Where the inhabitants of a whole country-side are Campbells, or Frasers, or Gordons, nothing could be more convenient than addressing the individuals of each clan by the name of his estate.
Indeed, some years ago, any other designation, as Mr.Campbell, Mr.
Fraser, would have been resented as an indignity.

Their consequence sprang from their possession[158].

But all this is fast wearing away.
The estates of old families have often changed hands, and Highlanders are most unwilling to give the names of old properties to new proprietors.

The custom, however, lingers amongst us, in the northern districts especially.

Farms also used to give their names to the tenants[159].