erous, but he
abstracted from Inchaffray a stone to be utilised for this solemn
purpose. The writer quite lately identified the stone as the lid of the
coffin of Abbot Maurice. There is the figure of a battle-axe engraved
upon the slab.

And now we return to the point from which we started. All that the
passer-by can see of this object is a chimney-crowned gable. Nearer
approach shows an arched chamber. But the whole history of an
interesting past appears to be covered with debris. It is impossible to
fancy the feelings of Abbot or Earl were he to rise from his tomb and
hear to what uses the fabric of his cherished house was being devoted.
Pig-styes, barn-walls, fences--these comprise the objects to which the
"holy stones" are set. _O tempora, O mores_.

If these words should meet the eye of antiquarian enthusiasts, and should
happen to stir within them the desire of research, a welcome and a
courteous lodging will be found at the Manse of Maderty.

A SOUTHERN OUTPOST ON THE EDGE OF THE HIGHLANDS

By Rev. HUGH M. JAMIESON, Monzie

Monzie--a southern outpost on the edge of the Highlands--is said to
derived from the Gaelic _Moeghe_, signifying "a good plain." It is a
long, narrow, irregular parish, extending for nearly twelve miles up
both sides of the River Almond, until it touches, on the north, the
parishes of Dull, Weem, and Kenmore.

The vale of Monzie--the southern boundary of the parish--where stands
the church, the hamlet, and the Castle of Monzie, extends for nearly
three miles in a north-east direction, gradually rising to the height
of several hundred feet. The most striking peculiarity of the
surroundings of Monzie is the combination of wild and mountainous
scenery with cultivation and picturesqueness. One of the finest views
in the whole of Strathearn can be had from the Highland Road, to the
east of the church. In the foreground are the luxuriant woods, the
rich pastures, and the Castle of Monzie, and at a distance of seven or
eight miles is the Aberuchill range, towering in majesty on the
horizon, with the giant Ben Voirlich just visible over their heads. A
little to the left is Turleum--a conical-shaped hill of respectable
altitude; while Benchonzie and other off-shoots of the Grampians bound
the view on the north. The general effect is exceedingly beautiful,
and the mingling, within a short distance, of the sublime and the
picturesque is probably not surpassed anywhere in Scotlan