Appendix
No. I.
CONTAINING A NOTICE OF ADDITIONAL LIGHT-HOUSE STATIONS, LIGHT-KEEPERS’ INSTRUCTIONS, FORMS OF MONTHLY AND SHIPWRECK RETURNS.
ADDITIONAL LIGHT-HOUSE STATIONS.
[Sidenote: Additional Light-houses.]
In noticing the different points alluded to, at page 60., as the most prominent stations for additional Light-houses on the coast of Scotland, we shall follow a course from east to west, including the Orkney and Shetland Islands.
[Sidenote: Eastern Coast.]
On the eastern coast two light-houses seem particularly to be required, in addition to the present Light on Kinnaird-Head. One of these, at Buchan-Ness, near Peterhead, which becomes a turning-point in the navigation of that coast, as will be seen from Plate III., would be an excellent guide to the southward, for shipping on the long flat shores of Aberdeenshire, and not less useful as a direction for the foul ground or sunken rocks called Rattray Briggs to the northward of Buchan-Ness. Some are also of opinion, that Girdle-Ness, at the entrance of Aberdeen harbour, would be a proper station for a sea or public Light. The next station in the order of position on the eastern coast, is Tarbetness, a centrical point of land extending into the Moray Firth , which leads to Cromarty Roads, a great rendezvous for shipping in stormy weather. A Light upon this projecting point would also be extremely useful as a direction to the numerous small ports of this district, and would prevent the losses which occasionally happen on Culloden Rock, and Halliman’s Scars, and by the Firth of Tain being mistaken for a continuation of the Moray Firth . It would also serve as a guide to the narrow passage of Fort George, leading to the eastern entrance of the Caledonian Canal.
[Sidenote: Northern Coast.]
Several Light-houses are still wanted for the protection of shipping on the Northern Coast. In particular we notice, that although the eastern entrance of the Pentland Firth is already well marked by the Light-house on the Skerries; yet the western approach to this dangerous, but important channel, requires a light upon Dunnet-head in Caithness, which would prevent vessels from mistaking Murkle Bay for the Pentland Firth , and, at the same time, form an excellent guide for the south-western coast of Orkney. Cape Wrath in Sutherland is the north-western point of the Mainland of Scotland, as will be seen from Plate III. A Light-house upon that promontory would be of great importance to the navigation of the dreary coast of Caithness and Sutherland, and as a direction for the sunken rock called the Nun, surveyed by Captain Ramage, in H. M. S. Cherokee in the year 1814; and by him found to lie 15 miles in a north-eastern direction from that shore. A light upon Cape Wrath would likewise serve as an excellent guide to the northern entrance of the Great and Little Minish, or Friths of Lewis and Uist, a central track in the navigation of the Hebrides, now much frequented by shipping since the erection of the Light-house upon Glass, one of the Harris Isles.
[Sidenote: Orkney and Shetland Islands.]
Perhaps the only additional light still wanted in Orkney, to which it is here necessary to allude, is one upon Nouphead of Westra, to direct shipping on the north-western side of these Islands. In addition to Sumburgh-head Light-house in Shetland, one upon the Out-skerries of Whalsey, on the east, another upon the Scaw of Unst, in the north; and a third on the Skerries of Ve, on the western side, would seem to render these Islands complete in regard to Light-houses.
[Sidenote: Western Coast.]
The opening of the sheltered passage through the Friths of Lewis and Uist, by the Light-house on Glass, has, in a great measure, superseded the use of the outward course of shipping by St Kilda, which is now seldom taken by coasting vessels, though a Light upon that island would be extremely useful to ships making the land from the Western Ocean. The next Light-house that seems wanting in connection with the navigation of the Minish is one upon the Island of Bara, as a direction to its western entrance by the Firth of Uist. It will only further be necessary, on this coast, to direct our attention to the position of the Rocks of Skerryvore, in order to perceive the importance of a light upon that dangerous reef, which lies about 12 miles south-west from the Island of Tiree. The principal rock here is a circular mass of granite, about 60 feet in diameter, and elevated about 20 feet above the highest tides. The rocks of Skerryvore prove not only a great bar to ships making the coast from foreign voyages, but, it is feared, have been fatal to many vessels sailing along these western shores.
The Rhins, a promontory forming the south-western extremity of the Island of Islay, is another position of importance for pointing out the northern side of the passage from the Atlantic to the Clyde and Irish Sea, between Islay and Bengore Head in Ireland. The Commissioners, at their meeting in the month of January 1823, having ordered a Light-house to be built at this station, it is accordingly in progress. The navigation of the sounds and tracks among the Western Isles would also be greatly facilitated by the erection of four Light-houses, of the smallest class of sea-lights, on stations connected with the inner Sounds of Skye and Mull. One of these lights, erected at the south entrance of the Sound of Mull, would not only be important to that passage, but to the various tracks leading to the Sounds of Islay, and by those of Linnehe and Loing, to the western entrances of the Caledonian and Crinan Canals. The Island Devaar, at the entrance of the much frequented anchorage of Campbeltown Loch, is another station for a small Light, to which the attention of the Board has been directed by the Shipping Interest of the Western Coast.
[Sidenote: Southern Coast.]
Although the lights upon the Point of Corsewall and Isle of Man, form a good direction for the southern coast of Scotland, yet a light upon the Mull of Galloway would still be of much utility in preventing northern-bound ships from mistaking Glenluce Bay for the Irish Channel; and in leading them along the Scotch side, between the Firth of Clyde and the Irish Sea. Application has also been made for the erection of a small Light upon the Little-Ross Island, at the entrance of Kirkcudbright-anchorage.
INSTRUCTIONS for the BELL ROCK LIGHT-KEEPERS.
[Sidenote: Instructions to Light-Keepers.]
I.--The Keepers of the Bell Rock Light-house are hereby instructed and directed to keep the lamps of the reflecting-apparatus burning bright and clear, from the going away of day-light in the evening till the return of day-light in the morning. The better to obtain this purpose, the period of night is to be divided into Watches, and each keeper in rotation will mount guard for three hours. The fountains of the lamps being daily supplied with oil, the wicks must be frequently trimmed in the course of the night, but more particularly at the end of each watch.
II.--The motion of the machinery of the reflector-frame must be so regulated, that one of the lights of the natural appearance, and one of those coloured red, shall be exhibited to the mariner in their most brilliant effect, in the course of every four minutes; or the reflector-frame must make one entire revolution in the space of eight minutes.
III.--The keeper on watch will look out for the occurrence of foggy or snowy weather, and during the continuance of either, the bells must be kept tolling both day and night.
IV.--At the end of each watch, the keeper respectively on duty must ring the house or bed-room bell, as the case may be, and thereafter remain at his post until he is relieved by the keeper in person whose turn it is to mount guard.
V.--In the event of any thing getting out of order about the machinery of the reflector-frame, so as to prevent its operation, the Lights, and also the Bell-hammers, if required, must be moved by hand, as nearly to the periodic time as possible, until the repair of the machine can be accomplished.
VI.--Should the stock of Oil in the Light-house by any means be reduced to 150 gallons, between the 1st day of October and the last day of February; or to 50 gallons between the 1st day of March and the 30th day of September, the number of lights on each side of the reflector-frame shall be reduced to three; but in the event of the stock of Oil being respectively lessened to one-half of the above quantities, or that any of the other stores essential to the support of the Light, are getting so low as to endanger its total failure, only one burner shall be lighted on each side of the reflector-frame, or four burners in all.
VII.--Unless, under these circumstances, a supply comes to hand, recourse must ultimately be had to the use of the Wax Candles in store.
VIII.--During any period that the stores or provisions appear to the acting Principal Light-keeper to be in danger of falling short, or in the event of sickness, or under any other circumstances considered of a calamitous and hazardous nature, the signal of distress shall be observed, by ceasing to hoist the Signal-ball at the stated periods, until the arrival of the Attending-vessel.
IX.--In all cases of difficulty, especially such as are referred to by the tenor of the Articles VI. VII. and VIII. of these Instructions, the acting Principal Light-keeper shall use his discretion and judgment in lessening the daily allowance of provisions, water, and fuel, according to his view of the circumstances of the case.
X.--No lights of any kind are to be left in such a situation as to endanger accident by fire. If at any time it should be found necessary to enter the store-room under night, the light must be carried in a lantern.
XI.--The better to ensure regularity and good order in the Light-house-duty, it shall be performed in three distinct departments. The keepers to shift in rotation weekly, from the performance of one department to another. These changes are to take place every Saturday-night.
XII.--The light-keeper performing the duty of the first department, shall, in the course of the day, supply the lamp-fountains with oil, and the burners with cotton; he shall clean the reflecting-apparatus, and all the utensils connected with the trimming of the lights. He shall also take his turn in mounting guard both day and night.
XIII.--The day-work of the second department includes the cleaning of the machinery-case, windows, walls, floors, and apparatus connected with the light-room, not already specified as coming under the first department; he shall likewise clean the balcony and library; the books of which must be dusted or cleaned on the first Saturday of every month. The keeper in this department will also take his turn at day and night watches.
XIV.--The third department includes the cleaning of the bed-room, kitchen, and provision store-room; together with the passages, stairs, and whole utensils connected with these apartments. He shall likewise cook the provisions, and take charge of them from the time of their being served out, until they are set upon the table in a prepared state. The keeper acting in this department shall only be subject to the performance of night-watches.
XV.--The acting Principal Light-keeper will mount guard in his turn by day and night, and do the duty of the first and second departments, but he is hereby exempted from personally performing the duty of the third department; he will, however, serve out the stores, and keep the light-room store in a cleanly and orderly state.
XVI.--The chimney or smoke-tube of the kitchen-range, and the windows of the several apartments, are to be cleaned on the last Saturday of every month, or as soon thereafter as the weather will permit: The performance of which is to be entered into the Monthly Return.
XVII.--The wharfs or cast-iron railways, rope-ladder (now brazen stair), shall, in like manner, be overhauled and examined during the period of spring-tides, on the full and change days of the moon. The condition of these works to be also regularly entered into the Monthly Returns.
XVIII.--The light-keeper on guard is to give immediate notice to the acting Principal-Keeper of the appearance of the Tender, or of any other vessel or boat, which is seemingly approaching the Rock; when the proper signals will be made as to the practicability and safety of landing, and the necessary attendance given; according to the instructions of the Signal-Book.
XIX.--The Keeper on watch between the hours of 9 and 10 in the morning, shall hoist the signal-ball to the flag-staff-head (if the weather will permit), and, in this position, allow it remain during that hour, when all is well; but in the event of foggy or stormy weather, such as shall obstruct the view with the telescope between the Light-house and the Signal-tower at Arbroath, the ball shall be hoisted between the hours of 1 and 2 in the afternoon, should the weather have then improved. These circumstances are to be stated in the Monthly Returns.
XX.--The keepers, in rotation, shall have leave, and be carried ashore in the Attending-vessel, at such periods as may best suit the service. When this occurs in regular succession, each of the four keepers will remain six weeks at the Light-house, and two weeks at Arbroath with their families.
XXI.--The keeper who for the time being is on leave at the establishment at Arbroath, will there attend the duty of the signal-room, from 9 to 10 every morning, and likewise from 1 to 2 in the afternoon, when, from the state of the weather, the signals at the Bell Rock cannot be seen and repeated at the appointed hour in the morning, agreeably to Article XIX.
XXII.--The rotation for leave on shore must be so regulated, that the turns of the Principal and Principal-assistant Light-keepers do not immediately or successively follow each other.
XXIII.--When at the Light-house, the keepers will have Rations of provisions and other allowances, as stated in the annexed Schedule, but while they are on shore they provide for themselves.
XXIV.--In case the Rations served out should not at any time be used, the same must be returned to the store, as no provisions of any kind are permitted to be taken away from the Light-house.
XXV.--The Principal Light-keeper, and, in his absence, the Acting Principal-keeper, is held responsible for the due performance of the duty of the other keepers; for the correctness of the Requisitions made for stores; for the Monthly Returns written by the Assistant or Expectant Light-keepers; for all Entries made in the store and journal books; for the regular and properly serving out of the daily allowance of light-room stores and provisions; for the regular use and cleanly state of the bed and table linen; for the good order of the Light-house furniture, apparatus and appurtenances; that none of the stores be wasted or embezzled, but that the strictest economy and careful management be observed, yet so as to preserve a good and sufficient light.
XXVI.--The light-keepers are hereby prohibited from receiving, bringing, or allowing to be brought to the Light-house, any spiritous liquors, as private stores. The Acting Principal Light-keeper is held responsible for the conduct of his assistants; and the Master of the Tender for the conduct of his men in this respect.
XXVII.--The Bell Rock being the chief station at which Light-keepers are instructed in their duty for the service of the Northern Lights, the Principal, or, in his absence, the Acting-principal Keeper, is directed to superintend this department, and they are respectively held responsible for the certificate they may ultimately give as to the qualifications of Expectant-keepers. Upon production of the certificate to the Engineer, the light-keepers will be found entitled to the premium stated in the annexed Schedule of Allowances.
XXVIII.--Each Expectant-light-keeper is to be resident for at least six weeks at the Bell Rock. In the course of this period he is to practise the whole duty performed in the light-room; to write the Monthly Returns; and carefully to peruse these Instructions. If, at the end of this period, he is found qualified, he will receive a certificate to the following effect: “Bell Rock Light-house,” (here insert the date.) “These certify, That” (here insert the name,) “has resided” (here insert the number of) “days at this Light-house; and having been duly instructed in the whole practice of the Keeper’s duty in the Light-room, he is considered qualified to act as an Assistant Light-keeper,” or is found deficient in certain points, (here state the case as it may be.) “Witness my hand,” (Signature of Principal, or, in his absence, of the Principal Assistant Light-keeper.)
XXIX.--The Inventory of the Light-house apparatus, books, furniture, and utensils, is to be compared with the Inventory-book upon the first Friday of the months of May and November half-yearly, or as soon thereafter as the Principal and Principal Assistant Light-keepers are both upon the Rock. Any deficiency in the articles of the Inventory-Book is to be stated in the respective Returns for these months.
XXX.--It being a rule in the Service of the Commissioners of the Northern Light-houses, that access to their establishments shall be free and open to the Public, the keepers are enjoined to pay attention to Strangers, shewing them every civility in their power; and, particularly, to afford their aid and assistance, in cases of Ship-wreck; yet so as not to neglect any thing incumbent upon them, in the proper discharge of their duty as light-keepers.
XXXI.--It is recommended to the light-keepers to be cleanly in their persons and linens, and proper in their apparel in general.
XXXII.--The Light-keepers are enjoined to assemble in the Library, for the purpose of reading the Scriptures, and for Prayers, every Sunday, at 12 o’clock noon, in their Uniform-dress. This service is to be performed by the Acting Principal Light-keeper, or Principal Officer of the Board present. The table is to be covered during this service with a flag; and, when the weather is moderate, the Light-house flag is, at the same time, to be hoisted to the mast-head, and allowed to remain till sunset.
XXXIII.--Should any difference of opinion arise among the Light-keepers about the meaning of these Instructions, the duty shall in such cases be performed agreeably to the explanation and orders of the Acting Principal Light-keeper. In the same manner, in all matters to which these Instructions may not seem fully to apply, the orders of the Acting Principal Light-keeper are hereby declared to be binding upon the respective Light-keepers.
XXXIV.--In case of neglect of duty on the part of any of the Assistant-keepers, the Principal shall, according to the nature of the offence, communicate the circumstances to the Superintendant Light-keeper, on his first visit, or immediately by letter to the Engineer, that the offending party may be reprimanded, put under stoppages, or ultimately dismissed from the service, as the case may require.
XXXV.--These Instructions, with such additional orders as may be issued from time to time, are to be read by the officiating Officer, immediately before reading Prayers, on the first Sunday of the months of May and November.
Edinburgh, 1st August 1823.
ROBERT STEVENSON,
Engineer to the Commissioners of the Northern Light-houses.
* * * * *
SCHEDULE referred to in the XXIII. and XXVII. Articles of the INSTRUCTIONS.
Daily Allowance per Man, 1 lb. Beef; 1 lb. Bread; 2 oz. Oatmeal; 2 oz. Barley; 2 oz. Butter; 3 quarts Beer; Vegetables and Salt no stated allowance; For Tea and other necessaries 4d. per day; For instructing each Expectant-Light-keeper L. 2, distributed as follows, viz. Principal Light-keeper 15s., Principal-Assistant 10s., each of the two Ordinary Assistants 7s. 6d.
MONTHLY RETURN from the BELL ROCK LIGHT-HOUSE, for November 1812.
[Sidenote: Monthly Return.]
Key: A Spermaceti Oil, in Gallons. B Wicks in Dozens C Lamp glasses D Beef, in Lib. E Bread, in Lib. F Oatmeal in Lib. G Barley, in Lib. H Butter, in Lib. I Beer, in Qrts. J Water, in Gallons K Coals in Cwts L Vegetables in Dozens M Number of People victualled
+--------------------------+--------------------------------------+ |Light-House | | |Stores received. |Provisions, Water, and Fuel, received.| +--------------------------+--------------------------------------+ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Nov. 1812. | A | B | C | D | E |F |G |H | I | J | K| L | M | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | +-------------+----+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+--+---+---+ |Stock on |313 |593|360|263|243|72 |32 | 2 |200|615|60|11 | | | hand, | | | | | | | | | | | | | | +-------------+----+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+--+---+---+ |Sunday, 1.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 8| |Monday, 2.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 8| |Tuesday, 3.|200 | | | 60|112| | | |160|200|12| 6 | 9| |Wednesd. 4.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 9| |Thursday, 5.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 9| |Friday, 6.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 8| |Saturday, 7.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 8| |Sunday, 8.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 8| |Monday, 9.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 8| |Tuesday, 10.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 8| |Wednesd. 11.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 8| |Thursday, 12.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 8| |Friday, 13.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 8| |Saturday, 14.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 8| |Sunday, 15.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 8| |Monday, 16.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 8| |Tuesday, 17.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 8| |Wednesd. 18.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 8| |Thursday, 19.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 8| |Friday, 20.|100 | | | 37| | | | | 80| | 4| 3 | 3| |Saturday, 21.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 3| |Sunday, 22.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 3| |Monday, 23.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 3| |Tuesday, 24.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 3| |Wednesd. 25.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 3| |Thursday, 26.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 3| |Friday, 27.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 3| |Saturday, 28.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 3| |Sunday, 29.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 3| |Monday, 30.| | | | | | | | | | | | | 3| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | +-------------+----+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+--+---+---+ |Received, |613 |593|360|360|355|72 |32 |25 |440|815|76|20 |188| +-------------+----+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+--+---+---+ |Expended, |111¼| 12| 36|188|188|23½|23½|23½|376|260|19|13½| | +-------------+----+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+--+---+---+ |Remainder } |501¾|581|324|172|167|48½| 8½| 1½| 64|555|57| 6¼| --| |in Store, } | | | | | | | | | | | | | | +-------------+----+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+--+---+---+
Key: AA Spermaceti Oil. AB „ Galls. AC „ Qs. AD „ Pts. BB Wicks in Dozens CC Lamp Glasses DD Number of Lamps in Light-Room. EE Beef in Lib. FF Bread, in Lib. GG Oatmeal in Lib. HH Barley, in Lib. II Butter, in Lib. JJ Beer, in Qts. KK Water, in Gallons LL Coals in Cwts MM Vegetables used.
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+ | Light-House Stores | Provisions, Water, and Fuel, | | served out. | served out. | +-------------+---------+--------+-------------------------------------+ | | AA | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Nov. 1812. +---+--+--+BB|CC|DD| EE| FF| GG| HH | II | JJ| KK|LL| MM| | | AB|AC|AD| | | | | | | | | | | | | +-------------+---+--+--+--+--+--+---+---+---+-----+----+---+---+--+---+ |Stock on | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | hand, | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | +-------------+---+--+--+--+--+--+---+---+---+-----+----+---+---+--+---+ |Sunday, 1.| 3| 2| | | |24| 8| 8|1 0| 1 0 | 1 0| 16| | | 6| |Monday, 2.| 3| 2| | | |24| 8| 8|1 0| 1 0 | 1 0| 16| | | 6| |Tuesday, 3.| 13| 2| | | 6|24| 9| 9|1 2| 1 2 | 1 2| 18| 30| | 6| |Wednesd. 4.| 3| 2| | | |24| 9| 9|1 2| 1 2 | 1 2| 18| | 2| 6| |Thursday, 5.| 3| 2| | | |24| 9| 9|1 2| 1 2 | 1 2| 18| | 1| 6| |Friday, 6.| 3| 2| | | |24| 8| 8|1 0| 1 0 | 1 0| 16| | | 6| |Saturday, 7.| 3| 2| | 6| |24| 8| 8|1 0| 1 0 | 1 0| 16| | 2| 6| |Sunday, 8.| 3| 2| | | 6|24| 8| 8|1 0| 1 0 | 1 0| 16| | | 6| |Monday, 9.| 3| 3| | | |24| 8| 8|1 0| 1 0 | 1 0| 16| 40| | 6| |Tuesday, 10.| 3| 2| | | |24| 8| 8|1 0| 1 0 | 1 0| 16| | 2| 6| |Wednesd. 11.| 4| 0| | | |24| 8| 8|1 0| 1 0 | 1 0| 16| | | 6| |Thursday, 12.| 4| 0| | | |24| 8| 8|1 0| 1 0 | 1 0| 16| | 2| 6| |Friday, 13.| 3| 2| | | |24| 8| 8|1 0| 1 0 | 1 0| 16| | | 6| |Saturday, 14.| 3| 2| | | 6|24| 8| 8|1 0| 1 0 | 1 0| 16| | | 6| |Sunday, 15.| 3| 3| | | |24| 8| 8|1 0| 1 0 | 1 0| 16| | 2| 6| |Monday, 16.| 3| 3| | | |24| 8| 8|1 0| 1 0 | 1 0| 16|150| | 6| |Tuesday, 17.| 3| 3| | | |24| 8| 8|1 0| 1 0 | 1 0| 16| | | 6| |Wednesd. 18.| 3| 3| | | |24| 8| 8|1 0| 1 0 | 1 0| 16| | 2| 6| |Thursday, 19.| 3| 3| | | |24| 8| 8|1 0| 1 0 | 1 0| 16| | | 6| |Friday, 20.| 3| 3| | | 6|24| 3| 3|0 6| 0 6 | 0 6| 6| | | 4| |Saturday, 21.| 3| 3| | | |24| 3| 3|0 6| 0 6 | 0 6| 6| | 2| 4| |Sunday, 22.| 3| 2| | | |24| 3| 3|0 6| 0 6 | 0 6| 6| | | 4| |Monday, 23.| 4| 0| | | |24| 3| 3|0 6| 0 6 | 0 6| 6| | | 4| |Tuesday, 24.| 4| 0| | | |24| 3| 3|0 6| 0 6 | 0 6| 6| | | 4| |Wednesd. 25.| 3| 3| | | 6|24| 3| 3|0 6| 0 6 | 0 6| 6| | 2| 4| |Thursday, 26.| 4| 0| | | |24| 3| 3|0 6| 0 6 | 0 6| 6| | | 4| |Friday, 27.| 3| 3| | | |24| 3| 3|0 6| 0 6 | 0 6| 6| 40| | 4| |Saturday, 28.| 4| 0| | | |24| 3| 3|0 6| 0 6 | 0 6| 6| | | 4| |Sunday, 29.| 3| 3| | | |24| 3| 3|0 6| 0 6 | 0 6| 6| | | 4| |Monday, 30.| 4| 0| | 6| 6|24| 3| 3|0 6| 0 6 | 0 6| 6| | 2| 4| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | +-------------+---+--+--+--+--+--+---+---+---+-----+----+---+---+--+---+ |Received, |111| 1| |12|36| |188|188|23 |23 0½|23 0|376|260|19| 13| +-------------+---+--+--+--+--+--+---+---+---+-----+----+---+---+--+---+ |Expended, | | +-------------+ | |Remainder } | Carried to return for next month. | |in Store, } | | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------+
Written by M. Wishart, Assis^t.
Principal or Principal Assistant } John Reid, Prin^l. Light-Keeper’s Signature, }
JOURNAL relative to the Duty of the Light-Keepers, and the State of the Weather, &c. at the Bell Rock, for November 1812.
+-------------+---------+-------+------+----------+-------+-------+-------+ | | | | | | | | | | | Time of |Time of|Night-| Keeper |Keeper |Tolling|Tolling| | | Extin- | Light-|Watch | on |absent | of | of | | Nov. 1812. |guishing,| ing, | Set, | First | on |Bells |Bells | | | A.M. | P.M. | P.M. | Watch. |Leave. |begun. |ceased.| +-------------+---------+-------+------+----------+-------+-------+-------+ |Sunday, 1.| 6.50 | 4.55 | 5 |J. Reid |Wishart| | | |Monday, 2.| 6.20 | 4.55 | - |J. Bonyman| | | | |Tuesday, 3.| 6.30 | 4.55 | - |H. Leask | | | | |Wednesday, 4.| 6.25 | 5. | - |Reid |Bonyman| | | |Thursday, 5.| 6.25 | 4.45 | - |Leask | | | | |Friday, 6.| 6.40 | 4.45 | - |M. Wishart| |8 A.M. |10 A.M.| |Saturday, 7.| 6.45 | 4.40 | - |Reid | | | | |Sunday, 8.| 6.50 | 4.40 | - |Leask | | | | |Monday, 9.| 6.40 | 4.45 | - |Wishart | | | | |Tuesday, 10.| 6.45 | 4.35 | - |Reid | | | | |Wednesd. 11.| 6.30 | 4.35 | - |Leask | | | | |Thursday, 12.| 7. | 4.30 | - |Wishart | | | | |Friday, 13.| 6.55 | 4.30 | - |Reid | | | | |Saturday, 14.| 6.30 | 4.30 | - |Leask | | | | |Sunday, 15.| 7. | 4.20 | - |Wishart | | | | |Monday, 16.| 6.55 | 4.20 | - |Reid | | | | |Tuesday, 17.| 7. | 4.20 | - |Leask | | | | |Wednesd. 18.| 7.5 | 4.20 | - |Wishart | | | | |Thursday, 19.| 7. | 4.15 | - |Reid | | | | |Friday, 20.| 7.15 | 4.10 | - |Leask | | | | |Saturday, 21.| 7.15 | 4.10 | - |Wishart | | | | |Sunday, 22.| 7. | 4.10 | - |Reid | | | | |Monday, 23.| 7. | 4.10 | - |Leask | | | | |Tuesday, 24.| 7.10 | 4.10 | - |Wishart | | | | |Wednesd. 25.| 7.10 | 4.15 | - |Reid | | | | |Thursday, 26.| 7.20 | 4.10 | - |Leask | | | | |Friday, 27.| 7.15 | 4.5 | - |Wishart | | | | |Saturday, 28.| 7.20 | 4.15 | - |Reid | | | | |Sunday, 29.| 7.10 | 4.10 | - |Leask | |12 noon|10 P.M.| |Monday, 30.| 7.10 | 4.10 | - |Wishart | | | | +-------------+---------+-------+------+----------+-------+-------+-------+
+-------------+--------+------------+----------+-------+-------+ | |Prevailing State of the Weather.|Barom. |Therm. | | +--------+------------+----------+ in | in | | | Foggy, | Hazy, H. | |Inches |Degrees| | Nov. 1812. | | Rain, R. | Wind | at | at | | | Snowy. | Clear, C. | Calm, C. |8 A.M. |8 A.M. | +-------------+--------+------------+----------+-------+-------+ |Sunday, 1.| | R.H. | S.W. | 29.40 | 46 | |Monday, 2.| | C. | W.S.W. | 29.50 | 42 | |Tuesday, 3.| | C. | West. | 29.68 | 42 | |Wednesday, 4.| | C. | N.N.W. | 29.69 | 43 | |Thursday, 5.| | C. | North. | 29.70 | 45 | |Friday, 6.| Foggy, | C. | North. | 29.50 | 45 | |Saturday, 7.| | C. | N.N.E. | 29.60 | 50 | |Sunday, 8.| | H. | Variable.| 29.88 | 50 | |Monday, 9.| | C. | S.E. | 30.10 | 49 | |Tuesday, 10.| | C. | Variable.| 30.12 | 48 | |Wednesd. 11.| | C. | N.E. | 30.30 | 48 | |Thursday, 12.| | H.R. | N.E. | 29.90 | 45 | |Friday, 13.| | H.R. | S.E. | 29.52 | 42 | |Saturday, 14.| | H.R. | S.S.E. | 29.60 | 43 | |Sunday, 15.| | H.R. | N.E. | 29.65 | 41 | |Monday, 16.| | H.R. | N.E. | 29.92 | 41 | |Tuesday, 17.| | H. | East. | 29.41 | 44 | |Wednesd. 18.| | H. | N.E. | 29.70 | 43 | |Thursday, 19.| | C. | N.N.E. | 29.22 | 45 | |Friday, 20.| | C. | Variable.| 29.50 | 45 | |Saturday, 21.| | H. | N.W. | 29.47 | 50 | |Sunday, 22.| | H. | W.S.W. | 29.58 | 49 | |Monday, 23.| | H. | W.S.W | 29.60 | 46 | |Tuesday, 24.| | H.R. | Variable.| 29.50 | 45 | |Wednesd. 25.| | R.H. | N.E. | 29.86 | 45 | |Thursday, 26.| | R.H. | E.N. | 29.66 | 49 | |Friday, 27.| | C. | S.S.E. | 29.97 | 48 | |Saturday, 28.| | H. | S. by E. | 30.23 | 47 | |Sunday, 29.| Foggy, | H. | Variable.| 30.34 | 43 | |Monday, 30.| | C. | S.W. | 30.15 | 43 | +-------------+--------+------------+----------+-------+-------+ 30) 892.25 | 1356 ------- |------ Average, 29.742 | 45.2
+-------------+-----------------+-------------------+------+-------------+ | |Supposed rise at | |Sick, | Number | | |High Water on the| Tender’s Boat | and | of | | | Building of | |unable| Strangers | | Nov. 1812. +-------+---------+--------+----------+ for | on the | | | Tide. | Spray. |Arrives.| Departs. |Duty. | Rock. | +-------------+-------+---------+--------+----------+------+-------------+ |Sunday, 1.| 8 | 40 | | | |5 Artificers.| |Monday, 2.| 9 | 40 | | | | | |Tuesday, 3.| 10 | 40 | 8 A.M.| 10 A.M.| |2 Surveyors. | |Wednesday, 4.| 11 | 40 | 8 A.M.| 9.30 A.M.| |2 depart. | |Thursday, 5.| 11 | 50 | 10 A.M.|10.15 A.M.| | | |Friday, 6.| 11 | 70 | | | | | |Saturday, 7.| 10 | 40 | | | | | |Sunday, 8.| 9 | 40 | | | | | |Monday, 9.| 9 | 40 | | | | | |Tuesday, 10.| 8 | 40 | | | | | |Wednesd. 11.| 8 | 50 | | | | | |Thursday, 12.| 7 | 50 | | | | | |Friday, 13.| 7 | 40 | | | | | |Saturday, 14.| 8 | 60 | | | | | |Sunday, 15.| 8 | 96 | | | | | |Monday, 16.| 9 | 60 | | | | | |Tuesday, 17.| 9 | 70 | | | | | |Wednesd. 18.| 10 | 60 | | | | | |Thursday, 19.| 11 | 50 | 7 A.M.| 10 A.M.| |5 depart. | |Friday, 20.| 11 | 50 | | | | | |Saturday, 21.| 10 | 40 | | | | | |Sunday, 22.| 10 | 50 | | | | | |Monday, 23.| 9 | 40 | | | | | |Tuesday, 24.| 9 | 50 | | | | | |Wednesd. 25.| 8 | 90 | | | | | |Thursday, 26.| 8 | 40 | | | | | |Friday, 27.| 8 | 40 | | | | | |Saturday, 28.| 8 | 40 | | | | | |Sunday, 29.| 9 | 30 | | | | | |Monday, 30.| 9 | 30 | | | | | +-------------+-----------------+--------+----------+------+-------------+
Written by M. Wishart, Assis^t.
Principal or Principal Assistant } John Reid, Prin^l. Light-Keeper’s Signature, }
REMARKS regarding any Accident or Particular which occurred connected with the Bell Rock Light-house during the Month of November 1812.
1812.
Nov. 1. The first part of these twenty-four hours strong gales, with much rain, middle and latter parts moderate and changeable.
... 3. Blowing fresh breezes to-day, with fine clear weather. At 8 A. M. the Light-house Yacht’s boat landed twenty ankers of spermaceti oil. Mr John Steedman, and Mr William Lorimer, from Mr Stevenson’s office, also came to the Rock to do business at the House. Returned by the boat one anker of dregs of oil, with a box of broken lamp-glasses, together with 20 empty casks. One mason went ashore.
... 4. At 8 A. M. the Yacht’s boat landed, and made two trips with a variety of articles and materials for the joiners, and provisions for the use of the house. Returned some extra bolts. Mr Steedman and his assistant employed with their instruments measuring the Rock at low-water.
... 5. These twenty-four hours, strong breezes with clear weather. At 10 A. M. the Yacht’s boat landed, and took off Mr Steedman and Mr Lorimer.
... 15. A constant gale, with much rain until the 19th, when it fell moderate. The signal-ball was not hoisted to-day, as an intimation ashore that the artificers were ready to leave the Rock.
... 20. Variable weather to-day, with flying showers. At 7 A. M. the Tender’s boat landed at three trips, with water, fuel, and provisions, for the use of the House, and ten ankers of oil for the use of the Light-room. At 10 o’clock the boat departed, when Mr Slight, James Glen, Robert Selkirk, and two others, left the Rock to proceed to the shore for the season.
... 23. All these twenty-four hours it blew strong gales, with very hazy weather. Signal-ball not hoisted, owing to the state of the weather.
... 25. Blowing a gale with much rain. Signal-ball not hoisted.
... 26. Do. weather with much sea.
... 29. First and middle parts of these twenty-four hours hazy and variable. Middle parts foggy and calm, with frost. Bells tolling. Signal-balls not hoisted.
... 30. Fine clear weather. Cleaned the chimney to-day.
Written by, M. Wishart, Assis^t.
Principal or Principal Assistant } John Reid, Prin^l. Light-keeper’s Signature. }
To ROBERT STEVENSON, Esq. Engineer for Northern Light-houses, Edinburgh.
Note.--Similar Monthly Returns are also sent from the other Light-house Stations, independently of which, the Light-keepers are directed to correspond with the Engineer as often as the circumstances of the Service require.
SHIPWRECK RETURN from Pladda Light-House.
[Sidenote: Shipwreck Return.]
