ALTEN, HAMMERFEST, &C. 



483 



into the harbour of Balta Sound, in the island of Unst, Shet- 

 land, where we were most hospitably received by the proprie- 

 tor, Mr. Edmondstone. The change from our late discomforts 

 on board, to a civilized house and excellent table, was most 

 agreeable. 



2d. — The brother of our host, Dr. E. (well known as an 

 ornithologist), kindly took us to the northern point of the 

 island, to see the breeding-place of that fine and now rare 

 bird, the Skua (Larus Cataractes). The breeding season 

 being over, they had mostly deserted the place, but we had 

 the good fortune to see several specimens. We visited the 

 mines of chromate of iron, from which Mr. Edmondstone has 

 drawn a valuable prize. 



3d. — We again reluctantly left a place, where, as strangers, 

 we had been most hospitably received, and turned our course 

 homewards. 



