

ft/ 



NOTE. 



This paper was written at the request of Lord Napier aud Ettrick for 

 the Crofter Royal Commission, over which his Lordship presided. 

 Government have courteously granted the writer permission to reprint a 

 few copies to give to liis friends. 



Originally the paper was meant to contain some account of the 

 Geological changes, and of the Natural History and Antiquities of the 

 Outer Hebrides, but tliese not coming within the scope of thn Commission, 

 Lord Napier found himself obliged to exclude them. 



The paper is hurried and fragmentary, and contains but little of what 

 might have been said of the interesting people and customs of the 

 Western Isles. 



•'The account of the old customs is the most interesting thing in your 

 Report; the old hymns are charming." — Extract of Letter from a Noble- 

 man in London to Lord Najner. 



Alexander Cahmichael. 



31 Rakbukn Plage, Edimumh 

 UthJuly 18? 4. 



LAURI5T0N CASTLE 



LIBRARYACCESSIUM 



(ft^ L>.^^ 



