Page:The castellated and domestic architecture of Scotland from the twelfth to the eighteenth century (1887) - Volume 2.djvu/457

 TRAQUAIR HOUSE 441 FOURTH PERIOD its immediate environs are further enhanced by venerable trees, of which those forming the ancient avenue leading in a straight line from the front of the house for half a mile south-westwards are parti- cularly striking. This avenue, which has been shut up for about two centuries, has a spacious entrance gateway, with great pillars sur- mounted with bears supporting shields containing the arms of the family, and on either side of the pillars seated alcoves of masonry and quaint gate lodges. FIG. 876. Traquair House. Plan. The house and offices form three sides of a square, measuring about 100 feet either way (Fig. 876), and enclosed on the fourth side with a beautiful iron railing, having stone pillars at intervals and the entrance gateway in the centre (Fig. 877). Opposite this is the main building, four stories high, having a frontage to the courtyard of about 100 feet, and on the outward or north-east face of 122 feet. The side wings are