xii.J LIFE IN ST. ANDREWS. 411 



Now that the mullions are partly in the windows, and 

 the roof is visible through the scaffolding, the grandeur 

 of the whole is really conspicuous. The wretched fir- 

 boxes of pews cannot, we hope, be allowed to remain, 

 but will be replaced by the open seating, for which Mr, 

 Matheson has sent an estimate to the Board of Works. 



' It is also an encouragement for the Board of Works 

 that there is every probability that several of the windows 

 will be very soon filled with painted glass through 

 private exertions. The Lord Justice-General has under- 

 taken to fill one ; another has been nearly subscribed 

 for to the memory of Dr. Chalmers ; and two more 

 have been undertaken. Considering that it is the last 

 relic of old St. Andrews which admits of thorough 

 restoration, I think it is to be desired on public grounds 

 that it should be well done. 



' Your Grace may perhaps recollect that you are presi- 

 dent of a literary and philosophical society here. We 

 have recently memorialized the Board of Works to put 

 up a bulwark against the encroachments of the sea on 

 the eastern side of Beaton's Castle, which are annually 

 becoming more desperate. Lumps of the masonry on the 

 eastern side of the Castle are annually falling on the beach 

 below, owing to the excavation of beds of soft shale by 

 the waves. In a few years the fourth side of the castle 

 court will be no more, unless promptly protected. Will you 

 be so good as to plead this too ? I sent a photograph to 

 -Mr. Cowper, clearly showing the state of matters. 



' Will you have the goodness to say to the Duchess 

 that the St. Leonard's Hall continues to prosper, and that 

 we like Mr. Rhoades more and more. We have now 

 fortunately secured a thorough housekeeper, who has put 

 the whole establishment on an excellent footing. We 

 have also got a five years' lease of the premises, subject 

 to the life rent of Lady Play fair/ 



The destruction by the waves of the fine old sea-to\\ < r, 

 the palace of tl 1'rim airs of Scotland, goes on op 

 Thr- ruin bcloDgs to tin- ( 'rmvn, and is perhaps more rich 



