which presents itself, is a considerable mount, at a short distance, on which stands a circle of immensely large stones, representing a Druid's temple; this was erected by the late Mr. Riddel, of Glenriddel, secretary to the Antiquarian Society of Scotland, and formerly proprietor of the Carse. A little to the right is the Mallach hill, on the summit of which is an artificial ruin: this structure suffered materially by an earthquake, that occurred here on the 8th of September, 1801. The view from the ruin is uncommonly grand and extensive, commanding a prospect of the whole vale of the Nith, the Solway Frith, the town of Dumfries, Lincluden Abbey, and the coast and mountains of Cumberland. To the left, from the house, is the seat of William Laidlow esq. of Allerton; and, about two miles up the river, is the elegant bridge of Auldgrith, on the Glasgow road, near to which is Blackwood, the seat of William Copland, of Collieston. THE BANKS OF THE NITH. THE river Nith has its rise in Ayrshire, and flowing thence through an exceeding fertile valley, called Nithsdale, in Dumfriesshire, it joins the Solway Frith, a few miles south of Dumfries. The banks of the Nith are, in most parts, beautifully diversified with wood and corn fields; and the surrounding country is frequently bounded by majestic hills, that rear their towering heads among the clouds. The soil about Dumfries appears as fertile as any in North Britain; the vale of Nith, in its immediate vicinity, is particularly delightful, and has been already noticed in the description of Friars' Carse. The favourite walks of Burns on the Nith were probably from Lincluden College to some miles above the Carse, though he had frequent occasions, when employed in the excise, to proceed much farther. The view annexed is about twenty miles from the town of Dumfries, on the high road to Ayr, and is known, locally, by the name of Hill Cauldron. Here the water, flowing rapidly along, foams over huge misshapen rocks, that lie half immersed in the bed of |