diff options
Diffstat (limited to 'old')
| -rw-r--r-- | old/69592-0.txt | 5502 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/69592-0.zip | bin | 123412 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/69592-h.zip | bin | 1529759 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/69592-h/69592-h.htm | 7864 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/69592-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 1068522 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/69592-h/images/coversmall.jpg | bin | 261866 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/69592-h/images/i_frontis.jpg | bin | 73034 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/69592-h/images/i_title.jpg | bin | 68284 -> 0 bytes |
8 files changed, 0 insertions, 13366 deletions
diff --git a/old/69592-0.txt b/old/69592-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index e4a6c00..0000000 --- a/old/69592-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5502 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of The popular superstitions and festive -amusements of the Highlanders of Scotland, by William Grant Stewart - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: The popular superstitions and festive amusements of the - Highlanders of Scotland - -Author: William Grant Stewart - -Release Date: December 20, 2022 [eBook #69592] - -Language: English - -Produced by: deaurider, David E. Brown, and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was - produced from images generously made available by The - Internet Archive) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE POPULAR SUPERSTITIONS AND -FESTIVE AMUSEMENTS OF THE HIGHLANDERS OF SCOTLAND *** - - -[Illustration] - - - - - THE - POPULAR - SUPERSTITIONS - AND - FESTIVE AMUSEMENTS - OF THE - HIGHLANDERS OF SCOTLAND. - - BY - WILLIAM GRANT STEWART. - - NEW EDITION. - - “Of Brownyis and of Bogilis full is this Beuk.” - - _Gawin Douglas._ - - - LONDON: - AYLOTT AND JONES, 8, PATERNOSTER, ROW. - - EDINBURGH: OLIVER AND BOYD. GLASGOW: - MUCKLEHOSE. DUBLIN: M^cGLASHAN. INVERNESS: - SMITH DOUGLAS. ELGIN: RUSSELL. - - - - - LONDON: - JOHN KING, PRINTER, 120, FLEET STREET. - - - - -TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE - -THE COUNTESS OF SEAFIELD. - - -This new Edition of the Popular Superstitions and Festive Amusements of -the Highlanders of Scotland is humbly and appropriately dedicated:--as -being the Lady Patroness of the Brave and Intelligent Highlanders of -Strathspey, and its Tributaries, into whom her Ladyship’s genuine -benevolence and condescension have infused the most devoted attachment, - - By her Ladyship’s - - Grateful humble servant, - - THE AUTHOR. - - Viewville, Glen Urquhart, - June, 1851. - - - - -ADVERTISEMENT. - - -A new and revised Edition of the following Treatise on the -superstitions and amusements of the Highlanders, which was very -favourably received by the Public on its original publication, has -often been called for; but the Author’s urgent professional avocations -did not permit of earlier attention to the matter. At the request of -many friends and countrymen, the Author has now, however, been induced -to reprint the present Edition, in order to record more fully the -fast-fading Tales and Traditions which lately formed, and still to a -certain extent form, the Winter’s Evening Entertainments of the happy -Highland Homes. - - _Viewville, Glen Urquhart, - July, 1851._ - - - - -PREFACE. - - -No part of the United Kingdom has of late years attracted a greater -portion of public attention than the Highlands of Scotland. Formerly -isolated as the inhabitants were from their fellow subjects, by a -different language and separate interests, their character was but -little known and less admired. Devoted to their chiefs and feudal -institutions, they entertained a sovereign contempt for their -neighbours; and, in their occasional intercourse with them, displayed -feelings and manners little calculated to gain confidence or secure -esteem. - -But when the Rebellion in 1745, and its consequences, nearly -annihilated feudal power, and broke down the wall of partition, by -which the mountaineer was so long divided from the inhabitant of -the plain, a new light was reflected upon his manners and habits. -The gradual establishment of commercial and friendly relations with -the inhabitants of other countries, accelerated the decay of mutual -prejudices; and the virtues of the Highlander, which were previously -reserved for home consumption, were now duly appreciated by the -world. He no longer appeared the rude and unprincipled depredator, -but the generous and disinterested character, whose romantic and -chivalrous habits were rendered peculiarly interesting, as the remains -of those boldly defined virtues which distinguished our primitive -ancestors. Accordingly, the genius of the age became speedily alive to -the importance of so novel and interesting a character. Shaping its -course to the Highland mountains, it discovered among their unexplored -recesses, those plentiful materials, on which are founded some of the -most splendid works which adorn the circle of British literature. - -Nor have all those superstructures yet exhausted so fertile a mine. -Notwithstanding all the research that has been employed in tracing -the origin, and delineating the manners of the inhabitants, and the -many ingenious descriptions we have had of their local scenery, there -are still many hidden treasures left for discovery, which presently -languish in obscurity. This observation applies with great truth to -those more remote and romantic regions, which, from their secluded -situations, had been long inaccessible to the approach of learning and -genius; and where the native inhabitants, from want of intercourse -with their more refined and effeminate countrymen, are the true -representatives of our ancient forefathers in their various feelings -and habits. - -Of the manners and character of this noble and poetic race of -mountaineers, little was known further than what may be collected from -the manners of their contemporaries, in more accessible parts of the -country. The great defect which especially exists in the delineation of -the Highlander’s superstitions, becomes peculiarly apparent to one, who -had an opportunity of investigating those relics of the less polished -ages of the world, as they are still exhibited in the habits of the -people of whom we are writing. Many of the more prominent and common -features of this branch of our national peculiarities have, indeed, -been long ago celebrated by the pens of the immortal Burns, Ramsay, Sir -Walter Scott, and others of less note, while much light has been thrown -on the general character of the Scottish Highlander, by the ingenious -Mrs. Grant of Laggan, and the gallant General Stewart of Garth; but -the more interesting and latent peculiarities have been left to expire -in the dark. The want of a complete and systematic account of the -Highland and Scottish Superstitions, is a desideratum in our national -literature, which the philosophic mind will readily regret; and this -regret will be the more sincere on reflecting, that, from the fading -aspects those interesting relics have now assumed, it is a desideratum -which, in the course of a few years, cannot be supplied. The decline -of popular romance is keeping pace with the progress of knowledge and -civilization,--which, as they illumine the unenlightened mind, open -it to the folly of its prejudices; and thus the time is hastening its -approach, when the natives of our remotest glens shall be no longer -inspired with reverence for the fairy turret, nor shall their social -circle be contracted by the frightful tale. - -Far be it, however, from the writer of these pages to wish the reign -of superstition prolonged. But, while he would hail with delight, -the total extirpation of every prejudice tending to enslave the -mental energy of the noble Gael, he would as ardently desire their -perpetuation on the page of history, as his ancient peculiarities. -Divested as they will soon be of their formidable character, we would -preserve them as the most ancient relics we could transmit to our -posterity, to whom, in the course of a few centuries, they may appear -as preposterous and incredible, as the Poems of Ossian do now to the -more sceptical part of the present generation. - -It was not, however, the writer’s conviction of the utility of such a -work as this alone, that induced him to undertake a task for which, he -is afraid, he will be found to have been ill qualified. A considerable -time ago, and at a very early period of life, an impaired state of -health rendered it necessary for him to abandon his professional -labours for a time, and to retire from the metropolis to the place of -his nativity. The lassitude of mind consequent on a total remission -from all employment, induced him to seek some rational source of -amusement; and the idea of investigating the opinions and customs -of his countrymen, was suggested to him by various circumstances, -as likely to afford instruction as well as entertainment. His -opportunities were most ample, and his task of course, comparatively -easy. Surrounded by the most original, brave, and ingenious class of -Highlanders existing, and possessing considerable knowledge of their -language and manners, the writer found it no difficult matter to become -completely acquainted with their prejudices and habits. By visiting -the most celebrated professors of traditional lore in the district, -he speedily acquired not only a fundamental knowledge of the reigning -principles of superstition but likewise an inexhaustible store of tales -and traditions. And by mingling occasionally with the peasantry in -their public and private festivities, he was enabled, from personal -observation, to draw faithful portraits of those scenes of mirth and -festivity, for which the inhabitants are so eminently distinguished. -The result of his observations afforded him so much satisfaction that -he thought it worth while from time to time, to commit the particulars -to paper,--not with the view of urging them on the public, but for his -own private amusement. But the increasing avidity with which traits -of the Highland Superstitions have been received as developed in the -tales of the day, suggested to him the idea of submitting his gleanings -to the public, in the form of a detailed account of the Superstitions -and Festivities of the Highlanders of Scotland; and he hopes, however -defective may be its execution, the design is not altogether unworthy -of public patronage. - -To arrange his gleanings in a connected and systematic order, was an -undertaking far more tedious than the collection of them. The traits of -Highland superstition are of so various and heterogeneous a character, -that it appeared almost wholly impracticable to connect and digest them -into the form of a connected narrative; and yet in any other shape -they would necessarily loose much of the interest which they possess -in their present form. Sensible of this he has endeavoured to the best -of his ability, to arrange the different traits under their proper -heads, in the most systematic and connected manner practicable, without -introducing extraneous matter, which would not only destroy the native -complexion of the subject, but also swell the limits of the work. By -excluding solemn dissertation from such ludicrous relations as the -following, he has been enabled to compress many particulars into little -space, while his delineations possess a greater degree of truth and -fidelity. To illustrate the various traits set forth, the writer has -interspersed his delineations with a collection of the most popular -tales of the day. These tales, whether they be the creation of the -imagination, or the offspring of the credulity of their own original -authors, cannot now fail to interest the philosopher or the antiquary, -while they may amuse the less profound. For, utterly destitute of all -probability, and broadly ludicrous as they may appear to the polished -reader, they are, nevertheless, those interesting channels, by which -the feelings and habits of our earliest forefathers have been kept -alive and transmitted down, through so many changeful ages, to their -posterity of the present day. - -The length of those primitive relations is necessarily much abridged, -but a strict regard has been had to their original style and -phraseology. The language is almost entirely borrowed from the mouth -of the Highland narrator, and translated, it is hoped, in a manner so -simple and unvarnished, as to be perfectly intelligible to the capacity -of the peasant, for whose fire-side entertainment this little volume -may, perhaps, be peculiarly adapted. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - Page. - - PART I.--GHOSTS - - CHAP. 1.--Of the Highland Ghosts in General 1 - - 2.--Of the Ghost in his co-existent State--His - personal Similitudes and Habits 10 - - 3.--Of the Ghost in his Intermediate State--His - Similitudes and Habits 18 - - 4.--Of the Ghost in his Post-existent State 24 - Safeguards from Ghosts 34 - - - PART II.--FAIRIES 37 - - CHAP. 1.--Origin and Genealogy of the Fairies 39 - - 2.--Similitude of the Fairy 43 - - 3.--Of the Fairies as a Community--Their - Political Principles and Ingenious - Habits 49 - - 4.--Of their Domestic Economy and Festive - Habits 61 - - 5.--Of the Passions and Propensities of - the Fairies 69 - - 6.--Of the Fairy’s Embezzling and Criminal - Propensities 73 - - - PART III.--BROWNIES 93 - - PART IV.--WATER-KELPIES 99 - - PART V.--SPUNKIES 109 - - PART VI.--WITCHCRAFT 113 - - CHAP. 1.--Origin and History of Witchcraft 115 - - 2.--Of the Agents, Qualifications, and - Ceremonies of their Constitution 118 - - 3.--Of the Personal Similitude of the - Agents or Members of the Craft 125 - - 4.--Of their Professional Powers and - Practices 127 - - 5.--Of the Witch’s Powers of Transformation 141 - - 6.--Safeguards from Witchcraft 145 - - - PART VII.--HIGHLAND FESTIVE AMUSEMENTS 157 - - Hallowe’en 159 - - Christmas 165 - - New-Year’s Eve 172 - - Fasten’s Eve 178 - - Beltane Eve 180 - - Christenings 183 - - Weddings 186 - - Wakes 195 - - Funerals 197 - - - - -THE - -HIGHLAND SUPERSTITIONS. - - - - -PART I. - - “The gleaming path of the steel winds through the gloomy ghost. The - form fell shapeless into air, like a column of smoke which the staff - of the boy disturbs as it rises from the half-extinguished furnace.” - - OSSIAN. - - - - - -THE - -HIGHLAND SUPERSTITIONS. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -OF THE HIGHLAND GHOSTS IN GENERAL. - - -Of whatever country, station, or character the reader may be, we -presume it will be unnecessary for us, on this our outset, to intrude -upon his time by entering into a logical definition of the term -_Ghost_. There is perhaps no nation or clime, from California to -Japan, where that very ancient and fantastic race of beings called -Ghosts is not, under different terms and different characters, more or -less familiar to the inhabitants. We do not mean, however, to follow -this fleeting race of patriarchs throughout their wide course of -wandering and colonisation from the beginning of time to the present -day--as, in all likelihood, our research would turn out equally arduous -and unprofitable; we confine our lucubrations to the colony of the -tribe which, from time immemorial, have settled themselves among the -inhabitants of the Highland Mountains. - -Be it known then to the reader, that, so early as the days of Ossian, -the son of Fingal, and ever since, ghosts have been at all times -a plentiful commodity among the hills of Caledonia. Every native -Highlander has allied to him, from his birth, one of those airy -beings in the character of an auxiliary or helpmate, who continues -his companion, not only during all the days of the Highlander’s life, -but also for an indefinite period of time after his decease. It will -be readily believed that this ancient class of our mountaineers -cannot have descended through so many changeful ages of the world -without sharing, in some measure, those revolutions of manners and -habits to which all classes and communities of people are equally -liable. Accordingly the ghost has suffered as great a degeneracy -from that majesty of person and chivalry of habits which anciently -distinguished the primitive inhabitants of Caledonia, as his mortal -contemporary, man. Unlike the present puny, green, worm-eaten effigies -that now-a-days stalk about our premises, and, like the cameleon, feed -upon the air, the ancient race of Highland ghosts were a set of stout, -lusty, sociable ghosts, “_as tall as a pine, and as broad as a house_.” -Differing widely in his habits from those of his posterity, the ghost -of antiquity would enter the habitation of man, descant a lee-long -night upon the news of the times, until the long-wished-for supper was -once prepared, when this pattern of frankness and good living would -invite himself to the table, and do as much justice to a bicker of -Highland crowdie as his earthly contemporaries. Indeed, if all tales be -true, many centuries are not elapsed since those social practices of -the ghosts of the day proved an eminent pest to society. With voracious -appetites, those greedy gormandizers were in the habit of visiting the -humble hamlets, where superabundance of store seldom resided, and of -ravishing from the grasp of a starving progeny the meagre fare allotted -to their support. - -Beyond their personal attractions, however, it is believed they -displayed few enviable qualities; for, besides their continual -depredations on the goods and chattels of the adjacent hamlets, they -were ill-natured and cruel, and cared not a spittle for woman or child. -The truth of this remark is well exemplified in the history of two -celebrated ghosts, who “_once upon a time_” lived, or rather existed, -in the Wilds of _Craig-Aulnaic_, a romantic place in the district of -Strathdown, Banffshire. The one was a male, and the other a female. The -male was called _Fhua Mhoir Bein Baynac_, after one of the mountains -of Glenavon, where at one time he resided; and the female was called -_Clashnichd Aulnaic_, from her having had her abode in _Craig-Aulnaic_. -But, although the great ghost of _Ben-Baynac_ was bound, by the -common ties of nature and of honour, to protect and cherish his -weaker companion, _Clashnichd Aulnaic_, yet he often treated her in -the most cruel and unfeeling manner. In the dead of night, when the -surrounding hamlets were buried in deep repose, and when nothing else -disturbed the solemn stillness of the midnight scene, “oft,” says our -narrator, “would the shrill shrieks of poor _Clashnichd_ burst upon the -slumberer’s ears, and awake him to any thing but pleasant reflections.” - -But of all those who were incommoded by the noisy and unseemly quarrels -of these two ghosts, James _Owre_ or Gray, the tenant of the farm of -Balbig of Delnabo, was the greatest sufferer. From the proximity of his -abode to their haunts, it was the misfortune of himself and family to -be the nightly audience of _Clashnichd’s_ cries and lamentations, which -they considered any thing but agreeable entertainment. - -One day, as James Gray was on his rounds looking after his sheep, he -happened to fall in with _Clashnichd_, the Ghost of Aulnaic, with whom -he entered into a long conversation. In the course of this conversation -he took occasion to remonstrate with her on the very disagreeable -disturbance she caused himself and family, by her wild and unearthly -cries,--cries which, he said, few mortals could relish in the dreary -hours of midnight. Poor _Clashnichd_, by way of apology for her -conduct, gave James Gray a sad account of her usage, detailing at full -length the series of cruelties committed upon her by _Ben-Baynac_. From -this account, it appeared that her cohabitation with the latter was -by no means a matter of choice with _Clashnichd_; on the contrary, it -appeared that she had, for a long time, led a life of celibacy with -much comfort, residing in a snug dwelling, as already mentioned, in the -wilds of Craig-Aulnaic; but _Ben-Baynac_ having unfortunately taken -it into his head to pay her a visit, he took a fancy, not to herself, -but her dwelling, of which, in his own name and authority, he took -immediate possession, and soon after expelled poor _Clashnichd_, with -many stripes, from her natural inheritance; while, not satisfied with -invading and depriving her of her just rights, he was in the habit of -following her into her private haunts, not with the view of offering -her any endearments, but for the purpose of inflicting on her person -every degrading torment which his brain could invent. - -Such a moving relation could not fail to affect the generous heart -of James Gray, who determined from that moment to risk life and limb -in order to vindicate the rights and revenge the wrongs of poor -_Clashnichd_ the Ghost of Craig-Aulnaic. He therefore took good care to -interrogate his new _protegé_ touching the nature of her oppressor’s -constitution, whether he was of that _killable_ species of ghost -that could be shot with a silver sixpence, or if there was any other -weapon that could possibly accomplish his annihilation. _Clashnichd_ -informed him that she had occasion to know that _Ben-Baynac_ was -wholly invulnerable to all the weapons of man, with the exception of -a large mole on his left breast, which was no doubt penetrable by -silver or steel; but that, from the specimens she had of his personal -prowess and strength, it were vain for mere man to attempt to combat -_Ben-Baynac_ the great ghost. Confiding, however, in his expertness as -an archer--for he was allowed to be the best marksman of his age--James -Gray told _Clashnichd_ he did not fear him with all his might,--that -_he_ was his man; and desired her, moreover, next time he chose to -repeat his incivilities to her, to apply to him, James Gray, for -redress. - -It was not long ere he had an opportunity of fulfilling his -promises. _Ben-Baynac_ having one night, in the want of better -amusement, entertained himself by inflicting an inhuman castigation -on _Clashnichd_, she lost no time in waiting on James Gray, with a -full and particular account of it. She found him smoking his _cutty_, -and unbuttoning his habiliments for bed; but, notwithstanding the -inconvenience of the hour, James needed no great persuasion to induce -him to proceed directly along with _Clashnichd_ to hold a communing -with their friend _Ben-Baynac_ the great ghost. _Clashnichd_ was a -stout sturdy hussey, who understood the knack of travelling much -better than _our_ women do. She expressed a wish that, for the sake of -expedition, James Gray would mount himself on her ample shoulders, a -motion to which the latter agreed; and a few minutes brought them close -to the scene of _Ben-Baynac’s_ residence. As they approached his haunt, -he came forth to meet them, with looks and gestures which did not at -all indicate a cordial welcome. It was a fine moonlight night, and they -could easily observe his actions. Poor _Clashnichd_ was now sorely -afraid of the great ghost. Apprehending instant destruction from his -fury, she exclaimed to James Gray that they would be both dead people, -and that immediately, unless James could hit with an arrow the mole -which covered _Ben-Baynac’s_ heart. This was not so difficult a task as -James had hitherto apprehended it. The mole was as large as a common -bonnet, and yet nowise disproportioned to the natural size of his body, -for he certainly was a great and a mighty ghost. _Ben-Baynac_ cried out -to James Gray, that he would soon make eagle’s-meat of him; and certain -it is, such was his intention, had not James Gray so effectually -stopped him from the execution of it. Raising his bow to his eye when -within a few yards of _Ben-Baynac_, he took an important aim; the -arrow flew--it hit--a yell from _Ben-Baynac_ announced its fatality. A -hideous howl re-echoed from the surrounding mountains, responsive to -the groans of a thousand ghosts; and _Ben-Baynac_, like the smoke of a -shot, evanished into air.[A] - -_Clashnichd_, the Ghost of Aulnaic, now found herself emancipated -from the most abject state of slavery, and restored to freedom and -liberty, through the invincible courage of James Gray. Overpowered -with gratitude, she fell at James Gray’s feet, and vowed to devote -the whole of her time and talents towards his service and prosperity. -Meanwhile, being anxious to have her remaining goods and furniture -removed to her former dwelling, whence she had been so iniquitously -expelled by _Ben-Baynac_ the great ghost, she requested of her new -master the use of his horses to remove them. James observing on the -adjacent hill a flock of deer, and wishing to have a trial of his new -servant’s sagacity or expertness, told her those were his horses,--she -was welcome to the use of them; desiring, when she had done with them, -that she would inclose them in his stable. _Clashnichd_ then proceeded -to make use of the horses, and James Gray returned home to enjoy his -night’s rest. - -Scarce had he reached his arm-chair, and reclined his cheek on -his hand, to ruminate over the bold adventure of the night, when -_Clashnichd_ entered, with her “breath in her throat,” and venting the -bitterest complaints at the unruliness of his horses, which had broken -one-half of her furniture, and caused more trouble in the stabling of -them than their services were worth. “Oh! they are stabled, then?” -inquired James Gray. _Clashnichd_ replied in the affirmative. “Very -well,” rejoined James, “they shall be tame enough to-morrow.” - -From this specimen of _Clashnichd_ the Ghost of Craig-Aulnaic’s -expertness, it will be seen what a valuable acquisition her service -proved to James Gray and his young family; of which, however, they were -too speedily deprived by a most unfortunate accident. From the sequel -of the story, and of which the foregoing is but an extract, it appears -that poor _Clashnichd_ was but too deeply addicted to those guzzling -propensities which at that time rendered her kin so obnoxious to their -human neighbours. She was consequently in the habit of visiting her -friends much oftener than she was invited, and, in the course of such -visits, was never very scrupulous in making free with any eatables that -fell within the circle of her observation. - -One day, while engaged on a foraging expedition of this description, -she happened to enter the Mill of Delnabo, which was inhabited in those -days by the miller’s family. She found the miller’s wife engaged in -roasting a large gridiron of fine savoury fish, the agreeable effluvia -proceeding from which perhaps occasioned her visit. With the usual -inquiries after the health of the miller and his family, _Clashnichd_ -proceeded, with the greatest familiarity and good humour, to make -herself comfortable at the expense of their entertainment. But the -miller’s wife, enraged at the loss of her fish, and not relishing such -unwelcome familiarity, punished the unfortunate _Clashnichd_ rather -too severely for her freedom. It happened that there was at the time -a large caldron of boiling water suspended over the fire, and this -caldron the beldam of a miller’s wife overturned in _Clashnichd’s_ -bosom! Scalded beyond recovery, she fled up the wilds of Craig-Aulnaic, -uttering the most melancholy lamentations, nor has she been ever since -heard of to the present day. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -OF THE GHOST IN HIS CO-EXISTENT STATE--HIS PERSONAL SIMILITUDES AND -HABITS. - - -Having, in the preceding chapter, endeavoured, as briefly as possible, -to throw some light upon the general character of the primitive race -of Highland ghosts in order to enable the reader to judge of the -difference of manners which distinguished them from the modern ghosts, -we shall now proceed to the consideration of the latter during the -interval betwixt the birth and the eve of the death of the mortal, and -which, for the sake of illustration, we shall call his co-existent -state. - -From the birth of the mortal to the eve of his death, the ghost, in -point of similitude, is a perfect counterpart or representative of his -earthly yoke-fellow. As the child grows towards manhood, his ghost -keeps pace with him, and so exactly do they resemble each other in the -features, complexions, and aspect, when seen by a third party, that, -without the use of prescribed spells, no human observer can distinguish -the mortal from the immortal. Nor is this resemblance confined to the -personal appearance alone--it is likewise extended to the habiliments. -Whether the mortal equips himself in the Highland garb or Lowland -costume, the imitative ghost instantly assumes the same attire. The -bonnet or the hat, the philibeg or the trews, are equally convenient -and agreeable to him; for in this solitary particular he has never been -known to dissent from his human partner. - -During this period the ghost is supposed either to accompany or -precede, at some distance, his human partner (of course invisible -to those not possessing the second-sight) in all those multifarious -journeys and duties which the mortal performs throughout the course -of his eventful life, and the moral utility of the ghost is supposed -to consist in propitiating the mortal’s undertakings by guarding them -from the influence of evil spirits. But, however this may be, it is a -well-known fact, that _all_ ghosts do not devote the whole of their -time to the discharge of this commendable duty. Common fame errs much -if those capricious beings do not love their own pleasures more than -their partner’s interest; and this their negligence is a subject of -still deeper regret, when we consider the nature of those practices in -which they employ their time. - -If the appetites of the modern ghost are better restrained than those -of his predecessors were in the “greedy times” we have written of, -the mischievous habits he has acquired in lieu of his predecessor’s -social accomplishments are to some far more calamitous than even -_Clashnichd’s_ practices. It is true, a dose of Highland crowdie would -but ill agree with the refined delicacy of the stomach of the former. -Such squeamish appetites must look out for more delicate and savoury -food. But if the modern ghost does not possess those keen digestive -powers which distinguished _Clashnichd_, he inherits all the ill -nature of _Ben-Baynac_, without one-third of his might; and we question -much if his regard for the fair sex is a bit more tender. - -Instead of being the peaceable and industrious associate of his -yoke-fellow, it is a common practice with the ghost of the present day -to prowl about the country with the laudable intention of committing -all the mischief in his power to the friends and acquaintances of -his partner. Planting himself in some wild and convenient position, -he will open on the ears of the slumbering inhabitants, or the more -unfortunate traveller, his wild and unearthly cries, highly gratified, -no doubt, at the paralyzing effect they produce on his audience. Of the -hideousness of these cries nothing short of auric demonstration can -convey an adequate conception. Partaking at once of all that is horrid -and unnatural, if any resemblance to them can be figured, we are told -it is the “expiring shrieks of a goat under the butcher’s knife, or the -howling of a dog in a solitary cavern.” Proportioned to the strength -of the ghost, the cry is loud or faint, and has something so peculiar -in it, that the least note never fails to give the hearer a temporary -palsy. - -But were his practices confined to those comparatively harmless -proceedings, the conduct of the ghost would be far less intolerable -than it is. His vocal entertainments, however hurtful they sometimes -prove to those unfortunate enough to hear them, are not sufficiently -iniquitous to satisfy the extent of his malice. Being, no doubt, well -disciplined in the noble and fashionable art of pugilism by long -experience and practice among his kindred species, never remarkable -for their social harmony, he is, perhaps, the best bruiser in the -universe, and will never be backward in showing those people who come -in his way his expertness in this science. As, however, the greatest -part of his human contemporaries are, perhaps, too _strikingly_ -convinced of his decided superiority, few of them are disposed to -hazard a _set-to_ with so pithy a combatant, and it is consequently no -easy matter for the ghost to fall in with those who are inclined to -fight merely for fighting’s sake. Finding, therefore, so few willing -to quarrel with him in that open and gentlemanlike manner usual in -those countries, the fertility of his noddle suggests to him the more -indirect or Irish mode of proceeding; and it is to this ingenious mode -of raising a row that the Modern Ghost owes the most of his laurels. -Presenting himself before the unsuspecting traveller in the servile -appearance of a scabbed colt, or some such equally contemptible animal, -he will in this guise place himself in the passenger’s way, as if to -graze by the road’s side. Raising his staff, the passenger will very -aptly apply it to the colt’s back to clear his way, when the malicious -animal will instantly retort, and a conflict ensues, in which the -unwary transgressor is severely punished for his indiscretion. - -In former times, however, and even in recent times, we have heard -of some instances where these wanton pugilists proceeded upon more -honourable and systematic principles than they do at present. Instead -of the dastardly mode of cajoling his adversary into a fight by -stratagem, and conquering him by surprise, the warlike bogle of the -last century carried about with him flails, cudgels, and such other -pithy weapons as were suitable to the spirit of the times,--and on his -meeting with a human adventurer who had no objection to become his -antagonist, his choice of weapons was left with the latter. Hence it -followed that this equitable and impartial mode of proceeding ended not -unfrequently to the ghost’s great disadvantage; for the _human_ bullies -of those days were so diligently trained up to the handling of a flail -or the wielding of a cudgel, that their ghostly combatants, with all -their might and dexterity, have often been the first to propose an -armistice. To multiply details of such encounters would be as tedious -as they are numerous and similar; a single narrative, communicated to -the compiler by the grand-nephew of the person concerned, will, we -suppose, be sufficient to confirm our statements. - -“Late one night, as my grand-uncle Lachlan _Dhu_ Macpherson, who was -well known as the best fiddler of his day, was returning home from a -ball, at which he had acted as a musician, he had occasion to pass -through the once haunted Bog of Torrans. Now, it happened at that time -that that Bog was frequented by a huge bogle or ghost, who was of a -most mischievous disposition, and took particular pleasure in abusing -every traveller who had occasion to pass through the place betwixt the -twilight at night and cock-crowing in the morning. Suspecting much that -he would also come in for a share of his abuse, my grand-uncle made up -his mind, in the course of his progress, to return him any _civilities_ -which he might think meet to offer him. On arriving on the spot, he -found his suspicions were too well grounded; for whom did he see but -the Ghost of Bogandoran, apparently ready waiting him, and seeming by -his ghastly grin not a little overjoyed at the meeting? Then marching -up to my grand-uncle, the bogle clapt a huge club into his hand, and -furnishing himself with one of the same dimensions, he put a spittle -in his hand, and deliberately commenced the combat. My grand-uncle -returned the salute with equal spirit, and so ably did both parties ply -their batons, that for a while the issue of the combat was extremely -doubtful. At length, however, the fiddler could easily discover that -his opponent’s vigour was much in the fagging order. Picking up renewed -courage in consequence, my grand-uncle, the fiddler, plied the ghost -with renovated vigour, and after a stout resistance, in the course of -which both parties were seriously handled, the Ghost of Bogandoran -thought it prudent to give up the night. - -“At the same time, filled, no doubt, with great indignation at this -signal defeat, it seems the ghost resolved to re-engage my grand-uncle -on some other occasion, under more favourable circumstances. Not long -after, as my grand-uncle was returning home quite unattended from -another ball in the Braes of the country, he had just entered the -hollow of Auldichoish, well known for its ‘_eery_’ properties, when -lo! who presented himself to his view on the adjacent eminence but his -old friend of Bogandoran, advancing as large as the gable of a house, -putting himself in the most threatening and fighting attitudes? - -“Looking on the very dangerous nature of the ground in which they were -met, and feeling no anxiety for a second encounter with a combatant -of his weight, in a situation so little desirable, the fiddler would -have willingly deferred the settlement of their differences till a -more convenient season. He, accordingly, assuming the most submissive -aspect in the world, endeavoured to pass by his champion in peace, -but in vain. Longing, no doubt, to retrieve the disgrace of his late -discomfiture, the bogle instantly seized the fiddler, and attempted -with all his might to pull the latter down the precipice, with the -diabolical intention, it is supposed, of drowning him in the river Avon -below. In this pious design the bogle was happily frustrated by the -intervention of some trees which grew in the precipice, and to which my -unhappy grand-uncle clung with the zeal of a drowning man. The enraged -ghost finding it impossible to extricate him from those friendly trees, -and resolving, at all events, to be revenged of him, he fell upon -maltreating the fiddler with his hands and feet in the most inhuman -manner. - -“Such gross indignities my worthy grand-uncle was not accustomed -to, and being incensed beyond all measure at the liberties taken by -Bogandoran, he resolved again to try his mettle, whether life or -death should be the consequence. Having no other weapon wherewith to -defend himself but his _biodag_, which, considering the nature of his -opponent’s constitution, he suspected much would be of little avail -to him--I say, in the absence of any other weapon, he sheathed the -_biodag_ three times in the Ghost of Bogandoran’s belly. And what -was the consequence? why, to the great astonishment of my courageous -forefather, the ghost fell down cold-dead at his feet, and was never -more seen or heard of.” - -Thus it will be seen that in those chivalrous days the stout and -energetic sons of Caledonia had courage and prowess enough to cope with -those powerful warriors, however unequally matched, with spirit and -even with success. In the present effeminate times, we hear of none -that will even contend with those miserable scarecrows of the present -day. Overcome, more by fear than by force, at the first encounter they -throw themselves down, and, like the lamb beneath the fox, tamely -submit to the most abusive treatment. Hence, encouraged by those -servile submissions, it is almost incredible to what extent those -invincible _corps_ sometimes carry their audacity. We have heard of not -a few of them, who having, in the first place, intruded their company -on peaceable travellers on the public road, in the next place offered -them the most provoking indignities,--one time piping their unearthly -cries into the passenger’s ears, at another time tripping him up by -the heels, and even committing indecencies which delicacy forbids us -to repeat, while the fears and agitation manifested by the traveller -constituted a subject of great merriment to the mischievous ghost. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -OF THE GHOST IN HIS INTERMEDIATE STATE--HIS SIMILITUDES AND HABITS. - - -A short time previous to the mortal’s death, and when just on the -eve of dissolution, the ghost undergoes a striking revolution in his -appearance and habits. Seized with the _locked jaw_, and all the other -disabilities common to the dead, he then becomes the awful emblem of -death in all its similitudes. Attired in a shroud and all the ensigns -of the grave, the ghost nocturnally proceeds to the narrow house of his -future residence, and there disappears. He is lighted on his way by a -pale azure-coloured light, of the size of that emitted by a _tallow_ -candle, which is of a flickering unsteady nature, sometimes vivid, and -sometimes faint, as the mortal inhales and respires his breath; and, -in his course towards the grave, he will follow minutely the line of -march destined to be followed by his earthly partner’s approaching -funeral. His pace is slow, and his footsteps imperceptible even to a -passenger; who, although he sees clearly all his trappings, cannot -discern his mode of travelling. To the naked eye the ghost’s visage is -not discernible, by reason of the _face-cloth_. There is a very simple -process, however, which has been discovered for enabling a spectator to -discern whose ghost he is, although we never heard of more than one -person who had the hardihood to put the experiment in practice. - -It is an admitted fact, in those countries, that a ghost may be -recognised, in the appearance of his human partner, on his passing a -spectator, by the latter’s reversing the cuff of his own coat, or any -other part of his raiment, which puts an instant stop to the ghost’s -career, and clearly exposes him to the recognition of the courageous -experimenter. - -A sage philosopher, who had long desired an opportunity of practising -this bold experiment, found, “late one night,” when returning home from -a market, a very convenient one. Observing a stout lusty ghost stalking -very majestically along the public road, this bold adventurer hesitated -not a moment. Clapping himself into a defensive attitude, he reversed -his cuff--when, lo! his next-door neighbour’s wife was instantly -confronted to his face--clad in death’s awful apparel--the death-candle -lowing in her throat, and mouth full distended. Such an exhibition was -too appalling to wish for a long interview; and, accordingly, Donald -Doul, the adventurer, made a motion to be off, but in vain. The unhappy -man, as if transformed into a stone, could no more move than Lot’s -wife, and was obliged to stand confronted to his loving companion, both -equally sparing of their talk, until the crowing of the cock in the -morning. Finding himself then released from his uncomfortable stance, -he was about to make the best of his way home, to communicate the -result of his experiment, when the friendly wife’s ghost thus addressed -him: “Donald Doul--Donald Doul--Donald Doul--hear me, and tremble. -Great is the hindrance you have caused me this night,--a hindrance for -which you should have been severely punished, but for the friendship -which formerly subsisted between yourself and my partner. Dare not -again to pry into the mysteries of the dead. The time will come when -you’ll know those secrets.” To this poetical harangue Donald Doul made -no other reply than a profound obeisance. It is possible, however, -the ghost would have proposed a rejoinder, had not a chanticleer, in -the adjacent hamlet, emitted his third clarion, at the magic sound of -which the wife’s ghost fairly took to her heels, leaving Donald Doul -to resume his course homewards without further advice. Satisfied of -the interesting nature of the occurrence, and that his reputation for -courage and veracity would suffer no diminution from the relation, -Donald Doul made no secret of what happened. This clearly foretold what -speedily took place, the dissolution of the neighbour’s wife, (who, by -the way, was dangerously ill at the time,) to the great grief of her -husband, and the credit of Donald Doul’s name. - -A short time after the ghost, bearing the death-candle, has thus -been seen, the house of the undertaker who is to make the mortal’s -coffin will be nightly disturbed by the sounds of saws and knocking -of hammers, no doubt proceeding from the ghost of the undertaker and -his assistants preparing the coffin of the ghost; while invisible -messengers will parade the country for necessaries for the ghost’s -funeral, or foregoing. And a very imposing and interesting spectacle -may be looked for. - -The mortal resigns his breath, and is about to follow the course of the -dead-candle to his new abode, when _Taish na Tialedh_, or the funeral -foregoing, takes the road. This is not a paltry spectacle of one ghost, -a sight so common in those countries, but a superb assemblage of them, -all drest in their best attire, each reflecting lustre on the other. On -this occasion, the ghost of every man who is destined to accompany the -mortal’s funeral will attend, dressed in apparel of the same colour, -and mounted on a horse of the same appearance, (if he is to have -one,) as his mortal companion on the day of the corporeal interment. -On this occasion, too, their characteristic austerity of manners is -dispensed with. Mellowed, no doubt, by the generous qualities of the -_Usquebaugh_, the jocund laugh, the jest, and repartee, go slapping -round, responsive to some mournful dirge proceeding from the defunct’s -immediate friends and relations. - -In the motley group, the ghost of a father or brother is easily -recognised by his well-known voice and Sabbath vestment. Nay, the -spectator may even recognise himself, if his senses enable him to -discriminate, joyous or sorry, as occasion suggests, mingling in the -throng. In the middle of the procession the coffin is seen, containing, -we presume, the _dead ghost_, circled by mourning relatives; and on -the front, flanks, and rear of the burden, the company are likewise -seen approaching and retiring, relieving each other by turns. At -length, the noise of horses and tongues, horsemen and footmen, mingled -indiscriminately together, closes the procession. - -The following account of the _foregoing_ of the funeral of an -illustrious chief, who died some few score of years ago, (witnessed -by a man whose veracity was a perfect proverb,) will not, we trust, be -unacceptable: - -“A smith, who had a large family to provide for, was often necessitated -to occupy his smithy till rather a late hour. One night, in particular, -as he was turning the key of his smithy door, his notice was attracted -to the public road, which lay contiguous to the smithy, by a confusion -of sounds, indicative of the approach of a great concourse of people. -Immediately there appeared the advanced ranks of a procession, marching -four men deep, in tolerable good order, unless occasionally some -unaccountable circumstance occasioned the fall of a lusty fellow, as -if he had been shot by a twenty-four pounder. Thunderstruck at the -nature and number of the marvellous procession, the smith, honest man, -reclined his back to the door, witnessing a continuation of the same -procession for nearly an hour, without discovering any thing further -of the character of those who composed it, than that they betokened a -repletion of the _Usquebaugh_. At length, the appearance of the hearse -and its awful ensigns, together with the succeeding line of coaches, -developed the nature of the concern. It was then that the smith’s -knees began to smite each other, and his hair to stand on an end. The -recent demise of this venerable chieftain confirmed his conviction of -its being a _Taish_, and a very formidable one too. Not choosing to -see the rear, he directed his face homewards, whither he fled with -the swiftness of younger years, and was not backward in favouring his -numerous acquaintances with a full and particular account of the whole -scene. This induced many honest people to assume the smithy door as -their stance of observation on the day of the funeral, which took place -a few days after; and, to his honour be it told, every circumstance -detailed by the smith in his relation accurately happened, even to the -decanting of two dogs, and this established the smith’s veracity in all -time thereafter.” - -Akin to this are all the relations of those good people whose evil -destiny it has been to fall in with those ghostly processions, some -of whom having inadvertently involved themselves into the crowd, were -repulsed in every attempt to extricate themselves, until carried along, -nobody knows how far, by the tumultuous rabble, who seemed to enjoy -themselves vastly at the standing hair, protruding eyes, and awry -visage of the unconscious intruder. - -In concluding this part of our subject, it is hardly necessary to add, -that in two or three days after the ghostly procession, the human or -corporeal procession will succeed it, following most minutely and -accurately every course, winding, and turn taken by the foregoing, -while the dress, conversation, and every other incident attending the -company will be precisely the same. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -OF THE GHOST IN HIS POST-EXISTENT STATE. - - -It might, no doubt, be readily supposed by the ingenious reader, that -the mortal’s decease should be the term of dissolution assigned to the -copartnery connection subsisting between the mortal and his ghost, as -it generally terminates every other engagement into which the people -of this world enter. The event, however, only serves to blend their -interests still more strictly together. Whatever doubt may exist as -to the ghost’s attention to his partner’s worldly interests in his -lifetime, his solicitude for his spiritual interest, after the mortal’s -death, is universally acknowledged. He then becomes the sole means of -remedying past errors, and obtaining redress for past injuries. To -enable one fully to appreciate a ghost’s utility in the “land of the -leal,” he must acquaint himself with the nature of the life which the -defunct led, whether regular in his habits and moral in his life, or -otherwise, and the particular situation of his affairs at death. If, -for instance, a man falls suddenly, like a tree in a storm, whatever -may be the situation or circumstances in which he happens to drop, -so he must lie. In this respect, then, the peculiar advantage of the -Highlander over his Lowland neighbour becomes perfectly apparent. -Through the medium of a faithful ghost and a confidential friend, -transactions, as intricate and ravelled as those of the Laird of Coul, -can be easily simplified and assorted. - -No man should, therefore, be surprised, if the ghost of some departed -friend should take an opportunity of saluting him, and for his own sake -he should also lose no time in enabling the awful emissary to declare -the purpose of his mission; whoever will defer doing so only increases -his own misery, and it is a task, however uncomfortable, that is -sacredly due to departed friendship; for how many, by yielding to the -influence of cowardly fear, have exposed themselves and their household -to those nocturnal rackets sometimes raised by those disappointed -ambassadors, whereas a little resolution would not only have averted -it, but have also greatly conduced to the repose and quietude of an old -and esteemed acquaintance. The following statement of a circumstance -which, we are told, happened in Strathspey not a great many years ago, -will best enforce this counsel: - -“Not many years ago there lived in Kincardine of Strathspey a poor -man, who contracted a severe and sudden illness, which, to the great -grief of his family, terminated in his death. From the suddenness of -the honest man’s call, he had not time to settle his affairs, and -this circumstance, it seems, as might have been supposed, caused him -no small disquietude in the eternal world. He wished, in particular, -to have had an axe and a whisky barrel, which he had borrowed of a -friend, restored to him; for iron, you must know, in such cases, is -very bad. In order, therefore, to have this matter adjusted, the -dead man commissioned his ghost to wait on a particular friend to -disclose to him the circumstance, not doubting in the least but the -friend would have bestowed his best attention on the subject. The -faithful ghost lost no time in proceeding to get the object of his -mission accomplished, which, however, turned out rather a difficult -undertaking, for it was no easy matter for the ghost to procure a -conference with the friend on the business. One glimpse of the former -never failed to communicate to the latter the feet of a roe, nor could -all his dexterity bring the matter to a bearing. At length, exasperated -by a long course of night watching and useless travelling, the wily -commissioner had recourse to an expedient which ultimately effected -his purpose. As soon as the sun went down every evening, the ghost -opened a cannonade of bricks and stones upon the unhappy friend and the -inmates of his house, which did not terminate till cock-crowing in the -morning; and so expert an archer was this pawky ghost, that he scarcely -ever missed an aim, while every stroke would kill a bullock. Smarting -under the effect of this unseasonable chastisement, the friend and -his family raised the most outrageous clamour at their unaccountable -misfortune, which induced some of their neighbours nightly to assemble -in considerable bodies to protect them from this nocturnal warfare. But -the wily ghost, far from relaxing his operations on that account, only -plied them with additional vigour, sparing neither sex nor age in his -sweeping career. All sorts of missiles announced themselves, rebounding -on the shoulders of the protectors as well as the protected, the pithy -weight of which, and the unaccountable manner in which they were -flung, convinced the sufferers they were not flung by mortal hand. All -the acquaintances of the friend, therefore, urged on him to challenge -the invisible demon who thus savagely persecuted him at the hour of -midnight, in order to afford the latter an opportunity of explaining -his business, and the reason of his cruel and unchristian conduct. -But this advice the friend of the deceased was disposed to consider -a dernier resort, and one that required some cool consideration. -At length, rendered quite desperate by a series of unparalleled -persecutions, which rendered him as thin in body as a silver sixpence, -the goodman came to a final determination to call the ghost to account -the very first opportunity, for his mean and pusillanimous attacks on -himself and poor family. Accordingly, one night, on receiving a tart -pill on the cheek, which gave him an ear-ache, and which wonderfully -improved his courage, the goodman marched forth, with a mixture of rage -and fear, demanding of the unfeeling ghost, in a voice resembling the -falling notes of the gamut, ‘Wha-a-t i-i-s you-r bus-n-ess wi’ m-my -ho-use a-and fa-fa-fa-mi-ly?’ The ghost instantly appeared happy to -answer the question; but, ere he could do so, it was necessary to go -through a ceremony, which is no less curious than it is disagreeable to -the feelings of the parties concerned. This ceremony consists in the -_mortal’s_ embracing the ghost, and raising his feet from the ground, -so as to allow the wind to pass between the soles of his feet and the -ground, which enables the tongue-tied ghost to speak a volume. What was -then to be done in this particular case? Encouraged by the eloquent -cheers and arguments held forth to him, through the crevices of his -house, by his anxious family, he made several attempts to encircle the -awful emissary in his arms, which, by a sort of mechanical motion, -receded from the embrace; and it was not without great difficulty he -could persuade himself to give a friendly embrace to this mischievous -ghost; this, however, he did at last,--seizing him as he would a -bush of thorns. The ghost’s long-locked jaws now began to speak in -so sepulchral a tone as to palsy all who heard it. The friend of the -deceased promised strict attention to all the ghost’s injunctions, -upon which he evanished in a flame of fire, leaving the unhappy man -scarce able to totter to his chair. A minute compliance with all his -instructions rendered a second visit from the ghost unnecessary--and -this was no small matter of comfort to the friend.” - -This frigid display of a Highlandman’s courage will appear very -contemptible when compared to the undaunted resolution of the female -alluded to in the following story: - -“About forty or fifty years ago, a native of Strathdown, whose manner -of living (like that of other folks) did not qualify him for a sudden -death, was unfortunately drowned in the following manner: While in -the act of cutting down a tree, in a steep precipice pending over the -river Avon, he slipped his footing--fell headlong into the abyss below, -and rose no more. His lamentable fate was speedily discovered, his -body interred, and his affairs arranged in the best possible order. -Time, the parent of oblivion, soon rendered his name extinct among -the living, and he was no longer heard of; when, on a certain day, in -the height of it, the deceased appeared in his human likeness at the -window of a female friend. On the woman’s exhibiting some surprise -and terror at his appearance, the drowned man called to her to fear -nothing, but to come forth and speak with him,--for it seems he had -been enabled to speak without the ‘_dead-lift_.’ The honest woman -suspecting, no doubt, that, if she did not go out to him, he would make -the best of his way to her, obeyed his summons; and, in the course -of a long convoy she gave him, he divulged to her several acts of -misconduct he had been guilty of towards an old master and some others, -which disturbed much his repose. Anxious, no doubt, to get rid of his -company, she promised to exert the best of her endeavours to atone for -his misconduct, on condition he would leave her, and never again renew -his visit,--a promise which she faithfully performed, and the dead -friend gave her no farther trouble.” - -But the settlement of unassorted affairs, after death, is not the only -thing in which the ghost is extremely useful. As an ambassador ever -ready to discharge any piece of useful service--such as appeasing the -unavailing grief of lamenting relatives--he is ever ready and expert, -and the delicate manner in which the ghost sometimes executes this -commission indicates that he is far more friendly and conciliatory -in his behaviour when _dead_ than he was when alive. Sometimes, but -rarely, he leaves his abode to benefit an old acquaintance or friend -of his partner; but it will no doubt be done at the instigation of the -devoted latter. We present the particulars of a favour of this sort -conferred on an inhabitant of Strathspey, no doubt a long time ago, -which deserved a better return than what the ghost at first met with. - -“Engaged one night in the arrangement of his farming affairs, a certain -farmer, living in the parish of Abernethy, was a good deal surprised -at seeing an old acquaintance, who had a considerable time previously -departed this life, entering quite coolly at his dwelling-house door. -Instead of following his old acquaintance into his house, to receive -an explanation from himself of the marvellous circumstance, his -curiosity led him into the church-yard where his friend was buried, -and which was near by, to see if he had actually risen from the dead. -On examination, he not only found the grave, but also the coffin _wide -open_, which left no doubt on his mind of the reality of the vision -which he thought had deluded his sight. Making the sign of the cross on -the grave, he returned to his house, not caring whether he found his -friend before him or not. He was not, however, to be seen; but, in the -course of a short time, he returned, and upbraided the farmer for his -improper interference with his grave, explaining to him the cause of -his resurrection. It appeared that a scabbed stirk, which had a greedy -custom of prowling about the doors, seeking what he might devour, -thief-like entering the dwelling-house in the absence of the family, -and, finding no better subject of entertainment, attacked the straw in -the cradle which stood by the fireside, and in which his only child was -sleeping at the time. The tugging of the stirk at the straw would have -inevitably overturned the cradle and the child into the fire but for -the generous interposition of the ghost. The farmer expressed his most -grateful acknowledgments for so signal an instance of his kindness; -and immediately retraced his steps to the grave, on which he made a -counter-sign to that which he formerly made, and the good-hearted ghost -obtained admission into his dreary abode.” - -But these are not all the ghost’s useful qualities. He possesses -another very important one in this unchristian and uncharitable age, -in which the repositories of the dead are exposed to the nocturnal -spoliation of the ruthless resurrectionist. It is vain for the -church-sexton to plant _steel-traps_ and _spring-guns_ in the field of -his labours,--the wily depredator will contrive to elude them all when -the vigilant watchman is wanted to direct them. To show the vigilance -of this agent’s attention to his own interest, and that of his friends, -on such occasions, take the following narration:-- - -“There was at one time a woman, who lived in Camp-del-more of -Strathavon, whose cattle were seized with a murrain, or some such -fell disease, which ravaged the neighbourhood at the time, carrying -off great numbers of them daily. All the _forlorn fires and hallowed -waters_ failed of their customary effects; and she was at length -told by the wise people whom she consulted on the occasion, that it -was evidently the effect of some infernal agency, the power of which -could not be destroyed by any other means than the never-failing -specific--the juice of a _dead head_ from the church-yard,--a nostrum -certainly very difficult to be procured, considering the head must -needs be abstracted from a grave in the hour of midnight. Being, -however, a woman of a stout heart and strong faith, native feelings of -delicacy towards the blessed sanctuary of the dead had more weight in -restraining her for some time from resorting to this desperate remedy -than those of fear. At length, seeing that her bestial stock would soon -be completely annihilated by the destructive career of the disease, -the wife of Camp-del-more resolved to put the experiment in practice, -whatever the result might be. Accordingly, having, with considerable -difficulty, engaged a neighbouring woman to be her companion in this -hazardous expedition, they set out, about midnight, for the parish -church-yard, distant about a mile and a half from her residence, -to execute her determination. On arriving at the church-yard, her -companion, whose courage was not so notable, appalled by the gloomy -prospect before her, refused to enter among the habitations of the -dead. She, however, agreed to remain at the gate till her friend’s -business was accomplished. This circumstance, however, did not -stagger our heroine’s resolution. She, with the greatest coolness and -intrepidity, proceeded towards what she supposed an old grave,--took -down her spade, and commenced her operations. After a good deal of toil -she arrived at the object of her labour. Raising the first head, or -rather skull, that came in her way, she was about to make it her own -property, when, lo! a hollow, wild, sepulchral voice exclaimed, ‘That -is _my_ head--let it alone!’ Not wishing to dispute the claimant’s -title to this head, and supposing she could be otherwise provided, -she very good-naturedly returned it, and took up another. ‘That is my -father’s head,’ bellowed the same voice. Wishing, if possible, to avoid -disputes, the wife of Camp-del-more took up another head, when the -same voice instantly started a claim to it as his grand-father’s head. -‘Well,’ replied the wife, nettled at her disappointments, ‘although it -were your grand-mother’s head, you shan’t get it till I am done with -it.’--‘What do you say, you limmer?’ says the ghost, starting up in -his awry habiliments; ‘What do you say, you limmer?’ repeated he in a -great rage. ‘By the great oath, you had better leave my grand-father’s -head.’ Upon matters coming this length, the wily wife of Camp-del-more -thought it proper to assume a more conciliatory aspect. Telling the -claimant the whole particulars of the predicament in which she was -placed by the foresaid calamity, she promised faithfully, that, if his -Honour would only allow her to carry off his grand-father’s skull, or -head, in a peaceable manner, she would restore it again when done with -it. Here, after some communing, they came to an understanding, and she -was allowed to take the head along with her, on condition she should -restore it before cock-crowing, under the heaviest penalties. - -“On coming out of the church-yard, and looking for her companion, -she had the mortification to find her ‘without a mouthful of breath -in her body;’ for, on hearing the dispute between her friend and the -guardian of the grave, and suspecting much that she was likely to -share the unpleasant punishments with which he threatened her friend, -at the bare recital of them she fell down in a faint, from which it -was no easy matter to recover her. This proved no small inconvenience -to Camp-del-more’s wife, as there were not above two hours to elapse -ere she had to return the head in terms of her agreement. Taking -her friend upon her back, she carried her up a steep acclivity to -the nearest adjoining house, where she left her for the night; then -repaired home with the utmost speed--made _dead bree_ of the _dead -head_, and, ere the appointed time had expired, she restored the head -to its guardian, and placed the grave in its former condition. It is -needless to add, that, as a reward for her exemplary courage, the -‘_bree_’ had its desired effect--the cattle speedily recovered--and, -so long as she retained any of it, all sorts of diseases were of short -duration.” - - -SAFEGUARDS FROM GHOSTS. - -Having now briefly described the leading features of a ghost’s -character in those countries, we shall close our account of him by -annexing a few of those safeguards which protect us from those wanton -encounters and impertinent interferences which we have related, -and which must be far from being palatable to the more effeminate -inhabitants of the Highland mountains at the present day. - -One simple plan of obtaining perfect security from supernatural agents -of any kind is, (whenever we apprehend the approach or presence of -a ghost,) to repeat certain words, which can be taught by any wise -patriarch or matron, the powerful charm of which instantly repercusses -the ghost back to his own proper abode, and, for the time, defeats all -his machinations. Note--If in the house, the words must be repeated -three times behind the door. A ghost then can neither enter at the -door, window, nor any other crevice of the house. The operation of -the words is like that of an infeftment, which, taken on one part of -the property, affects the whole. Were it not for this grand discovery, -vain would be the attempt of any man to bar out a ghost as he might do -a _mortal_. A ghost can enter in at the key-hole--nay, even through the -wall of the house, if there is no other caveat to arrest him in his -career. - -Another safeguard consists in forming a piece of the _rowan tree_ into -the shape of a cross with a red thread. This cross you will insert -between the lining and cloth of your garment, and, so long as it lasts, -neither ghost nor witch shall ever interfere with you. - - - - -PART II. - -Fairies. - - There are fairies, and brownies, and shades Amazonian, - Of harper, and sharper, and old Cameronian; - Some small as pigmies, some tall as a steeple: - The spirits are all gone as mad as the people. - - HOGG. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -ORIGIN AND GENEALOGY OF THE FAIRIES. - - -Though the ghost is confessedly entitled to no small degree of -consideration from his intimate connection with our own species, no one -will pretend to deny that the fairy is a character whose _greatness of -descent_ renders him equally interesting and respectable. The genealogy -of the ghost can no doubt be traced back to the earliest ages of the -world, and it is pretty certain that he has been amongst the first of -its inhabitants; still, on the score of antiquity, he cannot pretend -to compete with the fairy, who, it seems, existed long before the -world itself. The origin and descent of the fairies, which had so long -proved such knotty subjects of controversy in other quarters of the -kingdom, are points which have been finally settled and disposed of -in these countries. No doubt now remains, in the minds of those who -have bestowed any attention on the important subject, of there being -those unhappy angels whose diabolical deeds produced their expulsion -from Paradise. In support of this rational theory, the wise men of the -day never fail to quote the highest authority. Scripture, they say, -tells us those angels were cast down; and although, indeed, it does -not mention to what place, sad experience proves the fact, that the -Highland mountains received an ample share of them. Here, wandering up -and down, like the hordes of Tartary, they pitch their camp where spoil -is most plentiful; and taking advantage of the obstinate incredulity of -some of their human neighbours, contrive to make themselves perfectly -comfortable at the latter’s expense. To dispel any doubt that may -remain on the mind of the reader as to the soundness of this doctrine, -we present him with the following particulars: - -“Not long since, as a pious clergyman was returning home, after -administering spiritual consolation to a dying member of his flock, -it was late of the night, and he had to pass through a good deal of -_uncanny_ ground. He was, however, a good and conscientious minister -of the gospel, and feared not all the spirits in the country. On his -reaching the end of a lake which stretched alongst the road-side for -some distance, he was a good deal surprised to have his attention -arrested by the most melodious strains of music. Overcome by pleasure -and curiosity, the minister coolly sat down to listen to the harmonious -sounds, and try what new discoveries he could make with regard to -their nature and source. He had not sitten many minutes when he could -distinguish the approach of the music, and also observe a light in the -direction from whence it proceeded, gliding across the lake towards -him. Instead of taking to his heels, as any faithless wight would -have done, the pastor, fearless, determined to await the issue of the -phenomenon. As the light and music drew near, the clergyman could at -length distinguish an object resembling a human being walking on the -surface of the water, attended by a group of diminutive musicians, -some of them bearing lights, and others of them instruments of music, -on which they continued to perform those melodious strains which -first attracted his attention. The leader of the band dismissed -his attendants, landed on the beach, and afforded the minister the -amplest opportunities of examining his appearance. He was a little -primitive-looking grey-headed man, clad in the most grotesque habit -he ever witnessed, and such as led the venerable minister all at once -to suspect his real character. He walked up to the minister, whom he -saluted with great grace, offering an apology for his intrusion. The -pastor returned his compliments, and, without farther explanation, -invited the mysterious stranger to sit down by his side. The invitation -was complied with, upon which the minister proposed the following -question: ‘_Who art thou, stranger, and from whence?_’ To this -question the fairy, with downcast eye, replied, that he was one of -those sometimes called ‘_Doane Shee_, or men of peace, or good men, -though the reverse of this title was a more fit appellation for them. -Originally angelic in his nature and attributes, and once a sharer -of the indescribable joys of the regions of light, he was seduced by -Satan to join him in his mad conspiracies; and as a punishment for his -transgression, he was cast down from those regions of bliss, and was -now doomed, along with millions of fellow-sufferers, to wander through -seas and mountains, until the coming of the great day; what their fate -would be then they could not divine, but they apprehended the worst. -And,’ continued he, turning to the minister, with great anxiety, ‘the -object of my present intrusion on you is to learn your opinion, as an -eminent divine, as to our final condition on that dreadful day.’ Here -the venerable pastor entered upon a long conversation with the fairy, -(the particulars of which we shall be excused for omitting,) touching -the principles of faith and repentance. Receiving rather unsatisfactory -answers to his questions, the minister desired the ‘_Sheech_’ to -repeat after him the Paternoster; in attempting to do which, it was -not a little remarkable that he could not repeat the word ‘_art_,’ but -‘_wert_,’ in heaven. Inferring from every circumstance that their fate -was extremely precarious, the minister resolved not to puff the fairies -up with presumptuous and perhaps groundless expectations. Accordingly, -addressing himself to the unhappy fairy, who was all anxiety to know -the nature of his sentiments, the reverend gentleman told him that he -could not take it upon him to give them any hopes of pardon, as their -crime was of so deep a hue as scarcely to admit of it. On this the -unhappy fairy uttered a shriek of despair, plunged headlong into the -loch, and the minister resumed his course to his home.” - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -SIMILITUDE OF THE FAIRY. - - -Of all the different species of supernatural tribes which inhabit those -countries, none of them could ever vie with the fairy community for -personal elegance. Indeed, this seems to be the only remaining vestige -they possess of their primitive character. Though generally low in -stature, they are exceedingly well proportioned, and prepossessing in -their persons. The females, in particular, are said to be the most -enchanting beings in the world, and far beyond what the liveliest -fancy can paint. Eyes sparkling as the brightest of the stars, or the -polished gem of Cairngorm,--cheeks in which the whiteness of the snow -and red of the reddan are blended with the softness of the Cannoch -down,--lips like the coral, and teeth like the ivory,--a redundant -luxuriance of auburn hair hanging down the shoulders in lovely -ringlets, and a gainly simplicity of dress, always of the colour of -green, are prominent features in the description of a Highland fairy -nymph. - -But while we agree in some measure with our fellow historians who -have described the fairy race as they exist in other quarters of the -country, in so far as regards their personal beauty, we widely differ -from those historians as to the splendour of their dress as exhibited -in the character of the Highland fairies. Instead of the gorgeous -habiliments of “white and gold dropped with diamonds, and coats of the -threads of gold,” which we are told are worn by those more luxurious -and refined fairies living within the sphere of splendour and fashion -in the Lowlands of Scotland; the Highland fairies, more thrifty and -less voluptuous, clothe themselves in plain worsted green, not woven -by the “_shuttle of Iris_,” but by the greasy shuttle of some Highland -weaver. This description, let it be understood, however, applies only -to the portion of them inhabiting _terra firma_; for the dress of those -whose lot it was to fall in the deep is of a very different nature, -consisting entirely of seal-skins, and such other _marine_ apparel as -is most suitable and appropriate to their element. - -The following story will throw some light upon the manners and _habits_ -of this portion of the fairy tribes. - -There was once upon a time a man who lived on the northern coasts, not -far from “_Taigh Jan Crot Callow_,”[B] and he gained his livelihood -by catching and killing fish, of all sizes and denominations. He had -a particular liking to the killing of those wonderful beasts, half -dog half fish, called “Roane,” or Seals, no doubt because he got a -long price for their skins, which are not less curious than they are -valuable. The truth is, that most of these animals are neither dogs nor -cods, but downright fairies, as this narration will show; and, indeed, -it is easy for any man to convince himself of the fact by a simple -examination of his _tobacco-spluichdan_,--for the dead skins of those -beings are never the same for four-and-twenty hours together. Sometimes -the “_spluichdan_” will erect its bristles almost perpendicularly, -while, at other times, it reclines them even down; one time it -resembles a bristly sow, at another time a _sleekit cat_; and what dead -skin, except itself, could perform such cantrips? Now, it happened -one day, as this notable fisher had returned from the prosecution -of his calling, that he was called upon by a man who seemed a great -stranger, and who said he had been dispatched for him by a person -who wished to contract for a quantity of seal-skins, and that it was -necessary for the fisher to accompany him (the stranger) immediately -to see the person who wished to contract for the skins, as it was -necessary that he should be served that evening. Happy in the prospect -of making a good bargain, and never suspecting any duplicity in the -stranger, he instantly complied. They both mounted a steed belonging -to the stranger, and took the road with such velocity that, although -the direction of the wind was towards their back, yet the fleetness -of their movement made it appear as if it had been in their faces. On -reaching a stupendous precipice which overhung the sea, his guide told -him they had now reached the point of their destination. “Where is the -person you spoke of?” inquired the astonished seal-killer. “You shall -see that presently,” replied the guide. With that they immediately -alighted, and, without allowing the seal-killer much time to indulge -the frightful suspicions that began to pervade his mind, the stranger -seized him with irresistible force, and plunged headlong with the -seal-killer into the sea. After sinking down--down--nobody knows -how far, they at length reached a door, which, being open, led them -into a range of apartments, filled with inhabitants--not people, but -seals, who could nevertheless speak and feel like human folk; and how -much was the seal-killer surprised to find that he himself had been -unconsciously transformed into the like image! If it were not so, he -would probably have died, from the want of breath. The nature of the -poor fisher’s thoughts may be more easily conceived than described. -Looking on the nature of the quarters into which he was landed, all -hopes of escape from them appeared wholly chimerical, whilst the -degree of comfort and length of life which the barren scene promised -him were far from being flattering. The “Roane,” who all seemed in -very low spirits, appeared to feel for him, and endeavoured to soothe -the distress which he evinced, by the amplest assurances of personal -safety. Involved in sad meditation on his evil fate, he was quickly -roused from his stupor, by his guide’s producing a huge gully or -joctaleg, the object of which he supposed was to put an end to all his -earthly cares. Forlorn as was his situation, however, he did not wish -to be killed; and, apprehending instant destruction, he fell down, -and earnestly implored for mercy. The poor generous animals did not -mean him any harm, however much his former conduct deserved it; and he -was accordingly desired to pacify himself, and cease his cries. “Did -you ever see that knife before?” says the stranger to the fisher. The -latter instantly recognising his own knife, which he had that day stuck -into a seal, and with which it made its escape, acknowledged it was -formerly his own, for what would be the use of denying it? “Well!” -rejoins the guide, “the apparent seal, which made away with it, is my -father, who lies dangerously ill ever since, and no means could stay -his fleeting breath, without your aid. I have been obliged to resort -to the artifice I have practised to bring you hither, and I trust that -my filial duty to my father will readily operate my excuse.” Having -said this, he led into another apartment the trembling seal-killer, -who expected every minute a return of his own favour to the father; -and here he found the identical seal, with which he had the encounter -in the morning, suffering most grievously from a tremendous cut in -its hind-quarter. The seal-killer was then desired, with his hand, to -cicatrize the wound; upon doing which, it immediately healed, and the -seal arose from its bed in perfect health. Upon this, the scene changed -from mourning to rejoicing,--all was mirth and glee. Very different, -however, were the feelings of the unfortunate seal-catcher, expecting, -no doubt, to be a seal for the remainder of his life, until his late -guide accosted him as follows: “Now, sir, you are at liberty to return -to your wife and family, to whom I am about to conduct you; but it -is on this express condition, to which you must bind yourself by a -solemn oath, viz., that you shall never maim or kill a seal in all your -lifetime hereafter.” To this condition, hard as it was, he joyfully -acceded; and the oath being administered in all due form, he bade his -new acquaintance most heartily and sincerely a long farewell. Taking -hold of his guide, they issued from the place, and swam up--up--till -they regained the surface of the sea; and, landing at the said -stupendous pinnacle, they found their former riding steed ready for -a second canter. The guide breathed upon the fisher, and they became -like men. They mounted their horse; and fleet as was their course -towards the precipice or pinnacle, their return from it was doubly -swift; and the honest seal-killer was laid down at his own door-cheek, -where his guide made him such a present as would have almost reconciled -him to another similar expedition, and such as rendered his loss of -profession, in so far as regarded the seals, a far less intolerable -hardship than he had at first contemplated it. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -OF THE FAIRIES AS A COMMUNITY--THEIR POLITICAL PRINCIPLES AND INGENIOUS -HABITS. - - -From the description the reader may have seen of the fairy community -in general, as drawn in the works of the eminent writers of the day, -he may have been led to form very erroneous estimates not only of the -dress of the _Highland_ fairies, but also of their political economy -and government. - -There are few who have not heard of the illustrious and divine beauty -of the Queen of the Fairies, and the splendid and dazzling courts -with which her majesty is surrounded on all occasions of intercourse -with the inhabitants of this world. It appears, however, from all -that the compiler can learn, that the empire of Queen Mab, like that -of the renowned Cæsar, never was extended to the northern side of the -Grampians, for she is entirely unknown in those countries. Indeed, it -is believed that the Highland fairies acknowledge no distinctions of -this sort. As there were originally none such amongst them in Paradise, -so they are not disposed to create any on earth,--and a more complete -republic never was. - -It is true, Satan, no doubt, exercises a sort of impotent chieftainship -over them as his once rebellious confederates,--but, it is believed, -his laws and his edicts are as much despised by them as those of the -Great Mogul. In spite of all his power and policy, like the Israelites -of old, each does what is right in his own eyes; and, unless on a -Halloweven, or such occasion of state, they may submit to a pageant -review more from motives of vanity than of loyalty, Auld Nick’s ancient -sovereignty over the fairy community in this land of freedom has fallen -into desuetude. - -The fairies are a very ingenious people. As may be expected from the -nature of their origin and descent, they are possessed of very superior -intellectual powers, which they know well enough how to apply to useful -purposes. Nor are they so vain of their abilities as to scorn to direct -them to the prosecution of those more ignoble employments, on which the -politer part of mankind commonly look down with contempt. Whether this -condescension, on the part of the fairy, be more the result of choice -or necessity, it is hard for us to determine; but certain it is, that -few communities can boast of a more numerous or more proficient body of -artisans. We are told, indeed, by some of those well acquainted with -their manners, that every individual fairy combines all the necessary -arts in his own person--that he is his own weaver, his own tailor, and -his own shoemaker. Whether this is truly the case public opinion is -rather divided; but all our informants concur in this conclusion--that -by far the greater number of them understand well enough those several -callings; and the expertness they display in handling the shuttle, the -needle, and the awl, evidently demonstrate their practical knowledge of -these implements. In support of this conclusion, we have the authority -of a decent old man, whose veracity, on subjects of this description, -has never been questioned in the district in which he lived, who -favoured the compiler with the following narration: - -“My great-grandfather, (peace to his manes!) who was by profession a -weaver, and, by the bye, a very honest man, though I should not say it, -was waked one night from his midnight sleep by a tremendous noise. On -looking ‘_out over_’ the bed, to see whence it proceeded, he was not -a little astonished to find the house full of operative fairies, who, -with the greatest familiarity, had made free with his manufacturing -implements. Having provided themselves with a large sack of wool,--from -whence it came they best knew,--they were actively employed in -converting it into cloth. While one teethed it, another carded it; -while another span it, another wove it; while another dyed it, another -pressed it; while the united bustle of their several operations, joined -to the exclamations uttered by each expressive of his avocation, -created a clamour truly intolerable to the gudeman of the house, with -whom they used so unacceptable a freedom. So diligent were they, that -long ere day they decamped with a web of green cloth, consisting of -fifty ells and more, without even thanking my venerable grandfather for -the use of his machinery.” - -Another narrative, with which we were favoured, related the activity -of a fairy shoemaker, who sewed a pair of shoes for a “_mountain -shepherd_” during the time the latter mealed a bicker of pottage -for them. And another narrative related the expertness of a fairy -_barber_, who shaved an acquaintance so effectually with no sharper a -razor than the palm of his hand, that he never afterwards required to -undergo the same operation. These, and a number of equally creditable -stories, confirm their transcendent superiority as artisans over any -other class of people in Christendom. - -Nor in the more honourable and learned professions are they less -dexterous. As architects they stand quite unrivalled. To prove their -excellence in this art we have only to consider the durability of -their habitations. Some of these, it is said, have outlived the -ravages of time and vicissitudes of weather for some thousand years, -without sustaining any other injury than the suffocation of the -smoke-vents--defects which could no doubt be repaired with little -trouble. But as the relics of former ages receive additional interest -from their rude and ruinous appearance, so must these monuments of -fairy genius excite in the breasts of the community the most profound -sentiments of respect and veneration. - -Nor are these the only monuments remaining calculated to perpetuate -their excellence as architects and engineers,--there are others of -too lasting and extraordinary a character to escape the notice of the -traditional historian. We allude to those stupendous superstructures -built by the fairies under the auspices of that distinguished -arch-architect Mr. Michael Scott, which sufficiently demonstrate the -skill of the designer and the ability of the workmen. As the history -of this celebrated character (rendered not the less interesting by the -notices of him written by the Minstrel of Minstrels) is not yet quite -complete, we shall make no apology for submitting to the reader the -following anecdotes of his life, which we have collected in the course -of our peregrinations. - - -MICHAEL SCOTT. - -In the early part of Michael Scott’s life he was in the habit, as is -not yet uncommon with northern tradesmen, of emigrating annually to the -Scottish metropolis, for the purpose of being employed in his capacity -of mason. One time, as himself and two companions were journeying to -the place of their destination for a similar object, they had occasion -to pass over a high hill, the name of which is not mentioned, but -supposed to be one of the Grampians, and being fatigued with climbing, -they sat down to rest themselves. They had no sooner done so than they -were warned to take to their heels by the hissing of a large serpent, -which they observed revolving itself towards them with great velocity. -Terrified at the sight, Michael’s two companions fled, while he, on -the contrary, resolved to encounter the serpent. The appalling monster -approached Michael Scott with distended mouth and forked tongue; and, -throwing itself into a coil at his feet, was raising its head to -inflict a mortal sting, when Michael, with one stroke of his stick, -severed its body into three pieces. Having rejoined his affrighted -comrades, they resumed their journey; and, on arriving at the next -public-house, it being late, and the travellers being weary, they took -up their quarters at it for the night. In the course of the night’s -conversation, recurrence was naturally had to Michael’s recent exploit -with the serpent, when the landlady of the house, who was remarkable -for her “arts,” happened to be present. Her curiosity appeared much -excited by the conversation; and, after making some inquiries regarding -the colour of the serpent, which she was told was _white_, she offered -any of them, that would procure her the middle piece, such a tempting -reward, as induced one of the party instantly to go for it. The -distance was not very great; and, on reaching the spot, he found the -middle and tail piece in the place where Michael left them; but the -head piece was gone, it is supposed, to a contiguous stream, to which -the serpent is said always to resort, after an encounter with the human -race, and, on immersing itself into the water, “like polypus asunder -cut,” it again regenerates and recovers. On the other hand, it is a -circumstance deserving the attention of the medical world, that should -an individual, unfortunate enough to be bitten by this galling enemy -of mankind, reach the water before the serpent, his recovery from the -effects of the calamity is equally indubitable. - -The landlady, on receiving the piece, which still vibrated with life, -seemed highly gratified at her acquisition; and, over and above the -promised reward, regaled her lodgers very plentifully with the choicest -dainties in her house. Fired with curiosity to know the purpose for -which the serpent was intended, the wily Michael Scott was immediately -seized with a severe fit of indisposition,--an excruciating colic, the -pains of which could only be alleviated by continual exposure to the -fire, the warmth of which, he affirmed, was in the highest degree -beneficial to him. - -Never suspecting Michael Scott’s hypocrisy, and naturally supposing -that a person so severely indisposed should feel very little curiosity -about the contents of any cooking utensils which might lie around the -fire, the landlady consented to his desire of being allowed to recline -all night along the fireside. As soon as the other inmates of the house -were retired to bed, the landlady resorted to her darling occupation; -and, in this feigned state of indisposition, Michael had a favourable -opportunity of watching most scrupulously all her actions, through -the key-hole of a door leading to the next apartment where she was. -He could see the rites and ceremonies with which the serpent was put -into an oven, along with many mysterious ingredients. After which, -the unsuspicious landlady placed it by the fireside, where lay our -distressed traveller, to stove till the morning. - -Once or twice, in the course of the night, the “wife of the -change-house,” under pretence of inquiring for her sick lodger, and -administering to him some renovating cordials, the beneficial effects -of which he gratefully acknowledged, took occasion to dip her finger in -her saucepan, upon which the cock, perched on his roost, crowed aloud. -All Michael’s sickness could not prevent him from considering very -inquisitively the landlady’s cantrips, and particularly the influence -of the sauce upon the crowing of the cock. Nor could he dissipate some -inward desires he felt to follow her example. At the same time that he -suspected that Satan had a hand in the pye, yet he liked very much to -be at the bottom of the concern; and thus his reason and his curiosity -clashed against each other for the space of several hours. At length, -passion, as is too often the case, became the conqueror. Michael, -too, dipt his finger in the sauce, and applied it to the tip of his -tongue, and immediately the cock perched on the _spardan_ announced the -circumstance in a mournful clarion. Instantly his mind received a new -light to which he was formerly a stranger, and the astonished dupe of a -landlady now found it her interest to admit her sagacious lodger into a -knowledge of the remainder of her secrets. - -Endowed with the knowledge of “_good and evil_,” and all the -“_second sights_” that can be acquired, Michael left his lodgings in -the morning, with the philosopher’s stone in his pocket. By daily -perfecting his supernatural attainments, by new series of discoveries, -he was more than a match for Satan himself. Having seduced some -thousands of Satan’s best workmen into his employment, he trained them -up so successfully to the architective business, and inspired them -with such industrious habits, that he was more than sufficient for the -architectural work of the empire. To establish this assertion, we need -only refer to some remains of his workmanship still existing north of -the Grampians, some of them stupendous bridges built by him in one -short night, with no other visible agents than two or three workmen. - -As the following anecdote is so applicable to our purpose, we shall -submit it to the reader as a specimen of the expertness of Mr. Scott -and his agents. - -On one occasion, work was getting scarce, as might have been naturally -expected, and his workmen, as they were wont, flocked to his doors, -perpetually exclaiming, Work! work! work! Continually annoyed by their -incessant entreaties, he called out to them in derision to go and make -a dry road from Fortrose to Arderseir over the Moray Firth. Immediately -their cry ceased, and as Mr. Scott supposed it wholly impracticable for -them to execute his order, he retired to rest, laughing most heartily -at the chimerical sort of employment he had given to his industrious -workmen. Early in the morning, however, he got up and took a walk down -at the break of day to the shore, to divert himself at the fruitless -labours of his zealous workmen. But on reaching the spot, what was his -astonishment to find the formidable piece of work allotted to them only -a few hours before almost quite finished. Seeing the great damage the -commercial class of the community would sustain from the operation, he -ordered them to demolish the most part of their work; leaving, however, -the point of Fortrose to show the traveller to this day the wonderful -exploit of Michael Scott’s fairies. - -On being thus again thrown out of employment, their former clamour was -resumed, nor could Michael Scott, with all his sagacity, devise a plan -to keep them in innocent employment. He at length discovered one. “Go,” -says he, “and manufacture me ropes that will carry me to the back of -the moon, of those materials, _miller’s-sudds_ and sea-sand.” Michael -Scott here obtained rest from his active operators; for, when other -work failed them, he always dispatched them to their rope-manufactory. -“But,” says our relator, “though these agents could never make proper -ropes of those materials, their efforts to that effect are far from -being contemptible,--for some of their ropes are seen by the seaside -till this blessed day.” - -We shall close our notice of Michael Scott by reciting one anecdote of -him in the latter end of his life, which, on that account, will not be -the less interesting. - -In consequence of a violent quarrel which Michael Scott once had with -a person whom he conceived to have caused him some injury, Michael -resolved, as the highest punishment he could inflict upon him, to send -his adversary to that evil place designed only for Satan and his black -companions. He, accordingly, by means of his supernatural machinations, -sent the poor unfortunate man thither; and had he been sent by any -other means than those of Michael Scott, he would no doubt have met -with a warm reception. Out of pure spite to Michael, however, when -Satan learned who was his billet-master, he would no more receive him -than he would receive the Wife of Beth; and, instead of treating the -unfortunate man with that harshness characteristic of him, he showed -him considerable civilities. Introducing him to his “_Ben Taigh_,” he -directed her to show the stranger any curiosities he might wish to see, -hinting very significantly that he had provided some accommodations for -their mutual friend Michael Scott, the sight of which might afford him -some gratification. The polite housekeeper, accordingly, conducted the -stranger through the principal apartments in the house, where he saw -sights which, it is hoped, the reader will never witness. But the bed -of Michael Scott!--his greatest enemy could not but feel satiate with -revenge at the sight of it. It was a place too horrid to be described, -filled promiscuously with all the horrid brutes imaginable. Toads -and lions, lizards and leeches, and, amongst the rest, not the least -conspicuous, a large serpent gaping for Michael Scott, with its mouth -wide open. This last sight having satisfied the stranger’s curiosity, -he was led to the outer gate, and came off with far more agreeable -reflections than when he entered. - -He reached his friends, and, among other pieces of news touching his -travels, he was not backward in relating the entertainment that awaited -his friend Michael Scott, as soon as he would _stretch his foot_ for -the other world. But Michael did not at all appear disconcerted at -his friend’s intelligence. He affirmed that he would disappoint the -d--l and him both in their expectations. In proof of which, he gave -the following signs: “When I am just dead,” says he, “open my breast, -and extract my heart. Carry it to some place where the public may see -the result. You will then transfix it upon a long pole, and if Satan -will have my soul, he will come in the likeness of a black raven, and -carry it off; and if my soul will be saved, it will be carried off by -a white dove.” His friends faithfully obeyed his instructions. Having -exhibited his heart in the manner directed, a large black raven was -observed to come from the east with great fleetness; while a white dove -came from the west with equal velocity. The raven made a furious dash -at the heart, missing which, it was unable to curb its force, till it -was considerably past it; and the dove, reaching the spot at the same -time, carried off the heart amidst the cheers and ejaculations of the -spectators. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -OF THEIR DOMESTIC ECONOMY AND FESTIVE HABITS. - - -It is well known that the fairies are a sociable people, passionately -given to festive amusements and jocund hilarity. Hence, it seldom -happens that they cohabit in pairs, like most other species, but rove -about in bands, each band having a stated habitation or residence, to -which they resort as occasion suggests. - -Their habitations are generally found in rough irregular precipices and -broken caverns, remarkable for wildness of scenery, from whence we may -infer that they are particularly fond of what we term the Romantic. -These habitations are composed of stones, in the form of irregular -turrets, of such size and shapes as the nature of the materials and -the taste of the architect happened to suggest, and so solid in their -structure as frequently to resemble “masses of rocks or earthen -hillocks.” - -Their doors, windows, smoke-vents, and other conveniences, are so -artfully constructed, as to be invisible to the naked eye in day-light, -though in dark nights splendid lights are frequently reflected through -their invisible casements. - -Within those “_Tomhans_,” or, as others term them, “Shian,” sociality -and mirth are ever the inmates,--and they are so much addicted to -dancing, that it forms their chief and favourite amusement. The length -of their reels will be judged of from the following narrative: - -“Once upon a time, a tenant in the neighbourhood of Cairngorm in -Strathspey emigrated with his family and cattle to the forest of -Glenavon, which is well known to be inhabited by many fairies as well -as ghosts. Two of his sons having been one night late out in search -of some of their sheep which had strayed, they had occasion to pass -a fairy turret, or dwelling, of very large dimensions; and what was -their astonishment on observing streams of the most refulgent light -shining forth through innumerable crevices in the rock--crevices which -the sharpest eye in the country had never seen before. Curiosity led -them towards the turret, when they were charmed by the most exquisite -sounds ever emitted by a fiddle-string, which, joined to the sportive -mirth and glee accompanying it, reconciled them in a great measure to -the scene, although they knew well enough the inhabitants were fairies. -Nay, overpowered by the enchanting jigs played by the fiddler, one -of the brothers had even the hardihood to propose that they should -pay the occupants of the turret a short visit. To this motion the -other brother, fond as he was of dancing, and animated as he was by -the music, would by no means consent, and very earnestly inculcated -upon his brother many pithy arguments well calculated to restrain his -curiosity. But every new jig that was played, and every new reel that -was danced, inspired the adventurous brother with additional ardour; -and at length, completely fascinated by the enchanting revelry, -leaving all prudence behind, at one leap he entered the ‘Shian.’ The -poor forlorn brother was now left in a most uncomfortable situation. -His grief for the loss of a brother whom he dearly loved suggested to -him more than once the desperate idea of sharing his fate, by following -his example. But, on the other hand, when he coolly considered the -possibility of sharing very different entertainment from that which -rung upon his ears, and remembering, too, the comforts and conveniences -of his father’s fireside, the idea immediately appeared to him any -thing but prudent. After a long and disagreeable altercation between -his affection for his brother and his regard for himself, he came to -the resolution of trying a middle course;--that is, to send in at the -window a few remonstrances to his brother, which if he did not attend -to, let the consequences be upon his own head. Accordingly, taking his -station at one of the crevices, and calling upon his brother, three -several times, by name, as use is, he sent in to him, as aforesaid, -the most moving pieces of elocution he could think upon,--imploring -him, as he valued his poor parent’s life and blessing, to come forth -and go home with him, Donald Macgillivray, his thrice affectionate and -unhappy brother. But, whether it was he could not hear this eloquent -harangue, or, what is more probable, that he did not choose to attend -to it, certain it is, that it proved totally ineffectual to accomplish -its object,--and the consequence was, that Donald Macgillivray found -it equally much his duty and his interest to return home to his family -with the melancholy tale of poor Rory’s fate. All the prescribed -ceremonies calculated to rescue him from the fairy dominion were -resorted to by his mourning relatives without effect, and Rory was -supposed as lost for ever, when a _wise man_ of the day having learned -the circumstance, set them upon a plan of having him delivered at the -end of twelve months from his entry. ‘Return,’ says the _Duin Glichd_ -to Donald, ‘to the place where you lost your brother, a year and a day -from the time. You will insert in your garment a Rowan Cross, which -will protect you from the fairies’ interposition. Enter the turret -boldly and resolutely, in the name of the Highest claim your brother, -and, if he does not accompany you voluntarily, seize him and carry him -off by force,--none dare interfere with you.’” - -The experiment appeared to the cautious contemplative brother as one -that was fraught with no ordinary danger, and he would have most -willingly declined the prominent character allotted to him in the -performance of it, but for the importunate entreaty of his friends, who -implored him, as he valued their blessing, not to slight such excellent -advice. Their entreaties, together with his confidence in the virtues -of the Rowan Cross, overcame his scruples, and he, at length, agreed to -put the experiment in practice, whatever the result might be. - -Well then, the important day arrived, when the father of those two -sons was destined either to recover his lost son, or to lose the only -son he had, and, anxious as the father felt, Donald Macgillivray, -the intended adventurer, felt no less on the occasion. The hour of -midnight approached, when the drama was to be acted, and Donald -Macgillivray, loaded with all the charms and benedictions in his -country, took mournful leave of his friends, and proceeded to the scene -of his intended enterprise. On approaching the well-known turret, a -repetition of that mirth and those ravishing sounds, that had been the -source of so much sorrow to himself and family, once more attracted -his attention, without at all creating in his mind any extraordinary -feelings of satisfaction. On the contrary, he abhorred the sounds most -heartily, and felt much greater inclination to recede than to advance. -But what was to be done? courage, character, and every thing dear to -him, were at stake--so that to advance was his only alternative. In -short, he reached the “_Shian_,” and after twenty fruitless attempts, -he at length entered the place with trembling footsteps, and, amidst -the brilliant and jovial scene, the not least gratifying spectacle -which presented itself to Donald was his brother Rory earnestly -engaged at the Highland Fling on the floor, at which, as might have -been expected, he had greatly improved. Without losing much time in -satisfying his curiosity, by examining the quality of the company, he -ran to his brother, repeating, most vehemently, the words prescribed -to him by the “_Wise man_”--seized him by the collar, and insisted he -should immediately accompany him home to his poor afflicted parents. -Rory assented, provided he would allow him to finish his single reel, -assuring Donald, very earnestly, that he had not been half an hour in -the house. In vain did the latter assure the former, that, instead of -half an hour, he had actually remained twelve months. Nor would he have -believed his overjoyed friends on reaching home, “did not the calves, -now grown into stots, and the newborn babes, now travelling the house, -at length convince him, that in his single reel he had danced for a -twelvemonth and a day.” - -This reel, however, in which Rory Macgillivray had been engaged, -although it may be considered of pretty moderate length, will form but -a short space in a night’s entertainment, of which the following is a -brief account: - -“Nearly three hundred years ago, there lived in Strathspey two men, -greatly celebrated for their performances on the fiddle. It happened -upon a certain Christmas time that they had formed the resolution of -going to Inverness, to be employed in their musical capacities during -that festive season. Accordingly, having arrived in that great town, -and secured lodgings, they sent round the newsman and his bell, to -announce to the inhabitants their arrival in town, and the object of -it, their great celebrity in their own country, the number of tunes -they played, and their rate of charge per day, per night, or hour. -Very soon after, they were called upon by a venerable-looking old man, -grey-haired and somewhat wrinkled, of genteel deportment and liberal -disposition; for, instead of grudging their charges, as they expected, -he only said that he would double the demand. They cheerfully agreed -to accompany him, and soon they found themselves at the door of a very -curious dwelling, the appearance of which they did not at all relish. -It was night, but still they could easily distinguish the house to be -neither like the great Castle Grant, Castle Lethindry, Castle Roy, -or Castle-na-muchkeruch at home, nor like any other house they had -seen on their travels. It resembled a huge fairy ‘Tomhan,’ such as -are seen in Glenmore. But the mild persuasive eloquence of the guide, -reinforced by the irresistible arguments of a purse of gold, soon -removed any scruples they felt at the idea of entering so novel a -mansion. They entered the place, and all sensations of fear were soon -absorbed in those of admiration of the august assembly which surrounded -them; strings tuned to sweet harmony soon gave birth to glee in the -dwelling. The floor bounded beneath the agile ‘_fantastic toe_,’ and -gaiety in its height pervaded every soul present. The night passed on -harmoniously, while the diversity of the reels and the loveliness of -the dancers presented to the fiddlers the most gratifying scene they -ever witnessed; and in the morning, when the ball was terminated, they -took their leave, sorry that the time of their engagement was so short, -and highly gratified at the liberal treatment which they experienced. -But what was their astonishment, on issuing forth from this strange -dwelling, when they beheld the novel scene which surrounded them. -Instead of coming out of a castle, they found they had come out of a -little hill, they knew not what way; and on entering the town they -found those objects which yesterday shone in all the splendour of -novelty, to-day exhibit only the ruins and ravages of time, while the -strange innovations of dress and manners displayed by their numerous -spectators filled them with wonder and consternation. At last a mutual -understanding took place between themselves and the crowd assembled to -look upon them, and a short account of their adventures led the more -sagacious part of the spectators to suspect at once that they had been -paying a visit to the inhabitants of _Tomnafurich_, which, not long -ago, was the grand rendezvous of many of the fairy bands inhabiting -the surrounding districts; and the arrival of a very old man on the -spot set the matter fairly at rest. On being attracted by the crowd, -he walked up to the two poor old oddities, who were the subject of -amazement, and having learned their history, thus addressed them: ‘You -are the two men my great-grandfather lodged, and who, it was supposed, -were decoyed by Thomas Rymer to Tomnafurich. Sore did your friends -lament your loss--but the lapse of a hundred years has now rendered -your name extinct.’ - -“Finding every circumstance conspire to verify the old man’s story, -the poor fiddlers were naturally inspired with feelings of reverential -awe at the secret wonders of the Deity--and it being the Sabbath-day, -they naturally wished to indulge those feelings in a place of worship. -They, accordingly, proceeded to church, and took their places, to -hear public worship, and sat for a while listening to the pealing -bells, which, while they summoned the remainder of the congregation to -church, summoned them to their long homes. When the ambassador of peace -ascended the sacred place, to announce to his flock the glad tidings of -the Gospel--strange to tell, at the first word uttered by his lips, his -ancient hearers, the poor deluded fiddlers, both crumbled into dust.” - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -OF THE PASSIONS AND PROPENSITIES OF THE FAIRIES. - - -The ingenious reader must not suppose that, because the fairies were -once angelic, they have continued so in this corrupt world to the -present day. They will be found to exhibit in their conduct as signal -proofs of degeneracy from their original innocence and worth as their -mortal contemporary, man; and, as may be concluded, this degeneracy -has entailed upon them those passions and infirmities, from which they -were, no doubt, once on a time exempt. - -The fairies are remarkable for the amorousness of their dispositions, -and are not very backward in forming attachments and connections with -the people that cannot with propriety be called their own species. We -are told it is an undeniable fact, that it was once a common practice -with both sexes of the fairy people to form intimacies with human -swains and damsels, whom they would visit at times and in places -highly unbecoming and suspicious; and these improper intimacies -not unfrequently produced, as may be well believed, _their natural -consequences_. It exposed the fairy-females to that indisposition to -which, before their fall, they were no doubt strangers--we mean the -pains of child-birth, which, it seems, they suffer in common with -their earthly neighbours. To the more sceptical part of our readers, -the idea of fairy fruition may appear somewhat incredible. In order, -however, to remove any doubt on the subject, we submit the particulars -of a fairy accouchement, which took place, no doubt, “a considerable -time ago,” in the wilds of Cairngorm: - -“A considerable time ago there was a woman living in the neighbourhood -of Cairngorm in Strathspey, by profession a midwife, of extensive -practice, and esteemed, indeed, the best midwife in the district. One -night, while she was preparing for bed, there came a loud knocking -to her door, indicating great haste in the person that knocked. The -midwife was accustomed to such late intrusions, and concluded, even -before she opened the door, that her presence was too much required -at a _sick-bed_. She found the person that knocked to be a rider and -his horse, _both out of breath_, and most impatient for her company. -The rider entreated the midwife to make haste, and jump up behind him -without a single moment’s delay, else that the life of an amiable -woman was lost for ever. But the midwife, having a great regard to -cleanliness and decorum, requested leave to exchange her apparel before -she set out; a motion which, on the part of the rider, was met with -a decided negative, and nothing would satisfy the rider but that the -midwife would immediately jump up behind him on his grey horse. His -importunities were irresistible, the midwife mounted, and off they -flew at full gallop. The midwife being now seated, and fleeing on the -road, she began naturally to question her guide what he was--where he -was going--and how far. He, however, declined immediately making any -other reply to her questions than merely saying that she would be well -rewarded, which, however consoling, was far from being satisfactory -information to the midwife. At length the course they pursued, and the -road they took, alarmed the midwife beyond measure, and her guide found -it necessary to appease her fears by explaining the matter, otherwise -she would, in all probability, prove inadequate to the discharge of -her duty. ‘My good woman,’ says the fairy to the midwife, ‘be not -alarmed; though I am conducting you to a fairy habitation to assist a -fairy lady in distress, be not dismayed, I beseech you; for I promise -you, by all that is sacred, you shall sustain no injury, but will -be safely restored to your dwelling when your business is effected, -with such boon or present as you shall choose to ask or accept of.’ -The fairy was a sweet good-looking young fellow, and the candour of -his speech and the mildness of his demeanour soothed her fears, and -reconciled the _Ben Ghlun_, in a great measure, to the enterprise. -They were not long in reaching the place, when the midwife found the -fairy lady in any thing but easy circumstances, and soon proved the -auspicious instrument of bringing to the world a fine lusty boy. All -was joy and rejoicing in consequence, and all the fairies in the -turret flattered and caressed the midwife. She was desired to choose -any gift in the power of fairies to grant, which was instantly to be -given her. Upon which she asked, as a boon, that whomsoever she or her -posterity should attend in her professional capacity, a safe and speedy -delivery should be insured them. The favour was instantly conferred on -her, and all know to this day that _Muruch-na-Ban_, the man-midwife, -possesses, in no inconsiderable degree, the professional talents of his -great-grandmother.” - -Before concluding this chapter, we owe it, in justice to both the human -and fairy communities of the present day, to say, that such intercourse -as that described to have taken place betwixt them is now extremely -rare; and, with the single exception of a good old shoemaker, now or -lately living in the village of Tomantoul, who confesses having had -some dalliances with a “_lanan shi_” in his younger days, we do not -know personally any one who has carried matters this length. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -OF THE FAIRY’S EMBEZZLING AND CRIMINAL PROPENSITIES. - - -But, although the correspondence now subsisting between the human and -fairy people is much more chaste and innocent than it was of old, still -it appears that the strong predilection which the fairies entertained -for human society is far from being yet extinguished. It is no doubt -the existence of this predilection on the part of the former, and the -increasing shyness on the part of the latter, that could induce the -fairies to resort to those dishonest methods to which they now recur, -to have their passion for human society gratified. - -We presume the reader is aware that the fairies are much addicted to -that heinous crime child-stealing--a crime which these people, in -consequence, no doubt, of their long experience in the practice, commit -with wonderful address. Often have they robbed the inexperienced mother -of her tender babe in the height of day, while his place is taken by an -impudent impostor, whose sham sickness and death entail on the unhappy -parent an additional load of misery. To warn unsuspicious mothers of -the dangers to which themselves and their offspring are exposed from -fairy practices, the following narrative may be of use: - -“There were once two natives of Strathspey who were in the habit -of dealing a little in the whisky way--that is to say, they were -accustomed occasionally to visit a family in Glenlivat, from whom they -would buy a few barrels, which they would again dispose of among the -gentlemen of Badenoch and Fort-William, to pretty good account; and on -those occasions, for reasons well known to every district gauger, (an -evil death to him!) the Strathspeymen always found it most convenient -to travel by night. Well, then, on one of those occasions, as they -were busy measuring the whisky in the friend’s house at Glenlivat, a -little child belonging to the goodman, and which lay in the cradle, -uttered a piteous cry, as if it had been shot. The goodwife, according -to custom, blessed her child, and, as she supposed, raised it from the -cradle. Ascribing the cry merely to infantine frailty or fretfulness, -the Strathspeymen took no particular notice of it, and having their -business transacted, they proceeded on their way with their cargo. -A short distance from their friend’s house, they were not a little -astonished to find a little child abandoned on the high road, without a -being in sight of it. One of the lads took it up in his arms, on which -it ceased its plaintive cries, and with great fondness clasped his -little hands round his neck, and smiled. This naturally excited some -curiosity, and on closer examination they clearly recognised it to be -their friend’s child. Suspicion was instantly attached to the fairies, -and this suspicion was a great deal strengthened by the circumstance of -the cry uttered by the child, as already mentioned. Indeed, they came -to an immediate conclusion that the fairies, having embezzled the real -child, then in their possession, and deposited a stock or substitute in -its place, it was the lucky presence of mind discovered by its mother -in blessing it, on its having uttered the cry, that rescued it from -fairy dominion, for no sooner was the blessing pronounced than they -were compelled to abandon the child. As their time was limited, they -could not with convenience immediately return to their friend’s house -to solve the mysterious occurrence, but proceeded on their journey, -taking special care of their little foundling. - -“In about a fortnight thereafter, having occasion for a few barrels -more, they returned to Glenlivat, taking the child along with them, -which, however, they concealed on arriving at the father’s house. -In the course of mutual inquiries for each other’s welfare, the -goodwife took occasion to lament very bitterly a severe and protracted -illness which seized her child on the night of their preceding visit, -the nature of which illness could not be ascertained, but, at all -events, certain death was the consequence to the child. During this -lamentation, the impostor uttered the most piteous cries, and appeared -in the last stage of his sufferings; upon this, the lads, without any -preliminary remarks, produced their little charge, telling the mother -to take courage, that they now presented her with her real child, as -healthy and thriving as a trout, and that the object of her great -solicitude was nothing more than a barefaced fairy impostor. A short -statement of facts induced the happy mother to agree to an exchange, -she receiving back her child, and the lads the stock or impostor, -to whom his new proprietors proceeded to administer a warm specific -commonly given to his kin on similar occasions. They procured an old -creel and a bunch of straw, in order to try the effects the burning -element would have in curing him of his grievous complaints. But at the -appearance of those articles, the stock took the hint, and not choosing -to wait a trial of its effects, flew out at the smoke-hole, telling the -exulting spectators, on attaining the top of the ‘_Lum_,’ that, had it -not been for the unfortunate arrival of the two travellers, he should -have given the inmates very different entertainment.” - -When we reflect upon the extreme covetousness manifested by the fairies -for human children, the frequent instances of their embezzlement, and, -on the other hand, the ease and simplicity by which these robberies -can be foiled, we feel persuaded neither mother nor nurse will now -neglect the safeguards prescribed for the preservation of children -from such practices. It is universally allowed by people conversant in -those important matters, that suspending the child’s head downwards, -on its being dressed in the morning, is an excellent preservative from -every species of supernatural agency, and this is certainly a cheap and -simple process. A red thread tied about its neck, or a rowan cross, -are said to be equally efficacious in preventing the influence of evil -spirits, evil eyes, and other calamities of the same description. - -But as it is natural to suppose that those precautions will still -be sometimes neglected, as they have always too often been, it is -fortunate that a remedy has been discovered for those desperate cases, -where repentance for past imprudence would not avail. When a child has -actually been stolen, and a stock or substitute left in its stead, -the child may be recovered in the following manner:--Let the stock be -carried to the junction of three shires, or the confluence of three -rivers, where it is to be left for the night; and it is a certain fact, -that if the child has been stolen by the fairies, they must, in the -course of the night, return the genuine offspring, and take away the -spurious one.[C] - -But children are not the only objects of their envy. They are equally -covetous of pregnant females at a certain juncture, when they embrace -every opportunity of securing them, well knowing that, by such -acquisitions, they obtain a double bargain. The process of stealing -women is the same as that of stealing children, only their ranges in -quest of such prizes are much more extensive, as the following story -will show: - -“There was once a courageous clever man, of the name of John Roy, who -lived in Glenbrown, in the parish of Abernethy. One night, as John -Roy was out traversing the hills for his cattle, he happened to fall -in with a fairy banditti, whose manner of travelling indicated that -they carried along with them some booty. Recollecting an old, and, it -seems, a faithful saying, that the fairies are obliged to exchange -any booty they may possess for any return, however unequal in value, -on being challenged to that effect, John Roy took off his bonnet, and -threw it towards them, demanding a fair exchange in the emphatic Gaelic -phrase, _Sluis sho slumus Sheen_.[D] It was, no doubt, an unprofitable -barter for the fairies. They, however, it would appear, had no other -alternative but to comply with John Roy’s demand; and in room of the -bonnet, they abandoned the burden, which turned out to be nothing more -nor less than a fine fresh lady, who, from her dress and language, -appeared to be a _Sasonach_. With great humanity, John Roy conducted -the unfortunate lady to his house, where she was treated with the -utmost tenderness for several years; and the endearing attentions paid -to her by John and his family won so much her affections as to render -her soon happy in her lot. Her habits became gradually assimilated to -those of her new society; and the Saxon lady was no longer viewed in -any other character than as a member of John Roy’s family. - -“It happened, however, in the course of time, that the _new king_ found -it necessary to make the great roads through those countries by means -of soldiers, for the purpose of letting coaches and carriages pass to -the northern cities; and those soldiers had officers and commanders -in the same way as our fighting army have now. Those soldiers were -never great favourites in these countries, particularly during the -time that our own kings were alive; and, consequently, it was no easy -matter for them, either officers or men, to procure for themselves -comfortable quarters. But John Roy forgot the national animosity -of his countrymen to the _Cotton Darg_ (red coat), when the latter -appealed to his generosity as an individual; and he, accordingly, -did not hesitate to offer an asylum under his roof to a _Saxon_ -captain and his son, who commanded a party employed in his immediate -neighbourhood. His offer was thankfully accepted of, and while the -strangers were highly delighted at the cleanliness and economy of the -house and family of their host, the latter was quite satisfied with -the frankness and urbanity of manners displayed by his guests. One -thing, however, caused some feelings of uneasiness to John Roy, and -that was the extreme curiosity manifested by them, whenever they were -in the company or presence of his English foundling, on whom their eyes -were continually rivetted, as if she were a ghost or a fairy. On one -occasion, it happened that the captain’s son lapsed into a state of -the profoundest meditation, gazing upon this lady with silent emotion. -‘My son,’ says the captain, his father, ‘tell me what is the cause of -your deep meditation?’--‘Father,’ replies the sweet youth, ‘I think on -the days that are gone; and of my dearest mother, who is now no more. -I have been led into those reflections by the appearance of that lady -who is now before me. Oh, father! does she not strikingly resemble -the late partner of your heart; she for whom you so often mourn in -secret?’--‘Indeed, my son,’ replied the father, ‘the resemblance has -frequently recurred to me too forcibly. Never were twin sisters more -like; and, were not the thing impossible, I should even say she was my -dearest departed wife;’--pronouncing her name as he spoke, and also -the names of characters nearly connected to both parties. Attracted by -the mention of her real name, which she had not heard repeated for a -number of years before, and attracted still more by the nature of their -conversation, the lady, on strict examination of the appearance of the -strangers, instantly recognised her tender husband and darling son. -Natural instinct could be no longer restrained. She threw herself upon -her husband’s bosom; and Ossian, the son of Fingal, could not describe -in adequate terms the transports of joy that prevailed at the meeting. -Suffice it to say, that the _Saxon_ lady was again restored to her -affectionate husband, pure and unblemished as when he lost her, and -John Roy gratified by the only reward he would accept of--the pleasure -of doing good.” - -From the sequel of the story, it appears that some of the hordes of -fairies, inhabiting the “Shian of Coir-laggack,” found it convenient, -for purposes which may be easily guessed at, to take a trip to the -south of England, and made no scruple to kidnap this lady in the -absence of her husband, and on the occasion of her accouchement. A -stock was, of course, deposited in her stead--which, of _course_, died -in a few days after--and which, of _course_, was interred in the full -persuasion of _its_ being the lady in question, with all the splendour -which her merits deserved. Thus would the perfidious fairies have -enjoyed the fruits of their cunning, without even a suspicion of their -knavery, were it not for the “cleverness and generosity of John Roy, -who once lived in Glenbrown.” - -The natural passions, lusts, and covetousness of which we have now -shown the fairies to be possessed, are not, however, our only grounds -for calling in question the fitness of their title to angelic nature -and attributes. For it will be seen, from some traits in their -character about to be detailed, that their appetites are as keen and -voluptuous as their inclinations are corrupt and wicked. Our readers -would be apt to believe, from the first outline of their character, -that they were an amiable, harmless race of people, strictly honest, -and given entirely to innocent amusements. But it is a fact too well -known, that many of them are employed in very different avocations -from mirth and dancing; for, to repeat an old Scottish proverb, “if -a’ tales be true,” thieving and blackguarding occupy fully as much of -their time as mirth and dancing. And what is still worse, it is much -suspected that their proneness to theft and knavery is not so much the -effect of necessity, as it is the effect of wanton depravity. However -base and degrading in the eyes of society appears the thief, even when -his deviation from honesty is the result of _sheer_ necessity, he -appears infinitely more so when he is solely led to the commission of -crimes from wanton levity. Hence the indignation which a worthy man -feels, whenever those pilfering depredators embezzle the fruits of his -honest industry. The _whirlwind_ is not the alone engine of robbery to -which the fairies resort; they recur to others of a more direct and -ruinous character; while the loser, from the speciousness of their -artifices, is seldom conscious of the true cause of his loss. In order -to expose the wantonness of such pillage as they will be shown to be -guilty of, we need only call our reader’s attention to the extent of -the indisputable perquisites which they derive from fire and other -calamities incident to the estate of man, many of which calamities, we -are told, are accomplished by their agency. As, however, we would not -readily accuse them of crimes so atrocious, without some foundation, -we submit the following particulars to the judgment of our readers, -leaving them to draw their own inferences. - -“One day a fairy woman, residing in the turrets of Craig-Aulnaic, -called on one of the tenants’ wives in Delnabo, in her neighbourhood, -and requested of her the loan of a firlot of oatmeal for meat to her -family, promising she would return it in a very short time, as she -herself hourly expected a considerable supply. Not choosing, for so -small a trifle, to incur the fairy’s displeasure, the tenant’s wife -complied with her request, from the same motives as if she had been the -exciseman. After regaling the fairy with a dram and bread and cheese, -as is the custom of the country, she went out to give her the customary -convoy. On ascending the eminence above the town, the ‘_Benshi_’ -paused, and, with apparent exultation, told the tenant’s wife that she -might take her meal home with her, as she herself was now supplied as -she expected. The woman, without putting any impertinent questions -to the lady as to the source whence her supply proceeded, cheerfully -agreed to receive back her meal, and took leave of her visitor. She -was not a little surprised, however, to observe, in a few minutes -thereafter, the corn-kiln of an adjacent farm in total conflagration, -with all its contents.” - -Over and above this, all liquids spilled on the ground are supposed -to go to their use; and there are some people even so charitable as -purposely to reserve for their participation a share of the best they -possess. It is not unlikely that such generous actions were in some -degree influenced by such returns as the following:-- - -“Once upon a time, a farmer, in Strathspey, was engaged sowing a field -upon his farm, and, as is not uncommon, he accompanied his labours -with a cheerful song. Now the fairies are very fond of music, and -not less so of spoil,--and whether it was the music or the seed that -attracted her most to the spot, certain it is, that a fairy damsel, -of great beauty and elegance, presented herself to the farmer. She -requested of him, as a particular favour, to sing her an old Gaelic -song, ‘_Nighan Donne na Bual_;’ and, when this favour was granted -her, she sought of him a present of corn. Although he had far less -objections to her first request than he had to her second, he did -not flatly refuse her, but he did what any prudent man would do in -similar circumstances,--he inquired what she would give him in return. -She answered, that, provided he granted her request, his seed would -not the more speedily fail him; and this assurance she enforced with -a look so significant, as to induce him at once to supply her very -liberally from his bag. She then departed, and he resumed his work. -He was soon after very agreeably surprised, when he found that, after -sowing abundantly a large field, wont to take five times the bulk -of his bag, it appeared equal in size and weight to what it was when -he met with the fairy nymph. Far from being in the least confounded -at the agreeable circumstance, he threw his bag over his shoulder, -highly satisfied at the act of munificence he did in the morning, and -sowed with it another field of equal extent, without its exhibiting -any appearance of diminution. Perfectly satisfied now with his day’s -labour, he returned home, fully determined to take care of his bag. -But, just as he was entering the barn door, who met him but his wife, -‘who was a foolish talkative hussey, having a tongue as long, and a -head as empty, as the parish church bell.’ With her usual loquacity she -accosted him, expressing her astonishment at the unaccountable nature -of the sack, that had thus sown half their farm,--expressing, moreover, -very notable suspicions of the cause. Now it is well known that, -whenever any supernatural agency is challenged, the spell is instantly -broken. So that the clashmaclavering Jezebel had scarcely uttered those -inconsiderate and highly reprehensible words, when the burden on the -farmer’s back became an empty bag. ‘I’ll be your death, you foolish, -foolish woman,’ exclaimed her woe-struck husband; ‘were it not for your -imprudent talk, this bag were worth its weight of gold.’” - -Such relations as the foregoing should go very far to induce every -prudent and foreseeing man to be on as friendly a footing as possible -with those capricious and all-powerful people, especially when their -friendship is to be purchased on such reasonable terms as those of -which we have just read. The unhappy hero of the following narrative -was convinced, when too late, of the truth of this observation. - -“A farmer, who at one time occupied the farm of Auchriachan, of -Strathavon, was one day searching for his goats in a remote hill -in Glenlivat, and what came on but a thick hazy fog, which marred -his way, and bewildered his senses. Every stone, magnified by the -delusion of the moment, appeared a mountain; every rivulet seemed -to him to run in an opposite direction to its usual course; and the -unhappy traveller thought of his fireside, which he expected never to -see more. Night came on apace; its horrific gloom, as it approached, -dispelled the unhappy wanderer’s forlorn hopes, and he now sat down to -prepare for the world that has no end. Involved in perplexity at his -unhappy situation, he threw a mournful look on the gloomy scene around -him, as if to bid the world an eternal adieu,--when, lo! a twinkling -light glimmered on his eye. It was a cheering blink that administered -comfort to his soul. His frigid limbs, which lately refused their -office, recovered their vigour. His exhausted frame became animated -and energetic: and he immediately directed his course towards the -light, which, from its reflection, seemed not far distant. On reaching -the place, however, his joy was a good deal damped when he examined -the nature of the place whence the light reflected. A human foot -never seemed to have visited the scene; it was one of wildness and -horror. Life, however, is exceedingly sweet when we are on the brink -of losing it, and necessity had so far subdued every vestige of fear, -that _Auchriachan_ resolved at all hazards to take a night’s lodging -with the inmates, whatever their nature or calling might be. The door -was open, and he entered the place. His courage, however, was a good -deal appalled, on meeting at the door an old female acquaintance, -whose funeral he had recently attended, and who, it appeared, acted in -this family in the capacity of housewife. But this meeting, however -disagreeable it proved to Auchriachan in one respect, ultimately turned -out a fortunate circumstance for him, inasmuch as his old acquaintance -was the happy means of saving his life. On observing Auchriachan--for -that was the farmer’s title--enter the abode, she instantly ran towards -him, and told him he was done for, unless he chose to slip in into a -bye-corner off the principal apartment, where he had better remain -until she found an opportunity of effecting his escape. The advice of -the friendly housekeeper he thought it prudent to adopt, and he was -accordingly content to hide himself in a crevice in the apartment. -Scarce had he done so, when there entered the dwelling an immense -concourse of fairies, who had been all day absent upon some important -expedition; and being well appetized by their journey, they all cried -out for some food. Having all sat in council, the question proposed -for discussion was, ‘What was their supper to consist of?’--When an -old sagacious looking fairy, who sat in the chimney corner, spoke as -follows: ‘Celestial gentlemen, you all know and abhor that old miserly -fellow the taxman of Auchriachan. Mean and penurious, he appropriates -nothing to us; but, on the contrary, disappoints us of our very dues. -By learning too well the lesson taught him by his old and wizened -grand-mother, nothing escapes a blessing and a safeguard; and the -consequence is, that we cannot interfere with the gleanings on his -fields, far less the stock and produce. Now, Auchriachan himself is not -at home this night; he is in search of his goats, our allies,[E]--his -less careful household have neglected the customary safeguards; and, -lo! his goods are at our mercy. Come, let us have his favourite ox to -supper.’--‘Bravo!’ exclaimed the whole assembly; ‘the opinion of Thomas -Rymer is always judicious; Auchriachan is certainly a miserable devil, -and we shall have his favourite ox to supper.’--‘But whence shall we -procure bread to eat with him?’ inquired a greedy-looking fairy. ‘We -shall have the new baken bread of Auchriachan,’ replied the sagacious -and sage counsellor, Mr. Rymer; ‘for he is a miserly old fellow--he -himself is not at home, and his wife has forgot to cross the first -bannock.’--‘Bravo!’ exclaimed the whole assembly. ‘By all means, let us -have the new baken bread of Auchriachan.’ - -“Thus did Auchriachan, honest man, who, indeed, was not at home, -with no very grateful feelings, learn the fate of his favourite ox, -without, however, dissenting from the general voice that pronounced -his doom. And, in pursuance of the same unpleasant decision, he had -the additional mortification to see his ill-fated ox deliberately -introduced by the nose and killed in his presence. Meantime, -when all were engaged cooking the ox, the officious housekeeper -took occasion, under pretence of some other errand, to relieve -Auchriachan from his uncomfortable seclusion. On issuing forth from -Mr. Rymer’s council-chamber, Auchriachan found the mist had entirely -disappeared--the stones were now of their natural size--the rivulets -now ran their usual course--the moon threw her silver mantle over the -lately murky scene, and he had now no difficulty to make his way home, -lamenting most sincerely the lot of his favourite ox. - -“On arriving at home, he was cordially welcomed by his happy family, -whose great anxiety for his safety was probably the cause of the -omission of that duty that poor Auchriachan had so much cause to -deplore. His overjoyed wife, supposing her husband to be no doubt in a -hungry case, provided a basket of new baked bread and milk, and urged -him to eat, for sure he might well be hungry. He did not, however, mind -her solicitude for his comfort--he was sorry and sullen, and cared not -for the provision, particularly the bread, well knowing it was only -an abominable phantom. At last he inquired, ‘Which of you served the -oxen this night, my lads?’--‘It was I, my father,’ replied one of his -sons. ‘And did you mind the customary safeguard?’--‘Indeed,’ says the -son, ‘from my great agitation for the fate of my father, I believe I -forgot.’--‘Alas! alas!’ exclaimed the affectionate farmer, ‘my dear -and favourite ox is no more!’--‘What!’ exclaims one of his sons, ‘I -saw him alive not two hours ago!’--‘It was only a fairy stock,’ says -Auchriachan. ‘Bring him out here until I dispatch him.’ The farmer -then, venting the most unqualified expressions of his indignation upon -the stock and its knavish proprietors, struck it such a pithy blow on -the forehead as felled it to the ground. Rolling down the brae, at the -back of the house, to the bottom, there it lay and the bread along with -it, both unmolested; for it was a remarkable circumstance, that neither -dog nor cat ever put a tooth on the carcase.” - -It now only remains for us to describe the most heinous of all their -crimes, a crime which we are peculiarly reluctant to bring so openly -to light, did not our impartiality as an historian compel us. This -crime consists in their destruction of human beings, and their cattle, -by means of their magical dart, commonly called an elf-bolt. Those -bolts are of various sizes, of a hard yellowish substance, resembling -somewhat the flint, for which they are no bad substitutes. The bolt -is very frequently of the shape of a heart, its edges being indented -like a saw, and very sharp at the point. This deadly weapon the wicked -fairy will throw at man or beast with such precision as seldom to -miss his aim; and whenever it hits, the stroke is fatal. Such is the -great force with which it is flung, that on its striking the object it -instantaneously perforates it to the heart, and a sudden death is the -consequence. In the blinking of an eye, a man or an ox is struck down -cold-dead, and, strange to say, the wound is not discernible to an -ordinary person, unless he is possessed of the charm that enables some -wise people to trace the course of the bolt, and ultimately discover it -in the dead body.--Note, whenever this fatal instrument is discovered, -it should be carefully preserved, as it defends its possessor from the -fatal consequences of the “_Fay_,” so long as he retains it about him. - -Having now travelled over the leading traits of the fairy’s character, -publicly and privately, we shall now conclude our treatise of him by -subjoining a few of the most approved cures and safeguards, which -afford protection from his dangerous practices. An abler historian -might be disposed to offer some learned observations on the strange -incongruity of character exhibited by the fairy in the preceding -sketches, and endeavour, if he could, to reconcile them so as to form -any thing like a rational subject. As a plain unvarnished compiler, -however, we have discharged our duty; we have detailed, to the best -of our ability, the fairy’s character, according to the nature of our -materials; and if our delineations are strange and inconsistent, the -fault lies either with the fairy or his professed historians, and not -with the mere machine, _ourself_, the compiler. - -Go to the summit of some stupendous cliff or mountain, where any -species of quadruped has never fed nor trod, and gather of that herb -in the Gaelic language called “_Mohan_,” which can be pointed out by -any “_wise_ person.” This herb you will give to a cow, and of the milk -of that cow you are to make a cheese, and whoever eats of that cheese -is for ever after, as well as his gear, perfectly secure from every -species of fairy agency. - -A piece of torch fir carried about the person, and a knife made of -iron which has never been applied to any purpose, are both excellent -preservatives. - -A piece of cold iron or steel put into the bed of a lady “_uneasy -in her circumstances_” will protect mother and offspring from being -“_Fayed_.” - - - - -PART III. - -Brownies. - - Brownie has got a cowl and coat, - And never more will work a jot. - - - - -BROWNIES. - - -Although this mysterious and very useful agent has now become very -rare among the Highland mountains, it appears that, at one time, he -was the common appendage of every family of rank in those countries. -Hence, his history and character are well known; and his memory still -retains a powerful interest in the minds of the inhabitants. It may -not, therefore, be improper to give a condensed account of the most -prominent traits of the Highland Brownie’s character, to enable the -reader to compare his manners and habits with those of the Brownie of -Bodspeck, or any other Brownie with the manners of whom he may happen -to be acquainted. - -With regard to the Brownie’s origin, it is a point that is involved in -much obscurity. It was always a peculiar trait in his character, that -he never would favour his earthly acquaintances with any information -regarding his own private affairs. From some resemblance the Brownie -bore to the Fairy, joined to a similarity of habits, it was shrewdly -suspected by the more discriminating sort of people, that if he were -not actually a member of the Fairy people, he was, at least, a mongrel -species of them. But on this important topic the sagacious Brownie -himself opened not his mouth; leaving them to argue the matter as they -thought proper. - -In his personal appearance, the Highland Brownie was highly -interesting. His person was not quite so tall as that of the Fairy, but -it was well proportioned and comely; and, from the peculiar brownness -of his complexion, he received the appellation of _Brownie_. - -In his manners and habits he differed widely from all the supernatural -beings of his day; inasmuch as he was laborious and faithful to his -master’s interest--content to labour day and night for no other fee -or reward than a scanty diet, and occasionally a suit of cast-off -apparel. Hence, the possession of so cheap and useful an agent was -an acquisition highly desirable. But he was what neither money nor -interest could procure. Having once united himself to the founder of an -ancient family, he adhered to him and to his issue so long as he had -any lineal posterity; and hence it is, that the Brownie was only found -the heir-loom of an ancient and honourable family. - -Unexampled for his fidelity, he was the indefatigable guardian and -promoter of his adopted master’s interest; and, from his powers of -prophecy and information, his services were truly invaluable. Over the -servants he was always a vigilant and faithful spy, ready to give a -faithful account of their good or bad actions; and hence it followed, -that with these he was very seldom on a good understanding. So that, -if the Brownie was left to the servants’ mercy, he would not, in all -likelihood, fare the better for his fidelity. But if the master had any -regard to his own interest, he was careful to have seen him properly -cared for in his meat and in his drink, which care was rewarded by the -most unlimited devotion to his interest. - -The last two brownies known in this quarter of the Highlands were long -the appendages of the ancient family of Tullochgorm in Strathspey. They -were male and female, and, for aught we know, they might likewise have -been man and wife. The male was of an exceedingly jocose and humorous -disposition, often indulging in little sports at the expense of his -fellow-servants. He had, in particular, a great trick of flinging clods -at the passengers, and from thence he got the name of “_Brownie-Clod_.” -He had, however, with all his humour, a great deal of simplicity about -him, and became, in his turn, the dupe of those on whom he affected -to play. An eminent instance of this appears from a contract into -which he foolishly entered with the servants of Tullochgorm, whereby -he bound and obliged himself to thrash as much corn and straw as two -men could do for the space of a whole winter, on condition he was to -be gratified with an old coat and a Kilmarnock cowl, pieces of apparel -for which, it seems, he had a great liking. While the servants were -reclining themselves at their ease upon the straw, poor Brownie-Clod -thrashed on unremittingly, and performed such Herculean tasks as no -human constitution could bear for a week together. Some time before the -expiry of the contract, the lads, out of pure gratitude and pity, left -the coat and cowl for him on a mow of corn in the barn, on receipt of -which he instantly struck work, and with the greatest triumph at the -idea of taking in his acquaintances, he sneeringly told them, that, -since they were so foolish as to give him the coat and cowl before he -had wrought for them, he would now decline to thrash another sheaf. - - “Huar Prownie coad agus curochd - Agus cha dian Prownie opar tullidh.” - -The female was more pawky in her ways; and, instead of being a -laughing-stock to the female-servants with whom she wrought, she -was a sort of a mistress over them. She was seldom on good terms -with them, in consequence of the fidelity with which she reported -their neglect of duty to their master or mistress. It was her custom -to wear a superabundance of hair, in consequence of which, she was -commonly called “_Maug Vuluchd_,” or “Hairy Mag.” Mag was an honest -and excellent housekeeper, and had the service of the table generally -assigned her, in which capacity she was extremely useful. The dexterity -and care with which she covered the table, always invisible, was -not less amusing to strangers than it was convenient to their host. -Whatever was called for came as if it floated on the air, and lighted -on the table with the utmost ease and celerity; and, for cleanliness -and attention, she had not her equal in this land. - - - - -PART IV. - -Water-Kelpies. - - When thaws dissolve the snawy hoord, - An’ float the jingling icy boord, - The water-kelpies haunt the foord, - By your direction, - And nightly travellers are allur’d - To their destruction. - - BURNS’ _Address to the Deil_. - - - - -WATER-KELPIES. - - -In the former and darker ages of the world when people had not half -the wit and sagacity they now possess, and when, consequently, they -were much easier duped by such designing agents, the “Ech Uisque,” -or _Water-Horse_, as the Kelpie is commonly called, was a well-known -character in those countries. The Kelpie was an infernal agent, -retained in the service and pay of Satan, who granted him a commission -to execute such services as appeared profitable to his interest. He -was an amphibious character, and generally took up his residence in -lochs and pools, bordering on public roads and other situations, most -convenient for his professional calling. - -His commission consisted in the destruction of human beings, without -affording them time to prepare for their immortal interests, and thus -endeavour to send their souls to his master, while he, the Kelpie, -enjoyed the body. However, he had no authority to touch a human being -of his own free accord, unless the latter was the aggressor. In order, -therefore, to delude public travellers and others to their destruction, -it was the common practice of the Kelpie to assume the most fascinating -form, and assimilate himself to that likeness which he supposed most -congenial to the inclinations of his intended victim. The likeness -of a fine riding steed was his favourite disguise. Decked out in the -most splendid riding accoutrements, the perfidious Kelpie would place -himself in the weary traveller’s way, and graze by the road-side with -all the seeming innocence and simplicity in the world. The traveller, -supposing this fine horse to have strayed from his master, and -considering him as a good _catch_ for carrying him a part of the way, -would approach the horse with the greatest caution, soothing it with -_proogy proogy_, and many other terms of endearment, in the event of -his taking to his heels, as wild horses are sometimes apt to do. But -this horse knew better what he was about; he was as calm and peaceable -as a lamb, until his victim was once fairly mounted on his back; with -a fiend-like yell he would then announce his triumph, and plunging -headlong with his woe-struck rider into an adjacent pool, enjoy him -for his repast. The following curious relation, communicated to the -compiler by the celebrated Mr. Wellox, who possesses the precious relic -captured from the kelpie alluded to in the story, will complete all the -information that is necessary regarding this once formidable entrapper -of mankind: - -“In the time of my renowned ancestor, Mr. James Macgrigor, (rest to his -soul!) who was well known to be a good man, and a man of great strength -and courage in his day, there was a most mischievous water-kelpie that -lived in Lochness, and which committed the most atrocious excesses on -the defenceless inhabitants of the surrounding districts. It was the -common practice of this iniquitous agent to prowl about the public -roads, decked out in all the trappings of a riding horse, and in this -disguise place himself in the way of the passenger, who often took it -into his head to mount him, to his no small prejudice; for upon this -the vicious brute would immediately fly into the air, and in a jiffy -light with his rider in Lochnadorb, Lochspynie, or Lochness, where he -would enjoy his victim at his leisure. Filled with indignation at the -repeated relations he had heard of the kelpie’s practices, my ancestor, -Mr. Macgrigor, ardently wished to fall in with his kelpieship, in order -to have a bit of a communing with him touching his notorious practices. -And Providence, in its wise economy, thought it meet that Mr. Macgrigor -should be gratified in his wish. - -“One day as he was travelling along ‘_Slochd Muichd_,’ a wild and -solitary pass on the road between Strathspey and Inverness, whom did -he observe but this identical water-kelpie, browsing away by the -road-side with the greatest complacency, thinking, no doubt, in his -mind, that he would kidnap Mr. Macgrigor as he had done others. But -in this idea he found himself wofully mistaken! For no sooner did Mr. -Macgrigor espy him, than he instantly determined to have a trial of -his mettle. Accordingly, marching up to the horse, who thought, no -doubt, he was just coming to mount him, Mr. Macgrigor soon convinced -him of the contrary by drawing his trusty sword, with which he dealt -the kelpie such a pithy blow on the nose, as almost felled him to the -ground. The stroke maltreated the kelpie’s jaw very considerably, -cutting through his bridle, in consequence of which, one of the bits, -being that which you have just examined, fell down on the ground. -Observing the bit lying at his feet, Mr. Macgrigor had the curiosity -to pick it up, whilst the astonished kelpie was recovering from the -effects of the blow, and this bit Mr. Macgrigor carelessly threw -into his pocket. He then prepared for a renewal of his conflict with -its former owner, naturally supposing the kelpie would return him -his compliment. But what was Mr. Macgrigor’s surprise, when he found -that, instead of retorting his blow, and fighting out the matter to -the last, the kelpie commenced a cool dissertation upon the injustice -and illegality of Mr. Macgrigor’s proceedings. ‘What is your business -with me?’ says he. ‘What is your business with me, Mr. Macgrigor? I -have often heard of you as a man of great honour and humanity; why, -therefore, thus abuse a poor defenceless animal like me, let me be -a horse, or let me be a kelpie, so long as I did you no harm? In my -humble opinion, Mr. Macgrigor,’ continued the kelpie, ‘you acted both -cruelly and illegally; and certainly your conduct would justify me, if -I should return you twofold your assault upon me. However, I abominate -quarrels of this sort,’ says the conciliatory kelpie, ‘and if you -peaceably return me the bit of my bridle, we shall say no more on the -subject.’ To this learned argument of the kelpie Mr. Macgrigor made -no other reply than flatly denying his request, in the first place; -and, in the second place, mentioning, in pretty unqualified terms, -his opinion of his character and profession. ‘It is true,’ replied -the other, ‘that I am what you call a kelpie; but it is known to my -heart, that my profession was never quite congenial to my feelings. -We kelpies engage in many _disagreeable undertakings_. But, as the -proverb says, Necessity has no law; and there is no profession that -a man or spirit will not sometimes try, _for the sake of an honest -livelihood_: so you will please have the goodness to give me the bit of -my bridle.’ Observing the great anxiety evinced by the kelpie to have -the bit of his bridle restored to him, and feeling anxious to learn -its properties, my sagacious ancestor immediately concocted a plan, -whereby he might elicit from the poor dupe of a kelpie an account of -its virtues. ‘Well, Mr. Kelpie,’ says Mr. Macgrigor, ‘all your logic -cannot change my opinion of the criminality of your profession, though, -I confess, it has somewhat disarmed me of my personal hostility to -you as a member of it; I am, therefore, disposed to deliver up to you -the bit of your bridle, but it is on this express condition, that you -will favour me with an account of its use and qualities, for I am -naturally very _curious_, do you know.’ To this proposition the kelpie -joyfully acceded, and thus addressed Mr. Macgrigor: ‘My dear sir, you -must know that such agents as I are invested by our Royal Master with -a particular commission, consisting of some document delivered to us -by his own hand. The commission delivered to a kelpie consists in a -bridle invested with all those powers of transformation, information, -and observation, necessary for our calling; and wherever we lose -this commission, whether voluntarily or by accident, our power is -at an end, and certain annihilation within four and twenty hours is -the consequence. Had it not been that my bridle was broken by your -matchless blow, I must be so candid as to declare, I might have broken -every bone in your body; but now you are stronger than myself, and you -can be half a kelpie at your pleasure: only please to look through the -holes of the bit of the bridle, and you will see myriads of invisible -agents, fairies, witches, and devils, all flying around you, the -same as if you had been gifted with the second-sight, and all their -machinations clearly exposed to your observation.’--‘My dear sir,’ -replied my ancestor, ‘I am much obliged to you for your information; -but I am sorry to inform you, that your relation has so endeared the -bit of your bridle to myself, that I have resolved to keep it for your -sake. I could not persuade myself to part with it for any consideration -whatever.’--‘What!’ exclaimed the petrified Kelpie, ‘do you really -mean, in the face of our solemn agreement, to retain the bit of my -bridle?’--‘I not only mean it, but I am resolved on it,’ replies my -ancestor, who immediately proceeded to make the best of his way home -with the bit. ‘Come, come,’ the Kelpie would perpetually exclaim, ‘you -have carried the joke far enough, you surely do not mean to keep my -bridle?’--‘Time will show,’ was always his laconic answer. The Kelpie -still continued his earnest entreaties, interlarded with anecdotes of -great squabbles which he had formerly had with as powerful characters -as Mr. Macgrigor, and which always ended to his eminent advantage, -but which, he politely insinuated, he would be sorry to see repeated. -But when his grief and solicitude for his bridle began to evince -themselves in a threatening aspect, a single flourish of his trusty -sword disarmed him of all his might, and made him calm as a cat. At -length, when they arrived in sight of Mr. Macgrigor’s house, his grief -and despair for his bridle became perfectly outrageous. Galloping off -before Mr. Macgrigor, the Kelpie told him as he went, that he and the -bit should never pass his threshold together; and, in pursuance of -this assurance, he planted himself in Mr. Macgrigor’s door, summoning -up all his powers for the impending conflict. However, James Macgrigor -resolved, if possible, to evade the Kelpie’s decree; and accordingly -going to a back window in his house, he called his wife towards him, -and threw the bit of the Kelpie’s bridle into her lap. He then returned -to the Kelpie, who stood sentry at his door, and told him candidly he -was a miserable legislator; for that, in spite of his decree, the bit -of his bridle was that moment in his wife’s possession. The Kelpie, now -finding himself fairly outwitted, saw the vanity of contending with -James Macgrigor and his claymore, for what could not be recovered. As -there was a rowan cross above the door, his kelpieship could no more -enter the house than he could pass through the eye of a needle; and he, -therefore, thought it best to take himself off, holding forth, at the -same time, the most beastly language to my ancestor, which he most -sincerely despised.” - - - - -PART V. - -Spunkies. - - An’ oft your moss-traversing spunkies - Decoy some wight that late and drunk is; - The bleezin, curst, mischievous monkies - Delude his eyes, - Till in some miry slough he sunk is, - Ne’er more to rise. - - BURNS’ _Address to the Deil_. - - - - -SPUNKIES. - - -The Spunkie is another of those now-retired ministers, formerly -employed by the Enemy of mankind to accomplish their destruction. -And, in all truth, he could not have taken into his pay a servant -more faithful to his trust than the spunkie. Whenever the traveller -had the misfortune to lose his way, or whenever there was a prospect -of deluding him from it, this vigilant _link-boy_ was ever at hand, -to light him into far worse quarters than even the purlieus of Covent -Garden. - -Suddenly the traveller’s attention was arrested by the most resplendent -light, apparently reflected from a window not far distant; which, -however, as the traveller approached, receded from him like the -rainbow. Still pursuing his course towards it, the wily spunkie -manœuvred so dexterously, that the unhappy wanderer was speedily -decoyed into the nearest moss or precipice. Plunging headlong into some -fatal abyss, the deluded victim never returned to his mourning wife and -family, to relate to them the spunkie’s perfidy. - -Happily now, however, the roads are better, and travellers more -cautious. All the glittering meteors of the spunkie cannot make the -knowing Highlander of the present day turn to the right or to the left. -So that the spunkie has now shut shop, and become bankrupt in his -department. - - - - -PART VI. - -Witchcraft. - - When Satan, for weighty dispatches, - Sought messengers cunning and bold, - He pass’d by the beautiful faces, - And pick’d out the ugly and old. - - VOLLE. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF WITCHCRAFT. - - -We are now come to consider and describe the ancient and well-known -order of Witchcraft; the nature and object of which require very little -explanation in a country where it has been so long established as in -Scotland. Taking a retrospective view of the rise and progress of this -once flourishing institution, we are told it was founded by the Grand -Master, shortly after the creation of the world. That the wickedness -of the inhabitants having kept pace with their increase, Satan found -work multiplying so fast on his hands, that his own spiritual minions, -numerous as they were, became inadequate to their employment. Being -seldom blind to his own interest, the idea of enlisting a few human -instruments to supply their deficiencies naturally suggested itself to -his fertile genius, and such has been the thirst for magic and power, -which has at all times pervaded the old women of those countries, that -he never had great difficulty in procuring abundance of volunteers to -join his banners. - -Having thus established his new order of emissaries, Satan found them -to answer his purposes uncommonly well. They drudged on in his work -so laboriously, and with such good success, that he found them more -profitable tools, for deluding and _hooking-in_ the best portion of -mankind, than his own proper agents, whose means of communication and -seduction were much more confined and disadvantageous. Accordingly, he -has found it his interest to continue the institution to this day. - -It will, no doubt, prove a matter of some astonishment to the amiable -and considerate reader, how any body that has the honour of wearing -a human face could think of espousing so desperate a cause, for the -sake of any gratification which Satan’s kingdom affords. Common fame -errs too much, if he is at all a liberal master to those who are his -servants, for it is said he seldom or never fulfils his conditions with -any one of them. Though mighty forward to enter into pactions, and -extraordinarily liberal in his terms while making a bargain, he is said -to be far less ready to perform his share of the conditions when it is -once concluded; and what is still worse, when he forfeits a penalty, -there is no law that can exact it of him. Accordingly, we have heard of -not a few deluded mortals, who sold themselves to him for sums of money -and other considerations, but never yet heard of his having paid the -purchase money. - -So once fared a poor needy wretch of a Highlandman, that bartered his -soul to Satan for a cow, and who never could get the latter to fulfil -his bargain. It is no doubt true, that after much importunity he did at -length perform his stipulation, in a way not very creditable to him. -Urgently importuned by the disponer to give him his cow, he ultimately -fetched him one, which was but a few hours in his possession, when it -was challenged by a third party as his stolen property; unwilling to -explain how he came by it, the poor fellow was flung into a prison, -and speedily brought before the laird for trial. In this distressing -situation, the disponer was compelled to tell the truth and the manner -he came by the cow, not doubting but that the disclosure would have -at once exculpated him from the charge. But unfortunately for him, -his ingenuous confession failed of its object, and the poor man was -condemned to the _wuddie_, reserving to him such recourse against Satan -as he might be advised to adopt. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -OF THE AGENT’S QUALIFICATIONS, AND CEREMONIES OF THEIR CONSTITUTION. - - -When the candidates for Satan’s employment have, by a course of -probation, given sufficient proofs of their ability for the discharge -of the duties of the profession they are about to adopt, and when they -have arrived at an age befitting the importance of the calling, men -and women are equally eligible, though it is well known that women are -preferred. Their initiation into infernal orders is preceded by the -execution of a formal covenant with Satan, sealed with the mutual blood -of the parties, whereby, for the considerations therein expressed, -Satan engages, on the one hand, to commit to the entrant the various -powers and qualifications which shall be detailed in the following -pages; and, on the other hand, the said entrant binds and obliges -himself, or herself, to apply himself, or herself, faithfully and -diligently in his service, by day and by night, promising to conceal -the secrets of his trade and profession, (much in the style of our -common indentures). The candidates are then inducted into the mysteries -and secrets of their new profession with great pomp, in presence of -the Royal Grand Master, who, set forth in _proprio terrore_, presides -over the ceremony. The place selected for this imposing ceremony is -not unfrequently a spacious lake or pool, the members of the craft in -attendance being furnished with their seaworthy navy, their brooms and -riddles. The following particulars relative to an intended initiation, -which was attempted in Strathdown, “in the memory of the grandmothers -of some people still living,” while it conveys some idea of such a -scene as that to which we alluded, may also prove a warning to those -who may be thoughtlessly led to embrace the profession. - -“In the time of my grandmother, the farm of _Delnabo_ was -proportionally divided between three tenants. At first equally -comfortable in their circumstances, it was in the course of some time -remarked by all, and by none more forcibly than by one of the said -three portioners, that, although superior in point of industry and -talent to his two fellow-portioners, one of the tenants was daily -lapsing into poverty, while his two neighbours were daily improving in -estate. Amazed and grieved at the adverse fortune which thus attended -his family, compared to the prosperous condition of his neighbours, the -wife of the poor man was in the habit of expressing her astonishment at -the circumstance, not only to her own particular friends, but likewise -to the wives of her neighbours themselves. On one of these occasions, -the other two wives asked her what would she do to ameliorate her -condition, if it were in her power? She answered them, she would do any -thing whatever. (Here the other wives thought they had got a gudgeon, -that would snap at any bait, and immediately resolved to make her -their confidant.) ‘Well, then,’ says one of the other two wives, ‘if -you agree to keep our communications strictly secret, and implicitly -obey our instructions, neither poverty nor want shall ever assail you -more.’ This speech of the other wife immediately impressed the poor -man’s wife with a strong suspicion of their real character. Dissembling -all surprise at the circumstance, she promised to agree to all their -conditions. She was then directed, when she went to bed that night, -to carry along with her the floor-broom, well known for its magical -properties, which she was to leave by her husband’s side in the course -of the night, and which would represent her so exactly, that the -husband could not distinguish the difference in the morning. They, at -the same time, enjoined her to discard all fears of detection, as their -own husbands had been satisfied with those lovely substitutes (the -brooms) for a great number of years. Matters being thus arranged, she -was desired to join them at the hour of midnight, in order to accompany -them to that scene which was to realize her future happiness. - -“Promising to attend to their instructions, the poor man’s wife took -leave of her neighbours, full of those sensations of horror which the -discovery of such depravity was calculated to produce in a virtuous -mind. Hastening home to her husband, she thought it no crime to break -her promise to her wicked neighbours, and, like a dutiful and prudent -wife, to reveal to the husband of her bosom the whole particulars of -their interview. The husband greatly commended his wife’s fidelity, -and immediately entered into a collusion with her, which displays no -ordinary degree of ingenuity. It was agreed that the husband should -exchange apparel with the wife, and that he should, in this disguise, -accompany the wives to the place appointed, to see what cantrips they -intended to perform. He accordingly arrayed himself in his wife’s -habiliments, and, at the hour of midnight, joined the party at the -place appointed. The ‘_Bride_,’ as they called him, was most cordially -received by the two Ladies of the Broom, who warmly congratulated -the ‘Bride’ upon _her_ good fortune, and the speedy consummation of -_her_ happiness. He was then presented with a fir-torch, a broom, -and a riddle, articles with which they themselves were furnished. -They directed their course along the banks of the rolling Avon, until -they reached Craic-pol-nain, or the Craig of the Birdspool. Here, in -consequence of the steepness of the craig, they found it convenient to -pass to the other side of the river. This passage they effected without -the use of their navy, the river being fordable at the place. They -then came in sight of Pol-nain, and, lo! what human eye ever witnessed -such a scene before! The pool appeared as if actually enveloped in -a flame of fire. A hundred torches blazed aloft, reflecting their -beams on the towering woods of Loynchork. And what ear ever heard -such shrieks and yells as proceeded from the horrid crew engaged at -their hellish orgies on Pol-nain? Those cries were, however, sweet -music to the two wives of Delnabo. Every yell produced from them a -burst of unrestrained pleasure, and away they frisked, leaving the -amiable _bride_ a considerable way behind. For the fact is, that he -was in no hurry to reach the scene, and when he did reach it, it was -with a determination to be only a spectator, and not a participator -in the night’s performance. On reaching the pool’s side he saw what -was going on,--he saw abundance of hags steering themselves to and -fro in their riddles, by means of their oars the brooms, hallooing -and skirling worse than the bogles, and each holding in her left hand -a torch of fir,--whilst at other times they would swirl themselves -into a row, and make profound obeisance to a large black ugly tyke, -perched on a lofty rock, who was no doubt the ‘muckle thief’ himself, -and who was pleased to acknowledge most graciously those expressions -of their loyalty and devotion, by bowing, grinning, and clapping his -paws. Having administered to the _bride_ some preliminary instructions, -the impatient wives desired him to remain by the pool’s side until -they should commune with his Satanic Highness on the subject of -_her_ inauguration, directing _her_, as they proceeded on their -voyage across the pool, to speed them in their master’s name. To this -order of the black pair the _bride_ was resolved to pay particular -attention. As soon as they were embarked in their riddles, and had -wriggled themselves, by means of their brooms, into a proper depth of -water, ‘Go,’ says he, ‘in the name of the Best.’ A horrid yell from -the witches announced their instant fate,--the magic spell was now -dissolved--crash went the riddles, and down sank the two witches, never -more to rise, amidst the shrieks and lamentations of the Old Thief -and all his infernal crew, whose combined power and policy could not -save them from a watery end. All the torches were extinguished in an -instant, and the affrighted company fled in different directions, in -such forms and similitudes as they thought most convenient for them -to adopt; and the _wily bride_ returned home at his leisure, enjoying -himself vastly at the clever manner in which he had executed the -instructions of his deceased friends. On arriving at his house, he -dressed himself in his own clothes, and, without immediately satisfying -his wife’s curiosity at the result of his excursion, he yoked his -cattle, and commenced his morning labours with as little concern as -usual. His two neighbours, who were not even conscious of the absence -of their wives, (so ably substituted were they by the brooms,) did -the same. Towards breakfast-time, however, the two neighbours were -not a little astonished that they observed no signs of their wives -having risen from bed--notwithstanding their customary earliness--and -this surprise they, expressed to the _late bride_, their neighbour. -The latter archly remarked, that he had great suspicions, in his -own mind, of their _rising_ even that day. ‘What mean you by that?’ -replied they. ‘We left our wives apparently in good health when we -ourselves arose.’--‘Find them now,’ was the reply--the bride setting -up as merry a whistle as before. Running each to his bed, what was the -astonishment of the husbands, when, instead of his wife, he only found -an old broom. Their neighbour then told them, that, if they chose to -examine Pol-nain well, they would find both their dear doxies there. -The grieving husbands accordingly proceeded thither, and, with the -necessary instruments, dragged their late worthy partners to dry land; -and afterwards privately interred them. The shattered vessels and oars -of those unfortunate navigators, whirling about the pool, satisfied -their lords of the manner by which they came to their _ends_; and their -names were no longer mentioned by their kindred in the land. It need -scarcely be added, that the poor man gradually recovered his former -opulence; and that, in the course of a short time, he was comparatively -as rich as he was formerly poor.” - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -OF THE PERSONAL SIMILITUDE OF THE AGENTS OR MEMBERS OF THE CRAFT. - - -It is well known, that no sooner do men or women enter on this -profession, than there is a striking change in their personal -appearance. Their countenances are no longer the emblems of human -nature, but the sign-posts of malice and bad luck. “Looking like a -witch” is a proverb that has been always descriptive of the most -exquisite ugliness; and whoever has seen the frontispiece of a Highland -witch will be satisfied with its force and propriety. - -The face is so wrinkled, that it commonly resembles the channels of -dried waters, and the colour of it resembles nothing so much as a piece -of rough tanned leather. The eyes are small and piercing, sunk into -the forehead, like the expiring remains of a candle in a socket. The -nose is large, prominent, and sharp, forming a bridge to the contacting -chin. These are represented as the amiable features of a witch. The -wizard’s appearance differs very little from that of his amiable sister -the witch, only that his face is covered over with a preternatural -redundance of hair, and that he wears beneath his chin a bunch of hair -in the manner of a goat. - -It has been long a subject of tough controversy to what cause this -striking deformity is justly to be ascribed. Some logicians rationally -enough maintain, that the characteristic deformity of the order arises -from their frequent interviews with Satan; that the tremor of the -limbs, the horror of the aspect, and stare of the eyes, with which they -are always seized during the season of their noviciation, are rendered -habitual to them by the force of custom, which is justly called a -second nature. And, in support of this doctrine, we are told it is a -fact, that, whenever we behold a ghost, or any other _uncanny_ being, -our features become contracted exactly the same way. But, be this as it -may, it is an acknowledged fact, that ugliness was, from the beginning -of their cast, their distinguishing characteristic. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -OF THEIR PROFESSIONAL POWERS AND PRACTICES. - - -On a nearer examination of a witch’s character, we will find her face a -very correct index to her heart. She is the arch-enemy of whatever is -good and amiable. Invested as she is with as ample powers of seduction -and mischief as Satan himself, she is equally expert in accomplishing -the ruin of the soul and body of the objects of her malignity. In -order to convey to the reader an idea of those powers with which she -is invested, and which she never fails to exercise, we shall detail -them in their order, illustrating our statements, as we go along, with -proofs from the best authorities. - -The most formidable of all the powers conferred on a witch consists in -the torture and destruction of human beings by infernal machination. -There are various processes by which those hellish practices are -accomplished, but the most common process is that invented and used by -that eminent and distinguished witch, “_Crea Mhoir cun Drochdair_,” -who was burnt and worried at a stake at Inverness, about two centuries -ago, for bewitching and keeping in torment the body of the provost’s -son. Crea made an effigy of clay and other hellish ingredients, into -which she stuck pins and other sharp instruments. This effigy of the -provost’s son she placed on a spit at a large fire, and by these -cantrips the hag communicated such agonizing torments to the young -gentleman, that he must have had speedily fallen a victim to his -sufferings, had it not been for the happy discovery made by means of a -little grandchild of Crea Mhoir’s, who divulged the whole secret to a -little companion, for the small gratification of a piece of bread and -cheese. But although Crea, honest woman, was long ago disposed of, to -the great comfort and satisfaction of her countrymen, who naturally -enough ascribed to her all the calamities which happened in the country -during her lifetime, she left behind her the immortal fruits of her -genius, for the benefit of her black posterity, in those mischievous -inventions practised by the witches of latter times, who understand the -knack of torturing their unhappy contemporaries in all its branches, as -exemplified in the cases of several worthies noticed in the sequel. - -The next important power of a witch and a warlock consists in their -control over air and water, whereby they raise most dreadful storms and -hurricanes by sea and by land, and thus accomplish the destruction of -many a valuable life, which otherwise might have been long spared. The -following account of the loss of a most excellent gentleman exhibits -too melancholy an instance of the success of their experiments in this -way: - -“John Garve Macgillichallum of Razay was an ancient hero of great -celebrity. Distinguished in the age in which he lived for the -gallantry of his exploits, he has often been selected by the bard as -the theme of his poems and songs. Alongst with a constitution of body -naturally vigorous and powerful, Razay was gifted with all those noble -qualities of the mind which a true hero is supposed to possess. And -what reflected additional lustre on his character, was that he never -failed to apply his talents and powers to the best uses. He was the -active and inexorable enemy of the weird sisterhood, many of whom he -was the auspicious instrument of sending to their ‘black inheritance’ -much sooner than they either expected or desired. It was not therefore -to be supposed, that, while those amiable actions endeared Razay to all -good people, they were at all calculated to win him the regard of those -infernal hags to whom he was so deadly a foe. As might be naturally -expected, they cherished towards him the most implacable thirst of -revenge, and sought, with unremitting vigilance, for an opportunity of -quenching it. That such an opportunity did unhappily occur, and that -the meditated revenge of these hags was too well accomplished, will -speedily appear from this melancholy story. - -“It happened upon a time that Razay and a number of friends planned -an expedition to the island of Lewes, for the purpose of hunting the -deer of that place. They accordingly embarked on board the chieftain’s -yacht, manned by the flower of the young men of Razay, and in a few -hours they chased the fleet-bounding hart on the mountains of Lewes. -Their sport proved excellent. Hart after hart, and hind after hind, -were soon levelled to the ground by the unerring hand of Razay; and -when night terminated the chase, they retired to their shooting -quarters, where they spent the night with joviality, and mirth, little -dreaming of their melancholy fate in the morning. - -“In the morning of next day, the chief of Razay and his followers rose -with the sun, with the view of returning to Razay. The day was squally -and occasionally boisterous, and the billows raged with great violence. -But Razay was determined to cross the channel to his residence, and -ordered his yacht to prepare for the voyage. The more cautious and -less courageous of his suite, however, urged on him to defer the -expedition till the weather should somewhat settle--an advice which -Razay, with a courage which knew no fear, rejected, and expressed his -firm determination to proceed without delay. Probably with a view to -inspire his company with the necessary degree of courage to induce -them all to concur in the undertaking, he adjourned with them to the -ferry-house, where they had recourse to that supporter of spirits under -every trial, the usquebaugh, a few bottles of which added vastly to -the resolution of the company. Just as the party were disputing the -practicability of the proposed adventure, an old woman, with wrinkled -front, bending on a crutch, entered the ferry-house; and Razay, in the -heat of argument, appealed to the old woman, whether the passage of -the channel on such a day was not perfectly practicable and free from -danger. The woman, without hesitation, replied in the affirmative, -adding such observations, reflecting on their courage, as immediately -silenced every opposition to the voyage; and accordingly the whole -party embarked in the yacht for Razay. But, alas! what were the -consequences? No sooner were they abandoned to the mercy of the waves -than the elements seemed to conspire to their destruction. All attempts -to put back the vessel proved unavailing, and she was speedily driven -out before the wind in the direction of Razay. The heroic chieftain -laboured hard to animate his company, and to dispel the despair which -began to seize them, by the most exemplary courage and resolution. He -took charge of the helm, and, in spite of the combined efforts of the -sea, wind, and lightning, he kept the vessel steadily on her course -towards the lofty point of Aird in Skye. The drooping spirits of his -crew began to revive, and hope began to smile upon them--when lo! to -their great astonishment, a large cat was seen to climb the rigging. -This cat was soon followed by another of equal size, and the last by -a successor, until at length the shrouds, masts, and whole tackle, -were actually covered with them. Nor did the sight of all those cats, -although he knew well enough their real character, intimidate the -resolute Razay, until a large black cat, larger than any of the rest, -appeared on the masthead, as commander-in-chief of the whole legion. -Razay, on observing him, instantly foresaw the result; he, however, -determined to sell his life as dearly as possible, and immediately -commanded an attack upon the cats--but, alas! it soon proved abortive. -With a simultaneous effort the cats overturned the vessel on her -leeward wale, and every soul on board was precipitated into a watery -grave. Thus ended the glorious life of _Jan Garbh Macgillichallum_ -of Razay, to the lasting regret of the brave clan Leod and all good -people, and to the great satisfaction of the abominable witches who -thus accomplished his lamentable doom. - -“The same day, another hero, celebrated for his hatred of witchcraft, -was warming himself in his hunting hut, in the forest of Gaick in -Badenoch. His faithful hounds, fatigued with the morning chase, lay -stretched on the turf by his side,--his gun, that would not miss, -reclined in the neuk of the boothy,--the _skian dhu_ of the sharp edge -hung by his side, and these alone constituted his company. As the -hunter sat listening to the howling storm as it whistled by, there -entered at the door an apparently poor weather-beaten cat, shivering -with cold, and drenched to the skin. On observing her, the hairs of -the dogs became erected bristles, and they immediately rose to attack -the pitiable cat, which stood trembling at the door. ‘Great hunter of -the hills,’ exclaims the poor-looking trembling cat, ‘I claim your -protection. I know your hatred to my craft, and perhaps it is just. -Still spare, oh spare a poor jaded wretch, who thus flies to you for -protection from the cruelty and oppression of her sisterhood.’ Moved to -compassion by her eloquent address, and disdaining to take advantage of -his greatest enemy in such a seemingly forlorn situation, he pacified -his infuriated dogs, and desired her to come forward to the fire and -warm herself. ‘Nay,’ says she, ‘in the first place, you will please -bind with this long hair those two furious hounds of yours, for I am -afraid they will tear my poor hams to pieces. I pray you, therefore, -my dear sir, that you would have the goodness to bind them together by -the necks with this long hair.’ But the curious nature of the hair -induced the hunter to dissemble a little. Instead of having bound his -dogs with it, as he pretended, he threw it across a beam of wood which -connected the couple of the boothy. The witch then supposing the dogs -securely bound, approached the fire, and squatted herself down as if -to dry herself. She had not sitten many minutes, when the hunter could -easily discover a striking increase in her size, which he could not -forbear remarking in a jocular manner to herself. ‘A bad death to you, -you nasty beast,’ says the hunter; ‘you are getting very large.’--‘Aye, -aye,’ replied the cat, equally jocosely, ‘as my hairs imbibe the heat, -they naturally expand.’ These jokes, however, were but a prelude to a -more serious conversation. The cat still continuing her growth, had -at length attained a most extraordinary size,--when, in the twinkling -of an eye, she transformed herself into her proper likeness of the -Goodwife of Laggan, and thus addressed him: ‘Hunter of the Hills, your -hour of reckoning is arrived. Behold me before you, the avowed champion -of my devoted sisterhood, of whom Macgillichallum of Razay and you -were always the most relentless enemies. But Razay is no more. His -last breath is fled. He lies a lifeless corpse on the bottom of the -main; and now, Hunter of the Hills, it is your turn.’ With these words, -assuming a most hideous and terrific appearance, she made a spring at -the hunter. The two dogs, which she supposed securely bound by the -infernal hair, sprung at her in her turn, and a most furious conflict -ensued. The witch, thus unexpectedly attacked by the dogs, now began -to repent of her temerity. ‘_Fasten, hair, fasten_,’ she perpetually -exclaimed, supposing the dogs to have been bound by the hair; and so -effectually did the hair _fasten_, according to her order, that it at -last snapt the beam in twain. At length, finding herself completely -overpowered, she attempted a retreat, but so closely were the hounds -fastened in her breasts, that it was with no small difficulty she -could get herself disengaged from them. Screaming and shrieking, the -Wife of Laggan dragged herself out of the house, trailing after the -dogs, which were fastened in her so closely, that they never loosed -their hold until she demolished every tooth in their heads. Then -metamorphosing herself into the likeness of a raven, she fled over -the mountains in the direction of her home. The two faithful dogs, -bleeding and exhausted, returned to their master, and, in the act of -caressing his hand, both fell down and expired at his feet. Regretting -their loss with a sorrow only known to the parent who weeps over the -remains of departed children, he buried his devoted dogs, and returned -home to his family. His wife was not in the house when he arrived, but -she soon made her appearance. ‘Where have you been, my love?’ inquired -the husband.--‘Indeed,’ replies she, ‘I have been seeing the Goodwife -of Laggan, who has been just seized with so severe an illness, that -she is not expected to live for any time.’--‘Aye! aye!’ says he, ‘what -is the matter with the worthy woman?’--‘She was all day absent in the -moss at her peats,’ replies the wife, ‘and was seized with a sudden -colic, in consequence of getting wet feet, and now all her friends -and neighbours are expecting her demision.’--‘Poor woman,’ says the -husband, ‘I am sorry for her. Get me some dinner, it will be right that -I should go and see her also.’ Dinner being provided and dispatched, -the hunter immediately proceeded to the house of Laggan, where he found -a great assemblage of neighbours mourning, with great sincerity, the -approaching decease of a woman whom they all had hitherto esteemed -virtuous. The hunter, walking up to the sick woman’s bed in a rage, -proportioned to the greatness of its cause, stripped the sick woman of -all her coverings. A shriek from the now exposed witch brought all the -company around her. ‘Behold,’ says he, ‘the object of your solicitude, -who is nothing less than an infernal witch. To-day, she informs me, she -was present at the death of the Laird of Razay, and only a few hours -have elapsed since she attempted to make me share his fate. This night, -however, she shall expiate her crime, by the forfeiture of her horrid -life.’ Relating to the company the whole circumstances of her attack -upon him, which were too well corroborated by the conclusive marks she -bore on her person, the whole company were perfectly convinced of her -criminality; and the customary punishment was about to be inflicted -on her, when the miserable wretch addressed them as follows: ‘My -ill-requited friends, spare an old acquaintance, already in the agonies -of death, from any farther mortal degradation. My crimes and my folly -now stare me in the face, in their true colours, while my vile and -perfidious seducer, the enemy of your temporal and spiritual interests, -only laughs at me in my distress; and, as a reward for my fidelity -to his interest, in seducing every thing that was amiable, and in -destroying every thing that was good, he is now about to consign my -soul to eternal misery. Let my example be a warning to all the people -of the earth to shun the fatal rock on which I have split; and as a -strong inducement for them to do so, I shall atone for my iniquity to -the utmost of my ability, by detailing to you the awful history of my -life.’ Here the Wife of Laggan detailed at full length the way she was -seduced into the service of the evil one,--all the criminal adventures -in which she had been engaged, and ended with a particular account of -the death of Macgillichallum of Razay, and her attack upon the hunter, -and then expired. - -“Meanwhile, a neighbour of the Wife of Laggan was returning home late -at night from Strathdearn, where he had been upon some business, and -had just entered the dreary forest of Monalea in Badenoch, when he met -a woman dressed in black, who ran with great speed, and inquired of -the traveller, with great agitation, how far she was distant from the -church-yard of Dalarossie, and if she could be there by twelve o’clock. -The traveller told her she might, if she continued to go at the same -pace that she did then. She then fled alongst the road, uttering the -most desponding lamentations, and the traveller continued his road to -Badenoch. He had not, however, walked many miles when he met a large -black dog, which travelled past him with much velocity, as if upon the -scent of a track or footsteps, and soon after he met another large -black dog sweeping along in the same manner. The last dog, however, was -scarcely past, when he met a stout black man on a fine fleet black -courser, prancing along in the same direction after the dogs. ‘Pray,’ -says the rider to the traveller, ‘did you meet a woman as you came -along the hill?’ The traveller replied in the affirmative. ‘And did you -meet a dog soon after?’ rejoined the rider. The traveller replied he -did. ‘And,’ added the rider, ‘do you think the dog will overtake her -ere she can reach the church of Dalarossie?’--‘He will, at any rate, be -very close upon her heels,’ answered the traveller. Each then took his -own way. But before the traveller had got the length of Glenbanchar, -the rider overtook him on his return, with the foresaid woman before -him across the bow of his saddle, and one of the dogs fixed in her -breast, and another in her thigh. ‘Where did you overtake the woman?’ -inquired the traveller. ‘Just as she was entering the church-yard of -Dalarossie,’ was his reply. On the traveller’s return home, he heard -of the fate of the unfortunate Wife of Laggan, which soon explained -the nature of the company he had met on the road. It was, no doubt, -the spirit of the Wife of Laggan flying for protection from the -infernal spirits, (to whom she had sold herself,) to the church-yard -of Dalarossie, which is so sacred a place, that a witch is immediately -dissolved from all her ties with Satan, on making a pilgrimage to it, -either dead or alive. But it seems the unhappy Wife of Laggan was a -stage too late.” - -There is another power given to them, which is a most mischievous one, -and proves the fruitful source of almost all the crimes and miseries -which deluge the land,--that of sowing the seeds of discord amongst -mankind in public and private life. We will say nothing of the degree -of secret influence which these worthies probably enjoy in overruling -the councils of our nation, and thwarting the judgment of our -ministers, so as to answer their private purposes, as it would be out -of our strict line of delineation. But we speak from the best authority -when we say, that they are the common and secret instigators of those -deplorable quarrels and divisions which sometimes happen between -those who ought to be one flesh. Whenever we see a broken-hearted -wife mourning over the misconduct of her husband, who, once tenderly -affectionate and attentive to the discharge of his domestic duties, -is now changed into the domestic tyrant and whisky-bibber, we need -never hesitate for a moment to pronounce the cause to be witchcraft. -And the same rule holds good in regard to the misconduct of the wife, -_vice versa_. Behold, again, the man of sin, clothed in the garment of -disgrace, that sits “_girnan on the creepy._” Ask him what blind-fold -infatuation could have induced him to have defiled his neighbour’s bed, -and he will tell you, with a groan, it was “_Buchuchd_.”[F] - -Nor are their operations confined to the injury of a person’s spiritual -interest alone--they even descend to the lowest incidents in a man’s -calling. If the reader should see a termagant of a wife raise over -the _caput_ of her poor cuckold of a husband the tongs or spurtle, -demanding of him, with vehement eloquence, the cause of purchasing a -horse or a cow at double its value, his answer to her will certainly -be--“Me ve ar mu Buchuchd.” - -Thus the ruination of our spiritual interest is not enough to satisfy -their inveterate malignity,--they must likewise injure our temporal -interests, which, however incomparable to the former in point of -intrinsic importance, yet cause the sufferer fully as much grief. -Indeed, so dearly do the most of the people of this world love their -temporal means and estate, that we feel fully persuaded, that did -those agents confine their operations to the injury of our spiritual -interests alone, which, as Satan’s instruments, we should naturally -suppose to be their proper line of business, the clamour against their -ruinous and abominable practices would be much less violent than it -is. This much, however, of the Highlander’s liberal disposition the -sly sounding witch is intimately acquainted with, and for this very -reason she redoubles her diligence to cause him all the loss in her -power, as the most effectual way of completing his misery. Hence it -oftens happens, that should a horse, an ox, or a cow, of unequalled -symmetry and beauty, be so unlucky as to attract the favour of its -affectionate owner;--by whatever means the sagacious witch discovers -the secret we know not, but certain annihilation, accomplished by some -means or other, will be the poor animal’s lot. Such a calamity as this -is sufficiently mortifying, but it is a small one when compared to -the loss of a person’s whole stock, which too frequently follows the -loss of one. Having once inserted the infernal pillow into some snug -corner, its influence will give the finishing stroke to all the cattle -and creeping things on a farm. This pillow, not to give it a worse -name, is a little four-cornered _bag_, packed with divers exterminating -diseases, in the familiar likeness of hair, grease, parings of nails, -shoe tackets, salt, powder, and other infernal knick-knacks, too -tedious to be described, which, when thrown into the fire, makes a -noise the like of which has seldom been heard. - -No sooner is this bag deposited in a cleft in the stable or byre than -it commences its destructive career, producing the death of the bestial -in whole lots, until the last hen on the roost will fall a sacrifice to -its deadly influence. Nor is this all; they will attach some infernal -cantrips to the farming-utensils that no good crop will follow their -operations, and what may escape the influence of the _baggie_ is -commonly destroyed by frost, rain, lightning, and other calamities, -which the craft can produce at their pleasure, so that it is unfit for -the use of man or beast. In short, of all the ills incident to the -life of man, none are so formidable as witchcraft, before the combined -influence of which, to use the language of an honest man who had -himself severely suffered from its effects, “the great Laird of Grant -himself could not stand them if they should fairly yoke upon him.” - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -OF THE WITCH’S POWERS OF TRANSFORMATION. - - -Those of our readers who are not very well acquainted with the theory -of witchcraft will not be a little surprised, at the unaccountable -activity of its agents, who are capable of paying not only proper -attention to their own private affairs, but likewise of carrying on -almost all the business of the Evil One in this land. In order to -obviate all surprise on this head, be it remembered, that they are -endowed with as ample powers of transmigration (at their institution -into the craft) as any other of Satan’s spiritual agents; consequently -there is no similitude from their own proper likenesses to that of a -cat or a stone, but they can assume at pleasure. Hence the speed and -privacy with which they attain their evil ends. - -One of the most ordinary disguises of a “_Ban-Buchichd_”[G] is the -similitude of a hare. This transformation she finds exceedingly -convenient while performing her cantrips in the field--bewitching -farming implements--destroying corn and grass--holding communion with -the sisterhood, and similar pieces of business. It enables her to -execute her undertakings with greater expedition, and flee more fleetly -on any emergency, than she could do in any other character. - -A second is the likeness of a cat--by personating which, she procures -admission to the inmost recesses of a house, to deposit her infernal -machinery, without exciting the least suspicions of her real character -and intentions. - -A third is her transformation into a stone, which is a common practice -with the witch in the season of agricultural operations, by which she -is afforded great opportunities of mischief to the farmer’s interest. -The wily witch will penetrate into the ground, and place herself in -the line of the plough, and as it passes her she will creep in betwixt -the sock and the culter. The plough is consequently expelled from the -ground for a considerable space, and a “_bauk_” is the consequence. -For these insidious and barefaced acts of iniquity, the witch, if -discovered, seldom escapes with impunity. Stopping the cattle, the -ploughman will take hold of the stone, bestowing upon it the most -abusive and opprobrious epithets, and dashes her with all his might -against the hardest substance he can find, as a mark of his hatred and -contempt for her character. - -A fourth is her transformation into the shape of a raven; which now -in a great measure supersedes the use of her ancient and renowned -hobby-horse the broom, on which she formerly walloped with such -surprising velocity. This similitude is commonly assumed by her when on -excursions to any distance, to attend the counsels of Satan--to hold -communion with the sisterhood--or to attend some important enterprise. - -The witch likewise assumes the character of a _magpie_ on occasions -of sudden emergency which require immediate conference with a number -of the members of the craft. The likeness of this bird, which is -of a domestic character, and fond of hopping and picking about the -doors, screens the witch from suspicion, as she visits another witch’s -dwelling. Hence, when a number of magpies convene together side by -side on a house-top, it is no wonder that their appearance should -occasionally excite suspicion. But we humbly think that mere suspicion -by no means justifies that hostility of temper which in several -districts the inhabitants are led to entertain against the whole -race of magpies, merely because the witches sometimes assume their -similitude. These suspicions are no doubt a good deal heightened by the -circumstance of the poor magpie’s being a little endowed with the gift -of prophecy. As a foreteller of minor events--such as the coming of -visitors, the change of weather, and such-like little occurrences--the -magpie has never been excelled; and notwithstanding the illiberal -conduct of its human neighbours, those little qualities are always -exerted by the magpie for their comfort and convenience. - -On the morning of that auspicious day on which the factor, the -parson, or any other of the country gentry of equal importance, is -to pay a visit to the lord of the manor on which the magpie may have -pitched her residence, she will approach the house, and, by her -incessant chattering, announce to the inhabitants the coming of the -consequential stranger. The state apartment, perhaps rather deranged, -is consequently arrayed in proper order; and the necessary provisions -to entertain the expected guests are timeously procured, which, but for -the magpie’s generous and ill-rewarded premonition, could not perhaps -be provided for the occasion. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -SAFEGUARDS FROM WITCHCRAFT. - - -As witchcraft is in itself by far the greatest calamity the Highlander -is subject to, so Providence, in its wise economy, has afforded him the -amplest means of guarding against its effects. And if a radical remedy -has not yet been discovered for the evil in all its bearings, it is -only because mankind have not been equally solicitous for the discovery -of it. Adverse to a murmuring discontented spirit, the Highlander -is satisfied with the removal of a share of his grievances. Having -obtained a knowledge of a certain remedy for those practices of the -craft which weigh most heavily on his temporal interests, he is not so -presumptuous as to suppose that Providence is so partial in its favours -as to grant him a remedy for those that affect his immortal interests -also. Satisfied with the benefits he enjoys, he is not clamorous for an -extension of them, leaving the concerns of another world for a season -of more convenience and leisure. - -As a sovereign protection for goods and chattels of every description -from the machinations of those despicable agents, the rowan cross, -of invaluable excellence, has never been known to prove ineffectual. -Its salutary influence on every species of supernatural agents is -well known, and there are none to whom the smell of the rowan is more -obnoxious than the “Ban Buchuchd.” As a proof of its efficacy, we can -produce no better authority than the following affecting story:-- - -“There is, in the vicinity of Forres, an old decayed edifice, -called ‘_Castle Boorgie_,’ in which once lived a rich laird, who -had a beautiful daughter. Seemingly possessed of every engaging -accomplishment, and apparently endowed with the most amiable -disposition, she was the darling of her aged father, whose hopes and -joys were wholly centered in her. One spring morning, as her father -and herself were surveying the delightful prospects which the castle -commanded, the immense number of ploughs at work within the compass -of their vision happened to attract their attention. ‘Father,’ says -this ill-fated, unconscious child, ‘do we not behold a vast number of -ploughs in the widely-extended district now in our view?’--‘Yes, my -love, we do,’ replied the father, ‘and it is a pleasant thing to look -at them.’--‘What reward will you give me,’ added she, ‘if, by a single -word, I shall cause them all stand as immoveable as if the cattle were -transformed into stones?’--‘On that condition,’ replied the astonished -father, ‘the most superb and costly gown in the town of Forres shall -be yours.’--‘It is done,’ says the daughter. Raising her hand, she -muttered an unintelligible sound, and, lo! all the ploughs in the -district, with the exception of a single one, stood stock still and -immoveable.--‘Indeed!’ exclaims the father, ‘you are a rare conjuror, -my dear; but how is that plough in the adjacent park exempted from -the magical effect of your powerful charm?’--‘The cause I can easily -guess,’ says she; ‘there is, in one of the oxen’s bows, a pin of the -rowan tree, the virtue of which defeats all attempts at preternatural -fascination.’--‘Aye, aye,’ says he, ‘all those things are wonderfully -pretty; pray who taught them to you?’--‘My old nurse taught me those -fine things, and am not I greatly obliged to her, sir?’--‘You are, -undoubtedly,’ he replies, ‘and she shall soon have her reward. Oh! my -dear, my only child--support and comfort of my aged head--would to God -you had never been born!’ - -“Summoning immediately a council of his friends, the broken-hearted -parent revealed to them the whole circumstance, and craved -their opinion as to the measures that should be adopted in this -deeply-to-be-deplored case. After due consultation, the council gave it -as their decided opinion, that, concluding that she was irrecoverably -lost to all good in this world, the extension of her life would be only -productive of eternal disgrace and infamy to her friends, while her -spiritual interests would every day be destroyed by accumulating guilt. -Therefore, that her life should be instantly terminated by a private -death; and that the old hag, the author of her ruin, should be publicly -burned under every ignominious circumstance. To this hard decision the -agonised father was persuaded to assent; and a doctor was immediately -dispatched for to Forres, to point out the easiest mode of taking her -life. Bleeding the temporal arteries was the mode of death agreed on, -and the poor innocent victim of the old hag’s depravity was introduced -into a private apartment, in order to undergo the awful operation. On -entering the apartment, her unhappy father burst out into a flood of -tears. Observing his distress, his affectionate little daughter also -fell a crying. ‘What is the matter with you, my dear father?’ says she. -‘Have you received any bad news? Oh! tell me what is the matter with -you, that I may share your sorrows and dry your tears.’ Fearing that -the father’s courage might naturally fail him under so signal a trial, -the friends present instantly seized the astonished dear girl, bound -her hand and foot, and placed her in a vat, and the surgeon inflicted -on her two brows, fair and beautiful as those of an angel, the fatal -wounds. As the blood flowed, the poor affrighted victim perpetually -exclaimed, ‘Do not kill me, do not kill me; what have I done to offend -my dearest father? I am sure I did no harm. For the sake of my dear -mother, who is no more, and for whose sake you loved me so well, do not -let them kill me, my dear father.’ The unhappy father sunk senseless on -the floor, and his expiring child soon closed her eyes on this world, -sighing, with her last breath, ‘My dearest father, do not kill me.’ - -“The old hag was then brought out to the lawn in front of the castle, -and thrown into a huge furnace of tar and other combustibles, amidst -the general execration of the assembled multitude. And it is said, that -while the witch was burning, every crack she gave was as loud as the -report of a war cannon.” - -When, by the neglect of the prescribed safeguards, the seeds of -iniquity have taken root, and a person’s means are decaying in -consequence, the only alternative, in this case, is to resort to that -grand remedy, the “_Tein Econuch_,” or “_Forlorn Fire_,” which seldom -fails of being productive of the best effects. The cure for witchcraft, -called “_Tein Econuch_,” is wrought in the following manner:-- - -A consultation being held by the unhappy sufferer and his friends as -to the most advisable measures of effecting a cure, if this process is -adopted, notice is privately communicated to all those householders -who reside within the nearest two running streams, to extinguish their -lights and fires on some appointed morning. On its being ascertained -that this notice has been duly observed, a spinning-wheel, or some -other convenient instrument, calculated to produce fire by friction, -is set to work with the most furious earnestness by the unfortunate -sufferer and all who wish well to his cause. Relieving each other -by turns, they drive on with such persevering diligence, that at -length the spindle of the wheel, ignited by excessive friction, emits -“_Forlorn Fire_” in abundance, which, by the application of tow, or -some other combustible material, is widely extended over the whole -neighbourhood. Communicating the fire to the tow, the tow communicates -it to a candle, the candle to a fir-torch, the torch to a cartful of -peats, which the master of the ceremonies, with pious ejaculations for -the success of the experiment, distributes to messengers, who will -proceed with portions of it to the different houses within the said two -running streams, to kindle the different fires. By the influence of -this operation, the machinations and spells of witchcraft “are rendered -null and void,” and, in the language of Scots’ law, “of no avail, -force, strength, or effect, with all that has followed, or may follow -thereupon.” - -But should the evil prove so obstinate and deep-rooted as to triumph -over this most commonly efficacious remedy, the dernier resort is an -application to that arch-enemy of Satan, Mr. Grigor Willox Macgrigor, -Emperor of all the Conjurors. - -The name of this gentleman is well known to the inhabitants of the -northern counties of Scotland, as the happy proprietor of that -invaluable and wonderful relic, which the vulgar are sometimes -pleased to denominate “Clach Ghrigair Willock,” alias “_Clach Ban na -Buchuchd_,” but which, in our opinion, deserves a far more dignified, -if not a more appropriate appellation. We humbly submit it should be -called the _Philosopher’s Stone_, not so much out of compliment to its -learned and elegant proprietor--although, by the bye, he is wonderfully -_philosophic_--as out of pure justice to the stone itself; for it -certainly is the best substitute for the grand object of the chemist’s -research that has hitherto been discovered. If the philosopher’s stone -will convert metal into gold, the “warlock’s stone” will convert water -into silver by a process perhaps more round-about, but equally certain. - -The history of such a precious curiosity as this would, no doubt, prove -highly interesting to the “curious reader;” and the writer has to blame -the shortness of his memory for not gratifying him to the utmost of his -wish, Mr. Willox having more than once personally favoured him with a -very eloquent account of it. Suffice it to say, that this stone was -originally extorted by a very ancient ancestor of Mr. Willox from an -amorous slut of a mermaid, who, unfortunately for her, happened to take -a fancy to him, and no wonder, too, if he possessed in any degree the -personal attractions of his lineal posterity. It happened, then, that -this silly fool of a mermaid once thought it proper to throw herself -in this gentleman’s way, expecting, no doubt, very different treatment -from that which she experienced,--when her unnatural sweetheart, -instead of offering her any endearments, most ungraciously chained her -to a post, until she redeemed her liberty by this precious ransom. -This was, no doubt, long, long ago, nobody knows how long, and the -_stone_ has necessarily seen many revolutions of times and masters in -the course of its day. It graced for a long time the warlike standard -of the brave clan Gregor, combining, as the upholsterer says, “great -ornament with much utility;” for, while it served to set off not a -little those splendid banners, it invariably secured their followers -victory over their contending foes. It afterwards returned to the -Willox family, with whom it has continued to the present day. It could -not descend to a race of gentlemen who could do greater justice to its -excellent qualities, and certainly the fault cannot be traced to the -present proprietor, if, during his liferent use of it, the stone has -lost an iota of its former celebrity. - -Whatever might have been the ornamental qualities of this wonderful -_stone_ in the days of yore, it has now no great ornaments to boast of. -It is a plain-looking article, strongly resembling the knob or bottom -of a crystal bottle; and were it not that Mr. Willox solemnly assured -us of his having been told by the great Lord Henderland himself, it -must have at one time composed one of the Pleiades, we should have had -much difficulty in believing it to consist of any other substance; but -who could resist such respectable authority?[H] Although Mr. Willox -informed us that a single collision with the ground would instantly -divest it of all its wonderful virtues, the stone certainly bears _ex -facie_ marks of rough usage, and even such inauspicious accidents as -coming into contact with the ground, or perhaps harder materials, in -its time. However, the _stone_ itself will tell no secrets, and on the -subject of accidents of this sort it is the proprietor’s interest to be -equally mute. - -But whatever may be the nature and qualities of this stone, its virtues -are sufficiently notorious. A single immersion of it into a hogshead -of water instantaneously communicates to it such inconceivable virtue, -that one drop of it is sufficient to cure the most desperate case of -witchcraft in the land. Nor do the prevention and cure of witchcraft -alone constitute the stone’s sole line of business;--for a valuable -reward, there is no secret or calamity natural to man or beast in all -this wide world, but it will reveal or prevent.--_Exemple gratia_: -should some miserable vagabond of a thief, residing within the pale of -Mr. Willox’s celebrity, be so fool-hardy as to lay his dishonest hands -upon the goods or chattels of a neighbour, recovery of the goods, or at -least an exposure of the thief, is the absolute consequence. The loser -of the goods looks about him for his purse, and immediately proceeds to -consult the GRAND ORACLE, Mr. Grigor Willox, as to the person who had -the effrontery to steal his goods. Mr. Willox, willing to afford every -information on reasonable terms, instantly produces the black stocking -containing the stone, a single dip of which clearly developes the whole -circumstance. After a long consultation, involving some inquiries as -to suspected characters, the lynx-eyed Mr. Willox easily recognises -some figures reflected on the vessel containing the water by the stone, -conveying an exact representation of some old hag not very reputable -for her habits, residing in the complainant’s neighbourhood; and thus -all doubt is removed as to his suspicions being too well founded. - -It is no subject for wonder, then, that this Great Oracle should be -so highly prized and suitably encouraged. With commendable regard -to the good of his beloved countrymen, Mr. Willox is in the habit -of _occasionally_ making a tour of pleasure through the counties of -Inverness, Ross, and Caithness, whence, after some weeks’ absence, he -returns home, with the double satisfaction of thinking, that while he -has, in the course of his rambles, conferred the greatest benefit on -suffering humanity, he has, at the same time, a good deal improved -his own pecuniary resources. Those occasional peregrinations of this -gentleman are now become absolutely necessary. Funds are not only very -low in these bad times, but Mr. Willox is convinced more and more, -every day he rises, of the truth of that proverb, “A prophet has no -honour in his own country;” and he therefore finds it no less his -interest than his duty to take a trip, as occasion suggests, to see his -friends in the _Duigh Tua_.[I] For the most part, however, he resides -at his seat of Gaulrig in Strathavon (usually called Strathdown), -where, like the late Doctor Samuel Solomon, inventor and proprietor of -that renovating cordial the Balm of Gilead, he may be consulted, either -personally or by letter post paid, on payment of the usual compliment -of a pound note. Accordingly, there are pilgrimages made to Gaulrig -as well as to Gilead House. It is no rare matter for the inhabitants -of both sides of the Avon to fall in with unfortunate pilgrims, whose -longitude of face and decrepitude of limbs indicate the extent of their -misfortunes and the length of their journey, inquiring the way for -_Taigh Maishter Willack_. - - - - -PART VII. - -Highland Festive Amusements. - - Yes, let the rich deride, the proud disdain, - The simple pleasures of the lowly train; - To me more dear, congenial to my heart, - One native charm, than all the gloss of art. - - GOLDSMITH. - - - - -HALLOWE’EN. - - Ye powers of darkness and of hell, - Propitious to the magic spell, - Who rule in silence o’er the night, - Be present now. - - FRANCES. - - -Of the whole series of annual festivals, Hallowe’en forms the most -important occasion in the Highlands of Scotland. The fascinating round -of varied enjoyments the night presents to the young and juvenile--the -delightful peeps into futurity it affords to the enchanted lover--and -the fond recollections it revives in old age--all conspire to render -its approach more interesting, and its celebration more joyful, -than any other occasion within the compass of the year. Nor is the -happy influence diffused by Hallowe’en confined to the human class -of the inhabitants of the Highlands alone; most of the _supernatural -inhabitants_ are in some degree partakers in the general happiness. -With the fairy community, in particular, it is an occasion of peculiar -grandeur, as the great anniversary on which they are reviewed by _Auld -Nick_, their nominal chief potentate, in person; whilst many others of -the classes treated of in the foregoing pages regard it as a night of -no ordinary pomp and joviality. - -On this occasion of universal hilarity, the natural coldness and -jealousy which generally subsist between the human species and -their supernatural neighbours are changed into perfect harmony and -benevolence. Like two belligerent armies, whose hostility towards each -other is more the offspring of public duty than private resentment, and -who, therefore, during the intervals of war, exhibit in their mutual -intercourse the marks of personal good will; so, in like manner, those -two classes forget for the night all animosity, in their more laudable -zeal to contribute to each other’s gratification. Nay, stern Satan -himself relaxes for this night his avarice; and, alive to no other -object than the promotion of universal enjoyments, dispatches showers -of his emissaries to the several kiln-pots, peat-stacks, and barn-yards -in the Highlands, to afford to those adventurers who desire it a peep -into the secrets of futurity. - -Such a display of seeming benevolence, did it proceed from any other -individual than Satan, could not fail to meet with some share of -applause. But heads of families, whose opinions are entitled to some -respect, have been known to affirm, that Satan’s affected generosity -on this occasion is nothing but a mere stratagem for inveigling the -more effectually the young and unwary into his vile snares, and that -he gets more game by those specious artifices than he could realize by -any other means. Hence it is that the anxious parent this night, -instead of extolling Satan’s generosity, is so intent on magnifying -his perfidy; and in order the better to dissuade his offspring and -family from the dangerous practices of the night, details, without -qualification, his numerous treacheries on similar occasions. - -But these ebullitions of the parent’s jealousy of Satan’s practices -are soon subdued. The big-bellied bottle and bumper-glass will have -a great effect in relaxing his heart of its illiberal suspicions. -Speedily animated by the conciliating qualities of the “_barley-bree_,” -and softened by the recollection of his own youthful frolics and manly -deeds on similar occasions, he no longer regards as a crime those -practices which he recently condemned; and the good-natured matron, -being happy at her husband’s felicity, and averse to chide, they both -tacitly connive at the family’s indulgence in the customary arts of -divination. - -Generally the first spell they try is pulling the stock of kail. -Joining hand in hand they go forth to the kail-yard, previously -blind-folded, lads, lasses, and children, equally anxious to have their -fortunes told as their seniors. Pulling the first stock they meet with, -they immediately return to the light to have an examination of its -qualities; its being large or little, straight or crooked, is prophetic -of the size and shape of its puller’s conjugal companion. If any earth -adheres to the root, it indicates tocher or fortune; and the taste of -the custoc or stem, whether sour or sweet, shows the nature of his -disposition. - -They go next to the barn-yard, and pull each a stalk of oats, and -according to the number of grains upon the stalk the puller will have -a corresponding number of children. It may be observed, that it is -essential to a female’s good fame that her stalk should have the -top-grain attached to it. - -An individual goes to the barn, opens both its doors, then takes the -instrument used in winnowing corn, called a _wecht_, and goes through -all the gestures of letting down corn against the wind. This is -repeated three several times, and the third time an apparition will -pass through the barn, in at the one door and out at the other, having -a retinue emblematical of his or her station in life. - -A person goes privately to _Tor-na-ha_, or the kiln-pot, throws into it -a clew of blue thread, which the person winds into a new clew. Towards -the latter end something will hold the thread, on which the person -demands, “Who holds?” An answer will be returned by the agent below, by -naming the Christian name and sirname of the person’s future spouse. - -A person steals out unperceived to the peat-stack--sows a handful of -hemp-seed, calling out something to the following effect:-- - - “Hemp-seed, I saw thee, - Hemp-seed, I saw thee, - And he who is my true love, - Come after me and pu’ thee.” - -And, on looking over his shoulder, he sees the apparition of the person -invoked in the attitude of pulling the hemp, which had immediately -grown at the magic command. Or, if hemp-seed is not at hand, let -the person take the floor-besom, which he will ride in the manner -of a witch three times round the peat-stack, and the last time the -apparition will appear to him. - -They go one or more to what is called a _dead and living ford_, or, in -other words, a ford which has been crossed by a funeral, and observing -profound silence, dip the sleeve of their shirt in it. On returning -home they go to bed in sight of a fire, and, lying awake in bed, they -will observe an apparition, being an exact similitude of the grand -object in question, turn the shirt-sleeve, as if to dry the other side. - -An individual goes to a public road, which branches in three several -directions, (_i. e._ the junction of three roads,) bearing with him -the cutty or three-legged stool, on which the person seats himself -just on the eve of twelve o’clock; and, as the hour strikes, he hears -proclaimed the names of the several persons who shall die in the parish -before the next anniversary. _Nota._--If the person carries along with -him articles of wearing-apparel, and throws an article away on the -proclamation of each person’s name, it will rescue the person from -his impending fate; and it will be wise to retain one article to the -last, in case his own name may be called, when he has not the means of -redemption at hand. - -These and some other out-of-door spells having been tried, the parties -return to the dwelling-house to burn the nuts. Burning the nuts is a -very popular charm. They name a lad and a lass to each particular nut, -as they lay them in the fire, and, accordingly, as they burn quietly, -or start from beside one another, so the issue of the courtship will be. - -A person takes a candle and goes unattended to a looking-glass--eats an -apple before it, combing his or her hair all the while, occasionally -holding over the shoulder a table-fork with a piece of the apple upon -it, and ultimately the adventurer’s conjugal partner will be seen in -the glass, in the attitude of taking the proffered piece of apple. - -These and some other spells of less note, such as dipping for the -apple, groping for the clean dish, which are generally known, and, -therefore, need not be particularly described, joined to each -individual’s relation of the sights which he saw on the present -and former occasions, together with the reflections they draw from -“narrative old age,” bring the well-buttered sowans, or more favoured -_Banbrishd_[J] upon the table. The _sonsie_ kebbock is roasted at the -fire, and fangs cut down from end to end. Brandered bannocks, and -every other luxury that can be procured, load the hospitable board. -The welcome guests surround it; the silver head is bared with solemn -reverence, and the temperate feast, qualified with a few rounds of -the _Boghtle dhu_, is as much relished as if it consisted of the most -delicious luxuries that crown a monarch’s board. But the hours are too -happy to remain long;--they flee like a shadow, and call the guests to -their respective homes. Each swain and damsel now repose themselves -on their pillows, full of those tender emotions which the night’s -amusements excited, and in their midnight slumbers see those objects -whose image they so ardently wished to see in all their comeliness and -beauty. - - - - -CHRISTMAS. - - The children of years to come shall hear the fame of Carthon, when - they sit round the burning oak, and the night is spent in songs of - old. - - OSSIAN. - - -Christmas Eve is chiefly spent in preparation for the succeeding -days. The housewife is busily engaged in the provision and cooking of -dainties. The flailman still chaps in the barn, desirous of providing -the necessary store of fodder for the Christmas. The herd-boy’s axe -resounds on the fir-stock, determined to prepare plenty of light, and -the gudeman, and others, are abroad on a not less important errand. - -This errand, on which we suppose the gudeman and his assistants -employed, is the procuring of _Calluch Nollic_, or _Christmas Old -Wife_, an indispensable requisite for this occasion; and it will -perhaps puzzle some of our readers to guess the purpose for which -the good woman is wanted. If they suppose it is to contribute to the -hilarity of the time, or to assist in the festive preparations, the -idea is not very erroneous--the old woman does so in a very effectual -manner. But the return she meets with, however warm, will not be -admired by the reader, when he is told that it consists in being -stowed into a cartful of burning peats, with as little ceremony -and feeling as an old broom. This usage, so inconsistent with the -Highlander’s characteristic humanity, she does not, however, regard as -a great punishment, for her feelings are as fire-proof as those of a -Salamander. Indeed, it is no rare sight, though strange it must be, to -see an honest woman, who has undergone the unpleasant process of being -Christmas fire to a circle of unfeeling fellows, perhaps oftener than -once, heartily spinning at her wheel, and gratifying those, it may be, -who had a hand in the unfriendly act, with her marvellous tales. But to -avoid a certain imputation which some may be inclined to fix on us, it -will be proper to explain our meaning. - -The reader will please understand, that this good woman only undergoes -this process by representation. Among those valuable discoveries which -distinguish former ages, that which gave rise to this custom deserves -notice. Some wise-acre, by some lucky chance, discovered, that at this -festive season, when the asperity of his character is probably much -softened, even relentless death himself can be compromised with on very -advantageous terms. By the sacrifice of an old woman, or any other body -whom he wished in a better world, and whom, by the following process, -he chose to send to it, death was debarred from any farther claim to -himself, or his friends, until the return of the next anniversary. He -went to the wood this night, fetched home the stump of some withered -tree, which he regularly constituted the representative of some person -of the description we have mentioned, and whose doom was inevitably -fixed by the process, without resort or appeal. Such a simple mode -of obtaining security from a foe whom every body fears, could not be -supposed to fall into desuetude; and the custom is therefore retained, -whatever faith may exist as to its utility, in some parts of the -country, even to this day. - -But to return to the busy fireside whence we set out, we shall suppose -the goodman and the “_carling_” arrived, and the other members of the -family now relieved from their eager toil, with the old wife in the -centre. The question now is, how the remainder of the night is to be -disposed of? The nature of it requires that it should be spent with -gaiety; and a game at cards, the clod,[K] or the bag, is generally -fixed upon. At the ordinary hour, however, all retire to rest with -minds bent on the morrow’s gratifications, and the house is soon -changed from that scene of bustle and confusion it recently exhibited, -to that of peaceful tranquillity, where nothing is heard but the -slumbering of the inmates, and the growling bark of the faithful -_collie_ on the midden-head. - -At length the brightening glow of the eastern sky warns the anxious -housemaid of the approach of - - CHRISTMAS DAY. - -She rises full of anxiety at the prospect of her morning labours. The -meal, which was steeped in the _sowans-bowie_ a fortnight ago, to make -the _Prechdachdan sour_, or _sour scones_, is the first object of her -attention. The gridiron is put on the fire, and the sour scones are -soon followed by hard cakes, soft cakes, buttered cakes, brandered -bannocks, and pannich perm. The baking being once over, the sowans pot -succeeds the gridiron, full of new sowans, which are to be given to the -family, agreeably to custom, this day in their beds. The sowans are -boiled into the consistence of molasses, when the _Lagan-le-vrich_,[L] -to distinguish it from boiled sowans, is ready. It is then poured -into as many bickers as there are individuals to partake of it, and -presently served to the whole, old and young. It would suit well the -pen of a Burns, or the pencil of a Cruikshank, to paint the scene which -follows. The ambrosial food is soon dispatched in aspiring draughts -by the family, who soon give evident proofs of the enlivening effects -of the _Lagan-le-vrich_. As soon as each dispatches his bicker, he -jumps out of bed--the elder branches to examine the ominous signs of -the day,[M] and the younger to enter on its amusements. Flocking to -the swing, a favourite amusement on this occasion, the youngest of -the family gets the first “_shouden_,” and the next oldest to him, -in regular succession. In order to add the more to the spirit of the -exercise, it is a common practice with the person in the _swing_, -and the person appointed to swing him, to enter into a very warm and -humorous altercation. As the swinged person approaches the swinger, he -exclaims, _Ei mi tu chal_, “I’ll eat your kail.” To this the swinger -replies, with a violent shove, _Cha ni u mu chal_, “You shan’t eat -my kail.” These threats and repulses are sometimes carried to such a -height as to break down or capsize the threatener, which generally puts -an end to the quarrel. - -As the day advances, those minor amusements are terminated at the -report of the gun, or the rattle of the ball-clubs--the gun inviting -the marksman to the “_Kiavanuchd_,” or prize-shooting, and the latter -to “_Luchd-vouil_,” or the ball-combatants--both the principal sports -of the day. A description of either of these sports is unnecessary, as -nothing new distinguishes them from similar amusements in other places; -unless it be a consummate precision in the marksman, and a vigorous -intrepidity in the ball-combatants, that cannot perhaps be equalled by -the peasantry of any other country. - -Tired at length of the active amusements of the field, they exchange -them for the substantial entertainments of the table. Groaning under -the “_sonsy haggis_,” and many other savoury dainties, unseen perhaps -for twelve months before, the relish communicated to the company, by -the appearance of the festive board, is more easily conceived than -described. The dinner once dispatched, the flowing bowl succeeds, and -the sparkling glass flies to and fro like a weaver’s shuttle. As it -continues its rounds, the spirits of the company become the more jovial -and happy. Animated by its cheering influence, even old decrepitude -no longer feels his habitual pains--the fire of youth is in his eye, -as he details to the company the exploits which distinguished him in -the days of “_auld langsyne_;” while the young, with hearts inflamed -with “_love and glory_,” long to mingle in the more lively scenes of -mirth, to display their prowess and agility. Leaving the patriarchs to -finish those professions of friendship for each other, in which they -are so devoutly engaged, the younger part of the company will shape -their course to the ball-room, or the card-table, as their individual -inclinations suggest; and the remainder of the evening is spent with -the greatest pleasure of which human nature is susceptible. Nor -will this happy evening terminate the festivities of this occasion. -Christmas mid-day awakes all but old age, to a renewal of former -hilarity. To age, however, there is no permanent enjoyment ordained -in this sublunary state. The transient gleam of happiness which -animated his feeble frame has given place, with the cause of it, to a -gloom proportionate to his former joys. Headaches, rheumatisms, and -other wonted infirmities, are this day returned with more than usual -virulence. He wakes only to recline his head on a pillow of sorrow, and -to think on the days that are gone. - - - - -NEW-YEAR’S EVE. - - “A gude New Year I wish thee, Maggy.” - - BURNS. - - -The Highlander’s native proneness to festive enjoyments, far from -being cloyed by recent series of feasts and diversions, only receives -from their speedy recurrence an additional excitement. Anxious by all -means to secure this occasion its accustomed share of hilarity, fresh -schemes of amusement are studied and promoted with unabated avidity. -The peculiar character of the time pre-eminently entitles it to every -demonstration of satisfaction which mankind can evince; and it must be -no small stimulus to the Highlander’s laudable zeal, to see that in -this he is imitated by beings whose abilities are far inferior to his -own. - -We presume it is a circumstance that is very little known in other -quarters of the kingdom, that, on this particular occasion, even the -_brute_ creation (if we may use the expression) have an instinctive -knowledge of its auspices. In particular, that admirable object -of Highland curiosity, the “_Candlemas[N] Bull_,” manifests no -small degree of respect for the occasion. This strange and curious -_animal_, which has so long escaped the observation of all the _Saxon_ -naturalists and astronomers that ever lived, has been long since -discovered by our Highland philosophers. We say astronomers! because, -however strange it may appear, this bull forms an object of speculation -connected with their department of science. It must not, however, be -inferred from this circumstance, that it is of that celestial species -of bulls designated by astronomers to distinguish a particular division -of the zodiac; neither is it of that terrestrial species known to -naturalists and cattle-dealers--it is of a species distinct from both. -Partaking together of the aërial and terrestrial nature and qualities, -both the earth and the air are equally its elements. This bull makes -an annual excursion, in some latitude or other, about the twilight of -this night, no doubt in honour of the occasion. He has, it is said, -neither wings nor any other apparent buoyants; but he takes advantage -of the course of the wind, on which he glides along in fellowship with -the clouds, in a manner that would do credit to the best aeronaut -of the day. The particular place of his ascension or descent, which -varies with the direction of the wind, cannot be exactly ascertained. -Nor can we favour the curious with a minute description of its bodily -appearance, since we never had the good fortune to be present when it -was seen. All our informants, however, agree in representing it as of -a very large size, the colour of a dark cloud, and having all the limbs -of a common bull.