S. 1(0 A ISSN 0960-4170 HISTORY OF THE the natural HISTORY MUSEUM -5 NOV 1997 PURCHASED GENERAL LIBRARY BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB INSTITUTED SEPTEMBER 22, 1831 "MARE ET TELLUS, ET, QUOD TEGIT OMNIA, CCELUM" VOL. 47 PART 1, 1996. Natural History Museum Library ! 300020963 OFFICE BEARERS 1995-96 President Mrs ISOBEL D. M. McLELLAND, B.A., D.C.E. Benachie, Gavinton, Duns TD1 1 3QT (Tel. 01361 882727) Field Secretary Co-ordinator and Librarian DrG. A. C. BINNIE Ladykirk, Norham, Bewick upon Tweed TD15 1XL (Tel. 01289 382201) Corresp on din g Sec re tary B. H. CATO, Esq., M.A., LL.B. 2 Croft Place, High Newton-by-the-Sea, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 3DL (Tel. 01665 576334) Treasurer M. C. TROUSDELL, Esq. Hillburn House, Ayton TDM 5SG (Tel. 018907 81325) Editing Secretary Mrs J. D. COWE 10 Ravensdowne, Berwick upon Tweed TD15 1HX (Tel. 01289 306175) HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB CONTENTS OF VOL. 47 Part 1, 1996 i HE NATURAL i HISTORY MUSEUM | "5 NOV 1191 [ URCHASED I be IERAL LIBRARY I 1. Anniversary Address - Characteristics of the Craft Incorporations and the Consummate Skill of one Craftsman 1 2. James Losh's Contemporary Criticisms of Works by Sir Walter Scott 15 3. The Netherbyres Branch of the Craw Family 40 4. Yorkie 55 5. Further Observations on the Marine Algae of the Berwick Area 59 6. A Note on Harelaw 66 7. Nellie Heron's Stone 67 8. Field Notes and Records 69 9. Archaeological Notes 82 10. Field Secretaries' Report 87 11. Librarian's Report 94 12. Treasurer's Financial Statement 97 Advice to Contributors Inside Back Cover i ILLUSTRATIONS The Incorporated Trades of Kelso The Insignia of the Hammermen 7 The Insignia of the Shoemakers 7 The Banner of the Tailors 8 The Carpets woven for the chancel of Glasgow Cathedral:- The Coronation Carpet woven on a hand loom by R. McDonald Scott, Melrose 9 Another View of the Coronation Carpet 9 The second carpet designed by R. McDonald Scott, Melrose 10 Auction advertisement, Newcastle courant, 22nd February 1834 16 Losh Statue, Newcastle Literary & Philosophical Society 18 Waverley published. Newcastle courant , 16th July 1814 22 A Berwick Smack 24 Theatre Royal advertisement, Newcastle courant , 22nd August 1818 27 Abbotsford..... 35 Blue Underwing 76 Muslin Ermine 76 ii HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CRAFT INCORPORATIONS AND THE CONSUMMATE SKILL OF ONE CRAFTSMAN being the Anniversary Address delivered by Mrs Isobel D. M. McLelland, President of the Club, on 18th October, 1996. Fellow members and guests, I have enjoyed my research. I hope you enjoy the product. My grandsons live at Castlemains, Duns, and proudly count themselves Borderers, although both parents and I are incomers from the west. However, I discovered recently that they have an ancestor - a great, great, great paternal grandfather who farmed in Berwickshire at Whitsome.1 You may think this a tenuous connection for me to claim association with the Borders - and you would be right, so I hope you will indulge me by allowing me to combine my former interests with my ever-increasing fascination with this area and its history. I mean to show that there are craft connections, stretching across Southern Scotland. The subject of my address is 'Characteristics of the Craft Incor- porations and the Consummate Skill of One Craftsman'. My connection with the Incorporated Crafts is through my husband, Forrest. In 1959 he was Deacon of the Incorporation of the Wrights of the Trades House of Glasgow. That is 'WRIGHTS', not rights and wrongs! - the association of those in the timber trade: importers, architects, woodworkers of all sorts. Later he was an Honorary Deacon of the Wrights. In time, he became Senior Auld Deacon.2 That made me Auld Deacon's wife or the Deacon's old wife, depending how you view me. Craft Fraternities I would like you to 'feel the width and the quality' of these craft fraternities. It is impossible to look into the history of our towns and cities and not be struck by the importance of these associa- tions in the development of prosperity, health and sanitation, law and order. 'They advanced the common weal'; gave coherence 1 2 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB and vitality to commerce; and ensured capable and mainly honest workmanship as well as protection to their trades. I would not pretend that all members were paragons! You recall Deacon Brodie of the Wrights and Masons of Edinburgh, who was Robert Louis Stevenson's inspiration for Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde ? Brodie had large, dark eyebrows, was broad at the shoulders and very small over the loins.3 On the 1st October, 1788, he was hanged on the new, efficient gibbet he himself had designed. Let me mention first an ambiguity in the term 'trade'! Traders - or those who controlled the raw materials and sold goods - merchants - were considered superior and often were - both commercially and politically. Tradesmen - the artificers, were reckoned inferior, irrespective of skill or artistry. In A Midsummer Night's Dream the mechanicals are buffoons. There was often dissension between the two interests. A Trades House is a federal union of craft bodies, known as incorporations or guilds: sometimes called livery companies in England. In Scotland, the highly developed system of craft regulation, independent and self-governing, was formalised when Mary of Guise was Regent and then made law in 1581 in the reign of James VI, but it was a privilege assumed in some burghs long before that time. It continued till Act of Parliament put an end to trade monopolies on 14th May 1846. Any craft incorporation still in existence takes delight in the antiquity of its official Seal of Cause and cherishes its individuality and idiosyncrasies. One custom was that trades should own property in which to hold meetings and to house old and infirm members. In Edinburgh, the 'pub' beside Greyfriars Kirk was meeting house and hospital for the Incorporation of Candlemakers,4 but in Dundee, meetings of the Nine Trades were customarily held in the graveyard, 'The Howff '.5 Of course, craft guilds are not native to Scotland. Immigrant masons and wrights brought the idea from the continent. Dr Bronowski called them 'a craft aristocracy', moving in response to demand and introducing foreign practices. King James the First, in 1431, 'to augment the common weal and to cause his lieges incres in mair virtue brocht mony nobill craftsmen out of France, Flanders and other partis'.6 Skilled workers came not only to work on ecclesiastical buildings. One secular example is Drumlanrig Tower. The Douglas imported Dutchmen as panellers and men from Saxony as stone masons in the 16th century.7 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CRAFT INCORPORATIONS 3 In contrast, most trades, by their nature, were static. A baker, a burgess of Lauder in 1665 was licensed 'to be common Baxter for Life, serving the whole toun'.8 '£10 fine for ilk failzie' - for any infringement on a tradesman's monopoly. Nowadays before a supermarket is sited, statisticians calculate the likely radius of travel of potential customers; average numbers in households; local socio-economic levels and dietary habits to estimate the market. In earlier times traders knew pragmatically what their market would stand and protected local business by limiting numbers in any one trade and placing restrictions and taxes on outsiders. The worth of wages and fines is difficult to assess. The value of £1 Scots fluctuated against £1 sterling, but was finally fixed at £12 Scots to £1 sterling in 1690.9 Perhaps a useful reference lathis. It is said that masons who were employed to build The King's Arms in Hawick, and who earned eight old pence a day in 1762, left to build Moffat House, for a penny a day more. We all have our own favourites among ecclesiastical buildings. There are numberless examples of the connection between church and craftsmanship. I shall give one local illustration. In Kelso Old Parish Church (the octagonal one), the insignia of the Hammermen and the Shoemakers, two of the oldest crafts, still hang. They were brought from the old church in the Abbey.10 Also there were designated box pews for the Deans, the heads of the Incorporated Crafts. It cost a penny a week for a seat: 'a ouickle penny'. A print of the Tailors' Banner also hangs there. It depicts Adam and Eve on either side of the tree - the first tailoring partnership. 'Together, they sewed fig leaves.' [See pictures 1, 2 and 3] The original is very large but made of light material. It is too precious to parade out-of-doors now but you can see it every alternate Common Riding week in the window of Hume, the Tailor, on the north side of Kelso Square. Sad to tell, the Tailors' Banner in Selkirk was damaged in 1805, on the day after the Common Riding, in a fracas between the Council and the Trades. The case went to court where the Sheriff resolved it in a practical manner by taking the banner home to his wife to mend. The Sheriff was Sir Walter Scott.11 Attendance at church gave an opportunity to demonstrate status. However, there was another pressing reason for attendance. Take Duns, for instance! 'None of the Fleshers' 4 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB Fraternity be absent from prayers and preachings upon the Sabbath Day under pain of 4 shillings Scots - the Master 2 shillings Scots - the Prentice or Servant to be applyed to the common use and behoof of the Trade/12 Graded fines were typical. The Duns Hammermen's code says much the same but with double (f)s:- 'ffour shillings in Ffebruary in 1742'. 13 One common feature of Scottish life in Pre-Reformation times was the celebration of numerous craft festivals and religious processions.14 I understand that even at the time of Flodden, the tradition was faithfully observed. Now, do you remember our Whitsome ancestor? Well, Whitsome provides a neat link with Glasgow Cathedral, where I attended an important ceremony in the life of that city. At this time of Consultation on Decentralisation by Scottish Borders Council and the heinous suggestion that the old name of Berwickshire be dropped,15 1 hesitate to mention that other name. However, Robert Blacader, Bishop of Glasgow, won so much favour with the Pope, whom he visited on business for King James IV, that he obtained the upgrading of Glasgow to a See (an Archbishopric); thus he became Glasgow's first Archbishop in 1492. His arms are, in fact, in Jedburgh because that town was within the See of Glasgow.16 Glasgow Cathedral, like Polworth Parish Church, is dedicated to St Mungo.17 The occasion to which I refer is the Act of Commemoration in St Mungo's Cathedral on 15th September, 1994, to celebrate the Bi-centenary of the Trades Hall of Glasgow, designed by Robert Adam in 1791 and opened in 1794, after his death.18 It was the anniversary of the transfer of the Craft Guilds from the old almshouse adjacent to the Cathedral to their splendid new premises in Glassford Street. You recall that the guilds liked to have their own accommodation! We are going to see an extract from a film, taken for me by my good friend, Sandy Hamilton. I would like you to be particularly aware of the many fine artefacts within the Cathedral because I shall refer to one of then shortly. [At this point the extract from the film was shown - Ed.] This parade probably bears some resemblance to any such, two hundred years ago, so, if you care, you can transpose it in your mind to your native town. 'Sir John! The Scots Guards' colours are not on show because they were covered while central heating was being installed.' The colours were dedicated in 1971 when Sir John Swinton was CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CRAFT INCORPORATIONS 5 Colonel commanding the Regiment. The south pews have craft emblems on the ends.19 Before the Reformation, the pillars had altars for each craft attached to them, where Mass was said: St Christopher for the Skinners, St Serf for the Weavers, St Thomas of Canterbury for the Masons. It is recorded in Edinburgh: St Eloi for the Hammermen Tourtey shillings to the altar and its ornaments for a master on entry to the craft' 1583.20 The stained glass window celebrates the fourteen incorporated crafts. The link between Cathedral and Crafts is very strong because, when the Protestant Reformers were summoned by 'tuck of drum' to demolish the building, the craftsmen, although themselves Protestant, saved it. They are reputed to have declared that the first to harm a stone would be buried under it. Do you notice the beautiful harmony of colours in the chancel? The parade starts from the beautiful Barony Church, where incidentally, the Whitsome farmer's daughter was married. It is now the graduation hall for Strathclyde University. The column is led by the banners of the Trades House, followed by the mace, carved from walnut driftwood found in the River Clyde nearby. The Deacon Convener, head of the Trades' Court, wears a velvet jacket. The banner in Edinburgh was known as the Blue Blanket.21 Each craft has its own banner with its devices depicted. By tradition, the Hammermen first - as armourers they were very important. The deacons and auld deacons are on parade; so also are the Lord Provost and other civic dignitaries. The architect of the house carries a model of it. Present is Mr Keith Robert Adam, the great, great, great, great grand-nephew of Robert Adam. Later that day he had conferred on him the freedom of the Guildry as a craftsman of the Wrights. The trumpeters of the King's Troop, the Royal Horse Artillery, herald their arrival. The Very Rev. William J. Morris, Minister of Glasgow, Dean of the Chapel Royal, Honorary Chaplain to the Trades House, conducts the service. Those in historical costume in the parade are correctly dressed in that they are wearing hats. In 1672, members were directed 'not to come to meetings unless they have ane hatt upon thair headis for the credite of thair calling and wha cotravenis, to pay the collector for the pooris use the sum of fourtie shillings money, unforgiven.'22 I do not know what 'unforgiven' means in this context. 6 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB I read in the Hawick minutes a reprimand to craftsmen for being insufficiently sober in their dress 'which should be black7. A word about the crafts: The Cordiners take their sweet- sounding name from Cordova in Spain whence came fine, supple goatskin. Chaucer's rich man wore 'schoon of cordewane7. The Maltmen were the only craft, in the early days, to admit women; some of whom ran alehouses. The Coopers were important before the days of cheap crockery, for example, in Greenlaw they made wooden bowies for milk, beckers for porridge, luggies with handles for children's use, ladles and - very important - shuttles for the weavers.23 The Gardeners in Glasgow no longer have their original charter. It was burned with all the Deacon's effects when he was sent to the Foull Moor - suffering from the plague in 1646. You may like to know, he recovered. [The film ended here - Ed.] I would like us to focus now on a special piece of workmanship in St Mungo's Cathedral, because it demonstrates Glasgow's continuing promotion of craftsmanship, and brings us nearer home. After the second world war, the Fabric and Linen Committee of the Cathedral, led enthusiastically by Miss Meighan, whose family had a high-class interior design business in Bath Street in Glasgow, approached the newly-formed Craft Design Centre in the Grassmarket in Edinburgh to enquire about skilled weavers. The committee was advised that there was a weaver working in the Borders who could produce the quality for which they were searching. She kindly told me this when I had the pleasure of visiting her. She is a cultured and astute elderly lady.24 Before being called up, this weaver had studied at Edinburgh College of Art, of which he later became a fellow. During his war service he had travelled in Iraq, Persia, Syria, The Lebanon, Egypt and Greece, where he had absorbed the designs, techniques and colours of these eastern craftsmen. He and his wife bought an old property (behind Ormiston's) off the High Street of Melrose, which they called 'The Fenstead' and which they converted and where they set up home and a studio for his hand looms. She also is an artist. I am speaking of R. McDonald Scott and Anne Carrick, both of whose work members enjoyed when the Club visited Smailholm Tower.25 On request, he submitted design sketches from which a choice was made for a carpet for the chancel and a runner for the step, CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CRAFT INCORPORATIONS 7 The Incorporated Trades of Kelso The Insignia of the Hammermen The Insignia of the Shoemakers 8 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB The Banner of the Tailors of Kelso CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CRAFT INCORPORATIONS 9 The Carpets woven for the chancel of Glasgow Cathedral The Coronation Carpet woven on a hand loom by R. McDonald Scott , Melrose. Another view of the Coronation Carpet 10 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB The second carpet designed hy R. McDonald Scott , Melrose CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CRAFT INCORPORATIONS 11 to take centre stage in the Cathedral. It was to be the Coronation Carpet for the new Queen Elizabeth's reign. The carpet, to be hand-woven in a tapestry style on the width of an upright loom, had to be made in sections. The joins were to be incorporated in the design of red lines, enclosing the symbols of the Christian faith. The new carpet was celebrated at a dedication service, conducted by the then minister. Dr Nevile Davidson, and attended by the Scotts' little daughter who presented a posy to the Queen. It is reckoned to