1911-1912.] A Mid- Lothian Burn. 3 89 



and much inclined as we were to expose some plates on it we 

 refrained. We feel sure, however, that a careful study would 

 be well rewarded in the shape of some good negatives. We 

 were not always favoured with fine weather on our excursions ; 

 that were too much to expect in our climate, the chief charm 

 of which, it is said, lies in its changeful nature, and to be 

 candid, a few soakings fell to our share. On this particular 

 day we looked, doubtless, rather woebegone, wet through with 

 a heavy east haar. We had practically drawn a blank, and 

 the sight of ducks, wet as we were ourselves, busy fishing in 

 the water, inspired our hopes. The question was, would the 

 ducks settle sufficiently long to afford a successful exposure. 

 Many artifices were used, and much strange, but apparently 

 not fowl, language employed to quieten these ducks, but they 

 were indifferent both to threat and flattery, and in despair 

 the cap was taken off. The plate obtained was more satis- 

 factory than might have been hoped for. 



A little way below Burnwynd there is a good view looking 

 back to the estate of Hatton, about which we propose to give 

 some historical facts. 



A short distance westward from here stands a magnificent 

 gateway — the principal entrance to Hatton House. Of the 

 mansion the late Mr J. E. Findlay writes, "Even in the 

 present state of comparative decadence it is still a striking 

 example, substantially intact and perhaps unique in its form 

 and scale, of the Scoto-French mansion or chateau of the 

 seventeenth century, superinduced on a much more ancient 

 tower." 



In 1374 the town and lands of Hal ton were granted by 

 Eobert II., King of Scots, to one John of Halton, from whom, 

 three years later, they were purchased by Allan Lauder. An 

 ancient and important family were these Landers — styled the 

 Landers of the Bass, from their ownership of that rock. Sir 

 George Lauder and two of his brothers fell with their king at 

 Elodden. In 1451 William Lauder of Halton was prominent 

 in connection with the assassination of the Douglas by 

 James II. in Stirling Castle. In revenge a brother of the 

 murdered earl seized and held Halton, and in the Treasury 

 accounts certain sums of money are entered as having been 

 paid for the carting of the "muckle bombard and stones 



