that to one within the cavern they feem the remains of broken fhapelefs windows 
in a Gothic ruin, fhedding a dreary light into the receffes of the vaults that yavvi* 
beyond. 
The hills and riling grounds above Ipecified, are at one end terminated by 
Burgh Head, where the famous fortrefs of E'ccialsbacca * ftood, the chief je 
fidence of various bands of Scandinavian adventurers, who, in the tenth and ele 
venth centuries, came over with a view to make fettlements in this province. r ~ 
the other end thefe Hope gradually down to a very level fandy beach, mixed wit 
pebbles that are eafily rolled along by the waves. Here, more elpecially opp°^ lte 
to Innes House, the vefiiges of the gradual retreat of the fea are perceptible 111 
the feveral banks of flones and gravel that have at certain intervals been thi'° v/ f 
up by the northerly Horens. Thefe form extenfive lines along the coaft; and, ea 
having acted in its turn as a rampart or bulwark, like thofe of Holland defends 
the lower grounds from inundation. Hill exhibit to view the natural meafures b> 
which the firth has been cut off from the poffeflion of the adjacent plains. 
The Loch of Spinie frill occupies a large fpace of this tradt of land, and 
been but the deepeft part of the mentioned arm of the firth. On its banks 
ruins of the Bifhop of Moray’s Palace are a venerable memorial of the early vah ,? 
and high eftimation in which the furrounding territories were held. The ialm° n 
fifheries of the loch are mentioned in the more ancient charters, as part of the val ua 
jtion of the adjacent lands ; which is another evidence that in remote periods it 
a free communication with the fea. 
The fchemes of art and enterprize, taking advantage of thefe favourable circt>m 
fiances in the courfe of nature, are now yearly adding to the arable lands, ' 
draining of the loch, and conveying its waters by canals to the flrore. The abi ,n ^ 
dance of mouldered fliells and exuviae of fhell-fifh, which has for ages been aC< ^ 
mulating in the bottom, mingling with the various herbage which fhoots up !n ^ 
fhallows, conftitutes fo rich a marly foil, that the fields gained around are 1110 
luxuriant and fertile, and important additions to the adjacent eftates. 
Such circumftances of reflexion may amufe the way, to thofe who go down 
Elgin, by the Ruins of Spinie, by Castle Duffus, or by Innes House, to 
at the Freeftone Quarries, and the Rocks of Caussie. 
from' 
look 
* See Ant'umiths and Scenery of Scotland, plate x. p. 5,8.. 
