progenitors, Walter Fire-the-Braes,[100] or rather Willie wi' the
Bolt-Foot.

For about-doors' amusement, I have constructed a seat in a large
tree which spreads its branches horizontally over the Tweed. This
is a favorite situation of mine for reading, especially in a day
like this, when the west wind rocks the branches on which I am
perched, and the river rolls its waves below me of a turbid blood
color. I have, moreover, cut an embrasure, through which I can
fire upon the gulls, herons, and cormorants, as they fly
screaming past my nest. To crown the whole, I have carved an
inscription upon it in the ancient Roman taste. I believe I shall
hardly return into town, barring accidents, sooner than the
middle of next month, perhaps not till November. Next week,
weather permitting, is destined for a Northumberland expedition,
in which I shall visit some parts of that country which I have
not yet seen, particularly about Hexham. Some days ago I had
nearly met with a worse accident than the tramp I took at
Moorfoot;[101] for having bewildered myself among the Cheviot
hills, it was nearly nightfall before I got to the village of
Hownam, and the passes with which I was acquainted. You do not
speak of being in Perthshire this season, though I suppose you
intend it. I suppose we, that is, _nous autres_,[102] are at
present completely dispersed.

Compliments to all who are in town, and best respects to your own
family, both in Prince's Street and at Eldin.--Believe me ever
most sincerely yours,

WALTER SCOTT.

[Footnote 96: Mr. Russell, surgeon, afterwards Professor of
Clinical Surgery at Edinburgh.]

[Footnote 97: Sir William Miller (Lord Glenlee).]

[Footnote 98: Mr. Gibb was the Librarian of the Faculty of
Advocates.]

[Footnote 99: Clerk, Abercromby, Scott, Ferguson, and others,
had occasional boating excursions from Leith to Inchcolm,
Inchkeith, etc. On one of these their boat was neared by a
Newhaven one--Ferguson, at the moment, was standing up
talking; one of the Newhaven fishermen, taking him for a
brother of his own craft, bawled out, "Linton, you lang
bitch, is that you?" From that day Adam Ferguson's cognomen
among his friends of _