The Environs of Craigmillar. 193 



Liberton are the Braid Hills, covered on some parts 



by thick patches of whins. A portion of them was 



purchased by the city of Edinburgh in i8go for a 



course on which the inhabitants might indulge in the 



game of golf. The southern part of the hill has also 



been leased from Colonel Trotter of Mortonhall for the 



same purpose by an Edinburgh club. The hill is even 



yet wild and romantic, and from the higher parts a 



magnificent and most extensive view can be obtained, 



of which no more graphic description could be given 



than that by Sir Walter Scott : — 



" But northward far, with purer blaze, 

 On Ochil mountains fell the rays, 

 And as each heathy top they kissed, 

 It gleamed a purple amethyst. 

 Yonder the shores of Fife you saw ; 

 Here Preston Bay and Berwick Law : 



And, broad between them rolled. 

 The gallant Frith the eye might note. 

 Whose islands on its bosom float. 



Like emeralds chased in gold." 



In a hollow on the hill, at the march between the town 

 property and that of Colonel Trotter, is a very pretty 

 natural pond, much frequented at night by wild-fowl. 



