ST. KILPA. GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 31 



and more recent naturalists have not added any to 

 his list. 



Here, as elsewhere, the ancient popular superstitions 

 seem to have disappeared ; that of the power of an evil 

 eye, the only existing one, is equally common even in 

 the Lowlands to this day. From increase of civilization, 

 it is probable that they are now equally forgotten every 

 where throughout the country. In truth there appears 

 no difference between the present inhabitants of St. Kilda 

 and those of the neighbouring islands. At the time that 

 Martin wrote, the manners of the islands in general were 

 far different from what they are at present.* Had these 

 people remained stationary while the others were ad- 

 vancing, there would indeed have been now an essential 

 difference ; but while Martin's book continues the standard 

 of our judgment respecting them, they have sailed down 

 the stream with their neighbours, the anchor alone remain- 

 ing to indicate where the vessel once lay. 



One popular notion among the natives of St. Kilda 

 has excited much curiosity, and can name adherents even 

 to the present day : assuredly if testimony were always 

 a sufficient ground for belief, it would be difficult to refuse 

 our assent. That Dr. Johnson declared his belief in it, 



* Of the changes in Highland manners none are more remarkable 

 than the peaceful conduct which has succeeded to the ancient turbulent 

 habits ; which extended even to meetings of business and of festivity. 

 The feast of knives is well known. The principle of pugnacity is not 

 however absolutely dead. 



When in Sky, there was a sermon in the churchyard, and the usual 

 conversations succeeded. In the midst of these, one man marked out 

 the place of his future grave. As the example spread, it soon proved 

 that the space was insufficient for the claimants, or that the choice of 

 one was an object of envy to another. A regular battle ensued, the 

 combatants doubtless forgetting the very undesirable title by which alone 

 possession could be secured. In the days of the Claymore and Skian, 

 there is little doubt that some of the disputants would have secured their 

 rights to this visionary freehold. Nations have been sometimes accused of 

 warring for imaginary objects; not often for any of so little satisfaction 

 to the victor. 



