78 BARRA. SOIL, ALLUVIA. 



on reviewing the effects of this system, that if the same 

 quantity of labour and expense which have been bestowed 

 on small improvements in these islands had been directed 

 to great ones, they would here, as in Isla, have brought 

 extensive tracts into a regular and permanent system of 

 cultivation. But the present practice is inseparable from 

 the present state of the population and the holdings of 

 farms. Capital is wasted since it produces neither per- 

 manent change, nor accession of capital, nor augmenta- 

 tion of the means of future progress, but must always 

 be renewed ; and it may fairly be said that the wretched 

 Highland crops are raised at an expense much greater 

 than their value. The introduction of capitalists and the 

 enlargement of farms are the true foundation of the im- 

 provement to which this country must look. 



A SMALL fresh water lake is to be seen at the southern 

 end of this island, containing the ruins of a tower ; the 

 residence of some ancient chief, or a place of refuge for 

 his family. There are no other Jakes of any note, and 

 not a single permanent stream of water exists in the 

 country. A few dry channels of water courses are 

 visible on the sides of the hills, which an occasional 

 shower fills, but which are speedily drained on its 

 cessation. Springs are almost equally deficient, a cha- 

 racter which will be found very general throughout 

 the remainder of the islands connected with Barra, 

 other general features, as will hereafter be seen, per- 

 vading the whole. * 



* One of the exceptions to this rule is somewhat remarkable. On 

 a small rock about half a mile from the shore in Chisamil bay, stands 

 a Castle, once a strong hold of the Macneils of Barra. It is toler- 

 ably entire, and consists of an irregular square area, enclosed by a 

 high wall and containing numerous buildings capable of accom- 

 modating a considerable army, as the armies of the sovereigns of 

 those days were ; perhaps 500 men. A high and strong square. 

 Keep, with no entrance but by a flight of stairs, occupies one 



