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opposite the village, about a mile out seaward, and terminate
at Leith. At low tide, the sea-ware floating above these
rocks can be followed for a considerable distance east to
westward. Some affirm that the naked rocks were observable
at extreme low tides long ago, and that there appeared to
have been buildings upon them opposite the town.
Inquiring at a very old fisherman, I was told " that
he had never actually seen the rocks from the shore, but
that he had sailed over them hundreds of times when they
almost touched the keel of the boat; and that there had
been buildings on them at one time he had no doubt, because
he and his companions often used to pay attention, when
passing, to the large blocks of square hewn stones resting
among them. " His idea is that there might have been
a "lighthouse" there at one time, or perhaps a
breakwater.
THE HUMLICKS.
Why these should take their names from such rank smelling
poisonous herbs we fail to learn. Following these come the
SLIDEAWAY ROCKS.
These we understand carry a double meaning upon their shoulders;
not only were the boys accustomed to slide down over them,
but the rocks themselves were accustomed to slide away out
into the waters, but not to return again.
THE QUEBEC ROCKS.
Some say these received their name from the fact of a ship
from that quarter once being driven ashore near that particular
spot. Others say the name was derived from the fact of a
gentleman from that Canadian city taking up house directly
opposite them. The next are
THE SHADOWY ROCKS.
It is curious to think that this was at one period a good
high rock, and more curious still, to think that at one
time a dwelling-house rested upon it. A family of the name
of Baxter were the last to occupy the house on the rock.
A very old man, at the beginning of the nineteenth century,
named John Baxter, asserted that he was born in the house
thereon, Some say it received its name from the exceedingly
dark
shadow that always hung around it, alike in sun and moonlight.
During the " Richard Weaver revival times, " its
neighbourhood became a somewhat famous resort for young
preachers. Night after night, without tuck of drum or tingle
of bell, great congregations were wont to assemble there.
As a rule an itinerant preacher would be in attendance.
If not, local talent would step in. One evening Jock Brown
took the initiative. Jock was about to give out a hymn to
be sung, the first line of which went as follows: —
" Under the shadow of the Rock. "
Jock, looking up, apparently called to mind that he was
in the neighbourhood of the " Shadowy Rock, "
and evidently forgetful of his chief mission that evening,
he pointed towards the rock lying there, and blurted out—
Under the shadow of that rock,
Under the shadow of that rock.
Yea, I repeat—
Under the shadow-
but he could get no further. "Brother, " whispered
a neighbour to him, " I begin to think you have got under
a shadow this evening too. Let us pray. " And he prayed
with all his might, but Jock Brown took a back seat afterwards
at preaching matches.
In an old parish record we find " Shadowy " was
a regular family name in the village. Thus the rock would
receive its name.
HAY'S ROCK
Derived its name from Hay, a proprietor in its neighbourhood.
Mr Hay was a well known townsman, and much respected.
Not a very great distance from the foregoing lie |
