This is a most ingenious invention, for the purpose of carrying on a
communication with distant persons. The line of Telegraphs, or stations
(eleven in number), was established by the Trustees of the Liverpool
Docks; they extend along the coast as far as Liverpool, and are fixed on
commanding heights, at an average distance of a little less than eight
miles apart. A constant look-out is kept during the day at each of these
stations. The rapidity with which a communication is made from Holyhead
mountain to Liverpool, a distance of about 80 miles, is truly
astonishing. A question is sometimes asked at Liverpool, and an answer
received from Holyhead in less than a minute,—on some occasions in 30
seconds. The ordinary intelligence of what ships are in sight, &c., is
generally conveyed in 5 minutes. The Telegraph consists of two vertical
columns. Each of these columns is provided with two pairs of arms,
moveable on pivots, at a sufficient distance from each other to prevent
any confusion in the working. There are thus eight arms, which, when out
of operation or indicating a cipher, or the ciphers required in
expressing hundreds and thousands, are invisible within the mast. Each
arm is capable of three points of elevation, and is worked from below by
means of chains hitched on to levers of a peculiar construction. Any
number, from 1 to 9, is indicated by one or both of the arms being
pointed obliquely or horizontally. This arrangement of motion is
applicable to each of the four pairs of arms; but otherwise, each has a
different arithmetical power, indicating units, tens, hundreds,
thousands; so that the four powers in combination are capable of
exhibiting every number from 1 to 9,999; but in order to extend the
number still further, each mast is provided with an indicator, or board,
working vertically on its summit; these indicators, when not in
operation, being invisible. By this means four series of numbers, from 1
to 9,999, may be obtained, the telegraphic powers being extended to
39,996 signals. Contiguous to this telegraph is one of older date,
connected with the Holyhead Harbour.