Hoppom Brice. 27 
and through the most of his whole lands which are arable 
ground. But this Sir Will Maxwell and other Gentlemen in 
that part of ye Country and Esdale insisted with me what 
advantage it would be to the Country in generall and them in 
particular to have a Bridge as the Boat did not answer frequently. 
To which I consented, knowing that the then toll at Annanbridge 
will soon expire. If the toll is continued at Annan Bridge and 
the Bridge at Hoddom to be built free, I shall have the whole 
Galloway Droves to pass my Door and my planting destroyed and 
the tenants’ ground abused. ‘There is another inconveniency 
that has not been adverted to. There is a road thro’ Locharmoss 
by which the Drovs will then come which was made at greater 
expense and in which I had a grat hand, and is of great advantage 
to the Country and myself, as it makes me four miles nearer the 
town of Dumfries in place of going the round by Tinwald and 
Lochar Bridge. If the Galloway Droves go that way for Two 
years it will make that road so bad that it will not be in the 
power of the Town of Dumfries to support the expense thereof 
to which they are bound. It is at present in a bad state and 
the Town grudges the repairs upon it already, and you may be 
sure the Drovers will take the roads that are attended with the 
least expense. 
“T think it hard to raise a publick revenue to the Burgh of 
Annan at the expense of the Country to Drink and Squander 
away which is the use that is most generally made of it. But 
if the D. Q. (Duke of Queensberry) shall think it will tend to the 
public good of the Country you have my consent to it, however 
I may think my own private interest may suffer.—I am, Dr. Sir, 
“Your most affect. humble sert., 
“ MAaATTW. SHARP.”’ 
No address is upon the letter. 
The bridge was built, and has been a great comfort and 
convenience to the public ever since. 
RaAtsInc DOUBLE POLYANTHUSES AND PRIMROSES FROM SEEDS. 
By the SECRETARY. 
As is well known to most, a number of double Primroses and 
Polyanthuses have been cultivated in gardens for many 
years. From time to time additions have been made to their 
