AS A VEHICLE OE SOUND. 
233 
the light very faintly and with a red appearance through the fog. However, having satisfied ourselves of our 
position and that the light was Lundy Island (by intervals of revolution), we steamed a course for the Nash 
Lights, which we made in due time, the night having become clear. 
“ In my narrative of the circumstance I say we, as although I was not in any way oflicially connected with 
the vessel, the captain, who had not been on this line for many years, knowing that I was in the habit of close 
coast navigation and that I had a good deal of experience in making lights, appealed to me for advice. I need 
scarcely add that I feel very much pleased that you think my observations worthy of your notice. 
“ I am, dear Sir, 
“ Yours faithfully, 
“ A. Knox Galway. 
“ N.B. — I am unable to say what position the gun is in from the lighthouse, as neither the Admiralty List 
of Lights or Chart gives it, but 1 feel quite sure that the Trinity House will give you that information.” 
The following letter, in reply to an inquiry instituted by Mr. Wigham at my request, is from the commander 
of the ‘ Ulster’ Koyal Mail Packet, and is dated Kingstown, Nov. 23, 1873 
“ Sir, — In answer to your inquiry I beg to say that I have found the guns stationed on the Kish Light and 
the North Stack lighthouse to be of great service to me in thick weather when approaching the harbours o£ 
Kingstown and Holyhead respectively. When the lights of the light-ship and of the Stack lighthouses have been 
quite invisible by reason of the density of the fog, I have distinctly seen the flash of the gun, making,. as it were, 
an impression on the fog and indicating quite plainly the position in which the gun was placed. . In some cases 
I have been able to see the flash when no sound from the gun has reached me, and I am therefore of opinion 
that the more brilliant such flashes could be made the better for maritime purposes. 
“ I am, yours truly, 
“ Richard S. Triphook, 
“Commander ‘Ulster’ Royal Mail Packet.” 
Prom Captain Kendall, Commander of the ‘ Connaught,’ the following letter has been received : — 
“ Kingstown, December 1, 1873. 
“ Sir, — -In reply to your inquiry I beg to inform you that I have several times seen the flashes from the guns- 
at the Kish light-ship and at the North Stack lighthouse, when, owing to dense fogs, the lights themselves have 
been invisible. These flashes have thus proved very useful to me by showing me clearly my position. On 
various occasions I have perceived the flash of the gun when I could not hear its sound. In my opinion these 
gun-flashes are very advantageous to seamen, and of course it is very desirable that they should be as vivid as 
possible. 
“ I am, Sir, 
“ Your obedient Servant, 
“ T. E. Kendall, 
“ Commander R.M.S. ‘ Connaught/” 
From the Commander of the ‘ Leinster’ the following letter has been received : — 
“ December 1, 1873. 
“ Sir, — I beg to inform you that the gun at the Kish light-ship and also that at the North Stack lighthouse 
have been of very great advantage to me in foggy weather. I have on several occasions seen the flashes of 
these guns when the light in the lighthouse has been entirely obscured owing to the thickness of the weather, 
and thus their bearings have been clearly pointed out to me. Frequently I have seen the flash of the gun, 
although unable to hear its report. It is evident that the brighter these flashes can be made, the more useful 
they will prove to be. 
“ I am, 
“ Your obedient Servant, 
(Signed) “ Charles John Slaughter, 
“ Commanding R.M.S. ‘ Leinster.’ ” 
2 H 
MDCCCLXX1Y. 
