"You must know," he said, "our Scottish antiquaries have been greatly divided about the local situation of the final conflict between Agricola and the Caledonians; some contend for Ardoch in Strathallan, some for Innerpeffry, some for the Raedykes in the Mearns, and some are for carrying the scene of action as far north as Blair in Athole.

Now, after all this discussion," continued the old gentleman, with one of his slyest and most complacent looks, "what would you think, Mr.Lovel,--I say, what would you think,--if the memorable scene of conflict should happen to be on the very spot called the Kaim of Kinprunes, the property of the obscure and humble individual who now speaks to you ?" Then, having paused a little, to suffer his guest to digest a communication so important, he resumed his disquisition in a higher tone.

"Yes, my good friend, I am indeed greatly deceived if this place does not correspond with all the marks of that celebrated place of action.

It was near to the Grampian mountains--lo! yonder they are, mixing and contending with the sky on the skirts of the horizon! It was in conspectu classis--in sight of the Roman fleet; and would any admiral, Roman or British, wish a fairer bay to ride in than that on your right hand?
It is astonishing how blind we professed antiquaries sometimes are! Sir Robert Sibbald, Saunders Gordon, General Roy, Dr.Stokely,--why, it escaped all of them.

I was unwilling to say a word about it till I had secured the ground, for it belonged to auld Johnnie Howie, a bonnet-laird* hard by, and many a communing we had before he and I could agree.
* A bonnet-laird signifies a petty proprietor, wearing the dress, along with the habits of a yeoman.
At length--I am almost ashamed to say it--but I even brought my mind to give acre for acre of my good corn-land for this barren spot.