232 ARDENMOHR. 



and hear the waters break on the rocks, and rolling 

 in foamy lines along the strand, and view far out on 

 the deeps the white crests of the great ocean waves : 

 all this bright scene enlivened by the sea birds flying 

 about in full enjoyment of life and what free, roving 

 lives they do lead ! Observe the gulls, how leisurely 

 and listlessly they swing about in the air, enjoying the 

 sunshine, or now and again dipping into the waves ; 

 then, in contrast, see the ducks and sooty cormorants 

 as they cleave their way through the air in a direct 

 line, on business intent; and here again are our 

 moorland friends, the curlew and the golden plover, 

 skimming along the strand quite as much at home 

 as among the hills. But on the sea-coast the scenery 

 and objects to study are of endless variety and 

 interest. 



About a mile from our destination the road turned 

 inland, and, on getting to the top of a long ascent, 

 we came presently to the woods and well-kept parks 

 of Dunesk, and saw the old grey mansion looming 

 amongst the trees. Turning through the ancient 

 gateway and along the avenue, we arrived at the 

 house, and received a genuine Highland welcome 

 from the Laird. 



Mr. Grant, after introductions to his maiden sister 



