26 Transactions. 



long supported and which in end hes now our maisterit us. So 

 that the estate of that toune is no longer habile to subsist in that 

 rak and rewine, wherein it formerlie stude amongis. But as ane 

 decayit and faylit member will fall off fra the reste of the bodie, 

 unless your Matie. out of your accustomit princelie commissera- 

 tione of the distresse of everie particular member of the common- 

 weil, put to your helping hand. The consideratione quhairof hes 

 movit us in most submissive and humble reverence to prostrate 

 ourselffis befoir your hienesse (as the soverane fontane and livelie 

 spring quhairwith the politic bodie of this estait and everie par- 

 ticular member thairof is cherished and nourished) thir our 

 wantis and necessitie. Beseeching your Mie. to consider the neces- 

 sitie whereunto we are driven be this occasione of the Bridge, 

 and accordingly to extend such proportione of your benevolence 

 and favour towards us as your Mie. shall think meit for the 

 redeniptioune and relieff of our common rentis engagit by us for 

 the performing of the said work. We are sure that in thingis of 

 so many greate and princelie affairs quhairwith your Mie. is 

 overburdened that we should empesche your Hienesse, but the 

 importance of our comforting ourselves without intermission, or 

 wearying to send up our humble and uncessant prayers unto God 

 for your Mties. long and blessed reign. We reste (at the most 

 respectful distance of the very bottom of the big sheet), 

 " Your Maties. mo. humble and obedt. subjectis, 



" John Corsane, Provost. 



" J. Douglas. 



" James Macgoun, bailye." 

 Holograph of " Albert Ounnynghame, clerk of Drumfreise, in 

 name of the haill Counsell thairof." 



^ ith Fehrnnry, 1887. 



Mr Barbour, Vice-President, in the Chair. 

 Twenty-six Members present. 



Ne^v Members. — Mr D. W. Rannie of Conheath, and Mr J. 

 Stafford, Mouswald. 



Donatioiis. — The Secretary laid on the table eleven parts of 

 the Joui-nal of the Linnean Society from Mr Ptobinson-Douglas ; 

 eleven old coins from Mr T. Loudon ; also, an old Bible in two 



