REPORT OF MEETINGS FOR 1904 145 



old ford a little lower down the river. Eemote from the 

 public highway, and seldom on view to strangers, Traquair 

 House occupies a charming site on the haughs of the 

 Tweed, which are beautifully wooded. Subjected to several 

 extensions, which at present form three sides of a square, 

 it preserves its antique appearance probably better than 

 any other inhabited house in Scotland. Passing through 

 the beautifully wrought iron gateway on the South-west of 

 the building, whence a memorable prospect opens out for 

 nearly half a mile along a grass drive flanked by double 

 rows of beeches, which have superseded the original firs, 

 and terminating in a gateway, with great pillars surmounted 

 by bears supporting armorial shields, the members were 

 received at the main door of the house by the proprietor, 

 The Honourable H. C. Maxwell-Stuart, his brother, and the 

 local agent, Mr Constable, all of whom did their utmost 

 to render their visit interesting and pleasant. Owing to 

 the feeble state of portions of the building which are 

 believed to date back to a period prior to the Norman 

 Conquest, only a small number could be admitted at one 

 time, but through the exercise of patience the whole party 

 were allowed to view the historic rooms and relics, and 

 partake of their host's kind hospitality. 



On the North and South sides of the square are low 



extended structures, one storey high with 

 Architec= attics, which serve as offices, while on the 

 tural North-east front of the house has been raised 



features. a high terrace, entering off each end of which 



is a square pavilion with an 0. G. roof. The 

 mansion itself belongs to at least three periods, the oldest 

 portion being a rectangular block at the North-east corner 

 of the quadrangle, with a projection enclosing the staircase. 

 The conjecture has been hazarded that this projection 

 supplied the original entrance, which owing to modern 

 requirements has been removed to the middle portion. To 

 the second period belongs an extension to the South-east, 

 which was widened so as to include the projecting staircase 

 of the older portion, and ornamented with turrets at the 

 angles. On the centre dormer window, facing the court- 

 yard, is carved the date 1642, thus marking the age of the 

 T 



