Loch Creran: Notes from the Western Highlands

Abstract

THE amateur naturalist who has leisure, a genuine interest in his subject, and abundant opportunities of exercising his observation, ought to be an exceptionally happy person; but he is not always well-advised in rushing into print with the result of his fugitive studies. That, however, is one of the foibles of the hour. The public are supposed to welcome somewhat bald catalogues of the common objects of the way-side, the heath, and the sea-shore; the newspaper reporter is glad to be temporarily withdrawn from the Divorce Court and sent to describe the chestnut-trees in Bushey Park; and young ladies, who have got the length of distinguishing between Ranunculus Ficaria and R. acris narrate in the evening papers the story of their exploration of the hedgerows. The result is harmless enough. It is not science; it is not literature; but it serves to teach a few people here and there to keep their eyes open; and that is something. And perhaps a world groaning under a load of books need not mind an additional volume or two— which it is not compelled to read.

Loch Creran: Notes from the Western Highlands.

By W. Anderson Smith (Paisley and London: Alexander Gardner, 1887.)