XX11 AN ACCOUNT OF THE 



and often took the threshing-flail out of my hands, 

 and worked himself, while I sat by him in the 

 barn, busy with my compasses, ruler, and pen. 



When I had finished the copy, I asked leave to 

 carry home the map : he told me I was at liber- 

 ty to do so, and might stay two hours to converse 

 with the minister. In my way thither, I happened 

 to pass by the school at which I had been before, 

 and saw a genteel-looking man (whose name I 

 afterwards learned was Cantley) painting a sun-dial 

 on the wall. I stopped awhile to observe him, 

 and the school-master came out, and asked me 

 what parcel it was that I had under my arm. 1 

 I shewed him the map, and the copy I had made 

 of it, wherewith he appeared to be very well 

 pleased, and asked me whether I should not like 

 to learn of Mr. Cantley to make sun-dials. Mr. 

 Cantley looked at the copy of the map, and com- 

 mended it much ; telling the school-master (Mr. 

 John Skinner) that it was a pity I did not meet 

 with notice and encouragement. I had a good 

 deal of conversation with him, and found him to 

 be quite affable and communicative ; which made 

 me think I should be extremely happy if I could 

 be further aquainted with him. 



I then proceeded with the map to the minister, 

 and shewed him the copy of it. While we were 

 conversing together, a neighbouring gentleman, 

 Thomas Grant, Esq. of Achoynaney, happened to 

 come in ; and the minister immediately introduced 

 me to him, shewing him what I had done. He ex 



