TUANSACTIUNS. 37 



country, full of powerful and fierce barons and clans, these are 

 numerous and interesting. Take a fine type, Conilongan, that 

 massive tower, strong and stern, with walls so thick tliat numer- 

 ous small apartments could be set in them, yet at the same time 

 handsome, well built, and a pleasant feature in the landscape. 

 Think of the border troops that have sallied through its portals 

 bent on raids and cattle lifting ; and of the time when the raiders 

 themselves were raided, and the country side, alarmed by watch- 

 word or beacon fire, flocked towards their strong tower of refuge, 

 driving their cattle to the shelter of the lower hall. If the foeman 

 proved too keen and eager, and ventured to storm the stronghold, 

 what flight of arrows from loophole and battlements, what shower 

 of stones, molten lead and boiling water poured through the 

 machicolations of the roof ! A warm reception truly ! Look 

 beyond to quieter days, and see another Peel Tower, transformed 

 by additions and extensions into a secure and pleasant manorial 

 residence, a veritable chateau. Such, indeed, is Amisfield, a place 

 most worthy of a visit. To turn the gaze higher, to lords and 

 nobles, what of Carlaverock, that noble pile, unique in shape and 

 position, which yet shews how goodly were the apartments of its 

 chiefs, how strong its defences before the advent of cannon, 

 when for three days a tiny g-arrison of sixty set at defiance the 

 mighty army of the English Edward. What banquets and tour- 

 naments, what scenes of love and gallantry, what fierce combats — 

 even cruel murders, have its old walls looked upon, until the time 

 when an unrelenting- army of Covenanters, allied to English 

 lioundheads, proved that strong walls were no longer sure, and 

 that new defences must be sought to withstand powder and shot, 

 and left it, lone and shattered, a silent record of former grandeur 

 and ancient strength. 



III. — The Mound at Little Richorn, Dalbeattie. 

 By Mr Frederick E. Coles (Tongland). 

 On Friday, O-lth April, 1891, a so-called moat on the above- 

 named farm was partly opened under the supervision of Mr 

 Wellwood Maxwell, F.S.A., of Kirkennan, Mr Thomas Fraser, Mr 

 Kerr, and myself. 



The mound is 25 feet above sea-level, washed by the tidal 

 river Urr on the west, and rather deeply trenclied on the other 

 three sides. It consists chiefly of blue and yellow clays. A small 