DESCRIPTION of Vessels or Boats Wrecked within Fifty Miles of any of the Northern Light-House Stations, to be immediately communicated to the Engineer, in so far as the circumstances can be ascertained by the observation or diligent inquiries of the respective Light-Keepers; who are also instructed to render every assistance in their power to Shipwrecked Mariners; without however neglecting the proper duties of their charge.
---------+------------+-----------+---------+-----------+--------------- |Ship, Brig, | Belonging | Name of | Name of | Where Date. |Schooner, or| to what | the | the | Wrecked. | Sloop, &c. | Port. | Vessel. | Commander.| ---------+------------+-----------+---------+-----------+--------------- | | | | | Tuesday, | Sloop, | Greenock, | Atlas, | Alexander | Island of 18th | | | | Duncan. | Pladda, to the February | | | | | S. W. of the 1823. | | | | | Light-house. | | | | | ---------+------------+-----------+---------+-----------+---------------
----------------+---------------+-------------------+------------------- At what Hour | In what kind | No. of the Crew | No. of the Crew Wrecked, | of Weather. | or Passengers | or Passengers A. M. or P. M. | | Saved. | Lost. ----------------+---------------+-------------------+------------------- | | | At | Stormy, Hazy | 5 | none. 5 A. M. | Weather. | | | Wind S. S. E. | | | | | | | | ----------------+---------------+-------------------+-------------------
-------+----------+--------+--------+-----------+----------- Whence| Where | | | Supposed | Supposed from. | Bound. | Cargo. |Tonnage.| Value of | Value of | | | |the Vessel.|the Cargo. -------+----------+--------+--------+-----------+----------- | | | | | Sydney.|Greenock. |British | 75 | £ 400 0 0 | £ 200 0 0 | | Oak | | | | |Timber. | | | | | | | | | | | | | -------+----------+--------+--------+-----------+-----------
Principal or Assistant’s } William Soutar, Prin^l. Signature, }
Note.--It fortunately happens that no instance of Shipwreck has occurred at the Bell Rock since its erection; and therefore a Return from one of the other Light-house Stations is given.
LETTER accompanying the foregoing Shipwreck Return.
Pladda Light-House, 18th February 1823.
SIR,
I beg leave to inform you, that this vessel was observed by the keeper on watch in the Light-room to be ashore at 5.30 A.M., who gave the alarm to all the inmates of the Light-house; but no assistance could be given to the crew by us till 8.30 A.M., when the tide ebbed so far that they could heave us a rope; then we assisted them in getting their clothes, and themselves, and some other articles, ashore. It is thought by the Captain and crew that the vessel will not be got off. As it happened to be about high-water when she came ashore, she is very far up on the shore, and ebbs almost dry at low-water, although it be neap-tides.
The report given us by the Captain and crew is, that they thought to have weathered this island, as they had the light three points on their weather-bow; but having so little sail set at the time, they observed they were so near the shore they thought the vessel would not stay. Their jib and top-sail was all the sail they could carry to the storm. They say they were in the act of setting a small bit of the peak of their mainsail when the vessel struck, to enable them to keep more to windward of the island.
Wednesday, 19th. At low-water, the Captain and crew, with other assistance, stripped the vessel of her sails and materials, which were carefully laid aside, and partly got into the store-house. Nothing more particular about the wreck at this date; but we shall be as serviceable to the unfortunate men as we can.
I remain,
SIR,
Your most obedient humble Servant,
WILLIAM SOUTAR.
To ROBERT STEVENSON, Esq. } Engineer for Northern Light-Houses, Edinburgh.}
No. II.
INCHCAPE ROCK.
Extracted, by Mr SOUTHEY’s permission, from his Minor Poems, Vol. III. p. 148.
[Sidenote: Inchcape Ballad.]
An old writer mentions a curious Tradition, which may be worth quoting. “By east of the Isle of May,” says he, “twelve miles from all land in the German Seas, lyes a great hidden rock, called Inchcape, very dangerous for navigators, because it is overflowed every tide. It is reported in old times, upon the saide rocke there was a bell, fixed upon a tree or timber, which rang continually, being moved by the sea, giving notice to the saylers of the danger. This bell or clocke was put there and maintained by the Abbot of Aberbrothok, and being taken down by a sea pirate, a yeare thereafter he perished upon the same rocke, with ship and goodes, in the righteous judgment of God.”
STODDART’S Remarks on Scotland.
No stir in the air, no stir in the sea, The Ship was still as she could be; Her sails from heaven received no motion, Her keel was steady in the ocean.
Without either sign or sound of their shock, The waves flow’d over the Inchcape Rock; So little they rose, so little they fell, They did not move the Inchcape Bell.
The Abbot of Aberbrothok Had placed that bell on the Inchcape Rock; On a buoy in the storm it floated and swung, And over the waves its warning rung.
When the Rock was hid by the surge’s swell, The Mariners heard the warning Bell; And then they knew the perilous Rock, And blest the Abbot of Aberbrothok.
The Sun in heaven was shining gay, All things were joyful on that day; The sea-birds scream’d as they wheel’d round, And there was joyaunce in their sound.
The buoy of the Inchcape Bell was seen A darker speck on the ocean green; Sir Ralph the Rover walk’d his deck, And he fix’d his eye on the darker speck.
He felt the cheering power of spring, It made him whistle, it made him sing; His heart was mirthful to excess, But the Rover’s mirth was wickedness.
His eye was on the Inchcape Float; Quoth he, “My men, put out the boat, And row me to the Inchcape Rock, And I’ll plague the Abbot of Aberbrothok.”
The boat is lower’d, the boatmen row, And to the Inchcape Rock they go; Sir Ralph bent over from the boat, And he cut the Bell from the Inchcape Float.
Down sunk the Bell with a gurgling sound. The bubbles rose and burst around; Quoth Sir Ralph, “The next who comes to the Rock Won’t bless the Abbot of Aberbrothok.”
Sir Ralph the Rover sail’d away, He scour’d the seas for many a day; And now grown rich with plunder’d store, He steers his course for Scotland’s shore.
So thick a haze o’erspreads the sky They cannot see the sun on high; The wind hath blown a gale all day, At evening it hath died away.
On the deck the Rover takes his stand, So dark it is they see no land. Quoth Sir Ralph, “It will be lighter soon, For there is the dawn of the rising Moon.”
“Canst hear,” said one, “the breakers roar? For methinks we should be near the shore.” “Now, where we are I cannot tell, But I wish we could hear the Inchcape Bell.”
They hear no sound, the swell is strong; Though the wind hath fallen they drift along, Till the vessel strikes with a shivering shock, “Oh Christ! it is the Inchcape Rock!”
Sir Ralph the Rover tore his hair; He curst himself in his despair; The waves rush in on every side, The ship is sinking beneath the tide.
But even in his dying fear One dreadful sound could the Rover hear, A sound as if with the Inchcape Bell, The Devil below was ringing his knell.
1820.
No. III.
[Sidenote: Light-house Duties.]
ABSTRACT ACCOUNT of LIGHT-HOUSE DUTIES, furnished to the COMMITTEE of the HOUSE of COMMONS, in reference to the Bell Rock Act.
“ABSTRACT STATE of ADDITIONAL DUTIES that will arise from the District to be included in the Collection by the Erection of a Light-House on the Cape or Bell Rock; calculated from the Custom-House Returns, 13th May 1806, at the rate of 1½d. per ton, whether Outwards or Inwards.
‘ 1804.{ Foreign, { Inwards, 93,782 { { Outwards, 67,633 { Coastways, { Inwards, 239,037 { { Outwards, 170,174 Tons. ------- 570,626 L. 3566 8 3 ‘ 1805.{ Foreign, { Inwards, 81,123 { { Outwards, 73,289 { Coastways, { Inwards, 259,997 { { Outwards, 203,564 ------- 617,973 3862 6 7½ ‘ 1806.{ Foreign, { Inwards, 97,205 { { Outwards, 86,739 { Coastways, { Inwards, 270,737 { { Outwards, 215,637 ------- 670,318 4,189 9 9 --------- ----------------- Total of three years, 1,858,917 L. 11,618 4 7½
“The tonnage of the ports of the Firth of Forth, already pay ½d. per ton for Inchkeith light, so that the additional duty payable by them, will be only one penny per ton, the total tonnage thus paying ½d. is, for the whole three years, 971,482.
Deduct, therefore, ½d. per ton for this amount, L. 2023 18 5
Deduct also expences of collection, and the charges of management, say 15 per cent. 1742 14 9 --------- 3766 13 2 ------------- “Nett total for three years, L. 7851 11 5½ ------------- “Nett yearly total L. 2617 3 9½
(Signed) “C. CUNINGHAM, Secretary to the Commissioners of the Northern Light-houses.”
Note.--The District of coast referred to in the above Abstract, lies between Peterhead, in Aberdeenshire, towards the north, and Berwick-upon-Tweed, to the south, both inclusive.
No. IV.
[Sidenote: Relative Reports.]
Containing REPORTS relative to the BELL ROCK LIGHT-HOUSE, addressed to the COMMISSIONERS of the Northern Light-houses, by JOHN RENNIE and ROBERT STEVENSON, Civil Engineers.
REPORT by Mr Stevenson.
Edinburgh, 23d December 1800.
During the reign of his present Majesty (George III.), a spirit for discovery and improvement, in maritime affairs, has been pursued with the greatest energy, and crowned with a success, which can only be equalled by the happy effects that have followed to commerce. In proportion, therefore, as the pursuits of the navigator are considered essential to the wealth of the community, every effort to Assist him, in his course through the pathless ocean, must be regarded both as the call of interest and humanity. The most prominent causes of the perfection to which coasting-navigation has been brought, may be ascribed to the accuracy of our charts, and an increase of land-marks, by which the mariner, after braving the dangers of the seas, is enabled to guide his ship with safety into her intended port. It is well known, that before the Maritime Survey of the Orkneys and Hebrides, by Mackenzie; and until an act of Parliament was passed, appointing Commissioners for erecting Light-houses upon the coast of Scotland, mariners were left to grope their way from the Firth of Forth to the Firth of Clyde, without the assistance either of proper charts or land-marks. Under these circumstances, they passed the Pentland Firth , and generally held a course to the northward of the Orkney islands; then steering westward, they sailed on the outward side of the Lewis Isles into the Atlantic Ocean, exposed to many dangers, and unable to avail themselves of the advantages of the sheltered sounds and harbours of the Friths of Lewis and Uist. Hence the difficulty of navigating this district, was long a great bar to the improvement of the Highlands, and to the extension of the British fisheries. It was, likewise, a material drawback to the present flourishing trade, carried on through these sounds to the Baltic and other parts of the northern Continent of Europe.
From the earliest accounts which tradition gives of the navigation of the Firth of Forth, a Light-house upon the Bell Rock appears to have been looked forward to as an essential pre-requisite to the advancement of its commerce: And in proportion to the extent of the one, the call for the other has become more and more urgent, and is now regarded as a matter of the greatest importance.
Since the publication of Adair’s Charts, there has been no want of a survey of the Firth of Forth; but this important estuary still remains extremely deficient with regard to land-marks, and the reporter will venture to say, that there is not any where a more dangerous reef in the kingdom, or one that calls more loudly for something to be done, than the Cape or Bell Rock. When, therefore, the extensive benefits derived from those powers, which have enabled the Commissioners of the Northern Light-houses to erect and maintain six Light-houses upon the coast, are considered, it is much to be wished that some measure were adopted for enabling that Board to add to the number of these land-marks, by the erection of one upon this most destructive rock. From the numerous losses by shipwreck, which have happened upon the Bell Rock, it is presumed, that some account of its position and extent, from actual survey,--a few remarks upon the description of building best suited to the situation of the rock,--together with an attempt to point out the extensive use of such a light,--and the ports which appear to be within the limits of any duty to be levied for its support, will not be deemed unnecessary at a time when the public look forward, with anxious expectation, to this Board, in a matter of so much importance, not only to the navigation of the Firth of Forth, but in general, to the eastern coast of Great Britain.
Having finished a design and model of a pillar-formed light-house for the Bell Rock, immediately after the very fatal storm which occurred in the month of December 1799, the next object of the Reporter, was to survey the rock itself, that he might judge more fully of its fitness for the situation. Accordingly, in the month of April following, he set off for the rock, and had reached Fifeness, when, from the state of the weather, he was obliged to return, after an absence of ten days, without accomplishing his purpose. Soon after his return from his annual voyage to the Northern Light-houses, Mr Gray, secretary for the Commissioners, requested of the Board of Customs to grant the use of one of its yachts, to make another attempt. An order having been accordingly obtained for the Osnaburgh cutter, Captain Campbell, then lying at the Elie, the reporter, accompanied by his friend Mr James Haldane, architect, set off for that place. But the Osnaburgh being then under repair, and the period of spring-tides being at hand, it was found advisable to proceed along the coast to West-haven, on the northern side of the Firth of Tay; and upon Sunday the 5th of October 1800, a landing was effected upon the Rock, and an ample opportunity afforded of gaining all necessary information.
The Bell Rock, as appears by the best charts of the coast, is situated at the mouth of the Firth of Forth, in west longitude 2° 22´, and north latitude 56° 29´. It lies nearly fifteen miles from the Island of May, in a north-eastern direction per compass, and twelve miles south-west from the Red-head in Angusshire, which it resembles, being a free-stone of a reddish colour, though of a much harder body, and closer grit. Besides its natural asperities, the surface in general is thickly coated with sea-weed, and, on the higher parts, the barnacle, white buckie or whelk, and limpets, abound, and altogether it presents a very rugged appearance, owing to the sloping of the strata from south, where highest, to north, at an angle of about 30 degrees. The material part of the rock, which lies north-east and south-west, measures, on an average, about 300 feet in length, and 240 feet in breadth. The highest part above the surface of the sea, does not exceed seven feet at low-water of spring-tides; which part, at high-water of same tides, is from nine to ten feet under water. The reporter also found, that the medium height of the foundation of any building erected upon it, will not exceed two or three feet above the surface of the sea at low-water of spring-tides. The above dimensions may be termed the material part of the rock; but, south-west of this, there runs a reef or shoal, of considerable extent, which is only visible in very low tides.
The short time which the Bell Rock is seen above water, and the irregularity of the soundings in its vicinity, are the cause of many wrecks upon it. Indeed, after the water has flowed, in ordinary tides, but a very short time, the most skilful mariner cannot point out its place, without its proper meaths or land-marks in sight, which lie from twelve to twenty miles distant. Under these circumstances, the Bell Rock will be found more dangerous to vessels coming near it, than perhaps any of those reefs upon which Light-houses have as yet been erected.
The Edystone Rock, for example, is about eleven miles from land, situate at the entrance of Plymouth Sound. Before the rock was reduced for the foundation of the Light-house, it was about three feet above high-water of spring-tides. The Longships Rock, situate three miles off the Lands-End, is about forty feet above high-water mark, though barely large enough for the foundation of the Light-house. The Smalls lie fourteen miles off St David’s Head; and the rock on which the light-house is built, is about five feet above high-water of spring-tides. The South Rock, lying three miles off the land, between Loch Strangford and Donaghadee, is about four feet under the surface at high-water of spring-tides. The Tour de Corduan, upon the coast of France, is built upon a sunken rock at the entrance of the Garonne, and is said to be about eight feet under the surface of the sea at high-water of spring-tides. And, lastly, the Bell Rock, the subject of this report, lying upwards of eleven miles from land, is from nine to ten feet under water, as before stated.
Ever since the reporter had an opportunity to know the danger and inconvenience that must attend the navigation of the Firth of Forth, while the Bell Rock remains without some signal upon it, to forewarn seamen, he has been much employed in considering what kind of building would be most applicable to its situation; and he has, therefore, endeavoured to obtain as much information as possible about works of this kind. The first light-house erected upon an insulated rock on the coast of Great Britain or Ireland, appears to have been that of the Edystone, which was begun in 1696, and was scarcely finished, when a dreadful storm carried it completely away. This erection was constructed of timber, and was designed and executed by Mr William Winstanly, who, with his artificers and the light-keepers, unfortunately perished in its ruins. The next light-house that was built upon the Edystone Rocks, consisting partly of stone and partly of wood, it was finished in 1709, and was the work of Mr John Rudyard, who, carefully avoiding the errors of his predecessor, lopped off all superfluous ornaments, and produced a plain building; which, after withstanding the fury of the waves for forty-nine years, had the misfortune to be destroyed by fire. The present Edystone Light-house was begun in 1756, and finished in 1759. It has now stood forty-four years, a memorial of the ingenuity and indefatigable labours of Mr John Smeaton, who, guarding against the defects of the two former buildings, constructed the whole of stone; the blocks of the solid part are curiously dove-tailed into each other; and every thing unnecessarily tending to give resistance to the water is carefully avoided, while the whole is completely fire-proof. The next light-house erected upon a situation of this kind, was the Smalls, which is placed upon eight beams of oak, arranged round a centre one. The latest light-house built on an insulated situation, is that upon the South Rock on the coast of Ireland. The reporter made three successive journeys to this light-house, during its progress: First in 1796, when it was only 12 feet in height; again in 1797, when it was nearly finished; and a third time in the month of August 1800. This light-house is built of granite, quarried in the mountains of Morne. The method of dove-tailing or joggling the stones, and attaching the courses to each other, is different from that of the Edystone; throughout the solid part of the masonry, and eighteen inches within the circumference of the building, six great bars of malleable iron are carried up, each four inches square; and upon the top of every alternate course, a circular plate of iron is let into the stone, and fixed by spear-bolts to the upright bars. The building is of a conical figure, and was built in the course of three years from a design by Mr John Rodgers of Dublin.
Before being properly certified as to the possibility of getting a foundation for a building of any kind upon the Bell Rock, the reporter thought of a Floating-light, like those moored off the Dudgeon-shoal, and other sand-banks on the coast of England. But the foulness of the ground about the Bell Rock, the great depth of water near it, together with the unsteadiness of a light of this description,--and above all, the perplexing uncertainty which must ever attend such a light in a storm, cannot fail to unhinge the confidence of the mariner, and thereby prevent him from making free with his course; and when, from an error in it, or in the distance run, he is disappointed in seeing the light, wrong conclusions are apt to be formed: he supposes that the Floating-light has drifted, and by changing his course, perhaps turns upon the very point of danger. These were considerations from which much relief was felt, upon learning that the rock was large enough to form the foundation of a permanent building; but, till the moment he landed upon it, he was uncertain if a building of stone was applicable; and foreseeing the difficulties which would be avoided, if, instead of carrying up the lower part solid, it could be formed of pillars, after the manner of the Smalls Light-house; reflecting also upon that elegant and useful application lately made of cast-iron, in the construction of bridges, choice was made of this metal, in his first model for the Bell Rock, as being more substantial than timber, and also less liable to corrosion from the action of the atmosphere than malleable-iron. This light-house (see Plate VII.), was to consist of six hollow tubes or pillars, built each to the height of ninety feet, measuring two feet in diameter at the base, and diminishing to six inches at the top, ranged round a common centre so as to form a diameter of thirty-five feet at the base, and eight feet at the top, immediately under the light-room. The pillars were to be cast in lengths or pieces of ten feet each; and at every joint horizontal bars were made to grasp the pillars, and the whole was also connected diagonally with various cross braces. Under the light-room, the building was to be laid out into four heights of apartments for the light-keepers and stores, formed within the range of the pillars, which occupying 45 feet of their height, the part below being of similar height, was left free for the passage of the sea, thus presenting the least possible resistance to the waves. These apartments were to be formed and covered in with strong copper, which, to prevent its acting upon the iron, was to be coated with tin. The lower part, or floor nearest to the sea, was to form an inverted cone, presenting a surface calculated to disperse the seas which might strike against it. In order still more to increase the common base, and strengthen this fabric, Professor Robison advised that a diagonal bar should be attached to the exterior side of each of the pillars.
In this first design, provision was made chiefly against the impulse of the sea, without taking into account the possibility of a vessel or wreck getting near it; but he found, after landing upon the rock, that it was possible for a vessel at high-water to come, without interruption, against the pillars. To guard against misfortune from this quarter, the reporter first thought of defending the pillars in various ways, particularly by throwing a kind of Chevaux de Frise round them, with beams of oak. He, however, found it difficult to suppose any set of pillars of adequate strength to resist the force of a loaded vessel, violently agitated in a winter storm, which must render the pillar-formed construction very uncertain, even after every precaution should be taken to guard against such accidents. Nor ought the danger to which such a mass of metal, constantly exposed to the effects of the marine-acid, to be wholly overlooked, in giving a preference to a circular building of stone, which being a compact figure of solid matter, would resist any force that might be brought against it. The reporter has estimated the Pillar-formed Light-house at L. 15,000; and, although that for the Tower of masonry amounts to L. 42,636, 8s., yet, as it is treading a beaten path, which leads to certainty, it is surely to be preferred in a work of this kind: the foundation-course of stone must be more tedious than that of so many pillars, yet, in this there is nothing impracticable; and when the difficulties of the first courses are surmounted, the superiority of a fabric of stone over one of iron will readily be admitted.
In the model for a building of stone, made since the reporter first landed upon the Bell Rock, he has retained nearly the same elevation as that of the Edystone Light-house, which presents less resistance, and preserves a greater base than perhaps any other figure that could have been thought of. In this design he has also followed Mr Smeaton in the use of oak-trenails to keep the stones in their places, while the work is in progress; but has differed in the mode of diminishing the interior-walls, as the building rises in height. Instead, also, of Mr Smeaton’s plan of dove-tailing the stones, and connecting the floors, various other modes are resorted to, for effecting this perpendicularly as well as laterally, with the view of introducing larger materials, and keeping the stones in a more entire state. One of these is by an iron-bat, which is inserted into the joints of the lower courses, while the void or upper courses are to be indented, or let perpendicularly into one another. Upon inspection of the models and drawings of this design, it will perhaps be found to render the construction more simple, to divide the strength of the walls more equally, and, upon the whole, to give that stability which the situation of the Bell Rock seems so peculiarly to require. (See Plate VII.)
Upon comparing the pillar-formed Light-house, with the circular tower of masonry, it is matter of surprise that ever the Smalls Light-house should have been erected upon that plan, unless it were to avoid the additional expence of a stone building. There is, however, one circumstance which materially favours the pillar-formed construction at the Smalls, the want of which becomes a principal objection to its application at the Bell Rock; namely, that the Smalls Rock being five feet above high-water of spring-tides, the pillars are more obviously defended from injury in the event of a vessel or wreck coming against them, and also from the violence of the sea, whereas the Bell Rock, at certain periods of the tide, is from nine to ten feet under water.
When Mr John Rennie, civil engineer, obligingly favoured the reporter by examining his models, he gave a decided preference to the structure of stone, as did Professors Robison and Playfair. And Captain Huddart also, upon seeing the pillar-formed model, mentioned that the Trinity-House did not approve of iron pillars which, in the instance of the Smalls, were considered not so proper as beams of oak. The chief motives which induced the reporter to model a light-house upon the plan of the Smalls, were the uncertainty of procuring a foundation for a stone building; the small resistance which the pillars present to the force of the waves, and the first cost being very considerably less. But although this is true, with regard to the resistance, it must also be remembered, that the pillars come prodigiously short of the weight of a tower of masonry, of the dimensions of the one modelled, containing upwards of 2000 tons; whereas the iron pillars, even in their most improved state, do not exceed 200 tons. When, therefore, the stone light-house is compared with the iron one, all idea of the greater resistance of the former is lost in its solid contents, and in the uniformity of its figure.
In alluding to the great utility of an erection on the Bell Rock, it may, in general, be observed, that it is in the same degree of latitude with the Town of Holstebro in Denmark, and that the Naze of Norway, or entrance to the Baltic, lies north of Holstebro 1° 30´. It therefore follows, that all vessels bound to the Baltic, from, any port south of the River Tweed, must cross the latitude of the Bell Rock, while the degree of east or west longitude, in which such vessels pass, must depend upon the direction of the winds and other circumstances. In order to avoid the enemy in the time of war, it is common for shipping in this track, first to make the land about Buchanness in Aberdeenshire, and from thence take their departure either over seas, or along shore to their respective ports. With regard to ships bound for Archangel and Greenland, they, at all times, make the Islands of Shetland, and from thence take their departure. If, therefore, lines be drawn from Buchanness and Girdleness in Aberdeenshire, to Flamborough Head in Yorkshire, and the mouth of the Tyne in Northumberland, the Bell Rock will only be found to lie from six to ten leagues distant from these courses or lines. So that vessels crossing the mouth of the Firth of Forth, from Buchanness to the Humber and Thames, &c., may not only come in sight of a light upon this rock, but be materially benefited by it, according to the state of the weather, while those upon the course of the nearest line bound for Newcastle and Sunderland, &c. must, in every voyage which carries them north of the Tweed, be essentially served by a light upon the Bell Rock.
It further deserves notice in this place, that the principal estuaries on the eastern coast of Great Britain, are those of the Friths of Moray and Forth, and the Rivers Humber, and Thames. The most material general purpose which would be answered by a Light upon the Bell Rock, is the opening of the Firth of Forth as a place of safety, in storms from south-east, east, and north-east. When mariners at sea are overtaken with a gale under such circumstances, they make for the most contiguous of these four inlets; but are often known to avoid the Forth, on account of this Rock, which, like another Cerberus, guards its entrance. Of this, a melancholy example occurred (which will long be remembered with that regret which never fails to accompany the forlorn case of the widow and fatherless), in that heavy gale at south-east, which happened in the winter of 1799, and drove many vessels from their moorings in Yarmouth Roads, put them past the Humber, and the crews being afraid to make free with the Firth of Forth, even though the wind was fair, were, with others, driven ashore between the Redhead in Forfarshire, and Kinnaird Head in Aberdeenshire, to the number of about thirty sail. Nor were they all saved that weathered Kinnaird Head; several were wrecked in Orkney and Shetland; and the whole loss occasioned by this gale has been stated as high as seventy sail, with many of their crews! amongst which are reckoned two that were known to have been lost upon the Bell Rock. This fatal catastrophe, of which the history of our coast affords few examples, is the more to be lamented, when it is considered that a light upon the Bell Rock, by opening the way to a place of safety, would infallibly have been the means of preventing much calamity, to those who sought safety, with various fortune, in more northern latitudes. In conclusion, it may be observed, that until this improvement of the coast comes from the Commissioners of the Northern Light-houses, it is much to be feared that the cause continuing, the sad effects will not cease.
(Signed) ROBERT STEVENSON.
To the Honourable the COMMISSIONERS } of the Northern Light-houses. }
REPORT by Mr RENNIE.
London, 30th December 1805.
GENTLEMEN,
In consequence of your directions, I set out in a vessel called the Pharos, from Leith, on the 15th of August last, early in the morning, in company with ROBERT HAMILTON, Esq. one of your Commissioners, and Mr STEVENSON, your Engineer, to view the Bell or Cape Rock, for the purpose of considering the practicability of building a Light-house thereon. But, owing to the want of wind, we did not get near the Rock till dusk, i. e. about half-past seven, which was near half ebb; but although we were not above a mile distant, we could discover but little of the rock itself. Its situation, however, was sufficiently apparent, by the breakers upon it, which, although the sea was very little agitated where we were, yet the waves were very high on the Rock itself, breaking over it with considerable violence. We approached within less than half a mile of it, and took soundings; but it becoming dark, we judged it advisable to sail further off, and anchored about a mile from the Rock all the night, in expectation we should be able to land on it next morning, which, from the serene appearance of the sky, we doubted not we should be able to effect. We had not dropped the anchor long, when the little wind there was during the day ceased, and it became a dead calm, but, notwithstanding this, there was a heavy swell, and the vessel rolled much. Frequently, during the night, I viewed the place where the Rock lies, and saw the heavy breakers which played about it, till near three quarters flood, when they nearly ceased, and no appearance of such a place was to be observed. They commenced again about quarter ebb, and continued increasing for some time; but, by nine in the morning, the sea became more smooth, and about half-past nine, the rock appearing several feet above water, we left the Pharos in a small boat, and had the satisfaction of landing on it about half-past ten, a little before low water. The spring-tides, however, were rather past their height, being five days after the full moon. We landed on the north-east side of the Rock, in a little bay or inlet, through some breakers, but these were just on the verge of the Rock, for when we got in, the water was quite smooth.
The Rock lies in a direction nearly south-west and north-east, magnetic bearing. That part which was dry, saving some small inlets, I found to be about 280 feet long, and 220 feet wide. Its general surface was about 4 feet above the level of low water, though some places were about 6 feet high. The Rock, however, extends for some distance all round that part which was dry, and dips downward. It extends under the surface for about 400 feet on the south-west side, about 100 feet on the north-east side, and about 50 on the south-east and north-west sides; and on those parts the water is shallow. At about 300 feet south-west, I found about 13 feet water, but, on account of the breakers, could not sound on the low parts of the Rock, or either of the other sides. At the extremities of the main Rock above mentioned, the dip is sudden; the bottom, however, is rocky for a considerable extent round its bed, but the water is deep.
The Rock itself is a hard red freestone, in beds dipping to the south-east, about one in five; these beds are various in their thickness, some being much greater than others; but, generally, well connected together. Such parts as are not immediately exposed to the violent wash of the waves, are coated with a hard crust, and covered with limpets; and, indeed, when it is exposed to the full fury of the sea, there seems to be little appearance of decay, so that I have no doubt, were a Light-house constructed here, no fears need be entertained for the durability of the Rock, as it seems to me well calculated to resist the effects of the waves.
We remained on the Rock for about an hour and a half, when the tide began to flow rather quickly, and having got all the necessary measurements as to height and size, we left it, and returned to our vessel, having been much gratified with the ample view we had of it, and soon after our getting on board the vessel, we weighed anchor at one, and the wind suiting, we arrived at Arbroath about four o’clock.
The Inch Cape, or Bell Rock, lies in West longitude 2° 22´; North latitude 56° 29´, as stated by Mr STEVENSON. It is about eleven miles distant from the harbour of Arbroath, about ten miles from the Bluff Point of the Sands of Barry, at the northern side of the entrance to the River Tay, and about eleven miles from the Red Head, which lies between Arbroath and Montrose; so that in fact it is about the same distance from the shore as the Edystone Rock, on which Mr SMEATON completed a stone light-house in the year 1759. The soundings on the south-west side, and near to this Rock, as taken at low water, were about 7 fathoms, within half a mile of it; and, in the same direction, about 15 fathoms, bottom rock. About three-fourths of a mile, 19 to 20 fathoms, bottom gravel. At the north-east side, and near to the Rock, the soundings were 6 fathoms. About three-fourths of a mile north-west of the Rock 15 fathoms, and about a mile and a quarter in the same direction 18 fathoms. We did not take the soundings on any other side of the Rock, or at a greater distance; but I was informed they were full as much as those we had taken.
Such being the situation of the Cape or Bell Rock, lying nearly in the direction which vessels generally take in sailing into the Firth of Forth, from northerly directions, or out of it, in sailing to the north or east, it is no wonder that many accidents should arise in hazy weather or dark nights, there being no means of discovering its situation correctly, unless when the land-marks are to be seen, for the deep water lying so close all round the Rock, nothing can be ascertained from soundings, until too near to enable vessels to get out of the way. Breakers, no doubt, frequently point out its situation, but these, in dark nights, and hazy weather, often are not sufficient, and at high-water, even in good nights, are not always discernible; for want of other means, many vessels have been wrecked thereon, and numberless valuable lives and much property lost.
Vessels trading from the Humber, and northwards to the Baltic, to Norway, Greenland, &c. are often, by stress of weather, driven towards the coast, and even those from more southerly ports often share the unfortunate fate of coasting vessels. It is therefore of the utmost importance that something should be done to mark out the situation of this dangerous and frightful Rock.
A Beacon has been proposed, but this would but ill answer the purpose. Nothing, in my opinion, would do it effectually, except a Light-house; and the question is, whether a Light-house could be built on this Rock, and, if so, of what materials it should be composed, and which, in point of strength and durability, are most likely to become a lasting work, without which the mariner can never make free with his course.
Of all the works which could be erected here, perhaps a wooden Light-house would be the cheapest. But were a wooden Light-house to be constructed, I apprehend a solid base of stone must first be constructed, similar to that built on the Edystone by Mr RUDYARD; but wood is liable to decay; it would require constant repairs, and would also be liable to be destroyed by fire, as that of Mr RUDYARD’S was. A Light-house of cast-iron might also be constructed here, and I will allow that it might have a coating of lead, or other metallic substance, so as for a long time at least to resist the effects of the marine acid. But to make a Light-house that would last of such materials, would be nearly, if not wholly, as expensive as one of stone, which I believe, I need scarcely say, no human ingenuity could render as durable; and as the durability of such a work as this is of the utmost consequence, I apprehend a moderate sum of extra expence ought not to be looked on as an object of material consideration, when put in competition with the advantages of durability. But, besides these objections to a work constructed of wood or iron, vessels being apt to be driven against it at high-water, there being at spring-tides from nine to ten feet deep on the top of the Rock, and should the vessel be a large one, and acted on by a heavy sea, it would not be difficult to foretell the consequences.
The durability and efficacy of a stone Light-house has been proved in the most satisfactory manner at the Tour de Corduan, near the mouth of the River Garonne, on the coast of France; at the Edystone, off the mouth of Plymouth Harbour, and in other situations. Why, therefore, with such incontestible proofs before our eyes, should recourse be had to a material new in itself for such purposes, and untried? a material which, if fitted and joined together as it ought to be, would consume nearly as much time in getting the lower part laid, as the laying of three or four courses at the bottom of a stone Light-house, and when the stone-work is got to the height of five or six feet above the Rock, the greatest part of the difficulty may be said to be over; and besides, such a solid mass of materials would resist any violent shock of a vessel which might be brought against it by the sea. I have, therefore, no hesitation in giving a decided opinion in favour of a stone Light-house.
As to the practicability of erecting such a work on the Bell Rock, I think no doubt can be entertained, with such examples before us as the Tour de Corduan and Edystone before mentioned.--In the 4th volume of the Architecture Hydraulique of BELIDER, an account is given of the Tour de Corduan. It is built on a low rocky island, dry at low water, and whose surface is nearly level; it is covered at high-water, as near as I can ascertain from his draughts and description, about 8 or 9 feet. It is exposed to a very heavy swell of the sea, lying quite open to the Bay of Biscay, from whence it is well known very heavy swells come, and beat against it with great fury; yet this Light-house has resisted the fury of the waves for above 250 years.