be one of the finest examples of the weaver's craft in existence. Miss Meighan said, 'It lived' . The carpet received glowing write-ups in the press, for example, in an article in the Scots' Magazine (Vol. 61, No. 4, July I960) and Scotland's Magazine (Vol. 49, No. 11, November 1953). This is not the end of the story. Dr Davidson went on holiday. The rains came. The roof leaked. The slaters mended it. Water, dirt, slates and other refuse dropped down on the chancel. The carpet was seriously soiled. Later, Miss Meighan arranged for its cleaning. Prince Philip, nowadays a Hammerman, happened to visit at this time. He suggested that it would be appropriate if a new carpet were to be woven in Glasgow. A design competition was launched and 'Would you believe? I won again!' Not my words - McDonald Scott's! The competition was sponsored by Charlie Hepburn. Sir Charles Hepburn - a Glasgow man in the malt trade - encouraging the art of weaving! You might say he had an interest in carpets. He owned a 500-year-old Persian hand-woven carpet, the largest in existence; and he conceived and paid for another sort of carpet you may have appreciated - the electric blanket for the SRU at Murrayfield pitch.26 & 27 This time the carpet was to be woven at Templeton's factory, modelled on the Doge's Palace in Venice. It stood by Glasgow Green and the River Clyde. This one was to be glowing red, also with a runner, bearing the symbols of the Coat of Arms of the City of Glasgow. So you see, there are two carpets. The original, hand woven, is kept in the 13th century Lower Chapter House, which is in the north-east corner of the Cathedral and was the original University. There is a poignancy about this address. Donald (Anne called him Donald), intended being here today, but he died a few weeks ago. Anne lives in the lovely Walton Hall on the River Tweed at Kelso. [See pictures 4, 5 and 6] 12 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB How is such quality to be encouraged? The Middle Dutch word. Gilt, indicates the need for gold, income, a good proportion of which is directed to education. A little ceremony. The Box Opening, at the Deacon of the Wright's hospitalilty, encapsulates the importance of the safe-keeping of the gold. There is a good deal of fun and banter. Conviviality is one of the delightful features of the incorpora- tions. Two keys are required to open the box: the large key or Trades key and the wee key or Goudie. The 'new boy', also known as the Goudie, has to work out the secret, only known to previous goudies. Income was raised in many ways, for example: from the purchase and sale of land, known as tenements; from freedom fines, extracted from entrants: 'at the Near Hand for relatives', the younger, the less expensive; and at the Far Hand for strangers. You may be sure the four Duns grandsons were joined as Freemen of the City at as young an age as possible; from actual fines: 3d. immediately for swearing or abuse in Hawick; from fines for infringement of trade regulations. In Lauder in 1724 for selling meat before noon or in a clandestine manner - £10 Scots; from annual subscriptions, sometimes known as bucket money. Buckets were required to pass from hand to hand in case of fire; the Whitsome farmer's son-in-law, a master mason in Glasgow, employing seventeen masons and two apprentices, paid: 2s. in 1862 4s. in 1863 6s. in 1864 Was there inflation? from the renting of mortcloths. It makes sad reading. Besides the meikle cloth, there were the youth's cloth and the bairn's cloth. In 1717 in the Collector's book, '12s, to hire a bairn's best quality cloth';28 from profit on social events. In a Borders town, 6d. for dinner and a drink, an extra 6d. for an extra drink. Besides disbursements to 'decayit brethren', widows and daughters, and 'outdoor relief', that is charity, much of the revenue was and is used to promote education and encourage high standards. Assays or essays were set for apprentices. In Glasgow there CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CRAFT INCORPORATIONS 13 must have been irregularity, not to say cheating, because the door of the Essay House had to be 'sufficiently secured with a new lock of four throws with a key to each throw'. In 1759, in Kelso, Wm Redpath submitted a wheel, a chamber box and a leaded glass window to the Guild of Hammermen.29 When, not long ago, Mrs Betty Buckle, one of our members, visited an old lady in sheltered housing in Duns, she was shown a beautiful blanket which still kept the lady warm. She had woven it as her apprentice essay at Cumledge Mill. Our family folklore says that the Whitsome farmer's little grand-daughter, Alice, was very well educated in the school on the top floor of the Trades Hall of Glasgow, presently being refurbished. Youthful talent is still fostered by grants, bursaries and awards. This function of promoting standards is still a prime concern of surviving Incorporated Crafts, for example in Selkirk. To celebrate the Bi-centenary the Trades Hall of Glasgow held a combined crafts competi- tion which included sculpture, carpentry, book- binding, jewellery, stained glass, tailoring, design and upholstery. It was a satisfying feeling to be admiring the present-day apprentice craftsmanship in Scotland in a building which demonstrates the quality of craftsmanship two hundred years ago. I have explained the origins of today's Incorporated Craft organisations and drawn attention to their efforts over the centuries to encourage high standards. I am glad to have had this opportunity to record the contribution of a Borders weaver to one of our great cathedrals. I would like to finish with a practice drawn from the wright's shop. Clocks were rare in Scotland before the 18th century, so other means of signifying 'knocking off' time were employed. In a busy wright's shop, the boss hammered the rhythm with his rule: 'Master's here. It is time to close the shop. Master's here.' This has become the signal for the close of meetings of the Incorporation of Wrights. Thus: 'Knock, knock, knock, Knock, knock, knock, knock, knock, knock, knock. Knock, knock, knock.' 14 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB REFERENCES 1. Census (1861). Government Statistical Service. 2. Lindsay, J. F. (1990). The Incorporation of Wrights in Glasgow. 3. The Edinburgh Advertiser (1788, Tuesday, 11th March). 4. Whyte, I. (1990). Edinburgh and the Borders Landscape, p. 185. Newton Abbot, David and Charles. 5. The Clerk's Office, Dundee. 6. Chrystal, J. (1910). The Trades Guilds of Glasgow. McNicol, D. (1974). 'Tradition Lives in Glasgow', Scotland's Magazine. Stalker, P A. (1927-92). Incorporated Trades Press Cuttings. Dixon, A. S. (1958). 'Evolution of the Trades House', Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Journal. 7. Oram, R. D. (1992). Drumlanrig Tower, Hawick. Historical research, a summary of Stage 1. 8. Romanes, R. (1903). Lauder - a Series of Papers. 9. Cameron, A. (1995). Bank of Scotland - 1695-1995. Mainstream. 10. Trainer, Dr J. (1992). Kelso and Sprouston Parish Church, Kelso Ancient and Modern. 11. Chisholm, J. (1918). Scott's Court Cases. W Green and Son. 12. 'The Cause of the Fleshers', Duns (October 1876). The Berwickshire News. 13. Johnston, R. G. (1953). Duns Dings A'. Advertiser Printing Works, Marygate, Berwick. 14. McNicol, D. Tradition Lives in Glasgow. 15. Consultation Paper (1996). Scottish Borders Council. 16. Laidlaw, W (1805). History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. XI, p. 142. 17. Binnie, G. A. C. (1995). The Churches and Graveyards of Berwickshire, p. 391. 18. Act of Commemoration (1994). Thanksgiving Service for the Bi-centenary of Trades Hall of Glasgow. 19. Morris, The Very Rev. Wm J. (1986). A Walk through Glasgow Cathedral. Strath- clyde Regional Printing Works. 20. Foreman, S. (1987). Moffat, A Backward Glance. Lockar. 21. Pennecuik, A. (1722). The Blue Blanket of the Good Toum of Edinburgh. Robertson. 22. Beharrell, L. V. (n.d.). The Trades House of Glasgow. 23. Gibson, R. (1905). An Old Berwickshire Town. Oliver and Boyd. 24. Meighan, Miss M. (1995), in conversation. 25. Scott, R. McDonald, and Carrick, Anne (1995). In conversation at Walton Hall, Kelso. 26. Scottish Field (October 1967). 27 . Scotland (January 1960), Scottish Development Council. 28. See Note 2. 29. See Note 10. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I record my sincere thanks to Mr Sandy Hamilton for his video photography and to Mr Roman Michnowicz for his photography. I thank Mr Gordon Wyllie, W.S., Clerk to the Trades House of Glasgow for his help. I thank Dr Morris for his kind interest and Mr Wallace Dick, Deacon of the Wrights in 1995, for taking part so amiably in the film. JAMES LOSH'S CONTEMPORARY CRITICISMS OF WORKS BY WALTER SCOTT J. W. Bainbridge 41 Castle Terrace, Berwick upon Tweed TD15 1NZ Auction The sale by auction in 1834 of the library of the late James Losh, of the Grove, Jesmond, in the premises of Mr Small, Royal Arcade, Newcastle upon Tyne, was the largest and most exciting that the north-east had ever known. More than 1,723 volumes in 631 lots went under the hammer over five days (Figure 1). A sale catalogue,1 held by the Central Reference Library, Newcastle, provides the prices realised by numerous lots. The catalogue also points to Emerson Charnley2 who, according to Thomas Dibdin,3 was The veteran emperor of Northumbrian booksellers',4 being available to execute commissions for 'gentlemen who cannot attend the Sale'.5 The hammer prices shown in the surviving catalogue range from 8d. for Pleadings and arguments concerning the charter of the City of London (1690) to £15 for an outstanding copy of Commentaires de Caesar, on vellum, beautifully illuminated and elegantly bound in blue morocco. The top price of £15 was also paid for 75 volumes of Statues at large, from Magna Charta to 1831. Three volumes of Hutchinson's History of Durham (1785- 1794) brought 55s. and a Fuller's History of Berwick (1799) is included in the sale catalogue but the selling price is not shown. The five days sale must have drawn antiquarian book dealers and collectors from throughout the north. This was no ordinary sale, nor had the lots on offer come from a modest bibliophile. The variety and range of subjects was unusual and included works of the 16th to 19th centuries. It is of interest that there does not appear to have been a single work by Walter Scott in the sale. It is probable that James Losh's widow, Cecilia Baldwin,6 or his son, the younger James, like his father, a barrister,7 held back the Waverley novels and other books by Scott. Doubtless, this would have pleased Sir Walter, as would the book auction. Scott, being the inveterate collector that he was, would have been difficult to out-bid at such a sale. Losh What of the man who amassed the collection?8 He was born in 15 16 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB SALE OF MR LOSH’S LIBRARY TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION At Mr Small's Sale Room , Royal Arcade , Newcastle , on Monday the 3rd of March, 1834, and four following Days, at 11 o'clock in the Forenoon, BY REED AND ARCHBOLD, THE extensive and very valuable Miscellaneous LIBRARY of the late James Losh, Esq., Recorder of Newcastle, containing a choice Collection of HISTORY, BIOGRAPHY, VOYAGES, TRAVELS, POETRY, &c. &c. &c. *** Catalogues will be ready for Delivery on Tuesday, the 25th Instant, and may be had of Mr Charnley, Bookseller, and at the Warerooms of Mr Reed, Royal Arcade. The entire Collection will be for Inspection on the Fri- day and Saturday preceding the Sale, in Mr Small’s Rooms, Royal Arcade. Figure 1. Auction advertisement, Newcastle courant , 22nd February 1834. 1763, the second son of John Losh, squire of Woodside, four miles south of Carlisle. The family had held the Cumbrian estate since the early 16th century. Four of John Losh's sons migrated to Tyneside where they succeeded in industry and public life. John (born 1756) founded the Walker Alkali Works; George (1766) was a ship and insurance broker, head of Lubbren & Co., merchants, and a proprietor in the Newcastle Fire Office and Water Company; and William (1770) managed the Walker works for John, and started the Walker Iron Works of Losh, Wilson and Bell. James arrived in Newcastle via Sedbergh, Trinity College, Cambridge, Lincoln's Inn and a spell in France, observing the course of the Revolution. As a barrister he began to practice on the Northern Circuit. In 1797 he published his translation of Benjamin Constant's Observations on the Strength of the Government in France. Married in 1798, Losh and his wife set up home in the following year at The Grove, Jesmond. By then he was contributing to The Economist or Englishman's Magazine, a cheap monthly for the enlightenment of the masses, published by Thomas Bigge, of Benton. Losh not only practised law but, as his family ties might suggest, had business, mining and industrial interests. He was, for example, a promoter of the Newcastle- JAMES LOSH'S CONTEMPORARY CRITICISMS 17 Carlisle Railway. Also actively involved in local and national politics, Losh, as a staunch Whig, was close to 'Reform Bill' Grey, 'Radical Jack' Lambton, Thomas Attwood and other radicals. On the eve of the Whig triumph of 1832, James Losh produced: Observations on Parliamentary Reform; to which is added the Petition from the Society of the Friends of the People presented to the House of Commons by Charles Grey, Esq., in 1793. The 32 page pamphlet was published in Newcastle by none other than his friend and fellow Whig, Emerson Charnley. The slowness of Losh's professional advancement was a disap- pointment. But as a Unitarian he was debarred for much of his career by the Test & Corporation Acts from official appointments, like the Recordership of Berwick upon Tweed, to which his ability and professional standing entitled him. Could it have been that the Durham ecclesiastical authorities kept business from him because he was a Dissenter? Among his closest friends were Henry Brougham, James Scarlett, John Hullock, Recorder of Berwick (1803-1810), and others in law. Supremely happy in his family life, Losh prospered professionally and was content to devote leisure time to his books and garden. By his mid-forties he would have preferred to have been an author rather than a barrister. But it was not to be. He had also realised the excitement of politics too late in life to enter that arena. Fortunately he lived to see three political dreams come true; the repeal of the Test & Corporation Acts, the passing of the Reform Bill and the abolition of Colonial slavery. Before his death in 1833 James Losh served as Recorder of Newcastle and had become a freeman of the city. Losh was a friend of two poet laureates, Southey and Word- sworth, as well as knowing Samuel Taylor Coleridge, for whom he obtained books on loan from Carlisle Cathedral Library in 1801. His desire to cut a literary figure in the impoverished literary scene of Newcastle was a frustration.9 The subsequent need to become self-sufficient probably explains in part the nature and extent of his private library. This was no casual book collector. He valued books and devoted time and expenditure to building his collection. Losh was also an avid reader who, throughout his diaries, makes reference to his current reading. This was a literary figure, even when personal ambitions were not realised. The Newcastle scene was, nonetheless, enriched by the presence of the local Literary and Philosophical Society which Losh served tirelessly for over three decades. In return a life-size statue in white marble of the former vice-president (Figure 2) now stands on the staircase of the premises which he 18 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB Figure 2. Losh statue, Newcastle Lit. & Phil. JAMES LOSH'S CONTEMPORARY CRITICISMS 19 helped to acquire. The statue, executed in 1836 by John Graham Lough, was presented to the Society by his friends and fellow- townsmen 'as a testimony of their esteem for his distinguished virtues, and of their gratitude for his eminent public services'. Berwick upon Tweed Losh, as a northern barrister, visited Berwick to attend the courts of Quarter Sessions and Gaol Deliveries. He first mentions being in the northernmost outpost of the- Northern Circuit on the 3rd June 1812, when he 'walked the new pier'. Four years later, on 24th June 1816, at a General Gaol Delivery at Berwick, Losh prosecuted for the Mint an Irish group charged with coining. When five of the accused were sentenced to death there were undignified outbursts in court with frantic pleas for mercy. The sentences were later commuted to transportation 'beyond the seas' for life for the five found guilty. Again, on 10th October 1819, the counsel walked on Berwick's 'noble pier' and two days later dealt with one of the most troublesome arbitrations ever. Then, on 22nd July 1823, the Cumbrian visited the new chain bridge across the Tweed near Horncliffe, and the next day prosecuted Grace Griffin for the murder of her husband. The prosecutor had very little doubt of her guilt, but the evidence was wholly circumstantial and with objections to the principal witness, he thought she should have been acquitted. Grace Griffin was the last person to be hanged at Berwick. In 1829 when Williamson resigned the Recordership of Newcastle it was obvious that Christopher Cookson would succeed him and still retain the Recordership of Berwick, which Losh, since the repeal of the Test & Corporation Acts, would have been a candidate for should the post have become vacant. In the event Cookson filled both recorderships and it was not until his death in 1832 that Losh succeeded to the Newcastle post. While at Berwick in the first week of August 1830 the northern barrister made a short outing to Jedburgh, Melrose and the Eastern Borders.10 Criticisms There was a tendency for Scott's work to be received uncritically, especially by those with Border associations.11 But, as will be seen below, Losh expresses his own objective views. Each of his diary entries,12 given verbatim, is followed by the present writer's commentary. Losh's remarks need to be seen in the context of Scott's earlier poems, following, as it did, the more successful The Lay of the Last Minstrel (1805). The intensity of expectation that awaited the 20 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB 16 April 1813 Rokeby, a poem by Walter Scott . . . finished a hasty perusal of this very pleasing and poetical but unfinished and careless work. I think it upon the whole inferior to his former poems in vigor and genius but full as interesting as to plot and character as the best of them. arrival of The Lady of the Lake in 1810 did not exist for Rokeby. But in England its appearance was keenly awaited.13 On seeing the book advertised Byron wrote to his bookseller, John Murray, 'Who the devil is he? - no matter, he has good connections, and will be well introduced'.14 Rokeby, near Barnard Castle in County Durham, was the estate of Scott's close friend, J. B. S. Morritt, and was a setting beyond the poet's familiar Border country. Rokeby, according to Lockhart, had been dong in hand', the manuscript being sent to Ballantyne, the printer, on paper of various sorts and sizes, full of blots and interlineations. Rokeby was to be the first of five less successful Scott ballads. The Bridal of Triermain (1813), The Field of Waterloo (1815), The Lord of the Isles (1815) and Harold the Dauntless (1817). 