Having constant occasion to recommend themselves and their goods, they acquire habits of the most obliging attention, and the most insinuating address.

As in their peregrinations they have opportunity of contemplating the manners of various men and various cities, they become eminently skilled in the knowledge of the world.

_As they wander, each alone, through thinly-inhabited districts they form habits of reflection and of sublime contemplation_.
With all these qualifications, no wonder that they should often be, in remote parts of the country, the best mirrors of fashion, and censors of manners; and should contribute much to polish the roughness, and soften the rusticity of our peasantry.

It is not more than twenty or thirty years since a young man going from any part of Scotland to England, of purpose to _carry the pack_, was considered as going to lead the life and acquire the fortune of a gentleman.

When, after twenty years' absence, in that honourable line of employment, he returned with his acquisitions to his native country, he was regarded as a gentleman to all intents and purposes.' _Heron's Journey in Scotland_, Vol.i.p.