MARCH 1904. 



OF the mighty steeds of illustrious riders, from the Bucephalus 

 of Alexander down to the famous chargers of our present-day 

 Generals, much has been written and even sung. Favourites 

 of fortune, their lives were mostly cast in pleasant places; 

 and after a brilliant career, more or less useful, permitted to 

 end their days in secluded luxury a privilege, by the way, 

 not always extended to their riders. The subject of these 

 remarks is in no way connected with the glorious achievement 

 of arms, nor is it recorded that he ever scented the battle even 

 from afar; yet, though compelled to wear, so to speak, the 

 hodden grey of equine society, his claim to distinction may 

 none the less be justified. 



In July 1810, a somewhat queer procession might have 

 been seen wending its way through Edinburgh towards the 

 Port of Leith. Upon a cart, drawn by a powerful horse, 

 decorated with bows and streamers of various colours, and 

 driven by James Craw, the famous Bell Rock carter, similarly 

 bedecked, lay the last principal stone of the Bell Rock Light- 

 house. From the centre of the stone rose a flagstaff, carrying 

 the national flag, while seamen and stonecutters a strange 

 combination gaily bedecked with variegated ribbons the 

 latter donning brand new aprons for the occasion marched 

 in joyful procession. When abreast of the Trinity House of 

 Leith, they were joined by the Officer of that Corporation, 

 resplendent in full uniform, and bearing his staff of office ; 

 and on arriving at the harbour, where the Smeaton engaged 

 in transporting material to the Bell Rock lay, the entire 

 shipping hoisted their colours in salute, thus indicating the 

 amount of public interest evinced in the progress of the 

 Lighthouse. 



