II.

With him, how delightful, to stray o'er the lawn,
When spring all its odours is blending!
Together to mark the sweet blush of the dawn,
Or the sun in his glory descending!

Soon after her little song was finished, Helen's attention was caught by a
green plat of ground, about fifty or sixty feet in breadth, surrounded by
circular earthen walls; and pointing to it, she asked her father what
_that_ was. He told her it was called a _birren_ in that country, where
there were several of them, and that they were supposed to have been
intended for places of safety for the cattle at the time of the border
wars. They were now arrived at Muirkirk, a small church, which belongs to
the parish adjoining Mr. Martin's. It is pleasantly situated on the banks
of the river, near a stone bridge, consisting of three arches. The
building is very neat, and adds greatly to the beauty of the country. Near
it is the mausoleum of the family of Craigie Hall, a very elegant piece of
architecture. The manse stands at a little distance from the church. Mr.
Martin called on his friend the clergyman, but found the family were all
gone on a visit farther up the dale;--so our party did not stop, but went
on to Craigie Hall to get the flower-seeds.

When they reached the hall, they fortunately found Mr. Scott, the
gardener, at home, who received them with great pleasure, and invited
them, as the family were not at home, to walk into his own house and take
some refreshment before he showed them the garden and grounds. Our young
people were glad to find him so considerate, for they began, particularly
John, to be rather hungry. Mrs. Scott produced a nice bason of cream, some
excellent butter, oaten cakes, and a beautiful large ewe-milk cheese. She