21 December 1813 Bridal of Triermain; finished this , upon the whole, happy imitation of Walter Scott. It wants however that spirit and vivacity which form great parts of the charm of that delightful, but over-praised poet Losh, like the critic in the July 1813 number of The Quarterly Review,'5 appears to have been deceived. 'We have already spoken of it' says the critic, 'as an imitation of Mr Scott's style of composition; and if we were compelled to make the general approbation more precise and specific, we should say, that if it be inferior in vigour to some of his productions, it equals or surpasses them in elegance and beauty; that it is more uniformly tender, and far less infected with the unnatural prodigies and coarseness of the earlier romances. . . . The diction undoubtedly reminds us of a rhythm and cadence we have heard before. . . .' Losh, as a reader of The Quarterly Review,'6 had obviously been influenced by its critic. 25 August 1814 This day about 11 o'clock . . . Cecilia, Fanny, Celia and I set out, with our own carriage and horses upon a short Tour into the south of Scotland. We returned on the evening of the 2nd of Sept. ... I read Walter Scott's Lay of the Last Minstrel and all the notes through for the 3rd time JAMES LOSH'S CONTEMPORARY CRITICISMS 21 Here was the work, read for the third time, which, following its success, convinced Scott that literature would be central in his life.17 The Lay grew out of the Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border (1802), after the Countess of Dalkeith had asked that Scott compose a ballad of the Border story of Gilpin Home. The book, published in January 1805, was an immediate critical and financial success. It also sent thousands to view the Trossachs and Highland scenery. 14 March 1815 W. Scott's poem The Lord of the Isles, finished a very hasty perusal of it. I was much delighted with this new work, of the most amusing (I might almost say the most enchanting) poet of the age. Compared with the other works of W. Scott I feel at a loss how to class this production. This poem, published two months before Losh enthused about it, was founded on the chronicles of Bruce and deals with his return to Scotland in 1307. Walter Scott was telling Morritt, in a letter of 19th January 1815, that The Lord of the Isles would mark the end of his poetic efforts on an extended scale, but he would always dabble in rhyme.18 The Lord of the Isles , another ploy to deceive the critics, followed on the heels of Waverley (1814) and only a month ahead of Guy Mannering. This was calculated to 'throw' those who were trying to identify the mysterious author of the Waverley novels. 3 May 1815 Guy Mannering . . . finished this most interesting and pleasing work. It had the effect of alternately touching my feelings and exciting laughter (even when alone), beyond any work which I have read for many years. It has the marks of hasty composition in many respects and great faults may be found with many parts of it such as the fulfilment of the astrological predictions and also the predictions of Meg Merriless. But it is the work of a person of great genius, of acute observation, and profound knowledge, not only of manners and the nicer shades of character but also of human nature itself. I cannot help suspecting that Walter Scott is the author of this work and Waverley also. Spurred on by the success of Waverley, six weeks work at Christmastide 1814 resulted in Guy Mannering appearing on 24th February 1815. Not all the reviewers approved, unlike James Losh and the reading public. Waverley was soon the most successful anonymous novel ever published. It appeared on the 7th July 1814 (Figure 3) - ten 22 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB Early next Month will be published, in three Volumes, WAVERLEY ; or, “ ’TIS SIXTY YEARS SINCE” A Novel. “ Under WHAT King ? - Bezonian, speak, or die ” Printed by J. Ballantyne & Co. for Archibald Constable and Co. Edinburgh; and Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown, London; and also by E. Charnley, Bell and Son, Sands, Miller, Humble and Son, Messrs Akenhead, Finlay, Marshall, and Ovis- ton, Newcastle; Andrews, Durham; and by all other Booksellers. Figure 3. Waverley published. Newcastle courant, 16th July 1814. months before Losh's perusal - and by the end of the year 5,000 copies had been sold and profits exceeded £2,100. In the next fifteen years, and in the author's lifetime, there were five more editions, the last of which exceeded 40,000 copies. The reviewers raved. But who was he author? Could it be William Erskine, Brother Tom Scott, Mrs Tom Henry MacKenzie or the poet Walter Scott? As the 'Great Unknown' remarked, 'I am not sure it would be considered quite decorous for me as a Clerk of Sessions to write novels'.19 Our critic had entered in his diary, on the 7th August 1813: Mr Erskine is Sheriff depute to the celebrated Walter Scott who is sheriff substitute of, I think, one of the districts of Roxburghshire. Mr Erskine told me that the situation of Sheriff depute is a mere sinecure and worth to Mr Scott about £300 a year: he added that Mr S has also the situation of Clerk to the Sessions worth about £1100 more, both in the gift of the government. This extraordinary man, therefore, has no great reason to complain that genius is neglected in this country. During much of Scott's time as Sheriff of Selkirkshire (not Sheriff substitute as Losh thought) his Sheriff-Substitute was his friend, Charles Erskine, a writer in Melrose. Scott may have had Erskine in mind as the Sheriff-Substitute in Guy Mannering, Mac-Morlan, 'who was a man of intelligence and probity ... a man o' character, and weel spoken o'.' Being Sheriff of Selkirkshire in the early 19th century was not a demanding occupation. In 33 years Scott gave judgements in only 114 legal processes.20 In April 1815 Scott took his wife Charlotte and daughter Sophia to London and, on the first of two occasions, while dining at Carlton House the Prince Regent, when toasting 'the author of Waverley' , looked straight at Scott. Later, the Wizard of the North was to suggest that the Regent was too well-bred to put so ill-bred a question on the authorship of Waverley.21 Until 23rd February JAMES LOSH'S CONTEMPORARY CRITICISMS 23 1827 all the Waverley novels bore the description 'by the author of Waverley'. After this date Scott ceased to be 'The Great Unknown'. 20 May 1816 Antiquary . . . finished this most interesting work which I need not further describe than by saying that it has all the excellencies and all the defects of Waverley and Guy Mannering. Soon after publication, in early May 1816, The Antiquary became as popular as Guy Mannering. The author's doubts about the success, of his favourite novel, stemmed from what he read in the countenance of James Ballantyne.22 Could it be that Scott himself, supreme among collectors, was the prototype of Jonathan Oldbuck of The Antiquarian ? A glance at the Abbotsford library establishes that Scott, like Monkbarns, was not only an antiquary but also a bibliophile. 19 January 1817 Tales of a Landlord, finished this very amusing book. The first vol. is by no means so good as the 3 last; but I have no doubt ; upon the whole, that it is written by the author of Waverley ec . . . The tales of the Black Dwarf and Old Mortality , both based on well known Border characters, appear in this volume, by Jedadiah Cleishbotham, schoolmaster of Gandercleugh, and not apparently by 'the author of Waverley'. Thus, the silence of the title page, a change of publisher and a variation of style added to existing doubts as to authorship. Were the tales or were they not from the hand of Waverley ? John Murray, the London bookseller turned publisher, declared that they must be the work of Walter Scott or the Devil.23 Losh had read the first series of the Tales of my Landlord within seven weeks of publication. 18 January 1818 Rob Roy, finished this very interesting and amusing work. I cannot help thinking it however, somewhat inferior to the other books by the same author. Along with the final proofs, the author expressed delight on completing the task, writing to James Ballantyne: With great joy I send you Roy 'Twas a tough job. But we've done with Rob. The novel had indeed been a tough job. It was written while 24 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB Figure 4. A Berwick smack with a cargo of 10,000 copies of Rob Roy for London. JAMES LOSH'S CONTEMPORARY CRITICISMS 25 Scott suffered from stomach cramp, which he treated with large doses of laudanum. But the subject had appealed to the author and the result, in spite of Losh's verdict, was a success. Archibald Constable, the Edinburgh publisher, had decided upon the title, in the face of Scott's preference for another, unnamed. So great was the demand for copies that the entire cargo of a smack (Figure 4) sailing from Leith to London, consisted of an edition of 10,000, an event unprecedented in literature or the customs service.24 The short story of Rob Roy, read by our north-eastern lawyer within three weeks of publication, is interspersed with wonderful pieces of descriptive writing. Perhaps the final word on this novel should be given to Wordsworth: The eagle he was Lord above. And Rob was lord below. 23 March 1818 Marmion, finished this poem , perhaps in parts the most powerful but by no means the most pleasing of the works of this delightful poet . . . Here the critic reads Marmion, generally acknowledged to be the grandest of Walter Scott's verse-romances, a decade after it appeared. Almost certainly his 1818 reading was not his first. The work had been completed at a time when Scott was full of vigour, happy at Ashestiel with his young family, in the full flush of fame, a man of letters, not writing under stress. The Sheriff greatly enjoyed family picnics, below Elibank, 'burning-the- water' for Tweed salmon with friends and shooting a crow to get a quill with which to write.25 Marmion, written in 1806, opens at Ashestiel when: November's sky is chill and drear November's leaf is red and sear. The poem advances over a year to close at Christmastide at Mertoun House. It is of interest that James Losh visited Norham on the 23rd September 1819 and, after looking at the church, describes the castle without mention of Marmion, and more particularly to the opening: Day set on Norham's castle steep And Tweed's fair river, broad and deep. And Cheviot's mountains lone; The battle towers, the donjon keep. The loophole grates, where captives weep. The flanking walls that round it sweep. In yellow lustre shone. 26 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB No doubt Scott would have warmed to the opinion that his fellow advocate held of him as a poet. And was not a reason for his jealousy guarded anonymity as a novelist, to protect his reputation as a poet? 15 April 1818 Lord of the Isles, finished this, in my opinion, spirited and very interesting poem. It is not so poetical as the Lay of the Last Minstrel nor perhaps so evenly sustained as Marmion, but I think it is as amusing as any of W. Scott's delightful poems . . . 26 April 1818 Lay of the Last Minstrel, finished this very beautiful poem, in my opinion the most poetical (and that which shews the greatest genius ) of all W. Scott's works. Losh had already read and commented on The Lord of the Isles on 14th March 1815, and on The Lay of the Last Minstrel on 25th August 1814, above. The Lay was read, in April 1818, for the fourth time, and, with greater appreciation. James Losh, unlike many of his contemporaries, valued Scott the poet more than Scott the novelist. 14 August 1818 Tales of my Landlord, (Heart of Mid-Lothian), finished this most interesting work. I can have no doubt of its being the production of the author of Waverley ec., tho' upon the whole I think it is inferior to his other productions. It has the same faults and I think less to redeem them: it fails in the story and in the description of the manners and occupations of ordinary life ec . . . When Rob Roy was nearing completion (31st December 1817) Scott began work on The Heart of Midlothian so there was an overlap. The new work appeared before the close of June 1818 and the reception given it was, according to Lady Louisa Stewart, enthusiastic.26 Walter Savage Landor, who had never been keen on Scott's poetry, thought The Heart of Midlothian was sufficient to stamp its author as the most illustrious of the age.27 Landor, it might be said, was at the time of writing, being expelled from Como, having insulted the authorities in a Latin poem.28 Losh's views on . . . Midlothian were at odds with the critics and general opinion. 21 August 1818 Play: Miss O'Neill and W. McReady played Mr and Mrs Beverley, the former very finely (tho' not so well as Mrs Siddons), the latter only moderately. Rob Roy, a moderate compilation from the novel so deservedly popular . . .was played as an after-piece. W. McReady played the character of Rob Roy very well, but the music and singing being omitted, the whole was dull and uninteresting. JAMES LOSH'S CONTEMPORARY CRITICISMS 27 THEATRE-ROYAL, NEWCASTLE UNITION OF SUPERIOR TALENT ! ! ! MISS O’NEILL and Mr W M’CREADY, and probably the only Opportunity that ever may occur of those Performers appearing at the same Time on the Newcastle Stage. Mr W. M’CREADY’S BENEFIT, And last Night but one of his and Miss O’Neill’s Engagement. On Friday Evening, August 21st, 1818, will be presented the Tragedy, called THE GAMESTER. The Part of Mrs Beverley, by MISS O’NEILL, and the Part of Beverley, by Mr WILLIAM M’CREADY. To which will be added the Drama of ROB ROY M’GREGOR; or, AULD LANG SYNE. In which Mr Wm M’Cready, will perform his original Character of Rob Roy M’ Gregor. Figure 5. Theatre Royal advertisement, Newcastle courant, 22nd August 1818. Although Scott was surprised when Rob Roy was adapted for the stage29 he enjoyed William Murray's presentation of the drama at the Edinburgh Theatre Royal on 15th February 1819, and in which Charles Mackay, a Glaswegian, made the hit of his career as Baillie Nicol Jarvie. In the next two decades the ever popular Rob Roy was played 285 times in this one Edinburgh theatre.30 The production which Losh saw (Figure 5) was during a week's run at Newcastle Theatre Royal by Eliza O'Neill and William M'Cready, from the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden.31 On the Friday night when Losh was present he saw a tragedy. The Gamester, to which was added Rob Roy M' Gregor and in which, as the diarist indicates, M'Cready played the lead.32 20 June 1819 Finished The Bride of Lammermoor and Montrose. The former is clearly the better of the two, but they both seem to me much inferior to the former works by the same author. The most pathetic of the author's romances. The Bride of Lammermoor was written when Scott was thought to be dying. To many, like the American, Ralph Waldo Emerson,33 The Bride is the author's highest achievement, notwithstanding the melancholy surrounding it. In style it is the most finished, most emotional; and dramatised as in Donizetti's great opera. None has been more popular. A Legend of Montrose, second in the third series of Tales of my Grandfather, and along with The Bride belongs to one of the most gloomy periods in Walter Scott's career, due to ill health. Nonetheless, Montrose was a figure to attract him, historically 28 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB and romantically. Nor did his mood prevent the presentation of the comical, eccentric Dugald Dalgetty. Losh had read and commented on this series of Tales of my Grandfather just ten days after publication. 