214 NORTHERN MEMOIRS. 



southern parts of Scotland, as our gnomen di- 

 rects to the fertil shores of Cromerty. 



Theoph. And why the fertil shores of Cro- 

 merty ? 



Am. Because their shores are uncapable of 

 freezing, for no snow lies here, though border- 

 ing almost on the frigid zone ; nor does ice in- 

 cru state the earth near the shores : for the very 

 sands are so contempered from a natural innate 

 quality of warmth, occasioned it's possible from 

 the salinity of the ocean, which suddenly dis- 

 solves the snow that falls, preanticipating the 

 formation of frost, or any such like coagulum. 

 And this is the reason her shores are enrich'd 

 with fertility, were but the people polish'd with 

 art and agriculture ; for were it so, I ^should then 

 conclude them blest with a delightful prospect, 

 that flows from the fluctuating generosity of 

 Portus Salutis. 



Theoph. Is this the castle, and the coast of 

 Cromerty ? How do the people do to free them- 

 selves from the depredations of the Highland- 

 ers ? 



Am. Well enough ; it's morally impossible it 

 should be otherwise, except nature run retro- 

 grade : I know no other distinction, than below 

 and above stairs ; but I should have told you 

 (since a received opinion) that the greatest plen- 

 ty of fish and fowl that belongs to Scotland, falls 



