CH. V. KYLE OF TONGUE — FINE SCENERY. 73 



is irregular, but picturesque; and the gardens, 

 overlooking the sea, are warm, sheltered, and most 

 enjoyable in every respect. The fruit, flowers, and 

 vegetables were growing with as much luxuriance, 

 and were nearly as forward as I should have expected 

 to have seen had they been situated in the southern 

 instead of the northern extremity of the island ; 

 while the fine avenues and groves of elm and other 

 trees would do credit to any place in England. 

 All this, combined with the wild outline of rocks 

 and cliffs which nearly surround the bay, and the 

 magnificent precipices of Ben Laighal — all this 

 combined, I say, formed a coup d'ceil, which, 

 though it may be equalled, can scarcely be sur- 

 passed in any country. I understood from Mr. 

 Horsburgh, the Duke of Sutherland's factor in 

 this district, that his Grace contemplates making 

 a harbour within the Kyle of Tongue. 



The keeper pointed out to me from near the 

 inn the sites of two eagles' nests in the rocks of 

 Ben Laighal, and a more appropriate or fitting 

 locale for eyries I never saw. 



At the entrance to the bay are some islands — one 

 named Eoan Island, or the Seal Island ; and the 

 others are called the Piabbit Islands, from being 

 tenanted by numbers of these animals. The rabbits, 

 however, must there be of little use, excepting as 



