ST. KILDA. HIGHLAND MUSIC. 33 



imposture, or of a piece of supernatural philosophy, be 

 punished or rewarded. In either case the public atten- 

 tion is directed towards the object ; whether by the burn- 

 ing of the witch, or by the flattering distinction which 

 attended the Highland seer. When witches were no 

 longer burnt, witchcraft disappeared: since the second 

 sight has been limited to a doting old woman or a hypo- 

 chondriacal tailor, it has become a subject for ridicule ; 

 and, in matters of this nature, ridicule is death. 



AMONG other subjects which do not appear to have 

 stood the test of examination, St. Kilda has been cele- 

 brated for its music. That reputation, if it was ever well 

 founded, exists no longer; nor, at the time of my visit, 

 did it appear that there was either a bagpipe or a violin in 

 the island. The airs which are recorded as originating in 

 this place, are of a plaintive character; but they differ 

 in no respect from the innumerable ancient compositions 

 of this class which abound in the Highlands. Collections 

 of these have been formed by the musical antiquaries of 

 Scotland, although many still remain unrecorded; and 

 they deserve the study of those who may occupy or 

 amuse themselves in tracing the progress of this art. 

 They are interesting also in an historical view; as they 

 appear to be the true origin of that peculiar style of 

 melody for which Scotland is celebrated, and concern- 

 ing which so much has been said and written. 



In examining the Highland airs of acknowledged anti- 

 quity, as well as those of more modern date which have 

 not deviated from the ancient model, they are found 

 distinguished chiefly into two classes. The pibrach is 

 of an extremely irregular character, being without time 

 or accent; and often, scarcely containing a determined 

 melody. On this basis, such as it is, are engrafted a train 

 of variations ; gradually rising in difficulty of execution, 

 but presenting no character ; as they consist of a series 



VOL. II. I) 



