The Sun.
London, England, 1865-10-05 00:00:00

there is a necessity of a leading line, for taking some chan-
nel, or avoiding some danger, are exhibited from two
towers, one of which is higher than the other, and the two
lights, when seen in one vertical line, form a direction for
the course of shipping. [Here diagrams, accompanied by
a clear explanation, are given to make the general cha-
racter and arrangement of the lamps and reflectors of the
catoptric lights sufficiently intelligible to the general
reader.] _ _ .

The action of the parabolic reflector and lamp is due to
the peculiar properties of the parabolic reflector, which
throws forward or reflects all rays of light that impinge on
it from its focus, in lines parallel with its axis ; so that if
the lamps and reflectors bo placed in a vertical position,
the whole of the rays will be thrown forward horizontally.
If the light were a mathematical point, it is obvious that the
united rays of light collected and thrown forward by the
reflector would form merely a cylindrical beam of light, or
bundle of rays, of the diameter of the reflector itself, and
that the collected light would thus be only visible from
within the limits of its own narrow circumference, the light
appearing, when viewed from all other positions, of its
natural size and brilliancy alone, as if no reflector were
employed. As, however, the light itself, from the cir-
cular wick of an Argand lamp of one inch in diameter, is
111
of considerable size, and parts of it are therefore removed
from the true focus of the reflector, there is a con-
siderable divergence of the reflected rays, which is of
the utmost value, and alone gives to the reflector its char-
acter of practical utility. Thus by ranging a series of such
lamps and reflectors round a circular frame, the divergent
rays so spread out, combine and cross each other, and form
a complete band or belt of light, which may thus be made
to cover the whole horizon, and embrace all objects moving
on the face of the waters or the land within its scope. This
angle of divergence, in ono of the reflectors ordinarily in
use, is equal to 14 deg. 22 min., and it would require 24
such reflectors to form a complete circle of light.
We have, so far, endeavoured to make plain to the gene-
ral reader the origin, growth, and character of one of the
two systems by which the sea-coasts of the civilised world
are now illuminated. It is the elder of two beautiful sis-
ters, whose pure and beneficent charms will probably yet,
for a long time, continue to be reflected on the ocean's
waves, and to attract the seaman's wistful gaze. We will
not risk the chance of any disparaging or otherwise invi-
dious comparisons between two objects, each having such
great claims on ouradmiration and gratitude : we therefore
postpone our humble tribute to the latter until our next
number, and now conclude with the reflection that few ob-
jects are more calculated to impress on our minds the bene-
ficence of the Great Author of all things, who has thus
caused man's general welfare, worldly prosperity, happi-
ness, and progress so greatly to depend on the use of those
mental faculties with which He has gifted him, and the
industrious exercise of which, whilst it conveys a blessing
on his race, should, at the same time, be ever looked upon
by him as his greatest happiness and most glorious privi-
lege.

The Decorative Coloring of Public Buildings.

- - -4. -

As an illustration of appropriate mural, and other
colored ornamentation, as adapted to places of worship, we
draw attention to the interior of St. Paul's Church, Ken-
tish-town, recently re-opened after undergoing enlarge-
ment and decoration.

The architect, Mr. E. C. Robins, of Southampton-street,
Strand, has striven to transform a barn into something
attractive, elegant, and refined. The ceiling has been
removed, and the roof thrown open 'and ornamentally
cased. Galleries have been constructed, and a rectangular
apse projected beyond the new end wall, with semicircu-
lar painted ceiling, parquet floor, and arcaded walls.
The new paving, stained and varnished throughout,
gives accommodation for 600 persons.
The coloured embellishments which have been executed
under the superintendence of the architect, by Messrs'
Green and King, of Baker-street—the general contractors
being Messrs. Scrivener and White, of Fitzroy-road—are
as follows :

The open timbers of the roof are decorated with rosettes,
bands, and various other devices in red and black, while
the spaces between contain large centre pieces of conven-
tional ornament in blue, the whole being painted on the
stained wood, the trusses, purlieus, and wall facia:being var-
nished. The effect is heightened by the judicious use of
gold. The colour of the walls above the stringing is buff,
and below a delicate sage green. The gallery has its ex-
posed timbers treated to harmonise with the roof, while
the supporting iron columns are painted Indian red, the
foliated capitals being picked out in gold on a grey
ground. The light, open iron work of the gallery rail-
ing and pulpit balusters is painted grey, richly relieved
by gilding. Tho apse is a special feature both in arrange-
ment and decoration. The pulpit stands at the side, and a
parquet floor, three steps high, is provided for the apse, on
the back wall of which, between the arcading, various
verses of Scripture have been inscribed in gilt letters, on
an Indian red ground.

The large semicircular arched opening is supported
by pilasters, and surmounted by an entablature, and
is wholly enriched with gold and delicate painted
ortuunaitation. The whole of the apse is Plentifully en-
riched with fir land and stencilled decoration, borders,
texts, &c., in gold and in colours, while on either side a
window of stained and grisaille glass carries out the
colour, and merges it into the other parts-of the building.
Tho entire absence of symbolism, and the adoption of
conventional ornament alone, is in harmony with the Non-
conformist viows of the projectors.

MARKETS--This Day.

METROPOLITAN CATTLE.

Although the supply of beasts on sale in our market to-
day was very moderate, the demand for all kinds ruled
heavy, at Monday's decline in the quotations. The top
figure for beef was ss. 2d. per 81bs. The show of sheep
was rather limited ; nevertheless, sales progressed slowly,
at late rates. A few very superior Downs sold at 6s. GI
per 81bs. We had a slow inquiry for calves, the supply of
which was moderate, on former terms—viz., from 4s. 4d.
to ss. 6d. per 81bs. The pork trade was much less active
than last week, and prices were with difficulty supported,
Milch cows were very dull.