378 OBITUARY NOTICE.— ROBERT ROMANES 



hereditary in the Romanes family. The post was held by 

 Mr Romanes and by his father and grandfather for 101 

 years, of which Mr Romanes occupied 39 years. It is now 

 held by his son-in-law and successor in business, George 

 Rankin, W.S. During his long term of office, the interests 

 and ancient rights of the burgh were safely guarded, and 

 any improvements made on the property received his cordial 

 support. 



No more loyal son of the ancient and royal burgh ever 

 lived. He was proud of its historical position, of its 

 old rights so jealously prized and preserved to the present 

 generation, and of all the traditions of battles, raids, and 

 feuds which clustered round the old castle and fort, and 

 tower and church. No one could equal him in the know- 

 ledge of the burgh and of parish history and folk-lore which 

 he had. He had collected and set up in typewriting a great 

 quantity of most interesting materials on these subjects. It 

 is hoped that some use may be made of these in producing 

 a history of Lauder, which would be a valuable addition to 

 the histories of Royal Burghs and Parishes which are now 

 receiving some public recognition. Besides, he wrote occa- 

 sional papers for the Club, e.g., " Excerpts from the Books 

 of John, Duke of Lauderdale, respecting the price of Solan 

 Geese from 1674-1678," Vol. vii., 1873, p. 90; "Effects of 

 Winter 1878-9," Vol. ix., p. 141; "Itinerary from Lauder 

 to Addinstone and Longcroft," Vol. xv., 1894, p. 39; 

 "Account of Midside Maggie's or Tollieshill Girdle," Vol. 

 XV., 1894, p. 356; and "Extracts from the Account Books 

 of the Lauderdale Estates respecting Thirlestane Hospital," 

 Vol. XVI., 1896, p. 23. 



