SCOTCHMEN ABROAD. 



9 



whole clan— conferred upon each the nominal distinction of 'gentleman' — in a 

 somewhat similar manner as the attainment of a certain standing in the Russian 

 army of the present day confers nobility. Among his followers, the territory of 

 their chieftain was parcelled out in diminutive farms, each held on certain terms 

 of military service — a tenure which secured general independence, and always 

 insured to their leader a certain prompt and disposable force. During such times, 

 however, the soil was neglected— the sword usurped a haughty dominion over 

 the plough — private pique induced public calamity — the intervals of petty warfare 

 were consumed in indolence, or engaged in preparations for some fresh exploit. 

 A scanty provision of barley and oats concluded their harvest. Their cabins, con- 

 structed in alternate layers of turf and stone, were warmed with peat — the 

 fuliginous clouds of which, by obscuring the apartment, and tanning the " human 

 face divine" — gave the scene a literally Cimmerian aspect, but did not extinguish 

 the hospitality, nor banish the legend, the song, and the dance, which often en- 

 livened their secluded existence. Strangers, whom chance or necessity tlirew in 

 their way, always returned from these natural fastnesses with the most gratifying 

 testimony of a " Highland welcome," and a hearty suffrage in favour of the people. 

 Of their music, pastimes, enterprises, feuds, superstitions, and family legends, 

 numerous traits and anecdotes will be found in the present work. 



It has been often wittily objected to Scotchmen— in proof of their migratory 

 propensity — that they are to be found resting or rooted in every soil under 

 heaven, and often prospering where the industrious of more favoured nations 

 would despair. A point so near the truth, and in which there is so much more of 

 real compliment than intentional sarcasm, it is needless to question. Scotch- 

 men are, beyond doubt, widely scattered over the earth's surface ; and as they 

 were early instrumental in transmitting the benefits of civilization to other 

 countries, they have established a sort of hereditary right to continue in the same 

 course. It is but just, say they, that the country which boasts of an Zona- the 

 bright and solitary lamp of obscure ages— should still continue to send forth her 

 delegates into every land ; and where she formerly carried the light of science 

 and religion, should still inculcate, by every practical illustration, the manly 

 virtues of industry, patience, and intrepidity. 



To us who have also travelled— though not with the faculty of communicating, 

 but for the facility of acquiring, knowledge— it is pleasing to add our own 

 testimony to the alleged ubiquity of Scotchmen.* They are to be found in 

 various capacities in many of the German and other continental courts, from 

 the official situation of hof-mareschal, down to that of gardener and groom. In 



• They marshal his ships, assist at his counsels, and, with a power as despotic as liis own, prescribe a 

 code of health to which even the Autocrat of all the Ilussias professes obedience. 



