Sable Island
a low-lying island in the Atlantic; in lat. 44° N. and lon. 60° W.; 110 miles E. of the central part of Nova Scotia (and not near Cape Sable, Cape Sable , at the S. E. corner of Nova Scotia , where there is also a Sable Island). It consists of two parallel sand ridges, with a lagoon between them. Scrubby grass, cranberries, etc., grow on the island, which is so dangerous to navigation, and has so frequently been the scene of wrecks , as to be called "the sailor's grave." The Canadian Government maintains two lighthouses here. The island is gradually sinking. Early in the 19th century it was 40 miles long; it is now reduced to 20 miles. Near it there are sandbanks.