CONCERNING SHETLANDERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 69, 23 March 1887, Page 3

CONCERNING SHETLANDERS.

Some Interesting Facts Regarding TRcIJ- Mannor or Life. The Shetland and OrSnay Islands belonged to Norway until 1468, when,- 3a history informs as, "they were unpledged to James 111 of Scotland as a part of the dowry given with his queen," for about that tireo he was married to Princees Margaret of Denmark. It is added that " tbeae isfonda were never redeemed. Shetlcade'rEf ai» a small, active and hardy people, Tory genial,- too, and distinguished, whether rich or poor, for very industrious habits. No loss are they noted for intense love of country. Much of the farm work ia carnod ou by the women of the household. Fieldß and eardene are their great doligbt. They are adetftsin culinary lore, and spin, weave and malic up stores of household linen and flannels. No less successfully do they cut and make all family slothing, and as well prido themeolves upon the number of bass of stockings, thick and warm, which thoy exhibit to neighbours and friends with intenae satisfaction. Thrift and thoughtfulness develop many bright touches of ornamentation, but tho maiden's own wit mu3t device the outlining1, her own dainty touch accomplish the delicate needlewcris. Shops full of beautiful patterns and gayhued materials are unknown joys in Shetlandom. The flowers of the field and the trees of the wood moat furnieh not only patterns, bat tho colouring ncodad for the wools and threads. Every maiden rnnst be her own puTveyer for every pigment needed. The great luxury of the peasant woman is tea drinking. This article, brought from distant ports, would be beyond their mean? unless (secured by exchange, and is said to be a universal moans of payment for little services rendered. An errand involving hours of travel will be cheerfully accomplished for " one drawing " of the yearnedfor refreshment, and this may be eaid of many household Eervices. Skilful spinners will gladly "give mony terns to the wheel" for a complement of the delicious beverage, , Shsep are largely a source of trade to farmers of these islands; the mutton ib drtrk in colour and of a fine favour, the fleece it soft and of Boch delicate texture that from it may be spun a thread as falmy as dainties cambie,' 1,000 yards are often spun from one ounce of wool, each thread being three-fold, thus making 3,000 yards in all. Stockings knit from this can be drawn through a finger ring, and for delicate hosiery two guineas per pair, or even more, are often paid, Within a few years more and more of this exquisite thread is used in making shawls, pure white Oc dark gray, which command very high prices; they are like cobwebs for delicacy and ligltnees. What the camel is to an Arab, the surefooted, tough-fibred pony is to the" Shetlander. One familiar with their customs haa said that, though bred on the wild heaths, the " aheltiee," as the pomes are sometimes called, can bo tamed in one night. The hunter, throwing his lasso with skill, secures a frisky colt, and for twenty-four hours keeps bira a prisoner. The small creature hea'S no other voice than his master's ; the hunter feeds and careises him, and gradually the terrible restlessnea? subsides. Hereafter he becomes a docile, affectionate burden bearer and companion. He needs no stable, and has a happy faculty of ODjoying whatever he find toeat. A dun-coloured " sheltie " of exquisite symmetry, aeon by a tourist, could atand under a diDing-tabie and a little lady could seat herself upon its back without lifting her feet from the ground. They are favouritea for the saddle, and many are gent to other countries for the pleasure of ladies and children.