6 IONA. DESCRIPTION. 



society, which, presenting elsewhere no visible traces, 

 seems to have abandoned these rocky shores to the cor- 

 morant and the seagull. 



This island is about three miles in length, and one in 

 breadth, being placed nearly in a north-easterly direction. 

 Its eastern coast is separated from Mull by a nar- 

 row sound, which, although obstructed by a partial 

 shoal, affords passage with a leading wind to large ships 

 navigating these seas. The western side is beset with 

 numerous small islands and rocks : many are also scattered 

 about its northern and southern extremities, near the 

 latter of which the green island of Soa stretches to sea 

 at a considerable distance. 



The surface of lona is low, rising into numerous irre- 

 gular elevations, which seldom exceed 100 feet. Its 

 highest hill may be about 400, and is situated at the 

 northern extremity of the island. The coast is, for the 

 most part, indented by small rocky bays divided by 

 similar promontories; but at the north-western side it 

 presents one large plain terminating in a flat shore of 

 sand chiefly composed of broken shells. Another sandy 

 and low plain to the east, contains the ancient remains 

 and the modern village. This plain is but of small extent, 

 and the soil, although arable, is of a light and sandy 

 quality, applicable almost only, and that by the assistance 

 of sea weed, to the cultivation of barley and potatoes. 

 A small quantity of rye is grown ; but oats, as in 

 similar soils elsewhere, do not succeed. The upland is 

 a checquered mixture of rocks and pasture, generally 

 moorish, displaying, towards its northern end, a mere 

 labyrinth of rocks, among which it is difficult to explore 

 a way. A few ridges of corn are occasionally found in 

 this upland where the soil is sandy; but it is chiefly 

 pastured by black cattle ; which, together with kelp, grown 

 on the shores, and fish, in the taking of which the in- 

 habitants display an industry unusual in this country, 

 form the disposable produce of the island. The population 

 amounts to 450, the rent to .300 ; and the land is divided 



