( m ) 
XX. — Account of the Island o/Fouki. 
By Capt. Vetch^ of the Corps of Royal Engineers^ 
M.W.S. M.G.S. &c. 
(Read ISth Maij 1822.) 
The Island of Foula is the most western of the Shetland 
Islands, and, from the grandeur of its form, and secluded 
situation, has attached an interest to it, which a nearer in- 
spection serves but little to diminish. As seen from the sea, 
at a few miles distance, its appearance is of the most impos- 
ing nature, — for though little more than three miles in its 
greatest dimensions, it rises boldly to a height of 1370 feet, 
and presents, along its western shores, perpendicular cliffs 
that seldom fall short of 600 feet, and in one place attain an 
elevation of 1230 feet, forming a scene perhaps not sur- 
passed in grandeur by any in the British Islands. The 
mountain-ridge which stretches across the centre of Foula, 
and which chiefly characterises the island, bears some re- 
semblance to the rock of Gibraltar. The length and height 
of both ridges are nearly the same ; both present three pro- 
minent points or peaks, and both terminate at one extremity 
in perpendicular cliffs of nearly equal height. 
