Plate XXII.
EGLINTON CASTLE.
ALTHOUGH this part of the
country cannot boast of the rude magnificence and picturesque
grandeur of
the Highlands, yet its milder features and more polished beauties
are highly deserving of attention; and
the noble owners of Eglinton Castle and its domain have succeeded
in adding to the beauties of this spot,
and to the comfort of its inhabitants.
This Castle is in the
parish of Kilwinning, in the county of Ayr, and was built by the
present earl.
The remains of the old castle, which General Monk formerly
garrisoned for some time, were destroyed,
when this was erected. The architect, Mr. Patterson, has happily
succeeded in the "adaptation of
Gothic outline to the details of modern accommodation," a style not
unfrequent in North Britain: and
while the external part carries the mind of the spectator to those
ancient times, when strength and security
were the objects in country residences, the comforts and elegance
of the internal structure are suited to
the most civilized and polished age. The park and grounds owe
almost all their beauty to the hands of
man: it has been as it were created by the employment of good
taste. "The whole extent of the planta-
tions (see Local Scenery of Scotland) which are very considerable,
affords scarcely any variety of ground;
but where there
is a gentle eminence it has been encouraged, and the most that
could be done by a favour-
able disposition of the trees and walks, has been done. While a
small brook, stealing through the park,
has been encouraged to spread its stream over a larger
surface."