OP SUTHERLAND AND CAITHNESS. 
49 
the sea-level, and penetrating inland a distance of about 130 yards, 
is yet only about 20 feet broad at its widest part, and narrows 
to about 15 near the entrance and at the top. A horse we 
believe could almost leap the chasm, but such attempts are always 
dangerous, distance in such places being unusually deceptive. 
" The Ashy Goe " is another fine goe, and from its southern side 
a good view can be obtained of the higher cliff-faces to the north, 
which exceed the 300-feet limit. 
Inland, upon the peninsula of Dunnet are many small lochs, 
one of which, near the lighthouse, has been very successfully 
stocked with trout by Mr. Trail of Melsetter, Orkney, to whom 
the property belongs. Occasionally swans, geese, and ducks rest 
here on migration ; and St. John's Loch, near Dunnet, often holds 
many wild-fowl in winter. But in summer this great peninsula is, 
as we have before said, singularly destitute of land-bird life. "We 
only added a pair of oyster- catchers (which, owing to the character 
of the coast-line here, are scarce along shore), a flock of six wild- 
ducks, and an occasional lark, or meadow pipit, to our day's list of 
birds seen, and one solitary golden plover was heard piping still 
further inland. 
Some days after our visit to Dunnet Head, and while residing 
at Huna Hotel, we continued our survey of the north coasts of 
Caithness, this time by boat, on which occasion we were accom- 
panied by the Eev. Mr. Macpherson of Canisbay Manse, and a most 
enjoyable day we spent, the sea being calm as glass, so that we 
could enter the deep sea-caves, or " gioops," and far-penetrating 
goes. Duncansbay cliffs are very grand, especially from the Head 
round to Skirsa on the east coast. In one of the principal goes — 
Wife's Goe — only wide enough to allow of the passage of our 
Orkney boat, the cliffs rose sheer 260 feet above us, and we passed 
first through a high-roofed passage into the creux beyond. Eock- 
doves were innumerable ; and many caves we examined had the 
floors inches deep in excreta — a valuable find, one would think, for 
any of the gardeners of the local gentry. The Stacks of Duncans- 
bay are splendid examples of isolated pillars, equalling in height 
the cliffs of the mainland. We rowed also through " The Thirle 
D 
