FARNE ISLANDS [also Fearne, Fern or The Staples], a group of rocky islands and reefs off the Northumberland coast, England. In 1921 they had only three inhabitants. They extend in a line of some 6 m. in a north-easterly direction from the coast. The Fairway, I 4 m. across, separates the largest island, Fame, or House, from the mainland. Farne is 16 ac. in area, and has precipitous basaltic cliffs up to 8o ft. in height. The other prin cipal islets are Staple, Brownsman, North and South Wamses, Longstone and Big Harcar. On Fame is a small chapel of the 14th century, with a square tower near it built a century later for purposes of defence, in which religious services are still sometimes held. The chapel is believed to occupy the site of St. Cuthbert's hermitage, whither he retired from the priory on the neighbouring Holy Island or Lindisfarne. He was with difficulty persuaded to leave it on his elevation to the bishopric of Lindisfarne, and re turned to it to die (687). Longstone lighthouse is famous as the scene of the bravery of Grace Darling in rescuing survivors of the "Forfarshire" wrecked (Sept. 6, 1838) on the Harcars. Farne lighthouse is another powerful light maintained here. The rocks abound in sea-fowl, including eider duck.