36 Transactions. 



is clue to the Danes or fear of the Danes — all worthy pomts left open 

 to the newest student to determine, for our hobby affords a 

 glorious field at all times for discoveries, or supposed discoveries. 

 If they turn out mare's nests it does not matter. They admit of 

 elaborate statement on the one side and fulmmating- refutation on 

 the other, in elegant language and unlimited verbosity. I think 

 enough has already been said to prove my case, and to shew to 

 the section of this Society which is not antiquarian, and to out- 

 siders, that this study or science is not dry as dust, but pleasant 

 and healthy and mildly exciting. But if there be any still uncon- 

 verted, let me direct liis attention to religion, to its outer signs 

 and tokens of old time. The lonely rude old cross on the hillside, 

 the cave where the earliest pioneer, saint, martyr too often, or 

 hermit took up his abode and taught the Word to heathen people 

 or set an example of self-denial to their successors. The ruined 

 walls of the small chapel, the remains of the stately abbey — all 

 these the antiquary seeks out in his pilgrimage ; and, while his eye 

 notes their styles, whether rude and simple or grand with 

 sculptured stone and ornament, his mind brings back the days of 

 old, when saint or monk preached in open air to the assembled 

 binds and shepherds, or when through stately fane and aisle noble 

 music swelled as the procession passed along with gorgeous vest- 

 ments, jewelled crosses and censers, at the great festival's, or 

 when the neighbouring lord and patron brought his bride for 

 church's blessing, his gifts for church's aggrandisement, or his 

 corse was borne to church's keeping. No one can go to the 

 stately and beautiful ruins of Dundrennan, to Sweetheart's massive 

 pile, or to charming and picturesque Lincluden, without his mind 

 and feelings being stirred as he thinks of them as they were and 

 as they are : how noble and rich once, deemed worthy for the 

 tombs of Scottish queens ; and now how fallen and decayed, yet 

 beautiful — standing records, engraved pictures on the images of 

 national history, plainly telling their tale of origin, of growth, and 

 fall, and their causes to all who will open eyes and mind. History 

 and antiquity are own sisters in blood, alike in taste and feelings. 

 Nowhere do they more nearly approach, more closely coalesce, 

 than in all connected with warfare, with siege and defence. As 

 we have seen, the dwellers of old time sought refuge behind 

 earthen ramparts. With increased art and resources followed the 

 erection of keeps, peel towers, and castles. In this border 



