1861.] BOTANICAL LETTERS FROM ARGYLESHIRE. 273 



There is some scope for the student of history and antiquarian 

 lore^ from its having been in former times the field of battles 

 and feudal warfare between the Campbells and McDonalds, lords 

 of the isles, and some of the Celtic chieftains of the Emerald 

 Isle. It has also been the scene of the labours of some of the 

 early apostles of the Christian Reformation, and at a later period 

 formed an asylum to the persecuted Covenanters. Here also 

 King Robert Bruce sought shelter and found it. There are 

 some ancient castles and burying-grounds ; of the latter at least 

 eighteen or twenty, possessing more or less interest to the anti- 

 quary and student of history. One of the most interesting ob- 

 jects of this description is an ancient stone cross which stands in 

 the centre of the town of Campbeltown. It is elevated some five 

 feet or six feet above the level of the street, on a platform, to 

 which a flight of steps leads. Underneath the platform is a fine 

 spring, which supplies this section of the town with water. The 

 cross itself is a fine piece of workmanship, consisting of Runic 

 knots and wreaths, and bears an inscription in raised Saxon cha- 

 racters on one side, telling who the owners were, and who erected 

 it. It was conveyed from the island of lona to its present site, 

 where it is a great ornament to the town, and is an object of 

 interest to all visitors. 



Kilkenan Castle stands also in the vicinity, said to have been 

 erected by King James V. of Scotland. Close to this ancient 

 Castle there is a beautiful and picturesque country, laid out about 

 two years ago, designed by Mr. J. Lothian, garden architect and 

 surveyor. It forms a fine promenade, and is much visited by 

 inhabitants and strangers. In an old burial-ground adjoining the 

 cemetery there are some moimments of considerable antiquity. 



I may mention in passing that agriculture is brought to liigh 

 perfection in this district. In some departments of this science 

 it is perhaps second to none in Scotland, and for which we are 

 chiefly indebted to the enterprising, intelligent, and energetic 

 commissioner to his Grace the Duke of Argyle, who is the chief 

 proprietor in the district, ample communication being affbrded 

 between the highland and the lowland districts by steamers daily. 

 The harbour of Campbeltown is one of the best in the kingdom, 

 and the first on the west coast of Scotland. 



Cantyre is a field for the sportsman and lover of the gun, 

 good game being abundant. Most of the lands are occupied for 



y. s, VOL. V. 2 N 



