BIRD LIFE AT THE SHETLAND ISLANDS. I 19 



down to the water's edge, 'which was very handy in the 

 smuggling days.' 



The population at the last census was 3,930. There are three 

 hotels, and many private lodging houses, as well as three banks 

 and several imposing public buildings. The water supply is 

 obtained from a Loch about four miles away. 



At the North end is Fort Charlotte, built by Oliver Crom- 

 well, restored by Charles II, and further extended and repaired 

 in 1781, when it was given its present name after the Queen 

 of George III. It is now occupied by the Coastguard and 

 Naval reserve, there being two batteries and a fine Drill Hall. 

 Behind Fort Charlotte are the County Buildings and Prison. 

 To the South of the town is the Anderson Institute and Widows' 

 Asylum, founded by the late Arthur Anderson, a native of the 

 Island. He represented the County in Parliament from 1847 

 to 1852. Here also is the Town Hall, built in Gothic style, 

 the stone used being obtained entirely from native quarries. 

 The stained glass windows of the Hall and Staircase the major- 

 ity of which were presentations represent the history of the 

 Islands from the earliest times, and on the walls are portraits 

 of eminent Shetlanders. 



During June the harbour is alive with Dutch vessels, which 

 come for the Herring Fishing. The fishery is carried on very 

 largely throughout the Islands, and the catches are very great, 

 especially in Unst one of the North Isles where the barrels 

 used in packing the cured fish may be seen in thousands, the 

 process of salting being conducted by young women from 

 Aberdeen and Fraserburgh. 



About a mile from Lerwick is the Loch of Clickimin con- 

 taining the ruins of a Pictish Burgh, whilst many similar remains 

 are scattered over the Islands, the most perfect being that on 

 Mousa, a small Island in Mousa Sound, some twelve miles 

 distant from the Capital. 



On Clickimin Loch can be seen colonies of the beautiful 

 Arctic Tern, known to the natives as the Tarrock. This Tern 

 with the forked tail, scarlet bill and feet has the appearance 

 of a large Swallow, and is called in many localities the Sea 

 Swallow. When fishing, their actions are always full of interest : 

 hovering over the water, first one and then another may be 



