Trials of James, Duncan, and Robert M'Gregor, three sons of the celebrated Rob Roy

XXI
their feuds and in their revenge, which form the
least amiable, but not the least prominent part
of the Highland character. Of this latter
quality, the author referred to gives some
specimens among the Highlander* — and he
says he could add an hundred — which are of
the most frightful and revolting nature, and
must make his readers thankful for the econo-
my which has in this instance spared his book
of common place. He does not however pro-
duce or refer to his authorities for the details
which he gives ; and we should willingly be-
lieve that vulgar tradition, or a coarse imagi-
nation, has added much of their horrors to
these shocking recitals.
The haughty spirit of the Highlander, has
at all times been remarkable ; and, joined to
his proverbial poverty, has excited derision
among his more opulent neighbours. This
unbending and often preposterous pride, de-
scended almost to the lowest orders of the
clan ; for he who valued himself on his an-
cestry, and who believed that he sprung from
the family of his chief, whom he considered
as the first of men, could not brook an equa-
lity with the lowlanders, who seldom put a
high value on these imaginary distinctions.
Necessity compelled some even of the more
distinguished persons of the clans, to superin-