THE ISLES OF SCILLY [Illustration: CROMWELL’S CASTLE, TRESCO] The Isles of Scilly Their Story their Folk & their Flowers PAINTED & DESCRIBED BY JESSIE MOTHERSOLE SECOND EDITION London The Religious Tract Society 4 Bouverie Street & St. Paul’s Churchyard EG PREFATORY NOTE TO FIRST EDITION It has been said that all writers may be divided into two classes: those who know enough to write a book, and those who do not know enough _not_ to write one! In collecting material for these notes on Scilly, I have endeavoured to prepare myself more or less to qualify for the former class; but now that they are complete it is with diffidence that I present them. They are but the impressions of an artist, recorded in colour and in ink, together with so much of the history of the islands and of general description as is necessary to comply with the unwritten law of colour-books. For my historical facts I am indebted to many writers, ancient and modern. A list of the chief of these appears at the end of the book, so that my readers may refer, if they wish, to the original authorities. My best thanks are due to Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch, for permission to quote his description of the kelping, and for other help he has kindly given me; to my friend Miss Emma Gollancz, for seeing my proofs through the press; and also to the many friends in Scilly from whom I have received assistance and information. _October, 1910._ NOTE TO SECOND EDITION This second edition of “The Isles of Scilly” is issued in response to many requests that the book should appear in a cheaper form, the original edition having completely sold out. A few slight alterations in the letterpress have been necessary, to correspond with changes that have taken place in the islands; but otherwise the contents are identical with those of the original issue. PILGRIM’S PLACE HOUSE, HAMPSTEAD. _March, 1914._ CONTENTS