9JJ SCOTLAND ILLUSTRATED. 



micaceous schist lie above one another, and proceed together in parallel waving 

 lines. In some instances, the summit of the latter is broken off and shattered 

 to pieces ; but all the detached parts of it are uniformly found embedded in the 

 breccia above it. At the northern side of the bay is a rugged point of breccia, 

 near which is a large portion of the same kind of rock, raised on end ; and 

 close by this, on a precipitous rock of great elevation, stands Dunally Castle. 



Oban is admirably situated for a sea-port ; and if it could attract the attention 

 of "-overnment, might contribute in no small degree to the prosperity as well 

 as safety of the nation. The bay, varying in depth from twelve to twenty 

 fathoms, and affording anchorage to five hundred sail of merchantmen, is well 

 protected from the westerly winds, and the fury of the Atlantic, by Mull, and 

 other islands adjacent. Its immediate vicinity to the Crinan and Caledonian 

 canals is another advantage which would materially contribute to render Oban 

 a most eligible situation for the establishment of a naval arsenal. The popu- 

 lation is still under two thousand, but annually increasing. The inns are 

 excellent. The air of this Highland sea-port is considered of such remarkable 

 salubrity, that Dr. Aldcorn, a physician of distinguished acquirements and 

 experience, has here established a Salutarlum for the reception of invalids, to 

 whom change of air and scene, during the summer and autumnal months, has 

 been recommended. As a centre, from which the stranger or invalid may enjoy 

 the greatest variety of excursions, it would be impossible to select a more 

 desirable position. Exercise and recreation are here within the reach of every 

 one ; and where that is the case, health is seldom far distant. 



" Her bower is by the blue sea wave, 

 Her temple on the steep." 



Dunally Castle, above-mentioned, is an ivy-clad square keep, which formed 

 another of the ancient seats of the Macdougalls of Lorn. It is supposed to 

 have been originally a Danish fort ; the walls are of great thickness, but were 

 mutilated by a late proprietor, who removed all the freestone he could quarry 

 from it, to assist in the building of the modem family mansion, which is seen 

 near it. Venerable by its antiquity, " it is somewhat surprising," says a writer 

 who has well described the locality, " that a gentleman very tenacious of the title 

 of chief should destroy this monument of his clan." It may be superfluous to 

 remind the reader, that, around the ancient fastness, the Wizard of the North 

 has waved his magic pencil, " and conjured up a living drama"* of love and war, 



* " Lord of the Isles," in which Dunally Castle is erroneously stated " to overhang Loch-Etive ;" and 

 the error is repeated in the last edition, 1836, Note D 



