Dr. Mac Culloch on the Parallel Roads of Glen Roy. 343 



be assigned as giving rise to the lines of Glen Roy ; and as the im- 

 portant geological consequences which follow the most probable of 

 these theories, could only be deduced from a consideration of their 

 extended connections. In thus describing them I have been in some 

 measure compelled to anticipate some of the arguments hereafter to 

 be adduced, however inclined to preserve the description distinct 

 from the reasonings j and this for the purpose of laying a due stress 

 on the facts of most importance, and of more effectually directing 

 the attention to those on which the reasonings must hereafter be 

 founded. 



The first, and not long ago the most popular, nay the only 

 hypothesis was that from whence these lines have derived their name 

 of Parallel Roads. They were conceived to be roads made for the 

 purposes of hunting, either by the Feinne, or by certain kings of 

 Scotland, who were supposed to have resided at Inverlochy Castle, 

 which is situated not many miles distant on the banks of the river 

 Lochy. The arguments which are used to prove this opinion may 

 be divided into two classes; tradition, and some physical appearances 

 to be found in the lines themselves, combined with certain ap- 

 plications to the purpose of hunting, of which they are supposed 

 capable. It is vain to inquire into the sera or history of the Fions, 

 whether they existed at the time of Severus's expedition, or at a 

 period prior to that, since rational antiquaries have given up the 

 point in despair. Nor are the traditions concerning their connection 

 with these roads, even if we admit their existence at some remote 

 period, such as to demand any acquiescence in this conclusion. It 

 is said that the hills of Glen Roy are named after the heroes or 

 dogs of this favourite and poetical age ; from Gaul, and Diarmid 

 and Fillan, and the celebrated Bran. But this is a circumstance not 



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