38 



LETTER IV. 



Closeburn, August 14, 1813. 



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j. HE first object of our attention this morning 

 was a considerable tract of reclaimed bog, which 

 lies directly below the house. It may admit of 

 a question, whether in point of profit, or of 

 beauty, this improvement is most to be com- 

 mended. On the verge of the morass the castle 

 of Closeburn presents itself in a perfect state, 

 affording a very complete specimen of border 

 policy and protection in former times. The 

 walls are thick, with small apertures, or loop- 

 holes the rooms lofty and dark. Light or 

 prospect was little regarded, security being 

 the only object in the construction of these 

 mansions for man and beast. The basement 

 story, which is arched, was appropriated to the 

 reception of their own cattle, and after success- 

 ful inroads, to those of their English neighbours. 



The first story, or suite of apartments, was 

 reserved for the lord ; the second for his re- 

 tainers. The difficulty of approaching formed 

 no inconsiderable security to the strength of the 



