The authorities decided to convert the channel into an electric-lighted waterway. Buoys were laid down on either side of the thoroughfare. They were of the spar type, resembling decapitated masts projecting from the water, and were held in position by mushroom anchors, weighing 4,000 pounds, or nearly 2 tons, apiece. Each buoy was crowned with a 100 candle-power incandescent electric lamp, encased within a special globe having a diameter of 5 inches. An electric cable was laid on either side of this street and connected with each buoy. The first section was completed in 1888, the electric gleams being shed for the first time on November 7 of that year. The system appeared to give such complete satisfaction that it was extended. Altogether six and a quarter miles of cable were laid down, which in itself was no easy feat, while prodigious difficulties were experienced in its maintenance, owing to the severity of the currents and the treacherous character of the sea-bed. The lights were controlled from a central point ashore, and the idea of being able to switch on and off a chain of aids to navigation by a simple movement presented many attractive features. Although navigation appreciated this improvement, the Great White Waterway did not prove a complete success. It did not possess that vital element of complete reliability which is so essential to navigation. Compressed oil-gas has been employed extensively for unattended floating lights, but it possesses so many shortcomings that it is being superseded on all sides by acetylene, with the exception of one or two countries which appear to be inseparably wedded to this principle. It is expensive both to install and to maintain, while the “radius of action”--otherwise, the period during which it may be left without human attention--is unavoidably brief. For temporary purposes, such as the indication of a submerged wreck, it is efficient, while it is also serviceable for accessible positions, but it is not regarded as being a satisfactory system for places which human hands cannot reach for months at a time. Crude petroleum in conjunction with the Wigham long-burning petroleum lamp, wherein the flame is produced from a moving wick, has been adopted widely. Lights installed upon this principle may be left for ninety-three days at a time without anxiety. In many instances the Wigham light is mounted upon steel boats; in other cases it is attached to floating wooden structures. The British Admiralty in particular is partial to this type of light, and it must be confessed that it has proved highly serviceable and reliable.