Ossian Collection > Journal of a tour in Scotland in

BANFF 83
salting and packing them. They were using
much more salt than was necessary, and it
was mortifying to learn that this is done
because they are allowed an exemption from
the duty on salt. The barrels are sold by
weight, and the more salt the worse for the
fish, but the better for the seller. It seems
that this exemption which is so well intended,
and at first appears so just and unexception-
able, gives occasion to great frauds, smuggling,
and evil in many ways.
Except where the odour of herrings pre-
vailed (which is no bad odour), Banff is a
clean, fresh town, open to the sea breezes
and the country air. Mr Gibb took us to
DufF House in the evening ; the building
is disfigured in a most extraordinary manner
by a miserable white washed hovel, with a
roof of red tiles, actually built on to it at
one corner! There are many pictures which
we had not light to see ; I noticed however
a portrait of Ballasteros, and one of Sir John
Downie, in attitude chosen by himself no
doubt, and truly Sir John Downieish. Lord
Fife has also brought home from his campaigns
some good Spanish books. The library is at
the top of the house, and commands a fine
view of the Bridge and the Sea.