DUMFRIESSHIRE AND GALLOWAY MINISTERS IN CUMBERLAND. 69 
time is evident from the purchase of a field called “ Half Acres ”’ 
as an endowment. Among the subscribers are “ Friends at Dum- 
fries,’’? £10. Isaac Watts, the hymn writer, also subscribed one 
guinea. This purchase was made in 1745, the same year as Mr 
John Allan, from Dumfries, was ordained as minister. Mr Allan 
was at Brampton during the period of the rebellion of 1745, and, 
whether on account of his youth—he was only 21 when placed in 
charge of the Brampton congregation—or on account of his peace- 
able disposition, he held no services, for during the period of 
rebellion it is recorded :—*“ Nov. 10 and 17, 1745. No sermon. 
The min. being out of town because ye Rebels were in.’’ Dis- 
cretion seems to have been his “role’’ rather than valour. Mr 
Allan received from the Crown a presentation to the Parish 
Church of Dunscore, at which place he died in 1753, in the 29th 
year of his age, and 8th of his ministry. 
Following Allan came the Rev. John Johnston, who was 
ordained at Brampton, April 11, 1753. There is nothing out of 
the ordinary about Mr Johnston’s ministry. From whence he 
came the writer cannot tell, but it is known that in 1758 he left 
Brampton and became parish minister of Durisdeer, continuing 
there as minister until his death in 1770. 
18th January, 190%. 
Chairman-—-Mr James Barzour, V.P. 
It was agreed to record in the minutes an expression of 
regret at the deaths of Miss M‘Kie, Moat House, Dumfries, and- 
Mr E. B. Rae, Town Clerk, Lochmaben. 
THE WEATHER OF 1906. By the Rev. W. ANDsOoN. 
Barometer.—I begin with the barometrical observations, 
which, as a general rule, indicate the weather conditions with 
considerable certainty—that is to say, a rising and high baro- 
meter is as a rule a sign of good weather, while a falling and low 
one is a sign of unfavourable conditions, probably of wind and 
rain. ‘The highest reading of the year was registered on 8th and 
9th of April, when it rose to 30.743 inches; and the lowest on 
