otection of game on the Faroe Islands, which law had not since been
rescinded; and whereas a subsequent law of 1786 had been passed for
the protection of sheep and other stock ranging at large on the said
islands, which law had not since been rescinded; and whereas it had
been represented to the governor of the said islands that certain
persons, supposed to be Englishmen, had lately come on shore, armed
with shotguns, and, in violation of the said laws of the country, had
shot at, maimed, and killed several birds, and caused serious
apprehensions of injury to the flocks of sheep which were peaceably
grazing on their respective ranges; now, therefore, this was earnestly
to request that all such persons would reflect upon the penalties that
would attach to similar acts in their own country, and be thus enabled
to perceive the impropriety of pursuing such a course in other
countries. Should they fail to observe the aforesaid laws after this
warning, they would only have themselves to blame for the unpleasant
consequences that must assuredly ensue, etc., etc. [Officially signed
and sealed.]

Great formality was observed in carrying this important document on
board. It was neatly folded and carefully done up, with various seals
and blue ribbons, in a package about six inches wide by eighteen in
length, and was guarded by the select half of the Faroese army and
navy, being exactly twelve men, and delivered by the amtman of the
island with a few appropriate and impressive remarks, after which it
was hung up over the cabin gangway by the captain as a solemn warning
to all future passengers. There can be no doubt that it produced the
most salutary effects upon the sporting gentlemen. I was really glad
the affair had taken place, as it evidently afforded his excellency a
favorable opportunity of promulgating a most excellent state paper,
cautiously conceived and judiciously worded. The preparation of it
must have occupied his time advantageously to himself and his country
during the entire period of our absence.

I must now turn back a little to say that, while my comrades were
engaged in their unlawful work of killing the sparrows and frightening
the sheep, I deemed it a matter of personal safety to keep out of
range of their guns. Apart from the danger of arrest, the probable
loss of an eye or disfigurement of some ornamental feature was a
sufficient consideration to satisfy me of the policy of this course.

Taking a path ac