AtthisplaceweveryhappilymetMr。DonaldMaclean，ayounggentleman，theeldestsonoftheLairdofCol，heirtoaverygreatextentofland，andsodesirousofimprovinghisinheritance，thathespentaconsiderabletimeamongthefarmersofHertfordshire，andHampshire，tolearntheirpractice。Heworkedwithhisownhandsattheprincipaloperationsofagriculture，thathemightnotdeceivehimselfbyafalseopinionofskill，which，ifheshouldfinditdeficientathome，hehadnomeansofcompleting。IftheworldhasagreedtopraisethetravelsandmanuallaboursoftheCzarofMuscovy，letColhavehisshareofthelikeapplause，intheproportionofhisdominionstotheempireofRussia。
ThisyounggentlemanwassportinginthemountainsofSky，andwhenhewaswearywithfollowinghisgame，repairedforlodgingtoTalisker。Atnighthemissedoneofhisdogs，andwhenhewenttoseekhiminthemorning，foundtwoeaglesfeedingonhiscarcass。
Col，forhemustbenamedbyhispossessions，hearingthatourintentionwastovisitJona，offeredtoconductustohischief，SirAllanMaclean，wholivedintheisleofInchKenneth，andwouldreadilyfindusaconvenientpassage。Fromthistimewasformedanacquaintance，whichbeingbegunbykindness，wasaccidentallycontinuedbyconstraint；wederivedmuchpleasurefromit，andI
hopehavegivenhimnoreasontorepentit。
Theweatherwasnowalmostonecontinuedstorm，andweweretosnatchsomehappyintermissiontobeconveyedtoMull，thethirdIslandoftheHebrides，lyingaboutadegreesouthofSky，whencewemighteasilyfindourwaytoInchKenneth，whereSirAllanMacleanresided，andafterwardtoJona。
Forthispurpose，themostcommodiousstationthatwecouldtakewasArmidel，whichSirAlexanderMacdonaldhadnowlefttoagentleman，wholivedthereashisfactororsteward。
InourwaytoArmidelwasCoriatachan，wherewehadalreadybeen，andtowhichthereforewewereverywillingtoreturn。WestaidhoweversolongatTalisker，thatagreatpartofourjourneywasperformedinthegloomoftheevening。Intravellingeventhusalmostwithoutlightthro\'nakedsolitude，whenthereisaguidewhoseconductmaybetrusted，amindnotnaturallytoomuchdisposedtofear，maypreservesomedegreeofcheerfulness；butwhatmustbethesolicitudeofhimwhoshouldbewandering，amongthecraggsandhollows，benighted，ignorant，andalone?
ThefictionsoftheGothickromanceswerenotsoremotefromcredibilityastheyarenowthought。Inthefullprevalenceofthefeudalinstitution，whenviolencedesolatedtheworld，andeverybaronlivedinafortress，forestsandcastleswereregularlysucceededbyeachother，andtheadventurermightverysuddenlypassfromthegloomofwoods，ortheruggednessofmoors，toseatsofplenty，gaiety，andmagnificence。Whateverisimagedinthewildesttale，ifgiants，dragons，andenchantmentbeexcepted，wouldbefeltbyhim，who，wanderinginthemountainswithoutaguide，orupontheseawithoutapilot，shouldbecarriedamidsthisterroranduncertainty，tothehospitalityandeleganceofRaasayorDunvegan。
ToCoriatachanatlastwecame，andfoundourselveswelcomedasbefore。Herewestaidtwodays，andmadesuchinquiriesascuriositysuggested。Thehousewasfilledwithcompany，amongwhomMr。Macphersonandhissisterdistinguishedthemselvesbytheirpolitenessandaccomplishments。ByhimwewereinvitedtoOstig，ahousenotfarfromArmidel，wherewemighteasilyhearofaboat，whentheweatherwouldsufferustoleavetheIsland。
OSTIGINSKY
AtOstig，ofwhichMr。Macphersonisminister，wewereentertainedforsomedays，thenremovedtoArmidel，wherewefinishedourobservationsontheislandofSky。
AsthisIslandliesinthefifty-seventhdegree，theaircannotbesupposedtohavemuchwarmth。Thelongcontinuanceofthesunabovethehorizon，doesindeedsometimesproducegreatheatinnorthernlatitudes；butthiscanonlyhappeninshelteredplaces，wheretheatmosphereistoacertaindegreestagnant，andthesamemassofaircontinuestoreceiveformanyhourstheraysofthesun，andthevapoursoftheearth。Skyliesopenonthewestandnorthtoavastextentofocean，andiscooledinthesummerbyperpetualventilation，butbythesameblastsiskeptwarminwinter。Theirweatherisnotpleasing。Halftheyearisdelugedwithrain。Fromtheautumnaltothevernalequinox，adrydayishardlyknown，exceptwhentheshowersaresuspendedbyatempest。
Undersuchskiescanbeexpectednogreatexuberanceofvegetation。
Theirwinterovertakestheirsummer，andtheirharvestliesuponthegrounddrenchedwithrain。Theautumnstruggleshardtoproducesomeofourearlyfruits。IgatheredgooseberriesinSeptember；buttheyweresmall，andthehuskwasthick。
Theirwinterisseldomsuchasputsafullstoptothegrowthofplants，orreducesthecattletolivewhollyonthesurplusageofthesummer。IntheyearSeventy-onetheyhadasevereseason，rememberedbythenameoftheBlackSpring，fromwhichtheislandhasnotyetrecovered。Thesnowlaylongupontheground，acalamityhardlyknownbefore。Partoftheircattlediedforwant，partwereunseasonablysoldtobuysustenancefortheowners；and，whatIhavenotreadorheardofbefore，thekinethatsurvivedweresoemaciatedanddispirited，thattheydidnotrequirethemaleattheusualtime。Manyoftheroebucksperished。
Thesoil，asinothercountries，hasitsdiversities。Insomepartsthereisonlyathinlayerofearthspreaduponarock，whichbearsnothingbutshortbrownheath，andperhapsisnotgenerallycapableofanybetterproduct。Therearemanybogsormossesofgreaterorlessextent，wherethesoilcannotbesupposedtowantdepth，thoughitistoowetfortheplow。Butwedidnotobserveintheseanyaquatickplants。Thevalliesandthemountainsarealikedarkenedwithheath。Somegrass，however，growshereandthere，andsomehappierspotsofeartharecapableoftillage。
