BOOK OF DOVECOTES 



to imply some mystic meaning, a point which 

 shall be left untouched. They are arranged in 

 twenty tiers of thirty-three nests each, alight- 

 ing-ledges being provided to alternate tiers. 



The holes are of that L shape usually seen 

 in the "best" English dovecotes. The entrance 

 to each is seven inches square, and the hole, 

 after extending into the thickness of the wall 

 for seventeen inches, turns at a right angle; all 

 the nests in one tier turn in the same direction, 

 those in the tier immediately above it and below 

 it being reversed. This shape, seldom seen in 

 Scotland, afforded the birds greater seclusion 

 and more space. The whole of the internal 

 masonry work is of the most elaborate and ac- 

 curately fitting description. 



Moreover brother Richard did not limit his 

 inscriptions to the date and statement carved 

 above the door. Just opposite the entrance, 

 fourteen nest-tiers from the floor, he graved 

 the name "Gilbertus." Who was Gilbertus.? 

 We now ask in vain. Perhaps the superior of 

 the commandery, possibly a workman who as- 

 sisted Richard at his task. 



Some rather boastful and exulting symbols, 

 50 



