ught。 Numerous small isles and islets soon appeared； as though thickly sown on the bosom of the lake。 The SINCLAIR steamed her way among
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them； while between them glimpses could be had of quiet valleys； or wild rocky gorges on the mainland。
〃Nell；〃 said James Starr； 〃every island here has its legend； perhaps its song； as well as the mountains which overshadow the lake。 One may； without much exaggeration； say that the history of this country is written in gigantic characters of mountains and islands。〃
Nell listened； but these fighting stories made her sad。 Why all that bloodshed on plains which to her seemed enormous； and where surely there must have been room for everybody？
The shores of the lake form a little harbor at Luss。 Nell could for a moment catch sight of the old tower of its ancient castle。 Then； the SINCLAIR turning northward； the tourists gazed upon Ben Lomond； towering nearly 3；000 feet above the level of the lake。
〃Oh； what a noble mountain！〃 cried Nell； 〃what a view there must be from the top！〃
〃Yes； Nell；〃 answered James Starr； 〃see how haughtily its peak rises from amidst the thicket of oaks； birches； and heather； which clothe the lower portion of the mountain！ From thence one may see two…thirds of old Caledonia。 This eastern side of the lake was the special abode of the clan McGregor。 At no great distance； the struggles of the Jacobites and Hanoverians repeatedly dyed with blood these lonely glens。 Over these scenes shines the pale moon； called in old ballads 'Macfarlane's lantern。' Among these rocks still echo the immortal names of Rob Roy and McGregor Campbell。〃
As the SINCLAIR advanced along the base of the mountain； the country became more and more abrupt in character。 Trees were only