James Hogg's "A Tour Of The Highlands in 1803" is an interesting read. It is a series of letter addressed to Sir Walter Scott. Hogg writes about his displeasure at certain lands being sold off to what he calls Lowland Gentlemen but he also gives direct accounts of talks with Highland Lairds who are looking to increase their rents. One is with Mackenzie of Dundonnel. Dundonnel took the Ettrick Shepherd on a tour of his estate and asked him how much could be gained by putting sheep on it. Hogg said he only had a superficial view of it but estimated certainly not below £2,000 per annum. Dundonnel said that he was loath to chase his people away to America - but said they would not even pay him half of that and confirmed it was only at present £700 per annum. Hogg states though.................."He hath, however, the pleasure of absolute sway. He is even more so in his domains than Bonaparte is in France. I saw him call two men from their labour a full mile, just to carry us through the water. I told he he must not expect to be served thus by shepherds if once he had given them possession"