in history, and particularly in that of Scotland. The nations which overrun Europe were originally divided into many small tribes; and when they came to parcel out the lands which they had conquered, it was natural for every chieftain to bestow a portion, in the first place, upon those of his own tribe or family. These all held their lands of him; and as the safety of each individual depended on the general union, these small societies clung together, and were distinguished by some common appellation, either patronymical or local, long before the introduction of surnames or ensigns armorial. But when these became common, the descendants and relations of every chieftain assumed the same name and arms with him; other vassals were proud to imitate their example; and by degrees they were communicated to all those who held of the same superior. Thus clanships were formed; and in a generation or two, that consanguinity which was at first in a great measure imaginary, was believed to be real. An artificial union was converted into a natural one; men willingly followed a leader, whom they regarded both as the superior of their lands and the chief of their blood; and served him not only with the fidelity of vassals, but the affection of friends. In the other feudal kingdoms, we may observe such unions as we have described, imperfectly formed; but in Scotland, whether they were the production of chance, or the effect of policy, or strengthened by their preserving their genealogies both genuine and fabulous, clanships were universal. Such a confederacy might be overcome; it could not be broken; and no change of manner or government has been able, in some parts of the kingdom, to dissolve associations which are founded upon prejudices so natural to the human mind. How formidable were nobles at the head of followers, who, counting that cause just and honourable which their chief approved, were ever ready to take the field at his command, and to sacrifice their lives in defence of his person or of his fame! Against such men a king contended with great disadvantage; and that cold service, which money purchases, or authority extorts, was not an equal match for their ardour and zeal.

Some imagine the word **clan** to be only a corruption of the Roman *colonia*; but Mr Whittaker affirms it to be purely British, and to signify a family.