The west coast of Scotland is dreaded, if such a term may be used, by the engineer, because the survey inevitably is associated with bitter disappointments and maddening delays owing to the caprices of the ocean. This is not surprising when it is remembered that this coastline is of a cruel, forbidding character and is exposed to the full reach of the Atlantic, with its puzzling swell and vicious currents. The same applies to the west coast of Ireland and the open parts of the South of England. The Casquets, off the coast of Alderney, are particularly difficult of approach, as they are washed on all sides by wild races of water. There is only one little cove where a landing may be effected by stepping directly from a boat, and this place can be approached only in the calmest weather and when the wind is blowing in a certain direction. On one occasion, when I had received permission to visit the lighthouse, I frittered away three weeks in Alderney awaiting a favourable opportunity to go out, and then gave up the attempt in disgust. As it happened, another month elapsed before the rock was approachable to make the relief. When the United States Lighthouse Board sanctioned the construction of the Tillamook lighthouse on the rock of that name, off the Oregon coast, the engineer in charge of the survey was compelled to wait six months before he could venture to approach the island. In this instance, however, his time was not wasted entirely, as there were many preparations to be completed on the mainland to facilitate construction when it should be commenced. Early in June, 1879, the weather moderated, and the Pacific assumed an aspect in keeping with its name. Stimulated by the prospect of carrying out his appointed task, the engineer pushed off in a boat, but, to his chagrin, when he drew near the rock he found the prospects of landing to be hopeless. He cruised about, reconnoitring generally from the water, and then returned to shore somewhat disgusted.