S48 Extracts from Dr Hibbert‘*s Description 
removed to a distance of from 80 to 90 feet, t measured the 
recent bed from which a block had been carried away the pre- 
ceding winter (A. D. 1818), and found it to be 17^ feet by 7 
feet, and the depth 9, feet 8 inches. The removed mass had 
been borne to a distance of 30 feet, when it was shivered into 
thirteen or more lesser fragments, some of which were carried 
still farther, from 30 to 120 feet. A block, 9 feet 2 inches by 
‘6j feet, and 4 feet thick, was hurried up the acclivity to a dis- 
tance of 150 feet. Such is the devastation that has taken place 
amidst this wreck of nature. Close to the Isle of Stenness is 
the Skerry of Eshaness, formidably rising from the sea, and 
' shewing on its westerly side a steep precipice, against which all 
■ the force of the Atlantic seems to have been expended : it affords 
• a refuge for myriads of kittiwakes, whose shrill cries, mingling 
with the dashing of the waters, wildly accord with the terrific 
scene that is presented on every side. 
The fishing station of Stenness is occupied by the tenants of 
Messrs Cheyne, who, from the liberal manner in which they are 
treated, bear the character of being the best fishermen in the 
country. About seventy boats are annually employed at the 
Stenness Haaf. It is computed, that between the middle of 
May and the 12th of August, when the ling fishery ceases, a 
boat makes about eighteen trips to the Haaf. Most of the 
ling, cod, and tusk that are cured in Northmavine go to Ire- 
land ; other markets are found for them by Scottish and Eng- 
lish merchants, in Barcelona, Lisbon, Ancona, and Hamburgh. 
The dangers that the boats run at the Haaf have often suggest- 
ed the expediency of employing small decked vessels for the 
fishery. Accordingly, there was an undertaking of this kind 
set on foot about half a century ago, but it was in every respect 
ill managed, and failed. 
Leaving Eshaness, where may be observed an immense block 
of granite, not less than three yards in diameter, thrown up by 
the sea, I pursued my way north, along a high gradually as- 
cending ridge that impends the ocean, which is covered with 
the finest and softest sward that ever refreshed the tired feet of 
the traveller, being frequently resorted to by the inhabitants of 
Northmavine, on a fine Sabbath evening, as a sort; of prome- 
nade. The verdure that embroiders this proud bank, on which 
