HARRIS. MOUNTAINS. 



called, of the several classes of rock. This is an example, 

 among numerous others, of premature induction in the 

 science of geology, and deserves not to have its ex- 

 istence prolonged by a formal discussion. 



The altitude of the mountain Lang, one of the highest 

 of the group which bounds the north side of west 

 Loch Tarbet, was 2407 feet, as taken by the barometer. 

 A storm and the coming on of night together, prevented 

 me from traversing the precipices to be surmounted 

 between this and the next highest summit, that 

 of Clisseval. By various modes of estimating it both 

 near at hand and at a distance, from different points, 

 it appeared to be at least 300 feet higher : it may even 

 be more. This is very obviously the highest hill in 

 Harris, or indeed in the whole chain of the Long Isle, 

 its pre-eminence being every where distinctly visible. 

 From this, as the centre of the highest group, various 

 other hills, the names of which I could not discover,* 

 descend by gradual stages to Loch Resort on the one 

 hand, and to Loch Seaforth on the other ; two or three 

 of the neighbouring summits attaining nearly the same 

 height as that of Lang. 



The hill of Roneval, which lies above Rowdill, is 

 the next in elevation. The violence of the wind pre- 



* It is not intended as an excuse for neglect, to say that such local in- 

 formation cannot often be obtained. He that is contented with a first an- 

 swer in the Highlands will indeed never be at a loss for at least the 

 appearance of information. Unfortunately it will seldom bear a 

 scrutiny, a second question generally rendering void the effect of 

 the first. " How long is this Loch?'' "It will be about twanty 

 mile." "Twenty miles! surely it cannot be so much." "Maybe 

 it will be twelve." " It does not seem more than four." " Indeed 

 I'm thinking ye're right." " Really you seem to know nothing about 

 the matter" " Troth I canna say I do." This trait of character 

 is universal, and the answer is always so decided, that the inquirer, 

 unless he is a strenuous doubter, is not induced to verify the 

 statement by this mode of cross-examination. 



