  1860. 

I  am  directed  by  the  Port  of  Dublin  Corporation  to  stale  to 
you  in  reply  to  your  letter  of  the  2Sth  March  1860,  *4s^  "''"  ''  '^^ 
not  the  jiractice  of  the  Corporation  to  give  a  specification  for  a 
lenticular  apparatus.  When  such  are  required  forms  of  tender  are 
sent  to  parties  competent  to  supply  such,  of  whom  there  are  only 
two  or  three  in  the  United  Kingdom,  setting  forth  the  arc  intended 
to  be  illuminated,  the  number  of  panels  and  zones  required,  and  that 
the  apparatus  shall  be  of  the  best  quality  and  fitted  together 
correctlv,  holding  the  manufacturer  responsible  for  its  efficiency. 
Copy  of  a  tender  for  a  first  order  apparatus  is  sent  herewith. 

No  catopric  apparaus  has  been  erected  by  this  Board  for  many 
years,  nor  is  it  intended  again  to  have  recourse  to  that  mode  of 
light.  I  am,  &c„ 

W.  Lees,  Secretarj-. 


day  of  186 

propose  to  supply  to  the  Port  of  Dublin  Corporation  for  a  fixed 
light  ot'  the  order  dioptric  apparatus  to  light  all 

round  the  horizon  with  lamp,  ventilating  tube,  stand,  &c. 

Of  the  optical  portion,  the  glass  to  be  of  the  best  quality  used 
for  such  apparatus,  and  free  from  any  faults  which  would  lessen 
the  efliciency  of  the  light ;  all  the  parts  to  be  truly  formed  and 
finished  in  the  best  manner. 

The  eight  panels  forming  a  portion  of  a  cylinder  around  the 
light,  and  the  panels  comprising  the  upper  and  lower  tiers  of 
catodioptric  zones  are  to  be  securely  mounted  in  gun  metal 
frames  supported  on  wrought  iron  framing  aud  uprights  fitted  to 
the  cast  iron  stand.  The  whole  to  be  fitted  together  in  the  best 
manner  and  to  admit  of  being  adjusted  with  perfect  accuracy  for 
the  sum  of  sterling  for  apparatus,  two  1-imps,  two 

spare  burners,  ventilating  tubes,  stand,  double  packing  cases,  car- 
riage to  stores,  and  all  charges  included.  The  apparatus  to  be 
completed  and  delivered  at  the  lighthouse  stores,  Northwall,  Dublin, 
within  from  date  ot  acceptance  lender  being  notified, 

and  to  be  paid  for  within  weeks  after  full  completion  of 

the  contract. 

(Manufacturers  are  requested  to  forward  to  the  Engineer  of  the 
Corporation  an  outline  plan,  section,  and  specification  of  apparatus 
proposed  to  be  supplied.) 

(Signed) 
(Residence) 
To  the  Secretary,  \ 

Ballast  Office.    J 

The  Corporation  will  not  hold  themselves  bound  to  accept  the 
lowest  tender. 

This  tender,  sealed,  is  to  be  delivered  (through  post)  at  the 
Secretary's  Office,  before  12  o'clock  noon,  on  day  of  above  date. 

The  practice  then  of  these  three  authorities  differs  widely.  See  Report, 

p.  30. 


CASES   OF   CONVICTION    FOR   OFFENCES. 


211 


CASES  OF  CONVICTION  OF  LIGHT  KEEPERS  FOR  OFFENCES; 
TRINITY  HOUSE. 

The  folloiving  Jietiiryi  s/ioivs  the  State  of  Discipline  of  the  Light  Service  in  Etigtnnd. 


Trinity  House,  London,  E.C., 
Sir,  1st  February  18(J1. 

I  AM  directed  to  transmit  to  you  for  the  information 
of  the  Royal  Commissioners  on  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Bea- 
cons, a  list  of  the  cases  in  which  keepers  of  lighthouses  or 
lightships  have  been  convicted  by  the  Corporation  of 
Trinity  House  of  offences  or  derelictions  of  duty  since 
1853,  \\\i\\  a  statement  of  the  course  pursued  in  these 
cases,  in  conformity  with  your  requisition  dated  29th  No- 
vember last. 

I  am,  &c., 
J.  F.  Campbell,  Esq.,  P.  H.  Berthon. 

&c.         &c.         &c. 


A  List  of  the  C.\ses  in  which  Keepers  of  Lighthouses 
or  Lightships  have  been  convicted  by  the  Corpora- 
tion of  Trinity  House  of  Offences  or  dereliction  of 
Duty  since  1853,  with  a  Statement  showing  the  course 
pursued  in  these  cases. 

1854. 
Lighthouse  Service. 

irth  January. — Principal  keeper. — Receiving  lodgers  at 
his  dwelling  contrary  to  regulations. 

Reduced  to  assistant  and  superannuated  as  such. 

Assistant  at  same  station. —  Receiving  lodgers  at  his 
dwelling  contrary  to  regulations. 

Put  back  two  steps  in  promotion.  Severely  reprimanded 
and  cautioned. 

Assistant  at  same  station. — Receiving  lodgers  at  his 
dwelling  contrarj-  to  regulations. 

Removed  to  another  station.  Severely  reprimanded  and 
cautioned. 

11th  April. — Two  assistants.  —  Disagreement  and  bad 
feeling  between  them.  They  had  not  spoken  to  each  other 
for  \2  months. 

Both  reprimanded  and  cautioned  to  live  on  good  terms 
for  the  future ;  directed  to  give  a  joint  assurance  of  their 
intention  to  do  so,  and  to  perform  their  respective  duties  in 
a  pro])er  and  peaceful  manner,  and  acquainted  that  if  they 
persist  in  their  present  course  they  will  be  removed. 

1856. 

9th  October. — Principal. — Having  communicated  direct 
with  the  commandant  of  a  neighbouring  fort  without  the 
Bo.ard's  penni.5sion  to  do  so. 

Charge  investigated  by  Visiting  Committee,  and  being 
substantiated,  accused  was  reprimanded  for  such  iiTegular 
])roceeding.  Cautioned  to  be  more  circumspect  for  the 
future,  and  desired  to  send  any  representation  he  may  have 
to  make  to  the  Board  through  the  agent. 

1857. 

21st  and  28th  May. — Assistant. — Having  made  use  of 
very  abusive  language  to  principal  keeper,  being  the  worse 
for  drink ;  want  of  cleanliness,  disrespect  to  agent,  and 
general  unfitness  for  the  charge  of  a  lighthouse. 

Dismissed  with  one  quarter's  pay. 

18th  August. — Assistant  keeper. — Occasionally  giving 
way  to  intoxication. 

Discharged  from  the  service. 

1st  September. — Assistant  keeper. — Absence  from  duty 
during  three  nights  and  days,  caused  by  drunkenness ; 
charge  admitted  and  reason  assigned,  that  he  was  led  away 
by  bad  company  to  witness  a  regatta. 

Dismissed  the  ser\'ice. 


1858. 

18th  May. — Principal  and  assistant  keeper. — Light  appa- 
ratus found  by  an  Inspecting  Committee  in  a  dirty  and 
inefRcient  condition. 

Both  reprimanded  and  cautioned  as  to  future  conduct. 
Assistant  put  back  two  steps  in  his  promotion,  and  removed 
to  another  station. 

Sth  June. — Assistant  keeper. — Having  struck  the  other 
assistant  because  the  latter  had  charged  him  with  neglect  of 
duty,  and  being  generally  quai-ielsome. 

Dismissed  the  service. 

7th  October. — Assistant. — Neglect  of  duty,  &c. 

Reprimanded  and  admonished  as  to  hi§  future  conduct. 


1859. 

"th  June. — Assistant. — Leaving  lighthouse  from  9  a.m.  conuicions  of 
until  midnight   on   one'  occasion,  and  continually  absent-  servants. 
ing  himself  from  the  station  to  work  as  a  carpenter  at  a 
neighbouring  farm  house,  and  his  disrespectful  behaviour 
when  spoken  to  on  the  subject  by  principal  keeper. 

Severely  reprimanded,  and  threatened  with  removal  to  a 
rock  station  on  a  suitable  opportunity. 

19th  July. — Principal  and  assistant  keeper. — Coming  on 
shore  for  the  day  once  a  month  ^^^thout  asking  leave  of  the 
agent  beforehand. 

Both  were  informed  that  they  had  incurred  the  displeasure 
of  the  Elder  Brethren,  and  the  surprise  of  the  Board  was 
expressed  to  the  assistant  that  the  caution  given  him  on  a 
former  occasion  should  not  have  been  attended  \rith  a  better 
result. 

30th  August. — Principal  keeper. — Charged  by  assistant 
with  being  asleej)  in  the  house  during  his  turn  to  keep 
watch,  the  light  in  the  lantern  nearly  out,  and  ndth  using 
threatening  and  abusive  language  on  the  assistant  awaking 
him. 

Having  admitted  Ijeing  absent  from  his  post  during  his 
watch,  he  was  reduced  to  rank  of  assistant,  and  removed  to 
another  station. 

Sth  September. — Assistant  keeper. — Tliat  the  foregoing 
charges  «ere  brought  by  him  against  the  principal  keeper 
from  private  and  malicious  reasons. 

Removed  to  another  station. 

17th  November.  —  Assistant  keeper. — Complaint  by 
master  gunner  of  neighbouring  fort  of  his  proceedings  in 
depriving  him  of  certain  perquisites,  and  causing  bad  feeling 
on  the  pai't  of  the  military  towards  himself  (the  master 
gunner). 

Cautioned  as  to  his  future  proceedings. 

15th  December. — Assistant  keeper. — Having  been  seen 
in  a  state  of  intoxication  when  on  shore. 

Being  called  upon  for  explanation  of  his  conduct,  he  for- 
warded a  petition,  stating,  that  if  his  offence  were  over- 
looked in  this  instance,  he  would  never  again  be  guilty  of 
similar  misconduct ;  whereu])on  he  was  re-instated  in  his 
position  with  a  se\'ere  reprimand  and  caution. 

1860. 

2fith  April.  —  Principal  and  assistant  keeper.  —  Gross 
neglect  of  duty  and  want  of  cleanliness  of  the  establishment 
(reported  by  an  inspecting  committee). 

Expression  of  Board's  extreme  displeasure  conveyed  to 
both. 

Principal  cautioned  that  if  reports  of  future  Committees 
do  not  show  that  a  decided  improvement  has  taken 
place  he  will  be  removed  to  a  station  where  he  will  be 
under  more  immediate  supervision,  and  reduced  to  the 
rank  of  assistant  keeper  during  pleasure. 

Assistant  cautioned  and  informed  he  will  be  expected  to 
use  his  best  exertions  in  placing  the  establishment  on  a 
footing  in  regard  of  cleanliness  with  the  other  lighthouses 
of  the  corporation. 

yth  May. — Assistant  keeper.  —  Commanding  officer  of 
neighbouring  garrison  i'e])orted  the  conduct  of  the  assistant 
keeper  in  stabbing  one  of  the  corporals  in  the  mouth  when 
under  the  influence  of  liquor,  and  in  subsequently  giving 
him  a  severe  blow  in  the  eye  which  knocked  him  down, 
and  also  for  taking  his  men  out  of  barracks  at  night  on  a 
previous  occasion  contrary  to  orders,  which  had  been  re- 
ported to  the  principal  keeper. 

Assistant  was  at  once  dismissed  the  ser\'ice,  and  the 
principal  severely  reprimanded  for  not  having  reported  the 
fii'st  offence  of  the  assistant. 

21  St  June. — Principal  and  assistant  keeper. — An  officer 
of  Royal  Artillery  preferred  a  complaint  against  one  of  the 
keepers  for  demanding  a  fee  of  Is.  for  showing  the  light- 
house. 

Explanation  ha\'ing  been  required  of  principal  keeper, 
and  the  same  being  unsatisfactory,  both  keepers  were 
severely  reprimanded,  and  a  notice  of  the  circumstance,  and 
the  occasion  of  it,  sent  to  each  establishment,  with  a  caution 
that  any  keeper  demanding  payment  for  showing  the  light- 
houses wUl  render  himself  liable  to  dismissal  from  the 
service. 

7th  August.  —  Principal  and  assistant  keeper.  —  Con- 
tinued and  systematic  neglect,  the  visiting  committee 
having  found  that  this  light  is  the  solitary  exception  to  the 
high  state  of  ciSciency  in  which  ail  tl'.e  other  stations  were 
found. 


Dd  2 


212 


ArPEXDIX   TO   REPORT    ON    LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND    BEACONS  : 


Principal  cautioner!  tliat  unless  improvement  take  place 
he  will  be  removed  and  reduced  to  rank  of  assistant  durbg 
pleasure. 

Assistant  reprimanded  and  removed  to  another  station. 

23rd  October. —  Principal  keeper. — Disagreements  with 
assistant  keepers  and  boatmen,  occasioned  in  some  measure 
as  agent  states,  by  the  disposition  of  keeper's  wife  and  her 
dislike  to  the  jilace. 

Cautioned  that  any  further  complaint  being  made  of  his 
conduct,  or  that  of  his  wife,  he^^^ll  be  disrated  and  removed, 
and  also  reminded  of  his  having  been  under  the  Board's 
displeasure  when  stationed  elsewhere. 


Officers  and  men  reprimanded  for  not  keeping  a  better 
look  out.  Superintendent  directed  to  caution  the  officers 
and  crew  of  eveiy  lightvessel  that  similar  instances  of  ne- 
glect on  the  part  of  those  who  may  have  the  watch  will  not 
be  overlooked  in  future. 

1857. 

10  November. — Seaman. — Ha\'ing  absented  himself  on 
several  occasions  without  leave,  and  not  proceeding  on 
board  with  the  rehef. 

Dismissed  the  ser\-ice. 


Li'jhtvessel  Service. 
I85i. 

14th  February. — Carpenter. — Ha\-ing  on  two  occasions 
absented  himseljf  for  several  days  without  leave,  and  not 
making  his  appearance  until  after  the  rehef  had  left. 

Dismissed  the  ser\-ice. 

25th  April.— Crew  of  a  lightvessel. — Refusing  to  relieve 
the  keeper  of  the  spare  hghtvessel  when  on  shore. 

Ordered  to  take  their  turn  in  spare  lightvessel,  as  cus- 
tomary, and  acquainted  that  any  one  refusing  will  be 
immediatelv  dismissed  the  service. 

9th  May" — Two  of  the  same  crew.— Refusing  to  obey 
the  order  to  relieve  the  ship-keeper. 

Dismissed  the  service. 

23rd  May. — Six  of  the  same  crew. — Refusing  to  obey  the 
order  to  relieve  the  ship-kee])er. 

Dismissed  the  service. 

20th  June. — Seaman. — Drunkenness  and  abusive  lan- 
guage. 

Dismissed  the  service. 

25th  July  and  8lh  August. — Four  seamen. — Fighting  on 
board  the  hghtvessel. 

One  dismissed,  the  other  three  removed  to  the  most  out- 
lying stations. 

*2Sth  November. —  Seaman. — Having  heard  of  the  death 
of  his  wife  in  London,  tjuitted  his  vessel  to  see  her  biu-ied 
without  obtaining  leave  of  the  officer  in  charge. 

Reprimanded  for  so  aljseuting  himself,  btit  under  the 
circumstances  retained  in  the  service. 

*3l3t  August. — Master  carpenter,  two  lamplighters,  two 
seamen. — Found  by  visiting  committee  asleep  in  their 
hammocks  and  off  watch,  about  mid-day. 

Removed  to  outlying  stations. 

5th  December. — Two  seamen. — No  signal  shown  on  the 
"  Irene  "  passing,  that  the  steamer  was  observed  before  her 
boat  had  been  lowered  down,  the  accused  ha\-ing  the  watch 
at  the  time. 

Both  fined  one  week's  pay  for  their  neglect. 

1855. 
12th  April. — Laraphghter. — Complaint   by  mate  of  his 
insubordinate  conduct  when  proceeding  out  with  the  relief, 
and  of  his  being  occasionally  given  to  acts  of  intemperance 
when  on  shore. 

Dismissed  the  service. 

27th  September. — Seaman. — Misconduct  and  insubor- 
dination reported  by  master  of  lightv'essel. 

Superintendent  having  stated  that  he  is  a  good  working 
hand,  has  been  sc\-eral  years  in  the  service,  and  is  not 
given  to  drink,  and  that  no  previous  complaint  has  beeu 
made  against  him,  he  was  retained  in  the  serrice  with  a 
reprimand  and  caution. 

1856. 
8th  January. — Lamplighter. — Instd^ordinate  and  nolent 
conduct  when  in  a  state  of  intoxication,  on  board  the  hght- 
vessel (reported  by  the  master). 
Discharged  from  the  service. 

12th  February. — Seaman. — Improper  language  and  con- 
duct towards  master  of  the  hghtvessel. 

Having  been  ordered  to  attend  the  Committee,  and  de- 
cUning  to  so  he  was  discharged. 

(ith  May. — Seaman. — Complaint  by  mate  and  crew  of 
lightvessel,  of  insubordinate  and  unbecoming  conduct. 

Period  of  service  of  accused  being  adverted  to  he  was 
exchanged  into  another  lightvessel,  and  cautioned  that  on 
any  renewed  comjilaint  he  would  be  dismissed. 

17  June. —  Seaman. —  Having  been  informed  by  agent 
(when  on  duty  in  the  tender)  of  the  hour  of  saiUng,  he  did 
not  come  on  i)oard  at  time  ajipointed,  and  had  been  on 
shore  drinking. 

Having  previously  committed  himself  in  the  same  manner 
he  was  discharged  from  the  service. 

14  August  — Masters  oroflicers  in  charge  and  those  of  the 
crews  on  duty,  on  board  three  lightvessels. — Reported  by 
committee  for  not  keeping  watch  on  the  morning  of  2r)th 
July  1856. 


1859. 

(j  January. — Seaman  and  Carpenter. — Disjiute  betn-een 
them  while  a  shipwTecked  crew  were  on  board  the  light- 
vessel,  in  the  course  of  which  the  language  they  used 
towards  each  other  was  stated  to  be  the  most  disgraceful. 

These  statements  ha\'ing  been  considered,  the  seaman 
was  put  back  two  steps  in  his  promotion,  and  removed  to 
another  lightvessel.  ITie  carpenter  was  continued  in  the 
original  vessel,  and  both  were  severely  reprimanded. 

22  March. — Seaman. — Hanng  altered  the  date  of  his 
certificate  of  birth  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  himself 
within  the  regulation  in  regard  to  the  age  of  persons  eligible 
for  appointment  to  the  service. 

Correct  date  being  ascertained  he  was  discharged. 

7  April. — Seaman. — Insubordination  in  refusing  to  re- 
main on  board  the  lightvessel  the  third  month  in  his  turn, 
in  consequence  of  another  of  the  crew  having  been  rendered 
unfit  for  duty  by  accident. 

Dismissed  the  sen'ice. 

12  July. — Seaman.  —  Reported  by  superintendent  for 
having  approjjriated  a  piece  of  plank,  the  property  of  a 
builder  at  work  on  the  wharf. 

Sus])ended  from  duty,  but  the  owner  of  the  wood  having 
stated  that  he  considers  it  was  taken  through  mistake,  the 
seaman  was  reprimanded  and  cautioned  to  be  more  circimi- 
spect,  and  re-instated. 

13  December. — Four  seamen. — Comjilaint  by  mate  of 
insubordination  and  neglect  of  duty  when  on  board  the 
lightvessel. 

Charges  having  been  investigated  by  committee,  two  of 
the  four  men  who  were  then  on  shore  were  dismissed  at 
once  ;  the  other  two  as  soon  as  they  could  conveniently  be 
landed. 

1860. 

2.9  March. — Two  seamen. — Complaint  by  master  of  the 
disobedience  of  his  orders. 

Both  were  dismissed  the  sennce. 

8  May. — Two  seamen. — Report  by  mate  of  a  fight  bet^veen 
them. 

Both  reprimanded,  one  removed  to  another  lightvessel. 

