EXCURSION V. 109 



less than from six to eight tons. Somewhere about here, 

 or near the old hotel, past which is the most approved path 

 to Goatfell, there formerly projected over the cliff a very 

 large ancient yew-tree, called the "hanging yew;" hanging, 

 alas ! in a double sense ; for upon it, in the wild rule of some 

 of the old bailiffs or stewards, who in the absence of their 

 lords held despotic sway in Arran, summary justice, without 

 trial, was wont to be executed. But we must pass up to 

 examine the castle. 



56. Brodick Castle stands on a terraced platform of the 

 sloping hill-side, at an elevation of 125 feet above the sea 

 level, towards which several successive terraces descend to a 

 distance of 400 yards, ending in the old sea cliff, here about 

 25 feet in height. The situation is thus fine and command- 

 ing, and the views from the principal apartments extensive 

 and beautiful. The building is in the old baronial style, 

 with battlemented roof, and is three storeys in height. A 

 lofty tower, with terraced gables, and flanked with turrets, 

 forms the south-west corner of the building. From the 

 battlements of this tower the sea and mountain view is very 

 grand. The alterations and additions made by the late 

 Duke, when Marquis of Douglas, and which were completed 

 in 1844, have fully doubled the capacity of the building, 

 and harmonize admirably with the ancient portion. The 

 entrance is by the west front ; and the building terminates 

 eastward in a ruined tower, clad with ivy and stunted 

 fuchsias, whose erection dates back at least 300 years, and 

 which is carefully kept in preservation. The handsome 

 grounds about the castle are laid out in a style admirably 

 suited to the situation. Off the south-east angle of the 

 castle there is a beautiful flower garden, sloping southwards 

 from the base of the first terrace, whose summit is crowned 

 with a row of splendid old plane trees; and there are many 

 fine limes, beeches, and other trees, in the older portion 

 of the woods about the castle. The disposition of the woods 

 towards the north has been greatly improved within a few 

 years by transplanting. 



