The Rivers belonging to this Island are many, and those not unpleasant, affording to the Inhabitants plenty of Fish, especially Sturgeon, Trouts, and Salmons; and one is especially remarkable for a Bridge made over it, which being the onely Bridge of the Countrey, is made of the great Bones of a Whale. The whole Island is one continu’d Desart, without any trodden Path or Road from one end to the other; so that all that have occasion to travel to any part thereof by Land, make use of the Compass, as if they were Voyaging by Sea.
Strange Fish on the Coast of Iseland.
The Coast of Iseland hath many strange and monstrous Fish worth observation, as first the Orca, which though nothing near so big as the Whale, yet is able to be the death of it; for being of the shape of a Ship turn’d upside-down, and having sharp long Fins on its Back, it pricks the Belly of the Whale therewith till it kills.
The next is the Hackfall, which is very fat, and about twelve Inches long.
Then the Dog-Fish, which lifting up its Head out of the Sea, Barks, and letting forth its young ones, receives them into her Belly again, when they have sported a while in the Sea.
Lastly, another Monster, of a most frightful shape, mention’d by Olaus Magnus, but not by any particular Name.
Strange Fountains.
In divers Parts of the Island are Fountains of scalding Water, which as soon as taken from the Fountain begins to cool, and when cold, hath a sulphury Substance swimming on the top.
At the West end is a smoaky Fountain, very cold, and turning all that is cast into it into Stone.
At the place upon the Sea call’d Turlocks Haven, are two Fountains of different quality, the one hot, the other cold, which by Pipes being brought together into one place, make a Bath of an excellent temperature, and of a medicinal Vertue.