Although the idea was novel at the time, the complete success of the work justified the recommendations of the designers as to the suitability of this form of construction for open-sea lighthouses. In this instance the enterprise not only was completed for a less sum than would have been required for a corresponding lighthouse erected in masonry upon orthodox lines, but the structure is lighter, was more rapidly built, and is thoroughly hygienic. The complete weight of the whole tower is less than 1,000 tons; and from the setting of the first pile to the lighting of the lamps only fourteen months elapsed, notwithstanding the fact that work was interrupted and hindered frequently by inclement weather. Any doubts that were entertained concerning the ability of the structure to resist the attacks of the wind and seas encountered in these latitudes was dispelled during erection, because the monsoons which broke during the period of erection were abnormally heavy, and submitted the fabric to exceptional strains and stresses, which it withstood with complete success. Another fine light which has been provided for the benefit of the navigator in these Eastern seas is that on Gap Rock. This is a rugged, lofty eminence, rising from the sea, thirty-two miles south of Hong-Kong. Being exposed on all sides, it is difficult to approach, while at the same time it lies in the path of vessels. A few years ago the Hong-Kong Government decided to conquer this islet, and to deprive it of its perils to shipping. With great effort a landing was effected, and one of the pinnacles was decapitated and levelled off, to form a spacious platform for landing. The light itself rises from the highest point of the rock, and its rays are visible through a circle of twenty miles radius. The Gap Rock light is also a signal-station, being in telegraphic communication with Hong-Kong. Although the days of human hostility to the lighthouse in Eastern waters have passed, the engineer is confronted by an enemy which is in every way as destructive. This is the white ant. The ravages of this insect are so relentless and complete where wood is concerned that timber towers are quite impracticable. Moreover, this material has to be used only sparingly for fittings, even in masonry and iron buildings. A curious experience with this insidious and implacable foe was related to me by a lighthouse engineer. He was engaged in the erection of a new beacon at a remote point on the coast. The lenses and lantern apparatus, as usual, had been ordered in England, and were despatched to the East carefully packed in substantial tin-lined cases. In order to secure the utmost protection during transit, each metallic and lenticular part was wrapped in tow. Care also was bestowed upon the sealing of the tin case, since the propensity of the ant to discover the smallest pinhole so as to reach the interior was emphasized upon the packers. Accordingly the seams were doubly soldered.