86 REPORT OF MEETINGS FOR 1901 



subjected to examination, it is possible tbat they might still 

 yield a deposit similar to that of the Yorkshire caves. I 

 must acknowledge, however, that the caves of similar character 

 at Orailing, which have been examined, have only yielded 

 articles of much later date, suggesting that they have been 

 occupied as hiding-places during the Religious Troubles of 

 the 17th century. On the other hand, at Sunlaws, traces 

 of pre-historic burials— in the form of two stone coffins, one 

 of which contained a cinerary urn — were discovered in the 

 adjoining field, quarter of a mile off, some five and twenty 

 years ago. By the orders of the late laird, these coffins 

 were left undisturbed. To sum up, I think we may be safe 

 in pronouncing these caves pre-historic, and in considering 

 them, along with the incised stones which may be seen in 

 Northumberland, as amongst the most ancient relics of man 

 existent in the Border country. Coming down to later uses 

 to which these caves have been put, one of them, known as 

 'Lady Chatto's Dove-cot,' is said to have been used as such 

 by Christian Kerr, born about 1685, who succeeded to her 

 father in 1721 as heiress of Sunlaws and Chatto. The 

 * Horse Cave ' was used for concealing horses likely to be 

 commandeered by Prince Charlie, at the time of his march 

 through this part of the country in 1745. Similarly the 

 ' Branxholm MS. Book,' the property of Charles Grieve, 

 Esq., of Branxholm, records that the horses on that estate 

 were sent out of the way when a visit from the Prince 

 was expected." 



From the caves, still under the guidance of Mr R. T. Rae, 

 we passed through the extensive and pretty gardens of Sunlaws ; 

 and then rejoining the carriages continued the drive to Eckford, 

 where the first object of interest was Kirkbank House, an 

 early residence of the well-known Border poetess. Lady John 

 Scott. Mr George Borthwick conducted us through the house, 

 which is very dilapidated, but its situation is picturesque, 

 and we were glad to hear that it is the intention of the 

 Duke of Buccleuch to repair and rebuild it. The front drawing 

 room window is curious, being so made as to afford different 

 views of the valley of the Kale, and from this window our 

 attention was called to a torch-holder in the cleft of a tree 

 near by. It was explained that the holder was placed there by 



