Ossian Collection > Journey to the western islands of Scotland

WESTERN ISLANDS, &c. 299
There are tenants below the rank of
Tackfmen, that have got fmaller tenants
under them ; for in every place, where
money is not the general equivalent, there
muft be fome whofe labour is immediately
paid by daily food.
A country that has no money,*' is by no
means convenient for beggars, both becaufe
fuch countries are commonly poor, and be-
caufe charity requires fome trouble and
fome thought. A penny is eafily given
upon thefirft impulfe of compaflion, 01 im-
patience of importunity ; but few will de-
liberately fearch their cupboards or their
granaries to find out fomething to give.
A penny is likewife eafily fpent ; but vic-
tuals, if they are unprepared, require houfe-
room, and fire, and utenfils, which the
beggar knows not where to find.
Yet beggars there fometlmes are, who
T^ander from Ifland to Iflaod. We had,
in