The Edystone Light-house is built even in a more exposed situation than that of the Tour de Corduan, and upon a rock whose surface is little larger than the base of the Light-house itself. The top of this rock is shelving, and was seldom covered by ordinary spring-tides before Mr SMEATON began his foundation; the lower part, however, was always covered over at the top of neap-tides. At the lowest place, when he began his work, the rock was dry about six hours each tide, although there the Edystone Rock is less in size than the Cape Rock, yet the advantage of being so long dry, is greatly in favour of building a Light-house; the most difficult and tedious part of the work being the establishment of the four or five lower courses of the foundation.
The higher parts of the Cape Rock, as I have before stated, are little more than six feet above the low water of an ordinary spring-tide. But I apprehend, when a place sufficiently large for the foundation is levelled, its surface will be little more than three and a half feet above the low water of an ordinary spring-tide. I do not think that above three hours’ time for work can be expected, which is about half of what was got at the Edystone. The depth of the water all round it, and its exposure to the German Ocean, renders it as difficult a situation to construct a durable work upon as that of the Edystone, if not more so. I doubt, therefore, more time will be required for the work; but this depends so much on the state of the weather, that no certain calculation can be made. It is better, therefore, to reckon on a sufficient time, and this I would beg leave to state at four years; and if it can be done in less time so much the better. The Rock upon which the Edystone Light-house stands is certainly harder than the Cape Rock, and of course required more time to work; but, on the other hand, the Cape Rock lying in a more northerly latitude, and where the weather is more variable, it is likely that greater interruption will be given to the proceedings than in the other; so that, all circumstances considered, the time I have mentioned, I doubt, will be little enough.
Mr STEVENSON, to whose merit I am happy to bear ample testimony, has been indefatigable in obtaining information respecting this Rock, and he has made a model of a stone Light-house, nearly resembling that of the Edystone, in which he has proposed various ingenious methods of constructing the work, by way of facilitating the operations. I own, however, after considering these in the fullest manner I have been able, and comparing them with the construction of Mr SMEATON’S, I mean in the building, and also that there is undoubted proofs of the stability of the Edystone, I am inclined to give it the preference. No doubt some methods different from the Edystone will require to be put in practice for the foundation; but its general construction, in my opinion, renders it as strong as can well be conceived,--in fact, it may be looked upon as a solid mass of rock. Viewing the matter, therefore, in this light, it will be unnecessary for me to accompany this Report with the design of a Light-house. It will be time enough to make such a design, when the Commissioners shall be in a situation to give orders for the erection, and then I have no doubt Mr STEVENSON will furnish much valuable matter towards the perfecting of it.
The total height of the Edystone Light-house, from the lower course of stones on the rock to the top of the platform or balcony-floor, is about 70 feet; from thence to the bottom of the iron-frame of the lantern about 6 feet 9 inches; and the lantern itself is about 8 feet 3 inches; so that the total height to the eve of the cupola is about 84 feet 6 inches. Now, as the Bell Rock lies so much lower than that of the Edystone, I think the height of the shaft or tower of the Light-house should not be less than 80 feet, or, perhaps, a little more, say 85 feet; so that the cupola will, in this case, be about 100 feet above the surface of the rock. With such a height of Light-house as is here proposed, I would advise that the diameter of the base should be greater, and as it is less surrounded by such an extent of rock, it will give facility to the gradual diminution of the effects of the waves breaking upon it; will render the fabric more steady, and, as it will diminish quickly, no great additional surface will be presented to the sea.
The floor of the lower room, i. e. the height of the solid part of the Light-house, I would propose to be about 50 feet, and from thence to the top of the platform 35 feet, making a total height, from the rock to the platform or gallery, of 85 feet. As to the lantern itself, I need say little on that head, as lanterns for light-houses have, of late years, been greatly improved, as well as the lights. The substitution of lamps with reflectors, in place of coal or candle lights, has been found of the greatest advantage to the mariner; and it is not unlikely, from what I have been lately made acquainted with, that the substitution of the hydrogen gas in place of lamps, will not only prove a much cheaper, but a better light than even lamps. I am told that it will not cost above one-eighth of the price of oil. The kind of light to be used is also a matter of consideration, for unless lights are so constructed as to enable the mariner to distinguish between one and another, he may be apt to mistake his situation; but that also can be easily arranged, when this part of the subject comes to require consideration. The new light on the Skerries in Orkney is a revolving one; perhaps a similar one may also be judged advisable here, as, if the Light-house on the Island of May was to be fitted up with reflectors in the usual manner, it would not always be easy to distinguish this from the Cape Rock, unless one of them was to be made a revolving, or the lights to be placed in different situations of the house.
A Light-house has, of late years, been built on the South Rock, near the mouth of Loch Strangford, on the coast of Ireland. This Light-house was begun on the 11th of June 1795, and completed the 25th March 1797. It is 30 feet diameter at the base, and about 15½ feet just below the balcony floor. It is 56 feet high from the rock to the platform or balcony floor, and its shape is the frustum of a cone. It is built of granite from the Mountains of Morne; and the lantern, from the platform to the cupola, is about 12 feet high, and 10 feet wide. The light is a revolving one, and lighted by 10 lamps with reflectors, 3 in the upper course, 3 in the lower course, and 4 in the middle, and makes a revolution in five minutes. This distinguishes it from the Copland lights.
The rock on which this Light-house stands is about 400 yards long, and about 100 wide, and is covered about 18 inches deep at high-water, ordinary spring-tides. The rock is composed of beds of schistus, intermixed with beds of a kind of indurated clay, which are wearing fast away by the washing of the sea; and, unless some speedy and effectual means are taken to secure it, this Light-house will not be of long duration. It has cost about L. 22,000, and it is said that L. 7000 more will be required to secure the rock from washing away. I will not take upon me to say that this sum will be sufficient for the purpose; but it seems to me that it will not be a very difficult matter to secure the rock, if proper means are taken. The channel is here narrow, and the seas cannot be very heavy; indeed MACCULLOCH the Light-house keeper informed me, that they seldom rise above the first landing, which is only about 27 feet from the top of the rock.
In the construction of a Light-house at the Cape Rock, great care will be necessary in choosing stone of the most durable quality, fit to resist the effects of the waves. For this purpose, I examined the rocks lying along the shore nearest adjoining the Inch Cape Rock, but found none of a very durable quality; most of it is a red freestone, softer than the rock itself, which has been much worn away by the wash of the sea, and therefore by no means fit for the exterior work of such a building; and there does not appear to be any fit for that purpose nearer than Kingoodie, about three or four miles from Dundee. This stone is a hard millstone-grit, of an excellent quality; very hard to work, but can be raised in blocks of any size and thickness required. It therefore appears to me to be most fit for the exterior work of a Light-house to be built on the Cape Rock; but as the price the proprietor asks for it is very high, it becomes a question whether the solid part of the building may not be done with the stone from near Arbroath, which, although not fit for exterior work, is yet of a pretty strong quality, and might be used in the solid part of the building, not exposed to the weather or wash of the sea: Or, it may be a question, whether the saving that would arise from using the stone near Arbroath, is a consideration, when put in competition with the superior strength and specific gravity of the Kingoodie stone.
Granite is also a stone that will resist the waves without wearing, and it is therefore a matter of consideration, whether granite stone might not be had from Peterhead or Aberdeen for this purpose. Granite, it is true, cannot conveniently be had in such large blocks as the Kingoodie stone, but it may be had in blocks sufficiently large to answer the purpose, and, if well dove-tailed, and properly cemented together, the whole may be made to act as one solid body of rock.
As to the expence of a Light-house in such a situation, it is not a very easy matter to form any thing like a correct calculation. So much depends on weather, on the untoward circumstances that may probably happen while the work is in hand, that they baffle even the most experienced artist to make the proper allowances. The price and quantity of materials is by no means difficult to ascertain; but the expence of putting them together must be more a matter of guess than of correct and well founded calculation. I have, however, computed the expence that such a work ought to cost, and have made every allowance for contingencies, from my own experience of works in the sea, and from what I have been able to collect from the experience of others, in which, I think, I have made a very full allowance for contingencies, and the cost amounts, by my estimate, to L. 41,844, but I will say L. 42,000, and, I trust, if ever the work is executed, and done with judgment, it will not exceed that sum.
I have gone on the supposition, that the outside is to be made of Kingoodie stone, and the hearting of stone from near Arbroath. I am, Gentlemen, your most humble servant,
(Signed) JOHN RENNIE.
To the Honourable the COMMISSIONERS} of the Northern Light-houses. }
REPORT by Mr STEVENSON.
Edinburgh, 15th November 1806.
In the year 1800, when the Reporter laid before the Commissioners various models of a Light-house for the Bell Rock, the prospect of the undertaking was so distant, that it then appeared unnecessary to trouble the Board with any scheme for carrying the work into execution; but since the passing of the act of Parliament for this purpose, the case is materially altered. In preparing any method for carrying on a work, the most difficult in its nature, and one to which the common tests of experience can hardly be applied, he is aware, that it is impossible, by any previous arrangement, to determine what will answer in all respects. In so far as the operations on shore are considered, the ordinary rules of practice apply, but, in forming plans for the Rock itself, matters must be adjusted to the situation and circumstances of the case.
Certain measures, of a preliminary nature, are, however, indispensably necessary, while others may be of doubtful application; among the former, it appears to be essentially necessary to provide a vessel to be moored at the distance of from three quarters to one mile north-west of the Rock. She must, of course, be fitted up as a store-ship, with accommodation for the artificers, and ground-tackle for riding in from 17 to 20 fathoms water, on rather a hard bottom. This vessel, besides answering as a store-ship for water and provisions, may occasionally take on board lime, cement, and other materials from the small craft at the Rock, when lying at anchor with them on board may be found inconvenient. There is also another and most important service, which this vessel will fall to perform in terms of the act of Parliament, which is the carrying of a Light upon her mast, for the benefit of shipping, and to enable a duty to be collected, even before the commencement of the work, agreeably to the suggestion of Mr CUNINGHAM.
The Reporter, in order to inform himself more fully regarding the construction of such a vessel, while attending the progress of the Bill in London, visited the Floating-light ship at the Nore, under the command of Mr BENNET, who very politely described every particular connected with the business. He had also frequent communications with Captain HUDDART of the Trinity House, who takes a particular charge of the Floating-lights under the management of that Board, since which he has also corresponded with him upon the subject, who has obligingly stated his ideas relative to a vessel and moorings fitted for the Bell Rock. Upon the whole, the Reporter is of opinion, that a dogger, or Dutch-built vessel, is best calculated for this service. Such a vessel would require to be from 80 to 100 tons burden, moored with a mushroom-anchor, weighty iron mooring-irons, having likewise on board a hempen cable of 16 inches in circumference. The mushroom-anchor, which is but a late invention, is now in use at all the Floating-lights on the coast, and even in some of his Majesty’s store-ships. Its great property consists in its being hardly possible for a vessel to foul her anchor with it; and the construction is such, that it may be made in part, or wholly, of cast-iron, agreeably to the accompanying model, from which an idea may more easily be formed of its application. (See Plate X.). This vessel must be furnished with such a light as to be readily distinguishable from the Coal-light on the Island of May; and although the Dudgeon Floating-light, off the Norfolk coast, which carries two lanterns, is at a great distance, yet, as it is the nearest Floating-light to the Bell Rock, it may be advisable to distinguish it from that also. As a vessel cannot be dispensed with for the accommodation of the artificers, it will be found to be a great saving to employ her as a store-ship. As this vessel is only meant to answer a temporary purpose, by purchasing one of the Dutch or Prussian prize-ships, now for sale in Leith, she might perhaps be fitted up for about L. 2000.
Although it would be perfectly impossible to do any thing with much effect at the Bell Rock, without a vessel stationed in the offing; yet as she must necessarily be moored at the distance of about a mile from it, to give a sufficient birth for swinging, according to the wind, and also to give sea-room to clear the Rock, in the event of her breaking adrift, the inconveniency and difficulty of the frequent passage between the Floating-light and the Rock must be very considerable. It therefore occurs to the Reporter, that the greatest advantages would arise from the erection of a temporary residence for the artificers upon the Rock during the working-months of summer, and also to answer as a store for some of the materials. The greatest difficulties which Mr SMEATON had to struggle with at the Edystone, arose from the smallness of the rock, which at once precluded any attempt of this kind from being undertaken, and subjected the work to all the disadvantages and trouble so particularly described as experienced in communicating on all occasions with the store-ship. But, from the extent of the Bell Rock, an opportunity may be had for erecting a temporary residence, for facilitating the work. It was under the conviction that such an accommodation might be constructed, that the clause was introduced into the act for allowing the collection of half-duties upon the erection of a Beacon. But, independently of these advantages, the Reporter conceives some erection of this kind necessary, to give confidence to the artificers, in the event of accident to the boats, of which they might lay hold, until assistance could be procured from the store-vessel. This temporary residence is provided for in his estimate for the Light-house, and having modelled it, he proposes that it should consist of beams of timber, not less than 50 feet in length, and of proportional strength; the beams are coupled together at the top, where they form a cabin for the workmen, and, at the same time, answer all the purposes of a Beacon.
The next material object to be considered, is a method which may prolong or extend the working hours at the Rock, especially in the first instance, to low water of neap, as well as spring tides. In this respect we also find, that Mr SMEATON had no alternative, having had barely extent for the foundation of the Light-house; but, in this respect, he had less occasion for such an apparatus, as the top of the Edystone Rock was rather above high-water, although, from its shelving form, the level of the ground-course was not more than nine feet above low water of spring-tides. The ground-course of the Bell Rock, however, will not be more than about two feet above low-water of such tides. It therefore becomes an object of great importance, to construct a water-tight fence round the site of the building, which might be the means of saving a whole season with the work, and securing the proper execution of the lower courses, by enabling the workmen to go on in a more deliberate manner with their operations. The Reporter has had several methods in view for raising a coffer-dam for this purpose to the height of about six feet or thereby, which would allow the work to proceed regularly in moderate weather at low water of neap as well as spring-tides. He has, accordingly, modelled a coffer-dam with this view, which he proposes to be three feet more in diameter than the base of the building, and, from its exposed situation, the greatest attention must be paid to the strength and fitness of the materials. At first he intended this to be of timber, but at length fixed upon cast-iron, strongly connected with iron-bolts, passing through flanges raised upon the joints, which are to be provided with a groove, for the conveniency of tightening them. The whole of this apparatus is estimated to weigh about 40 tons, and is so constructed, that when all the pieces are landed on the rock, and laid in their places, the foundation for them being prepared, they may be set up, and temporarily fixed, in the course of a good spring-tide.
There is no part of this critical work which will be attended with so much difficulty as the landing of heavy materials, nor is there any part of the business that has occupied so much of the Reporter’s attention. Mr SMEATON appears to have had a great deal of trouble upon this head; and in conversing with one of those having charge at the South Rock Light-house, on the coast of Downshire in Ireland, while it was building, it was stated, that there was more time lost in getting a regular supply of materials, and more vexation attending this department, than any other part of the operations, although this rock is exposed and dry at every tide, and only 3 miles from the shore, with a beach where vessels were laid to discharge their cargoes; whereas the Bell Rock is about 11 miles from land, forming neither a steep-face, like that of the Edystone, nor a sloping beach, like that of the South Rock, while it is so low in the water, that it can afford little or no shelter to vessels, if brought alongside of it. Under all these adverse circumstances, the landing of the materials becomes a consideration of the most perplexing nature. He has sometimes thought that the depth of water upon the rock might be turned to advantage in landing the stones at high-water; yet this mode has its disadvantages, and could not always be depended upon; others must, therefore, be resorted to, more certain in their application. Vessels of an easy draught of water, and not exceeding 20 tons burden, might in very moderate weather be brought close into some of the small creeks of the rock. Some of these will admit of improvement, where cranes might be fixed for unloading them. This may, perhaps, turn out to be the surest mode upon trial; but it may also be necessary to resort to others, such as having buoys moored in different directions, at a convenient distance from the rock; by making fast a hawser to the buoy best suited to the direction of the wind; the hawser may be veered out till the vessel with the materials gets so close to the Rock as to discharge. Some have even supposed, that the materials may be transported to the Rock under these circumstances by a float of cork or timber, and when the vessel is thus cleared of her cargo, she may be hauled off again, and so make sail. The stones, when landed, if not immediately built, may be stowed into the cast-iron coffer-dam, which, for this purpose, will be found of the greatest use, while the lower courses of the building are in progress; and as the work advances, other plans will present themselves.
* * * * *
In the Report dated 23d December 1800, on the subject of the Bell Rock, the Reporter explained his reasons for laying aside the plan of a cast-iron Light-house, and, after what has since been stated in Mr RENNIE’s report 30th December 1805, it is unnecessary for him to enter again upon that subject, especially as it has been fixed that the building is to be of stone. The matter which he, therefore, now submits to the consideration of the Board, is, the quarry or quarries from which these materials should be taken. It is to be regretted, that the extensive quarries in the neighbourhood of Arbroath are not of so durable a nature as to render them fit for outside work. On his way from Fraserburgh lately, he passed through Aberdeen, Arbroath, and Dundee, and, in addition to former inquiries, brought with him a note of prices, and specimens of the stone of the quarries of these places. Upon the whole, there seems to be objection to the use of best Arbroath or Red Head stone, for the hearting or inside-work, which may be had for 9s. 4d. per ton. The Mylnefield or Dundee stone at 25s., but for the granite, of the sizes wanted, no price could be quoted. Stone is the principal material that requires consideration. As for lime, we have an extensive choice in this country, and nothing can perhaps answer the purpose better for securing the outside joints than Parker’s cement. The Reporter has a specimen of Aberthaw lime, which Mr SMEATON used with so much advantage; it would be no difficult matter to get a cargo of it, which would be sufficient for the whole building.
* * * * *
With regard to the Lantern, and other parts of the building which require to be of metal, without entering into particulars, they will no doubt fall to be made of copper, at least such parts as are more particularly exposed to the action of the air or water. As to the nature of the Light itself, there may be some improvements and alterations upon the present system, before the building is completed; but, after erecting such a fabric as will be necessary at the Bell Rock, no pains will of course be spared upon so essential a part as the quality or description of Light to be exhibited.
* * * * *
Supposing the work to commence in the Spring of the year 1807, it is already time that the store-vessel were in preparation, and the necessary arrangements made for fitting her up as a Floating-light, that the collection of the duties may commence; and, when got to her moorings, the workmen may begin to the temporary residence or beacon, and prepare the rock for the building, which would form the primary operations, and occupy the first Summer. If the beams are found to withstand the storms of winter, the upper part can then be covered in as a residence for the artificers in 1808; and, at all events, be habitable for the Summer of 1809. While these measures are carrying forward, and the site of the building is in progress, the lower course of stones will be in preparation on shore. The place which the Reporter would propose for carrying on these works is Arbroath, as the port most contiguous to the Rock, being situate at the northern side of that range of coast which forms St Andrew’s Bay, in which the Bell Rock holds a centrical situation. A passage may be made from Arbroath to the Rock with much more regularity than from the Tay. On the southern side of this great Bay, there is no convenient harbour between the Tay and Fifeness. The stones, being transported from Mylnefield and Aberdeen, would be hewn at Arbroath, and after being laid and marked upon a platform, course by course, would then be shipped for the Rock.
* * * * *
It is unnecessary at this time to enter further into particulars. When the dimensions of the building are finally arranged, it will then be proper to enter into contracts for the materials, and shipping for conveying them, and to provide implements and artificers for the work.
(Signed) ROBERT STEVENSON.
To the Honourable the COMMISSIONERS} of the Northern Light-houses. }
JOINT REPORT by JOHN RENNIE and ROBERT STEVENSON.
Edinburgh, 26th December 1806.
GENTLEMEN,
You having at your meeting on the 10th instant resolved that the Light-house to be erected on the Bell Rock shall be of stone, we, according to your request, went to Aberdeen and Mylnefield, for the purpose of examining into the quality and price at which stone for the erection of the Light-house could be delivered at Arbroath, the place where it is proposed the materials shall be prepared for the work.
At Aberdeen, we found that many additional quarries had lately been opened, some of them of an excellent quality, and capable of producing larger blocks of stone than granite quarries usually do; but still it is doubtful, as has been formerly mentioned, whether any one quarry will be found to produce a sufficiency of large blocks in any reasonable time; but by purchasing from different quarries, a regular supply may be procured for all the purposes wanted, in case you shall determine upon using the granite in preference to stones from Kingoodie. The Aberdeen granite is of so very strong and durable a nature, and has been used in works where the sea has acted upon it for time immemorial, that no doubt can possibly be entertained respecting its adaptation to a work of this kind. There is also every reason to believe, that the Kingoodie stone resists the sea and weather equally well, but we have not been able to collect such positive proofs of this as of the other; for, although a good deal of that stone has been used in the piers of the harbour of Dundee, yet, as this has been mixed with other sorts of the same appearance, and nearly of the same composition of those of Kingoodie, it prevents the possibility of our saying whether some of the stones that have wasted may not be Kingoodie, although we have great reason to believe that they are not. However, where facts cannot be positively ascertained, doubts exist; and we think, that a Light-house upon the Bell Rock is too important a work to suffer even a doubt to exist; and we have no hesitation, therefore, in recommending, that the under part of the building, at least as high as the first apartment, should be of Aberdeen granite; and as this is the great bulk of the work, it may be as well, perhaps, to complete the outer course of granite to the top.
As to the extra price this will incur, we cannot at present correctly say. We have had two offers for granite from the Rubislaw and Dancing-Cairn Quarries. The former by Robert Spalding, is at 10d. per cubic foot, delivered on the quay at Aberdeen, but, as the expence of shipping and shore-dues are not included, this may be fairly reckoned at 2d. per cubic foot more. The other is from Snell, Ranie and Thom, at 1s. 4d. per cubic foot, delivered free on board a vessel at the quay. Now, as the freight from Aberdeen to Arbroath will be about 7d. per cubic foot, and as an agent must be employed to examine and see the stone delivered by the different quarry-men, we suppose that 1d. per foot may be added for commission; so that, exclusive of Government duties, the offer for Aberdeen stones will stand nearly as follows: Spalding’s offer, with charges, will amount to 1s. 8d. per cubic foot, and Snell and Company’s at 2s. The expence of working the Aberdeen stone will come high, we doubt, for such a work as this. Where dove-tails, and other devices for the security of the building will be necessary, it cannot cost less than 2s. 6d. per cubic foot. Now, taking the price of stone at the average of the above offers, it will amount, with workmanship and freights, to 4s. 4d. per cubic foot, so that the casing or outside course of granite will amount to about L. 7266. Mr Mylne offers to supply blocks of Dundee or Kingoodie stone, put free on ship-board, at 1s. per cubic foot; the freight from thence to Arbroath will be about 4d. per cubic foot, so that the stone will cost at Arbroath 1s. 4d. The working of this stone will cost about 1s. 6d. per foot, making the cost of the Kingoodie stone 2s. 10d.; therefore a casing of Dundee stone would amount to L. 4760, making a difference in favour of Kingoodie stone of L. 2506.
The next question that arises here is, what kind of stone should be used for the hearting of the building, where nothing can affect the stone, of whatever quality it may be; and here the Arbroath or Redhead quarries may come into competition. There are arguments in favour of both; the Kingoodie will be more expensive, but its specific gravity is greater, and it is of a much stronger nature than the Arbroath stone. If Kingoodie stone is used for the hearting, the cost of the stone, with freight and cutting, will be about L. 2124. The Arbroath stone will cost, delivered at the work, about 9s. per ton of 16 cubic feet, and cutting about 1s. per cubic foot, so that the total cost will be about L. 1172, a difference in favour of the Arbroath stone, besides duty, of about L. 952. Now, whether you may agree to pay this extra price we will not venture to anticipate, but we have no hesitation in saying that the Kingoodie stone is the best.
Another object which occupied our attention, was the procuring of a piece of ground at Arbroath, with proper sheds and warehouses, near the harbour, for the purpose of dressing the stones, laying the courses as they are to be in the Light-house, keeping stores, &c. &c. For this purpose we applied to Messrs Duncan and Cargill, who have a ship-builder’s yard adjoining the harbour, and who some time since intimated their intention of disposing of it; but we found that the place was not of the dimensions necessary for the work, that the warehouses on the ground did not belong to the ship-yard, and that the people had not finally determined upon disposing of this place. We therefore inquired further, and found a piece of ground much larger than the carpenter’s yard, and nearly as well situated, but there are no buildings upon it; and indeed, there is no other spot at all convenient, or near the harbour, that can be had. We therefore saw the proprietor John Taylor, and he has offered to let the whole for seven years, at the rent of Twenty Guineas per annum. The rent is high, but the situation is such as to render it more suitable than any other, and therefore we advise Mr Taylor’s proposal to be accepted.
Having now stated the result of the several objects for which our journey northward was undertaken, it may be proper to mention what occurs to us as the best mode of proceeding respecting the measures to be taken for the erection of the Light-house, with the construction that appears best suited to the stability of the work. The first object that naturally presents itself is the establishment of the Floating-Light, now in preparation, respecting which some correspondence has taken place between Mr Stevenson and Captain Huddert of the Trinity Board of London, which is now before you. Their information is very satisfactory, and from the measures taken in advising with the Trinity-House of Leith, it is hoped that every thing relative to the fitting out of the Prussian-dogger, purchased for this service, will be the most complete of the kind, and the sooner she can be got to her moorings the better, that the operations at the Rock may be commenced, and that the duties may be collected for paying the Treasury loan, and otherwise adding to the general fund.
The second object that comes under consideration is the inclosing the piece of ground at Arbroath for a work-yard. This may either be done by a ruble wall or a wooden fence, but the former is preferable, because several buildings must be made for stores, and for floors, to mark out the different courses with the dove-tails as they form the building, so that the ruble wall may form part of these buildings. Sheds must also be erected for the masons to work in.
Thirdly, Two vessels, of about 30 tons each, for conveying stones from Arbroath to the Rock, should, without delay, be contracted for. These vessels must be built strong, and of good materials, and calculated to work well at sea, that no opportunity of going to the Rock may be lost.
Fourthly, A crane for unloading the vessels should be established at Arbroath, and another at the Rock, for landing the materials, as also the necessary tools and triangles, with tackle for setting the stones in the work-yard, and at the Rock likewise, stone-carriages, jacks, &c.
Fifthly, Mooring-chains, anchors, buoys, with ropes, &c., to assist in landing the materials, and for enabling the men to leave the Rock when the tide prevents them from working.
Sixthly, A coffer-dam will be wanted, to the height of 4 or 5 feet, so as to enable the workmen to continue so much longer on the Rock than they could do, were the tide allowed to flow over the foundation when it rises above the level of the Rock.
Seventhly, Although we do not pretend to say that a stage, for the accommodation of the workmen, can with certainty be constructed on the Rock, yet it might be worth while to attempt the establishment of such a work, as, if it did answer, great facility in carrying forward the work would be obtained; and, should the project fail, the timber and iron can be applied to other uses, and the expence of the experiment cannot be great.
Eighthly, A variety of small tools, for cutting the foundation of the Rock, for dove-tailing the stones, and sundry other uses too tedious to mention, will also be wanted.
Ninthly, A quantity of Aberthaw lime should be procured, as well as other lime of the best quality which the country affords, and a small lime-kiln for burning it erected, and no more burned at once than can be used in a short time, that it may be always had as fresh as possible, as the less it is exposed to the air after being burned the better will it cement. Pozzolano or tarras should be got, if possible, to mix with the lime, these making the best cement that has yet been discovered; but, if it cannot be had, manganese, or even burnt ironstone, will form a good substitute. A quantity of Parker and Company’s Roman cement will be wanted, to keep the sea from washing out the other cement before it has time to harden in the joints.
Tenthly, Oak trenails will be required for fixing down the stones, while the building is in operation, and the several courses liable to be washed by the waves. Lead for running bolts into the Rock, &c. will also be necessary.
As to the construction of the Light-house itself, we are of opinion, that it is much better to follow what has been found to answer at the Edystone, a situation nearly similar to the present, than, in a work so important, to look for other methods that have not stood the test of trial. It must, however, be observed, that some alteration, suited to the difference of local circumstances, ought to be adopted. The Rock at the Edystone differs both in form and quality from the Bell Rock; it lies in a slanting direction, and the higher part was never covered by the tide. It is of a harder quality, and but small in size; nothing, therefore, was to be found in this case in regard to the wearing or wasting of the Rock; and from its limited size, there was no more space than what merely enabled the engineer to make the erection upon it.
The case at the Bell Rock is very different, the Rock being, on an average, not more than four feet higher than low-water of spring-tides. It is of a softer quality, but the dimensions are large. It therefore becomes necessary that the base should be more extended and flat where it is connected with the Rock, so that when the waves break upon it, they may spend their fury on the base of the Light-house, instead of the Rock itself, and thereby prevent it from wearing away. The tower should also be higher, as the tide rises more upon it than on the Edystone. These, and a few other alterations, will adapt the Edystone plan to the Bell Rock, unless in so far as the light itself is connected; but this need not now be a subject of inquiry. A Plan of the Light-house, nearly similar to what is proposed, is handed herewith, but no plan of the dove-tailing has been made, nor can it well be done at present, as the dove-tails must be suited to the different courses of stone as they come from the quarry; but, as the principle is similar to that of the Edystone, the design may be easily judged of.
It is of much importance, that, in so hazardous a work as the present, recourse should speedily be had to advice when occasion requires; and, as a Quorum at all times cannot be got, it might be advisable to appoint a Sub-Committee of your number, to be called together when necessity may require.
(Signed) JOHN RENNIE. ROBERT STEVENSON.
To the Honourable the COMMISSIONERS } of the Northern Light-houses. }
REPORT by Mr RENNIE.
Edinburgh, October 29. 1807.
GENTLEMEN,
I went to the Bell Rock on the 5th instant, when I found Mr Stevenson with his workmen engaged in preparing the Rock to receive the foundation of the Light-house; also in erecting a Beacon on it, for the double purpose of pointing out to mariners the situation of the Rock more correctly than can be done by the Floating-Light, and as an asylum to the men employed on the Rock, in case they should be overtaken by the tide before the boats had time to take them to the vessel. Mr Stevenson had been constantly engaged in the different operations for about two months, during which time he had never been ashore; and it was fortunate he had taken the resolution of remaining constantly on board, for, without this, there is every reason to believe that the workmen could not have been prevailed on to continue at the work, they having previously shewn a disposition to leave it; but by perseverance, and by allowing them their provisions while on board the vessel and working at the Rock, they have not only been prevailed on to remain at the work, but they now seem to be better satisfied when at the Rock than on shore; and as no accident has happened, although the weather has several times been very stormy, there is great reason to believe that the workmen, being now accustomed to the work, and having gained entire confidence by the success of the past year, will return with redoubled vigour next season, and that the work will proceed with much spirit and regularity.
The work performed in the course of the present season, consists first of preparing the Rock for the foundation of the Light-house to a certain extent; but owing to that part of the Rock where the Light-house is to stand being very uneven in the surface, and some of it within 2½ feet of the level of the sea at low-water of spring-tides, the time at which the men can work is of course very limited; and as there would be great danger of shivering the Rock, if blasting or any other violent measure were resorted to for expediting the work, it has been thought better to proceed in the more secure mode of cutting the stone by picks and chisels, which, as the Rock is hard, and so consumes much time, considerable progress has been made towards this; and I hope, by the end of next June, the whole of the Rock will be completely ready to receive the foundation-course of the Light-house: perhaps it may even be ready sooner; but so much depends on weather, I do not venture to state particularly the time when this most essential object will be completed; but I have great confidence in the zeal Mr Stevenson has shewn in the past season, to prognosticate that he will do all that can be done in the next to expedite the work.
A large beacon, consisting of six main beams of timber, about 13 inches square, and 44 feet long, has been erected on the Rock; it forms a pyramid of about 42 feet high, and a base of the same extent. This is well secured to the Rock with dove-tail cramps, and with chains and braces. Near the top are cross-bars to stiffen the upper part of it, which have been found of great use, as the smith’s forge for sharping tools was erected there, and for the last fortnight the tools were sharped, and various other works done, which tended greatly to facilitate the operations at the Rock. The workmen continued there during the time the Rock was covered with the tide, which enabled them to begin working the moment the part was uncovered where they were employed, and it likewise enabled them to work till the last moment, when the tide began to cover the work. Had no such asylum been provided, the workmen would not only have lost much time in getting from the vessel to the Rock, but also in getting from it. This beacon is not yet entirely finished: a few good tides would enable the workmen to complete it, and when done, I have great hopes it will be found to resist the storms; indeed it has resisted several even in the unfinished state it is, and therefore is a favourable prognostication that it would be stable when completed.
There is, besides, a provision-chest intended to be placed on its top, and above this a ball and flag-staff, so that I hope it will be a very useful additional mark for mariners to avoid this dangerous Rock, and should be advertised as well as the Floating-Light.
The advanced state of the year renders it necessary that the operations at the Rock should stand until the spring of the year. This is proposed to be done whenever the beacon is completed; but during the winter every requisite measure should be taken to proceed with the work for the Rock as expeditiously as possible. For this purpose I must beg leave to recommend to the Commissioners that the remainder of the articles mentioned in our Report of the 26th December last, should be provided with as little delay as possible.
The ground taken on lease from John Taylor, at Arbroath, for a wood-yard, has been covered in part with the necessary buildings and workshops, but sheds for the masons to work in during the winter season are not yet done. These may be got of the most temporary kind; if they just keep off the rain it will be enough, and no delay should take place in procuring them.
Several cargoes of Aberdeen and Dundee stones have been laid down and landed at the yard, part of which are worked, and the masons are engaged in working the remainder. I am sorry, however, to say, that neither the supply from Aberdeen nor Kingoodie has been so abundant as could be wished. Unless exertions far greater than has hitherto appeared be made, it will be impossible to proceed with the building on the Rock next season. I accompanied Mr Stevenson both to Aberdeen and Kingoodie. In viewing the former, it appears, that unless stones are purchased from such quarries near Aberdeen, as may turn them out, it is scarcely probable a sufficient quantity of large stones for the lower courses of the Light-House can be had in due time from the Rubieslaw quarries alone. It therefore will be advisable, that Mr Skene empower his agent to purchase from the other quarries whenever blocks of the requisite size can be found. As to the Kingoodie quarry, it only wants a little exertion on the part of Colonel Mylne’s agents, as the quantity wanted would be easily got in a few weeks, if exertion such as has been promised be made.
The Floating-Light was completed and moored within the distance of one mile from the Rock on the 9th July, and for some time the people employed at the Rock lodged in her; but the situation in which she was moored has been found not to answer, as, after the gale of the 6th September last, which she rode out with perfect safety, it was found that her cable had been cut by a piece of rock or wreck. She went adrift next day, luckily without receiving any injury, but it has been found that there is no clear ground, (at least that has yet been discovered), less than the distance of about two miles and a half from the Rock, which will render her of no use as a place to accommodate the workmen; another vessel of some sort must therefore be provided. The Yacht has been used since the Float was removed to such a distance, but as neither the manner she was rigged, nor her accommodation, is suitable, nor indeed can she well be spared from attending the other light-houses, she cannot be counted upon in future. In my opinion a proper vessel should be purchased, and fitted up for this purpose, and she will sell at little discount after the work is completed.
