delightful, deprived us of the pleasure expected from the fall of Fiers.
The river having now no water but what the springs supply, showed us only
a swift current, clear and shallow, fretting over the asperities of the
rocky bottom, and we were left to exercise our thoughts, by endeavouring
to conceive the effect of a thousand streams poured from the mountains
into one channel, struggling for expansion in a narrow passage,
exasperated by rocks rising in their way, and at last discharging all
their violence of waters by a sudden fall through the horrid chasm.

The way now grew less easy, descending by an uneven declivity, but
without either dirt or danger. We did not arrive at Fort Augustus till
it was late. Mr. Boswell, who, between his father's merit and his own,
is sure of reception wherever he comes, sent a servant before to beg
admission and entertainment for that night. Mr. Trapaud, the governor,
treated us with that courtesy which is so closely connected with the
military character. He came out to meet us beyond the gates, and
apologized that, at so late an hour, the rules of a garrison suffered him
to give us entrance only at the postern.




FORT AUGUSTUS


In the morning we viewed the fort, which is much less than that of St.
George, and is said to be commanded by the neighbouring hills. It was
not long ago taken by the Highlanders. But its situation seems well
chosen for pleasure, if not for strength; it stands at the head of the
lake, and, by a sloop of sixty tuns, is supplied from Inverness with