COLL. GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 57 



COLL.* 



. THE dimensions of Coll are very similar to those of 

 Tirey, its extreme length being about twelve miles and 

 its mean breadth somewhat less than three. In the 

 general outline of the coast it also resembles that 

 island, although the extent of the rocky shores is 

 perhaps greater in proportion to that of the sandy bays. 

 It differs, ^however, materially in its general aspect and 

 surface, being so much covered with rocky hills and 

 protuberances as scarcely any where to exhibit a con- 

 tinuous level, or grassy plain. Towards the northern end 

 of the island these indeed abound to such a degree, that 

 when viewed from a low point of sight, it seems to 

 present but_one entire surface of rocks. Notwithstanding 

 this aspect of barrenness it is interspersed with green 

 spots of greater or less magnitude, which are estimated 

 to comprise, in arable, meadow, and pasture land, about 

 one third of its extent. Towards the southern end there 

 is a considerable tract of unencumbered land, the rocky 

 elevations being here more sparingly dispersed and this 

 side of the island approaching more nearly in its general 

 character to the neighbouring parts of Tirey. Patches 

 of sand are interspersed among the verdant soil in this 

 quarter, and more particularly toward the southern and 

 western shores, where, in some places, it has so far accu- 

 mulated as to overwhelm and destroy considerable tracts. 

 These accumulations are occasionally thrown up into 

 irregular banks and hills, as is usual in similar cases, 

 being again dispersed by the winds as they succeed in 

 destroying the feeble protection which the Carex arenaria, 

 Triticum junceum, and other plants indigenous to blown 



* Coll, a hazel; coil, a wood; Gaelic. ,If this be the etymology, the 

 character of the island is much changed since the name was imposed. 

 See the general map. 



