It is further of importance to remark, here, that the light of Inchkeith is elevated above the medium level of the sea about 235 feet ; and such is the powerful effect of the re flecting apparatus, that it is distinctly seen, in a favourable state of the atmosphere, at the distance of four or five leagues, although it is impossible that more than a single reflector can be seen at a time.
The elevation or design of this light-house is considered to be in very good taste. It is a house of two stories with a platform roof, and parapet with embrasures ; the light house tower forming the staircase to the second floor and light-room. The light-keepers are very comfortably lodg ed, the principal having three apartments, and his assistant two. Besides the main house, a court of offices is formed in connection with the eastern wall of the old fort ; and, be sides other conveniences, there is an oil cellar sunk under ground, in which the oil is always kept in a fluid state, and at an equal temperature. There is also a place fitted up, without the gate, as a watch-house for pilots, where they have a guard bed and fire-place.
This establishment is in all respects very complete, and the situations of the light-keepers rendered pretty comfort able. The principal has a salary of 451., and his assistants have 351.; besides 10 acres of the island inclosed, and a gar den, which they possess or hold in common, with a sufficient allowance of coal and oil for family use.
The following inscription is cut upon a stone, in a con spicuous part of the building : " For the benefit and securi ty of commerce, and for the direction and comfort of mari ners, this light-house was erected by order of the Commis sioners of the Northern Light-houses. It was founded on the 18th of May, 1303, and lighted on the 1st of September, 1804. Thmas Smith, engineer." Under our general article LIGHT-HOUSE, we shall have occasion to treat more fully of distinguishing light-houses. See Pitscottie's Hist.; Sibbald's Fife ; Pinkerton's History of the Stuarts ; Arnot's History of Edinburgh ; Dr. John son's Tour, 1773. (s.)