the interesting features of the structure; and it was further proposed to construct galleries to be supported by cast-iron pillars; it had even been suggested that the requisite light might be obtained by means of windows, pierced through the ancient groined vaulting. There was also a scheme for cutting off the nave by raising a blank wall, at its junction with the transepts. In consequence of the unseasonable interference which had occurred, government had abandoned the works, although plans had been prepared for completing the choir with suitable fittings. It was alleged that all rights in this venerable structure had been formally vested, some years since, in the town council of Kirkwall. The actual state of the fabric, Dr. Wilson stated, is such that the erection of galleries, irrespectively of their unsightly aspect, must endanger its security; whilst the good work effected by the outlay of public funds would be rendered wholly abortive, if the barbarous projects under consideration by the Presbytery were suffered to take effect.
Sir Henry Dryden, Bart., addressed the meeting, observing that having been informed of the appeal made by Dr. Wilson, and the desire to arouse an interest amongst the antiquaries of the South in behalf of St. Magnus' Cathedral, he had very willingly acceded to the invitation to afford such information as he possessed. No one, perhaps, was more intimately acquainted with its architectural features than himself; he had measured and planned every part; since the year 1845 he had passed not less than 1600 hours at that venerable structure; and the drawings, elevations, sections, &c., which he had brought for the inspection of the meeting on the present occasion, would amply suffice to show its importance and interest as an architectural monument. It would be remembered that only one other cathedral exists in North Britain, namely, the Church of St, Mungo, at Glasgow; but the church of Kirkwall is not only the most remarkable as an early example of architecture, but as the only monument of the kind left by the Northmen in this kingdom, having been erected by direction of a Scandinavian Jarl of the Scottish Isles. The first impulse which had led to its restoration in recent times, by a grant from government, had been due, as Sir Henry believed, to the praiseworthy exertions of Mr. W. H. Fotheringham; but at the disruption of the Free Church, the congregation having become reduced to a hundred persons, a new kirk had been built for the separatists at the east end of the cathedral: upon this a debt of 300l. still remains. Sir Henry knew that liberal propositions had been made in vain from various quarters, but the variance of strong party feeling was most adverse to any adjustment; and as it had been ascertained that the Cathedral had formerly been ceded to the Town Council by special deed, the interference of government could not readily avail in the present occasion. He thought, however, that the influence of the Crown might advantageously be exerted in the emergency; and he had been informed, that such is the actual state of this venerable fabric, that for the present no builder could be found who would hazard the experiment of carrying out the barbarous vandalisms which had been contemplated, as stated by Dr. Wilson.
Sir Henry Dryden then made some remarks upon the curious features of this Cathedral, as shown in the drawings which he brought for examination; he called attention, also, to his sketches, representing various relics discovered during the recent restoration. At the east end had been found a stone cist, measuring about 30 in. by 15 in., enclosing a human skeleton
