1846.] FLOATING LIGHT. 209 



calculation for distance resulting to that height, when truly, 

 at the moment of danger, and when most imperatively 

 called for, it is only twelve, and that, in all probability, 

 partially obscured by the pitching of the vessel. The 

 incapacity of the vessel, in the first instance, to sustain 

 the lanthorn aloft in bad weather, is the first deceptive 

 evil; the chance of breaking adrift, swamping, or de- 

 struction, the second. 



Referring to the severe scrutiny I have suggested, I 

 think, that before the adoption of any floating light, it 

 should be imperative that another, adequate to supply her 

 place, should be ready. The loss of any British vessel, 

 by such a failure, would be loudly proclaimed, but the re- 

 flection, if such a misfortune befel a Strange vessel of 

 War, would be sensibly felt by our Government. It will 

 naturally occur to the minds of most of my readers to 

 inquire whether this vessel (and, as I have suggested, her 

 duplicate) cannot, with all her expenses, be superseded by 

 a lighthouse upon the Roman Rocks ? I cannot safely 

 reply in the affirmative, but I have been informed by 

 Mr. A. Gordon, Civil Engineer, that if a base of twelve 

 or thirteen feet rock can be secured, an iron lighthouse 

 of seventy feet may be raised at a moderate expense; 

 less, than the cost, wear and tear, of one vessel for five 

 years. All these matters were much agitated during my 

 visit, and as they were to be followed by an official repre- 

 sentation from a higher quarter, I trust that the matter 

 will receive the attention of Government. 



On the 7th of October H.M.S ' Apollo ', having on 

 board invalids, &c., quitted for England, and as our 

 operations in Simon's Bay were complete, the ' Samarang ' 



VOL. II. P 



