XXXVI INTRODUCTION. 



The lots they were put into had been vacated by crofters 

 who had been compelled to leave through the poverty of the 

 land and their straitened circumstances. Some of the 

 tenants who were removed were not able to take crofts 

 at all, and they became cottars. There were in all 24 

 families evicted" 



John Mackenzie, Malagar, after stating that his whole 

 district was deprived of the hill pasture to the extent of 

 two-thirds, said "Unless we get a reduction of rent we 

 cannot hold out long, as we will soon lose all we. have " ; and 

 he then naively added, " We were hearing such good news 

 from Ireland, that we were inclined to turn rebels ourselves 

 in order to secure the same good results ". 



Norman Munro, Catechist, Clachan, was examined by 

 the chairman about the propriety of the people emigrating 

 to the colonies, when the following dialogue occurred : 



Q. "What do you think should be done?" 



A. " That they should get cheaper rents, get more land to 

 keep them in employment without running from place to place 

 to work for money to support their families. There is no 

 doubt that the custom of going away for several months in 

 the year to different places to look for employment has had 

 a bad effect on the happiness and character and morality of 

 the people. If the men remained at home with their wives 

 and children, and earned their subsistence here, they would 

 be happier and better." 



Q. " What about unmarried people ? Could young men 

 not improve their condition by going to other parts or to the 

 colonies ? " 



A. " Well, I think they would just be as happy at home. 

 If the land, after being properly sub-divided, was unable to 

 support the whole, then the rest could go to the colonies, 

 but the best of the land lies waste in the meantime." 



