106 BENBECULA. HIGHLAND POPULATION. 



of the Long Isle were noted for their propensity to emi- 

 gration, and when considerable numbers removed to Ame- 

 rica. But these emigrations seem to have been the result 

 of a contagious or sympathetic feeling in particular tracts. 

 It has always been difficult to remove individuals or single 

 families, yet occasionally whole tracts have emigrated 

 together, to the no small terror of many patriotic indi- 

 viduals, whose political knowledge was less commendable 

 than the goodness of their intentions. This taste is 

 however at present dormant ; but I shall have occasion 

 to consider the subject again. 



It is maintained by many persons that emigration is 

 never necessary: it is even said that no migration from 

 any individual island or estate is ever requisite, and that 

 employment may be found in the cultivation of fresh 

 lands and in manufactures. I must postpone the question 

 of manufactures, although they form an expedient the 

 futility of which is easily shown. Benbecula might perhaps 

 dispose of a portion of its present excess of population 

 on its own lands, as well as might South Uist; but it 

 must be under a mode of management very different from 

 the present. Let us however examine the same question 

 as it relates to Barra and to North Uist. 



The arable land of Barra bears a small proportion to 

 its pastures, and it may, I believe, be safely stated, that 

 eveiy thing arable or capable of permanent improvement 

 is already in a state of cultivation. In any other circum- 

 stances indeed, the cultivation of Barra would be judged 

 excessive and injudicious. A change of system, such 

 as in many instances might be productive of advantage, 

 would therefore in Barra only tend to diminish the number 

 of occupants, by diminishing both the quantity of produce 

 capable of being immediately consumed on the soil, and 

 the labour required for the cultivation of that land which 

 ought to be maintained in agriculture. In the present 

 state of the island moreover, a large proportion of the 

 population is supported by the produce of a very active 



