The book Arran; - Cook Clan

THE NEW ARRAN 241
parts of Scotland, Arran's insularity still retained distinctive
and strange features.
The fair occupied about a quarter of a mile of the pubUc road,
and two open fields or commons close by the sea-side. In these
latter were the horses, cattle, and carts of the inhabitants.
The intercourse (in summer daily) with the mainland has greatly
worn off the peculiar traits of the Islanders ; and every fair they
appear less singular, more improved, and better appointed in their
turnout than on the previous one. Their simple carts are being
superseded by properly constructed vehicles. The rude harness of
rope, hair, or rushes, is being replaced with the civilised article.
The home-made dress is giving place to more stylish manufactured
fabrics.
The refreshment tents were very numerous. Teetotalism also
had its representations in coffee tents. Goods stalls were abundant.
The crowd of wooden dishes, cogs, and platters exposed for sale, show
and that the cleanly earthenware is too
the prudence of old habits ;
costly and breakable to displace the wooden bowl.
There were crowds of gambling stands. Penny reels absorbed
much spare cash. The hardy and red-faced mountain nymphs footed
it rarely, with stylish partners from the great city of Glasgow.
In the evening the Islanders held their athletic games. There
were four steamers with full freights of pleasure seekers from
Ayrshire and Glasgow—the most of whom, however, returned in
the afternoon before the more boisterous sports commenced.' ^
In Kilmorie parish there were only horse fairs, one at Lag
and two at Shedag in the rich strath of the Blackwater.
II
One of the results of the industrial development of the
country, and the consequent expansion of the manufacturing
towns, has been a vast concern about one's health and a
habit of holidaying in distant places. Steam navigation
was to provide the first easy means of satisfying this impulse,
1 Ayr Observe?; June 29, 1847.
VOL. II. 2 H