56 Cvaif^iniUav and its Environs. 



the policies of Duddin«jston ; but in consequence of 

 the rapid extension of Edinbur«;h to the south, the 

 Braid Burn became polluted by the sewage, when 

 trout disappeared, and along with them the otters. 

 Some years since the town was interdicted from 

 permitting sewage to pass into the brook, and a sewer 

 was then built to convey it to the sea. From that 

 time the brook has become practically pure, so that 

 a few fish are now to be seen, and it is hoped that the 

 otter may return to its former haunts. On the brook 

 to the south of the castle which separates the Craig- 

 millar property from that of Edmonstone, and which 

 flows through the policies of Niddrie, otters have also 

 been seen. A female otter and Ave cubs were observed 

 from the drawing-room window of Niddrie House one 

 summer evening, travelling up the side of the brook 

 which flows close by. Securing pokers, some of the 

 servants started on an otter hunt, and the water being 

 shallow at the place, they succeeded in killing three 

 of the cubs, which are to be seen, stuffed, in Niddrie 

 House. 



The Fox is frequently found in the district, and 



