This latter erection has been differently and yet, in both cases, aptly compared to a telescope and a butter-churn; comparisons apart, it ranks among the vilest of men's handiworks.

But the chief feature is an unfinished range of columns, 'the Modern Ruin' as it has been called, an imposing object from far and near, and giving Edinburgh, even from the sea, that false air; of a Modern Athens which has earned for her so many slighting speeches.

It was meant to be a National Monument; and its present state is a very suitable monument to certain national characteristics.

The old Observatory--a quaint brown building on the edge of the steep--and the new Observatory--a classical edifice with a dome--occupy the central portion of the summit.

All these are scattered on a green turf, browsed over by some sheep.
[Picture: The Calton Hill] The scene suggests reflections on fame and on man's injustice to the dead.