works of Fraserburgh, in Aberdeenshire, paid a visit to the Bell Rock,
in a boat from Arbroath. It being then too late in the tide for landing,
they remained on board of the Lighthouse yacht all night, when the
writer, who had now been secluded from society for several weeks,
enjoyed much of Mr. Rennie's interesting conversation, both on general
topics, and professionally upon the progress of the Bell Rock works, on
which he was consulted as chief engineer.

Tuesday, 6th Oct.

The artificers landed this morning at nine, after which one of the boats
returned to the ship for the writer and Messrs. Rennie, who, upon
landing, were saluted with a display of the colours from the beacon and
by three cheers from the workmen. Everything was now in a prepared state
for leaving the rock, and giving up the works afloat for this season,
excepting some small articles, which would still occupy the smiths and
joiners for a few days longer. They accordingly shifted on board of the
_Smealon_, while the yacht left the rock for Arbroath, with Messrs.
Rennie, the writer, and the remainder of the artificers. But, before
taking leave, the steward served out a farewell glass, when three hearty
cheers were given, and an earnest wish expressed that everything, in the
spring of 1808, might be found in the same state of good order as it was
now about to be left.

II

OPERATIONS OF 1808

Monday, 29th Feb.

The writer sailed from Arbroath at one a.m. in the Lighthouse yacht. At
seven the floating light was hailed, and all on board found to be well.
The crew were observed to have a very healthy-like appearance, and
looked better than at the close of the works upon the rock. They seemed
only to regret one thing, which was the secession of their cook, Thomas
Elliot--not on account of his professional skill, but for his facetious
and curious manner. Elliot had something peculiar in his history, and
was reported by his comrades to have seen better days. He was, however,
happy with his situation on board of the floating light, and having a
taste for music, dancing, and acting plays, he contributed much to the
amusement of the ship's company in their dreary abode during the winter
months. He had also recommended himself to their notice as a good
shipkeeper for as it did not answer Elliot to go often ashore, he had
always given up his turn of leave to his neighbours. At his own desire
he was at length paid off, when he had a considerable