II Certain Delusions of the North Britons 299 



In 1652 the northern people generally went 

 about with plaids ^ about their middle, both men 

 and women ; they ploughed in their ' clocks,' 

 probably the outer portion of the belted double plaid, 

 which in bad weather used to be thrown over the 

 head, as ancient women do in our own time, return- 

 ing from church or chapel in foul weather. In 1679 

 Highlanders * wear slashed doublets (whence gat 

 they them, by purchase, or conveyance?), commonly 

 without breeches, only a plaid tied around their 

 waists and thrown over one shoulder (which could 

 hardly be done by any Highlander, gentle or simple, 

 wearing a kilt), with short stockings to the gaitering 

 place, their knees and part of their thighs being 

 naked ; but others have breeches and stockens all 

 of a piece of plaid, wove close to their thighs.' 



Here we have a petticoat of some sort, but 

 certainly no kilt, and the hose, trews or breeks. 

 Taylor, the Water-Poet, tells us that in his time 

 (James and Charles) shooting or hunting began in 

 Scotland in August, much as in our own time, and 

 it was the fashion for gentlemen when hunting to 

 adopt the dress of the common folk,^ 'As for their 

 attire, any man of what degree whatsoever that 

 comes amongst them, must not disdain to wear it, 



^ Lesly, in 1596, is the first who mentions the modem Highland 

 dress (not the kilt). Plaids are not tartans. — Ed. 



2 In March 1576 there were great complaints that 'in Meggot- 

 land, Eskdale Muir, and other parts near the Border, where our 

 sovereign lady's progenitors were wont to have their chief pastime of 

 hunting,' the deer were now slain with guns, not only by Scotsmen, 



