SELBORNE, _March 9th_, 1775.
Dear Sir,--Some future faunist, a man of fortune, will, I hope, extend
his visits to the kingdom of Ireland; a new field and a country little
known to the naturalist. He will not, it is to be wished, undertake that
tour unaccompanied by a botanist, because the mountains have scarcely
been sufficiently examined; and the southerly counties of so mild an
island may possibly afford some plants little to be expected within the
British dominions. A person of a thinking turn of mind will draw many
just remarks from the modern improvements of that country, both in arts
and agriculture, where premiums obtained long before they were heard of
with us. The manners of the wild natives, their superstitions, their
prejudices, their sordid way of life, will extort from him many useful
reflections. He should also take with him an able draughtsman, for he
must by no means pass over the noble castles and seats, the extensive and
picturesque lakes and waterfalls, and the lofty stupendous mountains, so
little known, and so engaging to the imagination when described and
exhibited in a lively manner; such a work would be well received.
As I have seen no modern map of Scotland, I cannot pretend to say how
accurate or particular any such may be; but this I know, that the best
old maps of that kingdom are very defective.
The great obvious defect that I have remarked in all maps of Scotland
that have fallen in my way is a want of a coloured line, or stroke, that
shall exactly define the just limits of that district called the
Highlands. Moreover, all the great avenues to that mountainous and
romantic country want to be well distinguished. The military roads
formed by General Wade are so great and Roman-like an undertaking that
they well merit attention. My old map, Moll's Map, takes notice of Fort
William, but could not mention the other forts that have been erected
long since; therefore a good representation of the chain of forts should
not be omitted.
The celebrated zigzag up the Coryarich must not be passed over. Moll
takes notice of Hamilton and Drumlanrig, and such capital houses; but a
new survey, no doubt, should represent every seat and castle remarkable
for any great event, or celebrated for its paintings, etc. Lord
Breadalbane's seat and beautiful _policy_ are too curious and
extraordinary to be omitted.
The seat of the Earl of Eglingtoun, near Glasgow, is worthy of notice.
The pine plantations of that nobleman are very grand and extensive
indeed.