One vessel of the description mentioned in the second article of the Report of 26th December 1806, has been built and fitted out. She has been engaged in carrying materials to the Rock; in carrying stones to the yard; and sundry other matters. A second vessel of the like description should be got ready against the spring, to carry the stones and materials to the Rock, &c. Two cranes have been purchased for loading and unloading stones; one has been erected at Aberdeen, and the other at Arbroath; and they both answer the purpose very well. Triangles, and other necessary apparatus are preparing for the work on the Rock, and will be ready against the time they are wanted. Mooring-chains and buoys for the vessels employed about the Rock have also been prepared and laid down.
It was proposed, in the Report of December last, to have a coffer-dam on the Rock, for keeping out the water during a part of the time the tide is flowing; but it rises so quickly here, after having turned, that I do not think a coffer-dam will produce advantages adequate to the expence. It is therefore proposed to do the work without any coffer-dam at all: there has been sufficient trial already made, to satisfy us respecting its practicability without a coffer-dam. The beacon already erected, and which there is reason to believe will stand, renders a stage of the description formerly mentioned unnecessary. It is intended, should this beacon stand over the winter, to erect places for the accommodation of the workmen employed at the Rock on its top. This will greatly facilitate the operations, as before stated.
Most of the small tools mentioned in article 9th of Report of December last, have been procured. Some are still wanting; but these are few. No Aberthaw lime has been procured, nor any pozzolano. Mr Stevenson intends to send the Yacht for a cargo of Aberthaw limestone, as soon as she can be spared from the service of the Light-houses; and, if a vessel is purchased for the accommodation of the workmen at the Rock, she may also be sent for a cargo of Aberthaw lime. I have not been able to procure any pozzolano, although many trials have been made. I have some hopes that a small quantity may still be procured; but I cannot speak with certainty: if not, tarras, or burnt ironstone, must be used. No oak trenails for the stones have yet been got. Mr Stevenson, however, is about to order some from Southampton; and I hope they will be in time for the work. Lead is, at this time, very cheap. I submit it to the wisdom of the Commissioners, whether it might not be advisable to purchase now what may be wanted for the work.
As to the construction of the Light-house, I submitted a plan to your consideration in the month of February last, (see Plate VII.) According to this plan, the works are proceeding; plans of each course of stone have been made; the whole is dove-tailed, but somewhat different from the mode pursued at the Edystone; they are less in length on the outside, but deeper in the direction of the radius of the Light-house, which will render the structure, on the whole, stronger than the Edystone plan. The extension of the base of the building is also much greater; and the base is considerably different. By this means, not only the impulse of the waves on the building will be less, but their action on the part of the rock adjoining the foundation will be much easier. The Rock is softer than that on which the Edystone is built, but it is harder than I imagined when last here. On the whole, I feel confident, that this work will be brought to a successful termination, within a reasonable period. The knowledge which has been acquired by the operations of the last season, impresses me with additional confidence in the practicability of the work, although confident, from the commencement, that, with proper care and attention, such a work might, with certainty, be completed.
The necessity of Mr Stevenson’s remaining much at the Rock while the operations are going forward, render it necessary that some person, by way of agent, should be appointed to pay money at Arbroath, and to credit and settle accounts. As to this the Commissioners will order as they think right. I am, honourable gentlemen, your most obedient servant,
(Signed) JOHN RENNIE.
To the Honourable the Commissioners } of the Northern Light-houses. }
REPORT by Mr RENNIE.
Edinburgh, 12th December 1808.
GENTLEMEN,
I visited the Bell Rock on the 25th ult. The weather was favourable, but the tide did not ebb so low as to allow me to examine the foundation of the masonry so completely as I could have wished; but as there was little swell, I was enabled to form a tolerable judgment concerning the perfection with which it is executed, and this, I have the pleasure to say, is very favourable.
The Rock was nearly all cut last season, but several parts in the interior was hollow, and others appearing unsound, they could not be cut out without a serious expence in money, as well as a great loss of time. It was therefore judged preferable to make up these places with stone, and, accordingly, 17 stones have been let into different parts of the foundation, which brought the whole on which the Tower stands to a level; on which level, the first course of 12 inches was laid in August, and the outer-edge margin of this course, was nicely fitted all round to the rock, which, in every place except one, as I have been told by Mr Stevenson, projects higher than the upper part of it, by which, the base may be said to be completely indented into the Rock. Above this 12 inch course, two others, of 18 inches, have been laid, and it gives me great satisfaction to inform you, that they are done in a very complete manner, and the mortar, in all the outside joints, has not been at all affected by the sea beating upon it. A very small quantity was out of some of the inside joints, which, I am told, had arisen from the sea catching it (the weather being unfavourable) while the course was laying; this has been directed to be made up, and covered with Roman cement, which will render it as perfect as if no such thing had happened.
It is here proper to remark, that although the pozzolano mortar forms the best of all cements I have seen, yet it does not acquire a sufficient degree of induration to resist the effect of heavy waves for several weeks after it is used. The Roman, or Parker’s cement, acquires almost an immediate induration, capable of resisting the heavy waves; but it never acquires so great a degree of induration, nor does it bind the stones so well together as the pozzolano mortar ultimately does. Its use, therefore, is to guard or preserve the pozzolano mortar until it has time to harden, which it does most effectually, and therefore every joint should be plastered over with this cement as soon as laid.
The place where the lower or 12 inch course is above the Rock, should be made up with stone of the same quality as the Rock itself. These stones should be dove-tailed into the rock, and laid with pozzolano mortar, secured by the Roman cement, the same as the other; for if done with harder stone (should the rock waste at all) it would resist the waves better than the soft, and occasion a more speedy waste of the other parts of the Rock than the Tower. All the protuberances of the Rock round the base of the Tower, should likewise be cut off, and smoothed, so as to form a regular curve at the base of the Tower, by this means there will be no place for the waves to catch, and their action will be regular on the whole, and I have no doubt, when so done, there will be little or no wasting in the rock itself.
The operations in the work-yard seem to be proceeding with much regularity, and there is a good stock of materials now there. Two courses are nearly completed on the platform, and as the diameter of the Tower diminishes fast, I have little doubt that there will be several other courses ready by the season that the work can with safety be resumed on the Rock; so that if the next season is at all favourable, I would fain hope the whole solid part of the Tower may be completed; every course of stone will raise it so much above the rock, and, of course, prolong the time of working a tide, until it is above the top of the springs, and then, if materials can be landed at the rock in sufficient quantity, the laying of them on the Tower will proceed with little or no interruption.
To secure a regular supply, another Praam or Stone-lighter should be got ready by the end of April next. Mr Stevenson has already received proposals for the building of one, and the sooner it is set about the better. It will also be necessary to build or hire another vessel, to assist the Smeaton in carrying out the stones from the work-yard; I apprehend it will be best to hire a vessel for that purpose, as the services required of her will be of short duration. About 10 tons more of pozzolano will probably be wanted, and this I have been able to procure through the friendship of the Hull Dock Company; it is already ground, and now lying there to be shipped. A small additional quantity of Aberthaw limestone is likewise to be procured, by the kelp-vessels that trade to Bristol, as a return freight.
It happens, rather unfortunately, that some of the granite quarries about Aberdeen have veins of a soft sort, which I have reason to believe decomposes with the sea and weather. Some of these stones have, unluckily, been sent to the work-yard. My decided opinion is, that all of this kind should be laid aside for the out-side work, and others of a good quality procured in their place. They can be substituted for the Dundee stone, and, therefore, although some loss will by this means be sustained, it will, on the whole, be trivial. I am, Gentlemen, your most humble servant,
(Signed) JOHN RENNIE.
To the Honourable the Commissioners} of the Northern Light-houses. }
No. V.
REMARKS relative to the Ground-swells of the Sea.
[Sidenote: Wasting Effects of the Ocean.]
In the Memoirs of the Wernerian Natural History Society, Vol. III. p. 814., and in the Edinburgh Philosophical Journal, Vol. III. p. 42., the subject of the Wasting Effects of the Sea upon the firm ground, is variously treated by the writer; and is here alluded to, in reference to the production of the appearance termed a Ground-swell, so often observed on our shores. In these papers it has been assumed, that the German Ocean, or North Sea, bounded partly by the coasts of Great Britain, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Holland, and France, as will be seen from Plate III., is almost every where wasting and extending its margin, upon the principle of its forming the great receptacle for all the debris of the surrounding countries above mentioned, which have a direct tendency to lessen its capacity for containing the waters which flow into it from the Atlantic, by the apertures between the shores of Scotland and Norway, towards the north, and between Dover and Calais, to the south. These passages may respectively be conceived as admitting a constant quantity, while this great basin is continually receiving the debris of the extensive tracts of country which surround it, through the medium of the innumerable rivers and streams that fall into it.
[Sidenote: Wasting Effects of the Ocean.]
Upon similar principles, the extensive lakes of interior countries become so many receptacles for the debris of their respective districts; and must in the lapse of time, contain less water, in proportion to the cubical contents of solid matters carried into them. So it is upon the great scale with the basin of the North Sea, from the extensive banks deposited therein, which lessen its capacity, and thereby give a tendency to the water which flows into it to overflow and waste its margin, producing, under various modifications, those heavy swells in the Sea to which we now allude. With this state of things in view, we may now inquire into the effects of the storms which agitate the waters of the Atlantic, and reach our shores only in the form of what has been significantly termed a Ground-swell; which may partly be illustrated from the storm described in page 312. of this work. We accordingly find the waters of the North Sea often in an agitated state, without any apparent cause, though no doubt proceeding from distant storms at sea. Hence, a continued gale from the westward, passing along the Atlantic Ocean, overcharges all the seas and inlets communicating immediately with it. Under these circumstances, although the surface of the North Sea be comparatively smooth, yet having acquired motion to a considerable depth from the distant storm, it continues to produce the effect of a Ground-swell for a considerable period. A swell of this description is almost constantly observable in the Bay of Biscay, owing to its exposure to the Atlantic, and from the configuration of the bounding land between Cape Finesterre in Spain, Ushant in France, and the relative position of the British Isles. Here the Ground-swells, proceeding from the same cause as those of the North Sea, are either the precursors of a gale of wind, or the effects of one which does not reach us.
Similar, though less evident effects, are produced by gales of wind which may be conceived to be confined to the boundary of the North Sea itself. Hence the heavy waves which often break upon the eastern shores of Great Britain, without any apparent cause at the time, are afterwards found to arise from storms at sea. But the heaviest Ground-swells of the North Sea are produced by gales from the north-east, which proceed in a progressive manner along the inclined plane of its bed, until the waves, by impinging upon the bottom and sides of the firm ground, are so disturbed that they ultimately cease, after wasting the whole extent of the shores, and sometimes causing the most destructive effects upon the coast of Holland, forming the southern extremity of this great basin.
No. VI.
[Sidenote: Materials.]
SCHEDULE, containing an Enumeration of the MATERIALS used in the Erection of the Bell Rock Light-House.
Key: A Total 90 +--+---+----+----+-----+--------+---+----+----+-----+-----+--------+ |Course. | |Granite | | |in Pieces. | | | |Sandstone | | | |in Pieces. | | | | |Granite in | | | | |cubic feet. | | | | | |Sandstone in | | | | | |cubic feet. | | | | | | |Tons of Sandstone | | | | | | |and Granite. | | | | | | | |Sandstone | | | | | | | |Joggles. | | | | | | | | |Oak | | | | | | | | |Trenails. | | | | | | | | | |Oak Wedges | | | | | | | | | |in pairs. | | | | | | | | | | |Pozzolano | | | | | | | | | | |in Barrels. | | | | | | | | | | | |Lime in | | | | | | | | | | | |Barrels. | | | | | | | | | | | | |Sand in | | | | | | | | | | | | |Barrels.| ---+---+----+----+-----+--------+---+----+----+-----+-----+--------+ | 1| 4| 14| 6| 146| 10.891| | | | 1.5| 2.2| 1.1| | 2| 52| 71| 508| 876| 101.648| 13| 246| 378| 13.6| 19.9| 10.7| | 3| 52| 84| 808| 1269| 152.797| 13| 246| 437| 16.9| 24.8| 13.3| | 4| 52| 71| 696| 1009| 125.609| 13| 246| 400| 14.5| 21.2| 11.4| | 5| 53| 54| 593| 849| 106.258| 13| 212| 336| 12.5| 18.3| 9.8| | 6| 26| 71| 492| 790| 94.275| 13| 194| 270| 11.8| 17.2| 9.2| | 7| 26| 58| 238| 767| 73.094| 13| 168| 242| 8.3| 12.3| 6.6| | 8| 26| 45| 196| 547| 54.148| 13| 142| 268| 7.4| 11.0| 5.8| | 9| 26| 45| 264| 426| 50.737| 13| 142| 229| 6.3| 9.3| 5.0| |10| 26| 45| 292| 606| 65.748| 13| 142| 229| 7.6| 11.0| 5.9| |11| 26| 45| 339| 363| 52.006| 13| 142| 229| 6.3| 9.3| 5.0| |12| 16| 37| 160| 462| 45.308| 8| 108| 184| 5.7| 8.4| 4.5| |13| 16| 37| 194| 347| 39.709| 8| 108| 184| 5.0| 7.4| 3.9| |14| 16| 37| 168| 329| 36.423| 8| 108| 184| 4.8| 7.0| 3.7| |15| 16| 37| 188| 301| 35.962| 8| 108| 184| 4.6| 6.8| 3.6| |16| 16| 37| 153| 321| 34.698| 8| 108| 184| 4.7| 6.9| 3.7| |17| 16| 37| 182| 308| 36.000| 8| 103| 184| 4.7| 6.9| 3.7| |18| 16| 37| 153| 297| 32.983| 8| 108| 184| 4.4| 6.4| 3.4| |19| 16| 37| 180| 304| 35.560| 8| 108| 184| 4.5| 6.6| 3.5| |20| 16| 29| 196| 308| 37.077| 8| 108| 152| 4.3| 6.3| 3.4| |21| 16| 29| 211| 264| 35.088| 8| 92| 152| 4.2| 6.1| 3.2| |22| 16| 29| 100| 311| 29.906| 8| 92| 152| 3.9| 5.7| 3.0| |23| 16| 29| 177| 238| 30.615| 8| 92| 152| 3.9| 5.7| 3.0| |24| 16| 29| 147| 303| 32.951| 8| 92| 152| 3.9| 5.6| 3.0| |25| 16| 29| 149| 235| 28.248| 8| 92| 152| 3.5| 5.2| 2.8| |26| 6| 39| 142| 250| 28.780| 8| 92| 152| 3.5| 5.2| 2.8| |27| | 38| | 315| 22.500| 8| 79| 67| 3.0| 4.4| 2.4| |28| | 33| | 259| 18.500| 8| 66| 58| 2.8| 4.1| 2.2| |29| | 26| | 236| 16.857| 8| 54| 61| 2.9| 4.2| 2.2| |30| | 26| | 249| 17.786| 8| 52| 54| 2.4| 3.4| 1.8| |31| | 25| | 238| 17.000| 8| 50| 68| 2.2| 3.3| 1.8| |32| | 26| | 274| 19.571| 8| 52| 69| 2.3| 3.3| 1.8| |33| | 28| | 302| 21.571| 8| 56| 78| 2.6| 3.8| 2.0| |34| | 30| | 296| 21.143| 8| 60| 80| 2.7| 4.0| 2.1| |35| | 32| | 271| 19.357| 8| 64| 80| 3.0| 4.5| 2.4| |36| | 32| | 266| 19.000| 8| 64| 80| 2.5| 3.7| 2.0| |37| | 32| | 279| 19.929| 8| 64| 80| 2.3| 3.5| 1.8| |38| | 24| | 275| 19.643| | | | 1.5| 2.2| 2.0| |39| | 16| | 138| 9.857| | | | 1.2| 1.8| 1.6| |40| | 16| | 136| 9.714| | | | 1.2| 1.7| 1.5| |41| | 14| | 133| 9.500| | | | 1.1| 1.6| 1.4| |42| | 14| | 142| 10.143| | | | 1.1| 1.6| 1.4| |43| | 16| | 140| 10.000| | | | 1.1| 1.6| 1.4| |44| | 16| | 139| 9.929| | | | 1.2| 1.8| 1.6| |45| | 16| | 135| 9.643| | | | 1.1| 1.7| 1.4| |46| | 16| | 132| 9.429| | | | 1.1| 1.6| 1.4| |47| | 18| | 261| 18.643| 16| | 64| 2.0| 3.0| 1.5| |48| | 16| | 118| 8.429| | | | 1.0| 1.5| 0.8| |49| | 16| | 115| 8.214| | | | 1.0| 1.5| 0.8| |50| | 14| | 114| 8.143| | | | 1.0| 1.5| 0.8| |51| | 14| | 123| 8.786| | | | 0.9| 1.4| 0.7| |52| | 16| | 122| 8.714| | | | 0.9| 1.4| 0.7| |53| | 16| | 115| 8.214| | | | 1.0| 1.5| 0.8| |54| | 16| | 113| 8.072| | | | 1.0| 1.5| 0.8| |55| | 16| | 102| 7.286| | | | 0.9| 1.4| 0.7| |56| | 18| | 258| 18.428| 16| | 64| 2.0| 3.1| 1.5| |57| | 16| | 97| 6.929| | | | 0.9| 1.4| 0.7| |58| | 16| | 104| 7.429| | | | 0.9| 1.4| 0.7| |59| | 14| | 96| 6.857| | | | 0.9| 1.4| 0.7| |60| | 14| | 102| 7.286| | | | 0.7| 1.1| 0.5| |61| | 16| | 100| 7.143| | | | 0.8| 1.2| 0.6| |62| | 16| | 97| 6.929| | | | 0.8| 1.3| 0.6| |63| | 16| | 90| 6.429| | | | 0.7| 1.1| 0.5| |64| | 16| | 86| 6.143| | | | 2.0| 3.1| 1.5| |65| | 18| | 228| 16.288| 16| | 64| 0.6| 0.9| 0.4| |66| | 16| | 83| 5.929| | | | 0.7| 1.0| 0.5| |67| | 16| | 82| 5.859| | | | 0.6| 0.9| 0.4| |68| | 16| | 88| 6.286| | | | 0.4| 0.7| 0.3| |69| | 12| | 76| 5.429| | | | 0.6| 0.9| 0.4| |70| | 16| | 74| 5.286| | | | 0.6| 0.9| 0.4| |71| | 16| | 95| 6.786| | | | 1.0| 1.5| 0.8| |72| | 16| | 77| 5.500| | | | 2.0| 3.1| 1.5| |73| | 16| | 75| 5.357| | | | 2.5| 3.7| 2.0| |74| | 18| | 225| 16.071| 16| | 64| 2.0| 3.1| 1.5| |75| | 16| | 73| 5.216| | | | 0.6| 0.8| 0.4| |76| | 16| | 73| 5.216| | | | 0.7| 1.1| 0.5| |77| | 16| | 82| 5.859| | | | 0.6| 0.7| 0.4| |78| | 12| | 62| 4.429| | | | 0.5| 0.7| 0.4| |79| | 12| | 62| 4.429| | | | 0.6| 0.9| 0.4| |80| | 12| | 75| 5.357| | | | 0.6| 0.9| 0.4| |81| | 16| | 70| 5.000| | | | 1.0| 1.5| 0.8| |82| | 16| | 181| 12.929| | | | 1.0| 1.5| 0.8| |83| | 16| | 190| 13.571| 16| | | 2.0| 3.1| 1.5| |84| | 16| | 257| 18.357| 16| | | 2.0| 3.1| 1.5| |85| | 16| | 298| 21.286| 16| | | 2.5| 3.7| 2.0| |86| | 8| | 62| 4.429| | | | 0.4| 0.7| 0.3| |87| | 8| | 60| 4.286| | | | 0.4| 0.6| 0.3| |88| | 8| | 56| 4.000| | | | 0.3| 0.6| 0.2| |89| | 8| | 52| 3.716| | | | 0.3| 0.5| 0.2| |90| | 8| | 48| 3.429| | | | 0.2| 0.5| 0.1| +--+---+----+----+-----+--------+---+----+----+-----+-----+--------+ |A |599|2236|6932|21598|2075.945|450|4065|6585|255.0|377.9| 204.5| +--+---+----+----+-----+--------+---+----+----+-----+-----+--------+
Masonry, 2075.945 Lantern, and its Apparatus, 7.500 -------- Total in Tons, 2083.445
In this Table, 13 cubic feet are allowed to a ton of Granite, and 14 cubic feet to a ton of Sandstone.
[Sidenote: Workmanship.]
SCHEDULE, shewing the Extent and Description of WORK executed on the Sandstone and Granite employed in the Erection of the Bell Rock Light-house.
Key: A Total 90
+ |Course. | |Granite Beds | |and Joints | |in superficial | |feet. | | |Sandstone | | |Beds and | | |Joints in | | |sup. feet. | | | |Granite | | | |face-work | | | |in superficial | | | |feet. | | | | |Sandstone | | | | |face-work. | | | | | |Sandstone | | | | | |polish-work. | | | | | | |Granite | | | | | | |boring in | | | | | | |lineal | | | | | | |feet. | | | | | | | |Sandstone | | | | | | | |boring in | | | | | | | |lineal | | | | | | | |feet. | | | | | | | | |Granite | | | | | | | | |wedge | | | | | | | | |grooves in | | | | | | | | |lin. feet. | | | | | | | | | |Sandstone | | | | | | | | | |wedge | | | | | | | | | |grooves in | | | | | | | | | |lin. feet. | | | | | | | | | | |Granite | | | | | | | | | | |Lewis | | | | | | | | | | |holes. | | | | | | | | | | | |Sand- stone | | | | | | | | | | | |Lewis | | | | | | | | | | | |holes. +--+-----+-----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+ --+----+ |1 | | 500 | | | | | | | | | 18 | |2 |1165 |3354 |132 | | |156 |264 |208 |170 | 2 | 71 | |3 |2472 |3141 |275 | | |208 |325 |260 |421 | 2 | 84 | |4 |1832 |2980 |265 | | |208 |325 |300 |300 | 2 | 71 | |5 |1735 |2406 |220 | | |208 |251 |300 |204 | 2 | 54 | |6 |1120 |2788 |196 | | |104 |316 |156 |349 | 6 | 71 | |7 | 679 |2100 |159 | | | 69 |267 |138 |185 | 6 | 58 | |8 | 613 |1858 |110 | | | 78 |184 |104 |164 | 6 | 45 | |9 | 750 |1359 |113 | | | 82 |166 |113 |125 | 6 | 45 | |10| 626 |1887 |111 | | | 87 |173 |112 |145 | 6 | 45 | |11| 898 |1216 |114 | | | 91 |181 |130 |156 | 6 | 45 | |12| 519 |1394 | 90 | | | 51 |125 | 69 |120 | 6 | 37 | |13| 522 |1157 | 87 | | | 51 |125 | 69 |120 | 6 | 37 | |14| 443 |1148 | 86 | | | 51 |125 | 69 |120 | 6 | 37 | |15| 539 | 997 | 84 | | | 51 |125 | 69 |120 | 6 | 37 | |16| 448 |1123 | 82 | | | 51 |125 | 69 |120 | 6 | 37 | |17| 484 |1093 | 80 | | | 51 |125 | 69 |120 | 6 | 37 | |18| 430 |1036 | 79 | | | 51 |125 | 69 |120 | 6 | 37 | |19| 467 |1023 | 84 | | | 56 |134 | 74 |129 | 6 | 37 | |20| 484 | 952 | 89 | | | 56 |110 | 80 |114 | 6 | 29 | |21| 513 | 872 | 87 | | | 56 |110 | 80 |114 | 6 | 29 | |22| 319 | 981 | 82 | | | 53 |113 | 76 |118 | 6 | 29 | |23| 464 | 829 | 78 | | | 53 |113 | 76 |118 | 6 | 29 | |24| 361 | 926 | 88 | | | 59 |107 | 83 |111 | 6 | 29 | |25| 388 | 802 | 77 | | | 56 |110 | 80 |114 | 6 | 29 | |26| 370 | 818 | 76 | | | 56 |110 | 80 |114 | 6 | 39 | |27| |1017 | | 70 | 36 | |130 | | 78 | | 38 | |28| | 943 | | 62 | 31 | | 99 | | 58 | | 33 | |29| | 956 | | 61 | 31 | | 81 | | 61 | | 26 | |30| | 785 | | 61 | 30 | | 78 | | 54 | | 26 | |31| | 754 | | 60 | 30 | | 75 | | 68 | | 25 | |32| | 762 | | 70 | 35 | | 87 | | 80 | | 26 | |33| | 868 | | 73 | 47 | | 98 | | 97 | | 28 | |34| | 908 | | 68 | 23 | |100 | | 93 | | 30 | |35| |1022 | | 68 | 23 | |106 | | 93 | | 32 | |36| | 854 | | 64 | 21 | |106 | | 86 | | 32 | |37| | 782 | | 71 | 25 | |112 | |100 | | 32 | |38| | 502 | | 70 |111 | | 24 | | | | | |39| | 421 | | 56 | 37 | | 16 | | | | | |40| | 417 | | 56 | 37 | | 16 | | | | | |41| | 391 | | 55 | 37 | | 14 | | | | | |42| | 372 | | 60 | 44 | | 14 | | | | | |43| | 383 | | 60 | 44 | | | | | | 16 | |44| | 409 | | 59 | 40 | | | | | | 16 | |45| | 395 | | 59 | 40 | | | | | | 16 | |46| | 388 | | 58 | 40 | | | | | | 16 | |47| | 685 | | 67 |231 | | | | 80 | | 18 | |48| | 361 | | 54 | 38 | | | | | | 16 | |49| | 352 | | 54 | 38 | | | | | | 16 | |50| | 335 | | 54 | 52 | | | | | | 14 | |51| | 322 | | 64 | 44 | | | | | | 14 | |52| | 315 | | 64 | 44 | | | | | | 16 | |53| | 335 | | 58 | 49 | | | | | | 16 | |54| | 339 | | 58 | 41 | | | | | | 16 | |55| | 318 | | 54 | 38 | | | | | | 16 | |56| | 672 | | 65 |231 | | | | 80 | | 18 | |57| | 320 | | 51 | 38 | | | | | | 16 | |58| | 318 | | 51 | 38 | | | | | | 16 | |59| | 301 | | 51 | 48 | | | | | | 14 | |60| | 250 | | 60 | 41 | | | | | | 14 | |61| | 273 | | 60 | 41 | | | | | | 16 | |62| | 298 | | 55 | 49 | | | | | | 16 | |63| | 294 | | 51 | 41 | | | | | | 16 | |64| | 294 | | 51 | 41 | | | | | | 16 | |65| | 645 | | 55 |231 | | | | 80 | | 18 | |66| | 277 | | 49 | 38 | | | | | | 16 | |67| | 274 | | 49 | 38 | | | | | | 16 | |68| | 250 | | 53 | 57 | | | | | | 16 | |69| | 192 | | 43 | 61 | | | | | | 12 | |70| | 198 | | 43 | 61 | | | | | | 16 | |71| | 282 | | 57 | 44 | | | | | | 16 | |72| | 259 | | 49 | 38 | | | | | | 16 | |73| | 254 | | 49 | 38 | | | | | | 16 | |74| | 645 | | 51 |247 | | | | 80 | | 18 | |75| | 209 | | 45 | 45 | | | | | | 16 | |76| | 247 | | 53 | 41 | | | | | | 16 | |77| | 226 | | 57 | 52 | | | | | | 16 | |78| | 165 | | 54 | 61 | | | | | | 12 | |79| | 221 | | 54 | 61 | | | | | | 12 | |80| | 225 | | 52 | 49 | | | | | | 12 | |81| | 368 | | | 49 | 38 | | | | | 16 | |82| | 679 | | |115 | | | | | | 16 | |83| | 846 | | |160 | | | | | | 16 | |84| | 671 | | |148 | | | | | | 16 | |85| | 165 | | |399 | | | | | | 16 | |86| | 157 | | | 92 | | | | | | 8 | |87| | 147 | | | 91 | | | | | | 8 | |88| | 138 | | | 90 | | | | | | 8 | |89| | 129 | | | 89 | | | | | | 8 | |90| | 120 | | | 88 | | | | | | 8 | +--+-----+-----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+---+----+ |A |18641|66440|2944|3145|4377|2093|5306|2933|5179|594|2240| +--+-----+-----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+---+----+
No. VII.
ABSTRACT-ACCOUNT OF THE EXPENCE OF ERECTING THE BELL-ROCK LIGHT-HOUSE, AND OF EXECUTING THE ULTERIOR WORKS CONNECTED WITH THAT ESTABLISHMENT.
WAGES AND PREMIUMS.
Wages of artificers while off at the Bell Rock, and in the work-yards at Arbroath and Edinburgh, where the stones were cut and prepared in regular courses, L.11,980 15 8
Premiums to artificers for Sundays’ work and extra hours upon the Rock, and in the Work-yard at Arbroath, 998 14 9
Premiums to seamen, including Sundays’ work at the Bell Rock, 473 5 6
Note.--Masons and smiths were paid at the rate of 3s. 4d.,--mill-wrights 3s. 6d.,--joiners 3s., and labourers at from 2s. 2d. to 2s. 8d. per day; besides lodgings ashore, and victuals while afloat.--The premiums paid to artificers were at the rate of 6d. per hour for extra time; eight hours constituting a day’s work at the Rock.--The seamen were paid at the same rate on Sundays as on week days.
Amount for wages and premiums to artificers, and including premiums to seamen, ---- L. 13,452 15 11
BUILDING MATERIALS.
35,952 cubic feet of Sandstone from Mylnefield quarry, dressed to the quarry-moulds, and put on ship-board, L. 3,412 18 5
Extra dressing in reducing the courses to regular thicknesses at Mylnfield, 667 2 8
1700 cubic feet of sandstone from Craigleith Quarry for the cornice and parapet wall of the Light-room, 200 0 10
13,964 cubic feet of granite from Rubieslaw and other quarries at Aberdeen, and from Cairngall near Peterhead, 1,979 1 4
Extra dressing in reducing the granite stones to the quarry-moulds, and to regular thicknesses, to suit the respective courses, including cartage and charges of shipping, 1,291 7 2½
40 Tons of Pozzolano-earth in casks, 398 3 4
60 Tons of Aberthaw-limestone, including freight from South Wales, 78 14 2
100 Bushels Parker’s or Roman cement, including casks and shipping charges, 43 12 0
6 Tons of Tarras, including casks and shipping charges, 52 19 10
Casks for carrying lime and sand from the workyard to the Bell Rock, 38 3 3
4824 oaken trenails, from 21 to 24 inches and 6195 oaken wedges, from 12 to 18 inches in length, 216 1 6
Note.--The quarry price of Sandstone varied from 1s. to 2s. 9d., and Granite from 1s. 3d. to 5s. per cubic foot. Pozzolano from L. 6 to L. 14 per ton. Tarras from L. 6, 10s. to L. 11 per ton. Limestone was 1s. per ton. Cement varied from 5s. to 6s. 6d. per bushel; oaken trenails from L. 1 to L. 5 per hundred, and wedges were L. 1: 6: 6 per hundred.
Amount for Building Materials, ---- 8,378 4 1½
IMPLEMENTS AND MACHINERY FOR THE WORKS, INCLUDING BEACON-HOUSE, CAST-IRON RAILWAYS, &c. &c. (SEE PLATES VIII., IX., X., XIV., XVII., AND XVIII.)
4662 cubic feet of Memel and Swedish timber, and 480 Petersburgh deals for the use of the Beacon-house, cast-iron Railways and wharfs upon the Bell Rock, and for making moulds for the stone-cutters, L. 1,436 19 7
69 tons 9 cwt. of cast-iron for Railways, 812 15 11
25,893 lb. malleable iron in stanchions, bats, knees, stays, bracing-chains, screw and spear bolts, including other apparatus for the use of the Beacon-house and Railways, 1,244 3 7
19 Tons 13 cwt. 2 qrs. 3 lb. cast-iron, 14,002 lb. malleable iron, and 505 lb. of brass for cranes, winch-machines, and other apparatus, 1,191 14 7½
Cordage for cranes, &c. 409 1 0
Two large Sling or Woolwich-carts, for conveying large blocks of stone, fitted up with wheel and pinion-work for slinging or lifting the stones off the ground, 150 3 6
15,446 lb. quarry and stone-cutters’ tools; 11,934 lb. malleable iron, and 771 lb. steel, used in the work-yard; exclusively of tools, nails, and other furnishings connected with joiners’ and smiths’ shops; but including stone-jacks and common carts used in work-yard, &c. &c., 1,567 10 1½
Note.--The price of fir-timber varied from 3s. to 5s. 6d. per cubic foot; cast-iron from L. 10, 10s. to L. 23:6:8 per ton; chains and axles, &c. 6½d. to 1s. per lb.; quarry and stone-cutters tools from 6d. to 10d. per lb.; Swedish and British bar-iron from L. 21 to L. 29 per ton. Steel was 7d. per lb., and brass 1s. 10d. per lb.
Amount for Machinery, &c. ---- 6,812 8 4
SHIPPING.
