WOODHOUSELEE-PENICUIK HOUSE.

39

this large quantity of water from the rivulet, on which depended, in a great measure, the supply for the numerous mills on the Esk, required the formation of a large compensation basin for the collection of the streams from the surrounding hills; and to those who take an interest in such matters, the stupendous dike here built across the valley, and the capacious basin of water to secure to these mills their usual supply, form an object of no common interest.

About five miles from Edinburgh, on the south side of Pentland Hills, and on the right of the road to Biggar, stands

WOODHOUSELEE,

the seat of Mr Tytler, embosomed in a beautiful glen surrounded by plantations.

At the distance of nine miles from Edinburgh is the thriving village of Penicuik; and, at a little distance, upon the northern bank of the North Esk, is

PENICUIK HOUSE,

the seat of Sir George Clerk, Bart. The situation is eminently beautiful, and much expense has been bestowed in improving it. Like other mansions upon the banks of the romantic Esks, it is surrounded with trees of most luxuriant growth. The front of the house is ornamented with a handsome portico, supported by eight columns, having a flight of steps, on each side defended by balustrades. The roof is covered with lead, and surmounted by a row of vases. The offices lie at some distance, and form a large square, having a rustic portico and elegant spire with a clock in front. Behind them is a pigeonhouse, which exactly represents the celebrated antiquity in Stirlingshire, now profanely demolished, called Arthur's Oven. Upon an eminence to the eastward is a round tower, which is seen at a great distance. On the

opposite side of the river is an obelisk sacred to the memory of Allan Ramsay.*

In the house are a number of Roman Antiquities, cut in stone, partly brought from a Roman camp at Netherby, and partly from Graham's Dyke. The principal apartment is one of the finest drawing-rooms in Scotland. It is called Ossian's Hall, from the admirable paintings upon the ceiling, the chef d' œuvre of Runciman, which, in boldness of design, has seldom been exceeded. The subjects of these are the most striking scenes in the Poems of Ossian.

About a mile further up, on the north side of the river, are the remains of Brunstane Castle, said to have been inhabited by the ancestors of the Earl of Dumfries. It is certain, that, in the sixteenth century, a family of the name of Crichton possessed it.

NEWHALL,

The pre

about three miles above Penicuik, and twelve southwest from Edinburgh, is the property of Robert Brown, Esq. on the northern bank of the North Esk. sent mansion-house was built by Sir David Forbes, uncle to the celebrated Lord President Duncan Forbes. In the immediate vicinity, the scenes of Allan Ramsay's exquisite pastoral Drama, The Gentle Shepherd, are said to be found. The appropriation must be allowed to be somewhat conjectural, although the localities and traditions are all in its favour. A guide may be procured to point out the picturesque scenery, and describe the other interesting objects of this rural retreat.

The grounds to the westward, included in the same estate, are called Carlops, a contraction for Carline's Loups, a name derived from the circumstance of a witch or carline, who resided in a dell at the foot of Carlop's hill, having been frequently seen, by the benighted peasant, leaping and frisking across its entrance.

FIRST TOUR.

FROM EDINBURGH TO STIRLING, THE TROSACHS, LOCH KATRINE, LOCH EARN, LOCH TAY, TAYMOUTH, DUNKELD, PERTH AND KINROSS.

PROCEEDING Westward from Edinburgh, by Prince's Street, at the distance of three miles, the Tourist passes on the right, the elegant seats of Belmont, Beechwood, and Clermiston, delightfully situate on the side of Cor

The route from Edinburgh to Stirling may be agreeably varied by water; the scenery, on both sides of the Firth of Forth, being highly picturesque and beautiful. Steam-boats sail every morning (excepting Sunday) from Trinity Chain Pier, Newhaven, two miles north from Edinburgh. These boats are fitted up with every convenience for the accommodation of passengers.-See APPENDIX, Sleam-Boat

Tours.