WCP5459

[1]

76½ Westbourne Grove

Bayswater, London. W.

Sept. 30th. [1867]

Dear Mr. Knight

The weather was so bad and I found it so uncomfortable being alone that I did not extend my tour very far. My friends went with me to the Trosachs [Trossachs] which I was somewhat disappointed in. The Head of the Loch Katrine is however very beautiful yet hardly worthy of the extravagant praise that has been bestowed upon it. The Brig of Turk Hotel has been burnt down two years: yet the [2] guide book just published does not state that fact. I walked over from Loch Katrine to Lomond[,] took [the] steamer to the head of the Lake and walked up Glen Falloch, which is fine, to Crianlarich. The next morning I tried to ascend Ben More but it was too wet and when about 1000 feet up I had to descend. I then walked on to Killin[,] the river at which is perhaps the most striking thing I saw in Scotland. The coach took me on the dreary road to Lawers Inn. The next day I went up Ben Lawers in a gale of wind and spent [3] an hour on the top where I found very little.¹ I afterwards learnt that all the plants are found on the rocks above the little loch which I had not time to go to. Next day I walked to Aberfeldy & came by train to Perth. Next day I came early to Edinburgh and spent the day there. I thought the Calton Hill² very cocknified and altogether there was too much display of Grecian temples and other anachronisms in architecture to please me much, — and the smoke from the valley was detestable. [3] I hope another year, to come about midsummer and see some of the finer parts of Scotland such as Glencoe.

I suppose Dundee has now settled to its business habits and usual propriety, but I shall be glad to hear if we have left a little leaven of science to ferment in a few minds.³

Give my kind regards to Mrs. Knight⁴ who I hope is in good health as well as the baby, & believe me

My dear sir | Yours very faithfully | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]

Rev. W. Knight