(W. Long. 19° N. Lat. 28°), the most westerly of the Canary islands, near the African coast, where the first meridian was lately fixed in most maps; but now, the geographers of almost every kingdom make their respective capitals the first meridian, as we do London. It is a dry and barren spot, affording no water except what is supplied in a very surprising manner by a tree which grows in these islands. See FOUNTAIN TREE.

Faro, or Feroe Islands; a cluster of little islands lying in the Northern ocean, between 61° and 63° N. Lat. and between 5° and 8° W. Long. They belong to Denmark. There are 17 which are habitable; each of which is a lofty mountain arising out of the waves, divided from the others by deep and rapid currents. Some of them are deeply indented with secure harbours; Providence seeming to have favoured mankind with the safest retreats in the most boisterous seas. All are very steep, and most of them faced with most tremendous precipices. The surface of the mountains consists of a shallow soil of remarkable fertility; for barley, the only corn grown here, yields above 20 for one; and the grass affords abundant pasture for sheep. The exports are, salted mutton and tallow, goose-quills, feathers, and eider down; and, by the industry of the inhabitants, knit woollen waistcoats, caps, and stockings. No trees beyond the size of juniper or stunted willows will grow here; nor are any wild quadrupeds to be met with except rats and mice, originally escaped from the shipping. Vast quantities of sea-fowl frequent the rocks; and the taking of them furnishes a very perilous employment to the natives, as described under the article BIRD-CATCHING.

The sea which surrounds these islands is extremely turbulent. The tides vary greatly on the western and eastern sides. On the first, where is received the uninterrupted flood of the ocean from the remote Greenland, the tide rises seven fathoms; on the eastern side it rises only three. Dreadful whirlwinds, called by the Danes oes, agitate the sea to a strange degree; catch up a vast quantity of water, so as to leave a great temporary chain in the spot on which it falls, and carries away with it, to an amazing distance, any fishes which may happen to be within reach of its fury. Thus great shoals of herrings have been found on the highest mountains of Feroe. It is equally restless on land; tearing up trees, stones, and animals, and carrying them to very distant places.

Among the numerous whirlpools of these seas, that of Sudercro, near the island of the same name, is the most noted. It is occasioned by a crater 61 fathoms in depth in the centre, and from 50 to 55 on the sides. The water forms four fierce circumgurations. The point they begin at is on the side of a large basin, where commences a range of rocks running spirally, and terminating at the verge of the crater. This range is extremely rugged, and covered with water from the depth of 12 to 8 fathoms only. It forms four equidistant Ferrol, Feula.

distant wreaths, with a channel from 35 to 20 fathoms in depth between each. On the outside, beyond that depth, the sea suddenly sinks to 80 and 90. On the south border of the basin is a lofty rock, called Sambu Munt, noted for the multitude of birds which frequent it. On one side, the water is only 3 or 4 fathoms deep; on the other 15. The danger at most times, especially in storms, is very great. Ships are irresistibly drawn in; the rudder loses its power; and the waves beat as high as the masts; so that an escape is almost miraculous; yet at the reflux, and in very still weather, the inhabitants will venture in boats for the sake of fishing.