We were advised by some persons here to visit Rasay, in our way to Dunvegan, the seat of the Laird of Macleod.  Being informed that the Rev. Mr. Donald M’Queen was the most intelligent man in Sky, and having been favoured with a letter of introduction to him, by the learned Sir James Foulis, I sent it to him by an express, and requested he would meet us at Rasay; and at the same time enclosed a letter to the Laird of Macleod, informing him that we intended in a few days to have the honour of waiting on him at Dunvegan.

Dr. Johnson this day endeavoured to obtain some knowledge of the state of the country; but complained that he could get no distinct information about any thing, from those with whom he conversed[457].

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4.

My endeavours to rouse the English-bred Chieftain[458], in whose house we were, to the feudal and patriarchal feelings, proving ineffectual, Dr. Johnson this morning tried to bring him to our way of thinking.  JOHNSON.  ’Were I in your place, Sir, in seven years I would make this an independant island.  I would roast oxen whole, and hang out a flag as a signal to the Macdonalds to come and get beef and whiskey.’  Sir Alexander was still starting difficulties.  JOHNSON.  ’Nay, Sir; if you are born to object, I have done with you.  Sir, I would have a magazine of arms.’  SIR ALEXANDER.  ‘They would rust.’  JOHNSON.  ’Let there be men to keep them clean.  Your ancestors did not use to let their arms rust[459].’

We attempted in vain to communicate to him a portion of our enthusiasm.  He bore with so polite a good nature our warm, and what some might call Gothick, expostulations, on this subject, that I should not forgive myself, were I to record all that Dr. Johnson’s ardour led him to say.—­This day was little better than a blank.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5.

I walked to the parish church of Slate, which is a very poor one.  There are no church bells in the island.  I was told there were once some; what has become of them, I could not learn.  The minister not being at home, there was no service.  I went into the church, and saw the monument of Sir James Macdonald, which was elegantly executed at Rome, and has the following inscription, written by his friend, George Lord Lyttelton:—­

     To the memory
     Of SIR JAMES MACDONALD, BART. 
     Who in the flower of youth
     Had attained to so eminent a degree of knowledge,
     In Mathematics, Philosophy, Languages,
     And in every other branch of useful and polite learning
     As few have acquired in a long life
     Wholly devoted to study: 
     Yet to this erudition he joined
     What can rarely be found with it,
     Great talents for business,
     Great propriety of behaviour,
     Great politeness of manners! 
     His eloquence was sweet,