INTRODUCTION. X* 



expensive machinery in lightrooms that those placed in 

 charge should not only have skill to keep it in good 

 working order, but be able to execute slight repairs should 

 accidents occur. It is also found that seamen are most 

 suitable for rock or island stations, where there is much 

 boating or landing of stores and provisions, their early train- 

 ing and familiarity with the sea giving expertness to their 

 movements and a confidence which few landsmen can ever 

 acquire. There is now an age limit for entrance to the 

 service, consequently all are young when first appointed, and 

 before getting an appointment require to pass an examina- 

 tion in reading, writing, and arithmetic, and give evidence of 

 general intelligence. They must also pass a medical examina- 

 tion to prove that they are free from physical defects and 

 have a sound constitution, and freedom from colour blindness. 

 At sixty years of age they may retire, and at sixty-five they 

 must do so, pensions being awarded them according to their 

 period of service. The day duties are light, except during 

 spells of fog, when at those stations where there are fog 

 signals, and the sirens require to be continually sounded, 

 close attention must be given to the engines and machinery 

 connected with them. The night duties are divided into- 

 watches similar to those adopted on board ships. Light- 

 keepers are not allowed to read, write, or work while on 

 watch in the lightroom, as duty there requires all the 

 attention they can give to keep the lights burning brightly, 

 and at revolving lights to watch and wind up the machinery 

 periodically. Then during certain states of the atmosphere 

 the glass of the lantern requires cleaning, more especially 

 when snow is falling on it and obscuring the light. A 

 graphic description of this operation at the Bell Rock is given 

 in the Notes. 



The lives of all lightkeepers are insured, and much is 



