SHETLAND MIDSUMMER 141 



would probably multiply to an inconvenient degree, 

 did not nature apply her usual checks. The in- 

 crease of stoats keeps pace with the increase of 

 their prey. 



The centre of our activity was the parish of 

 Northmaven, at the north-west corner of the 

 Mainland. This is the highlands of Shetland, 

 rising above the curse, and exposing to the light 

 of day its red or silvery summits of gneiss, or 

 granite. 



We sought the voes in all directions, walking 

 often great distances to reach them, and embarking 

 in such leaky craft as were available. And each 

 had some fresh surprise in its surroundings, or its 

 shape, or in the islands floating in its centre. And 

 all teemed with life, which varied within certain 

 narrow limits, according as the inlet was connected 

 with the Atlantic, or the North Sea. 



There is always that finishing touch to every 

 striking natural scene, if one has only the good 

 taste to find it out. And, in the case of the voes, 

 this is provided by the omnipresent tystie, or black 

 guillemot black with a patch of white on the 

 wing. This is the Shetlander's darling, or good 

 spirit, as well it may be. 



There are inland lochs as well as voes, but these 



