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England, but being dissatisfied with her pasture, she returned safe 
and sound to Edinburgh, and it was a seven days’ wonder how 
she got through the debatable land without being stolen; and 
it was facetiously said she was the silliest cow in Scotland for 
coming back, and the cleverest cow in Scotland for getting back 
at all. 
The levying of blackmail was of constant occurrence, and the 
clans receiving the money were bound in honour to fulfil their 
engagements. 
Apart from the castles, or peles, of the lords, the dwellings of 
the clansmen were mere hovels. A few stones rolled together, or 
sods laid one upon another, or branches of trees set on end, with 
other branches laid across, and covered with ling, heather, rushes, 
brackens, straw, peat, or turf—a hole left in the centre for the 
smoke to escape, and the house was complete. In fact, they had 
no heart to build better houses, for they might be demolished or 
burnt any hour. They lived mostly in the open air, and were 
marvellously strong and muscular. Their food was milk, meat, 
boiled barley, oatmeal brose, and thick cakes made of barley and 
peasmeal. ‘They followed the red deer, and delighted in feats of 
strength. Wild as the wind, the women were scantily clad, and 
chanted in ballads the deeds of their forefathers ; whilst the men 
clenched their dirks, and brandished their broadswords. 
t Although their names were merged in the clan, such as the 
Armstrongs and Kerrs, yet amongst each other they had their own 
cognomen. ‘This was given, sometimes according to parentage, 
. as “Patie’s Geordie’s Johnie,” “Nancy’s Archie’s Dick,” ‘The 
Laird’s Jock,” ‘“‘ The Lady’s Hob.” Sometimes ‘they were called 
after their place of abode, as “Sandy o’ the Rowenburn,” 
““Cuddie o’ the Brankhoos.” Sometimes it was their personal 
appearance or dress, as “ Jock o’ the lang beard,” “ White sark,” 
“ Red Rowie.” Sometimes their name was a sign of reproach, as 
* Hen Harrow,” “Sow Tail.” They had no furniture, and few 
household utensils, except a kail pot and frying pan. They wore 
coats made of leather called Jacks, and steel bonnets ; and carried 
spears, dirks, staves, swords, and sometimes long bows When 
