Take, for example, the case of our Highland chieftains.

We may still retain the appellation, and talk of the chiefs of Clanranald, of Glengarry, etc.

But how different is a chieftain of the present day, even from some of those of whom Sir Walter Scott wrote as existing so late as 1715 or 1745! Dr.Gregory (of immortal _mixture_ memory) used to tell a story of an old Highland chieftain, intended to show how such Celtic potentates were, even in his day, still inclined to hold themselves superior to all the usual considerations which affected ordinary mortals.

The doctor, after due examination, had, in his usual decided and blunt manner, pronounced the liver of a Highlander to be at fault, and to be the cause of his ill-health.

His patient, who could not but consider this as taking a great liberty with a Highland chieftain, roared out--"And what the devil is it to you whether I have a liver or not ?" But there is the case of dignity in Lowland Lairds as well as clan-headship in Highland Chiefs.