MY DEAR LORNE,

I dedicate this collection of West Country Stories to you as the son of my Chief, in the hope that it may add to the interest which you already feel in a people, of whom a large number look with respect on "Mac Callen Mor" as the head of their tribe. I know that the poorest Highlanders still feel an honest pride whenever their chiefs, or men of their name, earn distinction; and many of "Clan Dhiarmaid" take a warm interest in you.

Amidst curious rubbish you will find sound sense if you look for it. You will find the creed of the people, as shewn in their stories, to be, that wisdom and courage, though weak, may overcome strength, and ignorance, and pride; that the most despised is often the most worthy; that small beginnings lead to great results.

You will find perseverance, frugality, and filial piety rewarded; pride, greed, and laziness punished. You will find much which tells of barbarous times; I hope you will meet nothing that can hurt, or should offend.

If you follow any study, even that of a popular tale, far enough, it will lead you to a closed door, beyond which you cannot pass till you have searched and found the key, and every study will lead the wisest to a fast locked door at last; but knowledge lies beyond these doors, and one key may open the way to many a store which can be reached, and may be turned to evil or to good.

That you may go on acquiring knowledge, selecting the good, and rejecting the evil; that you, like Conal in the story, may gather gold, and escape unharmed from the giant's land, is the earnest wish of your affectionate kinsman,

J. F. CAMPBELL

SEPTEMBER, 1860.

Electric Scotland Note: Should you wish to try your hand at translating any of the Gaelic words in here you can find a good dictionary at http://www.sst.ph.ic.ac.uk/angus/Faclair/

• Introduction - Part 1

• Introduction - Part 2

• Introduction - Part 3

• Introduction - Part 4

• Introduction - Part 5

• The young King of Easaidh Ruadh

• The Battle of the Birds - Part 1

• The Battle of the Birds - Part 2

• The Tale of the Hoodie

• The Sea Maiden - Part 1

• The Sea Maiden - Part 2

• Conall Cra Bhuidhe - Part 1

• Conall Cra Bhuidhe - Part 2

• The Tale of Conal Crovi - Part 1

• The Tale of Conal Crovi - Part 2

• The Tale of Connal - Part 1

• The Tale of Connal - Part 2

• Murchag A's Mionachag

• The Brown Bear of the Green Glen

• The Three Soldiers - Part 1

• The Three Soldiers - Part 2

• The Story of the White Pet - Part 1

• The Story of the White Pet - Part 2

• The Daughter of the Skies in English and Gaelic

• The Girl and the Dead Man

• The King who wished to marry his daughter (in English)

• The King who wished to marry his daughter (in Gaelic) with additional English notes.

• The Poor Brother and the Rich (in English)

• The Poor Brother and the Rich (in Gaelic) with additional English notes

Electric Scotland Note: While we were getting this book typed in for us it was never finished but am glad to report that we've found a pdf file of the complete book and so we provide it here should you wish to read the other stories.