Price of the hull of a Prussian fishing-dogger, L. 250 0 2
Carpenter-work, altering and fitting up the dogger as the Pharos Floating-light, 1,397 12 8
Two sets of chains, with mushroom anchors, spare shackles and swivels, &c., for mooring her off the Bell Rock, the whole weighing about 13,083 lb. of malleable, and 3200 lb. of cast-iron, 462 9 4
Outfit in hempen cables, sails and rigging, including 11 tons cast-iron, ballast, ship-hearth, cabin-stoves, alarm-bell, &c., 1,664 2 3
Three large copper lanterns, glazed with plate glass, (so constructed, that the ship’s masts passed through them), fitted with brass chandeliers for 60 agitable-lamps, each having a small silvered-copper reflector, 397 1 2½
Freight of a vessel, and expence of laying down the moorings for the Floating-light, 81 5 6
Wear and tear of the Floating-light riding off the Bell Rock, from July 1807 till February 1811, 1,059 11 5½
Advertising the mooring and exhibition of the Floating-light, generally, in the Newspapers of the United Kingdom, 227 18 9
Victualling the crew of the Floating-light, including occasional subsisting money and board-wages while ashore, 1,149 18 7
Pay of the master, mate, principal and assistant light-keepers, and seven seamen, from 1807 to March 1811, 1,632 12 8
---- 8,322 12 5
First Cost and Outfit of the Sir Joseph Banks Tender of 84 tons register, the Sloop Smeaton of 42 tons, the Sloop Patriot of 46 tons, and of four Stone Lighters of about 15 tons each, including wear and tear during the progress of the works, L. 5,436 9 7½
Bedding for seamen and artificers during the progress of the works, 349 7 2
Victualling seamen and artificers afloat, including occasional subsisting money for seamen while ashore, 2,930 12 7½
Pay of the masters, mates, and seamen of the respective vessels, 2,434 2 2
Freight of hired vessels bringing stone from Mylnefield, Aberdeen, and Peterhead quarries, and timber and cast-iron from Leith and other ports to Arbroath, 930 17 11
Port charges and sailing disbursements of the several vessels, 358 8 4½
Insurance of Shipping, effected only for a limited period, 647 12 6
14 Mushroom Anchors, weighing 13 tons 7 cwts. 0 qrs. 10 lb. of cast-iron, 235 15 8
28,456 lb. malleable iron, in mooring-chains, shanks of mushroom-anchors, spare swivels and shackles, 891 11 2
16 Large mooring buoys of coopers’ work, and one of carpenters’ work, 456 19 2
Note.--Pay of the masters of the respective vessels in the service was from L. 5 to L. 6, 6s., mates from L. 4 to L. 5, 5s., principal light-keeper L. 5, 5s., assistant light-keeper L. 3, 15s., seamen from L. 2, 10s. to L. 3, 15s. per month. Officers’ occasional subsisting money 2s., and seamens’ 1s. 8d. per day.
The price of the hulls of the vessels were from L. 9, 15s. to L. 10 per ton, and cordage from L. 77 to L. 130 per ton; cordage subject to a discount of 7½ per cent.; other articles generally to 5 per cent.
Amount for shipping, ---- 14,671 16 4½
LIGHT-ROOM, &c. (See Plates XVI. and XX.)
Lantern or Light-room with tinned copper roof, 8 cast-iron sashes, 8 feet in height, glazed with 48 squares of plate-glass, measuring 13½ by 26¾ inches. Malleable iron stays, copper rings, flag-staff, and signal-ball, &c. L. 1,135 1 11
24 Reflectors raised to the parabolic-curve, made from copper plated, in the proportion of 6 oz. of silver to each lb. of copper; arranged upon a malleable iron chandelier, furnished with brass fountains, and argand burners, including a train of Revolving-machinery, and two alarm-bells, set upon tripods on the balcony, &c. 1,287 17 2
Balcony-railing of cast-iron, with brass supports and top-rail; and a conductor or thunder-rod extending, from the Light-room to the Rock, 216 0 3
Amount of Light-room, &c. ---- 2,638 19 4
ULTERIOR WORKS, &c. (See Plate XII.)
Finishing and Completing the interior of the Light-house, with wainscot partitions,--doors,-- trap-ladders,--furniture of oaken-timber for the several apartments,--kitchen range with cast-iron chimney,--tinned-copper oil cisterns--brass and copper bolts and hinges for doors,--window-shutters,--brasslocks,--brass hand-rails for inside stairs,--water-cisterns, and coal magazines, &c. L. 1,489 16 6
Erecting permanent Railways upon the Bell Rock, improving the wharfs or landing places, and removing the Beacon-house, 1,338 16 6
Houses erected for the families of the light-keepers and seamen of the Tender, signal-tower, store-houses, and sea-wall, at Arbroath, 4,500 8 3
The price of about 1½ acre of ground for a garden, trenching, and enclosing it for the use of the light-keepers, and seamen, and their families, 1,158 18 10
The price of a pew of 14 sittings in the parish-church of Arbroath, for the use of the Light-keepers and their families, 52 10 0
Note.--Wainscot 7s. 6d. per foot, brass 1s. 8d. to 2s. per lb.
Amount for Ulterior Works, ---- 8,540 10 1
INCIDENTS.
Expence of Act of Parliament, L. 548 8 0
Travelling charges connected with the work, 312 14 7
Incidental charges for stamps and postages, including letters for artificers afloat, salary for Engineer’s clerk, &c. 882 5 1
Advertising the exhibition of the Light upon the Bell Rock, and the discontinuance of the Floating-light, on the 1st of February 1811, 219 10 3
The cost-price of the artificers barracks, platform of aisler-masonry for fitting the courses before shipping them to the Rock,--engineer’s office,--smith and joiner’s shops,--store-house and stable, estimated at 1,255 5 6
Rent of the work-yard, and compensation to the landlord for taking it off the hands of the Commissioners before the expiry of the lease, 174 19 6
Price, hire, and keep of work-horses, 593 5 11½ 481 tons coals, used in the artificers’ barracks, smith’s-shop, lime-kiln in the work-yard, and at the beacon-house, &c. 347 4 2
Shore-dues upon materials for the Light-house, and other articles during the progress of the works, 270 9 6
57½ dozen of flambeaux, for night-work at the Bell Rock, 32 9 6
Stationery and books for Engineer’s office, and shipping, 134 10 8½
One five feet Achromatic-telescope with brass-stand, steadying-rods, two eye-tubes, a mahogany-stand with night-glass for signal-room, 35 1 0
Pension, and Sick lists for wages of artificers and seamen when off work, medical attendance, &c. 925 12 2
Superintendence of engineers, and plans, including L. 300 to Captain Brodie, 4,858 13 5
Interest upon L. 25,000 of Government loan, up to March 1810, 3,446 11 5
Treasury fees for Exchequer bonds, &c. 235 10 4
Note.--Price of coal 13s. 4d. to 19s. per ton. Oats from 20s. to 23s. per boll. Hay from 10½d. to 1s. 3d. per stone of 22 lb.
Amount for Incidents ---- 14,272 11 1
Amount of gross expenditure in erecting the Light-house, including Ulterior Works, L. 77,089 17 8
[Sidenote: Gross Expenditure.]
[Sidenote: Deductions.]
DEDUCTIONS.
For workmens’ barracks, implements, machinery, shipping and old materials, disposed of by public sale, or transferred to the Northern Light-houses for the general service of the Board, at the conclusion of the works.
By the price of the workmens’ barracks, storehouses and offices in the work-yard at Arbroath, L. 700 0 0
By old gable-walls, lime-house, and sundries in workyard, and engineer’s office, 52 8 2
By the price of three work horses and carts sold at different times, 86 0 0
By fulzie of stable and work-yard, 21 17 0
By stone-shivers sold by public sale at different times, including 232 cart loads for the use of the Roads in the vicinity of Arbroath, 48 4 6
By artificers’ time three weeks at Mylnefield, deducted from Quarry Account, 42 0 0
By two large Woolwich-carts, 55 0 0
By sundries, sold in the work-yard, by public sale, at the conclusion of the work, 121 16 5
By the price of two cast-iron cranes, in use upon the quays at Aberdeen and Arbroath, and a small boring-machine used in the work-yard, 273 3 0
By broken cast-iron railways, 97 19 0
By the price of drift timber recovered, 6 10 0
By a stone-waggon and quarry-tools, sold at Aberdeen, 15 13 0
By old brass and bell-metal, 12 16 9
By scrap-iron from the smith’s shop, 6 10 8
By sale of old timber, and the soil taken off the site of the light-keepers houses at Arbroath, 15 3 11
By the price of the Sir Joseph Banks Tender, 1,510 0 0
By the price of the Patriot, 400 0 0
By the price of an old boat and mast belonging to the Patriot, 12 0 0
By cash, in name of damages, in consequence of sap-wood in the Patriot’s hull, 80 0 0
By the amount of sales of sundry stores, 406 0 0
By the price of three praam-boats or stone-lighters, 193 0 0
By the price of the wreck of an old stone-lighter and boat, 10 10 0
By retaining-money paid during the winter months, to one of the seamen who left the service, 1 11 6
By interest upon the engineer’s deposit-account with the Dundee Banking Company at Arbroath, from the commencement till the conclusion of the works, 26 5 7
By return-freight of the sloop Smeaton, from Aberdeen to Arbroath, 18 18 0
By shipping, boats, machinery, implements, stores, and moorings, transferred to the general service of the Northern Light-houses, 3,222 8 7
By the nett cost and maintenance of the Floating-light deducted, as belonging to the general service of the Northern Light-houses, L. 7,901 10 7
By the price of the vessel and her stores when sold, 421 1 10 ---- 8,322 12 5
---- 15,758 8 6
Nett cost of the Bell Rock Light-house, and Ulterior Works connected with that establishment, L. 61,331 9 2 ===============
[Sidenote: Nett Cost.]
Extracted by LACHLAN KENNEDY, Engineer’s Clerk.
* * * * *
[Sidenote: Average Price of Provisions.]
Average Price of Provisions during the Period of the Bell Rock Works.
Beef 6d. per lb. of 17½ oz. avoirdupois. Ship-biscuit L. 1, 9s. per cwt. Quartern Loaf 13½d. per loaf, of 4 lb. 5½ oz. Oat-meal L. 1, 11s. per boll, of 140 lb. Barley 2½d. per lb. of 17½ oz. Butter 1s. 8d. per lb. of 24 oz. Salt 10s. per bushel, of 56 lb. Whisky 11s. per gallon. Small Beer 1s. 10d. per Scots gallon, of 8 Scots points.
DESCRIPTION OF PLATES.
DESCRIPTION of the PLATES, as they are mentioned in the Work.
PLATE I.
INCHKEITH LIGHT-HOUSE.
The Light-house of Inchkeith, delineated on Plate I. was erected while Mr THOMAS SMITH, the writer’s predecessor, held the situation of Engineer for the Northern Light-houses. A plan of it is given, as having been the first of these establishments erected upon the new principle; the Reflectors being illuminated with Argand-burners; the Light-room rendered completely fire-proof; and the Dwelling-house fitted for the accommodation of two keepers. But as this establishment is described in the introductory chapter, at page 24, and the names of the several apartments are marked upon the Plate, it seems unnecessary here to enter into detail.
PLATE II.
CARR ROCK BEACON.
[Sidenote: Pl. II.]
The Carr Rock Beacon is represented in Plate II. and referred to in the introduction at page 53. The diagram marked Figure 1. is an outline of the rock, shewing the position of the beacon, and plan of the first course of the building, made to a radius of nine feet, cut in a dove-tailed form, after the manner of the courses of the Edystone and Bell Rock Light-houses.
Figure 2. is a section of the rock on the line A, B, Fig. 1. with a perpendicular section also of a tower of masonry and apparatus, for tolling an alarm-bell, which was originally intended for this situation. In Fig. 2. letter a represents an aperture measuring 3 inches in diameter, which was perforated with much labour and care through a block of granite 7 feet in length, previously to its being laid. This canal was intended to admit the tidal-waters into the interior chamber of the building marked b, in which the flood-tide was to act upon an air-tight copper-tank, marked c, and its rod of connection formed into a rack with teeth, by which motion was to be given to a train of machinery, represented at d in the void of the building. The machine was to act on the vertical shaft e, connected with a series of hammers f, placed under the great bell g, which was to have measured 5 feet in diameter, and become the cupola or roof of the building. In this manner the bell was to be tolled to forewarn the mariner of his approach to the dangers of the Carr, and the other extensive ledges of sunken rocks in its neighbourhood. By the rise of the flood-tide, and consequent admission of the waters into the canal a, the tank c, with its connecting rod, not only lifted the bell-hammers f, and, at the same time, also elevated the weight marked h, which, in its descent during ebb-tide, was to have continued the motion of the machinery; and thus, by the alternate operation of the tides, the continual tolling of the Bell was to have been preserved.
It will further be seen from the section of this building, that the masonry of the solid is connected perpendicularly by means of stone-joggles inserted half into the one course and half into the other. But in the void or upper part, instead of the joggles, the bed-joints of the stones were let or sunk about an inch in depth, into each other, as at the Bell Rock, forming so many bands or girths to the work. This will be observed by narrowly examining the section at letter i, with its accompanying diagram Fig. 3., which represents a plan of one of the courses of the void, shewing how the stones were connected horizontally by a system of dove-tailing, as is further represented in Fig. 4., being a plan of a course at the level a, k, in which the perforation is delineated for the admission of the tidal-waters.
The ascent to this building was to have been by means of a ladder of cast-iron or flight of steps, marked a, i, l, fixed on the outward wall by means of screw-bolts fixed into brass-bats, sunk into the masonry, and run up with lead. The entrance-door of this building was formed in the cast-iron frame or pedestal on which the great bell was to have been supported, the access to the interior being by the balcony, round which a cast-iron rail was intended, not only for the safety of the keepers or occasional attendants, but also, in some measure, to defend the bell from the sprays of the sea.
Figure 5. represents the Pillar-formed Beacon, as finished at the Carr Rock in the year 1821. The lower part of this diagram is a perpendicular section of the rock on the line A B, Fig. 1. The masonry is also shewn with two of the six great malleable iron-bats or stancheons marked a in Fig. 5., which passing through the several courses, are sunk about 30 inches into the Rock. The upper part of this diagram represents a frame of cast-iron work, of great strength, fashioned somewhat after the manner of what seamen term a spar or spur beacon, from being made generally of timber, set up in the form of struts or spur-beams. The connection of this frame will be understood from the detached diagram Fig. 6., taken upon the line or level marked b in Fig. 5. From Figs. 5. and 6. it will be observed, that the beacon consists of 6 pipes or hollow tubes, marked letter A, which are inserted into the sockets c, in the sill-plate of Fig. 6, into which these hollow tubes are strongly wedged and keyed with culter or spear bolts, which pass through each of the sockets and base of the hollow tubes at c. Besides the main hollow tubes marked A, other six marked B, are set up as spurs or diagonals, which radiate from sockets cast in the centre of the sill-plate marked e. These diagonals are so situated, and connected by dove-tail or hook-joints, that they butt against the main tubes, and support them at f. The main tubes are further connected by means of horizontal bars of malleable iron, marked g in Fig. 5, laid into grooves formed in the arms of the cast-iron collars F, k, which clasp around the main tubes at these points, immediately above and below their connection with the diagonal tubes. These collars are also keyed with the main tubes by means of spear-bolts. At the point of junction d d, towards the top, the main tubes form segments of a common circle, and rest upon the centre block h, into which they are keyed and wedged. As a further security, a strong cast-iron tubular formed case, marked i i, is made to clasp around the whole upper parts of the main tubes at their point of junction d d, so as to form a girth to them. This tubular case or cap i i, is 8 feet in length, and terminates with a cast-iron ball marked m m, which is 3½ feet in diameter, formed into ribs, connected with the cap i i, by means of a socket, through which a spear-bolt passes, and binds it to the top of the tubular-case at the point l.
Fig. 6. represents the Ballast-plate, which forms the sill or basement of the superstructure. It contains about 8 tons of cast-iron, and is so constructed as to become a cap or girth to the upper course of the masonry which it is calculated to secure, by means of a flange of 6 inches in depth at the outward extremity, marked b b in Fig. 5, where it is let into the stone. This plate is cast in six pieces, connected together at the points m m m m m m, by means of screw-bolts of one and a half inch in diameter (with nuts), passing through flanges raised at the joints of its several compartments. At the points n n n n n n, there were six socket-holes, for the reception of the great stancheons or bolts, marked a a, Fig. 5, which, passing through the masonry, are sunk 30 inches into the Rock, where they are fixed at the lower ends with iron-wedges, driven home by means of a long iron-driver. The ballast-plate is connected with the upper ends of these great stancheons, by means of a shackle and bolt, in such a manner that the more exposed parts may be renewed. The whole is imbedded and run up with pozzolano-mortar, so as to preserve the several parts as much as possible from the effects of oxidation.
Fig. 7. represents a horizontal section of this beacon, on the line F F, shewing the connection of the horizontal malleable iron-bars or braces g g g g, which fit into the grooves of the arms of the collars, embracing the hollow tubes or pillars A A A A, and connecting them by means of spear-bolts at k k k k. The grooves in these arms are so formed as to command the braces, and to contain a quantity of Parker’s or Roman cement, by which the bolts are preserved from the effects of oxidation. These collars and arms, with their connecting malleable iron-bars, form a girth immediately above the diagonal struts or braces B B B, Fig. 5. A similar chain of connection is in like manner formed below the junction of these diagonal struts, with the main tubes, which, like those described above, has the effect of binding the whole fabric horizontally.
Fig. 8. is a horizontal section upon the line d d, delineated upon a scale of double the size of the other parts of the beacon, shewing the connection of the hollow tubes A A A A A A, at the top, where they change their cylindrical form into segments of a circle at the point of contact, so as to embrace the centre-block h h. The top of these tubes thus formed into a compact figure, is cased or covered with the cylindrical cap i i, through which the spear-bolts immediately above and below the points d d, in Fig. 5, are made to pass and bind the whole firmly together.
PLATE III.
GENERAL CHART, SHEWING THE RELATIVE POSITION OF THE BELL ROCK.
[Sidenote: Pl. III.]
This Plate is reduced from a manuscript-map in the possession of the writer, which is drawn upon a large scale, originally intended for exhibiting the depths of the German Ocean or North Sea, and the situations of the numerous Light-houses on the coasts of the United Kingdom, and opposite Continent, but is here given with the view of shewing the relative position of the Bell Rock.
The chief peculiarity of this map is the sectional lines, exhibiting at one view the relative depths of the ocean, in connection with a theory which the writer has advanced, regarding the wasting of the firm ground by the effects of the sea, as alluded to in Appendix V. These sectional lines, of a deeper shade, are drawn across the German Ocean, from shore to shore. As, for example, between Shetland and Norway, the greatest depth is ascertained to be about 140 fathoms, and so of other examples, extending southward as far as the Straits of Dover. The soundings are all marked in fathoms, and, in so far as regards the east coast of Scotland, have been very generally made from on board of the vessels belonging to the service of the Northern Lights. The forms given to the principal sand-banks, and the soundings in the central and eastern parts of this great basin, have been taken from the best maritime surveys, and nautical authorities. The numerous Light-houses on the respective coasts are coloured; those of Scotland being blue, England red, Ireland green, and the foreign Lights yellow.
PLATE IV.
CHART, SHEWING THE PARTICULAR POSITION OF THE BELL ROCK.
[Sidenote: Pl. IV.]
This chart is intended to shew the position of the Rock in reference to the opposite shores of Fife and Forfar, and to the entrances to the Friths of Forth and Tay. The most contiguous point of land, being in the immediate neighbourhood of Aberbrothwick, is distant about 11¾ miles. This chart also exhibits the depths of water, and the nature of the bottom, in the vicinity of the Rock.
PLATE V.
CHART OF THE BELL ROCK, SHEWING ITS POSITION RELATIVELY TO THE SHIPPING EMPLOYED AT THE WORK.
[Sidenote: Pl. V.]
This Plate represents the Rock at low-water of spring-tides, when that part of it which extends about 1000 feet in a south-western direction from the Light-house, may be traced by the appearance of some detached portions of rock, but chiefly from the sea-weeds which float at the surface of the water. Its greatest extent, in a north-eastern and south-western direction, is about 1400 feet, and in a south-eastern and a north-western direction about 240 feet.
KING GEORGE III.--This is an insulated rock which lies towards the south-eastern extremity of the Main or House Rock, and has been named in reference to the reign in which the Light-house was erected.
KING JAMES V.--is also a detached rock, forming the south-western extremity of the reef, which extends from the House-rock, and is named in reference to that Monarch’s memorable voyage round his dominions, about the year 1540, as alluded to in the Introduction, at page 4.
On the north-western side of the Rock, as nearly as may be, the figures of the respective vessels employed at the work are delineated, and the positions of their moorings laid down; with the exception of those of the Pharos Floating-light, whose bearing or direction is only to be understood, as the full distance at which she was ultimately moored would fall beyond the limits of the Plate. The house-part of the Rock is left bare at low-water of ordinary spring-tides, and at high-water of these tides it is from 10 to 12 feet under water; but during the storms of winter, the sea generally breaks over the whole surface of the rock, so as to render walking upon it impracticable, even in the lowest ebbs; while at high water, the sprays fly over the building, or rise to a height of upwards of 100 feet. The reef, which extends in a south-western direction from the House-rock, contains many Travellers or large boulder-stones; affording a proof that the Bell Rock has at one time been of greater dimensions than at present, and these detached stones may be regarded as part of the debris, which have been separated in the lapse of ages from the main Rock.
PLATE VI.
PLAN OF THE NORTH EASTERN PARTS OF THE BELL ROCK, SHEWING THE POSITION OF THE LIGHT-HOUSE, RAILWAYS, AND WHARFS, &c.
[Sidenote: Pl. VI.]
The description of this Plate, representing the higher parts of the Rock as seen at low-water of spring-tides, affords the writer an opportunity of mentioning many distinguished names connected either officially, or in a friendly manner, with the erection of the Light-house. In corresponding about the state of the Rock, he has often found the advantage of this particular nomenclature of its different parts, as affording a reference to all its localities.
SITE OF THE LIGHT-HOUSE, AND RAILWAY-TRACKS.--The site of the Light-house, which will be seen from the Plate, was fixed by the writer in a central position of what may be termed the House-Rock. From this, as a centre, the Railways ramify in various directions. Upon these the materials for the erection of the house were conveyed, and they are still partly preserved, as convenient foot-paths and wharfs, in landing stores for the Light-house. The portions of the Railway-tracks marked with light dotted lines, were only used during the continuation of the works; while those of a deeper shade represent the permanent railways.
SITE OF CAPTAIN BRODIE’S BEACON.--The late Captain Joseph Brodie, of the Royal Navy, was perhaps not less known to the public as the fortunate bearer of Lord Duncan’s dispatches announcing the victory obtained by the British fleet off Camperdown, than for his unwearied exertions in keeping up the interest of the public, relative to the important results to navigation which would attend the erection of a Light-house upon the Bell Rock, of which notice is taken at page 88.
SITE OF MR STEVENSON’S BEACON.--The position of the Beacon or temporary erection delineated in Plate VIII., was fixed upon the southern side of the site of the Light-house, with the ultimate view of obtaining shelter from the breach of the north-east seas. It was farther important, for the conveniency it afforded of a communication during the progress of the works, by means of a wooden bridge, which will be understood by examining Plate XVIII.
HALDANE’S LEDGE--is situate on the south-eastern side of the Rock, where the writer made his first landing with his friend Mr James Haldane, architect, as noticed at page 91.
GRAY’S ROCK.--Toward the eastern side of the Rock, there is a small outlier, or reef, important as a low-water-mark, which is named Gray’s Rock, in compliment to the late Mr John Gray, Writer to the Signet, and the first Secretary to the Light-house Board, as noticed in the Introduction, page 5.
SMITH’S ROCK,--situate on the eastern side of the Light-house, derives its name from the late Mr Thomas Smith, who introduced Reflecting-Lights upon the coast of Scotland; and was the first Engineer to the Board, as noticed at page 7.
CUNINGHAM’S LEDGE.--This ledge of rock has its name from Mr Charles Cuningham, Writer to the Signet, and successor to Mr Gray, as Secretary and Cashier to the Light-house Board.
PORT HAMILTON.--This creek is situate at the south-eastern extremity of the House-rock, and derives its name from Mr Robert Hamilton, Sheriff of Lanarkshire, and ex officio one of the Commissioners of the Northern Light-houses; who first landed here in the year 1805, accompanied by Mr Rennie and the writer, with a view further to ascertain the practicability of erecting the proposed Light-house, as noticed at page 95. Mr Hamilton has been a zealous member of the Bell Rock Committee since the period of its institution in the year 1807, and, from his literary habits, he has taken much interest in the pages of this work.
PORT RENNIE--is situate in the north-eastern part of the House-rock, and derives its name from the late Mr John Rennie, the celebrity and extent of whose works as a Civil Engineer are well known to the public. Mr Rennie was consulted by the Light-house Board relative to this work. His reports will be found in Appendix, No. IV.; and his plan in Plate VII.
PORT STEVENSON--enters from the north-eastern side of the Rock, and forms the principal landing-place in that direction; it was named for the writer by Mr Hamilton, at the landing above alluded to, in the year 1805.
THE ABBOT’S LEDGE--forms the north-western extremity of the House-rock, and derives its name from a tradition (for we can find no authentic record) of one of the Abbots of Aberbrothwick having erected an Alarm-bell, to forewarn mariners of their danger in approaching the Bell Rock.
SIR RALPH THE ROVER’S LEDGE--forms the south-western extremity of the House-rock, and takes the name of Sir Ralph the Rover from a noted pirate who is said to have landed upon it, and carried away the Alarm-bell. This traditionary story is beautifully alluded to in a ballad by Mr Southey in his Minor Poems, which, with his permission, is included in Appendix, No. II. page 438.
DUNNICHEN LEDGE,--on the north-western side of the Rock, is named in compliment to Mr Dempster of Dunnichen, who is mentioned in the Introduction, page 5.
DUNSKEY LEDGE,--which is contiguous to the former, is named in compliment to Sir James Hunter Blair of Dunskey, first Preses of the Commissioners of the Northern Light-houses, as mentioned at page 6.
ARNISTON LEDGE.--Named in compliment to the late Lord Chief-Baron Dundas of Arniston, who, while Solicitor-General and Lord Advocate of Scotland, took an active part in Light-house affairs; and visited the Bell Rock in the year 1812, as noticed at page 413.
RATTRAY LEDGE.--In compliment to Mr Baron Clerk Rattray, who, while Sheriff of the Shire of Edinburgh, as noticed at page 98, was ex officio one of the Commissioners of the Northern Light-houses, and, as one of the Bell Rock Committee, took much interest in the work.
HOPE’S WHARF--forms the termination of the permanent railway toward the west. It was named for the Right Honourable Charles Hope, Lord President of the Court of Session, who landed here in the year 1815. While Lord Advocate of Scotland, he took a warm interest in the affairs of the Northern Light-houses, and in 1803 brought the first bill into Parliament for the erection of the Bell Rock Light-house, as noticed at page 93.
PULTENEY LEDGE.--So named in compliment to Sir William Pulteney, who, as a Member of Parliament, took a lively interest in the bill brought forward for the Bell Rock Light-house in the year 1803, as alluded to at page 92.
BANKS LEDGE.--Named in compliment to Sir Joseph Banks, who was Vice-President of the Board of Trade in the year 1806, when the Bill for the Light-house was in Parliament, and who took much interest in it, as noticed at page 101.
COCHRANE’S LEDGE--is named in compliment to Admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane, who first called the attention of the Light-house Board to an erection upon the Bell Rock, as mentioned at page 85.
PORT ERSKINE--forms the principal landing-place on the western side of the Rock, and derives its name from the Honourable Henry Erskine, who, when Lord Advocate of Scotland, and ex officio one of the Commissioners of the Northern Light-houses, brought the second Bill for the Bell Rock Light-house into Parliament, which passed in the year 1806, as stated at page 100.
ULBSTER LEDGE.--Named in compliment to the Right Honourable Sir John Sinclair, Baronet, of Ulbster, Chairman of the Committee of the House of Commons, and who brought up its report relative to the Bell Rock bill, as stated at page 103.
KELLIE LEDGE.--Named in compliment to the Earl of Kellie, who visited the works at the Bell Rock in the year 1810, as noticed at page 378.
PITMILLY WHARF--formed the western extremity of the landing-wharf in use during the Light-house operations, and was named in compliment to Mr Monypenny, now Lord Pitmilly, who, while in the commission both as Sheriff of Fife and Solicitor-General of Scotland, was a member of the Bell Rock Committee, and visited the works in the year 1810, as stated at page 378.
KINEDDER LEDGE--is named in compliment to the late Mr William Erskine, Sheriff of Orkney and Shetland, and a member of the Bell Rock Committee. From Mr Erskine’s literary pursuits, he took a lively interest in this work, before he left the Light-house Board, and also after he was raised to the Bench, where he took his seat as Lord Kinedder.
THE ABBOTSFORD.--This spot, where the waters of the two principal and opposite landing-places meet, is named in compliment to Sir Walter Scott, Baronet, of Abbotsford, who landed here in the year 1814, as noticed at page 419, when he wrote the beautiful and expressive lines inserted in a fac-simile of his handwriting in the 2d Title-page.
RAE’S WHARF--forms the extremity of the southern reach of the permanent railway, and derives its name from Sir William Rae, Baronet, who, in the several capacities of Sheriff-Depute and Lord Advocate of Scotland, has long been a member of the Light-house Board and Bell Rock Committee. His Lordship visited the Rock in 1810, as noticed at page 387.
DUFF’S WHARF--derives its name from Mr Adam Duff, Sheriff of the shire of Edinburgh, and a member of the Bell Rock Committee, who repeatedly visited the works at the Bell Rock while in progress, particularly in the year 1810, as noticed at page 387.
PORT BOYLE--takes its name from the Right Honourable David Boyle, Lord Justice-Clerk, who, while Solicitor-General of Scotland, was a member of the Bell Rock Committee, and visited the Light-house in the year 1811, as noticed at page 411.
THE CROWN LAWYERS.--This name is given to two detached rocks, which lie on the south-eastern side of the House-rock, in allusion to the Lord Advocate and Solicitor-General of Scotland, who are ex officio Commissioners of the Northern Light-houses, as noticed at page 6.
THE MARITIME SHERIFFS.--This name comprehends a range of rocks, also on the south-eastern side of the main Rock, in reference to the Sheriffs of maritime counties, who are ex officio Commissioners of the Northern Light-houses, as noticed at page 6.
THE ROYAL BURGHS,--A group of rocks lying on the south-western side of the House-rock, so named from certain of the Chief Magistrates of the Royal Burghs of Scotland who are ex officio Commissioners of the Northern Light-houses, as noticed at page 6.
TELFORD’S LEDGE--is named in compliment to Mr Thomas Telford, Civil Engineer, who was requested by Sir William Pulteney to visit the Bell Rock professionally in the year 1803, as noticed at page 92.
DOWNIE’S LEDGE--derives its name from the late Mr Murdoch Downie, a Marine Surveyor of considerable eminence, who suggested a plan for erecting a Light-house on the Bell Rock, as noticed at page 93.
NEILL’S POOL--derives its name from Mr Patrick Neill, a particular friend of the writer’s, who first visited the Bell Rock in 1808, as noticed at page 235. The surface of this pool measures about three fathoms across, and a fathom and a half in depth, when the tide leaves the Rock. The bottom is generally covered with boulder-stones, which are whirled about with much force when the sea is in a state of agitation.
STUART’S TRACK--is on the south-western side of the Rock, derives its name from the late Captain Harry Stuart of the Royal Navy, who visited the Bell Rock in the year 1810, as alluded to at page 387. Captain Stuart took an early interest in the plans for the Light-house, both by Captain Brodie and the writer.
BRUCE’S LEDGE--was named in compliment to the memory of the late Mr James Bruce of the Naval Yard, Leith, who frequently visited the Bell Rock, and to whose ingenuity the Light-house service is indebted for the improved construction of a boat, delineated in Plate XI. and noticed at page 412.
RUSSELL’S LEDGE--is named in compliment to Mr Claud Russell, Accountant to the Light-house Board, who visited the Rock in the year 1812, as mentioned in page 414.
SCORESBY’S POINT,--the most northern part of the Rock, named in compliment to the writer’s friend Captain Scoresby junior, who has so much extended our information regarding the Polar Regions.
TRINITY ROCK.--This rock is named in compliment to a Committee of the Trinity House of Leith, consisting of Messrs Thomas Grindlay, John Hay, and Thomas Ritchie, who gave their advice and assistance in the fitting out and mooring the Floating-light in the year 1807, as alluded to at page 110.
BALFOUR’S LEDGE--is named in compliment to the late Provost Balfour of Arbroath, who felt the most lively interest in the Light-house affairs. In his hospitable mansion the writer occasionally resided while the works were in progress.
LEITCH’S LEDGE--is named in compliment to the writer’s friend Mr Quintin Leitch, who visited the Rock in the year 1818. Mr Leitch is further noticed at page 43.
PILLANS’S LEDGE--is named in compliment to the writer’s friend Mr James Pillans of Leith, who took an early interest in the erection of the Light-house, and who signs the Report of the Merchants of Leith regarding it, as noticed at page 96.
THE LAST HOPE.--This name was given by the writer to the highest part of the rock, in allusion to the narrow escape which he and the artificers made in the year 1807, by the timeous arrival of James Spink, the Bell Rock pilot at Arbroath, as noticed at page 149. Spink is a remarkably strong man, whose tout ensemble is highly characteristic of a North-country fisherman. He usually dresses in a pé-jacket, cut after a particular fashion, and wears a large flat blue bonnet. A striking likeness of Spink, in his pilot-dress, with the badge or insignia on his left arm, which is characteristic of the boatmen in the service of the Northern Lights has been taken by Howe, and is in the writer’s possession.
FORREST’S PASSAGE.--This gully or opening on the eastern side of the Rock, is sometimes taken as a track by boats in certain states of the sea and tide. It derives its name from the late Mr John Forrest, Superintendant of Lightkeepers’ duty in the service of the Northern Lights, who is particularly noticed at page 406.
LOGANS’ REACH.--This reach or compartment of the Railway, on the eastern side of the Light-house, is named in compliment to the late Mr Peter Logan, foreman-builder at the Bell Rock, and his son Mr David Logan, clerk-of-works, whose active and faithful services, in their respective departments, have been too often noticed in this work to admit of reference to particular pages.
WATT’S REACH--has its name in compliment to Mr Francis Watt, foreman-mill-wright, whose services have also already been often particularised in the course of this work, and whose exertions in erecting the beacon and temporary-railways did much credit to his zeal and intrepidity. The writer also often profited by his ingenuity, in reference to the various pieces of machinery employed at the works.
KENNEDY’S REACH--derives its name from Mr Lachlan Kennedy, who, as Accountant and Cashier in the Engineer’s Office, discharged the various duties of his situation in a manner equally creditable to himself and satisfactory to his employers. An Abstract-Account of the expence of the work, as drawn up by him, appears in the Appendix, No. VII. page 475.
SLIGHTS’ REACH,--named in compliment to Mr James Slight, and his brother Alexander, who were chiefly employed in drawing the courses of the building at large, and in making the various and nicely formed moulds for fashioning the stones. They also fitted up the interior of the house, and the permanent railways on the rock; and made a complete model of the Light-house.
THE SMITHS’ FORGE AND LEDGE--named in compliment to Mr James Dove, foreman-smith, and his assistants, who have been frequently alluded to in these pages. It was here that the forge was erected at the commencement of the works on the Rock; and on the connecting ledge the first or experimental cargo of stones was landed.
