MEMOIR OF I’ENNAMT. 
25 
itself afiForded a stupendous scene of rock, varieii 
with little lakes innumerable.” From the general 
appearance of the island, and from the dykes which 
in different places run towards the sea. Pennant 
argues a volcanic origin, or at least a considerable 
change by the influence of fire. One of the princi- 
pal dykes is on the west side of the hill. It runs in 
a narrow stripe of rock, terminating in the sea, and 
i.s generally called the “ Slide of the Old Hag.” 
After surveying this interesting island, they cross 
the Sound to Hay, and are as hospitably received by 
Mr Freebairn, the superintendent of the mines ; and 
having visited the works of lead and iron, set out 
upon an excursion on horseback, accompanied by seve- 
ral gentlemen of the island, who had offered their ser- 
vice to conduct them to whatever v/as worthy of being 
seen. The former tour was written with so much 
candour and good feeling, that the proprietors were 
always anxious to point out the improvements which 
had been made, and the capabilities which their own 
favourite land possessed for cultivation ; and in his 
whole excursion, be met with that civility, attention, 
and assistance, which one travelling for information 
and the good or improvement of his country deserves. 
He enters at considerable length into the manners 
of the inhabitants, their ancient customs, and pre- 
sent superstitions. In its natural history, he men- 
tions wild geese breeding on the moors ; a more 
southern range of incubation for these birds than 
what has been generally supposed. 
