lake; and, soon after passing it, the most distant shores are revealed to view, with the immense mountains which rise beyond them.

The pass goes by the name of Coleman's eye, and is so called, it is said, after a legendary hero of that name, who in the eagerness of the chase, or in pursuit of an enemy, having leaped across the stream at this place, left the impression of his foot on the rock where he alighted; a miracle minutely described and studiously exaggerated by the credulous guides.

The upper lake is situated in the midst of a stupendous amphitheatre of mountains, and displays the most wild and romantic scenery. Its length is nearly the same as that of Turk, its breadth somewhat inferior. The mountains which bound it on each side are a continuation of those of the defile, and are characterized by similar features; but they are much loftier, and their parts are all on a grander scale: the glens are deeper; the woods more extensive, and of older growth; the rivers larger; and the falls more lofty and precipitate. The mountains situated at the upper extremity of the lake are the most elevated, as well as the most varied in their outline; amongst which Magillycuddy's reeks rise pre-eminent in grandeur above all the rest. They are seen, as already described, from the lower lake ; but their appearance on this side is so very different, that they would scarcely be recognised for the same. Instead of an assemblage of conical peaks, they here display a long craggy ridge, which seems to be reduced like a wedge to a very narrow breadth, at the summit; and, on ascending, it is found not to be less narrow than it appears from below. Their height is about three thousand feet, and they are seldom unobscured by clouds; a circumstance which contributes to render their aspect, at times, peculiarly sublime.

On entering the upper lake, the attention is at first wholly engaged by the vastness of the mountains; and next by the extreme wildness and ruggedness of the scene. The numerous islands, as well as the shores, present on every side immense rocks; some bleak and terrific, others, of a less savage aspect, teeming with vegetable life. Several of the islands, though apparently solid masses of stone, are covered with a profusion of trees, and abound with ever-greens, amongst which the arbutus predominates.

This tree flourishes on every part of the shores of Killarney; but it attains a larger size, and is found in greater abundance, in the woods of Glena-mountain, and on the islands of the upper lake, than elsewhere. As a single tree it is not picturesque; but, associated with others, the fine mellow green of its leaves gives variety and richness to the masses of foliage, particularly after the leaves of the deciduous trees are suffused with brown and yellow tints. Its clustered berries, which when ripe resemble large scarlet strawberries, have a very pretty appearance, as they hang drooping over the dark rocks; but one cannot submit with patience to hear them mentioned as essential ornaments to the scenery of Killarney. Their beauty, however, is extolled in every description of the lake; and on the spot we are told with ill-timed exultation, that the proprietor of the woods, unwilling to strip the landscape of every embellishment, has generously ordered that all the arbutus trees should remain untouched. Grateful would it have been to the admirers of woodland scenery, if a few of the venerable oaks of Glena had been spared in their stead.

The rocks of the upper lake, especially around the islands, are of a very dark colour, so that their separation from the water cannot be traced without difficulty, particularly when over