2 - . INTRODUCTION. 



unaltered. The piles and timber used to strengthen the east 

 bank from the floods might be the same as far as their appear- 

 ance went. 



The pleasure in visiting these well-remembered scenes was 

 greatly increased by the interest my youngest daughter, who 

 accompanied me, took in the river, the birds, and rny relating 

 boyish adventures at certain spots. We found a common sand- 

 piper's nest with five eggs close to the river, where any ordinary 

 flood would have washed it away. 



As we walked along the raised embankment, redshanks and 

 peewits kept flying close to our heads, uttering anxious notes of 

 warning to their young. The cornfields, where wild geese were 

 formerly so fond of feeding, are now divided by wire instead of 

 stone walls a gain, no doubt, in surface cultivation. 



The bank all round the bay, protecting the land from being 

 inundated at very high tides, is exactly as it used to be. It runs 

 up to the Torres Burn and follows its bank some distance towards 

 the town. 



" Invererne " remains intact. The same iron gates at the 

 beginning of the long entrance drive still do duty. The garden 

 has many of the old fruit-trees in it, which might be replaced 

 to advantage. The farm buildings, with its " Doo " cot, seem in 

 as good condition as of old. 



The number of birds, waders and others, that were enjoying 

 themselves round the low grassy sward between the sea wall and 

 the water spoke well for the consideration and protection they 

 must enjoy. 



Nairn and its immediate neighbourhood has changed more 

 than any of its adjacent towns. Elgin has certainly increased, 

 but the country all round remains as of old. 



Scotch farming in those days was so forward and good, 

 little improvement could be expected. The substitution of wire 

 for wall fencing was the only difference that struck me. Whisky 

 distilleries are far more numerous, springing up from heather- 

 covered spots where grouse and other game used to be common. 

 The streams by which these numerous (I presume successful) 