Theiragricultureislaborious，andperhapsratherfeeblethanunskilful。Theirchiefmanureisseaweed，which，whentheylayittorotuponthefield，givesthemabettercropthanthoseoftheHighlands。Theyheapseashellsuponthedunghill，whichintimemoulderintoafertilisingsubstance。Whentheyfindaveinofearthwheretheycannotuseit，theydigitup，andaddittothemouldofamorecommodiousplace。
Theircorngroundsoftenlieinsuchintricaciesamongthecraggs，thatthereisnoroomfortheactionofateamandplow。Thesoilisthenturnedupbymanuallabour，withaninstrumentcalledacrookedspade，ofaformandweightwhichtomeappearedveryincommodious，andwouldperhapsbesoonimprovedinacountrywhereworkmencouldbeeasilyfoundandeasilypaid。Ithasanarrowbladeofironfixedtoalongandheavypieceofwood，whichmusthave，aboutafootandahalfabovetheiron，akneeorflexurewiththeangledownwards。Whenthefarmerencountersastonewhichisthegreatimpedimentofhisoperations，hedrivesthebladeunderit，andbringingthekneeorangletotheground，hasinthelonghandleaveryforciblelever。
Accordingtothedifferentmodeoftillage，farmsaredistinguishedintolonglandandshortland。Longlandisthatwhichaffordsroomforaplow，andshortlandisturnedupbythespade。
Thegrainwhichtheycommittothefurrowsthustediouslyformed，iseitheroatsorbarley。Theydonotsowbarleywithoutverycopiousmanure，andthentheyexpectfromittenforone，anincreaseequaltothatofbettercountries；butthecultureissooperosethattheycontentthemselvescommonlywithoats；andwhocanrelatewithoutcompassion，thatafteralltheirdiligencetheyaretoexpectonlyatripleincrease?Itisinvaintohopeforplenty，whenathirdpartoftheharvestmustbereservedforseed。
Whentheirgrainisarrivedatthestatewhichtheymustconsiderasripeness，theydonotcut，butpullthebarley:totheoatstheyapplythesickle。Wheelcarriagestheyhavenone，butmakeaframeoftimber，whichisdrawnbyonehorsewiththetwopointsbehindpressingontheground。Onthistheysometimesdraghometheirsheaves，butoftenconveythemhomeinakindofopenpanier，orframeofsticksuponthehorse\'sback。
Ofthatwhichisobtainedwithsomuchdifficulty，nothingsurelyoughttobewasted；yettheirmethodofclearingtheiroatsfromthehuskisbyparchingtheminthestraw。Thuswiththegenuineimprovidenceofsavages，theydestroythatfodderforwantofwhichtheircattlemayperish。Fromthispracticetheyhavetwopettyconveniences。Theydrythegrainsothatitiseasilyreducedtomeal，andtheyescapethetheftofthethresher。Thetastecontractedfromthefirebytheoats，asbyeveryotherscorchedsubstance，usemustlongagohavemadegrateful。Theoatsthatarenotparchedmustbedriedinakiln。
ThebarnsofSkyIneversaw。ThatwhichMacleodofRaasayhaderectednearhishousewassocontrived，becausetheharvestisseldombroughthomedry，asbyperpetualperflationtopreventthemowfromheating。
OftheirgardensIcanjudgeonlyfromtheirtables。Ididnotobservethatthecommongreenswerewanting，andsuppose，thatbychoosinganadvantageousexposition，theycanraiseallthemorehardyesculentplants。Ofvegetablefragranceorbeautytheyarenotyetstudious。FewvowsaremadetoFloraintheHebrides。
Theygatheralittlehay，butthegrassismownlate；andissooftenalmostdryandagainverywet，beforeitishoused，thatitbecomesacollectionofwitheredstalkswithouttasteorfragrance；
itmustbeeatenbycattlethathavenothingelse，butbymostEnglishfarmerswouldbethrownaway。
IntheIslandsIhavenotheardthatanysubterraneoustreasureshavebeendiscovered，thoughwheretherearemountains，therearecommonlyminerals。OneoftherocksinColhasablackvein，imaginedtoconsistoftheoreoflead；butitwasneveryetopenedoressayed。InSkyablackmasswasaccidentallypickedup，andbroughtintothehouseoftheowneroftheland，whofoundhimselfstronglyinclinedtothinkitacoal，butunhappilyitdidnotburninthechimney。Commonoreswouldbehereofnogreatvalue；forwhatrequirestobeseparatedbyfire，must，ifitwerefound，becarriedawayinitsmineralstate，herebeingnofewelforthesmelting-houseorforge。Perhapsbydiligentsearchinthisworldofstone，somevaluablespeciesofmarblemightbediscovered。Butneitherphilosophicalcuriosity，norcommercialindustry，haveyetfixedtheirabodehere，wheretheimportunityofimmediatewantsuppliedbutfortheday，andcravingonthemorrow，hasleftlittleroomforexcursiveknowledgeorthepleasingfanciesofdistantprofit。
Theyhavelatelyfoundamanufactureconsiderablylucrative。Theirrocksaboundwithkelp，asea-plant，ofwhichtheashesaremeltedintoglass。Theyburnkelpingreatquantities，andthensenditawayinships，whichcomeregularlytopurchasethem。Thisnewsourceofricheshasraisedtherentsofmanymaritimefarms；butthetenantspay，likeallothertenants，theadditionalrentwithgreatunwillingness；becausetheyconsidertheprofitsofthekelpasthemereproductofpersonallabour，towhichthelandlordcontributesnothing。However，asanymanmaybesaidtogive，whathegivesthepowerofgaining，hehascertainlyasmuchrighttoprofitfromthepriceofkelpasofanythingelsefoundorraiseduponhisground。
ThisnewtradehasexcitedalongandeagerlitigationbetweenMacdonaldandMacleod，foraledgeofrocks，which，tillthevalueofkelpwasknown，neitherofthemdesiredthereputationofpossessing。
