d be very limited. And besides, by
attending the parents to the country, they contract an attachment to
their loose, wandering life, which must tend to perpetuate the
peculiarities of the tribe. A few weeks ago I was requested by Dr
Baird, the Principal of the University, and one of the ministers of
Edinburgh, to write out a pretty full account of these my
parishioners. This I have done. The account, however, was written
so hastily, that I had not time even to correspond with you on the
subject, before doing so, as my object in writing to you was chiefly
to propose some plan which might be adopted for their improvement, on
which you might give me some useful information. In this account, I
have proposed that a fund or subscription should be raised for the
purpose of keeping the children at home during those months their
parents are traversing the country, for paying their school wages,
and, if possible, for giving a salary to a teacher to superintend
their education, and that a small additional sum be occasionally in
readiness for paying an apprentice-fee with the boys. This account
may probably be published. I am in hopes, also, that the Principal
will interest himself in the cause. Should the account be published,
the proof-sheet may be sent down to me, ere long, in which case I
should wish to hear from you before that time, as I may have then an
opportunity of supplying any hint, or otherwise altering the plan
proposed, from your kind communication. The sum which I conceived
would be required for the purpose was about a hundred pounds per
annum. Mr B---, of Killau, with whom, I believe, we both have the
pleasure of being acquainted, has more than once wished me to open a
correspondence with you on this subject. He also is interested in
the cause, and promises to use his influence with others. I think he
told me that some more detailed account of your plan was published,
or preparing for the press, in which various alterations and
improvements had been made. This was an additional reason for my
wishing to hear from you, before submitting to the people of Scotland
any plan on the subject. I should wish to know how the cause
prospers with you, and what number you have at present under your
care. I am extremely interested for this unfortunate people, and any
information