288 LOCH CRERAN. 



existence. But for our aid we do not believe these poor 

 little fellows could ever have emerged from their place 

 of sepulture, so that no doubt in our calculations of the 

 prolific character of certain fishes we do not generally 

 sufficiently allow for those non-vitalised, non-incubated, 

 and perpetually imprisoned. 



We have frequently referred to the Fissurella Grceca 

 as a shell that is not uncommon on certain grounds; 

 but living among rocks like our common limpet they 

 were naturally difficult to procure. When turning over 

 the larger stones on one of the islands, we were agree- 

 ably surprised to find quite an number of the younger 

 members of this family, so closely resembling the 

 barnacle-covered stones on which they crept that it was 

 very difficult to observe them. We cannot wonder at 

 the rarity with which this keyhole limpet is captured by 

 the dredge when it occupies such a secure position 

 amid the largest boulders. 



We have had a vague feeling of inconstancy hovering 

 about us as we found ourselves first flirting gaily and 

 then gradually sliding into more serious attentions 

 towards the Etive Loch. For ten days we have been 

 seizing every opportunity of peering into her secrets, in 

 spite of the bitter blasts occasionally sweeping over her 

 restless waters ; and when our raids were being made 

 from a snug corner alongside the fine old priory, and in 

 company with a most amiable and sympathetic com- 

 panion, it is natural that " out of sight was out of mind," 

 and our affection was almost alienated from our own 

 Loch Creran. One of the three earliest priories of Scot- 

 land, charmingly situated, and with a wealth of story, 

 Ardchattan has given its name to a parish of vast extent, 

 and including every character of scenery, all Benderloch 



