[1] They affirm that this part of the coast has never since been frequented by those venomous creatures, although they are quite common in other parts of the kingdom. Credat cui placeat.
[2] Planctus illisæ cautibus undæ.
[3] The funeral piles.
[4] Shetland sheep seem to be peculiarly calculated for an insular situation, hence they are distinguished by Sir John Sinclair by the name of “Island sheep.”
“It has been lately discovered that the skin of this breed, with the fleece on, may be prepared so as to make a beautiful fur; and their excellent quality may probably make them fit to be converted into morocco leather, the raw material of which cannot easily be procured in sufficient quantities.” Vid. Report of the Society for Improvement of British Wool.
[5] Divitiæ eis sunt a mari, ab omni parte summa piscandi commoditate objecta. Buch. lib. 1. § 50.
[6] The Dutch formerly carried on this fishery very extensively. It has, however, been on the decline with them ever since the year 1703. They had then about 500 busses in Shetland, under the convoy of four ships of war, but a French fleet of six ships of war sent out for the purpose, fell in with the Dutch, and, an engagement taking place, the Dutch Admiral’s ship was sunk, on which the remaining three ran away and made their escape; whereupon, the French fleet sailed for the entry of Bressay Sound, sent their boats into the bay, and burned and destroyed about 400 of the Dutch fishing vessels, sparing only a number barely sufficient to carry home the crews of the whole.
“—— Ignemque Laremque
Et pecus et dominos communi clauderet umbra.”—Juvenal.