24 MEMOIR OF PENNANT. 



common species. "The thrushes," he observes, "ex- 

 erted the same melody in this scene of horror, as they 

 do in the groves of Hertfordshire." It may be ob- 

 served, that these birds do not dislike an abode by the 

 shore, wherever a little brush will shelter them, and 

 the " grove of elder trees," beneath the ruins, would 

 afford ample covering for their nests, the only time 

 it would be needed, as, with an advance of season, 

 they would commence their migration to a more hos- 

 pitable shore. The common black snail, Arion ater, 

 and striped-shell snail, were seen " very unexpected- 

 ly ;" but they are both occasionally met with in most 

 of the little islands where there is much rough cover- 

 ing, besides several other land shells. 



From Ailsa Crag the party skirted the Mull of 

 Cantyre, visited Gigha, and attempted to reach the 

 isle of Isla. They were prevented from doing this by 

 a calm ; and, during its annoying continuance, with 

 his characteristic industry, Pennant engaged himself 

 in compiling an ancient history of the Hebrides. It 

 was not till during night, that the breeze sprung up, 

 they were enabled to enter one of the small harbours 

 in Jura. Here the tourists experienced the attention 

 of the principal proprietor, Mr Campbell, who sent 

 them horses to ride over and explore the island. 

 This they proceeded to do on the day following, and 

 ascended the highest of the Paps. This mountain is 

 compared to a huge cairn, of very difficult ascent; but 

 the labour is amply recompensed by " the grandeur 

 of the prospect from this sublime spot." " Jura 