ThecattleofSkyarenotsosmallasiscommonlybelieved。Sincetheyhavesenttheirbeevesingreatnumberstosouthernmarts，theyhaveprobablytakenmorecareoftheirbreed。Atstatedtimestheannualgrowthofcattleisdriventoafair，byageneraldrover，andwiththemoney，whichhereturnstothefarmer，therentsarepaid。
Thepriceregularlyexpected，isfromtwotothreepoundsahead:
therewasonceonesoldforfivepounds。TheygofromtheIslandsverylean，andarenotofferedtothebutcher，tilltheyhavebeenlongfattedinEnglishpastures。
Oftheirblackcattle，somearewithouthorns，calledbytheScotshumblecows，aswecallabeeanhumblebee，thatwantsasting。
Whetherthisdifferencebespecifick，oraccidental，thoughweinquiredwithgreatdiligence，wecouldnotbeinformed。Wearenotverysurethatthebulliseverwithouthorns，thoughwehavebeentold，thatsuchbullsthereare。Whatisproducedbyputtingahornedandunhornedmaleandfemaletogether，nomanhasevertried，thatthoughttheresultworthyofobservation。
Theirhorsesare，liketheircows，ofamoderatesize。Ihadnodifficultytomountmyselfcommodiouslybythefavourofthegentlemen。IheardofverylittlecowsinBarra，andverylittlehorsesinRum，whereperhapsnocareistakentopreventthatdiminutionofsize，whichmustalwayshappen，wherethegreaterandthelesscopulatepromiscuously，andtheyounganimalisrestrainedfromgrowthbypenuryofsustenance。
Thegoatisthegeneralinhabitantoftheearth，complyingwitheverydifferenceofclimate，andofsoil。ThegoatsoftheHebridesarelikeothers:nordidIhearanythingoftheirsheep，tobeparticularlyremarked。
Inthepenuryofthesemalignantregions，nothingisleftthatcanbeconvertedtofood。Thegoatsandthesheeparemilkedlikethecows。Asinglemealofagoatisaquart，andofasheepapint。
Suchatleastwastheaccount，whichIcouldextractfromthoseofwhomIamnotsurethattheyeverhadinquired。
Themilkofgoatsismuchthinnerthanthatofcows，andthatofsheepismuchthicker。Sheepsmilkisnevereatenbeforeitisboiled:asitisthick，itmustbeveryliberalofcurd，andthepeopleofSt。Kildaformitintosmallcheeses。
Thestagsofthemountainsarelessthanthoseofourparks，orforests，perhapsnotbiggerthanourfallowdeer。Theirfleshhasnorankness，norisinferiourinflavourtoourcommonvenison。
TheroebuckIneithersawnortasted。Thesearenotcountriesforaregularchase。Thedeerarenotdrivenwithhornsandhounds。A
sportsman，withhisguninhishand，watchestheanimal，andwhenhehaswoundedhim，traceshimbytheblood。
Theyhavearaceofbrindedgreyhounds，largerandstrongerthanthosewithwhichwecoursehares，andthosearetheonlydogsusedbythemforthechase。
Manisbytheuseoffire-armsmadesomuchanovermatchforotheranimals，thatinallcountries，wheretheyareinuse，thewildpartofthecreationsensiblydiminishes。Therewillprobablynotbelong，eitherstagsorroebucksintheIslands。Allthebeastsofchasewouldhavebeenlostlongagoincountrieswellinhabited，hadtheynotbeenpreservedbylawsforthepleasureoftherich。
ThereareinSkyneitherratsnormice，buttheweaselissofrequent，thatheisheardinhousesrattlingbehindchestsorbeds，asratsinEngland。Theyprobablyowetohispredominancethattheyhavenoothervermin；forsincethegreatrattookpossessionofthispartoftheworld，scarceashipcantouchatanyport，butsomeofhisraceareleftbehind。TheyhavewithinthesefewyearsbegantoinfesttheisleofCol，wherebeingleftbysometradingvessel，theyhaveincreasedforwantofweaselstoopposethem。
TheinhabitantsofSky，andoftheotherIslands，whichIhaveseen，arecommonlyofthemiddlestature，withfeweramongthemverytallorveryshort，thanareseeninEngland，orperhaps，astheirnumbersaresmall，thechancesofanydeviationfromthecommonmeasurearenecessarilyfew。ThetallestmenthatIsawareamongthoseofhigherrank。Inregionsofbarrennessandscarcity，thehumanraceishinderedinitsgrowthbythesamecausesasotheranimals。
Theladieshaveasmuchbeautyhereasinotherplaces，butbloomandsoftnessarenottobeexpectedamongthelowerclasses，whosefacesareexposedtotherudenessoftheclimate，andwhosefeaturesaresometimescontractedbywant，andsometimeshardenedbytheblasts。Supremebeautyisseldomfoundincottagesorwork-
shops，evenwherenorealhardshipsaresuffered。Toexpandthehumanfacetoitsfullperfection，itseemsnecessarythatthemindshouldco-operatebyplacidnessofcontent，orconsciousnessofsuperiority。
Theirstrengthisproportionatetotheirsize，buttheyareaccustomedtorunuponroughground，andthereforecanwithgreatagilityskipoverthebog，orclamberthemountain。ForacampaigninthewastesofAmerica，soldiersbetterqualifiedcouldnothavebeenfound。Havinglittleworktodo，theyarenotwilling，norperhapsabletoendurealongcontinuanceofmanuallabour，andarethereforeconsideredashabituallyidle。
Havingneverbeensuppliedwiththoseaccommodations，whichlifeextensivelydiversifiedwithtradesaffords，theysupplytheirwantsbyveryinsufficientshifts，andenduremanyinconveniences，whichalittleattentionwouldeasilyrelieve。Ihaveseenahorsecarryinghometheharvestonacrate。Underhistailwasastickforacrupper，heldatthetwoendsbytwistsofstraw。Hempwillgrowintheirislands，andthereforeropesmaybehad。Iftheywantedhemp，theymightmakebettercordageofrushes，orperhapsofnettles，thanofstraw。
Theirmethodoflifeneithersecuresthemperpetualhealth，norexposesthemtoanyparticulardiseases。TherearephysiciansintheIslands，who，Ibelieve，allpractisechirurgery，andallcompoundtheirownmedicines。
