Kirk-Alloway Cottage, the residence of Mr. Auld, well known both in England and Scotland for the interest which he has taken in the sculptor Thom [James Thom], and in every thing relating toRobert Burns, and more especially for being the principal cause of the completion of his monument, is situated close by the new bridge of Doon. Within the grounds is Mungo's Well, so well known to the admirers of the poem "Tam o' sopt Shanter;" and, as the public take a great interest in this spot, which the genius of Burns has rendered classic ground, Mr. Auld allows persons of all classes to pass through his garden to the well. One of the neighbouring gentlemen, on being told this, remonstrated with Mr. Auld on the danger of getting his garden robbed, and was astonished at being informed, that in no one instance had it ever happened that a single flower or fruit had been touched. The laird was no less astonished at the idea of treating his poorer fellow-countrymen with kindness, than he was at their returning this kindness with gratitude.
