CH. II. INN AT SCOWRIE, 25 



of numbers of otters. There seems a great scarcity 

 of birds of all kinds ; which is accounted for by the 

 number of marten and wild cats who live here, 

 amongst the great and nearly inaccessible masses of 

 rock, in the most perfectly undisturbed security. 

 Cuckoos, wheatears, and ring-ousels seemed to be 

 almost the only feathered inhabitants, with an occa- 

 sional pair of ravens or peregrine falcons. 



The inn at Scowrie, kept by a man of a most 

 un-Highland name, viz., " Tough," is excellent, and 

 most cleanly and comfortable did we find it, and the 

 people full of civility. Unluckily there were two 

 ship-loads of emigrants on the point of leaving a 

 harbour near Scowrie, and their friends were wishing 

 them a good voyage in many a bumper of whisky, with 

 the usual accompaniment of bagpipes and reels ; so 

 that what with their songs, their music, and the beat- 

 ing of their feet, as they danced under the inspira- 

 tion both of whisky and pipes, there M'as a tolerable 

 noise kept up till daylight. But mountain travelling, 

 and a feeling that it was impossible and unjust to 

 be angry with the poor fellows, enabled me soon 

 to sleep as comfortably as if all had been still. 



At daylight, according to appointment, I started 

 with Mr. Dunbar in the boat, but drawn by a small 

 Highland pony whose services we had engaged, for 

 the purpose of getting to the nest of the " Eagle 



VOL. I. C 