29 December 1819 Evanhoe: finished this very interesting work, , unlike and I think inferior to the other novels by the same Author. Leaving aside Losh's spelling of Ivanhoe it is clear that he was fascinated by the Waverley novels, this note having been made eleven days after the book appeared. Scott's mother died on Christmas Eve, six days after Ivanhoe was published. He refers to his loss and to that of an aunt and uncle, in a letter34 to Lady Louisa Stewart: . . . Ivanhoe. Novelty is what this giddy paced time demands imperiously, and I certainly studied as much as I could to get out of the old beaten track, leaving those who like to keep the road, which I have rutted pretty well. I have had a terrible time of it this year, with the loss of dear friends and near relatives; it is almost fearful to count up my losses, as they make me bankrupt in society . . . Scott's ability to pass successfully into an untried field, which he questioned, reveals the adaptability of the man. He had entered County Durham for his poem Rokeby, while the principal scenes of Ivanhoe are laid between Sheffield and Doncaster. The novel went on to be the most popular of the Waverley series, followed closely by Quentin Durward and The Talisman. The English found Ivanhoe splendidly free from 'the dialect'. Scott crossed the Border and triumphed. It was, thought Lockhart,35 the peak of his father-in-law's popularity as an author. He was a newly created baronet, had just declined the laureatship and Ivanhoe was written when his health was so poor that he was hardly expected to live. 27 March 1820 Finished The Monastery which seems to me decidedly the worst of the productions of our great modern novelist. The characters are most feebly drawn and the dialogues and incidents (with a few splendid exceptions ) less interesting. I consider also the introduction of super-natural agents as in bad taste and ill managed Some of the poetry is beautiful. What of the critic's comment on the super-natural agents being in bad taste? Scott always displays a fondness for ghosts. JAMES LOSH'S CONTEMPORARY CRITICISMS 29 goblins, witches and the supernatural. The goblin-page makes a nuisance of himself in The Lay of the Last Minstrel and comes near to spoiling the poem; Marmion has to fight a phantom knight, and so does Bertram Risingham, but in both a rational explanation dispels the mystery; the Baron of Triermain visits a phantom castle in the valley of St John; Bruce lands on Carrick shore, guided by a weird supernatural light; and in the pages of The Antiquary, The Bride of Lammermoor and other works by the Wizard there are strange happenings and phantom appearances. Glimpses of 16th century monastic life and two characters in particular, the 'White Lady of Avenel' and Sir Piercie Shafton, did not appeal to the public as the author expected. In The Monastery there is no Dandie Dinmont, nor Meg Merrilees, nor Dominic Sampson; no Jonathan Oldbuck nor Eddie Ochiltree; no historical figure such as Rob Roy; no Jeanie Deans, nor Flora Maclvor; no Die Vernon, no Rebecca. Losh reflects the public's response to The Monastery . Following so soon the successful Ivanhoe, it was a failure. 12 November 1821 Breakfast with Mrs Graham at Edmond Castle .... I travelled in the mail coach and had a companion who reminded me much of the Antiquary. Such was the powe :r of the novel published five years earlier. Finished The Pirate [which] has disappointed me. Perhaps indeed my taste and fancy may he somewhat cloyed by the numerous writings of the author of this new and very peculiar species of novels. ... To which may be added a great carelessness as to the style, a needless affectation of provincial and obsolete words and forms of expression. With all these faults and many other this unknown author (for I still doubt Walter Scott's sole title to these productions ) has powers of the highest order within the sphere in which he moves. The Pirate, published at the beginning of December, was read in three weeks by Losh, who was still doubting Scott's sole authorship of the Waverley novels. The work was analysed with care in The Quarterly Review in a tone widely different from those given to Waverley, Guy Mannering and The Antiquary .36 30 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB 4 July 1822 Finished an eager and hasty perusal of the 2nd and 3rd volumes of The Fortunes of Nigel, the first vol. of which I read in London. It certainly has many of the beauties and also many of the faults of the former productions of the great novelist . . . faults . . . which have always induced me to doubt whether Walter Scott be or be not the author of more than the introductions to, and the poetry of these extraordinary publications. Supporters of Nigel, published on the 30th May 1822, point to it giving a comprehensive picture of the London of James I, Scott being well-versed in the history and literature of the period, especially the dramas of Ben Jonson and his contemporaries. Could it be that Losh's views were tempered by his attitude towards the Royal family in 1822? This is suggested in his diary entry for 13th June. . . . Augusta and James went to see the Grandees pass to Court. The carriage and horses of the Duke of York were seized for debt: the Bailiffs however did not do their duty in public but after the parade and shew of the day were over. The present state and character of the Royal family is deplorable. The King is shut up in his harem with all the habits of an Eastern despot, except that of cutting off heads and changing his Ministers. The former is not suitable to the taste pf Englishmen. . . . 22 November 1822 Finished the last Article of No. 54 [Quarterly Review]. This number is upon the whole rather above the average of the work, tho' there is not perhaps any one very superior article in it. The best seems to me to be on The Fortunes of Nigel and that on The Dramas of Lord Byron; these are sensibly and temperately written, tho' the style in both is frequently defective, both as to clearness of expression and simplicity in its structure. I think also that in the Quarterly, as well as the Edinburgh Review, there is too much of adulation towards both the great men (Ld Byron and the author of Waver ley ec), mixed even with their most wholesome rebukes and criticisms. And in my opinion, the critics of a country which has produced Shakespeare, Milton, Fielding and Richardson need not shrink from a fearless, tho' candid, exposure of the faults of the greatest poet and most amusing novelist of the present age. The gross vanity and selfishness, the want of true dignity, both in feeling and JAMES LOSH'S CONTEMPORARY CRITICISMS 31 expression, and, may I not add, the want of extensive and varied information, and of deep and original reflection ( comparing him with Milton for instance) of the poet ; and the utter incapacity of the novelist, to form or sustain any thing like a Plot and to delineate a consistent character with a view to moral effect and his almost uniform neglect of religious feelings seem to me to place them both far below their illustrious predecessors. The first run of The Edinburgh Review of 1755 consists of only two numbers, in spite of Adam Smith being among its distinguished contributors. Then, in 1802, the quarterly magazine was successfully re-launched under the editorial triumvirate of Sydney Smith, Francis Jeffrey and Henry Brougham. Published by Archibald Constable, with paid anonymous reviewers, the new periodical initiated a new era in literary criticism and achieved an independent tone that later literary magazines had to follow. Tories, including Walter Scott, could be found among its earlier contributors. But gradually the Review assumed a completely Whig stance. Under Jeffrey's sole editorship (1803- 1829) The Edinburgh Review became the voice of the more influential literary taste in Europe. Francis Jeffrey is best remembered for his critical reviews of Wordworth's long poem. The Excursion, Scott's Marmion, and Byron's earlier poems. Among its more famous reviewers were Macaulay, Carlyle, Hazlitt and Gladstone.37 The Quarterly Review was founded in 1809 by John Murray as a Tory rival to The Edinburgh Review. It pursued a course suggested by Scott in a letter of 25th October 1808 to William Gifford,38 the first editor. In 1825 Gifford was succeeded by Sir John Coleridge, nephew of the poet, and John Gibson Lockhart, Scott's biographer. A favourable review of Emma was the first encouragement from a distinguished contributor, Scott, that the young Jane Austen had received.39 In 1816 Thomas M'Crie, biographer of John Knox, contributed to the Edinburgh Christian Instructor a powerful rebuke of Walter Scott's representation of the Covenanters in Old Mortality. When M'Crie's views gathered support, Scott defended his stance in The Quarterly Review (January 1817). The differences between the two were never resolved. Among The Quarterly Review's more famous contributors have been Southey, Canning, Rogers, Lord Salisbury, Gladstone and John Barrow. 32 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB 5 June 1823 Finished the 3 vols. of this amusing hook [Quentin Durward] which, however, in my opinion is another failure on the part of the author of Waverley. Again, Losh had read the new novel 'hot from the press' and his comment is similar to that which Constable heard when the book went on sale in London. But the sensation which the novel created in Paris was akin to that which Waverley received in Edinburgh and Ivanhoe in London.40 30 December 1823 Finished St Ronan's [Well], this work in 3 vols. by the author of Waverley. It appears to me in all respects inferior to his other productions . . . even the style in general is, in my opinion, very little, if anything superior to a common second-rate novel. . . . Probably he writes for profit more than fame, but the former, of course, will fast diminish with the latter. 31 December 1823 Upon consideration my criticism yesterday seems to be censure unmixed with praise, whereas certainly St Ronan's Well contains many beautiful descriptions of scenery, mainly spirited and highly characteristic dialogues and some boldly sketched characters such as old Meg, the Inn Keeper, Bindloose, the Lawyer ec. Upon the whole, however, I think what I said before was the truth, tho' not quite the whole truth. Lockhart and Will Laidlaw both believed that this book resulted from a conversation Will had with Scott as the three rode along the brow of the Eildons one July afternoon in 1823. The reception Quentin Durward had in Paris prompted the Wizard to believe that he might do something even better with a German subject. Laidlaw protested and called upon his master to root the next subject at hame.41 The outcome was St Ronan's Well with Innerleithen the scene of the romance, and represents the author's solitary essay in contemporary fiction which, according to him, was an attempt to imitate the subject and style of the novels of Maria Edgeworth, Susan Ferrier and Jane Austen.42 The novel does not reach the heights of The Antiquary or Guy Mannering. Nor does it rank even as high as Peveril of the Peak, but it is of interest, in spite of the unfortunate conclusion. Losh had read the novel within a fortnight of publication, and his final comments are close to the mark. JAMES LOSH'S CONTEMPORARY CRITICISMS 33 4 July 1825 Finished the 4 vols. of this work [Crusaders] which I am sorry to say is in all respects unworthy of the author of Waverley: . . . take the whole together, it must he considered as a complete failure. The Tales of the Crusaders are two stories widely different in character. The setting of The Betrothed is Wales while that of The Talisman is the Holy Land and a tale in which the Lion Heart makes a reappearance. The hope was that the brightness of The Talisman would dazzle the readers from the defects of its twin. In Losh's case, having read the work less than a month after publication, this was not to be. 15 May 1826 Woodstock, finished. This work contains many strik- ing passages and is certainly superior to several of the later novels by this distinguished author, hut by no means equal to Waverley, The Antiquary ec. I consider the character of Cromwell to be a complete failure and that of Charles the 2d an attempt indirectly to compliment and raise in public estimation that comtemptible and worthless tyrant I fear, however, that the author endeavoured to flatter the powers that be, by flattering the King and abusing the Protector. He durst not venture to falsify history so much and not to speak of Cromwell as a man of extraordinary talents and to admit him to be free from crime and blood thirstyness. Between t ie completion of the Tales of the Crusaders and Woodstock, came the disastrous change in Scott's affairs, which sentenced him to a term of super-human exertion. No longer could writing be enjoyable. The announcement that Scott was the author of the Waverley novels and that he had met with financial failure came as a thrill and a shock. The immediate effect was that Woodstock was successful beyond the author's wildest dreams.43 Amidst this turmoil the death of Scott's wife, Caroline, occurred on 16th May 1826, the day after the above diary entry. Although Woodstock is not ranked among Sir Walter's greatest novels it is noteworthy that some critics, including Andrew Lang, of Selkirk origins, liked it tremendously.44 In one respect it is the most extraordinary of all the novels - in the self control which enabled the author to compose a well constructed story, full of incident, in the face of mounting affliction. Scott was not only a master of story-telling, but the master of himself. Many will accept Losh's belief in the inaccuracies of the portraits of Cromwell and Charles II. Scott, throughout the novels, takes liberties with historical accuracy. 34 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB 8th August 1829 Scott's new edition seems to be well worth having tho' I cannot help thinking it rather hard upon those who purchased the first edition (as we did) to be driven to buy the 2d also. Amongst his other great accomplishments, Sir Walter certainly is not ignorant of the art of book making. The third series of Tales of a Grandfather did not appear until December 1829, so Losh was obviously referring at this point to Anne of Geierstein, which came out in the middle of May. According to Lockhart, 45 it 'may be almost called the last work of his imaginative genius' and beyond Scotland it was received at least as well as any Scott novel since the Crusaders. Anne of Geierstein, erroneous in certain historical detail, contains some wonderful descriptions of scenery, especially for someone who never visited Switzerland. 6 December 1831 Sir W. Scott's last two novels. Upon the whole, I certainly consider Robert of Paris and Castle Dangerous as amongst the least valuable of the Waverley novels. The difficulties under which the final tales of 'my landlord' were written are reflected in entries from Sir Walter's Diary:46 9 February 1831 ... I wrote a good deal of Count Robert, yet I cannot tell why, my pen stammers egregiously, and I write horribly incorrect. I longed to have friend Laidlaw's assistance. 8 May 1831 My bodily strength is terribly gone; perhaps my mental too. Amidst deteriorating health and continual thoughts of his creditors Scott began a story, Castle Dangerous, before its predecessor, Count Robert, was finished. These volumes, on completion, marked the end of the literary labours of Sir Walter Scott. Apart from continuing to work a little at his notes and introductions he at last agreed to do no more work of an exacting nature.47 A journey to the Continent and Malta followed. But in the next year, 1832, he was glad to return to his beloved Abbotsford (Figure 6) to die. Postscript James Losh, a diarist of quality, read far beyond the works of Walter Scott. This perceptive being, with such positive views, and JAMES LOSH'S CONTEMPORARY CRITICISMS 35 Figure 6. 