212 OLD AND NEW EDINBURGH, [Manor Place
veins, and k placed on a pedestal of three steps;
the basin, which is supported by four red marble
columns, shows in carved panels round its sides
the ark, dove, fishes, and a floriated cross.
The cathedraL before its comDletion, was opened
streets. In attendance .upon the bishop were the
Lord Provost, Lord Teignnlouth, and others,
The senior and junior chaplains of the cathedral,
together with the clerk of works, ascended the
spire to place the stone and cross in position with
for service on ;he 25th of JaAuary, 1879, by the I certain religious rites-from its vast height a some-
ST. MARY?S CATHEDRAL, EXTERIOR VIEW.
Right Rev. Henry Cotterill, Episcopal bishop of
Edinburgh, in presence of a great congregafion
assembled in the nave, and consecrated 30th
October, 1879.
On the 9th of June, 1879, the copestone and
finial cross of the great central spire were placed
in position with befitting ceremony, in presence
of a vast assemblage of ladies and gentlemen in
the cathedral grounds, and even in the adjacent
what perilous and difficult task for these gentlemen
to undertake. They spread the mortar, and the
copestone and cross, which were fifteen feet in
height and about a ton in weight, were lowered
into position by tackle; the Rev. Mr. Meredith
tapped them with a niallet and declared them to
have been duly laid ?in the name of the Slessed
Trinity.? The company aloft then joined in the
doxology.
