Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-10-27

.h. 1, ., centurv there were tapestry on
The wallis wine IN the cellar, and armour
still hanging on the walls Oh tne az"
INQUIRY There II a most romantic ,a's
told OF one OF the lords OF THIS ahciens
castle--the tale OF q man VINO returns y,
the gu.se OF beggar. AFTER naVins
given I'D for dead. and nnds ms VIE W,
the eve OF being married. Husband ana
wife are happiIy reunited. much TO tne
discomfture OF the would-be successor 10
the warlike lord OF the castle
''This Is Sir Walters pile Of Ardenvohr
Changed since Dalgetty criticised its
strength -,
Yet still the people say a voice Is heard
Above the waillng OF the winter storms,
Saying that never shall the castle fall
Which love and patience built In seven
years,
Leaving our little steamer, and glancing
regretfully at the varied picture Oh ma
lures own painting, which we must ieave
behind we betake ourselves to the ran
way. which winds around the TANKS OF
the great mountain, and closely skirts
the narrow arm OF Loeb Awe-so closeiy
that the road-bed was cut out OF the
mountain side. This narrow corner Oh
the lake Is called the Pass of Brander.
Here Bruce and Wallace fought thelr
country's battles. Here 1t Is said bruce
lost the famous Brooch OF Lorn, which
was highly priced by the McDougaIIs as
a proof OF their chieftan's prowess. Pass
ing Taynuilt and crossing Connel Ferry
we get a glimpse. of Dunstaffnage Castle
and soon obtain a grand view OF Oban
and the mountains of Null In the dis
lance. We run swiftly into Oban station
and are soon comfortably housed in the
Grand Western Hotel.
After a good nights rest and a we'll
served breakfast we are ready 10 look
at this beautifully little town OF
Oban. with a population now numbering
over 1000. although not many years ago
It was described as a village. which was
pleasantly situated. with a respectable
row of houses fronting the harbor. Now
all this Is changed, and the village has
grown TO be thriving town. with solidly-
built houses. excellent hotels, and good
railway and steamboat communication
with the outer world; and II is now the
busiest place In all the Western High
lands Here IL the meeting place OF
tourists to and from the North Highlands
by way of the Highland railway and
Caledonian canal. Here they are met by
multitudes from Glasgow and Edinburgh,
from London and Paris. and New York
and Chicago. Here. too. the regattas of
the Highland Yacht Club are held. and
notables from all parts OF the Highlands
assemble 10 see the Highland games,
which are held annuity, and TO share In
the pleasure OF the great ball al the
close OF the season. And is not this the
"Duntroone' of Blacks Highland
Cousins?'
Oban Is beautifully built on semi
circular bay, and looks out beyond the
Sound of Herrera on the Firth OF Lorn,
while away in the distance are seen the
mountains OF Null. separated from Os.
SLAMS woody Morven by the Sound OF
Null. and directly opposite lies the Island
Of Herrera, where Alexander the Second
breathed out his life on the sth OF July.
1929: and we are told that his body lies
buried in Melrose Abbey. Dunolly Castle
rises from its rocky foundation at tina
north end of the bay. 1t IL square
keep. which was built by the Lords OF
L.orn, and is now in possession OF their
descendants, the McDougalls. who occupy
Dunolly House. Another of the notable
ruins is Dunstaffnage Castle, at thu
mouth OF Loeb Etive. and about four
miles from Oban. This was at one time
the seat OF Scottish royalty, and in IT
rested the coronation stone, which was
removed TO Scone and transferred to
Westminster by Edward. where ii forms
part of the coronation chair.