Scotland > 1837 - Pigot and Co.'s national commercial directory for the whole of Scotland and of the Isle of Man

SCOTLAND, iBlpt ^ ©0/0
ill the vallies are partridges ; in the fens the snipe and the plover ; and in the plains most of
the Eng-lish singing birds, except the nightingale.
Mountains, rivers, and lakes. — ^The most remarkable, and perhaps the most distinctive
feature of Scotland, is her mountains. The principal ones are the Grampian hills, which run
from east to west, from near Aberdeen to Cowal in Arg^yleshire, almost the whole breadth of
the kingdom. Another chain of mountains, called the Pentland Hills, runs through Lothian,
and joins those of Tweedale. A third, called Lammer Muir, rises near the eastern coast, and
runs westward throug-h the Merse. Besides the continued chains, among which may be
reckoned the Cheviot, or Tiviot Hills, on the borders of England, Scotland contains many
detached mountains, some of them of stupendous height. Ben Nevis, in Inverness, the
highest mountain in Scotland, is 4370 feet above the level of the sea ; Cairngorn, in Banff,
Ben Lawers, in Perth, Braeriach, in Aberdeen, and some others, are not much inferior in alti-
tude. The country abounds with rivers and lakes, which are in general very pure and trans-
parent, and abound with fish. Most of the rivers have a short course from the mountains to
the sea, and are consequently very rapid ; the principal are the Tweed, Forth, Clyde, Tay and
Spey, of which the Tay is the largest ; they all abound with fine salmon and trout. The
lakes of Scotland are grand and beautiful, and some of them of considerable extent ; their
banks are in general clothed with wood, and the scenery is highly picturesque and pleasing.
Of these Loch Lomond is the chief, both in extent and beauty, diversified with a number of
small romantic woody islands, and begirt with shores in some places decorated with wood, in
others naked and majestic. Next to it may be ranked Loch Ness, whose waters never freeze ;
Loch Tay, Loch Awe, Loch Ketterin, Loch Erne, Loch Leven, and many others, are deserving
of the traveller's attention. It is worthy of remark, that the name of loch or lake is given,
on the western coast, to many inlets or arms of the sea. Throughout the whole extent of
coast there are fine fisheries, which employ a vast number of hands, and furnish a hardy and
skilful race of seamen for the British navy ; while her bleak mountains are an excellent
nursery for brave and hardy soldiers.
CoMJiERCE, MANUFACTURES, MINERALS, &c. — Scotland produccs many valuable articles of
commerce ; besides the trade in corn, the rearing of black cattle and sheep for the English
market is very considerable. Of late great attention has been paid to the breed of black
cattle ; and the horses and sheep, though originally small, now rival those of England. Its
woods of oak and fir are now begun to be considered with proper attention, and to be made
serviceable to the navy. The mines of coal, lead, and iron, have long been sources of wealth,
as have free-stone, lime-stone, and slate, which are found in various places, and in great
abundance. Some attention has also been lately paid to its marbles, which prove little, if at
all, inferior in colour or polish to those of Italy. Scotland cannot, at present, exhibit many
of the precious metals, though considerable quantities, both of gold and silver, have, at dif-
ferent periods, been obtained from her bowels ; and it is extremely probable that the time is
not far distant, when these treasures will again be laid open. Copper has been discovered in
many places, though, at present, it is no where wrought to any considerable extent ; but a very
rich mine of antimony has been worked, richer, it is believed, than any at present known.
Most of the gems and precious stones, with the exception of the diamond, have also been
found in Scotland. Manufactures of all kinds are in the most thriving condition. The
printed cottons, and figured goods, in shawls, &c. equal those of England, and the glass and
stoneware are scarcely surpassed anywhere. The linens, particularly those for the table, have
iong been famous. Manufactures of broad cloth, silks, and gauzes, are also upon a respect-
able footing. The intercourse with England is growing daily more frequent, to the mutual
advantage of both countries. This has the effect of rendering the manners, dress, and
language of both alike ; of course all national prejudice Avill soon be at an end. The dress
of the Lowlanders resembles that of the English. The dress peculiar to the Highlanders,
though not so common as formerly, is still worn by many ; it is composed of woollen stuff,
called tartan, of various colours, checkered. Many wear a sort of petticoat, reaching
to the knees, and called a kelt. The stockings, made of similar checkered stuff, are short,
and tied below the knee with tartan garters, formed into tassels.
The Scots are uniformly sober and frugal ; instead of lavishing their gains, they are wisely
laid by, or economically expended to enable them to live in comfort, and make a respectable
appearance. Intelligence is more common than in most countries, owing to the number of
excellent parochial schools, and the cheapness with which education is acquired ; and there
are few branches of literature in which the Scotch have failed in attaining a degree of excel-
lence, although they cannot boast of many authors at an early period. Before the abolition
of episcopacy, the ancient church establishment was composed of two archbishoprics and
twelve bishoprics. The national religion is now the Presbyterian, founded on an equality
among its pastors. The clergy of Scotland are well educated, and singularly exemplary in
their morals. Roman Catholics, of whom the number is not very considerable, are tolerated,
as well as Episcopalians, and Dissenters from the established church. There are four uni-
versities ; that of St. Andrew, founded in 1412 ; that of Glasgow, founded in 1433 ; that of
Aberdeen, founded in 1500, and that of Edinburgh, founded by James VI. in 1582. Since
the union of the two kingdoms, which took place in 1706, the political government has been
the same with that of England ; the civil code, however, and the manner of administering
justice are different. Of this, and of the principal events, which have occurred in Scotland
more particular notice will be taken in the historical description of Edinburgh. Scotland,
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