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 this 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 the 29th May, 1793, between Alexander Fergusson of Iyl and 
Agnes 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, who had been elected a 
member of Parliament for Dumfriesshire, and gained much 
popularity for the opposition he displayed towards the union of 
the English and Scotch Parliaments. For this he was publicly 
thanked by the citizens of Dumfries, and made a burgess of 
Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, Tain, and Lochmaben. Some of the 
burgess tickets, and especially that of Glasgow, were beautifully 
Uluminated by hand, and the latter bore the date 1770. 
Numerous title-deeds bearing the seal of the Earl Melross were 
also inspected. 
On leaving the tower the party adjourned to the 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, were elected Ordinary Members ; and, on the motion 
_ of the President, the thanks of the Society were awarded to Mr 
_ and Mrs Fergusson for granting them permission to see this 
d interesting building, and for their cordial and hospitable 
_ reception. 
Having taken leave of their host and hostess, the party walked 
along the Nith 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 
