We must pass over a number of mansions, to notice Auchincruive, a grand and romantic place on the banks of the Ayr. The house is placed in a most striking situation, but is not very fortunate with regard to the road by which it is approached. The kitchen-garden, as such, is badly situated; but, combining, as it does, architectural and Italian-like scenery, with the culture of fruits and flowers, it has an excellent general effect, and suits the style of scenery amidst which it is placed. There is a broad walk by the margin of the river, which is remarkably fine; and the place, when the family shall again reside there, and it be kept in high order, will be one of the first in the west of Scotland. Mr. Skinner, the gardener, is a man of a very superior order of mind, and nothing in the course of our tour gratified us more than to hear the manner in which he spoke of his employer; who, indeed, from his general character in the county, must be a man of a great and liberal mind, and of enlightened benevolence. [Editor's Note: Auchincruive House or Oswald Hall has a summerhouse (or folly) designed by Robert Adam s Temple in 1778). The Hall is used (2005) by the Scottish Agricultural College].
