44 NOTES ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE BELL ROCK. 



business best. His operations at present are watched by us 

 with longing eyes, for though he appears to have all he wants 

 we are as yet fishless. However, the presence of the paidle 

 spawn is a hopeful sign, and is the first attraction for the 

 wandering cod, by whom it is greedily devoured, providing 

 they can steal a march on the red-coated sentry a difficult 

 matter, one would think, considering how assiduous he is in 

 the protection of his charge. The white whelks, presumably 

 adopting the promising report of the reconnoitring party sent 

 out last month, have turned out en masse, and are now wag- 

 ing a one-sided war of extermination upon the defenceless 

 mussels. 



The times change and we change with them. Our present 

 light is doomed, and what the assaults of almost a century's 

 gales have failed to accomplish will succumb to the demands 

 of modern innovation. Doubtless, the presiding genius of 

 the reef will be congratulating himself, as he bares his head 

 each tide to witness the process of demolition, on the return 

 of the palmy days when as yet no meddling light interfered 

 with the working of his own sweet will in dealing death and 

 destruction to many a stout ship. Happily, this view is only 

 apparent, for by early autumn a much more powerful light 

 will be installed, and a new lease of life granted to the grand 

 old building which has so effectively served the maritime 

 world since 1811. Probably but few on shore noticed the 

 first appearance of the temporary light on the evening of the 

 30th. Of weaker power, but presenting similar characteristics 

 as the future light, namely, red and white flashes alternately, 

 with an interval of thirty seconds between each flash, it will 

 remain in use till ousted by its more powerful successor. 



