Two years were occupied upon the foundations, the first stone being laid by the Duke of Argyll on July 7, 1840. This eminent personage evinced a deep interest in the work and the difficulties which had to be overcome, and as proprietor of the island of Tyree extended to the Commissioners free permission to quarry any granite they required from any part of his estate. For a height of some 21 feet from the foundation level the tower is a solid trunk of masonry. Then come the entrance and water-tanks, followed by nine floors, comprising successively coal-store, workshop, storeroom, kitchen, two bedrooms, library, oil-store, and light-room, the whole occupying a height of 130 feet, crowned by the lantern. As a specimen of lighthouse engineering, the Skerryvore has become famous throughout the world. The stones forming the solid courses at the bottom are attached to one another so firmly and ingeniously as to secure the maximum of strength and solidity, the result being that nothing short of an earthquake could overthrow the stalk of masonry. The erection of the superstructure was by no means free from danger and excitement. The working space both on the tower itself and around the base was severely cramped. The men at the latter point had to keep a vigilant eye upon those working above, since, despite the most elaborate precautions, falls of tools and other heavy bodies were by no means infrequent. Notwithstanding its perilous character, the undertaking was free from accident and fatality, and, although the men were compelled by force of circumstances to depend mostly upon salt foodstuffs, the little colony suffered very slightly from the ravages of dysentery. Probably the worst experience was when the men on the rock were weather-bound for seven weeks during one season. The weather broke suddenly. Heavy seas and adverse winds raged so furiously that the steamboat dared not put out of its haven, but remained there with steam up, patiently waiting for a lull in the storm, during which they might succour the unfortunate men on the reef. The latter passed a dreary, pitiable time. Their provisions sank to a very low level, they ran short of fuel, their sodden clothing was worn to rags, and, what was far worse from their point of view, their tobacco became exhausted. The average working man will tolerate extreme discomfort and privation so long as the friendship of his pipe remains, but the denial of this companion comes as the last straw.