1832 . . . Scott was glad to return to his beloved Abbotsford to die. a ready expression, was a literary figure in his own right, who could, one suspects, have been a successful author had he applied himself. But as Scott's career exemplifies, the need to have a regular income was paramount at the time - late 18th century to the early 1830s - when the two central figures in this paper practised law. There is also ample evidence to point to Losh, a dedicated Christian, having suffered because of his dissenting stance. As a consequence his interest in politics was geared to reforming legislation for the good of his fellow-men. As Scott's literary output changed in 1814 from poetry to prose his self-imposed anonymity placed an embargo on him. So long as he remained firmly behind the scenes acknowledgements of literary indebtedness were impossible. The anonymity was maintained for thirteen years and the normally well-informed Losh was caught in the speculation. Who was 'the author of Waverley'? In May 1815 Losh could not help suspecting that Walter Scott had written both Guy Mannering and Waverley. Six years later, on having read The Pirate , he was questioning Scott's sole authorship of the Waverley series. Just a few months later, in July 1822, the north-eastern barrister was moving towards the notion that the introductions to each work and the poetry within 36 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB stemmed from the Wizard. The speculation in no way diminished Losh's admiration for Scott the poet. Less certain is the influence that The Quarterly Review and The Edinburgh Review had on Losh the critic. One suspects he was too strong a character to be influenced to any great extent. When the news broke that Scott was The author of Waverley' it did not appear to surprise the Cumbrian. As time wore on the anonymity was perhaps the worst kept secret, in the south of Scotland. As indicated above, Waverley quickly became the most success- ful anonymous novel ever published. First edition copies soon became collectors' items and by the end of the 19th century they were exchanging hands for £16. Then, on the 24th April 1899, a first edition of the three volumes, with original grey boards, and white paper labels, as published by Constable of Edinburgh, sold at Sotheby's in London for a record £150.48 In the final decade of the 20th century a first edition of Waverley will bring upwards of £750 at auction, while antiquarian book dealers will ask prices from £900 upwards. Normally, the asking price is one of four figures. Criticising the literary works of another becomes a highly personal matter, dependent on one set of variables, while the creditability of the comment depends on other values. Losh's contemporary criticisms are thus contrary to so much uncritical comment, towards Scott's works, current in the 19th century. Losh in November 1822 was deploring 'too much adulation towards the great men, Byron and Scott'. But he also was quick to describe Walter Scott as 'this delightful poet', and almost the most enchanting poet of the age. The Lay of the Last Minstrel was to Losh very beautiful, poetical and the poem which displays the most genius. Less appealing was Rokeby, which, while pleasing and poetical, was unfinished and inferior to the poet's earlier works. Once the flow of novels began, Guy Mannering was a high point for Losh. Preferred, even to Waverley , it was interesting, pleasing, touching feelings and exciting laughter. Several of the works are seen to be amusing, an observation on early 19th century literature, and it is of note that Guy Mannering caused our commentator to laugh, 'even when alone'. But the novel has marks of hasty composition, to which Scott would plead guilty, and contains doubtful astrological predictions. The work, nevertheless, displays a deep knowledge of human nature and generates sympathy and feeling. The Antiquary contains all the excellencies and all the defects of JAMES LOSH'S CONTEMPORARY CRITICISMS 37 its two noble predecessors, Waverley and Guy Mannering. But the publication of Rob Roy marked the commencement of a recurring remark for most of Scott's later works, 'somewhat inferior to the other books by the same author'. Perhaps the greatest criticism that Scott receives from Losh, in December 1823, was when the style of St Ronan's Well is said to be little better than a common second-rate novel and one that the author probably wrote for profit more than fame. The next day, Hogmanay, Losh recast his earlier remarks by suggesting judiciously that they had been the truth, though not quite the whole truth. An earlier low was the comment on The Monastery. In spite of criticisms 'the Great Unknown' was, in 1822, described as 'the great modern novelist'. In November of this year Losh placed Byron and Scott in an historical literary perspective. Byron was seen to be 'the greatest poet of the present age', and Scott the most outstanding novelist of that age. But to compare Byron with Milton was unacceptable. The comment on Scott is damaging to his reputation as a novelist and both he and Byron are placed far below their illustrious predecessors. As a Whig could it be that Losh would view with contempt Walter Scott's determination to seek favour with the House of Buccleuch, members of Royalty and the hereditary upper classes? Did he despise Scott's long-held ambition to establish a new branch of the Scott Clan, the Scotts of Abbotsford? He would be aware from Charles Erskine of Scott's extreme right wing views. He may even have heard, with a certain amount of dismay, of the rough treatment Scott received at political gatherings at Jedburgh and Galashiels on the eve of the Reform Bill. Politically, Losh and Scott were poles apart. Reading the works of the central characters in this paper has brought the present writer closer to James Losh, in whom he finds much to admire. One accepts the genius and resources of Scott, his loyalty to family and close friends. But he remains a highly complex figure. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The writer is presently committed to uncovering literary landmarks in the Eastern Borders and wishes to record his gratitude to his collaborator and friend, J. T. Walker of Spittal, who has prepared the illustrations for the present paper and contributed to the text. The drawing of the smack (Figure 4) is taken from the book (Recollections: or incidents culled from the lives of our sea-faring men, Berwick, 1908) of the writer's great-uncle, James Evans. 38 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB SOURCES AND NOTES 1. Reed & Archbold (1834). A catalogue of the very valuable and extensive miscellaneous library of the late James Losh, Esq. Newcastle printed: T. & J. Hodgson. 2. Pigot & Co's (1834) National Commercial Directory: Northern Counties. Manchester: J. Pigot. Emerson Charnley, 45 Bigg Market, is listed as one of 22 booksellers trading in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1834. At the same time there were 15 auctioneers and appraisers in the city, of whom Small was one. 3. Thomas Frognall Dibdin (1776-1847), famous bibliographer who, from 1824, was rector of St Mary's, Bryanston Square, London. His reprints and bibliographical writings, although valued by book-collectors, are often inaccurate. Lee, Sydney [Compil.] (1983). The Dictionary of National Biography: The Concise Dictionary, Part 1. Oxford: University Press, 339. 4. Welford, Richard (1895). Men of Mark 'Twixt Tyne and Tweed, I. London: Walter Scott, 542-543. 5. Emerson Charnley, apprenticed to his father, a bookseller on the old Tyne Bridge till it collapsed in the flood of 1771. William then moved to a shop at the foot of the Groat Market. Emerson, the youngest son, succeeded to the business in 1803, on the death of William. In 1806 Emerson moved to a new shop in the Bigg Market, near the corner of Pudding Chare. Dibdin (note 3, above) on a visit to the north of England in 1834, as noted in the paper, thought highly of the Younger Charnley, adding: 'Among the more amiable, respectable, and painstaking Bibliopoles. I place Mr Emerson Charnley in the first rank, being like his father's master, Martin Bryson - though not living on the Brig' - An upright, downright, honest Whig! Charnley's premises were not just a favourite meeting place for Whigs. The more prominent in Newcastle formed 'the clique', who determined political strategies when meeting in a room behind the bookshop. Ibid., 544. It is interesting to speculate on whether James Losh, whom the text reveals to have been an influential Whig, was a member of 'the clique'. 6. Welford, op cit. (Ill), 84. 7. Ibid., 89. 8. Section on James Losh compiled from: - Welford, op. cit. (Ill), 80-90. - Hughes, Edward [Edit.] (1962). The diaries and correspondence of James Losh, I, Diary 1817-1823. Durham: Surtees Soc., xi-xix. 9. Hughes, op. cit., 3. 10. Ibid., 13-184 & Hughes, Edward [Edit.] (1963). The diaries and correspondence of James Losh, II, Diary 1824-1833. EXirham: Surtees Soc., 86-95. 11. For example: Crockett, W S. (1902). The Scott Country. London: A. & C. Black. 12. Hughes, op. cit. (I & II). Individual references are not given. 13. Lockhart, J. G. (1837). Memoirs of the Life of Sir Walter Scott, Bart, III. Edinburgh: Robert Cadell, 33-34. 14. Moore, Thomas (1832). The Works oflwrd Byron, II. London: John Murray, 169. JAMES LOSH'S CONTEMPORARY CRITICISMS 39 15. 'The Bridal of Triermain, or, the Vale of St John'. The Quarterly Review, IX (No. XVIII), July 1913, 480-497, at 491. 16. As indicated on numerous occasions, between 1814 and 1826 in: Losh, op. cit., I, 32-11, 181. 17. Lockhart, op. cit. (II), 20. 18. Ibid. (Ill), 318. 19. Ibid., 132. 20. Chisholm, John (1918). Sir Walter Scott as a Judge. Edinburgh: W. Green, 7. 21. Lockhart, op. cit. (Ill), 342-345. 22. Ibid., (IV), 11-12. 23. Ibid., 31. 24. Crockett, W. S. (1912). The Scott Originals. London: T. N. Foulis, 187-188. 25. Olcott, Charles S. (1913). The Country of Sir Walter Scott. London: Cassell, 49. 26. Lockhart, op. cit. (IV), 176-177. 27. Quoted: Crockett, op. cit. (ref. 24), 227. 28. Lee, op. cit., 744. 29. Lockhart, op. cit. (IV), 140. 30. Ibid., 227-228. 31. Newcastle courant, 8 August 1818, 4. 32. Ibid., 22 August 1818, 1. 33. Olcott, op. cit., 215. 34. Lockhart, op. cit. (IV), 336-339. 35. Ibid., 343-344. 36. " 'The Pirate'. By the 'Author of Waverley'.'' The Quarterly Review, XXVI (No. LII), January 1822, 454-474. See also: 'Waverley; or, 'tis Sixty Years since'. The Quarterly Review, XI (No. XXII), July 1814, 354-377. 'Guy Mannering, or the Astrologer'. The Quarterly Review, XII (No. XXIV), January 1815, 501-509. 'The Antiquary'. The Quarterly Review, XV (No. XXIX), April 1816, 125-129. 37. Royle, Trevor (1993). The Mainstream Companion to Scottish Literature. Edinburgh: Mainstream Publishing, 101-102. 38. Lockhart, op. cit. (II), 206-213. See also: Familiar Letters of Sir Walter Scott, II, (1894). Edinburgh: David Douglas. 39. Harvey, Paul [Compil. & Edit.] (1967). The Oxford Companion to English Literature. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 676. 40. Lockhart, op. cit. (V), 279-281. 41. Ibid., 284-285. 42. Crockett, op. cit. (ref. 24), 313. 43. Lockhart, op. cit (VI), 308-312. 44. Olcott, op. cit., 3 77. 45. Lockhart, op. cit (VII, 1838), 191-192. 46. Ibid., 260-261 & 280-281. 47. Olcott, op. cit, 393-394. 48. The Border mag., VI, 1901, 123. THE NETHERBYRES BRANCH OF THE CRAW FAMILY J. E Craw Introduction Occasionally unexpected pleasant surprises arrive through the post box. One such was a letter which I received in July 1994 from Lt. Col Patrick Craw. Having seen an article in the Sunday Times on Netherbyres and its new role with the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Society, he wrote to say that his family used to own the property. Later he sent me a summary of the family history of the Netherbyres branch of the Craw family. I was already familiar with some of this from my own researches' and those of Dr Stella Mills.2 The following article, which forms one chapter of Colonel Craw's family history not only gives details of his ancestors, but also puts them into historical perspective. S. J. Furness 1. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. 43, Part 3 (1986). 2. Ibid., Vol. 44, Part 2 (1988). According to Nisbet's Heraldry, the Craws of East Reston had a cadet branch which lived at Netherbyres. According to Stoddart, Craws of East Reston registered their arms in 1672-78, but this appears to be a re-register of arms after the destruction of Records during the Restoration in 1672. The East Reston branch ceased to exist after taking part in the Earl of Mar's rebellion in 1715 at East Reston, although an attempt was made in 1745 to regain the property. But the Netherbyres branch lasted until the last George died in 1816. FIRST GENERATION The earliest cadet of the East Reston branch to move to the Netherbyres area seems to have been a William, born c. 1505. He is mentioned in 1537 and 1557 as the occupier of two husbandlands (52 acres) in Eyemouth and again in 1567 as a witness to a Sasine together with George and James Auchincraw of East Reston, but this time his residence is given as 'Nether Byr'. However, our best evidence about him is contained in his testament. Above all, he must have been a good farmer. As a younger son, he could not have inherited much, yet at his death the inventory of his possessions seems considerable. Unfortunately, we have no record of how much land he owned (as a 'heritor' in Scottish terms) but he actually farmed the following: 40 THE NETHERBYRES BRANCH OF THE CRAW FAMILY 41 Peilwalls with 13 oxen plus followers and much wheat and barley and oats. Nether Atoun with 10 oxen, 1 cow plus followers and much corn. Reidhall with 8 oxen plus followers and one nag and much corn. Flemington Fleurs... 9 cows plus followers together with 1 bull and much wheat. The Law 7 oxen, 2 grey mares, 1 black mare, (Coldingham) 1 brown mare + 3 nags and some wheat, barley and oats 1 nag, 160 sheep, 80 hoggis. At the time of his death he appears to have been living at Flemington Fleurs which is south of the road to Eyemouth and opposite the present Netherbyres. We can also find out from the Testament a fair idea of his close relations. He names his wife as Janet Ellein (Ellam) daughter of David Ellein of Renton. He names Gilbert Hume as his sister's son and Philip Auchencraw as his brother. He uses William Auchencraw of Swinwood as a witness together with Philip and Gilbert, so we can assess that he is likely to be a brother or cousin. He also makes special mention of a life rent of a cottage and one acre for Lance Craw (or Lancie) who is probably a cousin or nephew. In his debts that he owes, he mentions his brother Patrick and Elspeth Auchencraw, his brother James' daughter (James lived at Gunsgreen). Unfortunately, although he mentions that he has 'four sons and daughters', all of whom may have been minors since he appoints curators and governors, he only gives us the names of George, his eldest, and John. We must therefore presume that he had two sons and two daughters. His distribution of lands is as follows: George gets 'Nether Aytown in Flemingtoun' together with half of Flemington Fleurs and four husband- lands (104 acres) in Nether Aitoun and two cot- tages in Coldingham, and the rent of property in the common of Eyemouth. Lancie gets a house and yard and one acre for life. Philip gets a life rent of one cottage in Coldingham. Janet Ellam gets four husbandlands at Reidhall and four lands in Flemington Fleurs together with the lands in Coldingham Law. She is to share these with her son John but he takes over if she marries again 42 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB (which she does when she marries Patrick Home of Renton). Robert Rule gets half of Peilwalls and possibly the rest of it later except for an acre which is left to Sir John Flint. Perhaps this was only a temporary bequest because, in due course,, George his son and heir dies while living at Peilwalls twenty years later. William died on the 13th of January 1570 and his will and inventory was duly recorded in Edinburgh on 20th December 1571, nearly two years later. There is a curious follow-up to this testament in the testament of his brother James Craw of Gunsgreen. He was born around 1510 and was a younger brother of William. In due course, he purchased and lived at Gunsgreen on the outskirts of Eyemouth. When he died in 1594, he lists in his Testament considerable stocks and gear in Gunsgreen, but he also lists quantities of wheat, barley and fodder in the barns and barnyards of Nether Aytown and Reidhall. His son, James, and his grandson, David, were both witnesses to the Testament of William's son George in 1605. There was obviously a close relationship between these families and as they lived so close together at this time, it may be difficult to differentiate between which Craw belongs to which family. Life and Times We can therefore sum up William's life by saying that he lived about 65 years and left a youngish wife with four children in a fair state of wealth. His times were unsettled and there must have been several interruptions and invasions. During his childhood at East Reston, the Scots lost the battle of Flodden in 1513, but Lord Home and the Berwickshire contingent may have come off fairly lightly. Between 1523 and 1529, there was much fighting in the Tweed valley, but East Reston and Netherbyres may have escaped the worst. However, in 1542, when William was about 37 and living in Eyemouth, the Borders were ravaged by the English, who burnt Melrose and six other monasteries together with several towers and castles. Perhaps Langton Tower, the Cockburn Fortress, close to East Reston, was destroyed then. In 1545, there was the Battle of Ancrum Moor, won by the Scots and, in 1547, there was the Battle of Pinkie, near Musselburgh, but after that there seems to have been a period of peace in the Borders, which coincided with the troubles of the Reformation and the birth of James VI of Scotland. THE NETHERBYRES BRANCH OF THE CRAW FAMILY 43 SECOND GENERATION Family George, William's eldest son was born around 1550, inherited in 1571, probably under the guardianship of his mother, Janet Ellam and his uncle Gilbert Home. A George is mentioned as witness in three documents in 1575, 1577 and 1581 but in each case he is described as 'in' Nether Aitoun rather than 'of' Nether Aitoun, so this is possibly his cousin, George, son of James Craw of Gunsgreen, another student under Gilbert Home. However, we definitely have mention of him in 1587 where he is described as 'de' Netherbyres in the Register of the Great Seal. He married Janet Auchencraw, his cousin from the Heughead Branch, probably around 1577 when he was about 27 and had six children, born probably between 1578 and 1588. He then died in 1591, aged around 40, leaving his wife Janet to look after the family under the guardianship of his brother John. At the time of his death, he was living at Peilwalls, a farm not far from Flemington Fleurs. As his brother John had inherited the stock and goods in Flemington Fleurs, perhaps he was still there, although his mother Janet Ellam had remarried and moved on. Once again, we have George's will and can learn a lot from it. He died on the 14th May 1591 and is described as 'an honorabill man of Flemington Fleurs'. He made his will on 14th May by his own hand, witnessed by his 'Phisick', Mr John Craig, James Auchencraw of Gunsgreen, his first cousin, and James' son, David. According to the list, he was farming: Peilwalls 8 horses and mares, 1 foal, 17 drawing oxen 30 cows (ky) and their followers 24 bullocks (nolt) 99 brood ewes (zowis) 90 lambs 90 sheep (zeild scheipe - non-breeding) Plus barley, oats, peas and beans. Nether Aittoun 12 drawing oxen 2 workhorses 8 yeld colt Plus barley, sown oats, peas, wheat. Reidhall 9 drawing oxen, plus barley and sown crops 16 yeld nolt, stotts and queys (sundry cattle. 