This illustration conveys an idea of the difficulties encountered in connection with this work.] In 1890 another bold effort to subjugate the ridge was made. An hexagonal structure was designed, and it was determined to plant this on the rock by hook or by crook, and so firmly as to resist the most powerful hammerings to which it could be subjected by the waves. Six holes were bored into the rock surface to form the corners of the hexagon. But before commencing the work proper it was decided to insert an iron post, 6½ inches thick, into one of the holes, and to leave it to see what would happen. Time after time it was inspected, and was found to be safe and sound. Two years had slipped by, practically, since the post was planted, and it was still intact. The engineers thought they had triumphed, and were preparing their plans, when the news came that a heavy storm, which had swept the coast, had broken the pillar off flush with the rock. This necessitated another change in the designs and the plan of campaign. After further discussion it was decided to proceed right away with a masonry tower, although the engineers were prepared for a mighty tussle. The surveys showed that, as the rock upon which the building was to be erected was covered by 10 feet of water during the highest spring-tides, work upon the foundations would be confined to the lowest neap-tides, when about 4 feet of the rock were exposed. But the tide sinks to the very low level desired infrequently--about four days in every month. Even then work would be possible for only about an hour per day--four hours per month! The prospect certainly was far from being attractive, especially as even to accomplish this meed of toil the calmest weather and smoothest sea were imperative, and it was scarcely to be expected that everything would be in favour of the engineers at one and the same time. Another adverse feature was only too apparent. If unpropitious weather prevailed just after an hour or two’s work had been completed, the chances were a thousand to one that it would be swept away. But this was a contingency which had to be faced. The engineer could only do the utmost humanly possible to secure his work, and then must trust to luck.