one of the Orkney islands, which lie off the north coast of Scotland, is situated between the island of Pomona and the north coast of Caithness, and is separated from the small island of Gruessay by a sound of a mile broad. The whole island is nearly occupied by three large hills, of which that to the north-east rises from a broad base to the height of 1200 feet. Some veins of lead and iron have been discovered in this island. Birch trees of considerable size seem to have been produced on it in former times. But at present its vegetable productions, excepting what are fit for sheep pasture, are extremely limited. A few hardy alpine plants and stunted shrubs include the whole. The number of inhabitants does not exceed 520. The Dwarfie stone is the only monument of antiquity in the island. This is a large mass of sand-stone 32 feet long, 18 broad, and 7½ feet thick above the surface. It is hollowed within, and divided into three apartments, one of which, called the dwarf's bed, is five feet eight long, by two feet broad. It has probably been the retreat of a hermit. Tradition says that it was the habitation of a giant. Waas or Waes, which is often considered as a distinct island, makes part of Hoy. It is distinguished for the excellence of its harbours, particularly the Longhope, one of the finest and safest in Europe. Waas contains 750 inhabitants.