 I was interested in knowing the method of intercourse by signals . Every morning between nine and ten o 'clock , a ball is hoisted at the lighthouse to signify that all is well at the Skerryvore . Should this signal fail to be given a ball is raised at Hynish to enquire if anything is wrong . Should no reply be made by the hoisting of the ball , the schooner , hurried from its wet dock , is put to sea and steers for the lighthouse .... I enquired how high the waves washed up the side of the tower during the most severe storms , and was told that they sometimes rose as high as the first window , or about 60 ft above the level of the rocks ; yet , that even in these frightful tumults of wind and waves the building never shook , and no apprehension of danger was entertained . 
