14,746. Are there many districts in the country where the houses still consist of a single room and have no chimney?-There are a good many instances in which they want chimneys, but they have generally two apartments-a but and a ben end, as it is called.
14,747. In such houses how is an exit furnished for the smoke?- Just through holes in the roof called 'lums;' but I am glad to observe a disposition to correct that in some districts. In many houses lately I have noticed that they have built wooden chimneys, and these improve the houses very much.
14,748. That has been so in Unst; but perhaps your professional duties don't take you so far?-I have not been in Unst for some years.
14,749. But in the course of your professional visits you have to travel over the whole extent of the mainland?-Yes, over the most of it.
14,750. Formerly, I understand, glazed windows were very rare in Shetland?-Very rare.
14,751. Has there been a change in that respect in recent years?- Yes, a very considerable change; but in some of the more primitive districts glazed windows do not exist yet.
14,752. In that case, is the light only admitted by the door?-Only by the door, and the lum or hole in the roof.
14,753. Are there many houses of that description in Shetland still?-A good many. I am afraid I could not say accurately how many.
14,754. Can you say whether these houses are inhabited by people who are pretty well-to-do as peasants?-Yes; I believe many of them are pretty well-to-do. They have bits of ground, and good earnings from their fishing, and are free of debt; and probably many of them have some means, although that is not known. It is one peculiarity of their character, that they don't like it to be known when they have money. I believe many of the men have considerable means in the banks, but they conceal it.
14,755. Have you had occasion to observe that yourself?-I don't know that I have had direct occasion to observe it; but I have heard it, and I believe it to be the fact.