228 Field Meetings. 



characters. This is known as the Crusader's stone, having', 

 according- to accepted tradition, been brought from Palestine by 

 a member of the family who drew his sword against the infidel, 

 and brought here after being blessed by the Pope. It is reputed 

 to impart a blessing to all of the name of Irving who pass beneath 

 it. The virtue is strictly limited by membership of the clan. 

 Not much can be made of the dark ground storey, which would, 

 be the retainers' kitchen. Here, however, the visitor is able to 

 inspect the dungeon, a grim apartment in the thickness of the 

 broad wall ; and a great stone bin, which would hold store of 

 salted provisions in time of need, is still intact. The upper 

 storeys are all turned to useful purpose, and are approached by 

 the original narrow spiral stone stair, on which a stout hanging- 

 rope serves for hand-rail. The apartment occupying the first 

 floor is the library, and it contains also a wonderful collection of 

 curious and interesting articles, many of them connected with the 

 family history, and some trophies from a temple at Magdala, 

 where the Colonel led a storming party. The room, which would 

 be the grand hall of the tower, is in perfect preservation. An 

 arched recess in one of the walls has formed a small altar. In 

 one of the window recesses are the stone seats from which the 

 shot holes could be served in case of siege. The apartment over- 

 head has been converted into a bedroom, and that forming the 

 third floor (where the great oak beams are still intact, and joined 

 by bolts of wood) serves the purpose of a smoking-room. The 

 battlements command a splendid view of Lower Annandale. 

 Over the entrance door are the holes from which, in case of an 

 attack being pressed home, molten lead could be poured on the 

 assailants. Colonel Irving has also restored the ramparts to the 

 east and south of the tower, and mounted on them ship's guns, 

 each with its pile of ball. 



Mr Barbour, vice-president of the society, voiced the thanks 

 of the members to Colonel Irving and his family for the great 

 kindness extended to them ; then, at six o'clock, a start was made 

 for Annan, by way of Breconbeds. — Dumfries Standard. 



