1857.] TOUR IN SCOTLAND. 81 



six miles from Alloa to Stirling by land becomes about twenty by 

 water : this is probably an extravagant estimate, yet the wind- 

 ings of the Forth, both above and below Stirling, are very re- 

 markable, and are now celebrated. The vegetation here is about 

 as rich as a fertile soil can produce, and a mild and moist clt- 

 mate can maintain in a state of verdure unknown in less favour- 

 able parts. 



The fine chain of hills, called the Ochils, on the right, and 

 the rather less elevated range, called the Fintry Hills, on the left 

 of the voyageur from Edinburgh to Stirling, with the imposing 

 masses of Highland mountains in front, contribute to render 

 this extensive prospect one of the most beautiful and imposing 

 of Scotland's grand scenes. Distance both softens and "lends 

 enchantment to the view." The tourist has no wish but to push 

 onwards, except it may be the prudent one to enjoy the present, 

 and to try to fix its grand features indelibly on his memory. 



Stirling is built on a commanding site. The distant view 

 promises much, and the interior of the town does not bavilk 

 the visitor's expectation. It still contains much of its ancient 

 aspect and character : the streets are not so wide nor so long 

 as they are in Edinburgh, but the churches, and above all the 

 Castle, vie Avith the metropolitan edifices, if not in extent, cer- 

 tainly in situation and architecture. The views, as have been 

 already stated, are nearly as fine as from Edinburgh Castle,— we 

 preferred them. The metropolis has a fine view of the sea and 

 of the Pentland Hills. Stirling has a proximate view of the 

 Highland Hills, which are about four times the altitude of the 

 Pentlands. 



There is far more variety in the environs of Stirling than in 

 the country about Edinburgh; only in the old town of Edin- 

 burgh, the noble High Street is a charming picture by itself, — 

 the houses of Edinburgh enhance even the picturesque interest 

 of its fine situation. But Stirling is well worth a visit, both for 

 its own intrinsic merit and perhaps still more from its being in 

 the vicinity of places justly celebrated in the historical annals of 

 the kingdom. Most visitors will look with greater pleasure on 

 the hills near Dollar, on A.bbey Crag, and on the beautiful mo- 

 dern village of Bridge of Allan, than on the fields of the battle 

 of Stirling, the old bridge, Bannockburn, and Sauchie; but 

 de gustibus nil disputandum, — the lover of the picturesque, as 



N. S. VOL. II. M 



