Summer at the Lake of Monteith

Inchmahome.
communication with the Nunnery, situated on a more
southern portion of the Island, and it appears to have
been arched over, as part of the arches still remain. The
holy water basin was a beautiful relic of the past, and
might long have remained to point the mind back to the
days that are gone, had not an ignorant native taken it
into his head that money was concealed below it, and
smashed it to pieces. The marks of this murderous pick
are still visible. This basin was hewn out of solid stone,
beautifully ornamented; and, until recently destroyed, was
as perfect as when it left the chisel, seven hundred years
ago.
Between the corner, where stand the remains of the
basin, and the " Bell Tower," there had originally been
four arched gateways, complete trophies of the exquisite
chisel of the mason of old. Two of these alone now
remain, but are sufficient to convince us of their beautiful
and delicate workmanship. An ' image, in a most entire
state, stands on a broken arch near to the tower, and
is said to represent St. Colmicus. This stone was found
a few years ago, imbedded among the ruins, and placed
in its present position by the proprietor.
The Bell Tower appears to have been of later construc-
tion than the Priory, as one of the aforementioned arches
is completely covered by it, the tower having been built
in its direct front. This building is twelve feet square
inside, and is four storeys high. The top was reached by
a winding stair; and, from the " Bellman's window," a fine
view of lake and mountain scenery could be had. The
lower portion was used by the last Earls as a dungeon.