1!)  July. — Two  seamen. — Accused  of  taking  old  stores 
and  selling  them. 

Prosecuted  at  the  assizes,  and  acquitted  for  want  of 
evidence ;  subsequently  discharged  from  the  ser^'ice. 

1 1  December. — Two  seamen. —  Report  by  master  of 
steamer  that  he  had  the  signal  displayed  for  the  boat  from 
the  lightvessel  to  come  to  him  for  20  minutes,  but  that  it 
was  not  observed  until  the  steamer  was  nearing  the 
light. 

Explanation  required  of  master  of  lightvessel,  and  the 
accused  who  had  the  watch  at  the  time  were  severely  repri- 
manded, and  cautioned  against  the  repetition  of  a  similar 
neglect  of  duty. 

27  December. — Carpenter. — Taking  away  from  the  hght- 
vessel, on  his  coming  ashore  and  quitting  the  sernce, 
certain  tools  the  property  of  the  corporation. 

Articles  having  been  recovered,  accused  was  allowed  to 
go  free  after  a  suitable  admonition,  agent  ha%Tng  stated 
that  he  seemed  much  impressed  by  his  situation  and  the 
impropriety  of  his  conduct. 

1861. 

10  January. — Seaman. — Rejiorted  by  the  mate  to  have 
disobeyed  his  orders,  and  used  abusive  language. 

Reprunanded  for  his  conduct,  and  removed  to  another 
vessel. 

Number  of  men  in  hghthouse  service         -     ISfi 
„  in  hghtvessel  service         -     391 


Total 


547 


Trinity  House, 
31st  January  1861. 


OBSERVATIONS  OF  THE  DEPUTY-MASTER  OP  TRINITY  HOUSE  ON   SCILLY,  &C. 


213 


OBSERVATIONS  OF  THE  DEPUTY  MASTER  OF  THE  TRINITY  HOUSE  ON  THE  RELIEFS 
AND  EXPENSE  OF  KEEPERS'  DWELLINGS  AT  SCILLY. 


Royal  Commission,  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons, 
7,  Millbank  Street,  S.W.,  London. 
Dear  Admiral  Gordon,  23rd  February  1861. 

I  BEG  to  forward  extracts  from  a  letter  addressed  to 
me  as  Chairman  of  this  Commission.  They  include  the 
expression  of  certain  views  regarding  Lighthouse  manage- 
ment, accompanied  by  something  like  strictures  on  parti- 
cular points  of  that  management. 

You  would  greatly  obHge  me  if  you  will  obtain  for  me  in 
general  terms,  and  as  concisely  as  practicable,  the  observa- 
tions of  the  Elder  Brethren  on  the  accompanying  remarks. 
Some  of  them  I  can  quite  anticipate,  but  on  one  or  two 
points,  such  as  the  undue  expense  of  the  residences  of  the 
Bishops  Lightkeeper,  and  how  those  residences  came  to 
he  fixed  at  St.  Mary's  instead  of  St.  Agnes,  I  can,  of 
course,  only  be  enlightened  by  the  Elder  Brethren. 

As  the  writer  of  the  letter  from  which  I  send  extracts  has 
every  claim  to  attention,  I  have  thought  it  right  to 
furnish  you  with  his  remarks ;  and  I  should  ha  very  glad 
of  as  early  a  reply  to  them  as  the  business  of  the  Elder 
Brethren  would  enable  you  to  furnish  me  with. 
Believe  me, 

Yours  vei-y  truly, 

W.  A.  B.  Hamilton. 
Rear  Admiral  Robt.  Gordon. 


Trinity  House,  4th  March  1861. 

Dear  Admiral  Hamilton, 

With  reference  to  the  questions  contained  in  your 
letter  of  the  23rd  December,  it  will  perhaps  be  suiBcicnt  if 
I  say  that  the  system  of  distinct  classes  for  lighthouse 
keepers,  and  the  crews  of  light  vessels,  is  the  result  of  long 
])ractical  experience  with  hghtvessels  on  all  parts  of  the 
coasts  of  England,  and  that  "  mental  and  physical  inferi- 
ority "'  in  their  crews  has  never  yet  heen  apparent  to  the 
Elder  Brethren. 

The  "  Seven  Stones  "    Lightvessel  is  within  signal  dis- 
tance of  St.  Martin's  Head,  near  Trescow,  where  the  Agent 


resides,  and  where  the  cutter  is  stationed.     The  crew  of  the  Keepers^ 

"  Seven    Stones "    also    live    there   in   readiness   for   any   dwellings  cost. 

emergency. 

It  requires  seamen  and  men  of  some  ner\'e  to  be  useful 
in  the  e\-ent  of  the  vessel  breaking  adrift  in  one  of  those 
gales  to  which  she  is  exposed. 

Applications  for  removal  always  receive  due  considera- 
tion. The  men  themselves  are  quite  satisfied  \vith  the 
arrangements  as  to  the  reliefs. 

The  regulations  for  promotion  ensvire  the  utmost  fairness 
to  all  employed  in  the  service. 

The  junior  keeper  at  St.  Agnes  was  sent  there  after  12 
months  probation  (with  others)  at  the  wharf  at  BlackwaU. 
I  cannot  learn  that  there  was  any  particular  reason  for 
sending  him  to  St.  Agnes. 

The  regulations  now  in  force  would  place  the  recipient  of 
3,  first  appointment  in  a  Hock  Lighthouse. 

The  clweUings  for  the  keepers  of  the  Bishop  Rock  Light- 
house were  built  at  St.  Mary's,  because  we  have  no  spare 
ground  at  St.  Agnes,  and  because  difficulties  were  overcome 
by  obtaining  ground  from  the  Government  on  favourable 
tei-ms.  The  cost  of  these  dwellings  is  considerably  more 
than  those  built  at  "  Senan  Cove  "  for  the  Longships  Light- 
keepers.  The  former,  2,100/.  (including  1,100  feet  of  stone 
houndary),  and  they  are  in  every  respect  perfect  in  their 
construction  and  accommodation,  and  are  likely  to  be 
durable  for  many  years  to  come  ;  whereas  the  Longships 
dwellings  were  built  by  local  contract  for  1,374/.  Ss.  3f/.,  in 
order  to  meet  the  views  of  the  Board  of  Trade  in  respect  of 
economy. 

They  are  already  constantly  requiring  repairs,  and 
wiU,  I  fear,  prove  in  the  long  run  very  costly. 

I  em  not  a^^■are  of  having  overlooked  any  material  point, 
but  I  shall  be  ready  to  give  any  further  explanation  you 
may  require. 

Believe  me, 

Y'our's  very  truly, 

Robt.  Gordon. 
Rear  Admiral  Hamilton. 


CIRCULAR  XIII. 

THE  FOLLOWING  CIRCULAR  LETTER  WAS  SENT  TO  THE  OWNERS  OF  STEAMBOATS 
AVHICH  P:iSS  WHITBY  LIGHTS. 

Royal  Commission,  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons, 
Sir,  7,  Millbank  Street,  S.\V.,  London. 

I  HAVE  to  request  that  you  will  be  pleased  to  desire  the  Masters  of  Steamers  belonging  to  your  Company,  who  are 
in  the  habit  of  passing  the  Whitby  Lights,  to  make  observations  on  the  present  appearance  of  those  Lights,  in  the 
following  form  ;  as  a  change  has  been  made  in  one  of  the  Lights,  and  the  Royal  Commission  are  anxious  to  ascertain  the 
effect  of  the  alteration. 

I  am.  Sir, 

Y'our  obedient  Servant, 
(Signed)  J.  F.  CAMPBELL,   Secretary. 


Return  from 


,  Cajjtain  trading  between 

of  the  appearance  of  the  Whitby  Lights. 


and 


Date. 

Time. 

Weather. 

Compass 

Be.iring  of 

Lights. 

Estimated 
Distance. 

Comparison. 

f  much  brighter  than.       ~| 

South  1  rather  brighter  than        1  North 

Light.  -1  as  bright  as                      )■  Light. 

1  ratlier  less  bright  than    | 

(^much  less  bright  tiian   J 

Specimen. 

1860. 
Dec.  nth 

Dec.  15th 

10   P.M. 
•2  A.M. 

- 

S.W.  I  S. 
S.S.W. 

About  15  M. 
About  3  M. 

Soutii  much  brighter  than  north. 
South  much  less  bright  than  north. 

Note, — It  is  requested  that  this  Return  may  be  sent  by  post,  unpaid,  to   the  address   on   the  back   of  the   page,   without  fail,  by 
December  25th,  or  earlier,  if  six  observations  on  different  nights  have  been  made, 

Dd3 


214 


APPENDIX  TO  REPORT  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS  : 


Whilby  Lights. 

Evidence  of 
Mariners. 
Circular  XIII. 


Return  from  the  "  Wans1)eck."  Captain  Thomas  Butcher,  trading  between  London  and  Newcastle,  of  the  appearance  of 

the  Whitby  Lights. 


Comparison. 

Date. 

Time. 

Weather. 

Cotnpass 
Bearing  of 

Estimated 

Cmuch  brighter  than 
South  J  '^•,'"'.^):,"ehter  than        Ijj^^^ 
T  -   u^  "i  ^  bnent  as                         S  t  ■   i_ 
^'g'"-  1  rather  less  bright  than    f  ^'S*"- 

Lights. 

Distance. 

l^much  less  bright  ihan 

1860. 

Dec.  10th 

6   P.M. 

Fine  but  dark. 

N.W. 

4  M. 

South  much  brighter  than  north. 

„    12th 

8    P.M. 

Fine  starlight. 

S.S.W. 

10  M. 

South  brighter  than  north. 

„    17th 

9  30  P.M. 

Cloudy  wealher. 

N.W. 

11    M. 

South  brighter  than  north. 

.. 

H    P.M. 

.. 

W. 

4  m. 

North  as  bright  as  south. 

Ge.ntlemes, — My  personal  remark  is  that  the  south  is  brighter  than  the  north  ;    as  on    several    times    I    have    passed  remarks 
on  the  difference  of  the  two  lights.  I  a"",   Gentlemen, 

Thomas  Bl'tcher, 


Return  from  the  "  Earl  of  Aberdeen  "  Steamer,  Captain  Thos.  Howling,  trading  between  Aberdeen  and  London,  of  the 

appearance  of  the  Whitby  Lights. 


1860. 

Dec.  13th 

5  P.M. 

Clear. 

N.W. 

About  13  M. 

Soutli  rather  brighter  than  i 

orth. 

6   15  P.M. 

W. 

About    8  M. 

South  as  bright  as  north. 

7  20  P.M. 

Cloudy. 

S.W.  i  s. 

About  12  M. 

South  as  bright  as  north. 

Dec.  20th 

4  50  p  M. 

Clear. 

s.w.  i  w. 

About  14  M. 

South  as  bright  as  north. 

5  30  P.M. 

W.  bv  N. 

About    6  M. 

South  as  bright  as  north. 

"       " 

7     0  P.M. 

N.W.  by  N. 

About  13  M. 

South  as  bright  as  north. 

Gentlemen, — I  was  careful  in  observing  those  lights  on  all  bearings  between  N.W.    and  S.S.W.,   and  could  not  observe    ar 
difference  in  them.     I  consider  them  to  be  splendid  bright  and  clear  lights.  Your's  respectfully, 

Thos.   Howli.sc,  Master. 


Return  from  the  "Neptune  "  Steamer.  Captain  William  EUiott,  trading betneen  Hull  and  Newcastle,  of  the  appearance 

the  Whitby  Lights. 


1860. 

Dec.  2d 

Hazy. 

W.N.W. 

About    8  M. 

South  rather  brighter  than  north. 

Dec.  8th 

6  P.M. 

„ 

S.  bv  W. 

About    6  It. 

South  rather  brighter  than  north. 

Dec.  1 3th 

Clear. 

N.W. 

About  12  M. 

South  much  brighter  tlian  north. 

Dec.  13th 

8  30  P.M. 

W. 

About    5  M. 

South  much  brinluer  than  north. 

9  45  P.M. 

S.W.iS. 

About  10  M. 

South  rather  brighter  than  north. 

Dec.  16th 

5   15  P.M. 

N.W.  by  N.  iN. 

About  10  M. 

South  much  brighter  than  north. 

Dec.  23rd 

1 1   30  P.St. 

N.W.  by  N. 

About  12  M. 

South  much  brighter  than  north. 

Dec.  24th 

2      0  A.M. 

W.  bv  S. 

About    7  M. 

South  rather  brigliter  than  north. 

3  30  A.M. 

S.W.  by  S.  A  S. 

About  14  M. 

South  rather  brighter  than  north. 

Return  from  the  "  Countess  of  Lonsdale,"  Captain  W.  Phillips,  trading  beh^'een  London  and  Edinburgh,  of  the 

appearance  of  the  Whitby  Lights. 


I860. 

r      6   P.M. 

Cloudy. 

W.N.W. 

From  3  to     T 

Dee.  nth 

\           till 

to 

about  12        \ 

South  light  as  bright  as  north  light. 

L     9  p.Jr. 

S.W.  by  S. 

miles. 

r    6  30  P.M. 

Clear. 

S.S.W. 

From  about 

Dec.  16th 

\           till 

to 

15  miles        I 

South  light  as  bright  as  the  north  light. 

[  extinguished. 

W.S.W. 

to  3  miles. 

It  may  not  be  impertinent  to  add.  that  having  been  requested  to  pay  particular  attention  to  the  appearance  of  Whitby  lights  myself 
I,wilhout  making  such  known  to  officers  and  passengers,  called  their  attention  to  them,  requesting  them  to  tell  me  which  of  the  two 
they  considered  the  brighter  light,  wlien  all  agreed  with  me  that  both  were  good,  and  one  no  less  bright  than  the  other.  W.P. 


Return  from  the  "  Al)erdeenshire,"  Captain  Wm.  Talbot,  trading  betAveen  Aberdeen  and  Hull,  of  the  appearance  of  the 

Whitby  Lights. 


I860. 
Dec.  12th 


5A  PM. 


South  rather  brighter  than  north. 


Return  from  the  "  Brilliant,"  Captain  Gardner,  trading  beUveen  Leith  and  Hull,  of  the  appearance  of  the 

WTiitby  Lights. 


1860. 

Dec.  13th 

Clear. 

.W. 

About    8  M. 

Both  alike  bright. 

Dec.  19th 

S.W. 

„ 

Dc.         do. 

i           W.  by  N. 

About  10  M. 

South  much  less  brighter  than  north. 

Dec.  25  th 

3  A.M. 

„ 

W.  by  S. 

About    8  M. 

South  not  much  less  brighter  than  north. 

1861. 

(sic.) 

Jan.  5th 

AV.  by  N. 

About  10  M. 

South  much  less  brighter  than  north. 

11  A.M. 

W. 

About    8  M. 

Both  alike  bright. 

" 

12  P.M. 

" 

S.S.W. 

About  16  M. 

South  light  not  visible,  north  clear. 

Summitry  of 
this  Evidence. 


This  circular  was  intended  to  test  practically  the  result  of  the  changes  which  had  been  made  at  the  instance  of  the  Com- 
mission in  the  .setting  of  the  ai)paratus,  &c.,  and  in  the  lamp  at  South  Whitby.  See  accounts  of  these  proceedings  (ante). 
These  obser\-ations  iniroc  generally  with  those  made  by  the  Commission  after  the  change,  in  that  the  soiitli  light  showed 
much  brighter  than  the  north  tit  short  distances,  and"  brighter  generally.  l"he  difiBculty  of  ctimparing  two  distant  lights 
of  nearly  equal  power,  even  placed  side  by  side,  is  very  great,  and  re(|uires  practice  or  some  instrument  to  assist  the  eye. 
The  result,  however,  was  not  so  favourable  as  had  been'  anticipated,  and  it  was  thought  desirable  to  try  to  discover  a  reason. 
See  jiapers  which  follow. 


CONSUMPTION   OF   OIL   AT   WHITBY,   &e. 


215 


CONSUMPTION   OF   OIL  AT  WHITBY. 


Wldtby  Lights. 


Trinity  House,  London,  E.C., 
Sir,  2Jd  October  1860. 

I  am  directed  to  acknowledge  receipt  of  your  letter 
dated  20th  instant,  relative  to  the  consumption  of  oil  at 
the  Whitby  Lighthouses,  and  in  reply,  I  am  to  transmit  to 
y(m  the  accompanying  return. 

I  have,  &c. 
J.  F.  Campbell,  Esq.,  P.  H.  Berthon. 

&c.  &c. 


CoNSUMPTio.v  of  Oil  at  the  North  Whitby  Lighthouse 
on  the  undermentioned  nights. 


October, 

Time  of 
LightinR. 

Time  of  ex- 
tinguishing 
the  Light. 

Oil  consumed. 

1860. 

Hrs. 

Mill. 

Hrs. 

Min. 

Gals. 

Qts. 

Pints. 

4Pts. 

Gills. 

5th. 

5 

31 

6 

8 

2 

_ 

1 

Gth. 

5 

as 

B 

10 

2 

1 

1 

7th. 

5 

!>B 

6 

11 

2 

1           1 

— 

8th. 

5 

22 

6 

IS 

2 

1 

— 

9th. 

5 

22 

« 

15 

2 

1 

— 

lOth. 

5 

19 

« 

16 

3 



— 

— 

11th. 

5 

15 

6 

18 

3 

— 

— 

— 

12th. 

5 

13 

H 

20 

3 

1 

— 

1 

13th. 

6 

11 

H 

21 

3 



— 

— 

l«h. 

6 

8 

6 

25 

3 



— 

1 

15th. 

5 

R 

6 

25 

3 



— 

1 

Itith. 

S 

4 

6 

26 

3 



— 

17th. 

5 

- 

C 

38 

3 

~ 

~ 

1 

Consumption  of  Oil  at  the  South  Whitby  Lighthouse 
on  the  undermentioned  nights 


7th. 

8th. 

9th. 
10th. 
11th. 
12th. 
13th. 
14th. 
15th. 
16th. 
17th. 


Time  of  ex- 
tinguisliing 
the  Light. 


Gals.    Qts.  Pints.  iPts.  Gill: 


Trinity  House,  London,  B.C., 
23d  October  1860. 


P.  H.  Berthon, 

Secretary. 


were   subsequently   sent  of  the  consumption  of  Consumption  of 
\orth  and  South  Whitby  lighthouses  dm'ing  the  "''• 


Returns  ■ 
oil  at  the  North  and  South  Whitby  lighthouses  ctm'ing 
month  of  December,  from  which  it  appeared  that  the  total 
quantity  consumed  was 

North — 71  gallons,  3  cpiarts,  li  pint,  1  gill. 
South — 71       do.     3     do.      1      do. 

In  consequence  a  letter  was  written  to  which  the  following 
is  a  reply  : — 

Trinity  House,  London,  E.G., 
Sir,  February  14,  1861. 

I  AM  directed  to  acknowledge  receipt  of  your  letter, 
dated  31st  ultimo,  with  reference  to  the  returns  called  for 
by  the  Royal  Commission  on  Lights,  as  to  the  consumption 
of  oil  at  the  Whitby  Lighthouses  in  December  and  January 
last,  and  expressing  the  great  surprise  of  the  Commissioners 
that  the  consumption  (for  the  month  of  December)  is 
71  gallons,  3  quarts,  1  pint,  and  71  gallons,  3  quarts,  1  pint, 
1  half  pint  respectively,  and  inquu'ing  whether  any,  and  if 
any,  what  instructions  were  given  to  the  keejjer  of  the 
South  Light  as  to  the  maintenance  of  a  high  flame  after 
the  recent  change  in  the  lamp ;  and  whether  any,  and  if  any, 
what  notice  has  been  taken  of  the  circumstance  of  the  con- 
sumption of  oil  in  the  mechanical  lamp  being  identical  or 
almost  so  with  the  consumption  in  the  North  Lighthouse  ; 
and  in  reply  I  am  to  state,  for  the  information  of  the  Com- 
missioners, that  Mr.  James  Chance,  in  his  report  to  Pro- 
fessor Faraday,  dated  17th  November  last  (with  a  copy  of 
which  the  Commissioners  ba\'e  been  furnished),  informed 
that  gentleman  that  he  bus  at  present  provided  the  South 
Lighthouse  temporarily  with  two  good  mechanical  4-wick 
lamps,  but  that  he  proposes  sending  ultimately  two  pressure 
4-wick  lamps,  which  he  prefers ;  and  that,  pending  the 
completion  of  this  arrangement  and  the  result  of  the  ex- 
periments with  pressure  lamps  still  under  consideration  at 
the  Trinity  House,  the  Elder  Brethren  have  not  deemed  it 
necessary  to  give  the  keeper  at  the  South  Lighthouse  any 
specific  instructions  beyond  that  of  keeping  up  a  good 
flame,  nor  to  take  any  special  notice  of  the  consumption 
being  equal  in  the  two  lamps  for  the  month  of  December. 