44 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB Netherbyres Some peas and corn sown. Land in Eyemouth Some oats only. These details compare well with his inheritance, except that Flemington Fleurs and Coldingham are missing completely and Netherbyres is added but without much in the way of stock or crops. His outstanding debtors appear to be mostly for sales of corn and borrowed money, but there is mention of Robert Rule 'now of Peilwalls' which seems as if the tenancy of Peilwalls may be passing to the Rule family. In the list of creditors, there is an entry of 1300 marks owing to the children of Robert Rule, deceased (presumably the father of the above Robert Rule) as their 'bairns- part'. Taken in conjunction with William's will, this puts the Rule family in a curious light. It is almost as if they were part of the family but I think it is more likely that they were exceptionally trusted employees, such as farm managers, baillies or factors, who eventually were given the tenancy of the farm, but the stock on the farm in 1591 still belonged to George Craw. As far as family is concerned there is a mention of a Peter Craw in Eyemouth. This could be a distant relation as we have no other mention anywhere of a Peter in the family or if it was a close relation it might be a son of his brother John, whom he made guardian of his young family. In his 'Legacie and Latterwill' he names his children as Magdalene, Christiane, Margaret Elder, Margaret Younger and one daughter whose name is illegible. He makes Janet, his wife, and William in and of Swinhood 'her brother german', joint executors and guiders and governors for his children in their minority. If Janet marries again, then his brother John takes over. This John seems to be always a 'Guardian' and must have been the central pivot of the family, first with his mother Janet Ellam and then with his sister-in-law Janet Auchencraw. We do not know if he married or not but he sounds like a reliable 'bachelor'. No actual mention is made of George's son, William, but he appears to inherit in due course. There is later on a mention of a 'James, son of Flemington', in 1652 and of a John who died in Eyemouth in 1679 leaving a cottage to his daughter Agnes. These are possible descendants of his brother, John, but unfortunately there were also other branches of the family in the Eyemouth area. We know of no sisters names, but one could have been a 'Janet' after Janet Ellam and the other might be Barbara who married Alac Home of THE NETHERBYRES BRANCH OF THE CRAW FAMILY 45 Blackadder. They seem to have moved in the right circles for this sort of marriage. Life and Times The times of George continued to be tempestuous, but I feel that he may have kept himself out of trouble. The wars with Elizabeth I seem to have passed over when Mary Queen of Scots took refuge in England in 1568. Now the Scots fought amongst themselves as to who should govern in her name. Regents came and went, were murdered or replaced, but I think Eyemouth was far from real trouble. The Scotts of Buccleuch and the Kers of Ferniehirst ravaged England and were suitably punished by Elizabeth, but little is heard of the Homes or the Eastern Borders. The Scots were divided into the King's men and the Queen's men with the Borderers mostly on the Queen's side. Edinburgh was the base for the Queen's men and Stirling the base for the King's men. These troubles lasted five years until 1575 after which there was a spell of relative peace. However, the Reformation was beginning to have its effect and the lands belonging to the Church were placed under 'Commen- dators' who were laymen and they were able to transfer them to other people and thereby line their own pockets. I note that when James of Gunsgreen died, one of his creditors for rent was the 'Commendator of Coldingham Priory'. There seem to have been various plots against James VI and some of them involved Craws/Auchencraws from Berwickshire. Francis Stewart, Earl of Bothwell, was one of the leaders of some of them and we have a record of an 'obligation' by 'Francis, Erie Brithwile, Lord Crychtown and Halis, Great Admiral of Scotland, Principal, and William Auchencraw of Swinwood' and others to a Mr James Durshank in 1585. Robert Logan of Restalrig was another plotter, particularly well known for his part in the 'Gowrie Conspiracy' in August 1600. He owned Fast Castle north of Coldingham and his aunt or sister Elizabeth married James Craw of Swinwood around 1560. John Auchencraw, younger, in Gunsgreen and two others signed an 'obligation' with him in Edinburgh in 1685. In 1592, Dame Margaret Douglas, Countess of Bothwell, and her spouse, Francis, Earl of Bothwell, with others including George Auchencraw of East Reston and Patrick Auchencraw 'there' attacked Holyrood House and were banished with all goods and gear forfeited. 46 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB THIRD GENERATION Family Although not mentioned in his father's testament, William is named in a Sasine of 1603 as the son of George. Perhaps this indicates an age of 21 at that time, giving us a date of birth as around 1582. He inherits Netherbyres, which is probably his place of residence in 1603, Flemington Fleurs, possibly occupied by his uncle John; Reidhall, occupied by Robert Rule, Langrig (not previously mentioned) and Nether Aitoun. He married Margaret Renton between 1615 and 1618 and in due course had seven children. We know their names because of two deeds, one recorded in 1633 and the other in 1642. These deeds relate to a loan of 3,000 marks made to Patrick Craw of Heughead by William on behalf of his children who are named individually and are all said to be under age in 1633. This loan was repaid in 1642 but the eldest daughter (Janet) is not mentioned and may have been over age and possibly married by then. It is of interest here that, in 1633, Patrick of Heughead repaid a loan of 3,000 marks to William Home of Ayton and received the above identical loan of 3,000 marks from his cousin William of Netherbyres, who used money belonging to his children for the purpose. By the time it was repaid in 1642, Patrick was dead and the repayment was done by his heir. William bought more land called Ladyland in 1640 from a William Dunlop, adjoining Reidhall. William died around 1644 as we have a sasine in that year mentioning his wife Margaret Renton and another establishing the feudal succession of his son George in 1645. By 1649 his son George is established as the renter of Netherbyres, paying more rent (£349 2s. lOd.) than either of his cousins, William of Heughead (£286 14s. Od.) and George of East Reston (£295 Is. 6d.). His family consisted of: Janet born c. 1618, married John Home of Hutton George born c. 1620, son and heir John born c. 1622, possibly named after his father's guardian William born c. 1623 Robert born c. 1625 Margaret born c. 1627 Anna born c. 1628. THE NETHERBYRES BRANCH OF THE CRAW FAMILY 47 We have no record of any marriages made by his five sisters but presumably one or two must have married. Unfortunately, in the records of these times, the origins of wives are not mentioned in documents unless one comes across a marriage contract or some such document. Life and Times The times of William were not as turbulent as his father's. He came of age just at the time of the accession of James VI of Scotland to the English throne. No longer was the Border quite so important and no longer was it quite so usual for trans-border forays to take place. On the other hand, religious controversy was building up. England had been basically Protestant since the time of Henry Vin and Scotland, for its own different reasons, was turning Presbyterian. It was building up to the signing of the Covenant in 1639 when William was getting old. James I visited Scotland in 1617 and Charles I visited in 1633, but whether they travelled via Berwick or via Carlisle I do not know. Both were peaceful visits, but the introduction of English Church vestments and liturgy caused great unrest. Tithes had been transferred from the church to the nobles when the Reformation started, but now, in 1625, they were taken by the Crown and at the same time it became possible to pay by money instead of goods or even to buy one's tithe at the cost of seven years rent. All this led to a more settled farming community and more purpose to farming land productively. Alexander Lesley was given command of the Covenanters' Army in November 1638 and soon captured Edinburgh, Dalkeith and other strongholds. His army lay encamped at Duns Law in June 1639 with 25,000 men, while Charles I faced up to them but no battle was fought. Charles gave way and withdrew, but collected an army again in 1640 and the Battle of Newburn on the Tyne was fought in August when Charles was defeated. To get to Newburn, I would have expected the Scots Army to have crossed the Border from Jedburgh over Carter Bar and down the Redesdale to Newcastle. All this might have left Netherbyres untouched except for general excitement and rumours although one of the East Reston family is known to have been an ensign under Lesley. FOURTH GENERATION George, the son and heir of William, was probably born around 1620 and is mentioned as a heritor (freeholder) of Netherbyres in 48 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB the Rental List in the Fraser Papers in 1649. His father probably died in 1644. He seems reasonably well off as we have records of a 'tack' (renting) to A. Fisch in 1649 and a contract with someone in 1653. He lends money to Alex Home of Blackball in 1633 and again in 1666 and is repaid in 1668. Our most interesting possession is a copy of a letter to his brother-in-law, Alex Mow (Molle) of Mains, Chirnside. This much damaged letter written on 2 August 1670 says that he is not at all well and gives gossip about Theobald's Royal Park at Enfield. George himself died within the year of this letter, probably from ague (malaria?) and was said to be aged only 50 at the time. He probably married around 1645-1650 but we do not know the name of his wife or anything exact about his children. However, an entry in the Register of Apprentices in Edinburgh mentions a 'James Craw, brother german to George Craw of Netherbyres with Thomas Miller, Tailer' and is dated 1659. Also in the Testament Dative of George Craw of Netherbyres, dated 1695, there is mention of a 'William Craw, brother german of the said George Craw of Netherbyres'. No daughters are mentioned anywhere but there is a record of a Marie Craw as wife of John Home of Broomhouse who could possibly be a daughter. George's brothers and sisters were clearly listed: Janet the eldest, married John Home of Hutton. John the second son, was apprenticed to John Ellis, a merchant in Edinburgh in 1637. We believe that he became a merchant in Greenlaw and was the ancestor of our branch of the family. William the third son, appears to have lived in Netherbyres and is mentioned in 1653, 1664 and 1666. There is a tombstone to a William Craw in 1681 which may be his. Robert the fourth son, may have gone to America as a Robert appears there and starts a dynasty. Margaret the second daughter, is not heard of after 1642. Anna the youngest, is known to have married Alexander Mow (Molle) of Mains, Chirnside, thus starting a connection which eventually leads to the purchase of Netherbyres by the MoUe family in 1814. Life and Times George's years covered the Covenanting period of Scotland's history, together with the Cromwellian years. Scotland was divided into ever-changing patterns between Presbyterians, THE NETHERBYRES BRANCH OF THE CRAW FAMILY 49 Episcopalians, Covenanters and Cameronians with cross-divi- sions of Royalists, Jacobites and eventually Hanoverians. On the whole, the Berwickshire area was spared the particularly violent fighting and feuding, but some Craws took sides. William Craw of Heughead, a cousin, born c. 1610, died 1679, was known as William the Covenanter and the Craw families of Falabank and Whitfield were outlaws and dispossessed in 1665 when Charles II was restored. However, Berwickshire was greatly involved in the wars between Cromwell and the Scots, led by Alexander Lesley. To start with, in 1644 a Scottish Army under Lesley went south to take part with Cromwell in the Battle of Marston Moor, but they probably went by Melrose, Jedburgh and Otterburn. In 1645, Montrose and Lesley fought the Battle of Philiphaugh near Selkirk where Montrose was defeated. The main campaign that must have affected Netherbyres was Cromwell's advance along the coast which eventually ended in the Battle of Dunbar in 1652, when the English army must have passed Netherbyres and not far from East Reston (the road then went over Coldingham Moor, not by Aitoun) and Heughead. George Craw of East Reston was a captain in the Militia in 1647 and may have taken part in any or all of these excitements. FIFTH AND SIXTH GENERATIONS After George who died in 1670, we have a problem with testaments of two Georges of Netherbyres, one who died in 1695 and the other in 1705. We also know that the second George left an only son called William who was over 21 in 1706 when he accepted feudal duty under his superior, Patrick Home of Renton. It appears almost certain therefore that the first George (fifth generation) must have been born around 1642 and his nephew George (sixth generation) succeeded him and must have been born around 1663/64. This will just give time for a William to have been born around 1684/85. It appears to us that the fifth generation George was probably not married. We know he had two brothers James and William. He died intestate in January 1695 and in the Testament Dative compiled after his death it appears that his nephew George was his heir. This George must have been the son of his brother, James, who must have already died, as we know from the 'List of Pollable Persons' dated 1695, that his brother William was still alive. 50 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB Nephew George, the sixth generation, must have been born around 1664 and married Margaret Speed when he was about 20/21 in 1685. William was the only son of this marriage and possibly the only offspring. A Magdalen Craw existed, born around 1672, probably a daughter of James, who in due course married a Robert Craw in East Reston (not the redoubtable Robert the Rebel, however). We have a few documents from the period of the two Georges. In 1674, a bond was signed to Lady Lamertown and another to E Smith of Hillend in 1676. There was a strange document signed in 1684, but not registered until 1712, which acknowledges that George owed money to Alexander Mow (Molle) of E. Mains, Chirnside, and in payment or part-payment makes over debts owed to himself, mainly by William, Lord Mordington. It also mentions a 'Liberty' granted at some previous time to 'John Craw, sometime of Fishwick', known to us as 'John of Howlawrig', but unfortunately gives no details. He was probably George's uncle, John, who was our ancestor. This is the main piece of evidence connecting our family to the Netherbyres branch. In 1696, the nephew George attended a muster at Fogo, where he carried a sword. In 1697, he signed a bond in favour of Alex Home of Selaithouse. He then died and his testament was registered on 16 October 1705. The list of his creditors shows mostly merchants and servants, but also includes John Mow of E. Mains, Chirnside and Lady Mains, relict of John Mow. Life and Times Although the period between 1670 and 1705 was full of national problems, it appears as if Netherbyres and East Berwickshire remained in a relative backwater. Between 1670 and 1685, during Charles II's reign, religious unrest was prevalent in the south-west when attempts were made to introduce English style Prelacy into Scotland. However, between 1685 and 1688, when James II tried to reintroduce Catholicism, matters became more serious. The Ryehouse plot in 1683 to assassinate Charles involved many leading names amongst which appears Sir Patrick Home of Polwarth, afterwards Lord Marchmont. He got prior warning and managed to hide in a vault in Polwarth churchyard before escaping to Holland, where he joined the other fugitives with William of Orange. It is of interest that the feudal superior of both Georges of Netherbyres was Sir Patrick Home of Renton. THE NETHERBYRES BRANCH OF THE CRAW FAMILY 51 At the end of this period, the Union of the Parliaments took place in 1705/1707. SEVENTH GENERATION William inherited when his father died in 1705 and we know of him mostly from his father's last testament taken together with a sasine establishing him as the feudal vassal with Sir Patrick Hume of Renton as his superior. George Craw's testament was registered on 16 October 1705 but at present we only have an extract of names which appear in the document. We know that William was an only son, but we do not know if there were any daughters. Margaret Speed is mentioned as his wife and there is also a list of names who were probably debtors and creditors and a further list of six or so servants. The sasine is of great interest because it establishes that William was of legal age and must have been born before 1685. It also summarises 'The Precept of Clare Constat' which establishes William as feudal owner of the lands of 'Netherbyres' and 'Reidhall' with the 'Mill of Fulton' and mill lands. It also mentions 'Two Oxgates called Billie Lands and Lee Langrig and its dovecot7 . It also mentions a rent of £38 Is. 6d. twice a year and feu duty of 24 pullets. William must also attend on horseback when required, at his own expense for the first day and there- after at Sir Patrick Home's expense. There is also a considerable quantity of oats and barley to be paid at Christmas. As far as family is concerned, we have some entries in the Coldingham Register of Deaths of children which are described as 'in Netherbyres' and are most likely to be William's children as he was an only son. Unfortunately, the records do not show for certain who the father and mother were. These records were: 12 Dec 1703 died 8 July 1705 died 15 July 1705 burial 25 Nov 1705 died