REPOBTS OF MEETINGS FOR 1909 57 



drive, bordered on both sides with handsome rows of vigorous 

 Conifers. Here a delightful surprise awaited them in the 

 shape of light refreshments provided by the Marchioness of 

 Lothian, who at a later stage received the party, and expressed 



her pleasure in seeing them. On their way 

 Monteviot. to the mansion they had their attention drawn 



to several noteworthy trees, among them being 

 an Oak, with a clean bole of 36 feet, girthing 10 feet 2 inches; 

 a native variety of Lime (Tilia grandifolia), with broad leaves, 

 downy beneath; and a healthy specimen of Ahies Pinsapo, 

 measuring 8 feet 7 inches at 5 feet from the ground. Above 

 the lintel of the main door of the mansion is engraved the 

 motto Simplex munditiis, and in keeping with this Horatian 

 legend was the aspect of the grounds. From the broad terrace 

 a fine prospect, commanding the placid surface of the Teviot 

 and the wooded heights of Bonjedward in the background, 

 evoked general admiration, its picturesque beauty and seclusion 

 being enhanced by the complete concealment of any public 

 roadway. The landscape was lit up with a gentle sunshine, 

 which revealed from the mansion the greensward dotted here 

 and there with a variety of flower-beds, whose scheme of colour 

 betokened the artistic taste of their designer. Reluctant to 

 quit a scene of peace and loveliness, the members re-assembled 

 on the terrace, and through the President acknowledged the 

 hospitable reception extended to them by their noble hostess. 

 About 2 o'clock the journey was continued along the Western 

 approach towards Ancrum, where the pre-historic caves in 

 the sandstone cliffs on the North bank of the Ale water formed 



the chief object of interest". It would appear 

 Ancrum. that the original spelling was Alnecrumbe, that 



is, bend of the Alne, a tributary of the Teviot, 

 and that its Church and territory till the Reformation belonged 

 to the Bishop of Glasgow, whose palace there occupied a site 

 which in modern times has been named the Malton Walls. 

 The lands were divided into Nether Ancrum, the barony of 

 the Bishop, which now belongs to the Duke of Roxburgh, and 

 Over Ancrum, which comprised the site of the Castle, and is 

 now the property of Miss Scott. This Border stronghold 

 was built at three different periods, the oldest portion being 

 I 



