After a pleasant half day spent among the places of interest in Portsmouth, the "Verbena" was ordered to steam for Portland. As they passed in plain sight of the Isles of Shoals and Boan Island, Miss Gray read to

"Aloft the lighthouse sent its warnings wide,

Fed by their faithful hands, and ships in sight
With joy beheld it, and on land men cried,

'Look, clear and steady burns Boan Island Light.""

In this delightful afternoon's sail, the Cartmells passed many points of interest, among which were York, the "Nubble," Wells Beach, Kennebunkport, and Old Orchard Beach.

These are all noted summer resorts, to which people from Boston and other New England cities go to spend their summer outing. The "Nubble" is visited by those who wish to see the water dash upon the rocks. Orchard Beach is remarkable for its fine rolling surf. At six o'clock they anchored in Portland Harbor.

Old

LESSON X.

AMONG THE LIGHTHOUSES.

Part I.

AT seven o'clock the next morning, Captain Graham called out, "All aboard."

In a few moments the "Verbena" was steaming down Portland Harbor for a cruise among the lighthouses and numerous islands off the coast of Maine.

The Cartmells, standing at the stern, surveyed the lovely scene, for Portland Harbor is well known for its natural beauty. The houses rise one above another on the hills from among the green trees; the spires of the many churches point heavenward; and on the port side Fort Gorges rises from its foundations of natural rock.

They soon passed the handsome Portland Head Light, a little off to the right.

The "Verbena" was then headed due east, and in half an hour they were approaching Half-way Rock, on which stood a tall lighthouse, plainly seen from the steam yacht.

"I wish we could go ashore, Papa, and visit a lighthouse."

"We shall do so, I think, several times."

Mr. Cartmell spoke to the captain, and he steered more to the port, heading chiefly for the little island. The boat was lowered, and Mr. Cartmell and the children were rowed by the oarsmen to the lighthouse. The lighthouse

keeper received them very politely, and said that he would gladly show them the interior of the tower.1

The first room they entered was the store-room, at the base of the tower. Here they saw casks of oil, barrels of provisions, and plenty of coal. Here is kept the supply of fresh water. The keeper led the way up the narrow circular iron stairway to the next room, which proved to be the kitchen of the establishment, with its cooking-stove, 1 See page 123.

shining pots and kettles, and neat pantry. Another flight of stairs brought them to the bedroom of the keeper who was their guide, and above this was a second room with two beds for the assistant keepers.

A fourth flight of stairs led them into the watch-room, where the keeper on duty stays to look after the light

The clock which operates the light is placed in this room. After one more staircase, the fifth, had been mounted, they entered the "lantern," a room on top of the tower.

As soon as they all had satisfied themselves with the views, and looked down upon the "Verbena," as she waited for them not far away, the keeper took off the linen cover from the lenses. The children looked with astonishment upon the great glistening barrel of glass exposed to view. The keeper opened a door in this barrel of lenses, and