dell or ravine formed by this stream we directed our steps, and had not gone far until we began to surmise that this was one of the richest places to which an amateur of the natural sciences could bend his course. The ground, or rather rocks, on which we trod, presented pure white quartz at every step. Every craggy mass shewed blocks of it peeping through-so much so, that we cannot help conceiving a great part of the base, at least, of Ben Lomond, to be formed of quartz. Moreover, we found stones in great plenty in which glittering mica was abundantly mixed up. Various other geological appearances interested us; and our interest was not diminished, when, on entering one of the lanes or paths in the low copsewood, we found the region to be equally rich in vegetable productions. Wildflowers were scattered around profusely, exhibiting every tint and shade, from the bright-yellow broom to the purple foxglove (or deil's thimble, as we used to call it at school) and the bonny blue-bell. These, however, are comparatively common flowers of the wild, but on Ben Lomond braes there are others of a rarer kind. In one little nook on the burn mentioned, we found no less than six varieties of one single flower, which, unfortunately, we are unable to name. The hues of these varieties ranged between a pure white and a streaked purple. All the intermediate varieties were also streaked; and more learned naturalists may know the flower, when we state it to have had a straight stalk, with the petals, small and numerous, projected from its topmost part, in the form of a neat cone. It resembles much the full-blown flower of Lucerne grass, and most probably is a species of grass akin to that. This was but one of the many flowers which we saw, and which were, to us at least, rare denizens of the fields and woods. The nook referred to was remarkable on other accounts. We reached it by creeping up the sides of the channel of the burn, and turning a sharp angle. A deep, dark pool lay at the bottom of the nook, formed by a sheet of water, white as snow, that streamed over a high perpendicular rock above. From the steep banks on each side, the

rough-leaved alder and the birch shot out their arms, almost closing out the light of day. Beneath them, the ground was thickly covered with the green and yellow broom, foxglove, and other flowers of various tints. Altogether, the contrast of colours presented in this retired nook was as charming as astonishing; and we thought to ourselves, that if Rob Roy, who often found a hiding on Ben Lomond, had searched it round and round, he could not have discovered a sweeter or more secure spot than this. And, indeed, seeing that much of the copsewood appears to be natural, and consequently of long standing, there is no improbability in thinking that the renowned freebooter may have lain on the banks of this pool, listening to the sparkling dash of the cataract, and watching the trouts-for fish are theredisporting below; while, at the same time, he may have been meditating revenge for the unrelenting hatred of the neighbouring chieftain of the Grahams, the lordly Montrose. It was pleasant, at all events, to fancy this, while one stood gazing on the beauties of this delightful nook.

If the land has many attractions, in the sweet summer prime, at Rowardennan, not less engaging are its aquatic advantages. One or two small neat skiffs or boats lie constantly on the shores of the bay, in which visitors may enjoy all the pleasures of a pull on the loch; though we hope all who read this would scorn the dishonourable trick, played on the day before we were there, by two fellows-gentlemen in seeming-who took one of the boats across the lake, and having reached the other side, deserted it, and were not seen again. Besides breaking their faith, they broke an oar, which they left with their undischarged bill as a memorial of their presence. Though so deep in the more northern parts of it, as to range between sixty and a hundred fathoms, there is little danger of any accident in boating upon the loch. And yet it has been famed for presenting' waves without winds;' which, most probably-if there be any truth in the saying-is caused by the influx of rills in its upper

part. Fish without fins, and a floating island,' are said to be also among the wonders of the loch. The finless creatures were probably vipers passing between the isles; and the floating island is understood to have been a fragment of moss, which has now been long settled. The delicious fish of which the lake is full, would make Rowardennan, or any other neighbouring spot, a glorious scene for a day or two's angling. What with boating and fishing, indeed, and occasionally stepping up the six-milelong sides of Ben Lomond for a view, the time might pass away delightfully here. Edinburgh and Stirling Castles, Ailsa Rock, and the isles of Bute and Arran, and even the coast of Ireland, are visible in a fine day from the summit. In truth, being almost entirely isolated, the prospect which Ben Lomond commands is almost unparalleled in extent.

