PREFACE. 



It is intended that this volume, being the Transactions of the 

 49th year of the Society, should form the last volume of the New 

 or Second Series. It will be followed by an Index of both Series 

 in one volume. It is not a complete record of the session's work 

 inasmuch as it does not cover the summer months. It has been 

 found desirable to publish the Transactions at the close of the 

 Winter Session, and it is intended that in future the summer work- 

 should appear in the volume of the succeeding session. For the 

 same reason no Treasurer's Accounts are included in this volume. 



It must be understood that as each contributor has seen a 

 proof of his paper, the editor does not hold himself responsible 

 for the accuracy of the scientific, jiersonnl, and place names or 

 for the dates that are given therein. 



I acknowledge my indebtedness to Miss Harkness for typing 

 the Index, and to the Editors of " The Dumfries and Gallowav 

 Standard," " Dumfries and Galloway Courier and Herald," and 

 " The Kirkcudbrightshire Advertiser " for reports of meetings. 

 Mr W. A. Mackinnell has kindly photographed the Leadwork 

 from the old Blue Bell Hotel, and Mr A. Coldwell, the Plan of 

 Glenluce Abbev. 



I shall be glad to hear from members working on Local 

 Natural History and Archaeological subjects. Papers may be 

 submitted at any time. Preference is alwavs given to original 

 work on local subjects. 



Enquiries regarding purchase of Transactions and payment 

 of Subscriptions should be made to the Honorary Treasurer, Mr 

 M. H. M'Kerrow, 43 Buccleuch Street, Dumfries. 



Exchanges, Presentations, and Exhibits should be sent to the 

 Honorary Secretary, Ewart Public Library, Dumfries. 



G. W. S. 



