XVI. 

 THE SAXIFRAGES 



IT is interesting to ask the Lowland wild flowers : 

 " Have you any kinsfolk among the moun- 

 tains?" They will be eager enough to confess, 

 however roundabout the relationship may be, since 

 it is esteemed rather an honour, as was his kinship 

 with the Macgregors in the secret heart of Bailie 

 Nicol Jarvie. 



" My mother, Elspeth MacFarlane, was the wife 

 of my father, Deacon Nicol Jarvie peace be wi' 

 them baith and Elspeth was the daughter of 

 Parlane MacFarlane, at the Sheeling o' Loch Sloy. 

 Now, this Parlane MacFarlane, as his surviving 

 daughter, Maggie MacFarlane, alias MacNab, wha 

 married Duncan MacNab o' Stuckavrallachan, 

 can testify, stood as near to your gudeman, 

 Robert MacGregor, as in the fourth degree o' 

 kindred." 



