_THE LAND OF SONG AND SCENERY_
_A TRIP AROUND THE WORLD_
_With DWIGHT L. ELMENDORF
Lecturer and Traveler_
ROBERT BURNS COTTAGE
ABBOTSFORD
ELLENS ISLE
STIRLING CASTLE
MELROSE ABBEY
FINGALS CAVE
In its contour and in its varied natural features Scotland is unique.
It seems, indeed, as if Nature had shaped the land in a spirit of
coquetry with the sea.
Though limited in territory, Scotland has a shore line thousands of
miles in extent. Her coast is a series of inlets, firths, and sounds,
and she has added to the irregularity of her shores by setting out
innumerable beautiful islands that rear their rocky heads in the
western sea. No one knows the full beauty of Scotland who has not
visited the islands. Their picturesque and varied attractions pronounce
them the true and natural offspring of the parent land.
Scotland has long been called the land of scenery and of song. The two
are intimately associated. The scenery of Scotland has inspired many of
her songs, and the songs have paid tribute in return by celebrating the
beauty of the scenery in affectionate and eloquent phrase. The songs
of Scotland breathe the life of the people and of the nation in a way
that has won the sympathetic interest of the world. The prevailing note
in Scottish song and literature is romance. The very name of Scotland
is fragrant with romance. Its scenery is rich in romantic beauty and
romantic associations, and its songs give eloquent expression to both.
[Illustration: ROBERT BURNS]
And so the traveler in Scotland finds the charm of her scenery happily
voiced for him, and as he wanders from one spot to another he can
recall the lines that enhance its beauty. It may be “The Banks and
Braes o’ Bonnie Doon” or “Within a Mile of Edinboro’ Town.” Wherever he
goes he may enjoy the scenery in companionship with the spirit of the
poet who sang its praises.
To most of us Scotland means Wallace and Robert Bruce in heroic
chivalry, and Walter Scott and Robert Burns in romance and in song.
Most of the scenes and places that interest the traveler are associated
with one or another of these four names.