in the- Summer of l^^s. 195 



parallel to each other, and terminate about the centre of the isle. 

 These inlets are called by the natives goe or goes, being so 

 denominated from the perpendicular and lofty precipices that 

 overhang them ; and in the indented hollows and fissures of 

 which the sea roars like the falling of a distant cataract. The 

 inhabitants, during the summer season, under the direction 

 of the proprietor, search these inlets for the, purpose of killing 

 seals, the oil of which is in requisition for various purposes. 

 The manner of taking them is this. A net sufficiently wide 

 and strong is stretched across the mouth of one of these 

 inlets, being well weighted at the bottom, and fastened by its 

 upper ends very securely to each side of the entrance. When 

 this is properly arranged, the men, armed with old whale 

 spears, spikes, and sticks, enter the goe, and forcing their way 

 over the broken particles of rock, that are plentifully strewed 

 along the margin of the water, they proceed to do dreadful 

 execution among the alarmed animals, which usually tumble 

 headlong into the water, from their rocky resting-places, upon 

 the first appearance of the boats at the entrance of the inlet ; 

 but, when they find their passage to the sea prevented by the 

 net (which they in vain attempt to dive under), return up 

 the goe, in wild disorder and confusion, blowing, flouncing, 

 and snorting, the noise blending with the undulating of the 

 water against the sides of the precipices, and producing a 

 very curious effect. At the commencement of the sport, the 

 water, from being excessively clear and limpid, affords an 

 easy sight of the seals, as they pass and repass at the bottom, 

 or about mid water ; but, as the moment one of them emerges 

 for the purpose of blowing he is generally received by a blow 

 on the nose, or a stab with a whale spear, the water, after 

 a time, becomes so thick and bloody as entirely to pre- 

 vent the possibility of seeing a foot under it. After the sport 

 terminates, the seals are hauled away to the boats and towed 

 on shore. This diversion can only be pursued during very 

 calm weather, as on the slightest breeze from the sea, the water 

 becomes so agitated, and breaks with such fury upon the en- 

 trance of the inlets, as to render it impossible to gain a land- 

 ing. In fact, even to attempt it at such times would be 

 attended with the most imminent danger, as the sweep of the 

 surge is almost sure to dash the boat to atoms. 



Leaving Papastower, I crossed the Bay of St. Magnus ; in 

 passing which, a pair or two of the eider duck (^^nas mollis- 

 sima), or a small tribe of the long-tailed duck (^^nas glacialis), 

 (solitary loiterers from the company that have preceded them 

 to their more northern breeding-places), are occasionally 

 seen; and the traveller is often amused by the strenuous 



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