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and marshes. Wild ash and hazel grow in several places, among 
the rocks and cliffs. With the exception of these and a few solitary 
shrubs, the whole surface is quite denudated. 
Although there are no rivers in any of the isles, there are numer- 
ous springs and streamlets ; which, however, in dry seasons, afford 
a very inadequate supply, in which case recourse is had to the con- 
tinent for fresh water. 
Fish, kelp, and yearling calves, are almost the only articles of 
traffic; Galway, and the surrounding country, the chief mart. 
There are belonging to the three islands about 120 boats, 30 or 40 
of which have sails, and are from five to ten tons burden ; the rest 
are row boats. ‘Ihe spring and beginning of summer are employed 
in the Spillard fishery ; here are taken immense quantities of cod, 
ling, haddock, turbot, gurnet, mackrel, bream, &c. and, in the 
season, abundance of lobsters, oysters, crabs, scollops, cockles, 
muscles, &c. They look much to the herring fishery, which some- 
times disappoints, but generally gratifies their best expectations. 
In May, the pursuit of the sun-fish gives employment to many. 
This rich supply of sustenance seems perfectly providential, when 
we consider the scanty soil and dense population of the islands, 
After high tides, the water, lodging in the caverns and cliffs exposed 
to the sun, soon evaporates, and leaves a residuum of good strong 
salt, with which the Aranites, I understand, cure their ling; it also 
serves them for culinary purposes. Within forty miles of this coast 
is the great cod-bank, which is supposed to reach to Newfoundland. 
The annual average of kelp, made in the islands, is computed 
at from 150 to 200 tons; it is considered to be of very superior 
quality. The yearling calves generally brought, before the late fall : 
of prices, from £7 to £8 a piece. 
The numerous and lofty cliffs of Aran are well stocked with puf- 
