94 THE NATURAL HISTORY 



so engaging to the imagination when described and exhibited 

 in a lively manner : such a work would be well received. 



As I have seen no modern map of Scotland, I cannot 

 pretend to say how accurate or particular any such may be; 

 but this I know, that the best old maps of that kingdom 

 are very defective. 



The great obvious defect that I have remarked in all 

 maps of Scotland that have fallen in my way is, a want of 

 a coloured line, or stroke, that shall exactly define the just 

 limits of that district called The Highlands. Moreover, all 

 the great avenues to that mountainous and romantic country 

 want to be well distinguished. The military roads formed by 

 general Wade are so great and Roman-like an undertaking 

 that they well merit attention. My old map, Moll's Map, 

 takes noticeof Fort William; but could notmention theother 

 forts that have been erected long since : therefore a good 

 representation of the chain of forts should not be omitted. 



The celebrated zigzag up the Coryarich must not be 

 passed over. MoU takes notice of Hamilton and Drum- 

 lanrig, and such capital houses ; but a new survey, no 

 doubt, should represent every seat and castle remarkable 

 for any great event, or celebrated for its paintings, etc. 

 Lord Breadalbane's seat and beautifiil policy are too curious 

 and extraordinary to be omitted. 



The seat of the Earl of Eglintoun, near Glasgow, is 

 worthy of notice. The pine plantations of that nobleman 

 are very grand and extensive indeed. 



I am, etc. 



LETTER XLIII 



TO THOMAS PENNANT, ESQUIRE 



Dear Sir, 

 A PAIR of honey-buzzards, buteo apivorus, sive vespivorus 

 Rail, built them a large shallow nest, composed of twigs 



