On the Light-House System of the United States. 335 
Boards for the execution of important duties are not novelties 
even in this country.. Some, and indeed nearly all, of the most 
important undertakings which this government has ever em- 
barked in, have been planned and executed under the general su- 
pervision and management of boards. 
They are found in nearly Pobinns branch of our civil and 
military institutions, of every name, and for almost every pur- 
pose. ‘They have been siccongtiiy wed for this special pur- 
pose in France, where the Savans of the Academy of Sciences, 
without fee or reward, sit side by side with the Minister of 
State, the officer of the Navy, and the Engineer; in England, 
the Duke of Wellington presides, while the Prince, the Peer, 
the Admiral, the Commoner, and the retired’ Sea-captain, sit 
together and devise means for alleviating the hardships and les- 
sening the dangers of the mariner in approaching their danger- 
ous coast. 
In Scotland this important branch of service is under the man- 
agement of a board composed of the sheriffs of the counties, 
lawyers, and other civilians, who meet four times a year, wi 
any remuneration, to transact business connected with the lights 
of Scotland. 
“In addition to these meetings there are numerous veniting 
committees; some of which meet as often as once a fortnight 
for the transaction of business, which is reported to the general 
meetings for their sanction and approval. "There is attached to 
this board a secretary and an engineer, who is the executive offi- 
cer, upon whom devolves all the scientific details of construction, 
Tepairs, and illumination. 
In Ireland there is also a board charged with the management 
of light-houses, é&c., with a secretary, engineer, &c. 
This board, as in Scotland, is composed ‘chiefly of philan- 
thropic Civilians and an English Admiral. The fact of Scotland 
and Ireland, having no army or navy, and no distinct commercial 
marine, will readily account for such an organization, in whic 
no motive, other than the praiseworthy one of doing good, eould 
Prompt individuals = standing, wealth, and distinction to per- 
form the drudgery of so laborious an office without pecuniary 
ba sta en 
is not a harbor i in England, of any note, that has not 
its « Trinity board,” or “Board of a oh ” charged with the 
lights, beacons, and buoys; such, for example, as Liverpool, 
Neweastle-upon-T'yne, H Hull, &c., under all of which the lights 
are managed in a manner worthy of the highest A 5 pri Te 
both for offifieney and economy.—{Vide letter of Wm. Lo 
-, Surveyor of the port of inanpeol, oat returns of local 
Porations, appendix. ) 
