PREFACE. 



ject matter presented will be welcomed with inter- 

 est in localities wherever Scotsmen gather and by 

 those for whom all things Scottish have a fascina- 

 tion. 



A more opportune time, perhaps, could not have 

 been chosen in which to tell the absorbing nature- 

 story of the Heather than this year, the centenary 

 of the council at which Science, in its discernment, 

 removed from the plant its ancient and ill-deserved 

 appellation of Erica, and clothed it with its pres- 

 ent designation of Calluna, so much more truly ex- 

 pressive of its unique beauty and charm. 



No attempt has been made to enter fully into 

 the botanical or cultural details connected with the 

 plant. These have been treated only in a casual man- 

 ner; still, it is hoped sufficient information has been 

 given to prove serviceable. The effort has been rather 

 to cull from the multitude of references to the Heather 

 abounding in Scottish and other literature, and to 

 weave the sprays thus gathered into a literary gar- 

 land the beauty and attractiveness of which shall lie in 

 the depth of the sentiment pervading it, and in the 

 aroma of patriotic love that it exhales. 



Defects in the treatment of the subject may as- 

 sert themselves to the critical reader. No one will 

 be more conscious of these imperfections than is the 

 author; but, in the language of an old writer, for 

 faults of omission and commission, "I referre me 

 wholy to the learned correction of the wise; for wel I 

 wote, that no treatise can alwayes be so workmanly 

 handled but that somewhat sometymes may fall out 

 amisse, contrarie to the minde of the wryter, and 

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