features, like those of the great lexicographer.
The point is surmounted by an oval boulder, which is so easily poised
on one point that it rocks far more easily than the better known Logan
Rock.
Land's End itself consists of a mass of granite which extends in a lofty
ridge far into the sea, the summit crowned by rocks which have the
appearance of some vast castle. Indeed, so curiously-shaped are the
rocks in this neighbourhood, that they have generally an artificial
appearance.
Many years ago, a party of officers had come to Land's End on a visit of
inspection. Two of them proposed riding down the slope towards the
extreme point, which has perpendicular precipices on both sides. A
third officer--Captain, afterwards General, Arbuthnot--dismounted, and
led his horse after his companions, considering that the place was too
dangerous to ride down. After enjoying the view for some time, the
party proposed returning, when Captain Arbuthnot, believing that there
would be no danger in riding up, mounted to follow his companions.
Scarcely, however, was he in his saddle, than his horse, a spirited
animal, became restive, and began to kick and plunge, inclining to the
precipice on the right side. In vain its rider tried to show the animal
her danger; to his horror, he found that her feet were close to the
precipice. He had just time to throw himself off, and clear his feet
from the stirrups, when over she went down the cliff, and was dashed to
pieces, leaving him on the slippery sward close to the edge of the
precipice. The spot where the accident occurred is still shown.
Two miles off Land's End, on a mass of rocks which rise some seventy
feet above the surface at low water, stands the Longships Lighthouse,
the summit of which is fifty-six feet above the rock. The tower is
divided into three stories. In the lower is kept provisions, with water
and coal; the second is a cooking-room and oil-store: while the third is
a sleeping-room. The lantern consists of a brilliant catoptric fixed
light, produced by nineteen Argand lamps. It was built in 1793 by a Mr
Smith. Before the granite blocks of which it is composed were brought
to the rock, they were hewn out and put together at Sennen Cove. The
stones are dovetailed one into the other, and are secured by oak
trennels strongly cemented. Often, when a storm is raging, the waves
beat completely over the structure; indeed, when any wind is blowing, it
is surrounded by
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