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

310
the breeding ground of the Gael, and comprehend-
ed liie whole mountainous region of Albinn.
The inhabitants of the vaHies moved thither
with their herds and flocks at various times in
the 3^ ear, and that portion of their cattle called
seisgach, or dry cattle, remained there during the
whole year, unless when the owners were com-
pelled, by the severity of the season, to furnish .
them with provender out of hand, which at times
they carried to the grazings among the moun-
tains, or brought their cattle to what was called
their zvinter toxvns in the vallies, there to receive
such provision as had been laid up for winter
store, which was always scanty, and their herds,
in severe seasons, often perished for want of sus-
tenance. This mode of management was the
only one known and practised in the Highlands
of Scotland till a very late period, when sheep
have been introduced to pasture the mountains
in place of black-cattle; a change of system of
management, which, at the same time that it has
altered in some measure the ambulatory mode of
life of the mountaineers, has prodigiously re-
dounded to increase the value of tlie mountain
pastures, and to meliorate the condition of the
inhabitants.
Arigliael is a compound of Arl and Gael. Ari
signifies a breeding place ; arach, to breed; and
areach, arich, plural, a cattle breeder. Bothan
ari, is a small hut or booth erected on some fa-
vourite spot of the breeding ground. Such spots