148 WILD FLOWERS OF SCOTLAND 



spoiled folk with no more than their share of con- 

 ceit in themselves. Not very long ago, outsiders 

 of simple tastes sought it instead of some more 

 stirring holiday resort, alike for its moorland air 

 and soothing naturalness. 



Sometimes I feel glad that I knew it in those 

 days. The place must ever be most to those 

 who loved it before others so much as heard of 

 it. Whatever Kirrie may mean, muir or moor 

 aptly enough describes the surroundings, and 

 indeed the condition of that portion of the 

 strath. 



A short way to the north the Lowlands pass 

 quite suddenly into the Highlands of Scotland 

 so suddenly indeed, that in some places it is easy 

 to step from one to the other. 



Once upon a time the strath was a glacier track, 

 and frozen side-streams flowed out from among the 

 hills, to join and swell the great river of ice. The 

 path or channel of these tributaries is now marked 

 out by just so many glens ; while all that remains 

 to represent a volume once reaching to the 

 mountain-tops is a streak of water running down 

 the centre. 



It was yet early morning. The cool shadows 

 cast by the irregular buildings lay across the street, 



