Africa and Spain. By Walter Deans. 145 



In 1370 Stobs was granted by David II. to Thomas Cranston. 

 Old Stobs was situated on Ringwoodefeld, and its proprietor 

 still possesses the laud. No part of the above-named places now 

 belong to the estate of Cavers except Ringwood Haitt, but the 

 parochial district of Great Cavers still comprehends the Stobs, 

 Penchrise. Berryfells. Shankend, Greatmuir, Stennishope, 

 Williamri gg, Laugsyde. and several others. 



Africa and Spain. 



In ordek to accommodate a few members who wished to catch 

 trains, the visit to Wauehope was far too hurried, and a return 

 route had to be abandoned, which would have allowed other 

 places of interest to have come into view, among others, 

 " Sheeplaw Cross," and its vicinity, treated of in Mr Deans' 

 notice, which it is desirable to preserve here. There were two 

 other localities, which from the peculiarity of their names I 

 enquired about, and have this statement from Mr Deans. 



Africa is a farm on the Stonedge estate. It was formerly a 

 bleak and barren farm with a poor soil and " peas weep " 

 locality, and from its sterility got the name of Africa, though 

 the real name is Midburn. 



Spain is on the Wolfelee estate ; its proper name is Braid- 

 haugh ; the steading was removed from Old Braidhaugh, which 

 was a quarter of a mile lower down, as noticed ia a previous 

 article in the Club's Proceedings, on Bonehester. The name 

 Spain was given in a frolic by the uncles of the late proprietor 

 of Wolfelee, Mr James Spencer Elliot; but when a name is once 

 given, no matter how ridiculous, it is ill to eradicate. 



Stonedge. 

 The key of the old Tower of Stonedge was lately discovered, 

 but was taken away by Mr Barrie, to present to the Marquis of 

 Lothian's collection. Stonedge belongs to Lord Sinclair. 



Birds on the Rule. 



Mr Deans also writes : There are plenty of Coots on the river 

 banks, but they hide their head among the willows as soon as 

 they view a person. Herons are' often seen. They nestle on the 

 tall beeches at Wells. It is considered that when they fly up the 

 district, it is a sign of good weather. — Nov. 8. 1892. 



P.S. — These notices came after the Report of the Meetings 

 had been in type. — J.H. 



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