Itisgenerallysupposed，thatlifeislongerinplaceswheretherearefewopportunitiesofluxury；butIfoundnoinstancehereofextraordinarylongevity。Acottagergrowsoldoverhisoatencakes，likeacitizenataturtlefeast。Heisindeedseldomincommodedbycorpulence。Povertypreserveshimfromsinkingundertheburdenofhimself，butheescapesnootherinjuryoftime。
Instancesoflonglifeareoftenrelated，whichthosewhohearthemaremorewillingtocreditthanexamine。Tobetoldthatanymanhasattainedahundredyears，giveshopeandcomforttohimwhostandstremblingonthebrinkofhisownclimacterick。
Lengthoflifeisdistributedimpartiallytoverydifferentmodesoflifeinverydifferentclimates；andthemountainshavenogreaterexamplesofageandhealththanthelowlands，whereIwasintroducedtotwoladiesofhighquality；oneofwhom，inherninety-fourthyear，presidedathertablewiththefullexerciseofallherpowers；andtheotherhasattainedhereighty-fourth，withoutanydiminutionofhervivacity，andwithlittlereasontoaccusetimeofdepredationsonherbeauty。
IntheIslands，asinmostotherplaces，theinhabitantsareofdifferentrank，andonedoesnotencroachhereuponanother。Wherethereisnocommercenormanufacture，hethatisbornpoorcanscarcelybecomerich；andifnoneareabletobuyestates，hethatisborntolandcannotannihilatehisfamilybysellingit。Thiswasoncethestateofthesecountries。Perhapsthereisnoexample，tillwithinacenturyandhalf，ofanyfamilywhoseestatewasalienatedotherwisethanbyviolenceorforfeiture。Sincemoneyhasbeenbroughtamongstthem，theyhavefound，likeothers，theartofspendingmorethantheyreceive；andIsawwithgriefthechiefofaveryancientclan，whoseIslandwascondemnedbylawtobesoldforthesatisfactionofhiscreditors。
ThenameofhighestdignityisLaird，ofwhichthereareintheextensiveIsleofSkyonlythree，Macdonald，Macleod，andMackinnon。TheLairdistheoriginalowneroftheland，whosenaturalpowermustbeverygreat，wherenomanlivesbutbyagriculture；andwheretheproduceofthelandisnotconveyedthroughthelabyrinthsoftraffick，butpassesdirectlyfromthehandthatgathersittothemouththateatsit。TheLairdhasallthoseinhispowerthatliveuponhisfarms。Kingscan，forthemostpart，onlyexaltordegrade。TheLairdatpleasurecanfeedorstarve，cangivebread，orwitholdit。Thisinherentpowerwasyetstrengthenedbythekindnessofconsanguinity，andthereverenceofpatriarchalauthority。TheLairdwasthefatheroftheClan，andhistenantscommonlyborehisname。Andtotheseprinciplesoforiginalcommandwasadded，formanyages，anexclusiverightoflegaljurisdiction。
Thismultifarious，andextensiveobligationoperatedwithforcescarcelycredible。Everyduty，moralorpolitical，wasabsorbedinaffectionandadherencetotheChief。NotmanyyearshavepassedsincetheclansknewnolawbuttheLaird\'swill。Hetoldthemtowhomtheyshouldbefriendsorenemies，whatKingtheyshouldobey，andwhatreligiontheyshouldprofess。
WhentheScotsfirstroseinarmsagainstthesuccessionofthehouseofHanover，Lovat，theChiefoftheFrasers，wasinexileforarape。TheFraserswereverynumerous，andveryzealousagainstthegovernment。ApardonwassenttoLovat。HecametotheEnglishcamp，andtheclanimmediatelydesertedtohim。
NextindignitytotheLairdistheTacksman；alargetakerorlease-holderofland，ofwhichhekeepspart，asadomain，inhisownhand，andletsparttoundertenants。TheTacksmanisnecessarilyamancapableofsecuringtotheLairdthewholerent，andiscommonlyacollateralrelation。Thesetacks，orsubordinatepossessions，werelongconsideredashereditary，andtheoccupantwasdistinguishedbythenameoftheplaceatwhichheresided。Heheldamiddlestation，bywhichthehighestandthelowestorderswereconnected。HepaidrentandreverencetotheLaird，andreceivedthemfromthetenants。Thistenurestillsubsists，withitsoriginaloperation，butnotwiththeprimitivestability。
Sincetheislanders，nolongercontenttolive，havelearnedthedesireofgrowingrich，anancientdependentisindangerofgivingwaytoahigherbidder，attheexpenseofdomestickdignityandhereditarypower。Thestranger，whosemoneybuyshimpreference，considershimselfaspayingforallthathehas，andisindifferentabouttheLaird\'shonourorsafety。Thecommodiousnessofmoneyisindeedgreat；buttherearesomeadvantageswhichmoneycannotbuy，andwhichthereforenowisemanwillbytheloveofmoneybetemptedtoforego。
IhavefoundinthehitherpartsofScotland，mennotdefectiveinjudgmentorgeneralexperience，whoconsidertheTacksmanasauselessburdenoftheground，asadronewholivesupontheproductofanestate，withouttherightofproperty，orthemeritoflabour，andwhoimpoverishesatoncethelandlordandthetenant。
Theland，saythey，islettotheTacksmanatsix-penceanacre，andbyhimtothetenantatten-pence。Lettheownerbetheimmediatelandlordtoallthetenants；ifhesetsthegroundateight-pence，hewillincreasehisrevenuebyafourthpart，andthetenant\'sburthenwillbediminishedbyafifth。
