LEBWICK. 



* 



this structure in existence. It is moi-> cmiuus than 

 picturesque, as may be inferred from its striking likenesi 

 to a giasswork chimney with a part of the top broken oft, 

 It is about fifty feet in diameter, and between forty and 

 fifty feet high. It consists of two concentric walls, 

 between which a winding stair leads up to a number of 

 small apartmemts. The inner rcular space enclosed by 

 the walls seems to have been an open court. The use 

 and origin of these towers, remains of which are numerous 

 in Shetland, are uncertain. Each is said to be in sight of 

 the other, so that intelligence of the approach of enemies 

 might be conveyed by beacons lighted on the various 

 summits. The peculiar shape, wide at bottom, tapering 

 towards the middle, and again widening towards the top t 

 seems to indicate that scaling was one mode of attack 

 which the architect meant to guard against. 



In another half-hour the steamer's gun is fired, the 

 anchor is dropped, and you are placed face to face with 

 the most irregular-looking town that was ever built. A 

 stranger will not soon forget his impression on seeing 

 Lerwick for the first time, especially if he has been 

 taking a snooze in the saloon, and is wakened by the gun, 

 so that its peculiarities burst full upon him at once. He 

 sees nothing but gables, and these so huddled together in 

 the most happy-go-lucky style, that he cannot see Low 

 locomotion through the place is possible, unless it be on 

 the tops of the houses. The town is situated on a very 

 steep slope, and the houses on the shore are built right 

 down into the sea. 



