第4章

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。