BOOK OF DOVECOTES 



is formed; these being so laid that finally a cen- 

 tral aperture is left. Over this is now a cupola, 

 probably a later addition. 



A square dovecote offers nogreat prospect of 

 a potence to be seen inside; and here there is 

 none in the stricterapplicationof theterm. But 

 its place is adequately taken by a central stone 

 pillar, fitted to a considerable height with pro- 

 jecting stone steps which gave an easy access 

 to the nests. The building probably dates from 

 about the time of Henry VIII. 



I n the same district, at Llaneugraid, is agood 

 Elizabethan dovecote, formingthe upper story 

 to an open shelter below. It is four-gabled, with 

 a cupola to match; is lighted by diamond-shap- 

 ed windows, and has a string-course round the 

 walls. Inside there are about one hundred nests. 



Before closing this somewhat inadequate 

 description of a few Welsh dovecotes — all that 

 space permits — a word is due to one example 

 long since passed away. Were it in place to- 

 day it would almost certainly enjoy the dis- 

 tinction of being the only pentagonal speci- 

 men in the kingdom. 



This building once stood in the courtyard 

 204 



