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being driven on to the Eastern side of the Lantern, destroying
the glass, the broken portions of which then caused the damage
to the Dioptric Apparatus.
During the construction of the Lighthouse, a causeway
was formed connecting the North with the South end.
This,
I believe, stands about 5 feet above the level of the Rock, and
would materially impede the roll of the wave through the gully
over the Rock and into the cavity on the Western side.
I am of opinion that it would have been preferable
had the Lighthouse been erected at the North end of the Rock
as it will be seen from the formation of this site, it is well
protected; and only broken water to a harmless extent could, at
any time have surrounded a building so placed. The Tower should
also, I consider, have been treated as a Rock Lighthouse con-
-structed of cylindrical form, and having a cylindrical Lan-
-tern, as used in the Corporation Service.
A repetition of the damage recently experienced
might not improbably be averted by filling the gully on the
East side, previously referred to, and the removal of the cause-
-way at the end of the gully, which would have the effect of
easing the sea over the Rock. I regret to state, however, that
even if this were successfully carried out, which would involve
considerable expenditure, the safety of the existing Lighthouse,
and Premises, would still remain a source of anxiety.
I am &c.
(Sa) T.Matthews.
4.