VATERSA, &C. 85 



offers perhaps more conspicuous examples of contor- 

 tion and instances equally beautiful of the reticulations 

 of the trap veins; while, as in the little island of 

 Fudia, oxidulous iron is occasionally to be seen in the 

 granite veins. 



Sandera is nearly connected with Vatersa, with which 

 it also corresponds in materials and disposition ; forming 

 a single hill of gneiss and attaining, like that, an elevation 

 of 800 feet or thereabout. Although the islands of Fladda 

 and Linga protect it in some measure both from the 

 action of the western swell and that of the prevalent 

 winds, it is covered by sand to a much greater height 

 than either Barra or Vatersa; in consequence of some 

 peculiarity of its shape which directs the current of wind 

 high over its eastern end. This sand which, partly by its 

 calcareous nature, and partly by its mechanical power in 

 overcoming the tenacity of peat, has produced such ex- 

 cellent effects in Barra and many of the neighbouring- 

 islands, is here in such excess as to overwhelm and ex- 

 clude vegetation altogether. At a distance the island 

 appears as if covered with a coating of snow. Although 

 small it is inhabited. 



I may add that Pabba like Sandera, consists of a single 

 hill of similar elevation and materials ; having a somewhat 

 precipitous face towards the west, and being inhabited 

 by a few fishermen at its flatter eastern end. 



Muldonich is also a single hill of 6 or^700 feet in ele- 

 vation, and like the neighbouring rocks it is composed 

 of gneiss. 



As I had no opportunity of landing either on Mingala 

 or Bernera, I can only conclude from the general cha- 

 racters and disposition of the rocks, and from their con- 

 tinuity with Pabba and Vatersa, that they also consist 

 of gneiss. Judging from their appearance as seen from 

 the sea and the neighbouring islands, their elevation does 

 not appear to reach 1000 feet. Each exhibits a pre- 



