IT is instructive to contrast the tall, narrow, secluded tower, still standing in the glen off Drumlamford Road, and known as "Kilkerran auld Castle," with the plain but spacious and comfortable mansion known as Kilkerran House, a representation of which is given above. These two buildings form a contrast of at least 300 years, and tell of very different states of society. The Castle tells of a time when life was insecure, and safety the first point to be attended to \ while the House tells of a time when the poorest can sit under his vine and fig-tree, none daring to make him afraid. The grounds about Kilkerran are famed for their beauty. The Todey Glen behind the House, and the Lady Glen beyond the fine gardens, are well known to all lovers of scenery; while the magnificent beech by the entrance drive, ^nd sundry specimens of the Silver fir, 100 feet high, in the Lady Glen, are admired by all lovers of forestry.

The Fergussons are a very old family in Carrick, being mentioned in records as far back as the days of Robert Bruce. Sir Adam was eulogised by Burns in his Earnest Cry and Prayer as

"Thee, aith-detesting, chaste Kilkerran."

He represented Ayrshire in Parliament for eighteen years, and Edinburgh for four. But none of the family was more loved than the late Sir Charles, whose monument now stands on Kildoon. He dwelt among his own people, and served his generation faithfully by the will of God. He built the West Church, and Crosshill Church, and supported many local schools beside, while he was eyes to the blind, feet to the lame, and a father to the poor. Sir James, the present Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, served himself heir to most of his father's charities, as well as serving his country as Colonial Governor all over the world.

The well-known monument on Kildoon was erected in 1853 " by the tenantry and friends, in memory of Sir Charles D. Fergusson of Kilkerran, who was born 26th August, 1800, and died 18th March, 1849."