342 ACCOUNT OF THE SHOW HELD AT KELSO IN 1880. 



witli last. Recent legislation, lie said, was bringing up a new phase in the 

 relations between landlord and tenant ; but in referring to this lie would 

 not speak politically, but as President of the Highland and Agricultural 

 Society, He would not speak of Ireland, but to a question more imme- 

 diately affecting them — he meant the Hares and Rabbits Bill. He did not 

 wish to speak politically, but to say that in the position in which God 

 had placed him as a landlord he would consider nothing but what was right 

 and best both for the landlord and for the tenant. If it was proved that 

 the tenants were suffering under the existing laws, he would be the first to 

 say that they should be changed. He himself, however, had some doubt 

 whether in many cases the tenant would benefit if that bill became law. 

 The tenants would not be such gainers as appeared on the face of the bill 

 at first sight. He concluded by proposing the toast of the evening, which 

 was drunk with great enthusiasm. 



Lord Napier and Ettrick, in proposing " The Health of the President, 

 the Marquis of Lothian," said that all the features wdiicli endeared a man to 

 his fellows were to be found in the person of the Noble Marquis ; all the 

 virtues and inclinations of a country gentleman were to be found in him ; 

 and this Society had done well in electing him — representative of an ancient 

 house — to the post of President. 



The toast was drunk with enthusiasm, and the Noble Chairman, in 

 responding, remarked that the view he had taken of his duties was that he 

 should merely give expression to the feelings of the members as expressed 

 at their general meetings. Perhaps some might think that he might have 

 initiated some reforms and changes ; and it might be that he might have 

 done so ; but the opinion he held was, that his position as President should 

 be one of strict neutrality. 



Among other toasts were the Border Union Agricultural Society, pro- 

 posed by Sir Graham Montgomery, and responded to by Lord Polwarth; the 

 Judges, proposed by Mr Eliott Lockhart of Borthwickbrae, and acknow- 

 ledged by Sir William Baillie, Bart. ; and the Successful Competitors, by 

 Mr Usher, Stodrig, and replied to by Mr Smith, Whittinghame. 



On Thursday a delightful change in the weather took place, 

 and the yard was again opened at 8 a.m. In the evening a ball 

 was held in the Corn Exchange, and was attended by a large and 

 fashionable assemblage. The music was supplied by Messrs E. 

 J. & E. Adams' quadrille band of Glasgow ; and Mr Tlieim, 

 Edinburgh, was the j)urveyor. 



On Eriday the yard was opened at the same hour ; the fine 

 weather continued, and the show terminated at 5 p.m., when the 

 removal of the stock and implements was commenced. 



A Members' Club Eoom, with ladies' and gentlemen's lavatories 

 attached, to which members were entitled to introduce their friends, 

 was erected within the showyard, and was much appreciated. 



During the show the Kelso band performed an excellent 

 selection of fashionable and j)opular pieces, and gave universal 

 satisfaction. The pipers of Sir Eobert Menzies paraded the 

 ground, and their music was greatly appreciated. 



Professor AYilliams and Mr Eobertson, V.S., Kelso, w^ere 

 appointed Veterinary Inspectors, but their duties were light, as 

 the stock had never been seen in a more healthy condition. 



