FLORA OF ARRAN. 237 



in this element of the picturesque. Lakes there are several, 

 but, with scarcely an exception, they are placed in the high 

 bleak moors, far above the limit to which trees ascend, and 

 generally away from the higher mountains, so that they add 

 little either of beauty or of sublimity to the scenery of the 

 island. Loch Tanna, by far the largest, lies in a high and 

 gloomy plateau, strewed with blocks of decomposing granite, 

 among which the stunted heather barely supports its exist- 

 enceitself as black and uninteresting a sheet of water as 

 any pool in the fens of Lincolnshire; the aspect of the whole 

 scene is one of utter wildness and desolation, without 

 grandeur. The absence, however, of this element of the 

 beautiful in Arran scenery is scarcely remarked, since it is 

 more than compensated for by the character which the sea 

 imparts to every landscape. 



109. Having thus briefly indicated the plants which the 

 botanist will meet with in each region of the island, it is 

 scarcely necessary to prescribe for him any special excursion 

 or walks. These are best left to his own taste and con- 

 venience. It may, however, be not amiss, in a few conclud- 

 ing words, to direct him to the districts where his rambles 

 will be attended with most pleasure and success. Probably 

 no part of the island will offer to him so many interesting 

 species as the vicinity of Brodick, especially if he direct his 

 walks to the Corriegills shore, proceed northwards to Corrie, 

 or explore the tangled thickets and dripping rocks at the 

 head of Glen Cloy. Around Loch Ranza, too, several 

 excellent plants may be obtained; while, even if the tourist 

 be not botanically inclined, he will find in the exceeding 

 beauty of the coast an ample reward for his walk along the 

 lovely shore between Glen Sannox and Newton Point. The 

 western coast offers many striking scenes, and everywhere 

 commands noble views of the broad sound of Kilbrannan, 

 with the hills and glens of Cantire beyond; but its botany 

 presents little that is new to one who has already examined 

 the eastern part of the island; while the interior of the 



