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THE HIGHLANDS.

that period, they have enjoyed unrestrained liberty, but still tremble whenever the elements are agitated, fearful that Manetho might return, and renew their imprisonment in their dark dungeons. The echoes incessantly heard between the mountains are nothing but expressions of lamentation and fear on the part of the spirits at the most trifling noise."

These mountainous parts are not unlike the shores on the Rhine from Bonn to Coblentz. Mountains follow in succession: between them are sheltered dales. Bushes and trees cover the walls of the rocks almost to the tops. From some of the woods may be seen the ruins of small fortifications, which were used during the revolutionary war. At another point in the river is a simple monument, to the memory of some fallen warrior; (almost every spot in these Highlands recalls some deed of valour during the struggle for liberty). Further on, a loosened piece of rock overhangs the river, ready to attempt once more to close the passage.

Darkness overtook us, as soon as we came between the mountains. The sun had set long ago, and in the western horizon rose a

mass of clouds, which announced the approach

A THUNDER STORM.

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of a storm. Gradually, the lightning became more vivid, and a threatening black sky spread in a few minutes over forests and mountains. All Nature trembled at the awful perspective, and all that had life on shore hastened to take shelter in grottoes and crevices. Fireflies, which shone and disappeared more rapidly than thought could follow them, ceased to show their brilliancy against the green trees; even these trifling insects, which lightning could hardly strike, felt awe at the storm, and went to rest. Every animal seemed to take shelter in some hiding place: to man alone it was reserved to defy the united attacks of the elements, and to venture a look towards the agitated heavens. Several steamers passed me: their lamps in the stern, ahead, and in the mast, appeared in the dark as magic lights. Our steamboat also had similar lamps, which produced on the nearest objects a feeble and gloomy light. From both chimneys issued millions of sparks in an irregular dance; like gold dust, they spread over the stream, and expired the moment they reached the surface of the water. Thunder was heard above our heads, and lightning seen in every direction proceeding from the heavy clouds; forests and rocks, and valleys

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A THUNDER STORM.

and streams, grew pale every time the Western Deity shook the heavenly lights out of his mighty hand. But in the East a storm was also gathering. Jealous of the conquests of the West, it rose from a long rest, to dispute the ascendancy assumed by the latter. A few unexpected flashes from the opposite shore announced the commencement of hostilities; the West, offended at the temerity of its antagonist, advanced at once with its whole artillery, determined to crush, by a few effectual discharges, its slowly advancing adversary. The conflict was dreadful each minute added to its obstinacy and fury. Often did I presume that preliminaries of peace had been concluded between the contending parties, but the next moment I was convinced to the contrary. From summit to summit-from rock to rock the thunder roared, and each stone seemed to re-echo it. It was a concert; an accompaniment of various instruments, like a complete orchestra, which I could fain attempt to describe. Rain fell in torrents; the whole was awful and imposing in the extreme, and characteristic of those sudden tempests or storms which so often visit the Western hemisphere. It was only after two hours' hard fighting that the

contest ceased between the belligerents above; and victory declared in favour of the West, by the appearance of a beautiful blue sky, and a few stars glittering over the field of battle. The beaten legions of the East retreated in haste, pursued by the elated victors, who put them in confusion. Their triumphant shouts gradually gave way, and, when I shortly afterwards looked up, not a cloud could be seen; the whole firmament was covered with brilliant stars.

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Passengers for West Point!" was now heard from one end of the boat to the other. I hastened on deck, collected my baggage, and went on shore.

It is

behold it more

Therefore that I so watch it, and reproach

Those eyes which never may

For having look'd upon it oft, too oft,

Without the reverence and the rapture due

To that which keeps all earth from being as fragile
As I am in this form.

BYRON.

THE Academy of Cadets is situated on this spot, and occupies a tolerably extensive plain, a few hundred yards above the river, at the foot of a mountain, intersected with wood. A number of brick houses have been built for this purpose, and in front is a spacious piece of ground, adopted for drilling and other military exercises. A few tents were pitched for the Cadets, then going through various evolutions; and not far from this spot is the corps de garde," before which some of them, in grey uniforms, were seen walking, guarding the avenue to the camp.

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