CORNWALL long been used as a beacon for seamen. There are now two lighthouses, standing high above the sea, lit by electricity and visible at a great distance. Formerly the lamps were lighted with coal fires, blown by bellows ; these were then superseded by oil. Besides these lights there is a powerful siren, whose yellings render day and night hideous during foggy weather. The lifeboat station is at the little fishing village of Polpear, the most southward village in England. On the eastward point is the signal station, whence the passing of every vessel is telegraphed. Both Lizard Point and Town are in the parish of Landewednack (which see). The little town supports itself entirely by the sale of serpentine specimens and the entertainment of visitors. It is distant about 1 1 miles from Helston, from which con- veyances run during the season. There are prospects of a light railway being constructed. Whether attracted by love of natural beauty, of geology, botany or archaeology, no visitor need be disappointed. But the district is still wild, solitary and legend-haunted ; Goonhilly Downs are like a more desolate bit of Dart- moor ; the coast, grand with a grandeur un- equalled anywhere on the S. sea line, has been a death-trap to many a noble ship. The time may come, perhaps, when this corner of wild England shall be vulgarised — bestrewn with neat villas and garish boarding-houses ; there may be pavilions where entertainers, jugglers and acrobats shall do all in their power to 164
