212 ARDENMOHR. 



occupations, do they not feel as much interest as 

 others do in what the world may consider things 

 of greater moment, and affairs of dignity or diplo- 

 macy. Withal, the rural Celt hath little care, and, 

 sooth to say, little grinding toil. 



There is poverty sometimes amongst these country 

 folks, but seldom destitution. Poverty in rural 

 districts does not carry the sad meaning it has in 

 towns, nor do the very poorest ever know an 

 approach to the squalid wretchedness so miserably 

 common in large cities. Moreover, the Highland 

 cottar is generally healthy and enjoys long life. 

 Even the very aged seldom take to their beds, but 

 in summer they potter about their doors or sit in the 

 sunshine, and in winter smoke their pipe by the turf 

 fire. At last they die easily, and are laid in the kirk- 

 yard. 



I like to see those homely folks as they gather about 

 the little church, near the graves of their grandsires 

 and friends. All about the scene appears so natural 

 to their state and condition. I like to hear the 

 tuneless ding-dong sounding from the belfry, and to 

 look at the parishioners standing by the grey, moss- 

 grown tombstones, while the sun is shining brightly 

 on the fair face of nature, and the light breeze gently 



