Scotland/Scots > Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland

WESTERN ISLANDS, &c. 321
is neceflary to repair. In countries like
thefe, the defcriptions of famine become
intelligible. Where by vigorous and art¬
ful cultivation of a foil naturally fertile,
there is commonly a fuperfluous growth
both of grain and grafs ; where the fields
are crowded with cattle; and where every
hand is able to attract wealth from a di-
ftance, by making fomething that promotes
eafe, or gratifies vanity, a dear year pro¬
duces only a comparative want, which
is rather feen than felt, and which termi¬
nates commonly in no worfe efledt, than
that of condemning the lower orders of
the community to iacrifice a little luxury
to convenience, or at molt a little conve¬
nience to necdlity.
But where the climate is unkind, and the
ground penurious, fo that the moft fruitful
years will produce only enough to main¬
tain themfelves; where hie unimproved,
and unadorned, fades into fometbing little
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