58 REPORTS OF MEETINGS FOR 1909 



attributed to Robert Ker about 1558. An addition on the 

 East was made when the propei'ty came into the possession 

 of the Scott family, and more recently another on the 

 West side by Sir William Scott, Bart., each contributing to 

 the concealment of the original structure. On entering the 

 park the members were conducted, by a steep and somewhat 

 dangerous path along the face of the cliffs overhanging the Ale, 

 to the cave-dwellings dug out of the sandstone, which resemble 

 those at Lintalee on Jed water, Roxburgh on Teviot, and 

 Grahamslaw on Kale water. Through the kind forethought 

 of Miss Scott, the narrow and slippery path along the ledge of 

 rock leading to them had been rendered comparatively safe, in 

 consequence of which most of the party were able to reach 

 the largest of the thirteen without any mishap. It measures 

 13 feet 9 inches by 15 feet 4 inches, and 9 feet to the apex of 

 the bee-hived roof, entrance being gained by two doorways. 

 The precise purpose of these dweUings is difficult to determine ; 

 but their remoteness and the difficulty of reaching them suggest 

 the idea of a retreat, or place of shelter, in time of trouble. 

 Situated about 40 feet above the channel of the stream and 

 inaccessible from above, they formed a place of defence which a 

 comparatively small number could hold against a multitude 

 unprovided with the modern means of assault. A steep ascent 

 through the deer-park brought the party in front of the mansion, 

 which is sheltered from the East by a remarkable line of Limes 

 of great age and magnificent proportions.* Throughout the 

 grounds there is an abundance of fine timber, some of which 



* A list of these is incladed in the report of the meeting of 27th 

 July 1888, and it may be interesting): for the sake of comparison to 

 record the latest measarements which have been obtained at 5 feet 

 from the ground : — 



Lime (opposite main-door) 



(on right of door) 



(on right of drive) 



(South of mansion, with wide-spread branches) 



Elm (South of mansion) 



- Do. do. 



Ash (South of mansion) 



- Do. do. 



Feet 



Inch( 



17 



7 



26 



2 



14 



7 



15 





17 



8 



15 



2 



14 



10 



12 



IX 



