The engineer, though defeated, was not dismayed. As a skeleton structure was impotent, he would erect a massive masonry tower which not all the force of the waves could avail to demolish. Although the reef is about 150 feet in length by 52 feet in width, the engineer, James Walker, was not afforded much space upon which to place his creation. He reconnoitred the ridge, and finally chose a small lump just sufficiently large upon which to effect a foothold. The Smeaton type of tower was his model, and the surface of the rock was trimmed to receive the first blocks. This was the greatest difficulty. Unless the sea were as smooth as a millpond, he was helpless, as the lowest blocks had to be laid a foot beneath low-water mark. A heavy cofferdam was erected around the site, and the water within was pumped out, so that the masons might be able to toil upon a dry rock-face. The exposed, isolated character of the spot rendered the housing of the workmen a problem in itself. They could not be accommodated on the site; a temporary dwelling on piles for their accommodation could not be established, as it would come down with the first gale, and housing on a tender was equally impracticable. There was a small uninhabited islet within convenient distance of the reef, and on this the living-quarters and workshops were erected, the men being transported to and fro whenever the conditions were suitable. Traces of this bygone industrial activity still remain on the island, but the sea-fowl have once more claimed it exclusively as their home. The working spells were brief, as well as being somewhat few and far between, while the base was being prepared. The granite was brought to the island depot, fashioned into shape, and then sent to the Bishop for erection. Granite was used exclusively, and in 1878, after seven years’ arduous labour, the tower, 120 feet in height, capped by a powerful light, was completed: the dreaded Bishop Rock was conquered at last.