SARK  , a small

island of the Channel Islands, 7 M . E. of Guernsey, much visited on account of its magnificent cliff-scenery and caves . It is 3 M. long from N. to S. and 1 m. in extreme breadth . Area, 1274 acres; pop . (1901) 504 . It is divided into two unequal parts, known as Great Sark (the more northern) and Little Sark, connected by the Coupee, a lofty isthmus so narrow at the summit that it bears only a roadway, artificially built up, and flanked by a precipice on either side . Many islets and detached rocks lie off the coast; Brechou Island to the west is large enough to have a few fields and a house upon it . Some of the rocks are very fine, such as the four lofty flat-topped pillars called the Autelets (altars) . The harbour of Sark lies on the east coast, a tiny cliff-bound bay protected by a breakwater, communicating with the interior only through two tunnels, one of which is modern, while the other dates from 1588 . The harbour is called Creux . This is a term of common use in the Channel Islands, applying primarily to natural funnels or pits, but extended also to clefts such as that which forms the harbour . The Creux du Derrible (Old French, a downfall of rocks) is a wide shaft opening from the summit of the cliff and communicating with the sea through a double cave, through which the sea rushes at high water .

Of the many majestic caverns in the cliffs the Boutiques and the Gouliots, both on the west coast of Great Sark, may be specially mentioned . The marine

fauna is very rich . On Great Sark are the majority of the houses, the church, and the seigneurie or manor-house . An ancient mill stands at the summit of the island (375 ft.) . Agriculture and fishing are carried on . In Little Sark a disused shaft marks a silver-mine, worked in 1835, but soon abandoned . The island is included in the bailiwick of Guernsey, but has a court of justice of feudal character, the officers being appointed by the seigneur .