Shetland Folk-Lore
were the most likely to supply those wants.
The Picts drew their means of support not only from the pastures and their scanty agricultural productions, but then, as now, the “harvest of the sea” contributed largely to their support.
Their mode of fishing was no doubt of the most primitive kind, particularly rock fishing—or craigs. The extent to which this mode of fishing has been practised in Shetland may be gathered from the vast number of small round holes, hollowed out by human hands, and known as “the cup holes.” All round the islands, unless where the height or nature of the cliffs render it impossible, these holes are found; and not one, to my knowledge, is met with in a situation unsuitable for a craigasoad or bersit (rock seat). I have sometimes landed on parts of the coast now little frequented, and have been surprised to find a nicely formed cup hole, and could trace, by the wear on the stone, where the
32
