36 Address of the Vice-President. 



documents and the Protocol Books. In short, pubUc and 

 authentic records of all kinds should be searched by those 

 who have access to any such. 



The journals and day books of medical men have also 

 afforded valuable information — showing the course of practice 

 in old times as respects medical fees and charges, and also 

 the 'practice of the profession. 



In the statistical account of the parish of Crossmichael 

 there is a statement by Mr Train to the effect that, even in 

 the memory of persons yet alive, perforated stones were used 

 in Galloway to avert the effects of witchcraft, particularly in 

 horses and black cattle. These stones were, he says, round 

 flat stones, of about 5 or 6 inches in diameter ; and he adds 

 that he had one in his own possession as black and glossy as 

 polished ebony. It was found in the ruins of an old byre, 

 where it had evidently been placed for the protection of the 

 cattle. 



There is one subject on which it is desirable to have some 

 information, and that is the Market Towns connected with 

 Dumfries, as the principal market town of its district. 



It would appear that in early times the market days of a 

 district were adjusted with reference not only to each other, 

 but also to the market day assigned to the principal market 

 town of the district. And certainly something of that kind 

 may be traced. 



For as Wednesday was the market day of Dumfries, as 

 of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and other principal towns, so Monday 

 was the market day of Castle-Douglas, Tuesday that of 

 Peebles, Thursday the market day of Lockerbie, Friday that 

 of Kirkcudbright, and Saturday the market day of Gatehouse 

 and Wigton. 



But a minute examination of the subject, in a paper de- 

 voted to the purpose, would be desirable. 



There is a peculiarity in the form and pronunciation of 

 our common names to which I wish here also to advert, in 

 the hope that some member of our Society will be induced 

 to prosecute the enquiry. 



