BEN-NEVIS. 341 



similated to a vast triangle, of which the apex is 

 the top of Ben-Nevis. 



Such is the mode of attempting to communi- 

 cate a faint idea of this truly majestic work 

 of nature. Its magnificence and wildness, in- 

 deed, baffle description, and can scarcely be con- 

 ceived without being seen. From the west, Ben- 

 Nevis appears only an object of immense magni- 

 tude, without elegance of outline or picturesque 

 beauty. But on this side, language fails in at- 

 tempting to paint its awful grandeur and terrific 

 sublimity. It would afford an inimitable subject 

 for the pencil in the rude style, were it not, that 

 a position could hardly be found, to give it in all 

 its picturesque effect, under an angle of less than 

 6o°, which it seems is requisite for that pur- 

 pose. 



After passing the great projection, which ter- 

 minates the precipice on the east, we find the 

 hollow in the shape of a vast oblong bason, run- 

 ning westward, in a direction almost perpendicu- 

 lar to its former bearing ; with the precipice still 

 accompanying it, and forming its boundary on 

 the right hand. .At. this 'place, the aspect of 

 rudeness on every side, is peculiarly'- striking, • 

 In the position from which the first part of the* 

 precipice is viewed, the eye may be relieved by 

 directing it downwards on the level country, and 

 on the vegetating surface, cheered by the pre- 

 sence of the browzing flocks, which in eni 

 ascent we had left behind. Here, however, when 



¥3 