[O] - -As soon as night sets in, it is the signal for the suspension of -common employments; and the Highlander’s attention is directed to -more agreeable and important callings. Associating themselves into -bands, the men, with tethers and axes, shape their course towards the -juniper bushes, which are as much in request this night as kail is -on Hallowe’en. Returning home with Herculean loads, the juniper is -arranged around the fire to dry till the morning. Some careful person -is also dispatched to the _dead and living ford_, who draws a pitcher -of water, observing all the time the most profound silence. Great care -must be taken that the vessel containing the water does not touch the -ground, otherwise it would lose all its virtues. These and every other -necessary peculiar to the occasion being provided, the inmates retire -to rest for the night, full of the thoughts of the morrow. - -The Highlander’s morning cheer this day is far less palatable than -that with which he is served so comfortably on Christmas-day. But if -it be not so agreeable to his temporal inclinations, it is far more -beneficial to his spiritual interests. The _Lagan-le-vrich_, though -very good in itself as a substantial dish, will do no more than satisfy -for a time the cravings of nature. But the treat of which he partakes -this day extends its effects to the good of both soul and body. This -treat, if we may so call it, is divided into two courses, which are -productive of the following good effects. - -The first course, consisting of the _Usque-Cashrichd_, or water -from the _dead and living ford_, by its sacred virtues, preserves -the Highlander, until the next anniversary, from all those direful -calamities proceeding from the agency of all infernal spirits, -witchcraft, evil eyes, and the like. And the second course, consisting -of the fumes of juniper, not only removes whatever diseases may -affect the human frame at the time, but it likewise fortifies the -constitution against their future attacks. These courses of medicine -are administered in the following manner:-- - -Light and fire being kindled, and the necessary arrangements having -been effected, the high priest of the ceremonies for the day, and his -assistants, proceed with the hallowed water to the several beds in the -house, and, by means of a large brush, sprinkles upon their occupants a -profuse shower of the precious preservative, which, notwithstanding its -salutary properties, they sometimes receive with jarring ingratitude. - -The first course being thus served, the second is about to be -administered, preliminary to which it is necessary to stuff all the -crevices and windows in the house, even to the key-hole. This done, -piles of juniper are kindled into a conflagration in the different -apartments of the house. Rising in fantastic curls, the fumes of -the blazing juniper spread along the roof, and gradually condense -themselves into an opaque cloud, filling the apartment with an -odoriferous fumigation altogether overpowering. Penetrating into the -inmost recesses of the patient’s system, (for _patients_ they may well -be called,) it brings on an incessant shower of hiccupping, sneezing, -wheezing, and coughing, highly demonstrative of its expectorating -qualities. But it not unfrequently happens, that young and thoughtless -urchins, not relishing such _physic_, and unmindful of the important -benefits they reap from it, diversify the scene by cries of suffocation -and the like, which never fail to call forth from the more reflecting -part of the family, if able to speak, a very severe reproof. Well -knowing, however, that the more intense the “_smuchdan_,” the more -propitious are its effects, the high priest, with dripping eyes and -distorted mouth, continues his operations, regardless of the feelings -of his flock, until he considers the dose fully sufficient--upon which -he opens the _vent_, and the other crevices, to admit the genial fluid, -to recover the spirits of the exhausted patients. He then proceeds to -gratify the horses, cattle, and other bestial stock in the town, with -the same entertainment in their turn.[P] - -Meanwhile, the gudewife gets up, venting the most latent embryo of -disease in a copious expectoration; and clapping her hand upon the -bottle _dhu_, she administers a renovating cordial to the sufferers -around her. The painful ordeal is, therefore, soon forgotten, and -nothing is heard but the salutations of the season. All the family -now get up, to wash their besmeared faces and prepare themselves for -the festivities of the day, and for receiving the visits of their -neighbours. These last soon arrive in bodies, venting upon the family -broadsides of salutation peculiar to the day.[Q] Breakfast being served -up, consisting of all the luxuries that can be procured, those of the -neighbours not engaged are invited to partake of it; and the day is -terminated with balls, drinking, card parties, and other sports too -tedious to be mentioned. - - - - -FASTEN’S EVE. - - “And oft I hear your dearest name - Whispered in my troubled dream.” - - -The most substantial entertainment peculiar to this night is the -matrimonial brose, which is a dish, we believe, well known throughout -the country at large. This savoury dish is generally made of the -bree of a good fat jigget of beef or mutton, which, being sometimes -a good while in _retentum_, renders the addition of salt to the meal -unnecessary. Before the bree is put in the bicker or plate, a ring is -mixed with the meal, which it will be the aim of every partaker to -get. The first bicker being discussed, the ring is put into two other -bickers successively; and should any of the candidates for matrimony -find the ring more than once, he may rest assured of his marrying -before the next anniversary. - -The brose, and plenty of other good cheer, being dispatched, the -guests betake themselves to another part of the night’s entertainment. -Soon as the evening circle convenes, the “_Bannich Junit_,” or “sauty -bannocks,” are resorted to. The component ingredients of those -dainties are eggs and meal, and a sufficient quantity of salt, in order -to sustain their ancient and appropriate appellation of “sauty.” These -ingredients, well mixed together, are baked or toasted on the gridiron, -and are regarded by old and young as a most delicious treat; and, as -may be expected, they have a charm attached to them, which enables -the happy Highlander to discover the object of all his spells--his -connubial bed-fellow. - -A sufficient number of those designed for the palate being prepared, -the great or matrimonial bannock is made, of which all the young people -in the house partake. Into the ingredients of it there is some particle -intermixed, which, in the distribution, will fall to the lot of some -happy person, who may be sure, if not already married, to be so before -the next anniversary. - -Last of all are made the _Bannich Bruader_, or dreaming bannocks, to -the ingredients composing which is added a little of that substance -which chimney-sweeps call soot, and which contains some charm of which -we have not yet come to the knowledge. In baking these last bannocks, -the baker must be as mute as a stone--one word would destroy the charm -of the whole concern. One is given to each individual, who slips off -with it quietly to bed; and, reposing his head on his bannock, he will -be gratified by the sight of his beloved in the course of his midnight -slumbers. - - - - -BELTANE EVE. - - “Now the sun’s gone out o’ sight, - Beet the ingle, snuff the light; - In glens the fairies skip and dance, - And witches wallop o’er to France.” - - RAMSAY. - - -Beltane Eve[R] is a night of considerable importance and of much -anxiety to the Highland farmer, as being the grand anniversary review -night, on which all the tribes of witches, warlocks, wizards, and -fairies, in the kingdom, are to be reviewed by Satan and his chief -generals in person, and new candidates admitted into infernal orders. -When such a troop, under such a commander, are let loose upon the -community, it is natural to suppose that much misery and devastation -will follow in their train; and when rewards are only conferred on -those most consummate in wickedness, and those most adept in cutting -diabolical cantrips, it is natural for every honest man to feel -anxious that they may not obtain promotion at his expense. In order, -therefore, to be perfectly secure from the machinations of so dangerous -a society, every prudent man will resort to those safeguards that will -keep them at the staff’s end. Messengers are therefore dispatched to -the woods for cargoes of the blessed rowan tree, the virtues of which -are well known. Being formed into the shape of a cross, by means of a -red thread, the virtues of which too are very eminent, those crosses -are, with all due solemnity, inserted in the different door-lintels -in the town, and protect those premises from the cantrips of the most -diabolical witch in the universe. Care should also be taken to insert -one of them in the midden, which has at all times been a favourite -site of _rendezvous_ with the black sisterhood. This cheaply purchased -precaution once observed, the people of those countries will now go to -bed as unconcernedly, and sleep as soundly, as on any other night. - -While those necessary precautions are in preparation, the matron or -housekeeper is employed in a not less interesting avocation to the -juvenile generation, _i. e._ baking the Beltane bannocks. Next morning -the children are presented each with a bannock, with as much joy as an -heir to an estate his title-deeds; and having their pockets well lined -with cheese and eggs, to render the entertainment still more sumptuous, -they hasten to the place of assignation, to meet the little band -assembled on the brow of some sloping hill, to reel their bannocks, -and learn their future fate. With hearty greetings they meet, and with -their knives make the signs of life and death on their bannocks. These -signs are a cross, or the sign of life, on the one side; and a cypher, -or the sign of death, on the other. This being done, the bannocks are -all arranged in a line, and on their edges let down the hill. This -process is repeated three times, and if the cross most frequently -present itself, the owner will live to celebrate another Beltane day; -but if the cypher is oftenest uppermost, he is doomed to die of course. -This sure prophecy of short life, however, seldom spoils the appetites -of the unfortunate short-livers, who will handle their knives with as -little signs of death as their more fortunate companions. Assembling -around a rousing fire of collected heath and brushwood, the ill-fated -bannocks are soon demolished, amidst the cheering and jollity of the -youthful association.[S] - - - - -CHRISTENINGS. - - “When we sit bowsing at the nappy, - And getting fu’ and unco happy, - We think not on the lang Scots miles, - The mosses, waters, slaps, an’ stiles.” - - BURNS. - - -Having travelled over the prominent features which distinguish public -annual festivities in the Highlands of Scotland, we shall now briefly -direct the reader’s attention to those particular occasions which -only interest private circles of friends; and of all these it may be -said, that the birth and christening of a child forms one of the most -pleasant and important. The fond parent, filled with those visionary -hopes and expectations which the imagination is so apt to conceive as -the portion of those objects most dear to us, fancies he beholds in -his new offspring the future hero or statesman, whose fragile hand may -be destined to wield the sword of a general or the pen of a statesman. -Such is the impression of the Highland parent in particular--an -impression in which he is perhaps confirmed by superior authority. The -great utility and comfort derived from having the assistance of those -wise people, whose experience and judgment enable them to discover -those great destinies in an infant, is abundantly apparent; and of this -capacity most of the Highland matrons are possessed. It is no doubt -this weighty consideration that induces every honest woman to have her -own junto of matron counsellors, whose presence is as indispensable -on the occasion of an accouchement as that of the _accoucheur_. If -the offspring is a son, it is likely those sage physiognomists will -already trace in his infantile lineaments clear signs of that future -greatness which he is destined some happy day to display, as well -as the striking resemblance he bears to his father and mother. The -greatness of such a _blessing_ as this they never fail to impress upon -the overjoyed father, (though, by the bye, he may have had too many -of these blessings before,) who is thus induced cheerfully to devote -more of his little property than he can well afford, to give the -occasion its deserved _eclat_. Filled with pleasure, elated with hope, -Highland hospitality has no bounds--a score of lives are sacrificed at -the shrine of festivity, and all the neighbours and kinsmen invited -to the christening. The day arrived, the little great man destined to -grace some name is arrayed in his robes of state, and confided to the -care of the happy sponsors, who, (should the parson not attend the -feast,) together with the company present, will proceed with him to -the parsonage, to receive the ordinance of baptism. On their return, -the guests assembled will pledge the health of their host and the -_Benheen_, or the sick wife, in overflowing bumpers--not forgetting -young Donald, who, “_may he thrive_,” every body praises for a fine -child. - -The seating and tables being next sorted in some snug place, the feast -commences with a course of savoury soup, which is pronounced good -by all. A succeeding course of broth is still better; and a third -still better than the second. Mutton and beef follow, each good in -its kind. Plenty of fowls, equally delicious, are next ushered in, -calling forth the unqualified praise of the guests, who, upon the -whole, pronounce the banquet the most luxurious which they have seen -for a long time before. The dessert once dispatched, the flowing bowl -succeeds, and the rafters are made again to resound to the healths of -the young hero and his parents. A long catalogue of those toasts and -sentiments most congenial to the feelings of the company are next drank -with the greatest glee; and bowl after bowl is speedily drained “to -_friendship’s growth_,” the effects of which bespeak themselves in the -aspect of the company. - -Enveloped in a cloud of tobacco-smoke, in one corner a hamlet -politician is retailing to his half-attentive neighbour the various -news of the day. Another guest is as warmly engaged in the praise of -his wife, his horses, or his cattle; and another is eagerly soliciting -attention to his improved mode of ploughing his ground, sowing his -turnips, and planting his potatoes. At length, when the house begins to -revolve, each thinks it time to withdraw. The officious midwife then -comes to the door, full of kind inquiries, if each has got his own -plaid, bonnet, and staff; and being rewarded for her attention by the -customary _douceur_, she wishes them all a good night and a pleasant -journey. - - - - -WEDDINGS. - - “Was ne’er in Scotland heard or seen - Sic dancing and deray; - Nouther at Falkland on the green, - Nor Peebles at the play.” - - KING JAMES I. - - -Interesting as a christening undoubtedly is to the parents of the -child, it is, neither in a public nor private sense, so happy an -occasion as that which we are about to describe. If there is any thing -under the sun in which true happiness really consists, we are told it -is in the consummation of a marriage, where the parties, uninfluenced -by sordid motives, are entirely brought together by the magnetic power -of love. Of such a description the Highland marriages are in general. -The lower classes being pretty equal in their circumstances, policy and -interest have less influence in their marriages than is the case with -any other rank of people; and consequently the parties are left more to -the unbiassed dictates of their own voluntary choice. - -When a couple of young lovers propose to get married, the nearest -relations of both parties meet to take the case into consideration; -and, in general, it is no difficult matter for the lovers and their -advocates to get a decision consonant to their inclinations. This is -called the booking (“_leuruch_”) or contract, which is very often -ratified by no other covenant than a few bottles of whisky. If the -parties come to an understanding, the lovers are immediately declared -bride and bridegroom; and some Tuesday or Thursday in the growth of the -moon is fixed upon for the celebration of the nuptials. Meanwhile, to -sustain the dignity of the bridal pair, from motives of policy as well -as of state, they select from their kinsmen two trustworthy persons -each, who are delegated to the other--the male to protect the party -from being stolen, (a practice once common, and not yet extinct,) and -the female to act as maid of honour and lady of the bedchamber on the -bridal occasion. - -A few days prior to the bridal day, the parties, with their attendants, -perambulate the country, inviting the guests, on which occasion they -meet with marked attention from old and young. The invitations are all -delivered to the parties _propria persona_ at their firesides; and if -the wedding is to be a cheap one, a small present is sometimes offered -to the bride, and accepted of. - -On the morning of the wedding-day, some lady, who is above the ordinary -level, and who has been constituted mistress of the ceremonies for the -day, arrives to deck the bride in her splendid habiliments. She is -received by the clean white bride, previously prepared for her by a -ducking in the cold bath; and, retiring to the wardrobe chamber, she is -speedily metamorphosed from a “sonsy country lassie” into a downright -lady--at least, if muslins and ribbons are all that is requisite to -confer this distinction, she is entitled to it. The bridegroom, too, -at his apartments, has his own decorators, who deck him out most -splendidly with marriage favours and other ornaments suitable to the -occasion. - -Meanwhile, repeated vollies of musketry summon the guests to the -wedding. Mounted on his palfry, each “crony” shapes his course to the -house to which he was invited; while droves of youngsters flock along -the road, whose hearts at every shot are bounding with joy. On their -arrival, they are ushered into the breakfasting apartment, to partake -of the forenoon’s entertainment, consisting of good milk porridge and -cream, on which they fare very sumptuously. After this mid-day repast, -they are led to the ball-room, or dancing apartment, to share in its -enjoyment. Here the bride or bridegroom is seated at the upper end of -the ball-room, and receives the company, as they successively arrive, -with great pomp and ceremony; and the dancing and mirth is prolonged -for some hours. - -At the time appointed, the bridegroom selects a party of young men, -who are dispatched to summon the bride and her party to the marriage -ceremony. Their approach is announced by showers of musketry opened -upon them by some of the bride’s men, and returned, most of the guests -being furnished with pistols. The bride’s party accordingly prepare -themselves for the procession. The bride is mounted upon some _canny_ -charger behind an expert rider; drams go round to her health and -prosperity; and, the company being all in readiness, she leaves her -native residence for another, amidst the cheers and _feu-de-joie_ of -the assembly. Marching to the sound of the inspiring bagpipes, and -the discharge of fire-arms, the bride’s party proceed to the place -appointed for the marriage. The bridegroom’s party follow at some -little distance; and both arrived at the appointed place of rendezvous, -the bridegroom’s party stand in the rear till the bride’s party enter -the meeting-house, agreeably to the rules of precedence, which on this -occasion are decidedly in favour of the bride in all the proceedings of -the day. - -Soon as the hymeneal knot is tied, the candidates for the honour of -wonning the kail, as they call it, drive off _pell mell_ for the -bridegroom’s house, horsemen and footmen promiscuously. Both parties, -now mingled together, proceed with multitudinous jovialty towards the -bridegroom’s, the scene of the future festivities of the night. A -volley of fire-arms announces their arrival; and the company assembled -at the door, to welcome the bride, assail her with a basket of the -bridal bread and cheese, the properties of which are well known. The -bridal pair are then seated at the upper end of the banquet, and the -guests are arrayed, according to their quality, around the far-extended -tables, formed of doors, chests, and cart bottoms, sustained by sturdy -supporters of wood or stone; and wooden beams, and deals for chairs, in -common form. The more plebeian part of the guests, freely disposed of -in the stables or byres, make themselves very comfortable with their -cheer. - -Shortly the waiters come round the circle, presenting each with a -spoon, which he must carefully return when done with it. The spoon -is followed with the hardly-contested kail. After this, a remove of -savoury broth is presently brought in; of which all having partaken, -the still more delicious “_hotch-potch_” succeeds. Then follow fowl of -every feather, and every beast and creeping thing-- - - “Hind and fore spalls of a sheep - Drew whittles frae ilk sheath; - Wi’ gravie a’ their beards did creep, - They kempit wi’ their teeth.” - -The dinner being over, the “shemit reel” is the next object of -attention. All the company assemble on the lawn with flambeaux, and -form into a circle. The bridal pair and their retinue then dance a -_sixsome reel_, each putting a piece of silver into the musician’s -hand. Those desirous may then succeed, and dance with the bride and -the two maids of honour, and are gratified at the commencement and -termination of each reel by the usual salutes. - -In the meantime, the stewards of the feast having removed the temporary -erections from the dancing apartments, the shemit reel being over, -the guests re-occupy their seats in the original order, and dancing -and mirth is again resumed. Tartan plaids, spreading in every corner, -invite the fair to take shelter in those most congenial to their -inclinations. The jovial smiling bowl, now reeking in a corner, allures -to its side its votaries--the circling glass adds additional stimulus -to the riotous spirit of the company. In short, pleasure presents -herself for courtship in all her luring forms. - -As the night advances, the company grows still more happy. The numerous -ills of the human lot, which at other times so much afflict them, now -cause them no concern; on the contrary, they are entirely full of its -pleasures. Hence, all the corners of the house, instead of declamations -against the infirmities of age, or the badness of the times, are full -of the happiest communications. Opportunities long sought for declaring -secret friendship have now occurred, and the warmth with which they -are expressed forcibly bespeak their fervency. Two patriarchs “had -long indulged the hope of seeing an honourable alliance betwixt -_their_ families. Both honest and respectable, the union of their -children would be a highly suitable match; and should such a desirable -event ever occur, there was a black stocking in secret, which would -spew on the occasion of the wedding.” In another, you may see two -hearty grey-beards, whose locked hands and contacting noddles show -the closeness of their friendship, relating to each other, with much -complacency, those tales of “_auld langsyne_” in which they themselves -acted so prominent a part. In another corner, the fond lover, with his -dearly beloved locked in his affectionate embrace, melting her heart -with his wooing strains; and in another, the vocal choir, whose throats -of steel vociferate their harmonious ditties on the gratified ears of -the company; while, on the top of a bed, or at the back of the door, -the juvenile part of the guests, assembled in tumultuous rabble, will -also join their voices in the general uproar. - -On the floor the dancers are beyond compare. Fixed with emulation -who shall _win the dance_, every nerve and muscle is put in active -exercise. The lads are gaining greater agility every successive reel; -while, in the language of the poet, - - “The lasses bab’d about the reel, - Gart a’ their hurdies wallop, - And swat like ponies when they speel - Up braes, or when they gallop.” - -This scene lasts for some hours, until the presence of day warns the -bride to prepare for the bedding. Wishing, if possible, to elude the -public gaze, she attempts to steal away privately, when, observed by -some vigilant eye, her departure is announced, and all push to the -bridal chamber. - -The door is instantly forced open, and the devoted bride, divested of -all her braws, and stripped nearly to the state of nature, is placed in -bed in presence of the whole company. Her left stocking is then flung, -and falls upon some individual, whose turn to the hymeneal altar will -be the next. The bridegroom, next led in, is as rapidly demolished, and -cosily stowed along-side of his darling. A bottle and glass being then -handed to the bridegroom, he rewards the friendliness of those who come -forward to offer their congratulations, with a flowing bumper. When the -numerous levée have severally paid their court, they retire, and leave -the young couple to repose. - -On returning to the grand scene of festivity, we shall find that the -aspect of the company there has suffered no small alteration during -our absence. Overpowered by the peculiar influence of the ardent -friendship which fills the elder branches of the company, those -boisterous expressions of esteem which recently occupied them so much, -have declined into the calmest complacency. Overcome by the most -unspeakable sensations, the tongue, which was lately so voluble, has -totally failed. Those legs, which but a few hours ago displayed the -greatest agility, have now refused their office; and the whole machine -is become perfectly unwieldy and unmanageable: - - “In their mawes there was na mank; - Upon the firms some snor’d; - Ithers frae aff the bunkers sank, - Wi’ een like collops scor’d.” - -Seated by the victorious bowl, the _Far Cuil_ is still engaged in his -musical vocation. With bow alternately above and below the strings, -he is earnestly employed at _Tullochgorum_, while cries for the same -spring, proceeding from the dancers on the floor, incessantly ring on -his ears. Insensible to time or measure, some of the young people still -wallop on the floor, and unabated clamour reigns throughout the house. - -Meanwhile, all the avenues leading from the town are thronged with -retiring guests “_careering_” on their way home; and the company is -ultimately reduced to the immediate friends and relations of the -young couple, who wait to offer their morning congratulations. When -the bridal pair are supposed to have reposed themselves sufficiently -long, they are warned to get up, to prepare for the breakfast and the -morning levée. On entering the grand breakfasting parlour, the whole -concourse of friends receive them with showers of compliments and -congratulations, accompanied by such gifts as may be convenient; and -yesterday’s scene of festivity is again renewed, and prolonged for the -day. - - - - -WAKES. - - “But turn to yonder cloister’d gloom, - Where pallid Sorrow leads the way, - To muse upon some hallow’d tomb, - Where Friendship’s dearest relics lie.” - - W. S. - - -Short and unstable are the joys of man!--How often does it happen that -such ardent scenes of pleasure as we have been just endeavouring to -describe are but like the gleam which precedes the storm--a prelude -to direful woe! Oft has the tender parent or loving child, who but -yesterday animated such a scene of festivity, to-day exhibited the most -desponding spectacle which human nature can witness. Those eyes, which -then sparkled at the _pibroch’s_ harmonious sounds, are now sealed for -ever; and his relations and friends are involved in grief more vehement -than their former joys. - -Prone to partake in his neighbour’s joys, the Highlander, on such -occasions as this, is equally ready to share in his sorrows, and will -not grudge to contribute his exertions, by night as well as by day, to -add to his comfort or consolation. On the last offices of friendship -being performed, the body is laid on a bed in that apartment of the -house most commodious and suitable for the company; and the neighbours -immediately collect in bands, to watch over the remains of departed -friendship. During the silent hours of midnight, the solemnity of the -occasion is heightened by the sound of sacred praise, and reading -of the blessed Gospel. Such are now the laudable employments which -have assumed the place of that revelry which formerly disgraced the -Highland wakes, when immoderate drinking, dancing, wanton levity, and -profane amusements, were the prominent features of such an assembly. -It is true, the moderate use of liquor and singing of songs are still -tolerated, but excess on these occasions is now unknown. On the -departure of every group, one of the friends in attendance conducts -them to the melancholy bier, when each generally testifies the ardour -of his friendship by shaking the hand, which now cannot feel his -proffered kindness, and retires full of those solemn reflections which -the scene is calculated to produce. - - - - -FUNERALS. - - “In some fond breast still lives the face, - Its wonted smile, the darling form, - Which awful death cannot efface, - However much it may deform.” - - W. S. - - -On the third day after the defunct’s decease, if the person occupied -no station above the ordinary level, the body will be led to its -destined abode. This sorrowful day is early distinguished by melancholy -arrangements. Verbal warnings having been previously circulated to the -male inhabitants of the district, large and timeous preparations are -necessary for their accommodation and entertainment. While the seating -of the apartments destined to receive the company occupies the men, -the arrangement of the entertainment occupies no less the attention of -the women. In the meanwhile, the relations and family of the deceased -attire themselves in the best mournings their circumstances can afford, -and prepare themselves for going through the duties of the day with -all possible fortitude and decency. The arrival of the wooden house -of death, and the deposition of its inhabitant, early call forth many -a sigh and tear at the parting which is about to take place. But the -closing of the coffin is deferred till the eve of removal. - -About twelve o’clock, the company, or, to speak more properly, the -guests, successively arrive in scattered groups, dressed in all the -variegated colours of the rainbow; and are received by some near -connection of the deceased, who conducts them to the place appointed -for their station. - -With becoming gravity they take their seats, condoling very feelingly -with the present friends on their lamentable loss, and carry on for a -while a conversation very suitable to the business which brought them -together. They are each served, on their arrival, with what is called -a dram of “_dry whisky_,” and some fit person is appointed to keep the -glass in active circulation. To him is also delegated a discretionary -power of imposing extra penalties on late comers, who must compensate -for their absence by drinking a double quantity on their arrival. - -Thus, all equally well plied with the enlivening glass, the solemn -aspect of the company is soon changed into a mixture of sorrow and joy. -The moralist, who so recently uttered such sage reflections upon the -shortness of life and its uncertainty, is transformed by some secret -influence into the sprightly wit, whose humorous jokes and repartees -continually agitate the risible powers of his audience. In short, the -house of mourning is rapidly changing into a house of mirth; and such -would be the opinion of any stranger who might visit the scene. - -As soon as he approaches the door of the _meeting-house_, his ears are -assailed with a confusion of sounds, which conveys to him the idea of -entering a house full of bees. Seated in double rows, extending from -one end of the house to the other, he finds it literally crammed, not -with bees, but Highlandmen of every age and condition. In each end of -the house he sees overflowing bowls, and walking to and fro, a host of -waiters, bearing the full and empty glasses of the company, followed by -others with bread and cheese, which are liberally distributed amongst -the guests. Being seated in the place befitting his rank or station, if -curiosity leads him to a closer examination of the complexion of his -company, he will not be a little amused at the diversity of feelings -and conversation distinguishing the individuals composing it. If the -visitor or stranger whom we have supposed is of a serious cast of -mind, and if he addresses himself to his elbow neighbour on the solemn -character of the occasion, and laments the pitiful state of the family -that may be thus deprived of their parent or provider--perhaps, if he -listens for a moment with counterfeited seriousness, the sprightly -sally of a rustic wit rings upon his ear, and a horse-laugh immediately -shows the spectator he has no great relish for his subject. If, again, -he addresses himself to one of a less jovial temperament, who has not -yet been so much affected by the general _infection_ upon the same -subject, he will perhaps acknowledge the justness of his observations -with a significant shake of the head, declaring at the same time the -poignancy of his sorrow for the deceased, who, “new peace to him, was -the best of souls.” But, at the same time, and in the same breath, he -will make a digression to the alarming depreciation of agricultural -produce, and the consequent inevitable ruin of poor farmers, if they -do not immediately get a reduction of the one-half of their rents; and -the concern he evinces for both matters makes it difficult to determine -which loss he considers the greater calamity. Listening to the various -topics of conversation discussed by the company in general, he will -find _seriousness_ form no part of it. Having already sufficiently -moralized on the _evils_ of life, they are now resolved to confine -themselves entirely to its _goods_. Death, low prices, and high rents, -have now given place to balls, feasts, and diversions. One group is -warmly engaged in scheming a “_dry or wet ball_;” another group is -warmly expatiating upon the good signs of the year, corroborated as -they are by the “_annual prognostic_;” and others are as warmly engaged -in recriminating each other for their notorious gallantries, and the -like; while a good spring, a good harvest, and ready sale to sheep and -cattle, are drunk by all with the greatest enthusiasm. All are become -suddenly acquainted with the proverb, “A pound of care will not pay -an ounce of debt;” and therefore they are determined to spend life in -friendship and good hopes. In obedience to this wholesome resolution, -each crony, as he gives his neighbour the hand, will also give him -the pipe or the “sneeshan mill,” and would be very sorry to see him -ill-used in a “_pley_,” or any such cause, without rendering him a -helping hand. - -As the drinking continues, the company become still more noisy. -Repetitions of toasts, the vacant laugh, and incoherent exclamation, -mingled with a few little oaths, are what perpetually burst upon the -ear; and the sequel of such unhallowed carousals exhibit but too -frequently a scene of the most improper levity.[T] - -Far different, however, are the feelings and conduct of those mournful -individuals who occupy another apartment, where the affectionate widow -or fatherless orphans are now assembled, to take the last and long -farewell of the relics of love. In deep dismay, behold the sorrowing -group bending over the dear remains, absorbed in frantic woe, bathing -with their tears unfeeling death, insensible to all their sorrows. - -When the weeping relatives have severally bade the corpse the last -adieu, by imparting the farewell kiss to the cold and pallid lip of -death, (which, nevertheless, is perhaps the sweetest we ever impart,) -the dearest form is for ever concealed from their view. - - “Long on the lip the kiss will dwell, - And on the ear the mournful sigh, - Which seal’d the last and fond farewell, - And forg’d a bond time can’t untie.” - -The necessary arrangements being effected, the coffin is brought forth, -surrounded by the bereaved friends, and bound on the _hanspecks_ on -some convenient supports at the door; and when time will no longer -permit the guests to indulge in their hilarity, an unwelcome summons -invites them to their duty. Issuing forth tumultuously, they surround -their charge; and all the riders being provided with their horses, the -signal for setting off is given. The female relations, according to the -custom of some countries, get the first lift; and the supports on which -the body was bound being carefully overturned, for some reason best -known to the wise men of the day, the multitudinous procession takes -the road. - -At this moment a scene presents itself to the cool spectator, wholly -without a parallel. The various habiliments of the company--riders and -pedestrians mingled together--the sound of the horses--and the united -clamour of the multitude--are altogether striking. At one time, the -expressions of mirth predominate; while, at others, the heart-rending -lamentations of the female relations of the defunct prevail, and in -their turn vibrate upon the ear. The women, at length unwillingly -disentangled from the body, return home with mournful wailing, and the -procession continues its course to its destination. Too many of the -company are sometimes more intent upon their own pleasures than mindful -of their business, roving about in scattered parties; while others -exhibit, in their attention, a pattern of correctness and decorum; -and, warmly enumerating the good qualities of the deceased, descant on -the happy change he has made--at the same time walking with a careful -step, lest an unfortunate fall beneath the body should doom themselves -to share his enviable lot.[U] - -At length, arrived at the mansions of the dead, the body is -lowered into its drear abode, amidst the sorrowing of some and the -insensibility of others. The slate planted on the grave terminates its -earthly career, and consigns it for ever to the land of forgetfulness. - - “Yet, though consign’d to death’s dark shade, - And ever hid from mortal view, - Still constant Love, by Fancy led, - The dreary scene will oft review.” - - -The End. - - - J. S. WITHERDEN, Lithographic and Letterpress Printer, - Clifford’s Inn Passage, Fleet Street. - - - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[A] Nothing can appear more surprising to the refined reader, than that -any human being, possessing the rational faculties of human nature, -could for a moment entertain a notion so preposterous as that a ghost, -which conveys the idea of an immortal spirit, could be killed, or -rather annihilated, by an arrow, dirk, or sixpence. It was, however, -the opinion of the darker ages, that such an exploit as killing a ghost -was perfectly practicable. A spirit was supposed to be material in -its nature, quite susceptible of mortal pain, and liable to death or -annihilation from the weapons of man. Such an opinion is repeatedly -expressed in several passages of the Poems of Ossian, and in the -doctrine of the _Seanachy_, down to the present day. - -[B] John-o’-Groat’s House, Caithness. - -[C] We are informed that there is a woman still living in the parish -of Abernethy, on whom this experiment was tried. She was found one -night, rather unaccountably, as it appeared to her wise parents, on -the outside of a window. No doubt, therefore, remained, but that she -had been stolen by the fairies, and a stock left as her substitute. It -was, therefore, unanimously resolved to carry the stock to the junction -of the shires of Inverness, Moray, and Banff, where the poor child was -left for a night to enjoy the pleasures of solitude. Being well rolled -up in a comfortable blanket, she sustained no material injury from -this monstrous exposure, and, accordingly, the result proved highly -satisfactory to her enlightened guardians. - -[D] Mine is yours, and yours is mine. - -[E] The goats are supposed to be upon a very good understanding with -the fairies, and possessed of more cunning and knowledge than their -appearance bespeaks. - -[F] Witchcraft. - -[G] A Witch. - -[H] The present Lord Murray is supposed to have been the gentleman who -discovered to Mr. Willox this convenient piece of information regarding -the original nature and use of the _stone_. - -[I] North. - -Since the first publication of this book, the renowned Mr. Mac Grigor -Willox has been laid with his fathers, leaving the stone and bridle -to his son and daughter, as heirlooms for the benefit of posterity. -The goodman died full of years, if not full of any thing else which is -coveted by the people of this world. But by his death it is believed -that the spell which so long bound the northern community to his stone -and bridle has been broken; and it is thought that those precious -relics, which were scarcely “honestly come by,” may be returned to the -kelpie and the mermaid, their original owners, should they or their -representatives be disposed to claim restitution of them. - -The highly curious and interesting collection of Criminal Trials, -recently published by Robert Pitcairn, Esq., affords ample particulars -of the _modus operandi_ by which the workers of Satan in human shape -accomplished their nefarious ends. The reader is particularly referred -to the cases of those witches of quality, Lady Glammis and Lady Munro -of Fowlis, and to the assistant hags of the latter, consisting of -Laskie Loncart, Christy Ross, and others, all highly deserving of -_record_. But Isobel Gowdie, the head witch of Auldearn, who, on her -own confession, was condemned to be “worried and burned at a stake” -in 1662, is the standard authority to refer to on these subjects. It -appears that in those days Auldearn, near Nairn, now the locality of -a virtuous community, was the great nursery that supplied Satan with -_cadets_ for his “Black Watch;” for so numerous were the members of -the craft at that place, according to Isobel Gowdie, that on occasions -of public inspection by the sovereign of the order, they were counted -or told off in _squads_ or “_covines_” (as Isobel called them), to -each of which were appointed two _adjutants_ or _drill-sergeants_, -the brigade-major being a “_well-favoured_” wench of the name of -“_Nannie_,” who occupied the seat of honour at Satan’s _carousals_. On -such occasions of assembly, they dug up graves, possessed themselves -of unchristened infants, using their joints and members in their -incantations. They metamorphosed themselves into the forms of crows, -cats, hares, &c., and played all manners of cantrips on live stock and -farm produce. But it not unfrequently happened that those _amusements_ -turned out but indifferent _sport_ to some of the _probationers_ -concerned,--several worthies, and Isobel Gowdie among the rest, having -had unwittingly become the subjects of the _chase_, at the feet and -mouths of the greyhounds of the day, who have “no respect of persons,” -or the characters in which they enacted their parts. And it would also -appear that the cadets in this Royal Military College formed any thing -but an harmonious society--the Master General, and his _Sappers_ and -_Miners_, often quarrelling about very minor matters, such as titles of -distinction; in the course of which the _master_ often received many -_black names_, and the apprentices many _stripes_. But it would appear -that “one Margaret Wilson in Auldearn” was nearly match for him; for -Isobel Gowdie declares she used to “_bell the cat_” with him stoutly; -“defending herself finely” from the _wool-cards_ and such other sharp -instruments of punishment as he made use of on those occasions. “It was -no doubt one of those ancient _covines_ that encountered Macbeth (not -far from the College) on his way to Forres.” - -But since the days of Isobel Gowdie, Maggy Wilson, Bessy Hay, and Co, -the _union_ has been repealed, without the aid of any great agitator; -for ever since their day, the people in this parish have died a natural -death. But it is still mooted, “_sotto voce_,” that there are still -some roots of the old tree scattered over neighbouring territories -not far from the capital of the Highlands, who have been allowed to -live quite as long as they deserved. And one Isabella Hay, probably -a descendant of her namesake of Auldearn, has for many years levied -_blackmail_ on the inhabitants of Inverness, until having, by her imps, -in autumn 1839, laid her enchantments on the goods and chattels of some -people in Inverness (the author among the number), she was sentenced -in September, 1839, by the Circuit Court of Justiciary--not to the -_stake_, but to a punishment which, however, has served to put an end -to her sorceries. - -Among recent discoveries of the author as charms, or rather -counter-charms against witchcraft, it deserves to be noticed, that if -a knot tied against the sun be made on the tail of a quadruped, it -is secure against the spells of necromancy. It is, or had been till -recently, also a common practice to put a portion of the medicinal -herb or plant called “_saffron_” under the churn while the process -of churning the cream is undergoing, which will prevent the _craft_ -from taking the substance by means of their magical _rope_, by the -operations of which they were wont to extract from a piece of wood -in their own dwellings the soul and substance of what might belong -to parties afar off, and who, without such precaution, might churn -away till doomsday without the appearance of the yellow treasure. And -moistening the mouth of a calf with the extract of the said vegetable, -and setting it to suck a cow whose milk might go to the said _rope_, -will instantly restore it to the proper owner. - -It need scarcely be added, in conclusion, that _scoring_ a witch -crosswise on the forehead, or above her breath, divests her of -all supernatural power. But the laws are now so strong, even at -John-o’-Groat’s house, that the processes of trial by _swimming_ and -_scoring_ cannot now be resorted to, except in _extreme_ cases where -the _subjects_ have not the benefit of _law_ or _clergy_. On a very -recent occasion, however, in Ross-shire, a worthy fisher, whose nets -suffered no small prejudice from the machinations of a neighbour, but -no friend, performed on her, much against her consent, the operation -of _scoring_ on the forehead, for which the sheriff of Ross, in August -1845, sentenced him to undergo a short imprisonment in the gaol of Tain. - -[J] Switched cream. - -[K] The game called “_Clodhan_,” or Clod, is a favourite amusement -with the youth in the Highlands. One of the company goes round the -circle with a clod, or some other article, putting his hand into each -person’s lap or hand, and leaves the clod with one of the number. The -whole circle are then desired to guess the person who possesses the -clod, (he guessing like the rest to prevent suspicion,) when all those -who err are subjected to a small penalty, which shall be afterwards -determined by an appointed judge; and in the meantime, he must deliver -some pledge to enforce his compliance with the arbiter’s decision. When -a sufficient number of pledges are obtained, judgment is pronounced -against their owners, who must redeem them, by doing various little -penances, some of which are sufficiently ludicrous. - -The bag is another popular juvenile amusement. One pops his head into a -bag, holding his hand spread on his back, and the palm uppermost. One -of the company, in rotation, strikes his hand, not unfrequently with -all his might, upon that of the person in the bag, who is desired to -guess who struck him last. If his guessing proves correct, the last -striker then puts his head in the bag in his turn. - -[L] Half-boiled sowans. - -[M] “A black Christmas makes a fat kirk-yard.” A windy Christmas and a -calm Candlemas, or new year, are signs of a good year. - -[N] The term _Candlemas_ is applied to the _New Year_ in the Highlands. -The origin of the term arose from some old religious ceremonies -performed on this occasion by candle-light. - -[O] We are totally unable to account for the origin of this strange -piece of superstition. It is unnecessary to remark, that the object -of this delusion is nothing but a passing cloud, which the perverted -imagination of the original Highlander shapes into the form of a bull. -There is something very ominous as to the art or direction in which the -bull rises or falls--we believe it to be prognostic of its being a good -or bad year. - -[P] It is believed that this extraordinary entertainment is now -administered in no part of the Highlands, except in Strathdown and its -immediate neighbourhood. In that district, however, the inhabitants -generally attend to it, merely, it is believed, from the influence -of inveterate custom, and the author in his day had his share of the -antidote, though it is doubtful whether those rites are now observed in -his native district. - -[Q] The literal expressions used in the salutation applicable to this -day in the Gaelic language the writer could never perfectly comprehend. -The literal translation of the words are, (_Mu nasc choil orst_,) “My -Candlemas bond upon you.” The real meaning of the words, however, is, -“You owe me a New-Year’s gift;” and it is a point of great emulation -who will salute the other first--the one who does so being considered -entitled to a gift from the person so saluted. - -[R] Beltane is derived from two Gaelic words conjoined: “_Paletein_,” -signifying Pale’s fire, and not _Baal’s fire_, as some suppose. The -strange relic of Pagan idolatry which gave rise to this feast was no -doubt introduced into these countries, like many others of our more -prominent superstitions, by the Druids. Pales (of whom we read in the -heathenish mythologies) was the goddess of shepherds, and protectress -of flocks. Her feast was always celebrated in the month of April, on -which occasion no victim was killed, and nothing was offered but the -fruits of the earth. The shepherds purified their flocks with the -smoke of sulphur, juniper, boxwood, rosemary, &c. They then made a -large fire, round which they danced, and offered to the goddess milk, -cheese, eggs, &c., holding their faces towards the east, and uttering -ejaculations peculiar to the occasion. Those interesting relics of the -religious opinions of our ancestors, until of late, remained pretty -entire in some parts of the Highlands. But they have now, however, -declined into those childish ceremonies above described. - -[S] Mr. Pennant, in his Tour, vol. i. p. 111, notices the ceremony of -the Bolteen or Beltane--the cakes baken with scrupulous attention to -rites and forms, and dedicated to birds of prey, &c., or the being -whose agents they were, to propitiate them to spare the lives of -themselves and flocks. Within the last twenty or thirty years these -observances have almost wholly disappeared. But the author himself is -old enough to have reeled his bannock, and dived, by the foregoing -spells, into the secrets of futurity. - -[T] Let not the Highland reader be led to view this description of a -Highland funeral as casting any reflection on his moral or religious -character. Whatever ill-timed levity he may manifest on such an -occasion, the blame must be ascribed, not to him, but to that _evil -spirit_, the usquebaugh, the real cause of it. We cannot, however, help -regretting, that either the ill-judged hospitality of the entertainer, -or his own social habits, should expose him on this particular occasion -to the unruly influence of his demoralising countryman; and we are glad -to add, that of late years much improvement has been effected in the -conduct of Highland funerals--sobriety and decorum being much more the -order of the day. - -[U] A fall sustained by a person, while supporting the body, is ominous -of the person’s speedy death. It may also be remarked, that it is -considered very imprudent to look at a passing funeral from the door of -a house, or from the window having a _stone lintel_. - - - - -TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES: - - - Italicized text is surrounded by underscores: _italics_. - - Superscripted text is preceded by a carat character: M^cGLASHAN. - - Obvious typographical errors have been corrected. - - Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized. - - Archaic or variant spelling has been retained. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE POPULAR SUPERSTITIONS AND -FESTIVE AMUSEMENTS OF THE HIGHLANDERS OF SCOTLAND *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following -the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use -of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for -copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very -easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation -of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project -Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away--you may -do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected -by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark -license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country other than the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no - restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it - under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this - eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the - United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where - you are located before using this eBook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm website -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that: - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of -the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the Foundation as set -forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, -Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up -to date contact information can be found at the Foundation's website -and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without -widespread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our website which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This website includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/69592-0.zip b/old/69592-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 4e71241..0000000 --- a/old/69592-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/69592-h.zip b/old/69592-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 18d3c6b..0000000 --- a/old/69592-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/69592-h/69592-h.htm b/old/69592-h/69592-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 202f0b1..0000000 --- a/old/69592-h/69592-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7864 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html> -<html lang="en"> -<head> - <meta charset="UTF-8"> - <title> - The popular superstitions and festive amusements of the Highlanders of Scotland, by William Grant Stewart—A Project Gutenberg eBook - </title> - <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover"> - <style> - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1,h2,h3,h4 { - text-align: center; - clear: both; -} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 33.5%; - margin-right: 33.5%; - clear: both; -} - -hr.tiny {width: 15%; margin-left: 42.5%; margin-right: 42.5%;} -hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} -@media print { hr.chap {display: none; visibility: hidden;} } - -div.chapter {page-break-before: always;} -h2.nobreak {page-break-before: avoid;} -h3.nobreak {page-break-before: avoid;} - -table { - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; -} - -.tdr {text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;} -.tdc {text-align: center;} - -.antiqua { - font-family: Blackletter, Fraktur, Textur, "Old English Text MT", "Olde English Mt", "Olde English", Gothic, serif, sans-serif;} - -.pagenum { - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - font-style: normal; - font-weight: normal; - font-variant: normal; - text-indent: 0; -} - -.blockquot { - margin-left: 17.5%; - margin-right: 17.5%; -} - -.x-ebookmaker .blockquot { - margin-left: 7.5%; - margin-right: 7.5%; -} - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.right {text-align: right;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - -.allsmcap {font-variant: small-caps; text-transform: lowercase;} - -.u {text-decoration: underline;} - -.ph1 {text-align: center; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;} -.ph2 {text-align: center; font-size: xx-large; font-weight: bold;} - -div.titlepage {text-align: center; page-break-before: always; page-break-after: always;} -div.titlepage p {text-align: center; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5; margin-top: 2em;} - -.large {font-size: 125%;} -.small {font-size: 80%;} -.smaller {font-size: 60%;} -.tiny {font-size: 50%;} - -.x-ebookmaker .hide {display: none; visibility: hidden;} - -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; - page-break-inside: avoid; - max-width: 100%; -} - -.footnote {margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 17.5%; font-size: 0.9em;} - -.footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 75%; text-align: right;} - -.fnanchor { - vertical-align: super; - font-size: .8em; - text-decoration: - none; -} - -.x-ebookmaker .footnote {margin-left: 7.5%; margin-right: 7.5%; font-size: 0.9em;} - -.indentleft {margin-left: 15em;} -.indentright {margin-right:7em;} -.indentright2 {margin-right:3em;} - -.poetry-container {text-align: center;} -.poetry {display: inline-block; text-align: left;} -.poetry .verse {text-indent: -2.5em; padding-left: 3em;} -.poetry .stanza {margin: 1em auto;} -.poetry .indent {text-indent: 1.5em;} -.poetry .indent7 {text-indent: 6.5em;} -.poetry .indent11 {text-indent: 10em;} -.poetry .verseright { text-align: right;} -.poetry .first {text-indent: -3em; padding-left: 3em;} -@media print { .poetry {display: block;} } -.x-ebookmaker .poetry {display: block; margin-left: 5em;} - -.btb {border-bottom: 2px solid; border-top: 2px solid;} - -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - margin-left: 17.5%; - margin-right: 17.5%; - padding: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; } - -</style> -</head> -<body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The popular superstitions and festive amusements of the Highlanders of Scotland, by William Grant Stewart</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The popular superstitions and festive amusements of the Highlanders of Scotland</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: William Grant Stewart</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: December 20, 2022 [eBook #69592]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: deaurider, David E. Brown, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE POPULAR SUPERSTITIONS AND FESTIVE AMUSEMENTS OF THE HIGHLANDERS OF SCOTLAND ***</div> - -<div class="figcenter hide"><img src="images/coversmall.jpg" width="450" alt=""></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_frontis.jpg" alt=""></div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/i_title.jpg" alt=""></div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="titlepage"> -<h1><span class="tiny">THE</span><br> - -<span class="smaller"><span class="u">POPULAR</span></span><br> - -SUPERSTITIONS<br> - -<span class="tiny">AND</span><br> - -<span class="smaller">FESTIVE AMUSEMENTS</span><br> - -<span class="tiny">OF THE</span><br> - -<span class="small">HIGHLANDERS OF SCOTLAND.</span></h1> - -<p>BY<br> - -WILLIAM GRANT STEWART.</p> - -<p><span class="btb">NEW EDITION.</span></p> - -<p>“Of Brownyis and of Bogilis full is this Beuk.”<br> - -<span class="indentleft"><i>Gawin Douglas.</i></span></p> - -<p>LONDON:<br> -<span class="large">AYLOTT <span class="allsmcap">AND</span> JONES, 8, PATERNOSTER, ROW.</span><br> - -EDINBURGH: OLIVER AND BOYD. GLASGOW:<br> -MUCKLEHOSE. DUBLIN: M<sup>c</sup>GLASHAN. INVERNESS:<br> -SMITH DOUGLAS. ELGIN: RUSSELL.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="center">LONDON:<br> -JOHN KING, PRINTER, 120, FLEET STREET.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="blockquot"> -<h2 class="nobreak"><small>TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE</small><br> - -THE COUNTESS OF SEAFIELD.</h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">This</span> new Edition of the Popular Superstitions -and Festive Amusements of the -Highlanders of Scotland is humbly and -appropriately dedicated:—as being the -Lady Patroness of the Brave and Intelligent -Highlanders of Strathspey, and its -Tributaries, into whom her Ladyship’s -genuine benevolence and condescension -have infused the most devoted attachment,</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="indentright">By her Ladyship’s</span><br> -<br> -<span class="indentright2">Grateful humble servant,</span><br> -<br> -THE AUTHOR.</p> - -<p>Viewville, Glen Urquhart,<br> -     June, 1851.</p> -</div></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="blockquot"> -<h2 class="nobreak">ADVERTISEMENT.</h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">A new</span> and revised Edition of the following Treatise -on the superstitions and amusements of the Highlanders, -which was very favourably received by the -Public on its original publication, has often been -called for; but the Author’s urgent professional avocations -did not permit of earlier attention to the -matter. At the request of many friends and countrymen, -the Author has now, however, been induced to -reprint the present Edition, in order to record more -fully the fast-fading Tales and Traditions which lately -formed, and still to a certain extent form, the Winter’s -Evening Entertainments of the happy Highland -Homes.</p> - -<p><i>Viewville, Glen Urquhart,<br> -     July, 1851.</i></p> -</div></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_v">[v]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">PREFACE.</h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">No</span> part of the United Kingdom has of late years -attracted a greater portion of public attention than the -Highlands of Scotland. Formerly isolated as the inhabitants -were from their fellow subjects, by a different -language and separate interests, their character -was but little known and less admired. Devoted to -their chiefs and feudal institutions, they entertained a -sovereign contempt for their neighbours; and, in their -occasional intercourse with them, displayed feelings -and manners little calculated to gain confidence or -secure esteem.</p> - -<p>But when the Rebellion in 1745, and its consequences, -nearly annihilated feudal power, and broke -down the wall of partition, by which the mountaineer -was so long divided from the inhabitant of the plain, -a new light was reflected upon his manners and habits. -The gradual establishment of commercial and friendly -relations with the inhabitants of other countries, accelerated -the decay of mutual prejudices; and the virtues -of the Highlander, which were previously reserved<span class="pagenum" id="Page_vi">[vi]</span> -for home consumption, were now duly appreciated by -the world. He no longer appeared the rude and unprincipled -depredator, but the generous and disinterested -character, whose romantic and chivalrous habits -were rendered peculiarly interesting, as the remains of -those boldly defined virtues which distinguished our -primitive ancestors. Accordingly, the genius of the -age became speedily alive to the importance of so -novel and interesting a character. Shaping its course -to the Highland mountains, it discovered among their -unexplored recesses, those plentiful materials, on which -are founded some of the most splendid works which -adorn the circle of British literature.</p> - -<p>Nor have all those superstructures yet exhausted so -fertile a mine. Notwithstanding all the research that -has been employed in tracing the origin, and delineating -the manners of the inhabitants, and the many -ingenious descriptions we have had of their local scenery, -there are still many hidden treasures left for -discovery, which presently languish in obscurity. This -observation applies with great truth to those more -remote and romantic regions, which, from their secluded -situations, had been long inaccessible to the -approach of learning and genius; and where the native -inhabitants, from want of intercourse with their -more refined and effeminate countrymen, are the true -representatives of our ancient forefathers in their -various feelings and habits.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_vii">[vii]</span>Of the manners and character of this noble and -poetic race of mountaineers, little was known further -than what may be collected from the manners of their -contemporaries, in more accessible parts of the country. -The great defect which especially exists in the -delineation of the Highlander’s superstitions, becomes -peculiarly apparent to one, who had an opportunity of -investigating those relics of the less polished ages of -the world, as they are still exhibited in the habits of -the people of whom we are writing. Many of the -more prominent and common features of this branch -of our national peculiarities have, indeed, been long -ago celebrated by the pens of the immortal Burns, -Ramsay, Sir Walter Scott, and others of less note, -while much light has been thrown on the general character -of the Scottish Highlander, by the ingenious -Mrs. Grant of Laggan, and the gallant General -Stewart of Garth; but the more interesting and latent -peculiarities have been left to expire in the dark. The -want of a complete and systematic account of the -Highland and Scottish Superstitions, is a desideratum -in our national literature, which the philosophic mind -will readily regret; and this regret will be the more -sincere on reflecting, that, from the fading aspects -those interesting relics have now assumed, it is a desideratum -which, in the course of a few years, cannot -be supplied. The decline of popular romance is keeping -pace with the progress of knowledge and civilization,—which, -as they illumine the unenlightened mind,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_viii">[viii]</span> -open it to the folly of its prejudices; and thus the -time is hastening its approach, when the natives of our -remotest glens shall be no longer inspired with reverence -for the fairy turret, nor shall their social circle -be contracted by the frightful tale.</p> - -<p>Far be it, however, from the writer of these pages -to wish the reign of superstition prolonged. But, -while he would hail with delight, the total extirpation -of every prejudice tending to enslave the mental -energy of the noble Gael, he would as ardently desire -their perpetuation on the page of history, as his ancient -peculiarities. Divested as they will soon be of -their formidable character, we would preserve them as -the most ancient relics we could transmit to our posterity, -to whom, in the course of a few centuries, they -may appear as preposterous and incredible, as the -Poems of Ossian do now to the more sceptical part of -the present generation.</p> - -<p>It was not, however, the writer’s conviction of the -utility of such a work as this alone, that induced him -to undertake a task for which, he is afraid, he will be -found to have been ill qualified. A considerable time -ago, and at a very early period of life, an impaired state -of health rendered it necessary for him to abandon his -professional labours for a time, and to retire from the -metropolis to the place of his nativity. The lassitude -of mind consequent on a total remission from all employment, -induced him to seek some rational source of -amusement; and the idea of investigating the opinions<span class="pagenum" id="Page_ix">[ix]</span> -and customs of his countrymen, was suggested to him -by various circumstances, as likely to afford instruction -as well as entertainment. His opportunities -were most ample, and his task of course, comparatively -easy. Surrounded by the most original, brave, and -ingenious class of Highlanders existing, and possessing -considerable knowledge of their language and manners, -the writer found it no difficult matter to become completely -acquainted with their prejudices and habits. -By visiting the most celebrated professors of traditional -lore in the district, he speedily acquired not only a -fundamental knowledge of the reigning principles of -superstition but likewise an inexhaustible store of tales -and traditions. And by mingling occasionally with the -peasantry in their public and private festivities, he was -enabled, from personal observation, to draw faithful -portraits of those scenes of mirth and festivity, for -which the inhabitants are so eminently distinguished. -The result of his observations afforded him so much -satisfaction that he thought it worth while from time -to time, to commit the particulars to paper,—not with -the view of urging them on the public, but for his own -private amusement. But the increasing avidity with -which traits of the Highland Superstitions have been -received as developed in the tales of the day, suggested -to him the idea of submitting his gleanings to the -public, in the form of a detailed account of the Superstitions -and Festivities of the Highlanders of Scotland; -and he hopes, however defective may be its execution,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_x">[x]</span> -the design is not altogether unworthy of public patronage.</p> - -<p>To arrange his gleanings in a connected and systematic -order, was an undertaking far more tedious than -the collection of them. The traits of Highland superstition -are of so various and heterogeneous a character, -that it appeared almost wholly impracticable to connect -and digest them into the form of a connected narrative; -and yet in any other shape they would necessarily loose -much of the interest which they possess in their present -form. Sensible of this he has endeavoured to the best -of his ability, to arrange the different traits under their -proper heads, in the most systematic and connected manner -practicable, without introducing extraneous matter, -which would not only destroy the native complexion -of the subject, but also swell the limits of the work. -By excluding solemn dissertation from such ludicrous -relations as the following, he has been enabled to compress -many particulars into little space, while his delineations -possess a greater degree of truth and fidelity. -To illustrate the various traits set forth, the writer has -interspersed his delineations with a collection of the -most popular tales of the day. These tales, whether -they be the creation of the imagination, or the offspring -of the credulity of their own original authors, -cannot now fail to interest the philosopher or the antiquary, -while they may amuse the less profound. For, -utterly destitute of all probability, and broadly ludicrous -as they may appear to the polished reader, they are,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_xi">[xi]</span> -nevertheless, those interesting channels, by which the -feelings and habits of our earliest forefathers have been -kept alive and transmitted down, through so many -changeful ages, to their posterity of the present day.</p> - -<p>The length of those primitive relations is necessarily -much abridged, but a strict regard has been had -to their original style and phraseology. The language -is almost entirely borrowed from the mouth of the -Highland narrator, and translated, it is hoped, in a -manner so simple and unvarnished, as to be perfectly -intelligible to the capacity of the peasant, for whose -fire-side entertainment this little volume may, perhaps, -be peculiarly adapted.</p> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xii">[xii]</span></p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_xiii">[xiii]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CONTENTS.</h2> -</div> - -<table> -<tr><td class="tdr" colspan="3">Page.</td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdc" colspan="3"><span class="smcap">Part I.—Ghosts</span></td></tr> - -<tr><td><span class="smcap">Chap.</span></td><td>1.—Of the Highland Ghosts in General</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_1"> 1</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td> </td><td>2.—Of the Ghost in his co-existent State—His -personal Similitudes and -Habits</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_10"> 10</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td> </td><td>3.—Of the Ghost in his Intermediate State—His -Similitudes and Habits</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_18"> 18</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td> </td><td>4.—Of the Ghost in his Post-existent State</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_24"> 24</a></td></tr> -<tr><td> </td><td>        Safeguards from Ghosts</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_34"> 34</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> - -<tr><td class="tdc" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Part II.—Fairies</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_37"> 37</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td><span class="smcap">Chap.</span></td><td> 1.—Origin and Genealogy of the Fairies</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_39"> 39</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td> </td><td>2.—Similitude of the Fairy</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_43"> 43</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td> </td><td>3.—Of the Fairies as a Community—Their -Political Principles and Ingenious -Habits    </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_49"> 49</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td> </td><td>4.—Of their Domestic Economy and Festive -Habits</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_61"> 61</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td> </td><td>5.—Of the Passions and Propensities of -the Fairies</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_69"> 69</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td> </td><td>6.—Of the Fairy’s Embezzling and Criminal -Propensities</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_73"> 73</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdc" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Part III.—Brownies</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_93"> 93</a><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xiv">[xiv]</span></td></tr> -<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdc" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Part IV.—Water-Kelpies</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_99"> 99</a></td></tr> -<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdc" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Part V.—Spunkies</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_109"> 109</a></td></tr> -<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdc" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Part VI.—Witchcraft</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_113"> 113</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td><span class="smcap">Chap.</span></td><td> 1.