278 



GEEMANY. 



seventeenth century a narrow isthmus joined its eastern portion to the island. The 

 latter was much larger formerly. Adam of Bremen describes Helio-oland as 

 being rich in corn, cattle, and poultry, but now there is hardly room enough for 

 a few potato patches. The fossils discovered prove that the ancient fauna had a 

 continental character. The onslaught of the sea has reduced Heligoland to a 

 mere rock of variegated sandstone, shaped by the weather into fantastical forms. 

 The scanty inhabitants and their visitors during the bathing season have established 



Fi-;. 1"9. — Heligoland. 



themselves at the foot and on the summit of the eastern cliff. A few small 

 vessels may generally be seen in the roadstead ; whilst far away, but within sight, 

 pass the merchantmen bound for the Elbe and Weser. Volcanic phenomena 

 may possibly have contributed towards ihe destruction of Heligoland. At all 

 events, the sea has been observed to boil up on two occasions— on June 13th, 1833, 

 and June 5th, 1858— as if heated by submarine lavas.* 



* Heligoland, or Helgoland, is generally supposed to mean "holy land," but it is more correct to 

 • derive the modern name from HaUaglun, or Halli^land; that is, "land of banks which cover and 

 uncover." In 1860 the island had 2,860 inhabitants, but in 1872 only 1.913. 



