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As in this case; a very high Tower would not be required for the Lighthouse on the Island, it might probably be sufficient to treat a Building for the Keepers and Tower in one as shown in the accompanying sketch, the light of which would be 35 feet above the highest level of the Islands or 75 feet above the Sea.
Iron
Should this plan prove capable of execution, it will probably be desirable that the Building should be of Iron, rather than of Wood in order to guard against the possible attacks of any of the piratical Fishermen who frequent the Pratas.
In this case, it would be necessary that it should be made in England and sent out.
For the foundation of such a Building on the firm sand of the Island, it is presumed that no piling would be required but that a strong frame of hard wood corresponding to the outline of the ground plan on the sketch might be bedded on a layer of Concrete of about 2 or 3 feet thick, the sand being excavated to that depth.
The floors and inside lining of the building would have to be provided at Hong Kong.
The Walls of the Building and Tower would be loopholed and a strong palisade of hard wood, or iron rails if necessary might be placed round the Building at a distance of about 50 to 60 yards inside of which detached Buildings for lodging as for the Keepers' Families might be placed.
It is presumed that with these precautions against attack, a party of five Europeans and 4 Manila Men would be sufficient.
As the Water found in Wells would probably do for all purposes except for drinking.