A VLS 7O THE EDDYSTONE L1G1171H0USE.

r3oft,, that 15, nearly double the height of Smeaton’s tower. Tt contains nine compart- ments, as compared with four m Smeaton’s, and all the rooms have domed cetlings, their height from floor to apex being oft. gm., and the diameter 1ft., with the exeeption of the two oilrooms, which somewhat smaller,

On learning that no journalist, mtent on deseribing the Iddystone Lighthouse, had hitherto succeeded i Tanding on this most difficult rock (an achicvement so frequently rendered impracticable by the violenee of the waves beating upon 1), my cagerness o attempt the feat was considerably emphasized. It will be imagined that it is with feclings of suppressed exertement that, armed with a special * permit” from ‘Trinity House, 1 find myscll (on the morning of last Whit-Mondav) at Plymouth Dock, with the reliel party bound for the Iiddystone. The day 1s delightfully fine, and all doubts rarsed by recent storms as to the possibility of landing are quickly sub- ducd for weather, be it observed, playvs a very mmportant part on these occasions. The steam-tug Deerhonnd, specially chartered for the relief) 1s e readiness, and our party - cludes the principal hight-keeper (Mr, (oW, Cooper), an assistant keeper (Mr. George Norton, who has been mvalided), two skilled mechanics for lighthouse repairs, and three or

Ale

four wisitors who arc curious to 1nspect the lonely sca-home for which we are bound. When stores are taken i and

everybody 1s on board, the signal i1s given, and off we start n a

southerly direction.

Although the waves . m o mes have not yet sub- sided after recent - o7 disturbance, there 15 every prospect of a successful voyage, and we feel exhil- arated by the fresh breeze and the beauty of the con- stantly changing scene. In passing the Dreakwater

Laght we hal the keepers, who give us a parting cheer ; while further on our richt we sce Ram Head (the point of [ind nearest to the Eddystone), with the siznal- station recently established by a telephone company for the purpose of signalling any

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vessels entering the port, or passing up or down the Channel. Our trip will take about an hour and a half, but long before that time expires we endeavour to catch a ghmpse of the lighthouse.

Presently, “There she s 7 hecomes the cry, as soon as the keen-sighted members of oui party can discern its shim proportions on the distant horizon; six or seven miles away. A nearer approach enables us to perccive, close to the lantern, the flag that 1s always | hotsted when rehief | 15 duc and feasible. Necarer yet, and the keepers themscelves

are visible, cagerly preparing for our arrival. At a safe dis- tance from the reef the anchor 1s cast,

and we, with our be- longings, arc trans- ferred to a boat and rowed to within a few yards of the landing- stage. Hearty grect- mgs pass between rock and boat as we close 1, and while our stern rope and grap- pling hook are cast overboard, the kecpers on

- ) 770 Ry . —— -4 & -

LANDING.

the “sct-off 7 (as the landing-stage 1s generally called) dexterously throw a couple of lines to be fastened to the prow, so that the Loat may