R E F A C E. 



T TTAVING in 1764, been led through curiofity, 

 J~j[ to view the rude magnificence of the High- 

 lands of Scotland, my attention was foon attracted 

 by the lefs pleafing fcenes of human mifery in all its 

 fhapes j unalleviated by the chearing rays of hope, 

 or any of the comforts which the lower ranks of 

 mankind inhabiting richer foils, enjoy in a certain 

 degree. Succeeding journies over the various diftricts 

 of thofe mountainous wilds, ferved only to difclofe 

 fimilardiftrefTes ; and curiofity, the primary impulfe, 

 gave way to ferious inveftigation. By hearing the 

 complaints of thofe unhappy people ; by comparing 

 their various relations with each other, and with my 

 own obfervations, I was enabled to afcertain thofe 

 fads which form the ground-work of the following 

 narrative. 



A tract of land, that compofes a fifth part of Great 

 Britain, appeared, with fome few exceptions, to be in 

 a Hate of nature - y a great body of people, and thefe 

 the moil virtuous of our ifland, dragging out a 

 wretched exiftence, perifning through want, or forced 

 through wild defpair to abandon their country, their 

 kindred, and friends, 'and to embark, moneylefs and 

 unknown, the indented flaves to unremitting toil and 

 drudgery, in boundlefs defarts, at the diltance of 

 3090 miles. 



The refult of thefe obfervations, was an enquiry 

 whether the improvement of the country, and the 

 relief of the people, were practicable ; to what extent 



a 2 thefe 



