I WAS interrupted a good deal in consequence of these unhappy incidents; and I had also considerable trouble ere I succeeded in getting my old landlady established in the Town's hospital. However, I had laboured so effectually on the whole, that I passed my examination with some eclat; and, in short, the first of May found me in full possession of the document which I had come in quest of,—as also of a few books and instruments, and a shabby-genteel suit of snuff colour. I made my appearance at Maldoun with literally one guinea in my pocket.

I was well received by the Dalrymples, and also by Mr Ronaldson, and commenced operations immediately.

The life I had thus entered upon is, I verily believe, as hard as any in the world. My principal had long been in possession of the chief practice in the town, and almost the whole of that of the country round about,—a wild, pastoral district generally. I seldom lay down at night, until I had completely knocked up one of the stoutest grey geldings that ever Mull exported; and there were ten chances to one against my being suffered to sleep two hours without being roused again, perhaps to set off ten or fifteen miles instanter. No Arab of the desert wears out more stirrup-leather than a well-employed Scotch country surgeon. I may say that I lived on horseback. This fatiguing mode of existence was not, however, without its delights. I was fond of riding all my days; and I was also very fond of the country, and the country people. I enjoyed dashing down the windy glens at mid-night; and I thought no more of swimming my horse across a roaring mountain stream, or even a small lake, than of eating my breakfast,—for which last feat, by the way, the former might form no bad preparative. I took a pleasure in observing the ways of going on in the different places I was called to.