But we must now-reluctantly-leave Rowardennan. We have dined, and the steam-boat has returned from the head of the lake. The boat which puts us on board of the steamer takes out of it two persons, a lady and gentleman, whom we look at with interest. The gentle. man seems a man under forty, handsome, good-looking, and plainly though respectably attired. The lady is considerably younger-not much above twenty to appearance-very sweet-looking, and more plainly dressed than her companion. We had seen this pair formerly come on board, and seat themselves in a quiet way among the other passengers, but had paid little further attention to them. We now, however, looked at them with interest, for we had learned that these were the lordly rulers of, the scene-that theirs were the lake and the hill-almost all, in short, that we saw around. As far as politeness would permit, we glanced at the gentleman's countenance, endeavouring to trace the lineaments of the great Montrose. It might be partly fancy, but we could not help thinking that the duke-for it was the present head of the house of Graham whom we now saw-most strikingly resembled the common portraits of his famous ancestor. We could not but think it a pleasing trait in these noble

persons, that they should come out in this simple way to enjoy themselves amongst their fellow-creatures, instead of yawling or yachting it, in all the unapproachable dignity of rank and riches.

Again we have digressed, but we now begin to sail down the loch in good earnest. In its return, the steamer always takes the west side, to permit the passengers to see that shore in turn. The first point of much interest which we saw here was the little village of Luss, situated delightfully on a promontory, and a place much resorted to in summer. A little farther down we again entered among the islands, sometimes beholding new ones, and sometimes the old in new lights. At the same time on the west shore, we saw a number of fine seats in succession; among others, Arden (Buchanan), Belvidere, and Belretiro. Not to linger on what we have perhaps said too much about already, we finally reached Balloch-the place where we started-left the vessel, and took to coach again. As soon as this vehicle arrived at Dumbarton, the steamer, which was lying ready at the quay, took us on board, and started immediately for Glasgow. We reached the Broomielaw safely at nine in the evening.

Here, having finished this excursion, let us say a word of expenses. The fare by the steamer from Glasgow to Dumbarton is 1s.; coach to Balloch, 1s. 3d.; boat up the loch, 2s.; down again, 2s.; coach to Dumbarton again, 1s. 3d.; steamer to Glasgow, ls.-in all, 8s. 6d. Of course, victuals, which can be got in all variety in the steam-boats, are to be added to this sum; but, taking it all in all, we conceive that a cheaper and more pleasant trip can scarcely be made anywhere. Recently, the trip has been facilitated by a railway from a steam-boat station on the Clyde, to Balloch at the foot of the lake.

SERGEANT MAXWELL:

A TALE OF THE LATE WAR.

NOT a single cloud floated over the clear blue sky, and the full effulgence of a September sun was reflected in the brightest gold from the dancing waters of the broad sea, whose glittering wavelets came rippling in with gentle sounds. The pier at Ramsgate exhibited gay groups assembled to witness one of those exhilarating scenes which so often took place during the late war-the embarkation of troops for foreign service. A small fleet of transports, gaily decorated, their sails bent and colours flying, formed an interesting portion of the spectacle. From the decks of these vessels came the peculiar and picturesque sounds which, when mellowed by distance, have a thrilling effect upon the ear-the animating cries of the sailors, who on board the smaller class of merchantships still weigh the anchor and hoist the sails to the wild chant of Yoe, heave-ho!' These sea-strains came mingled with the spirit-stirring notes of a regimental band upon the shore, where, ever and anon, the sharp blast of the trumpet, and the loud peal of the drum, broke in upon softer melodies, affording types and images of the vicissitudes of military life. Boats were passing to and from the beach, filled with gallant hearts, high in hope and in courage, the greater number delighted with the opening of their adventurous career, and none as yet weary and toil- broken, or casting vain regrets towards those homes which many were destined never to behold again.

The younger portion of the male spectators, whose more peaceful lot was placed in scenes of inglorious ease, cast envious looks upon the brilliant pageant; for every female eye beamed with delighted encouragement, and sent radiant glances towards the chivalric band, who, with