REPORT OF MEETINGS FOR 1904 147 



varied with floral scrolls, around whose borders are traced 

 Scripture quotations in old German lettering, which have 

 unfortunately lost much of their original brightness. In 

 the same room was shown a secret staircase leading down 

 to the Tweed, which at one time flowed close by the 

 North-east corner of the house, but whose channel was 

 diverted some distance higher up, giving place to an 

 artificial lake surrounded by fine old trees, and the sanctuary 

 of numerous water-fowl. The staircase has always been 

 explained as having been employed as a means of safety 

 for persecuted priests ; and it is related that on one occasion 

 a lady visitor made the demand to be allowed to explore 

 its hidden exit, to which the jealous owner made answer 

 by giving instructions for its being entirely built up during 

 the night ! It is situated on a level with the room pointed 

 out as originally used for a private chapel, which doubtless 

 has given rise to the legend that it was reserved solely for 

 the safe conduct of the clergy. In a very ancient and 

 propped-up lumber-room were exhibited a spinet of date 

 1651, constructed by Andreas Ruckers of Antwerp, an early 

 Italian violincello inlaid on both sides, and samples of 

 antique tapestry. In the Library much interest was evinced 

 in a fine folio copy of the "Nuremberg Chronicle," a 

 German history of the world, printed in Nuremberg in 1493, 

 whose original in Latin was produced in the same place 

 and at the same date. It is most remarkable for the number 

 and the beauty of its woodcuts, of which there are very many. 

 There was shown also a counterpane for a cradle, wrought 

 in low-toned crewel wool in which blue is the prevailing 

 colour, by Queen Mary and her waiting-women. In the 

 Drawing-room stand the cradle of King James VI., made 

 in oak, and a cabinet of priceless Jacobite relics, including 

 a lock of Prince Charlie's hair. This room communicates 

 with one which retains the title of Queen Mary's Room, 

 though the coat of arms, showing the initials M.R. with 

 unicorns as supporters, was taken from it and placed above 

 the door of the present Dining-room. A valuable collection 

 of family portraits adorns the walls of the Dining-room, 

 including a fine picture of the Seton family painted on 

 wood, which is the original of a much prized replica. 



