OF THE FAROE ISLANDS. , 233 



not been in it since. Knowing what a hopeless measure 

 it is to explore a country in quest of its mineral produc- 

 tions, without being previously directed to the particular spots 

 that afford them, this information occasioned considerable cha- 

 grin ; and as it appeared we had only our own exertions to 

 depend upon, we commenced operations with all possible 

 speed. 



That part of Stromoe which surrounds Thorshavn is tamer 

 than the generality of the country, and, so far as we could dis- 

 cover, presents nothing of interest to the mineralogist. We 

 therefore immediately proceeded to explore Nalsoe, a long 

 narrow island which lies within five miles ; and here we found 

 a constant source of amusement *. 



Almost the very first object that attracted our attention on 

 landing, was the very remarkable appearances of fusion, on the 

 surface of a bed of amygdaloid, mentioned by Sir George 

 Mackenzie. These occurred on a point as nearly due east as 

 possible from Thorshavn. Two miles south of this is the 

 cave in which Sir John Stanley had found so many brilliant 

 specimens of zeolite. It is described by Landt as a very re- 

 markable cavern, not, however, for its productions, of which 

 he takes no notice, but as leading to a perforation said to pass 

 so nearly through the island, that the noise of the waves on 

 the opposite side may be heard at the extremity of it. This 

 aperture I could not find ; it may, however, be covered with 

 debris, the place being sa much altered since Hans our guide 

 was there before, that he scarcely knew it to be the same. 



It is situated considerably above the level of the sea, in a 

 soft amygdaloid, and presents an opening of about two hun- 

 dred feet in length, while its inmost recess does not exceed 



Vol. VII. G g eighty, 



• In the annexed map of the Faroe Islands, reduced from that of Captain 

 BoiiN, I have traced our different routes. 



