The Sun.
London, England, 1828-06-13 00:00:00

ISLAND IN THE RIVER NESS.

(From the Inverness Courier.)

In another column our readers will find a list of sub:-
scriptions, made in order to carry into effect a series of pro-
jected improvements in the island in the river Ness. This
beautiful spot is situated in the outskirts of the town, at
not more than ten minutes walk from the Exchange. It
is, however, perfectly secluded from the noise and bustle of
the town, and surrounded as it is by woods and waters,
and in the background by a chain of lofty mountains, forms
a scene that may be said to smite the characteristic charms
of soft and of Alpine scenery, and which is rarely to be met
with in the immediate vicinity of a pOpulous and trading
high. The Ness is here as broad if not so regal as the
Thames at Windsor. It retains, after a course of six miles,
all the purity of its parent lake, and winding on towards
the town is broken into numberless little falls which add
greatly to the effect of the scene, and in a calm evening may
be heard at a considerable distance. In the very centre of
the stream is the island alluded to—covered with ti ees and
brushwood so as to resemble a forest in miniature, and
isolated i❑ the midst of the waters in a way that has often
reminded us of the " small green isle" which Lord Byron's
prisoner saw from his " barred windows" at Chinon, and
of which he gives so touching and beautiful a description.
There are well-frequented walks on each side of the river,
from Inverness to the island, but having arrived oppo-
site to this interesting object, the visitor must turn
and retrace his steps to the town, for he has no op-
portunity of exploring the scene that wooer his approach,
or of crossing the river, excepting at the distance of
more than a mile. To remedy this defect in a land-
scape otherwise so complete and enchanting, some spirit-
ed individuals instituted the subscription for throwing
chain bridges across the two branches of the Ness, and the
liberality with which our local authorities and others Lave
come forward in support of the undertaking augurs well
for its ultimate success. We would in particular instance
the handsome sums subscribed by his Grace the Duke of
Gordon, the Right Hun. Charles Grant, Mr. Robert Grant,
and Mr. Inglis of London, all of whom are ever ready to
contribute to any scheme that promises to be either useful
or ornament 11 to their native country. The Island is of a
semi-circular shape, and is rather better than four acres in
extent—a space that will afford sufficient scope for serpen-
tine walks, and other appropriate decorations. Plans have
been received which give an admirable outline of the whole,
and an excellent Lithographic print of the Island, exhibit-
ing the proposed Bridges, has been struck off. On the
whole there can be but one opinion as to the desirableness
of the projected improvements, and it rests with our towns-
men whether or not they will be carried into effect. The
capital of the Highlands ought surely to exhibit some traces
of the perfection of art as well as stature, and, though In-
verness is justly celebrated for the beauty of its local situa-
tion, it has no promenade of the description alluded to,
while the two principal walks on the opposite bauks of the
River, want some connecting link to render their mutual
attraction complete. Dean Swift said long ago, that the
man who grows two ears of corn where only one grew
before, is more useful than warriors or legislators, and we
cannot help thinking that lie who contributes to multiply
the means of cheap and innocent recreation—who opens
up the volume of nature and invites the weak and seden-
tary to walk abroad and gaze upon its beauties—performs
a task that ought to be numbered among his good works,
and entitles him to be considered as no mean benefactor of
his species. .

IRVING'S RAVINGS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

SlR,—May I request the favour of your inserting
in your very valuable paper, (of which I am a con-
stant reader) the abominable procedure of the Rev.
Mr.. Irving, towards • the Protestant Dissenters.
of this Realm, in the effrontery he has written to our
most gracious King,
I am, Sir, your very obedient Servant,
v....a, 0,109 st. - A. 11/4.
A. Letter to the King, on the Repeal of the Test and Corporation
Laws, as it affects our Christian Monarchy. By the Rev.
Edward Irving, A. M., Minister of the Scotch Nati•Jnal
Church, London.