TO ORKNEY AND SHETLAND. 33 



changeable ; but perhaps there is something in it 

 more than is dreamt of in our philosophy. If the 

 place itself possesses any virtue, in time it might 

 become the Brighton of Shetland, and a fashionable 

 resort for those who unfortunately want heirs to 

 their estates ; at any rate they need not depart 

 without one, for they can have choice from a fine 

 healthy lot ready made. 



One of the families had heard previous to my 

 arrival of my intention of visiting the place, 

 and anticipating my wants had prepared a pretty 

 comfortable room for me, into which I had my 

 things conveyed. I now parted with my boat- 

 men, after giving them a glass of whiskey each, 

 and they set off on their return home. As the 

 weather was still fine, I determined not to delay 

 a moment, although I should have much enjoyed a 

 few hours' sleep. I consequently ordered my ser- 

 vant, while breakfast was getting ready, to hire a 

 boat, as I intended to go out shooting immediately j 

 he accomplished his errand, and soon returned. I 

 then sat down to a comfortable breakfast; the 

 table was certainly not overloaded with delicacies, 

 but we had fish taken that morning, eggs warranted 

 fresh, cold fowl, tolerable coffee, and cream in 

 abundance. I did ample justice to it, the fatigues 

 of the journey and the sea air having given me an 

 c 5 



