Each with more powerful charms appears imbued.
Even thus it is, methinks, with mingling hearts;
Though different far in nature and in mood;
A blessed influence each to each imparts,

Which softens and subdues, yet weakens not, nor thwarts."

We may return by steamer every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 6.45 a.m., or leaving Gairloch by coach, a six mile drive, through moorland scenery, diversified by thriving plantations and pleasing waterfalls, brings us in sight of Loch Maree. Passing on by the side of the loch, the "Victoria Falls" are seen near the road on the right. As we emerge from the wood-Talladale Hotel, where Queen Victoria resided for a week in 1877, is passed on the left. A monument has been erected in proximity to the road, to commemorate the royal visit. After passing the hotel, we get a glimpse of the famous Isle Maree- a little wooded islet near the opposite side of the loch. This island, which contains the ruins of a monastery, was in days of yore the oasis of learning in the desert of heathenism. The mesmerized waters of a little well on the island are said to have been effectual in curing mild cases of insanity. Whittier, in his poem on Loch Maree, refers to the well in the following lines:—

"Calm on the breast of Isle Maree

A little well reposes:

A shadow woven of the oak,

And willow o'er it closes.

And whoso bathes therein his brow,
With care or madness burning,

Feels once again his healthful thought,
And sense of peace returning.
Life's changes vex, its discords stun,
Its glaring sunshine blindeth;
And blest is he who on his way

That fount of healing findeth !”

A Danish Prince appointed the island as the meeting place for his fiancée, the daughter of an Irish King. Having heard that the vessel was observed approaching Poolewe, he sent his messenger thither to ascertain if the lady had come. They were preparing to hoist a white flag the agreed upon signal-to announce her arrival, when she, wishing to test his affection, ordered a black flag to be unfurled instead, upon seeing which, the prince,

whose mind was overcome with anxiety, put an end to his existence. The sad result being conveyed to her, she died in a paroxysm of despair; and the two flat stones, lying side by side within the monastery ruins, mark the grave of the unfortunate lovers. Though fate's stern fiat parted them in life-in death they are not divided:—

"Far let me wander down thy craggy shore,

With rocks and trees bestrewn, dark Loch Maree;
Till that green isle I view, whence, gazing o'er
Thy placid flood, long looked the prince to see,
If yet the expected signal told that she,
His own loved princess, his betrothed bride,
Drew near, his own for evermore to be;
Then, when the black flag he afar descried,

In heedless sport displayed, sank shuddering down and died."

Rising to the height of 4000 feet, at the south end of Loch Maree, is the imposing mountain of Ben Slioch. Passing the inn at Kinlochewe, we reach Auchnasheen, 28 miles from Gairloch, where we leave the coach, join a branch of the Highland Railway, and proceed by Dingwall and Beauly to Inverness, and return either by swift steamer, via Caledonian Canal, to Oban or Glasgow, or by Highland Railway, via Dunkeld, Killiecrankie, &c.

1

OBAN to BALLACHULISH (Glencoe), FORTWILLIAM, CORPACH, and back to OBAN.

* In May, June, and October, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday only. In May, June, and October, on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday only.

The above information is given for the convenience of Passengers, but the Proprietor reserves the right of altering these arrangements at any time he may find it necessary, and does not guarantee the times stated above.

In July, August, and September, the swift steamer leaves Oban daily at 6.30 A.M., and conveys passengers same day to Inverness.

The Mail Steamer leaves Oban daily during the year (Sunday excepted) about 1 p.m. (after arrival of train leaving Glasgow at 7 a.m.) for Fort-William, returning from Fort William every morning for Oban, calling each way at Appin, Ballachulish, and Corran, in connection with 12.15 p.m. train for the South.

The morning Steamer from Oban, in July, August, and September, is the most suitable to go with for Glencoe. Ample time is given at Ballachulish to drive through the Glen and back; coaches are waiting for the purpose (at a small additional fare). The Tourist can afterwards proceed to Corpach, and back to Oban same day; or remain over night at Ballachulish, Fort-William, or Banavie, if going to Inverness the following morning. A description of this route is given in pages 32 to 36. through Glencoe is very grand.

The drive