Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-08-07
[ooRRRsroNDExcE OF THE DAILY spy


CAT HEAD,
MARTHA's VINEYARD, Aug. 4, 1871.
Here we are with few choice spirits (not
spirits from below or above, neither of a more
questionable character), making predatory pill
grimage to the wonderful variegated clay cliffs,
and, if possible, the more wonderful lighthouse,
whose revolving light is an unerring guide to
the sixty thousand vessels which annually pass
between Boston and Portland. This lights one
of the best in this country, costing the govern
ment about twenty thousand dollars. 1t is the
Franzel revolving flashing light. The lenses are
divided into twenty-four sections, the whole be-
ing composed of one thousand and eight pieces of
highly polished glass of different sizes and
colors, no two of which are alike. 1t is oper-
ated by machinery of very intricate construc-
ton, resembling, in certain particulars, the
movements of a clock. 1t takes two
men TO wind it up and prepare
it for service. When in operation it
revolves once in four minutes, and makes
distinct flash once in ten seconds. The combi-
nation of the whole produces an intensely bril-
liant light, which can be distinctly seen in
clear night fifty miles. Seven hundred and
iOIlN RdhOus VI iniu Oh aAS NShSuhASN
to keep its four circular burners supplied. The
burners are each three and three-quarter inches
in diameter, arranged in a circle at different
heights. The oil is furnished from a tank, I'M
derneath, and is forced up into the wick by an
arrangement similar to the force pump. The
keeper of the light was very accommodating,
answering our numerous questions, and eX-
planning everything in manner highly salts
factory. He was particularly careful to warn
the visitors not to touch the lenses, and was evil
IDENTIFY very proud of his charge. We doubt not
he is a very efficient officer and will ever
stand faithfully to his post Of duty.
After "doing" the eight" we hurried to
the "cliffs," which are certainly among the most
curious and beautiful formations we ever saw.
They are about 1870 feet high, extending nearly
half mile along the beach. There are stratas
or formations of several different colors, of a
substance in texture and feeling resembling
clay. Near the water we could easily cut it
with knife, while higher up it had the con-
sistency of soft lead. One of the highest and
most beautiful reddish formations, the keeper Of
the eight" informed us, had accumulated dur
ing the last eighteen months. Deep cuts and
gulleys are frequent, and appear to divide the
different stratas, although in many places the
intermingling of all is so beautiful that in
bright sunlight it reminds you of all the tints Of
the rainbow. There were many other points Of
interest which we intended visiting, such as
the DEVILS cave, the Devils bridge, etc, but
" four bells" from the steamer reminded us that
further investigations must be given up, and we
very reluctantly left this most interesting of all
the Slocations on the island, and embarking,
steamed away to coax Bluffs" where we ar
rived in general commingling of the elements
| in rain, mist and watery illusions, having had
with the exception of an occasional oblation to
old ocean, cover the bows, y delightful and
profitable excursion. At another time we may
give you our impressions of Oak Bluff and the
Vineyard generally. M