REID’S LEDGE--is named in compliment to Mr John Reid, the first principal Lightkeeper at the Bell Rock, who retired from the service in the year 1821, as noticed at page 422.
SELKIRKS’ LEDGE,--named for Mr Robert Selkirk, principal builder, and his brother Thomas, who was the principal stone-cutter at the work.
WISHART’S LEDGE--is named for Mr Michael Wishart, some time principal builder at the Rock, as noticed at page 291.
GLEN’S LEDGE.--This ledge has its name from Mr James Glen, millwright and joiner, particularly noticed at page 279.
JOHN WATT.--A detached rock on the western side of the main rock, named for John Watt, principal mortar-maker at the Bell Rock.
PETER FORTUNE.--A detached reef on the western side of the Rock, named for a well known character in the Light-house service, as noticed at page 299.
GLOAG’S TRACK--leads into Port Hamilton, and is named for Mr Robert Gloag, who commanded the Light-house Yacht in the year 1807, and who has otherwise had a good deal of connection with the Light-house service.
MACURICH’S TRACK--on the western side of the Rock, is named in compliment to Mr Thomas Macurich, mate of the sloop Smeaton, and afterwards commander of the Bell Rock Tender, who had a very narrow escape in a boat off the Rock, as noticed at page 253.
WEBB’S ROCK--is named in compliment to Mr Joseph Webb, one of the King’s pilots at Yarmouth, who superintended the fitting out and mooring of the Floating-light, as noticed at page 108.
SINCLAIR’S TRACK--is named in compliment to Mr George Sinclair, who, in 1807, commanded the Floating-light, and acted as landing-master.
WILSON’S TRACK--named for Mr James Wilson, landing-master, whose active and enterprising conduct is often noticed in the course of this work. In the year 1815, Mr Wilson left the Light-house service, when he was appointed one of the Harbour-masters of Leith. The speaking-trumpet which he used at the Bell Rock was presented to him, with the sanction of the Light-house Board, when a suitable inscription was engraved on a plate of silver attached to it.
TAYLOR’S TRACK--leads into Port Erskine, and derives its name from Mr David Taylor, who commanded the Sir Joseph Banks Tender during the progress of the works, and afterwards became Light-house Storekeeper at Leith.
CALDER’S TRACK--situate on the north-western side of the Rock, derives its name from Mr Thomas Calder, who commanded the Light-house Yacht, and other craft, connected with the works, as noticed at page 260.
SOUTAR’S TRACK--derives its name from Mr Peter Soutar, who was one of the Praam-masters while the works were in progress. In 1815 he succeeded Mr James Wilson in the command of the Light-house Yacht.
POOL’S TRACK--is named for Mr Robert Pool, commander of the Smeaton stone-lighter, a very active and persevering seaman.
THE ENGINEERS’ LEDGE,--situate on the eastern side of the Rock, is named in compliment to certain of the Engineer’s assistants, who, though belonging more especially to his general or private business, have nevertheless been occasionally employed in the department of the Bell Rock, particularly Mr John Steedman, Mr John Thin, Mr William Lorimer, Mr G. C. Scott, and Mr Robert Shortreed, some of whose names are attached to several of the Plates.
THE ARTIFICERS.--A name given to a parcel of detached rocks, lying on the north-western side of the main Rock, in allusion to the numerous artificers employed at the works, many of whom are now moving in spheres of more extended usefulness, and, did our limits admit, would be deserving of particular notice, as may be learned from page 379.
THE MARINERS.--This is also a group of detached rocks on the north-eastern side of the Rock, which in like manner is named in compliment to the exertions of the Seamen, who, as men-of-all-works, gave a helping hand to every operation; and many of whom deserve the warmest acknowledgments of the writer.
STRACHAN’S LEDGE,--situate on the north-eastern side of the Rock, was named for Mr Robert Strachan of Leith, who fitted out the Floating-light, and narrowly escaped being lost upon the Rock, when approaching it in a boat which was upset in the year 1808, as noticed at page 244.
CRAW’S HORSE.--Another detached rock, deriving its name from a narrow escape which the sloop Smeaton made in foggy weather, as noticed at page 364, while James Craw, who had charge of the stable, and was principal carter at the work-yard of Arbroath, was on board, with his favourite horse, on his way to Leith, to convey the upper part of the Light-house, from Edinburgh, to be shipped for the Bell Rock. The horse alluded to was a remarkably strong and powerful animal, measuring about 16 hands in height, and having, in the language of jockies, a great deal of bone. It is not a little remarkable, that while the work was in progress, this animal must actually have drawn the materials of the Light-house, extending to upwards of 2000 tons in its finished state, perhaps three or four times, in removing the blocks of stone from the ship to the work-yard, again to the platform, and from the work-yard, when they were to be shipped for the Rock, besides occasional movements to and from the hands of the stone-cutters. A sketch of this animal, and of his master James Craw, will be found at Fig. 21. Plate X. The horse having failed from age, towards the close of the work he was removed to the Island of Inchkeith, to go at large, where he died in the year 1813. The fame of this animal’s labours, together with his strength and excellent proportion as a draught-horse, having attracted the notice of Dr John Barclay, that eminent anatomist procured the bones, and set them up in his Museum. This valuable collection, it is understood, is to be bequeathed to the College of Surgeons of Edinburgh; so that the bones of the Bell Rock-horse, to use the Doctor’s own language, “will be seen and admired as a useful skeleton, and a source of instruction, when those of his employers lie mingled with the dust.”
PLATE VII.
ORIGINAL DESIGNS FOR THE BELL ROCK LIGHT-HOUSE.
[Sidenote: Pl. VII.]
Fig. 1. shews the sites of the principal and diagonal supports of cast-iron of the Pillar-formed Light-house, modelled by the writer prior to his landing on the Rock in the year 1800, as alluded to in his report, included in the Appendix, No. IV. at page 440. This Figure is a Plan in which letters a a a a a a a a point out the feet of the eight principal columns; e the central shoe or socket, intended to receive the feet of the diagonal supports or braces, which correspond in number with those of the main columns. This fabric, at the base, was to form a common diameter of about 35 feet, diminishing to 12 feet at the top, or immediately under the Light-room.
Fig. 2. The great columns in this design, which are sunk into the Rock, and the diagonal braces d d d d, which butt against, or step into the shoe c, are also strongly connected by the braces b b b b b b b b, and cross ties marked c c c c c c. The habitable part of this building is formed by two concentric rings of copper, marked a f, a f, the one upon the outside, and the other upon the inside, of the main columns. The space between these rings was to be filled with plaster-of-Paris, or some light substance, to render the apartments air-tight. Letter g is the position of the entrance-door, and the space below the first floor, marked h, is a coal magazine. The better to throw off the sprays of the sea, the lower part, as will be seen from the diagram, is of a conical form inverted.
Fig. 3. Shews the mode of fixing the principal columns, to the Rock, and of building or connecting them together, being an enlarged section of the foot of one of the main columns. The hollow cylindrical tube marked b b, is sunk 24 inches, and acts as a steady pin or joggle to the column which is wedged into the Rock, as shewn at c c c c, by driving oaken and iron wedges alternately, instead of running them up with melted lead. The next length of the column, marked a a a a, is slipped over this tube, and has a seat cut in the rock at right angles to the oblique direction of the column, to which it is connected by the cutter or spear-bolts marked d d d, whose directions respectively cross each other, as shewn in the section.
Fig. 4. represents one of the joints of the main columns, which occur at every 7 feet of their length, from the rock to the habitable part of the Light-house. This description of joint is what is technically termed spigot and faucet; a a is the upper half, b b b the lower, c c the joint, d d d d the collar-piece clasping the joint, and connecting it with the horizontal arms or braces e e, which, in Fig. 2, are marked b, and in connection with the cross ties c, and diagonal-supports d, bind the whole firmly together.
Fig. 5. represents the lower floor of the five apartments, in which a a a a a a a a, as in the foregoing Figs. 1, 2, and 3. shew the main columns passing between the outer covering and inner lining of copper. Letter c marks the entrance door, shewn at g, in Fig. 2., in which d is the plat at the top of the ladder, formed on one of the columns, which may also be conceived as passing up through the habitable part of the building; the floors of which are formed with plates of cast-iron.
Fig. 6. represents a Light-house of masonry, modelled by the writer immediately after his first landing upon the Rock. The better to illustrate this design, the solid or lower part is given in elevation, and the upper or habitable part in section. Compared with the Edystone Light-house, upon the principles of which it was designed, the chief differences consist in the exterior spiral-formed stair, intended to afford permanent access to the Light-house, and also to serve as a landing quay or wharf at high-water. The steps of this stair were to be 3 feet in length, forming a kind of scarsement upon the outer-wall, there being nothing to obstruct the force of the sea under the stair; as it formed part of the main-wall, it may be conceived calculated to have become a kind of spiral buttress to the building. In the upper or habitable part, the interior walls diminish gradually, instead of forming abrupt scarsements, and the floors were laid horizontally, instead of being arched.
Fig. 7. Shews one of the floors, each stone of which forms part of the outward walls, extending inwards to a centre stone, independently of which they were to be connected, by means of copper-batts, with a view to preserve their square form at the extremity, instead of dove-tailing. These stones were also modelled with joggles sidewise, upon the principles of the common-floor, termed Feathering in carpentry; and also with dove-tailed joggles across the joints, where they formed part of the outward wall, as shewn in this figure.
Fig. 8. is a plan of one of the courses of the void or habitable part of this design, shewing both the joggles of the end joint and the girth, raised upon the upper beds of the courses, and sunk into the groove cut in the lower beds of the respective covering courses.
Figs. 9. and 10. exhibit different modes of connecting the stones and courses of the solid of the building, both perpendicularly and horizontally, by means of dove-tailing. But as a certain degree of weakness is unavoidably incident to every system of dove-tailing, and, as the method of forming the bed-joints of the void above alluded to is equally effective, in its application to the solid or lower part of the building, as represented in Plate XXIII., this is considered preferable to the dove-tailing system.
Fig. 11. is part of a course, shewing a simple mode of connecting the stones in water-buildings, so as to avoid dove-tailing, and preserve, as much as possible, the entire figure of the stones. This is effected by inserting square joggles into the joints, and allowing these joggles to project 6 inches into the course immediately above, thereby forming a connection horizontally between the stones of a course, and vertically with the several courses.
Fig. 12. is also a course of masonry, in which the square or entire form of the materials is preserved, while the stones are bound both horizontally and vertically, by means of metallic-batts and plates, as represented in the enlarged diagram described in the following Figure.
Fig. 13., a is the dove-tailed cross-head or plate; b is a section both of the batt and plate, in their places, shewing their connection with two courses of the building marked A B; c shews the mode in which the batt is fixed into the lower course, by means of wedges; d the upper end of the batt and plate, which is also wedged, and appears, when in its place, as in Fig. 11., marked also a a a. But these several modes of connecting the materials of masonry are considered more or less objectionable, when compared with the girths delineated in the design represented in Plate XXIII.
Figs. 14. and 15. are a reduced plan and elevation of the Bell Rock Light-house by Mr Rennie, in the year 1807. They will be found so obvious upon inspection, as not to require explanation, and are here preserved as the only plans or drawings furnished for this work by that eminent engineer.
PLATE VIII.
BEACON-HOUSE.
[Sidenote: Pl. VIII.]
Fig. 1. represents the Beacon-house, which was used as a barrack for the artificers during the working seasons of 1809 and 1810. Letter A A A is the surface of the Rock. The principal legs or beams, with their diagonal supports, radiating from the centre of the plan, are marked a a a a a a, and the bracing chains b b b, as completed in the year 1807. In 1808 the bracing-chains were removed, and the malleable iron-bars marked c c c were substituted. The dotted lines d d d d d, are intended to show the form of the upper or habitable part of the Beacon as it was ultimately finished, with its lantern, for ventilating the barrack-room. One of the figures characterised as sailors, and used for illustrating this elevation, is represented as standing upon the Rock, and laying hold of one of the bracing-chains. The next figure is ascending the trap-ladder, formed with cleats of timber nailed upon one of the principal beams; he is on a level with the mortar-gallery, marked letter e e e. The third figure is standing upon the cross or collar-beams, nearly on a level with the floor of the cook-room, marked f f. The fourth, or highest figure, is standing upon one of the principal beams, with his feet on a level with the top of the windows in the floor of the cabins of the engineer and his assistants marked g g; the head of this figure being within the artificers’ barrack, marked h h. With one hand he is supposed to be touching the provision-chest, marked i, and with the other he is laying hold of the rope for hoisting the copper signal-ball k upon the flag-staff.
Fig. 2. represents the gallery where the mortar-makers and smiths latterly worked. a a a a a a represent the principal beams of the Beacon cut across; b b b the position of the mortar tubs and lime-casks; c the smith’s anvil; d his bellows; e the hearth or fire-place.
Fig. 3. represents the floor of the cook-room, in which a a a a a a shew the principal beams cut across; b the platt or landing at the entrance-door; c c the coboose or cooking-hearth; d the chimney or smoke funnel; e e e e the provision casks; f the trap stair leading to the floor above; g g the small life-boat, suspended by davits from the principal beams of the beacon; i i i i i i the six angular upright posts cut across, marked d in Fig. 1., which form the framing of the hexagonal apartments or floors marked III. and IV. Letter k represents the position of the privy, and stair leading to it.
Fig. 4. is the floor of the cabins of the engineer and his assistants. Letters a a a a a a mark the position of the six principal beams of the beacon, now approaching closely together from their diagonal direction: b b b b b b the angular upright posts, which, together with those marked i i i i i i, as referable to Fig. 3., form the upper apartments into twelve sides; c is the trap-ladder, corresponding with letter f in Fig. 3., which communicates with the cook-room floor below; d is another ladder, leading to the artificers’ barrack above.
Fig. 5. represents the upper floor, or that of the artificers’ barrack-room, on a level with the top of the principal beams, marked a in Figs. 1, 2, and 3. In this diagram a a a a a represent the ground-tier of beds, which were ranged in five heights, excepting at the space over the man-hole, leading up to this apartment, where there was only three heights of beds; c represents the trap ladder answerable to letter d of Fig. 4.
Fig. 6. represents what may be termed a bird’s-eye view of the Beacon, as completed in 1807, and before it was converted into a barrack. In reference to Fig. 1., letter a represents the six principal beams, forming a common base measuring about 35 feet across, including the bracing-chains, which are marked b b b b b b. These beams meet in a point at the top, where they rest upon a block of beechwood, to which the upper ends of the beams were fitted, the whole being girded with strong malleable iron rings or hoops, keyed with spear-bolts. Here the provision-chest i, and signal-ball k, are represented as resting upon the top of the principal beams.
Fig. 7. is an enlarged view of two of the bracing-chains, marked a a, with their tightening shakle marked b b, meeting in the ring c c. Letter d represents one of the batts, which were sunk into the rock A A about 20 inches, and wedged with timber and iron, as shewn at e e.
Fig. 8. represents a side view of one of the beams of the beacon, marked a a a a, cut across immediately above the great stancheons b b b b, with its bolts, which were fitted upon each side of the beam; c c represent the clasp-plates, which embraced each foot of the beacon, with its two stancheons. These clasp-plates were fixed with spear-bolts, as shewn at d d. Letters e e represent the wedging with timber and iron, referred to in Fig. 7.
Fig. 9. represents a front view of a like portion of one of the principal beams, as in Fig. 8.; a a a a shew the stancheons on each side of the beam, and b b the lower extremity of the stancheons sunk into the Rock A; c c one of the clasp-plates; d d d d the spear-bolts.
Fig. 10. is one of the principal beams, a cut across at the clasp-plate c c c c. Letters b b are the great iron-stancheons; and d d d shew the spear-bolts.
PLATE IX.
SHEWING THE PROGRESS OF THE WORKS DURING THE SECOND, THIRD, AND FOURTH YEARS’ OPERATIONS.
[Sidenote: Pl. IX.]
Fig. 1. shews the state of the works about the close of the second season, or year 1808, with two of the moveable beam-cranes, with their guy tackles and working gear, which will be more particularly described under Plate XIV. These are placed upon the top or fourth course of the building. In the fore-ground, part of the unfinished railways are seen, with waggons and artificers at work; and on the right the beacon is partly traced in faint lines.
Fig. 2. represents the state of the works in the month of August 1809, at the close of the third season’s work, when only one of the cranes was set upon the building; the other, as the work increased in height, and became less in diameter, was placed upon a temporary stool or prop of masonry, marked a a a a. This prop was found extremely useful, as, by elevating one of the cranes upon the top of it, the lift of the materials was divided, and brought more conveniently within reach of the higher crane, which at this period was about 30 feet above the Rock. In the fore-ground of this diagram, part of the circular track of railway round the building is seen. On the right, a part of the Beacon-house appears with the rope-ladder of communication, extending from the top of the solid of the Light-house to the mortar-gallery. On the rope-ladder a figure is represented walking from the Beacon to the Light-house, and a tackle, with its travelling pulley, is also stretched, for conveying the mortar-bucket, to the builders.
Fig. 3. represents a section of the void or habitable part of the Light-house as it appeared in the month of August 1810, when the masonry was nearly completed. On the right is an elevation of part of the Beacon-house, but instead of the rope-ladder of communication, a bridge of timber is constructed. Letters a a represent the top of the solid, or level of the entrance-door of the building, from which the stair-case ascends to the several apartments. Resting on the sill of the door at b, is seen one of the beams for supporting the road-way of the bridge, and below this, at the point c, is the step of one of the diagonal braces of the bridge, where it is inserted about 6 inches into one of the courses of the solid masonry. Regarding the frame-work of the bridge, it may only further be noticed, that the road-way was chiefly suspended from the king-posts d d.
Letter e represents a block of stone, in the act of being raised from the rail-way on the Rock, to the level of the bridge, by means of the crab or winch-machine marked f, with wheel and pinion apparatus; the pully of the working chain is suspended from the cross beam g, which rests or is supported upon the top of the king-posts. One of the figures on the bridge at h, is in the act of pushing forward a truck cart or waggon i, to receive the stone e; when raised through the aperture in the road-way, it is then lowered upon this waggon, and removed towards the building within the sphere of the several purchases or machines, by which it is transported to the hands of the builders.
Letter k refers to a life-buoy, and a coil of rope, kept in readiness upon the bridge, in case of accident by the fall of any of the people from the building or beacon while the Rock was covered by the tide. l l represent two of the fire-buckets, which were hung round the beacon, under the projection immediately above the cook-room. The stone marked e, in the second stage of its progress towards the top of the building, is now seen immediately above the lintel of the entrance-door, the purchase chain, by which it is suspended, passes over a pulley at m, attached to the beam n n, which is projected from one of the windows of the Light-room store, where it is supported upon a block of timber, so as to admit of the chain passing under it. The further end of this beam, being within the Light-house, was bolted to an upright post marked o o, and the whole apparatus was worked by means of the crab or winch-machine at p, similar to that upon the bridge marked f f. The stone e is next supposed to have gained the height of the floor of the bed-room, where another apparatus, similar to those at f and p, is placed. Here a figure is represented at q, with a rod in his hand, in the act of hooking the chain of the balance-crane into the Lewis-batt, fixed in the stone e, still in its progress to the top of the building. r r r represent the strong oaken beams placed on the floor of the library, on which the foot of the cast-iron balance-crane is supported. s s two of the four diagonal braces of oak timber, bolted into a collar-piece of cast-iron, clasping the upright shaft of the crane at t t, and butting against the upright stretchers at u u; intended as a security to the walls, in case the balance-crane should at any time get out of equilibrium. The two figures marked v v, are represented as working the balance-crane, and are supposed to be standing upon a moveable platform x x, suspended from the body of the crane by rods of iron y y. This platform or stage, with the artificers upon it, being moveable with the body of the crane, gave great facility and conveniency to those who wrought it. z is the balance-weight, moveable by the machinery along the balance-beam of the crane, to keep the whole in a state of equilibrium, according to the varied load suspended from the working or opposite beam; accented á represents the moveable block or cross-head of malleable iron, with two eyes, into which the chains of the crane were hooked, when the body (comprehending the machinery and beams) was to be elevated upon the shaft in the progress of building. But the cross-head, together with the other apparatus of this machine, will be better understood by examining Plate XVII., with its letter-press description. b´ b´ b´ represent the form and position of the Light-room in dotted lines; c´ the mortar-bucket made to traverse upon the guide-rope d´ d´, stretched between the building and the mortar-gallery of the Beacon; the end of the rope attached to the building being fixed to the stanchion é, inserted into one of the Lewis batt-holes, on the balcony of the Light-room.
PLATE X.
VARIOUS IMPLEMENTS AND APPARATUS CONNECTED WITH THE WORKS.
[Sidenote: Pl. X.]
Fig. 1.--is an elevation of one of the three large copper Lanterns carried by the Pharos Floating-Light, which was moored off the Bell Rock while the Light-house was erecting. In order to relieve this vessel of the cumbrous yards with which Floating-lights were in use to be fitted, these lanterns were so constructed as to clasp round the masts, and traverse upon them. This was effected by constructing them with a tube of copper in the centre, capable of receiving the mast, and through which it passed. The lanterns were first completely formed, and fitted with brass flanges; they were then cut longitudinally asunder, which conveniently admitted of their being screwed together on the masts, after the vessel was fully equipped and moored in her station. Letters a a a a shew part of one of the masts, b one of the tackle-hooks for raising and lowering the lanterns at pleasure, c c c c c c c c c c the brass flanges, with their screw-bolts, by which the body or case of the lantern was ultimately put together; d d d shew the position of certain holes in the bottom for the admission of air, f f f f the holes at the top, connected with the ventilation, to which the collar-pieces e e and g g form guards against the immediate effects of the weather. The detached diagram, upon an enlarged scale, shows the air-hole, which is marked m. The letters h h h h shew the part of the lantern which was glazed with plate-glass; i is one of the glass shutters, by which the lamps were trimmed; the lower half being raised, slides into a groove made for its reception; k k shew the range of ten agitable burners or lamps, out of which the oil cannot be spilt by the rolling motion of the ship. Each lamp having a silvered-copper speculum or reflector l l placed behind the flame, was found greatly to increase the brilliancy of the light.
Fig. 2.--is a cross section of the bottom of the lantern, shewing the mast a cut across, b b is the sole or bottom of the lantern, c c the flanges at the junction of the body, in reference to the same letter in Fig. 1.; d d d d the small holes for the admission of air, e e e the brass zone or chandelier, with its ten arms and sockets marked f f, &c. in which the stalks of the burners are inserted. The chandelier is made to traverse horizontally into a corresponding groove fixed upon the interior cylinder or case, through which the mast passes, and upon which the whole moves up and down. When, therefore, the lamps require to be trimmed or taken out of the lantern, the chandelier is turned until they are respectively brought opposite to the shutter marked i.
Fig. 3. is an enlarged view of one of the agitable burners a, with its reflector b, which last measures four inches over the lips, and is raised to the parabolic curve of three inches focus; c the socket, d the section of the moveable chandelier in its groove, answerable to letters k and l, Fig. 1., and f and e Fig. 2. In reference to Fig. 3., e e is a section of part of the central cylinder of the lantern and mast of the ship.
Fig. 4. represents one of the Mushroom-Anchors, constructed wholly of cast-iron, used for mooring the Floating-Light and other craft off the Bell Rock, to which part of the mooring-chain is attached. This diagram seems so obvious as to require no particular description. Towards the head a a the shank is strengthened by means of four feathers or brackets raised upon it, somewhat resembling the connecting gills of the vegetable mushroom. These anchors weighed from 14 to 21 cwt.
Figs. 5. to 9.--QUARRY TOOLS.--Fig. 5. is a common stone-pick, weighing from 8 to 10 lb., shown with and without the handle, which measured about 2 feet in length, but is here shortened. Fig. 6. is the Aberdeen or granite pick, weighing from 6 to 16 lb. Fig. 7. is a quarry hammer, weighing from 6 to 8 lb. used for jumping or boring batt-holes in the Rock, and the trenail-holes in the courses of the building. Fig. 8. represents the boring-irons for the trenail-holes, measuring 1¾ inches in breadth at the cutting end, and varying in length according to the depth of the respective holes. Fig. 9. is the scraper used for cleaning the holes; the perforated end being applied with a piece of rag for drying up the moisture.
Fig. 10. represents one of the oaken trenails used for keeping the stones in their places while the building was within the ordinary range of the sea. The positions of these trenails may be traced in the small circular holes of the courses, in Plate XIII. Their lower ends were cut with a saw-draught as at letter a, into which a small wedge marked b was inserted, and the trenail having been driven home, the small wedge had the effect of tightening or fixing it. The upper end c was then cut off flush with the upper bed of the stone, when it was split, and another small wedge, marked d, driven into the chisel-mark, which completed the operation of fixing the trenails into their places.
Fig. 11. represents a pair of the oaken wedges inserted into corresponding grooves cut into the perpendicular joints of the stones in each course of the solid or lower part of the Light-house, as may be traced in the small oblong holes, marked in the joints of the courses in Plate XIII. These wedges were chiefly intended for bringing the dove-tailed parts of the stones to a general bearing. The thick end of the wedge marked a being dropped into its groove, the smaller end of the corresponding wedge b was then inserted, and driven home till some degree of tension or firmness was obtained. This operation of trenailing and wedging was followed from Mr Smeaton’s practice at the Edystone Light-house.
Fig. 12. is a section of one of the cast-iron mortar-tubs, with its pestle, shod or loaded with a piece of malleable iron.
Figs. 13. to 15.--CAST-IRON PLATE-RAILWAY.--Fig. 13. is a longitudinal view of one length of the cast-iron railways erected upon the Rock; a a a a represent the stools or upright supports, b b are the tracks of the roadway, c c one of the side stays or braces. Fig. 14. is a cross section on the line A B of Fig. 15, in which a a is the support with its cross-brace f, bolted at g g g g; b b are the railway tracks, c c c c the stays, with their connecting bolts on each side, d d the sleeper or horizontal brace connecting the top of the stools, and forming a chair or seat for the rails and grated roadway; e e e e represent the batts and spear-bolts, with which the whole was connected to the Rock, by the process of wedging with timber and iron. Fig. 15. is a plan of the finished railway; a a a a are the feet of the stools, b b the side rails or waggon-tracks, c c the stays or side braces, d d the sleepers, and h h the grated footpath. The weight of a yard in length of the railways complete, of the height of four feet, as represented in these diagrams, may be estimated about 5 cwt.
Fig. 16. represents a plan of one of the railway waggons; a is the iron handle made to hook upon either end of the waggon, so as to prevent the necessity of turning it; b b is the body of the waggon, consisting of two pieces of oak timber, bolted upon the upper part of the double frame intended for accommodating the wheels to the circular track of the railway round the building. The upper and under frames are connected with the bolt c c, so as to admit of the movement above alluded to. For the same reason, a joint was formed in the perch or middle of the frame at d. The trucks or wheels e e e e were of cast-iron, measuring 15 inches in diameter. These waggons were always left upon the Rock, being simply turned upside down, or off their wheels, in a particular part, and were seldom moved by the sea, as they weighed about 2 cwt. each.
Fig. 17. The ten diagrams, marked a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, and k, are a set of moulds for one course of the solid part of the building, by which the stones were cut and prepared in the work-yard previous to their being shipped for the Rock. The application and connection of these diagrams will be better understood by examining the courses of the building in Plate XIII.
Fig. 18. a Trainer or Rule, framed of timber, applied by the builders, for ascertaining the exact position of the stones of the respective courses. a is the eye or socket on which it was fitted to a steady-pin placed exactly in the centre. This rule was used chiefly for ascertaining the radiating direction of the stones, from the centre towards the circumference, being laid agreeably to corresponding notches and lines marked upon their upper-beds, so as to preserve band throughout the work, and prevent difficulty with the closing or finishing stones.
Fig. 19. is a perpendicular section of the carpenter’s jack, used with much advantage for shifting and turning the stones in the work-yard. The case of this machine was made of elm, and strongly bound at the ends with iron. It measured 4 feet in height, its greatest breadth 12 inches, and its thickness 6 inches. a a is the stock or case, b b the rack, fashioned at the lower end somewhat like the claws of a carpenter’s hammer. The upper end is of a forked form, both ends being conveniently applicable to the varied positions of the stones; c and d are the wheel and pinion work; e the handle by which the machinery is worked, affording a purchase or mechanical advantage in the ratio of about 64 to 1.
Fig. 20. is a plan of the useful machine called The Woolwich Sling-Cart, applicable to transporting large blocks of stone suspended between the wheels by means of a Lewis-batt. When a stone was of considerable length, it became necessary to employ a chain to steady it at the farther end, the application of which will be seen in this and the following figure. a a a a represent the shafts and body of the cart, b b b b the wheels, c c the handles passing between the spokes of the wheels, by which the machinery is worked for lifting the stone. The dotted line d d d d represents a plan of a stone in its state of suspension, e e e the wheel and pinion work, f the barrel or cylinder on which the chain turns as the stone is raised; g g is the tail-beam with its chain h h, and steady-pin i.
Fig. 21. represents the sling-cart in its working state, with letters corresponding to Fig. 20. Here the Bell Rock carter, and his horse, are shown, already noticed in the description of Plate VI., page 498.
PLATE XI.
THE SHEER-CRANE, LEWIS-BATT, PRAAM-BOAT WITH CARGO, SLOOP SMEATON DISCHARGING, AND BRUCE’s TWO-HALF ATTENDING-BOAT.
[Sidenote: Pl. XI.]
Fig. 1.--THE SHEER-CRANE at Duff’s Wharf. a a a are the working-sheers, to the upper extremity of which the purchase-chain a, e, g, is attached; from the hook marked i, the stone k is suspended by the sling-chain i, k, which was lengthened or shortened according to the state of the tide. b b are the upright-sheers; c c the diagonal or supporting sheers. Those last, though acting as braces, had also a motion upon the connecting block d at the top, from which the pulley e is suspended, and over which the purchase-chain passes. This motion had the effect of giving the stone a kant inwards, when the working-sheers came to the perpendicular, so as to lay it upon the waggon f, to be wheeled along the railways, as will be understood by examining Plate XVIII. The crab or winch machine g g, fixed upon the Rock at one side of the railway, with batts and spear-bolts, was worked with a less or greater purchase, according to the weight of the stone to be lifted. The large wheel measuring 3 feet 3 inches in diameter, formed the single purchase, and the smaller wheel of 2 feet 6 inches, with its pinion of 6 inches, when connected with the former by an intermediate pinion, formed the greater purchase, exerting a power in the one case in the ratio of about 20 to 1, and in the other of 98 to 1.
Fig. 2. is a front view of the machine described above, with corresponding letters. At letters h h, will be seen more distinctly the cast-iron bed, with the snugs or flanges for the reception of the lower ends of the sheers a a a and b b b b, with their journal-bolts. This apparatus, along with the other parts of the works, have been modelled for preservation.
Fig. 3. represents one of the malleable iron Lewis-batts, with which the stones were lifted from stage to stage, after leaving the hands of the stone-cutter. This useful implement consists of six members, viz. the palm, which is in three pieces, marked a, b, c; the palm-bolt d d; the shackle e. The spear-bolt f, for preventing the palm-bolt from drawing, was seldom used in practice.
Fig. 4. is a section of one of the praam-boats, shewing her cargo on deck, and more particularly the form and application of the mushroom-anchor and chain-moorings of the Bell Rock craft. a a is the cargo upon deck; b b is the hold or compartment under deck, calculated to contain a sufficient number of empty casks, for floating her, in the event of receiving injury at the rock. c c mark the fore and after peaks, for containing warps, kedge-anchors, grapplings, defenders, and other tackle; d marks the position of the bits and cross-tree to which a hook at e was fixed, for attaching the end of the mooring-chain; f is the slit in the stem, answerable to a hawse-hole, through which the mooring-chain passed almost on a level with the deep water-line, and was ultimately fixed by the ring g, to the lower swivel of the floating buoy h, and also with the mushroom-anchor i at the bottom, connected with a length of chain extending to about twice the depth of the water.
The detached diagram towards the stern of the praam-boat, consisting of a mushroom-anchor, a larger and smaller floating buoy, with their respective chains, represent the state of the moorings while the praam-boats were employed at the Rock. The small buoy k, with its chain l, was connected at the ring accented l´ to the hawser-chain of the praam. When she was unmoored, this small buoy prevented the end of the chain from sinking. In this manner the praams were conveniently disengaged, or attached to the large buoy h. When at their moorings, the small buoy k was unhooked and stowed below, the strong mooring-chain being now drawn through the hawse, or slit at f, and the ring at l´ being simply laid into the hook at e.
Fig. 5. is a perspective view of the sloop Smeaton at her moorings, delivering a cargo of stones, with one of the praam-boats along-side. In the back ground, the Light-house is seen partly built, together with the Beacon-house. Two of the three figures shewn on the deck, near the mast, are working the winch-machine of the ship in raising a stone from the hold, while the figure, in a lying posture, is holding-on the end of the tackle-fall, as described at page 144. A stone is seen in the main hatch of the ship, suspended from the end of a short boom nearly at right angles to the mast. The figure near the companion or cabin-stair is working one of the guy-tackles. On the praam’s deck, part of a cargo may be seen, and the figure towards her stern is laying hold of the stone, suspended in the tackle, to guide it to its birth, while the other contiguous figure is working an opposite guy-tackle. To avoid confusion, only five figures are here introduced. The praam-boat is understood to be lashed head and stern to the ship, having three or four large wooden defenders slung between them, to prevent the vessels from injuring each other with the undulating motion of the sea. The Smeaton’s sails are handed, and the main and gaff-booms braced to one side, to give room upon deck, in bringing the stones out of the hold. The only peculiarities about the fitting of the Smeaton, were her large main hatch, for the conveniency of loading and discharging; her winch-machine was pretty powerful, exerting a force in the ratio of about 20 to 1, independently of the purchase-tackle; her cargo was also carried upon a temporary platform laid in the hold.
Fig. 6. is a perspective view of the smith’s forge, which was partly fixed with batts upon the Rock; and also of the Foundation-pit, with a number of figures pumping water from the excavated site of the Light-house. The pumps for this purpose were laid in an inclined direction, made of a square form, and very simple in their construction; the pump-spear with its leathern valve, being worked by the artificers, who laid hold of a rope attached to the end of it. In the back ground of this diagram, the Floating-light is seen as if through the haze of the atmosphere.
