HEATHER BELLS IN SCOTTISH SCENERY. 



weird, haunted isolation, and the fairy-like fantasy 

 of this poetic realm. * * * The mountain road, on 

 its upward course, winds through treeless pastureland, 

 and in every direction, as your vision ranges, you be- 

 hold other mountains equally bleak save for the bracken 

 and the Heather, among which the sheep wander and 

 the grouse nestle in concealment, or whirr away on 

 frightened wings." 



And again, in "Brown Heath and Blue Bells :" 

 "The Heather was pink on the sides of the hills and 

 over their grim tops the white mist was drifting, and 

 in the tender light of morning the Highlands looked 

 their loveliest when I bade them farewell." 



Scotland's loyal sons have sung their country's 

 superiority over all other lands, and have especially 

 emphasized her superlative scenic characteristics, 

 through the medium of their much-loved mountain 

 flower. 



Among these pretty boastful eulogies to be found 

 scattered throughout the songs of Scotland, the few 

 following may claim unique interest: 



Bonnie Auld Scotland 



How grand are the mountains of bonnie auld Scotland, 

 Her torrents' wild waters, sun-jewel'd and gloaming; 

 How rosy the breath of each moorland and heath, 

 How lovely her lakes, and her valleys how blooming. 

 No foreign strand, no classic land, 



Earth's fairest scenes together, 

 Can win our praise like yonder braes, 



And fragrant hills of purple Heather. 



G. Bennett. 

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