George Craw - Netherbyres - a child. Mary Craw - Netherbyres - a child. Mary Craw - a child in Netherbyres (In register of baptisms). George Craw - Netherbyres - a child. I think that we can assess here the efforts of William and Margaret Speed to raise a family. It looks as if the first child was born about 1702 and was called George, but died a child in 1703. The second child, born in around 1704, also called George, died in November 1705 and the third, a girl called Mary, died in July 1705. As George, the Uncle of William, died in August 1705, this 52 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB must have been an horrific year for the family. It is possible that there was some kind of epidemic raging during this year. Finally, a son, William, was born in probably 1706 who eventually was heir to the whole estate. We have at the moment no trace of any other children who survived childhood. Life and Times William's times coincided with the events leading up to the Earl of Mar's Rebellion in 1715 and all the bloody consequences. The Union with England took place in 1707 and was highly un- popular with almost all sections of Scottish society. In 1708, a French fleet with an army of 6,000 troops under the command of the Count de Forbin and accompanied by the Chevalier de St George arrived off Fife, but were too timid to land. Some near supporters took up arms but support was mostly in the West and North, and on the withdrawal of the French, many arrests were made but none were eventually punished. However, in 1714, on the death of Queen Anne, the accession of George I was the trigger which eventually led to the Earl of Mar to flee from London and to raise the standard of rebellion in September 1715 although the major part of the rebellion took place north of the Forth, a small force of about 1,600 men under Brigadier Macintosh of Borlum landed at North Berwick and other harbours in October 1715 with a view to joiing up with rebels from East Lothian, Northumberland and S.W Scotland under Lord Kenmure and General Thomas Forster of Bamburgh. After an abortive attempt to capture Edinburgh, Macintosh marched via Longformacus and Duns to a rendezvous at Kelso, where the combined army remained for three days before marching westwards. It must have been at this time that this force was joined by Robert Craw of East Reston and his son John. This disastrous expedition eventually led to the execution of Robert and the exile of John together with the forfeiture of East Reston. Others of local interest who were taken prisoner at Preston were: James Home of Ayton Francis Home, brother, of Wedderburn Alexander Craw of Heughead George Home of Whitfield James Renton of Selaithouses Sir William Cockburn of that ilk Thomas Home THE NETHERBYRES BRANCH OF THE CRAW FAMILY 53 George Home, elder, of Wedderburn George Home, younger George Winraham of Eyemouth John Winraham, his son Ninian Brown of Coldstream John Noncram, son to Eyemouth William Brown in Coldstream EIGHTH GENERATION William the Mathematician William, who may have been the only child to survive infancy, may have been born about 1706, but we have no actual record of his birth. We know most about him from his tombstone and his two testaments. His tombstone, in Coldingham, erected by his 'deeply affected wife' is in flowery Latin and is extremely long for a tombstone. He 'acquired and cultivated every science worthy of an ingenious man' and so on. He died 'in the mid-time of his days, seized of a palsy, he was suddenly cut off'. Although not mentioned in the eulogy, he is best known locally as having designed and built the pier at Eyemouth Harbour. He died on 25 February 1750 but unfortunately the stone is damaged where his age is given, robbing us of this essential detail. I feel, however, that he must have been about 44. His testament was registered in March 1751, but curiously an amendment (Eik) was made in September 1757 and a new testament was registered on 27 September 1757. The first testa- ment names his wife, Margaret Allen, and his children, Margaret, Sarah, Mary and Elizabeth together with his father-in-law James Allen, Minister of Eyemouth. The Eik adds George Hepburn of Smeiton and the Rev. Matthew Reid, Minister of Preston. The second testament includes all these but adds James Robertson, Merchant in Linton and another James Robertson, feuar in Linton. Possibly this second testament may have been caused by legal rights of daughters who had married various husbands. He appears to have had only one son, William, probably born around 1730. He is also credited with building the oval walled garden of Netherbyres House, said to be built with bricks brought as ballast by ships coming from Holland. Perhaps he rebuilt Netherbyres itself, but I understand that nothing now remains of the original building. Despite the unrest of 1745, he appears to have kept clear of 54 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB trouble, leaving his wife to bring up five children, probably in their teens. 9th AND 10th GENERATIONS William was probably the only son of the Mathematician and we know little of him. There is a document which indicates that his debts were settled in 1784 by Alexander Mow of Mains, Chirnside, whose family his sister Margaret married into. His son, George, is definitely known to have died in 1814 when Netherbyres passed to the Mow family. There is a record of a George Craw marrying a Grace Barr of Eyemouth in 1776, but this may be a George from another family. There is a possibility that William did not exist and that the only son of William the Mathematician was George, born after the girls but before 1750 when William died. George would then have been 35 to 40 if he married Grace Barr and 75 or more when he died in 1814. Until we get more information we cannot clear up this problem. Of the daughters of William the Mathematician, we know that Margaret married John Mow of Mains in 1760. Other daughters may have married George Hepburn of Smeiton and/or James Robertson of Linton. YORKIE L. H. Cleat Redbrae, Gavinton, Duns Hull-oo-a! Yorkie always announced his arrival with a loud shout. He was a 'gentleman' tramp, if such a person exists, who roamed great distances throughout the Border countryside. Although Yorkie had no fixed abode he was not the usual type of vagrant. Clad in one-time smart, but very much the worse for wear tweeds, he carried an ancient waterproof over his shoulder which he tied with string round his waist in really bad weather. His constant companion and long-suffering friend was a collie dog. The old tramp may have originally lived in Yorkshire, some say Northumberland or Cumberland, but because of his accent - he could be fairly well spoken when he tried - he was dubbed 'Yorkie'. Yorkie was an eccentric and well-known in the Borders. However, he was an intimidating figure to meet on a lonely road. He lurched along, a crazed look in his eyes, brandishing his stick and talking gibberish to himself. His collie added to the din by barking loudly at everyone. As a result, village children were afraid of him and ran off home when they saw him coming. Not only the children but the womenfolk were often frightened of him. All the year round Yorkie travelled the countryside, roaring out his demands for food and shelter. There was nothing deferential about him. Yorkie did not beg; he ordered. It was his custom to call at a farm where he was known and, if there were no men around, demand a meal for himself and his dog. This was usually supplied. However, he was not so bold if a man appeared. At one time he was allowed to sleep in a barn at Pressen Farm, near Wark. In the morning Yorkie usually waited until the shepherd set out for work, whereupon he boldly entered the cottage and ordered a bacon and egg breakfast from the rather fearful shepherd's wife. When he finally became too overbearing she informed her husband and Yorkie was sent packing. 55 56 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB A lady who, as a child, lived in Duns, recalls what a noisy occasion it was when Yorkie and his dog came to the town. The children ran after him yelling 'Yorkie, Yorkie!' to his great annoyance. One day she set off to visit her aunt and grandfather at Nisbet Lodge and caught sight of Yorkie and his dog coming towards her along the road. She became frightened and hid in the bushes at the side of the road until they had passed. She is now sorry that she did not walk on and meet the notorious wayfarer! Generally speaking, folk took pity on him and he had his regular stopping places. When in Gavinton he called at the smiddy to have a gossip with George Crow, the blacksmith. At Harcarse Hill Farm one of the workers usually cut his hair. Needless to say, the amateur barber was never paid for his labour. Yorkie was constantly on the move and it was often a relief to see him stumbling, once again, into the distance. However, he did not seem to lack funds and had many friends among the farm folk. At one time he frequented Harpertoun, a farm some four miles north of Kelso. He was always cadging things and often tried to take advantage of those who were frightened of him. One day he asked a worker on the farm if he had a knife. When he was given one he immediately put it into his pouch. The determined owner gripped him by the throat and demanded the instant return of his knife. Yorkie then put his hand into his pouch and pulled out a handful of knives he had acquired from folk who were too scared to ask for them back. The farmer at Harpertoun took quite a notion to Yorkie and let him sleep in the stables at the weekends. He used to carry out odd jobs and was given his food in payment. He was particularly good with horses and was, therefore, a useful man to have about the farm. However, his welcome at Harpertoun came to an abrupt end one Sunday morning when he cut down a favourite apple tree for kindling when the farmer was at church. Yorkie was a keen fisherman and, being quite eccentric, fished wherever he chose. One day General Baird came upon him fishing the Blackadder in the grounds of Kelloe House, the general's home. 'Here, my man/ said the general, 'Don't you know this is private water?' Yorkie was quite unperturbed by this challenge. Looking upstream, he asked, 'Is that private water up YORKIE 57 there too?' 'It is not my water/ replied the general, grudgingly. All right' replied Yorkie, Til just wait till it comes down here.' Yorkie and his dog frequently visited Westwood Cottage, Kelso, at that time the home of Tom Pringle, a well-known fisherman, fly-caster and game-dog fancier. They were welcomed there as Yorkie shared these interests with Tom and would engage him in long discussions. Of course, Yorkie was well supplied with food. He was friendly with the children who were not afraid of him as, unlike many others, they did not tease him or his dog. The children there referred to him as 'Tattie Shaw', outwith his hearing of course, but were aware that he was generally known as 'Yorkie'. It is said that his father was a minister and Yorkie was originally destined for the church. However, he claimed that he had been 'over-educated' which had resulted in a 'weakening of the brain'. The country folk generally considered him to be a harmless lunatic but, as previously mentioned, children and some adults were afraid of him for there was no knowing when he might turn aggressive. He often called in for food at the farm formerly called Fogo East End (now Fogo Mains). It was here that he eventually died. There was a story that he threatened to take his own life and had swallowed Lysol or Jeyes Fluid but no visible trace of drinking a corrosive substance was apparent. It was also said, at the time, that Yorkie left a note directing that his collie dog should be sent to an address in Northumberland where both had often received food and shelter. However, it is believed that the dog had to be destroyed before anyone could get near his body. Yorkie was reckoned to be 83 years of age when he died. He must have had a very strong constitution to reach this age, bearing in mind he had led a very rough life - sleeping out in barns and stables in all kinds of weather. It was said that he cared for his dog better than he looked after himself. It is generally believed that the Trotter family of Charterhall paid his funeral expenses and erected a headstone to mark the place where Yorkie - his real name was John Oliver - was buried. In Fogo churchyard there is a headstone which stands apart from the others and bears the inscription: 58 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB HERE LIES JOHN OLIVER WANDERER THROUGHOUT THE BORDERLAND WHO DIED AT FOGO E. END on DECr. 1933 REST IN PEACE During the Club's visit to Fogo on 21st June 1995, the members also observed Yorkie's grave at the north-western corner of the burial ground. Since this visit to the churchyard the headstone has been cleaned. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The writer thanks George Murray Anderson, A. F. McAuley (Scottish Memories) and also the many friends who contributed anecdotes about the life of Yorkie. He is most grateful for their help. FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON THE MARINE ALGAE OF THE BERWICK AREA F. G. Hardy Department of Marine Sciences and Coastal Management, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU The stretch of coastline running from Holy Island in Northum- berland to north of Burnmouth in Berwickshire is one of the most historically important areas in the country for the study of marine algae. A succession of distinguished amateur naturalists and professional botanists have been studying the shores in this region for almost two centuries. This paper aims to summarise some of the history of this phycological endeavour and to bring the story up to date. The earliest records known are those of John Thompson, Surgeon to His Majesty's 37th Regiment, whose Catalogue of Plants Growing in the Vicinity of Berwick upon Tweed (Thompson, 1807) records the distribution of 14 species of seaweed. However, the most significant early work is that of the great polymath George Johnston. Detailed lists of marine algae are given in his Flora of Berwick-upon-Tweed (volume 2, 1831) and a few additional species are listed in an addendum in the first volume of the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club (Anon, 1834), including Heterosiphonia plumosa (as Dasya coccinea) described as being occasionally cast on the shore in abundance in Berwick Bay. This latter list also gives some indication of the interest in marine algae (or the widespread interest in natural history generally) of at least one of the original members of the club, Robert Embleton, who contributes a record for the same species from near Embleton. Sometimes one gets an opportunity to witness changes in Johnston's opinion as he studies his material. In the above list (Anon, 1834) he describes a specimen of Ulva defracta, from Coldingham, as being quite definitely a seaweed. The specimen in question is recognisable in his marine algal herbarium, now stored at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh (Hardy, 1992a), and is identifiable as being an example of Plocamium cartilagineum. It is clear from his Flora that Johnston knows Plocamium , as he states: 59 60 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB 'On the shore near Berwick plentifully, Ray. Often parasitical on Laminaria digitata. A remarkably elegant sea-weed, from 3 to 6 inches in height, and of a very beautiful red colour, hence "most admired by the ladies who are fond of pictures and mimic landscapes, composed of marine vegetables", - a sort of fancy work out of date, though once the favourite amusement of our princesses/ However, in a later note (Johnston, 1845) he writes 'there is no doubt that they [the specimens of Ulva defracta described in 1834] are the spawn of a molluscous animal, probably one of the Mollusca nudibranchia'. It seems probable therefore that the specimen to which Johnston was referring was an epiphyte or epizooid on the Plocamium and that this has now been lost (there is no written indication in the herbarium of the nature of the specimen). The value of Johnston's contributions to our knowledge of the local marine flora, however, is greatly increased by the length of time over which his observations were made. It is only by having long-term datasets (and many years personal experience) that one can build up a complete and comprehensive picture of the flora of an area, accumulating records and observing additions, deletions and changes of distribution in the species list. As a result, we are singularly fortunate to have his Botany of the Eastern Borders (1855) and another list of additional species in volume 3 of the History (Anon, 1855). This latter list introduces us to a very important member of the Victorian phycological community, Margaret Gatty. Mrs Gatty was the wife of the Reverend Dr Alfred Gatty, Vicar of Eccleston in Yorkshire (and later also Sub-Dean of York Minster). In 1848 she had a serious breakdown in health following the birth of her seventh child and went to Hastings to recuperate (Maxwell, 1949). Whilst there she was introduced to the study of seaweeds and was immediately entranced. Making the acquaintance of Dr Johnston in 1850, she visited him several times in Berwick between then and his death in 1855, going out with him on seaweed collecting excursions. Several of the records from Berwick and from Holy Island in the 1855 list are attributed to her. It seems belittling to describe a botanist of Mrs Gatty's standing as amateur: she was, in a sense, a victim of her time or circumstances. Whereas Victorian ladies were excluded from universities, in the present age she would almost certainly have ended up with a distinguished research