—Origin and History of Witchcraft</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_115"> 115</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td> </td><td>2.—Of the Agents, Qualifications, and -Ceremonies of their Constitution</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_118"> 118</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td> </td><td>3.—Of the Personal Similitude of the -Agents or Members of the Craft</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_125"> 125</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td> </td><td>4.—Of their Professional Powers and -Practices</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_127"> 127</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td> </td><td>5.—Of the Witch’s Powers of Transformation</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_141"> 141</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td> </td><td>6.—Safeguards from Witchcraft</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_145"> 145</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td colspan="3"> </td></tr> -<tr><td class="tdc" colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Part VII.—Highland Festive Amusements</span></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_157"> 157</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td> </td><td>Hallowe’en</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_159"> 159</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td> </td><td>Christmas </td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_165"> 165</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td> </td><td>New-Year’s Eve</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_172"> 172</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td> </td><td>Fasten’s Eve</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_178"> 178</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td> </td><td>Beltane Eve</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_180"> 180</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td> </td><td>Christenings</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_183"> 183</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td> </td><td>Weddings</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_186"> 186</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td> </td><td>Wakes</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_195"> 195</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td> </td><td>Funerals</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_197"> 197</a></td></tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="ph2"><span class="tiny">THE</span><br> - -HIGHLAND SUPERSTITIONS.</p> - -<h2 class="nobreak"><span class="btb">PART I.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>“The gleaming path of the steel winds through the gloomy -ghost. The form fell shapeless into air, like a column of -smoke which the staff of the boy disturbs as it rises from -the half-extinguished furnace.”</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Ossian.</span></p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_1">[1]</span> -<p class="ph2"><span class="tiny">THE</span><br> -HIGHLAND SUPERSTITIONS.</p> - -<hr class="tiny"> -<h3 class="nobreak">CHAPTER I.<br> - -OF THE HIGHLAND GHOSTS IN GENERAL.</h3> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Of</span> whatever country, station, or character the -reader may be, we presume it will be unnecessary -for us, on this our outset, to intrude upon -his time by entering into a logical definition of -the term <i>Ghost</i>. There is perhaps no nation or -clime, from California to Japan, where that very -ancient and fantastic race of beings called Ghosts -is not, under different terms and different characters, -more or less familiar to the inhabitants. -We do not mean, however, to follow this fleeting -race of patriarchs throughout their wide course -of wandering and colonisation from the beginning -of time to the present day—as, in all likelihood, -our research would turn out equally arduous -and unprofitable; we confine our lucubrations -to the colony of the tribe which, from -time immemorial, have settled themselves among -the inhabitants of the Highland Mountains.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">[2]</span>Be it known then to the reader, that, so early -as the days of Ossian, the son of Fingal, and -ever since, ghosts have been at all times a plentiful -commodity among the hills of Caledonia. -Every native Highlander has allied to him, from -his birth, one of those airy beings in the character -of an auxiliary or helpmate, who continues -his companion, not only during all the -days of the Highlander’s life, but also for an -indefinite period of time after his decease. It -will be readily believed that this ancient class -of our mountaineers cannot have descended -through so many changeful ages of the world -without sharing, in some measure, those revolutions -of manners and habits to which all classes -and communities of people are equally liable. -Accordingly the ghost has suffered as great a -degeneracy from that majesty of person and -chivalry of habits which anciently distinguished -the primitive inhabitants of Caledonia, as his -mortal contemporary, man. Unlike the present -puny, green, worm-eaten effigies that now-a-days -stalk about our premises, and, like the cameleon, -feed upon the air, the ancient race of Highland -ghosts were a set of stout, lusty, sociable ghosts, -“<i>as tall as a pine, and as broad as a house</i>.” -Differing widely in his habits from those of his -posterity, the ghost of antiquity would enter -the habitation of man, descant a lee-long night -upon the news of the times, until the long-wished-for -supper was once prepared, when this -pattern of frankness and good living would invite -himself to the table, and do as much justice -to a bicker of Highland crowdie as his -earthly contemporaries. Indeed, if all tales be -true, many centuries are not elapsed since those<span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">[3]</span> -social practices of the ghosts of the day proved -an eminent pest to society. With voracious -appetites, those greedy gormandizers were in -the habit of visiting the humble hamlets, where -superabundance of store seldom resided, and of -ravishing from the grasp of a starving progeny -the meagre fare allotted to their support.</p> - -<p>Beyond their personal attractions, however, -it is believed they displayed few enviable qualities; -for, besides their continual depredations -on the goods and chattels of the adjacent hamlets, -they were ill-natured and cruel, and cared -not a spittle for woman or child. The truth of -this remark is well exemplified in the history -of two celebrated ghosts, who “<i>once upon a -time</i>” lived, or rather existed, in the Wilds of -<i>Craig-Aulnaic</i>, a romantic place in the district -of Strathdown, Banffshire. The one was a male, -and the other a female. The male was called -<i>Fhua Mhoir Bein Baynac</i>, after one of the -mountains of Glenavon, where at one time he -resided; and the female was called <i>Clashnichd -Aulnaic</i>, from her having had her abode in -<i>Craig-Aulnaic</i>. But, although the great ghost -of <i>Ben-Baynac</i> was bound, by the common ties -of nature and of honour, to protect and cherish -his weaker companion, <i>Clashnichd Aulnaic</i>, yet -he often treated her in the most cruel and unfeeling -manner. In the dead of night, when -the surrounding hamlets were buried in deep -repose, and when nothing else disturbed the -solemn stillness of the midnight scene, “oft,” -says our narrator, “would the shrill shrieks of -poor <i>Clashnichd</i> burst upon the slumberer’s ears, -and awake him to any thing but pleasant reflections.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">[4]</span>But of all those who were incommoded by -the noisy and unseemly quarrels of these two -ghosts, James <i>Owre</i> or Gray, the tenant of the -farm of Balbig of Delnabo, was the greatest sufferer. -From the proximity of his abode to their -haunts, it was the misfortune of himself and -family to be the nightly audience of <i>Clashnichd’s</i> -cries and lamentations, which they considered -any thing but agreeable entertainment.</p> - -<p>One day, as James Gray was on his rounds -looking after his sheep, he happened to fall in -with <i>Clashnichd</i>, the Ghost of Aulnaic, with -whom he entered into a long conversation. In -the course of this conversation he took occasion -to remonstrate with her on the very disagreeable -disturbance she caused himself and family, by -her wild and unearthly cries,—cries which, he -said, few mortals could relish in the dreary hours -of midnight. Poor <i>Clashnichd</i>, by way of apology -for her conduct, gave James Gray a sad -account of her usage, detailing at full length -the series of cruelties committed upon her by -<i>Ben-Baynac</i>. From this account, it appeared -that her cohabitation with the latter was by no -means a matter of choice with <i>Clashnichd</i>; on -the contrary, it appeared that she had, for a long -time, led a life of celibacy with much comfort, -residing in a snug dwelling, as already mentioned, -in the wilds of Craig-Aulnaic; but <i>Ben-Baynac</i> -having unfortunately taken it into his head to -pay her a visit, he took a fancy, not to herself, -but her dwelling, of which, in his own name and -authority, he took immediate possession, and -soon after expelled poor <i>Clashnichd</i>, with many -stripes, from her natural inheritance; while, not -satisfied with invading and depriving her of her<span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[5]</span> -just rights, he was in the habit of following her -into her private haunts, not with the view of offering -her any endearments, but for the purpose of -inflicting on her person every degrading torment -which his brain could invent.</p> - -<p>Such a moving relation could not fail to affect -the generous heart of James Gray, who determined -from that moment to risk life and limb in -order to vindicate the rights and revenge the -wrongs of poor <i>Clashnichd</i> the Ghost of Craig-Aulnaic. -He therefore took good care to interrogate -his new <i>protegé</i> touching the nature of -her oppressor’s constitution, whether he was of -that <i>killable</i> species of ghost that could be shot -with a silver sixpence, or if there was any other -weapon that could possibly accomplish his annihilation. -<i>Clashnichd</i> informed him that she had -occasion to know that <i>Ben-Baynac</i> was wholly -invulnerable to all the weapons of man, with the -exception of a large mole on his left breast, -which was no doubt penetrable by silver or steel; -but that, from the specimens she had of his personal -prowess and strength, it were vain for mere -man to attempt to combat <i>Ben-Baynac</i> the great -ghost. Confiding, however, in his expertness -as an archer—for he was allowed to be the best -marksman of his age—James Gray told <i>Clashnichd</i> -he did not fear him with all his might,—that -<i>he</i> was his man; and desired her, moreover, -next time he chose to repeat his incivilities -to her, to apply to him, James Gray, for redress.</p> - -<p>It was not long ere he had an opportunity of -fulfilling his promises. <i>Ben-Baynac</i> having one -night, in the want of better amusement, entertained -himself by inflicting an inhuman castigation -on <i>Clashnichd</i>, she lost no time in waiting<span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">[6]</span> -on James Gray, with a full and particular account -of it. She found him smoking his <i>cutty</i>, -and unbuttoning his habiliments for bed; but, -notwithstanding the inconvenience of the hour, -James needed no great persuasion to induce him -to proceed directly along with <i>Clashnichd</i> to -hold a communing with their friend <i>Ben-Baynac</i> -the great ghost. <i>Clashnichd</i> was a stout sturdy -hussey, who understood the knack of travelling -much better than <i>our</i> women do. She expressed -a wish that, for the sake of expedition, James -Gray would mount himself on her ample shoulders, -a motion to which the latter agreed; and a few -minutes brought them close to the scene of <i>Ben-Baynac’s</i> -residence. As they approached his -haunt, he came forth to meet them, with looks -and gestures which did not at all indicate a cordial -welcome. It was a fine moonlight night, -and they could easily observe his actions. Poor -<i>Clashnichd</i> was now sorely afraid of the great -ghost. Apprehending instant destruction from -his fury, she exclaimed to James Gray that they -would be both dead people, and that immediately, -unless James could hit with an arrow the mole -which covered <i>Ben-Baynac’s</i> heart. This was not -so difficult a task as James had hitherto apprehended -it. The mole was as large as a common -bonnet, and yet nowise disproportioned to the -natural size of his body, for he certainly was a -great and a mighty ghost. <i>Ben-Baynac</i> cried -out to James Gray, that he would soon make -eagle’s-meat of him; and certain it is, such was -his intention, had not James Gray so effectually -stopped him from the execution of it. Raising -his bow to his eye when within a few yards of -<i>Ben-Baynac</i>, he took an important aim; the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[7]</span> -arrow flew—it hit—a yell from <i>Ben-Baynac</i> -announced its fatality. A hideous howl re-echoed -from the surrounding mountains, responsive -to the groans of a thousand ghosts; and -<i>Ben-Baynac</i>, like the smoke of a shot, evanished -into air.<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a></p> - -<p><i>Clashnichd</i>, the Ghost of Aulnaic, now found -herself emancipated from the most abject state -of slavery, and restored to freedom and liberty, -through the invincible courage of James Gray. -Overpowered with gratitude, she fell at James -Gray’s feet, and vowed to devote the whole of -her time and talents towards his service and prosperity. -Meanwhile, being anxious to have her -remaining goods and furniture removed to her -former dwelling, whence she had been so iniquitously -expelled by <i>Ben-Baynac</i> the great ghost, -she requested of her new master the use of his -horses to remove them. James observing on -the adjacent hill a flock of deer, and wishing to -have a trial of his new servant’s sagacity or expertness, -told her those were his horses,—she was -welcome to the use of them; desiring, when she -had done with them, that she would inclose<span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[8]</span> -them in his stable. <i>Clashnichd</i> then proceeded -to make use of the horses, and James Gray -returned home to enjoy his night’s rest.</p> - -<p>Scarce had he reached his arm-chair, and -reclined his cheek on his hand, to ruminate over -the bold adventure of the night, when <i>Clashnichd</i> -entered, with her “breath in her throat,” -and venting the bitterest complaints at the unruliness -of his horses, which had broken one-half -of her furniture, and caused more trouble in the -stabling of them than their services were worth. -“Oh! they are stabled, then?” inquired James -Gray. <i>Clashnichd</i> replied in the affirmative. -“Very well,” rejoined James, “they shall be -tame enough to-morrow.”</p> - -<p>From this specimen of <i>Clashnichd</i> the Ghost -of Craig-Aulnaic’s expertness, it will be seen -what a valuable acquisition her service proved -to James Gray and his young family; of which, -however, they were too speedily deprived by a -most unfortunate accident. From the sequel of -the story, and of which the foregoing is but an -extract, it appears that poor <i>Clashnichd</i> was but -too deeply addicted to those guzzling propensities -which at that time rendered her kin so -obnoxious to their human neighbours. She was -consequently in the habit of visiting her friends -much oftener than she was invited, and, in the -course of such visits, was never very scrupulous -in making free with any eatables that fell within -the circle of her observation.</p> - -<p>One day, while engaged on a foraging expedition -of this description, she happened to enter -the Mill of Delnabo, which was inhabited in -those days by the miller’s family. She found -the miller’s wife engaged in roasting a large gridiron<span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[9]</span> -of fine savoury fish, the agreeable effluvia -proceeding from which perhaps occasioned her -visit. With the usual inquiries after the health -of the miller and his family, <i>Clashnichd</i> proceeded, -with the greatest familiarity and good -humour, to make herself comfortable at the expense -of their entertainment. But the miller’s -wife, enraged at the loss of her fish, and not -relishing such unwelcome familiarity, punished -the unfortunate <i>Clashnichd</i> rather too severely -for her freedom. It happened that there was at -the time a large caldron of boiling water suspended -over the fire, and this caldron the beldam -of a miller’s wife overturned in <i>Clashnichd’s</i> -bosom! Scalded beyond recovery, she fled up -the wilds of Craig-Aulnaic, uttering the most -melancholy lamentations, nor has she been ever -since heard of to the present day.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[10]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">CHAPTER II.<br> - -OF THE GHOST IN HIS CO-EXISTENT STATE—HIS PERSONAL -SIMILITUDES AND HABITS.</h3> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Having</span>, in the preceding chapter, endeavoured, -as briefly as possible, to throw some light upon -the general character of the primitive race of -Highland ghosts in order to enable the reader -to judge of the difference of manners which distinguished -them from the modern ghosts, we shall -now proceed to the consideration of the latter -during the interval betwixt the birth and the -eve of the death of the mortal, and which, for -the sake of illustration, we shall call his co-existent -state.</p> - -<p>From the birth of the mortal to the eve of his -death, the ghost, in point of similitude, is a -perfect counterpart or representative of his earthly -yoke-fellow. As the child grows towards manhood, -his ghost keeps pace with him, and so -exactly do they resemble each other in the features, -complexions, and aspect, when seen by a -third party, that, without the use of prescribed -spells, no human observer can distinguish the -mortal from the immortal. Nor is this resemblance -confined to the personal appearance alone—it -is likewise extended to the habiliments. -Whether the mortal equips himself in the Highland -garb or Lowland costume, the imitative -ghost instantly assumes the same attire. The<span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[11]</span> -bonnet or the hat, the philibeg or the trews, are -equally convenient and agreeable to him; for -in this solitary particular he has never been -known to dissent from his human partner.</p> - -<p>During this period the ghost is supposed -either to accompany or precede, at some distance, -his human partner (of course invisible to -those not possessing the second-sight) in all -those multifarious journeys and duties which the -mortal performs throughout the course of his -eventful life, and the moral utility of the ghost -is supposed to consist in propitiating the mortal’s -undertakings by guarding them from the influence -of evil spirits. But, however this may -be, it is a well-known fact, that <i>all</i> ghosts do -not devote the whole of their time to the discharge -of this commendable duty. Common -fame errs much if those capricious beings do not -love their own pleasures more than their partner’s -interest; and this their negligence is a -subject of still deeper regret, when we consider -the nature of those practices in which they employ -their time.</p> - -<p>If the appetites of the modern ghost are better -restrained than those of his predecessors were -in the “greedy times” we have written of, the -mischievous habits he has acquired in lieu of his -predecessor’s social accomplishments are to some -far more calamitous than even <i>Clashnichd’s</i> -practices. It is true, a dose of Highland crowdie -would but ill agree with the refined delicacy -of the stomach of the former. Such squeamish -appetites must look out for more delicate and savoury -food. But if the modern ghost does not -possess those keen digestive powers which distinguished -<i>Clashnichd</i>, he inherits all the ill<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[12]</span> -nature of <i>Ben-Baynac</i>, without one-third of -his might; and we question much if his regard -for the fair sex is a bit more tender.</p> - -<p>Instead of being the peaceable and industrious -associate of his yoke-fellow, it is a common -practice with the ghost of the present day -to prowl about the country with the laudable -intention of committing all the mischief in his -power to the friends and acquaintances of his -partner. Planting himself in some wild and -convenient position, he will open on the ears -of the slumbering inhabitants, or the more unfortunate -traveller, his wild and unearthly cries, -highly gratified, no doubt, at the paralyzing -effect they produce on his audience. Of the -hideousness of these cries nothing short of auric -demonstration can convey an adequate conception. -Partaking at once of all that is horrid and unnatural, -if any resemblance to them can be figured, -we are told it is the “expiring shrieks of a goat -under the butcher’s knife, or the howling of a -dog in a solitary cavern.” Proportioned to the -strength of the ghost, the cry is loud or faint, and -has something so peculiar in it, that the least -note never fails to give the hearer a temporary -palsy.</p> - -<p>But were his practices confined to those comparatively -harmless proceedings, the conduct of -the ghost would be far less intolerable than it -is. His vocal entertainments, however hurtful -they sometimes prove to those unfortunate -enough to hear them, are not sufficiently iniquitous -to satisfy the extent of his malice. Being, -no doubt, well disciplined in the noble and -fashionable art of pugilism by long experience -and practice among his kindred species, never<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[13]</span> -remarkable for their social harmony, he is, -perhaps, the best bruiser in the universe, and -will never be backward in showing those people -who come in his way his expertness in -this science. As, however, the greatest part -of his human contemporaries are, perhaps, -too <i>strikingly</i> convinced of his decided superiority, -few of them are disposed to hazard a -<i>set-to</i> with so pithy a combatant, and it is consequently -no easy matter for the ghost to fall in -with those who are inclined to fight merely for -fighting’s sake. Finding, therefore, so few willing -to quarrel with him in that open and gentlemanlike -manner usual in those countries, the -fertility of his noddle suggests to him the more -indirect or Irish mode of proceeding; and it is to -this ingenious mode of raising a row that the -Modern Ghost owes the most of his laurels. -Presenting himself before the unsuspecting traveller -in the servile appearance of a scabbed colt, -or some such equally contemptible animal, he -will in this guise place himself in the passenger’s -way, as if to graze by the road’s side. Raising -his staff, the passenger will very aptly apply it -to the colt’s back to clear his way, when the -malicious animal will instantly retort, and a conflict -ensues, in which the unwary transgressor is -severely punished for his indiscretion.</p> - -<p>In former times, however, and even in recent -times, we have heard of some instances where -these wanton pugilists proceeded upon more -honourable and systematic principles than they -do at present. Instead of the dastardly mode -of cajoling his adversary into a fight by stratagem, -and conquering him by surprise, the warlike -bogle of the last century carried about with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[14]</span> -him flails, cudgels, and such other pithy weapons -as were suitable to the spirit of the times,—and -on his meeting with a human adventurer -who had no objection to become his antagonist, -his choice of weapons was left with the latter. -Hence it followed that this equitable and impartial -mode of proceeding ended not unfrequently -to the ghost’s great disadvantage; for -the <i>human</i> bullies of those days were so diligently -trained up to the handling of a flail or the wielding -of a cudgel, that their ghostly combatants, -with all their might and dexterity, have often -been the first to propose an armistice. To multiply -details of such encounters would be as -tedious as they are numerous and similar; a -single narrative, communicated to the compiler -by the grand-nephew of the person concerned, -will, we suppose, be sufficient to confirm our -statements.</p> - -<p>“Late one night, as my grand-uncle Lachlan -<i>Dhu</i> Macpherson, who was well known as the -best fiddler of his day, was returning home from -a ball, at which he had acted as a musician, he -had occasion to pass through the once haunted -Bog of Torrans. Now, it happened at that time -that that Bog was frequented by a huge bogle -or ghost, who was of a most mischievous disposition, -and took particular pleasure in abusing -every traveller who had occasion to pass through -the place betwixt the twilight at night and cock-crowing -in the morning. Suspecting much that -he would also come in for a share of his abuse, -my grand-uncle made up his mind, in the course -of his progress, to return him any <i>civilities</i> which -he might think meet to offer him. On arriving -on the spot, he found his suspicions were too<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[15]</span> -well grounded; for whom did he see but the -Ghost of Bogandoran, apparently ready waiting -him, and seeming by his ghastly grin not a little -overjoyed at the meeting? Then marching up -to my grand-uncle, the bogle clapt a huge club -into his hand, and furnishing himself with one -of the same dimensions, he put a spittle in his -hand, and deliberately commenced the combat. -My grand-uncle returned the salute with equal -spirit, and so ably did both parties ply their -batons, that for a while the issue of the combat -was extremely doubtful. At length, however, -the fiddler could easily discover that his opponent’s -vigour was much in the fagging order. Picking -up renewed courage in consequence, my grand-uncle, -the fiddler, plied the ghost with renovated -vigour, and after a stout resistance, in the course -of which both parties were seriously handled, -the Ghost of Bogandoran thought it prudent to -give up the night.</p> - -<p>“At the same time, filled, no doubt, with great -indignation at this signal defeat, it seems the -ghost resolved to re-engage my grand-uncle on -some other occasion, under more favourable circumstances. -Not long after, as my grand-uncle -was returning home quite unattended from another -ball in the Braes of the country, he had -just entered the hollow of Auldichoish, well -known for its ‘<i>eery</i>’ properties, when lo! who -presented himself to his view on the adjacent -eminence but his old friend of Bogandoran, advancing -as large as the gable of a house, putting -himself in the most threatening and fighting -attitudes?</p> - -<p>“Looking on the very dangerous nature of the -ground in which they were met, and feeling no<span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[16]</span> -anxiety for a second encounter with a combatant -of his weight, in a situation so little desirable, -the fiddler would have willingly deferred the -settlement of their differences till a more convenient -season. He, accordingly, assuming the -most submissive aspect in the world, endeavoured -to pass by his champion in peace, but in vain. -Longing, no doubt, to retrieve the disgrace of -his late discomfiture, the bogle instantly seized -the fiddler, and attempted with all his might to -pull the latter down the precipice, with the diabolical -intention, it is supposed, of drowning him -in the river Avon below. In this pious design -the bogle was happily frustrated by the intervention -of some trees which grew in the precipice, -and to which my unhappy grand-uncle clung -with the zeal of a drowning man. The enraged -ghost finding it impossible to extricate him from -those friendly trees, and resolving, at all events, -to be revenged of him, he fell upon maltreating -the fiddler with his hands and feet in the most -inhuman manner.</p> - -<p>“Such gross indignities my worthy grand-uncle -was not accustomed to, and being incensed -beyond all measure at the liberties taken by Bogandoran, -he resolved again to try his mettle, -whether life or death should be the consequence. -Having no other weapon wherewith to defend -himself but his <i>biodag</i>, which, considering the -nature of his opponent’s constitution, he suspected -much would be of little avail to him—I say, in -the absence of any other weapon, he sheathed -the <i>biodag</i> three times in the Ghost of Bogandoran’s -belly. And what was the consequence? -why, to the great astonishment of my courageous -forefather, the ghost fell down cold-dead at<span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[17]</span> -his feet, and was never more seen or heard -of.”</p> - -<p>Thus it will be seen that in those chivalrous -days the stout and energetic sons of Caledonia -had courage and prowess enough to cope with -those powerful warriors, however unequally -matched, with spirit and even with success. In -the present effeminate times, we hear of none -that will even contend with those miserable scarecrows -of the present day. Overcome, more by -fear than by force, at the first encounter they -throw themselves down, and, like the lamb beneath -the fox, tamely submit to the most abusive -treatment. Hence, encouraged by those servile -submissions, it is almost incredible to what extent -those invincible <i>corps</i> sometimes carry their -audacity. We have heard of not a few of them, -who having, in the first place, intruded their -company on peaceable travellers on the public -road, in the next place offered them the most -provoking indignities,—one time piping their -unearthly cries into the passenger’s ears, at another -time tripping him up by the heels, and even -committing indecencies which delicacy forbids -us to repeat, while the fears and agitation manifested -by the traveller constituted a subject of -great merriment to the mischievous ghost.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[18]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">CHAPTER III.<br> - -OF THE GHOST IN HIS INTERMEDIATE STATE—HIS -SIMILITUDES AND HABITS.</h3> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">A short</span> time previous to the mortal’s death, -and when just on the eve of dissolution, the -ghost undergoes a striking revolution in his appearance -and habits. Seized with the <i>locked jaw</i>, -and all the other disabilities common to the dead, -he then becomes the awful emblem of death in -all its similitudes. Attired in a shroud and all -the ensigns of the grave, the ghost nocturnally -proceeds to the narrow house of his future residence, -and there disappears. He is lighted on -his way by a pale azure-coloured light, of the -size of that emitted by a <i>tallow</i> candle, which is -of a flickering unsteady nature, sometimes vivid, -and sometimes faint, as the mortal inhales and -respires his breath; and, in his course towards -the grave, he will follow minutely the line of -march destined to be followed by his earthly -partner’s approaching funeral. His pace is slow, -and his footsteps imperceptible even to a passenger; -who, although he sees clearly all his -trappings, cannot discern his mode of travelling. -To the naked eye the ghost’s visage is not discernible, -by reason of the <i>face-cloth</i>. There is -a very simple process, however, which has been -discovered for enabling a spectator to discern -whose ghost he is, although we never heard of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[19]</span> -more than one person who had the hardihood to -put the experiment in practice.</p> - -<p>It is an admitted fact, in those countries, that -a ghost may be recognised, in the appearance of -his human partner, on his passing a spectator, -by the latter’s reversing the cuff of his own coat, -or any other part of his raiment, which puts an -instant stop to the ghost’s career, and clearly -exposes him to the recognition of the courageous -experimenter.</p> - -<p>A sage philosopher, who had long desired an -opportunity of practising this bold experiment, -found, “late one night,” when returning home -from a market, a very convenient one. Observing -a stout lusty ghost stalking very majestically -along the public road, this bold adventurer hesitated -not a moment. Clapping himself into -a defensive attitude, he reversed his cuff—when, -lo! his next-door neighbour’s wife was instantly -confronted to his face—clad in death’s awful -apparel—the death-candle lowing in her throat, -and mouth full distended. Such an exhibition -was too appalling to wish for a long interview; -and, accordingly, Donald Doul, the adventurer, -made a motion to be off, but in vain. The unhappy -man, as if transformed into a stone, could -no more move than Lot’s wife, and was obliged -to stand confronted to his loving companion, -both equally sparing of their talk, until the crowing -of the cock in the morning. Finding himself -then released from his uncomfortable stance, he -was about to make the best of his way home, to -communicate the result of his experiment, when -the friendly wife’s ghost thus addressed him: -“Donald Doul—Donald Doul—Donald Doul—hear -me, and tremble. Great is the hindrance<span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[20]</span> -you have caused me this night,—a hindrance for -which you should have been severely punished, -but for the friendship which formerly subsisted -between yourself and my partner. Dare not -again to pry into the mysteries of the dead. The -time will come when you’ll know those secrets.” -To this poetical harangue Donald Doul made -no other reply than a profound obeisance. It -is possible, however, the ghost would have proposed -a rejoinder, had not a chanticleer, in the -adjacent hamlet, emitted his third clarion, at the -magic sound of which the wife’s ghost fairly took -to her heels, leaving Donald Doul to resume his -course homewards without further advice. Satisfied -of the interesting nature of the occurrence, -and that his reputation for courage and veracity -would suffer no diminution from the relation, -Donald Doul made no secret of what happened. -This clearly foretold what speedily took place, -the dissolution of the neighbour’s wife, (who, by -the way, was dangerously ill at the time,) to the -great grief of her husband, and the credit of -Donald Doul’s name.</p> - -<p>A short time after the ghost, bearing the -death-candle, has thus been seen, the house of -the undertaker who is to make the mortal’s -coffin will be nightly disturbed by the sounds of -saws and knocking of hammers, no doubt proceeding -from the ghost of the undertaker and -his assistants preparing the coffin of the ghost; -while invisible messengers will parade the country -for necessaries for the ghost’s funeral, or -foregoing. And a very imposing and interesting -spectacle may be looked for.</p> - -<p>The mortal resigns his breath, and is about to -follow the course of the dead-candle to his new<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[21]</span> -abode, when <i>Taish na Tialedh</i>, or the funeral -foregoing, takes the road. This is not a paltry -spectacle of one ghost, a sight so common in -those countries, but a superb assemblage of -them, all drest in their best attire, each reflecting -lustre on the other. On this occasion, the -ghost of every man who is destined to accompany -the mortal’s funeral will attend, dressed -in apparel of the same colour, and mounted on -a horse of the same appearance, (if he is to have -one,) as his mortal companion on the day of the -corporeal interment. On this occasion, too, -their characteristic austerity of manners is dispensed -with. Mellowed, no doubt, by the generous -qualities of the <i>Usquebaugh</i>, the jocund -laugh, the jest, and repartee, go slapping round, -responsive to some mournful dirge proceeding -from the defunct’s immediate friends and relations.</p> - -<p>In the motley group, the ghost of a father or -brother is easily recognised by his well-known -voice and Sabbath vestment. Nay, the spectator -may even recognise himself, if his senses enable -him to discriminate, joyous or sorry, as occasion -suggests, mingling in the throng. In the -middle of the procession the coffin is seen, containing, -we presume, the <i>dead ghost</i>, circled by -mourning relatives; and on the front, flanks, -and rear of the burden, the company are likewise -seen approaching and retiring, relieving -each other by turns. At length, the noise of -horses and tongues, horsemen and footmen, -mingled indiscriminately together, closes the -procession.</p> - -<p>The following account of the <i>foregoing</i> of the -funeral of an illustrious chief, who died some<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[22]</span> -few score of years ago, (witnessed by a man -whose veracity was a perfect proverb,) will not, -we trust, be unacceptable:</p> - -<p>“A smith, who had a large family to provide -for, was often necessitated to occupy his smithy -till rather a late hour. One night, in particular, -as he was turning the key of his smithy -door, his notice was attracted to the public road, -which lay contiguous to the smithy, by a confusion -of sounds, indicative of the approach of a -great concourse of people. Immediately there -appeared the advanced ranks of a procession, -marching four men deep, in tolerable good order, -unless occasionally some unaccountable circumstance -occasioned the fall of a lusty fellow, -as if he had been shot by a twenty-four pounder. -Thunderstruck at the nature and number of -the marvellous procession, the smith, honest -man, reclined his back to the door, witnessing a -continuation of the same procession for nearly -an hour, without discovering any thing further -of the character of those who composed it, than -that they betokened a repletion of the <i>Usquebaugh</i>. -At length, the appearance of the hearse -and its awful ensigns, together with the succeeding -line of coaches, developed the nature of the -concern. It was then that the smith’s knees -began to smite each other, and his hair to stand -on an end. The recent demise of this venerable -chieftain confirmed his conviction of its being a -<i>Taish</i>, and a very formidable one too. Not -choosing to see the rear, he directed his face -homewards, whither he fled with the swiftness -of younger years, and was not backward in favouring -his numerous acquaintances with a full -and particular account of the whole scene. This<span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[23]</span> -induced many honest people to assume the -smithy door as their stance of observation on -the day of the funeral, which took place a few -days after; and, to his honour be it told, every -circumstance detailed by the smith in his relation -accurately happened, even to the decanting -of two dogs, and this established the smith’s -veracity in all time thereafter.”</p> - -<p>Akin to this are all the relations of those good -people whose evil destiny it has been to fall in -with those ghostly processions, some of whom -having inadvertently involved themselves into -the crowd, were repulsed in every attempt to -extricate themselves, until carried along, nobody -knows how far, by the tumultuous rabble, who -seemed to enjoy themselves vastly at the standing -hair, protruding eyes, and awry visage of -the unconscious intruder.</p> - -<p>In concluding this part of our subject, it is -hardly necessary to add, that in two or three -days after the ghostly procession, the human or -corporeal procession will succeed it, following -most minutely and accurately every course, -winding, and turn taken by the foregoing, while -the dress, conversation, and every other incident -attending the company will be precisely the -same.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[24]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">CHAPTER IV.<br> - -OF THE GHOST IN HIS POST-EXISTENT STATE.</h3> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">It</span> might, no doubt, be readily supposed by the -ingenious reader, that the mortal’s decease -should be the term of dissolution assigned to the -copartnery connection subsisting between the -mortal and his ghost, as it generally terminates -every other engagement into which the people -of this world enter. The event, however, only -serves to blend their interests still more strictly -together. Whatever doubt may exist as to the -ghost’s attention to his partner’s worldly interests -in his lifetime, his solicitude for his spiritual -interest, after the mortal’s death, is universally -acknowledged. He then becomes the sole means -of remedying past errors, and obtaining redress -for past injuries. To enable one fully to appreciate -a ghost’s utility in the “land of the leal,” -he must acquaint himself with the nature of the -life which the defunct led, whether regular in -his habits and moral in his life, or otherwise, -and the particular situation of his affairs at -death. If, for instance, a man falls suddenly, -like a tree in a storm, whatever may be the situation -or circumstances in which he happens to -drop, so he must lie. In this respect, then, the -peculiar advantage of the Highlander over his -Lowland neighbour becomes perfectly apparent. -Through the medium of a faithful ghost and a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[25]</span> -confidential friend, transactions, as intricate and -ravelled as those of the Laird of Coul, can be -easily simplified and assorted.</p> - -<p>No man should, therefore, be surprised, if the -ghost of some departed friend should take an -opportunity of saluting him, and for his own -sake he should also lose no time in enabling the -awful emissary to declare the purpose of his -mission; whoever will defer doing so only increases -his own misery, and it is a task, however -uncomfortable, that is sacredly due to departed -friendship; for how many, by yielding to the influence -of cowardly fear, have exposed themselves -and their household to those nocturnal -rackets sometimes raised by those disappointed -ambassadors, whereas a little resolution would -not only have averted it, but have also greatly -conduced to the repose and quietude of an old -and esteemed acquaintance. The following -statement of a circumstance which, we are told, -happened in Strathspey not a great many years -ago, will best enforce this counsel:</p> - -<p>“Not many years ago there lived in Kincardine -of Strathspey a poor man, who contracted -a severe and sudden illness, which, to the great -grief of his family, terminated in his death. -From the suddenness of the honest man’s call, -he had not time to settle his affairs, and this circumstance, -it seems, as might have been supposed, -caused him no small disquietude in the -eternal world. He wished, in particular, to have -had an axe and a whisky barrel, which he had -borrowed of a friend, restored to him; for iron, -you must know, in such cases, is very bad. In -order, therefore, to have this matter adjusted, -the dead man commissioned his ghost to wait on<span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[26]</span> -a particular friend to disclose to him the circumstance, -not doubting in the least but the friend -would have bestowed his best attention on the -subject. The faithful ghost lost no time in proceeding -to get the object of his mission accomplished, -which, however, turned out rather a -difficult undertaking, for it was no easy matter -for the ghost to procure a conference with the -friend on the business. One glimpse of the -former never failed to communicate to the latter -the feet of a roe, nor could all his dexterity bring -the matter to a bearing. At length, exasperated -by a long course of night watching and useless -travelling, the wily commissioner had recourse -to an expedient which ultimately effected his -purpose. As soon as the sun went down every -evening, the ghost opened a cannonade of bricks -and stones upon the unhappy friend and the inmates -of his house, which did not terminate till -cock-crowing in the morning; and so expert an -archer was this pawky ghost, that he scarcely -ever missed an aim, while every stroke would -kill a bullock. Smarting under the effect of this -unseasonable chastisement, the friend and his -family raised the most outrageous clamour at -their unaccountable misfortune, which induced -some of their neighbours nightly to assemble in -considerable bodies to protect them from this -nocturnal warfare. But the wily ghost, far from -relaxing his operations on that account, only -plied them with additional vigour, sparing neither -sex nor age in his sweeping career. All sorts of -missiles announced themselves, rebounding on -the shoulders of the protectors as well as the -protected, the pithy weight of which, and the -unaccountable manner in which they were flung,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[27]</span> -convinced the sufferers they were not flung by -mortal hand. All the acquaintances of the friend, -therefore, urged on him to challenge the invisible -demon who thus savagely persecuted him at the -hour of midnight, in order to afford the latter -an opportunity of explaining his business, and -the reason of his cruel and unchristian conduct. -But this advice the friend of the deceased was -disposed to consider a dernier resort, and one -that required some cool consideration. At -length, rendered quite desperate by a series of -unparalleled persecutions, which rendered him -as thin in body as a silver sixpence, the goodman -came to a final determination to call the -ghost to account the very first opportunity, for -his mean and pusillanimous attacks on himself -and poor family. Accordingly, one night, on -receiving a tart pill on the cheek, which gave him -an ear-ache, and which wonderfully improved his -courage, the goodman marched forth, with a -mixture of rage and fear, demanding of the unfeeling -ghost, in a voice resembling the falling -notes of the gamut, ‘Wha-a-t i-i-s you-r bus-n-ess -wi’ m-my ho-use a-and fa-fa-fa-mi-ly?’ -The ghost instantly appeared happy to answer -the question; but, ere he could do so, it was -necessary to go through a ceremony, which is no -less curious than it is disagreeable to the feelings -of the parties concerned. This ceremony consists -in the <i>mortal’s</i> embracing the ghost, and raising -his feet from the ground, so as to allow the wind -to pass between the soles of his feet and the -ground, which enables the tongue-tied ghost to -speak a volume. What was then to be done in -this particular case? Encouraged by the eloquent -cheers and arguments held forth to him,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[28]</span> -through the crevices of his house, by his anxious -family, he made several attempts to encircle the -awful emissary in his arms, which, by a sort of -mechanical motion, receded from the embrace; -and it was not without great difficulty he could -persuade himself to give a friendly embrace to -this mischievous ghost; this, however, he did at -last,—seizing him as he would a bush of thorns. -The ghost’s long-locked jaws now began to speak -in so sepulchral a tone as to palsy all who heard -it. The friend of the deceased promised strict -attention to all the ghost’s injunctions, upon -which he evanished in a flame of fire, leaving the -unhappy man scarce able to totter to his chair. -A minute compliance with all his instructions -rendered a second visit from the ghost unnecessary—and -this was no small matter of comfort -to the friend.”</p> - -<p>This frigid display of a Highlandman’s courage -will appear very contemptible when compared -to the undaunted resolution of the female alluded -to in the following story:</p> - -<p>“About forty or fifty years ago, a native of -Strathdown, whose manner of living (like that -of other folks) did not qualify him for a sudden -death, was unfortunately drowned in the following -manner: While in the act of cutting down -a tree, in a steep precipice pending over the river -Avon, he slipped his footing—fell headlong into -the abyss below, and rose no more. His lamentable -fate was speedily discovered, his body interred, -and his affairs arranged in the best possible -order. Time, the parent of oblivion, soon -rendered his name extinct among the living, and -he was no longer heard of; when, on a certain -day, in the height of it, the deceased appeared<span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[29]</span> -in his human likeness at the window of a female -friend. On the woman’s exhibiting some surprise -and terror at his appearance, the drowned -man called to her to fear nothing, but to come -forth and speak with him,—for it seems he had -been enabled to speak without the ‘<i>dead-lift</i>.’ -The honest woman suspecting, no doubt, that, -if she did not go out to him, he would make the -best of his way to her, obeyed his summons; and, -in the course of a long convoy she gave him, he -divulged to her several acts of misconduct he -had been guilty of towards an old master and -some others, which disturbed much his repose. -Anxious, no doubt, to get rid of his company, -she promised to exert the best of her endeavours -to atone for his misconduct, on condition -he would leave her, and never again renew -his visit,—a promise which she faithfully performed, -and the dead friend gave her no farther -trouble.”</p> - -<p>But the settlement of unassorted affairs, after -death, is not the only thing in which the ghost -is extremely useful. As an ambassador ever -ready to discharge any piece of useful service—such -as appeasing the unavailing grief of lamenting -relatives—he is ever ready and expert, and -the delicate manner in which the ghost sometimes -executes this commission indicates that -he is far more friendly and conciliatory in his -behaviour when <i>dead</i> than he was when alive. -Sometimes, but rarely, he leaves his abode to -benefit an old acquaintance or friend of his -partner; but it will no doubt be done at the -instigation of the devoted latter. We present -the particulars of a favour of this sort conferred -on an inhabitant of Strathspey, no doubt a long<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[30]</span> -time ago, which deserved a better return than -what the ghost at first met with.</p> - -<p>“Engaged one night in the arrangement of -his farming affairs, a certain farmer, living in -the parish of Abernethy, was a good deal surprised -at seeing an old acquaintance, who had a -considerable time previously departed this life, -entering quite coolly at his dwelling-house door. -Instead of following his old acquaintance into -his house, to receive an explanation from himself -of the marvellous circumstance, his curiosity -led him into the church-yard where his friend -was buried, and which was near by, to see if he -had actually risen from the dead. On examination, -he not only found the grave, but also the -coffin <i>wide open</i>, which left no doubt on his -mind of the reality of the vision which he thought -had deluded his sight. Making the sign of the -cross on the grave, he returned to his house, not -caring whether he found his friend before him -or not. He was not, however, to be seen; but, -in the course of a short time, he returned, and -upbraided the farmer for his improper interference -with his grave, explaining to him the cause -of his resurrection. It appeared that a scabbed -stirk, which had a greedy custom of prowling -about the doors, seeking what he might devour, -thief-like entering the dwelling-house in the absence -of the family, and, finding no better subject -of entertainment, attacked the straw in the -cradle which stood by the fireside, and in which -his only child was sleeping at the time. The -tugging of the stirk at the straw would have inevitably -overturned the cradle and the child into -the fire but for the generous interposition of the -ghost. The farmer expressed his most grateful<span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[31]</span> -acknowledgments for so signal an instance of his -kindness; and immediately retraced his steps to -the grave, on which he made a counter-sign to -that which he formerly made, and the good-hearted -ghost obtained admission into his dreary -abode.”</p> - -<p>But these are not all the ghost’s useful qualities. -He possesses another very important one -in this unchristian and uncharitable age, in which -the repositories of the dead are exposed to the -nocturnal spoliation of the ruthless resurrectionist. -It is vain for the church-sexton to plant -<i>steel-traps</i> and <i>spring-guns</i> in the field of his -labours,—the wily depredator will contrive to -elude them all when the vigilant watchman is -wanted to direct them. To show the vigilance -of this agent’s attention to his own interest, and -that of his friends, on such occasions, take the -following narration:—</p> - -<p>“There was at one time a woman, who lived -in Camp-del-more of Strathavon, whose cattle -were seized with a murrain, or some such fell -disease, which ravaged the neighbourhood at the -time, carrying off great numbers of them daily. -All the <i>forlorn fires and hallowed waters</i> failed -of their customary effects; and she was at length -told by the wise people whom she consulted on -the occasion, that it was evidently the effect of -some infernal agency, the power of which could -not be destroyed by any other means than the -never-failing specific—the juice of a <i>dead head</i> -from the church-yard,—a nostrum certainly very -difficult to be procured, considering the head -must needs be abstracted from a grave in the -hour of midnight. Being, however, a woman of -a stout heart and strong faith, native feelings of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[32]</span> -delicacy towards the blessed sanctuary of the -dead had more weight in restraining her for some -time from resorting to this desperate remedy -than those of fear. At length, seeing that her -bestial stock would soon be completely annihilated -by the destructive career of the disease, -the wife of Camp-del-more resolved to put the -experiment in practice, whatever the result might -be. Accordingly, having, with considerable difficulty, -engaged a neighbouring woman to be -her companion in this hazardous expedition, -they set out, about midnight, for the parish -church-yard, distant about a mile and a half from -her residence, to execute her determination. On -arriving at the church-yard, her companion, -whose courage was not so notable, appalled by -the gloomy prospect before her, refused to enter -among the habitations of the dead. She, however, -agreed to remain at the gate till her friend’s -business was accomplished. This circumstance, -however, did not stagger our heroine’s resolution. -She, with the greatest coolness and intrepidity, -proceeded towards what she supposed an old -grave,—took down her spade, and commenced -her operations. After a good deal of toil she -arrived at the object of her labour. Raising the -first head, or rather skull, that came in her way, -she was about to make it her own property, -when, lo! a hollow, wild, sepulchral voice exclaimed, -‘That is <i>my</i> head—let it alone!’ Not -wishing to dispute the claimant’s title to this -head, and supposing she could be otherwise provided, -she very good-naturedly returned it, and -took up another. ‘That is my father’s head,’ -bellowed the same voice. Wishing, if possible, -to avoid disputes, the wife of Camp-del-more took<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[33]</span> -up another head, when the same voice instantly -started a claim to it as his grand-father’s head. -‘Well,’ replied the wife, nettled at her disappointments, -‘although it were your grand-mother’s -head, you shan’t get it till I am done with -it.’—‘What do you say, you limmer?’ says the -ghost, starting up in his awry habiliments; -‘What do you say, you limmer?’ repeated he -in a great rage. ‘By the great oath, you had -better leave my grand-father’s head.’ Upon -matters coming this length, the wily wife of -Camp-del-more thought it proper to assume a -more conciliatory aspect. Telling the claimant -the whole particulars of the predicament in which -she was placed by the foresaid calamity, she -promised faithfully, that, if his Honour would -only allow her to carry off his grand-father’s -skull, or head, in a peaceable manner, she would -restore it again when done with it. Here, after -some communing, they came to an understanding, -and she was allowed to take the head along -with her, on condition she should restore it before -cock-crowing, under the heaviest penalties.</p> - -<p>“On coming out of the church-yard, and looking -for her companion, she had the mortification -to find her ‘without a mouthful of breath in her -body;’ for, on hearing the dispute between her -friend and the guardian of the grave, and suspecting -much that she was likely to share the -unpleasant punishments with which he threatened -her friend, at the bare recital of them she -fell down in a faint, from which it was no easy -matter to recover her. This proved no small -inconvenience to Camp-del-more’s wife, as there -were not above two hours to elapse ere she had -to return the head in terms of her agreement.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[34]</span> -Taking her friend upon her back, she carried her -up a steep acclivity to the nearest adjoining -house, where she left her for the night; then -repaired home with the utmost speed—made -<i>dead bree</i> of the <i>dead head</i>, and, ere the appointed -time had expired, she restored the head to its -guardian, and placed the grave in its former condition. -It is needless to add, that, as a reward -for her exemplary courage, the ‘<i>bree</i>’ had its -desired effect—the cattle speedily recovered—and, -so long as she retained any of it, all sorts -of diseases were of short duration.”</p> - -<h4>SAFEGUARDS FROM GHOSTS.</h4> - -<p><span class="smcap">Having</span> now briefly described the leading features -of a ghost’s character in those countries, -we shall close our account of him by annexing -a few of those safeguards which protect us from -those wanton encounters and impertinent interferences -which we have related, and which must -be far from being palatable to the more effeminate -inhabitants of the Highland mountains at -the present day.</p> - -<p>One simple plan of obtaining perfect security -from supernatural agents of any kind is, (whenever -we apprehend the approach or presence of -a ghost,) to repeat certain words, which can be -taught by any wise patriarch or matron, the -powerful charm of which instantly repercusses -the ghost back to his own proper abode, and, -for the time, defeats all his machinations. -Note—If in the house, the words must be repeated -three times behind the door. A ghost -then can neither enter at the door, window, nor -any other crevice of the house. The operation<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[35]</span> -of the words is like that of an infeftment, which, -taken on one part of the property, affects the -whole. Were it not for this grand discovery, -vain would be the attempt of any man to bar out -a ghost as he might do a <i>mortal</i>. A ghost can -enter in at the key-hole—nay, even through the -wall of the house, if there is no other caveat to -arrest him in his career.</p> - -<p>Another safeguard consists in forming a piece -of the <i>rowan tree</i> into the shape of a cross with -a red thread. This cross you will insert between -the lining and cloth of your garment, and, so -long as it lasts, neither ghost nor witch shall -ever interfere with you.</p> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[36]</span></p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[37]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">PART II.<br> - -<span class="antiqua">Fairies.</span></h2> -</div> - -<hr class="tiny"> -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">There are fairies, and brownies, and shades Amazonian,</div> -<div class="verse">Of harper, and sharper, and old Cameronian;</div> -<div class="verse">Some small as pigmies, some tall as a steeple:</div> -<div class="verse">The spirits are all gone as mad as the people.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><span class="smcap">Hogg.</span></div> -</div></div></div> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[38]</span></p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[39]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">CHAPTER I.<br> - -ORIGIN AND GENEALOGY OF THE FAIRIES.</h3> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Though</span> the ghost is confessedly entitled to no -small degree of consideration from his intimate -connection with our own species, no one will -pretend to deny that the fairy is a character -whose <i>greatness of descent</i> renders him equally -interesting and respectable. The genealogy of -the ghost can no doubt be traced back to the -earliest ages of the world, and it is pretty certain -that he has been amongst the first of its inhabitants; -still, on the score of antiquity, he cannot -pretend to compete with the fairy, who, it seems, -existed long before the world itself. The origin -and descent of the fairies, which had so long -proved such knotty subjects of controversy in -other quarters of the kingdom, are points which -have been finally settled and disposed of in these -countries. No doubt now remains, in the minds -of those who have bestowed any attention on -the important subject, of there being those unhappy -angels whose diabolical deeds produced -their expulsion from Paradise. In support of -this rational theory, the wise men of the day -never fail to quote the highest authority. Scripture, -they say, tells us those angels were cast -down; and although, indeed, it does not mention -to what place, sad experience proves the fact,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[40]</span> -that the Highland mountains received an ample -share of them. Here, wandering up and down, -like the hordes of Tartary, they pitch their camp -where spoil is most plentiful; and taking advantage -of the obstinate incredulity of some of their -human neighbours, contrive to make themselves -perfectly comfortable at the latter’s expense. -To dispel any doubt that may remain on the -mind of the reader as to the soundness of this -doctrine, we present him with the following -particulars:</p> - -<p>“Not long since, as a pious clergyman was -returning home, after administering spiritual -consolation to a dying member of his flock, it -was late of the night, and he had to pass through -a good deal of <i>uncanny</i> ground. He was, however, -a good and conscientious minister of the -gospel, and feared not all the spirits in the -country. On his reaching the end of a lake -which stretched alongst the road-side for some -distance, he was a good deal surprised to have his -attention arrested by the most melodious strains -of music. Overcome by pleasure and curiosity, -the minister coolly sat down to listen to the harmonious -sounds, and try what new discoveries -he could make with regard to their nature and -source. He had not sitten many minutes when -he could distinguish the approach of the music, -and also observe a light in the direction from -whence it proceeded, gliding across the lake towards -him. Instead of taking to his heels, as -any faithless wight would have done, the pastor, -fearless, determined to await the issue of the -phenomenon. As the light and music drew -near, the clergyman could at length distinguish -an object resembling a human being walking on<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[41]</span> -the surface of the water, attended by a group of -diminutive musicians, some of them bearing -lights, and others of them instruments of music, -on which they continued to perform those melodious -strains which first attracted his attention. -The leader of the band dismissed his -attendants, landed on the beach, and afforded the -minister the amplest opportunities of examining -his appearance. He was a little primitive-looking -grey-headed man, clad in the most grotesque -habit he ever witnessed, and such as led the -venerable minister all at once to suspect his real -character. He walked up to the minister, whom -he saluted with great grace, offering an apology -for his intrusion. The pastor returned his compliments, -and, without farther explanation, invited -the mysterious stranger to sit down by his -side. The invitation was complied with, upon -which the minister proposed the following question: -‘<i>Who art thou, stranger, and from -whence?</i>’ To this question the fairy, with -downcast eye, replied, that he was one of those -sometimes called ‘<i>Doane Shee</i>, or men of peace, -or good men, though the reverse of this title was -a more fit appellation for them. Originally -angelic in his nature and attributes, and once a -sharer of the indescribable joys of the regions of -light, he was seduced by Satan to join him in his -mad conspiracies; and as a punishment for his -transgression, he was cast down from those regions -of bliss, and was now doomed, along with -millions of fellow-sufferers, to wander through -seas and mountains, until the coming of the great -day; what their fate would be then they could -not divine, but they apprehended the worst. -And,’ continued he, turning to the minister, with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[42]</span> -great anxiety, ‘the object of my present intrusion -on you is to learn your opinion, as an eminent -divine, as to our final condition on that -dreadful day.’ Here the venerable pastor entered -upon a long conversation with the fairy, -(the particulars of which we shall be excused -for omitting,) touching the principles of faith -and repentance. Receiving rather unsatisfactory -answers to his questions, the minister desired -the ‘<i>Sheech</i>’ to repeat after him the Paternoster; -in attempting to do which, it was not a little -remarkable that he could not repeat the word -‘<i>art</i>,’ but ‘<i>wert</i>,’ in heaven. Inferring from -every circumstance that their fate was extremely -precarious, the minister resolved not to puff the -fairies up with presumptuous and perhaps groundless -expectations. Accordingly, addressing himself -to the unhappy fairy, who was all anxiety -to know the nature of his sentiments, the reverend -gentleman told him that he could not take -it upon him to give them any hopes of pardon, -as their crime was of so deep a hue as scarcely -to admit of it. On this the unhappy fairy uttered -a shriek of despair, plunged headlong into -the loch, and the minister resumed his course to -his home.”</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[43]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">CHAPTER II.<br> - -SIMILITUDE OF THE FAIRY.</h3> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Of</span> all the different species of supernatural tribes -which inhabit those countries, none of them -could ever vie with the fairy community for personal -elegance. Indeed, this seems to be the -only remaining vestige they possess of their primitive -character. Though generally low in stature, -they are exceedingly well proportioned, -and prepossessing in their persons. The females, -in particular, are said to be the most enchanting -beings in the world, and far beyond what the -liveliest fancy can paint. Eyes sparkling as the -brightest of the stars, or the polished gem of -Cairngorm,—cheeks in which the whiteness of -the snow and red of the reddan are blended with -the softness of the Cannoch down,—lips like the -coral, and teeth like the ivory,—a redundant -luxuriance of auburn hair hanging down the -shoulders in lovely ringlets, and a gainly simplicity -of dress, always of the colour of green, are -prominent features in the description of a Highland -fairy nymph.</p> - -<p>But while we agree in some measure with our -fellow historians who have described the fairy -race as they exist in other quarters of the country, -in so far as regards their personal beauty, -we widely differ from those historians as to the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[44]</span> -splendour of their dress as exhibited in the character -of the Highland fairies. Instead of the -gorgeous habiliments of “white and gold dropped -with diamonds, and coats of the threads of -gold,” which we are told are worn by those more -luxurious and refined fairies living within the -sphere of splendour and fashion in the Lowlands -of Scotland; the Highland fairies, more thrifty -and less voluptuous, clothe themselves in plain -worsted green, not woven by the “<i>shuttle of -Iris</i>,” but by the greasy shuttle of some Highland -weaver. This description, let it be understood, -however, applies only to the portion of -them inhabiting <i>terra firma</i>; for the dress of -those whose lot it was to fall in the deep is of -a very different nature, consisting entirely of -seal-skins, and such other <i>marine</i> apparel as is -most suitable and appropriate to their element.</p> - -<p>The following story will throw some light -upon the manners and <i>habits</i> of this portion of -the fairy tribes.</p> - -<p>There was once upon a time a man who lived -on the northern coasts, not far from “<i>Taigh -Jan Crot Callow</i>,”<a id="FNanchor_2" href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">[B]</a> and he gained his livelihood -by catching and killing fish, of all sizes and denominations. -He had a particular liking to the -killing of those wonderful beasts, half dog half -fish, called “Roane,” or Seals, no doubt because -he got a long price for their skins, which are not -less curious than they are valuable. The truth -is, that most of these animals are neither dogs -nor cods, but downright fairies, as this narration -will show; and, indeed, it is easy for any man -to convince himself of the fact by a simple examination<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[45]</span> -of his <i>tobacco-spluichdan</i>,—for the -dead skins of those beings are never the same -for four-and-twenty hours together. Sometimes -the “<i>spluichdan</i>” will erect its bristles almost -perpendicularly, while, at other times, it reclines -them even down; one time it resembles a bristly -sow, at another time a <i>sleekit cat</i>; and what -dead skin, except itself, could perform such cantrips? -Now, it happened one day, as this notable -fisher had returned from the prosecution of -his calling, that he was called upon by a man -who seemed a great stranger, and who said he -had been dispatched for him by a person who -wished to contract for a quantity of seal-skins, -and that it was necessary for the fisher to accompany -him (the stranger) immediately to see the -person who wished to contract for the skins, as -it was necessary that he should be served that -evening. Happy in the prospect of making a -good bargain, and never suspecting any duplicity -in the stranger, he instantly complied. They -both mounted a steed belonging to the stranger, -and took the road with such velocity that, although -the direction of the wind was towards -their back, yet the fleetness of their movement -made it appear as if it had been in their faces. -On reaching a stupendous precipice which overhung -the sea, his guide told him they had now -reached the point of their destination. “Where -is the person you spoke of?” inquired the astonished -seal-killer. “You shall see that presently,” -replied the guide. With that they immediately -alighted, and, without allowing the -seal-killer much time to indulge the frightful -suspicions that began to pervade his mind, the -stranger seized him with irresistible force, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[46]</span> -plunged headlong with the seal-killer into the -sea. After sinking down—down—nobody knows -how far, they at length reached a door, which, -being open, led them into a range of apartments, -filled with inhabitants—not people, but seals, -who could nevertheless speak and feel like human -folk; and how much was the seal-killer surprised -to find that he himself had been unconsciously -transformed into the like image! If it were not -so, he would probably have died, from the want -of breath. The nature of the poor fisher’s -thoughts may be more easily conceived than described. -Looking on the nature of the quarters -into which he was landed, all hopes of escape -from them appeared wholly chimerical, whilst the -degree of comfort and length of life which the -barren scene promised him were far from being -flattering. The “Roane,” who all seemed in -very low spirits, appeared to feel for him, and -endeavoured to soothe the distress which he -evinced, by the amplest assurances of personal -safety. Involved in sad meditation on his evil -fate, he was quickly roused from his stupor, by -his guide’s producing a huge gully or joctaleg, -the object of which he supposed was to put an -end to all his earthly cares. Forlorn as was his -situation, however, he did not wish to be killed; -and, apprehending instant destruction, he fell -down, and earnestly implored for mercy. The -poor generous animals did not mean him any -harm, however much his former conduct deserved -it; and he was accordingly desired to -pacify himself, and cease his cries. “Did you -ever see that knife before?” says the stranger to -the fisher. The latter instantly recognising his -own knife, which he had that day stuck into a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[47]</span> -seal, and with which it made its escape, acknowledged -it was formerly his own, for what would -be the use of denying it? “Well!” rejoins the -guide, “the apparent seal, which made away -with it, is my father, who lies dangerously ill -ever since, and no means could stay his fleeting -breath, without your aid. I have been obliged -to resort to the artifice I have practised to bring -you hither, and I trust that my filial duty to my -father will readily operate my excuse.” Having -said this, he led into another apartment the -trembling seal-killer, who expected every minute -a return of his own favour to the father; and -here he found the identical seal, with which he -had the encounter in the morning, suffering most -grievously from a tremendous cut in its hind-quarter. -The seal-killer was then desired, with -his hand, to cicatrize the wound; upon doing -which, it immediately healed, and the seal arose -from its bed in perfect health. Upon this, the -scene changed from mourning to rejoicing,—all -was mirth and glee. Very different, however, -were the feelings of the unfortunate seal-catcher, -expecting, no doubt, to be a seal for the remainder -of his life, until his late guide accosted him as -follows: “Now, sir, you are at liberty to return -to your wife and family, to whom I am -about to conduct you; but it is on this express -condition, to which you must bind yourself by -a solemn oath, viz., that you shall never maim -or kill a seal in all your lifetime hereafter.” To -this condition, hard as it was, he joyfully acceded; -and the oath being administered in all -due form, he bade his new acquaintance most -heartily and sincerely a long farewell. Taking -hold of his guide, they issued from the place,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[48]</span> -and swam up—up—till they regained the surface -of the sea; and, landing at the said stupendous -pinnacle, they found their former riding steed -ready for a second canter. The guide breathed -upon the fisher, and they became like men. -They mounted their horse; and fleet as was their -course towards the precipice or pinnacle, their -return from it was doubly swift; and the honest -seal-killer was laid down at his own door-cheek, -where his guide made him such a present as -would have almost reconciled him to another -similar expedition, and such as rendered his loss -of profession, in so far as regarded the seals, a -far less intolerable hardship than he had at first -contemplated it.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[49]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">CHAPTER III.<br> - -OF THE FAIRIES AS A COMMUNITY—THEIR POLITICAL PRINCIPLES -AND INGENIOUS HABITS.</h3> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">From</span> the description the reader may have seen -of the fairy community in general, as drawn in -the works of the eminent writers of the day, he -may have been led to form very erroneous estimates -not only of the dress of the <i>Highland</i> -fairies, but also of their political economy and -government.</p> - -<p>There are few who have not heard of the -illustrious and divine beauty of the Queen of the -Fairies, and the splendid and dazzling courts -with which her majesty is surrounded on all -occasions of intercourse with the inhabitants of -this world. It appears, however, from all that -the compiler can learn, that the empire of Queen -Mab, like that of the renowned Cæsar, never -was extended to the northern side of the Grampians, -for she is entirely unknown in those -countries. Indeed, it is believed that the Highland -fairies acknowledge no distinctions of this -sort. As there were originally none such -amongst them in Paradise, so they are not disposed -to create any on earth,—and a more complete -republic never was.</p> - -<p>It is true, Satan, no doubt, exercises a sort of -impotent chieftainship over them as his once -rebellious confederates,—but, it is believed, his<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[50]</span> -laws and his edicts are as much despised by -them as those of the Great Mogul. In spite of -all his power and policy, like the Israelites of -old, each does what is right in his own eyes; and, -unless on a Halloweven, or such occasion of -state, they may submit to a pageant review -more from motives of vanity than of loyalty, -Auld Nick’s ancient sovereignty over the fairy -community in this land of freedom has fallen -into desuetude.</p> - -<p>The fairies are a very ingenious people. As -may be expected from the nature of their origin -and descent, they are possessed of very superior -intellectual powers, which they know well enough -how to apply to useful purposes. Nor are they -so vain of their abilities as to scorn to direct -them to the prosecution of those more ignoble -employments, on which the politer part of mankind -commonly look down with contempt. Whether -this condescension, on the part of the fairy, -be more the result of choice or necessity, it is -hard for us to determine; but certain it is, that -few communities can boast of a more numerous -or more proficient body of artisans. We are -told, indeed, by some of those well acquainted -with their manners, that every individual fairy -combines all the necessary arts in his own person—that -he is his own weaver, his own tailor, -and his own shoemaker. Whether this is truly -the case public opinion is rather divided; but -all our informants concur in this conclusion—that -by far the greater number of them understand -well enough those several callings; and -the expertness they display in handling the shuttle, -the needle, and the awl, evidently demonstrate -their practical knowledge of these implements.