The Sun.
London, England, 1841-07-08 00:00:00

SCENERY IN THE ISLE OF SKY.
(From the "New Statistical Account of Scotland.")
One scene in this parish—that of Quiraing--
must be particularly noticed. This remarkable
formation of nature consists of a secluded piece
of level and fertile ground which is concealed in
the face of an almost inaccessible precipice. The
hill in which it is situated, is about 1,000 feet in
height, and slopes by a steep declivity towards
the west ; but towards the north-east, it presents
a face of rugged precipiees, much variegated by
being here and there composed of huge basaltic
columns, or massy fragments of fluted rocks. In
other parts, large spaces, formed into concave
sections, present themselves to the view, and
have a majestic appearance from being ribbed
transversely, either by small fissures, or protube-
rant seams, over which a little rivulet drizzles in
moist seasons of the year. In the face of this huge
precipice, then, Quiraing is enshrined, and en-
tirely'hidden from the view of the visitor. This'
interesting spot consists ofa green plot of ground,
formed into an oblong platform of sufficient ex-
tent to contain six or seven regiments of soldiers.
It is studded all round with massive columns of
rocks, rising up in lofty peaks, by the interven-
tion of deep chasms, which are for the most part
inaccessible. On approaching the great inlet to
the eagerly looked for platform, the passage is
ob true te d by stones and rubbish, which have been
washed down from the crevices by the gradual
waste of successive ages. When these obstacles
are overcome, the visitor finds himself at the
entrance of a steep passage, which would seem
to lead to the top of the hill. To the right of
this entrance stands an isolated pyramid of rock,
called the Needle. By considerable exertion
the tourist gains the top of the pass, and beholds
with indescribable wonder the scene which opens
to his view ! instead of seeing, as he would ex-
pect, some narrow cave, he beholds a spacious
opening before him, in the centre of which
stands the above mentioned platform. By
descending a short distance, and threading his
way by a small path, he is instantly led to tha
beautiful green plain which it was all along his
object to attain. He now feels utterly bewil-
dered, and quite at a loss what to examine first,
or to admire most ! He beholds the rocks frown—
ing aloft, and the rugged cliffs ranging them-
selves in circles around him. Rocky pyramids,
like a bulwark, encompass the fairy plain on
which he stands. All is felt to be a dreary soli-
tude; yet there is a pleasing beauty in the silent
repose. The golden eagle is seen soaring- aloft
in the blue firmament. A panoramic view of
distant sea and district below is visible, only in
detached fragments, through the rugged cliffs
and chasms between the surrounding pyramids.
The rocks which compose these huge columns
are so streaked and variegated, that the visitor's
imagination cannot fail to delineate hundreds of
grotesque figures of the wildest description on their
surface. The nature of the day on which this in-
teresting place is visited has a great effect upon its
appearance. It is so studded and encompassed
with columns and pinnacles of all heights, sizes,
and figures, that their flickering shadows, on a
sunshine day, have an enchanting effect on all
who behold them ! Light and shade are then so
uncommonly divided, and so constantly changing
positions, that the place, in consequence, is
greatly enhanced in beauty. But should a dense
mist envelope the spot, as is frequently the case,
the scene is greatly changed. Instead of being
lively and enchanting, a night-like gloom falls
over it, like a shroud of darkness! The thick
mist, slowly floating through the pyramids, and
concealing their rugged pinnacles from the view,
gives a sombre appearance to the whole ! The
visitor's imagination will lead him to think
that the gloomy pyramids before him bind earth
and heaven together ! He cannot but admire ;
but, at the same time, he is filled with a sort of
awe, which causes him to ascribe the marvellous
works which lie shrouded before him to the won-
derful doing of that Omnipotent Being who
created all things.