FOURTH PERIOD 282 HUNTLY CASTLE over the doorway, of which Billings gives a good drawing. The mantel- pieces on the second floor are amongst the finest works of this descrip- tion in Scotland. The largest one, which is in the withdrawing-room (Fig. 738), with its carved figures, obelisks, and coats of arms, has a striking resemblance to similar work in Germany. The bas-reliefs in circles 011 the lintel of the fireplace in the west room (Fig. 739) are a favourite style of ornament at the beginning of the seventeenth century. Similar panels may be seen at Craigston Castle, Aberdeenshire, Balbegno Castle, Forfarshire, etc. The thin pilasters and numerous mouldings, with FIG. 789. Huntly Castle. FIG. 740. Huntly Castle. breaks, which are the prominent features of the fireplace in the tower (Fig. 740), are very characteristic of the period. Similar mouldings may be seen in the work at Edinburgh Castle, erected about 1580, at Craig- millar, etc. Few of these ornate mantelpieces now remain in Scotland, and those of Huntly are well worthy of preservation. Little outlay would suffice to protect them, as well as the remainder of the castle, from decay. The ruins of the buildings in the courtyard show that it was exten- sive, but they are so much destroyed that it is impossible to ascertain their various destinations. The vaults of the three cellars to the east of the keep still exist, and there were probably living-rooms above them. The castle is now the property of the Duke of Richmond and Gordon. EARLSHALL, FIFESHIRE. Situated about one mile distant from the village of Leuchars, this is a fine and very perfect example of the sixteenth and seventeenth
