Tho inhabitants are partly of Scotch and partly of Norwegian descent. While the islands belonged to Denmark the Norwegian language was exclusively in use, but the Norse has been long extinct. A few relics of the Udal tenure, the universal tenure of land among the free nations of the north, may however still be found. In cha racter, manner., and language, the inhabitants now differ little from the Scotch lowlanders.
Throughout the island are to be found numerous traces of the early and preshistorio races of Europe, the most interesting memorial of whom is perhaps what is called the ' Standing Stones of Stennis.' The dwarfie-stone of Hoy is well known. Cromlechs, tumuli, and Pieta houses (ea they are called) have been found in various localities. The remains of the more important ecclesiastical and feudal period havo been already referred to, in addition to which may be mentioned Noltland Castle in the island of Westra, of which the massive gate house and fragments of the walls are still standing.
Adestry.--Some years ago the inhabitants of the islands derived considerable profit from the preparation of kelp. The manufacture is now almost extinct, and the consequence has been an extension of agriculture, and the rise of the herring- and cod-flaheries into a branch of industry of great importance. Upwards of 700 boats are now
employed in the herring-fishery. The cod-fishery is prosecuted in the months of May and June, before the great shoals of herrings appear on the covet, and is also Of great Importance. The women find some occupation In straw-plahlug. A number of young men leave the country to enter the merchant navy. A few also go every year with the whale-ships to Davis'e Straits.
Religious Worship cad Educe:atm.—Since the commencement of the present century a great improvement has taken place in the character of the instruction given to the inhabitants of the Orkney Islands. The religion. movements of the Scottish mainland have extended their Influence to the islands, and the three great divisions of Presbyterians are fully represented. The Established Church has 21 congregations, the Free Church 14, and the United Presbyterians have 12; there are also some congregation, of Independents. In the united county of Orkney and Shetland in 1851 there were 147 day schools with 6501 scholars, and 180 Sabbath schuols with 6527 scholars.