“The ancient and famous metropolis of the North sits over­looking a windy estuary from the slope and summit of three hills. No situation could be more commanding for the head city of a kingdom; none better chosen for noble prospects. From her tall precipice and terraced gardens she looks far and wide on the sea and broad champaigns. To the east you may catch at sunset the spark of the May lighthouse, where the Firth expan­ds into the German Ocean; and away to the west, over all the carse of Stirling, you can see the first snows upon Ben Ledi.”