A VISIT 70 THE EDDYSTONLE LIGHTHOUSLE. 347
times that of the original candle light of Smeaton’s time !
The glass apparatus, by which the effect of each burner is augmented and economized, consists of two twelve-sided drums, each 6ft. in height, and each side or panel of which 1s formed by a central lens or bull’s- cye, and surrounded by concentric rings of larger bull’s-eyes, so that the same effect 1s obtained as though a por-
tion of one
the pamt outside, when the whole exterior of the lantern appears red, to serve as a day- mark for mariners.
It 1s onec of the duties of the keeper on watch to record on a printed form, night by night, particulars as to the state of the lamps, height of flame, temperature, chimatic conditions, etc., etc., such reports being forwarded to the Trinity Housc every month. An iron door In the lower part
huge lens were cmployed. The two bull’s-cyes of adjoining panels (as Mr. Price dwards clearly ex- plains) are brought closc together, much resembling two eyes squinting ; and on the ro- tation of the drums, with the inside central light burning, cach bull’s-cyc and 1ts sur- rounding rings carry round a concentrated beam of light, which becomes visible to the outside ob- SCIVer as soon as the focus of the bull’s-eyc falls upon him.
of the lantern communicates with the out- side gallery of the tower, and from this breezy position an extensive view 15 ob- tained, the Devonshire coast -line be- ing faintly dis- cernible. Dur- ing holiday time there are cheap excur- sions from Ply- mouth to the lighthouse by large stcamers, and onc of them 1s now nearing us, crowded 1n cvery part with 1ts living freight. When 1t comes within a hundred
A very short yards of the interval occurs rock, we on the between the gallery signal flash of the to 1t by drop- first bull's-cye ping the clap- and that of per of one of the sccond, and after two such flashes the twolargefog-bells, whichis responded to by nearly half a minute elapses before a vigorous waving of handkerchiefs on deck. another pair of squinting eyes comes The bells just referred to (which hang under
round and discharges the two {lashes @ and thus 1s obtained the distinctive light of the Iiddystone. The two drums are super- mposed, with a lamp 1 each, so that, n fogey weather, when both act together, a double lighting power is procurable. During the day crimson curtains are suspended inside the Iantern, to match the colour of
cither side of the gallery) were used in foggy weather until last October, when the more effectual method of exploding small charges of gun-cotton by clectricity was substituted. [t so happens that during my visit a sca- fog suddenly comes on, and this signalling apparatus 1s brought mto action, therc being onc cexplosion every five minutes. The