

Field Meetings. 59 



From the churchyard the party proceeded to Isle Tower, where 

 they were cordially welcomed by Mr and Mrs Fergusson. This 

 tower is similar in design and appearance to Rue Tower, and was 

 built about the same time, for over the principal doorway is the 

 date 1587. Under Mr Fergusson's guidance the party entered 

 the structure, which is still used as a dwelling-house, and minutely 

 examined the various secret closets in the walls where valuables 

 might be hidden in time of siege, the thickness of the walls, and 

 the oaken floors. The principal entrance is guarded by a strong 

 iron gate constructed of heavy upright and cross-bars dovetailed 

 into each other. Inside of tliis was another wooden or comfort 

 gate, generally found in buildings of this period. Before leaving 

 the tower, Mr Fergusson exhibited a number of interesting family 

 documents. One of these was the marriage contract drawn up 

 on tlie 29th May, 1793, between Alexander Fergusson of lyl and 

 Agues Lowrie, daughter of Sir Robert Lowrie of Maxwelton, 

 and sister of the " Annie Laurie " immortalised by Burns. Mr 

 Fergusson also exhibited a number of burgess tickets presented 

 to an Alexander Fergusson of later date, wlio liad been elected a 

 member of Parliament for Dumfriesshire, and gained mucli 

 popularity for the opposition he displayed towards tlie union of 

 the English and Scotch Parliaments. For this lie was publicly 

 thanked by tlie citizens of Dumfries, and made a burgess of 

 Edinburgh, Glasgow, Pertli, Tain, and Lochmaben. Some of the 

 burgess tickets, and especially that of Glasgow, were beautifully 

 illuminated by hand, and the latter bore tlie date 1770. 

 Numerous title-deeds bearing the seal of the Earl Melross were 

 also inspected. 



On leaving the tower the party adjourned to tlie dining-room, 

 where they were hospitably entertained by Mrs Fergusson. 

 Here a short business meeting was held — Dr Grierson presiding 

 — when Mr Fergusson of Isle and Mr Thomas M'Gowan, solicitor, 

 Dumfries, wei-e elected Ordinary Members ; and, on the motion 

 of the President, the thanks of the Society were awai-ded to Mr 

 and Mrs Fergusson for granting them permission to see this 

 interesting building, and for their cordial and hospitable 

 reception. 



Having taken leave of their host and hostess, the party walked 

 along the Nitli to Ellisland, where a short stay was made to 

 inspect Burns' old farm-house. On one of the windows, written 

 by the poet with his diamond, may still be seen his favourite 



