180 



EXCURSION XV. 



LAG TO THE SHELL BEDS. 



84. LAG is an admirable centre for several excursions. A 

 thorough examination of the shell-beds, especially with the 

 purpose of collecting the leading species, will take two days 

 at least. There is much to see, very curious and interesting, 

 by following up to tneir sources the two largest streams, 

 Torlin and Slaodridh Waters ; Benan-head and Dippen-cliffs 

 may very well be visited from it, reversing our order; as also 

 the shore both ways, east to Benan-head, and west to the 

 porphyry of the Brown Hills. For the Botanist and the Anti- 

 quary there is a fine field; and to a lover of the "gentle art" 

 the two largest streams of the island, with their two con- 

 siderable tributaries, will afford sport for several days. But 

 "The Lag" has other charms; its situation is peculiar and 

 romantic; its complete seclusion and perfect quiet wonder- 

 fully tranquillizing ; though warm and sheltered in its sunny 

 dell, the inn is not ten minutes' walk from the sea an early 

 stroll there braces for the day's work ; the country about is 

 the best cultivated and richest in Arran; and it is delightful 

 to saunter at even-tide among the sweet teeming fields, to 

 mark the fitful changes of the sea, to watch the sun go down 

 behind the Cantire hills, and catch his last rays gilding the 

 dome of Ailsa,* "The Lag," as it is called in the neigh- 

 bourhood that is, the Hollow owes its peculiar features 

 to a speciality in the rock formations : there has been an 

 upthrow and fracture of the sandstone-beds, here soft and 



* The farms of Clavich (Mr. Robert Speirs) and Torlin (Mr. Fiulay 

 Cook) are noted for the admirable methods pursued upon them, and 

 the successful results. 



