one of the Hebrides, or Western isles of Scotland, situated in W. Long. 6° 30'. N. Lat. 56° 55°—Of this island Mr Smollet gives the following description. "About two leagues and a half to the south-west of South Visk appears the isle of Barray, or Barra, five miles in length and three in breadth, partly mountainous, and partly capable of cultivation, having the advantage of a commodious harbour on the east side, and a good fishery of cod, ling, and salmon; which last are speckled, surprisingly nimble and shy, infomuch that the fishermen are obliged to use three nets within one another, that, if the fish springs over two, it may be caught in the third. In the fourth end of Barray, there is an orchard planted with fruit-trees, though few of them produce fruit; but all sorts of pot-herbs and roots grow here in great perfection; nay, the natives even raise tobacco; but it never answered their purpose or expectation. This island, together with the adjacent smaller isles, belongs to the laird of Macneil, said to be the 36th in lineal descent from him of the same name who first possessed this estate. He holds it, however, in vassalage, from Macdonald of Slate, to whom he pays a yearly quit-rent. In the little isle of Kermal, about a quarter of a mile to the southward of Barry, is the family-seat, furnished with a watch-tower, and surrounded by a kind of fortification. The cockman, or watchman, is constantly on the tower to reconnoitre and prevent surprize; and the government of the castle is vested in a constable, who is very cautious of admitting any stranger in the absence of Macneil or his lady. The church of this island is dedicated to St Barr, a wooden image of whom stands on the altar, and of this patron they recite a legend of miracles: hard by is a little chapel in which Macneil and his descendants are interred. The inhabitants are very courteous and hospitable: as soon as any stranger lands on the island, they oblige him to eat, on the supposition that the keen air of the ocean must have sharpened his appetite. When three or four guests arrive, each, by ancient custom, is lodged in a separate house; and thus man and wife are very often parted. The natives chiefly employ themselves in fishing, and climbing rocks for eggs and sea-fowl. The chief climber is distinguished by the name of gingich, or hero; and pays dear for his pre-eminence. When the boat approaches the rock, the gingich first leaps upon it, and, with the assistance of an horse-hair rope, draws his companions after him from one precipice to another. At their return to the boats with their booty of eggs and fowls, the gingich, at the hazard of his life, jumps into the vessel, which is generally tossed by a violent agitation of the sea, and keeps her steady to the rock, until the rent enter: in compensation for his courage and dexterity, he is gratified with a larger proportion of their plunder.

When a tenant's wife dies, the husband makes application to Macneil, desiring him to recommend another helpmate, and his request is immediately granted; then he visits her, carrying along with him a bottle of strong waters for the celebration of the marriage, which is consummated without further ceremony. When the husband dies, the widow presents the same petition, and is accommodated in the same manner. Should a tenant lose his milk cows by the severity of the season, or any other misfortune, Macneil is obliged to supply him with the like number; and when an old man is past his labour, the laird maintains him in his own family, for the remaining part of his life.