middle, and forms two summits: the sides are craggy, and the buildings upon it, though not of themselves beautiful, have a good effect; and, as Mr. Gilpin observes, " serve to give it an air of consequence." The fortress is entered by a gate at the bottom; and within the rampart, which defends the entrance, is the guard-house, and lodgings for the officers; from hence the ascent is by a long flight of stone steps to the part where the rock divides: here is a strong battery, barracks for the garrison, and a reservoir always filled with water: above these, on the lower summit, are several batteries, which command a most extensive range.

The rock seems to have been anciently a volcano the sides are composed of rude basaltic columns, of which huge masses have been broken off and fallen to the bottom, by the injuries of time. Many parts of the rock are strongly magnetic, causing the compass to vary at a considerable distance: indeed, this circumstance was long since noticed by Buchannan, (Scot. His. lib. xx. lect. 28,) but was never accurately examined, until Professor Anderson, of Glasgow, ascertained the powers of each part, and marked the variations of the poles. The Scots thistle, a rare plant, is found here in great abundance. As the castle of Dumbarton commands the navigation of the Clyde, and is the key of the western Highlands, the fortifications are generally kept in repair. It is garrisoned by a governor, lieutenant-governor, a fort-major, subaltern officers, and a company of invalids. The government is said to be worth 7001. per annum.

PUBLIC BUILDINGS.

WE shall now proceed to notice some of the Public Buildings, and shall commence with the ancient palace of the Scottish Kings.

PALACE OF HOLYROOD-HOUSE. The Palace of Holyrood-house stands at the eastern extremity of the city of Edinburgh, and is situated at the bottom of that part of the High Street, called the Canongate. It is a handsome building of a square form, 230 feet in the interior, and surrounded with piazzas. The front, facing the west, is composed of two double towers joined by a beautiful low building, adorned with a double balustrade above. The gateway in the middle is decorated with double stone columns, supporting a cupola in the centre, representing an imperial crown, with a clock underneath. Over the gateway are the royal arms of Scotland. On the righthand is the great staircase, which leads to the council-chamber and the royal apartments. These rooms are large and spacious, but unfurnished in one of them, the Scottish peers assemble to elect 16 of their number to represent them in parliament. On the north side of the building is the great gallery, measuring 150 feet by 27. The walls on every side are