Fig. 7. represents an Attending-boat, occasionally used during the summer months for visiting the Rock, and relieving the light-keepers. a a is a section of the principal boat, measuring 22 feet in length of keel, and equipped in her rigging after the manner technically termed Lateen-sails, which were originally introduced into use on the Firth of Forth by Mr Thomas Bruce of Grangemuir. These sails are considered more safe than the common lug-sail, from their greatest breadth being carried very low on the mast. But the chief peculiarity of this boat is the launch or “two-half boat” of Mr James Bruce, which she carries, for more conveniently communicating with the Rock, as alluded to at page 412, and further described in Thomson’s Annals of Philosophy, vol. viii. p. 58. In this diagram b is the two-half boat, stowed the one-half within the other, between the main and fore masts, c c the two halves about to be joined and used as one boat, d d the stern view of these boats in a separated state, e e the chatter and catch-bolt for connecting the boats together, after the manner of a ship’s rudder, f f f f the bolt holes, by which the upper parts of the boats are connected and held together.
PLATE XII.
WORK-YARD, LIGHT-KEEPER’s HOUSES, SEA-WALL AT ARBROATH, AND SEAMEN’s PROTECTION-MEDAL.
[Sidenote: Pl. XII.]
WORK-YARD.--The left-hand side of this Plate is occupied with a plan of the harbour of Arbroath, shewing the relative positions of the Bell Rock work-yard and light-keepers’ houses.
LIGHT-KEEPERS’ HOUSES.--The other side of the Plate is occupied with a plan and elevation of the light-keepers’ houses; but as the apartments are respectively marked, it seems unnecessary to enter farther into particulars, than to notice that each family has three rooms, with other conveniencies. Connected with this establishment, there is also a signal-room at the top of the tower, represented in the elevation, where a five-feet achromatic telescope is placed upon a stand. On the roof a flag-staff is erected, and here the signals made by the light-keepers at the Rock are watched and repeated. On the opposite side of the small court formed by these buildings, there is a range of houses for stores, and accommodation for the seamen belonging to the Bell Rock Tender. The whole occupies a piece of ground extending to about one-third of an acre. While the works were in progress, the large telescope was placed at one of the attic-room windows of Provost Balfour’s house, which commands a view of the Rock, as may be observed from the Plate.
SEA-WALL.--The diagram laid down on the left of the light-keeper’s houses, represents a section of the wall erected for the protection of the property against the encroachment of the sea. It extends to about 100 feet, and consists of a face-wall of stone from Mylnefield quarry, backed with Arbroath stone, and a granite pavement along its seaward base.
PROTECTION MEDAL.--The diagram in the central part of this Plate represents the obverse and reverse of the seamen’s protection medal, described at page 209.
PLATE XIII.
PLANS OF THE SEVERAL COURSES OF THE MASONRY OF THE LIGHT-HOUSE.
[Sidenote: Pl. XIII.]
As the ground or imperfect course of the building could not be ascertained till towards the second year’s work, when the site of the Light-house was excavated, this course is represented in Plate XV.
Fig. 1. Plate XIII., is the first entire course, which measures 42 feet in diameter. The dove-tailed method of connecting the solid part of the Light-house here delineated, extends to the height of the entrance-door, as will be further understood by examining the section in Plate XVI. The outward stones of this course are of a lighter shade, being intended to represent the granite blocks, while the central part of a darker shade, represents the sandstone. The thirteen small square or cubical stones in the Plan of this course, shew the upper sides of the joggles, sunk half into the one course, and penetrating half into the superincumbent one, acting as so many steady-pins, calculated to guard against any force tending to affect the fabric horizontally. By tracing the bounding-lines of the stones, from the centre to the circumference, it will be observed, that the whole are connected by means of a system of attachments technically termed Dove-tailing, by which the stones may be said to hook laterally into one another, forming a vertical bond of connection; but it is on the gravity of the materials that the chief dependence is placed for the stability of the fabric. The small circular dots, of which there are four in the centre-stone, and two in each of the others, shew the position of the oaken trenails, measuring 1¾ inch in diameter, and varying in length from 16 to 26 inches, so as to pass through the upper or last laid course, and penetrate 6 inches into the course immediately below. Besides these circular holes, others of an oblong form were cut in the joints, as will also be observed from the Figure. These last were for the reception of wooden wedges, driven in pairs perpendicularly into the joints of the stones, with a view to bring the dove-tailed parts to a uniform bearing, before the joints were grouted with mortar; the bond throughout the building being carefully preserved, by placing the perpendicular joints over the middle of the stones immediately below, being what is technically termed “Breaking-band,”--a system universally attended to in good masonry.
Fig. 2. represents the upper side of the 27th course, or first of the Stair-case, which measures 6 feet 4 inches in diameter within walls, and 19 feet 8 inches over walls. This course is elevated 32 feet 8 inches above the Rock at the foundation of the first stone, as will be seen in the section of Plate XVI. Here the granite casing is discontinued, and sandstone only is in future used. It will be observed, that the same system of dove-tailing is attended to in the stair-case as in the solid: this unavoidably occasioned the working of the stones into very awkward forms, and required the utmost precaution in landing them on the Rock with safety.
The parts of this course which are not shaded, shew the plan of the entrance-door, passage, and circular void of the stair, crossed by the radiating lines of the steps, as also the form of some of the stones of the top of the solid. a a represent the base of a column of cast-iron, which renders the drop-hole for the machinery continuous from the floor of the oil-store down to the level of the passage, and so through the centre of the solid, as shewn in the section Plate XVI.; b is a small stove placed in the stair-case; c is the position of the Inner door, of brass, as shewn in Fig. 2. Plate XIX., the upper part of which is glazed with plate-glass, to preserve the light of the stair-case; d is the position of the entrance-door, which is fashioned agreeably to the circular form of the building, and is strongly bound with the brass-hinges, as also shewn in Figs. 1. and 2. of Plate XIX.
Fig. 3. is the 39th course of the building, and first of the provision-store, and is 45 feet 11 inches above the foundation. This apartment measures 11 feet 9 inches in diameter within walls, and 18 feet over walls. From the floor to the roof the height is 8 feet 7 inches. Here the dove-tailed system, excepting at the end joints, and in the centre stones of the floors, was laid aside. At this level another system of connecting the courses was adopted, by means of a zone or belt, which was raised or worked upon the upper bed of the stones, and fitted to a corresponding groove in the course laid immediately above, as may be seen by tracing the diagrams representing the habitable parts of the house. This zone or belt, together with the horizontal plan of the floors, form the chief distinctive differences between the Designs of the Edystone and Bell Rock.
Fig. 3. The parts in this Figure which are not shaded represent the two windows of this apartment with the landing at the top of the stone stair-case. a a represent the storm-shutters, which will be more fully seen in Plate XIX. b b are the outer glazed windows; c c the inner glazed windows; d the open trap-ladder, with its brass hand-rail, leading to the light-room-store; e e the cast-iron coal magazine; f f f f the water-cisterns, of cast-iron, lined with a mixture of pitch and sand, and containing each 150 gallons; g g g g the four cast-iron magazines, for containing the provision casks, and various implements; h h the machinery, placed on a level with the top of the water-cisterns, for raising the stores from the entrance-door of the building to the Light-house; i i is the hole perforated through the wall for the passage of the chain for lifting the stores, the operation of which will be better understood by examining Plate XVI.; k the cast-iron stage upon which the light-keepers stand when they work the machinery for taking up the stores; l l the cast-iron steps leading to the stage k.
Fig. 4. is a plan of the floor of the light-room store, being the 48th course, which is 55 feet 10 inches above the foundation. This apartment, within walls, measures 11 feet 10 inches, over walls 16 feet 10 inches, and its height is 8 feet 7 inches. The shaded part of the floor marked a a a a a a a, represents the copper oil-cisterns, coated with tin, calculated to contain one whole year’s stock of oil, or about 1100 gallons. This apartment being chiefly occupied with these cisterns, there is only one window in it; b is the trap-ladder, and shews also the manhole, measuring 3 feet in its greatest length and 2 feet in breadth; c the store-room door; d d the position of the oaken pannelled partitions, which separate and inclose the store-room from the stair.
Fig. 5. being the kitchen floor, forms the 57th course, which is elevated 65 feet 8 inches above the foundation. This apartment measures 11 feet 11 inches in diameter, over all 16 feet, and its walls are 8 feet 9 inches in height. This room, in the position of its windows, manhole, and trap-ladder, is similar to what has already been described in reference to Figs. 3. and 4. In Fig. 5, a is the door leading to the apartment below; b the door leading to the trap-ladder of the apartment above; c c the oaken partitions, formed into lockers, which shut off the stair from the apartment; d is the cast-iron kitchen range or fire-place, which stands free and unconnected with the walls, forming a connected piece of pannelled work, extending from the floor to the ceiling; e is a strong cast-iron fender, and also a receptacle for the ashes; f f copper coal-boxes, formed into seats, on each side of the fire-place; g the cook’s table and locker; h the handle of the pump, by which water is raised from the provision-store or the second floor below; i i other lockers, also formed into seats.
Fig. 6. is the bed-room floor, or 66th course of the building, and is elevated 75 feet 8 inches above the foundation; it measures 11 feet 11½ inches in diameter, and over all 15 feet 6 inches; the walls are 9 feet in height. The windows, manhole, trap-ladder, doors, and oaken partition are similar to what have already been described in the floors below; a shews the position of the aperture for the cast-iron funnel leading from the kitchen-chimney through the several apartments to the cupola of the Light-house; b b the bed-frames, forming two bed-places in breadth, which are three tiers in height, reaching from the floor to the roof, and capable of accommodating six persons; c c lockers on each side of the beds, for the use of the four light-keepers.
Fig. 7. the next in order is the floor of the Strangers’-room or Library, being the 75th course of the building, which is 85 feet 11 inches above the foundation. The diameter of this floor is 12 feet, it measures 15 feet over walls, and the height of the roof, at the centre, is 11 feet 1 inch. The walls, windows, and other particulars of this apartment are nearly similar to those formerly described; a is the cast-iron funnel leading from the kitchen-chimney; b b the oaken framed book-case; c the tube through which the machinery-rope is conducted by the side of the walls of the several apartments, to the ceiling of the Provision-store.
Fig. 8. is the Light-room floor, or 86th course of the building, which is elevated 97 feet 9 inches above the foundation; within walls the floor measures 11 feet in diameter, over walls 13 feet 6 inches. The stones of the floor of this apartment, as will be observed, extend from the centre stone to the circumference of the balcony, varying from 7 feet to 7 feet 6 inches in length. The parapet-wall of the light-room, as will be seen from the Plate, has its outward face of an octagon form, but is worked circular within. In the several courses of the parapet, the principle of the zone or belt in the beds of the stones is still continued, and also the dove-tail of the end joints. The Light-room measures from the floor to the top of the stone work, or sole of the glazed sash-frames, 6 feet. a is the circular aperture for the cast-iron smoke-tube leading from the kitchen-chimney; b b is the manhole of this floor, having its landing towards the centre of the apartment, instead of being close to the wall, as in the several floors below. To have formed the length-way of the man-hole of this floor along the wall, would have occasioned the cutting of the stones in the dome-roof of the Library, in a manner hurtful to the strength of the building, which was conveniently avoided by introducing a platt in the ladder, instead of ascending more directly as by the trap-ladders of the floors below; c c is the case of the revolving-machinery, which gives motion to the Lights; d d is the drum or barrel, with its connecting wheels, on which the rope is coiled, from which the weight is suspended; e the position of the upright shaft for supporting the chandelier on which the reflectors are ranged, which is put in motion by its connecting train of machinery. The dotted lines marked f f shew the direction of the grooves cut in the floor for the horizontal shafts, which derive their motion from the machinery, and work the hammers of the two alarm-bells placed on the balcony; g g the bell-hammers with their cases; h h the bells, weighing each 5 cwt., which are tolled during the continuance of foggy or snowy weather; i i, &c. are the screwed batts of brass, forming the fixtures of the balcony-rail; k the Light-room door communicating with the balcony, which measures in the clear 5 feet in height, and 1 foot 10 inches in breadth.
Fig. 9. is a plan of the Lantern, showing the position of the trimming-path, and reflector-frame. The height from the foundation to the sill of the sash-frame is 102 feet 6 inches, and from thence to the lining of the cupola 13 feet four inches. a is the smoke-tube leading from the kitchen to the cupola; b b b b the cast-iron grated trimming-path, on which the light-keepers stand when they trim the lamps; c c the reflector-frame or chandelier, on which three tiers of reflectors are ranged; d the upright shaft; f f, &c. the position of the fountains for the reflector-burners, g g the position of the shades of red-coloured glass, by which the light is distinguished; h the iron trap-ladder communicating with the trimming-path.
PLATE XIV.
MOVEABLE BEAM CRANE.
[Sidenote: Pl. XIV.]
Fig. 1. is an Elevation of the Crane. In cranes of the common construction, the beam is a fixture, and is placed at right angles to the upright-shaft; but in the machine represented in this Plate, its attachment is at the lower extremity of the crane, where it is moveable up and down upon a journal or bolt. This crane is therefore termed a Moveable-beam-crane. The moveable property of the beam, in so far as the writer knows, is new, and possesses the advantage of laying any stone within its range perpendicularly on its site. This, from the dove-tailed form of the stones at the Bell Rock, rendered it essentially useful to this work, to which a crane of the ordinary construction could hardly be said to be applicable. At the Edystone Light-house this operation was performed by means of Triangular-sheers; but, from the greater extent of the Bell Rock works, and their greater depth in the water, such means must have rendered the process of building extremely tedious.
In reference to this Figure, a a a is the upright shaft of the crane; b b the cast-iron foot into which the lower journal of the shaft was stepped; c the cap into which the upper journal works, and into which two of the hooks d d of the four guy-ropes x x x x were entered, for commanding the top of the upright-shaft. From the immersed state of these cranes, while the building was low in the water, a guard-plate was introduced, and bolted to the cap, which laid hold of a collar raised round the journal, to prevent the cap from being unshipped by the waves; e e is the moveable beam, formed and built of two strong pieces of oak timber, connected in the centre by a serpentine row of bolts. This beam was mounted at the upper and lower extremities with strong cast-iron plates; f marks the cast-iron sheers or cheeks, fixed to the bottom of the upright shaft, into which the moveable beam works upon the journal or bolt g.
In order to direct the strain of the main purchase-chain h h h h h h passing over the cheek pulley i fixed upon the shaft, and to prevent its effect from bringing home the moveable beam e e to the upright shaft, a martingale or tail-block l is introduced and made fast to the shaft at m. When the purchase-chain is not in action, the block l is suspended from the small chain at n, which prevents it from falling too low, and thereby deranging the position of the purchase-chain. That the beam may be made applicable to laying the stone marked k, at the foot of the crane, or at the utmost reach of the beam, a chain or purchase marked o o o, is introduced, which also passes over a cheek-pulley i on the opposite side of the shaft. By this additional apparatus the beam is capable of being elevated or depressed at pleasure. The handle marked p p, with its pinion and connecting wheel q q, and larger wheel r r, together with its intermediate pinion, form the main purchase, and exert a force calculated at the rate of about 98 to 1. When a smaller weight was to be lifted, and greater speed wanted, the handle was transferred to the axle s, whose pinion being always in gear with the wheel r r, produced an accelerated motion, with a power in the ratio of 20 to 1; at the same time, the handle t t, with its pinion in action with the wheel u u, worked the beam e e, so as to lay a stone perpendicularly with the greatest facility within any part of its range.
Fig. 2. is the cast-iron tripod, used as a prop to the moveable beam, when applied as a lever, for lifting the crane; a a a mark the foot, b the cross head, having a stud which works into a circular hole perforated in the top of the tripod. By this simple apparatus, the crane could be moved and shifted either perpendicularly or horizontally, with a facility which added greatly to the conveniency of the operations. When the tripod was applied to use, it was placed under the heel-plate of the moveable beam marked v, and when rested upon it, the beam became a lever of great power.
Fig. 3. is an Elevation of the Working-gear of the Moveable Beam-Crane. a a a is the upright-shaft, as in Fig. 2.; b b the cast-iron foot; c the cap with its guard-plate; d d guy-hooks for commanding the top of the shaft; f f the edges of the sheers or cheeks, for the heel of the moveable beam; g the bolt or journal on which the beam is moveable; h h the purchase-chain; i i the cheek pulleys; o o the moveable beam-chain; p p the two main purchase-handles; q q the smaller wheel of the main purchase; r the greater wheel, with the intermediate pinion w, connected with the axle s of the wheel q q. The handles and pinion t t are connected with the wheel u u, for working the moveable beam-purchase; x is the drum or barrel for the main purchase-chain; y the barrel of the purchase-chain of the moveable beam.
Fig. 4. is a Section, shewing the connection of the purchases for working the beam, and lifting the weight: the axle s, of the lesser wheel q, with its intermediate pinion x of the main-purchase, work through the eye or centre of the wheel u u, and barrel y of the beam-purchase. x and r refer to the corresponding letters in Fig. 3.
Fig. 5. is an Elevation of the Winch-machine. The machines, used for the various purposes of landing the materials and raising them to the top of the building, were framed or made of cast and malleable iron. a a a a are the cheek plates or frames in which the axles of the machinery work. Those employed upon the Rock were fixed down by means of spear-bolts, to four bats, as shewn at b b; but in other situations they were fixed by straps of iron to beams of timber. The cheeks a a a a were connected by means of three strong bolts passing through hollow tubes, which butted against the inner sides of the cheeks and kept them in their places. The large wheel marked c c measures 3 feet 3 inches in diameter, and the smaller wheel d d is 2 feet 6 inches: these, with their respective pinions, of 6 inches in diameter, exerted powers respectively of 20 to 1, and 98 to 1, being of a size similar to the cranes; as one set of wheel and pinion patterns were made to answer the several machines employed at the work. Letter e is one of the handles connected with its axle and pinions, which, at pleasure, is made to work with a double or single purchase, by simply slipping the axle out and into gear with the larger and smaller wheels.
Fig. 6. is a Plan of the Winch-machine. a a a a is the sole of the frame, shewing the bat-holes for fixing it down; c is the large, and d the small wheel, with its axle; e e the handles, with their axle and pinions f f f; letter g is the barrel attached to the axle of the large wheel, with part of the purchase-chain; h h is the axle of the small wheel and intermediate pinion; and i i one of the hollow pipes through which the bolts pass for connecting the two cheeks or frame of the machine together.
Fig. 7. refers to a machine fixed to the walls of the Provision-store, for raising the stores from the railways to the entrance-door, as pointed out in Plate XVI. a a a a a section of part of the walls of the Provision-store, in which a hole x x is perforated, and lined with a copper tube, for the passage of the purchase-chain; b is the pulley, with its case, over which it works; c c c is the frame of the machine; and d the handle, with its bevelled pinion. The distinctive feature of this apparatus is the vertical motion of the barrel, by which it receives and discharges the chain always at the same point; the direction also of the chain may thus be altered almost close to the barrel, which in this case was the chief desideratum. To effect this purpose, the barrel is made to move vertically upon the axle f, by means of a screw y, upon its lower end, which works into a corresponding screw-rack g; in its operation, the wheel h h is worked by the cylindrical upright-pinion of brass, marked i. The two pairs of bevelled wheels, supported upon the small intermediate frame l, are introduced, for applying a double or single purchase, according to the load to be raised.
PLATE XV.
FOUNDATION-PIT, OR EXCAVATED SITE OF THE LIGHT-HOUSE.
[Sidenote: Pl. XV.]
Fig. 1. is a Plan of the site of the Light-house, and of the ground or imperfect course, in readiness for receiving the first entire course of the building, represented in Plate XIII. Fig. 1. The dark shaded figures delineated upon the Plan in Plate XV. represent the stones of the ground-course, consisting of 18 detached pieces, which vary in their forms according to certain irregular holes in the Rock. From the same cause, the stones of this imperfect course vary in thickness from 6 to 18 inches. The situation of the Foundation-stone will be seen from its having the year of our Lord 1808 cut upon it, as noticed at page 237. The four exterior stones, which are cut somewhat of a dove-tail form, are of a lighter shade being granite, while the 14 interior pieces, being of sandstone, are of a darker shade. The dark shading on the northern side of the Plan represents merely the shadow of the higher parts of the Rock round the excavated site of the Light-house.
Fig. 2. is a Section of the Foundation-pit, upon the line A B, varying in depth from 18 inches to 5 feet, representing also the dip or inclination of the strata; while the dotted lines above show the form of the lower part of the Light-house.
PLATE XVI.
ELEVATION AND SECTION OF THE LIGHT-HOUSE.
[Sidenote: Plate XVI.]
Fig. 1. is an Elevation of the Light-house, with the brazen-ladder leading up to the entrance-door. Part of the Rock and railways are seen, on which several figures are at work, landing stones from a boat, as at low-water of spring-tides. The small aperture bored through the outward wall between the door and the window of the Light-room-store, is for the passage of the chain for raising the stores, as described in Fig. 7. Plate XIV. The two leaves of the entrance-door are shewn folded back upon the walls. The first window above the door seen in this view of the building, is that of the Light-room store; the second is one of the bed-room windows; and the third is in the Library; immediately over this are the cornice and balcony-rail, through which last is seen the Light-room door, with the alarm bells on each side. Through the glazed sashes, the reflectors are seen arranged upon the chandelier, connected with the revolving apparatus. On a level with the lower part of the cupola is the signal-ball. On the ensign-staff a flag is hoisted, with a light-house in the field, used as a complimentary signal in the service of the Northern Light-houses.
Fig. 2. is a Section of the Light-house, shewing parts of the Rock and ground-course. a a show part of the railways; b the brazen ladder leading to the entrance-door, which is marked c. In the central part of the solid of the building is shewn the cylindrical drop-hole d d, which passes through the centre-stones of each course, and forms part of the range of the machinery-weight. On each side of the drop-hole, throughout the solid, and walls of the stair-case, are seen the stone-joggles e e, &c. as they occur in the several courses, and were noticed in the description of Plate XIII. Figs. 1. and 2. At the entrance-door a figure is represented receiving stores into the house. Immediately behind him, one of the leaves of the inner door, of brass, appears folded back into its recess in the wall, the upper part being glazed with plate-glass, for the admission of light to the stair-case. In continuation of the range of the machinery-weight above alluded to, and extending between the solid and the ceiling of the provision-store, a column of cast-iron, marked x x, passes up through the well-hole of the stair. The provision store, with which the stone stair communicates, is formed by a scarsement of the walls at the level of letter f, on which the water-cisterns, lockers for provisions, and coal magazine, are ranged. Over these a stage or platform of cast iron is erected, on which a figure is seen at work at the machinery for raising the stores from the railways to the entrance-door of the house. The purchase-chain of this machine passes over the pully at g, as described in Plate XIV. Fig. 7.
The next apartment in ascending the oaken trap-ladders leading through the several apartment, is the Light-room-store, marked h, occupied chiefly with 7 copper oil-cisterns, which are strengthened with polished brass bars forming the front into pannels. This, and the several apartments above are partitioned off from the stair with a pannelled framing of oak. The kitchen i, over the store-room, is chiefly occupied with the fire-place, (though not seen in this section), which, with its cast-iron pipe or chimney ascending through the different rooms to the cupola, stand free, or are not embedded in the walls of the house. On the right-hand side of the kitchen a figure is seen at the cook’s table and lockers; and on the left are seen the oaken trap-ladder set close to the wall, and the lockers, by which it is partitioned off from the apartments. A similar arrangement takes place in the bed-room marked h, occupied chiefly with the oaken bed frames, described in Fig. 6. Plate XIII. The apartment marked l is the Strangers’-room or Library, which contains a small collection of books. The furniture is of oak timber, executed in Mr Trotter of Edinburgh’s best style. The walls were painted by Mr Macdonald of Arbroath, in handsomely decorated pannel-work; and from the dome an antique bronze lamp is suspended. The upper apartment m forms the Light-room and Lantern, rendered fire-proof, as every thing is of stone or metal, excepting a small oaken table and chair for the use of the light-keeper on watch; accented m´ is the copper-ball, shown as hoisted for the signal “All is Well.” The reflecting apparatus and revolving machinery with which the Light-room is occupied, will fall to be described under Plate XX.
PLATE XVII.
BALANCE-CRANE.
[Sidenote: Pl. XVII.]
Fig. 1. is an elevation of the Balance-Crane, constructed for building the upper part of the Bell Rock Light-house, when the guy-ropes of the Moveable Beam-crane, became “too taunt,” as sailors express it, or were too near the perpendicular, thereby rendering the machine unstable. To remedy this, the crane alluded to was kept in equilibrium by a back-weight of cast-iron, so adapted as to counteract the varying load upon the working arm or beam. The elevation here represented is the same in principle with that used at the Bell Rock, but differs somewhat in form, agreeably to more recent improvements made in order to adapt it to the erection of the Carr Rock Beacon. a a is the cast-iron foot or socket, into which the upright central column b b is stepped, being a tube of cast-iron put together in convenient lengths, with flush joints, after the manner of spiggot and faucet, fitted by turning and boring. The centre column of this machine might have been carried to any suitable or convenient height, by adding length to length, as the building advanced, without once moving the foot; but at the Bell Rock, not more than three lengths of from 6 to 9 feet were generally in use. c c represent a malleable iron cross-head, which was stepped into the void of the central shaft or column, when the body of the crane was to be elevated. This operation was accomplished simply by hooking the main-purchase and traveller-chains into the eyes c c, when the machinery of the crane was employed with great facility as a locomotive power for lifting itself; d is a stone supposed to be suspended in the purchase-chain; and e is the back-weight or counterpoise, which, at pleasure, was moved horizontally along the balance-beam marked f, consisting of two plates or bars of malleable iron; g is the working-beam, of similar construction; h-h, h-h, h, h, are four of the eight main and secondary suspending ties of malleable iron, applied from above, in order to leave the lower part of the crane unobstructed. This afforded great conveniencey particularly at the Carr Rock, and also at the erection of the Melville Monument of Edinburgh, where the space for the workmen was extremely circumscribed, the shaft of the column not being more than 10 feet 6 inches in diameter towards the top. The main ties h-h, h-h, at the lower extremity, were made fast by the same bolt which passes through the pulleys f and g, while the upper ends were bolted into a collar, which is seen clasping the central column at i i. This collar is fitted with four friction-rollers, one of which is seen at k. l l shew two of the four principal rods or bars of malleable iron for connecting the Crane, and answering the purpose of a king-post to the ties h-h, h-h, of the frame-work; m m mark two of the four braces forming a connection between the main ties and arms or beams of the crane. The cheeks n n n, which contain the train or series of wheels of the crane, are of cast-iron. In the formation of these cheeks they present as little obstruction to the workmen as possible, while, at the same time, they embrace the various journals or axles of the machinery. The upper part is connected by a square framed collar of malleable iron, seen at Fig. 5. fitted with friction rollers, and, like the collar above alluded to, works round the central column. This lower collar is connected with the cheeks of the crane by studs passing through them, and fixed by means of screw-nuts. The lower part of the frame is in like manner connected with the upright shaft, by a collar, which is moveable upon friction-balls of cast-iron, contained in a circular race or chamber o o, a plan of which, shewing the balls, is given at Fig. 3. The whole machine thus fitted, is supported upon the central shaft by means of the cutter or spear-bolt p. The winch handle marked q, is that with which the main-purchase chain r, passing over the pulley s, is worked, from which the stone d is suspended. Connected with the main-purchase, a wheel, marked w, of 30 inches diameter, is worked by a pinion of 5 inches, mounted upon the axle of the handle q, producing a power or force in the ratio of 18 to 1; this power may at pleasure be increased by throwing another pinion on the same axle into gear with the wheel marked n´, of 16 inches diameter.
The handle u u is connected with the main-traveller s, balance-chain v v v, and their traveller x, to which the back-weight e is appended. The main-traveller wheel y measuring 36 inches in diameter, with its pinion of 5 inches marked u, exerting a power in the ratio of 21 to 1, serves to work the main-traveller. On the same axle with the pinion u, is another pinion, working two wheels, as seen in Fig. 4, which gives motion to the balance-traveller. These two combinations of wheels are so arranged, that, by working the small levers m and z, they can with facility be thrown in and out of gear, so as to work the traveller either together or separately. The whole weight of the Balance-crane, here represented as resting upon the oaken beams A A B, on one of the floors, weighed about three tons; but the balance and working beams having latterly been made of malleable iron, and the other parts of the machine considerably lightened, it did not exceed more than two tons in weight when used at the Carr Rock.
Fig. 2. The cast-iron foot of the Crane is necessarily very ponderous, and weighs about half a ton. The toes a a a a extend about 5 feet; b b b b are the bat-holes for fixing it down, in case of its at any time getting off the balance, but, in practice, these bats were seldom applied. When the crane was supported over the void or central holes left in the floors during the progress of the work, the toes were clasped to the oaken beams A A B, formerly noticed, represented as resting on one of the upper floors of the building, B, in Fig. 1., being a cross section of the lower beam, with its levelling-block; c, the socket for the central column, or upright shaft, is 10 inches in diameter at the upper side, and diminishes to 9 inches, that the column may become fixed into it by the pressure of the machine.
Fig. 3. o o, in reference to Fig. 1., represents the collar-chamber, filled with cast iron friction-balls, upon which the body of the machine rested, and traversed horizontally with the greatest facility.
Fig. 4. is a perpendicular section taken across the cheeks and wheels with a view to shew the train of the machine more fully. a a is the foot; b b two lengths of the central column, or hollow cylinder, with their spiggot and faucet joint in the middle, shewing also that the metal is about an inch and a quarter in thickness; c c the cross-head, referred to in Fig. 1.; i i the upper collar, shewing its connection l l with the king-posts or main rods; n n the cast-iron cheeks, with the lower collar, and the chamber for the friction-balls; o the cutter or spear-bolt, which supports the whole machine; u u the traveller handles, the main-purchase handles not being embraced in this section; y y the wheels and pinion of the main traveller; accented y´ y´ the wheel and pinion of the balance-traveller x x. In the central part of this figure, the barrel or drum x of the traveller-chains is seen, and also the middle collar x, with its friction rollers.
Fig. 5. is a plan of the body of the Crane, in reference to Fig. 1. b is a cross section of the central column, seen in connection with the upper collar d d; with a stone suspended from the end of the main-beam; e e the back weight suspended from the balance-beam: f and g the extremities of these two beams; h´ h´ h´ h´ four horizontal braces, extending from the cast-iron cheeks to the middle of the beam. Letters n n n n the cast-iron cheeks of the body; q q the main purchase-handles; r the main-purchase chain; s its traveller; t t the traveller-chain; u u the traveller handles; v the balance traveller-chain; x its traveller; w w the main-purchase wheels; y y the traveller wheels; z the lever, for stopping the main traveller-wheel.
Fig. 6. is a plan of the frame work of this machine: b is the upright column, with the upper malleable iron-collar, shewing its connection with the king-posts l l of Fig. 1.; f and g are the extremities of the main-purchase and balance-beams; m´ m´ the horizontal rods connecting with the main-ties; h h, &c. the main ties; h´ h´, &c. the horizontal braces; n n n n the cheeks or frame of the wheels and machinery, with the two great bolts marked n´ n´, by which the frame was principally connected; these bolts being passed also through the interior ends of the balance and working beams.
PLATE XVIII.
GENERAL VIEW OF THE WORKS.
[Sidenote: Pl. XVIII.]
This Plate gives a Perspective view of the Works at the Bell Rock, taken by Carse, at low-water of spring-tide, from on board the Light-house Yacht, in the month of July 1810, at the distance of about half a mile in a southern direction from the Rock, and is here reduced from a picture in the possession of the writer. In the fore-ground a boat is introduced, approaching the Rock with a party of strangers, and another is leaving it, supposed to be receiving orders from a figure on the Rock, who is pointing towards her. In the back-ground, the shipping belonging to the work is introduced, viz. the Tender, a Schooner, and the stone-vessels Smeaton and Patriot, with the Floating-light. In the distance, the hills of Fife and Forfar are seen, but the entrance to the Firth of Tay is intercepted by the beams of the Beacon-house. Between the Light-house and Beacon, or in the direction of the chain and stone suspended from the Wooden-bridge, the ruins of the Abbey of Aberbrothwick are seen. The operation of landing the stones with the sheer-crane at Duff’s Wharf, toward the right, is seen; and also one of the moveable beam-cranes, in a working position, at Pitmilly Wharf, on the left.
The principal lines of the railways, with waggons, and a variety of operations which are in progress, form a very busy scene upon the Rock. On the praam-boat’s deck, toward the left of the picture, Captain Wilson, the landing-master, is represented with a speaking-trumpet in his hand; and at the foot of the Beacon-house, Mr Francis Watt, foreman mill-wright, is supposed to be giving directions about some operations. On a level with the entrance-door of the Light-house, the bridge of communication is situate, and four blocks of stone are seen, in progress of being raised from the railways to the top of the building, viz. one is suspended from the winch-machine upon the bridge, another from the beam projecting out of the window of the Light-room store, a third from the bed-room, and a fourth from the Balance-crane, which last is about to be laid upon the parapet-wall of the Light-room. Here the operations are going forward under the direction of Mr Peter Logan, foreman builder. In the open gallery of the Beacon-house, Mr Dove, the foreman smith, is seen at work, with the smoke of the respective fires of the forge and cook-room. The tackle, distended in a diagonal direction, from the balcony of the Light-house, to the mortar-gallery of the Beacon, shews the mode of raising the mortar-buckets. The figure on the small scaffold suspended from the balcony, shews the method of pointing the walls with Roman cement.
PLATE XIX.
ENTRANCE-DOOR, WINDOWS, HINGES, AND THUNDER-ROD.
[Sidenote: Pl. XIX.]
Fig. 1. represents part of the outward wall A A A A, and entrance-door, one leaf or half of which is open, and the other shut; a, one of the handles for opening and shutting it, connected with a thumb-latch; b b the bolts for securing the door when shut; c c c c the hinges; d d d d the brass guard-plates at top and bottom of the door, for defending the timber. The door is framed of fir-wood, and measures 6 feet 4 inches in height in the clear, besides the brass-checks upon which it shuts at top and bottom, which are of 2 inches in depth, as shewn at e in Fig. 1., and also by an end view in Fig. 2. The two leaves form a common breadth of 2 feet 10 inches in the clear. A cornice of brass is formed on the lintel of the door answerable to an eaves-drop, in which a friction roller h is placed, for the chain of the crane, with which the stores are raised. The door, when shut, finishes flush with the building, and is therefore of a circular form, framed and double lined, the whole being put together with white-lead paint: each leaf measures 5 inches in thickness at the hinge side, and diminishes to 2½ inches at the meeting edges, as will be understood by examining the section in Fig 3. When the leaves of the door are thrown open, they are kept in their places by catch-hooks of brass, to prevent gusts of wind from shutting them suddenly; f shews a moveable handle or piece of brass rail, within the passage, for laying hold of in stepping off the brazen ladder to enter the house; g shews the upper extremity or highest step of the ladder, which terminates at the sill of the door.
