Grampian Club > Boswelliana

MEMOIR OF JAMEa BOSWELL. 89
shores of Skye. Incouvenieuced by rough roads, Dr. Johnson
became irritable. As they approached Glenelg, Boswell, without
apprising his companion, rode forward to secure at the inn the
necessary accommodations. Johnson called him back with an
angry shout, and on his return reproved him lustily. Boswell
felt hurt, but did not venture to recriminate. His reflections on
this occasion are thus recorded in his journal : —
" I wished to get on to see how we were to be lodged, and
how we were to get a boat ; all of which I thought I could best
settle myself, without his having any trouble. To apply his
great mind to minute particulars is wrong ; it is like taking an
immense balance (such as is kept on quays for weighing cargoes
of ships) to weigh a guinea. I knew I had neat little scales
which would do better, and that his attention to everything
which falls in his way, and his uncommon desire to be always
in the right, would make him weigh, if he knew of the particu-
lars ; it was right, therefore, for me to weigh them, and let him
have them only in effect. I, however, continued to ride by him,
finding he wished I should do so."
The travellers found the inn at Glenelg nearly destitute of
provisions, but Macleod's factor sent them rum and sugar, and
at night they rested on beds of hay. Next morning they sailed for
Skye, and landing at Armidale, were met by Sir Alexander Mac-
donald and his lady, formerly Miss Bosville, of Yorkshire, with
whom they remained several days. They received much generous
hospitality from Mr. Mackinnon, a farmer who had entertained
Pennant, and were pleased to find that he possessed a consider-
able library. Invited to Easay by the insular Chief, they had
at his house a distinguished reception. After spending some
days at Easay they returned to Skye, and were conducted to
the residence of Mr. Macdonald, of Kingsburgh. His wife had
earned a reputation which secured her a visit from every
traveller penetrating into the Hebrides. She was the celebrated