Page:A Companion and Useful Guide to the Beauties of Scotland.djvu/126

108 very early. My eyes followed the Tiviot, in its course towards Kelso, and the Tweed; in its sweet dale, as far as the road to Selkirk would permit me; but it was not long before it carried me to a very hilly dreary country; for nothing can be more so, than the greatest part of the way from Hawick to Selkirk. As for Selkirk town, nothing can be more deplorable than its appearance. The houses are mostly old, falling to pieces, and deserted: nothing but dirt and misery to be seen. I had not breakfasted, therefore entered the inn; and being, at that time, an inexperienced traveller, I was totally unprovided with necessaries for that meal. Every being, and thing in the house, disgusted me at first sight; the extreme dirt, and the smell of the whole, was nauseating in the highest degree. I in consequence made but a very slender breakfast; and was happy to re-enter the chaise. Since my visit to Selkirk, some friends of mine were travelling that road, and being unacquainted with the fare they would meet with, at Selkirk inn, contrived to pass a night there. Like me, they were struck with its comfortless, wretched state; but what was their surprise, when they inquired for their beds, to be startled with the