The number of churches which once existed in Shetland is extraordinary. For instance, Unst, which is about 6 miles by 3 miles, had at least twenty-four. Of most of the Shetland churches every trace but a name or a tradition is gone; of others only a heap of stones remains; of others a few fragments of wall enable us to make approximate plans, and one only is tolerably complete. A little labour with pick and spade would enable us, in many instances, to determine more about them than is possible in their present state. No people ought to be more impressed with religion and the uncertainty of life than the Shetlanders. The effects of the storms on sea and land, the terrible tideways among the islands, and the barren nature and exposed position of much of the land, make life a continued struggle for safety or for food. Doubtless the tradition concerning nearly every church was true of some--that they were built as thankofferings for escape from an ocean grave. The churches of which I send an account are Culbinsbrough, Bressay, Noss, West Sandwick, Yell, the Ness (Yell), Uya, and Norwick, Haroldswick, Kirkaby, and Colvidale, all in Unst. I have to acknowledge the assistance of Mr. J. T. Irvine, formerly of Yell, and of Mr. Sandison of Uya, and to thank many friends in Shetland for hospitality and information.--I remain, your obedient servant, H. DRYDEN. CHAPEL OF NOSS, BRESSAY. This ruin is near the sound which separates Noss from Bressay, on an elevation of about 20 feet or 30 feet above the water. The dedication is unknown. It consisted of a nave and chancel (Fig. 114), of which only a fragment [Illustration: FIG. 114.--Chapel of Noss. Plan.] of the north wall of the chancel remains, about 4 feet or 5 feet high. The nave was about 18 feet 6 inches by 14 feet, and the chancel about 12 feet east and west, by 10 feet north and south, as shown by the ridge in the turf. Nothing certain can be stated of the door or chancel arch. Planned in 1852. KIRKABY, WESTING, UNST. This is in the west part of the island, in a walled churchyard, about 80 feet north and south, and 60 feet east and west. By remains outside the south-east part of the wall, it is evident that the church has been [Illustration: FIG. 115.--Kirkaby, Westing. Plan.]