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period, long ago, all had been perfection, and, ever since, things had 

 gradually deteriorated. But this golden age is unknown to history, 

 which on the contrary, paints the past of this Borderland especially 

 in sombre colours. In " the good old times," moss-troopers and 

 border-raiders harried our lands ; lifted our cattle ; and if we 

 resisted, took our lives into the bargain. Now our only invaders 

 are armies of peaceful tourists, who, though they may rob our 

 district of some of its romance, repay us richly in material 

 prosperity. 



