490 AILS A. GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 



AILSA. 



OF the various objects which cause the scenery of 

 the Clyde to rank among the most enticing tracts in 

 Scotland, Ailsa stands foremost. Yet it has not hitherto 

 excited that attention to which it is entitled ; having 

 been little visited, even by those to whom its vicinity 

 renders it so easily accessible. To those whose pursuit 

 is picturesque beauty alone, it has almost remained un- 

 known. He who may hereafter profit by this hint, will not 

 regret the time he may appropriate to this voyage : 

 he will be amply repaid by the sight of scenery not 

 surpassed, and rarely equalled, among the remoter 

 Scottish isles. 



In the distant horizon it forms an object peculiarly 

 striking, from its unexpected magnitude in the blue 

 haze, and from the decided and sudden manner in 

 which it rises from the sea. In this respect it presents 

 a solitary feature in Scotland, rather reminding the spec- 

 tator of the volcanic islands of the distant Pacific ocean. 

 The effect is often much increased by the position of 

 the clouds, which so frequently involve its summit, add- 

 ing indefinite and ideal dimensions to its altitude. 



When viewed near at hand, Ailsa produces that peculiar 

 effect which is the result of greatness of dimension com- 

 bined with simplicity in the leading form and variety 

 in the arrangement of the parts. In this respect its 

 chief advantage is owing to the steepness of the acclivity ; 

 which enables the eye to comprehend the whole of its 

 bulk even from a/very short distance; thus giving it 

 a mountainous effect often lost in the vicinity of much 

 larger masses, in consequence of the foreshortening 

 resulting from the lowness of their angles. While by 

 its magnitude it thus fills the eye, the commodious dis- 

 tance at which it may be examined, enables the sight 



