BOOK OF DOVECOTES 



is oblong, with a lean-to roof which, as often 

 the case in this type, is broken half-way down 

 into two separate planes, forming an upperand 

 a lower slope; the slope of course is almost al- 

 ways towards the south as here; and entrance- 

 holes for the birds are provided under the eaves 

 of the upper slope, in addition to a row at the 

 top of the south wall. It is a pity that, while the 

 upper section of the roof is tiled, the lower half 

 has been renewed with slates. 



The building is divided into two equal and 

 entirely identical compartments, each entered 

 by a massive door placed on the outer edge of 

 rough stone walls full three feet thick. The 

 door is secured, not only by alock, but by heavy 

 iron bars, which, fitting over staples, are held 

 fastin theirposition by an upright bar. Further, 

 on the wall's inner edge there is a second door. 

 Clearly the Scottish doocot was regarded as a 

 treasure to be held secure. 



The nests inside are plain rectangular re- 

 cesses, those of L-shaped form being practic- 

 ally unknown north of Tweed. There are about 

 threehundred in thehigher or north wallof each 

 compartment, rather fewer on the south wall 

 244 



