^44 
ACCOUNT OF 
- The lines drawn on the map, distinguishing the bounda- 
ries of the different rocks, are in a great measure conjec- 
tural, as the surface has there a deep covering of peat-moss, 
and the only clue is that afforded by the direction of these 
lines as they occur at the coast ; but as their extent is small, 
the direction and length assigned to them cannot differ much 
from the truth. 
The Island of Foula, except on the very steep acclivities, 
is covered with peat-moss to a considerable depth ; and the 
circumstance of laying waste the country, for the purposes 
of fuel and roofing, which so constantly distresses the eye 
in Orkney, is here almost rendered impossible. At Stanis- 
field, however, a portion of the Noup Hill, the covering of 
peat-moss being scanty, the natives have managed by per- 
severance to get down to the naked rock ; and they seem 
disposed to prevent an accumulation of soil again in that 
place, as I observed some of them employed in cutting for 
fuel the scattered tufts, the remains of former attacks. 
This system of carrying off the soil, so prevalent in Ork- 
ney and Fair Isle, cannot be sufficiently deprecated, or too 
soon put an end to, as hundreds of acres of good land are 
every year consigned to sterility, though abundance of 
peat-moss is never far distant. Along the margins of the 
brooks in Foula, white and red clover, of natural growth, 
appear in considerable luxuriance ; and should Mr Leisk, 
the worthy proprietor of Uya, be able to draw the atten- 
tion of the Shetland proprietors to pasture, instead of corn- 
fields, Foula may, after no great lapse of time, present over 
its greater extent rich crops of grass, instead of the heath 
and scanty herbage it at present affords. 
The number of inhabitants in Foula amounts to about 
165. And it is a curious fact, that during the last 
seven years there has been no marriage in the island, nor 
illegitimate children in this respect affording an extra- 
