62 ON TEE GRAMPIAN HILLS. 



to him by Her Majesty, asking how it was that the 

 peasantry in the Highlands were so much better 

 clothed than those in any other part of her dominions, 

 said, lifting his bonnet: " Weel, Majesty, the Hielanders 

 put on their backs what the English folk put in their 

 bailies." Jumping and foot-racing concluded the 

 sports, the last race being over a long course and 

 through the waters of the Dee, which caused much 

 amusement and excitement. 



Returning to the hotel I heard that there was to be 

 a dinner, at which a large number of the Highlanders 

 were expected to attend, and meeting Mr. Foggo, who 

 inquired if I was going away, I said, " No, I intend 

 to dine with the men," believing that it was a public 

 dinner ; to which he replied, ' ' I am afraid you will find 

 it rather a rough entertainment ; but you will be 

 thoroughly welcome." I found, therefore, that I was 

 a self-invited guest, and had no cause to regret that I 

 had obtained the privilege of attending the dinner and 

 joining in the festivities as well as enjoying the good 

 fare provided by Colonel Farquharson, and witnessing 

 the novel and pleasing entertainment to which I had so 

 unceremoniously invited myself. The dinner being 

 concluded, Mr. Foggo, in brief but well-chosen words, 

 gave first, the health of Her Majesty the Queen, 

 which was responded to with all due enthusiasm, then 

 followed the toast of the Earl of Fife, which was most 

 cordially received, and many and hearty were the 

 cheers that followed the short but cordial expressions 

 of Mr. Foggo when proposing health and long life to 

 the noble earl. But it was not until the toast of the 

 evening was announced the health of the Laird of 

 Invercauld that one realised the heartiness of Colonel 



