50 THE LAKES OF SCOTLAND. 



miles in length, in some places eight in breadth ; while its depth 

 varies from sixty to three hundred and sixty feet. There are thirty 

 islands, of different sizes, which vise above its surface : the larger 

 ones are beautified with fine plantations. 



Loch Lomond is completely embedded amidst extensive chains of 

 hills. The far-famed Grampian Mountains terminate in the neigh- 

 bourhood of its eastern extremity. From whatever part the lake is 

 viewed, the scene is unspeakably grand and beautiful. The scenery, 

 however, partakes of a very different character when viewed from 

 different points. Our first view was from the hill of Ardleishdoun, 

 which looks in a southward direction. The scenery seen from this 

 point is eminently picturesque. The varied shores of the vast ex- 

 panse of water, with their numerous and diversified bays and head- 

 lands, and the rugged hills with their various passes and lonely glens, 

 form altogether a scene of surpassing beauty and interest. 



Our next view was from Mount Misery near the southern ex- 

 tremity of the lake. It was not without some exertion and much 

 fatigue that we climbed this hill, but amply did the prospect reward 

 us for our trouble. The lake is here to be seen in its greatest 

 breadth. The eye is also, from this point, able to take in most of 

 the numerous islands which are scattered over its surface. On its 

 western and eastern banks are various chains of mountains, which 

 seemingly embrace each other towards the north, where their 

 rugged and serrated tops pierce the sky. From the top of Mount 

 Misery, the scenery is infinitely diversified as well as of the most 

 enchanting kind. Here the eye is distracted with the multiplicity of 

 objects which claim its attention. The effect of the whole, to the spec- 

 tator who has a relish for the beauties of nature, is absolutely over- 

 powering : we were so completely lost in amazement at, and admira- 

 tion of, the grandeur and magnificence of the scene, as to remain for 

 a time totally unconscious that we were animated beings. And in 

 addition to the charming workmanship of Nature, with which the 

 surrounding scenery abounds, it was hallowed to our minds by the 

 recollection that within a few miles of the spot on which we then 

 stood, were born three of the most distinguished individuals in the 

 literary and scientific history of Scotland. Buchanan, the historian ; 

 Napier, the inventor of logarithms; and Smollett, the novelist, 

 were severally ushered into the world within a circle of four miles 

 of Mount Misery. 



One day's survey of the magnificent and picturesque scenery of 

 Loch Lomond, instead of satisfying, only awakened in us a desire 

 for still further converse with its beauties. Next morning we re- 

 sumed the grateful exercise of rambling among its wooded banks. 

 We had been awe-struck and amazed on the preceding day at the 

 colossal proportions of Ben Lomond ; yet, notwithstanding our con- 

 viction of the toil and trouble of ascending that vast mountain, we 

 determined on the enterprise, assured in our own minds that the 

 view from thence would constitute an ample compensation. We 

 were not disappointed. What a scene ! The spectator while he 

 beholds it forgets that he belongs to this world. He fancies himself 

 in another sphere, and that he is conversing with objects other than 



