ANOCH


Early in the afternoon we came to Anoch, a village in Glenmollison of
three huts, one of which is distinguished by a chimney. Here we were to
dine and lodge, and were conducted through the first room, that had the
chimney, into another lighted by a small glass window. The landlord
attended us with great civility, and told us what he could give us to eat
and drink. I found some books on a shelf, among which were a volume or
more of Prideaux's Connection.

This I mentioned as something unexpected, and perceived that I did not
please him. I praised the propriety of his language, and was answered
that I need not wonder, for he had learned it by grammar.

By subsequent opportunities of observation, I found that my host's
diction had nothing peculiar. Those Highlanders that can speak English,
commonly speak it well, with few of the words, and little of the tone by
which a Scotchman is distinguished. Their language seems to have been
learned in the army or the navy, or by some communication with those who
could give them good examples of accent and pronunciation. By their
Lowland neighbours they would not willingly be taught; for they have long
considered them as a mean and degenerate race. These prejudices are
wearing fast away; but so much of them still remains, that when I asked a
very learned minister in the islands, which they considered as their most
savage clans: 'Those,' said he, 'that live next the Lowlands.'