THE NORTH ISLES. 11 



of which four-fifths is under cultivation. There are two inland 

 seas, and the inlets and outlets to these are called " oyces." There 

 are several large bays also, so that the island shows a considerable 

 extent of coast-line. The tideways and currents running round the 

 island, though rapid, are not dangerous, except in stormy weather, 

 and the boatmen very often turn them to good account, by entering 

 into them in order to expedite their passage. 



The climate is mild and healthy. There is not much snow or 

 frost, and the inhabitants generally enjoy good health and long life. 

 In three or four of the bays are found large quantities of shell- 

 fish, principally cockles and razor-fish or spouts. There are several 

 lochs, two or three of pretty large dimensions, but the only fish 

 they contain are the Common Eel and a species of Stickleback. 

 Some of the lochs are bordered with rushes and reeds, in which 

 the Coot, Water-hen, and some ducks and gulls breed. 



Sanday is divided into three parts or parishes the united 

 parishes of Cross and Burness, and Lady parish. The parishes of 

 Lady and Burness may be characterised as of a low flat surface in 

 general, but Cross, lying in the south and west, is more diversified, 

 having some elevations about 250 feet above sea-level. The soil is 

 to a large extent of a sandy nature, which most likely originally 

 gave birth to the name of the island. The seashore on the east of 

 Burness and Lady is in general a low-lying sandy beach, where 

 bent grass grows freely; but around Cross and on the west of 

 Burness it is mostly rocky, with precipices and curious caverns, 

 where the Kock-doves live and breed, and also a great number of 

 sea-birds. The rocks here are mostly of a secondary nature ; there is 

 a little limestone, and on the west side, facing Eday, sandstone and 

 sandstone flag is found. On the west shore of Cross parish there is 

 a curious rock called " Heelabir"; it partly consists of a great many 

 pieces of rounded sandstone and quartz, from half an ounce to 

 several pounds in weight, attached to its surface. There is also to 

 be seen near Scar House a large primary rock of several tons 

 weight, which formerly lay near Saville ; there is no rock of the 

 same kind to be found nearer than Stromness, from which it is 

 distant some thirty miles, N.N.W. or thereby. 