I  am  further  to  observe,  that  in  Mr.  Faraday's  Report, 
dated  19th  October  last,  the  proportion  of  consumption 
between  the  two  lights  was  stated  to  be  15  pints  for  the 
South  Light  to  13  for  the  North  Light,  and  that  the  oil 
bills  for  the  entire  month  of  January,  copies  of  which  are 
now  enclosed,  show  a  proportion  nearly  similar,  viz.,  77 
gallons  against  70  gallons,  1  quart,  1  pint. 
I  have,  &c., 

J.  F.  Campbell,  Esq.,  P.  H.  Berthon. 

&c.         &c. 


From  this  it  appears  that  the  advantage  of  the  new  lamp  Summary  of 
was  lost  by  burning  a  small  quantity  of  oU,   and  that  the  this  Evidence. 
advantage  gained  was  due  solely  to  the  setting  of  the  appa- 
ratus.    See  an /e  accounts  of  visits  to  Whitby,   and  several 
papers  on  Whitby. 


ADMIRALTY   CO-OPERATION. 


Admiralty  Co-operation  in  preparing  Lists  of 
Lights,  Notices  to  Mariners,  Corrections  in 
Charts,  &c. 

Royal  Commission, 

Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons, 
7,  Millbank  Street,  S.W.,  London, 

December  15th,  1860. 
Sir, 

With  reference  to  a  letter  from  the  Board  of  Trade  to 
the  Admiralty,  dated  8th  December,  1854,  in  reply  to  one 
from  the  Admiralty,  dated  6th  December,  to  the  Board  of 
Trade,  the  Commissioners  would  be  obliged  if  you  mU 
inform  them, — 

(1)  Whether  the  Official  Lists  of  Lighthouses  published 
by  the  Admiralty  is  dependent  for  its  accuracy,  as  regards 
the  United  Kingdom  and  Colonies,  on  the  "  fuU  record  " 
which  the  Board  of  Trade,  in  the  above  letter,  says  will 
'■  be  kept  in  their  office  ot  all  lights  in  the  Queen's 
dominions,"  and  if  so,  in  what  shape,  and  at  what  periodical 
inter\'als,  the  alterations  of  old  bghts,  the  erection  of  new 
lights,  &c.,  are  communicated  to  the  Board  of  Admiralty 
by  the  Board  of  Trade ;  and  if  not,  then  u])on  what  infor- 
mation, whence  obtained,  &c.,  is  the  official  list  that  is  pub- 

D 


lished  by  the  Board  of  Admiralty,  as  far  as  regards  above- 
named  lights,  formed  and  corrected. 

(2]  I  am  fm'ther  directed  to  inquire,  \vith  reference  to  the 
latter  portion  of  the  same  paragraph,  7,  of  the  above-named 
letter,  whether  the  Officers  of  Her  Majesty's  Navy  have 
special  orders  to  "  report  to  the  Admiralty  upon  the  effici- 
ency of  the  several  lights,"  and  to  request  that  a  copy  of 
any  order  or  circular  to  that  effect,  that  may  have  been 
addressed  to  the  Officers  of  the  Na\'y,  may  be  sent  to  the 
Commissioners. 

(3)  I  am  further  directed  to  inquire  whether  the  above 
reports  have  been  "  communicated  to  the  Board  of  Trade 
with  a  \-iew  to  their  registration  by  that  Board." 

(4)  I  am  directed  to  request  that  you  will  permit  the 
Commissioners  to  see  the  original  reports  from  the  Officers 
of  Her  Majesty's  Nai-y  that  have  been  received  since  the 
date  of  that  letter,  8th  December,  1854. 

For  the  con\-enience  of  their  Lordships,  I  am  directed  to 
enclose  a  printed  copy  of  the  correspondence  abo\-e  referred 
to. 

I  am,  &c., 

J.  F.  Campbell, 

Secretary. 
The  Secretary,  Admiralty. 

d4 


216 


APPENDIX  TO  REPORT  ON  LIGHTS,  EtJOYS,  AND  BEACONS : 


Admiralty.      s,jj_  Admiralty,  February  1,  18G1. 

With  reference  to  your  letter  of  the  15th  December, 
requestinjj  infonuatiou  on  the  subject  of  lighthouses  in  the 
United  Kinstdom  and  Colonies,  I  am  commanded  by  my 
Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty  to  acquaint  you  that 
the  subject  has  been  referred  to  their  Lordshijjs'  hydro- 
^apher,  a  copy  of  whose  report  is  inclosed  herewith,  for  the 
information  of  the  Royal  Commission  on  Lights,  Buoys, 
and  Beacons. 

I  am,  &c.. 
J.  F.  Campbell,  Esq.,  AV.  I'ennell, 

&c.         6L-C.  Pro  Secretary. 


Ix  accordance  with  the  Board  Minute,  to  report  in  rejily 
to  the  queries  respecting  the  Admiralty  Lists  of  Lights,  &c. 
contained  in  the  letter  of  the  Royal  Commission  on  Lights, 
Buoys,  and  Beacons,  dated  the  13th  December  last,  I  have 
to  submit  the  follo\^'ing  statement : — 

L  ITie  Admiralty  list  of  lights  is  now,  and  has  been  for 
the  last  few  years,  in  a  great  measure  dependent  for  its 
accuracy,  as  regards  the  lights  of  the  United  Kingdom  and 
Colonies,  on  the  record  kept  by  the  Board  of  Trade.  On 
ever)-  occasion  of  reprinting  the  Admiralty  List  (generally 
once  a  year),  the  jjroof  sheets  are  sent  to  that  Board,  who 
take  the  trouble  to  examine  them  carefully,  and  correct  any 
error  which  they  may  discover. 

IL  It  is  not  at  any  "  periodical  inten-al,"  but  immediately 
on  an  alteration  taking  jjlace  in  any  existing  light,  home  or 
colonial,  or  on  the  exhibition  of  any  new  light,  that  the 
Aohce  to  Board  of  Trade  (or  in  case  of  a  home  light,  the  Trinity 

Mari7ters.  Board)  at  once  communicates  the  fact,  with  all  particulars, 

to  the  Admiralty,  who  forth«'ith  issue  a  printed  notice  to 
mariners  (a  co])y  of  which  is  enclosed),  and  distribute  from 
750  to  1000  copies  of  it,  as  the  case  may  be.  And  with  re- 
spect to  the  "shape"  in  which  the  information  is  commu- 
nicated by  the  Board  of  Trade,  no  time  is  lost  by  them  in 
copying  it,  but  the  original  document  is  ti-ansmitted  or 
rather  brought  to  the  Hydrograiihic  Office  of  the  Admiraltj-, 
so  that  not  an  hour  should  be  lost  in  making  it  ])ublic. 

in.  The  Admiralty  Lights  List,  as  already  mentioned,  is 
mainly  dejjendent  for  information  respecting  home  lights 
on  the  Board  of  Trade  and  tlie  Trinity  House,  and  for 
colonial  lights  on  the  Board  of  Trade  alone  ;  but  in  addi- 
tion the  Admiraltj-  gets  information  direct  through  its  own 
surveying  ofiicers  by  special  correspondence,  and  not  un- 
frequently  from  colonial  newspapers  ;  for,  notwitlistanding 
the  Board  of  Trade  letters  to  the  Colonial  Office  of  I5th 
August,  1855,  and  28th  July,  1856,  requesting  that  infor- 
mation might  be  sent,  and  the  Colonial  Office  Instructions 
to  the  Governors  of  the  respective  colonics  thereupon,  some 
of  the  colonies  are  remiss  in  sending  home  the  required  in- 
formation, or  send  it  tardily  ;  and  if  the  Admiralty  did  not 
get  it  from  the  sources  specified,  we  sometimes  should  not 
get  it  till  very  late,  or  perhaps  not  at  all. 

IV.  No  special  order  or  circular  to  report  on  lights 
beyond  the  general  printed  instructions  has  been  issued  to 
the  navy.  It  would  be  the  duty  of  a  captain  to  report  to 
his  commander  in  chief  anything  wrong  in  a  light  that  he 
might  observe,  but  if  the  light  was  apparently  in  good  order 
he  would  not  notice  it.  In  the  General  Xa\-al  Instructions 
now  under  revision,  their  Lordships  have  directed  that  the 
captain  sliall  cause  each  light  on  passing  to  be  compared 
with  the  official  hst ;  and  if  found  not  to  be  coiTcct  it  is  to 
be  immediately  reported.  In  some  special  cases  lights  have 
been  reported  on  by  naval  officers,  as  the  Cerigo  fight  by 
Captain  Spratt,  at  the  request  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  and  a 
copy  of  the  report  was  sent  to  that  Board.  .Surveying 
officers  have  general  orders  to  report  upon  the  lights  on 
their  respective  stations,  and  this  they  frequently  do  in  their 
correspondence  with  the  hydrographer. 

Reports  on  lights,  however,  require  to  be  received  with 
great  caution.  Some  training  is  necessary  to  watch  lights 
with  accuracy.  Flashing  lights  will  frequently  be  reported 
as  Revolving  lights,  and  rice  rersd,  and  the  intervals  of 
flash  or  revolution,  which  nmst  be  carefully  reckoned  by 
seconds,  are  often  given  very  vaguely.  The  French  or 
general  continental  character  of  a  "Fixed  and  Flashing" 
light  is  fre(piently  mis-stated.  No  one  who  has  not  had 
some  experience  in  lights  would  befieve  the  erroneous  state- 
ments occasionally  reported  officially.  As  an  illustration  I 
may  mention  the  case  which  has  just  occurred  of  the  Port 
Said  Light,  on  the  coast  of  Eg}^)t.  First,  then,  this  light, 
which  is  only  25  miles  from  Alexandria,  had  been  exhibited 
some  months  before  anything  was  known  of  it  in  Europe,  or 
at  any  rate  in  England,  until  I  accidentally  visited  the  sjiot 


and  saw  it  in  October  last.  2ndly,  upon  inquiry  being 
made  tlirough  the  proper  channels,  this  light  was  oJiciaUy 
reported  as  revoh-ing,  showing  alternately  a  red  and  green 
light.  Knowing,  fortunately,  from  ray  own  inspection  that 
such  was  not  the  fact,  I  «Tote  to  Alexandria  to  institute 
further  iquiries,  and  only  a  few  days  since  it  was  again 
officially  re])orted  and  proved  to  be  a  fixed  white  light  (as  I 
knew  it  to  bei,  and  as  such  it  is  inserted  in  the  Admiralty 
charts  and  lights  lists. 

V.  Having  re])lied  to  the  queries  of  the  Royal  Commis- 
sion on  Lights,  with  respect  to  home  and  colonial  lights,  it 
may  not  be  irrelevant  if  I  go  into  some  little  detail  as  to  the 
Admiralty  lists  of  fights  in  general,  the  means  available  to 
keep  them  correct,  the  steps  taken  to  make  public  any  new 
light  or  alteration  in  an  old  light,  and  the  course  pursued 
to  ensure  its  insertion  in  all  the  Admiralty  charts  that  it  may 
affect. 

1st.  Tlie  existing  lights,  as  far  as  we  are  aware,  home, 
colonial,  and  foreign,  amount  to  about  2,290  in  number ; 
and  the  Admiralty  list  and  description  of  them  is  contained 
in  ten  pamphlets,  divided  according  to  the  respective  naval 
stations.  It  is  the  special  duty  of  the  3rd  naval  assistant 
in  the  hydrographic  office  to  keep  these  lists  complete  by 
everj'  means  in  his  power.  At  the  request  of  the  Admiralty 
some  years  since  the  Foreign  Office  issued  a  circular  to  all 
British  Consuls,  to  report  any  alteration  of  lights  or  any 
exhibition  of  a  new  light  in  their  several  districts.  By  these 
means,  by  correspondence  with  all  colonial  and  foreign 
lighthouse  Boards,  and  by  searching  in  foreign  periodicals, 
as  the  Monitetir  dc  la  Flotte  for  France,  the  Morskoi  Sbornik 
for  Russia,  and  others,  we  endeavour  to  keep  the  list  correct ; 
but  even  these  sources  frequently  fail  us  ;  only  yesterdaj-,  a 
Russian  officer  called  at  the  hydrographic  office,  and  told 
me  that  two  new  lights  in  the  Black  Sea  would  be  exhibited 
in  the  course  of  the  spring,  one  at  Sikhura  Kaleh,  and  the 
other  at  Eupatoria,  in  the  Krimea,  whereas  we  had  never 
heard  even  that  lighthouses  were  building  at  these  places ; 
and  not  a  week  ago  I  learnt  for  the  first  time  that  a  light 
existed  at  Manda\'i  in  the  Gulf  of  Kutch  lonly  300  miles 
N.'W.  of  Bombay),  which,  as  far  as  I  am  aware,  has  never 
appeared  or  any  Indian  or  European  chart,  or  hst  of  lights 
hitherto  published. 

2ndly.  The  steps  taken  to  make  pubhc  the  exhibition  of 
a  new  light. 

Immediately  on  the  receipt  of  information  of  an  alteration 
of  any  consequence  in  an  old  liglit,  or  the  placing  of  a  new 
light,  a  "  Notice  to  Mariners  "  fsuch  as  enclosed)  is  pre-  Jfotire  to 
j)ared  in  the  hydrographic  office  by  the  4th  naval  assistant,  Mariners. 
whose  special  duty  it  is  to  do  so.  When  a  proof  of  it  has 
been  carefully  examined  and  approved  by  the  hydrographer, 
from  750  to  1,000  copies  of  it  are  printed  and  widely  dis- 
tributed. Of  these,  150  copies  are  sent  to  the  Custom 
House  in  London,  one  copy  to  be  exhibited  at  each  Custom 
House  throughout  the  United  Kingdom,  70  copies  to  the 
Board  of  Trade,  10  copies  each  to  the  Trinity  Houses  of 
London,  Leith.  Dublin,  Newcastle,  and  Hull;  to  Lloyds', 
to  the  London  Gazette,  the  Shipping  Gazette,  to  the 
Chambers  of  Commerce  at  Liverpool,  Glasgow,  &c. ;  to  all 
Foreign  Consuls ;  to  the  Governor  of  the  Colony  it  may 
affect ;  to  the  naval  commanders  in  chief  for  each  ship  in 
their  resjjective  squadrons  ;  to  the  various  depots  of  charts 
at  the  oiitports,  as  Portsmouth,  Plymouth,  Cork,  Gibraltar, 
Malta,  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  &c. ;  and  to  the  principal 
agent  and  sub-agents  for  the  sale  of  Admiralty  charts 
throughout  the  countiy.  And  in  order  to  facilitatethe  cor- 
rection being  made,  the  number  and  title  of  ehach  cart  that 
it  affects  is  printed  on  the  face  of  the  notice. 

Enclosed   is   a   copy  of  the  notices   issued   during  the  Four  jS'otica^ 
present  year,  and  of  the  hst  of  Boards  and  individuals  to  q„j.  jr,,s( 
whom  distributed. 

Lastly. — The  course  ])ursued  in  order  to  ensure  the  in- 
sertion of  a  new  light  in  all  the  Admiralty  charts  which  it 
may  affect. 

As  soon  as  a  notice  is  received  it  goes  to  the  assistant 
hydrographer,  or  chief  draughtsman,  to  insert  the  new 
light  or  correction  on  the  chart,  and  so  to  the  engraver,  and 
if  not  a  very  extensive  correction,  it  is  the  duty  of  the 
junior  draughtsman  to  insert  by  hand  the  correction  in  all 
the  charts  on  the  shelves  of  the  hydrographic  office.  The 
notices,  as  before  mentioned,  are  widely  distributed  and 
sent  to  all  Commanders-in-Chief,  to  place  in  the  chart 
boxes  in  depot,  and  to  all  agents  for  the  sale  of  charts,  who 
are  required  eitiier  to  insert  the  correction  in  the  chart,  or 
to  sup])ly  a  co])y  of  the  printed  notices  along  with  every 
copy  of  any  chart  affected  by  it  that  they  may  sell.  If  aii 
extensive  correction  is  necessary,  the  former  edition  of  the 
chart  is  cancelled  ;  the  agent  for  the  sale  of  charts  has  in 
that  case  a  standing  order  to  return  all  the  copies  he  has 
in  hand  to  the  Hydrographic  Office  (where  they  are  torn 
into  eight  pieces  to  prevent  their  getting  into  circulation 


ADlIIRAI/rV    CO- OPEEATIOX. 


217 


again*),  and  copies  of  the  new  edition  supplied  free  of  cost. 
Hydrographic  notices,  such  as  enclosed,  are  treated  in  the 
same  way.  \\  hen  a  chart  is  corrected  for  a  new  light,  &c., 
the  chief  draughtsman  sends  it  to  the  .'Jrd  naval  assistant, 
for  examination  ;  if  correct,  he  signs  his  initials  to  it  as  a 
guarantee  for  its  accuracy,  before  it  is  brought  to  the 
hydrographer,  for  his  final  examination  and  imprimaUir. 

The  enclosed  printed  label,  shows  the  ordeal  that  a  chart 
has  to  pass  through  before  being  issued  to  H.M.  shijis,  and 
to  the  public.  I  am  not  aware  of  any  other  cb.cck  that  can 
be  desired,  or  I  would  willingly  take  advantage  of  it. 

(Signed)         J.  Washington, 

28th  January,  1861.  Hydrographer. 


From  Malbv  and  Sons. 

First  print.  No.  Is  it  ready  for  press  ? 

Is  Mr.  Potter  to  have  notice  that  this  chart  is  corrected ' 

Is  this  edition  to  supersede  those  at  the  office? 

Is  this  edition  to  supersede  those  in  the  chart  lio.xes  ? 

Capt".  Bcchcr  for  general  examination. 

Con"i''.Dunsterville  for  lights  and  notice. 

Mr.  Burdwood  for  tides. 

Air.  Evans  for  variation. 

Plate  received  from  Mess"  Walker. 


Hydrographic  Notice. — No.  5. 
AusTK.\LiA. — East  Coast. — Outer  Route. 

The  following  are  the  results  of  the  recent  exploring 
cruise  of  H.M.S.  "  Herald,"  Captain  Denham,  in  the  Coral 
sea,  Australia,  between  the  months  of  January  and  June, 
1860. 

Passage. — The  passage  from  Port  Jackson  to  the  southern 
confine  of  the  Coral  Sea  in  the  month  of  January  was  com- 
menced under  a  north  wind  and  a  southerly  current,  in  the 
full  confidence,  from  former  experience,  that  on  making  an 
ofling  of  1.50  miles  to  the  eastward  a  north-easterly  set 
would  be  found,  and  the  skirt  of  the  south-east  trade 
attained  ;  anticipations  which  were  duly  realized,  and 
placed  the  shij)  at  the  MeUish  reef  on  the  tenth  day. 

