Transactions. 43 



power of twenty pairs. Taking shoes as the standard of 

 value, the ploughman's wages in 1751 were equal to £12, 10s., 

 so that the wages in 1751 were rather more than two-thirds 

 of what is now paid. 



The wages of experienced female servants hired for farm 

 work are at present £9 per annum, and the price of their 

 shoes is 8s. 6d. This shows a purchasing power of twenty- 

 one pairs of shoes. In 1751 their wages had a purchasing 

 power of twelve pairs. Taking shoes as the standard of 

 value, the wages of women servants in 1751 were equal to 

 £5, 2s. per annum. In 1751 the Justices state the cost of 

 shoes for men or women at the same figure, 2s. 6d. : at pre- 

 sent women's shoes are about a third cheaper than those of 

 men. 



Clerical Customs in the Olden Time — Preaching 

 AND the Pulpit. By Rev. D. Hogg, Kirkmahoe. 



To even a mere superficial observer of men and manners, it 

 is evident that there has no greater change come over the 

 face of Scotland during the last one hundred years than that 

 connected with the clergy in the discharge of their i>rofes- 

 sional duties. In their pulj^it ministrations, church discip- 

 line, and pastoral superintendence in general, very great 

 alterations have taken place, and it is gratifying to know 

 that so far as these have been effected they have generally 

 received the approbation of those whose opinion is entitled 

 to regard. No doubt further modifications are thought 

 necessary and are desiderated, and it is only reasonable to 

 suppose that in the course of time they also will be carried 

 out, for there is nothing truer than the common maxim, 

 " tempora mutantur et nos mutamur." One of the best 

 encomiums which man can receive after he has passed away 

 is the assurance by posterity that he served his day and gen- 

 eration, and the same may be said of all other things as well,. 



