TAYMOUTH. GLENLYON. 17 



right and left banks of the hike, which assumes the appearance of a magnificent 

 river, winding gracefully between its mountain shores, all finely embellished with 

 woods, and enlivened with cottages or cultivated farms, which contrast well 

 with the wild landscape from which they have been reclaimed by the labour and 

 ingenuity of man. The village of Kenmore, occupying the slope of a small 

 peninsula at the lower extremity of the lake, is highly picturesque in situation 

 and appearance. Its cottages, festooned with sweet-brier, honeysuckle, and wild 

 roses its white church spire rising in the centre the lake sparkling above, 

 and mountains and forests extending their mingled shadows beyond, offer a 

 most inviting subject for the pencil. On the north is a handsome bridge of 

 several arches, spanning the " lordly Tay ;" and beyond, a small wooded island, 

 in which Sibylla, queen of Alexander I., lies interred. 



The scenery of Tay mouth more particularly that portion which immediately 

 surrounds the castle is of the richest description, and, to the traveller who 

 approaches it from the wilder districts of the north, appears like an Elysium 

 reposing in the lap of horror. 



" Hie secura quies, et nescia fallere vita, 

 Dives opura variarum ; hie latis otia fnndis. 

 Spelunca?, vivique lacus ; hie frigida Tempe, 

 Mugitusque bouin, mollesque sub arbore somni." 



The view from the vista-fort in the face of the hill, and directly fronting the 

 castle, is universally admired. In the centre of the landscape, the lake opens 

 on the spectator ; on the left, two long mountain slopes, partly wooded, rise in 

 successive stages from the water ; to the right, Drummond Hill displays 

 its flanks, surging downwards with undulating forests ; the gigantic summit of 

 Benlawers towers up from behind ; and at the extremity of the range rises the 

 cone of lofty Benmore. On the fore-ground, the village, bridge, lake, and island, 

 are seen beautifully grouped, and thus complete one of the finest landscapes 

 in the United Kingdom.* 



Glenlyon, remarkable for its scenery, and no. less for its traditions, will 

 amply recompense the tourist, who has time and inclination to explore its 

 recesses ; and for this a single morning will suffice, as the more striking objects 



On the north side of the river is the Valley of FortingaJ, in the churchyard of which is an enormous 

 yew-tree much older than the famous linden of Fribourg. About a century ago, the trunk was single, 

 and measured fifty-six feet in girth. It now consists of two stems, the largest of which is quite hollow, 

 and measures thirty-two feet. This is a vegetable production which may vie with the famous Sicilian 

 chestnut d\ cento cavalli. 



VOL. II. F 



