Its white revolving light is visible for 14 miles.
THE GULL ISLAND LIGHT, NEWFOUNDLAND.
A very lonely beacon, visible for 27 miles.
The beacons are distributed along the shores of Newfoundland, Belle Ile, and Labrador, one powerful light being placed on Cape Bauld, the northernmost point of Newfoundland, and another on Cape Norman, another promontory to the west. These two lights are visible from twenty and sixteen miles respectively, while on the opposite side of the strait is Amour Point light, guarding the south-east side of Forteau Bay on the Labrador shore, which has a range of eighteen miles. Cape Bauld is the most important mainland beacon, inasmuch as it indicates the entrance to the Belle Ile Straits. Belle Ile is well protected at its two extreme tips, the principal light being at the southern end. The necessity of guiding ships between the island and Newfoundland was recognized half a century ago, for this light was erected in 1858. It is perched on the summit of the cliff, 400 feet above the sea, the occulting light of ten seconds’ duration and five seconds’ eclipse being thrown from an altitude of 470 feet, rendering it distinguishable twenty-eight miles away. Unfortunately, however, the extreme elevation of the light often causes it to be enshrouded in impenetrable banks of clouds, which drape the headland; so in 1880 an auxiliary light was established, 346 feet below the upper light. This beam is similar in character to the one above, and, from its elevation of 124 feet above the water, it may be picked up from seventeen miles out. Consequently, in foggy weather the lower light may be seen when the upper beacon is obscured. This is one of the most important points on the coast, being a marine telegraph, signal, and ice-report station, while it is also fitted with wireless telegraphy. An interesting feature in connection with this light is that it was kept going for three generations by one family, the Coltons, whose name is legendary in Quebec, and some of whom were born and died on Belle Ile.
THE BATISCAN FRONT RANGE LIGHTHOUSE, RIVER ST. LAWRENCE.
By courtesy of Lieut.-Col. W. P. Anderson.
ISLE ST. THÉRÈSE UPPER RANGE BACK LIGHTHOUSE, RIVER ST. LAWRENCE.