476 CUMBRAY (GREAT). GEOLOGY. 



eastern angle, a mass of cliff occurs, giving free access for 

 a considerable depth to the rocks that form the body 

 of the island. 



On the southern side lies the small and neat village of 

 Millport, possessing a numerous population, partly em- 

 ployed in the fisheries, and partly occupied in the manu- 

 factures of Glasgow. Some detached rocks here form a 

 secure harbour for fishing boats ; its capacity being so 

 limited as to be incapable of containing more than two 

 or three vessels. The situation of this village is pleasing, 

 but the want of wood in the island detracts much from 

 the picturesque effect which might, under any system 

 of planting, render the great Cumbray one of the most 

 beautiful spots in the Clyde. There is no natural dis- 

 advantage to prevent the growth of trees, as is proved 

 by the example of Bute, and by that of the neighbouring 

 coast of Ayrshire ; both of which, under similar expo- 

 sures, are interspersed with considerable tracts of woody 

 land. The chief beauty of the great Cumbray arises from 

 the magnificence and variety of the surrounding scenery ; 

 the distance presenting the rugged outlines of Argyllshire 

 and the spiry mountains of Arran ; while the adjoining 

 coast is highly cultivated, and covered with villas sur- 

 rounded by ornamental wood. The town of Largs and 

 the castle of Fairley, spots celebrated in Scottish history 

 and in Scottish song, add materially to the interest of 

 the scene; which is further enlivened by the incessant 

 passage of vessels navigating the Clyde, and by the rapid 

 motions of the steam boats, each, like a floating volcano, 

 drawing along its expanding stream of black smoke. 



The great Cumbray corresponds exactly in geological 

 structure with the middle region of Bute. It consists of 

 a mass of red sandstone traversed by trap veins, and 

 in this respect partakes also of the character of the neigh- 

 bouring shore ; forming an appendage to the great mass 

 of sandstone and trap which occupies so large a part 

 of this division of Ayrshire. As is usual in the neigh- 



