220 Rejport of the Meetings for 1893. 



great natural strength, being surrounded by deep ravines on 

 three sides, and, as is usual in such cases, without any fortification 

 on these sides. On the fourth side, however, which is much 

 more accessible, it is defended by a very deep trench and lofty 

 rampart, with a lower rampart outside. On the opposite slope 

 of the ravine, to the south-east, there is a remarkable terrace, 

 the object of which is not apparent. All along the summit of 

 the ridge, and particularly on the balcony of Eaecleughhead 

 farmhouse, near its western extremity, magnificent views of the 

 surrounding country were obtained. The prospect to the south 

 and east, embracing the extensive and richly-wooded plain of 

 the Merse, flanked on either hand by the Lammermoors and 

 Cheviots, is one of the finest in the south of Scotland, and was 

 gazed upon with admiration and delight. In a hollow near the 

 top of a knoll, in Covert Park, a short distance to the south-east 

 of Raecleughhead, several stone coffins were discovered about 60 

 years ago. According to tradition a considerable village existed 

 here in the middle ages, probably inhabited by retainers of the 

 feudal lords of Langton. Still further to the south-east is a 

 park known as Little Byres — a name of uncertain etymology — 

 near the foot of which is the site of the ancient Castle or Tower 

 of Langton. No remains are left, but the inequalities of the 

 grassy surface unmistakeably indicate the existence at one time 

 of pretty extensive buildings on the spot. A natural moat 

 surrounds the site. Langton Castle has many historical associa- 

 tions. James IV. sent his artillery here on l7th September 

 1496, in the inglorious expedition known as the Eaid of EUem ; 

 and there is the inevitable tradition of entertainment having 

 been given for one night within its walls to Mary Queen of 

 Scots. 



DE LA BA8TIE. 



It will be remembered, too, that it was in the neighbourhood 

 of Langton Tower that the gallant and accomplished Sir Anthony 

 d'Arcy de la Bastie, more commonly known as the Chevalier de 

 la Beaute, was treacherously attacked by the Homes on 20th 

 September 1517. His flight through Duns, and slaughter near 

 Swallowdean, form a well-known episode in Border history. 

 Michel, in his interesting work, ^Les Ecossais en France,'' thus 

 describes the occurrence — his eloquent brevity contrasting sig- 

 nificantly with the apologetic difltuseness of the earlier and 

 better known narrative of Hume of Godseroft — "In order to 



