 it, and raising themselves by the handle. The axe, which was also much used
by the natives of Ireland, is supposed to have been introduced into both
countries from Scandinavia.
 
32 [Pronounced Bane Lane.]
 
33 The sidier roy were used to distinguish the regular regiments from the
independent companies raised to protect the peace of the Highlands. These last
were called sidier dhu, i.e., black soldier; and the 42d Regiment, which was
formed out of these independent companies, is still called the Black Watch from
the dark colour of the tartans.
 
34 A freebooter of Aberdeenshire, see Percy Reliquies.
 
35 It is not the weeping birch, the most common species in the Highlands, but
the woolly-leaved Lowland birch, that is distinguished by this fragrance.
 
36 An adventure, very similar to what is here stated, actually befel the late
Mr. Abercromby of Tullibody, grandfather of the present Lord Abercromby, and
father of the celebrated Sir Ralph. When this gentleman, who lived to a very
advanced period of life, first settled in Stirlingshire, his cattle were
repeatedly driven off by the celebrated Rob Roy, or some of his gang; and at
length he was obliged, after obtaining a proper safe-conduct, to make the
Cateran such a visit as that of Waverley to Bean Lean in the text. Rob received
him with much courtesy, and made many apologies for the accident, which must
have happened, he said, through some mistake. Mr. Abercromby was regaled with
collops from two of his own cattle, which were hung up by the heels in the
cavern, and was dismissed in perfect safety, after having agreed to pay in
future a small sum of black-mail, in consideration of which Rob Roy not only
undertook to forbear his herds in future, but to replace any that should be
stolen from him by other freebooters. Mr. Abercromby said, Rob Roy affected to
consider him as a friend to the Jacobite interest, and a sincere enemy to the
Union. Neither of these circumstances were true; but the laird thought it quite
unnecessary to undeceive his Highland host at the risk of bringing on a
political dispute in such a situation. This anecdote I received many years since
(about 1792) from the mouth of the venerable gentleman who was concerned in it.
 
37 This was the regale presented by Rob Roy to the Laird of Tullibody.
 
38 This celebrated gibbet was, in the memory of the last generation, still
standing at the western end of the town of Crieff, in Perthshire. Why it was
called the kind gallows, we are unable to
