The Skerries are a group of bare or half covered rocks, eight or ten in
number, about nine miles from Holyhead, and two miles from the northern
extremity of the Isle of Anglesey. It is called in Welsh, _Ynys y
Moelrhoniaid_, or the _Isle of Seals_, from the great number of seals
seen about it. It is inhabited by a few poor sheep, and a numerous
colony of rabbits. The length of the Island is about a quarter of a
mile; it is greatly indented at the sides, and at high water is even
divided into a number of smaller insulated rocks. In fine weather it has
a most dreary appearance, and in high winds the breaking of the sea
against its rugged base, and the immense clouds of foam which darken the
air, render the ocean inexpressibly awful and terrific. A bay light, to
mark the situation of a cluster of dangerous rocks at the north entrance
of Holyhead, was first placed here in 1730, for the convenience of ships
navigating between the ports of Liverpool, Bristol, and Ireland. The
present Light-house was erected, and the first _oil_-light exhibited, in
1804. Before that time coals were used, of which a great fire was kept
burning in the conical grate, which appears on the summit of the front
peak of the rock. The light from this beacon may be seen 25 or 30 miles
off, and is of infinite service to navigation; for, prior to its
erection, scarce a winter passed here without shipwrecks, and nearly
always accompanied with loss of lives, for the surge beats against it
with incredible fury. Fish sport about the sides of this island in
amazing multitudes; they are principally the colefish, the whiting,
pollocks, and the cod-fish. The beautiful corasses, &c., are caught
here. Puffins resort to this place in great plenty; they come in a
surprising manner, all in a flock in one night, and, when their season
arrives, depart in the same manner. Those who love the bold and awful
rather than the calm scenes of nature, will do well to visit this island.