182 MARBLE QUARRIES. 



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 they surpass in beauty all analo- 

 gous 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 in- 

 cautious 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. 



