Skye

an island of Scotland, one of the largest of the He brides. It is 45 miles long, and about 22 broad. The S.E. end is separated from Inverne shire (to which it’ belongs) by a narrow channel, called the inner sound; in the most narrow part of which, named the Kyle, cattle are made to swim acro . This side of the island swells gradually from the shore, in a verdant slope, over which are seen the naked hills of Strath; and above these rises the rugged top of Cullin or Cuchullin. Toward the S.W. are a series of rude mountains, black and red, as if discoloured by the rage of fire; and on the E. a long extent of lofty hills, There is, notwithstanding, a great proportion of Jevel ground, with excellent pasturage; and it has numbers of deer and different kinds of game. It abounds with limestone, marble, . but the basaltic columns, resembling the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland, are its greatest curiosity. A cave, at the E. end of the island, afforded an asylum, in 1746, to the disappointed pretender, and his faithful guide, for two nights. Many you sands of black cattle annually exported hence. Some small horses are bred, and a great quantity of kelp is manufactured here. Portree is the chief lace. 800