18-i THE MOORS AND THE MOUNTAINS. 



time to time gigantic crags above our heads, or in the 

 opposite distance the gray and sterile summits of lofty 

 mountains. No vestige, however, of human dwelling was 

 within our view, nor anything to remind us that this 

 earth was the abode of other beings than ourselves." 



" Inchnadamff, 27th June 1834. 



" I again indulge myself by writing a few lines, as there 

 is a post to-morrow morning from this to Golspie. As 

 there is also an end to all human undertakings, our various 

 exertions in this quarter are now drawing to a close. We 

 propose proceeding southwards on Monday morning, but 

 I fear we must for some time travel slowly, as our cattle 

 have a considerable weight to draw. 



" It does not appear that we can proceed from Dingwall 

 through Ross-shire without taking longer time than we 

 can afford, and it is therefore probable that we shall go 

 from Dingwall to Inverness. From the latter place, how- 

 ever, we feel averse to return, per coach, by the Highland 

 road, exactly as we came, and w r e therefore hope to dis- 

 pose of our cattle, and then proceed by the Caledonian 

 Canal, Loch Ness, &c, to Fort- William, and from thence 

 by Ballahulish, Dalnially, Killin, &c, down to Perth or 

 Stirling, and then home. Oh, how my heart beats at the 

 thought of my return ! I have had a considerable degree of 

 enjoyment, and any want of it has been entirely my own 



