12 



Gruach his wife, slew " the unguarded Duncan." It was ou 

 this same Mannoch road that, not so very long ago, the 

 water kelpie was last seen ! 



But, shutting out these wider prospects and wilder 

 fancies, let us enter the church itself. Our attention is 

 attracted by a quaint tablet let into the north wall. The 

 sculpture is grotesque, and the monogram and coat-of- 

 arms are flanked by symbols of mortality. The inscription 

 is as follows : — " Here lyes under this pulpit the corps of 

 Mr. Wm. Sanders, lait minister of this parochin, who 

 deceased the 13 of May 1670, and of Katharin and Elspet 

 Sanders his children." Another tablet is erected to the 

 " Memory of Joseph Anderson, Minister of Birnie," from 

 March, 1766, till the time of his death. Within the 

 church, also, may be seen a stone font, of somewhat rude 

 workmanship, and the famous " Ronnell Bell." The latter 

 is one of the best specimens of its kind, and what is 

 known of it or of them may be found interestingly set 

 forth in Dr. Anderson's learned work. It is said that earth 

 from the hill of Birnie used to be sent for, for purposes of 

 interment ; it is well known that if a man be sick, and he 

 be prayed for in the Kirk of Birnie, " it will either mend 

 him or end him !" 



So let us take leave of the plain grey church, grateful 

 for its gentle memories, and hoping that it may long sur- 

 vive to dominate this peaceful hillside with its venerable 

 presence. 



DAVID J. MACKENZIE. 



