VOYAGE TO SPITZBERGEX. 9 



turned to again after being a year unpossessed. 

 This singular practice has been carried on time 

 immemorial. 



Here is a small isle, called Dorholm, perforat- 

 ed by a vast arch, seventy feet in height, under 

 which boats fish, having light from an opening at 

 the top. 



Next to this is the holm and isle of Stenness, 

 so much celebrated for the great number of kitti- 

 weaks which resort to it ; the young of which 

 being esteemed delicious food, are taken in great 

 abundance. 



To the north of Stenness is the Maiden Sker- 

 ry, a rock so called from its having never been 

 trodden on by man. The lofty rock called the 

 Ocean Skerry, stands about two miles from this, 

 and serves as a good landmark for ships wanting 

 a harbour in their passage from the north. 



Not far from this rock is the island of Papa, 

 having a natural cave of three entrances, through 

 which the tide ebbs and flows. It has several 

 apartments, and is wide enough to admit a large 

 boat with the oars at full length on each side. 

 This gloomy cavern grows gradually wider to- 

 wards the centre, which nature has ornamented 

 with a beautiful arch. Beyond this, the boat is 



