xiv INTRODUCTION. 



of Edinburgh ; although in the details the two crags are very 

 different. With delight we gazed on the beautiful valley be- 

 neath us, until our eyes meeting with the wall of dark-blue 

 mountains in the distance, we wished that Claude Lorraine 

 had transferred the landscape to canvass, as he had done hun- 

 dreds of others far less beautiful or grand. 



At Stirling we had a good dinner, for which a good price was 

 paid. Soon after we were on our way to the hills, comfortably 

 enough stowed into a large post-chaise. Before we arrived at 

 the village of Doun, however, darkness overtook us, so that we 

 did not until nine reach Callender. There, we found a good 

 house, kept by a good woman of the name of Stewart. Our 

 friend Macgillivray had stopped there before ; and, although 

 there may be equally good taverns or hotels in Callender, we 

 found no reason to regret our having taken his advice, for in 

 Mrs Stewart's we spent the night very comfortably. 



If travellers are sluggards, I pity them in my heai-t ; for, 

 depend upon it, nature is never more beautiful than whilst she 

 bathes herself, in the mom, in her own dewy waters. Then, 

 traveller, whoever you may be, arouse yourself, leave your 

 couch, emerge from good Mrs Stewart's house, walk to the 

 bridge opposite, and gaze upon the magnificent landscape 

 around ; then lean over the parapet, and trace the nimble trout 

 balancing itself in the pure stream that here slowly moves to- 

 ward the rapids below. The meadows, though it was autumn, 

 were yet green, the hills purpled with heather ; and, as the 

 sun's rays dispelled the mist that lingered on the summits of 

 the mountains, I thought that, in all my life, I had never be- 

 held scenery that interested me more. Delightful country ! 

 said I, how I should like to spend a summer here, amid clouds 



