I do not remember that we saw any animals,
but we were told that, in the mountains, there are stags, roebucks,
goats and rabbits.
We did not perceive that this tract was possessed by human beings,
except that once we saw a corn field, in which a lady was walking
with some gentlemen. Their house was certainly at no great
distance, but so situated that we could not descry it.
Passing on through the dreariness of solitude, we found a party of
soldiers from the fort, working on the road, under the
superintendence of a serjeant. We told them how kindly we had been
treated at the garrison, and as we were enjoying the benefit of
their labours, begged leave to shew our gratitude by a small
present.
ANOCH
Early in the afternoon we came to Anoch, a village in Glenmollison
of three huts, one of which is distinguished by a chimney. Here we
were to dine and lodge, and were conducted through the first room,
that had the chimney, into another lighted by a small glass window.
The landlord attended us with great civility, and told us what he
could give us to eat and drink. I found some books on a shelf,
among which were a volume or more of Prideaux's Connection.
This I mentioned as something unexpected, and perceived that I did
not please him. I praised the propriety of his language, and was
answered that I need not wonder, for he had learned it by grammar.
By subsequent opportunities of observation, I found that my host's
diction had nothing peculiar. Those Highlanders that can speak
English, commonly speak it well, with few of the words, and little
of the tone by which a Scotchman is distinguished. Their language
seems to have been learned in the army or the navy, or by some
communication with those who could give them good examples of
accent and pronunciation. By their Lowland neighbours they would
not willingly be taught; for they have long considered them as a
mean and degenerate race. These prejudices are wearing fast away;
but so much of them still remains, that when I asked a very learned
minister in the islands, which they considered as their most savage
clans: 'Those,' said he, 'that live next the Lowlands.'
As we came hither early in the day, we had time sufficient to
survey the place. The house was built like other huts of loose
stones, but the part in which we dined and slept was lined with
turf and wattled with twigs, which kept the earth from falling.
Near it was a garden of turnips and a field of potatoes. It stands
in a glen, or valley, pleasantly watered by a winding river.
