CULZEAN 



AYKSHIRE 



HREE hundred years ago, probably the 

 last place in the realm that any student 

 of horticulture would choose for his 

 tranquil vocation would be that lofty 

 bluff on the Firth of Clyde whereon 

 stands Culzean Castle, 1 for this was of old the 

 stronghold of a branch of the Kennedys the most 

 powerful and turbulent clan in south-western Scot- 

 land after the fall of the Black Douglas. 



" From Wigtown to the toun of Ayr, 

 Portpa trick to the Cruives o' Cree, 

 Nae man need think for to bide there 

 Unless he ride wi' Kennedy." 



Culzean remains to this day the principal residence 

 of the Marquess of Ailsa, head of the clan ; and, 

 forasmuch as the zest of tranquillity and order is 

 greatly enhanced by contrast with the insecurity 

 of an elder time, it may be permitted to admit 

 the reader to a glimpse of the state of society when 

 the Kennedys were a formidable power in the land, 



J It is pronounced Cullkne. 

 167 