Hellish  Rerf.  —  Found  the  skeleton  triangular  beacon 
which  we  had  erected  here  in  September,  1859,  from  the 
debris  of  the  French  steamer  "  Duroc,"  still  standing,  but 
made  quite  white  by  birds,  which  prevents  its  being  so 
easily  seen.f  It  is  32  feet  above  the  mean  levtl  of  the  sea, 
and  should  be  visible  from  the  deck  of  a  ship  eight  miles. 
Verified  former  positions  of  the  reef  in  17°  -■!'  ^9"  S.,  and 
155°  52'  45"  E.,  and  re-rated  chronometers.  (The  drawing 
is  omitted.) 

Lihoii  Re.ffs. — Crossed  the  Outer  route  to  the  westward, 
to  resume  the  examination  of  the  Lihou  chain  of  reefs  and 
cays  from  where  the  "Herald"  tracked  it  to  in  18  5!),  and 
by  now  determining  its  northern  ell)ow  in  17°  10' 30"  S., 
152°  12'  20"  E.,  it  became  e\-ident  that  it  was  identical  «-ith 
the  Alert  reef,  which  had  been  rejiorted  as  a  distinct  reef, 
but  which  might  now  be  expunged  from  the  charts.  The 
Diana  reef  may  likewise  be  expunged;  it  could  not  be 
traced  after  most  diligent  search. 

The  Willis  Group  consists  of  two  grassy  islets  elevated 
■"5.3  feet,  and  a  low  sand  cay  spreading  10  miles  North  and 
South.  The  cay  and  its  reef  form  the  northern  extreme  of 
the  grou]),  and  hence  a  salient  feature  upon  the  western 
side  of  the  Outer  route  in  16°  7'  S.,  150°  .3'  E.  The  mag- 
netic variation  here  is  7°  1''  E.,  and  the  tide  hour  8  o'clock, 
with  a  rise  and  fall  of  6  feet.  Abundance  of  turtle  will  be 
found  here,  as  well  as  upon  the  Lihou  cays  at  this  season 
(Fel)ruary),  and  a  shelf  of  anchorage  soundings  will  be 
found  upon  the  westei-n  aspect  of  this  group  but  no  sound- 
ings along  its  eastern  face. 

Corinrja  Cays. — The  north-eastern  of  the  two  Coringa 
islets  jiroved  to  be  m  16°  55'  52"  S..  149°  12'  56"  E. ;  they 
are  grassy,  and  elevated  2.3  feet,  situated  31  miles  apart, 
upon  the  bearing  of  S.  55°  30'  W. 

The  Mndelaine  Cay,  with  its  belt  reef,  is  in  16°  30'  17"  S. 
long.,  150°  17'  12"  E.,  a  grassy  islet,  of  23  feet  elevation 
lies  5  2  miles  S.  30°.  E.  A  25  fathom  shelf  of  soundings 
sjireads  4  miles  off  the  western  face  of  this  group,  but  no 
soundings  offer  upon  its  north-eastern  asjjcct.  The  Coringa 
and  Madelaine  dangers  may  be  considered  as  guarded  from 
the  Outer  route  by  Willis  group. 

A'o  Bougainrille  reef  could  be  traced  anywhere  between 
tiie  parallels  of  16°  20'  and  14"  40'  S.,  within  the  meridians 

*  Formerly  cancelled  charts  were  returned  to  tlie  Stationery 
Office  untorn,  they  wtre  sold  as  waste  paper,  and  after  a  short 
time  they  were  found  in  circulation  again  as  Admiralty  Charts  ; 
to  obviate  the  possibility  of  such  an  occurrence  every  large  chart 
is  now  torn  into  at  least  eight  pieces,  before  it  leaves  the 
the  Admiralty. 

■f-  As  this  beacon  >s  only  a  temporary  erection,  the  mariner  is 
cautioned  that  it  is  uncertain  how  long  it  may  remain  standing. 

i.  E 


147°  lO'and  14S"  50' E.     If  Bougainville  has  been  quoted       .,   •    ,, 
a  degree  wrong  in  latitude,  the  Holmes  reef  of  1854  may  ""'''  ^' 

be  what  he  saw,  at  all  events  his  jiosition  presents  no  reef.     rj,.j .     .     ,   . 

Osprey  Reef,  the  next  and  only  boundary  danger  between  ^Yo'li'cei'."^""' 
Willis  group  and  Raine  island  entrance  to  Torres  Strait,  ' 
was  found   to  l)e  of  triangular  form,  subtending  five-mile 
sides,   its  margins  awash,  witli  its  most  jirotruding  elbow 
regarding  the  Outer  route  navigation,  situated  in  13°  51'  S., 
146^^  35'  20"  E. ;    the  magnetic  variation  6°  23"  E.,  and  a  r  ;  . 
tide  hour  of  8h.  36m.,  with  a  rise  and  fall  of  6  feet.     No 
soundings  at  a  ship's  length  around  this  reef. 

The  Rain  Islu7td  sea-mark  was  duly  sighted  upon  a  N.W. 
by  W.  course  from  Osprey,  alter  a  200  mile  run,  a  course 
^^■hich  was  not  affected  by  any  current  though  passing 
through  fields  of  drift  wood.  A  smooth  water  anchorage 
was  taken  up  round  the  Great  detached  barrier  reef,  7  miles 
S.  by  A\'.  7}  \V.  from  Raine  island,  whence  the  necessary 
visits  were  made  to  the  island  to  rate  chronometers,  to  land 
supplies  of  provisions*  for  distressed  voyagers,  and  to  in- 
spect the  state  of  the  sea-mark,  the  dome  of  which  had 
become  decayed  and  fallen  in,  but  as  it  still  presents  a  sub- 
stantial tower  it  needs  no  restoration  until  it  shall  become 
a  lighthouse,  which  the  now  determined  Outer  route  ques- 
tion suggests. t     (The  drawing  is  omitted.) 

Tlic  chief  part  of  the  13  days'  detention  at  this  anchorage 
(March  21st  to  April  3rd)  arose  fron;  the  calms  which  pre- 
ceded the  eastern  monsoon,  but  as  soon  as  a  v.'orkinn-  breeze 
sprang  up  the  narrows  were  easily  cleared  upon  one  ebb 
tide,  and  MeUish  reef  regained  in  a  26  days'  beat  against 
the  S.E.  trade. 

Passage. — From  MeUish  reef,  with  fresh  chronometric 
data,  and  under  (at  this  season)  the  unvarying  south-easter, 
a  passage  was  made  to  Sandy  Cape  vicinity  upon  the  port 
tack,  fetching  through  between  Sir  James  Saumarcz  reef 
and  "Herald's"  extreme  of  the  Great  Barrier  reef,  and 
thence,  by  courting  the  southerly  set,  which  runs  at 
14  knots  along  the  east  coast  of  Australia,  at  a  25  mile 
otfing.  Port  Jackson  was  regained  under  a  continued  beat 
against  the  southerly  %vind,  in  15  days  from  MeUish  reef 
demonstrating  that  a  sailing  ship  can  effect  the  Coral  Sea 
passage  in  4l  days  from  Torres  Strait  to  these  colonies, 
after  the  western  monsoon  has  ceased  tt  the  Strait  to  help 
her  on  her  first  stage  to  the  eastward. 

Outer  Route. — Tliis  cruise  of  the  "  Herald,"  in  connexion 
with  her  previous  examination  of  the  Coral  Sea,  goes  to 
show  that  a  clear  route  of  150  miles  wide,  free  from  current, 
with  five  positively  defined  tlangers  on  the  eastern  hand 
and  six  upon  the  western,  is  now  open  to  vessels  bound  to 
India  from  any  of  our  Australian,  Tasmanian,  or  New 
Zealand  colonies,  by  simply  taking  up  a  point  of  departura 
in  24°  South,  intersected  by  the  meridian  157°  East,  and 
then  steering  the  foUomng  courses  : — 


N.  by  W  J  W.  240  miles  to  lat.  20     0  S. 

N.W. -1- W.        700      „         .,      1136,,    (the     parallel    of 

Raine  island). 
W.  4  S.  220      „  'to  Raine  island  (upon  its  paralle)^ 

On  the  East  Side  the  boundary  dangers  are, — 

BeUona  -  21  52  22  S.  +  159  25  30  E.  Var.  9  30  E. 

Breaker  -  21  26  36  „  158  46  41  „  „    9  19 

Booby  -  20  57     0  „  158  31  53  „ 

MeUish  -  17  24  39  „  155  52  45  „  „    8  30 

On  the  West  Side  the  boundary  dangers  are, — 


Cato 

-    23  15  32  S. 

155  37  20  E. 

Var.  9  23  E. 

Wreck 

-    22  10  30  „ 

155  28  41  „ 

„    9  43  „ 

Kenn 

-    21   15  24  „ 

155  50  35  „ 

.,9    0  „ 

Lihou 

-     17  10  30  „ 

152  12  20  „ 

.-,    8    3  „ 

WilUs 

-     If)     7     0  „ 

150    2  59  „ 

..    7  11  „ 

Osprey 

-     13  51     0  „ 

146  35  20  „ 

„    6  23  „ 

•  The  following  provisions  were  landed  from  H.M.S 
"Herald's"  stores  on  the  aiith  Jfarch  ISGO : — Biscuits  "snlbs." 
Chocolate  104  lbs.,  Pork  320  lbs..  Flour  210  lbs..  Preserved  Meat 
48  lbs.,  Hice  20  lbs.,  Picldes  6  bottles,  Candles  61bs.,  Wate.^ 
2  casks. 

t  The  Raine  island  sea-mark  was  erected  in  the  year  1844 
by  the  crews  of  H.M.  ships  "Fly"  and  "Bramble,"  Captain 
Francis  Blackwood,  R.N.,  assisted  by  the  Government  of  New 
South  Wales.  It  is  now  60  feet  high,  and  should  be  visible 
8  miles  clear  weather. 

J  The  longitudes  of  these  positions  have  been  adapted  to  the 
meridian  of  Fort  Macquarie,  Sydney,  assumed  to  be  in  151^  14' 
Fast  of  Greenwich,  as  all  the  Admiralty  charts  are  gradu.ited  to 
that  position.  'Ihe  recent  observations  of  the  Astronomer  at 
Sydney  place  Fort  Macquarie  in  151°  15'  33".  Captain  Denham 
uses  151"  14'  40" ;  but  as  said  before,  all  the  longitudes  in  the 
present  and  former  Hydrographic  Notices  are  m  acordance 
with  the  Admiralty  charts. 


21S 


APPlCNDtX  TO  REPORT  ( ).N    l.lOIHs,   BIOYS,  AND  BEACONS  : 


The  above  courses  are  by  compass,  and  the  positions 
apply  to  th2  mist  salient  features  of  the  several  reefs  m 
regard  to  the  Ojter  route  fairway,  a  route  now  available  for 
sailing  sh'ps  to  Jr  from  India,  accordino;  to  the  mansoons, 
and  at  all  seiijns  for  steamers,  which  would  thus  shorten 
the  rassa'i  betweea  Sydney  and  Siuwapjre  by  one-fourth, 
in  sinojch  water,  and  hence  in  smaller  vessels  than  are  now 
fraployed  to  face  the  Indian  Ocean  round  by  Cape 
Leeuwin. 

It  is  understood  that  Captain  Dennam's  suggestion  of 
forthwith  establishing  a  fi\ed  white  light  upon  the  Kenn 
leef  and  upon  R:iine  island  has  met  with  the  favourable 
attention  of  his  Excellency  Sir  WiUiam  Denison,  the 
Governor-General  of  Austraha  and  its  dependencies. 
Hydrot^raphic  Office.  .Admiraltv,  London, 

"  12th  August,  I8(i0. 
This  Notice  affects  the  following  Admiralty  Charts  and 
Sailing  Directions  : — General  Chart  of  Australia,  No.  1,042 ; 
Inde.\\"hart  of  N.E.  coast  ot  Australia,  No.  2,3^5  ;  General 
Chart  of  Indian  Ocean,  No.  2,483;  Sheets  5  and  6  of 
Pacific  Ocean,  Nos.  2,4(j3,  2,464  ;  Hydrographic  Notice 
No.  4,  Australia,  East  Coast  ;  and  Chap.  7-,  Australia 
Directory,  vol.  2. 

Hydrographic  Notice. — No.  6. 

Australia. 

Torres  Strait. 

Campbell  Reef.— The  ship  "  Storm  Cloud,"  in  a  recent 
passage  throu^'h  Torres  Strait  by  the  Great  N.E.  channel, 
when°running  from  the  Ninepin  ro~k  to  Wednesday  island, 
passed  about  three  cables'  length  from  a  reef,  which  ap- 
peared to  be  a  very  narrow  ridge  trending  in  a  N.E.  and 
S.W.  dh-ection,  arid  ab.)ut  half  a  mile  in  extent.* 

The  reef  is  nearly  in  line  between  the  easternmost  and 
highest  Double  Island  and  .Mount  Ernest  Island,  distant 
about  5i  miles  from  the  former  and  6*  miles  from  the  latter 
island. 

C3«/ion.— As  this  newly  discovered  danger  is  in  the 
route  occasionally  used  by  vessels  bound  through  the 
Prince  of  Wales  Channel  from  the  eastward,  and  has 
hitherto  escaped  the  vigilance  of  suri-eying  officers,  and  as 
its  exact  position  is  yet  uncertain,  the  utmost  caution  is 
required  in  using  this  passage. 

The  prompt  attention  of  the  commander  of  the  '•  Storm 
Cloud"  in  reporting  this  danger  to  the  Lords  of  the 
Admiralty,  is  acUnowledged  by  their  Lordships  naming  it 
after  the  discoverer. 

East  Coast — Outer  Route. 

On  the  East  Side  boundarj-  dangers,  the  position  of 
Booby  reef  is  stated  in  Hydrographic  Notice  No.  5.  to  be 
in  long.  158=  19'  23"  E. ;  it  should  be  158=  31'  53"  _E. 
Barapt'on  Reef  (omitted)  south-west  end  is  in  lat.  19=  b-2' 
22'  S.  and  long.  158"  19'  23"  E. 
Hydrographic  Office,  Admiraltv,  London, 
4th  October  18:itl. 

NOTICE  TO  MARINERS. 
No.  1. 
Mediterranean — Coast  of  Egypt. 
Fixed  Light  at  Port  Said. 
Information  has  been  recsived  at  the  Admiralty,  that  a 
light  has  recently  been  exhibited  from  a  hghthouse  at  Port 
Said,  2")  miles  S.E.   of  the  Damietta  mouth  of  the  Nile, 
coast  of  Egypt. 

The  light  is  a  fxed  white  light,  placed  at  an  elevation  of 
66  feet  abo\-e  the  main  level  ot  the  sea,  and  should  be  seen 
from  the  deck  of  a  ship  at  a  distance  of  9  miles  in  clear 
weather. 

The  illuminating  apparatus  is  dioptric  or  by  lenses,  of 
the  third  order. 

The  lin-hthouse  is  a  skeleton  tower  of  wood,  and  stands 
in  lat.  31°  16'  0"  N.,  long.  32°  19'  30"  East  from 
Greenwich. 

(The  Bearings  are  magnetic.  Variation  6"  10'  West  in 
1861.) 

By  Command  of  their  Lordships, 
John  Washi.vgton, 
Hydrographer. 
Hydrographic  Office,  Admiralty,  London, 
2d  January  1861. 
This  Notice  affects  the  following  Admiralty  Charts: — 
Mediterranean   General,   No.   2158;    scale,   d=l'l    inch; 
Mediterranean    General,    No.   2718=;     Coast    of     Egyj)t, 
No.  2573.      Also  Mediterranean  Lights  List,  No.   324*, 
May  1860. 

•  Sec  Admiralty  Chart,  Torres  Sirail,  Western  Channels, 
No.  s  al   e  d=30  inches,  on  which  this  danger  is  marked. 


NOTICE  TO  MARINERS. 

No.  2. 
Baltic — Gulf  of  Finl.\nd. 

.\LTER.\TI0N    of    LiGHTS    AT    KrONSTAT. 

The  Imperial  Ministry  of  Marine  in  Russia  has  given 
Notice,  that  the  following  alterations  will  be  made  in  the 
lights  at  Kronstat,  prior  to  the  opening  of  the  navigation 
in  the  spring  of  1861  ; — 

The  three  fixed  lights  in  the  centre  of  the  Fort  of 
Emperor  Paul  I.  or  Risbank  Fort,  will  be  discontinued. 

The  eastern  light  on  Nicholas  battery  at  Kronslot,  which 
is  now  45  feet  above  the  mean  level  of  the  sea,  wiU  be 
raised  58  feet  above  the  same  level,  and  should  be  visible 
from  the  deck  of  a  ship  in  clear  weather  at  a  distance  of 
12  miles. 

The  western  light,  which  is  now  21  feet  above  the  mean 
level  of  the  sea,  will  be  raised  23  feet.  This  increase  of 
height  will  make  no  alteration  in  the  horizontal  arc  through 
wliijh  the  light  will  be  visible. 

Werko  M.\t.\l.\  Beacon  off  Biorko. 
Also,  that  a  red  beacon  has  been  placed  on  the  south- 
east side  of  the  Werko  Matala  or  bank,  near  the  entrance 
of  Biorko  Sound ;  with  the  tower  on  Pitko-nemi  or  point 
W.S.W.  ^  S.  and  the  north-east  point  of  Biorko  N.W. 
noitherly. 

The  white  beacon  on  the  eastern  part  of  the  bank  will 
be  removed. 

(The  bearings  are  magnetic.  Variation  at  Biorko,  6°  20* 
West  in  1861.) 

By  Command  of  their  Lordships, 
John  Washington, 
Hydrographer. 
Hydrographic  Office,  Admiralty,  London, 
Uth  January  1861. 
This  Notice  affects  the  following  .•Admiralty  Charts:— 
Bahic  Sea,   No.  2262;    Baltic,  Sheet   7,   No!  2192;    St. 
Petersburg  Bay,  No.  2279;  Kronstat,  No.  2215  ;  Kronstat 
to  St.  Petersburg,  No.  2215a.     Also  Russian  Lights   List, 
No.  190  and  191. 


NOTICE  TO  MARINERS. 

(No  3.) 
■  Baltic — Gulp  of  Finland. 
New  Beacons  in  thf.  Gulf  of  Riga. 
The  Imperial  Ministry  of  Marine  in  Russia  has  given 
notice  that  the  following  beacons  have  been  erected  in  the 
Gulf  of  Riga  : — 

Two  new  mast  beacons  have  been  placed  to  show  the 
direction  of  the  channel  into  Riga.  These  beacons  are  sur- 
mounted by  a  triangle  with  the  apex  upwards,  and  a  small 
barrel  placed  horizontally  above.  They  stand  respectively 
85  and  87  feet  high,  and  478  yards  apart,  in  a  direction 
N.W.  by  W.  i  W.  The  N.W.  'beacon  is  higher,  and  its 
base  larger  than  that  of  the  S.E.  beacon.  They  can  be  seen 
from  a  distance  of  10  miles. 

Also,  that  the  lower  light  at  Riga  has  been  turned  30° 
to  the  westward,  so  as  to  be  seen  from  N.  J  W.  to 
N.W.  i  W. 

And  that  the  following  beacons  will  be  placed  prior  to  the 
opening  of  the  navigation  in  1861  : — 

On  the  south  side  of  the  banks  of  Kuno  S.W.  J  S.  6i 
miles  of  the  church  of  St.  Nicholas,  a  red  broom  turned 
downwards. 

At  3i  miles  to  the  southward  of  the  extremity  of  the 
Sorkholm  reef,  a  red  broom  turned  downwards. 

On  the  coast  of  Livonia  on  a  9-feet  shoal,  which  lies 
S.W.  by  W.  2  miles  in  advance  of  the  cape  Taker-ort,  a 
black  broom  turned  downwards. 

On  an  I'-feet  shoal,  W.  by  N.  \  N.  4  miles  of  the 
village  of  Kablukula,  a  double  broom  red  above  and  white 
below. 

