TO ORKNEY AND SHETLAND. 25 



first stage from Lerwick, we had a very rough 

 passage, and after getting clear out at the north 

 entrance of the harbour I regretted extremely that 

 I had left the land \ but the danger being fully as 

 great in returning as in proceeding, I determined 

 upon the latter, greatly against the inclination of 

 the boatmen, and after cheering them with a 

 little exhilarating cordial we proceeded on our 

 journey. The sea broke into the boat several 

 times, and not being in possession of waterproof 

 clothing we were all soon wet through. The 

 boatmen being exhausted with contending so long 

 against wind and sea, we kept as near the land as 

 prudence would allow, and observing a place I 

 considered favourable to land on, we ran the boat 

 ashore, hauled her up after baling out the watefj, 

 and then rested ourselves on the rocks. Taking 

 advantage of this short respite we made a bold 

 attack upon the eatables, for the destruction of 

 which we were well prepared. Having refreshed 

 ourselves, we launched the boat, and commenced 

 the second part of our voyage, which we safely 

 terminated by reaching Catfirth at ten o'clock in 

 the forenoon. This, however, was not the end of 

 my journey ; I had to travel a distance of five or 

 six miles further by land, to Osnafirth Voe ; and 

 if the passage by water had been disagreeable and 



