He brides

a large group of islands, 490 in number, situated off the W. coast of Scotland, of which 120 are inhabited. They comprise, in all, an area of about 3,000 square miles. These islands are for the most part rocky and infertile, but well adapted to grazing purposes, the chief industry being the pasturing and rearing of live stock. The moors and fens abound in winged game, hare, etc., and are visited Ss sportsmen in great numbers, being largely and profitably rented for sporting purposes. The islands are a resort for summer tourists on account of their picturesque scenery, which combines ocean and hill views admirably. There are also picturesque lakes, bogs, glens, and streams in great number. The fishing industry is considerable. The poverty of the peasantry, however, is conspicuous, Gaelic is the predominating language, although English is known. The He brides were early colonized by Norwegians, and belonged to Norway from the 9th to the 18th century, being annexed to Scotland in 1265. In 1846 a chief of the Mac donald clan a umed the title of “Lord of the Isles;’’ he and his succe ors a umed a semi-independent state till the islands were annexed by James V. in 1540. Pop. 95,739.