the most ancient cultivation, having formed, as expressly stated in Exodus, the mess of red pottage for which Esau sold his birthright. It has always been extensively used as food in the east. The Arabs account it the species of nourishment best adapted for long journeys through the desert. And its general adoption in Catholic countries in Lent, may be estimated from the very name. Certain species are, however, esteemed so delicate, as to find access to the tables of luxury; and the food, which, for twopence, will dine six poor persons sumptuously, is, on the continent, far from being disdained by the rich. Amongst ourselves, the Revalenta Arabica, Ervalenta, &c., offered as regimen for invalids, is or ought to consist of the flour of lentils; but these articles are frequently adulterated with the meal of peas, beans, and other legumes. It was when the potato failure began to excite apprehensions respecting the popular subsistence, that M. Guillerez, recollecting the extent to which lentils are rendered available in France, Germany, &c., began to attempt their introduction amongst the cereals cultivated for food in this country. He found, that although known as a green crop even 300 years ago in Britain, beyond a small parcel or so grown scientifically in a nursery, the seed of the Ervum lens had

never been ripened amongst us. He therefore introduced from France the seeds of two species in general cultivation, and has for several years in succession matured at Queensferry the prolific produce, both of the larger yellow lentil and the small brown. It was a pleasant sight to witness the progress of this interesting crop, although growing upon an unfavourable exposure, in close drills, manured only with sea-weed, after having been acclimated, when it manifested great luxuriance. Its foliage is a delicate pea green, its blossom a minute white flower, thickly studding the fairy-like tracery of its leaves; and its pods very multitudinous - those of the larger description containing generally only one, and those of the smaller or favourite kind, always two small grains or beans. The attention directed to these efforts, by The Scottish Agricultural Journal, has not proved fruitless, for the subject has been brought before the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, specimens of the produce have been requested for the Great Exhibition of 1851, and the matter has been warmly taken up by the press; so that some of our enterprising agriculturists will doubtless follow up the enthusiastic effort of this intelligent French gentleman, by practically adding a new crop to those grown for food in Britain.

CHAPTER III.

LIFE ON THE LAND

QUEENSFERRY AND

ITS ENVIRONS.

THE summer visitor to an old Scotch burgh does not usually concern himself much about the traces of antiquity. It is the work-a-day world, as Portia calls it, that more immediately commends itself to his attention. To such an extent does this sentiment beset him, that when repulsed from the shores of Inchcolm by the late lady superior of that extinct monastery, we were emphatically informed, that "lodgers" from the Queensferry had no proper business but bathing, and could not be admitted to see the ruins. Bathing, indeed, is very good employment for those who like it :

And we will take the liberty of propounding the vast improvement of baths, and bathing-machines,