A VlStT TO TWeEDSIdE IN 1833 69 



[Here is inserted a sketch of fragment of the tomb of the 

 last abbot of Dryburgh.] 



On the summit of a high hill to the north of Dryburgh 

 the Earl of Buchan has erected a huge colossal statue of 

 Wallace and inscribed it to his memory. The figure stands 

 on a pedestal on which the following is engraved 



'Erected by David Stewart Erskine Earl of Buchan. 

 Wallace great patriot hero, ill requited chief. Joannes Smith 

 sculpsit, A.D. MDOCCXIV.' 



Much certainly cannot be said of the effect of the near 

 view of this immense pyle, but when seen from the opposite 

 side of the Tweed the tout ensemble is passable enough. 

 On the west side of the foot road is an urn thus inscribed 



Sacred to the Memory of 

 WALLACE 

 The peerless knight of Ellerslie 

 Who wav'd on Ayr's romantic shore 

 The beamy torch of liberty, 

 And roaming round from sea to sea 

 From glade obscure or gloomy rock 

 His bold compatriots call'd to free 

 The realm from Edward's iron yoke. 



From Dryburgh we went to Wallace's Monument and, 

 crossing Bemerside, we came to near Drygrange, and proceeded 

 up the banks of the Leader to Earlston, passing Cowden- 

 knows (Dr Home). 



The view from Bemerside [and] Gladswood up the Vale 

 of Tweed is most enchanting — without seeing it no adequate 

 idea of its rich beauties can possibly be formed — Old Melrose 

 opposite, Gladswood, Dryburgh, Eildon Hill, Abbotsford etc. 

 I can safely call the drive from Dryburgh to Earlston the 

 most luxuriant in point of fine and romantic scenery that 

 the south of Scotland affords. The near view of the woods 

 and pleasure grounds of Dryburgh and Old Melrose, from 

 Wallace's monument — the wide spreading vale of Tweed 

 studded with seats, and above all with that cynosure of 

 places, Abbotsford, as seen from Bemerside hill — and the 

 snatches of sweet, warm, woody, glen scenery from Drygrange 

 to Earlston by Cowdenknows form a succession of the most 

 splendid, gorgeous and lovely pictures. 



