ts as we beheld
how rapidly the ruin of our favourite and long-cherished spot was going
on. But we remembered that the calamity came from the hand of God; and
seeing that no human power could avail, we prepared ourselves to watch
every circumstance of the spectacle." In the morning the place was seen
cleared completely of shrubs, trees, and soil; and the space so lately
filled with a wilderness of verdure was now one vast and powerful
red-coloured river.

On the left bank of the Findhorn the discharge of water, wreck, and
stones that burst over the extensive plain of Forres, spreading
devastation abroad on a rich and beautiful country, was truly terrific.
On the 3d of August, Dr. Brands, of Forres, having occasion to go to the
western side of the river, forded it on horseback, but ere he crossed the
second branch of the stream, he saw the flood coming thundering down.
His horse was caught by it; he was compelled to swim; and he had not long
touched dry land ere the river had risen six feet. By the time he had
reached Moy the river had branched out into numerous streams, and soon
came rolling on in awful grandeur; the effect being greatly heightened by
the contrary direction of the northerly wind, then blowing a gale. Many
of the cottages occupied a low level, and the inhabitants were urged to
quit them. Most of them did so; but some, trusting to their apparent
distance from the river, refused to move.

About ten o'clock the river had risen and washed away several of the
cottages; and on every side were heard reports of suffering cottagers,
whose houses were surrounded by water. One of them was Sandy Smith, an
active boatman, commonly called _Whins_, (or _Funns_, as it is
pronounced,) from his residence on a piece of furzy pasture, at no great
distance from the river. From the situation of his dwelling he was given
up for lost; but for a long time the far-distant gleam of light that
issued from his window showed that he yet lived.

The barns on the higher grounds accommodated many people; and large
quantities of brose (broth) were made for the dripping and shivering
wretches. Candles were placed in all the windows of the principal house
(that of Mr. Suter) that poor Funns might see he was not forgotten. But,
alas! his light no longer burns, and in the midst of the tempest and
darkness, it was utterly vain to attempt to assist the distressed.

At daybreak the wide waste of waters was only bounded by the rising