BEN-LAWERS. 



36i 



comparatively less abrupt and interesting. At 

 the same time, so fine a landscape can never be 

 contemplated without admiration and delight, by 

 the eye which is able to mark the grand and the 

 beautiful in nature. 



On this occasion, a remarkably interesting cir- 

 cumstance occurred, which is not unfrequent in 

 alpine regions. After some hours of an uncom- 

 monly serene and beautiful sky, a sudden haze 

 overspread the atmosphere in every direction. 

 The rapidity of the change was not less surpriz- 

 ing than its effect to the eye ; for while the tops of 

 the mountains on every side, were hid in the mist, 

 the view remained clear and distinct underneath, 

 to the utmost distance. It is difficult to imagine 

 an atmospheric appearance of the same kind, more 

 singular and curious, than the aspect of the scene 

 thus diversified. The Highlands resembled a 

 multitude of pyramids, scattered confusedly on a 

 vast plain, and losing their summits in the 

 clouds. 



Along the course of the Tay, the rock con- 

 tinues of a similar character, till we reach the 

 neighbourhood of Logierait, where it assumes a 

 shining lustre with a tinge of bluish-grey ; and an 

 intermixture of beautiful garnets, having a deep 

 red colour, begins to appear. Beyond Mullenearn, 

 on the road to Blair, gneiss occurs ; and if we 

 may judge from the fragments met with in the 

 famous pass of Killicrankie, the rocks which 



