L6'2 GEOLOGY OF ARRAX. 



is noticed by Jamieson (Min. of Scot. Isl., vol. i. p. 78, edit. 

 1800), from whom our cut (fig. 27) is taken; by Headrick 

 (p. 206, 1807); and by MacCulloch (vol. ii. pp. 376, 356, 

 1819). Later writers have classed the beds as new red sand- 

 stone, overlooking the limestone, and have given the dips 

 erroneously. The deposit is a mere isolated patch, and has no 

 connection with the sandstones eastwards, which abut upon 

 the slate, and are clearly the uppermost members of the 

 carboniferous series in this part of the island. 



Very few granite blocks occur along the north shore, and 

 none of more than two to three tons in weight. But as we 

 enter Loch Ranza and its glen, opening directly on the 

 granite nucleus, we meet with boulders of great magnitude. 

 Two of this kind, with many lesser, rest on the beach at the 

 north-east angle of the bay. These are of the coarse variety, 

 and their position here seems to prove a transport from the 

 nucleus; that the ice stream had not its whole issue south- 

 wards, but discharged its load of blocks in this direction also. 



63. One generally reaches this point late in the day, when 

 the rays of the declining sun already fall strongly on the 

 outer part of the bay, the upper portions being in the deep 

 shadow of the high western hills. The old castle on its 

 raised bank of shingle, which has kept its place steadfastly 

 against wind and tide for at least 2000 years, is a fine object 

 in the foreground. The middle of the picture is occupied 

 by boats, in from the fishing, and by nets suspended between 

 high poles, beyond which is a line of white cottages on the 

 west side, and houses of higher pretensions on the east, from 

 which the curling smoke rises up invitingly. The back- 

 ground is a dark circle of gloomy hills, now reflected in the 

 lipping tide, which give an air of peculiar solemnity and 

 seclusion 



" To the lone hamlet, which her inland bay 

 And circling mountains sever from the world." 



Beyond, and over all, rises the serrated granite ridge of 



