212 Largs and its Surroundings. [Sess. 



beautiful and uncommon shrubs and herbaceous perennials 

 which are successfully cultivated in the gardens. On a small 

 terrace or platform, situated in the romantic dell behind the 

 house, is a handsome monument commemorating John, third 

 Earl of Glasgow, who died in 1775, in the 69th year of his 

 age. The most impressive feature of the monument is a 

 female figure in white marble, placed in a niche, and sup- 

 posed to represent " Virtue lamenting the loss of one of her 

 favourite sons." There is also an inscription appropriately 

 describing the public and private character of the deceased earl, 

 who was deservedly held in high esteem by his contemporaries. 



The north-western extremity of the Kelburne policies is 

 used as the Largs golf-course (9 holes), where that popular 

 pastime is pursued in the midst of very pleasant surroundings. 

 Between Kelburne and Hailie the road from Largs to Kil- 

 birnie and Dairy is carried up the hillside, in zigzag fashion, 

 by a somewhat heavy gradient. Close to the roadside is the 

 beautifully situated cemetery, the making of which is said to 

 have been resolutely opposed by a section of the inhabitants 

 of Largs, and to have led to a costly action in the law courts. 

 From any part of the ascent, but particularly from the summit 

 of the steepest part of the road, a panoramic view is to be 

 had which affords ample compensation for the labour ex- 

 pended in obtaining it. 



A large tumulus, known as " Margaret's Law," formerly 

 existed near Hailie House, but was removed about the year 

 1780 by the proprietor, Mr James Wilson. Having re- 

 quired some loose stones for dyke-building, he proceeded to 

 avail himself of the vast store accumulated in Margaret's 

 Law, which is said to have extended to upwards of 5000 

 cartloads. In the centre of the tumulus were found five 

 " stone coffins," two of which contained five skulls each, 

 with other human bones, and several urns. The earth and 

 small stones at the bottom were calcined. It is stated by 

 Eobertson that the quantity of bones found in the tumulus 

 was immense, but on exposure they soon crumbled into 

 dust.^ One of the central chambers of the mound still re- 

 mains, and consists of a large fiat slab of stone, supported 

 by two others placed on edge. According to the popular 



^ George Robertson : ' Topographical Description of Ayrshire, more particu- 

 larly of Cunninghame' (1820), p. 112. 



