PHYSICAL FEATURES. 



139 



which separates the Nairn from the Findhorn, or Strathnairn from 

 Strathdearn. On the north it is bounded by the low range of 

 hummocky hills which separates the Nairn from the Ness and the 

 Moray Firth, and which varies in height . . . (up to) 1514 feet on 

 Tom Bailgeann. 



' The southern boundary may be considered the cross ridge of 

 hills above Dunmaglass, and the watershed going round the east 

 end of Loch Kuthven, and extending westward again through 

 Dalcrombie and Dunchea to Bochruben, the extreme point of the 

 north branch of the Nairn. 



'• The Nairn rises in the Monadhliath Hills at a height of 2637 

 feet above the sea-level. ... It flows in a north-east direction through 

 tlie parishes of Daviot and Dunlichity (united), Croy, Cawdor, and 

 Nairn, and empties its waters into the Moray Firth at the town of 

 Nairn, after a course of thirty miles. Most of its tributaries are 

 mere streamlets, but of great geological interest.* . . . Here Mr. 

 Wallace enumerates all the numerous burns and streamlets on 

 both banks of the river by name — he refers to the geology after- 

 wards — and continues: 'Should he' (the lover of Highland scenery) 

 * desire to have a comprehensive view of the whole surrounding 

 upper district, he may climb to some of the higher points, and 

 have his desire gratified to the full.' Mr. Wallace recommends a 

 *high rock between Lochs Ceiglais, Duntelchaig, and Euthven, 

 known as Dunchea rock, which is 1500 feet above sea-level. From 

 this point seven or eight lochs may be coimted, and the whole 

 country viewed as in a panorama. ... In the middle parts of the 

 strath, he may gratify his finer tastes, with green banks of birch 

 and hazel, carpeted in early spring with primroses and many 

 species of fern and wild flower. The lower part flows through 

 manor woods and cultivated fields, which end with the sands on 

 the shore at Nairn.' The highest summit of this part of the North 

 Cam District appears to be Meal Mor, 1627 feet. In the upper 

 and middle parts of its course, the Nairn flows through some 

 excellent grouse moors, and in its lower reaches gives an added 

 beauty to the well-wooded policies of Cantray, Holme, and Kil- 

 ravock. 



Were it not for the nets at Nairn, the river would be goud for 