Thosewhopursuethistrainofreasoning，seemnotsufficientlytoinquirewhitheritwillleadthem，nortoknowthatitwillequallyshewtheproprietyofsuppressingallwholesaletrade，ofshuttinguptheshopsofeverymanwhosellswhathedoesnotmake，andofextrudingallwhoseagencyandprofitintervenebetweenthemanufacturerandtheconsumer。Theymay，bystretchingtheirunderstandingsalittlewider，comprehend，thatallthosewhobyundertakinglargequantitiesofmanufacture，andaffordingemploymenttomanylabourers，makethemselvesconsideredasbenefactorstothepublick，haveonlybeenrobbingtheirworkmenwithonehand，andtheircustomerswiththeother。IfCrowleyhadsoldonlywhathecouldmake，andallhissmithshadwroughttheirownironwiththeirownhammers，hewouldhavelivedonless，andtheywouldhavesoldtheirworkformore。Thesalariesofsuperintendentsandclerkswouldhavebeenpartlysaved，andpartlyshared，andnailsbeensometimescheaperbyafarthinginahundred。Butthenifthesmithcouldnothavefoundanimmediatepurchaser，hemusthavedesertedhisanvil；iftherehadbyaccidentatanytimebeenmoresellersthanbuyers，theworkmenmusthavereducedtheirprofittonothing，byundersellingoneanother；andasnogreatstockcouldhavebeeninanyhand，nosuddendemandoflargequantitiescouldhavebeenansweredandthebuildermusthavestoodstilltillthenailercouldsupplyhim。
Accordingtotheseschemes，universalplentyistobeginandendinuniversalmisery。Hopeandemulationwillbeutterlyextinguished；
andasallmustobeythecallofimmediatenecessity，nothingthatrequiresextensiveviews，orprovidesfordistantconsequenceswilleverbeperformed。
TothesoutherninhabitantsofScotland，thestateofthemountainsandtheislandsisequallyunknownwiththatofBorneoorSumatra:
Ofboththeyhaveonlyheardalittle，andguesstherest。Theyarestrangerstothelanguageandthemanners，totheadvantagesandwantsofthepeople，whoselifetheywouldmodel，andwhoseevilstheywouldremedy。
Nothingislessdifficultthantoprocureoneconveniencebytheforfeitureofanother。Asoldiermayexpeditehismarchbythrowingawayhisarms。TobanishtheTacksmaniseasy，tomakeacountryplentifulbydiminishingthepeople，isanexpeditiousmodeofhusbandry；butlittleabundance，whichthereisnobodytoenjoy，contributeslittletohumanhappiness。
Asthemindmustgovernthehands，soineverysocietythemanofintelligencemustdirectthemanoflabour。IftheTacksmenbetakenaway，theHebridesmustintheirpresentstatebegivenuptogrossnessandignorance；thetenant，forwantofinstruction，willbeunskilful，andforwantofadmonitionwillbenegligent。TheLairdinthesewideestates，whichoftenconsistofislandsremotefromoneanother，cannotextendhispersonalinfluencetoallhistenants；andthestewardhavingnodignityannexedtohischaracter，canhavelittleauthorityamongmentaughttopayreverenceonlytobirth，andwhoregardtheTacksmanastheirhereditarysuperior；norcanthestewardhaveequalzealfortheprosperityofanestateprofitableonlytotheLaird，withtheTacksman，whohastheLaird\'sincomeinvolvedinhisown。
TheonlygentlemenintheIslandsaretheLairds，theTacksmen，andtheMinisters，whofrequentlyimprovetheirlivingsbybecomingfarmers。IftheTacksmenbebanished，whowillbelefttoimpartknowledge，orimpresscivility?TheLairdmustalwaysbeatadistancefromthegreaterpartofhislands；andifheresidesatalluponthem，mustdraghisdaysinsolitude，havingnolongereitherafriendoracompanion；hewillthereforedeparttosomemorecomfortableresidence，andleavethetenantstothewisdomandmercyofafactor。
Oftenantstherearedifferentorders，astheyhavegreaterorlessstock。Landissometimesleasedtoasmallfellowship，wholiveinaclusterofhuts，calledaTenantsTown，andareboundjointlyandseparatelyforthepaymentoftheirrent。These，Ibelieve，employinthecareoftheircattle，andthelabouroftillage，akindoftenantsyetlower；whohavingahutwithgrassforacertainnumberofcowsandsheep，paytheirrentbyastipulatedquantityoflabour。
Theconditionofdomestickservants，orthepriceofoccasionallabour，Idonotknowwithcertainty。Iwastoldthatthemaidshavesheep，andareallowedtospinfortheirownclothing；perhapstheyhavenopecuniarywages，ornonebutinverywealthyfamilies。
Thestateoflife，whichhashithertobeenpurelypastoral，beginsnowtobealittlevariegatedwithcommerce；butnoveltiesenterbydegrees，andtillonemodehasfullyprevailedovertheother，nosettlednotioncanbeformed。
Suchisthesystemofinsularsubordination，which，havinglittlevariety，cannotaffordmuchdelightintheview，norlongdetainthemindincontemplation。Theinhabitantswereforalongtimeperhapsnotunhappy；buttheircontentwasamuddymixtureofprideandignorance，anindifferenceforpleasureswhichtheydidnotknow，ablindvenerationfortheirchiefs，andastrongconvictionoftheirownimportance。
Theirpridehasbeencrushedbytheheavyhandofavindictiveconqueror，whoseseventieshavebeenfollowedbylaws，which，thoughtheycannotbecalledcruel，haveproducedmuchdiscontent，becausetheyoperateuponthesurfaceoflife，andmakeeveryeyebearwitnesstosubjection。Tobecompelledtoanewdresshasalwaysbeenfoundpainful。
TheirChiefsbeingnowdeprivedoftheirjurisdiction，havealreadylostmuchoftheirinfluence；andastheygraduallydegeneratefrompatriarchalrulerstorapaciouslandlords，theywilldivestthemselvesofthelittlethatremains。
Thatdignitywhichtheyderivedfromanopinionoftheirmilitaryimportance，thelaw，whichdisarmedthem，hasabated。Anoldgentleman，delightinghimselfwiththerecollectionofbetterdays，related，thatfortyyearsago，aChieftainwalkedoutattendedbytenortwelvefollowers，withtheirarmsrattling。Thatanimatingrabblehasnowceased。TheChiefhaslosthisformidableretinue；
andtheHighlanderwalkshisheathunarmedanddefenceless，withthepeaceablesubmissionofaFrenchpeasantorEnglishcottager。
