

i 

 SANDY ISLE. DISEASES OF THE HIGHLANDS. 469 



although instances of it occur in cases where the scro- 

 fulous habits, not very uncommon in this country, have 

 been called into action. The diseases consequent on 

 scrofula take place here in the dark temperament equally 

 as in the sanguine ; doubtless in consequence of the insuf- 

 ficient food of the labouring community ; a circumstance 

 always ready to excite its dormant energies where they 

 might not otherwise appear. 



It might be expected that chronic rheumatism would 

 be common in a climate so moist, and among a people 

 to whom rain seems a matter of indifference ; since they 

 will not often seek shelter from it, even when in their power. 

 This however is not the case, nor have I observed that 

 rheumatism in its other modifications is more prevalent 

 than in the low country. 



Intermittents are not known; nor are the autumnal 

 diseases in general to be found where the season itself 

 cannot be said to exist. 



I know not that there is any thing worthy of notice 

 respecting the eruptive epidemics. Disorders of this 

 class are not readily propagated far among a scattered 

 population: but for the honour of the country I must 

 remark, that vaccination is almost every where anxiously 

 sought after, notwithstanding the imputed fatalism of 

 the Scottish presbyterians. 



The sibbens is unfortunately too well known as an 

 endemic in the Highlands, but like other contagions 

 which require intimate contact for their propagation, it 

 is still limited to particular districts. Among the islands 

 it scarcely occurs, except in Isla, where least of all it 

 would be expected ; since the inhabitants of that island 

 have advanced considerably beyond their neighbours in 

 improvement. With respect to cutaneous affections it 

 may safely be said that the supposed opprobrium of 

 the country has vanished. 



The extreme prevalence of dyspepsia is perhaps the 

 most characteristic circumstance in the whole catalogue 



