468 SANDY ISLE. DISEASES OF THE HIGHLANDS. 



of partial and improvident ameliorations in the accommo- 

 dation of the lower classes. Under the ordinary construc- 

 tion of the cottages there is no chimney, as the fire 

 occupies the centre of the building ; so that the smoke 

 and heated air must fill every cranny before they can 

 escape ; while a perpetual ventilation being kept up from 

 doors and windows which cannot be closed, it is difficult 

 for contagion to be accumulated. The partiality of the 

 Highlanders to this rude mode of warming their houses, 

 proceeds from its economical and effectual nature; its 

 utility in preventing the generation of disease being too 

 refined for their observation, although there can be little 

 doubt of its efficacy in this respect. In the improving 

 parts of the country, the proprietors, very laudably stu- 

 dious of the comfort of their tenants, have introduced fire- 

 places with chimneys ; either by building themselves, or 

 by limiting their tenants in their leases to that construc- 

 tion. Thus the effectual circulation of heat and air is 

 counteracted, and the penetralia of a Highland hut, 

 doomed never to meet the light of day, are suffered to 

 accumulate the effluvia of generations. The chimney 

 is premature ; and till general habits of cleanliness are 

 introduced, the result here pointed out must occasionally 

 follow; while the contagion once generated becomes 

 permanent; being recalled into action during successive 

 favourable seasons. 



Bleeding is the universal remedy in this disorder, and 

 I may add that the practice is successful. On no occasion 

 have I witnessed any remarkable popular remedies or 

 superstitious practices. These, with other peculiarities, 

 are fast wearing away. 



Among the most fatal diseases in this country, are acute 

 pulmonary inflammations. Bleeding is here also performed 

 by the natives, but in so insufficient a manner as not to 

 check the progress of violent cases, of which the fatal 

 terminations are but too frequent, however occasionally 

 protracted. Consumption is by no means prevalent, 



