Lakes with two Outfalls

Abstract

SINCE writing my letter of April 24, with which I forwarded a copy of the new Inch Ordnance map of Arran, I have received other copies from Mr. Stanford, showing, as I presume, that the early copies of General Sir H. James's admirable work have been revised. For, besides the elaborate system of contour lines, which did not appear in the first copies, two outlets are given to Loch-na-Davie, instead of one only. So that, as to the “matter of fact” touching the new Inch Ordnance map, Mr. Christie and I are both right. That is, he has a copy to show for his assertion; I have one to show for mine. But the great question is not what is the “matter of fact” as touching maps, but what is the matter of fact in nature; and I assert that Loch-na-Davie has but one outlet, to the south, to Glen Iorsa. My words in the Athenæum are—“The water-parting is a few yards to the north of the loch, I should guess at the spot where a heap of stones stands, apparently lately thrown up;” and from there there is a slight trickling inlet to the loch. I ended my letter thus—“Most gracious reader of the Athenæum, go take a tourist ticket to Glasgow from Euston Square. Then a lovely run in a Clyde steamer to Arran, and judge for yourself.” May I repeat this advice to the “gracious reader” of NATURE, for assuredly there is no arguing as to a “matter of fact.”