The Monarch paddle steamer, seen from the port side, is under full sail and steam passing the sheer cliffs of Bass Rock (on the left of the picture) in the outer reaches of the Firth of Forth. Owned by the London & Edinburgh Steam Packet Company, she is flying her name flag at the main mast, company flag at the mizzen mast and an ensign at the mizzen gaff. Figures are vissible on the deck. A sailing vessel on a port tack can be seen on the right, while a small, local boat in the left foreground, with several occupants, appears to be lowering her single sail.