October 11. The Scotch then are a civil and obliging people to strangers and accomodate readily as far as they are able. There does not appear to be the least prejudice against the people of England, and whether at an Inn or on the road, a traveller is received with respect & answered with kindness. In Wales it is less so, many inconveniences are suffered from the people being disinclined to hold intercourse with the English and when able to answer questions & to give information they will avoid it by affecting not to speak English. The great objection to the Scotch is their want of cleanliness, of this they seem to have no feeling beyond what is forced upon them. At their Inns tolerable & often very good rooms will be found, and they so far comply with the customs in the South as to furnish their tables in a suitable manner, but whoever ventures to the kitchen if not very indifferent as to what is neat or dirty will have cause to retire quickly that the relish for his dinner may not be abated. In short where the Scotch may be said to be left to them- selves they live in a state of disorder, smoke & filth, most disgusting to those who are accustomed to the polished neatness and regularity which is so generally found in England.
October 19. Maid Servants are only hired at Glasgow for half a year, not as in England for twelve months. The usual times for making these engagements are on the 1 5th. of March and the nth. of November. The wages given are from 30 shillings to three pounds for the half year, which I was told is very high compared with wages formerly paid. The wages of men are from 14 to 18 a year.
The conclusion which I yesterday formed relative to the dress of the lower orders of women was this day proved to be erroneous. The generality of them were now moving about with only a white Cap or Mob on their Heads (& some bare-headed), and their legs naked. Several had shoes & many had not, but I found that it is only on Sundays & on particular occasions, that the Hat or Bonnet is worn or the legs & feet covered They shew that they consider it a luxury in dress but are still too great oeconomists to be at the expence of it as a common dress. [...]
Robert Burns
While looking at what I saw presented at the windows of the Book- sellers shops, I could not but remark how popular Burns, the Scotch Poet's works appear to be among His countrymen. Various editions of them seemed to be offered to the public both there & at Edinburgh, and in order to make the purchase easy one edition was proposed to be delivered in numbers. When I was in Scotland in 1792 I passed part of a day in His company at Dumfries, with my late friend Mr Riddle of Glen Riddle to whom He was much attached. A small print of him offered with one of the editions I think resembles his countenance. At Glasgow in the Shops there is a print a view of the House in which He was born.
October 24. I called at a Booksellers and a new & small edition of Burns Poems at 4 shillings being published this morning I bought it. As an additional recommendation of the edition it was stated in the advertisements that a view of the House in which He was born would be given with it. A proof to what a length they carry their admiration of him.
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