On  a  17-feet  bank,  which  lies  N.W.  by  N.  3*  miles  of  the 
farm  of  .\inensch,  a  white  broom  placed  upright. 

On  the  extremity  of  the  reef  which  extends  off  the 
entrance  of  the  river  Att  SaUs,  about  6i  miles  from  the 
beach,  in  a  depth  of  26  feet,  a  double  broom  white  above 
and  red  below. 

[The  bearings  are  Magnetic.  Variation  at  Riga  8°  15' 
West  in  1861.] 

By  Command  of  their  Lordships, 

John  Washington, 

Hydrographer. 
Hydrographic  Office,  Admiralty,  London, 
17th  January  1861. 
This  notice  affects   the  follow  ing  Admiralty  Charts : — 
Gulf  of  Riga,  Nos.  2,194  and  2373;  Entrance  to  the  Gulf 
of  Riga,  No.   2,263;    Mouth   of    River  Dwina   to   Riga, 
No.  2,256.     And  Russian  Lights  List,  No.  165. 


ADMIRALTY    CO-OPERATION. 


213 


NOTICE  TO  MARINERS. 

(No.  4.) 

Mediterranean — Adriatic. 

Fixed  Light  on  the  Pedagne  Rock.s  Brindisi. 

The  Department  of  Piililic  Works  at  Naples  has  given 
Notice,  that  on  and  after  the  31st  day  of  January  ISfil,  a 
light  will  be  exhibited  from  a  lighthouse  erected  on  the 
north-western  of  the  Pedagne  rocks  at  the  entrance  of 
Brindisi  harbour. 

The  light  is  a  fixed  white  light,  varied  by  a  flash  once 
every  three  minutes  ;  the  flash  is  preceded  and  followed  by 
a  short  eclipse.  The  elevations  of  the  light  is  72  feet  above 
the  mean  level  of  the  sea,  and  it  should  be  seen  in  clear 
weather  from  the  deck  of  a  ship,  at  a  distance  of  13  miles. 

The  illuminating  apparatus  is  dioptric  or  by  lenses  of 
the  fifth  order. 

The  tower  is  a  column  rising  from  a  small  circular 
building  36  feet  high  and  coloured  white.  Its  position  is 
given  as  lat.  40°  3!H'  N.,  long.  17°  o9'  .'32"  E.  or  2  miles 
westward  of  the  longitude  in  the  Admiralty  Charts. 

Revolving  Light  on  Point  Torre  di  Penne. 
Also,  that  a  light  will  be  exhibited  from  a  lighthouse 
erected   on  point  Torre   di   Penne,  near  Brindisi,  on  the 
south-east  coast  of  Italy. 

The  light  is  a  revolving  white  hght,  attaining  its  greatest 
brilUancy  every  half  minute  ;  the  elevation  of  the  light  is 
1 29  feet  above  the  mean  level  of  the  sea,  and  should  be  seen 
in  clear  weather  from  the  deck  of  a  ship,  at  a  distance  of 
20  miles. 

The  illuminating  apparatus  is  dioptric  or  by  lenses  of  the 
third  order. 

Tlie  tower  is  circular,  82  feet  high,  and  coloured  white  ; 
and  at  the  foot  of  it  is  a  rectangular  building  Its  position 
is  given  as  lat.  40°  41'  05"  N.,  long.  17°  b(t'  18"  East  of 
Greenwich,  or  3  miles  westward  of  the  longitude  in  the 
Admu-alty  Charts. 

By  Command  of  their  Lordships, 

John  Washington, 

Hydrographer. 
Hvdrographic  Department,  Admiraltv,  London, 
18th  January  1861. 

This  Notice  will  affect  the  following  Admiralty  Charts  : — 
Italy,  South-east  Coast,  Sheet  5,  No.  198 ;  Brindisi  Har- 
bour, No.  1492  :  Mediterranean  General,  Nos.  2158  and 
2718  ;  Adriatic  General,  No.  1440;  and  Adriatic,  Sheet  6, 
No.  205.  Also  Mediterranean  Lights  List,  Nos.  198  and 
202. 


List 


of  Bo.^rd.s  and  Individuals  to  whom  Notices  of 
Lights  are  furnished  by  the  Admiralty. 
Commanders  in  Chief,  Home  Stations. 


Cop 

5. 

es. 
Woohvicn. 

5. 

Chatham. 

,5. 

Sheerness. 

15. 

Portsmouth. 

15. 
5. 

Devonport. 
Pembroke. 

5. 

Queenstown. 

Commanders  in  Chief  or  Senior  Officers',  Foreign  Stations. 

0.  Baltic. 

40.  Mediterranean. 

10.  Lisbon. 

20.  West  Coast  of  Africa. 

10.  Cape  of  Good  Hope. 

50.  East  Indies,  China. 

10.  Austraha,  Sydney. 

15.  Pacific. 

10.  Brazils. 

10.  West  Indies. 

15.  North  America. 

Governors  of  the  Colonies. 

5.     Of  those  notices  which  apply  to  their  own  Govern- 
ment. 


Master  Attendants. 

10.*  Portsmouth. 
10.*  Devonport. 

6.*  Sheerness. 
6.*  Pembroke 

150.     Custom  House. 
70.     Board  of  Trade. 

London. 

Copies. 

80.*  Coast  Guard. 
20.     Lloyd's. 

Trinity  House. 

Lond'in  Gazette. 

Shipping  Gazette. 

Potter  J.  D.,  31.  Poultry,  E.C. 

Potter,  D.,  11  King  Street,  Tower  Hill. 

Stanford,  Ctiaring  Cross. 

Malby  and  Son,  27,  Parker  Street. 

Nautical  Magazine. 

Mercantile  Slarine    Magazine,   30,   Trinity   Square, 

Tower  Hill. 
Wilkins  and  Co.,  24  Long  Acre. 
Chance  &  Co..  Birmingham. 
LiDerpool. 
Chamber  of  Commerce. 
Mercantile  Marine  Association. 
Linderwriters  Room. 

B.  J.  Thompson,  Esq.,  20,  Water  Street. 
J.  C.  Johnstone,  Custom  House  Agent. 
Jev'itt  and  Co.,  South  John  Street,  Agent. 
PhilMp  and  Son,  South  Castle  Street,  Agent. 
Walker,  South  Castle  Street,  Agent. 
Newcastle,  Trinity  House. 
R.  Thompson,  40,  Quay  Side,  Agent. 
Sunderland,  Reid  and  Co.,  High  Street,  Agents. 
Hull,  Trinity  Board. — R.  C.  Appleby,  Custom  House 

Agent. 
Bristol,  Chamber  of  Commerce. 
Hill  and  Price,  Broad  Quay,  Agents. 
Cardiff,  Wilhams,  Bute,  Docks,  Agent. 
Edinburgh,  Commissioners  of  Northern  Lights. 

Do.         Chamber  of  Commerce. 
Leith,  Trinity  House. 
Reid  and  Son,  36,  Shone,  Agents. 
Dundee,  Seamen's  Fraternity. 
Glasgoic,  Chamber  of  Commerce. 
McGregor,  8,  William  Street,  Agent. 
Greenock,  McGregor,  8.  William  Street,  Agent. 
Oban. — Commander  Bedford,  R.N. 
Dublin,  Ballast  Office. 

Hodges  and  Smith,  104,  Grafton  Street,  Agents. 
Belfast,  Chamber  of  Commerce. 
Cork,  Committee  of  Merchants. 
Hugh  Cale,  Queens  Town,  Agent. 
VVaterford,  Chamber  of  Commerce. 
Foreign  Hydrographers. 


10. 
1. 
1. 
5. 
5. 
5. 
1. 
1. 
1. 

1. 


5. 
3. 
3. 
3. 
5. 
5. 
5. 
5. 
5. 
5. 
5. 
10. 

5. 

5. 
5. 
5. 

5. 

5. 

5. 

6. 

5. 

5. 

3.* 
10. 

5. 

5. 
10. 

5. 

5. 


Paris,    Depot    de     la 

Marine. 
Madrid. 
The  Hague. 
St.  Petersburgh. 

Foreign  Consuls. 


Stockholm. 

Copenhagen. 

Christiania. 

U.  S.  Washington. 


France. 

Spain. 

Portugal. 

Sardinia. 

Two  Sicilies. 

Tuscany. 

Austria. 

Greece. 

Turkey. 

Belgium. 

Netherlands. 

Denmark. 

Sweden  and  Norway. 

Hanseatic  Republic. 

Prussia. 

Russia. 

United  States. 

Mexico. 


2. 


Haiti. 

Grenada. 

Venezuela. 

Brazils. 

Argentine  Confedera- 
tion. 

Uruguay. 

Chile. 

Bolivia. 

Peru. 

Jacob  Swart,  Amster- 
dam. 

Messrs.  Blunt,  New 
York. 

Superintendent  Coast 
Survey,  New  York. 

Lighthouse  Board, 
Washington. 


Foreign  Agents  for  the  Sale  of  Charts. 


Malta. 

Cape  of  Good  Hope. 

Algoa  Bay. 

Mell)ourne,  Australia. 

Adelaide. 

New  Zealand. 

Auckland. 

Port  Cooper. 

Wellington. 


5.  Buenos  Ayres. 

5.  Halifax,  Nova  Scotia 

5.  Picton. 

5.  North  Sydney. 

5.  Charlestown,     P. 

Island, 

o.  Gulf  of  Canso. 

3.  Mirimachi. 


E. 


*  Only  the  Home  Liglus. 


Ee  2 


220 


APPENDIX  TO  REPORT  OX  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  -VNU  BEACOXS 


BUOYAGE. 


Buoyage r/shm.  SC'HKME  proposed  for  general  adoption  by  Commander 
Bedford,  of  the  Admiralty  Survey,  Oban.  The 
large  charts  showinij  the  application  of  the  system  in 
the  mouths  of  the  Thames  have  been  placed  together 
with  the  drawings  collected  by  the  Commission. 

Admiralty  Survey,  Oban. 

Froi^  Mull,"july  29th,  1859. 
My  de.\k  Sir, 

Aptek  I  had  parted  from  you  in  the  Sound  of 
^luU  I  felt  that  my  visit  had  been  too  short,  and  I  feared 
I  had  not  made  myself  clearly  understood  upon  the  several 
points  submitted  to  me.  1  have  illustrated  the  two  projio- 
sitions,  one  made  liy  yourself,  the  other  by  Captain  Ryder, 
U])on  the  proposal  for  uniformity'  of  buoyinu^. 

The  arrantrement  is  local,  and  I  bebeve  will  be  considered 
to  offer  no  difficulties. 

I  have  written  to  the  Hydrographer  for  charts  of  the 
mouths  of  the  Thames,  to  which  I  will  direct  my  attention 
immediately  on  receij)t.  I  should  feel  much  obhged  if  you 
would  kindly  give  me  a  rough  limit  of  time  for  sending 
it  in,  as  I  should  of  course  not  wish  to  jeopardise,  by  a 
hurried  consideration,  a  system  which,  if  carried  out,  will  be 
of  so  much  benefit  to  navigation. 

*  *  le  *  *  *  * 

I  beg  to  enclose  dates  of  several  letters  referring  to  lights 
and  buoys.  Those  of  a  prior  date  I  will  also  send  when  I 
return  to  head  quarters. 

I  have,  &c. 

E.  J.  Bedford. 
Rear-Admiral  \V.  A.  B.  Hamilton. 

&C.,  i-C,  I've. 


Second  List  of  Dates  end  Addresses  of  Letters 
relating  to  Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons. 


Dates  and  Addresses  of  Letters  relating  to  Lights 
Buoys,  and  BEACo.\s,bet>veen  Julv  IS57  and  1859. 


Nov.  12,  1857  Secretarj-  of  the 
Admiralty. 

17  „  I  Kditor  of  Nautical 
JIagazinc. 

21     „     I  Ditto         ditto 


»     26     „ 

Mar.  24, 1858 

April  2,     „ 

„     1",     „ 
>.    20,     „ 

Oct,    28,     „ 

Nov.    4,     „ 
„    13.     .. 

„    25,     „ 

Dec.  IS,     .. 
May  6,  1850 


Secretary,  North- 
ern Lighthouse 
Commissioners. 

Ditto 

Ditto 

Ditto 

Secretary,  Admi- 
ralty. ' 

Ilydrographer  as 
Commissioner  of 
Harbour  of  Re- 
fuge. 

Ditto  - 

Secretarj-  of  Admi- 
ralty. 

Ditto  .         -        - 

Ditto  - 
Secretary,     IJoyal 

Conmiission     on 

Lights,  &c. 
Ditto  - 

Ditto - 


Subject. 


Proposition   for  uniformity 

of  buoying. 
Ditto. 

Lights  on  this  coast  gene- 
rally, printed  inaccu- 
rately. 

Islay  Light  showing  over 
Oronsay  (did  not  appear 
iu  print). 

Buoying  of  the  Tay. 


Ditto,  Sound  of  JIull. 

Ditto,  general  district  pro- 
position. 

Ditto,  ditto,  Yarmouth 
lioad  (illustrated). 

deferring  to  J>ord  C.  Pa- 
get's  Motion  iu  the  House 
of  Commons. 

Islay  Light  showing  over 
Oronsay. 


Ditto. 
Dttto. 

Buchanncss   and  Kinnaird 
Lights. 
Islay  Light. 
G  encral  questions  answered. 


Surveyor's  experience  not 

recognized. 
DubhHertach,  Islay  Sound 

Li[;lits,  &c. 


JIar.  29, 

1854 

Hdyi-ographer 

June  20, 

Ditto    - 

Aug.  12, 

•• 

Ditto    . 

Oct.   U, 
Dec.     4, 

Secretary,  North- 
ern Lighthouse 
Commissioners. 

Ditto    - 

June  25, 

1S55 

Ilydrographer 

General  Subject. 


Jan.  24,   1S5C]   Messrs.    Stevenson 


April  14, 
May  24, 

Mav  2G, 


June 
PeK 


Mar.  12, 


Secretary,     Admi- 
raltv.  ' 


Sir    Arch.   Camp- 
bell, Bart. 


Ditto    - 

Secretary,  North- 
ern Lights. 

Ilydrographer 

Secretary,  North- 
ern Lighthousas. 

Ditto   - 


Secretary, 
House. 


Trinity 


Jan.   12,  185G;  Ilydrographer 


Secretary,     North- 
ern Lights. 


Improvements  proposed  for 
the  navigation  of  Islay 
Sound. 

Objections  to  the  proposed 
Islay  Light. 

On  the  Board  of  Trade's 
decision  respecting  the 
site  for  Islay  Lighthouse, 
argument  against. 

Ditto. 


[Loss  of  "Chevalier,"  and  hs 
bearing  on   Islay   l.,ight- 
I      house. 

I  liemonstranee    against  the 
limit     proposed     by    the 
'      Board  of  Trade   for   the 
!      Islay  light. 

On  Dubh  Ilertach  and 
I  general  neglect  of  the  na- 
I      vigation  of  the  Sounds  of 

.Tura,  &c. 
I  On  the  lighting  of  the  west 
I      coast  of  Scotland,    Isy 

Sound  particularly. 
I  Reply    to     Sir     Archibald 
'      Campbell,  Bart.,  5I.P.,  on 
I      his   observations  relating 
\      to  Islay  Light. 
t  On   the    dangerous    effects 
j      likely  to  be  produced  irom 
the     proposed    limits  of 
Islay  Light ;    also  propo- 
sition for  other  lights,  in- 
cluding Dubh  Hcrtach. 
i  Lighting  the  west  coast  of 
I      Scotland  generally. 
'  Neglect  of  Jura  Sound. 

Ditto. 

Lighting  of  the  west  coast 
of  Scotland  (south). 

Tobermory  Light,  exten- 
sion of  green  light. 

Lighting  Sound  of  Jura, 
&c. 

Relates,  with  other  matter, 
to  the  wreck  of  another 
steamer,  and  the  neglect- 
ed state  of  the  naviga- 
tion. 

On  uniformity  of  buoying. 


E.  J.  BiiDFOKD,  Commander, 


Copy. 

Bournemouth,  Poole, 
Dear  Sir,  19th  August,  1859. 

There  is  one  expression  in  your  letter  of  the  l.'ith 
received  yesterday,  which  I  forgot  to  refer  to,  and  which  I 
think  oi'  i-alue;  viz.,  where  you  allude  to  the  want  of 
the  faculty  in  some  [)ersons  to  distinguish  one  colour  from 
another.  I  had  no  idea  till  I  had  to  give  some  attention 
to  it,  how  many  there  are  more  or  less  deficient  in  that 
faculty ;  antl  it  is  a  inisi'ortune,  I  fear,  that  the  red  is  the 
colour  most  frequently  uncertain  in  its  power  of  impression. 
Where  a  red  light,  for  instance,  has  shown  a  briUiant  and 
most  marked  colour  to  my  vision,  some  of  my  companions 
have  scarcely  recognized  the  shade. 


BUOYAGE   SYSTEJI. 


221 


It  is  a  serious  question,  to  say  the  least  of  it,  and  one 
that  v.'ill  have  to  be  gone  into  with  care  some  day.  In  the 
meanwhile,  as  for  as  my  own  senses  go,  red  and  black  would 
seem  to  be  the  best  colours  generally  for  buoys  ;  I  was  more 
struck  with  this  in  the  Channel  leading  to  the  port  of 
Dublin  than  anj'where,  the  buoys  being  fresher  coloured. 

I  am    not  prepared   to    advocate   the   chetiuered    jjlan. 
.Vftcr  all,  it  is  but  an  exaggeration  of  the  .Shepherd's  plaid, 
which  is  about  the  most  invisible  of  mi.vtures. 
I  am,  Sec, 

\y.  A.  R.  Hamilton. 

Rear-Admiral. 
Commander  E.  J.  Bedford,  R.X. 


Admiralty  Sm'vey,  Oban, 
De.vu  Sir,  23rd  February,  1860. 

I  BEG  to  submit  to  the  consideration  of  the  Royal 
Commissioners  a  tracing  of  part  of  the  West  Coast  of 
Scotland  to  illustrate  the  jirinciple  of  district  arrange- 
ment proposed  for  adoption  in  carrying  out  the  uniform 
system  of  buoying  and  beaconing. 
I  am,  &.O., 

E.  J.  ReuI'OKd, 

Commissioner. 
The  Chairman,  Royal  Commission  on  Lights, 
&c.  &c.  &c. 


Adniiralty  Survey,  Oban, 
De.-.k  Sik,  1.3th  August,"l85.'). 

I  DEG  to  enclose  a  second  list  of  dates,  &c.  of  com- 
munications relating  to  lights  and  buoys.  Referring  to  the 
])roposition  for  uniformity  in  the  latter,  I  do  not  recommend 
the  colours  as  for  an  arbitrarj'  adoption,  for  I  think  experi- 
ments should  be  made  under  the  various  aspects  of  distance, 
light,  and  shade,  and  a  decision  founded  thereon,  issued 
for  general  guidance.  Nothing  can  be  more  variable  than 
the  opinions  entertained  by  different  jjarties  upon  the  sub- 
ject, whilst  there  are  some  who  do  not  possess  the  faculty 
fur  distinguishing  one  colour  from  the  other.     I  instance 


the  following  cases,   illustrating  difference  of  opinion  :—     Buoyagesyitem 

At  Hartlepool  lohite  is  preferred  to  red,  as  being  supposed  

to  be  more  readily  distinguished  ;  whilst  Captain  Sulivan, 
I  believe,  considers  xohite  nearly  useless  for  the  purpose  ;  he 
thinks  chequered  better  than  red.  Mr.  Stevenson,  on  the 
contrary,  objects  to  the  former,  giving  preference  to  the  one 
decided  colour.  Captain  Sulivan  mentions  two  cases  where 
neither  black  or  red  could  be  distinguished  one  from  the 
other,  and  yet  in  Liverpool  (a  tolerable  good  and  practical 
test),  requiring  S3  buoys  to  mark  its  dangerous  approaches, 
red  and  black  have  been  the  favourite  arrangement  for  25 
years.  No  doubt,  if  black  is  permittted  to  become  rusty, 
and  the  red  be  of  too  dark  a  shade,  errors  under  certain 
lights  may  arise,  but  they  will  be  errors  from  neglect  not 
from  colour. 

