Note 88 — Part II.

Disrespect for all sanitary considerations was for centuries an unfortunate feature in Scotland, and was the main cause of the frequent plagues—or ‘visitations’ as they were piously termed—which depopulated the country and crippled its resources. Refuse of all sorts was thrown into the ‘midden-dub’ in front of the door of each house. In the Trongate of Glasgow, in 1655, the gutters had become so blocked up that the inhabitants had to place stepping stones in them before they could obtain access to their houses. In Edinburgh, a century later, ashes, foul water, etc., were thrown over the windows at night, the only warning the belated pedestrian received being the melodious Gardez l’eau; and happy was he if he escaped.