The inhabitants seem insensible to these impressions, and are apt
to imagine the disgust that we avow is little better than
affectation; but they ought to have some compassion for
strangers, who have not been used to this kind of sufferance; and
consider, whether it may not be worth while to take some pains to
vindicate themselves from the reproach that, on this account,
they bear among their neighbours. As to the surprising height of
their houses, it is absurd in many respects; but in one
particular light I cannot view it without horror; that is, the
dreadful situation of all the families above, in case the common
staircase should be rendered impassable by a fire in the lower
stories -- In order to prevent the shocking consequences that must
attend such an accident, it would be a right measure to open
doors of communication from one house to another, on every story,
by which the people might fly from such a terrible visitation. In
all parts of the world, we see the force of habit prevailing over
all the dictates of convenience and sagacity. All the people of
business at Edinburgh, and even the genteel company, may be seen
standing in crowds every day, from one to two in the afternoon,
in the open street, at a place where formerly stood a market-cross,
which (by the bye) was a curious piece of Gothic
architecture, still to be seen in lord Sommerville's garden in
this neighbourhood -- I say, the people stand in the open street
from the force of custom, rather than move a few yards to an
Exchange that stands empty on one side, or to the Parliament-close
on the other, which is a noble square adorned with a fine
equestrian statue of king Charles II.
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