CONTENTS.


CHAPTER I.
PAGE
A sailor's early career—First marriage—Escape from shipwreck—SecondLove—Traits of character,[1]
CHAPTER II.
Childhood and childish visions—A Father's death—Favourite books—Sketchof two maternal uncles,[20]
CHAPTER III.
Dawn of patriotism—Cromarty Grammar School—Prevalent amusements—OldFrancie—Earliest geological researches,[40]
CHAPTER IV.
Uncle Sandy as a Naturalist—Important discovery—Cromarty Sutorsand their caves—Expedition to the 'Doocot'—Difficulties anddangers—Sensation produced,[62]
CHAPTER V.
A would-be patroness—Boyish games—First friendship—Visit to theHighlands—Geologizing in the Gruids—Ossian-worship,[85]
CHAPTER VI.
Cousin George and Cousin William—Excursion with Cousin Walter—Painfulaccident—Family bereavements—Links between the present and the past,[107]
CHAPTER VII.
Subscription school—Vacation delights—Forays and fears—Quarrelwith the schoolmaster—Poetical revenge—Johnstone the forester,[129]
CHAPTER VIII.
Choice of a calling—Disappointment to relatives—Old Red Sandstonequarry—Depression and walking-sleep—Temptations of toil—Friendshipwith William Ross,[151]
CHAPTER IX.
Life in the bothie—Mad Bell—Mournful history—Singular intimacy—Manners and customs of north-country masons,[173]
CHAPTER X.
Evening walks—Lines on a sun-dial—A haunted stream—Insect transformations—Jock Moghoal—Musings,[195]
CHAPTER XI.
An antiquary in humble life—Poor Danie—Proficiency in porridge-making—Depressed health—A good omen—Close of apprenticeship,[219]
CHAPTER XII.
Swimming the Conon—Click-Clack the carter—Loch Maree—Fittingup a barrack—Highland characteristics,[245]
CHAPTER XIII.
The Brothers Fraser—Flora of the Northern Hebrides—Diving in theGareloch—Sabbaths in Flowerdale woods—Causes of Highland distress,[268]
CHAPTER XIV.
A cragsman's death—Providential escape—Property in Leith—Firstsight of Edinburgh—Peter M'Craw—Niddry Woods—Researchesamong the Coal Measures,[296]
CHAPTER XV.
A worthy Seceder—The hero of the squad—Apology forfanaticism—Strikes—Recollections of the theatre,[321]
CHAPTER XVI.
Great fires in Edinburgh—Dr. Colquhoun—Dr. M'Crie—Return to
the North—Stanzas written at sea—Geological dreams,
[348]
CHAPTER XVII.
Religious phases—True centre of Christianity—Bearing of geologyupon theological belief—Delicate health—A gipsy wedding,[373]
CHAPTER XVIII.
Convalescence—Pursuit of algeology—Jock Gordon—Theory of idiocy—Mr. Stewart of Cromarty,[395]
CHAPTER XIX.
Stone-cutting at Inverness—A jilted lover—The Osars—Death of Uncle James—Farewell letter from William Ross,[416]
CHAPTER XX.
Publication of poems—Newspaper criticisms—Walsh the lecturer—Enlarged circle of friends—Miss Dunbar of Boath,[435]
CHAPTER XXI.
Arenaceous formations—Antiquity of the earth—Tremendous hurricane—Loligo Vulgare—Researches amid the Lias—Interestingdiscoveries,[457]
CHAPTER XXII.
Religious controversies—Ecclesiastical dispute—Cholera—Preventivemeasures—Reform Bill,[474]
CHAPTER XXIII.
Visitors in the churchyard—The Ladies' Walk—First interview—Friendship—Love—Second visit to Edinburgh—LinlithgowBank—Favourable reception of "Scenes and Legends"—Marriage,[497]
CHAPTER XXIV.
Married life at Cromarty—Ichthyolitic deposit of Old Red Sandstone—Correspondence with Agassiz and Murchison—Happy evenings—Deathof eldest child,[522]
CHAPTER XXV.
Voluntary principle—Position of the Establishment—Letter to LordBrougham—Invitation to Edinburgh—Editorship of the Witness—Introduction to Dr. Chalmers—Visit from an old friend—Removalto Edinburgh,[541]