62 THE LAKES OF SCOTLAND. 



variety of form and aspect, are thrown together in " beautiful dis- 

 order ; " while not only the face of the hills, but even the tops of the 

 most haggard rocks, are beautified by shrubs and trees, all as 

 flourishing as if rooted in the most congenial soil. The lake is com- 

 pletely encircled by lofty mountains. It was some hours after a 

 heavy and long-continued rain, that we happened to visit the place ; 

 and the water still continuing in numberless streams to foam down 

 the furrowed sides of the mountains into the lake, imparted an 

 interest and effect to the scene which were quite overpowering. 



This applies to the scenery generally ; but there are several points 

 whence the view acquires peculiar interest. The one we first se- 

 lected, was that which commanded the best view of the bristled 

 fields, or, to use the term most generally employed, the Trossachs. 

 The scenery here inspires the spectator, not only with a feeling of 

 admiration and amazement, but with one of profound awe. Vast 

 fragments of rocks, as if broken into pieces from a huge mountain 

 by the operation of some mighty volcanic agency, are scattered into 

 the water at the eastern end, and for nearly two miles along its sides. 

 Altogether, the scene can have but few parallels in the world for 

 " its wild nature" and terrific grandeur. 



Proceeding a little further on the road which leads along the 

 northern shore of Loch Katrine, the tourist finds the aspect of the 

 scene materially changed ; it is both more varied and agreeable. 

 The rugged rocks are intermingled with numerous lofty cliffs 

 adorned with an ample covering of wood, which has the appearance, 

 despite the seemingly unfavourable soil, of so many thriving plant- 

 ations on a limited scale. On the distant hills, luxuriant with 

 heath, may be seen many thousands of sheep, while from the 

 adjoining valleys may be heard the lowing of cattle. On the placid 

 bosom of the lake are- often to be seen many hundreds of wild ducks, 

 sailing sportively about, as if they too were delighted with the 

 matchless beauties of the scene. 



The third and last spot whence we took a special survey of Loch 

 Katrine and its surrounding scenery, was Craig Innes,* which is 

 three miles from the east end of the lake. The scene is eminently 

 beautiful, and we beheld it under circumstances which invested it 

 with unusual charms. The evening was far advanced, and the 

 yellow radiance of a declining sun tinged every object it touched. 

 The water, which was unruffled as a mirror, faithfully reflected his 

 countless rays, while the heath-clad mountains which adjoined, and 

 the fertile valleys in the distance, sparkled with every variety of 

 hue. We never before beheld a scene so soothing and grateful to 

 the mind. A thousand homilies, we are sure, could not have half 

 the effect in taming the fiercer passions of man's nature. We felt as 

 if we had been standing on consecrated ground, and as if it would 



* It is but justice to mention, that in selecting the best places for 

 viewing this lake as well as Loch Lomond, we were assisted by a work 

 lately published by Mr. Swan of Glasgow, entitled, " Select Views of the 

 Lakes of Scotland." 



