26 Transactions. 
Ornamental foliage surrounds many of the shields, and many of 
the bosses of the roof have also borne this description of decora- 
tion. Two groups of oak leaves and acorns on the front of the 
Piscina are closely after nature, otherwise the floriated work is 
less natural, and many of the 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 resemblance to sculpture, and 
it is only after a careful study of them that some appreciation of 
their original excellence is gained. 
The effigy of Margaret, Countess of Douglas, which lay upon 
the 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 
breast. 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 has been a work of art fitted 
to cover the remains of a princess and adorn this beautiful 
Church. 
The trunk of another small female figure, much broken, has 
been found, which also indicates great care and minuteness of 
ee 
