334 ON THJE HIGHLANDS. 



which contribute to this effect, are too remote to 

 be distinctly seen. Mountain ranges in every di- 

 rection, and huge masses of arid rock, interming- 

 led with extensive water surfaces, compose the 

 principal features of the view : which here ranges 

 from the Murray Frith, and the mountains of 

 Ross and Sutherland on the north and north-east, 

 to Ben-Lomond on the south, and the island of 

 Colonsa on the south-west, including a distance of 

 nearly 180 miles. A new effect in the way of 

 embellishment, is thus produced. For besides 

 the ordinary groups in an alpine landscape, lakes, 

 islands, and the great ocean enrich the prospect, 

 and fill the eye with a picturesque variety, which 

 is wanting in the grand central view from Ben* 

 More. 



The vast hollow which stretches from Fort- 

 George to the Sound of Mull, and along which 

 the Great Canal now begun, is intended to form a 

 communication betwixt the northern and western 

 ocean, is seen at once in all its extent. Among 

 the mountains the most conspicuous, are Ben- 

 Wyvis in Ross-shire, Cruachan, Bendoran ; Ben- 

 More in Mull ; and Schihallion to the east, which 

 viewed from this position, appears more insulated, 

 than in any other direction, and shews the pro- 

 priety of its being selected by Dr Maskelyne for 

 his experiments on gravitation. 



With all this diversity of magnificent and striking 

 objects to feast the eye, and captivate the mind, the 

 prospect from Ben- Nevis can scarcely be equalled 



