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."