Tarbert, Loch, East and West, two sea-lochs approaching each other's heads to within 11/8 mile, and separating the peninsula of Kintyre from the district of Knapdale in Argyllshire. The East Loch has already been noticed in our article on Tarbert. The West Loch extends 10 miles nearly due north-north-eastward, and measures ¾ mile in mean breadth. Over all its extent it has the calm aspect of a fresh-water lake, and is picturesque and lovely- Three islets lie in it; soft and moderately high hills recede from its margins; woods and enclosures fling their images upon its waters; and a profusion of cottages, farm-houses, villas, and mansions, with the villages of Laggavoulin and Kilcalmonell, sit upon its banks. At its head is a quay for the accommodation of the Islay steam-packet. An Act was passed in 1883 for connecting the two lochs by a canal, 18 feet deep and 56 wide, at a cost of £200,000.
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