15 
were the rugged, copse-clad steeps of Ben Venue. There were 
seen on the side of the rugged Ben, Coir-nan-Uriskin, or the 
Goblins’ Cave, where the bold Sir Roderick Dhu had “stood 
leaning on his heavy sword” listening to Fair Ellen’s “angel 
voice” singing the plaintive “Ave Maria”; and higher up still 
“the wild Pass of Beal-nam-bo,” or ‘‘ Pass of Cattle,” described by 
Scott as ‘‘a most magnificent glade overhung with aged birches, 
the whole scene composing the most sublime piece of scenery that 
imagination can conceive.” Tacking to the right between Ellen’s 
Isle and the ‘‘Silvery Strand,” a fine view was obtained from the 
deck of the steamer of both those famous and lovely spots as the 
“ Lady of the Lake” steamed slowly past. Heading to the left, 
a straight run was made up the Lake to Stronachlachar in glorious 
summer weather ; Ben Lomond towering high on the left with its 
massive rounded crest; and the sharp rugged peaks of the 
Arrochar hills rising right ahead. 
Arriving at Stronachlachar Pier, carriages were in waiting to 
take the party across the hills to Loch Lomond, a distance of 
about five miles. Toe route lay through the heart of the 
MacGregors’ country, with Loch Arklet sparkling in the sun- 
shine on the left, under the shade of ‘“‘the mighty Ben Lomond.” 
A little beyond the loch one of Rob Roy’s houses, and Helen 
MacGregor’s birthplace were seen ; and while descending the steep 
Pass of Inversnaid, the ruined fort was noticed in which General 
Wolfe, the hero of Quebec, once commanded in troublous days. 
The descent to Loch Lomond at Inversnaid was steep, and rather 
trying to the nervous on the top of a high coach ; but the scenery 
was grand, and fears were forgotten on board the capacious lake 
steamer, where the party were soon seated to an acceptable 
luncheon after their early start and long journey through the 
fresh highland air. 
Loch Lomond is about 22 miles long, and 5 miles broad at the 
widest part, and contains thirty islands, some of them of consider- 
able size, others mere islets, and mostly well-wooded. The total 
area is 21,000 acres, and the surface of the loch is but 23 feet 
above sea-level. It has a depth of only a few fathoms over the 
greater part of the south or widest portion; but between Inver- 
snaid and Tarbet, the bottom sinks to 105 fathoms, and at that 
great depth the water is said to maintain a steady temperature of 
42° Fahr. all the year round. It is locally famed for three 
wonders—“ Waves without wind, fish without fin, and a floating 
