be sown broad-cast against them; but have consoled themselves with the knowledge that "Thrice is he armed who hath his quarrel just, and he but naked though locked up in steel, whose conscience with injustice is corrupted." I freely accord to every one, and claim for myself, the right possessed by every Englishman, to an unfettered expression of opinion respecting legislative enactments; but in the exercise of such privilege, protest against resentment toward those who differ from me in ideas. And I consider that the knowledge derived from political discussion, when rightly conducted, composes the genial atmosphere that nourishes and keeps alive the true spirit of liberty. I do not agree with the tendency of the day to flatter the masses, to treat them like spoiled children for political purposes, but believe that the man who flatters the multitude is as much a fawner as he who flatters the great. Such contemptible baits, however, catch many fish, and as one lot see through them there are others ready to swallow them : "Bequeath'd from silly sire to son, As the parent who instils into the mind of his child the principles of religion, morality, and the duties he owes to society is a public benefactor, so also is he who endeavours by his writings to free the minds of his countrymen from ignorance and vice. I have the satisfaction of having done my best to aid in effecting this object, notwithstanding my labours may not be crowned with success. I ask no pardon for my production on the grounds of its having been executed in a hurry, partly written while travelling on business, or staying at country houses, for private amusement, never revised-and other state jargon and inanity-but freely admit that I have done my best to make it what it is, and to your impartial consideration now submit it. 1, LANCASTER PLACE, STRAND; December 19th, 1870. G. A. D. CONTENTS. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Object in writing-Remarks upon the character of Trip to the Highlands of Scotland-Description of country passed through-Object of trip-Desire of English to see foreign countries before having seen their own--Interview with a Scotch keeper-Habits of Englishmen in the Highlands, and their object in going there- Fashionable sportsmen - Keepers- CHAPTER III. Description of a Highland Laird, and interview with one-Highland attachment to country-Scotch and Italian music compared-A Highlander's wife, and her accomplishments-Highland affection and hospitality-Fast life in cities and large towns, and effects of it upon morals, habits, and manners— Advantages of rational amusements-Remarks upon married life—Female politicians-Picture of nuptial felicity-Results of fast living-The character of the late Earl of Derby 39 to 56 CHAPTER IV. A shooting party-A discussion upon estate management, and inexperienced Agents-Education of an Agent-Bad treatment of an old servant-Advantages from planting for timber-Some remarks about inclosing the New Forest, and cutting down timber trees, draining, droughts-Springs, and wells CHAPTER V. 57, to 66 Mr. John Stuart Mills' views about property in land— Outline of the origin of laws relating to landCicero's injunction respecting a knowledge of laws to be acquired by all-Blackstone's advice to Members of Parliament respecting a knowledge of laws, and of their duties as legislators-Advance of man from a savage state to one of civilization, and his advance towards refinement-Origin of Government -Property in the soil, how acquired-Origin of political power, and advantages of it, as originated under the feudal system .. 67 to 73 |