REPORT OF THE MEETINGS FOR 1899 57 



of worn-out roads — this Tower, I say, was of great extent 

 and of enormous strength. It was said by the officials of 

 the last Government Survey to be the finest specimen of a 

 Border Peel in their large experience. ' Portions of it ' — 

 I quote from ' Notes on Maxton ' in our Transactions — 

 ' are, as usual, of different dates, the earliest probably of 

 the first half of the 14th century, and the most recent 200 

 years later. It was of an unusually large scale, for the 

 plough now reveals that it covered a wide surrounding area. 

 In shape it was a half-moon on the western, and an oblong 

 square on the eastern side, while on the south side it 

 appears to have jutted out considerably beyond the western 

 oval tower, for some of its foundations in this direction were 

 taken up not many years ago.' It will be observed that 

 there are three tiers of loop-h(des — an uncommon number — 

 and so placed as to command every approach. On the top- 

 most battlement there ran all round a bartizan, 3 feet high, 

 portions of which may still be seen. 



" It will also be noticed how Nature has lent her own 

 charms in a bit of exquisite scenery amid which to rear a 

 mansion ; and how also, with the river on the north side 

 and a deep steep dell on the east side, sources of offence 

 and defence, very rarely combined, were thus furnished to 

 the fortunate inmates. With walls so thick, and loop-holes 

 so skilfully placed, and these natural advantages, the Kers 

 could slumber in peaceful security. 



"The thrilling incidents, not always very creditable, of the 

 Border feuds and raids are too well-known and threadbare 

 to patch together now ; but sooth to say, no more valiant, 

 or aggressive, or skilful cattle lifters ever haunted or 

 hunted hill and dale, with delicious disregard to meum and 

 tuihm, than these grand old gentlemen of Cessford and 

 Littledean. It was their nature to, and they gave ready 

 response to their excursive instincts. 



" The most noted, perhaps, of these worthies, who now 

 rest from their labours (predatory and otherwise), departed 

 this life in a curiously tragic form close by these mouldering 

 walls. He had a favourite bull, celebrated for its beauty, 

 which the old gentleman was fond of showing to his guests. 

 Clothing himself in a red dressing gown, he led it from its 

 I 



