But the chief beauties of Perthshire, as far as hike scenery is concerned, is found about Loch Cateran, in cluding in it Loch Achray, and in some measure also Loch Venachar. Loch Cateran itself is upwards of seven miles in length, Loch Achray more than one, and Loch Venachar about three, and they all communicate by means of the Teith, which forms a principal branch of the Forth. We dare not attempt to describe the beauties of this scenery, as our space would not admit of it ; but it must indeed be superfluous to describe that which is now so well known, though it is worthy of remark, that twenty five years are scarcely passed, since Loch Cateran was scarcely known even by name out of its immediate neigh bourhood ; of so short a date has been the general dif fusion of a taste for picturesque scenery through this coun try. We need only observe, that the scenery of Loch Cateran is limited to a space of little more than two miles at its eastern extremity, the remainder being tame and uninteresting.
The chain of lakes which gives rise to the Forth, in cluding Loch Ard and Loch Chen, also presents much picturesque beauty, though little known to ordinary travel lers beyond Aberfoyle. Each of these lakes" is about two miles in length, and, as there is a good road even to Loch Chen, the whole is readify accessible, and well deserves to find a place in a picturesque tour. The Loch of Men teith, which is the last in this direction, is situated in a flat, and is no otherwise beautiful than from the culti vated state of the surrounding country, and the woody island bearing ancient ruins, which it contains.
On the eastern quarter of the county, there is yet a chain of lakes well deserving of notice for the beauty of the scenery. This extends from near Dunkeld towards Blair Gowrie, including the three lochs of the Lowes, Loch Clunie, and Loch Marly, an ancient house in Loch Clunie being celebrated as the birthplace of that noted quack called the Admirable Crichton. None of these ex ceed a mile in length, and we need take no notice of the numerous mountain lakes of small dimensions which are scattered all over this county.
Among the rivers of Perthshire, the Tay is the pride, even of Scotland. It is indeed estimated to discharge more water than any British river. Its course is, how ever, short, as it only acquires this name when it leaves Loch Tay ; but it is fed from more, and more discordant sources, than any river in this country. Loch Tay itself is formed principally by the Lochy and the Dochart, which are therefore the most direct heads of this river ; but, independently of these, it receives innumerable streams from the surrounding mountains. The junction
of the Lyon immediately after its exit from Loch Tay, forms an addition nearly equal in dimensions, as is that branch which it receives by its junction with the Tumel. 'The Braun near Dunkeld, the Isla near Coupar, and the Almond near Perth, form its three last branches of any note ; as the Earn joins the firth and not the river.
Through much of its course it abounds in picturesque scenery, but that is limited to the long portion between the pass of Birnam and Loch Tay. The splendour of this noble strath is scarcely equalled by any thing in Scot land, as well for its richness in wood, houses, and culti vation, as for the grandeur and variety of its mountain boundaries. At Dunkeld the scenery assumes a new and different character, but far too well known to require any description.
Next in rank is the Earn, rising in that lake, and ter minating, after a long and somewhat straight course, in the firth of Tay. This river receives no stream of any note but the Ruchii, yet is considerably augmented before its termination by numerous small streams flowing into it from the hilly land on each side Towards its lower part, or from Crielf eastward, this valley is rather splendid and rich, than picturesque, abounding in gentlemen's houses, and in many parts well wooded ; but at Crieff, and to the westward of that town, it assumes a much more wild and interesting character, yet still rich with woods and culti vation. Among the most striking parts near to Crieff are Auchtertyre and Drummond Castle, in far different styles, but highly beautiful. From Crieff westward the scenery increases in beauty ; and Menzie, near this town, but in a different valley, is also conspicuous for its beauty. The scenery at Comrie becomes of an alpine character, from the height of the hills which inclose Loch Earn. The cascades of the Lednoch are pointed out to travellers; but by far the most brilliant part of the course of the Earn is that which reaches between Comrie and Loch Earn. St. Fillan's Hill is the principal centre of this beauty, in which Duneira also shares ; and though little known to tourists, there arc few parts of Scotland more striking for singularity and magnificence of character,—a mixture of rock and wood, with high and bold mountains, traversed by an intricate and woody river, and generally of a con fined nature, so as to add to the rudeness and boldness of the scene.