SCENES* OF THE GBOUP. 179 



and even 25,0001. There is a kind of seaweed, the 

 fucus palinatuSy commonly called tangle, thrown up in 

 great abundance on the shores of the Orkneys, and also 

 of the Western Isles. From this a substance called kelp 

 is made, valuable from the large amouut of iodine it 

 contains, and once extensively used in the manufacture 

 of soap and glass. 



The process of kelp-making is as follows : The sea- 

 weed is collected and dried, and put into a hole in the 

 ground about three feet wide. A live coal is then put in, 

 and the heap is allowed to smoulder. During the 

 mouldering it is stirred with an iron-hook, until in 

 course of time it gets into a ^state somewhat like molten 

 lead. When it cools and dries, it is kelp. Besides iodine, 

 it contains glauber salts, common salt, and carbonate of 

 oda. 



The thriftlessness of the farming of past days is well 

 illustrated by an anecdote I had from Mr. Balfour, the 

 proprietor. His father, observing that one of his tenants 

 was always in difficulties, though he did not pay a 

 farthing of rent, said to him one day, that he was sur- 

 prised at his being so much in want, seeing that he had 

 a good croft, and paid nothing for it. 



" Oh, Captain Balfour," he replied, " I das pay a 

 rent." 



" Why, what rent do you pay ? M 



" Weel I sud pay a hen." 



Shapinshay is now in a very satisfactory state of 

 cultivation, about 5,000 acres being under the plough, 



