106 SCOTLAND ILLUSTRATED. 



those events. On this and the neighbouring mountains, ptarmighan, a rare 

 bird, is to be found in considerable abundance. 



Within two miles of Dalmally, we obtain a charming view of the Vale of 

 Glenorchy, with the Castle just mentioned, rising from the waters of the lake; 

 but, from whatever point it is seen, the ruins of Kilchurn present a most 

 interesting feature in the scene. Here the landscape is particularly grand, com- 

 posed of all that can " fascinate the eye of the painter, or inspire the soul of 

 the poet." The beauty of the glen is much enhanced by the church and its 

 gothic spire, lately built on an island in the river Urchy, which waters the 

 valley, and over which there is a romantic and picturesque bridge. The point 

 so generally recommended to strangers, is " Burke's View," so called, from the 

 great admiration expressed of it by that very appropriate authority in " land- 

 scape," as well as in literature the author of the well-known essay on the 

 " Sublime and Beautiful." 



" That glorious Valley with its lake, 

 And Alps on Alps in clusters swelling." 



The approach to Inverary exhibits a very remarkable combination of pic- 

 turesque and imposing features ; and, as the seat of M'Callurn More, the " King 

 of the Campbells," calls forth historical reminiscences which cannot fail to 

 interest even the most cursory observer. The most striking feature in the 

 landscape is the hill of Duniquaich, crowned by a watch-tower, luxuriantly 

 wooded, and giving fine and prominent relief to the lordly mansion at its base. 

 The ancient family residence stood near the town, and, in its internal arrange- 

 ments, exhibited a picture of the times and taste for which it had been designed; 

 but, in the modern edifice, ornament has been united with utility, strength with 

 elegance, and baronial stateliness with all those minor considerations which insure 

 domestic comfort. It is built of lapis o/laris, a dark blue pot-stone, resembling 

 the slate-coloured marble of Namur, and after rain presenting a tint almost of 

 a cloudy black. Its castellated style of architecture, with a round tower at each 

 corner surmounted with battlements, gives it an air of imposing grandeur which 

 is in fine harmony with the place and purpose of its erection. Great taste has 

 been displayed in the decoration and furnishing of the interior, which contains, 

 in addition to a splendid suite of state apartments, many chambers of elegant 

 design and stately dimensions. The great drawing-room, hung with Ghent 

 tapestry, is said to have cost eighteen thousand pounds sterling ; and in finishing 

 and ornamenting this princely residence, a sum of not less than three hundred 

 and fifty thousand pounds is said to have been expended since the close of the 