I  am,  &c. 

E.  J.  Bedford, 
Admiral  W.  B.  Hamilton,  Commissioner. 

&c.         &c.         &c. 


Oban,  2;.'d  August  1859. 
JJeak  Sik, 

Ln  your  letter  of  the  lyth  instant  you  refer  to  the 
buoying  of  Dublin  River  as  a  favourable  example  of  the 
adoption  of  the  plain  colours  red  and  black,  but  you 
perhaps  have  also  obsen-ed  that  they  are  placed  just  the 
reverse  from  what  they  are  in  the  opjjosite  and  more  im- 
portant ])ort  of  Liverpool,  and  it  would  be  no  diORcult 
matter  to  illustrat;-  the  disadvantage  and  probable  injury 
that  might  result  therefrom. 

From  plans  before  me  I  find  at  Cork  both  black  buoys 
and  red  ones  are  placed  on  the  starboard  hand ;  white  oni'h.& 
port. 

At  Wexford  black — white  o.nd  red  are  used  apparently 
without  any  order  whatever. 

I  am,  &c. 
Admiral  W.  A.  B.  Hamilton,  E.  J.  Bedford. 

&c         lie.         &c. 


CiilCULAR  Xi\ . 

QUESTIONS   FOR   C.iPTAINS   OF  STEAMERS   FREQUENTING  THE  PORT 

OF  BOULOGNE. 

The  Commissioners  appointed  by  the  Queen  to  inquire  into  the  condition  and  management  of  Lights,  Buoys,  and 
Beacons,  namely,  Willi.\m  Alexander  Bailliu  Hamilton,  Esq.,  Rear-Admiral,  R.N. ;  Alfred  Phillipps 
Ryder,  Esq.,  Captain,  R.N. ;  John  Hall  Gladstone,  Esq.  ;  Duncan  Dunbar,  Esq.,  Chairman  of  the  London 
Local  Marine  Board  ;  and  Samuel  Rorert  Graves,  Esq.,  Chairman  of  the  Liverpool  Local  Marine  Board;  by 
\-irtue  of  the  authority  vested  in  them  by  Royal  Warrant,  request  that  the  accompanying  Forms  may  be  filed  up  with 
as  little  delay  as  possible,  and  that  you  trill  retvrn  them  through  the  Post  Office  (unpaid). 

J.  F.  Campbell,  Secretary. 

7,  .Millbank  Street,  S.W.,  London, 
November  26th,  1859. 


1.  ^Vhat  is  your  opinion  as  to  the  usefulness  and  efficiency  of  the  bell  now  used  as  a  fog  signal  at  the  extremity  of  the   p„n  signal 
west  ])ier  at  Boulogne  ? 

2.  In  thick  weather  can  you  find  your  way  into  the  port  by  the  sound  of  the  bell  alone  ? 
.3.  Can  you  hear  it  at  sufficient  distance  for  all  practical  purposes  ? 

4.  Have  the  goodness  to  give  your  name  and  the  name  of  the  vessel  which  you  command  ? 


1 .  My  opinion  is  that  a  bell  on  Boulogne  Pier  is  a  great 
assistance  in  taking  a  vessel  into  the  harbour  in  foggy 
weather,  and  that  a  larger  bell  than  that  now  in  use  would 
be  still  m.ore  effective. 

2.  No ;  but  in  approaching  the  harbour  the  sound  of  the 
bell  is  valuable,  in  conjunction  with  the  use  of  the  lead,  in 
ascertaining  the  ])osition  of  the  vessel. 

3.  A  larger  bell,  which  could  be  heard  at  a  greater  dis- 
tance, would,  in  my  ojiinion,  be  desirable,  as  ordinarily  the 
present  one  can  only  be  heard  on  approaching  close  to  the 
jiier. 

4.  George  James  Grant,  Master  of  the  "  Rainbow." 


1.  Not  having  been  to  Boulogne  at  any  time  in  foggy 
weather,  and  not  continuously  for  many  voyages,  I  cannot 
speak  to  the  usefulness  of  the  bell  on  the  west  pier,  but 
having  some  acquaintance  w-ith  the  port  of  Ostend,  I  have 
annexed  herewith  some  particulars  relating  thereto. 

■1.  J.  Watts,  Master  of  the  General  Steam  Navigation 
Company's  Steamship  "  Holland." 


December  1st,  1859. 

Steamship  "  Holland," 
SiK,  December  1st,  1859. 

My  opinion  as  to  the  usefulness  of  the  bell  at  East 
Pier  of  Ostend  as  a  fog  signal  is,  that  it  is  as  good  as  the 
gongs  on  board  lightvessels,  and  has  the  same  object  in 
viev.',  to  acquaint  vessels  with  the  position  they  are  in,  and 
to  prevent  collision  with  the  pier  at  tide  time. 

In  thick  weather  I  should  say  it  was  not  possible  to  find 
the  way  into  the  port  without  some  other  guide,  such  as 
seeing  some  part  of  the  pier  on  one  side  or  the  other,  and  I 
think  it  is  not  always  possible  to  know  exactly  the  point 
from  which  sound  in  foggy  weather  comes  so  as  to  ad\'ance 
towards  it  with  confidence  sufficient  to  enter  a  harbour 
across  which  tiie  tide  sets  very  strong. 

The  sound  can  be  heard  a  good  distance  off;  I  cannot  say 
how  far. 

I  rem.ember  the  "  Triton  "  got  on  the  east  side  of  the  pier 
in  foggy  weather,  in  the  summer  of  1851,  from,  I  should 
s.iy,  not  hearing  the  bell  at  sufficient  distance,  or  not  being 
able  to  tell  in  what  direction  the  sound  came. 
I  remain.  Sir, 

Your  obedient  Servant, 
Martin  Pratt,  Esq.  J.  Watts. 

e3 


222 


APPENDIX  TO  REPORT  ON  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS  : 


F  ^  1 .  Mv  opinion  is  that  the  sound  of  the  bell  is  at  all  times 

E^iZc"  Cir-    a  very  "g^at  assistance  in  taking  the   harbour    in   foggy 
cvlnr  XIV.        weather,  but  that  the  present  bell  is  not  sufficiently  large  for 
the  purpose.  ,  ,     , 

2.  Yes.  with  the  assistance  of  a  well  kept  lead. 

3.  In  niT  opinion  no. 

4.  Samuel  Wood ;  "  Rhine." 

1.  ITie  bell  is  useful,  if  near  enough  to  hear  it,  as  a  guide 
in  a  fog  and  little  surf  on  the  shore  to  dnll  the  sound  of 
the  bell. 

2.  I  think  not  at  the  same  time  as  the  soundings  are 
regular.     The  bell  is  very  useful. 

3.  I  think  yes.  as  far  as  I  have  had  experience  to  judge. 

4.  John  Targett,  Steamship  "  Seine,"  General  Steam 
Navigation  Company. 

1.  Ha\-ing  been  but  a  short  time  on  the  Boulogne  station, 
I  have  not  had  an  oppartunity  of  testing  the  usefulness  of 
the  bell,  and  I  have  not  yet  had  a  fog  off  the  harbour  to 
render  that  assistance  necessary  when  entering. 

4.  Gilbert  Scott  Marshall,  General  Steam  Navigation 
Company's  Ship  "  Albion." 


1 .  The  bell  on  the  West  Pier  Head  is  useful  in  indicating 
the  position  of  the  port. 

2.  If  near  enough  to  hear  the  bell  there  would  be  no 
difficulty  in  finding  the  pier,  providing  the  weather  be 
calm. 

3.  Yes,  if  the  bell  was  larger  there  would  be  a  greater 
difficulty  in  tracing  the  direction  of  the  sound  at  the  in- 
creased distance. 

4.  Henry  Stranack,  '■  Concordia,"  (S.) 


1.  The  bell  is  exceedingly  useful,  and  of  great  help  when 
heard ;  but  in  my  opinion  a  larger  one  is  certainly  required, 
as  it  is  necessary  to  be  very  close  to  the  pier  heads  to  hear 
the  one  in  present  use. 

2.  Yes,  with  the  assistance  of  a  good  lead. 

3.  In  my  opinion,  no. 

4.  John  William  Reader,  "  Panther." 


This  bell  is  placed  in  the  focus  of  a  reflector,  and  Summani  oA 
the  evidence  goes  to  shew  that  it  is  not  heard  at  any  Evidence. 
great  distance.     2nd.  that  sound  alone  is  an  insufficient 
guide  for  direction. 


COAST   LINE   MEASUREMENTS. 

France. 
yieasurement  of  Coast  lAne. 


South  Coast   ■) 
Mediterra-  |  J- From  Nice  toC.  Ccrbere     - 
neau.  I ) 


North  Coast    From   Kersaint  to  Pass  de 
Zuydcoote 


Coast  Line  of  British  Isles. 
England. 


East  Coast  • 
South  Coa,st 
West  Coast - 


West  Coast - 
North  Coast 

East  Coast  - 


North  oftst 
East  Coast  - 
South  Coast 
West  Coast- 


Berwick  to  Dungeness 
Dungeness  to  Lands  End 
Lands  End  to  Solway  Firth  ■ 


Isle  of  Ma 


Annan    (Solway    Firth)    to 
Cape  Wrath 


Duncansby  Head  to  Bnn\ick 


Hebrides  Islands 
Orkney 
Shetland    „ 


Ireland, 


Fair  Head  to  Camsore  Point  |  {i^£is 

Carnsore   Point   to    Durscy  fCoast 

Island        -        •         -         •  >  Islands 

Dursey    Island    to   Farland  f  Coast 

Point  -  -  -  (.Islands 


SUGGESTIONS  FOR  INSPECTIONS. 

The  follo\ving  are  some  points  which  should  be  included  Capt.  Ryiier, 
ill  the  Official  Report  of  the  Inspector  of  Lights,  but  will 
require  to  be  completed  : — 

1.  Name  ;  date. 

2.  Nature  of  lamp  and  of  illuminating  apparatus  (catop- 
tric, dioptric,  or  catadioptric.) 

3.  Order ;  if  catoptiic.  number  of  burners. 

4.  Character  ;  (fLxed.  dashing,  revoh-ing) ;  colour. 

5.  Cleanhness  (carefully  examine  store  room,  lightroom, 
opening  all  doors,  drawers,  &c.,  state  of  paint). 

*).  Orderliness  ;  note  condition  uf  store  room ;  order 
with  which  stores  are  stowed  away  ;  look  at  account  books. 

7.  Lightning  conductor. 

8.  Fog  signal,  and  need  of  one ;  do  ships  approach  close 
when  there  is  a  fog  ? 

9.  Telegraph  or  signals;  tide  signals,  and  the  need  of 
them. 

10.  Water  for  drinking  ;  filter. 

11.  When  last  inspected,  and  by  whom. 

12.  Medicine  chest. 

13.  Medical  attendant :  distance  of ;  and  how  paid. 

14.  Situation  ;  healthy  or  otherwise. 

15.  Neai-est  town  ;  nearest  Coast  (iuard  station. 

1 6.  Wrecks  ;  if  any  within  twelve  months. 

17.  Instruments;  thermometer;  barometer;  clock  dial: 
rain  gauge. 

18.  Birds;  fish;  names;  quantity. 

19.  Books  ;  Ubrary,  when  changed. 

20.  Time  for  lighting ;  time  for  extinguishing  ;  whether 
strictly  adhered  to. 

21.  Names  of  keepers;  ages;  period  at  this  lighthouse ; 
previous  station :  pay. 

22.  Oil ;  appearance ;  does  it  freeze  in  winter  ;  is  there 
a  filter. 

23.  Tools  ;  complete  ;  in  good  order. 

24.  Hourly  consumption  of  oil  since  last  inspection. 

25.  DweUings  ;  how  situated ;  accommodation  ;  cleanli- 
ness; order  ;  gardens  and  land  ;  live  stock. 

26.  Chimney ;  how  many  broken  in  last  twelve  months. 

27.  Ventilation  ;  note  appearance  of  inside  of  dome  ; 
whether  smoky  or  otherwise. 

28.  Paint ;  when  last  painted  inside  and  out. 

Scientific  Inspection. 
Requisites — String,  foot  rule,  ivory  scale,  book  pencil, 
small  level  and  focus  indicator. 

1.  Take  off  chimney  glass  and  lower  portion  of  metal 
tube  ;  screw  do^n  wicks. 

2.  Note  appearance  of  wick,  if  it  has  been  cut  dorni  since 
the  lam])  was  extinguished.  If  the  overflow  has  been  well 
maintained  the  wick  ought  not  to  be  much  charred. 

3.  Stretch  tivo  strings  at  right  angles  attaching  them  to 
the  screws  placed  for  the  purpose.  Note  where  intersection 
is.  It  ought  to  be  in  the  centre  of  the  centre  wick,  and 
touching  burner.     If  not,  note  amount  of  error. 

4.  Place  level  on  platform  ;  note  any  deviation  from 
level. 

5.  Then  number  the  lenses  and  prisms,  and  looking 
through  each  ;  note  by  aid  of  the  focus  indicator  where  the 


SUGGESTIONS   FOR   INSPECTIONS,  &C.  &;c. 


223 


image  of  the  sea  horizon  appears  to  cut  or  pass  near  the 
burner.  To  perform  this  with  the  greatest  accuracy,  if  there 
is  no  focus  indicator,  a  graduated  card  or  ruler  may  be 
placed  vertically  on  the  burner's  centre.  This  will  answer 
for  lenses  and  lower  prisms.  The  portion  of  the  image  of 
the  horizon  as  seen  in  upper  prisms  must  be  noted. 

6.  Note  the  character  and  quality  of  glass. 

7.  Note  whether  image  of  horizon  as  seen  in  lens,  main- 
tains a  straight  line,  when  the  eye  !is  raised  and  lowered, 
or  whether  it  cUngs  to  the  side  of  the  glass. 

8.  At  what  distance  outside  the  flaihe  the  foci  are  placed. 
The  correct  position  for  foci  ought  to  be  always  registered 
at  each  Ughthouse  by  the  constructor,  in  a  book  that  can  lie 
referred  to  by  the  inspector. 

9.  \Vhen  the  eye  is  constrained  to  look  at  prisms  through 
a  fixed  point  (the  intended  focus),  note  how  the  prism  is 
divided  between  sea  and  water. 

10.  Note  whether  frame  is  diagonal  or  otherwise. 

11.  Note  length  of  chimney  (metal),  where  are  first 
openings  in  metal  chimney. 

1 2.  Note  shoulder  of  glass  chimney. 

13.  State  of  reflectors  as  to  shape. 

1-1.  Light  lamp ;  measure  flame's  height  above  burner 
when  at  its  best. 


15.  Shift  lamp,  and  time  the  operation. 

16.  If  there  is  any  metalhc  catoptric  portion,  note  position 
and  state  of  mirrors. 

Inspection. 
Nightly  inspection  by  coast  guard  to  be  noted  in   En- 
gineer's Register  Report. 

N.B. — -Entrance  by  master  key. 

Form  of  Report. 

1 .  Flame :  condition  of ;  bright  or  not ;  height  by 
gauge. 

2.  Keeper  on  alert  or  not. 

3.  Oil  in  lamp,  clean  or  not ;  reservoir,  clean  or  not. 

4.  Lenses  clean  or  not. 

5.  Lantern  glasses,  clean  or  not. 

Form  to  be  filled  up  and  despatched  once  a  week  through 
controller  of  coast  guard,  or  immediately,  in  case  of  any 
neglect  on  part  of  keeper. 

Floating  Lights. 

Depth  of  water,  length  of  chain,  nature  of  moorings,  and 
when  she  last  broke  adrift,  should  be  added  to  those  of  the 
above  inquiry  that  are  applicable  to  floating  lights. 

A.  P.  Ryder. 


LAMP. 


Royal  Commission, 
Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons, 
7,  MiUbank  Street,  S.W.,  London, 
SiK,  12th  March  1861. 

In  a  letter  to  the  Chairman  of  this  Commission 
received  from  Mr.  James  Chance  on  the  8th  instant,  occur 
the  following  passages  : — 

"  I  have  Captain  Ryder's  note  concerning  experiments 
"  with  different  lamps  ;  and  I  -vn]!  at  once  give  orders  about 
"  this  very  important  matter." 

"  Until  "the  points  of  the  height  of  the  flame  and  of  the 
'•  wick  are  settled,  all  other  questions  remain  indeter- 
"  minate." 

"  This  is  evident  from  the  difference  between  the  results 
"  as  to  the  position  of  the  most  luminous  section  obtained 
"  at  Edinburgh  and  Birmingham  respectively." 

"  I  infer  from  what  Capt.  Ryder  says,  that  you  purpose 
■'  sending  me  a  French  pump  lamp  to  complete  the 
"  series." 

The  French  lamp  referred  to  is  one  that  was  sent  over 
from   the   Calais   Lighthouse  to  the   Commission   by   M. 


Reynaud,  for  the  purpose  of  some  comparative  experiments  Proposed  ex- 
shat  were  then  contemplated  ;  subsequent  events  led  them  periment  on 
to  consider  it   unnecessary  that   they   themselves   should  lamps. 
perform  these  experiments,  though  they  always  hoped  that 
the  question  of  the  best  description  of  lamp  would  receive 
a  full  and  cai-eful  investigation. 

The  Commissioners  now  understand  that  the  Elder 
Brethren  are  taking  the  matter  into  their  consideration,  and 
that  Mr.  Chance  is  desirous  of  deciding  the  points  in 
question ;  they,  therefore,  beg  to  offer  to  the  Elder  Brethren 
the  loan  of  the  French  lamp  for  the  aforesaid  purposes,  and 
they  doubt  not  that  M.  Reynaud,  who  was  ready  to  send 
over  a  lightkeeper  to  attend  to  the  lamp  at  any  time  that 
the  Commissioners  might  desu-e,  will,  if  requested,  exhibit 
the  same  willingness  to  forward  the  purposes  of  the  Trinity 
House. 

I  am,  &c. 
P.  H.  Berthon,  Esq.  (Signed)        J.  F.  Campbell, 

Secretary. 


ADJUSTMENT  OF  APPARATUS. 


The  following  correspondence  with  the  Commissioners  of 
Northern  Lighthouses  shows  that  previous  to  the  investi- 
gations of  the  Light  House  Commissioners  the  engineers 
employed  by  the  Scotch  Board  had  not  made  any  adjust- 
ment of  the  burners  of  dioptric  lights  with  reference  to  the 
height  of  the  light  above  the  water : — 

Royal  Commission, 

Lights,  Buoys,  and  Beacons, 
7,  MiUbank  Street,  London. 
Sir,  December  1,  1860. 

The  Commissioners  have  received  a  report  from  the 
Astronomer  Royal  of  his  visit  to  Girdleness  ;  also  a  copy  of 
Mr.  Thomas  Stevenson's  report  of  that  \'isit,  as  also  of  his 
(Mr.  Stevenson's)  \-isit  to  AVhitby  and  the  North  Foreland. 
The  Commissioners  have  also  before  them  Mr.  Thomas 
Stevenson's  work  on  Lighthouse  Illumination,  1859,  second 
issue,  and  the  rephes  he  has  been  so  good  as  to  send  to 
printed  questions  sent  to  him  by  them  and  also  Mr.  Alan 
Stevenson's  Rudimentary  Treatise,  1850.  In  the  first  of 
these  works  Mr.  Thomas  Stevenson  speaks  (p.  78,  79)  oi  a. 
"  dipping  hght ;"  and  he  appears  to  think  it  suitable  for 
high  lighthouses,  and  in  fogs,  to  direct  the  rays  (ordinarily 
directed  to  the  horizon)  to  points  nearer  at  hand.  He  pro- 
poses that  the  apparatus  should  be  hinged,  and  moveable 
under  the  control  of  the  keepers.  Mr.  Alan  Stevenson 
proposes  (70,  124)  that  in  very  high  hghthouses  the  "  lenses 
should  have  a  slight  inclination  outwards  so  as  to  cause 
the  most  brilliant  portion  of  the  emergent  beam  to  reach 
the  visible  horizon  which  is  due  to  the  height  of  the 
lantern." 

