180 ORKNEY. 



although the rental is as yet only about 1,1 OOZ. A doze A 

 years ago it imported meal for the support of its inha- 

 bitants ; it now exports largely grain, potatoes, cattle, 

 sheep, pigs, eggs, &c. 



The habits and mode of life of the islanders were very 

 primitive even fifty years ago. The chimney of the 

 cottage was simply a hole in the roof, and the fire was m 

 the middle of the floor, so that the smoke had to find its 

 way out as best it might. Such fire-places have, I think, 

 almost disappeared from Orkney, at least I do not re- 

 member seeing one. 



In old times the islanders had many strange beliefs and 

 antipathies, which some of the older people still cherish. 

 For instance, they have a prejudice against turbot, and 

 will not eat it nor even name it at sea although they 

 constantly eat halibut, a much less delicate fish of the 

 same species. 



A strange belief was held generally at one time that 

 drowned persons are changed into seals. The island of 

 Borey in the Bay of Milburn, is sometimes called the 

 Seal Island, and a romantic legend is told in connection 

 with it, which has already found its way into print, but 

 not so fully as it was related to me. 



It was a fine summer evening, and Harold of the isle of 

 Gairsay had been fishing till late, when, as the sun went 

 down, he heard the most enchanting music. He followed 

 the sound till he reached the island of Borey, where he 

 saw a company of gaily-dressed people dancing to it, 

 but no musicians were visible. He went close inshore, 



