PREFACE. 



THE following reprint of a scarce book will afford, 

 it is hoped, amusement as well to the topographical 

 antiquary as to the lover of the angle, since it con- 

 tains some curious particulars respecting the state 

 of Scotland during the sixteenth century. 



Of Richard Franck, the author, nothing is 

 known beyond what he himself has intimated. He 

 was born at Cambridge, as is stated from one of 

 his three dedications, and during the reign of 

 James VI. , as appears from his having lived du- 

 ring the reign of five sovereigns. But, as Franck 

 repeatedly mentions his slender education, it is not 

 likely he participated, to any extent, in the ad- 

 vantages of the university, although one would 



