BUILDING THE FASTNET ROCK LIGHTHOUSE. Looking down from the top of the rock upon the men setting one of the solid masonry courses.] For ten years Halpin’s work successfully defied the elements, although at times the keepers grew somewhat apprehensive concerning its stability. Time after time, during heavy gales, it seemed as if it must succumb to the storm. The waves curled up the cliff and struck the tower with staggering force, causing it to tremble like a leaf. On one occasion a cup of coffee standing upon the table was thrown to the floor. While the shaft defied the most severe poundings, the cliff itself gave way, and large masses of rock on which the tower stood were carried away. One huge chunk, weighing some 3 tons, was detached, and, as it slipped down, was picked up by the next incoming wave, to be hurled with terrific force against the tower, but without inflicting any marked damage. On another occasion a cask containing 60 gallons of fresh water, which the keepers had made fast to the railing of the gallery surrounding the lantern, 133 feet above the water, was wrenched free by a wave which dashed over the rock, and was swept away as if it were an empty tin. The keepers’ anxiety under these circumstances may be understood. At last, in April, 1865, the consulting engineer to the Corporation visited the lighthouse in company with Mr. George Stevenson, the famous Scottish lighthouse builder, to examine the rock thoroughly. The latter suggested certain recommendations to insure the stability of the tower; but when the sanction of the Brethren of Trinity House was sought, they deferred a decision until their own engineer had visited the works, although they appreciated Mr. Stevenson’s advice. Some of the recommendations advanced by Mr. Stevenson were followed subsequently, and this reluctant recognition of his knowledge brought its reward. The authorities--now the Commissioners of Irish Lights--had a fright in 1881. The storms of that winter were among the heaviest that have ever assailed the British Islands. The Calf Rock light, which was a similar tower to the Fastnet, and which had been strengthened upon identical lines, came to grief. The tower was broken off at the point where the reinforcement ceased. This disaster naturally aroused many misgivings concerning the luck of the Fastnet. Had it shared a similar fate during the same gale? To their intense relief, the Commissioners found that it had issued from the conflict with no more injuries than a few broken panes of glass.