THE ARCHIPELAGO OF BREHAT. 127 



over the precipice that separated this natural landing- 

 place from the site of the tower. 



Now that we have admired the exterior of the 

 lighthouse, follow me into the interior by the help of 

 these steps which have been formed by the insertion 

 of bars of copper into the stone. Let us pause for a 

 moment to admire the ponderous bronze doors which 

 hermetically seal the entrance, before we plunge into 

 those vaults which look as if they had been cut out 

 of the solid rock. We are in the first story, sur- 

 rounded by stores of wood and ropes and workmen's 

 tools. Above, we perceive cases of zinc, which we 

 are told contain oil to feed the lamps and water for 

 the use of the men employed in the building. In 

 the third story is the kitchen, with its pantry and 

 larder on a level with the first gallery. We need 

 not enter the three apartments appropriated to the 

 use of the men, for, beyond being very simple and 

 clean, there is nothing to record concerning them. 

 But we have now reached the seventh story, and we 

 must rest for a few moments in this little octagonal 

 saloon, with its bright wainscoted walls and polished 

 floor. It is set apart for the use of the engineers, 

 when they come to inspect the condition of the 

 lighthouse. Here, in the midst of the ocean, at an 

 elevation of more than a hundred feet above the 

 level of the sea, you will find the comfort and almost 

 the elegance of a Parisian apartment. Here are 

 commodious berths, mahogany furniture, and a fire- 

 place ornamented with bronze and surmounted by 

 a marble slab. You will discover in the most trifling 

 arrangements the same intelligent economy that 



