174 Field Meetings. 
and on the apex of the gable is a bell turret. The east gable is 
pierced by three narrow lancet - topped windows, The dressings 
of the door and window spaces are hewn and chamfered. The chancel 
arch is a pointed one, and its ring is double chamfered. On the 
jambs of the archway are formed round pointed edged, shafts, having 
capitals, the necks of which are bell-shaped and their upper members are 
semi-octagonal on plan. Over the chancel arch the wall is carried up to 
form the west gable of the chancel. The walls are built of whinstone, and 
the dressings are of millstone grit. The style of the building is early 
English, some members of the capitals of the chancel arch shafts being 
allied to Norman work. A glance is sufficient to discover that this little 
parish church had its origin in pre-reformation times. There is, well 
marked, the arrangement and division of it, suitable for the service of the 
old religion—church and chancel. The architectural character of the 
edifice indicates considerable antiquity, the forms exhibited being common 
in buildings belonging to the end of the 12th and the early part of the 13th 
centuries. The church of Buittle is mentioned as early as 1297, when 
Master Richard de Havering, clericus, had letters of presentation to the 
Church of Botel, vacant, and in the gift of the King, addressed to the 
Bishop of Candida Casa. The church, the remains of which are before 
described, is probably the same building to which Richard de Havering 
was presented by Edward I. of England. In this same building also we 
may suppose the pious Lady Devorgilla often worshipped when residing at 
her neighbouring castle of Botel (from whence she dated her statutes relat- 
ing to the endowment of Balliol College, Oxford, in the year 1282), as did 
also her son John Balliol, King of Scotland, and the subsequent Lords of 
Galloway, the Earls of Douglas. The church was dedicated to St. Col- 
monel. It was probably granted, as was that of Kirkennan in 1275, by 
Lady Devorgilla to the Abbey of Sweetheart, as there is mention of it 
being regranted by her successors in the Lordship of Galloway to that 
Abbey, and in which connection it continued until the passing of the 
Annexation Act in the year 1587. The old church of Buittle is worthy of 
being better known than it appears to be. It is a fine specimen of an 
ancient Scottish parish church, rare at least in this district, and as a land- 
mark of history it is interesting and valuable. 
Leaving the churchyard the party directed their steps towards 
Munches, over Kirkennan hill, and through Kirkennan wood, 
which was strewn with fallen trees, the effects of the severe 
storms of the winter 1882-83. Arriving at Munches about 5.30, 
they were met by Mr Maxwell and Mrs Maxwell, and most 
hospitably entertained, as the other party had already been. 
After luncheon the gardens and policies were inspected. 
On the motion of Dr Grierson, seconded by Rector Chinnock, 
a vote of thanks was accorded to Mr and Mrs Maxwell, and to 
Mr Wellwood Maxwell, for the hearty reception given, and the 
kindly interest taken in the Society. Having bade adieu to Mr 
=< Eee 
