Field Meetings. 1 85 



formerly stood on the site now occupied by the Town Hall and 

 the churchyard, but of this building not a trace could be dis- 

 tinguished.- There is, however, a large stone built into the 

 boundary wall of one of the adjacent gardens, bearing the follow- 

 ing inscription : — " Robert De Brus, Counte De Carrick, at 

 Seniour De Val De Annand 1300." This old castle was the 

 scene of many border frays, and on more than one occasion it 

 was plundered. In 1332, shortly after Edward Baliol was 

 crowned at Scone, the nobility of the South of Scotland were 

 summoned to Annan Castle to do him homage. On this occasion 

 the castle was attacked in the night by Archibald Douglas, who 

 killed the guards, and took Baliol's brother Henry with many of 

 his supporters prisoners. In the confusion Baliol escaped to 

 Carlisle, and found a temporary refuge there with Lord Dacre. 



Leaving this part of the town, the party adjourned to Mr 

 Watt's residence, where they were entertained to luncheon, 

 and had an opportunity of examining some interesting objects. 



The house in which Edward Irving was born was next visited, 

 and also that of Hugh Clapperton, the African traveller. 



From liere the party drove to Brydekirk to inspect an old fort 

 which is situated on the farm of Brydekirk Mains, halting on 

 the way to examine tlie Corsehill quarries. At Brydekirk the 

 usual business meeting was held — Dr Grierson presiding — when 

 Messrs J. M'C. Arnott and F. Miller were elected members. Tlie 

 Chairman intimated that the Committee had decided to hold a 

 conversazione in the end of October, and suggested that the 

 members in the meantime should look out local objects of interest 

 only for exhibition. 



After awarding votes of thanks to Messrs Miller and Watt, 

 the party walked along the banks of the river to the town, and 

 returned to Dumfries by the 8 o'clock train. 



Only the usual autumn flowering plants were collected, no rare 

 finds havinc: been made. 



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