150 DAYS OF DEER-STALKING. 



the glen ; so that when the eye travels to the small opening 

 at the distant gorge, you look out at the bright light of 

 heaven as from the mouth of a cavern. 



But it is in the clear day of autumn that this scene is 

 most enjoyable, when the air is invigorating, and when the 

 sunbeams strike down the summits, and the light falls on 

 the glossy stems of the birchen grove, warms the grey rock 

 and the greensward, and brings forth all the rich hues of 

 decaying foliage. Yet even in the broad evidence of a 

 meridian sun, whilst the light leaves tremble and sparkle in 

 its beams, and countless objects stand prominent, luminous, 

 and defined, there are vast masses of dark pines unrevealed 

 and impervious to its genial influence, and deep flat shadows 

 that leave much in mystery and obscurity. 



The whole of this glen, in a scientific point of view, is 

 interesting in the highest degree ; to a geologist there is 

 none more so throughout Scotland. A quarry has been 

 opened above Marble Lodge, which contains immense blocks 

 of marble, varying from grass green into one of a yellower 

 cast, and intermixed with grey. The best blocks take a 

 good polish ; and it surpasses in beauty all analogous subjects 

 of British origin. The transportation of such a heavy material 

 however is not easy, as the Tay is not navigable above Perth. 



There is also a beautiful yellow marble to be obtained, 

 which is mottled with white ; as likewise a coarse sort of 

 white marble polluted with grey streaks. 



In the forest there are four mineral springs : I am not 

 aware that they have been analysed, but many an incau- 

 tious hill-man can attest their efficacy. One of them issues 

 at the side of Loch Mark, one at Dualdan, north from Felaar 

 House, and two at the top of the burn, at Inverslanie. The 

 two last are named Duke James's Wells. 



There are a great many roe deer in the forest, which feed 

 chiefly in the woods, or on the moor immediately adjoining 

 them, but are never seen far out on the hills. They do not 

 unite in herds, but live in separate families. In favourable 

 seasons, about one roe out of five or six will produce 

 two fawns.* As a singular proof of their attachment to 



* Various writers make the proportion of twins much greater, but this is 

 Mr. John Crerer's calculation. 



