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Soa lies near Hirta, on the South-west. In this, except Fowls, there is only remarkable a Creek, where great Seals haunt. The people are so mad, that they go in their Boat, about four of them, in that narrow passage, to kill these Seals with Poles: having scarce room for their Oars, and every where seeming to close up the mouth thereof. If the Wind changeth during their being there, it is not possible to save Man or Boat.
There are several Rocks, rising out of the Sea, amongst these Islands, which the People of Hirta call Stacks: some ten, twenty, twenty four Fathoms above water, without any Grass upon them. On the rouud tops of the Rocks a great number of Fowls breed, and in all the Cliffs.
Amongst the rest there is one called Stacka Donna; upon the top whereof breedeth such an abundance of Fowls, that though it seems inaccessible, yet the men of Hirta have ventured to go thither. After they have landed with much difficulty, a man having room but for one of his feet, he must climb up twelve or sixteen Fathoms high. Then he comes to a place, where haviug but room for his left foot and left hand, must leap from thence to such another place before him; which, if he hit right, the rest of the ascent is easie: and with a small Cord, which he carries with him, he hales up a Rope, whereby all the rest come up. But if he misseth that Footstep, (as oftentimes they do) he falls into the Sea, and the Company takes him in by the small Cord, and sits still until he be a little refreshed, and then he tries it again; for every one there is not able for that sport.
Hirta Island is two Miles in length, accounted Five-peny-Land. In it there are Ten Families. The Men seldom grow old; and seldom was it ever known, that any man died in his Bed there, but was either drowned or broke his neck. The Men are strong, big, and well skinned. Their Food is only young Fowls and Eggs; their Drink Whey and Water. Much given to keeping of Holy-days; having a number of little Chappels, where sometimes they watch whole Nights, making merry together with their Offerings.
The most Service of their Women is to harrow their Land: which they must do, when their Husbands are climbing for Fowls for them.
Their
