"26 TrmisncfionK. 



Ornaniontal foliage suri-oiinds many of tlio shields, and many of 

 the bosses of tlie roof have also borne tiiis description of decora- 

 tion. Two groups of oak leaves and acorns on the front of the 

 Piscina are closely after nature, otherwise tlie floriated work is 

 less natural, and many of tiie leaves are marked by the peculiar 

 well known conventional arrow-head points, the barbs of which 

 are turned round in the form of a volute. The floriations of the 

 capitals of the vaulting shafts are peculiarly free and graceful, 

 and generally all the decorative work is well disposed, sculptured 

 with great boldness, and its effect is rich and pleasing. 



SCULPTURE. 



Medieval sculpture at this period had obtained its highest 

 development, and in gracefulness of design and beauty of execu- 

 tion it rivalled the works of ancient Greece and Rome. On this 

 small building there is more sculpture, and the work is of greater 

 merit than is apparent at first sight. The figures are so broken 

 and abrased that they have the appearance of rudeness. Many 

 have almost ceased to retain any I'esemblance to sculpture, and 

 it is only after a careful study of them that some appreciation of 

 their original e.vcelleiice is gained. 



The effigy of Margaret, Countess of Douglas, which lay upon 

 tlie Tomb, has been recovered. It is broken into two pieces, and 

 so disfigured, that it is with difficulty the details can be followed. 

 The head of the recumbent figure, which appears to have been 

 crowned, rests on two cushions, the hair hangs down in long 

 ringlets, one on either side, and the hands are crossed upon the 

 bi'east. The lower of the two cushions is oblong, and lies cross- 

 ways, and the upper one is square, and lies upon the other 

 diagonally, and both are tasseled. Upon the lower part of the 

 dress is a small portion of ornamental detail, the cushions exhibit 

 corded seams, and on one of them is represented minute and 

 beautiful braiding, the whole leading to the conclusion that the 

 figure, instead of being, as it seems on a casual inspection, rude, 

 has been executed in all its parts with the utmost minuteness 

 and care; and without doubt it h.is been a work of art fitted 

 to cover the remains of a princess and adoi-n this beautiful 

 Church. 



The trunk of another small female figure, much broken, has 

 been found, which also indicates great care and minuteness of 



