Orkney Islands

an archipelago of northern Scotland. Twenty-eight of the islands are inhabited. Some of the smaller contain but a family or two. The highest elevation in the group is 1,600 feet. The total area is about 390 square miles. One hundred and seven thousand acres are under cultivation. Oats, hay, and turnips are the principal field crops. The summers are cool; the winters are stormy. Sheep, cattle, and horses were formerly of a stunted breed; but improved strains have been introduced of late. The women knit, and raise rabbits and poultry. The men build boats, make sails, nets, and ropes, and catch herring and codfish. Steamers from Aberdeen and Leith call regularly. The principal town is Kirkwall. The Orkneys are mentioned by Ptolemy, Pliny, and other Roman writers. There are numerous remains of the ancient Picts. In 1099 the Scandinavians took possession of the islands. The present inhabitants are reported at 28,698. They show strong traces of Scandinavian blood. Scandinavian words are incorporated in the language of the people. Orkney is a Gaelic word, meaning "Islands of Whales."