30 ST. K1LDA. GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 



ledge of a higher state of things ; if he thinks not his 

 island an Utopia, the pursuit of happiness is indeed a 

 dream. 



The island produces several streams of fine water, the 

 principal of which is on the western side. They are suf- 

 ficient at all times to turn a mill; and the establish- 

 ment of one would supersede the use of the quern, the 

 labour of working which is considerable.* This ancient, 

 but rude instrument, is found in every house, and con- 

 signed from time immemorial to the female ; it is now 

 rarely seen elsewhere. Distillation is unknown here, and 

 the use of spirits equally so, nor is any beer brewed. 

 It is probable that their produce is insufficient to meet 

 this additional demand; as the expedients for carrying 

 on a distillery in the Highlands are so simple as to be 

 easily commanded. 



The reputation of the bird-catchers for dexterity and 

 courage has long been celebrated. The puffins are taken 

 in their burrows by small dogs ; this chase being gene- 

 rally conducted by the children both male and female, 

 while the men are employed in higher game. The gannets 

 and larger birds are taken by hand, or with snares, on 

 their nests ; the bird-catchers descending the cliffs by 

 the assistance of a rope of hair secured above. Acci- 

 dents are extremely rare. The various sea fowl which 

 frequent the island have been enumerated by Martin ; 



* The expense of a Highland mill is no obstacle, as it does not 

 amount to a great many shillings. The stones are about three fee.t 

 in diameter, the upper being fixed on a vertical axis that passes through 

 the lower and through the floor of the hut, which is built on the edge 

 of a rock or hank over some stream. This axis is about four feet long, 

 working on any casual stone by an iron pivot, the only iron in the whole 

 construction. Sixteen or eighteen rude sticks, scooped at the outer ends 

 like a spoon, are driven horizontally into it, their flat sides being verti- 

 cally placed to catch the stream directed against them. The hopper is 

 suspended by four strings from the roof of the hut, which is scarcely suf- 

 ficient to contain a man upright. It would not be easy to construct the 

 horizontal water mill on cheaper terms. 



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