BEN-NEVIS. 



3*9 



blende and mica, in various proportions, more 

 or less approaching the description of true sienitc. 

 It has at first a greyish aspect ; but soon ac- 

 quires, towards the upper part of the base, a 

 reddish hue, not only from a change in the co- 

 lour of the felspar, but from its proportion be- 

 coming greater, and assuming at the same time, 

 the form of large distinct crystals, which give 

 it a porphyritic character : forming a rock of 

 an unusually fine and beautiful appearance, and 

 more than probably of the same kind with 

 that which was antiently used in Egypt for 

 the pillars and obelisks so famous in history. 

 In the Claggan-burn, there is a vein of granu- 

 lar substance, containing chiefly felspar, w T ith 

 a slight intermixture of hornblende, mica, 

 and quartz. This vein may be traced for a long 

 way up, in the channel of the stream, and seems 

 to have been filled from the higher part of the 

 same formation. 



ACCLIVITY. 



After passing the small lake, we edge upwards 

 along the face of the acclivity to the left, till we 

 reach a place (beside the 4th stream) which may be 

 estimated at about two thirds of the distance to the 

 top, and where the guide is accustomed to make 

 the travellers whom he attends, rest and refresh 

 themselves*, before they encounter the steepest 



* The inn at Fort William is at present in excellent or- 

 sler, and kept by a Lady, whose care and attention render 