Theirignorancegrowseverydayless，buttheirknowledgeisyetoflittleotherusethantoshewthemtheirwants。Theyarenowintheperiodofeducation，andfeeltheuneasinessofdiscipline，withoutyetperceivingthebenefitofinstruction。
Thelastlaw，bywhichtheHighlandersaredeprivedoftheirarms，hasoperatedwithefficacybeyondexpectation。Offormerstatutesmadewiththesamedesign，theexecutionhadbeenfeeble，andtheeffectinconsiderable。Concealmentwasundoubtedlypractised，andperhapsoftenwithconnivance。
Therewastenderness，orpartiality，ononeside，andobstinacyontheother。Butthelaw，whichfollowedthevictoryofCulloden，foundthewholenationdejectedandintimidated；informationsweregivenwithoutdanger，andwithoutfear，andthearmswerecollectedwithsuchrigour，thateveryhousewasdespoiledofitsdefence。
TodisarmpartoftheHighlands，couldgivenoreasonableoccasionofcomplaint。Everygovernmentmustbeallowedthepoweroftakingawaytheweaponthatisliftedagainstit。Buttheloyalclansmurmured，withsomeappearanceofjustice，thatafterhavingdefendedtheKing，theywereforbiddenforthefuturetodefendthemselves；andthattheswordshouldbeforfeited，whichhadbeenlegallyemployed。Theircaseisundoubtedlyhard，butinpoliticalregulations，goodcannotbecomplete，itcanonlybepredominant。
Whetherbydisarmingapeoplethusbrokenintoseveraltribes，andthusremotefromtheseatofpower，moregoodthanevilhasbeenproduced，maydeserveinquiry。Thesupremepowerineverycommunityhastherightofdebarringeveryindividual，andeverysubordinatesocietyfromself-defence，onlybecausethesupremepowerisabletodefendthem；andthereforewherethegovernorcannotact，hemusttrustthesubjecttoactforhimself。TheseIslandsmightbewastedwithfireandswordbeforetheirsovereignwouldknowtheirdistress。Agangofrobbers，suchashasbeenlatelyfoundconfederatingthemselvesintheHighlands，mightlayawideregionundercontribution。ThecrewofapettyprivateermightlandonthelargestandmostwealthyoftheIslands，andriotwithoutcontrolincrueltyandwaste。ItwasobservedbyoneoftheChiefsofSky，thatfiftyarmedmenmight，withoutresistanceravagethecountry。Lawsthatplacethesubjectsinsuchastate，contravenethefirstprinciplesofthecompactofauthority:theyexactobedience，andyieldnoprotection。
Itaffordsagenerousandmanlypleasuretoconceivealittlenationgatheringitsfruitsandtendingitsherdswithfearlessconfidence，thoughitliesopenoneverysidetoinvasion，where，incontemptofwallsandtrenches，everymansleepssecurelywithhisswordbesidehim；whereallonthefirstapproachofhostilitycametogetheratthecalltobattle，asatasummonstoafestalshow；andcommittingtheircattletothecareofthosewhomageornaturehasdisabled，engagetheenemywiththatcompetitionforhazardandforglory，whichoperateinmenthatfightundertheeyeofthose，whosedislikeorkindnesstheyhavealwaysconsideredasthegreatestevilorthegreatestgood。
Thiswas，inthebeginningofthepresentcentury，thestateoftheHighlands。Everymanwasasoldier，whopartookofnationalconfidence，andinterestedhimselfinnationalhonour。Tolosethisspirit，istolosewhatnosmalladvantagewillcompensate。
Itmaylikewisedeservetobeinquired，whetheragreatnationoughttobetotallycommercial?whetheramidsttheuncertaintyofhumanaffairs，toomuchattentiontoonemodeofhappinessmaynotendangerothers?whethertheprideofrichesmustnotsometimeshaverecoursetotheprotectionofcourage?andwhether，ifitbenecessarytopreserveinsomepartoftheempirethemilitaryspirit，itcansubsistmorecommodiouslyinanyplace，thaninremoteandunprofitableprovinces，whereitcancommonlydolittleharm，andwhenceitmaybecalledforthatanysuddenexigence?
Itmusthoweverbeconfessed，thataman，whoplaceshonouronlyinsuccessfulviolence，isaverytroublesomeandperniciousanimalintimeofpeace；andthatthemartialcharactercannotprevailinawholepeople，butbythediminutionofallothervirtues。Hethatisaccustomedtoresolveallrightintoconquest，willhaveverylittletendernessorequity。Allthefriendshipinsuchalifecanbeonlyaconfederacyofinvasion，orallianceofdefence。Thestrongmustflourishbyforce，andtheweaksubsistbystratagem。
TilltheHighlanderslosttheirferocity，withtheirarms，theysufferedfromeachotherallthatmalignitycoulddictate，orprecipitancecouldact。Everyprovocationwasrevengedwithblood，andnomanthatventuredintoanumerouscompany，bywhateveroccasionbroughttogether，wassureofreturningwithoutawound。
Iftheyarenowexposedtoforeignhostilities，theymaytalkofthedanger，butcanseldomfeelit。Iftheyarenolongermartial，theyarenolongerquarrelsome。Miseryiscausedforthemostpart，notbyaheavycrushofdisaster，butbythecorrosionoflessvisibleevils，whichcankerenjoyment，andunderminesecurity。
Thevisitofaninvaderisnecessarilyrare，butdomestickanimositiesallownocessation。
Theabolitionofthelocaljurisdictions，whichhadforsomanyagesbeenexercisedbythechiefs，haslikewiseitsevilanditsgood。Thefeudalconstitutionnaturallydiffuseditselfintolongramificationsofsubordinateauthority。Tothisgeneraltemperofthegovernmentwasaddedthepeculiarformofthecountry，brokenbymountainsintomanysubdivisionsscarcelyaccessiblebuttothenatives，andguardedbypasses，orperplexedwithintricacies，throughwhichnationaljusticecouldnotfinditsway。
