LIGHTHOUSES
AND
LIGHTSHIPS.
BOOK I.
ANCIENT HISTORY OF LIGHTHOUSES.
CHAPTER I.
THE FIRE-TOWERS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN.
We are apt to look upon the lighthouse as completely a modern invention, but a little reflection would convince us that the early navigators, in their arduous struggle against the ocean, could not have failed to establish some sure indications by which to guide their adventurous course. Undoubtedly, the first rude signal would be no more than a huge fire blazing on the wave-washed promontory, or on the summit of hoary hill or grassy mound nearest to the more dangerous parts of the shore. But it can easily be conceived that the difficulty of keeping these fires kindled on stormy nights would soon suggest to man’s ingenuity the idea of erecting a suitable structure for their shelter.