Ossian Collection > Journal of a tour in Scotland in

48 JOURNAL OF A TOUR IN SCOTLAND
journey of 80 or 90 miles. It is supposed
that the Duke might cut down 3000£'s worth
of wood every year, and that this might be
done for ever. At the Porter's lodge we
were desired to write our names, and particu-
larly those of the ladies, because the Duchess
wished to see them. I see by the book which
was presented to us for that purpose that
Wm. Heathcote and his friend Perceval were
here on Saturday. I fear therefore he will
miss me, and perhaps we may have past each
other on the road.
Tuesday, August 24. — The stairs at our
inn are of stone ; but by a want of common
sense almost incredible, the landing place which
connects them is of wood. A Colonel Stewart
enquired for me last night, and invited me
to breakfast this morning at Mrs Grant's
lodgings, but our departure was fixed for nine
o'clock, and I like her well enough to regret
this. Re-crost the bridge, and proceeded
along the side of what formerly was Birnam
Wood, of locomotive celebrity ; it seems now
to have taken its final departure. 15 to
Perth, by a good road. Some one was
praising it to the Duke of Athol at whose
expence it was made, in presence of Neil