TRAVELLERS' ACCOUNTS. 507 



The brochs, the Callernish and other stones with the 

 traditions attached to them, are all mentioned and it is 

 here interesting to observe that even in those days, certain 

 Lewismen held the theory that some of the standing 

 stones, like the Thrushel at Barvas, were merely monu- 

 ments erected to persons of note who had been killed in 

 battle. The caves of the island the home of the seals 

 and otters receive attention, especially the large cave at 

 Gress. Seal-steaks, as well as whale-steaks, were relished 

 by the people. 



Cows, horses, sheep, goats, and hogs, formed the stock of 

 the islanders. The beef was small but tender ; the horses 

 were small but hardy. The horses had to feed on seaware 

 in spring, and in a hard winter, the deer had to do likewise. 

 There were no trees in the island, except about a hundred 

 young birches and hazels on the south-west side of Storno- 

 way. 



Martin waxes almost enthusiastic over the physical per- 

 fection of the Lewismen ; but he has nothing to say about 

 the beauty of the women. " Well proportioned ; free from 

 any bodily imperfections ; of a good stature ; healthful, 

 strong-bodied, and long-living " ; such is his certificate. 

 He mentions that Mr. Daniel Morison father of John 

 Morison of Bragar had died lately in his 86th year, not 

 a superlatively great age from a Lewisman's point of view. 

 There were no epidemics, except a rare visit of smallpox 

 which swept away many children. Other diseases of 

 common occurrence are named, with their respective cures, 

 the whole forming a pathological study of some interest. 

 The mental, as well as the physical qualities of the Lewis- 

 men are favourably commented upon. They were in- 

 genious and quick, excellent mechanics, and still more 

 excellent poets, their improvisations having the merit of 

 being composed " without the assistance of any stronger 

 liquor than water to raise their fancy " ; a remark which 

 suggests that other bards with whom Martin had come in 

 contact, owed their inspiration to usquebaugh rather than 

 to natural gifts. They were also great lovers of music : 



