reek at half-past seven, and,
after a good tide's work, left it again about a quarter from eleven. In
the evening the artificers landed at half-past seven, and continued till
half-past eight, having completed the fixing of the smith's forge, his
vice, and a wooden board or bench, which were also batted to a ledge of
the rock, to the great joy of all, under a salute of three hearty
cheers. From an oversight on the part of the smith, who had neglected to
bring his tinder-box and matches from the vessel, the work was prevented
from being continued for at least an hour longer.

The smith's shop was, of course, in _open space_: the large bellows were
carried to and from the rock every tide, for the serviceable condition
of which, together with the tinder-box, fuel, and embers of the former
fire, the smith was held responsible. Those who have been placed in
situations to feel the inconveniency and want of this useful artisan,
will be able to appreciate his value in a case like the present. It
often happened, to our annoyance and disappointment, in the early state
of the work, when the smith was in the middle of a _favourite heat_ in
making some useful article, or in sharpening the tools, after the
flood-tide had obliged the pickmen to strike work, a sea would come
rolling over the rocks, dash out the fire, and endanger his
indispensable implement, the bellows. If the sea was smooth, while the
smith often stood at work knee-deep in water, the tide rose by
imperceptible degrees, first cooling the exterior of the fireplace, or
hearth, and then quietly blackening and extinguishing the fire from
below. The writer has frequently been amused at the perplexing anxiety
of the blacksmith when coaxing his fire and endeavouring to avert the
effects of the rising tide.

Friday, 21st Aug.

Everything connected with the forge being now completed, the artificers
found no want of sharp tools, and the work went forward with great
alacrity and spirit. It was also alleged that the rock had a more
habitable appearance from the volumes of smoke which ascended from the
smith's shop and the busy noise of his anvil, the operations of the
masons, the movements of the boats, and shipping at a distance--all
contributed to give life and activity to the scene. This noise and
traffic had, however, the effect of almost completely banishing the herd
of seals which had hitherto frequented the rock as a resting-place
during the period of low water. The ro