Wilton, Mary Margaret Stanley Egerton: The Book of costume or, Annals of fashion: from the earliest period to the present time (London: Henry Colburn, Publisher, 1847)

THE TOILETTE IN SCOTLAND.

179

were of undressed deer’s hide, which, as the hair was
worn outwards, procured for them the title of red-
shanks ; but the present brogue is made of untanned
leather, with holes to admit and let out the water.
Thus we read:
“ Speed, Malise, speed ! the dun deer’s hide
On fleeter foot was never tied.”
To finish the national costume, we must mention
the bonnet, generally of blue cloth, of a round, flat
shape, sometimes ornamented with an eagle’s feather.
A dirk, a knife and fork, a spoon, and a pair of pis-
tols, were essential accompaniments to this garb,
which, however, differed according to the rank of
the wearer.
The short coat and waistcoat, which formed the
dress of the wealthy, was adorned with silver buttons,
tassels, embroidery, and lace, according to the fashion
of the day; and it is remarked by General Stewart,
that silver buttons frequently came to them from an
inheritance of long descent. The reason they gave
for wearing buttons of such massive silver was, that
if the wearer died in battle, or at a distance from his
home, their value would defray the expense of a
handsome funeral.
For a great many years shirts were unknown
among this people; and it is an old saying among
them, that shirts and rheumatism came together.
It is asserted by many authors, that of all national
garbs there is not one that can be compared to the
Highland costume for beauty and gracefulness. Cer-
tainly in these peaceful times its utility may be ques-