102 DAYS OF DEER-STALKING. 



" The forest of Benalder is now rented by the Marquis of 

 Abercorn, from Cluny Macpherson, chief of Clanchattan; 

 but as the sheep were only turned off in 1836, there are 

 not many deer in it as yet ; still, as the Marquis of Bread- 

 albane's forest is not far distant, they will, no doubt, 

 accumulate rapidly under such excellent management. 



" This forest lies on the north-west side of Loch Erroch, 

 and contains an area of from thirty to thirty-five square 

 miles : the position .is in a south-west direction ; the 

 boundary on that side is the small river Alder; on the 

 north-west it is limited by Beallach-na-dhu (the dark vale), 

 and the river Coolroth (which signifies a narrow and rapid 

 stream) ; and on the east it is bounded by Loch Pallag and 

 the hill of Farrow. 



" The mountains are lofty, probably near 4000 feet above 

 the level of the sea, and many of them of picturesque 

 character and majestic appearance. I must not omit, that 

 there is a lake of two miles in circumference, at an elevation 

 of at least 2500 feet, called Loch Beallach-a-Bhea (the Loch 

 of the Birchin Gap). So much for the boundaries, extent, 

 and character of this celebrated domain. 



"The legends connected with this forest are numerous 

 and interesting. In Benalder is a cave which gave shelter 

 to Prince Charles Stuart for about three months after he 

 made his escape from the Islands, where he so imprudently 

 entangled himself. When he came to Benalder, he was in 

 a most deplorable state covered with rags and vermin; 

 but there he was treated with kindness and hospitality; 

 and during the period of his stay, he made considerable 

 progress in the Gaelic language. Cluny Macpherson and 

 Lochiel, faithful, high-minded, and loyal, were his constant 

 companions ; and they were attended by a few trusty 

 Highlanders, who carried to him every necessary, and 

 many of the luxuries of life. 



" Cluny had generally the charge of this forest in olden 

 times. On one occasion, a nephew of his, a young man, 

 met a party of the Macgregors of Rannoch, who were 

 upon a hunting excursion: there were six of them; but 

 Macpherson, who had still a stronger party, demanded their 

 arms : to this the Macgregor leader consented, with the 



