This firm, after careful deliberation, allowed that the work could be accomplished, but in one way only. This was to construct a huge caisson--practically a gigantic barrel of steel--on shore, to launch and tow it to the site, and there to lower it until it rested on the bottom. Then, by a removal of the sand from beneath this caisson, it could be sunk to a great depth, and, the interior being filled with concrete, a huge artificial core of rock would be created, capable of supporting a tower. This system is employed extensively in connection with bridge-building operations, and the firm entertained no doubts concerning its feasibility at Rothersand. The society accordingly prepared its designs, and advanced an estimate for the cost of the work. At this juncture an unexpected competitor appeared on the scene. One of the engineers engaged in the preparation of the Harkort designs severed his connection with that firm, and, securing the collaboration of two engineering colleagues, established a rival concern, which tendered for the contract. They would follow the same lines, but would complete it for £22,750, or $113,750, instead of £24,025, or $120,125, asked by the Duisburg firm. The lower price was accepted, the more readily since it included the foundations, whereas the Society Harkort set these down as an extra. Naturally, the society was somewhat chagrined at this turn of events, after all the trouble and care it had taken to discover the most satisfactory solution of the problem, but subsequently it had good reason not to regret its loss. The new engineers set to work and during the winter of 1880-81 constructed a huge caisson, which was launched and on May 22 of the latter year started down the Weser in charge of tugs. Then came a whole string of accidents. One night the unwieldy fabric got adrift and drove its nose into a sandbank, where it settled down with the tide. The towing cables were attached once more, and after a great struggle the structure was extricated on the next high-tide, and resumed its journey. Reaching the site without further incident, it was lowered by admitting the water within the barrel. But this task being accomplished somewhat crudely, the water rushed in with such force that the caisson commenced to spin round like a top, as well as bobbing up and down like an angler’s float. It threatened to topple over and founder every moment, but, luckily keeping upright, finally touched bottom. Lowering was completed. Night having approached, workmen made themselves comfortable on the caisson, while the constructional steamer stood off and cast its anchor.