UNCLE IN ENGLAND. 121 



land, and as there is no other object, not even a 

 rock or a stone, to divert the attention, or dimmish 

 the impression which it makes. 



" There are some circles of stones to be seen 

 in the neighbourhood, but they are less perfect ; 

 and several large solitary stones, apparently of a 

 monumental nature, are found in other parts of 

 Lewis ; but the cruciform shape of the structure 

 which I have described is a remarkable and 

 peculiar circumstance. No ruin, of that form, 

 has been traced beyond the introduction of 

 Christianity } and I believe it is agreedj that 

 where the figure of the Cross is found carved 

 on buildings of higher antiquity, it has been 

 done by Christians, who have converted the 

 monuments of ancient superstition to their 

 own purposes. But such attempts cannot be 

 supposed to apply to such an assemblage of 

 large rude stones ; while the circular parts, and 

 the general resemblance of the whole to other 

 Druidical structures, seem to prove its ancient 

 origin." 



13th. My uncle is so kind as to permit me 

 to sit in the library whenever I like ; and though 

 he studies a great deal, he says my being there 

 does not disturb him. He seems pleased when- 

 ever we young people go there, and very often 

 lays aside what he is engaged in, to converse 

 with us, or shew us something curious. Some- 



