INVERARY CASTLE. 107 



last rebellion. The picture gallery contains several pieces by the ancient 

 masters some rare, and of great value ; but the collection is of limited amount, 

 compared with the lofty scale of the building, and the station of the noble 

 proprietor. But should the fastidious tourist find little to excite his admiration in 

 the landscape gallery, he has only to take his station at one of the windows, 

 and the face of nature will afford him ample compensation for his disappoint- 

 ment. In the saloon, about one hundred and fifty stand of arms, used by the 

 Campbells at the battle of Culloden, are arranged with much taste and ingenuity. 



The walks and roads through the woods are numerous, and highly variegated 

 in scenery here, opening upon the light waters of Lochfine, and there, on the 

 blue mountains of the Gael, which bound the horizon. The river Ary, from 

 which the castle and burgh derive their name, forms in its course many pleasing 

 cascades, to which convenient paths have been cut for the accommodation of 

 strangers. The whole of this demesne is embellished with luxuriant forest 

 scenery, of which the timber alone has been valued at two hundred thousand 

 pounds. The hill of Duniquaich, already mentioned, which towers, in a varie- 

 gated mass of verdure, to the height of seven hundred feet, is a point from 

 which the stranger will enjoy one of the most fascinating lake-and-land prospects 

 in the kingdom. The barren mountains in the distance, furrowed with cataracts, 

 frowning with rocks, and sprinkled with alpine firs, contrast strongly with the 

 high state of cultivation, the sheltered beauty, and the general air of prosperity 

 which pervade the coast. Inverary is, without exception, the most princely 

 residence in Scotland : it embraces a domain of vast extent, every rood of which 

 is kept in the finest order, and exhibits, even to profusion, all the charms of 

 lake, mountain, and forest scenery. 



Of the more conspicuous members of this illustrious house, distinguished 

 alike by its vast possessions, its devoted patriotism, and its ancient power, was 

 Archibald, earl and marquess of Argyll, born in 1598. He was a zealous 

 Covenanter ; and, notwithstanding his opposition to the fanatical schemes of 

 Charles I., was created marquess for promoting a conformity between the churches 

 of England and Scotland. It was by his persuasion that Charles II. visited 

 Scotland in 1651, and was crowned at Scoon. At the Restoration, however, 

 this unfortunate nobleman was committed to the Tower, whence, after five 

 months' confinement, he was sent to Scotland, and being tried and pronounced 

 guilty of high treason, was there beheaded in 1661. " I could," said he, when 

 brought to the block " I could die like a Roman, but I choose rather to die 

 like a Christian." He fell with heroic firmness, exculpating himself and with 

 truth of having had any hand in the death of his royal master. His generosity in 



