Ossian Collection > Original collection of the poems of Ossian, Orrann, Ulin, and other bards, who flourished in the same age

THE FINGALIANS^
GREATEST HUNTING.
Cfje argument*
Perhaps, it may appear to some incredible, that so many Jeers as are
mentioned in this poem, wei-e killed by the Fingalians in one day. But,
when we conrjider that the Fingalians lived, for the most part of their
time, on venison, and that they kept a vast number of grey-hounds, and
they, themselves, were nimble, valiant, and strong ; we may easily be-
lieve, that they might have performed deeds by means of their dogs,
that appear astonishing to us now. It is probable, that the scene of thi-5
great chace was in the isle of Skye, in the Strath, on the estate of Lord
M'Donald, and of Alexander JI'Alaster, Es<i.of Strathaird-
OssiAN, O sweet is thy voice to us! Happy also
may the soul of ringal be! Rehearse to us how
many deers fell by you on the mountain of white*
hills. Relate to us first thy tale: blessed be thy
■|" Banfionn means Jo//' u^mciu But it pppiars to be hclnnf.^nv-
fair hills or white hiH'-.