xlii 
LIFE OF WILSON. 
fidently trusted that he would rejoice in the opportunity of 
making the world better acquainted with a man whose works 
show such a minute and intimate knowledge of these sub- 
jects; and from whom he had received so much information. 
But no — not even the slightest allusion, lest posterity might 
discover that there existed, at this time, in the United States, a 
naturalist of information superior to his. My dear sir, I am a 
Scotchman, and don’t love my friends with that cold selfish 
prudence which I see in some; and if I offend in thus speaking 
from the fulness of my heart, I know you will forgive me. 
“Pinkerton has, indeed, furnished us with many curious 
particulars unknown, or, at least, unnoticed, by all former geo- 
graphers; and also with other items long since exploded as fa- 
bulous and ridiculous; such is his account of the Upas or poi- 
sonous tree; and of children having been lost in some of our 
American swamps, and of being seen many years afterwards, 
in a wild savage state! But he very gravely tells his readers 
that the people of Scotland eat little or no pork from a prejudice 
which they entertain against swine, the Devil having taken 
possession of some of them two thousand years ago ! What an 
enlightened people these Scots must be; and what a delicate 
taste they must be possessed of! Yet I have traversed nearly 
three-fourths of that country, and mixed much with the com- 
mon people, and never heard of such an objection before. Had 
the learned author told his readers that, until late years, Scot- 
land, though abounding in rich pastures, even to its mountain 
tops, was yet but poorly productive in grain, fruit, &c. the usu- 
al food of hogs, and that on this account innumerable herds of 
sheep, horses and cattle were raised, and but very little pork, 
he would then have stated the simple facts; and not subjected 
himself to the laughter of every native of that part of Britain. 
“ As to the pretended antipathy of the Scots to eels, because 
they resemble snakes, it is equally ridiculous and improbable; 
ninety-nine out of a hundred of the natives never saw a snake 
in their lives. The fact is, it is as usual to eat eels in Scotland, 
where they can be got, as it is in America; and although I have 
