14.
Reference has already been made to Lord Hermand's opinion of drinking, and to the high estimation in which he held a staunch drinker, according to the testimony of Lord Cockburn, There is a remarkable corroboration of this opinion in a current anecdote which is traditionary regarding the same learned judge.

A case of some great offence was tried before him, and the counsel pleaded extenuation for his client in that he was _drunk_ when he committed the offence.

"Drunk!" exclaimed Lord Hermand, in great indignation; "if he could do such a thing when he was drunk, what might he not have done when he was _sober!_" evidently implying that the normal condition of human nature, and its most hopeful one, was a condition of intoxication.
Of the prevalence of hard drinking in certain houses as a system, a remarkable proof is given at page 102.

The following anecdote still further illustrates the subject, and corresponds exactly with the story of the "loosing the cravats," which was performed for guests in a state of helpless inebriety by one of the household.

There had been a carousing party at Castle Grant, many years ago, and as the evening advanced towards morning two Highlanders were in attendance to carry the guests up stairs, it being understood that none could by any other means arrive at their sleeping apartments.