By the Rev. Mr William McKenzie, and the Rev. Mr Hugh Ross
Quadrupeds and Birds:
The several kinds of quadrupeds in the parish are, black cattle, horses, sheep, goats, deers, roes, foxes, hares, and rabbits. The birds are, moor fowls, black cocks, heath hens, partridges, curlews, plovers, snipes, rock pigeons, wild ducks, wild geese, swans, and various kinds of sea fowls. The black and grey eagles build their nests in island na Comb and the Whiting Head. Hawks and owls are sometimes met with. The migratory birds are wood-cocks, rails, cuckows, and swallows.
Number of Black Cattle, etc.:
The number of black cattle, belonging to this parish, is supposed to be: - 2142
The number of Horses, belonging to this parish, is supposed to be: - 538
The number of Sheep, belonging to this parish, is supposed to be: - 2846
The number of Goats, belonging to this parish, is supposed to be: - 714
They sell every year 200 cattle and 100 horses, which, at 2l. 10s each, is 750l.
Population:
The return of Dr Webster, from the parish of Tongue, in 1755, was 1093 souls. By an accurate enumeration, made, at last spring survey, in the course of catechetical exercises, it was found that there were, at that period, (anno 1791), 1439 souls in this parish, of whom about 200 were under 8 years of age; 23 between 60 and 79; 9 between 70 and 80; and 8 between 80 and 90. The principal cause of the increase of population, is the subdivision of farms, which, by affording employment and provision for a greater number of people, encourages industry and early marriage, and increases the natural attachment to their native soil. There are, however, about 140 more females than males in the parish. In regard that two populous districts detached, at the distance of several miles from the principal part of it, but adjacent to the neighbouring parishes of Farr and Durness, receive baptism, etc. from the minister of these respective parishes, on account of their vicinity, the dates of births, etc. in these bounds, have been neglected, from time immemorial, to have been given in regularly to the session clerk of Tongue for registration. This neglect is to be remedied in future, as it is determined that these ordinances shall not be administered, without certificate from the clerk, bearing, the facts of births, contract of marriages, etc. have been duly entered in the records of session. - in the body of the parish, for some years past, the births did not exceed 17 per annum. The number of baptisms, during last year, was 47, and of marriages, 17. It is difficult, at present, to ascertain the deaths that annually happen in the parish, as some, in the detached bounds above mentioned, bury their dead in the burial grounds of adjacent parishes; and of late, others have been so wise as to inter in ground within the district, recently set apart for that purpose. The number of burials last year was 21.
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