184 MEMORIAL TRIBUTE 



where opposed to the sunbeams, a roseate hue of the 

 greatest delicacy. From a small lake in a rocky corrie, 

 five or six miles distant, a white streamlet poured down 

 an Alpine valley bounded by precipitous crags. In the 

 west, through an opening of the clouds, was seen a 

 range of lofty mountains, rising behind each other, the 

 most distant being probably fifty miles off. To the 

 west and north - west the mountains continued un- 

 diminished in size as far as the eye could reach, but to 

 the east they rapidly diminished. The desolate ranges 

 of Braemar have a solemn grandeur independently of 

 atmospheric drapery, but partially enveloped in massy 

 clouds, or overhung with a wavy curtain of gorgeously 

 tinted vapour, their glories are superbly enhanced. 

 But by degrees the purple and burnished gold and 

 roseate hues faded away into dull bluish grey, dimness 

 crept over the mountains, and my home was eight miles 

 distant. Natural History of Deeside, p. 124. 



31. AGED BIRCH TREES. 



In ascending a valley towards the higher grounds, 

 and after passing through a birch wood, you come upon 

 scattered trees, having an aged aspect, and stunted 

 dimensions. Some are yet vigorous in their old age ; 

 others, gnarled and knotted, with torn and ragged bark, 

 partially denuded and decayed wood and thinly -clad 

 branches. Many vicissitudes have these aged denizens 

 of the forest seen : sunshine and gloom, calm and 