In  p.  126  Mr.  Alan  Stevenson  says,  "  In  other  cases, 
where  the  whole  horizon  has  to  be  illuminated,  and  great 
vertical  divergence  is  at  the  same  time  desirable,  a  sUght 
elevation  of  the  burner,  at  the  expense,  no  doubt,  of  a  small 
portion  of  light,  is  sometimes  resorted  to,  and  is  found  to 

E 


produce  with  good  effect  the  requisite  depression  of  the 
emergent  rays." 

The  distance  prescribed  by  Fresnel  for  the  burner  of  a  Ibst 
order  dioptric  light  to  be  placed  below  the  focus  for 
parallel  horizontal  rays  is  28m.  or  I'l  in.  In  a  first  order 
dioptric  light  placed  at  a  height  of  185  feet  (Girdleness)  the 
dip  due  to  that  height  being  15'  37",  and  the  tangent  for 
the  focal  distance  of  that  angle  being  3'5m.,  the  image  of 
the  horizon  would  be  looked  for  and  would  be  expected  to 
appear  at  2Sm. -f- 3'5m.  =;31"5  ra.  or  1'23  in.  above  the 
burner. 

The  Astronomer  Royal  states  that  he  found  the  image  of 
the  horizon  3-8ths  inches  too  high  (or  at  1  ■6m)  above  the 
burner,  and  that  he  recommended  the  lamp  to  be  raised 
half  the  error,  or  3-16  in.  The  upper  and  lower  prisms  ap- 
peared to  be  well  adjusted  to  the  erroneous  position  of  the 
lamp,  and  the  Astronomer  Royal  recommended,  therefore, 
that  the  lamps  should  only  be  raised  3-16  in.,  or  one-half  of 
its  error.  It  would  probably  affect  the  adjustment  of  the 
upper  and  lower  prisms  if  the  lamp  was  to  be  accurately 
placed/  It  would  appear,  therefore,  that  the  burner  at 
Girdleness  was  lou-er  even  than  Fresnel's  position  by  0.25in. 
(one  quarter  of  an  inch),  and  not  higher,  as  it  should  have 
been,  by  0'13  of  an  inch. 

No  conclusion,  however,  can  be  drawn  from  the  experi- 
ments as  to  whether  or  not  the  lamp  at  Girdleness  was 
originally  adjusted  to  the  visible  horizon,  because  the  burner 
appears  from  Mr.  Stevenson's  report  to  have  been  replaced 
without  supervision. 

Conversations  with  Mr.  Thomas  Stevenson  have  left  an 
impression  on  the  mind  of  the  Commissioners  (but  they 
may  be  mistaken)  that  in  no  iUuuiinating  apparatus  de- 
signed by  him  has  he  ever  intentionally  adjusted  the  lamp 
or  apparatus  to  the  height  of  the  hght  above  the  water,  or 
displaced  the  position  of  the  lamp,  as  prescribed  by  Fresnel. 

e4 


22tt 


APPENDIX  TO  REPORT  OX  LIGHTS,  BUOYS,  AND  BEACONS. 


viz.,  the   burner  to  be  I'l  in.  below  the  focus  for  parallel 
horizontal  rays  in  first-class  dioptric  lights. 

The  Commissioners  desue  to  be  informed,  (1)  what  was 
the  original  position  of  the  burner  as  regards  the  focus  of 
the  lens  referred  to  in  each  of  the  first  class  dioptric  lights 
erected  by  Messrs.  A.,  Thos.,  and  D.  Stevenson,  and  by  the 
late  Mr.  Stevenson  in  Scotland;  and  (2'l,  further  in  detail, 
what  course,  if  any,  the  Messrs.  Stevenson  adojrt  in  adjust- 
ing the  position  of  the  lamp  i^with  reference  to  the  snid 
focus)  to  the  height  of  the  light  above  the  water,  naming 
the  lights  in  which  this  adjustment  has  been  made,  and  its 
amount  in  each  case ;  also  (3)  what  course,  if  anj-,  they 
adopt  if  they  make  the  above  adjustment,  in  making  the 
further  adjustments  of  the  hiver  prisms,  so  that  their  said 
foci  may  not  be  in  the  metal  burner  when  the  lamji  has  been 
raised  considerably  in  consequence  of  th.e  light  l)eing  a  con- 
siderable height  abo\-e  the  water,  and  also  naming  tlie 
lights  in  which  the  adjustment  has  been  made ;  and  also 
(4)  what  course  they  adopt  in  the  above  case  in  adjusting 
the  upper  prisms  that  then-  foci  may  not,  when  the  lamj) 
has  been  considerably  raised,  be  in  a  different  section  of  the 
flame  from  that  jireviously  selected  by  Fresnel,  naming  the 
lights  in  which  the  adjustment  has  been  made ;  and  also 
(5),  whether  in  any  case  they  have  altered  the  position  of  a 
lens  or  prism  after  the  illuminating  apparatus  has  been 
erected  at  a  lighthouse,  and  if  so,  in  what  cases  and  for 
what  reasons  ;  also  (6)  what  precautions  are  taken  when 
old  bm-ners  arc  replaced  by  new  burners,  to  ensure  the 
correct  jiosition  of  the  flame  being  accurately  preserved. 
I  am,  &c. 


Northern  Lighthouse  OIBce, 
SiK,  Edinbiu'gh,  December  10,  18(i0. 

I  AM  directed  by  the  Commissioners  of  Xorthern 
Lighthouses  to  acknowledge  receipt  of  your  letter  of  1st 
current  transmitting  various  queries  as  to  the  ])ractice  of 
Messrs.  Stevenson  in  regard  to  the  lamps  prepared  by  them. 
Having  laid  this  before  the  Commissioners,  they  directed 
me  to  communicate  it  to  Messrs.  Stevenson,  and  I  am  now 
instructed  to  fonvard  a  copy  of  their  answer. 
I  am.  Sir, 
Your  most  obedient  servant, 

Alex,  Cunxixgh.a.m, 
The  Secretary  SecrefaiT. 

Royal  Commission  on  Lights,  &c. 


f.'ojiy. 
DE.iR  Sir,  Edinburgh.  7th  December  1860. 

We  have  received  the  letter  addressed  to  the  Commis- 
sioners by  the  Royal  Commission  on  Lighthouses,  dated  1st 
December  lS(iO,  and  we  iiave,  as  requested  by  you,  to  make 
the  folloiving  replies  to  the  queries  therein  contained : — 

\st  Querij.  What  was  the  original  position  of  the  burner 
as  regards  the  focus  of  the  lens  referred  to  in  each  of  the  1st 
class  dioptric  lights  erected  by  Messrs.  A.  T.  and  D.  Ste- 
venson, and  by  the  late  Mr.  Stevenson  in  Scotland  ? 

Answer.  In  all  of  the  lighthouses  erected  by  Messrs. 
R.  A.  D.  and  T.  Stevenson,  tlie  burner  in  1st  class  dioptric 


lights  was  originally  placed  in  the  position  shown  in  the 
engraved  diagram,  which  is  hung  up  in  the  light  rooms  for 
regulating  the  position  of  burner  and  size  of  flame.  In  that 
diagram  the  top  of  the  burner  is  1 J^  inch  below  the  plane 
of  the  focus. 

2d  Query.  Further  in  detail,  what  course,  if  any,  the 
Messrs.  Stevenson  adopt  in  adjusting  the  position  of  the 
lamp  (nith  reference  to  the  said  focus)  to  the  height  of  the 
light  above  the  water,  naming  the  lights  in  which  the 
adjustment  has  been  made,  and  its  amount  in  each  case  ? 

Answer.  Messrs.  Stevenson  have  not  made  any  adjust- 
ment of  the  burner  of  dioptric  lights  with  reference  to  the 
height  of  the  lights  above  the  water.  The  highest  of  the 
dioptric  lights  iu  Scotland  is  316  feet,  and  it  was  not  con- 
sidered necessary  in  these  cases  to  adopt  any  special  adjust- 
ment. But  the  necessity  for  such  an  adjustment  when  the 
elevation  was  great  was  recognized  by  Mr.  Alan  Stevenson, 
in  his  "  Treatise  on  Lighthouses,"'  and  was  adopted  by  the 
late  Mr.  Robert  Stevenson  in  the  high  catoptric  lights,  such 
as  Barrahead,  where  the  reflectors  are  dipped. 

3d  and  4th  Queries.  What  course,  if  any,  they  adopt,  if 
they  make  the  above  adjustment,  in  making  the  further 
adjustm.ents  of  the  loiver  prisms,  so  that  their  said  foci  may 
not  be  in  the  metal  burner  when  the  lamp  has  been  raised 
considerably  in  consequence  of  the  light  being  a  considerable 
height  above  the  water,  naming  the  lights  in  which  this 
adjustment  has  been  made,  and  also  (4)  what  course  they 
adopt  in  the  above  case  in  adjusting  the  upper  prisms,  that 
their  foci  may  not  when  the  lamp  has  been  considerably 
raised,  be  in  a  different  section  of  the  flame  from  that  pre- 
viously selected  by  Fresnel,  naming  the  lights  in  which  the 
adjustment  has  been  made  ? 

Answer.  For  the  same  reason  no  special  adjustment  has 
been  made  of  the  upper  or  lower  prisms. 

oth  Query.  AVhethcr  in  any  case  they  have  altered  the 
position  of  a  lens  or  prism  after  the  illuminating  apparatus 
has  Ijeen  erected  at  a  lighthouse,  and,  if  so,  in  what  cases 
and  for  ^^'hat  reasons^ 

Answer.  No  alteration  has  been  made  after  the  final 
a<ijustraent  of  the  light. 

6//(  Query,  ^^'hat  precautions  arc  taken,  when  old  burners 
are  replaced  by  new  burners,  to  ensure  the  correct  position 
of  the  flame  being  acciu-ately  preserved  ? 

Answer.  The  only  ])recaution  which  is  taken  in  renewing 
btirners,  is  the  employment  of  careful  workmen,  and  the 
inspection  of  the  foreman  of  lighthouse  repairs,  whose  duty 
it  is  to  see  that  the  position  of  the  burner  is  conformable  to 
the  engriived  diagram. 

In  fiu-ther  ex-]ilanation  we  have  to  state,  that  in  all  cases 
the  apparatus  is  carefully  insi)ected  and  tested  before   it 
leaves  the  workshop,  and  that  before  a  new  light  is  consi- 
<lered  as  finally  adjusted  in  the  light  room  and  ready  to  be 
exhibited,  observations  are  made  upon  it  from  the  sea  at 
various  distances,  and  in  various  azimuths,  when  any  im- 
perfection that  may  be  detected  is  rectified. 
We  arc,  &c. 
(Signed)        D,  &  T,  Stevenson. 
A.  Cuningham,  Esq., 

Secretarv.  Northern  Lights  Board. 


L.VTEK  OBSERYATIOiN'S  01s  THE  MAG^ETO-ELECTEIC  LIGHT 
AND  STEAM  EOG-SIGNALS. 


0/jscrra(ii>n.«  by  Since  tlie  oral  examination  of  Professor  Hohnes,  I  have 
Dr.  Gladstone,  visited  his  works  at  Northfleet.  The  electi-o-magnetic  ma- 
chine there  is  a  smaller  one  than  that  used  at  the  South 
Foreland  Lighthouse,  but  the  lamj)  is  a  great  improvement 
on  that  previously  employed.  It  appears  to  resemble  in 
]>rinciple  the  lain))  of  M.  Serin  which  he  exhibited  to  me  at 
Oxford  last  .luly.  It  seems  simple  in  construction,  and 
certainly  gave  a  beautifully  steady  light,  without  tlte  neces- 
sity of  any  attention.  The  only  fluctuations  in  the  inten- 
.sity  of  the  light  were  probably  due  to  the  presence  of  iron,  or 
some  other  im])erfection  in  the  carbons.  By  means  of  the 
refracting  goniometer  I  made  a  prismatic  analysis  of  the 
light,  and  determined  the  foUonnng  points,  which  have  some 
bearing  on  lighthouse  illimiination  : — 

1st.  The  light  presents  a  continuous  spectrum,  that  is,  it 
includes  rays  of  every  refrangibility,  and  that  throughout  a 
range  exceeding  the  range  of  bright  sunshine  in  England, 
both  at  the  red  or  least  refrangible  and  at  the  \iolet  or  most 
refrangible  end.  'I'lie  character  of  the  light  closely  resem- 
bles that  of  the  sun,  but  with  a  larger  jiroportion  of  violet. 

2d.  \  thick  sheet  of  Mr.  Chance's  red  glass  jilaced  before 
the  lamp  was  found  to  jiroduce  a  beautiful  red  light.  On 
analysis  this  was  found  to  consist  of  a  very  large  amount  of 
red  and  orange  rays,  with  a  small  quantity  of  gre^n  and 
blue. 


3d.  Sheets  of  green  and  blue-green  glass  from  Mr. 
Chance's  works  gave  rise  to  green  and  blue-green  lights. 
Cobalt  blue  glass  produced  a  fpurple  light,  with  great  re- 
duction of  the  himinosity,  and  not  so  striking  a  modification 
of  the  colour  as  to  render  it  advisable  to  employ  it  as  a 
means  of  distinction.  Cobalt  glass  also  has  this  serious 
disadvantage  for  lighthouse  jmrposes,  that  a  bright  light 
seen  through  it  might  be  altered  by  a  fog  from  puqile  to 
red. 

-1th.  Much  \-iolet  light  of  high  refrangibility  is  emitted 
from  the  carbon  points.  As  such  light  is  known  not  to  pass 
freely  through  glass,  I  particularly  examined  whether  it 
formed  so  large  a  proportion  of  the  rays  as  to  render  thick 
dioptric  apparatus  objectionable,  and  to  incline  the  experi- 
menter to  turn  his  attention  to  apparatus  arranged  simply 
on  the  ])rinciple  of  reflection.  1  found,  ho«'ever,  that  the 
interjiosition  of  a  piece  of  good  plate  glass  about  an  inch 
thick,  ])roduced  little  sensible  diminution  of  the  light  thrown 
on  a  sliect  of  white  paper  held  at  various  distances.  By 
special  contrivances  with  the  jirism,  however,  I  was  able  to 
determine  that  this  glass  did  make  a  difference  on  the  ex- 
treme violet  rays,  but  so  slight  that  it  may  fairly  be  disre- 
garded. The  light  seen  at  the  distance  of  a  mile  on  a  clear 
night  still  exhibited  a  \'iolet  ray.  of  a  refrangibility  scarcely 
known  in  sun  light,  notwithstanding  the  absoriieut  effect  of 
the  atmosphere  on  such  rays. 


EXPLANATION    OF   THE   DKAWINGS. 


225 


The  matjneto -electric  light  is  perfectly  continuous,  and 
not  a  rapid  succession  of  sparks. 

Professor  Holmes  exhil)ited  it  also  in  one  of  the  large 
reflectors  that  he  proposes  for  revolving  lights.  These  as 
yet  are  somewhat  roughly  made,  and  their  reflecting  surface 
is  tin-foil  and  not  silver ;  but  the  elipse  and  parabola  axe 
made  with  considerable  approach  to  correctness,  and  tlie 
apijaratus  was  fully  capable  of  demonstrating  practically 
that  by  this  means  Mr.  Holmes  is  able  to  bring  all  the  rays 
emitted  from  the  carbon  points  on  to  a  space  subtending 
only  a  few  degrees,  and  to  cause  very  few  rays  to  be  sent  to 
the  sky,  while  the  sea  and  the  horizon  are  brilliantly  illumi- 
nated." The  whole  apparatus  revohang  will  cause  the  hori- 
zon to  be  illuminated  in  every  azimuth  by  turns,  and  the 
light  is  not  a  waxing  and  waning  one,  bui  commences  and 
temiinates  with  a  flash.  There  is  another  reflector  con- 
trived so  as  to  give  a  series  of  flashes  during  the  period  that 
the  light  remains  in  view ;  but  the  effect  of  this  was  not 
practicaDy  exhibited. 

The  effect  of  the  light  shining  in  the  focus  of  an  ordinary 
silvered  parabolic  reflector  was  exhibited   at   night.    The 


brilliancy  of  the  illumination  obtained  at  the  distance  of  a 
mile  was"  surprising,  and  the  beam  from  the  mirror  was  com- 
prised \vithin  very  small  Umits — not  many  paces. 

Professor  Holmes  exhibited  his  steam  trumpets  also,  which 
he  proposes  for  use  as  fog  signals.  My  attention  was  first 
attracted  by  the  noise  when  within  an  hotel  more  than  a 
mile  distant.  It  was  subsequently  found  that  the  origin  of 
the  continuous  sound  had  given  rise  to  many  conjectures 
among  the  inmates  of  the  said  hotel.  At  the  works  there 
are  three  of  these  instruments,  the  construction  of  which 
was  explained,  and  which  require  but  a  small  quantity  of 
steam  to  produce  the  sound.  A  steam  whistle  also  on  the 
same  premises  requires  a  much  larger  quantity  of  force  to 
work  it,  and  produces  less  noise.  The  trumpets  can  be 
tuned  at  will,  and  so  made  as  to  produce  whatever  note  is 
found  to  be  heard  at  the  greatest  distance.  When  one  of 
them  was  blown  in  the  direction  of  the  Thames,  and  the 
steam  suddenly  turned  off,  a  double  reverberation  was 
heard  from  the  hills  on  the  other  side  of  the  river. 

J.  H.  Gladstone. 


Foif  xiyjiaL 


CIRCULAR  TO  ADMIRALTY  CHART  AGENTS, 


The  Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty  being  desir- 
ous to  take  steps  for  ensuring  that  the  Admiralty  Charts 
in  the  hands  of  the  several  chart  agents  be  kept  corrected 
up  to  the  latest  date,  and  with  a  view  to  placing  the  sale 
of  the  Admiralty  Charts  generally  on  a  better  footing,  so 
as  to  render  them  more  accessible  to  the  public,  have  sanc- 
tioned the  following  regulations,  a  copy  of  which  is  here- 
■with  transmitted  for  your  guidance. 

1.  The  Admiralty  Charts  are  to  be  sold  at  the  prices 
engraved  respectively  on  the  face  of  them. 

•2.  The  charts  in  future  will  be  supplied  backed  and 
labelled,  and  the  lights  coloured,  and  no  charge  is  to  be 
made  for  the  backing. 

■3.  A  commission  of  33  per  cent,  will  be  allowed  on  sales, 
which  is  to  cover  all  expenses. 

4.  Printed  copies  of  Notices  to  Mariners  respecting  new 
or  altered  hghts,  and  Hydrographic  Notices  of  any  shoal, 
or  rock,  or  channel  discovered,  that  affect  your  neighbour- 
hood, will,  in  future,  be  transmitted  to  you  as  soon  as 
published  at  the  Admu-alty.  All  those  printed  since  the 
beginning  of  the  present  year  are  sent  herewith. 

5.  Immediately  on  the  'receipt  of  such  notices  you  are  to 
employ  a  competent  person  to  insert  neatly  the  necessary 
correction  in  each  copy  of  the  chart  affected  by  it  that  may 
be  in  your  possession.  In  case  of  a  new  light  it  is  to  be 
coloured  as  are  the  other  lights  in  the  charts. 

6.  You  are  strictly  enjoined  not  to  sell  a  copy  of  the 
chart  in  question  until  this  has  been  done.    And  you  are 


also  to  give  the  purchaser  a  copy  of  the  notice,  and  to  call 
his  attention  to  the  correction. 

