An Account of the Bell Rock Light-House

APPENDIX. (continued 2)

Reading edition

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.

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.

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.

Materials.

SCHEDULE, containing an Enumeration of the MATERIALS used in the Erection of the Bell Rock Light-House.

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

Over,59915246932160351678.59033840656329207.1303.8 165.4

Key: A Course. B Granite in Pieces. C Sandstone in Pieces. D Granite in cubic feet. E Sandstone in cubic feet. F Tons of Sandstone and Granite. G Sandstone Joggles. H Oak Trenails. I Oak Wedges in pairs. J Pozzolano in Barrels. K Lime in Barrels. L Sand in Barrels.

ABCDEFGHIJKL

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

Over,59915246932160351678.59033840656329207.1303.8 165.4

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

Total 9059922366932215982075.94545040656585255.0377.9 204.5

ABCDEFGHIJKL

Over,59915246932160351678.59033840656329207.1303.8 165.4

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

Total 9059922366932215982075.94545040656585255.0377.9 204.5

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.

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.

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.Sandstone Lewis holes.

1 500 18

2 1165 3354 132 156 264 208 170 52 71

3 2472 3141 275 208 325 260 421 52 84

4 1832 2980 265 208 325 300 300 52 71

5 1735 2406 220 208 251 300 204 52 54

6 1120 2788 196 104 316 156 349 26 71

7 679 2100 159 69 267 138 185 26 58

8 613 1858 110 78 184 104 164 26 45

9 750 1359 113 82 166 113 125 26 45

10 626 1887 111 87 173 112 145 26 45

11 898 1216 114 91 181 130 156 26 45

12 519 1394 90 51 125 69 120 16 37

13 522 1157 87 51 125 69 120 16 37

14 443 1148 86 51 125 69 120 16 37

15 539 997 84 51 125 69 120 16 37

16 448 1123 82 51 125 69 120 16 37

17 484 1093 80 51 125 69 120 16 37

18 430 1036 79 51 125 69 120 16 37

19 467 1023 84 56 134 74 129 16 37

20 484 952 89 56 110 80 114 16 29

21 513 872 87 56 110 80 114 16 29

22 319 981 82 53 113 76 118 16 29

23 464 829 78 53 113 76 118 16 29

24 361 926 88 59 107 83 111 16 29

25 388 802 77 56 110 80 114 16 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

Over, 18641 50494 2944 1025 598 2093 5306 2933 4859 594 1528

Key: A Course. B Granite Beds and Joints in superficial feet. C Sandstone Beds and Joints in sup. feet. D Granite face-work in superficial feet. E Sandstone face-work. F Sandstone polish-work. G Granite boring in lineal feet. H Sandstone boring in lineal feet. I Granite wedge grooves in lin. feet. J Sandstone wedge grooves in lin. feet. K Granite Lewis holes. L Sandstone Lewis holes.

ABCDEFGHIJKL

1 500 18

2 1165 3354 132 156 264 208 170 52 71

3 2472 3141 275 208 325 260 421 52 84

4 1832 2980 265 208 325 300 300 52 71

5 1735 2406 220 208 251 300 204 52 54

6 1120 2788 196 104 316 156 349 26 71

7 679 2100 159 69 267 138 185 26 58

8 613 1858 110 78 184 104 164 26 45

9 750 1359 113 82 166 113 125 26 45

10 626 1887 111 87 173 112 145 26 45

11 898 1216 114 91 181 130 156 26 45

12 519 1394 90 51 125 69 120 16 37

13 522 1157 87 51 125 69 120 16 37

14 443 1148 86 51 125 69 120 16 37

15 539 997 84 51 125 69 120 16 37

16 448 1123 82 51 125 69 120 16 37

17 484 1093 80 51 125 69 120 16 37

18 430 1036 79 51 125 69 120 16 37

19 467 1023 84 56 134 74 129 16 37

20 484 952 89 56 110 80 114 16 29

21 513 872 87 56 110 80 114 16 29

22 319 981 82 53 113 76 118 16 29

23 464 829 78 53 113 76 118 16 29

24 361 926 88 59 107 83 111 16 29

25 388 802 77 56 110 80 114 16 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

Over, 18641 50494 2944 1025 598 2093 5306 2933 4859 594 1528

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

Total 90 18641 66440 2944 3145 4377 2093 5306 2933 5179 594 2240

ABCDEFGHIJKL

Over, 18641 50494 2944 1025 598 2093 5306 2933 4859 594 1528

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

Total 90 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 at1,255 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 Incidents14,272 11 1

Amount of gross expenditure in erecting the Light-house, including Ulterior Works,L. 77,089 17 8

Gross Expenditure.

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

Nett Cost.

Extracted by Lachlan Kennedy, Engineer’s Clerk.

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.