a saw, or chissel; and generally, a couple of thin wedges were driven very moderately at the but-end of the stone; whose tendency being to force it out of its dovetail, they would, by moderately driving, only tend to preserve the whole mass steady together, in opposition to the violent agitation that might arise from the sea. After a stone was thus fixed, we never, in fact, had an instance of its having been stirred by any action of the sea whatever; but, considering the unmeasured violence thereof, the further security by trenails was suggested."

These trenails were of oak, one inch and three quarters in diameter, and being driven in a particular manner into the holes made in each piece of stone," no assignable power, less than what would by main stress pull the trenails in two, could lift one of these stones from their beds, when so fixed, exclusive of their natural weight, as all agitation was prevented by the lateral wedges." A proper quantity of beat mortar was then liquified; and the joints having been carefully pointed up to the upper surface, the grout so prepared was run in with iron ladles, and was brought to such a consistency as to occupy every void space; any vacuities left by the dry stones absorbing the water, were afterwards re-filled till all remained solid; the top was then pointed; and, when necessary, defended from the action of the sea-water by a coat of plaster.

By similar methods to the above, and taking every additional precaution to ensure the stability of the structure, that the utmost attention to its situation and use could suggest, the whole was completed in the course of the years 1757, 1758, and 1759. In this period, several violent gales had been experienced, but without damaging any part of the works; and no accident had happened to any one concerned, during the progress of the building, by which the work could be said to be materially retarded. The last stone was set on the twenty-fifth of August, 1759; the height of the main column, containing forty-six courses, was now taken, and to be seventy feet.

Between the latter end of August, and the middle of October, the lantern and cupola were erected, and the whole edifice surmounted by a gilt ball. The lantern is an octagon; the frame-work

being composed of cast iron, and copper. On the night of the sixteenth of October, when the light was exhibited in the new Light-house, a very great storm happened, and the light-keepers observed that they felt a sensible motion in the building; but, from their experience of its strength, they were neither agitated by fear nor surprise. The whole time from the commencement of the fire which destroyed the second Light-house, to the re-kindling of the light, was three years, ten months, and sixteen days. The whole time of working upon the rock, during the building of the present Light-house, was one hundred and eleven days, ten hours.

The outside and basement of this edifice is formed of granite; that kind of stone being more durable than any other, and more competent to resist the action of the sea: the interior is chiefly of Portland-stone. Round the upper store-room, upon the course of granite under the ceiling, is the following inscription, sunk with the point of a pick.

EXCEPT THE LORD BUILD THE HOUSE,

THEY LABOUR IN VAIN THAT BUILD IT.
Pfalm CXXVII.

Upon the last stone set up, being that over the door of the lantern. on the east side, are the words,

24th AUG. 1759.

LAUS DEO.*

The course, and more prominent features, of the TAMAR, have already been described;† but as the beautiful scenery on its banks merits a more particular detail, we shall here introduce a description of its variegated shores, as beheld in a sail up the river from VOL. IV. Plymouth

The principal particulars of the above description are derived from the very interesting Narrative of the Building and Construction of the Edystone Light-house, by Mr. Smeaton. This Work is one of the most valuable of its kind ever published; as it contains a very complete exposition of most of the principles on which buildings exposed to the action of the seas and storms should be erected.

+ Vol. II. p. 356.

Plymouth Dock to the Weir, about twenty-two miles distant. This voyage is very interesting, and is frequently undertaken by summer parties.

At the estuary of the Tamar, the Hamoaze, the coast, with the exception of Mount Edgcumbe, is rather low or flat; but the various inlets which indent it to the right and left, give it considerable charms. Near Anthony, the Tamar receives the Lynher, or St. German's River; and from this part the prospect is highly pleasing; the richly wooded seat of R. P. Carew, Esq. the ruins of Trematon Castle, a long stretch of the river, the grand appearance of the shipping in the Hamoaze, the busy town of Dock, and Mount Edgcumbe in the distance, are beheld with much interest. Soon after the town of Saltash, situated on a steep hill, and a long stretch of rich country, bounded by Dartmoor, meet the eye. Here a considerable angle is formed by the course of the river, which opens in a north-easterly direction for some miles, and extending its boundaries, assumes the appearance of a beautiful lake. Several inlets add to the effect; but particularly that to the left, on the banks of which Landulph Church is situated; and another extensive one on the opposite side, which leads to Tamerton, and is inclosed by the most delightful rural scenery. The romantic village of St. Budeaux, or Budshed, lies on the right; and on the left, the banks of the river are overhung by the woods of Warleigh, the ancient seat of the Copplestons. Near this spot, the Tavy unites its water with the Tamar; which is also increased by five other tributary streams. The course of the river is now found to be most eccentric, its waters flowing round peninsulas of four or five miles in extent. Nearly opposite the Tavy, is the small village called Kargreen; and further on the right, an interesting little place, named Hole's Hole. The river now inclines to the north, and a burst of admiration is soon excited by the striking situation of Pentilly Castle, on a fine wooded knoll, considerably elevated. Nearly opposite this spot, water parties run great risk of being detained, if passing at low water, till the next high tide, as a considerable tract of mud stretches from the Bere-Ferris side, and presents the appearance of deep water, when only covered to the depth of a few inches.

From