Page:A tour through the northern counties of England, and the borders of Scotland - Volume II.djvu/38

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stranded or wrecked to the southward of the castle : in order that the custom-house officers, and the tenants with their servants, may hasten to give all possible assistance, as well as to prevent the wreck Irom being plundered,

2. in every great storm, two men on horseback are sent from the castle, to patrolc along the coast, from sun-set to sun-rise ; that, in case of any accident, one may remain by the ship, and the other return to alarm the castle. Whoever brings the first notice of any ship or vessel being in distress, is entitled to a premium, in proportion to the- distance from the castle ; and if between twelve o'clock at night and three in the morning, the premium to be double.

3. A large flag is hoisted, when there is any ship or vessel seen in distress upon the Fern Islands, or Staples, that the sufferers may have the satisfaction of knowing that their distress is perceived from the shore, and that re- lief will be sent them as soon as possible. In case of bad weather, the flag will be kept tip, a gun fired morning and evening, and a rocket thrown up every night from the north turret, till such time, as relief can be sent. These are also signals to the Holy-Island fishermen, who, by the advantage of their situation can put off for the islands a; times when no boat from the main land can get over the breakers. Premiums are given to the first boats that put oft for the islands, {ogive their assistance to ships or vessels in distress; and provisions and liquors are sent in the boats.

}. A. bell oit the south turret will be rung out on (very thick fog, as a signal to the fishing-boats; and a large swivi i fixed on the. east turret will bo fired every fifteen mrnut: -, ;-, a signal to the ships without the islands.

.". A large weather-cock is fixed on the top of the (lag- stair', tor the use of the pilots.

0. A lar '( speaking-trumpet is provided, to be i when ships an- in distress near the shore, or are runac:round.

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