Thepowerofdecidingcontroversies，andofpunishingoffences，assomesuchpowertheremustalwaysbe，wasintrustedtotheLairdsofthecountry，tothosewhomthepeopleconsideredastheirnaturaljudges。Itcannotbesupposedthataruggedproprietoroftherocks，unprincipledandunenlightened，wasaniceresolverofentangledclaims，orveryexactinproportioningpunishmenttooffences。Butthemoreheindulgedhisownwill，themoreheheldhisvassalsindependence。Prudenceandinnocence，withoutthefavouroftheChief，conferrednosecurity；andcrimesinvolvednodanger，whenthejudgewasresolutetoacquit。
Whenthechiefsweremenofknowledgeandvirtue，theconvenienceofadomestickjudicaturewasgreat。Nolongjournieswerenecessary，norartificialdelayscouldbepractised；thecharacter，thealliances，andinterestsofthelitigantswereknowntothecourt，andallfalsepretenceswereeasilydetected。Thesentence，whenitwaspast，couldnotbeevaded；thepoweroftheLairdsupersededformalities，andjusticecouldnotbedefeatedbyinterestorstratagem。
Idoubtnotbutthatsincetheregularjudgeshavemadetheircircuitsthroughthewholecountry，righthasbeeneverywheremorewisely，andmoreequallydistributed；thecomplaintis，thatlitigationisgrowntroublesome，andthatthemagistratesaretoofew，andthereforeoftentooremoteforgeneralconvenience。
ManyofthesmallerIslandshavenolegalofficerwithinthem。I
onceasked，Ifacrimeshouldbecommitted，bywhatauthoritytheoffendercouldbeseized?andwastold，thattheLairdwouldexerthisright；arightwhichhemustnowusurp，butwhichsurelynecessitymustvindicate，andwhichisthereforeyetexercisedinlowerdegrees，bysomeoftheproprietors，whenlegalprocessescannotbeobtained。
Inallgreaterquestions，however，thereisnowhappilyanendtoallfearorhopefrommaliceorfromfavour。Theroadsaresecureinthoseplacesthroughwhich，fortyyearsago，notravellercouldpasswithoutaconvoy。Alltrialsofrightbytheswordareforgotten，andthemeanareinaslittledangerfromthepowerfulasinotherplaces。Noschemeofpolicyhas，inanycountry，yetbroughttherichandpooronequaltermsintocourtsofjudicature。
Perhapsexperience，improvingonexperience，mayintimeeffectit。
Thosewhohavelongenjoyeddignityandpower，oughtnottoloseitwithoutsomeequivalent。TherewaspaidtotheChiefsbythepublick，inexchangefortheirprivileges，perhapsasumgreaterthanmostofthemhadeverpossessed，whichexcitedathirstforriches，ofwhichitshewedthemtheuse。Whenthepowerofbirthandstationceases，nohoperemainsbutfromtheprevalenceofmoney。Powerandwealthsupplytheplaceofeachother。Powerconferstheabilityofgratifyingourdesirewithouttheconsentofothers。Wealthenablesustoobtaintheconsentofotherstoourgratification。Power，simplyconsidered，whateveritconfersonone，musttakefromanother。Wealthenablesitsownertogivetoothers，bytakingonlyfromhimself。Powerpleasestheviolentandproud:wealthdelightstheplacidandthetimorous。Youththereforefliesatpower，andagegrovelsafterriches。
TheChiefs，divestedoftheirprerogatives，necessarilyturnedtheirthoughtstotheimprovementoftheirrevenues，andexpectmorerent，astheyhavelesshomage。Thetenant，whoisfarfromperceivingthathisconditionismadebetterinthesameproportion，asthatofhislandlordismadeworse，doesnotimmediatelyseewhyhisindustryistobetaxedmoreheavilythanbefore。Herefusestopaythedemand，andisejected；thegroundisthenlettoastranger，whoperhapsbringsalargerstock，butwho，takingthelandatitsfullprice，treatswiththeLairduponequalterms，andconsidershimnotasaChief，butasatraffickerinland。Thustheestateperhapsisimproved，buttheclanisbroken。
Itseemstobethegeneralopinion，thattherentshavebeenraisedwithtoomucheagerness。Someregardmustbepaidtoprejudice。
Thosewhohavehithertopaidbutlittle，willnotsuddenlybepersuadedtopaymuch，thoughtheycanaffordit。Asgroundisgraduallyimproved，andthevalueofmoneydecreases，therentmayberaisedwithoutanydiminutionofthefarmer\'sprofits:yetitisnecessaryinthesecountries，wheretheejectionofatenantisagreaterevil，thaninmorepopulousplaces，toconsidernotmerelywhatthelandwillproduce，butwithwhatabilitytheinhabitantcancultivateit。Acertainstockcanallowbutacertainpayment；forifthelandbedoubled，andthestockremainsthesame，thetenantbecomesnoricher。TheproprietorsoftheHighlandsmightperhapsoftenincreasetheirincome，bysubdividingthefarms，andallottingtoeveryoccupieronlysomanyacresashecanprofitablyemploy，butthattheywantpeople。
Thereseemsnow，whateverbethecause，tobethroughagreatpartoftheHighlandsageneraldiscontent。Thatadherence，whichwaslatelyprofessedbyeverymantothechiefofhisname，hasnowlittleprevalence；andhethatcannotliveashedesiresathome，listenstothetaleoffortunateislands，andhappyregions，whereeverymanmayhavelandofhisown，andeattheproductofhislabourwithoutasuperior。
ThosewhohaveobtainedgrantsofAmericanlands，have，asiswellknown，invitedsettlersfromallquartersoftheglobe；andamongotherplaces，whereoppressionmightproduceawishfornewhabitations，theiremissarieswouldnotfailtotrytheirpersuasionsintheIslesofScotland，whereatthetimewhentheclanswerenewlydisunitedfromtheirChiefs，andexasperatedbyunprecedentedexactions，itisnowonderthattheyprevailed。
Whetherthemischiefsofemigrationwereimmediatelyperceived，maybejustlyquestioned。Theywhowentfirst，wereprobablysuchascouldbestbespared；buttheaccountssentbytheearliestadventurers，whethertrueorfalse，inclinedmanytofollowthem；
