CAIRN-A-QUHEEN.

51

Farther down the valley, and close by the brink of the river, is a considerable heap of smallish stones, surmounted by a flagstaff and vane. This is Cairn-a-Chuimhue, or Quheen, i.e. Cairn of Remembrance, and is of some note as being the only really historical cairn on Deeside. It represents the number of Strathdee men, or of the Clan Farquharson, that fell in battle from about 1562, when their feuds with the Forbeses began, to at least the end of the wars with Montrose.

It was formed in this manner: As the spot on which it stands was the rendezvous of the clan, when all were assembled, each man brought a stone, and laid it on a clear space of ground, so forming a small cairn or heap. When they returned home, each survivor took a stone from the heap. The remaining stones indicated, of course, the number of the fallen, and were then carefully removed and placed on the original cairn, or Cairn-a-Quheen.

Next comes the Street of Monaltrie, i.e. a few small houses on each side of the road, built for some of the old Highlanders after their return from the American. war. On the south side of the road are some stones, supposed to be the remains of a Druidical temple. On the north side of the road, a little farther down, is a farm-house, built on the site of the Old House of Monaltrie, which was burned down after the rebellion of "'45.' Donald Oig, or Domhnull-Og-na-h-Alba, i.e.

Young Donald of Albion (23), a great celebrity in olden times, had his residence there.

The next and greatest point of interest is Balmoral, lying on the south side of the river. So much has been recently made known of this interesting place, by one best fitted to touch on the subject, that room is only left for a few minor details.

The Castle stands on a beautiful level, round which the Dee curves with gentle sweep. Behind it Craigna-Gowan rises to a considerable height, with all its harsher features toned down to picturesque beauty by the soft and fragrant foliage of the extensive birch woods which drape its sides.

There are so many interesting points in the district, that it becomes difficult to select or describe satisfactorily. The Castle is, in short, surrounded by all the varieties of Highland scenery, so that the eye can turn to any of its elements, from the rude to the beautiful, the sternly grand, or where they all unitedly rise into the sublime, while its pure air is invigorating almost to exhilaration.

The estate of Balmoral extends from the Dee southwards to the summit of Lochnagar, where it joins the Birkhall and Abergeldie properties. The three estates contain upwards of 35,000 imperial acres, and extend along the south bank of the Dee for eleven miles.

The new Castle is a magnificent and very extensive

BALMORAL CASTLE.

53

pile of building, built of the finest dressed granite, and presents the clean appearance so characteristic of the stone. In its main features it is of the Scotch baronial style of architecture, which in this modernized condition gives to the castle the appearance of the ancient stronghold blending with the elegances and comforts of a modern mansion.

The large square tower, 100 feet high, is a massive structure, and visible at a great distance, and has a magnificent view from its summit. It has also a fine clock, which regulates the time all over the district, being set twice a-week to that of Greenwich.

The dining, drawing, billiard rooms, and library, are on the ground floor, and above them are the Royal apartments. If an admirable chasteness of design and exquisite workmanship characterize the outside of the castle, simplicity of style and purity of taste prevail within.

The entrance is from the south. Two beautiful statues of 'Fair Ellen' and 'Highland Mary' are, if I remember aright, almost the only ornaments of the entrance hall. The windows of the dining-room are hung with crimson bordered with Stuart tartan, and the walls with paper of green and gold. In the drawing-room the hangings are of Victoria tartan; chairs, couches, etc. etc., are all covered with the same. The carpet is of Stuart tartan, and on the walls a paper of blue and gold.

The Queen's private apartments are more richly furnished than those below, yet still with chastened elegance. In the different rooms, the paintings, prints, cartes, etc., are exceedingly numerous and interesting.

The grounds are tastefully laid out, and have now two new points of interest, though sad ones. These are the statue of the lamented Prince Consort, and the obelisk erected by the tenants to give expression to the deep affection and respect in which they held his memory, and their profound sorrow for his loss. A massive cast-iron bridge connects Balmoral with the public road on the north side of the valley.

CHAPTER VI.

Abergeldie Castle-Druidic Remains-St. Nathalan-Glen MuickGlengairn-Pass of Ballater-Kirk of Tullich, and Legend-Loch Kinoird-Hill of Mulloch, etc.

A

FTER passing the bridge connecting Balmo

ral with the north side is the Parish Church of Crathie, in a fine situation. Two miles farther down the valley is the Castle of Abergeldie, on the south side of the river. It is an ancient-looking castle, in the old baronial style, but now considerably enlarged and modernized. As is well known, it is now part of the Royal demesnes, being held upon a lease of forty years from the family of Gordon-was occupied by the lamented Duchess of Kent, and now by the Prince of Wales. A curious rope-and-cradle bridge connects it with the north side.

Craig-na-ban, i.e. Rock of the Woman, a noble hill, which forms part of its background, gained considerable celebrity when witches were rampant. The last one in the district was burnt there. The date is rather indefinite; but here is the tradition: