118 



VERY BRIGHT LIGHTS. 



From the effect of these and other similar causes, lights 

 placed at certain points along frequented coasts were very 

 eai'ly used, long before any means were known of produc- 

 ing any light brighter than that afforded by an ordinary 

 fire, or, rather, from such as could be produced by the most 

 combustible natural substances that could be obtained, 

 such as resinous wood, or porous materials saturated with 

 pitch, or bitumen, or oil. These substances were placed 

 sometimes in an iron receptacle called a cresset, which was 

 raised upon the summit of a high tower, the system requir- 

 ing, of course, the constant attendance of a guardian to 

 watch and continually replenish the fire. 



The vessel containing the fire was called a cresset, from 

 the word croisette, a little cross, 

 the iron-work being often sur- 

 mounted with a cross, in token 

 of the dependence of the poor 

 mariners, in their exposures to 

 the terrible dangers of the sea, 

 on the special protection of 

 heaven. 



There is one thing which it is 

 very important to observe in 

 respect to the manner in which 

 lights upon a sea-coast aid the 

 mariner in finding his way over 

 the dark waters, and that is, that 

 the object is entirely different 

 from that of light in other cases, 

 as, for instance, those in the street, or in a room. These last 

 are intended to illuminate the surrounding objects so that 

 they can be seen. In these and in all other ordinary cases, 

 the use of the light is not to make itself seen, but to illu- 

 minate the objects that it shines upon so that they can ba 



ANCIENT LIGHT-HOUSE. 



