Volume 3 - Electric Scotland

NORTH-EAST COAST. 379
produced horizontal baseinents from which the columns
rise injtnediately ; the contrast being as striking as the
whole is an accurate imitation of architecture. Atone
particular point, where a group of colunms thus stands
on a substruction of this kind, forming a semicircular
mass, the general effect, as well as the proportions, are
such as to convey a most lively representation of a Greek
temple; not much unlike that of the Sybil at Tivoli,
supposing the intercolumniations to be filled with co-
lumns, and the cornice removed. The day was most fa-
vourable for the effect ; the obliquity of the mid-day sun
threw the most advantageous lights on every object J
catching the prominent parts, at times, at others shining
full on some broad colonnade, which was again supported
by a deep mass of shadow, interspersed with all the half
tints and reflections that arose from the irregularities of
the rocks and the brilliancy of the sea below.
A cascade, which falls over these cliffs between Ru
na Braddan and Fladda, forms an extraordinary spectacle,
and the only one of the kind in this country. It is more
striking than picturesque; as the river which produces
it starts immediately from the top of the columnar cliff,
which is about 300 feet high ;
being projected in a single
spout into the sea, far from the base of the rocks. As it
boils and foams below, a boat can pass behind it, and
permit us to admire the noise and fury of the falling tor-
rent, untouched. It is not likely that much of it reaches
the sea, when the wind blows here as it knows well how
to blow in Sky.
The Altavig islands are flat, and afford nothing in-
teresting. In Martin's time, there was a chapel on the
greater Altavig, dedicated to St. Turos; but I could not
find even its ruins. In the mean time the summer day
had advanced to evening before we were well aware, and
compelled us to bear up for Rona.