NOTE TO FIRST EDITION.
This little book would most probably have never appeared in print but for the encouragement I had the honour to receive from Professor Blackie, who is so well known as an accomplished Gaelic scholar, and a warm advocate of Gaelic and its literature. It is now, with much diffidence, given to the public under his auspices. I hope that it will prove helpful to students of Gaelic, for whose use it is intended, and that some at least of its contents will find an echo in the breast of Highlanders generally, especially those of them living at a distance from their native glens and straths. As a first venture in the field of literature, and the first attempt at doing in a small way for Gaelic what has been so successfully done for the Continental languages, I hope that it will meet with some indulgence at the hands of the critics.
It only remains for me to add that to those who may desire a guide to help them in their efforts to pronounce Gaelic, &c., I cordially recommend Practical Lessons in Gaelic, by Donald C. Macpherson; an admirable little book.
NOTE TO THIS EDITION.
In submitting this little work once more to the public, it is
proper to mention that I have carefully revised and amended
it throughout: I have partially rearranged the Conversations, and have added a Conversation on deer-stalking, and
directions as to pronunciation. I hope that it will be found,
in its new form, to be more worthy of the highly favourable
and gratifying reception that was given to the first edition of it. My best thanks are due to Mr. Duncan MacIsaac for his
efficient help in the work of revising the proof sheets.
THE AUTHOR.
Oban, January, 1892.
