12 
duction of Scots pine forests; that it is only when the heather 
has superseded the original covering of grass will the process 
of germination take place and the trees grow. In the more open 
parts especially was this forced upon our attention, for both 
conditions were present, and clumps of young wood were seen 
growing thickly and freely among the patches of heather in close 
proximity to grassy spaces where none had yet made their 
appearance. 
Loch Moirlich, a fine expanse of water, about one and a half 
mile long and a mile wide, is situated at an altitude of 1046 feet 
above sea-level, under the shadow of Cairngorm, whose huge 
shoulders, fringed with a narrow strip of woodland, slope steeply 
down to the water. The scenery here is of a truly Highland 
character, and produces an awe-inspiring and elevating influence 
on the mind, as well as a just pride in the grand natural beauties 
of our native country. Beside Cairngorm, which is 4084 feet 
high, several of the highest peaks of the Grampians were within 
view. A few miles off Braeriach, 4248 feet, was seen, with the 
snow still lying in its deep rocky corries; and Ben Macdhui, 
4296 feet, with its huge massive crest, one of the highest, if not 
the highest mountain in Britain, being the more noticeable of the 
group. The handsome castellated shooting-lodge of Glenmore 
stands on a fine site in the forest on the north shore of the loch, 
and commands a splendid view of the magnificent landscape. 
After surveying the grandeur of the scenery for a short time, 
the party moved off again in the carriages in the direction of the 
Cobbler’s Rock, under the guidance of Messrs H. Mackenzie and 
J. Carr, foresters on the estate. The Scots pine continued to be 
of the same excellent growth, and possessed qualities eminently 
suited for commercial purposes. A feature of interest was the 
increasing number of ant-hills encountered, which seemed to 
abound here, and which in many cases measured from 5 or 6 feet 
in height. On reaching the Cobbler’s Rock, the party alighted 
with the intention of ascending, but owing to the recent heavy 
rains, and the wet state of the tangled undergrowth, it was 
deemed advisable to forego this part of the programme. The 
journey was thereupon continued through the Cobbler’s Rock 
Glen, the road lying high along the precipitous face of the hill, 
which descends almost perpendicularly to a great depth, pro- 
ducing misgivings in the minds of some of the Excursionists for 
their ultimate safety, as the carriages swayed to and fro in a 