7.  In  order  to  faciUtate  the  insertion  of  the  above  cor- 
rections, the  titles  and  nos.  of  the  charts  affected  are 
marked  on  each  notice.  Generally  speaking  a  single  copy 
of  a  chart  can  be  corrected  in  a  few  minutes.  When  the 
corrections  are  extensive  the  chart  ivill  be  cancelled,  and 
new  chart  \\'ill  be  sent  to  replace  it. 

8.  Cancelled  charts  are  in  all  eases  to  be  immediately 
returned  to  the  Principal  Chart  Agent  in  London,  when 
their  cost  will  be  allowed  for. 

9.  A  moderate  charge  for  time  employed  in  correcting 
the  charts  may  be  deducted  from  the  account  of  sales  and 
accounted  for  in  the  bill. 

10.  You  are  to  stamp  or  paste  upon  the  face  of  every 
chart   a  label  containing  your  name 
and  address,  and  write  in  the  date  on 
which  it  is  sold,  as  for  example  : 

11.  You  will  place  in  some  con- 
spicuous part  of  your  premises  a  board 
or  placard  with  the  words  "Agent  for 
the  Sale  of  Admiralty  Charts,"  painted 
thereon .  "" 

By  command  of  their  Lordships, 

John  Washington,  Hydrographer 
Hydrographic  Office,  Admiralty, 
London. 
5  February  1861. 


W.  Johnson, 
Liverpool. 


1  March  1861. 


ELECTRIC    LIGHT. 


Further  Remarks  by  the  A.stronomer  Royal  on  the 
Adoption  of  the  Magneto-electric  Light. 

Royal  Obser\'atory  Greenwich, 
My  dear  Sir,  London,  S.E.,  9th  April  1861. 

I  have  perused  the  evidence  of  Professor  Holmes, 
given  to  the  Commissioners  on  January  2d,  and  have 
been  much  interested  with  it.  It  proves  beyond  doubt  the 
practicability  of  the  application  of  the  magneto-galvanic 
hght  to  all  the  purposes  of  lighthouses  for  illumination  of 
the  distant  horizon  ;  for  illumination  of  the  near  sea,  and 
for  tlie  purposes  of  revolving  lights.  In  regard  to  the  last, 
I  am  surprised  that  any  difficulty  has  presented  itself  ;  the 
galvanic  hght  is  as  applicable  to  revoh-ing  Ughts  as  to 
fLxed  lights,  requiring  only  pretty  good  mechanical  work- 
manship in  the  rotatory  parts. 

In  some  of  the  optical  explanations  given  in  the  evidence 
to  which  I  allude,  there  is  a  little  inaccuracy.  Thus,  the 
rule  given  for  the  adjustment  of  the  central  lens  in  the 
answer  to  question  GIO  is  erroneous  ;  the  position  of  the 
inner  surface  as  reflecting  back  the  Ught  being  very  unim- 
portant, while  in  reality  all  depends  upon  its  elevation  with 
reference  to  the  elevation  of  the  lamp.  And  the  rides  for 
adjusting  the  prisms  are  not  perfectly  accurate. 

In  fact,  I  found  by  internal  inspection  of  the  South 
Foreland  high  lighthouse,  and  also  l.iy  external  comparison 
of  the  light  of  the  high  hghthouse  'with  that  of  the  low 
hghthouse,  that  the  optical  parts  of  the  high  lighthouse 
even  now  are  ill  adjusted,  though  probably  in  a  better  state 
than  before  Professor  Holmes  examined  them. 


I  entirely  agree  with  Professor  Holmes  in  his  strong  con- 
demnation of  the  selection  of  the  Dungeness  hghthouse  as 
a  place  for  trial  of  the  magneto-galvanic  light.  It  is  cer- 
tainly the  worst  station  for  that  purpose  (except,  perhaps, 
the  Spurn)  in  the  whole  circumference  of  Britain. 
I  am,  vc.j  dear  Sir, 

Yours  very  truly. 
Admiral  W.  A.  B.  Hamilton,  G.  B.  Airy. 

&c.        &c.        &c. 


ELECTRIC  LIIJHT  TO  BE  USED  IN  FRANCE. 

The  following  paragraph  states  that  the  French  Govern- 
ment are  about  to  use  the  electric  light  to  some  extent. 

The  Commission  ha.-e  no  time  to  inform  themselves  of 
the  facts;  but  they  reprint  the  paragraph  in  order  that 
attention  may  be  drawn  to  the  subject. 

"  The  Minister  of  Marine  has  decided  to  estabUsh  eight 
"  electric  lights  on  the  coast  of  the  department  of  the 
"  Seine  Infe'rieure.  These  eight  lights  are  to  be  placed  at 
"  Cape  de  la  Heve,  Cape  Antifer,  Etretat,  Fe'camp, 
"  St.  Valery-en-Caux,  the  point  of  Adly,  Dieppe,  and 
"  Treport.  The  object  of  these  hghts  is  to  maintain  a 
"  communication  with  ships  mthiii  sight  of  land,  and  to 
"  transmit  the  news  rapidly  to  the  interior.  A  contract 
"  was  concluded  at  the  Mai-me-office  at  Havre  on  Saturday 
"  last  for  the  construction  of  these  eight  lights." 


Ff 


226 


APPENDIX   TO   REPORT  ON   LIGHTS,   EUOTS,  AND  BEACOJiS. 


EXPLANATION   OF   THE    DRAWINGS. 


Plate  I.  LiGHTHOcsE  Flames  and  Teansparext 
Landscape. 

The  transparent  landscape  is  traced  from  photo- 
graphs taken  for  the  purpose  at  Whitby  on  the  9tli 
of  August  1860,  and  subsequently  enlarged  to  scale. 

The  small  circles  on  and  above  the  horizon  represent 
the  sun  at  various  altitudes,  and  are  taken  from  a 
photograph  made  July  13,  to  give  a  scale.  The  image 
is  of  the  same  size  as  that  which  is  formed  in  the  focus 
of  a  first  order  lighthouse  lens,  and  roughly  repre- 
sents half  a  degree  on  a  circle  with  a  radius  of  0' 920 
niillcmetres,  which  is  the  focal  length  of  such  a  leus. 
The  South  Whitby  Lighthouse,  which  is  represented, 
was  photographed  from  a  point  a  few  inches  above 
the  top  rail  of  the  North  Lighthouse,  which  is  on  the 
same  level,  and  distant  774  feet. 

The  elevation  of  the  light  above  the  sea  level  is 
240  feet.  The  top  rail  is  the  level  or  geometrical 
horizon.  The  place  where  the  sea  horizon  cuts  the 
tower  marks  the  angle  of  dip. 

The  height  of  the  South  Lighthouse  from  base  to 
vane  is  48  feet. 

The  passing  ships  were  either  represented  in  the 
photographs,  or  their  positions  were  marked  on  ground 
glass  placed  on  the  burners  in  the  Lighthouses. 

The  wreck  was  not  seen,  but  a  wreck  had  taken 
place  near  the  spot  shortly  before  the  Commissioners 
visited  Whitby,  and  sailors  complained  that  the  light 
was  hidden,  by  "  the  gallery,"  as  they  imagined. 

The  lines  parallel  to  the  horizon  give  a  scale  of 
degrees,  constructed  from  a  circle  with  a  radius  equal 
to  the  focal  length  of  the  Lighthouse  lens ;  and  from 
this  scale,  distances  on  the  sea  can  be  ascertained  by 
inspection  of  the  table  calculated  by  Mr.  Chance  from 
data  furnished  to  him  by  Captain  Ryder. 

The  drawings  of  Lighthouse  flames  are  of  the  full 
natural  size. 

The  original  drawings  were  taken  either  from 
enlarged  photographs  of  the  flames,  or  from  drawings 
made  by  eye,  and  by  measurement  in  the  several  light- 
houses named,  or  l>y  tracing,  on  ground,  glass  the 
image  of  the  flame  formed  by  a  small  lens. 

This  last  method  was  suggested  by  Professor 
Faraday  on  the  13th  of  October  1860,  and  was  used 
by  him  in  preparing  the  drawing  of  the  Whitby 
flame,  which  is  copied  from  his  report  to  the 
Trinity  House. 

The  six  drawings  of  Lighthouse  flames  are  so 
placed  that  a  straight  line  cuts  them  all  at  the  distance 
above  the  burners  at  which  the  image  of  the  visible 
horizon  was  actually  formed  by  the  lenses  of  the 
several  lighthouses  named,  when  they  were  visited 
and  inspected  by  the  Commission. 

The  transparent  landscape  is  so  placed  that  the  sea 
horizon  coincides  with  the  straight  lines  which  cut 
the  flames,  and  the  circle  in  each  flame  marks  the 
chief  focus,  and  the  position  and  size  of  the  sun's 
image  in  the  flame,  when  it  is  lighted  at  sunset,  if  the 
sun  is  visible  in  the  proper  direction  on  the  sea 
horizon. 

The  whole  is  intended  to  show  roughly,  but  with 
tolerable  accuracy,  what  portions  of  the  landscape 
would  be  illuminated  by  flames  of  various  shapes  and 
sizes,  which  really  existed  in  the  lighthouses  named — 
if  such  flames  were  placed  in  the  North  Whitby 
Lighthouse,  at  an  elevation  of  240  feet  above  the  sea 
level,  and  there  placed  with  reference  to  the  refract- 
ug  portions  of  the  apparatus,  and  the  visible  horizon 
ot  the  image  formed  by  it,  in  the  same  position  as 
the  flames  in  question  really  occupied  when  they 
were  drawn. 

Thus  an  observer  above  the  South  Whitby  Light- 
house would  see  a  good  light,  and  one  at  the  end  of 
the  dwelling-house  would  see  light  from  the  points  of 
the  flame  in  the  North  Lighthouse,  through  the  refract- 


ing band  ;  and  an  observer  in  the  field  near  the  lower 
wall  would  see  no  light  from  such  a  flame  ;  but  if  the 
limdscape  be  turned  over  the  Calais  flame,  the  points 
reach  nearly  to  the  nearest  wall,  and  such  a  light  so 
jilaced  with  reference  to  the  horizon,  would  be  seen 
from  the  wall  where  the  small  flame  was  invisible 
while  an  observer  on  the  horizon  would  see  the 
brightest  part  of  the  flame. 

The  image  of  a  steamer  passed  along  the  ground 
glass  which  was  placed  on  the  burne-  at  the  North 
Whitby  Lighthouse  on  the  9th  of  August,  1860, 
while  the  Commissioners  were  making  their  observa- 
tions. The  position  of  the  image  of  the  steamer  was 
marked  with  a  pencil,  and  it  is  represented  in  the 
transparent  drawing,  three  inches  above  the  burner 
at  the  Start.  No  light  at  all  could  have  reached  that 
steamer  through  the  refracting  bands  of  the  apparatus 
at  the  North  Whitby  Lighthouse,  from  flames  such  as 
those  which  were  found  at  the  Start  and  Minehead, 
and  hardly  any  light  could  get  to  the  steamer  from 
the  lamp  actually  used  at  North  Whitby  (see 
drawing). 

These  drawings  are  fair  representations  of  the 
flames  produced  by  using  a  fountain  lamp,  and  sup- 
pressing one  of  the  four  wicks, — which  was  the  almost 
imiversal  practice  in  using  dioptric  apparatus  in 
England  and  Ireland,  when  the  Commission  was 
appointed.  The  practice  was  different  in  France  and 
in  Scotland. 

It  will  be  found  on  reference  to  former  pages, 
that  observations  made  by  day  from  within  were 
tested  at  night  by  looking  at  the  lighthouse  from 
ascertained  points  outside,  and  that  the  observations 
so  made  proved  each  other. 

This  drawing  relates  only  to  the  refracting  por- 
tions of  the  apparatus,  but  similar  drawings  could  be 
made  for  all  parts,  and  sketches  have  been  made. 


Plate  2.  Drawings  op  the  average  Scotcu  and 
English  Flames  and  of  the  Electric  Light. 

These  were  taken  from  jihotographs,  and  may  bo 
here  compared  with  each  other,  and  with  the  diagram 
(No.  3),  which  shows  the  consumption  of  oil  in  each 
lighthouse  under  the  three  General  Lighthouse  Au- 
thorities. 

The  electric  light  is  represented  of  fuU  size,  beside 
the  full-sized  lighthouse  flames  as  now  exhibited  in 
France  and  Scotland,  and  in  England  and  Ireland.  The 
drawing  shows  how  unfit  the  large  apparatus  con- 
structed for  large  flames,  must  be  for  such  a  minute 
spark  as  the  magneto-electric  light,  and  how  necessary 
it  was  to  make  some  special  arrangement  to  cause 
vertical  divergence  at  the  South  Foreland,  when  the 
electric  light  was  exhibited  there  in  a  first  order 
dioptric  apparatus. 

It  will  be  seen  that  the  light  is  rather  smaller  than 
the  image  of  the  sun  on  the  scale,  which  is  placed 
near  it  for  comparison  ;  and  it  follows  that  in  a  well 
made  large  lens,  no  light  could  reach  the  sea  from 
such  a  light,  placed  on  a  level  in  the  focus. 

An  enlarged  representation  of  the  electric  light  is 
also  given  to  show  its  general  appcai'ance  more  dis- 
tinctly.    It  is  magnified  about  25  times. 

The  scale  was  thus  constructed : — a  photographic 
camera  (with  a  small  stop  touching  the  lens  outside) 
was  directed  towards  the  sun  on  a  clear  day,  aliout 
noon,  and  carefully  focused  ;  and  a  sensitive  plate 
was  placed  in  the  slide  in  the  usual  way. 

The  cap  of  the  lens  was  then  taken  off  and  re- 
placed instantaneously,  and  the  time  noted  ;  and  the 
operation  was  repeated  at  intervals  during  20  minutes; 
after  which  the  plate  was  developed  in  the  usual 
way. 


EXPLANATION   OF  THE  DRAWINGS. 


227 


The  sun's  apparent  semi-diameter  on  the  meridian, 
for  tlio  day  in  question,  is  given  in  the  nautical  alma- 
naclv  ;  and  gives  tlie  sun's  apparent  diameter  as 
31'  32".  4,  or  very  nearly  half  a  degree  on  the  centre 
of  the  sensitive  plate,  and  it  gives  a  scale  for  all 
photographs  taken  with  that  lens,  at  that  focal 
dist.ance. 

The  sun  moved  half  a  degree  .along  a  given  path 
in  two  minutes  of  time,  a  whole  degree  in  four 
minutes,  and  live  degrees  in  twenty  minutes  ;  which 
gives  another  scale  of  degrees  of  a  smaller  circle 
nearly  parallel  to  the  equator. 

All  the  landscapes  were  taken  with  the  same 
camera,  at  the  same  focal  distance  as  the  solar 
scale,  but  they  were  taken  on  a  flat  surface,  and 
they  arc  consequently  distorted  to  a  certain  amount. 

The  lens  was  small,  and  the  pictures  had  to  be 
enlarged  to  represent  the  image  formed  by  a  Light- 
house lens. 

The  length  of  half  a  degree  on  a  circle,  with  a 
radius  equal  to  the  focal  lengths  of  a  first  order 
Lighthouse  leus,  (0"920  millemeters,  as  given  in 
the  French  returns),  being  ascertained,  the  solar  pho- 
tographic scale  was  enlarged  in  a  camera  with  the 
same  lens  reversed,  and  it  was  enlarged  so  that  the 
diameter  of  the  sun's  image  nearly  coincided  with 
half  a  degree,  and  the  scale  so  enlarged  was  photo- 
graphed, and  is  given  in  Plate  2. 

A  negative  of  a  landscape  was  then  substituted  for 
the  negative  of  the  solar  scale,  and  printed  by  the 
same  process,  at  the  same  distance,  and  a  tracing 
was  made  from  the  photographs  so  taken,  and  the 
result  is  given  in  Plate  1. 

The  Landscape  represents  the  image  formed  by  the 
lens. 

The  instrument  used  was  not  such  as  to  ensure 
very  great  accuracy,  but  the  result  is  not  far  from 
the  "truth. 


Plate  3.  DiAGRAJf  snowiNG  the  Consumption  of  Drawings. 

Oil  inLightiiousks  under  thk  three  General  • 

Authorities.     (To  face  Plato  2.) 

The  vertical  scale  in  this  drawing  represents  the 
number  of  gallons  consumed  in  1857,  and  each  coluinu 
a  Lighthouse.  The  horizontal  scale  corresponds  with 
the  numbers  on  tlie  Ma])  ;  thus  I.  is  the  Fern,  tlie 
first  in  England  ;  LXXXIII.,  the  Calf  of  Man,  the 
first  in  Scotland;  and  CXXIX.,  Pool  Beg,  the  first 
in  Ireland. 


Plate  4.  represents  the  same  lighthouses  arranged  in 
the  same  order.  The  vertical  scale  shows  the  incoino 
and  expenditure  for  each  light.  See  page  120,  Vol  I., 
for  remarks  on  this  diagram. 


Plate  5.  Map  of  the  United  Kingdom, — showing 
stations  of  coast  guard  ships  of  war,  head  quarters  of 
divisions,  and  "  coast  guard  stations." 


Plate  6.  Index  Map, — showing,  1st,  the  position, 
range,  character,  and  colour  of  lights  in  the  United 
Kingdom. 

2d.  The  names  of  places  at  which  there  are  local 
authorities  having  charge  of  lights,  buoys,  and 
beacons.     See  explanation  on  the  map  itself. 

The  whole  of  these  drawings  are  shaded  on  one 
principle.  Oil  is  shown  as  light  on  a  dark  ground  ;  as 
that  from  which  light  is  produced.  The  flames,  as  the 
sources  of  light,  are  shown  light  on  a  dark  ground,  and 
the  ranges  of  the  lighthouses  are  represented  as  disks 
and  portions  of  disks  of  light  on  a  dark  sea. 

The  radius  of  each  circle  on  the  map  shows  the 
distance  at  which  "  a  light  is  visible  from  the  horizon," 
in  clear  weather  ;  as  shown  on  a  map  published  "  by 
order  of  the  Board  of  Trade." 


LONDON: 
Printed  by  Geokge  E.  Evre  and  William  Spottiswoode, 
Printers  to  the  Queen's  most  Excellent  Majesty. 
For  Her  Majesty's  Stationery  Office. 


^ 

X.        ^. 

\ 

=-    ^ 

— ^ 

-r      -^ 

Z'. 

[^ 

■  =i,-*s 

-I       >, 

*i 

XS.  t' 

5='^l 

5 

^"5 

•i 

•-  i  5 

—  : 

5  2$ 

^ 

=  f 

^ 

-r  ; 

5^fl 

< 

^  s- 

:6; 

= 

•4 

6£: 

i  k\ii'' 


pnn^^: 


r4*kA#^-^^^-^-f-tl^$%7f 


r,/ 


-\.\   Hi  M^:i 


fsl 

i 

If 

MituUi's  efti/ne,  m  iJw  SumpiitJuluhl.i'^'Iftec.  P/tUct/rri/L^iM 
fnmUu'Siin  &mlar(/iul  to  sniliin  a  canieni  Jf=OMin//hmttfvs 


^  ^  i  5  ^ 


nil 


W^^y-M^ 


■SW^.A.-f 


%. 


\ 

</) 

1- 

•^ 

X 

^ 

o 

UJ 

•^ 

z 

~v. 

•^ 

"<^ 

lJ 

■~^ 

1 

:^ 

X 

^ 

-I 

■s 

1- 

S: 

Li. 

:^ 

5,iH  1857 


Ifi.X)     -  -^i 


H-  ■''■ 


..  :fr^pfi];4 

,    .,.+.  -4-^~  .J^ 

Sfotliuid  7;\i- 
FniJice  -  78f> " 
Rcdulaliun 


li„j.-h«,<l      474 |&;irxrli 


Irelmid    -     4+; 


Dipi  SanjAlXfW  t^  QoMtv. 


■^® 


-^^ik-^-'^^r-v^ 


liil^  1141     ll-S'^3  ^g^fj^^ 


^i 


2-7 


3