Loch Earn.

bases bound the margin, very rarely give an opportunity of cultivation. A fine road through woods impends over one side, and is a ride of uncommon beauty. This lake is the termination of Strathearn towards the north-west, and gives name to the river and the valley.

At the west end of the lake, a road goes by the right to Tyndrum, another turns to the left, going to Callander by Loch Lubnaig, besides one to Loch Voil and Braes of Balquhidder.

Having finished the present route from Stirling, we now request the traveller's attention to the excursions from Perth,

PERTH,

TO

DUNKELD, BLAIR-ATHOLL, FALLS OF THE TUMMEL AND BRUAR,-THROUGH BADENOCH TO INVERNESS. THROUGH GLEN-TILT, TO ABERDEEN.

We have mentioned before, that our business was with the country, and not crowded cities. Following up this plan, we shall notice only some remarkable places in the neighbourhood of Perth, before setting out for the Highlands.

The vicinity of Perth affords some capital prospects. On the Edinburgh road, from the hill of Moncrieff, Pennant says, "The prospect from thence is the glory of Scotland, and well merits the eulogia given it for the richness and variety of its views. On the south and west appear Strathearn, embellished with the seats of Lord Kinnoull, Lord Rollo, and many other noblemen and gentlemen: The Carse, or rich plain of Gowrie, Stormont Hills, and the Hill of Kinnoull,

Environs of Perth-Kinfauns Castle.

whose vast cliff is remarkable for its beautiful pebbles" and goes on to say, "The meanders of the Earn, which winds more than any river he ever saw, are most enlivening additions to the scene. The last turn it takes, forms a fine peninsula, prettily planted; and just beyond it, joins the Tay, whose estuary lies full in view, the sea closing the prospect on this side. On the north, is seen the town of Perth, with a view of part of its magnificent bridge; which, with the fine woods, called Perth Parks,-the vast plain towards Dunkeld,--the windings of that noble river the Tay,--its islands, and the grand boundary formed by the distant Highlands, finish this matchless scene."

Tradition says, when the Roman soldiers came within sight of the Tay, they could not refrain bursting into an exclamation, "Behold the Tiber!"

About two miles below Perth, stands Kinfauns Castle, the seat of Lord Gray, commanding a fine prospect of the Hill of Moncrieff, and the vale of the Tay, as far as its junction with the sea. The noble owner has, with much discrimination and cultivated taste, made an excellent collection of paintings, rare in their singular excellencies, but still rarer in their concentration, in a place so distinguished by its surround*ing objects.

The proprietor, we are informed, permits strangers to inspect his collection of pictures; and, when at home, with the most condescending politeness, informs the visitants of the peculiar marks of distinction that give character and value to the works of different artists, whose labours adorn this residence. He is

F

Lord Gray-Scone.

now building another castle, near the situation of the present mansion.

It may be added with feelings of exultation, that the present Lord Gray is a noble example of a proprietor living at his own residence for the greater part of the year, diffusing politeness, cheerfulness, and wealth, through the immediate neighbourhood of his extensive property.-Lady Gray coming to Perth of a Sunday, with her elegant liveries, to attend divine service, is perhaps as exhilarating a scene as can possibly meet the eye of a Scotsman.

The palace of Scoon, or Scone, next demands our notice, about two or three miles above Perth, on the east bank of the river. Here was once an abbey of great antiquity, which was burnt by the reforming zealots of Dundee. At this place was kept the celebrated stone chair, the palladium of Scotland, now stationed in Westminster Abbey, in which the Kings of Scotland were crowned; Charles II. before the battle of Worcester, was crowned here;-the Pretenders of 1715 and 1745 visited Scone, as a place famous in the history of their ancestors.

The ancient residence of the Kings of Scotland, has given place to a modern palace. Nothing remains of the old building except the walls of the Great Gallery, or Coronation Hall. There are some fine portraits in Scone. The view from the ramparts that stretch round the palace, is particularly pleasing.

The neighbourhood of Perth has, besides these, many other places worthy of notice, but our limits will not allow a description.

Nairne House Birnam Wood-Murthly Castle.

it to not

TO DUNKELD.

THE road leaves Perth to the north, keeping the Tay on the right, passing through a well-cultivated country for a few miles; then succeeds a black heath, after which, the road goes through a beautiful plantation of pines, and then descends with an easy slope; the plain beneath suddenly contracts itself into a narrow glen, when the prospect in front strongly marks the entrance into the Highlands.

Near Auchtergaven, about nine miles from Perth, stood Nairne House, the residence of the Lords Nairne, a family distinguished by its antiquity, rank, and influence; but a too firm adherence to the desperate fortunes of the Stuarts, completed its ruin. The magnificent mansion was designed by Sir William Bruce, and erected by William Lord Nairne in 1709. It is said there were three hundred and sixty-five windows in Nairne House: This vast fabric was never completed, owing to the troubles of the times; and when the attainder of 1746 took place, the whole domains passed into the hands of the family of Atholl, who pulled down the house, about fifty years after its foundation-stone had been laid.-The garden wall, terraces, and part of the vaults, and a few very aged trees, mark this relic of former magnificence.

On the left, a few miles farther, is Birnam Wood, and at a great distance may be discerned the ridge of the Dunsinnan Hills, where there are still some remains of the Castle of Macbeth.

Murthly Castle may be seen on the right, about a mile from the road: it is an ancient seat, finely situat