In Scotland the coal fire survived until 1816, one of the most important of these beacons being that on the Isle of May, in the Firth of Forth, which fulfilled its function for 181 years. This was a lofty tower, erected in 1636, on which a primitive type of pulley was installed for the purpose of raising the fuel to the level of the brazier, while three men were deputed to the task of stoking the fire. It was one of the private erections, and the owner of the Isle of May, the Duke of Portland, in return for maintaining the light, was allowed to exact a toll from passing vessels. When the welfare of the Scottish aids to navigation was placed under the control of the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses, this body, realizing the importance of the position, wished to erect upon the island a commanding lighthouse illuminated with oil lamps; but it was necessary first to buy out the owner’s rights, and an Act of Parliament was passed authorizing this action, together with the purchase of the island and the right to levy tolls, at an expenditure of £60,000, or $300,000. In 1816 the coal fire was finally extinguished. [Illustration: _Photo by permission of Messrs. Bullivant & Co., Ltd._ WORKMEN RETURNING BY THE AERIAL CABLEWAY TO THE TOP OF BEACHY HEAD.] The English lights are maintained by the Brethren of Trinity House, and their cost is defrayed by passing shipping. This corporation received its first charter during the reign of Henry VIII. Trinity House, as it is called colloquially, also possesses certain powers over the Commissioners of Northern Lights and the Commissioners of Irish Lights, and is itself under the sway, in regard to certain powers, such as the levy of light dues, of the Board of Trade. This system of compelling shipowners to maintain the coast lights is somewhat anomalous; it possesses many drawbacks, and has provoked quaint situations at times. Thus, when the _Mohegan_ and the _Paris_ were wrecked on the Manacles within the space of a few months, the outcry for better lighting of this part of the Devon and Cornish coasts was loud and bitter. The shipowners clamoured for more protection, but at the same time, knowing that they would have to foot the bill, maintained that further lighting was unnecessary. The British Isles might very well emulate the example of the United States, France, Canada, and other countries, which regard coast lighting as a work of humanity, for the benefit of one and all, and so defray the cost out of the Government revenues. Some years ago, when an International Conference was held to discuss this question, some of the representatives suggested that those nations which give their lighthouse services free to the world should distinguish against British shipping, and levy light-dues upon British ships, with a view to compelling the abolition of the tax upon foreign vessels visiting British ports. Fortunately, the threat was not carried into execution.