Fig. 2. shews the relative position of the outer and inner entrance-doors, in which a a a is an end view of the former; b b b b a front view of one of the leaves of the inner brass door; e e the outer door check, faced with plates of brass; f the moveable handle or rail, for the greater conveniency of entering the threshold; g the termination and upper step of the brazen-ladder, attached to the building, for communicating with the Rock. h, section of the cornice and friction-roller. The passage being only 2 feet 10 inches in breadth, the rails or moveable handles f, on each side, are made to slide into brass sockets i i, sunk into the walls, and, like the inner door, are flush with the wall when not at use. k k the sockets for the centre-pin hinge of the inner-door.
Fig. 3. is a cross section of one of the leaves of the entrance-door, shewing the position of the brass-case of the hinge-bat, as it lies in the building. A A part of the walls, B B part of the side-walls of passage, C C part of the surface of the outward wall. a a a a is the brass-case, containing the Lewis-bat-tails or palm of the hinge, (described in Plate XI. Fig. 3.); b b b b the working-tails; c c the outside lining; d d the inside lining; e e e the frame-work of the door, with the bolts and nails connecting the hinges; f the joint of the hinge, shewing the journal pin-hole; g the half-check joint of the door.
Fig. 4. represents a front view of the door-hinges, lettered in reference to Fig. 3. a a a a is the brass box or case, which is built into the wall for containing the palm-end of the Lewis-hinge; b b is the exterior or working tail, with its screw bolt and nail holes; f f f the double-joint and slip-pin.
Fig. 5. is a cross section of the Lewis-box on the line A B of Fig. 4. with its dove-tail feathers; a a a a shew the parts of the Lewis-bat b c d, as it lies in the box, which is built into the wall.
Fig. 6. represents a longitudinal section of the box and palm of the hinge, shewing its position, in reference to the cross section in Fig. 5. a a a a is the brass box; b and d are the dove-tailed compartments of the palm; c is the tongue or locking-piece; e the pin hole, perforated in the locking-piece, for drawing the parts of the palm in the event of the joint wearing and requiring to be renewed; f f is the slip pin-hole in the other two parts of the palm of the Lewis. The weight of one of the entire hinges of the door, with its Lewis-tail and brass-box was 56 lb., and consequently the four sets for the door weighed about 2 cwt.
Fig. 7. shews the elevation of one of the windows of the Light-house, with part of the exterior wall marked A A A A; one-half of one of the storm-shutters, marked a a, is closed, and the other marked c c, is open; b is a bar of brass, which folds across the window when the shutters are closed, and is used as a stretcher, for preserving them in their places when opened. It will be observed by comparing the close shutter a a with the open one c c, that they are double or cross boarded; they are also fastened with hammered copper nails; d is the clasp used as a handle, which also locks the shutter; e e e e the ends of the dove-tailed hinges as they appear projecting through the walls; f f f f the working-tails of the hinge, forming at the same time the guard-plate of the shutters, as described in Fig. 1. Letter g, upon the open shutter, shews one of the brackets connected with the stretching-bar b, for keeping them open, as will be better understood by examining the following Figure.
Fig. 8. is a plan of one of the window-sills, and a section of one of the storm-shutters, with part of the walls A A, shewing the position of the Lewis-bat cases; a and c, the storm-shutters in an open state; b the stretching-bar in its place, when the shutters are open; e e the exterior ends of the Lewis-bats, with their cases é é é é, which are built into the wall, and, together with the other parts of the hinge, weigh about 28 lb., or 1 cwt. for each set, being one-half of the weight of the door-hinges; g g the brackets connected with the stretching-bar; h h the check in the wall for receiving the shutters; i i the stiles or framing of the outer-window, which opens in two leaves; k k k the framing and case of the inner window, which slides up and down in one sash; l l the balance-weight of the inner-window.
Fig. 9. is a perpendicular section of one of the windows, shewing the triple mode of shutting them during stormy weather. A A a section of a part of the walls. a a, the storm-shutter; h h the check in the building for its reception; i i the frame of the outer-window; k k the inner-window; l the case into which the inner-window drops when not in use.
Fig. 10. A A is a section of part of the thunder-rod and outward wall. a a shew part of the zones or bond-belts, noticed in Plate VII. Fig. 7., and Plate XVI. Fig. 2.; b b the brass-bats let into the wall, for attaching the thunder-rod with the screws c c, which vary from 2 to 3½ feet apart; d d the thunder-rod, made of the best gun-metal, and weighing at the rate of 7 lb. per lineal foot in the range of the sea, or from the Rock to the entrance-door, and from thence to the Light-room, at the rate of about 4 lb. per lineal foot; e is the joint technically termed Half-checking, by which the pieces, of about 7 feet in length, are connected by two screws at each joint, as shewn in the section. This rod, which extends from the Light-room to the Railways, forms an exterior Conductor, while another, which is not seen here, is connected with the chimney, brazen ladder and railways, and completes the interior conducting process.
PLATE XX.
BALCONY AND LIGHT-ROOM.
[Sidenote: Pl. XX.]
Fig. 1. a a represent the Balcony or walk round the exterior of the Light-room; b b, &c. the brass bats, made in the form of the paw of an animal, are used for supporting the balcony-rail; c c the two Alarm-Bells; d d the hammers by which they are tolled, during the continuance of foggy or stormy weather; e e the case for defending the levers which work the hammers; f f f the stone parapet-wall of the Light-room, of an octagon form on the outside, and circular within; g g g the cast-iron sill of the lantern; h h, &c. the angular cast-iron pillars or mullions, formed by the junction of the contiguous parts of two of the sash-frames; i i, &c. the smaller upright bars, forming the astragals or principal divisions of the sash-frames; k k, &c. the grated cast-iron trimming-path; l the smoke-tube, leading from the kitchen through the cupola or roof; m the trap-ladder leading from the light-room-floor to the trimming-path; n n the reflector frame or chandelier, on which are seen 8 of the reflectors marked o o, &c. with their oil-fountains p p, &c. the whole being framed or built upon the moveable upright-shaft q.
Fig. 2. is a section of the dome-roof of the library, the parapet-walls of the light-room, the lantern and its cupola. a a is the balcony, shewing the position of the Alarm-Bells, and cast-iron rail; which last is made in the form of meshes, with a massive coping of brass; f f the parapet-wall of the light-room; g g the cast-iron sill of the lantern; h h, &c. the angular pillars or mullions; i i, &c. the astragals; k k the grated trimming-path; l l the smoke-tube passing through the cupola; n n, &c. the reflector frame, on which 20 reflectors, marked o o, &c. with their fountains p p, &c. are ranged; q q the upright shaft upon which the reflector-frame is built, and which is connected with the revolving-machinery; r r, &c. the copper smoke-tubes from the respective reflectors; s s the cross-bars supporting the upright shaft at t t; and u u a copper receiver for any accidental drop from the upper or central ventilator marked v´ v´ v´, while the letters v v v v mark the exterior line of the cupola; w w the external cornice of the lantern, used as a gutter or eaves-drop, from which the rain-water is conducted off the roof in small pipes to the parapet-wall of the Light-room; x x the handles which the light-keepers lay hold of; and y y the exterior grated path on which they stand when cleaning the outside of the windows; z z z the steps fixed to the parapet of the Light-room and lantern, by which they ascend to the cupola; á á the copper-tube, used as a flag-staff; b´ the signal-ball, hoisted daily at the Light-house, between the hours of 9 and 10 o’clock in the morning, when “All is Well:” The ropes for raising this ball pass over two pulleys fixed in the top of the flag-staff, and are let down through the interior of it: c´ c´ part of the cornice of the building, shewing the mode of connecting the horizontal and perpendicular joints of the Library-roof; d´ d´, &c. shew the zone or bond-belt worked in the beds of the courses, as mentioned in the description of Plate VII. Fig. 7., Plate XVI. Fig. 2., and Plate XIX. Fig. 10.; e´ e´, &c. from the enlargement of the scale, shews more distinctly than any of the other diagrams, the mode in which the horizontal joggling of the joints of the Light-room and other floors of the building is accomplished; f´ the door leading from the Light-room to the balcony; g´ g´ g´ the case and machinery for causing the Reflecting-apparatus to revolve, so as to distinguish this Light from others upon the coast; h´ h´, &c. the connection-rods, with their various wheels of communication, for changing the direction, and giving motion to the Bell-hammers; i´ i´, &c. the brass tubes for supplying fresh air to the Light-room; k´ the Time-piece, set upon brackets fixed in the wall, for regulating the Revolving-machinery, and for the direction of the light-keepers in changing the day and night watches; l´ a bracket of cast-iron attached to the machinery-case, for supporting the foot on which the upright shaft works; m´ the bevelled wheels connected with the interior machinery and upright shaft, which can be thrown out and into gear at pleasure.
In describing the Reflecting-apparatus delineated in Fig. 3., we may notice, that, agreeably to the laws of optics, almost inconceivable effects are produced by the use of these specula, by which portions of a sphere are illuminated, whose radii seem to be proportionate to the elevation of the radiant point, and the particular state of the atmosphere. Taking these conditions into view, the Revolving-light at the Bell Rock has been seen, from an elevated position on the land, at the distance of about 35 miles. According also to observations which have been made upon Sumburgh-Head Light, in Shetland, which is elevated about 300 feet above the medium level of the sea, it has been seen from a ship’s deck at the distance of about 27 miles. Similar effects are also expected to be produced with light refracted through glass-lenses. These, it is believed, are about to be made trial of in the Tour de Corduan, at the entrance of the Garonne, with what are termed Polygonal Lenses, being one large lens, built or composed of a number of small lenses, as suggested by Dr Brewster, in the Edinburgh Encyclopædia, in the year 1811, under the article “Burning Glass.”
Fig. 3. a a a represents one of the reflectors, measuring 25 inches over the lips, in a finished state, as now in use at the Bell Rock and Northern Light-houses in general. They consist of a circular sheet of copper, measuring, when flat, 26¼ inches in diameter; weighing 11½ lb. on an average; and plated with silver in the proportion of 6 oz. to each pound avoirdupois of copper. These plates are formed into the Parabolic curve by a very nice process of hammering, and afterwards set into a bezil or ring of brass; b is the lamp, being an Argand-burner, with a circular wick, of about three-fourths of an inch in diameter. If the parabolic figure of the reflector could be constructed and its form preserved with perfect accuracy, the magnitude of the flame of the lamp employed for its illumination would be of less importance. From certain experiments now in progress, the writer is in expectation that considerable improvements may be introduced, in the construction of reflectors, and that additional modes of distinguishing the Light-houses on the coast will be obtained. c is a cylindrical fountain of brass, which contains 24 oz. of oil, suitable for the consumpt of the lamp for about 18 hours, or equal to its expenditure during the longest night in Shetland. A great improvement upon the Burner-apparatus has lately been introduced into the Northern Lights, by affording the light-keeper an opportunity of cleaning the reflector without the obstruction of the burner: the oil-pipe and fountain of the burner is connected with the rectangular frame d, and moveable in a perpendicular direction upon the guide-rods e and f, by which it can be let down and taken out of the reflector, by simply turning the handle g, as will be more fully understood by examining Fig. 5. In this way, the necessity of lifting the reflector, or deranging its focus, is avoided. Although a properly trimmed lamp, especially upon the Argand principle, does not emit smoke, yet the heat and effluvia arising from it, are sufficient to oxydise or sully the upper part of the reflector: an aperture of an elliptical form, measuring about 2 inches by 3 inches, is therefore cut in the upper part of the reflector, to which the copper-tube h is attached. Letter i, immediately behind the reflector, refers to a cross section of the main-bar of the chandelier or frame on which the reflectors are ranged, each being made to rest upon three knobs of brass, one of which, as seen at k k, is soldered upon the brass band l, that clasps the exterior of the reflector.
To distinguish the Bell Rock Light from others on the coast, as noticed at page 401, it is made to revolve, and to exhibit periodically a bright light of the natural appearance, alternating with a red coloured light. This last effect is produced by means of shades of red glass, one of which, represented at m m, is also set in a brass bezil, and made to slide horizontally upon two rods marked n n, into corresponding sockets, fixed upon the reflector-frame at o, so as to enable the light-keeper to trim the lamp without entirely removing the red coloured shade. In the present aspect of the shade, the rods are drawn out to their full extent; but when set for use, the shade is pushed in till its bezil and that of the reflector are within half an inch of each other.
Fig. 4. is a section of the reflector a a, shewing the position of the burner b, with the glass chimney accented b´ b´, and oil cup b, or receiver for any drop that may fall from the lamp. The letters c, d, f, and g, in reference to the corresponding letters in Fig. 3., shew the oil-fountain in its place when the burner is in use.
Fig. 5. has reference to the apparatus for moving the burner up and down, so as to admit freely of the reflector being cleaned. In the present position, c, the fountain, is moved partly down; d d, &c. shows the rectangular frame on which the burner is mounted; e e the elongated socket-guides; f the rectangular guide-rod, connected with the sockets on which the perforated check-handle g slides; accented c´ is a cross section of the oil-pipe, where it joins the valve of the fountain.
Figs. 6, 7, and 8. These three diagrams represent a different mode of withdrawing the burner from the reflector, for the conveniency of cleaning it. In Figs. 3, 4, and 5., this is supposed to be done by a perpendicular motion of the burner; but in Figs. 6, 7, and 8. it slides horizontally. Fig. 8. is a horizontal section of the reflector a a a, and its apparatus, the letters in which correspond with those of Figs. 3, 4, and 5. The advantages attending this mode, are the rendering of the apparatus more steady, by its having two points of support upon the bars i i and k k; while its motion is more direct. The part of the reflector cut out for the admission of the burner in this case, being that which is partly intercepted by it, little of the reflecting surface is thus lost; and this mode may therefore be considered an improvement upon the perpendicular manner of lifting and lowering the burner.
FRONTISPIECE.
[Sidenote: Pl. XXI.]
This scene, which is intended to represent the Bell Rock after a storm at north-east, will hardly admit of any adequate description, from the evanescence of the form of the waves upon these occasions. It is, however, founded upon observations made at the Light-house, between the years 1810 and 1822, or during twelve successive winters. The great rise of the sea during a gale, as delineated in the Vignette to the Narrative of the Edystone Light-house, being so surprising, the writer was at much pains to ascertain the effect also at the Bell Rock; and the maximum height of the sprays hitherto observed has been about 105 feet, or as high as the central part of the Light-room windows.
Mr Andrew Masson, an artist who in early life had been at sea, having expressed a desire to reside in the Light-house for some time during winter, that he might observe the waves in a storm, was readily furnished with an opportunity. He went there in the month of December 1816, and remained for six weeks and four days, when he produced various sketches of the appearances which he witnessed; and Mr Macdonald, noticed at page 519, made several outlines from actual observation, in the winter of 1820. All of these were put into the hands of Mr Turner, Royal Academician; who gave the very spirited drawing from which Mr Horsburgh, an artist of much promise, has succeeded in producing the striking representation in the Frontispiece. The writer has also the pleasure of acknowledging the obligations he owes to Mr Williams, author of Views in Greece, for his friendly advice and assistance.
It may here be remarked, as not a little surprising, that while the sea is running nearly to the height represented in the Frontispiece, the entrance-door of the Light-house, or at least one of its leaves, may nevertheless be left open; and the portion of water which on these occasions makes its way into the passage, is found to be very trifling. This is owing to the fortunate position of the door; for, while the sprays on the eastern side fly with the quickness of lightning to the top of the house, the waves separate below, and are sent round the building with such force, that their collision upon the lee-side produces the wonderful appearance in the picture; where a downy spray, white as snow, rises at some distance from the house, to the height of 20 or 30 feet above the medium surface of the sea, and comes in minute particles upon those within the entrance-door, producing a sensation as if dust were falling upon them.
VIGNETTE OF SECOND TITLE-PAGE.
[Sidenote: Pl. XXII.]
The night scene of the Bell Rock Light-house, in the Vignette of the Second Title-page, was drawn by Miss Stevenson, from a sketch by the masterly hand of Mr Skene of Rubislaw. To Miss Stevenson, also, as an amanuensis, the writer takes this opportunity, with parental affection, of acknowledging his obligation for almost the entire manuscript written to his diction. The reader will be gratified to find, in connection with this Vignette, inserted at page 64., a fac-simile of the handwriting of Sir Walter Scott, Bart. in the expressive and beautiful lines which he wrote in the Album kept at the Light-house, as noticed at page 419.
PLATE XXIII.
DESIGN FOR A LIGHT-HOUSE, SUGGESTED UPON VISITING THE WOLF ROCK SITUATE EIGHT MILES S. S. W. FROM THE LAND’S-END.
[Sidenote: Pl. XXIII.]
In the range of aquatic buildings applicable to the purposes of a Light-house, which the writer has examined, he was forcibly struck with the magnitude of the Tour de Corduan, on the French coast. This magnificent edifice measures about 145 feet in diameter at the base, and 150 feet in height. Its cubical contents may perhaps be stated at the immense quantity of 339,432 feet; of which the basement alone forms about 200,000 feet. This building has undergone considerable alterations since its completion in the year 1609, as appears from Belidor’s Architecture Hydraulique, tom. ii. At the time of its alteration from a coal fire to an oil light with reflectors, the upper parts in particular seem to have been greatly simplified, by the removal of several of its exterior ornamental appendages.
The Edystone Light-house, owing to the smallness of the rock, as appears from Mr Smeaton’s Narrative of this celebrated building, measures only 26 feet in diameter, at the level of the first entire course; but if there had been space on the Rock for extending it equally on all sides, the ground-course, according to the curve of the outward walls, and the position of the foundation-stone, would have measured 32 feet in diameter. The height of the cupola of the Edystone Light-house is 90 feet, and the cubical contents of the masonry is about 13,147 feet. The Bell Rock Light-house, measures 42 feet in diameter at the base; its height, from the foundation to the cupola, is 118 feet; and the cubical contents of the masonry, as appears from the Table in Appendix, No. VI. is 28,530 feet.
Though the design represented in Plate XXIII., is more or less applicable to several situations upon the coast, yet the writer, in making this Sketch, had special reference to the Wolf Rock, which, as noticed at page 423, he visited in the Orestes sloop of war, commanded by Captain Smith. The extreme dimensions of the upper surface of this rock are about 115 feet, by 90 feet. It is not liable to be covered by the ordinary rise of the tide, though little of it appears above water in spring-tides. The Rock consists of grey porphyry, and is extremely hard. Its outline is somewhat uniform, and the depth of water in its vicinity is from 20 to 40 fathoms. The dangerous position of this reef, in reference to the navigation of the British Channel, led to the proposition of having a Light-house upon it many years since. The erection, however, was ultimately made upon the Long-Ships Rocks, lying about one mile off the Land’s-End.
With the construction and dimensions, therefore, of the Light-houses above alluded to in view, the design delineated in this Plate is given, as the result of the writer’s knowledge and experience on subjects of this kind. Without, however, entering into particulars as to the mode in which such an operation should be conducted, he merely notices, in reference to the various curves delineated in Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4. as applicable to Light-houses upon sunken rocks, that he prefers the curve of the diagram represented in Fig. 3., as the outline of a building for a situation like the Wolf Rock.
Fig. 1. is formed by the supposed revolution of the cycloidal curve round the axis of a building, whose base is 50 feet, and which, at the entrance-door or top of the solid, measures 25 feet in diameter; the lines produced beyond these dimensions, which would form the habitable part of the Light-house, being tangents to the curves below. Between the base a b, and its parallel c d, this Figure contains 29,635 cubic feet.
Fig. 2. is in like manner formed by the revolution of the logarithmic curve round the axis of a building of similar dimensions at the base and top of the solid with Fig. 1., and contains 31,867 cubic feet.
Fig. 3. is obtained by the revolution of a parabola round the axis of the supposed building. The contents of the solid part, ascertained as in the two former Figures, is 34,006 cubic feet, being 4,371 cubic feet more than that of the cycloidal curve, and 2,139 cubic feet more than in the logarithmic curve.
Fig. 4. is formed by the revolution of the hyperbola between the two parallels a b, and c d, and contains 39,655 cubic feet, or 5,649 cubic feet more than the parabola. But, from the divergent nature of this curve, it is not applicable to the purposes of a Light-house tower, in its pure or simple form.
Fig. 5. is the section of a design formed by the revolution of the parabola round the axis of a building, as its asymptote, whose base a b, measures 56 feet in diameter, and parallel c d, at the top of the solid, is 36 feet; and height to the entrance-door, 35 feet. The contents of this Figure between these parallels is calculated at 45,000 cubic feet; but the whole of the masonry of the design is estimated at 70,624 cubit feet. Its general features may be stated as similar to those of the Edystone and Bell Rock Light-houses, the parts being only enlarged and the parabolic instead of the logarithmic curve, adopted for its outline. In this design, the parabolic curve is continued from the basement to the cope-stone of the Light-room, exclusively of the projection for the cornice and balcony. The masonry is intended to be 120 feet in height, estimating from the medium level of the sea, of which the solid, or from the foundation to the entrance-door, forms 35 feet, the stair-case 25 feet; and the remaining 60 feet of its height is occupied with six apartments, and the walls of the Light-room. In the stair-case a recess is formed for containing the machinery, for raising the stores to the height of the entrance-door; here a small hole, marked g g, is perforated through the building, for the admission of the purchase-chain. The thickness of the walls immediately above the solid, marked c c, is 12 feet; at the top of the stone staircase or level e f, they are 8 feet, and where the walls are thinnest, as at h i, immediately under the cornice, they measure 2 feet. k k represents a drop-hole formed in the courses of the stair-case and solid, for the range of the weight of the machinery of a revolving Light. The ascent to this building, as at the Bell Rock, is intended to be by an exterior stair or ladder of brass, and the interior communication between the several apartments by means of flights of circular oaken-steps.
Fig. 6. represents the first entire course of this design, drawn to a scale double the size of the former Figure, and shows the manner in which the courses are proposed to be built or connected with each other. In every building of this kind, it is proper that two or more of the lower courses, according to the situation and circumstances of the rock, should be sunk or imbedded in it. Since the erection of the present Light-house on the Edystone, the practice of dove-tailing and trenailing stones in water-buildings has been occasionally followed; and there can be no doubt that in some instances it is attended with advantage. But it is also true, that, independently of the extra quantity of rock and workmanship required, the stones are thereby greatly weakened, and rendered much more difficult to be landed in safety in such situations, and that there is often more apparent than real utility in cutting them agreeably to this system of building, as the great bond of the fabric still resolves itself into the gravity of the materials. It may likewise be noticed, that, unless in very peculiar circumstances, the process of trenailing stones newly laid in mortar ought to be avoided, as it becomes necessary to bore holes into the course immediately below, which is apt to break the bond of the mortar by the tremulous motion of the jumper or chisel and hammer.
To avoid these disadvantages, and more effectually to preserve the square or simplest form of the stones, it is proposed, in this new design, to adopt the same mode throughout, that was followed with the courses of the void or habitable part of the building at the Bell Rock, viz. to have zones or joggle-belts worked on the upper beds, and corresponding grooves cut into the under beds, of all the stones. In the plan represented in this Figure these zones are intended to be 1 foot in breadth, and 1½ inch in depth or thickness, forming the concentric rings, marked c c c c c c, which become so many girths to the course, superseding the necessity both of the dove-tailing system, and of the cubic joggles described in Plate XVI.
In tracing the general aspect of Fig. 6., it may be observed that the outer circle of stones is more lightly shaded, being intended for granite, while the hearting or interior part is of a darker shade, as descriptive of sandstone. The whole course of the building here represented, is uniformly simple, and when laid in its place, no mode of attachment can be conceived more effectually to add to the strength and connection of the fabric than these circular belts. Letter d refers to the recess worked in the outward wall of the solid, measuring 2 feet in breadth and 1 foot in depth, for the reception of a flight of brazen-steps for ascending to the entrance-door, instead of the greater projection of the spiral-formed stair delineated in Plate VII., Fig. 6., or the uncertain means of communication by a rope-ladder. The recess alluded to on the outward wall is worked with a small projection, which gradually falls into the circle of the building, without presenting any abrupt face to the waves. A stair of this description, upon a sloping wall, is ascended with great ease.
Fig. 7. is a section of part of the solid of the building, of which a b is the foundation course, and, in reference to Fig 6., letters c c, &c. correspond with the zones or joggle-belts; d d, shew a section of part of the brazen-ladder, answerable to the purposes of a stair, and a pair of skids, for preventing the joints of the building from being injured in taking up stores to the Light-house. This ladder may also be applied as a part of the thunder-rod, as is the case at the Bell Rock.
Fig. 8. is a plan of an entire course of the void or habitable part of the Light-house, showing one of the joggle-belts of the bed-joints. The form of joggle for the end-joints here shewn is also simple, and suited for preserving the strength of the materials more entire than the method of dove-tailing.
Fig. 9. is a section of three courses of the void of the building, showing the connection of the bed-joints.
FINIS.
P. NEILL, Printer.
DIRECTIONS TO THE BINDER.
The View of the Light-house in a Storm, to be placed as a Frontispiece, opposite the General Title-page.
The Engraved Title-page, with the Vignette representing the Light-house during Night, to be placed immediately after p. 64.
The General View of the Works, or Plate XVIII, to be placed immediately after p. 424.
* * * * * *
Transcriber's Note
The following printed corrigenda have been incorporated into the text:
CORRIGENDA.
Page 90, line 10. after matter insert rested
---- 414, marginal note, for April read August
---- 516, line 38. -- one of the ---- the two
The following further apparent errors have been corrected:
p. vi "Inchkeith Light-hoouse" changed to "Inchkeith Light-house"
p. vi "Corsewall Light-houuse" changed to "Corsewall Light-house"
p. vii "92-74" changed to "72-74"
p. vii "93-81" changed to "75-81"
p. viii "is passed" changed to "is passed."
p. ix "137-130" changed to "127-130"
p. x "a Life-boats" changed to "a Life-boat"
p. xii "hree" changed to "three"
p. xii "562-277" changed to "272-277"
p. xiv "Tinber" changed to "Timber"
p. xvii "Mr Forest" changed to "Mr Forrest"
p. xix "Instructions" changed to "Instructions."
p. xix "VI Schedules" changed to "VI. Schedules"
p. xix "wth Sections" changed to "with Sections"
p. 5 (sidenote) "1736" changed to "1786"
p. 10 "E," changed to "E.,"
p. 10 "SE," changed to "SE.,"
p. 20 (sidenote) "Sanday." changed to "Sanday"
p. 26 "From the" changed to "“From the"
p. 28 "uinformity" changed to "uniformity"
p. 29 "nonoticed" changed to "noticed"
p. 44 "Turnberry Point." changed to "Turnberry Point,"
p. 50 "Langnees" changed to "Langness"
p. 53 "MASTERS’ NAMES" changed to "MASTERS’ NAMES."
p. 55 "Plate II,;" changed to "Plate II.;"
p. 56 "Puzzolano" changed to "Pozzolano"
p. 67 "sea-cost" changed to "sea-coast"
p. 74 "them," changed to "then,"
p. 79 "Bell Rock;" changed to "Bell Rock,"
p. 79 (sidenote) "Dee." changed to "Dee"
p. 81 "southernside" changed to "southern side"
p. 100 (sidenote) "Loan" changed to "Loan."
p. 105 (sidenote) "reading" changed to "reading."
p. 116 (sidenote) "7th August" changed to "7th August."
p. 133 "duty," changed to "duty."
p. 142 (sidenote) "Monday, 31st" changed to "Monday, 31st."
p. 159 "artifieers" changed to "artificers"
p. 172 "Plate XII" changed to "Plate VIII"
p. 194 "Plate XIII" changed to "Plate XIII."
p. 196 "Plate XII." changed to "Plate IX."
p. 206 "Bell Rock," changed to "Bell Rock."
p. 213 "the a species" changed to "a species"
p. 225 (sidenote) "12th" changed to "12th."
p. 238 (sidenote) "13th" changed to "13th."
p. 238 (sidenote) "the Rock" changed to "the Rock."
p. 239 "circumtances" changed to "circumstances"
p. 247 "applyed" changed to "applied"
p. 250 (sidenote) "pram boats" changed to "praam-boats"
p. 254 (sidenote) "a a small" changed to "a small"
p. 259 (sidenote) "February," changed to "February."
p. 267 "lowt hey" changed to "low they"
p. 272 "windlas" changed to "windlass"
p. 282 "obliged slip" changed to "obliged to slip"
p. 282 (sidenote) "to day" changed to "to-day"
p. 288 (sidenote) "Mortar makers" changed to "Mortar-makers"
p. 292 "hyp num" changed to "hypnum"
p. 293 "opportuty" changed to "opportunity"
p. 296 "tthe Rock" changed to "the Rock"
p. 303 (sidenote) "5th" changed to "5th."
p. 305 (sidenote) "Beacon" changed to "Beacon."
p. 308 "with rain," changed to "with rain."
p. 311 "A. M" changed to "A. M."
p. 329 (sidenote) "Beacon" changed to "Beacon."
p. 329 "bridge, which which" changed to "bridge, which"
p. 331 "measuer" changed to "measure"
p. 334 "cr e" changed to "crew"
p. 334 "ballass" changed to "ballast"
p. 335 (sidenote) "Thirty-fifth" changed to "Thirty-first"
p. 335 (sidenote) "Beacon" changed to "Beacon."
p. 340 "provided" changed to "provided."
p. 343 "Thirtieth" changed to "Fortieth"
p. 343 "balance-crane" changed to "balance-crane."
p. 348 "petticoat-trowers" changed to "petticoat-trowsers"
p. 363 "3rd" changed to "3rd."
p. 364 "respresented" changed to "represented"
p. 373 (sidenote) "20th." changed to "19th."
p. 373 (sidenote) "21st." changed to "20th."
p. 374 (sidenote) "3d." changed to "23d."
p. 374 (sidenote) "2d." changed to "24th."
p. 376 (sidenote) "27th." changed to "26th."
p. 376 (sidenote) "26th." changed to "27th."
p. 383 (sidenote) "Station" changed to "Station."
p. 383 "29.90." changed to "29.90"
p. 386 "&c" changed to "&c."
p. 389 (sidenote) "landed" changed to "landed."
p. 410 (sidenote) "house" changed to "house."
p. 411 (sidenote) "Rock" changed to "Rock."
p. 412 "propritey" changed to "propriety"
p. 418 "premisses" changed to "premises"
p. 422 "seeiug" changed to "seeing"
p. 428 "prosions" changed to "provisions"
p. 433 "eef, Bin Llb." changed to "Beef, in Lib."
p. 433 "Galls" changed to "Galls."
p. 433 "Butter in Lib." changed to "Butter, in Lib."
p. 433 ",Beer in Qts." changed to "Beer, in Qts."
p. 434 "Articers" changed to "Artificers"
p. 434 "89.225" changed to "892.25"
p. 435 "Syevenson" changed to "Stevenson"
p. 440 "Cssist" changed to "Assist"
p. 443 "of a a" changed to "of a"
p. 449 "foretel" changed to "foretell"
p. 459 "cubit" changed to "cubic"
p. 471 "7 4" changed to "7.4"
p. 496 "FOREST’S PASSAGE." changed to "FORREST’S PASSAGE."
p. 501 "Plate XXIII" changed to "Plate XXIII."
p. 503 "faint lines" changed to "faint lines."
p. 505 "Plate XVII" changed to "Plate XVII."
p. 523 "Fig.1." changed to "Fig. 1."
p. 523 "in this way" changed to "In this way"
p. 527 "lense" changed to "lens"
p. 533 "Plate VII" changed to "Plate VII."
(plate) "PLATE II" changed to "PLATE II."
(plate) "PLATE XII" changed to "PLATE XII."
(plate) "PLATE XVI" changed to "PLATE XVI."
(plate) "PLATE XXI." changed to "PLATE XXIII."
The following additional changes have been made from the printed text:
Plates I to XXI have been moved next to their descriptions.
Duplicate sidenotes have been removed.
Totals carried forward at the end of each page of the Account of Expence have been removed.
Large tables have been split and reformatted with keys and altered punctuation, in order to fit smaller displays.
Spacing of sums of money has been regularised in the form L. 61,331:9:2.
The text contains many Scottish and archaic words and spellings, as well as inconsistent capitalisation and punctuation, which have otherwise been retained. Apostrophes are not consistently used in possessive plurals.
Compass directions are inconsistently presented in the forms SW. and S.W.; S. SW. and S.SW.
References to diagrams are given in the forms á and a´.
The colours mentioned in the description of plate III. on p. 490 are not apparent.
The following possible errors have been left as printed:
p. 239 "35 persons"
p. 334 "with it mortar"
p. 339 "Thirty-eighth"
p. 346 "slump sum"
p. 353 "alwise"
p. 457 "begin to the"
p. 500 "plat"
p. 519 "several apartment"
The name of the engraver of Plate I was not intact in the copy of text transcribed.
In addition to variant spellings in quotations, the following are used inconsistently in the text:
adrift and a-drift
ahead and a-head
aisler and aislar
alongside and along-side
Belider and Belidor
blacksmith and black-smith
brushwood and brush-wood
bucky and buckie
Burlington Bay and Burlington-Bay
cast iron and cast-iron
coalfish and coal-fish
coboose and co-boose
cofferdam and coffer-dam
conveniencey and conveniency
Copinsha and Copinsay
coxswain and coxwain
creeking and creaking
daylight and day-light
dovetail and dove-tail
forepeak and fore-peak
freestone and free-stone
halfpenny and half-penny
hawsehole and hawse-hole
Island Glass and Island-Glass
Kinghornness and Kinghorn-ness
Kinnaird Head and Kinnaird-Head
landmark and land-mark
lengthway and length-way
Lewis bat, Lewis batt, Lewis-bat and Lewis-batt
lighthouse and light-house
lightkeeper and light-keeper
lightroom and light-room
manhole and man-hole
millwright and mill-wright
Milnfield and Mylnefield
Mull of Kantire and Mull of Kintyre
oatmeal and oat-meal
overboard and over-board
praam boat, praam-boat and Praam-boat
railway and rail-way
Redhead and Red-head
relaid and re-laid
roadway and road-way
Rubislaw, Rubieslaw and Rubeslaw
Scottish and Scotish
shackle and shakle
shipboard and ship-board
shipmaster and ship-master
shipowner and ship-owner
shipwreck and ship-wreck
skylight and sky-light
staircase and stair-case
Start Point and Start-Point
storehouse and store-house
tie chain and tie-chain
torchlight and torch-light
topmast and top-mast
torchlight and torch-light
Traill and Trail
United Kingdom, United kingdom, and united kingdom
vice versa and vice versâ
workshop and work-shop
workyard and work-yard