Ossian Collection > Thoughts on the origin and descent of the Gael

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land, as well as public contributions, sufficient
evidence remains in the names of daila chiarsair,
the harper s Jield ; raon a njhuidhar, the founders
Jield. Rao7i signifies a portion of land clear of ob-
struction ; creite a ghobha, the smith's Jield or croft ;
creite a mhuillei\ the millers croft, &c. Harpers
were of old held in such high esteem, as to be
supported by the voluntary contributions of com-
munities of different districts of country, and often
were put in possession of certain portions of land,
as a reward for their services, and for promoting
the delightful art displayed in the skilful man-
agement of that charming musical instrument.
Would it not be worthy the attention of the
Highland Society of Scotland to use means for
restoring the use of that darling instrument of
our ancestors, which was so much calculated to
afford delight to every musical ear, and was so
conducive to humanize manners, by its harmo-
nious concord with tender and sympathetic feel-
ings. It tended to divest heroism of its bar-
barity, by softening the proud victor's heart; the
capacity of feeling the influence of its melting
strains disposed to the stretching forth the hand
to afi^'ord merciful protection and administer ge-
nerous relief to the vanquished foe. Such was
the character of Fingal, and of the other renown-
ed heroes of his kindred tribes. The poetry and
song of their bards, and the harmonious ten-
derness of the music of strings which accompa-