50 TOUR IN SUTHERLAND. CII. IV. 



birds of all kinds ; whilst the eoo of the woodpigeon, 

 and the shrill cry of the kestrel as she hovered 

 with quivering wings over our heads, combined to 

 please the eye and ear. 



We were rather amused with the truly English 

 detemiination which was shown by a gentleman (who, 

 like ourselves, was admiring the falls) not to enter 

 into convei-siition, or indeed to admit that he was 

 aware of our presence. Perched on the extreme 

 point of rock overlooking the falls, for above half an 

 hour he turned liis back most resolutely towards us, 

 as we sat immediately behind him. 



It is part of the nature of Englishmen to look 

 upon all strangers as intruders, if not as enemies ; 

 and yet many a pleasant acquaintance and friend- 

 ship have I formed without any formal introduction, 

 being, I am happy to say, un-English enough not 

 to be afraid of committing myself or of losing caste 

 by addressing a stranger. Throughout life I always 

 find that civility is met by civility, wherever it may 

 be bestowed. At the same time nothing is easier 

 than to put a stop to impertinence, should one meet 

 with it. 



En route to Lairg I called on Mr. Young, who 

 is manager of the Duke of Sutherland's fisheries in 

 the county. He received me with great civility, 

 and kindly gave me much curious and interesting 