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[51]</span> -In support of this conclusion, we have -the authority of a decent old man, whose veracity, -on subjects of this description, has never -been questioned in the district in which he lived, -who favoured the compiler with the following -narration:</p> - -<p>“My great-grandfather, (peace to his manes!) -who was by profession a weaver, and, by the -bye, a very honest man, though I should not -say it, was waked one night from his midnight -sleep by a tremendous noise. On looking ‘<i>out -over</i>’ the bed, to see whence it proceeded, he -was not a little astonished to find the house full -of operative fairies, who, with the greatest familiarity, -had made free with his manufacturing -implements. Having provided themselves with -a large sack of wool,—from whence it came they -best knew,—they were actively employed in -converting it into cloth. While one teethed it, -another carded it; while another span it, another -wove it; while another dyed it, another pressed -it; while the united bustle of their several operations, -joined to the exclamations uttered by -each expressive of his avocation, created a clamour -truly intolerable to the gudeman of the -house, with whom they used so unacceptable a -freedom. So diligent were they, that long ere -day they decamped with a web of green cloth, -consisting of fifty ells and more, without even -thanking my venerable grandfather for the use -of his machinery.”</p> - -<p>Another narrative, with which we were favoured, -related the activity of a fairy shoemaker, -who sewed a pair of shoes for a “<i>mountain shepherd</i>” -during the time the latter mealed a bicker -of pottage for them. And another narrative related<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[52]</span> -the expertness of a fairy <i>barber</i>, who shaved -an acquaintance so effectually with no sharper -a razor than the palm of his hand, that he never -afterwards required to undergo the same operation. -These, and a number of equally creditable -stories, confirm their transcendent superiority -as artisans over any other class of people -in Christendom.</p> - -<p>Nor in the more honourable and learned professions -are they less dexterous. As architects -they stand quite unrivalled. To prove their -excellence in this art we have only to consider -the durability of their habitations. Some of -these, it is said, have outlived the ravages of -time and vicissitudes of weather for some thousand -years, without sustaining any other injury -than the suffocation of the smoke-vents—defects -which could no doubt be repaired with little -trouble. But as the relics of former ages receive -additional interest from their rude and ruinous -appearance, so must these monuments of fairy -genius excite in the breasts of the community -the most profound sentiments of respect and -veneration.</p> - -<p>Nor are these the only monuments remaining -calculated to perpetuate their excellence as architects -and engineers,—there are others of too -lasting and extraordinary a character to escape -the notice of the traditional historian. We -allude to those stupendous superstructures built -by the fairies under the auspices of that distinguished -arch-architect Mr. Michael Scott, which -sufficiently demonstrate the skill of the designer -and the ability of the workmen. As the history -of this celebrated character (rendered not the -less interesting by the notices of him written by<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[53]</span> -the Minstrel of Minstrels) is not yet quite complete, -we shall make no apology for submitting -to the reader the following anecdotes of his life, -which we have collected in the course of our -peregrinations.</p> - -<h4>MICHAEL SCOTT.</h4> - -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> the early part of Michael Scott’s life he -was in the habit, as is not yet uncommon with -northern tradesmen, of emigrating annually to -the Scottish metropolis, for the purpose of being -employed in his capacity of mason. One time, -as himself and two companions were journeying -to the place of their destination for a similar -object, they had occasion to pass over a high -hill, the name of which is not mentioned, but -supposed to be one of the Grampians, and being -fatigued with climbing, they sat down to rest -themselves. They had no sooner done so than -they were warned to take to their heels by the -hissing of a large serpent, which they observed -revolving itself towards them with great velocity. -Terrified at the sight, Michael’s two companions -fled, while he, on the contrary, resolved to encounter -the serpent. The appalling monster -approached Michael Scott with distended mouth -and forked tongue; and, throwing itself into a -coil at his feet, was raising its head to inflict a -mortal sting, when Michael, with one stroke of -his stick, severed its body into three pieces. -Having rejoined his affrighted comrades, they -resumed their journey; and, on arriving at the -next public-house, it being late, and the travellers -being weary, they took up their quarters at -it for the night. In the course of the night’s<span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[54]</span> -conversation, recurrence was naturally had to -Michael’s recent exploit with the serpent, when -the landlady of the house, who was remarkable -for her “arts,” happened to be present. Her -curiosity appeared much excited by the conversation; -and, after making some inquiries regarding -the colour of the serpent, which she was told -was <i>white</i>, she offered any of them, that would -procure her the middle piece, such a tempting -reward, as induced one of the party instantly to -go for it. The distance was not very great; -and, on reaching the spot, he found the middle -and tail piece in the place where Michael left -them; but the head piece was gone, it is supposed, -to a contiguous stream, to which the serpent is -said always to resort, after an encounter with the -human race, and, on immersing itself into the -water, “like polypus asunder cut,” it again -regenerates and recovers. On the other hand, -it is a circumstance deserving the attention of -the medical world, that should an individual, -unfortunate enough to be bitten by this galling -enemy of mankind, reach the water before the -serpent, his recovery from the effects of the -calamity is equally indubitable.</p> - -<p>The landlady, on receiving the piece, which -still vibrated with life, seemed highly gratified -at her acquisition; and, over and above the promised -reward, regaled her lodgers very plentifully -with the choicest dainties in her house. -Fired with curiosity to know the purpose for -which the serpent was intended, the wily Michael -Scott was immediately seized with a severe fit of -indisposition,—an excruciating colic, the pains -of which could only be alleviated by continual -exposure to the fire, the warmth of which, he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[55]</span> -affirmed, was in the highest degree beneficial -to him.</p> - -<p>Never suspecting Michael Scott’s hypocrisy, -and naturally supposing that a person so severely -indisposed should feel very little curiosity about -the contents of any cooking utensils which might -lie around the fire, the landlady consented to -his desire of being allowed to recline all night -along the fireside. As soon as the other inmates -of the house were retired to bed, the landlady -resorted to her darling occupation; and, in this -feigned state of indisposition, Michael had a -favourable opportunity of watching most scrupulously -all her actions, through the key-hole of -a door leading to the next apartment where she -was. He could see the rites and ceremonies -with which the serpent was put into an oven, -along with many mysterious ingredients. After -which, the unsuspicious landlady placed it by -the fireside, where lay our distressed traveller, -to stove till the morning.</p> - -<p>Once or twice, in the course of the night, the -“wife of the change-house,” under pretence of -inquiring for her sick lodger, and administering -to him some renovating cordials, the beneficial -effects of which he gratefully acknowledged, -took occasion to dip her finger in her saucepan, -upon which the cock, perched on his roost, -crowed aloud. All Michael’s sickness could not -prevent him from considering very inquisitively -the landlady’s cantrips, and particularly the influence -of the sauce upon the crowing of the -cock. Nor could he dissipate some inward -desires he felt to follow her example. At the -same time that he suspected that Satan had a -hand in the pye, yet he liked very much to be<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[56]</span> -at the bottom of the concern; and thus his reason -and his curiosity clashed against each other -for the space of several hours. At length, passion, -as is too often the case, became the conqueror. -Michael, too, dipt his finger in the -sauce, and applied it to the tip of his tongue, and -immediately the cock perched on the <i>spardan</i> -announced the circumstance in a mournful clarion. -Instantly his mind received a new light to which -he was formerly a stranger, and the astonished -dupe of a landlady now found it her interest to -admit her sagacious lodger into a knowledge of -the remainder of her secrets.</p> - -<p>Endowed with the knowledge of “<i>good and -evil</i>,” and all the “<i>second sights</i>” that can be -acquired, Michael left his lodgings in the morning, -with the philosopher’s stone in his pocket. -By daily perfecting his supernatural attainments, -by new series of discoveries, he was more than a -match for Satan himself. Having seduced some -thousands of Satan’s best workmen into his employment, -he trained them up so successfully to -the architective business, and inspired them with -such industrious habits, that he was more than -sufficient for the architectural work of the empire. -To establish this assertion, we need only -refer to some remains of his workmanship still -existing north of the Grampians, some of them -stupendous bridges built by him in one short -night, with no other visible agents than two or -three workmen.</p> - -<p>As the following anecdote is so applicable to -our purpose, we shall submit it to the reader as -a specimen of the expertness of Mr. Scott and -his agents.</p> - -<p>On one occasion, work was getting scarce, as<span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[57]</span> -might have been naturally expected, and his -workmen, as they were wont, flocked to his -doors, perpetually exclaiming, Work! work! -work! Continually annoyed by their incessant -entreaties, he called out to them in derision to -go and make a dry road from Fortrose to Arderseir -over the Moray Firth. Immediately their -cry ceased, and as Mr. Scott supposed it wholly -impracticable for them to execute his order, he -retired to rest, laughing most heartily at the chimerical -sort of employment he had given to his -industrious workmen. Early in the morning, -however, he got up and took a walk down at the -break of day to the shore, to divert himself at -the fruitless labours of his zealous workmen. -But on reaching the spot, what was his astonishment -to find the formidable piece of work allotted -to them only a few hours before almost quite -finished. Seeing the great damage the commercial -class of the community would sustain -from the operation, he ordered them to demolish -the most part of their work; leaving, however, -the point of Fortrose to show the traveller to -this day the wonderful exploit of Michael Scott’s -fairies.</p> - -<p>On being thus again thrown out of employment, -their former clamour was resumed, nor -could Michael Scott, with all his sagacity, devise -a plan to keep them in innocent employment. -He at length discovered one. “Go,” says he, -“and manufacture me ropes that will carry me -to the back of the moon, of those materials, -<i>miller’s-sudds</i> and sea-sand.” Michael Scott -here obtained rest from his active operators; for, -when other work failed them, he always dispatched -them to their rope-manufactory. “But,”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[58]</span> -says our relator, “though these agents could -never make proper ropes of those materials, -their efforts to that effect are far from being contemptible,—for -some of their ropes are seen by -the seaside till this blessed day.”</p> - -<p>We shall close our notice of Michael Scott by -reciting one anecdote of him in the latter end -of his life, which, on that account, will not be -the less interesting.</p> - -<p>In consequence of a violent quarrel which -Michael Scott once had with a person whom he -conceived to have caused him some injury, -Michael resolved, as the highest punishment he -could inflict upon him, to send his adversary to -that evil place designed only for Satan and his -black companions. He, accordingly, by means -of his supernatural machinations, sent the poor -unfortunate man thither; and had he been sent -by any other means than those of Michael Scott, -he would no doubt have met with a warm reception. -Out of pure spite to Michael, however, -when Satan learned who was his billet-master, -he would no more receive him than he would -receive the Wife of Beth; and, instead of treating -the unfortunate man with that harshness -characteristic of him, he showed him considerable -civilities. Introducing him to his “<i>Ben Taigh</i>,” -he directed her to show the stranger any curiosities -he might wish to see, hinting very significantly -that he had provided some accommodations -for their mutual friend Michael Scott, the -sight of which might afford him some gratification. -The polite housekeeper, accordingly, -conducted the stranger through the principal -apartments in the house, where he saw sights -which, it is hoped, the reader will never witness.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[59]</span> -But the bed of Michael Scott!—his greatest -enemy could not but feel satiate with revenge -at the sight of it. It was a place too horrid to -be described, filled promiscuously with all the -horrid brutes imaginable. Toads and lions, -lizards and leeches, and, amongst the rest, not -the least conspicuous, a large serpent gaping for -Michael Scott, with its mouth wide open. This -last sight having satisfied the stranger’s curiosity, -he was led to the outer gate, and came off with -far more agreeable reflections than when he -entered.</p> - -<p>He reached his friends, and, among other -pieces of news touching his travels, he was not -backward in relating the entertainment that -awaited his friend Michael Scott, as soon as he -would <i>stretch his foot</i> for the other world. But -Michael did not at all appear disconcerted at his -friend’s intelligence. He affirmed that he would -disappoint the d—l and him both in their expectations. -In proof of which, he gave the following -signs: “When I am just dead,” says he, -“open my breast, and extract my heart. Carry -it to some place where the public may see the -result. You will then transfix it upon a long -pole, and if Satan will have my soul, he will -come in the likeness of a black raven, and carry -it off; and if my soul will be saved, it will be -carried off by a white dove.” His friends faithfully -obeyed his instructions. Having exhibited -his heart in the manner directed, a large black -raven was observed to come from the east with -great fleetness; while a white dove came from -the west with equal velocity. The raven made -a furious dash at the heart, missing which, it<span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[60]</span> -was unable to curb its force, till it was considerably -past it; and the dove, reaching the spot at -the same time, carried off the heart amidst the -cheers and ejaculations of the spectators.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[61]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">CHAPTER IV.<br> - -OF THEIR DOMESTIC ECONOMY AND FESTIVE HABITS.</h3> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">It</span> is well known that the fairies are a sociable -people, passionately given to festive amusements -and jocund hilarity. Hence, it seldom happens -that they cohabit in pairs, like most other species, -but rove about in bands, each band having -a stated habitation or residence, to which they -resort as occasion suggests.</p> - -<p>Their habitations are generally found in rough -irregular precipices and broken caverns, remarkable -for wildness of scenery, from whence we -may infer that they are particularly fond of what -we term the Romantic. These habitations are -composed of stones, in the form of irregular turrets, -of such size and shapes as the nature of the -materials and the taste of the architect happened -to suggest, and so solid in their structure as -frequently to resemble “masses of rocks or -earthen hillocks.”</p> - -<p>Their doors, windows, smoke-vents, and other -conveniences, are so artfully constructed, as to -be invisible to the naked eye in day-light, though -in dark nights splendid lights are frequently -reflected through their invisible casements.</p> - -<p>Within those “<i>Tomhans</i>,” or, as others term -them, “Shian,” sociality and mirth are ever the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">[62]</span> -inmates,—and they are so much addicted to -dancing, that it forms their chief and favourite -amusement. The length of their reels will be -judged of from the following narrative:</p> - -<p>“Once upon a time, a tenant in the neighbourhood -of Cairngorm in Strathspey emigrated -with his family and cattle to the forest of Glenavon, -which is well known to be inhabited by -many fairies as well as ghosts. Two of his sons -having been one night late out in search of some -of their sheep which had strayed, they had occasion -to pass a fairy turret, or dwelling, of very -large dimensions; and what was their astonishment -on observing streams of the most refulgent -light shining forth through innumerable crevices -in the rock—crevices which the sharpest eye in -the country had never seen before. Curiosity -led them towards the turret, when they were -charmed by the most exquisite sounds ever -emitted by a fiddle-string, which, joined to the -sportive mirth and glee accompanying it, reconciled -them in a great measure to the scene, -although they knew well enough the inhabitants -were fairies. Nay, overpowered by the enchanting -jigs played by the fiddler, one of the brothers -had even the hardihood to propose that -they should pay the occupants of the turret a -short visit. To this motion the other brother, -fond as he was of dancing, and animated as he -was by the music, would by no means consent, -and very earnestly inculcated upon his brother -many pithy arguments well calculated to restrain -his curiosity. But every new jig that was played, -and every new reel that was danced, inspired -the adventurous brother with additional ardour; -and at length, completely fascinated by the enchanting<span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">[63]</span> -revelry, leaving all prudence behind, -at one leap he entered the ‘Shian.’ The poor -forlorn brother was now left in a most uncomfortable -situation. His grief for the loss of a -brother whom he dearly loved suggested to him -more than once the desperate idea of sharing his -fate, by following his example. But, on the -other hand, when he coolly considered the possibility -of sharing very different entertainment -from that which rung upon his ears, and remembering, -too, the comforts and conveniences of -his father’s fireside, the idea immediately appeared -to him any thing but prudent. After a -long and disagreeable altercation between his -affection for his brother and his regard for himself, -he came to the resolution of trying a middle -course;—that is, to send in at the window a few -remonstrances to his brother, which if he did -not attend to, let the consequences be upon his -own head. Accordingly, taking his station at -one of the crevices, and calling upon his brother, -three several times, by name, as use is, he sent -in to him, as aforesaid, the most moving pieces -of elocution he could think upon,—imploring -him, as he valued his poor parent’s life and blessing, -to come forth and go home with him, -Donald Macgillivray, his thrice affectionate and -unhappy brother. But, whether it was he could -not hear this eloquent harangue, or, what is more -probable, that he did not choose to attend to it, -certain it is, that it proved totally ineffectual -to accomplish its object,—and the consequence -was, that Donald Macgillivray found it equally -much his duty and his interest to return home -to his family with the melancholy tale of poor -Rory’s fate. All the prescribed ceremonies calculated<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">[64]</span> -to rescue him from the fairy dominion -were resorted to by his mourning relatives without -effect, and Rory was supposed as lost for -ever, when a <i>wise man</i> of the day having learned -the circumstance, set them upon a plan of having -him delivered at the end of twelve months from -his entry. ‘Return,’ says the <i>Duin Glichd</i> to -Donald, ‘to the place where you lost your brother, -a year and a day from the time. You will -insert in your garment a Rowan Cross, which -will protect you from the fairies’ interposition. -Enter the turret boldly and resolutely, in the -name of the Highest claim your brother, and, -if he does not accompany you voluntarily, seize -him and carry him off by force,—none dare interfere -with you.’”</p> - -<p>The experiment appeared to the cautious contemplative -brother as one that was fraught with -no ordinary danger, and he would have most -willingly declined the prominent character allotted -to him in the performance of it, but for the importunate -entreaty of his friends, who implored -him, as he valued their blessing, not to slight -such excellent advice. Their entreaties, together -with his confidence in the virtues of the -Rowan Cross, overcame his scruples, and he, at -length, agreed to put the experiment in practice, -whatever the result might be.</p> - -<p>Well then, the important day arrived, when -the father of those two sons was destined either -to recover his lost son, or to lose the only son -he had, and, anxious as the father felt, Donald -Macgillivray, the intended adventurer, felt no -less on the occasion. The hour of midnight -approached, when the drama was to be acted, -and Donald Macgillivray, loaded with all the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">[65]</span> -charms and benedictions in his country, took -mournful leave of his friends, and proceeded to -the scene of his intended enterprise. On approaching -the well-known turret, a repetition of -that mirth and those ravishing sounds, that had -been the source of so much sorrow to himself -and family, once more attracted his attention, -without at all creating in his mind any extraordinary -feelings of satisfaction. On the contrary, -he abhorred the sounds most heartily, and -felt much greater inclination to recede than to -advance. But what was to be done? courage, -character, and every thing dear to him, were at -stake—so that to advance was his only alternative. -In short, he reached the “<i>Shian</i>,” and -after twenty fruitless attempts, he at length -entered the place with trembling footsteps, and, -amidst the brilliant and jovial scene, the not -least gratifying spectacle which presented itself -to Donald was his brother Rory earnestly engaged -at the Highland Fling on the floor, at which, as -might have been expected, he had greatly improved. -Without losing much time in satisfying -his curiosity, by examining the quality of -the company, he ran to his brother, repeating, -most vehemently, the words prescribed to him -by the “<i>Wise man</i>”—seized him by the collar, -and insisted he should immediately accompany -him home to his poor afflicted parents. Rory -assented, provided he would allow him to finish -his single reel, assuring Donald, very earnestly, -that he had not been half an hour in the house. -In vain did the latter assure the former, that, -instead of half an hour, he had actually remained -twelve months. Nor would he have believed his -overjoyed friends on reaching home, “did not<span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">[66]</span> -the calves, now grown into stots, and the newborn -babes, now travelling the house, at length -convince him, that in his single reel he had -danced for a twelvemonth and a day.”</p> - -<p>This reel, however, in which Rory Macgillivray -had been engaged, although it may be considered -of pretty moderate length, will form but -a short space in a night’s entertainment, of which -the following is a brief account:</p> - -<p>“Nearly three hundred years ago, there lived -in Strathspey two men, greatly celebrated for -their performances on the fiddle. It happened -upon a certain Christmas time that they had -formed the resolution of going to Inverness, to -be employed in their musical capacities during -that festive season. Accordingly, having arrived -in that great town, and secured lodgings, they -sent round the newsman and his bell, to announce -to the inhabitants their arrival in town, -and the object of it, their great celebrity in their -own country, the number of tunes they played, -and their rate of charge per day, per night, or -hour. Very soon after, they were called upon -by a venerable-looking old man, grey-haired and -somewhat wrinkled, of genteel deportment and -liberal disposition; for, instead of grudging their -charges, as they expected, he only said that he -would double the demand. They cheerfully -agreed to accompany him, and soon they found -themselves at the door of a very curious dwelling, -the appearance of which they did not at all -relish. It was night, but still they could easily -distinguish the house to be neither like the great -Castle Grant, Castle Lethindry, Castle Roy, or -Castle-na-muchkeruch at home, nor like any -other house they had seen on their travels. It<span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">[67]</span> -resembled a huge fairy ‘Tomhan,’ such as are -seen in Glenmore. But the mild persuasive -eloquence of the guide, reinforced by the irresistible -arguments of a purse of gold, soon -removed any scruples they felt at the idea of -entering so novel a mansion. They entered the -place, and all sensations of fear were soon absorbed -in those of admiration of the august -assembly which surrounded them; strings tuned -to sweet harmony soon gave birth to glee in the -dwelling. The floor bounded beneath the agile -‘<i>fantastic toe</i>,’ and gaiety in its height pervaded -every soul present. The night passed on harmoniously, -while the diversity of the reels and -the loveliness of the dancers presented to the -fiddlers the most gratifying scene they ever witnessed; -and in the morning, when the ball was -terminated, they took their leave, sorry that the -time of their engagement was so short, and -highly gratified at the liberal treatment which -they experienced. But what was their astonishment, -on issuing forth from this strange dwelling, -when they beheld the novel scene which surrounded -them. Instead of coming out of a -castle, they found they had come out of a little -hill, they knew not what way; and on entering -the town they found those objects which yesterday -shone in all the splendour of novelty, to-day -exhibit only the ruins and ravages of time, while -the strange innovations of dress and manners -displayed by their numerous spectators filled -them with wonder and consternation. At last -a mutual understanding took place between -themselves and the crowd assembled to look -upon them, and a short account of their adventures -led the more sagacious part of the spectators<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">[68]</span> -to suspect at once that they had been paying -a visit to the inhabitants of <i>Tomnafurich</i>, -which, not long ago, was the grand rendezvous -of many of the fairy bands inhabiting the surrounding -districts; and the arrival of a very old -man on the spot set the matter fairly at rest. -On being attracted by the crowd, he walked up -to the two poor old oddities, who were the subject -of amazement, and having learned their history, -thus addressed them: ‘You are the two -men my great-grandfather lodged, and who, it -was supposed, were decoyed by Thomas Rymer -to Tomnafurich. Sore did your friends lament -your loss—but the lapse of a hundred years has -now rendered your name extinct.’</p> - -<p>“Finding every circumstance conspire to -verify the old man’s story, the poor fiddlers were -naturally inspired with feelings of reverential -awe at the secret wonders of the Deity—and it -being the Sabbath-day, they naturally wished to -indulge those feelings in a place of worship. -They, accordingly, proceeded to church, and -took their places, to hear public worship, and -sat for a while listening to the pealing bells, -which, while they summoned the remainder of -the congregation to church, summoned them to -their long homes. When the ambassador of -peace ascended the sacred place, to announce to -his flock the glad tidings of the Gospel—strange -to tell, at the first word uttered by his lips, his -ancient hearers, the poor deluded fiddlers, both -crumbled into dust.”</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">[69]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">CHAPTER V.<br> - -OF THE PASSIONS AND PROPENSITIES OF THE FAIRIES.</h3> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> ingenious reader must not suppose that, -because the fairies were once angelic, they have -continued so in this corrupt world to the present -day. They will be found to exhibit in their -conduct as signal proofs of degeneracy from -their original innocence and worth as their -mortal contemporary, man; and, as may be concluded, -this degeneracy has entailed upon them -those passions and infirmities, from which they -were, no doubt, once on a time exempt.</p> - -<p>The fairies are remarkable for the amorousness -of their dispositions, and are not very backward -in forming attachments and connections -with the people that cannot with propriety be -called their own species. We are told it is an -undeniable fact, that it was once a common -practice with both sexes of the fairy people to -form intimacies with human swains and damsels, -whom they would visit at times and in places -highly unbecoming and suspicious; and these -improper intimacies not unfrequently produced, -as may be well believed, <i>their natural consequences</i>. -It exposed the fairy-females to that -indisposition to which, before their fall, they -were no doubt strangers—we mean the pains of -child-birth, which, it seems, they suffer in common<span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">[70]</span> -with their earthly neighbours. To the -more sceptical part of our readers, the idea of -fairy fruition may appear somewhat incredible. -In order, however, to remove any doubt on the -subject, we submit the particulars of a fairy -accouchement, which took place, no doubt, “a -considerable time ago,” in the wilds of Cairngorm:</p> - -<p>“A considerable time ago there was a woman -living in the neighbourhood of Cairngorm in -Strathspey, by profession a midwife, of extensive -practice, and esteemed, indeed, the best midwife -in the district. One night, while she was preparing -for bed, there came a loud knocking to -her door, indicating great haste in the person -that knocked. The midwife was accustomed to -such late intrusions, and concluded, even before -she opened the door, that her presence was too -much required at a <i>sick-bed</i>. She found the -person that knocked to be a rider and his horse, -<i>both out of breath</i>, and most impatient for her -company. The rider entreated the midwife to -make haste, and jump up behind him without -a single moment’s delay, else that the life of an -amiable woman was lost for ever. But the midwife, -having a great regard to cleanliness and -decorum, requested leave to exchange her apparel -before she set out; a motion which, on the -part of the rider, was met with a decided negative, -and nothing would satisfy the rider but that -the midwife would immediately jump up behind -him on his grey horse. His importunities were -irresistible, the midwife mounted, and off they -flew at full gallop. The midwife being now -seated, and fleeing on the road, she began naturally -to question her guide what he was—where<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">[71]</span> -he was going—and how far. He, however, -declined immediately making any other -reply to her questions than merely saying that -she would be well rewarded, which, however -consoling, was far from being satisfactory information -to the midwife. At length the course -they pursued, and the road they took, alarmed -the midwife beyond measure, and her guide -found it necessary to appease her fears by explaining -the matter, otherwise she would, in all -probability, prove inadequate to the discharge -of her duty. ‘My good woman,’ says the fairy -to the midwife, ‘be not alarmed; though I am -conducting you to a fairy habitation to assist a -fairy lady in distress, be not dismayed, I beseech -you; for I promise you, by all that is sacred, you -shall sustain no injury, but will be safely restored -to your dwelling when your business is effected, -with such boon or present as you shall choose -to ask or accept of.’ The fairy was a sweet -good-looking young fellow, and the candour of -his speech and the mildness of his demeanour -soothed her fears, and reconciled the <i>Ben Ghlun</i>, -in a great measure, to the enterprise. They -were not long in reaching the place, when the -midwife found the fairy lady in any thing but -easy circumstances, and soon proved the auspicious -instrument of bringing to the world a fine -lusty boy. All was joy and rejoicing in consequence, -and all the fairies in the turret flattered -and caressed the midwife. She was desired to -choose any gift in the power of fairies to grant, -which was instantly to be given her. Upon -which she asked, as a boon, that whomsoever -she or her posterity should attend in her professional -capacity, a safe and speedy delivery<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">[72]</span> -should be insured them. The favour was instantly -conferred on her, and all know to this -day that <i>Muruch-na-Ban</i>, the man-midwife, -possesses, in no inconsiderable degree, the professional -talents of his great-grandmother.”</p> - -<p>Before concluding this chapter, we owe it, in -justice to both the human and fairy communities -of the present day, to say, that such intercourse -as that described to have taken place betwixt -them is now extremely rare; and, with the -single exception of a good old shoemaker, now -or lately living in the village of Tomantoul, -who confesses having had some dalliances with -a “<i>lanan shi</i>” in his younger days, we do not -know personally any one who has carried matters -this length.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">[73]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">CHAPTER VI.<br> - -OF THE FAIRY’S EMBEZZLING AND CRIMINAL PROPENSITIES.</h3> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">But</span>, although the correspondence now subsisting -between the human and fairy people is -much more chaste and innocent than it was of -old, still it appears that the strong predilection -which the fairies entertained for human society -is far from being yet extinguished. It is no -doubt the existence of this predilection on the -part of the former, and the increasing shyness -on the part of the latter, that could induce the -fairies to resort to those dishonest methods to -which they now recur, to have their passion for -human society gratified.</p> - -<p>We presume the reader is aware that the -fairies are much addicted to that heinous crime -child-stealing—a crime which these people, in -consequence, no doubt, of their long experience -in the practice, commit with wonderful -address. Often have they robbed the inexperienced -mother of her tender babe in the -height of day, while his place is taken by an -impudent impostor, whose sham sickness and -death entail on the unhappy parent an additional -load of misery. To warn unsuspicious mothers -of the dangers to which themselves and their -offspring are exposed from fairy practices, the -following narrative may be of use:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">[74]</span>“There were once two natives of Strathspey -who were in the habit of dealing a little in the -whisky way—that is to say, they were accustomed -occasionally to visit a family in Glenlivat, -from whom they would buy a few barrels, which -they would again dispose of among the gentlemen -of Badenoch and Fort-William, to pretty -good account; and on those occasions, for reasons -well known to every district gauger, (an -evil death to him!) the Strathspeymen always -found it most convenient to travel by night. -Well, then, on one of those occasions, as they -were busy measuring the whisky in the friend’s -house at Glenlivat, a little child belonging to -the goodman, and which lay in the cradle, uttered -a piteous cry, as if it had been shot. The -goodwife, according to custom, blessed her child, -and, as she supposed, raised it from the cradle. -Ascribing the cry merely to infantine frailty or -fretfulness, the Strathspeymen took no particular -notice of it, and having their business -transacted, they proceeded on their way with -their cargo. A short distance from their friend’s -house, they were not a little astonished to find -a little child abandoned on the high road, without -a being in sight of it. One of the lads took -it up in his arms, on which it ceased its plaintive -cries, and with great fondness clasped his little -hands round his neck, and smiled. This naturally -excited some curiosity, and on closer examination -they clearly recognised it to be their -friend’s child. Suspicion was instantly attached -to the fairies, and this suspicion was a great deal -strengthened by the circumstance of the cry -uttered by the child, as already mentioned. Indeed, -they came to an immediate conclusion<span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">[75]</span> -that the fairies, having embezzled the real child, -then in their possession, and deposited a stock -or substitute in its place, it was the lucky presence -of mind discovered by its mother in blessing -it, on its having uttered the cry, that rescued -it from fairy dominion, for no sooner was the -blessing pronounced than they were compelled -to abandon the child. As their time was limited, -they could not with convenience immediately -return to their friend’s house to solve the mysterious -occurrence, but proceeded on their -journey, taking special care of their little -foundling.</p> - -<p>“In about a fortnight thereafter, having occasion -for a few barrels more, they returned to -Glenlivat, taking the child along with them, -which, however, they concealed on arriving at -the father’s house. In the course of mutual -inquiries for each other’s welfare, the goodwife -took occasion to lament very bitterly a severe -and protracted illness which seized her child on -the night of their preceding visit, the nature of -which illness could not be ascertained, but, at all -events, certain death was the consequence to -the child. During this lamentation, the impostor -uttered the most piteous cries, and appeared in -the last stage of his sufferings; upon this, the -lads, without any preliminary remarks, produced -their little charge, telling the mother to take -courage, that they now presented her with her -real child, as healthy and thriving as a trout, -and that the object of her great solicitude was -nothing more than a barefaced fairy impostor. -A short statement of facts induced the happy -mother to agree to an exchange, she receiving -back her child, and the lads the stock or impostor,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">[76]</span> -to whom his new proprietors proceeded -to administer a warm specific commonly given -to his kin on similar occasions. They procured -an old creel and a bunch of straw, in order to -try the effects the burning element would have -in curing him of his grievous complaints. But -at the appearance of those articles, the stock -took the hint, and not choosing to wait a trial -of its effects, flew out at the smoke-hole, telling -the exulting spectators, on attaining the top of -the ‘<i>Lum</i>,’ that, had it not been for the unfortunate -arrival of the two travellers, he should -have given the inmates very different entertainment.”</p> - -<p>When we reflect upon the extreme covetousness -manifested by the fairies for human children, -the frequent instances of their embezzlement, -and, on the other hand, the ease and simplicity -by which these robberies can be foiled, we feel -persuaded neither mother nor nurse will now -neglect the safeguards prescribed for the preservation -of children from such practices. It -is universally allowed by people conversant in -those important matters, that suspending the -child’s head downwards, on its being dressed in -the morning, is an excellent preservative from -every species of supernatural agency, and this is -certainly a cheap and simple process. A red -thread tied about its neck, or a rowan cross, are -said to be equally efficacious in preventing the -influence of evil spirits, evil eyes, and other -calamities of the same description.</p> - -<p>But as it is natural to suppose that those precautions -will still be sometimes neglected, as -they have always too often been, it is fortunate -that a remedy has been discovered for those<span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">[77]</span> -desperate cases, where repentance for past imprudence -would not avail. When a child has -actually been stolen, and a stock or substitute -left in its stead, the child may be recovered in -the following manner:—Let the stock be carried -to the junction of three shires, or the confluence -of three rivers, where it is to be left for the -night; and it is a certain fact, that if the child -has been stolen by the fairies, they must, in the -course of the night, return the genuine offspring, -and take away the spurious one.<a id="FNanchor_3" href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">[C]</a></p> - -<p>But children are not the only objects of their -envy. They are equally covetous of pregnant -females at a certain juncture, when they embrace -every opportunity of securing them, well knowing -that, by such acquisitions, they obtain a -double bargain. The process of stealing women -is the same as that of stealing children, only -their ranges in quest of such prizes are much -more extensive, as the following story will show:</p> - -<p>“There was once a courageous clever man, -of the name of John Roy, who lived in Glenbrown, -in the parish of Abernethy. One night, -as John Roy was out traversing the hills for his -cattle, he happened to fall in with a fairy banditti, -whose manner of travelling indicated that<span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">[78]</span> -they carried along with them some booty. Recollecting -an old, and, it seems, a faithful saying, -that the fairies are obliged to exchange any -booty they may possess for any return, however -unequal in value, on being challenged to that -effect, John Roy took off his bonnet, and threw -it towards them, demanding a fair exchange in -the emphatic Gaelic phrase, <i>Sluis sho slumus -Sheen</i>.<a id="FNanchor_4" href="#Footnote_4" class="fnanchor">[D]</a> It was, no doubt, an unprofitable -barter for the fairies. They, however, it would -appear, had no other alternative but to comply -with John Roy’s demand; and in room of the -bonnet, they abandoned the burden, which -turned out to be nothing more nor less than a -fine fresh lady, who, from her dress and language, -appeared to be a <i>Sasonach</i>. With great humanity, -John Roy conducted the unfortunate -lady to his house, where she was treated with -the utmost tenderness for several years; and -the endearing attentions paid to her by John -and his family won so much her affections as -to render her soon happy in her lot. Her habits -became gradually assimilated to those of her -new society; and the Saxon lady was no longer -viewed in any other character than as a member -of John Roy’s family.</p> - -<p>“It happened, however, in the course of -time, that the <i>new king</i> found it necessary to -make the great roads through those countries -by means of soldiers, for the purpose of letting -coaches and carriages pass to the northern cities; -and those soldiers had officers and commanders -in the same way as our fighting army have now. -Those soldiers were never great favourites in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">[79]</span> -these countries, particularly during the time -that our own kings were alive; and, consequently, -it was no easy matter for them, either -officers or men, to procure for themselves comfortable -quarters. But John Roy forgot the -national animosity of his countrymen to the -<i>Cotton Darg</i> (red coat), when the latter appealed -to his generosity as an individual; and -he, accordingly, did not hesitate to offer an -asylum under his roof to a <i>Saxon</i> captain and -his son, who commanded a party employed in -his immediate neighbourhood. His offer was -thankfully accepted of, and while the strangers -were highly delighted at the cleanliness and -economy of the house and family of their host, -the latter was quite satisfied with the frankness -and urbanity of manners displayed by his guests. -One thing, however, caused some feelings of -uneasiness to John Roy, and that was the extreme -curiosity manifested by them, whenever -they were in the company or presence of his -English foundling, on whom their eyes were -continually rivetted, as if she were a ghost or a -fairy. On one occasion, it happened that the -captain’s son lapsed into a state of the profoundest -meditation, gazing upon this lady with -silent emotion. ‘My son,’ says the captain, his -father, ‘tell me what is the cause of your deep -meditation?’—‘Father,’ replies the sweet youth, -‘I think on the days that are gone; and of my -dearest mother, who is now no more. I have -been led into those reflections by the appearance -of that lady who is now before me. Oh, father! -does she not strikingly resemble the late partner -of your heart; she for whom you so often mourn -in secret?’—‘Indeed, my son,’ replied the father,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">[80]</span> -‘the resemblance has frequently recurred to -me too forcibly. Never were twin sisters more -like; and, were not the thing impossible, I -should even say she was my dearest departed -wife;’—pronouncing her name as he spoke, and -also the names of characters nearly connected -to both parties. Attracted by the mention of -her real name, which she had not heard repeated -for a number of years before, and attracted still -more by the nature of their conversation, the -lady, on strict examination of the appearance of -the strangers, instantly recognised her tender -husband and darling son. Natural instinct -could be no longer restrained. She threw herself -upon her husband’s bosom; and Ossian, the -son of Fingal, could not describe in adequate -terms the transports of joy that prevailed at the -meeting. Suffice it to say, that the <i>Saxon</i> lady -was again restored to her affectionate husband, -pure and unblemished as when he lost her, and -John Roy gratified by the only reward he would -accept of—the pleasure of doing good.”</p> - -<p>From the sequel of the story, it appears that -some of the hordes of fairies, inhabiting the -“Shian of Coir-laggack,” found it convenient, -for purposes which may be easily guessed at, to -take a trip to the south of England, and made -no scruple to kidnap this lady in the absence of -her husband, and on the occasion of her accouchement. -A stock was, of course, deposited in her -stead—which, of <i>course</i>, died in a few days after—and -which, of <i>course</i>, was interred in the full -persuasion of <i>its</i> being the lady in question, -with all the splendour which her merits deserved. -Thus would the perfidious fairies have enjoyed -the fruits of their cunning, without even a suspicion<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">[81]</span> -of their knavery, were it not for the -“cleverness and generosity of John Roy, who -once lived in Glenbrown.”</p> - -<p>The natural passions, lusts, and covetousness -of which we have now shown the fairies to be -possessed, are not, however, our only grounds -for calling in question the fitness of their title to -angelic nature and attributes. For it will be -seen, from some traits in their character about to -be detailed, that their appetites are as keen and -voluptuous as their inclinations are corrupt and -wicked. Our readers would be apt to believe, -from the first outline of their character, that -they were an amiable, harmless race of people, -strictly honest, and given entirely to innocent -amusements. But it is a fact too well known, -that many of them are employed in very different -avocations from mirth and dancing; for, to -repeat an old Scottish proverb, “if a’ tales be -true,” thieving and blackguarding occupy fully -as much of their time as mirth and dancing. -And what is still worse, it is much suspected -that their proneness to theft and knavery is not -so much the effect of necessity, as it is the effect -of wanton depravity. However base and degrading -in the eyes of society appears the thief, even -when his deviation from honesty is the result of -<i>sheer</i> necessity, he appears infinitely more so -when he is solely led to the commission of crimes -from wanton levity. Hence the indignation -which a worthy man feels, whenever those pilfering -depredators embezzle the fruits of his -honest industry. The <i>whirlwind</i> is not the alone -engine of robbery to which the fairies resort; -they recur to others of a more direct and ruinous -character; while the loser, from the speciousness<span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">[82]</span> -of their artifices, is seldom conscious of the true -cause of his loss. In order to expose the wantonness -of such pillage as they will be shown to be -guilty of, we need only call our reader’s attention -to the extent of the indisputable perquisites -which they derive from fire and other calamities -incident to the estate of man, many of which -calamities, we are told, are accomplished by their -agency. As, however, we would not readily -accuse them of crimes so atrocious, without -some foundation, we submit the following particulars -to the judgment of our readers, leaving -them to draw their own inferences.</p> - -<p>“One day a fairy woman, residing in the -turrets of Craig-Aulnaic, called on one of the -tenants’ wives in Delnabo, in her neighbourhood, -and requested of her the loan of a firlot of -oatmeal for meat to her family, promising she -would return it in a very short time, as she herself -hourly expected a considerable supply. Not -choosing, for so small a trifle, to incur the fairy’s -displeasure, the tenant’s wife complied with her -request, from the same motives as if she had -been the exciseman. After regaling the fairy -with a dram and bread and cheese, as is the -custom of the country, she went out to give her -the customary convoy. On ascending the eminence -above the town, the ‘<i>Benshi</i>’ paused, and, -with apparent exultation, told the tenant’s wife -that she might take her meal home with her, as -she herself was now supplied as she expected. -The woman, without putting any impertinent -questions to the lady as to the source whence -her supply proceeded, cheerfully agreed to receive -back her meal, and took leave of her visitor. -She was not a little surprised, however, to observe,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">[83]</span> -in a few minutes thereafter, the corn-kiln -of an adjacent farm in total conflagration, with -all its contents.”</p> - -<p>Over and above this, all liquids spilled on the -ground are supposed to go to their use; and -there are some people even so charitable as -purposely to reserve for their participation a -share of the best they possess. It is not unlikely -that such generous actions were in some -degree influenced by such returns as the following:—</p> - -<p>“Once upon a time, a farmer, in Strathspey, -was engaged sowing a field upon his farm, and, -as is not uncommon, he accompanied his labours -with a cheerful song. Now the fairies are very -fond of music, and not less so of spoil,—and -whether it was the music or the seed that -attracted her most to the spot, certain it is, that -a fairy damsel, of great beauty and elegance, -presented herself to the farmer. She requested -of him, as a particular favour, to sing her an old -Gaelic song, ‘<i>Nighan Donne na Bual</i>;’ and, -when this favour was granted her, she sought of -him a present of corn. Although he had far less -objections to her first request than he had to her -second, he did not flatly refuse her, but he did -what any prudent man would do in similar circumstances,—he -inquired what she would give -him in return. She answered, that, provided -he granted her request, his seed would not the -more speedily fail him; and this assurance she -enforced with a look so significant, as to induce -him at once to supply her very liberally from -his bag. She then departed, and he resumed -his work. He was soon after very agreeably -surprised, when he found that, after sowing<span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">[84]</span> -abundantly a large field, wont to take five times -the bulk of his bag, it appeared equal in size -and weight to what it was when he met with the -fairy nymph. Far from being in the least confounded -at the agreeable circumstance, he threw -his bag over his shoulder, highly satisfied at the -act of munificence he did in the morning, and -sowed with it another field of equal extent, -without its exhibiting any appearance of diminution. -Perfectly satisfied now with his day’s -labour, he returned home, fully determined to -take care of his bag. But, just as he was entering -the barn door, who met him but his wife, ‘who -was a foolish talkative hussey, having a tongue -as long, and a head as empty, as the parish -church bell.’ With her usual loquacity she -accosted him, expressing her astonishment at -the unaccountable nature of the sack, that had -thus sown half their farm,—expressing, moreover, -very notable suspicions of the cause. Now -it is well known that, whenever any supernatural -agency is challenged, the spell is instantly -broken. So that the clashmaclavering -Jezebel had scarcely uttered those inconsiderate -and highly reprehensible words, when the burden -on the farmer’s back became an empty bag. -‘I’ll be your death, you foolish, foolish woman,’ -exclaimed her woe-struck husband; ‘were it -not for your imprudent talk, this bag were worth -its weight of gold.’”</p> - -<p>Such relations as the foregoing should go very -far to induce every prudent and foreseeing man -to be on as friendly a footing as possible with -those capricious and all-powerful people, especially -when their friendship is to be purchased -on such reasonable terms as those of which we<span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">[85]</span> -have just read. The unhappy hero of the following -narrative was convinced, when too late, -of the truth of this observation.</p> - -<p>“A farmer, who at one time occupied the -farm of Auchriachan, of Strathavon, was one -day searching for his goats in a remote hill in -Glenlivat, and what came on but a thick hazy -fog, which marred his way, and bewildered his -senses. Every stone, magnified by the delusion -of the moment, appeared a mountain; every -rivulet seemed to him to run in an opposite -direction to its usual course; and the unhappy -traveller thought of his fireside, which he expected -never to see more. Night came on -apace; its horrific gloom, as it approached, dispelled -the unhappy wanderer’s forlorn hopes, -and he now sat down to prepare for the world -that has no end. Involved in perplexity at his -unhappy situation, he threw a mournful look on -the gloomy scene around him, as if to bid the -world an eternal adieu,—when, lo! a twinkling -light glimmered on his eye. It was a cheering -blink that administered comfort to his soul. His -frigid limbs, which lately refused their office, -recovered their vigour. His exhausted frame -became animated and energetic: and he immediately -directed his course towards the light, -which, from its reflection, seemed not far distant. -On reaching the place, however, his joy was a -good deal damped when he examined the nature -of the place whence the light reflected. A -human foot never seemed to have visited the -scene; it was one of wildness and horror. Life, -however, is exceedingly sweet when we are on -the brink of losing it, and necessity had so far -subdued every vestige of fear, that <i>Auchriachan</i><span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">[86]</span> -resolved at all hazards to take a night’s lodging -with the inmates, whatever their nature or calling -might be. The door was open, and he entered -the place. His courage, however, was a -good deal appalled, on meeting at the door an -old female acquaintance, whose funeral he had -recently attended, and who, it appeared, acted -in this family in the capacity of housewife. But -this meeting, however disagreeable it proved to -Auchriachan in one respect, ultimately turned -out a fortunate circumstance for him, inasmuch -as his old acquaintance was the happy means of -saving his life. On observing Auchriachan—for -that was the farmer’s title—enter the abode, -she instantly ran towards him, and told him he -was done for, unless he chose to slip in into a -bye-corner off the principal apartment, where -he had better remain until she found an opportunity -of effecting his escape. The advice of -the friendly housekeeper he thought it prudent -to adopt, and he was accordingly content to -hide himself in a crevice in the apartment. -Scarce had he done so, when there entered the -dwelling an immense concourse of fairies, who -had been all day absent upon some important -expedition; and being well appetized by their -journey, they all cried out for some food. Having -all sat in council, the question proposed for -discussion was, ‘What was their supper to consist -of?’—When an old sagacious looking fairy, -who sat in the chimney corner, spoke as follows: -‘Celestial gentlemen, you all know and abhor -that old miserly fellow the taxman of Auchriachan. -Mean and penurious, he appropriates -nothing to us; but, on the contrary, disappoints -us of our very dues. By learning too well the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">[87]</span> -lesson taught him by his old and wizened grand-mother, -nothing escapes a blessing and a safeguard; -and the consequence is, that we cannot -interfere with the gleanings on his fields, far less -the stock and produce. Now, Auchriachan himself -is not at home this night; he is in search of -his goats, our allies,<a id="FNanchor_5" href="#Footnote_5" class="fnanchor">[E]</a>—his less careful household -have neglected the customary safeguards; and, -lo! his goods are at our mercy. Come, let us -have his favourite ox to supper.’—‘Bravo!’ -exclaimed the whole assembly; ‘the opinion of -Thomas Rymer is always judicious; Auchriachan -is certainly a miserable devil, and we shall -have his favourite ox to supper.’—‘But whence -shall we procure bread to eat with him?’ inquired -a greedy-looking fairy. ‘We shall have the -new baken bread of Auchriachan,’ replied the -sagacious and sage counsellor, Mr. Rymer; ‘for -he is a miserly old fellow—he himself is not at -home, and his wife has forgot to cross the first -bannock.’—‘Bravo!’ exclaimed the whole assembly. -‘By all means, let us have the new baken -bread of Auchriachan.’</p> - -<p>“Thus did Auchriachan, honest man, who, -indeed, was not at home, with no very grateful -feelings, learn the fate of his favourite ox, without, -however, dissenting from the general voice -that pronounced his doom. And, in pursuance -of the same unpleasant decision, he had the additional -mortification to see his ill-fated ox -deliberately introduced by the nose and killed -in his presence. Meantime, when all were engaged<span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">[88]</span> -cooking the ox, the officious housekeeper -took occasion, under pretence of some other -errand, to relieve Auchriachan from his uncomfortable -seclusion. On issuing forth from Mr. -Rymer’s council-chamber, Auchriachan found -the mist had entirely disappeared—the stones -were now of their natural size—the rivulets now -ran their usual course—the moon threw her -silver mantle over the lately murky scene, and he -had now no difficulty to make his way home, lamenting -most sincerely the lot of his favourite ox.</p> - -<p>“On arriving at home, he was cordially welcomed -by his happy family, whose great anxiety -for his safety was probably the cause of the omission -of that duty that poor Auchriachan had so -much cause to deplore. His overjoyed wife, -supposing her husband to be no doubt in a hungry -case, provided a basket of new baked bread -and milk, and urged him to eat, for sure he -might well be hungry. He did not, however, -mind her solicitude for his comfort—he was -sorry and sullen, and cared not for the provision, -particularly the bread, well knowing it was only -an abominable phantom. At last he inquired, -‘Which of you served the oxen this night, my -lads?’—‘It was I, my father,’ replied one of his -sons. ‘And did you mind the customary safeguard?’—‘Indeed,’ -says the son, ‘from my -great agitation for the fate of my father, I -believe I forgot.’—‘Alas! alas!’ exclaimed the -affectionate farmer, ‘my dear and favourite ox -is no more!’—‘What!’ exclaims one of his sons, -‘I saw him alive not two hours ago!’—‘It was -only a fairy stock,’ says Auchriachan. ‘Bring -him out here until I dispatch him.’ The farmer -then, venting the most unqualified expressions<span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">[89]</span> -of his indignation upon the stock and its knavish -proprietors, struck it such a pithy blow on the -forehead as felled it to the ground. Rolling down -the brae, at the back of the house, to the bottom, -there it lay and the bread along with it, both -unmolested; for it was a remarkable circumstance, -that neither dog nor cat ever put a tooth -on the carcase.”</p> - -<p>It now only remains for us to describe the -most heinous of all their crimes, a crime which we -are peculiarly reluctant to bring so openly to -light, did not our impartiality as an historian -compel us. This crime consists in their destruction -of human beings, and their cattle, by means -of their magical dart, commonly called an elf-bolt. -Those bolts are of various sizes, of a hard -yellowish substance, resembling somewhat the -flint, for which they are no bad substitutes. -The bolt is very frequently of the shape of a -heart, its edges being indented like a saw, and -very sharp at the point. This deadly weapon -the wicked fairy will throw at man or beast with -such precision as seldom to miss his aim; and -whenever it hits, the stroke is fatal. Such is -the great force with which it is flung, that on -its striking the object it instantaneously perforates -it to the heart, and a sudden death is the -consequence. In the blinking of an eye, a man -or an ox is struck down cold-dead, and, strange -to say, the wound is not discernible to an ordinary -person, unless he is possessed of the charm -that enables some wise people to trace the course -of the bolt, and ultimately discover it in the -dead body.—Note, whenever this fatal instrument -is discovered, it should be carefully preserved, -as it defends its possessor from the fatal<span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">[90]</span> -consequences of the “<i>Fay</i>,” so long as he retains -it about him.</p> - -<p>Having now travelled over the leading traits -of the fairy’s character, publicly and privately, -we shall now conclude our treatise of him by -subjoining a few of the most approved cures and -safeguards, which afford protection from his -dangerous practices. An abler historian might -be disposed to offer some learned observations -on the strange incongruity of character exhibited -by the fairy in the preceding sketches, and -endeavour, if he could, to reconcile them so as -to form any thing like a rational subject. As a -plain unvarnished compiler, however, we have -discharged our duty; we have detailed, to the -best of our ability, the fairy’s character, according -to the nature of our materials; and if our -delineations are strange and inconsistent, the fault -lies either with the fairy or his professed historians, -and not with the mere machine, <i>ourself</i>, -the compiler.</p> - -<p>Go to the summit of some stupendous cliff or -mountain, where any species of quadruped has -never fed nor trod, and gather of that herb in -the Gaelic language called “<i>Mohan</i>,” which can -be pointed out by any “<i>wise</i> person.” This -herb you will give to a cow, and of the milk of -that cow you are to make a cheese, and whoever -eats of that cheese is for ever after, as well as -his gear, perfectly secure from every species of -fairy agency.</p> - -<p>A piece of torch fir carried about the person, -and a knife made of iron which has never been -applied to any purpose, are both excellent preservatives.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">[91]</span>A piece of cold iron or steel put into the bed -of a lady “<i>uneasy in her circumstances</i>” will -protect mother and offspring from being -“<i>Fayed</i>.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">[92]</span></p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">[93]</span> -<h2 class="nobreak">PART III.<br> - -<span class="antiqua">Brownies.</span></h2> - -<hr class="tiny"> -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">Brownie has got a cowl and coat,</div> -<div class="verse">And never more will work a jot.</div> -</div></div> -</div> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">[94]</span></p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">[95]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">BROWNIES.</h3> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Although</span> this mysterious and very useful agent -has now become very rare among the Highland -mountains, it appears that, at one time, he was -the common appendage of every family of rank -in those countries. Hence, his history and -character are well known; and his memory still -retains a powerful interest in the minds of the -inhabitants. It may not, therefore, be improper -to give a condensed account of the most prominent -traits of the Highland Brownie’s character, -to enable the reader to compare his manners -and habits with those of the Brownie of Bodspeck, -or any other Brownie with the manners -of whom he may happen to be acquainted.</p> - -<p>With regard to the Brownie’s origin, it is a -point that is involved in much obscurity. It -was always a peculiar trait in his character, that -he never would favour his earthly acquaintances -with any information regarding his own private -affairs. From some resemblance the Brownie -bore to the Fairy, joined to a similarity of habits, -it was shrewdly suspected by the more discriminating -sort of people, that if he were not actually -a member of the Fairy people, he was, at least, -a mongrel species of them. But on this important -topic the sagacious Brownie himself<span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">[96]</span> -opened not his mouth; leaving them to argue -the matter as they thought proper.</p> - -<p>In his personal appearance, the Highland -Brownie was highly interesting. His person -was not quite so tall as that of the Fairy, but it -was well proportioned and comely; and, from -the peculiar brownness of his complexion, he -received the appellation of <i>Brownie</i>.</p> - -<p>In his manners and habits he differed widely -from all the supernatural beings of his day; -inasmuch as he was laborious and faithful to -his master’s interest—content to labour day and -night for no other fee or reward than a scanty -diet, and occasionally a suit of cast-off apparel. -Hence, the possession of so cheap and useful an -agent was an acquisition highly desirable. But -he was what neither money nor interest could -procure. Having once united himself to the -founder of an ancient family, he adhered to him -and to his issue so long as he had any lineal -posterity; and hence it is, that the Brownie was -only found the heir-loom of an ancient and honourable -family.</p> - -<p>Unexampled for his fidelity, he was the indefatigable -guardian and promoter of his adopted -master’s interest; and, from his powers of prophecy -and information, his services were truly -invaluable. Over the servants he was always a -vigilant and faithful spy, ready to give a faithful -account of their good or bad actions; and -hence it followed, that with these he was very -seldom on a good understanding. So that, if -the Brownie was left to the servants’ mercy, he -would not, in all likelihood, fare the better for -his fidelity. But if the master had any regard -to his own interest, he was careful to have seen<span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">[97]</span> -him properly cared for in his meat and in his -drink, which care was rewarded by the most -unlimited devotion to his interest.</p> - -<p>The last two brownies known in this quarter -of the Highlands were long the appendages of -the ancient family of Tullochgorm in Strathspey. -They were male and female, and, for -aught we know, they might likewise have been -man and wife. The male was of an exceedingly -jocose and humorous disposition, often indulging -in little sports at the expense of his fellow-servants. -He had, in particular, a great trick -of flinging clods at the passengers, and from -thence he got the name of “<i>Brownie-Clod</i>.” -He had, however, with all his humour, a great -deal of simplicity about him, and became, in -his turn, the dupe of those on whom he affected -to play. An eminent instance of this appears -from a contract into which he foolishly entered -with the servants of Tullochgorm, whereby he -bound and obliged himself to thrash as much -corn and straw as two men could do for the -space of a whole winter, on condition he was to -be gratified with an old coat and a Kilmarnock -cowl, pieces of apparel for which, it seems, he -had a great liking. While the servants were -reclining themselves at their ease upon the straw, -poor Brownie-Clod thrashed on unremittingly, -and performed such Herculean tasks as no human -constitution could bear for a week together. -Some time before the expiry of the contract, -the lads, out of pure gratitude and pity, left -the coat and cowl for him on a mow of corn in -the barn, on receipt of which he instantly struck -work, and with the greatest triumph at the idea -of taking in his acquaintances, he sneeringly<span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">[98]</span> -told them, that, since they were so foolish as -to give him the coat and cowl before he had -wrought for them, he would now decline to -thrash another sheaf.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="first">“Huar Prownie coad agus curochd</div> -<div class="verse">Agus cha dian Prownie opar tullidh.”</div> -</div></div> - -<p>The female was more pawky in her ways; -and, instead of being a laughing-stock to the -female-servants with whom she wrought, she -was a sort of a mistress over them. She was -seldom on good terms with them, in consequence -of the fidelity with which she reported their -neglect of duty to their master or mistress. It -was her custom to wear a superabundance of -hair, in consequence of which, she was commonly -called “<i>Maug Vuluchd</i>,” or “Hairy Mag.” -Mag was an honest and excellent housekeeper, -and had the service of the table generally assigned -her, in which capacity she was extremely -useful. The dexterity and care with which she -covered the table, always invisible, was not less -amusing to strangers than it was convenient to -their host. Whatever was called for came as -if it floated on the air, and lighted on the table -with the utmost ease and celerity; and, for -cleanliness and attention, she had not her equal -in this land.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">[99]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">PART IV.<br> - -<span class="antiqua">Water-Kelpies.</span></h2> -</div> - -<hr class="tiny"> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">When thaws dissolve the snawy hoord,</div> -<div class="verse">An’ float the jingling icy boord,</div> -<div class="verse">The water-kelpies haunt the foord,</div> -<div class="indent7">By your direction,</div> -<div class="verse">And nightly travellers are allur’d</div> -<div class="indent7">To their destruction.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><span class="smcap">Burns</span>’ <i>Address to the Deil</i>.</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">[100]</span></p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">[101]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">WATER-KELPIES.</h3> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">In</span> the former and darker ages of the world -when people had not half the wit and sagacity -they now possess, and when, consequently, they -were much easier duped by such designing -agents, the “Ech Uisque,” or <i>Water-Horse</i>, as -the Kelpie is commonly called, was a well-known -character in those countries. The Kelpie -was an infernal agent, retained in the service -and pay of Satan, who granted him a commission -to execute such services as appeared profitable -to his interest. He was an amphibious -character, and generally took up his residence -in lochs and pools, bordering on public roads -and other situations, most convenient for his -professional calling.</p> - -<p>His commission consisted in the destruction -of human beings, without affording them time -to prepare for their immortal interests, and thus -endeavour to send their souls to his master, -while he, the Kelpie, enjoyed the body. However, -he had no authority to touch a human -being of his own free accord, unless the latter -was the aggressor. In order, therefore, to delude -public travellers and others to their destruction, -it was the common practice of the -Kelpie to assume the most fascinating form, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">[102]</span> -assimilate himself to that likeness which he -supposed most congenial to the inclinations of -his intended victim. The likeness of a fine -riding steed was his favourite disguise. Decked -out in the most splendid riding accoutrements, -the perfidious Kelpie would place himself in -the weary traveller’s way, and graze by the -road-side with all the seeming innocence and -simplicity in the world. The traveller, supposing -this fine horse to have strayed from his -master, and considering him as a good <i>catch</i> for -carrying him a part of the way, would approach -the horse with the greatest caution, soothing it -with <i>proogy proogy</i>, and many other terms of -endearment, in the event of his taking to his -heels, as wild horses are sometimes apt to do. -But this horse knew better what he was about; -he was as calm and peaceable as a lamb, until his -victim was once fairly mounted on his back; -with a fiend-like yell he would then announce -his triumph, and plunging headlong with his -woe-struck rider into an adjacent pool, enjoy -him for his repast. The following curious relation, -communicated to the compiler by the celebrated -Mr. Wellox, who possesses the precious -relic captured from the kelpie alluded to in the -story, will complete all the information that is -necessary regarding this once formidable entrapper -of mankind:</p> - -<p>“In the time of my renowned ancestor, Mr. -James Macgrigor, (rest to his soul!) who was -well known to be a good man, and a man of -great strength and courage in his day, there was -a most mischievous water-kelpie that lived in -Lochness, and which committed the most atrocious -excesses on the defenceless inhabitants of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">[103]</span> -the surrounding districts. It was the common -practice of this iniquitous agent to prowl about -the public roads, decked out in all the trappings -of a riding horse, and in this disguise place himself -in the way of the passenger, who often took -it into his head to mount him, to his no small -prejudice; for upon this the vicious brute would -immediately fly into the air, and in a jiffy light -with his rider in Lochnadorb, Lochspynie, or -Lochness, where he would enjoy his victim at -his leisure. Filled with indignation at the repeated -relations he had heard of the kelpie’s -practices, my ancestor, Mr. Macgrigor, ardently -wished to fall in with his kelpieship, in order to -have a bit of a communing with him touching -his notorious practices. And Providence, in its -wise economy, thought it meet that Mr. Macgrigor -should be gratified in his wish.</p> - -<p>“One day as he was travelling along ‘<i>Slochd -Muichd</i>,’ a wild and solitary pass on the road -between Strathspey and Inverness, whom did -he observe but this identical water-kelpie, browsing -away by the road-side with the greatest complacency, -thinking, no doubt, in his mind, that -he would kidnap Mr. Macgrigor as he had done -others. But in this idea he found himself wofully -mistaken! For no sooner did Mr. Macgrigor -espy him, than he instantly determined -to have a trial of his mettle. Accordingly, -marching up to the horse, who thought, no doubt, -he was just coming to mount him, Mr. Macgrigor -soon convinced him of the contrary by drawing -his trusty sword, with which he dealt the kelpie -such a pithy blow on the nose, as almost felled -him to the ground. The stroke maltreated the -kelpie’s jaw very considerably, cutting through<span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">[104]</span> -his bridle, in consequence of which, one of the -bits, being that which you have just examined, -fell down on the ground. Observing the bit -lying at his feet, Mr. Macgrigor had the curiosity -to pick it up, whilst the astonished kelpie -was recovering from the effects of the blow, and -this bit Mr. Macgrigor carelessly threw into his -pocket. He then prepared for a renewal of his -conflict with its former owner, naturally supposing -the kelpie would return him his compliment. -But what was Mr. Macgrigor’s surprise, -when he found that, instead of retorting his -blow, and fighting out the matter to the last, -the kelpie commenced a cool dissertation upon -the injustice and illegality of Mr. Macgrigor’s -proceedings. ‘What is your business with me?’ -says he. ‘What is your business with me, Mr. -Macgrigor? I have often heard of you as a man -of great honour and humanity; why, therefore, -thus abuse a poor defenceless animal like me, -let me be a horse, or let me be a kelpie, so long -as I did you no harm? In my humble opinion, -Mr. Macgrigor,’ continued the kelpie, ‘you acted -both cruelly and illegally; and certainly your -conduct would justify me, if I should return you -twofold your assault upon me. However, I -abominate quarrels of this sort,’ says the conciliatory -kelpie, ‘and if you peaceably return me -the bit of my bridle, we shall say no more on the -subject.’ To this learned argument of the kelpie -Mr. Macgrigor made no other reply than flatly -denying his request, in the first place; and, in -the second place, mentioning, in pretty unqualified -terms, his opinion of his character and profession. -‘It is true,’ replied the other, ‘that -I am what you call a kelpie; but it is known to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">[105]</span> -my heart, that my profession was never quite -congenial to my feelings. We kelpies engage -in many <i>disagreeable undertakings</i>. But, as -the proverb says, Necessity has no law; and -there is no profession that a man or spirit -will not sometimes try, <i>for the sake of an -honest livelihood</i>: so you will please have the -goodness to give me the bit of my bridle.’ Observing -the great anxiety evinced by the kelpie -to have the bit of his bridle restored to him, -and feeling anxious to learn its properties, my -sagacious ancestor immediately concocted a plan, -whereby he might elicit from the poor dupe of -a kelpie an account of its virtues. ‘Well, Mr. -Kelpie,’ says Mr. Macgrigor, ‘all your logic -cannot change my opinion of the criminality of -your profession, though, I confess, it has somewhat -disarmed me of my personal hostility to -you as a member of it; I am, therefore, disposed -to deliver up to you the bit of your bridle, but -it is on this express condition, that you will -favour me with an account of its use and qualities, -for I am naturally very <i>curious</i>, do you know.’ -To this proposition the kelpie joyfully acceded, -and thus addressed Mr. Macgrigor: ‘My dear -sir, you must know that such agents as I are -invested by our Royal Master with a particular -commission, consisting of some document delivered -to us by his own hand. The commission -delivered to a kelpie consists in a bridle invested -with all those powers of transformation, -information, and observation, necessary for our -calling; and wherever we lose this commission, -whether voluntarily or by accident, our power -is at an end, and certain annihilation within four -and twenty hours is the consequence. Had it<span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">[106]</span> -not been that my bridle was broken by your -matchless blow, I must be so candid as to declare, -I might have broken every bone in your body; -but now you are stronger than myself, and you -can be half a kelpie at your pleasure: only -please to look through the holes of the bit of the -bridle, and you will see myriads of invisible -agents, fairies, witches, and devils, all flying -around you, the same as if you had been gifted -with the second-sight, and all their machinations -clearly exposed to your observation.’—‘My dear -sir,’ replied my ancestor, ‘I am much obliged to -you for your information; but I am sorry to inform -you, that your relation has so endeared the -bit of your bridle to myself, that I have resolved -to keep it for your sake. I could not persuade -myself to part with it for any consideration -whatever.’—‘What!’ exclaimed the petrified -Kelpie, ‘do you really mean, in the face of our -solemn agreement, to retain the bit of my -bridle?’—‘I not only mean it, but I am resolved -on it,’ replies my ancestor, who immediately -proceeded to make the best of his way -home with the bit. ‘Come, come,’ the Kelpie -would perpetually exclaim, ‘you have carried -the joke far enough, you surely do not mean to -keep my bridle?’—‘Time will show,’ was always -his laconic answer. The Kelpie still continued -his earnest entreaties, interlarded with anecdotes -of great squabbles which he had formerly had -with as powerful characters as Mr. Macgrigor, -and which always ended to his eminent advantage, -but which, he politely insinuated, he would -be sorry to see repeated. But when his grief and -solicitude for his bridle began to evince themselves -in a threatening aspect, a single flourish<span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">[107]</span> -of his trusty sword disarmed him of all his might, -and made him calm as a cat. At length, when -they arrived in sight of Mr. Macgrigor’s house, -his grief and despair for his bridle became perfectly -outrageous. Galloping off before Mr. -Macgrigor, the Kelpie told him as he went, that -he and the bit should never pass his threshold -together; and, in pursuance of this assurance, -he planted himself in Mr. Macgrigor’s door, -summoning up all his powers for the impending -conflict. However, James Macgrigor resolved, -if possible, to evade the Kelpie’s decree; and -accordingly going to a back window in his house, -he called his wife towards him, and threw the -bit of the Kelpie’s bridle into her lap. He then -returned to the Kelpie, who stood sentry at his -door, and told him candidly he was a miserable -legislator; for that, in spite of his decree, the -bit of his bridle was that moment in his wife’s -possession. The Kelpie, now finding himself -fairly outwitted, saw the vanity of contending -with James Macgrigor and his claymore, for -what could not be recovered. As there was a -rowan cross above the door, his kelpieship could -no more enter the house than he could pass -through the eye of a needle; and he, therefore, -thought it best to take himself off, holding forth, -at the same time, the most beastly language to -my ancestor, which he most sincerely despised.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">[108]</span></p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">[109]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">PART V.<br> - -<span class="antiqua">Spunkies.</span></h2> -</div> - -<hr class="tiny"> -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">An’ oft your moss-traversing spunkies</div> -<div class="verse">Decoy some wight that late and drunk is;</div> -<div class="verse">The bleezin, curst, mischievous monkies</div> -<div class="indent11">Delude his eyes,</div> -<div class="verse">Till in some miry slough he sunk is,</div> -<div class="indent11">Ne’er more to rise.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><span class="smcap">Burns’</span> <i>Address to the Deil</i>.</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">[110]</span></p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">[111]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">SPUNKIES.</h3> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Spunkie is another of those now-retired -ministers, formerly employed by the Enemy of -mankind to accomplish their destruction. And, -in all truth, he could not have taken into his -pay a servant more faithful to his trust than the -spunkie. Whenever the traveller had the misfortune -to lose his way, or whenever there was -a prospect of deluding him from it, this vigilant -<i>link-boy</i> was ever at hand, to light him into far -worse quarters than even the purlieus of Covent -Garden.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the traveller’s attention was arrested -by the most resplendent light, apparently reflected -from a window not far distant; which, -however, as the traveller approached, receded -from him like the rainbow. Still pursuing his -course towards it, the wily spunkie manœuvred -so dexterously, that the unhappy wanderer was -speedily decoyed into the nearest moss or precipice. -Plunging headlong into some fatal abyss, -the deluded victim never returned to his mourning -wife and family, to relate to them the spunkie’s -perfidy.</p> - -<p>Happily now, however, the roads are better,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">[112]</span> -and travellers more cautious. All the glittering -meteors of the spunkie cannot make the -knowing Highlander of the present day turn to -the right or to the left. So that the spunkie -has now shut shop, and become bankrupt in his -department.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">[113]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">PART VI.<br> - -<span class="antiqua">Witchcraft.</span></h2> -</div> - -<hr class="tiny"> -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">When Satan, for weighty dispatches,</div> -<div class="indent">Sought messengers cunning and bold,</div> -<div class="verse">He pass’d by the beautiful faces,</div> -<div class="indent">And pick’d out the ugly and old.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><span class="smcap">Volle.</span></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">[114]</span></p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">[115]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">CHAPTER I.<br> - -ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF WITCHCRAFT.</h3> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">We</span> are now come to consider and describe the -ancient and well-known order of Witchcraft; -the nature and object of which require very little -explanation in a country where it has been so -long established as in Scotland. Taking a retrospective -view of the rise and progress of this -once flourishing institution, we are told it was -founded by the Grand Master, shortly after the -creation of the world. That the wickedness of -the inhabitants having kept pace with their increase, -Satan found work multiplying so fast -on his hands, that his own spiritual minions, -numerous as they were, became inadequate to -their employment. Being seldom blind to his -own interest, the idea of enlisting a few human -instruments to supply their deficiencies naturally -suggested itself to his fertile genius, and -such has been the thirst for magic and power, -which has at all times pervaded the old women -of those countries, that he never had great difficulty -in procuring abundance of volunteers to -join his banners.</p> - -<p>Having thus established his new order of -emissaries, Satan found them to answer his purposes -uncommonly well. They drudged on in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">[116]</span> -his work so laboriously, and with such good success, -that he found them more profitable tools, -for deluding and <i>hooking-in</i> the best portion of -mankind, than his own proper agents, whose -means of communication and seduction were -much more confined and disadvantageous. Accordingly, -he has found it his interest to continue -the institution to this day.</p> - -<p>It will, no doubt, prove a matter of some -astonishment to the amiable and considerate -reader, how any body that has the honour of -wearing a human face could think of espousing -so desperate a cause, for the sake of any gratification -which Satan’s kingdom affords. Common -fame errs too much, if he is at all a liberal -master to those who are his servants, for it is -said he seldom or never fulfils his conditions -with any one of them. Though mighty forward -to enter into pactions, and extraordinarily liberal -in his terms while making a bargain, he is said -to be far less ready to perform his share of the -conditions when it is once concluded; and what -is still worse, when he forfeits a penalty, there is -no law that can exact it of him. Accordingly, -we have heard of not a few deluded mortals, who -sold themselves to him for sums of money and -other considerations, but never yet heard of his -having paid the purchase money.</p> - -<p>So once fared a poor needy wretch of a Highlandman, -that bartered his soul to Satan for a -cow, and who never could get the latter to fulfil -his bargain. It is no doubt true, that after -much importunity he did at length perform his -stipulation, in a way not very creditable to him. -Urgently importuned by the disponer to give -him his cow, he ultimately fetched him one,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">[117]</span> -which was but a few hours in his possession, -when it was challenged by a third party as his -stolen property; unwilling to explain how he -came by it, the poor fellow was flung into a -prison, and speedily brought before the laird -for trial. In this distressing situation, the disponer -was compelled to tell the truth and the -manner he came by the cow, not doubting but -that the disclosure would have at once exculpated -him from the charge. But unfortunately for -him, his ingenuous confession failed of its object, -and the poor man was condemned to the <i>wuddie</i>, -reserving to him such recourse against Satan as -he might be advised to adopt.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">[118]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">CHAPTER II.<br> - -OF THE AGENT’S QUALIFICATIONS, AND CEREMONIES OF THEIR -CONSTITUTION.</h3> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> the candidates for Satan’s employment -have, by a course of probation, given sufficient -proofs of their ability for the discharge of the -duties of the profession they are about to adopt, -and when they have arrived at an age befitting -the importance of the calling, men and women -are equally eligible, though it is well known -that women are preferred. Their initiation into -infernal orders is preceded by the execution of -a formal covenant with Satan, sealed with the -mutual blood of the parties, whereby, for the -considerations therein expressed, Satan engages, -on the one hand, to commit to the entrant the -various powers and qualifications which shall be -detailed in the following pages; and, on the -other hand, the said entrant binds and obliges -himself, or herself, to apply himself, or herself, -faithfully and diligently in his service, by day -and by night, promising to conceal the secrets -of his trade and profession, (much in the style -of our common indentures). The candidates are -then inducted into the mysteries and secrets of -their new profession with great pomp, in presence<span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">[119]</span> -of the Royal Grand Master, who, set forth -in <i>proprio terrore</i>, presides over the ceremony. -The place selected for this imposing ceremony -is not unfrequently a spacious lake or pool, the -members of the craft in attendance being furnished -with their seaworthy navy, their brooms -and riddles. The following particulars relative -to an intended initiation, which was attempted -in Strathdown, “in the memory of the grandmothers -of some people still living,” while it -conveys some idea of such a scene as that to -which we alluded, may also prove a warning to -those who may be thoughtlessly led to embrace -the profession.</p> - -<p>“In the time of my grandmother, the farm -of <i>Delnabo</i> was proportionally divided between -three tenants. At first equally comfortable in -their circumstances, it was in the course of some -time remarked by all, and by none more forcibly -than by one of the said three portioners, -that, although superior in point of industry and -talent to his two fellow-portioners, one of the -tenants was daily lapsing into poverty, while his -two neighbours were daily improving in estate. -Amazed and grieved at the adverse fortune which -thus attended his family, compared to the prosperous -condition of his neighbours, the wife of -the poor man was in the habit of expressing her -astonishment at the circumstance, not only to -her own particular friends, but likewise to the -wives of her neighbours themselves. On one -of these occasions, the other two wives asked her -what would she do to ameliorate her condition, -if it were in her power? She answered them, she -would do any thing whatever. (Here the other -wives thought they had got a gudgeon, that<span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">[120]</span> -would snap at any bait, and immediately resolved -to make her their confidant.) ‘Well, then,’ -says one of the other two wives, ‘if you agree -to keep our communications strictly secret, and -implicitly obey our instructions, neither poverty -nor want shall ever assail you more.’ This -speech of the other wife immediately impressed -the poor man’s wife with a strong suspicion of -their real character. Dissembling all surprise -at the circumstance, she promised to agree to all -their conditions. She was then directed, when -she went to bed that night, to carry along with -her the floor-broom, well known for its magical -properties, which she was to leave by her husband’s -side in the course of the night, and which -would represent her so exactly, that the husband -could not distinguish the difference in the morning. -They, at the same time, enjoined her to -discard all fears of detection, as their own husbands -had been satisfied with those lovely substitutes -(the brooms) for a great number of -years. Matters being thus arranged, she was -desired to join them at the hour of midnight, in -order to accompany them to that scene which -was to realize her future happiness.</p> - -<p>“Promising to attend to their instructions, -the poor man’s wife took leave of her neighbours, -full of those sensations of horror which the discovery -of such depravity was calculated to produce -in a virtuous mind. Hastening home to -her husband, she thought it no crime to break -her promise to her wicked neighbours, and, like -a dutiful and prudent wife, to reveal to the -husband of her bosom the whole particulars of -their interview. The husband greatly commended -his wife’s fidelity, and immediately entered<span class="pagenum" id="Page_121">[121]</span> -into a collusion with her, which displays -no ordinary degree of ingenuity. It was agreed -that the husband should exchange apparel with -the wife, and that he should, in this disguise, -accompany the wives to the place appointed, to -see what cantrips they intended to perform. -He accordingly arrayed himself in his wife’s -habiliments, and, at the hour of midnight, joined -the party at the place appointed. The ‘<i>Bride</i>,’ -as they called him, was most cordially received -by the two Ladies of the Broom, who warmly -congratulated the ‘Bride’ upon <i>her</i> good fortune, -and the speedy consummation of <i>her</i> happiness. -He was then presented with a fir-torch, -a broom, and a riddle, articles with which they -themselves were furnished. They directed their -course along the banks of the rolling Avon, until -they reached Craic-pol-nain, or the Craig of the -Birdspool. Here, in consequence of the steepness -of the craig, they found it convenient to -pass to the other side of the river. This passage -they effected without the use of their navy, the -river being fordable at the place. They then -came in sight of Pol-nain, and, lo! what human -eye ever witnessed such a scene before! The -pool appeared as if actually enveloped in a flame -of fire. A hundred torches blazed aloft, reflecting -their beams on the towering woods of Loynchork. -And what ear ever heard such shrieks -and yells as proceeded from the horrid crew -engaged at their hellish orgies on Pol-nain? -Those cries were, however, sweet music to the -two wives of Delnabo. Every yell produced -from them a burst of unrestrained pleasure, and -away they frisked, leaving the amiable <i>bride</i> a -considerable way behind. For the fact is, that<span class="pagenum" id="Page_122">[122]</span> -he was in no hurry to reach the scene, and when -he did reach it, it was with a determination to -be only a spectator, and not a participator in the -night’s performance. On reaching the pool’s -side he saw what was going on,—he saw abundance -of hags steering themselves to and fro in -their riddles, by means of their oars the brooms, -hallooing and skirling worse than the bogles, -and each holding in her left hand a torch of fir,—whilst -at other times they would swirl themselves -into a row, and make profound obeisance -to a large black ugly tyke, perched on a lofty -rock, who was no doubt the ‘muckle thief’ himself, -and who was pleased to acknowledge most -graciously those expressions of their loyalty and -devotion, by bowing, grinning, and clapping his -paws. Having administered to the <i>bride</i> some -preliminary instructions, the impatient wives -desired him to remain by the pool’s side until -they should commune with his Satanic Highness -on the subject of <i>her</i> inauguration, directing <i>her</i>, -as they proceeded on their voyage across the -pool, to speed them in their master’s name. To -this order of the black pair the <i>bride</i> was -resolved to pay particular attention. As soon -as they were embarked in their riddles, and had -wriggled themselves, by means of their brooms, -into a proper depth of water, ‘Go,’ says he, -‘in the name of the Best.’ A horrid yell from -the witches announced their instant fate,—the -magic spell was now dissolved—crash went the -riddles, and down sank the two witches, never -more to rise, amidst the shrieks and lamentations -of the Old Thief and all his infernal crew, whose -combined power and policy could not save them -from a watery end. All the torches were extinguished<span class="pagenum" id="Page_123">[123]</span> -in an instant, and the affrighted company -fled in different directions, in such forms -and similitudes as they thought most convenient -for them to adopt; and the <i>wily bride</i> returned -home at his leisure, enjoying himself vastly at -the clever manner in which he had executed the -instructions of his deceased friends. On arriving -at his house, he dressed himself in his own -clothes, and, without immediately satisfying his -wife’s curiosity at the result of his excursion, he -yoked his cattle, and commenced his morning -labours with as little concern as usual. His two -neighbours, who were not even conscious of the -absence of their wives, (so ably substituted were -they by the brooms,) did the same. Towards -breakfast-time, however, the two neighbours -were not a little astonished that they observed -no signs of their wives having risen from bed—notwithstanding -their customary earliness—and -this surprise they, expressed to the <i>late bride</i>, -their neighbour. The latter archly remarked, -that he had great suspicions, in his own mind, of -their <i>rising</i> even that day. ‘What mean you -by that?’ replied they. ‘We left our wives -apparently in good health when we ourselves -arose.’—‘Find them now,’ was the reply—the -bride setting up as merry a whistle as before. -Running each to his bed, what was the astonishment -of the husbands, when, instead of his wife, -he only found an old broom. Their neighbour -then told them, that, if they chose to examine -Pol-nain well, they would find both their dear -doxies there. The grieving husbands accordingly -proceeded thither, and, with the necessary -instruments, dragged their late worthy partners -to dry land; and afterwards privately interred<span class="pagenum" id="Page_124">[124]</span> -them. The shattered vessels and oars of those -unfortunate navigators, whirling about the pool, -satisfied their lords of the manner by which they -came to their <i>ends</i>; and their names were no -longer mentioned by their kindred in the land. -It need scarcely be added, that the poor man -gradually recovered his former opulence; and -that, in the course of a short time, he was comparatively -as rich as he was formerly poor.”</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_125">[125]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">CHAPTER III.<br> - -OF THE PERSONAL SIMILITUDE OF THE AGENTS OR MEMBERS -OF THE CRAFT.</h3> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">It</span> is well known, that no sooner do men or -women enter on this profession, than there is a -striking change in their personal appearance. -Their countenances are no longer the emblems -of human nature, but the sign-posts of malice -and bad luck. “Looking like a witch” is a -proverb that has been always descriptive of the -most exquisite ugliness; and whoever has seen -the frontispiece of a Highland witch will be -satisfied with its force and propriety.</p> - -<p>The face is so wrinkled, that it commonly -resembles the channels of dried waters, and the -colour of it resembles nothing so much as a piece -of rough tanned leather. The eyes are small -and piercing, sunk into the forehead, like the -expiring remains of a candle in a socket. The -nose is large, prominent, and sharp, forming a -bridge to the contacting chin. These are represented -as the amiable features of a witch. The -wizard’s appearance differs very little from that -of his amiable sister the witch, only that his face -is covered over with a preternatural redundance -of hair, and that he wears beneath his chin a -bunch of hair in the manner of a goat.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_126">[126]</span>It has been long a subject of tough controversy -to what cause this striking deformity is -justly to be ascribed. Some logicians rationally -enough maintain, that the characteristic deformity -of the order arises from their frequent -interviews with Satan; that the tremor of the -limbs, the horror of the aspect, and stare of the -eyes, with which they are always seized during -the season of their noviciation, are rendered habitual -to them by the force of custom, which is -justly called a second nature. And, in support -of this doctrine, we are told it is a fact, that, -whenever we behold a ghost, or any other <i>uncanny</i> -being, our features become contracted -exactly the same way. But, be this as it may, -it is an acknowledged fact, that ugliness was, -from the beginning of their cast, their distinguishing -characteristic.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_127">[127]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">CHAPTER IV.<br> - -OF THEIR PROFESSIONAL POWERS AND PRACTICES.</h3> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">On</span> a nearer examination of a witch’s character, -we will find her face a very correct index to her -heart. She is the arch-enemy of whatever is -good and amiable. Invested as she is with as -ample powers of seduction and mischief as Satan -himself, she is equally expert in accomplishing -the ruin of the soul and body of the objects of -her malignity. In order to convey to the reader -an idea of those powers with which she is invested, -and which she never fails to exercise, we shall -detail them in their order, illustrating our statements, -as we go along, with proofs from the best -authorities.</p> - -<p>The most formidable of all the powers conferred -on a witch consists in the torture and -destruction of human beings by infernal machination. -There are various processes by which -those hellish practices are accomplished, but the -most common process is that invented and used -by that eminent and distinguished witch, “<i>Crea -Mhoir cun Drochdair</i>,” who was burnt and worried -at a stake at Inverness, about two centuries -ago, for bewitching and keeping in torment the -body of the provost’s son. Crea made an effigy<span class="pagenum" id="Page_128">[128]</span> -of clay and other hellish ingredients, into which -she stuck pins and other sharp instruments. -This effigy of the provost’s son she placed on a -spit at a large fire, and by these cantrips the -hag communicated such agonizing torments to -the young gentleman, that he must have had -speedily fallen a victim to his sufferings, had it -not been for the happy discovery made by means -of a little grandchild of Crea Mhoir’s, who -divulged the whole secret to a little companion, -for the small gratification of a piece of bread and -cheese. But although Crea, honest woman, was -long ago disposed of, to the great comfort and -satisfaction of her countrymen, who naturally -enough ascribed to her all the calamities which -happened in the country during her lifetime, -she left behind her the immortal fruits of her -genius, for the benefit of her black posterity, in -those mischievous inventions practised by the -witches of latter times, who understand the knack -of torturing their unhappy contemporaries in all -its branches, as exemplified in the cases of -several worthies noticed in the sequel.</p> - -<p>The next important power of a witch and a -warlock consists in their control over air and -water, whereby they raise most dreadful storms -and hurricanes by sea and by land, and thus -accomplish the destruction of many a valuable -life, which otherwise might have been long -spared. The following account of the loss of a -most excellent gentleman exhibits too melancholy -an instance of the success of their experiments -in this way:</p> - -<p>“John Garve Macgillichallum of Razay was -an ancient hero of great celebrity. Distinguished -in the age in which he lived for the gallantry<span class="pagenum" id="Page_129">[129]</span> -of his exploits, he has often been selected by the -bard as the theme of his poems and songs. -Alongst with a constitution of body naturally -vigorous and powerful, Razay was gifted with -all those noble qualities of the mind which a true -hero is supposed to possess. And what reflected -additional lustre on his character, was that he -never failed to apply his talents and powers to -the best uses. He was the active and inexorable -enemy of the weird sisterhood, many of -whom he was the auspicious instrument of sending -to their ‘black inheritance’ much sooner -than they either expected or desired. It was -not therefore to be supposed, that, while those -amiable actions endeared Razay to all good -people, they were at all calculated to win him -the regard of those infernal hags to whom he -was so deadly a foe. As might be naturally expected, -they cherished towards him the most implacable -thirst of revenge, and sought, with unremitting -vigilance, for an opportunity of quenching -it. That such an opportunity did unhappily -occur, and that the meditated revenge of these -hags was too well accomplished, will speedily -appear from this melancholy story.</p> - -<p>“It happened upon a time that Razay and a -number of friends planned an expedition to the -island of Lewes, for the purpose of hunting the -deer of that place. They accordingly embarked -on board the chieftain’s yacht, manned by the -flower of the young men of Razay, and in a few -hours they chased the fleet-bounding hart on the -mountains of Lewes. Their sport proved excellent. -Hart after hart, and hind after hind, -were soon levelled to the ground by the unerring -hand of Razay; and when night terminated the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_130">[130]</span> -chase, they retired to their shooting quarters, -where they spent the night with joviality, and -mirth, little dreaming of their melancholy fate -in the morning.</p> - -<p>“In the morning of next day, the chief of -Razay and his followers rose with the sun, with -the view of returning to Razay. The day was -squally and occasionally boisterous, and the -billows raged with great violence. But Razay -was determined to cross the channel to his residence, -and ordered his yacht to prepare for the -voyage. The more cautious and less courageous -of his suite, however, urged on him to defer the -expedition till the weather should somewhat -settle—an advice which Razay, with a courage -which knew no fear, rejected, and expressed his -firm determination to proceed without delay. -Probably with a view to inspire his company -with the necessary degree of courage to induce -them all to concur in the undertaking, he adjourned -with them to the ferry-house, where -they had recourse to that supporter of spirits -under every trial, the usquebaugh, a few bottles -of which added vastly to the resolution of the -company. Just as the party were disputing the -practicability of the proposed adventure, an old -woman, with wrinkled front, bending on a crutch, -entered the ferry-house; and Razay, in the heat -of argument, appealed to the old woman, whether -the passage of the channel on such a day was -not perfectly practicable and free from danger. -The woman, without hesitation, replied in the -affirmative, adding such observations, reflecting -on their courage, as immediately silenced every -opposition to the voyage; and accordingly the -whole party embarked in the yacht for Razay.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_131">[131]</span> -But, alas! what were the consequences? No -sooner were they abandoned to the mercy of the -waves than the elements seemed to conspire to -their destruction. All attempts to put back the -vessel proved unavailing, and she was speedily -driven out before the wind in the direction of -Razay. The heroic chieftain laboured hard to -animate his company, and to dispel the despair -which began to seize them, by the most exemplary -courage and resolution. He took charge of -the helm, and, in spite of the combined efforts -of the sea, wind, and lightning, he kept the -vessel steadily on her course towards the lofty -point of Aird in Skye. The drooping spirits of -his crew began to revive, and hope began to -smile upon them—when lo! to their great -astonishment, a large cat was seen to climb the -rigging. This cat was soon followed by another -of equal size, and the last by a successor, until -at length the shrouds, masts, and whole tackle, -were actually covered with them. Nor did the -sight of all those cats, although he knew well -enough their real character, intimidate the resolute -Razay, until a large black cat, larger -than any of the rest, appeared on the masthead, -as commander-in-chief of the whole legion. -Razay, on observing him, instantly foresaw the -result; he, however, determined to sell his life -as dearly as possible, and immediately commanded -an attack upon the cats—but, alas! it -soon proved abortive. With a simultaneous -effort the cats overturned the vessel on her leeward -wale, and every soul on board was precipitated -into a watery grave. Thus ended the -glorious life of <i>Jan Garbh Macgillichallum</i> of -Razay, to the lasting regret of the brave clan<span class="pagenum" id="Page_132">[132]</span> -Leod and all good people, and to the great satisfaction -of the abominable witches who thus accomplished -his lamentable doom.</p> - -<p>“The same day, another hero, celebrated for -his hatred of witchcraft, was warming himself -in his hunting hut, in the forest of Gaick in -Badenoch. His faithful hounds, fatigued with -the morning chase, lay stretched on the turf by -his side,—his gun, that would not miss, reclined -in the neuk of the boothy,—the <i>skian dhu</i> of -the sharp edge hung by his side, and these alone -constituted his company. As the hunter sat -listening to the howling storm as it whistled by, -there entered at the door an apparently poor -weather-beaten cat, shivering with cold, and -drenched to the skin. On observing her, the -hairs of the dogs became erected bristles, and -they immediately rose to attack the pitiable cat, -which stood trembling at the door. ‘Great -hunter of the hills,’ exclaims the poor-looking -trembling cat, ‘I claim your protection. I know -your hatred to my craft, and perhaps it is just. -Still spare, oh spare a poor jaded wretch, who -thus flies to you for protection from the cruelty -and oppression of her sisterhood.’ Moved to -compassion by her eloquent address, and disdaining -to take advantage of his greatest enemy -in such a seemingly forlorn situation, he pacified -his infuriated dogs, and desired her to come forward -to the fire and warm herself. ‘Nay,’ says -she, ‘in the first place, you will please bind -with this long hair those two furious hounds of -yours, for I am afraid they will tear my poor -hams to pieces. I pray you, therefore, my dear -sir, that you would have the goodness to bind -them together by the necks with this long hair.’<span class="pagenum" id="Page_133">[133]</span> -But the curious nature of the hair induced the -hunter to dissemble a little. Instead of having -bound his dogs with it, as he pretended, he -threw it across a beam of wood which connected -the couple of the boothy. The witch then supposing -the dogs securely bound, approached the -fire, and squatted herself down as if to dry herself. -She had not sitten many minutes, when -the hunter could easily discover a striking increase -in her size, which he could not forbear -remarking in a jocular manner to herself. ‘A -bad death to you, you nasty beast,’ says the -hunter; ‘you are getting very large.’—‘Aye, -aye,’ replied the cat, equally jocosely, ‘as my -hairs imbibe the heat, they naturally expand.’ -These jokes, however, were but a prelude to a -more serious conversation. The cat still continuing -her growth, had at length attained a -most extraordinary size,—when, in the twinkling -of an eye, she transformed herself into her -proper likeness of the Goodwife of Laggan, and -thus addressed him: ‘Hunter of the Hills, your -hour of reckoning is arrived. Behold me before -you, the avowed champion of my devoted sisterhood, -of whom Macgillichallum of Razay and -you were always the most relentless enemies. -But Razay is no more. His last breath is fled. -He lies a lifeless corpse on the bottom of the -main; and now, Hunter of the Hills, it is your -turn.’ With these words, assuming a most -hideous and terrific appearance, she made a -spring at the hunter. The two dogs, which she -supposed securely bound by the infernal hair, -sprung at her in her turn, and a most furious -conflict ensued. The witch, thus unexpectedly -attacked by the dogs, now began to repent of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_134">[134]</span> -her temerity. ‘<i>Fasten, hair, fasten</i>,’ she perpetually -exclaimed, supposing the dogs to have -been bound by the hair; and so effectually did -the hair <i>fasten</i>, according to her order, that it -at last snapt the beam in twain. At length, -finding herself completely overpowered, she -attempted a retreat, but so closely were the -hounds fastened in her breasts, that it was with -no small difficulty she could get herself disengaged -from them. Screaming and shrieking, -the Wife of Laggan dragged herself out of the -house, trailing after the dogs, which were fastened -in her so closely, that they never loosed -their hold until she demolished every tooth in -their heads. Then metamorphosing herself into -the likeness of a raven, she fled over the mountains -in the direction of her home. The two -faithful dogs, bleeding and exhausted, returned -to their master, and, in the act of caressing his -hand, both fell down and expired at his feet. -Regretting their loss with a sorrow only known -to the parent who weeps over the remains of -departed children, he buried his devoted dogs, -and returned home to his family. His wife was -not in the house when he arrived, but she soon -made her appearance. ‘Where have you been, -my love?’ inquired the husband.—‘Indeed,’ -replies she, ‘I have been seeing the Goodwife -of Laggan, who has been just seized with so -severe an illness, that she is not expected to live -for any time.’—‘Aye! aye!’ says he, ‘what is -the matter with the worthy woman?’—‘She -was all day absent in the moss at her peats,’ -replies the wife, ‘and was seized with a sudden -colic, in consequence of getting wet feet, and -now all her friends and neighbours are expecting<span class="pagenum" id="Page_135">[135]</span> -her demision.’—‘Poor woman,’ says the -husband, ‘I am sorry for her. Get me some -dinner, it will be right that I should go and see -her also.’ Dinner being provided and dispatched, -the hunter immediately proceeded to the house -of Laggan, where he found a great assemblage -of neighbours mourning, with great sincerity, -the approaching decease of a woman whom they -all had hitherto esteemed virtuous. The hunter, -walking up to the sick woman’s bed in a rage, -proportioned to the greatness of its cause, stripped -the sick woman of all her coverings. A -shriek from the now exposed witch brought all -the company around her. ‘Behold,’ says he, -‘the object of your solicitude, who is nothing -less than an infernal witch. To-day, she informs -me, she was present at the death of the -Laird of Razay, and only a few hours have -elapsed since she attempted to make me share -his fate. This night, however, she shall expiate -her crime, by the forfeiture of her horrid life.’ -Relating to the company the whole circumstances -of her attack upon him, which were too -well corroborated by the conclusive marks she -bore on her person, the whole company were -perfectly convinced of her criminality; and the -customary punishment was about to be inflicted -on her, when the miserable wretch addressed -them as follows: ‘My ill-requited friends, spare -an old acquaintance, already in the agonies of -death, from any farther mortal degradation. -My crimes and my folly now stare me in the -face, in their true colours, while my vile and perfidious -seducer, the enemy of your temporal and -spiritual interests, only laughs at me in my distress; -and, as a reward for my fidelity to his<span class="pagenum" id="Page_136">[136]</span> -interest, in seducing every thing that was amiable, -and in destroying every thing that was -good, he is now about to consign my soul to -eternal misery. Let my example be a warning -to all the people of the earth to shun the fatal -rock on which I have split; and as a strong inducement -for them to do so, I shall atone for -my iniquity to the utmost of my ability, by detailing -to you the awful history of my life.’ -Here the Wife of Laggan detailed at full length -the way she was seduced into the service of the -evil one,—all the criminal adventures in which -she had been engaged, and ended with a particular -account of the death of Macgillichallum -of Razay, and her attack upon the hunter, and -then expired.</p> - -<p>“Meanwhile, a neighbour of the Wife of -Laggan was returning home late at night from -Strathdearn, where he had been upon some -business, and had just entered the dreary forest -of Monalea in Badenoch, when he met a woman -dressed in black, who ran with great speed, and -inquired of the traveller, with great agitation, -how far she was distant from the church-yard of -Dalarossie, and if she could be there by twelve -o’clock. The traveller told her she might, if -she continued to go at the same pace that she -did then. She then fled alongst the road, uttering -the most desponding lamentations, and the -traveller continued his road to Badenoch. He -had not, however, walked many miles when he -met a large black dog, which travelled past him -with much velocity, as if upon the scent of a -track or footsteps, and soon after he met another -large black dog sweeping along in the same -manner. The last dog, however, was scarcely<span class="pagenum" id="Page_137">[137]</span> -past, when he met a stout black man on a fine -fleet black courser, prancing along in the same -direction after the dogs. ‘Pray,’ says the rider -to the traveller, ‘did you meet a woman as you -came along the hill?’ The traveller replied in -the affirmative. ‘And did you meet a dog soon -after?’ rejoined the rider. The traveller replied -he did. ‘And,’ added the rider, ‘do you -think the dog will overtake her ere she can -reach the church of Dalarossie?’—‘He will, at -any rate, be very close upon her heels,’ answered -the traveller. Each then took his own way. -But before the traveller had got the length of -Glenbanchar, the rider overtook him on his -return, with the foresaid woman before him -across the bow of his saddle, and one of the dogs -fixed in her breast, and another in her thigh. -‘Where did you overtake the woman?’ inquired -the traveller. ‘Just as she was entering the -church-yard of Dalarossie,’ was his reply. On -the traveller’s return home, he heard of the fate -of the unfortunate Wife of Laggan, which soon -explained the nature of the company he had met -on the road. It was, no doubt, the spirit of -the Wife of Laggan flying for protection from -the infernal spirits, (to whom she had sold herself,) -to the church-yard of Dalarossie, which is -so sacred a place, that a witch is immediately -dissolved from all her ties with Satan, on making -a pilgrimage to it, either dead or alive. -But it seems the unhappy Wife of Laggan was -a stage too late.”</p> - -<p>There is another power given to them, which -is a most mischievous one, and proves the fruitful -source of almost all the crimes and miseries -which deluge the land,—that of sowing the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_138">[138]</span> -seeds of discord amongst mankind in public and -private life. We will say nothing of the degree -of secret influence which these worthies probably -enjoy in overruling the councils of our nation, -and thwarting the judgment of our ministers, -so as to answer their private purposes, as it -would be out of our strict line of delineation. -But we speak from the best authority when we -say, that they are the common and secret instigators -of those deplorable quarrels and divisions -which sometimes happen between those who -ought to be one flesh. Whenever we see a -broken-hearted wife mourning over the misconduct -of her husband, who, once tenderly -affectionate and attentive to the discharge of -his domestic duties, is now changed into the -domestic tyrant and whisky-bibber, we need -never hesitate for a moment to pronounce the -cause to be witchcraft. And the same rule -holds good in regard to the misconduct of the -wife, <i>vice versa</i>. Behold, again, the man of sin, -clothed in the garment of disgrace, that sits -“<i>girnan on the creepy.</i>” Ask him what blind-fold -infatuation could have induced him to have -defiled his neighbour’s bed, and he will tell you, -with a groan, it was “<i>Buchuchd</i>.”<a id="FNanchor_6" href="#Footnote_6" class="fnanchor">[F]</a></p> - -<p>Nor are their operations confined to the -injury of a person’s spiritual interest alone—they -even descend to the lowest incidents in a -man’s calling. If the reader should see a termagant -of a wife raise over the <i>caput</i> of her -poor cuckold of a husband the tongs or spurtle, -demanding of him, with vehement eloquence, -the cause of purchasing a horse or a cow at<span class="pagenum" id="Page_139">[139]</span> -double its value, his answer to her will certainly -be—“Me ve ar mu Buchuchd.”</p> - -<p>Thus the ruination of our spiritual interest -is not enough to satisfy their inveterate malignity,—they -must likewise injure our temporal -interests, which, however incomparable to the -former in point of intrinsic importance, yet -cause the sufferer fully as much grief. Indeed, -so dearly do the most of the people of this -world love their temporal means and estate, -that we feel fully persuaded, that did those -agents confine their operations to the injury of -our spiritual interests alone, which, as Satan’s -instruments, we should naturally suppose to be -their proper line of business, the clamour against -their ruinous and abominable practices would be -much less violent than it is. This much, however, -of the Highlander’s liberal disposition -the sly sounding witch is intimately acquainted -with, and for this very reason she redoubles -her diligence to cause him all the loss in her -power, as the most effectual way of completing -his misery. Hence it oftens happens, that -should a horse, an ox, or a cow, of unequalled -symmetry and beauty, be so unlucky as to -attract the favour of its affectionate owner;—by -whatever means the sagacious witch discovers -the secret we know not, but certain annihilation, -accomplished by some means or other, will -be the poor animal’s lot. Such a calamity as -this is sufficiently mortifying, but it is a small -one when compared to the loss of a person’s -whole stock, which too frequently follows the -loss of one. Having once inserted the infernal -pillow into some snug corner, its influence will -give the finishing stroke to all the cattle and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_140">[140]</span> -creeping things on a farm. This pillow, not to -give it a worse name, is a little four-cornered -<i>bag</i>, packed with divers exterminating diseases, -in the familiar likeness of hair, grease, parings -of nails, shoe tackets, salt, powder, and other -infernal knick-knacks, too tedious to be described, -which, when thrown into the fire, makes -a noise the like of which has seldom been heard.</p> - -<p>No sooner is this bag deposited in a cleft in -the stable or byre than it commences its destructive -career, producing the death of the -bestial in whole lots, until the last hen on the -roost will fall a sacrifice to its deadly influence. -Nor is this all; they will attach some infernal -cantrips to the farming-utensils that no good -crop will follow their operations, and what may -escape the influence of the <i>baggie</i> is commonly -destroyed by frost, rain, lightning, and other -calamities, which the craft can produce at their -pleasure, so that it is unfit for the use of man or -beast. In short, of all the ills incident to the -life of man, none are so formidable as witchcraft, -before the combined influence of which, -to use the language of an honest man who had -himself severely suffered from its effects, “the -great Laird of Grant himself could not stand -them if they should fairly yoke upon him.”</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_141">[141]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">CHAPTER V.<br> - -OF THE WITCH’S POWERS OF TRANSFORMATION.</h3> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Those</span> of our readers who are not very well -acquainted with the theory of witchcraft will -not be a little surprised, at the unaccountable -activity of its agents, who are capable of paying -not only proper attention to their own private -affairs, but likewise of carrying on almost -all the business of the Evil One in this land. -In order to obviate all surprise on this head, be -it remembered, that they are endowed with as -ample powers of transmigration (at their institution -into the craft) as any other of Satan’s -spiritual agents; consequently there is no similitude -from their own proper likenesses to that -of a cat or a stone, but they can assume at -pleasure. Hence the speed and privacy with -which they attain their evil ends.</p> - -<p>One of the most ordinary disguises of a “<i>Ban-Buchichd</i>”<a id="FNanchor_7" href="#Footnote_7" class="fnanchor">[G]</a> -is the similitude of a hare. This -transformation she finds exceedingly convenient -while performing her cantrips in the field—bewitching -farming implements—destroying corn -and grass—holding communion with the sisterhood, -and similar pieces of business. It enables<span class="pagenum" id="Page_142">[142]</span> -her to execute her undertakings with greater -expedition, and flee more fleetly on any emergency, -than she could do in any other character.</p> - -<p>A second is the likeness of a cat—by personating -which, she procures admission to the inmost -recesses of a house, to deposit her infernal -machinery, without exciting the least suspicions -of her real character and intentions.</p> - -<p>A third is her transformation into a stone, -which is a common practice with the witch in -the season of agricultural operations, by which -she is afforded great opportunities of mischief -to the farmer’s interest. The wily witch will -penetrate into the ground, and place herself in -the line of the plough, and as it passes her she -will creep in betwixt the sock and the culter. -The plough is consequently expelled from the -ground for a considerable space, and a “<i>bauk</i>” -is the consequence. For these insidious and -barefaced acts of iniquity, the witch, if discovered, -seldom escapes with impunity. Stopping -the cattle, the ploughman will take hold of -the stone, bestowing upon it the most abusive -and opprobrious epithets, and dashes her with -all his might against the hardest substance he -can find, as a mark of his hatred and contempt -for her character.</p> - -<p>A fourth is her transformation into the shape -of a raven; which now in a great measure -supersedes the use of her ancient and renowned -hobby-horse the broom, on which she formerly -walloped with such surprising velocity. This -similitude is commonly assumed by her when -on excursions to any distance, to attend the -counsels of Satan—to hold communion with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_143">[143]</span> -the sisterhood—or to attend some important -enterprise.</p> - -<p>The witch likewise assumes the character of -a <i>magpie</i> on occasions of sudden emergency -which require immediate conference with a number -of the members of the craft. The likeness -of this bird, which is of a domestic character, -and fond of hopping and picking about the -doors, screens the witch from suspicion, as she -visits another witch’s dwelling. Hence, when a -number of magpies convene together side by -side on a house-top, it is no wonder that their -appearance should occasionally excite suspicion. -But we humbly think that mere suspicion by -no means justifies that hostility of temper which -in several districts the inhabitants are led to -entertain against the whole race of magpies, -merely because the witches sometimes assume -their similitude. These suspicions are no doubt -a good deal heightened by the circumstance of -the poor magpie’s being a little endowed with -the gift of prophecy. As a foreteller of minor -events—such as the coming of visitors, the change -of weather, and such-like little occurrences—the -magpie has never been excelled; and notwithstanding -the illiberal conduct of its human -neighbours, those little qualities are always -exerted by the magpie for their comfort and -convenience.</p> - -<p>On the morning of that auspicious day on -which the factor, the parson, or any other of the -country gentry of equal importance, is to pay a -visit to the lord of the manor on which the magpie -may have pitched her residence, she will -approach the house, and, by her incessant chattering, -announce to the inhabitants the coming<span class="pagenum" id="Page_144">[144]</span> -of the consequential stranger. The state apartment, -perhaps rather deranged, is consequently -arrayed in proper order; and the necessary provisions -to entertain the expected guests are -timeously procured, which, but for the magpie’s -generous and ill-rewarded premonition, could -not perhaps be provided for the occasion.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_145">[145]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">CHAPTER VI.<br> - -SAFEGUARDS FROM WITCHCRAFT.</h3> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> witchcraft is in itself by far the greatest calamity -the Highlander is subject to, so Providence, -in its wise economy, has afforded him -the amplest means of guarding against its -effects. And if a radical remedy has not yet -been discovered for the evil in all its bearings, -it is only because mankind have not been equally -solicitous for the discovery of it. Adverse to a -murmuring discontented spirit, the Highlander -is satisfied with the removal of a share of his -grievances. Having obtained a knowledge of a -certain remedy for those practices of the craft -which weigh most heavily on his temporal interests, -he is not so presumptuous as to suppose -that Providence is so partial in its favours -as to grant him a remedy for those that affect his -immortal interests also. Satisfied with the benefits -he enjoys, he is not clamorous for an extension -of them, leaving the concerns of another -world for a season of more convenience and -leisure.</p> - -<p>As a sovereign protection for goods and chattels -of every description from the machinations -of those despicable agents, the rowan cross, of -invaluable excellence, has never been known to -prove ineffectual. Its salutary influence on<span class="pagenum" id="Page_146">[146]</span> -every species of supernatural agents is well -known, and there are none to whom the smell -of the rowan is more obnoxious than the “Ban -Buchuchd.” As a proof of its efficacy, we can -produce no better authority than the following -affecting story:—</p> - -<p>“There is, in the vicinity of Forres, an old -decayed edifice, called ‘<i>Castle Boorgie</i>,’ in which -once lived a rich laird, who had a beautiful -daughter. Seemingly possessed of every engaging -accomplishment, and apparently endowed -with the most amiable disposition, she was the -darling of her aged father, whose hopes and -joys were wholly centered in her. One spring -morning, as her father and herself were surveying -the delightful prospects which the castle -commanded, the immense number of ploughs at -work within the compass of their vision happened -to attract their attention. ‘Father,’ says -this ill-fated, unconscious child, ‘do we not -behold a vast number of ploughs in the widely-extended -district now in our view?’—‘Yes, my -love, we do,’ replied the father, ‘and it is a -pleasant thing to look at them.’—‘What reward -will you give me,’ added she, ‘if, by a single -word, I shall cause them all stand as immoveable -as if the cattle were transformed into stones?’—‘On -that condition,’ replied the astonished -father, ‘the most superb and costly gown in the -town of Forres shall be yours.’—‘It is done,’ -says the daughter. Raising her hand, she muttered -an unintelligible sound, and, lo! all the -ploughs in the district, with the exception of a -single one, stood stock still and immoveable.—‘Indeed!’ -exclaims the father, ‘you are a rare -conjuror, my dear; but how is that plough in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_147">[147]</span> -the adjacent park exempted from the magical -effect of your powerful charm?’—‘The cause I -can easily guess,’ says she; ‘there is, in one of -the oxen’s bows, a pin of the rowan tree, the -virtue of which defeats all attempts at preternatural -fascination.’—‘Aye, aye,’ says he, ‘all -those things are wonderfully pretty; pray who -taught them to you?’—‘My old nurse taught -me those fine things, and am not I greatly -obliged to her, sir?’—‘You are, undoubtedly,’ -he replies, ‘and she shall soon have her reward. -Oh! my dear, my only child—support and comfort -of my aged head—would to God you had -never been born!’</p> - -<p>“Summoning immediately a council of his -friends, the broken-hearted parent revealed to -them the whole circumstance, and craved their -opinion as to the measures that should be adopted -in this deeply-to-be-deplored case. After due -consultation, the council gave it as their decided -opinion, that, concluding that she was irrecoverably -lost to all good in this world, the extension -of her life would be only productive of eternal -disgrace and infamy to her friends, while her -spiritual interests would every day be destroyed -by accumulating guilt. Therefore, that her life -should be instantly terminated by a private -death; and that the old hag, the author of her -ruin, should be publicly burned under every -ignominious circumstance. To this hard decision -the agonised father was persuaded to assent; -and a doctor was immediately dispatched -for to Forres, to point out the easiest mode of -taking her life. Bleeding the temporal arteries -was the mode of death agreed on, and the poor -innocent victim of the old hag’s depravity was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_148">[148]</span> -introduced into a private apartment, in order to -undergo the awful operation. On entering the -apartment, her unhappy father burst out into a -flood of tears. Observing his distress, his affectionate -little daughter also fell a crying. ‘What -is the matter with you, my dear father?’ says -she. ‘Have you received any bad news? Oh! -tell me what is the matter with you, that I may -share your sorrows and dry your tears.’ Fearing -that the father’s courage might naturally -fail him under so signal a trial, the friends present -instantly seized the astonished dear girl, -bound her hand and foot, and placed her in a -vat, and the surgeon inflicted on her two brows, -fair and beautiful as those of an angel, the fatal -wounds. As the blood flowed, the poor affrighted -victim perpetually exclaimed, ‘Do not kill me, -do not kill me; what have I done to offend my -dearest father? I am sure I did no harm. For -the sake of my dear mother, who is no more, -and for whose sake you loved me so well, do not -let them kill me, my dear father.’ The unhappy -father sunk senseless on the floor, and his -expiring child soon closed her eyes on this world, -sighing, with her last breath, ‘My dearest -father, do not kill me.’</p> - -<p>“The old hag was then brought out to the -lawn in front of the castle, and thrown into a -huge furnace of tar and other combustibles, -amidst the general execration of the assembled -multitude. And it is said, that while the witch -was burning, every crack she gave was as loud -as the report of a war cannon.”</p> - -<p>When, by the neglect of the prescribed safeguards, -the seeds of iniquity have taken root, -and a person’s means are decaying in consequence,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_149">[149]</span> -the only alternative, in this case, is to -resort to that grand remedy, the “<i>Tein Econuch</i>,” -or “<i>Forlorn Fire</i>,” which seldom fails of -being productive of the best effects. The cure -for witchcraft, called “<i>Tein Econuch</i>,” is -wrought in the following manner:—</p> - -<p>A consultation being held by the unhappy -sufferer and his friends as to the most advisable -measures of effecting a cure, if this process is -adopted, notice is privately communicated to all -those householders who reside within the nearest -two running streams, to extinguish their -lights and fires on some appointed morning. -On its being ascertained that this notice has been -duly observed, a spinning-wheel, or some other -convenient instrument, calculated to produce -fire by friction, is set to work with the most -furious earnestness by the unfortunate sufferer -and all who wish well to his cause. Relieving -each other by turns, they drive on with such -persevering diligence, that at length the spindle -of the wheel, ignited by excessive friction, emits -“<i>Forlorn Fire</i>” in abundance, which, by the -application of tow, or some other combustible -material, is widely extended over the whole -neighbourhood. Communicating the fire to the -tow, the tow communicates it to a candle, the -candle to a fir-torch, the torch to a cartful of -peats, which the master of the ceremonies, with -pious ejaculations for the success of the experiment, -distributes to messengers, who will proceed -with portions of it to the different houses -within the said two running streams, to kindle -the different fires. By the influence of this -operation, the machinations and spells of witchcraft -“are rendered null and void,” and, in the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_150">[150]</span> -language of Scots’ law, “of no avail, force, -strength, or effect, with all that has followed, or -may follow thereupon.”</p> - -<p>But should the evil prove so obstinate and -deep-rooted as to triumph over this most commonly -efficacious remedy, the dernier resort is -an application to that arch-enemy of Satan, Mr. -Grigor Willox Macgrigor, Emperor of all the -Conjurors.</p> - -<p>The name of this gentleman is well known to -the inhabitants of the northern counties of Scotland, -as the happy proprietor of that invaluable -and wonderful relic, which the vulgar are sometimes -pleased to denominate “Clach Ghrigair -Willock,” alias “<i>Clach Ban na Buchuchd</i>,” -but which, in our opinion, deserves a far more -dignified, if not a more appropriate appellation. -We humbly submit it should be called the -<i>Philosopher’s Stone</i>, not so much out of compliment -to its learned and elegant proprietor—although, -by the bye, he is wonderfully <i>philosophic</i>—as -out of pure justice to the stone itself; -for it certainly is the best substitute for the -grand object of the chemist’s research that has -hitherto been discovered. If the philosopher’s -stone will convert metal into gold, the “warlock’s -stone” will convert water into silver by a -process perhaps more round-about, but equally -certain.</p> - -<p>The history of such a precious curiosity as -this would, no doubt, prove highly interesting -to the “curious reader;” and the writer has to -blame the shortness of his memory for not -gratifying him to the utmost of his wish, Mr. -Willox having more than once personally favoured -him with a very eloquent account of it. Suffice<span class="pagenum" id="Page_151">[151]</span> -it to say, that this stone was originally extorted -by a very ancient ancestor of Mr. Willox -from an amorous slut of a mermaid, who, unfortunately -for her, happened to take a fancy to -him, and no wonder, too, if he possessed in any -degree the personal attractions of his lineal -posterity. It happened, then, that this silly -fool of a mermaid once thought it proper to -throw herself in this gentleman’s way, expecting, -no doubt, very different treatment from that -which she experienced,—when her unnatural -sweetheart, instead of offering her any endearments, -most ungraciously chained her to a post, -until she redeemed her liberty by this precious -ransom. This was, no doubt, long, long ago, -nobody knows how long, and the <i>stone</i> has -necessarily seen many revolutions of times and -masters in the course of its day. It graced for -a long time the warlike standard of the brave -clan Gregor, combining, as the upholsterer says, -“great ornament with much utility;” for, while -it served to set off not a little those splendid -banners, it invariably secured their followers -victory over their contending foes. It afterwards -returned to the Willox family, with whom -it has continued to the present day. It could -not descend to a race of gentlemen who could -do greater justice to its excellent qualities, and -certainly the fault cannot be traced to the -present proprietor, if, during his liferent use -of it, the stone has lost an iota of its former -celebrity.</p> - -<p>Whatever might have been the ornamental -qualities of this wonderful <i>stone</i> in the days of -yore, it has now no great ornaments to boast of. -It is a plain-looking article, strongly resembling<span class="pagenum" id="Page_152">[152]</span> -the knob or bottom of a crystal bottle; and were -it not that Mr. Willox solemnly assured us of -his having been told by the great Lord Henderland -himself, it must have at one time composed -one of the Pleiades, we should have had much -difficulty in believing it to consist of any other -substance; but who could resist such respectable -authority?<a id="FNanchor_8" href="#Footnote_8" class="fnanchor">[H]</a> Although Mr. Willox informed -us that a single collision with the ground would -instantly divest it of all its wonderful virtues, -the stone certainly bears <i>ex facie</i> marks of rough -usage, and even such inauspicious accidents as -coming into contact with the ground, or perhaps -harder materials, in its time. However, the -<i>stone</i> itself will tell no secrets, and on the subject -of accidents of this sort it is the proprietor’s -interest to be equally mute.</p> - -<p>But whatever may be the nature and qualities -of this stone, its virtues are sufficiently notorious. -A single immersion of it into a hogshead of -water instantaneously communicates to it such -inconceivable virtue, that one drop of it is sufficient -to cure the most desperate case of witchcraft -in the land. Nor do the prevention and -cure of witchcraft alone constitute the stone’s -sole line of business;—for a valuable reward, -there is no secret or calamity natural to man -or beast in all this wide world, but it will reveal -or prevent.—<i>Exemple gratia</i>: should some -miserable vagabond of a thief, residing within -the pale of Mr. Willox’s celebrity, be so fool-hardy<span class="pagenum" id="Page_153">[153]</span> -as to lay his dishonest hands upon the -goods or chattels of a neighbour, recovery of -the goods, or at least an exposure of the thief, -is the absolute consequence. The loser of the -goods looks about him for his purse, and immediately -proceeds to consult the <span class="smcap">Grand Oracle</span>, -Mr. Grigor Willox, as to the person who had -the effrontery to steal his goods. Mr. Willox, -willing to afford every information on reasonable -terms, instantly produces the black stocking -containing the stone, a single dip of which -clearly developes the whole circumstance. After -a long consultation, involving some inquiries as -to suspected characters, the lynx-eyed Mr. -Willox easily recognises some figures reflected -on the vessel containing the water by the stone, -conveying an exact representation of some old -hag not very reputable for her habits, residing -in the complainant’s neighbourhood; and thus -all doubt is removed as to his suspicions being -too well founded.</p> - -<p>It is no subject for wonder, then, that this -Great Oracle should be so highly prized and -suitably encouraged. With commendable regard -to the good of his beloved countrymen, Mr. -Willox is in the habit of <i>occasionally</i> making a -tour of pleasure through the counties of Inverness, -Ross, and Caithness, whence, after some -weeks’ absence, he returns home, with the -double satisfaction of thinking, that while he -has, in the course of his rambles, conferred the -greatest benefit on suffering humanity, he has, -at the same time, a good deal improved his own -pecuniary resources. Those occasional peregrinations -of this gentleman are now become absolutely -necessary. Funds are not only very low<span class="pagenum" id="Page_154">[154]</span> -in these bad times, but Mr. Willox is convinced -more and more, every day he rises, of the truth -of that proverb, “A prophet has no honour in -his own country;” and he therefore finds it no -less his interest than his duty to take a trip, -as occasion suggests, to see his friends in the -<i>Duigh Tua</i>.<a id="FNanchor_9" href="#Footnote_9" class="fnanchor">[I]</a> For the most part, however, he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_155">[155]</span> -resides at his seat of Gaulrig in Strathavon -(usually called Strathdown), where, like the late -Doctor Samuel Solomon, inventor and proprietor -of that renovating cordial the Balm of Gilead, -he may be consulted, either personally or -by letter post paid, on payment of the usual -compliment of a pound note. Accordingly, there -are pilgrimages made to Gaulrig as well as to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_156">[156]</span> -Gilead House. It is no rare matter for the inhabitants -of both sides of the Avon to fall in -with unfortunate pilgrims, whose longitude of -face and decrepitude of limbs indicate the extent -of their misfortunes and the length of their journey, -inquiring the way for <i>Taigh Maishter Willack</i>.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_157">[157]</span> -<h2 class="nobreak">PART VII.<br> - -<span class="antiqua">Highland Festive Amusements.</span></h2> -</div> - -<hr class="tiny"> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Yes, let the rich deride, the proud disdain,</div> -<div class="verse">The simple pleasures of the lowly train;</div> -<div class="verse">To me more dear, congenial to my heart,</div> -<div class="verse">One native charm, than all the gloss of art.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><span class="smcap">Goldsmith.</span></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_158">[158]</span></p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_159">[159]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">HALLOWE’EN.</h3> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Ye powers of darkness and of hell,</div> -<div class="verse">Propitious to the magic spell,</div> -<div class="verse">Who rule in silence o’er the night,</div> -<div class="verse">Be present now.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><span class="smcap">Frances.</span></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Of</span> the whole series of annual festivals, Hallowe’en -forms the most important occasion in -the Highlands of Scotland. The fascinating -round of varied enjoyments the night presents -to the young and juvenile—the delightful peeps -into futurity it affords to the enchanted lover—and -the fond recollections it revives in old age—all -conspire to render its approach more interesting, -and its celebration more joyful, than -any other occasion within the compass of the -year. Nor is the happy influence diffused by -Hallowe’en confined to the human class of the -inhabitants of the Highlands alone; most of the -<i>supernatural inhabitants</i> are in some degree partakers -in the general happiness. With the fairy -community, in particular, it is an occasion of -peculiar grandeur, as the great anniversary on -which they are reviewed by <i>Auld Nick</i>, their -nominal chief potentate, in person; whilst many -others of the classes treated of in the foregoing<span class="pagenum" id="Page_160">[160]</span> -pages regard it as a night of no ordinary pomp -and joviality.</p> - -<p>On this occasion of universal hilarity, the natural -coldness and jealousy which generally subsist -between the human species and their supernatural -neighbours are changed into perfect -harmony and benevolence. Like two belligerent -armies, whose hostility towards each -other is more the offspring of public duty than -private resentment, and who, therefore, during -the intervals of war, exhibit in their mutual intercourse -the marks of personal good will; so, -in like manner, those two classes forget for the -night all animosity, in their more laudable zeal -to contribute to each other’s gratification. Nay, -stern Satan himself relaxes for this night his -avarice; and, alive to no other object than the -promotion of universal enjoyments, dispatches -showers of his emissaries to the several kiln-pots, -peat-stacks, and barn-yards in the Highlands, -to afford to those adventurers who desire -it a peep into the secrets of futurity.</p> - -<p>Such a display of seeming benevolence, did it -proceed from any other individual than Satan, -could not fail to meet with some share of applause. -But heads of families, whose opinions -are entitled to some respect, have been known -to affirm, that Satan’s affected generosity on -this occasion is nothing but a mere stratagem -for inveigling the more effectually the young -and unwary into his vile snares, and that he -gets more game by those specious artifices than -he could realize by any other means. Hence it -is that the anxious parent this night, instead -of extolling Satan’s generosity, is so intent on -magnifying his perfidy; and in order the better<span class="pagenum" id="Page_161">[161]</span> -to dissuade his offspring and family from the -dangerous practices of the night, details, without -qualification, his numerous treacheries on -similar occasions.</p> - -<p>But these ebullitions of the parent’s jealousy -of Satan’s practices are soon subdued. The -big-bellied bottle and bumper-glass will have a -great effect in relaxing his heart of its illiberal -suspicions. Speedily animated by the conciliating -qualities of the “<i>barley-bree</i>,” and softened -by the recollection of his own youthful -frolics and manly deeds on similar occasions, he -no longer regards as a crime those practices -which he recently condemned; and the good-natured -matron, being happy at her husband’s -felicity, and averse to chide, they both tacitly -connive at the family’s indulgence in the customary -arts of divination.</p> - -<p>Generally the first spell they try is pulling -the stock of kail. Joining hand in hand they -go forth to the kail-yard, previously blind-folded, -lads, lasses, and children, equally anxious -to have their fortunes told as their seniors. -Pulling the first stock they meet with, they -immediately return to the light to have an examination -of its qualities; its being large or -little, straight or crooked, is prophetic of the -size and shape of its puller’s conjugal companion. -If any earth adheres to the root, it indicates -tocher or fortune; and the taste of the custoc or -stem, whether sour or sweet, shows the nature -of his disposition.</p> - -<p>They go next to the barn-yard, and pull each -a stalk of oats, and according to the number of -grains upon the stalk the puller will have a corresponding -number of children. It may be observed,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_162">[162]</span> -that it is essential to a female’s good -fame that her stalk should have the top-grain -attached to it.</p> - -<p>An individual goes to the barn, opens both -its doors, then takes the instrument used in -winnowing corn, called a <i>wecht</i>, and goes through -all the gestures of letting down corn against the -wind. This is repeated three several times, and -the third time an apparition will pass through -the barn, in at the one door and out at the -other, having a retinue emblematical of his or -her station in life.</p> - -<p>A person goes privately to <i>Tor-na-ha</i>, or the -kiln-pot, throws into it a clew of blue thread, -which the person winds into a new clew. -Towards the latter end something will hold the -thread, on which the person demands, “Who -holds?” An answer will be returned by the -agent below, by naming the Christian name and -sirname of the person’s future spouse.</p> - -<p>A person steals out unperceived to the peat-stack—sows -a handful of hemp-seed, calling out -something to the following effect:—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="first">“Hemp-seed, I saw thee,</div> -<div class="verse">Hemp-seed, I saw thee,</div> -<div class="verse">And he who is my true love,</div> -<div class="verse">Come after me and pu’ thee.”</div> -</div></div> - -<p>And, on looking over his shoulder, he sees the -apparition of the person invoked in the attitude -of pulling the hemp, which had immediately -grown at the magic command. Or, if hemp-seed -is not at hand, let the person take the -floor-besom, which he will ride in the manner of -a witch three times round the peat-stack, and -the last time the apparition will appear to him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_163">[163]</span>They go one or more to what is called a <i>dead -and living ford</i>, or, in other words, a ford which -has been crossed by a funeral, and observing -profound silence, dip the sleeve of their shirt -in it. On returning home they go to bed in -sight of a fire, and, lying awake in bed, they -will observe an apparition, being an exact similitude -of the grand object in question, turn the -shirt-sleeve, as if to dry the other side.</p> - -<p>An individual goes to a public road, which -branches in three several directions, (<i>i. e.</i> the -junction of three roads,) bearing with him the -cutty or three-legged stool, on which the person -seats himself just on the eve of twelve o’clock; -and, as the hour strikes, he hears proclaimed the -names of the several persons who shall die in the -parish before the next anniversary. <i>Nota.</i>—If -the person carries along with him articles of -wearing-apparel, and throws an article away on -the proclamation of each person’s name, it will -rescue the person from his impending fate; and -it will be wise to retain one article to the last, -in case his own name may be called, when he -has not the means of redemption at hand.</p> - -<p>These and some other out-of-door spells having -been tried, the parties return to the dwelling-house -to burn the nuts. Burning the nuts -is a very popular charm. They name a lad and -a lass to each particular nut, as they lay them -in the fire, and, accordingly, as they burn -quietly, or start from beside one another, so the -issue of the courtship will be.</p> - -<p>A person takes a candle and goes unattended -to a looking-glass—eats an apple before it, -combing his or her hair all the while, occasionally -holding over the shoulder a table-fork with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_164">[164]</span> -a piece of the apple upon it, and ultimately the -adventurer’s conjugal partner will be seen in the -glass, in the attitude of taking the proffered -piece of apple.</p> - -<p>These and some other spells of less note, such -as dipping for the apple, groping for the clean -dish, which are generally known, and, therefore, -need not be particularly described, joined -to each individual’s relation of the sights which -he saw on the present and former occasions, together -with the reflections they draw from -“narrative old age,” bring the well-buttered -sowans, or more favoured <i>Banbrishd</i><a id="FNanchor_10" href="#Footnote_10" class="fnanchor">[J]</a> upon the -table. The <i>sonsie</i> kebbock is roasted at the -fire, and fangs cut down from end to end. Brandered -bannocks, and every other luxury that -can be procured, load the hospitable board. -The welcome guests surround it; the silver -head is bared with solemn reverence, and the -temperate feast, qualified with a few rounds of -the <i>Boghtle dhu</i>, is as much relished as if it -consisted of the most delicious luxuries that -crown a monarch’s board. But the hours are -too happy to remain long;—they flee like a -shadow, and call the guests to their respective -homes. Each swain and damsel now repose -themselves on their pillows, full of those tender -emotions which the night’s amusements excited, -and in their midnight slumbers see those objects -whose image they so ardently wished to -see in all their comeliness and beauty.