Moffat and Upper Annandale. 195 



Burn and Hindsgiill, on the west and north by part of Moffat 

 Common, the north boundary ending opposite the north end 

 of Gallowhill. At this time the Gallowhill was not in exist- 

 ence, and formed part of the Common. 



Dr Hunter in his day had a good share in the develop- 

 ment of Moffat. At the farm, and also in the town, he kept 

 a flock of goats. The drinking of goats' milk was a recog- 

 nised part of the duty of an invalid visiting Moffat to drink 

 its healing waters, the combination being more effective. He 

 also was responsible for the building of the Long Room at 

 the Well, in which balls and other entertainments for the 

 amusement of visitors were held. The estate immediately 

 afterwards allowed the Doctor ^^125 sterling as full payment 

 for building and fitting up this room ; but he became bound 

 to pay an annual sum of ;^7 los during the time it was in his 

 possession, " and obliged to keep and maintain the said Long 

 Room in constant good order and repair, fit for the reception 

 of the company drinking the waters of the Well during his 

 possession thereof (which is during the Marquis's pleasure 

 allenarly), and to leave the same at his removal in a good and 

 sufficient condition for the purposes foresaid." During all 

 the years the Well had been open visitors had to scramble 

 down and up the steep banks of the Hindsgill at Archbank 

 before they could reach it. The inconvenience and danger of 

 the access having been pointed out to the Curator, he found 

 the only remedy was to build a stone bridge, which was done 

 that summer (1760), at a cost of ^72 gs 6d, which was paid 

 " out of the vacant stipends of the parish of Moffat, preceding 

 Mr Edward Johnstone's settlement of 1747, of which there 

 is yet some balance which ought to be applied for such uses." 

 The new road to the Well was not made till 1769. The old 

 road was then " in a great state of disrepair, and in many 

 places dangerous for machines." The new road was made, 

 and the ground round the Long Room and the Well dressed, 

 and everything made safe and convenient for the company, at 

 a cost of ;^i52 us 4d sterling." John Finlayson, who 

 executed the road, was afterwards agreed with for upholding 

 and keeping it in repair, " for which he was to be allowed 

 ;^i 15s sterling yearly, commencing at Martinmas, 1769." 



