THE HIGHLANDS. 143 



with young James M'Nicol, brother to Miss M'Nicol, and fished 

 some moor farms about eight miles off; sport but moderate ; 

 fatigue great ; slept like a top. On Thursday I dined with Mr. 

 M'Gibbon, the clergyman, who lives in that nice place beyond the 

 wooden bridge. Passed a most social evening, and stayed all night. 

 On Friday I went to another class of moor farms, about eight miles 

 from the wooden bridge, along with young Mr. Bell ; had very bad 

 sport indeed ; separated from him by chance, and after wandering 

 among the hills for hours, got to the wooden bridge about ten at 

 night. Found Miss Giles Bell and her sister returned ; got supper, 

 and in several hours their brother arrived in despair, thinking I was 

 drowned. On Saturday morning returned to Inverary and packed 

 up. Found a gig going to Dalmally which carried me snugly to 

 Achlian, where I found all the worthy inhabitants well. On Sun- 

 day, crossed the Loch to Hayfield, and dined with Mr. M'Neill, of 

 that place.* In the evening a most terrific thunder-storm. 



" To-day fished in Loch Awe ; bad day ; killed only one dozen, 

 and returned to dinner ; hitherto my sport has been but poorish. I 

 feel unaccountably lazy, and doubt if I shall go to R.-mnoch at all. 



"I am quite well, but more fatigued than you can imagine, so my 

 letter is but shortish. 



" Immediately on getting this, write me to Achlian, by Inverary, 

 and send Barton's letter. Let thine be put into the Post-office be- 

 fore seven o'clock in the evening. You will please me by not going 

 on board the ' Ramillies' till I return. But I do not countermand 

 you, nor will I be the least angry if you do go. Bless the small 

 creatures. Everlastingly yours, J. Wilson." 



"Achlian, August 2, 1S16. 

 "My deakest Jane : — Since I last wrote you I have been where 

 there are no posts or post-offices, and till to-day have had no oppor- 

 tunity of sending you a letter. I suppose you are incensed, and so 

 am I. Your letters have reached me safely, but not Barton's, which 

 I have never seen. Therefore hope you have forgotten to send it 

 to the post ; if you have, keep it till I see thee. I have been over 

 the moor of Rannoch, in Glencoe, and other glens near it; at the 

 foot of Loch Ericht, and the country round Loch Treig ; I have 



* "My poor dear old friend M'Neill, of Hayfield. God rest his soul! It is in heaven. At 

 ninety he was as lifeful as a boy at nineteen." Noctes. 



