eries of lakes and mountains, so wild and
sombre in their character that they have become celebrated throughout
the world for the gloomy grandeur of the scenery which they present to
the view.

These are the famous Scottish Highlands. Mr. George's plan was first to
visit the valley of the Clyde, and its various mines and manufactories,
and then to take a circuit round among the Highlands, on his way to
Edinburgh.

CHAPTER III.

ARRIVAL AT GLASGOW.

One of the greatest drawbacks to the pleasure of travelling in Scotland,
especially among the Highlands, is the rain. It usually rains more in
mountainous countries than in those that are level, for the mountains,
rising into the higher and colder regions of the atmosphere, chill and
condense the vapors that are floating there, on the same principle by
which a tumbler or a pitcher, made cold by iced water placed within it,
condenses the moisture from the air, upon the outside of it, on a
summer's day. It is also probable that the mountain summits produce
certain effects in respect to the electrical condition of the
atmosphere, on which it is well known that the formation of clouds and
the falling of rain greatly depend--though this subject is yet very
little understood. At all events, the western part of Scotland is one of
the most rainy regions in the world, and travellers who visit it must
expect to have their plans and arrangements very often and very
seriously interfered with by the state of the weather.

The changes are quite unexpected too; for sometimes you will see dark
masses of watery vapor, coming suddenly into view, and driving swiftly
across the sky, where a few moments before every thing had appeared
settled and serene. These scuds are soon followed by others, more and
more dense and threatening, until, at last, there come drenching showers
of rain, which drive every body to the nearest shelter, if there is any
shelter at hand.

Such a change as this came on while Mr. George had been making
arrangements with Mr. Kennedy for taking Waldron under his charge; and
just as Waldron and Rollo had gone away to see what plan they could
devise in respect to the hotel, it began to rain. The clouds and mists,
too, concealed the shores almost entirely from view, and the passengers
began to go below. Mr. George followed their example. On his way he
passed a sheltered place where he saw Waldron and Rollo engaged in
conversation, and he told them, as he passed t