Magnus, the Saint of Orkney, to whom it was dedicated. Its length from east to west is 236 feet; its breadth 56; the arms of the cross are 30 feet long and 33 broad; the height of the roof is 71 feet, and from the level of the floor to the summit of the steeple are 140 feet. The roof, which is vaulted with Gothic arches, is supported by twenty-eight pillars, fourteen on each side, besides four of uncommon strength, that serve to support the spire; and while the rest of the pillars are only 15 feet, these are 24 In circumference. The east window, which in point of size and symmetry excels all the rest, is 12 feet broad, and 36 feet in height, including one at the top, which was called a rosewindow, twelve feet in diameter. In the south arm of the cross there is another rose-window of the same dimensions. The whole edifice is grand, simple, and wonderfully regular; and happily, from its remote situation, and the disposition of the people, it survived the tumultuous storms which levelled many a superb edifice to the ground. It is now the parish church of the town of Kirkwall. Near the Cathedral stands an ancient ruin, called the Bishop's Palace, which appears to have been very extensive rather than regular. Here Ilaco, king of Norway, resided for some time, after his return from the fatal battle of Lengs, in 1263, and died on the 15th of December of that year. The magnificent ruins. of the palace of the ancient Earls, the sovereigns of Orkney, are on the west side of the town. PAISLEY ABBEY CHURCH. A little to the south of the inn is the abbey church, the only one which Paisley formerly required. This church, when entire, has been a most noble building, and consisted of several distinct and separate places of worship; and what now remains of that magnificent Gothic structure is still worthy of notice and admiration. "The great north window," says Mr. Pennant," is a noble ruin, the arch very lofty, and the middle pillar wonderfully light, and still entire only the chancel now remains, which is divided into a middle and two side aisles, by very lofty pillars, with Gothic arches: above these is another range of pillars, much larger, being the segment of a circle, and above, a row of arched niches from end to end; over which the roof terminates in a sharp point.. The outside of the building is decorated with a profusion of ornaments, especially the great west and north doors, than which any thing. lighter or richer can scarcely be imagined. Close by the church is the aisle or burying place of the family of Abercorn, which, in the opinion of the tourist already quoted, "is by much the greatest curiosity in Paisley. It is a small vaulted Gothic chapel, without pulpit, pew, or any other ornament whatever; but has the finest echo perhaps in the world. When the end door (the only one it has) is shut, it is equal to a loud and very near clap of thunder. If you strike a single note of music, you hear the sound gradually ascending, and a great number of repetitions, till it dies away at an immense distance, and all the while diffusing itself through the circumambient air. If a good voice sings, or a musical instrument is played upon, the effect is inexpressibly agreeable. The deepest, as well as the most acute tones, are distinctly reverberated, and these at regular intervals of time. When a musical instrument is sounded it has the effect of a number of the like size and kind playing in concert." ANCIENT CASTLES. THE Castles erected by the ancient Scottish barons are very numerous, but few of them are of that extent which is frequently to be met with in England and Wales; and they consist, for the most part, of a huge tower, with an adjoining court-yard. We shall describe the plan of the more perfect castles. In the construction of ancient castles in Scotland, the following mode was usually employed. Beyond the ditch of the castle, was the barbican, or watch-tower. The ditch was made broad and deep, and when it could be kept filled with water, the castle was more secure. From the barbican to the outer gate, was either a standing, or, still better, a drawbridge, which was let down or lifted up by a portcullis. The entrance of the outer wall was by a strong embattled gate, with a tower on each side; the warden resided over the gate, and a guard was in each tower. The outer wall was embattled with a parapet, with chinks, called oillets, from which arrows might be discharged. Flights of steps, at convenient distances, enabled the soldiers of the garrison to ascend on the wall. Within the yard, were the houses for the soldiers and artificers, the wells to supply water, and a chapel for divine worship. In the centre of the yard was the dungeon or keep, the residence of the governor or chief. It was usually surrounded with a ditch, with a drawbridge, and embattled gates. The staircases were narrow, for the facility of defence, when reduced to the last peril. The wall was of vast thickness, and within it were places for beds. At a considerable height from the ground, was the state room of the governor or chief. Other apartments were higher up. The floors of the different stories were vaulted, and fire-proof. The top of the keep was flat, and from it there was a view of the surrounding country, as well as of all the works of the castle immediately below. The parapet wall, at the top, was embattled. Many of the habitations of the baronial proprietors were, however, merely a solitary tower of very thick strong walls, and narrow windows. The cattle were secured in the lower story, or in a small yard adjoining the castle, and protected by its vicinity. The lofty castles of the ancient barons, with their ditch surrounding them, were well calculated for defence. Into the court-yard the cattle could be driven for shelter. The thick walls were impregnable to any force which could be brought against them. Every kind of missile weapon could be discharged with effect on the assailants. Melted lead might be thrown upon them, and finding its way through their iron covering, would be terrible in its effect; so also could Hot burning pitch, and scalding stinking tar, |