Ossian Collection > Journal of a tour in Scotland in

46 JOURNAL OF A TOUR IN SCOTLAND
Duke for some person connected with his
family, and most unfortunately placed just in
front of the Cathedral. The bridge is one of
Telford's works, and one of the finest in
Scotland. The Duke was at the expence,
Government aiding him with 5000£. There
are five arches, the dimensions of the five
middle arches of Westminster Bridge ; and
besides these there are two upon the land. It
was built on dry ground, formerly the bed of
the river ; for the Braan, which enters a little
above the town, had brought down gravel
enough to force the Tay out of its old channel.
When the bridge was completed the original
bed was cleared and made the channel again ;
by this means the building was carried on
with greater ease, and at much less expence.
The Braan continues to bring down wreck,
and would again in Hke manner gradually
force the stream out of its place, if it were not
prevented, but a little care in keeping the
channel clear will suffice. The Duke wishes
to make a better entrance into the town from
the bridge ; but there is a stubborn blacksmith,
whose shed stands just in the way, and who
will not sell his pen, thus in a surly doggish
spirit of independence impeding by his single
opposition a very material improvement.