Parish of Tongue, County of Sutherland

I - Topography and natural History

Zoology:

The zoology of the parish is such as is common to the whole of this north coast, on which the various species of quadrupeds, birds, and fishes are numerous. Game of almost every description is to found in the parish, but not in such abundance as formerly, owing, it is supposed, the extensive moor-burnings upon the sheep farms.

Fishing upon lakes and rivers has also fallen off; to account for which, many opinions have been entertained, which at best are mere conjectures. The freshwater fishes generally used at table are, salmon, grilse, trout, and char. Those got on the coast are chiefly herring, cod, ling, haddock, whiting, skate, and flounder. In September, quantities of coal-fish are caught - close to the rocks. Turbot and tusk are occasionally found.

The upper part of the Kyle abounds with shellfish, which are easily gathered, as the sea ebbs a considerable distance. Mussels and spout fish of excellent quality are to be had; but cockles are the most abundant of all. These are of various sizes and colours. All of them, however, are rich and delicious when in season, which is from April to September. They are highly relished by strangers, who are loud in their praises and they are an invaluable blessing to those within reach of them, who, during the summer months, use them daily as an article of food.