§ 25. FINGAL'S CAVE. 853 



add, by the contrast of their colours, to the pictorial effect, 

 which is still further heightened by the ever- varying 

 reflected light thrown from the surface of the water that 

 fills the bottom of the cave. 



The depth of the water is nine feet, and a boat can 

 therefore reach the extremity of the cave in tolerably calm 



Lign. 192. — Fingal's Cave; viewed from within. 



weather ; but when the boisterous gales of that northern 

 clime drive into the cavern, the agitated waves dashing 

 and breaking against the rocky sides, and their roar echoed 

 with increased power from the roof, present to the eye and 

 ear such a scene of grandeur as bids defiance to any 

 description. The short columns composing the natural 

 causeway before mentioned, continue within the cave on 

 each side, and form a broken and irregular path, which 

 allows a skilful and fearless climber to reach the extremity 

 on the eastern side on foot : but it is a task of danger at all 

 times, and impossible at high tide, or in rough weather. 

 3k2 