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_165">[165]</span> -<h3 class="nobreak">CHRISTMAS.</h3> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>The children of years to come shall hear the fame of Carthon, -when they sit round the burning oak, and the night is spent in -songs of old.</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Ossian.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Christmas Eve</span> is chiefly spent in preparation -for the succeeding days. The housewife is -busily engaged in the provision and cooking of -dainties. The flailman still chaps in the barn, -desirous of providing the necessary store of fodder -for the Christmas. The herd-boy’s axe resounds -on the fir-stock, determined to prepare -plenty of light, and the gudeman, and others, -are abroad on a not less important errand.</p> - -<p>This errand, on which we suppose the gudeman -and his assistants employed, is the procuring -of <i>Calluch Nollic</i>, or <i>Christmas Old Wife</i>, -an indispensable requisite for this occasion; and -it will perhaps puzzle some of our readers to -guess the purpose for which the good woman -is wanted. If they suppose it is to contribute -to the hilarity of the time, or to assist in the -festive preparations, the idea is not very erroneous—the -old woman does so in a very effectual -manner. But the return she meets with, however -warm, will not be admired by the reader, -when he is told that it consists in being stowed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_166">[166]</span> -into a cartful of burning peats, with as little -ceremony and feeling as an old broom. This -usage, so inconsistent with the Highlander’s -characteristic humanity, she does not, however, -regard as a great punishment, for her feelings -are as fire-proof as those of a Salamander. Indeed, -it is no rare sight, though strange it must -be, to see an honest woman, who has undergone -the unpleasant process of being Christmas fire -to a circle of unfeeling fellows, perhaps oftener -than once, heartily spinning at her wheel, and -gratifying those, it may be, who had a hand in the -unfriendly act, with her marvellous tales. But -to avoid a certain imputation which some may -be inclined to fix on us, it will be proper to explain -our meaning.</p> - -<p>The reader will please understand, that this -good woman only undergoes this process by representation. -Among those valuable discoveries -which distinguish former ages, that which gave -rise to this custom deserves notice. Some wise-acre, -by some lucky chance, discovered, that at -this festive season, when the asperity of his character -is probably much softened, even relentless -death himself can be compromised with on very -advantageous terms. By the sacrifice of an old -woman, or any other body whom he wished in a -better world, and whom, by the following process, -he chose to send to it, death was debarred -from any farther claim to himself, or his friends, -until the return of the next anniversary. He -went to the wood this night, fetched home the -stump of some withered tree, which he regularly -constituted the representative of some person of -the description we have mentioned, and whose -doom was inevitably fixed by the process, without<span class="pagenum" id="Page_167">[167]</span> -resort or appeal. Such a simple mode of -obtaining security from a foe whom every body -fears, could not be supposed to fall into desuetude; -and the custom is therefore retained, whatever -faith may exist as to its utility, in some -parts of the country, even to this day.</p> - -<p>But to return to the busy fireside whence we -set out, we shall suppose the goodman and the -“<i>carling</i>” arrived, and the other members of the -family now relieved from their eager toil, with -the old wife in the centre. The question now -is, how the remainder of the night is to be disposed -of? The nature of it requires that it -should be spent with gaiety; and a game at -cards, the clod,<a id="FNanchor_11" href="#Footnote_11" class="fnanchor">[K]</a> or the bag, is generally fixed -upon. At the ordinary hour, however, all retire -to rest with minds bent on the morrow’s gratifications, -and the house is soon changed from that -scene of bustle and confusion it recently exhibited,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_168">[168]</span> -to that of peaceful tranquillity, where -nothing is heard but the slumbering of the inmates, -and the growling bark of the faithful -<i>collie</i> on the midden-head.</p> - -<p>At length the brightening glow of the eastern -sky warns the anxious housemaid of the approach -of</p> - -<p class="center">CHRISTMAS DAY.</p> - -<p>She rises full of anxiety at the prospect of -her morning labours. The meal, which was -steeped in the <i>sowans-bowie</i> a fortnight ago, to -make the <i>Prechdachdan sour</i>, or <i>sour scones</i>, is -the first object of her attention. The gridiron -is put on the fire, and the sour scones are soon -followed by hard cakes, soft cakes, buttered -cakes, brandered bannocks, and pannich perm. -The baking being once over, the sowans pot -succeeds the gridiron, full of new sowans, -which are to be given to the family, agreeably -to custom, this day in their beds. The sowans -are boiled into the consistence of molasses, -when the <i>Lagan-le-vrich</i>,<a id="FNanchor_12" href="#Footnote_12" class="fnanchor">[L]</a> to distinguish it from -boiled sowans, is ready. It is then poured into -as many bickers as there are individuals to partake -of it, and presently served to the whole, -old and young. It would suit well the pen of -a Burns, or the pencil of a Cruikshank, to -paint the scene which follows. The ambrosial -food is soon dispatched in aspiring draughts by -the family, who soon give evident proofs of the -enlivening effects of the <i>Lagan-le-vrich</i>. As -soon as each dispatches his bicker, he jumps out<span class="pagenum" id="Page_169">[169]</span> -of bed—the elder branches to examine the ominous -signs of the day,<a id="FNanchor_13" href="#Footnote_13" class="fnanchor">[M]</a> and the younger to enter -on its amusements. Flocking to the swing, a -favourite amusement on this occasion, the -youngest of the family gets the first “<i>shouden</i>,” -and the next oldest to him, in regular succession. -In order to add the more to the spirit of -the exercise, it is a common practice with the -person in the <i>swing</i>, and the person appointed -to swing him, to enter into a very warm and -humorous altercation. As the swinged person -approaches the swinger, he exclaims, <i>Ei mi tu -chal</i>, “I’ll eat your kail.” To this the swinger -replies, with a violent shove, <i>Cha ni u mu chal</i>, -“You shan’t eat my kail.” These threats and -repulses are sometimes carried to such a height -as to break down or capsize the threatener, -which generally puts an end to the quarrel.</p> - -<p>As the day advances, those minor amusements -are terminated at the report of the gun, -or the rattle of the ball-clubs—the gun inviting -the marksman to the “<i>Kiavanuchd</i>,” or -prize-shooting, and the latter to “<i>Luchd-vouil</i>,” -or the ball-combatants—both the principal -sports of the day. A description of either of -these sports is unnecessary, as nothing new distinguishes -them from similar amusements in -other places; unless it be a consummate precision -in the marksman, and a vigorous intrepidity -in the ball-combatants, that cannot perhaps -be equalled by the peasantry of any other -country.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_170">[170]</span>Tired at length of the active amusements of -the field, they exchange them for the substantial -entertainments of the table. Groaning -under the “<i>sonsy haggis</i>,” and many other savoury -dainties, unseen perhaps for twelve months -before, the relish communicated to the company, -by the appearance of the festive board, is -more easily conceived than described. The -dinner once dispatched, the flowing bowl succeeds, -and the sparkling glass flies to and fro -like a weaver’s shuttle. As it continues its -rounds, the spirits of the company become the -more jovial and happy. Animated by its cheering -influence, even old decrepitude no longer -feels his habitual pains—the fire of youth is in -his eye, as he details to the company the exploits -which distinguished him in the days of -“<i>auld langsyne</i>;” while the young, with hearts -inflamed with “<i>love and glory</i>,” long to mingle -in the more lively scenes of mirth, to display -their prowess and agility. Leaving the patriarchs -to finish those professions of friendship -for each other, in which they are so devoutly -engaged, the younger part of the company will -shape their course to the ball-room, or the card-table, -as their individual inclinations suggest; -and the remainder of the evening is spent with -the greatest pleasure of which human nature is -susceptible. Nor will this happy evening terminate -the festivities of this occasion. Christmas -mid-day awakes all but old age, to a renewal -of former hilarity. To age, however, there is -no permanent enjoyment ordained in this sublunary -state. The transient gleam of happiness -which animated his feeble frame has given -place, with the cause of it, to a gloom proportionate<span class="pagenum" id="Page_171">[171]</span> -to his former joys. Headaches, rheumatisms, -and other wonted infirmities, are this -day returned with more than usual virulence. -He wakes only to recline his head on a pillow -of sorrow, and to think on the days that are -gone.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_172">[172]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">NEW-YEAR’S EVE.</h3> -</div> - -<p class="center">“A gude New Year I wish thee, Maggy.”</p> - -<p class="center"><span class="indentleft"><span class="smcap">Burns.</span></span></p> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Highlander’s native proneness to festive -enjoyments, far from being cloyed by recent -series of feasts and diversions, only receives from -their speedy recurrence an additional excitement. -Anxious by all means to secure this -occasion its accustomed share of hilarity, fresh -schemes of amusement are studied and promoted -with unabated avidity. The peculiar character -of the time pre-eminently entitles it to every -demonstration of satisfaction which mankind can -evince; and it must be no small stimulus to the -Highlander’s laudable zeal, to see that in this -he is imitated by beings whose abilities are far -inferior to his own.</p> - -<p>We presume it is a circumstance that is very -little known in other quarters of the kingdom, -that, on this particular occasion, even the <i>brute</i> -creation (if we may use the expression) have an -instinctive knowledge of its auspices. In particular, -that admirable object of Highland curiosity,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_173">[173]</span> -the “<i>Candlemas</i><a id="FNanchor_14" href="#Footnote_14" class="fnanchor">[N]</a> <i>Bull</i>,” manifests no small -degree of respect for the occasion. This strange -and curious <i>animal</i>, which has so long escaped -the observation of all the <i>Saxon</i> naturalists and -astronomers that ever lived, has been long since -discovered by our Highland philosophers. We -say astronomers! because, however strange it -may appear, this bull forms an object of speculation -connected with their department of science. -It must not, however, be inferred from this circumstance, -that it is of that celestial species of -bulls designated by astronomers to distinguish a -particular division of the zodiac; neither is it of -that terrestrial species known to naturalists and -cattle-dealers—it is of a species distinct from -both. Partaking together of the aërial and terrestrial -nature and qualities, both the earth and -the air are equally its elements. This bull makes -an annual excursion, in some latitude or other, -about the twilight of this night, no doubt in honour -of the occasion. He has, it is said, neither -wings nor any other apparent buoyants; but he -takes advantage of the course of the wind, on -which he glides along in fellowship with the -clouds, in a manner that would do credit to the -best aeronaut of the day. The particular place -of his ascension or descent, which varies with -the direction of the wind, cannot be exactly ascertained. -Nor can we favour the curious with -a minute description of its bodily appearance, -since we never had the good fortune to be present -when it was seen. All our informants,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_174">[174]</span> -however, agree in representing it as of a very -large size, the colour of a dark cloud, and having -all the limbs of a common bull.<a id="FNanchor_15" href="#Footnote_15" class="fnanchor">[O]</a></p> - -<p>As soon as night sets in, it is the signal for -the suspension of common employments; and -the Highlander’s attention is directed to more -agreeable and important callings. Associating -themselves into bands, the men, with tethers and -axes, shape their course towards the juniper -bushes, which are as much in request this night -as kail is on Hallowe’en. Returning home with -Herculean loads, the juniper is arranged around -the fire to dry till the morning. Some careful -person is also dispatched to the <i>dead and living -ford</i>, who draws a pitcher of water, observing -all the time the most profound silence. Great -care must be taken that the vessel containing -the water does not touch the ground, otherwise -it would lose all its virtues. These and every -other necessary peculiar to the occasion being -provided, the inmates retire to rest for the night, -full of the thoughts of the morrow.</p> - -<p>The Highlander’s morning cheer this day is -far less palatable than that with which he is -served so comfortably on Christmas-day. But -if it be not so agreeable to his temporal inclinations, -it is far more beneficial to his spiritual interests. -The <i>Lagan-le-vrich</i>, though very good -in itself as a substantial dish, will do no more -than satisfy for a time the cravings of nature.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_175">[175]</span> -But the treat of which he partakes this day extends -its effects to the good of both soul and -body. This treat, if we may so call it, is divided -into two courses, which are productive of the -following good effects.</p> - -<p>The first course, consisting of the <i>Usque-Cashrichd</i>, -or water from the <i>dead and living -ford</i>, by its sacred virtues, preserves the Highlander, -until the next anniversary, from all those -direful calamities proceeding from the agency of -all infernal spirits, witchcraft, evil eyes, and the -like. And the second course, consisting of the -fumes of juniper, not only removes whatever -diseases may affect the human frame at the time, -but it likewise fortifies the constitution against -their future attacks. These courses of medicine -are administered in the following manner:—</p> - -<p>Light and fire being kindled, and the necessary -arrangements having been effected, the -high priest of the ceremonies for the day, and -his assistants, proceed with the hallowed water -to the several beds in the house, and, by means -of a large brush, sprinkles upon their occupants -a profuse shower of the precious preservative, -which, notwithstanding its salutary properties, -they sometimes receive with jarring ingratitude.</p> - -<p>The first course being thus served, the second -is about to be administered, preliminary to which -it is necessary to stuff all the crevices and windows -in the house, even to the key-hole. This -done, piles of juniper are kindled into a conflagration -in the different apartments of the house. -Rising in fantastic curls, the fumes of the blazing -juniper spread along the roof, and gradually -condense themselves into an opaque cloud, filling -the apartment with an odoriferous fumigation<span class="pagenum" id="Page_176">[176]</span> -altogether overpowering. Penetrating into the -inmost recesses of the patient’s system, (for <i>patients</i> -they may well be called,) it brings on an -incessant shower of hiccupping, sneezing, wheezing, -and coughing, highly demonstrative of its -expectorating qualities. But it not unfrequently -happens, that young and thoughtless urchins, -not relishing such <i>physic</i>, and unmindful of the -important benefits they reap from it, diversify -the scene by cries of suffocation and the like, -which never fail to call forth from the more reflecting -part of the family, if able to speak, a -very severe reproof. Well knowing, however, -that the more intense the “<i>smuchdan</i>,” the more -propitious are its effects, the high priest, with -dripping eyes and distorted mouth, continues -his operations, regardless of the feelings of his -flock, until he considers the dose fully sufficient—upon -which he opens the <i>vent</i>, and the other -crevices, to admit the genial fluid, to recover the -spirits of the exhausted patients. He then proceeds -to gratify the horses, cattle, and other -bestial stock in the town, with the same entertainment -in their turn.<a id="FNanchor_16" href="#Footnote_16" class="fnanchor">[P]</a></p> - -<p>Meanwhile, the gudewife gets up, venting -the most latent embryo of disease in a copious -expectoration; and clapping her hand upon the -bottle <i>dhu</i>, she administers a renovating cordial -to the sufferers around her. The painful ordeal -is, therefore, soon forgotten, and nothing is heard<span class="pagenum" id="Page_177">[177]</span> -but the salutations of the season. All the family -now get up, to wash their besmeared faces and -prepare themselves for the festivities of the day, -and for receiving the visits of their neighbours. -These last soon arrive in bodies, venting upon -the family broadsides of salutation peculiar to -the day.<a id="FNanchor_17" href="#Footnote_17" class="fnanchor">[Q]</a> Breakfast being served up, consisting -of all the luxuries that can be procured, -those of the neighbours not engaged are invited -to partake of it; and the day is terminated with -balls, drinking, card parties, and other sports -too tedious to be mentioned.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_178">[178]</span> -<h3 class="nobreak">FASTEN’S EVE.</h3> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="first">“And oft I hear your dearest name</div> -<div class="verse">Whispered in my troubled dream.”</div> -</div></div> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> most substantial entertainment peculiar -to this night is the matrimonial brose, which is -a dish, we believe, well known throughout the -country at large. This savoury dish is generally -made of the bree of a good fat jigget of -beef or mutton, which, being sometimes a good -while in <i>retentum</i>, renders the addition of salt -to the meal unnecessary. Before the bree is -put in the bicker or plate, a ring is mixed with -the meal, which it will be the aim of every partaker -to get. The first bicker being discussed, -the ring is put into two other bickers successively; -and should any of the candidates for -matrimony find the ring more than once, he -may rest assured of his marrying before the -next anniversary.</p> - -<p>The brose, and plenty of other good cheer, -being dispatched, the guests betake themselves -to another part of the night’s entertainment. -Soon as the evening circle convenes, the “<i>Bannich -Junit</i>,” or “sauty bannocks,” are resorted<span class="pagenum" id="Page_179">[179]</span> -to. The component ingredients of those dainties -are eggs and meal, and a sufficient quantity -of salt, in order to sustain their ancient and -appropriate appellation of “sauty.” These ingredients, -well mixed together, are baked or -toasted on the gridiron, and are regarded by old -and young as a most delicious treat; and, as -may be expected, they have a charm attached -to them, which enables the happy Highlander -to discover the object of all his spells—his connubial -bed-fellow.</p> - -<p>A sufficient number of those designed for the -palate being prepared, the great or matrimonial -bannock is made, of which all the young people -in the house partake. Into the ingredients of -it there is some particle intermixed, which, in -the distribution, will fall to the lot of some -happy person, who may be sure, if not already -married, to be so before the next anniversary.</p> - -<p>Last of all are made the <i>Bannich Bruader</i>, -or dreaming bannocks, to the ingredients composing -which is added a little of that substance -which chimney-sweeps call soot, and which contains -some charm of which we have not yet -come to the knowledge. In baking these last -bannocks, the baker must be as mute as a stone—one -word would destroy the charm of the -whole concern. One is given to each individual, -who slips off with it quietly to bed; and, -reposing his head on his bannock, he will be -gratified by the sight of his beloved in the course -of his midnight slumbers.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_180">[180]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">BELTANE EVE.</h3> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="first">“Now the sun’s gone out o’ sight,</div> -<div class="verse">Beet the ingle, snuff the light;</div> -<div class="verse">In glens the fairies skip and dance,</div> -<div class="verse">And witches wallop o’er to France.”</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><span class="smcap">Ramsay.</span></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Beltane Eve</span><a id="FNanchor_18" href="#Footnote_18" class="fnanchor">[R]</a> is a night of considerable importance -and of much anxiety to the Highland -farmer, as being the grand anniversary review -night, on which all the tribes of witches, warlocks, -wizards, and fairies, in the kingdom, are -to be reviewed by Satan and his chief generals<span class="pagenum" id="Page_181">[181]</span> -in person, and new candidates admitted into infernal -orders. When such a troop, under such -a commander, are let loose upon the community, -it is natural to suppose that much misery -and devastation will follow in their train; and -when rewards are only conferred on those most -consummate in wickedness, and those most adept -in cutting diabolical cantrips, it is natural for -every honest man to feel anxious that they may -not obtain promotion at his expense. In order, -therefore, to be perfectly secure from the machinations -of so dangerous a society, every prudent -man will resort to those safeguards that -will keep them at the staff’s end. Messengers -are therefore dispatched to the woods for cargoes -of the blessed rowan tree, the virtues of which -are well known. Being formed into the shape -of a cross, by means of a red thread, the virtues -of which too are very eminent, those crosses -are, with all due solemnity, inserted in the different -door-lintels in the town, and protect -those premises from the cantrips of the most -diabolical witch in the universe. Care should -also be taken to insert one of them in the midden, -which has at all times been a favourite site -of <i>rendezvous</i> with the black sisterhood. This -cheaply purchased precaution once observed, -the people of those countries will now go to bed -as unconcernedly, and sleep as soundly, as on -any other night.</p> - -<p>While those necessary precautions are in -preparation, the matron or housekeeper is employed -in a not less interesting avocation to the -juvenile generation, <i>i. e.</i> baking the Beltane -bannocks. Next morning the children are presented -each with a bannock, with as much joy<span class="pagenum" id="Page_182">[182]</span> -as an heir to an estate his title-deeds; and having -their pockets well lined with cheese and -eggs, to render the entertainment still more -sumptuous, they hasten to the place of assignation, -to meet the little band assembled on the -brow of some sloping hill, to reel their bannocks, -and learn their future fate. With hearty greetings -they meet, and with their knives make the -signs of life and death on their bannocks. These -signs are a cross, or the sign of life, on the one -side; and a cypher, or the sign of death, on the -other. This being done, the bannocks are all -arranged in a line, and on their edges let down -the hill. This process is repeated three times, -and if the cross most frequently present itself, -the owner will live to celebrate another Beltane -day; but if the cypher is oftenest uppermost, -he is doomed to die of course. This sure prophecy -of short life, however, seldom spoils the -appetites of the unfortunate short-livers, who -will handle their knives with as little signs of -death as their more fortunate companions. -Assembling around a rousing fire of collected -heath and brushwood, the ill-fated bannocks are -soon demolished, amidst the cheering and jollity -of the youthful association.<a id="FNanchor_19" href="#Footnote_19" class="fnanchor">[S]</a></p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_183">[183]</span> -<h3 class="nobreak">CHRISTENINGS.</h3> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="first">“When we sit bowsing at the nappy,</div> -<div class="verse">And getting fu’ and unco happy,</div> -<div class="verse">We think not on the lang Scots miles,</div> -<div class="verse">The mosses, waters, slaps, an’ stiles.”</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><span class="smcap">Burns.</span></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Having</span> travelled over the prominent features -which distinguish public annual festivities in -the Highlands of Scotland, we shall now briefly -direct the reader’s attention to those particular -occasions which only interest private circles of -friends; and of all these it may be said, that the -birth and christening of a child forms one of the -most pleasant and important. The fond parent, -filled with those visionary hopes and expectations -which the imagination is so apt to conceive -as the portion of those objects most dear to us, -fancies he beholds in his new offspring the future -hero or statesman, whose fragile hand may be -destined to wield the sword of a general or the -pen of a statesman. Such is the impression of -the Highland parent in particular—an impression -in which he is perhaps confirmed by superior -authority. The great utility and comfort<span class="pagenum" id="Page_184">[184]</span> -derived from having the assistance of those wise -people, whose experience and judgment enable -them to discover those great destinies in an infant, -is abundantly apparent; and of this capacity -most of the Highland matrons are possessed. -It is no doubt this weighty consideration that -induces every honest woman to have her own -junto of matron counsellors, whose presence is -as indispensable on the occasion of an accouchement -as that of the <i>accoucheur</i>. If the offspring -is a son, it is likely those sage physiognomists -will already trace in his infantile lineaments -clear signs of that future greatness which he is -destined some happy day to display, as well as -the striking resemblance he bears to his father -and mother. The greatness of such a <i>blessing</i> -as this they never fail to impress upon the overjoyed -father, (though, by the bye, he may have -had too many of these blessings before,) who is -thus induced cheerfully to devote more of his -little property than he can well afford, to give -the occasion its deserved <i>eclat</i>. Filled with -pleasure, elated with hope, Highland hospitality -has no bounds—a score of lives are sacrificed at -the shrine of festivity, and all the neighbours -and kinsmen invited to the christening. The -day arrived, the little great man destined to -grace some name is arrayed in his robes of state, -and confided to the care of the happy sponsors, -who, (should the parson not attend the feast,) -together with the company present, will proceed -with him to the parsonage, to receive the ordinance -of baptism. On their return, the guests -assembled will pledge the health of their host -and the <i>Benheen</i>, or the sick wife, in overflowing -bumpers—not forgetting young Donald,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_185">[185]</span> -who, “<i>may he thrive</i>,” every body praises for a -fine child.</p> - -<p>The seating and tables being next sorted in -some snug place, the feast commences with a -course of savoury soup, which is pronounced -good by all. A succeeding course of broth is -still better; and a third still better than the second. -Mutton and beef follow, each good in -its kind. Plenty of fowls, equally delicious, -are next ushered in, calling forth the unqualified -praise of the guests, who, upon the whole, pronounce -the banquet the most luxurious which -they have seen for a long time before. The -dessert once dispatched, the flowing bowl succeeds, -and the rafters are made again to resound -to the healths of the young hero and his parents. -A long catalogue of those toasts and sentiments -most congenial to the feelings of the company -are next drank with the greatest glee; and bowl -after bowl is speedily drained “to <i>friendship’s -growth</i>,” the effects of which bespeak themselves -in the aspect of the company.</p> - -<p>Enveloped in a cloud of tobacco-smoke, in -one corner a hamlet politician is retailing to his -half-attentive neighbour the various news of the -day. Another guest is as warmly engaged in the -praise of his wife, his horses, or his cattle; and -another is eagerly soliciting attention to his improved -mode of ploughing his ground, sowing -his turnips, and planting his potatoes. At length, -when the house begins to revolve, each thinks -it time to withdraw. The officious midwife -then comes to the door, full of kind inquiries, if -each has got his own plaid, bonnet, and staff; -and being rewarded for her attention by the customary -<i>douceur</i>, she wishes them all a good night -and a pleasant journey.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_186">[186]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">WEDDINGS.</h3> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="first">“Was ne’er in Scotland heard or seen</div> -<div class="indent">Sic dancing and deray;</div> -<div class="verse">Nouther at Falkland on the green,</div> -<div class="indent">Nor Peebles at the play.”</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><span class="smcap">King James I.</span></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Interesting</span> as a christening undoubtedly is -to the parents of the child, it is, neither in a -public nor private sense, so happy an occasion -as that which we are about to describe. If there -is any thing under the sun in which true happiness -really consists, we are told it is in the consummation -of a marriage, where the parties, -uninfluenced by sordid motives, are entirely -brought together by the magnetic power of love. -Of such a description the Highland marriages -are in general. The lower classes being pretty -equal in their circumstances, policy and interest -have less influence in their marriages than is the -case with any other rank of people; and consequently -the parties are left more to the unbiassed -dictates of their own voluntary choice.</p> - -<p>When a couple of young lovers propose to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_187">[187]</span> -get married, the nearest relations of both parties -meet to take the case into consideration; and, -in general, it is no difficult matter for the lovers -and their advocates to get a decision consonant -to their inclinations. This is called the booking -(“<i>leuruch</i>”) or contract, which is very often ratified -by no other covenant than a few bottles of -whisky. If the parties come to an understanding, -the lovers are immediately declared bride -and bridegroom; and some Tuesday or Thursday -in the growth of the moon is fixed upon for -the celebration of the nuptials. Meanwhile, to -sustain the dignity of the bridal pair, from motives -of policy as well as of state, they select -from their kinsmen two trustworthy persons -each, who are delegated to the other—the male -to protect the party from being stolen, (a practice -once common, and not yet extinct,) and the -female to act as maid of honour and lady of the -bedchamber on the bridal occasion.</p> - -<p>A few days prior to the bridal day, the parties, -with their attendants, perambulate the -country, inviting the guests, on which occasion -they meet with marked attention from old and -young. The invitations are all delivered to the -parties <i>propria persona</i> at their firesides; and if -the wedding is to be a cheap one, a small present -is sometimes offered to the bride, and accepted -of.</p> - -<p>On the morning of the wedding-day, some -lady, who is above the ordinary level, and who -has been constituted mistress of the ceremonies -for the day, arrives to deck the bride in her -splendid habiliments. She is received by the -clean white bride, previously prepared for her -by a ducking in the cold bath; and, retiring to -the wardrobe chamber, she is speedily metamorphosed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_188">[188]</span> -from a “sonsy country lassie” into a -downright lady—at least, if muslins and ribbons -are all that is requisite to confer this distinction, -she is entitled to it. The bridegroom, too, at -his apartments, has his own decorators, who -deck him out most splendidly with marriage -favours and other ornaments suitable to the occasion.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, repeated vollies of musketry summon -the guests to the wedding. Mounted on -his palfry, each “crony” shapes his course to -the house to which he was invited; while droves -of youngsters flock along the road, whose hearts -at every shot are bounding with joy. On their -arrival, they are ushered into the breakfasting -apartment, to partake of the forenoon’s entertainment, -consisting of good milk porridge and -cream, on which they fare very sumptuously. -After this mid-day repast, they are led to the -ball-room, or dancing apartment, to share in its -enjoyment. Here the bride or bridegroom is -seated at the upper end of the ball-room, and -receives the company, as they successively arrive, -with great pomp and ceremony; and the dancing -and mirth is prolonged for some hours.</p> - -<p>At the time appointed, the bridegroom selects -a party of young men, who are dispatched to -summon the bride and her party to the marriage -ceremony. Their approach is announced by -showers of musketry opened upon them by -some of the bride’s men, and returned, most of -the guests being furnished with pistols. The -bride’s party accordingly prepare themselves for -the procession. The bride is mounted upon -some <i>canny</i> charger behind an expert rider; -drams go round to her health and prosperity;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_189">[189]</span> -and, the company being all in readiness, she -leaves her native residence for another, amidst -the cheers and <i>feu-de-joie</i> of the assembly. -Marching to the sound of the inspiring bagpipes, -and the discharge of fire-arms, the bride’s -party proceed to the place appointed for the -marriage. The bridegroom’s party follow at -some little distance; and both arrived at the -appointed place of rendezvous, the bridegroom’s -party stand in the rear till the bride’s party -enter the meeting-house, agreeably to the rules -of precedence, which on this occasion are decidedly -in favour of the bride in all the proceedings -of the day.</p> - -<p>Soon as the hymeneal knot is tied, the candidates -for the honour of wonning the kail, as -they call it, drive off <i>pell mell</i> for the bridegroom’s -house, horsemen and footmen promiscuously. -Both parties, now mingled together, proceed -with multitudinous jovialty towards the -bridegroom’s, the scene of the future festivities -of the night. A volley of fire-arms announces -their arrival; and the company assembled at the -door, to welcome the bride, assail her with a -basket of the bridal bread and cheese, the properties -of which are well known. The bridal -pair are then seated at the upper end of the -banquet, and the guests are arrayed, according -to their quality, around the far-extended tables, -formed of doors, chests, and cart bottoms, sustained -by sturdy supporters of wood or stone; -and wooden beams, and deals for chairs, in common -form. The more plebeian part of the -guests, freely disposed of in the stables or byres, -make themselves very comfortable with their -cheer.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_190">[190]</span>Shortly the waiters come round the circle, -presenting each with a spoon, which he must -carefully return when done with it. The spoon -is followed with the hardly-contested kail. -After this, a remove of savoury broth is presently -brought in; of which all having partaken, -the still more delicious “<i>hotch-potch</i>” succeeds. -Then follow fowl of every feather, and every -beast and creeping thing—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="first">“Hind and fore spalls of a sheep</div> -<div class="indent">Drew whittles frae ilk sheath;</div> -<div class="verse">Wi’ gravie a’ their beards did creep,</div> -<div class="indent">They kempit wi’ their teeth.”</div> -</div></div> - -<p>The dinner being over, the “shemit reel” is -the next object of attention. All the company -assemble on the lawn with flambeaux, and form -into a circle. The bridal pair and their retinue -then dance a <i>sixsome reel</i>, each putting a piece -of silver into the musician’s hand. Those desirous -may then succeed, and dance with the -bride and the two maids of honour, and are -gratified at the commencement and termination -of each reel by the usual salutes.</p> - -<p>In the meantime, the stewards of the feast -having removed the temporary erections from -the dancing apartments, the shemit reel being -over, the guests re-occupy their seats in the original -order, and dancing and mirth is again resumed. -Tartan plaids, spreading in every corner, -invite the fair to take shelter in those most -congenial to their inclinations. The jovial smiling -bowl, now reeking in a corner, allures to its -side its votaries—the circling glass adds additional -stimulus to the riotous spirit of the company.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_191">[191]</span> -In short, pleasure presents herself for -courtship in all her luring forms.</p> - -<p>As the night advances, the company grows -still more happy. The numerous ills of the -human lot, which at other times so much afflict -them, now cause them no concern; on the contrary, -they are entirely full of its pleasures. -Hence, all the corners of the house, instead of -declamations against the infirmities of age, or -the badness of the times, are full of the happiest -communications. Opportunities long sought for -declaring secret friendship have now occurred, -and the warmth with which they are expressed -forcibly bespeak their fervency. Two patriarchs -“had long indulged the hope of seeing an honourable -alliance betwixt <i>their</i> families. Both -honest and respectable, the union of their children -would be a highly suitable match; and -should such a desirable event ever occur, there -was a black stocking in secret, which would -spew on the occasion of the wedding.” In another, -you may see two hearty grey-beards, whose -locked hands and contacting noddles show the -closeness of their friendship, relating to each -other, with much complacency, those tales of -“<i>auld langsyne</i>” in which they themselves acted -so prominent a part. In another corner, the -fond lover, with his dearly beloved locked in his -affectionate embrace, melting her heart with his -wooing strains; and in another, the vocal choir, -whose throats of steel vociferate their harmonious -ditties on the gratified ears of the company; -while, on the top of a bed, or at the back of the -door, the juvenile part of the guests, assembled -in tumultuous rabble, will also join their voices -in the general uproar.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_192">[192]</span>On the floor the dancers are beyond compare. -Fixed with emulation who shall <i>win the dance</i>, -every nerve and muscle is put in active exercise. -The lads are gaining greater agility every -successive reel; while, in the language of the -poet,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="first">“The lasses bab’d about the reel,</div> -<div class="indent">Gart a’ their hurdies wallop,</div> -<div class="verse">And swat like ponies when they speel</div> -<div class="indent">Up braes, or when they gallop.”</div> -</div></div> - -<p>This scene lasts for some hours, until the presence -of day warns the bride to prepare for the -bedding. Wishing, if possible, to elude the -public gaze, she attempts to steal away privately, -when, observed by some vigilant eye, her departure -is announced, and all push to the bridal -chamber.</p> - -<p>The door is instantly forced open, and the -devoted bride, divested of all her braws, and -stripped nearly to the state of nature, is placed -in bed in presence of the whole company. Her -left stocking is then flung, and falls upon some -individual, whose turn to the hymeneal altar will -be the next. The bridegroom, next led in, is -as rapidly demolished, and cosily stowed along-side -of his darling. A bottle and glass being -then handed to the bridegroom, he rewards the -friendliness of those who come forward to offer -their congratulations, with a flowing bumper. -When the numerous levée have severally paid -their court, they retire, and leave the young -couple to repose.</p> - -<p>On returning to the grand scene of festivity, -we shall find that the aspect of the company<span class="pagenum" id="Page_193">[193]</span> -there has suffered no small alteration during -our absence. Overpowered by the peculiar influence -of the ardent friendship which fills the -elder branches of the company, those boisterous -expressions of esteem which recently occupied -them so much, have declined into the calmest -complacency. Overcome by the most unspeakable -sensations, the tongue, which was lately so -voluble, has totally failed. Those legs, which -but a few hours ago displayed the greatest agility, -have now refused their office; and the -whole machine is become perfectly unwieldy -and unmanageable:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="first">“In their mawes there was na mank;</div> -<div class="indent">Upon the firms some snor’d;</div> -<div class="verse">Ithers frae aff the bunkers sank,</div> -<div class="indent">Wi’ een like collops scor’d.”</div> -</div></div> - -<p>Seated by the victorious bowl, the <i>Far Cuil</i> is -still engaged in his musical vocation. With -bow alternately above and below the strings, -he is earnestly employed at <i>Tullochgorum</i>, while -cries for the same spring, proceeding from the -dancers on the floor, incessantly ring on his -ears. Insensible to time or measure, some of -the young people still wallop on the floor, and -unabated clamour reigns throughout the house.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, all the avenues leading from the -town are thronged with retiring guests “<i>careering</i>” -on their way home; and the company is -ultimately reduced to the immediate friends and -relations of the young couple, who wait to offer -their morning congratulations. When the bridal -pair are supposed to have reposed themselves -sufficiently long, they are warned to get up, to -prepare for the breakfast and the morning levée.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_194">[194]</span> -On entering the grand breakfasting parlour, the -whole concourse of friends receive them with -showers of compliments and congratulations, -accompanied by such gifts as may be convenient; -and yesterday’s scene of festivity is again renewed, -and prolonged for the day.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_195">[195]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">WAKES.</h3> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="first">“But turn to yonder cloister’d gloom,</div> -<div class="indent">Where pallid Sorrow leads the way,</div> -<div class="verse">To muse upon some hallow’d tomb,</div> -<div class="indent">Where Friendship’s dearest relics lie.”</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright">W. S.</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Short</span> and unstable are the joys of man!—How -often does it happen that such ardent scenes of -pleasure as we have been just endeavouring to -describe are but like the gleam which precedes -the storm—a prelude to direful woe! Oft has -the tender parent or loving child, who but yesterday -animated such a scene of festivity, to-day -exhibited the most desponding spectacle which -human nature can witness. Those eyes, which -then sparkled at the <i>pibroch’s</i> harmonious sounds, -are now sealed for ever; and his relations and -friends are involved in grief more vehement than -their former joys.</p> - -<p>Prone to partake in his neighbour’s joys, the -Highlander, on such occasions as this, is equally -ready to share in his sorrows, and will not -grudge to contribute his exertions, by night as -well as by day, to add to his comfort or consolation.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_196">[196]</span> -On the last offices of friendship being -performed, the body is laid on a bed in that -apartment of the house most commodious and -suitable for the company; and the neighbours -immediately collect in bands, to watch over the -remains of departed friendship. During the -silent hours of midnight, the solemnity of the -occasion is heightened by the sound of sacred -praise, and reading of the blessed Gospel. Such -are now the laudable employments which have -assumed the place of that revelry which formerly -disgraced the Highland wakes, when immoderate -drinking, dancing, wanton levity, and profane -amusements, were the prominent features of -such an assembly. It is true, the moderate use -of liquor and singing of songs are still tolerated, -but excess on these occasions is now unknown. -On the departure of every group, one of the -friends in attendance conducts them to the -melancholy bier, when each generally testifies -the ardour of his friendship by shaking the -hand, which now cannot feel his proffered kindness, -and retires full of those solemn reflections -which the scene is calculated to produce.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_197">[197]</span> - -<h3 class="nobreak">FUNERALS.</h3> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="first">“In some fond breast still lives the face,</div> -<div class="indent">Its wonted smile, the darling form,</div> -<div class="verse">Which awful death cannot efface,</div> -<div class="indent">However much it may deform.”</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright">W. S.</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="smcap">On</span> the third day after the defunct’s decease, if -the person occupied no station above the ordinary -level, the body will be led to its destined -abode. This sorrowful day is early distinguished -by melancholy arrangements. Verbal warnings -having been previously circulated to the male -inhabitants of the district, large and timeous -preparations are necessary for their accommodation -and entertainment. While the seating of -the apartments destined to receive the company -occupies the men, the arrangement of the entertainment -occupies no less the attention of the -women. In the meanwhile, the relations and -family of the deceased attire themselves in the -best mournings their circumstances can afford, -and prepare themselves for going through the -duties of the day with all possible fortitude and -decency. The arrival of the wooden house of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_198">[198]</span> -death, and the deposition of its inhabitant, -early call forth many a sigh and tear at the -parting which is about to take place. But the -closing of the coffin is deferred till the eve of -removal.</p> - -<p>About twelve o’clock, the company, or, to -speak more properly, the guests, successively -arrive in scattered groups, dressed in all the -variegated colours of the rainbow; and are received -by some near connection of the deceased, -who conducts them to the place appointed for -their station.</p> - -<p>With becoming gravity they take their seats, -condoling very feelingly with the present friends -on their lamentable loss, and carry on for a -while a conversation very suitable to the business -which brought them together. They are -each served, on their arrival, with what is called -a dram of “<i>dry whisky</i>,” and some fit person is -appointed to keep the glass in active circulation. -To him is also delegated a discretionary power -of imposing extra penalties on late comers, who -must compensate for their absence by drinking -a double quantity on their arrival.</p> - -<p>Thus, all equally well plied with the enlivening -glass, the solemn aspect of the company is -soon changed into a mixture of sorrow and joy. -The moralist, who so recently uttered such sage -reflections upon the shortness of life and its -uncertainty, is transformed by some secret -influence into the sprightly wit, whose humorous -jokes and repartees continually agitate the -risible powers of his audience. In short, the -house of mourning is rapidly changing into a -house of mirth; and such would be the opinion -of any stranger who might visit the scene.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_199">[199]</span>As soon as he approaches the door of the -<i>meeting-house</i>, his ears are assailed with a confusion -of sounds, which conveys to him the idea -of entering a house full of bees. Seated in -double rows, extending from one end of the -house to the other, he finds it literally crammed, -not with bees, but Highlandmen of every age -and condition. In each end of the house he -sees overflowing bowls, and walking to and fro, -a host of waiters, bearing the full and empty -glasses of the company, followed by others with -bread and cheese, which are liberally distributed -amongst the guests. Being seated in the place -befitting his rank or station, if curiosity leads -him to a closer examination of the complexion -of his company, he will not be a little amused -at the diversity of feelings and conversation distinguishing -the individuals composing it. If the -visitor or stranger whom we have supposed is of -a serious cast of mind, and if he addresses himself -to his elbow neighbour on the solemn character -of the occasion, and laments the pitiful -state of the family that may be thus deprived of -their parent or provider—perhaps, if he listens -for a moment with counterfeited seriousness, the -sprightly sally of a rustic wit rings upon his ear, -and a horse-laugh immediately shows the spectator -he has no great relish for his subject. If, -again, he addresses himself to one of a less jovial -temperament, who has not yet been so much -affected by the general <i>infection</i> upon the same -subject, he will perhaps acknowledge the justness -of his observations with a significant shake -of the head, declaring at the same time the -poignancy of his sorrow for the deceased, who, -“new peace to him, was the best of souls.” But,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_200">[200]</span> -at the same time, and in the same breath, he -will make a digression to the alarming depreciation -of agricultural produce, and the consequent -inevitable ruin of poor farmers, if they do not -immediately get a reduction of the one-half of -their rents; and the concern he evinces for both -matters makes it difficult to determine which -loss he considers the greater calamity. Listening -to the various topics of conversation discussed -by the company in general, he will find <i>seriousness</i> -form no part of it. Having already sufficiently -moralized on the <i>evils</i> of life, they are -now resolved to confine themselves entirely to -its <i>goods</i>. Death, low prices, and high rents, -have now given place to balls, feasts, and diversions. -One group is warmly engaged in scheming -a “<i>dry or wet ball</i>;” another group is warmly -expatiating upon the good signs of the year, -corroborated as they are by the “<i>annual prognostic</i>;” -and others are as warmly engaged in -recriminating each other for their notorious gallantries, -and the like; while a good spring, a -good harvest, and ready sale to sheep and cattle, -are drunk by all with the greatest enthusiasm. -All are become suddenly acquainted with the -proverb, “A pound of care will not pay an -ounce of debt;” and therefore they are determined -to spend life in friendship and good hopes. -In obedience to this wholesome resolution, each -crony, as he gives his neighbour the hand, will -also give him the pipe or the “sneeshan mill,” -and would be very sorry to see him ill-used in a -“<i>pley</i>,” or any such cause, without rendering -him a helping hand.</p> - -<p>As the drinking continues, the company -become still more noisy. Repetitions of toasts,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_201">[201]</span> -the vacant laugh, and incoherent exclamation, -mingled with a few little oaths, are what perpetually -burst upon the ear; and the sequel of -such unhallowed carousals exhibit but too frequently -a scene of the most improper levity.<a id="FNanchor_20" href="#Footnote_20" class="fnanchor">[T]</a></p> - -<p>Far different, however, are the feelings and -conduct of those mournful individuals who -occupy another apartment, where the affectionate -widow or fatherless orphans are now assembled, -to take the last and long farewell of the relics of -love. In deep dismay, behold the sorrowing -group bending over the dear remains, absorbed -in frantic woe, bathing with their tears unfeeling -death, insensible to all their sorrows.</p> - -<p>When the weeping relatives have severally -bade the corpse the last adieu, by imparting the -farewell kiss to the cold and pallid lip of death, -(which, nevertheless, is perhaps the sweetest we -ever impart,) the dearest form is for ever concealed -from their view.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="first">“Long on the lip the kiss will dwell,</div> -<div class="indent">And on the ear the mournful sigh,</div> -<div class="verse">Which seal’d the last and fond farewell,</div> -<div class="indent">And forg’d a bond time can’t untie.”</div> -</div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_202">[202]</span>The necessary arrangements being effected, -the coffin is brought forth, surrounded by the -bereaved friends, and bound on the <i>hanspecks</i> -on some convenient supports at the door; and -when time will no longer permit the guests to -indulge in their hilarity, an unwelcome summons -invites them to their duty. Issuing forth tumultuously, -they surround their charge; and all -the riders being provided with their horses, the -signal for setting off is given. The female relations, -according to the custom of some countries, -get the first lift; and the supports on which the -body was bound being carefully overturned, for -some reason best known to the wise men of the -day, the multitudinous procession takes the road.</p> - -<p>At this moment a scene presents itself to the -cool spectator, wholly without a parallel. The -various habiliments of the company—riders and -pedestrians mingled together—the sound of the -horses—and the united clamour of the multitude—are -altogether striking. At one time, the -expressions of mirth predominate; while, at -others, the heart-rending lamentations of the -female relations of the defunct prevail, and in -their turn vibrate upon the ear. The women, -at length unwillingly disentangled from the -body, return home with mournful wailing, and -the procession continues its course to its destination. -Too many of the company are sometimes -more intent upon their own pleasures -than mindful of their business, roving about in -scattered parties; while others exhibit, in their -attention, a pattern of correctness and decorum; -and, warmly enumerating the good qualities of -the deceased, descant on the happy change he -has made—at the same time walking with a careful<span class="pagenum" id="Page_203">[203]</span> -step, lest an unfortunate fall beneath the -body should doom themselves to share his enviable -lot.<a id="FNanchor_21" href="#Footnote_21" class="fnanchor">[U]</a></p> - -<p>At length, arrived at the mansions of the -dead, the body is lowered into its drear abode, -amidst the sorrowing of some and the insensibility -of others. The slate planted on the grave -terminates its earthly career, and consigns it for -ever to the land of forgetfulness.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="first">“Yet, though consign’d to death’s dark shade,</div> -<div class="indent">And ever hid from mortal view,</div> -<div class="verse">Still constant Love, by Fancy led,</div> -<div class="indent">The dreary scene will oft review.”</div> -</div></div> - -<hr class="tiny"> -<p class="ph1"><span class="antiqua">The End.</span></p> - -<hr class="tiny"> -<p class="center"><span class="smcap">J. S. Witherden</span>, Lithographic and Letterpress Printer,<br> -Clifford’s Inn Passage, Fleet Street.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="ph1">FOOTNOTES:</p> -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">[A]</a> Nothing can appear more surprising to the refined reader, -than that any human being, possessing the rational faculties -of human nature, could for a moment entertain a notion so -preposterous as that a ghost, which conveys the idea of an immortal -spirit, could be killed, or rather annihilated, by an arrow, -dirk, or sixpence. It was, however, the opinion of the darker -ages, that such an exploit as killing a ghost was perfectly -practicable. A spirit was supposed to be material in its nature, -quite susceptible of mortal pain, and liable to death or annihilation -from the weapons of man. Such an opinion is repeatedly -expressed in several passages of the Poems of Ossian, and in -the doctrine of the <i>Seanachy</i>, down to the present day.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2" href="#FNanchor_2" class="label">[B]</a> John-o’-Groat’s House, Caithness.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3" href="#FNanchor_3" class="label">[C]</a> We are informed that there is a woman still living in the -parish of Abernethy, on whom this experiment was tried. She -was found one night, rather unaccountably, as it appeared to -her wise parents, on the outside of a window. No doubt, therefore, -remained, but that she had been stolen by the fairies, and -a stock left as her substitute. It was, therefore, unanimously -resolved to carry the stock to the junction of the shires of Inverness, -Moray, and Banff, where the poor child was left for a -night to enjoy the pleasures of solitude. Being well rolled up -in a comfortable blanket, she sustained no material injury from -this monstrous exposure, and, accordingly, the result proved -highly satisfactory to her enlightened guardians.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_4" href="#FNanchor_4" class="label">[D]</a> Mine is yours, and yours is mine.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_5" href="#FNanchor_5" class="label">[E]</a> The goats are supposed to be upon a very good understanding -with the fairies, and possessed of more cunning and -knowledge than their appearance bespeaks.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_6" href="#FNanchor_6" class="label">[F]</a> Witchcraft.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_7" href="#FNanchor_7" class="label">[G]</a> A Witch.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_8" href="#FNanchor_8" class="label">[H]</a> The present Lord Murray is supposed to have been the -gentleman who discovered to Mr. Willox this convenient piece -of information regarding the original nature and use of the -<i>stone</i>.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_9" href="#FNanchor_9" class="label">[I]</a> North.</p> - -<p>Since the first publication of this book, the renowned -Mr. Mac Grigor Willox has been laid with his fathers, leaving -the stone and bridle to his son and daughter, as heirlooms for -the benefit of posterity. The goodman died full of years, if -not full of any thing else which is coveted by the people of -this world. But by his death it is believed that the spell which -so long bound the northern community to his stone and bridle -has been broken; and it is thought that those precious relics, -which were scarcely “honestly come by,” may be returned -to the kelpie and the mermaid, their original owners, should -they or their representatives be disposed to claim restitution of -them.</p> - -<p>The highly curious and interesting collection of Criminal -Trials, recently published by Robert Pitcairn, Esq., affords -ample particulars of the <i>modus operandi</i> by which the workers -of Satan in human shape accomplished their nefarious ends. The -reader is particularly referred to the cases of those witches of -quality, Lady Glammis and Lady Munro of Fowlis, and to the -assistant hags of the latter, consisting of Laskie Loncart, Christy -Ross, and others, all highly deserving of <i>record</i>. But Isobel -Gowdie, the head witch of Auldearn, who, on her own confession, -was condemned to be “worried and burned at a stake” -in 1662, is the standard authority to refer to on these subjects. -It appears that in those days Auldearn, near Nairn, now the -locality of a virtuous community, was the great nursery that -supplied Satan with <i>cadets</i> for his “Black Watch;” for so numerous -were the members of the craft at that place, according to -Isobel Gowdie, that on occasions of public inspection by the -sovereign of the order, they were counted or told off in <i>squads</i> -or “<i>covines</i>” (as Isobel called them), to each of which were -appointed two <i>adjutants</i> or <i>drill-sergeants</i>, the brigade-major -being a “<i>well-favoured</i>” wench of the name of “<i>Nannie</i>,” who -occupied the seat of honour at Satan’s <i>carousals</i>. On such occasions -of assembly, they dug up graves, possessed themselves -of unchristened infants, using their joints and members in their -incantations. They metamorphosed themselves into the forms -of crows, cats, hares, &c., and played all manners of cantrips -on live stock and farm produce. But it not unfrequently -happened that those <i>amusements</i> turned out but indifferent -<i>sport</i> to some of the <i>probationers</i> concerned,—several worthies, -and Isobel Gowdie among the rest, having had unwittingly -become the subjects of the <i>chase</i>, at the feet and mouths of -the greyhounds of the day, who have “no respect of persons,” -or the characters in which they enacted their parts. And it -would also appear that the cadets in this Royal Military -College formed any thing but an harmonious society—the -Master General, and his <i>Sappers</i> and <i>Miners</i>, often quarrelling -about very minor matters, such as titles of distinction; in the -course of which the <i>master</i> often received many <i>black names</i>, -and the apprentices many <i>stripes</i>. But it would appear that -“one Margaret Wilson in Auldearn” was nearly match for -him; for Isobel Gowdie declares she used to “<i>bell the cat</i>” -with him stoutly; “defending herself finely” from the <i>wool-cards</i> -and such other sharp instruments of punishment as he -made use of on those occasions. “It was no doubt one of those -ancient <i>covines</i> that encountered Macbeth (not far from the -College) on his way to Forres.”</p> - -<p>But since the days of Isobel Gowdie, Maggy Wilson, Bessy -Hay, and Co, the <i>union</i> has been repealed, without the aid of -any great agitator; for ever since their day, the people in this -parish have died a natural death. But it is still mooted, “<i>sotto -voce</i>,” that there are still some roots of the old tree scattered -over neighbouring territories not far from the capital of the -Highlands, who have been allowed to live quite as long as they -deserved. And one Isabella Hay, probably a descendant of -her namesake of Auldearn, has for many years levied <i>blackmail</i> -on the inhabitants of Inverness, until having, by her imps, -in autumn 1839, laid her enchantments on the goods and chattels -of some people in Inverness (the author among the number), -she was sentenced in September, 1839, by the Circuit Court of -Justiciary—not to the <i>stake</i>, but to a punishment which, however, -has served to put an end to her sorceries.</p> - -<p>Among recent discoveries of the author as charms, or rather -counter-charms against witchcraft, it deserves to be noticed, that -if a knot tied against the sun be made on the tail of a quadruped, -it is secure against the spells of necromancy. It is, or -had been till recently, also a common practice to put a portion -of the medicinal herb or plant called “<i>saffron</i>” under the churn -while the process of churning the cream is undergoing, which -will prevent the <i>craft</i> from taking the substance by means of -their magical <i>rope</i>, by the operations of which they were wont -to extract from a piece of wood in their own dwellings the soul -and substance of what might belong to parties afar off, and -who, without such precaution, might churn away till doomsday -without the appearance of the yellow treasure. And -moistening the mouth of a calf with the extract of the said -vegetable, and setting it to suck a cow whose milk might go to -the said <i>rope</i>, will instantly restore it to the proper owner.</p> - -<p>It need scarcely be added, in conclusion, that <i>scoring</i> a witch -crosswise on the forehead, or above her breath, divests her of -all supernatural power. But the laws are now so strong, even -at John-o’-Groat’s house, that the processes of trial by <i>swimming</i> -and <i>scoring</i> cannot now be resorted to, except in <i>extreme</i> -cases where the <i>subjects</i> have not the benefit of <i>law</i> or <i>clergy</i>. -On a very recent occasion, however, in Ross-shire, a worthy -fisher, whose nets suffered no small prejudice from the machinations -of a neighbour, but no friend, performed on her, much -against her consent, the operation of <i>scoring</i> on the forehead, -for which the sheriff of Ross, in August 1845, sentenced him to -undergo a short imprisonment in the gaol of Tain.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_10" href="#FNanchor_10" class="label">[J]</a> Switched cream.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_11" href="#FNanchor_11" class="label">[K]</a> The game called “<i>Clodhan</i>,” or Clod, is a favourite -amusement with the youth in the Highlands. One of the -company goes round the circle with a clod, or some other -article, putting his hand into each person’s lap or hand, and -leaves the clod with one of the number. The whole circle -are then desired to guess the person who possesses the clod, (he -guessing like the rest to prevent suspicion,) when all those who -err are subjected to a small penalty, which shall be afterwards -determined by an appointed judge; and in the meantime, he -must deliver some pledge to enforce his compliance with the -arbiter’s decision. When a sufficient number of pledges are -obtained, judgment is pronounced against their owners, who -must redeem them, by doing various little penances, some of -which are sufficiently ludicrous.</p> - -<p>The bag is another popular juvenile amusement. One pops -his head into a bag, holding his hand spread on his back, and -the palm uppermost. One of the company, in rotation, strikes -his hand, not unfrequently with all his might, upon that of the -person in the bag, who is desired to guess who struck him last. -If his guessing proves correct, the last striker then puts his -head in the bag in his turn.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_12" href="#FNanchor_12" class="label">[L]</a> Half-boiled sowans.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_13" href="#FNanchor_13" class="label">[M]</a> “A black Christmas makes a fat kirk-yard.” A windy -Christmas and a calm Candlemas, or new year, are signs of a -good year.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_14" href="#FNanchor_14" class="label">[N]</a> The term <i>Candlemas</i> is applied to the <i>New Year</i> in the -Highlands. The origin of the term arose from some old religious -ceremonies performed on this occasion by candle-light.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_15" href="#FNanchor_15" class="label">[O]</a> We are totally unable to account for the origin of this -strange piece of superstition. It is unnecessary to remark, that -the object of this delusion is nothing but a passing cloud, which -the perverted imagination of the original Highlander shapes -into the form of a bull. There is something very ominous as -to the art or direction in which the bull rises or falls—we -believe it to be prognostic of its being a good or bad year.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_16" href="#FNanchor_16" class="label">[P]</a> It is believed that this extraordinary entertainment is now -administered in no part of the Highlands, except in Strathdown -and its immediate neighbourhood. In that district, however, -the inhabitants generally attend to it, merely, it is believed, -from the influence of inveterate custom, and the author in his -day had his share of the antidote, though it is doubtful whether -those rites are now observed in his native district.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_17" href="#FNanchor_17" class="label">[Q]</a> The literal expressions used in the salutation applicable to -this day in the Gaelic language the writer could never perfectly -comprehend. The literal translation of the words are, (<i>Mu -nasc choil orst</i>,) “My Candlemas bond upon you.” The real -meaning of the words, however, is, “You owe me a New-Year’s -gift;” and it is a point of great emulation who will salute the -other first—the one who does so being considered entitled to a -gift from the person so saluted.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_18" href="#FNanchor_18" class="label">[R]</a> Beltane is derived from two Gaelic words conjoined: -“<i>Paletein</i>,” signifying Pale’s fire, and not <i>Baal’s fire</i>, as some -suppose. The strange relic of Pagan idolatry which gave rise -to this feast was no doubt introduced into these countries, like -many others of our more prominent superstitions, by the -Druids. Pales (of whom we read in the heathenish mythologies) -was the goddess of shepherds, and protectress of flocks. -Her feast was always celebrated in the month of April, on -which occasion no victim was killed, and nothing was offered -but the fruits of the earth. The shepherds purified their flocks -with the smoke of sulphur, juniper, boxwood, rosemary, &c. -They then made a large fire, round which they danced, and -offered to the goddess milk, cheese, eggs, &c., holding their -faces towards the east, and uttering ejaculations peculiar to the -occasion. Those interesting relics of the religious opinions of -our ancestors, until of late, remained pretty entire in some -parts of the Highlands. But they have now, however, declined -into those childish ceremonies above described.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_19" href="#FNanchor_19" class="label">[S]</a> Mr. Pennant, in his Tour, vol. i. p. 111, notices the ceremony -of the Bolteen or Beltane—the cakes baken with scrupulous -attention to rites and forms, and dedicated to birds of prey, -&c., or the being whose agents they were, to propitiate them to -spare the lives of themselves and flocks. Within the last -twenty or thirty years these observances have almost wholly -disappeared. But the author himself is old enough to have -reeled his bannock, and dived, by the foregoing spells, into the -secrets of futurity.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_20" href="#FNanchor_20" class="label">[T]</a> Let not the Highland reader be led to view this description -of a Highland funeral as casting any reflection on his -moral or religious character. Whatever ill-timed levity he may -manifest on such an occasion, the blame must be ascribed, not -to him, but to that <i>evil spirit</i>, the usquebaugh, the real cause -of it. We cannot, however, help regretting, that either the -ill-judged hospitality of the entertainer, or his own social habits, -should expose him on this particular occasion to the unruly -influence of his demoralising countryman; and we are glad to -add, that of late years much improvement has been effected in -the conduct of Highland funerals—sobriety and decorum being -much more the order of the day.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_21" href="#FNanchor_21" class="label">[U]</a> A fall sustained by a person, while supporting the body, is -ominous of the person’s speedy death. It may also be remarked, -that it is considered very imprudent to look at a passing funeral -from the door of a house, or from the window having a <i>stone -lintel</i>.</p> - -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="transnote"> -<p class="ph1">TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES:</p> - -<p>Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.</p> - -<p>Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized.</p> - -<p>Archaic or variant spelling has been retained.</p> -</div></div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE POPULAR SUPERSTITIONS AND FESTIVE AMUSEMENTS OF THE HIGHLANDERS OF SCOTLAND ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following -the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use -of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for -copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very -easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation -of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project -Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away—you may -do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected -by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark -license, especially commercial redistribution. -</div> - -<div style='margin-top:1em; font-size:1.1em; text-align:center'>START: FULL LICENSE</div> -<div style='text-align:center;font-size:0.9em'>THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE</div> -<div style='text-align:center;font-size:0.9em'>PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg™ License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg™ -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg™ electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person -or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the -Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg™ -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg™ name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg™ License when -you share it without charge with others. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg™ work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country other than the United States. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg™ License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg™ work (any work -on which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the -phrase “Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: -</div> - -<blockquote> - <div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most - other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions - whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms - of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online - at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you - are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws - of the country where you are located before using this eBook. - </div> -</blockquote> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase “Project -Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg™ -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg™ License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg™ -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg™. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg™ License. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg™ work in a format -other than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg™ website -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original “Plain -Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg™ License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg™ works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -provided that: -</div> - -<div style='margin-left:0.7em;'> - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg™ works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, “Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation.” - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™ - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™ - works. - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - </div> - - <div style='text-indent:-0.7em'> - • You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg™ works. - </div> -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg™ electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of -the Project Gutenberg™ trademark. Contact the Foundation as set -forth in Section 3 below. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg™ collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain “Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right -of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg™ electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg™ -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg™ work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg™ work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg™ -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg™’s -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg™ collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg™ and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Foundation’s business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, -Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up -to date contact information can be found at the Foundation’s website -and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without widespread -public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state -visit <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/donate/">www.gutenberg.org/donate</a>. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate -</div> - -<div style='display:block; font-size:1.1em; margin:1em 0; font-weight:bold'> -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg™ electronic works -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg™ concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg™ eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Project Gutenberg™ eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Most people start at our website which has the main PG search -facility: <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This website includes information about Project Gutenberg™, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. -</div> - -</div> -</body> -</html> diff --git a/old/69592-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/69592-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index b4ab778..0000000 --- a/old/69592-h/images/cover.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/69592-h/images/coversmall.jpg b/old/69592-h/images/coversmall.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 16307f7..0000000 --- a/old/69592-h/images/coversmall.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/69592-h/images/i_frontis.jpg b/old/69592-h/images/i_frontis.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index f616d9d..0000000 --- a/old/69592-h/images/i_frontis.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/69592-h/images/i_title.jpg b/old/69592-h/images/i_title.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 3035d80..0000000 --- a/old/69592-h/images/i_title.jpg +++ /dev/null |
