90 REPORT OF MEETINGS FOR 1901 



printed on the walls. Mr McLaren explained that one of 

 the ministers had an amanuensis, who took notes of the 

 sermons, and inscribed the texts* as we saw them. 



During the walk around the churchyard we observed the 

 remains of old stones, In the heap was a grave cover, with 

 what appeared to be a representation of a guild cross and 

 pair of shears, etc. There was much speculation as to the 

 meaning of the carvings, and Mr Lynn, whose opinion was 

 that the stone must date back to the thirteenth century, 

 urged that something should be done for its preservation. 



Seats being once more taken, the carriages were soon moving 

 along the road to Marlefield House, where we were heartily 

 welcomed by Mr and Mrs Athol S. Hay. This fine old place 

 was the home of Sir William Bennet, the intimate friend of 

 the poets James Thomson (author of " The Seasons ")" and 

 Allan Ramsay, who visited him there, and drew inspiration 

 from the natural beauties around. Sir William has been 

 deemed by some to be the prototype of Eamsay's " Sir William 

 Worthy." Though Mr Hay, when he purchased the estate 

 some years ago, made certain alterations, the old character 

 of the house is wonderfully well preserved. Over the entrance 

 are still to be seen the Bennet arms, and Mr Hay quoted 

 the opinion that the centre part of the house was perhaps 

 200 years older than the wings. It had beien discovered during 

 alterations that no lime had been used in the construction of 

 this old part, but only hair and mud. This, and the great 

 thickness of the walls, would indicate that the house was 

 originally a tower or stronghold. The broad staircase inside 

 is believed to have been built by Sir Christopher Wren. Our 

 short visit to the gardens was made under the guidance of 

 Mr Robertson. Wealth of timber distinguishes the Marlefield 

 estate, and the rows of stately beech and lime trees are 

 admirable. 



In this vicinity, but lower down the Kale, is the estate of 

 Haughhead, which, in Charles II. 's reign, was in possession 

 of that zealous Covenanter Hobbie or Henry Hall, and there 

 is a deep ravine where the persecuted people used to assemble 

 for worship. Still further down the river are several artificial 



* glome of these " te^ta " are from the Odes of Horace ! 



