prefer this narrow glen, in the midst of Lovat's lands? The answer is, that long since, in the early feudal times, the young chief of Lovat and Glenmoriston were hunting together, and trode this narrow glen in pursuit of deer. Every reader of the ancient poetry of this country is aware of the very great importance which is attached to the Conial, in which the hunter led the large deer-greyhound, till he saw fit to let him loose on his prey. In latter times, there was an ornament useful in fastening the belted plaid over the shoulder, which attained still greater consequence in

Highland gentleman's equipment. This was a silver pin, or fibula, which was unusually large, and adorned with carvings; and if the names of the fabulous kings, (who were supposed to have done homage to the infant Saviour,) viz. Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar, were carved on the fibula, it was invaluable. Those revered names were charms, defending the wearer from every danger, and even from sickness. Glenmoriston happened to have on one

of these revered ornaments, while accompanying his friend in the chase. Lovat's dog bursting forward, broke the leash, in which he was held by his master. Upon the interruptions in the eagerness of pursuit, he implored Glenmoriston to lend him the silver pin to fasten his dog's leash. The young laird peevishly answered, "That he would do no such thing, nor risk a valuable inherited relique on such a trifling occasion, for that it would certainly be lost." Lovat thought otherwise, and was so sure, that he would fasten the pin in such a manner, that it could not be lost. He offered him, in case it was lost, to give him the Glen Decatay, in which they were then hunting, without homage or acknowledgment. The pin was lost, and Glenmoriston claimed and obtained the Glen, which gave him a vote in the shire.

LETTER XIX.

Glenmoriston, August,

AFTER travelling the pleasant road, which afforded the interesting scenes above described, on crossing the river Moriston over a newly-erected stone bridge, of two arches, I reached the mansion-house of Glenmoriston,* most beautifully situated above the place where the full clear stream of the Moriston mingles with the lake. Invermoriston, means the confluence or

"Glenmoriston itself, signifying the great valley of the deep cascade, opens upon the lake between fronts of two lofty clefts, running up in gloomy grandeur. The one is called, Craig Kinnan, the Giant's Rock. The other, a sable peak, projecting over the lake, is denominated, Struan Muich, the Promontory of the Bear." SHAW.

discharge of the river. Inver, on all occasions, conveys this meaning, when added to the name of a river. This opening between the two sheltering mountains, is warm, sunny, and flowery, and, in many places, shady; defended from both east and west, the only winds met with here, excepting mountain gusts, which rarely occur. The Loch lies in fair prospect before. Hills partially wooded, rise on each side. The glen opens behind, so as to permit the eye to follow far into its deep recesses. The whole air of the place, calm and sequestered, is yet open and cheerful. Every surrounding object seems adapted to heighten the placid beauty of the pure scenes. On entering the abode of the proprietor, every thing is consistent with the expectation created from the sweet scenery without.

And now, my dear friend, if it were not inconsistent with the delicacy that modest worth demands, from lively gratitude, I would fain indulge myself, by expressing to you, all the feelings excited by the

hospitality of an amiable young couple, so suited to this lovely spot, and to each other, that no good mind can contemplate such simple elegance, and enjoyment of life and happiness diffused around, without a pure delight.

A little above the house is an enclosure, surrounded with lofty ancient trees, which give appropriate solemnity to the spot, where the remains of a long race of the Grants of Glenmoriston repose, in social and unbroken rest, till the last call shall awaken them.

ments.

In the bosom of this fine glen, are the Falls of the Moriston, lying open to the view, with abundant sylvan accompaniThey have not height to give them magnificence, but they are so broken, varied, and picturesque, that they are contemplated longer, and with more pleasure, than even grander objects. I have seen many places which might be as much admired amongst these romantic wilds, than Invermoriston, and some that might excite greater wonder; but none, in my