In Scotland, some hundred years ago, madhouses did not exist, or were on a very limited scale; and there was often great difficulty in procuring suitable accommodation for patients who required special treatment and seclusion from the world.

The gentleman in question had been consigned to the Canongate prison, and his position there was far from comfortable.

An old friend called to see him, and asked how it had happened that he was placed in so unpleasant a situation.

His reply was, "Sir, it was more the kind interest and patronage of my friends than my own merits that have placed me here." "But have you not remonstrated or complained ?" asked his visitor.

"I told them" said his lordship, "that they were a pack of infernal villains." "Did you ?" said his friend; "that was bold language; and what did they say to that ?" "Oh," said the peer, "I took care not to tell them till they were fairly out of the place, and weel up the Canongate." In Peebles there was a crazy being of this kind called "Daft Yedie." On one occasion he saw a gentleman, a stranger in the town, who had a club foot.