a climate nor such a soil.  Thus we slowly proceeded along, when we met several large Lancaster six-horse waggons, just arrived from the country.  At this stupendous sight he stopped short, and with great diffidence asked us what was the use of these great moving houses, and where those big horses came from?  Have you none such at home, I asked him?  Oh, no; these huge animals would eat all the grass of our island!  We at last reached my friend’s house, who in the glow of well-meant hospitality, made them all three sit down to a good dinner, and gave them as much cider as they could drink.  God bless this country, and the good people it contains, said he; this is the best meal’s victuals I have made a long time.—­I thank you kindly.

What part of Scotland dost thee come from, friend Andrew, said Mr. C.?  Some of us come from the main, some from the island of Barra, he answered—­I myself am a Barra man.  I looked on the map, and by its latitude, easily guessed that it must be an inhospitable climate.  What sort of land have you got there, I asked him?  Bad enough, said he; we have no such trees as I see here, no wheat, no kine, no apples.  Then, I observed, that it must be hard for the poor to live.  We have no poor, he answered, we are all alike, except our laird; but he cannot help everybody.  Pray what is the name of your laird?  Mr. Neiel, said Andrew; the like of him is not to be found in any of the isles; his forefathers have lived there thirty generations ago, as we are told.  Now, gentlemen, you may judge what an ancient family estate it must be.  But it is cold, the land is thin, and there were too many of us, which are the reasons that some are come to seek their fortunes here.  Well, Andrew, what step do you intend to take in order to become rich?  I do not know, Sir; I am but an ignorant man, a stranger besides—­I must rely on the advice of good Christians, they would not deceive me, I am sure.  I have brought with me a character from our Barra minister, can it do me any good here?  Oh, yes; but your future success will depend entirely on your own conduct; if you are a sober man, as the certificate says, laborious, and honest, there is no fear but that you will do well.  Have you brought any money with you, Andrew?  Yes, Sir, eleven guineas and an half.  Upon my word it is a considerable sum for a Barra man; how came you by so much money?  Why seven years ago I received a legacy of thirty-seven pounds from an uncle, who loved me much; my wife brought me two guineas, when the laird gave her to me for a wife, which I have saved ever since.  I have sold all I had; I worked in Glasgow for some time.  I am glad to hear you are so saving and prudent; be so still; you must go and hire yourself with some good people; what can you do?  I can thresh a little, and handle the spade.  Can you plough?  Yes, Sir, with the little breast plough I have brought with me.  These won’t do here, Andrew; you are an able man; if you are willing you will soon