126 AN ACCOUNT OF A DAY's EXCURSION TO BUTE. 



of porphyry may be seen traversing the sandstone^ and at some points crossing 

 each other. 



In crossing from this point to Bute, we perceive a most beautifully-defined 

 ancient sea margin upon the east point of the island, and a corresponding 

 one upon the west side of the Curabrey, which lies immediately opposite. A 

 stretch of three miles across the entry to the Kyles, places us at the quay 

 of Rothesay. This town is beautifully and snugly situated in a deep bay, 

 and stretches out its lovely arms on both sides, as if to welcome the delighted 

 visitor. In sailing along the eastern arm of this bay, and just before arriving 

 at the quay, the old red sandstone conglomerate is again laid bare upon the 

 shore, and forms the entire beach at this part of the coast. 



Rothesay was formerly frequented by herring-fishing boats, but it is now 

 a favourite watering place; and in the summer months, presents a gay and 

 lively scene, being resorted to by people from all parts of Great Britain. To 

 the south and east of Rothesay, the island is composed of the old red sand- 

 stone, while to the north and west it consists of mica slate and clay slate, 

 traversed by trap and quartz veins. There is a large quarry of greenstone in 

 the immediate neighbourhood of the town, out of which most of the houses have 

 been built. We understand beds of coral and shells, of considerable thickness, 

 are found in many places, half-a mile inland; but having never visited them 

 personally, we are quite unable to state anything particular regarding them. 

 There are also some beds of limestone, and one or two thin seams of very 

 indifferent coal met with, to the south-east of the town. It may be inter- 

 esting to state that the island is divided into four portions by three 

 beautiful valleys, which terminate in large bays on each side of the island. 

 There can be no doubt that these valleys formed, at one time, three arms 

 of the sea, dividing what is now one island into four: it is further worthy of 

 notice that the entire coast road runs along a level terrace, which has 

 been the former beach; for the cliffs, which, in many parts, rise above the 

 road, are here and there worn into caves, and bear other marks of the action 

 of water. 



But we must to the shore, and examine its zoology, which was the principal 

 object we had in view, in this short but very pleasant excursion. 



On landing, we found ourselves somewhat stiff", after a sail of three hours 

 and a half; but after ascertaining our last opportunity of return home, we 

 started at a sharp pace to reach our ground, and make the most of our 

 time. After walking about a mile and a half, one of our party suddenly 

 disappeared into one of the houses, which lay upon our left; we found he 

 had formed the resolution to remain here till the following day, and that he 

 escaped into his residence for the night, to make preparations for collecting. 

 Upon his reappearance, we bounded across the fence in a body, all eager for 

 the work. 



Having arrived on the ground, we found the slate rocks very thickly 

 clothed with a species of knotty fucuSj under which dwelt the various animals 



