96 NOTES ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OP THE BELL ROCK. 



arranged as to fall on or about these dates. Consequently, 

 during the winter months, when the reliefs are made after 

 dark, there is always the chance of every alternate relief being 

 favoured with full moonlight. On the night of the 18th our 

 final relief for the year was effected in comparatively quiet 

 weather. At relief times, providing the weather is quiet, the 

 landing gratings begin to uncover when the ebb has run four 

 hours. Whenever a footing is possible the keepers descend 

 with the signal-lamps, and by their colour red, green, or 

 white indicate to the relieving steamer the landing they 

 consider it safest to attempt. Two boats are immediately 

 dispatched from the steamer in charge of the first and second 

 officers, and, guided by the steamer's searchlight, cautiously 

 approach the landing signalled. Given quiet weather, the 

 narrow passages leading to the different landings are easily 

 negotiated, though to a stranger, even in quiet weather, the 

 attempt would be extremely hazardous. Should there be any 

 surf on the Rock, the boats take up a position as near the 

 entrance as is prudent with safety, and there wait the oppor- 

 tunity of a lull. This generally occurring at the termination 

 of three bigger waves than usual, the officer gives the word, 

 and the first boat shoots forward into the boiling track. Talk 

 about "shooting the rapids," why, it isn't a circumstance to it. 

 Swinging through " Johnny Gray " track on a dirty night in 

 mid-winter is quite " rapid " enough to satisfy the most morbid 

 desire for excitement. At times disaster lies beneath the very 

 oars, but the necessary impetus has already been given to the 

 boat, and she clears it with a rush, to be met the next moment 

 with a drenching sea on the port bow, which threatens to slew 

 her upon the opposite ledge, despite the strenuous resistance of 

 the starboard oars, the tips of which grate on the shelving ledge 

 as they urge her through the narrow channel into safety, the 

 entire effort affording a splendid demonstration of the necessity 

 for doing the right thing at the right moment. The seamen 

 understand exactly what is expected of them, and respond with 

 alacrity to the officers' orders. Despite the danger attending 

 such work, that no serious accident has ever been recorded 



