In Tamal Land

IN TAMAL LAND

FISHING BOATS.

IN TAMAL LAND

faction, we soon left our pessimistic informer far in the rear.
On the most southerly point of Marin a narrow rocky neck of land extends some distance into the Ocean. At the base are jagged rocks over which the sea surges ceaselessly, cutting arches and miniature eaves in the fissures of the cliffs. From this rocky headland, which formerly was a menace and terror to navigators, now streams a steady light, and the point erstwhile spelling destruction now proves a blessing to vessels which are guided safely into port by the aid of its welcome light.

THE DERRICK WHARF.

This is Point Bonita and the Bonita Light, which, as we approached, stood out clear in the afternoon sun.
Stopping at the lighthouse keeper's dwelling, we proceeded on foot to the Point, accompanied by the keeper. Pausing in the narrow pathway, he drew our attention to a small derrick-wharf for the tender, at the base of the steep cliff on which we stood. This he explained was where the boat, which touches here three times a week, lands provisions, oil, and fuel.

IN TAMAL LAND

   "But, how," I asked in astonishment as I gazed down the dizzy depth, "do you get them up here?
   "Oh, that is very simply done," he responded; "we start up the engine and they are hauled up the bluff on a tram."
    Owing to the perilous windings of the path around an almost perpendicular cliff a small tunnel has been cut. through the solid rock. As we emerged from this tunnel the Lighthouse confronted us only a few yards away.
   The tower containing the light is a square, brick structure twenty-one feet in height, situated at the edge of the Point at an elevation of one hundred and twenty-four feet. The Bonita Light, aIthough of second-class rating, is so advantageously situated that its fixed, white rays are visible seventeen miles at sea.
   The first lighthouse was established here in 1855, the light being placed in the picturesque old tower still standing higher up on an adjoining promontory and now serving as a day signal. The location was unsurpassed, they say, in clear weather; but when the fog rolled in it was quickly seen that a great mistake had been made in elevating the lamp, for often when the light was entirely obscured by a fog bank, the bluff below would be quite clear, so in 1877 the light was removed to its present location.

POINT BONITA LIGHTHOUSE.