andwholeneighbourhoodsformedpartiesforremoval；sothatdeparturefromtheirnativecountryisnolongerexile。Hethatgoesthusaccompanied，carrieswithhimallthatmakeslifepleasant。Hesitsdowninabetterclimate，surroundedbyhiskindredandhisfriends:theycarrywiththemtheirlanguage，theiropinions，theirpopularsongs，andhereditarymerriment:
theychangenothingbuttheplaceoftheirabode；andofthatchangetheyperceivethebenefit。
Thisistherealeffectofemigration，ifthosethatgoawaytogethersettleonthesamespot，andpreservetheirancientunion。
Butsomerelatethattheseadventurousvisitantsofunknownregions，afteravoyagepassedindreamsofplentyandfelicity，aredispersedatlastuponaSylvanwilderness，wheretheirfirstyearsmustbespentintoil，toclearthegroundwhichisafterwardstobetilled，andthatthewholeeffectoftheirundertakingsisonlymorefatigueandequalscarcity。
Bothaccountsmaybesuspected。Thosewhoaregonewillendeavourbyeveryarttodrawothersafterthem；forastheirnumbersaregreater，theywillprovidebetterforthemselves。WhenNovaScotiawasfirstpeopled，Irememberaletter，publishedunderthecharacterofaNewPlanter，whorelatedhowmuchtheclimateputhiminmindofItaly。SuchintelligencetheHebridiansprobablyreceivefromtheirtransmarinecorrespondents。Butwithequaltemptationsofinterest，andperhapswithnogreaternicenessofveracity，theownersoftheIslandsspreadstoriesofAmericanhardshipstokeeptheirpeoplecontentathome。
Somemethodtostopthisepidemickdesireofwandering，whichspreadsitscontagionfromvalleytovalley，deservestobesoughtwithgreatdiligence。Inmorefruitfulcountries，theremovalofoneonlymakesroomforthesuccessionofanother:butintheHebrides，thelossofaninhabitantleavesalastingvacuity；fornobodyborninanyotherpartsoftheworldwillchoosethiscountryforhisresidence，andanIslandoncedepopulatedwillremainadesert，aslongasthepresentfacilityoftravelgiveseveryone，whoisdiscontentedandunsettled，thechoiceofhisabode。
Letitbeinquired，whetherthefirstintentionofthosewhoareflutteringonthewing，andcollectingaflockthattheymaytaketheirflight，betoattaingood，ortoavoidevil。Iftheyaredissatisfiedwiththatpartoftheglobe，whichtheirbirthhasallottedthem，andresolvenottolivewithoutthepleasuresofhappierclimates；iftheylongforbrightsuns，andcalmskies，andfloweryfields，andfragrantgardens，Iknownotbywhateloquencetheycanbepersuaded，orbywhatofferstheycanbehiredtostay。
Butiftheyaredrivenfromtheirnativecountrybypositiveevils，anddisgustedbyill-treatment，realorimaginary，itwerefittoremovetheirgrievances，andquiettheirresentment；since，iftheyhavebeenhithertoundutifulsubjects，theywillnotmuchmendtheirprinciplesbyAmericanconversation。
Toallurethemintothearmy，itwasthoughtpropertoindulgetheminthecontinuanceoftheirnationaldress。Ifthisconcessioncouldhaveanyeffect，itmighteasilybemade。Thatdissimilitudeofappearance，whichwassupposedtokeepthemdistinctfromtherestofthenation，mightdisinclinethemfromcoalescingwiththePensylvanians，orpeopleofConnecticut。Iftherestitutionoftheirarmswillreconcilethemtotheircountry，letthemhaveagainthoseweapons，whichwillnotbemoremischievousathomethanintheColonies。Thattheymaynotflyfromtheincreaseofrent，Iknownotwhetherthegeneralgooddoesnotrequirethatthelandlordsbe，foratime，restrainedintheirdemands，andkeptquietbypensionsproportionatetotheirloss。
Tohinderinsurrection，bydrivingawaythepeople，andtogovernpeaceably，byhavingnosubjects，isanexpedientthatarguesnogreatprofundityofpoliticks。Tosoftentheobdurate，toconvincethemistaken，tomollifytheresentful，areworthyofastatesman；
butitaffordsalegislatorlittleself-applausetoconsider，thatwheretherewasformerlyaninsurrection，thereisnowawilderness。
Ithasbeenaquestionoftenagitatedwithoutsolution，whythosenorthernregionsarenowsothinlypeopled，whichformerlyoverwhelmedwiththeirarmiestheRomanempire。ThequestionsupposeswhatIbelieveisnottrue，thattheyhadoncemoreinhabitantsthantheycouldmaintain，andoverflowedonlybecausetheywerefull。
Thisistoestimatethemannersofallcountriesandagesbyourown。Migration，whilethestateoflifewasunsettled，andtherewaslittlecommunicationofintelligencebetweendistantplaces，wasamongthewildernationsofEurope，capriciousandcasual。Anadventurousprojectorheardofafertilecoastunoccupied，andledoutacolony；achiefofrenownforbravery，calledtheyoungmentogether，andledthemouttotrywhatfortunewouldpresent。WhenCaesarwasinGaul，hefoundtheHelvetianspreparingtogotheyknewnotwhither，andputastoptotheirmotions。Theysettledagainintheirowncountry，wheretheyweresofarfromwantingroom，thattheyhadaccumulatedthreeyearsprovisionfortheirmarch。
ThereligionoftheNorthwasmilitary；iftheycouldnotfindenemies，itwastheirdutytomakethem:theytravelledinquestofdanger，andwillinglytookthechanceofEmpireorDeath。Iftheirtroopswerenumerous，thecountriesfromwhichtheywerecollectedareofvastextent，andwithoutmuchexuberanceofpeoplegreatarmiesmayberaisedwhereeverymanisasoldier。Buttheirtruenumberswereneverknown。Thosewhowereconqueredbythemaretheirhistorians，andshamemayhaveexcitedthemtosay，thattheywereoverwhelmedwithmultitudes。Tocountisamodernpractice，theancientmethodwastoguess；andwhennumbersareguessedtheyarealwaysmagnified。