oats at the eastern creek had been already erected, and the
railways now formed about two-thirds of an entire circle round the
building: some progress had likewise been made with the reach towards
the western landing-place. The floors being laid, the beacon now assumed
the appearance of a habitation. The _Smeaton_ was at her moorings, with
the _Fernie_ praam-boat astern, for which she was laying down moorings,
and the tender being also at her station, the Bell Rock had again put
on its former busy aspect.

Wednesday, 31st May.

The landing-master's bell, often no very favourite sound, rung at six
this morning; but on this occasion, it is believed, it was gladly
received by all on board, as the welcome signal of the return of better
weather. The masons laid thirteen stones to-day, which the seamen had
landed, together with other building materials. During these twenty-four
hours the wind was from the south, blowing fresh breezes, accompanied
with showers of snow. In the morning the snow showers were so thick that
it was with difficulty the landing-master, who always steered the
leading boat, could make his way to the rock through the drift. But at
the Bell Rock neither snow nor rain, nor fog nor wind, retarded the
progress of the work, if unaccompanied by a heavy swell or breach of the
sea.

The weather during the months of April and May had been uncommonly
boisterous, and so cold that the thermometer seldom exceeded 40 deg., while
the barometer was generally about 29.50. We had not only hail and sleet,
but the snow on the last day of May lay on the decks and rigging of the
ship to the depth of about three inches; and, although now entering upon
the month of June, the length of the day was the chief indication of
summer. Yet such is the effect of habit, and such was the expertness of
the landing-master's crew, that, even in this description of weather,
seldom a tide's work was lost. Such was the ardour and zeal of the heads
of the several departments at the rock, including Mr. Peter Logan,
foreman builder, Mr. Francis Watt, foreman millwright, and Captain
Wilson, landing-master, that it was on no occasion necessary to address
them, excepting in the way of precaution or restraint. Under these
circumstances, however, the writer not unfrequently felt considerable
anxiety, of which this day's experience will afford an example.

Thursday, 1st June.

This morning, at a quarter-past eight, the artificers were landed as