thefe tremendous fixations, chofen by our anceftors for fafety and refuge in an age 
of feud and rapine, without feeling a grateful fenfe of the fuperior aera of fociety 
at which we are arrived, when fecurity and peace may dwell in the lowlieft cot, an 
the moft {lender building, as well as in the fenced city or fortified tower. 
The ifthmus which joins the rock, on which Findlater Caftle was built, to the land, 
is cut down into a deep chafm, over which the draw-bridge fell ; as was ufual m 
thefe fortreffes, for the fecurity of the garrifon or family which occupied them.. 
Adjoining to the precipices which lie in front of the Caftle, there had been ex- 
tenfive inclofures, with ditches and ramparts, drawn round large trafts of groun *• 
the remains of many ftone-buildings are fcattered over this area ; and had been the 
free and fpacious courts of the ftrong hold of which the caftle on the rock was the 
citadel. 
The refidence was, from time immemorial, occupied by branches of the family 
Findlater ; and was only relinquifhed for more commodious and inland feats towards 
the end of James the Sixth’s reign. 
The dawn of a more aufpicious age, when civil 'difeords were fubfifting, would 
open numerous inducements for noblemen and chieftains to choofe more fertile an 
pleafant fituations, where they could plant, have gardens, and enjoy rural avoca 
tions, and the entertainments of the field and ftream. 
The prefent feat and refidence of the earl of Findlater and Seajield , Cullen-TJotifCf 
is in one of the moft charming fituations in the country, for variety of ground, and 
abounds in pifturefque and pleafing feenery ; which is yearly receiving additions 
beauties from the unwearied attention, and diftinguifhed tafte, of its noble owner.- 