or teaching career. Her seaweed records from the Berwick area include several small FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON THE MARINE ALGAE 61 species which require great determination to identify accurately. Following on from these early seaweed records she collected in a variety of places, including Filey, Spurn Point and the Isle of Man (Maxwell, 1949). The most important reference work of the time was Phycologia Britannica by William Harvey, the Professor of Botany at Dublin. She felt, however (correctly) that this was rather inaccessible to the host of amateur naturalists who wished to study seaweeds and so she produced (in 1863) a simplified version in two volumes. British Seaweeds by Mrs Gatty is still an invaluable reference work although, of course, the nomenclature is now very out of date. In addition to being a very useful guide to marine algae it is also a revealing social document, detailing the precautions it was thought necessary for ladies to take whilst collecting on the shore. Any lady contemplating looking for seaweeds was recommended to: 'lay aside, for a time, all thought of conventional appearances and be content to support the weight of a pair of boy's shooting boots, which furthermore, should be rendered as far waterproof as possible by receiving a thin coat of Neat's-foot oil, such as is used by fishermen . . . next to boots comes the question of petticoats; and if anything could excuse a woman for imitating the costume of a man, it would be what she suffers as a seaweed collector from these necessary draperies! But to make the best of a bad matter, let woollen be in the ascendant as much as possible; and let the petticoats never come below the ankle. A ladies' yachting costume has come into fashion of late, which is perhaps as near perfection for shore-work as anything that could be devised. It is a suit consisting of a full short skirt of blue flannel or serge (like very fine bathing gown material), with waistcoat and jacket to match. ... In conclusion, a hat is preferable to bonnet, merino stockings to cotton ones, and a strong pair of gloves is indispensable. All millinery work, silks, satins, lace, bracelets and other jewellery etc. must, and will be, laid aside by every rational being who attempts to shore-hunt. . . . But even in reflecting upon the best and easiest shore ... it must be owned that a low- watermark expedition, is more comfortably undertaken under the protection of a gentleman. He may fossilise, or sketch, or even (if he will be savage and barbaric) shoot gulls; but no need anyhow to involve him in the messing after what he may consider "rubbish", unless happily, he be inclined to assist.' Thirty years later the Berwick area came under critical scrutiny again when Edward Batters began publishing his lists of Berwick 62 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB algae in the History (Batters, 1882, 1883, 1884). His List of the marine algae of Berwick-upon-Tweed (Batters, 1889) is an extremely comprehensive record of the seaweeds growing in the area at the time and is an invaluable source of reference. A century after these studies were completed the area once again became the focus of detailed research. The twentieth century records for Northumberland were collected into check- lists (Hardy, 1985, 1987) and into an atlas of computer-drawn maps (Hardy & Aspinall, 1988). A list of the seaweeds recorded from Berwick itself was published in the History (Hardy, 1984), while other papers discuss individual species found there (Ford et al, 1983; Hardy, 1981). A detailed programme of field work was carried out in Berwickshire between 1987 and 1992, resulting both in a series of papers in the History (Hardy, 1990, 1992b) and in a detailed history and check-list (Hardy, 1992c, 1993). The marine fauna of the county was also studied and a list of invertebrates recorded was published (Hardy & Wheeler, 1992). Since this work was completed the area has continued to be studied. The Marine Nature Conservation Review of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee has completed reviews of the area (Davies, 1994; Holt, 1994) and an historical bibliography of the area has been produced (Hardy & Scott, 1996). Surprisingly, some localities in the area have previously been largely ignored by seaweed hunters, perhaps because of other attractions in the area. One example is Marshall Meadows Bay, an area famous both for the impressive tunnel cut through the cliff (by salmon fishermen) to facilitate access to the otherwise inaccessible shore and for the fossils to be found on the upper shore (of, for example, Calamite s and Stigmaria). This would be a good area in which to be introduced to the study of seaweeds, affording an opportunity to learn how to identify the more obvious species without being overwhelmed by an enormous diversity (as at Berwick). Species present, and seen in visits in 1988 and 1989, include Pelvetia canaliculata (Chanelled Wrack), Fucus spiralis (Flat, or Spiral Wrack), Ascophyllum nodosum (Egg Wrack), Entermorpha intestinalis, Ulva laduca (Sea Lettuce), Cladophora rupestris, Spongomorpha arcta, Porphyra umbilicalis (Laver Bread, an edible species) Lithophyllum incrustans (a pale pink encrusting species), Phymatolithon lenormandii (another, rather greyish, crustose species), Mastocarpus stellatus and Ceramium pallidum. In rock pools, there are specimens of Dumontia contorta, Chondrus crispus (Irish Moss, also edible) and Corallina officinalis. In rock pools lower on the shore can be FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON THE MARINE ALGAE 63 observed Halidrys siliquosa, Laminaria digitata (Oarweed), Laminaria saccharina (Sugarbelt) and Leathesia difformis (a rather unusual species which looks like a deflated golden brown ball). On exposed rocks lower on the shore can be found Himanthalia elongata (Thongweed) and Osmundea pinnatifida. Fucus vesiculosus (Bladder Wrack) and Fucus serratus (Serrated Wrack) are found in the same area. The brown filamentous epiphyte Elachista fucicola is common on F. vesiculosus. Drift specimens were also seen of Palmaria palmata (Dulse, another edible species) and Plocamium cartilagineum. In addition, some interesting changes in the distribution of several species in the area have been recorded, as follows: The green seaweed Codium fragile subsp. tomentosoides was recorded from a site north of Burnmouth in 1988 (Hardy, 1990) and in the succeeding year extended its range into rock pools along a considerable stretch of the Berwickshire coast. Visits to the area in 1996 have shown that it has now died back in many of these sites (and is absent from the original site). Immediately to the north of Gull Rock (between Burnmouth and Eyemouth) there is a large, deep, roughly circular, rockpool (the habitat of lobsters and squat-lobsters) usually filled with large accumulations of washed-up seaweeds. In 1996 these appeared to have been completely removed by the tide and the pool supported a very large population of the brown seaweed Chorda filum (commonly called Bootlaces, and a relation of kelps), a species which, surpisingly, had not been recorded in the area during the 1987-1992 survey. There were also extremely large plants of Laminaria saccharina (Sugarbelt). The large brown seaweeds Fucus spiralis and F. vesiculosus are known to hybridise naturally when they occur together. A study of these hybrid populations at Berwick has recently been completed by Mulyadi (Mulyadi, 1995; Mulyadi & Hardy, 1996), who showed that 16.36% of plants could not be categorised as being pure examples of either species. The distribution in the Tweed estuary of the brown seaweed Fucus ceranoides has recently been studied by Suryono (Suryono, 1996; Suryono & Hardy, 1997). This species is typical of estuarine environments where it out-competes and replaces F. vesiculosus (which is able to out-compete F. ceranoides in fully marine habitats). As a result, one finds F vesiculosus alone on the open coast, co-existing with F ceranoides in the lower estuary, and F ceranoides alone in the upper estuary. This picture is repeated in other local estuaries (for example, the Wear and Esk; F ceranoides is absent from the Tyne. 64 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB Almost two centuries have elapsed since naturalists first became fascinated by the seaweeds of the Berwick area, and this location has lost none of its power to draw marine phycologists. REFERENCES Anon. (1834). List of plants discovered within the district, since the publication of Dr Johnston's 'Flora of Berwick upon Tweed'. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, 1, 29-32. Anon. (1855). 'The algae of the Eastern Borders'. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, 3, 200. Batters, E. A. L. (1882). Notes on the marine algae of Berwick upon Tweed. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, 10, 108-115. Batters, E. A. L. (1883). Notes on the marine algae of Berwick upon Tweed. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, 10, 349-355. Batters, E. A. L. (1884). Notes on the marine algae of Berwick upon Tweed. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, 10, 535-538. Batters, E. A. L. (1889). A list of the marine algae of Berwick upon Tweed. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, 12, 221-392. Davies, J. (1994). Marine biological survey of the coastline of south-east Scotland from North Berwick to the River Tweed. Joint Nature Conservation Committee (Peterborough) Report, No. 158 (Marine Nature Conservation Report No. MNCR/SR/25). Peterborough. Ford, H., Hardy, F. G. & Edyvean, R. G. J. (1983). Population biology of the crustose red alga Lithophyllum incrustans Phil. Three populations on the east coast of Britain. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 19, 211-220. Hardy, F. G. (1981). Codium on the Northumbrian coast. Transactions of the Natural History Society of Northumbria, 43, 59-60. Hardy, F. G. (1984). The seaweeds of Berwick upon Tweed. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, 42, 62-65. Hardy, F. G. (1985). The marine fauna of the Cullercoats district, 17. Flora: Seaweeds. Report of the Dove Marine Laboratory, 3rd series, 30, 1-71. Hardy, F. G. (1987). The marine fauna of the Cullercoats district, 22, Flora: Seaweeds (Supplement), Report of the Dove Marine Laboratory, 3rd series, 35,1-29. Hardy, F. G. (1990). The green seaweed Codium fragile on the Berwickshire coast. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, 44, 154-156. Hardy, F. G. (1992a). Notes on the algal herbaria at Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland and Edinburgh. The Phycologist, 32, 12-14. Hardy, F. G. (1992b). The seaweeds of Berwickshire. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, 45, 99-103. Hardy, F. G. (1992c). The marine algae of Berwickshire: a description of the shore and the history of its study. Botanical Journal of Scotland, 46, 89-95. Hardy, F. G. (1993). The marine algae of Berwickshire: a detailed check-list. Botanical Journal of Scotland, 46, 199-232. Hardy, F. G. & Aspinall, R. J. (1988). An Atlas of the Seaweeds of Northumberland and Durham. Newcastle upon Tyne: Northumberland Biological Records Centre, Hancock Museum, University of Newcastle upon Tyne. FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON THE MARINE ALGAE 65 Hardy, F. G. and Scott, G. W (1996). The seaweeds of north-east England: a history of their study. Transactions of the Natural History Society of Northumbria, 57, 45-57. Hardy, F. G. and Wheeler, M. C. (1992). A contribution towards a marine fauna of Berwickshire. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, 45, 104-110. Holt, R. H. F. (1994). Marine biological survey of Eyemouth (Berwickshire) to Alnmouth (Northumberland). Joint Nature Conservation Committee Report, No. 157. (Marine Nature Conservation Review Report, No. MNCR/SR/24.) Peterborough. Johnston, G. (1831). A flora of Berwick upon Tweed. Volume II. Cryptogamous Plants. Edinburgh: J. Carfrae & Son. Johnston, G. (1845). [Note on Ulva defracta .] History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, 2, 158. Johnston, G. (1855). The Botany of the Eastern Borders, with the popular names and uses of the plants, and of the customs and beliefs which have been associated with them. London: John van Voorst. Maxwell, C. (1949). Mrs Gatty and Mrs Ewing. London: Constable. Mulyadi (1995). Studies on hybridisation between species of the genus Fucus (Phaeophyta, Fucales). M.Phil thesis. University of Newcastle upon Tyne. Mulyadi and Hardy, F. G. (1996). The natural occurrence of hybrids between two species of Fucus on the north-east coast of England. Vasculum, 81, 55-66. Suryono, C. A. (1996). Ecological studies on the distribution of the brown seaweed Fucus ceraiwides (Phaeophyta, Fucales). M.Phil. thesis. University of Newcastle upon Tyne. Suryono, C. A., and Hardy, F. G. (1997). Ecological studies on the distribution of the brown seaweed Fucus ceranoides L. ( Phaeophyta , Fucales). Transactions of the Natural History Society of Northumbria, 57, 153-168. Thompson, J. V. (1807). A Catalogue of Plants Growing in the Vicinity of Berwick upon Tweed. London: J. White. A NOTE ON HARELAW Cynthia Swan Harelaw, Chirnside, Duns, Berwickshire TD11 3LF I was particularly interested to read the letter from James Bird of Abbey Mains, Haddington to William Cunningham of Berwick upon Tweed dated 23rd May 1812.* My family now own and farm Harelaw, Chirnside, which when the letter was written, was situated on the north side of the B6355 road Chirnside to Ayton at the highest point in the district, 466'. The farm house and buildings were built from stones that traditionally came from a high cairn in the same location (Cairnside - hence Chirnside). This was an exposed site and after the roof had been blown off the big barn more than once, the whole farm, stones and all, was removed and rebuilt in its present position half a mile from Chirnside on the B6437 road to Reston. This was in 1825. James Bird was a tenant of the Whitehall estate as were two of his brothers in Crawbutt and Bullerhead - these small holdings are now part of Harelaw. The Bird family gravestones are in Chirnside churchyard. See History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, vol. 46, part 3 (1995), p. 287. NELLIE HERON'S STONE G. A. C. Binnie, Ladykirk, Norham, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 1XL Hartside is the last farm on the public road leading west up the Ingram Valley from the A697 at Hedgely. In 1863 the Duke of Northumberland's manager in Hartside was Thomas Heron who lived there with his 50-year-old wife, Eleanor, and those of their ten children who were unmarried. Life was for the hardy and the church they attended regularly was said to have been in Wooler, 14 kilometres (nine miles) away by footpath. Eleanor visited her mother in Rothbury on Wednesday, 2nd December. She set out on the 16 kilometres (ten miles) journey home the following day. It was cold and overcast and snow was beginning to fall when she called briefly at Snitter. By the time she got to Alnham large snowflakes were falling. Conditions were blizzard-like on Shiel Bog on Prendwick Moor, where she passed the time of day with the Prendwick shepherd, who was checking his stock. Within a short distance of leaving him, and no doubt hampered and chilled by her sodden long Victorian clothing, she sat down to rest on a stone. There she was found by a search party the next day, 'frozen solid' as the newspaper report put it. She was less than three kilometres (two miles) from home, and within 1600 metres (one mile) of the home of a married daughter. The spot where she was found is marked by a stone set loosely in a small cairn on the moor, map reference NT91 9790/1343. The stone itself is about 60 centimetres long and 25 centimetres square. It is inscribed 'Eleanor Heron Departed Dec 3 1863'. She was buried near the foot of the south side of Whittingham Church tower, and her 88-year-old widower was buried there in 1897. She has about 85 living descendants known to me, of whom I am one. In 1962, 99 years later to the day, two shepherds on their way 67 68 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB from Alnham to Ewartly Shank were overtaken by another December blizzard and perished, about 1600 metres (one mile) from Nellie Heron's Stone. REFERENCES Berwick Journal, 11th December 1863, 'Died on Moor'. Dixon, D. D., 1895, Whittingham Vale. 63-64, Newcastle. FIELD NOTES AND RECORDS - 1996 BOTANICAL RECORDS D. G. Long Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh EH3 5LR Bryophytes All records were made during 1996. Nomenclature follows Corley & Hill, Distribution of Bryophytes in the British Isles (1981). Mosses Barbula revoluta. On wall. Lawn Park, Spottiswoode NT6049, 2 March, D. G. Long. Third extant record for vc81. Dicranum undulatum. Raised bog, Dogden Moss NT6749 and NT6850, 10 April, D. G. Long and G. P Rothero. Confirmation of only vc81 site of this threatened species. Homalothecium nitens. Juncus/ ParnassiaJ Briza flush, Lauder Common near Tanwell NT4845, 9 September, D. G. Long. Second extant record for vc81. Hypnum imponens. Raised bog, Dogden Moss NT6749, 10 April, D. G. Long and G. P Rothero. Confirmation of 1932 record. Leptobryum pyriforme. Old bonfire site, Spottiswoode Loch NT6149, 20 August, D. G. Long. Second record for vc81. Plagiothecium laetum. On roots of fallen Betula, Eastside Wood near Spottiswoode NT6150, 1 February, D. G. Long. Third record for vc81. Rhodobryum roseum. Rocky bank by burn, south end of Blythe Juniper Wood NT5748, 9 March, D. G. Long and W. Walker. First record for vc81 since 1956. Sphagnum imbricatum subsp. austinii. Raised bog, Dogden Moss NT6749 and NT6850, 10 April, D. G. Long and G. P Rothero. Confirmation that this species is present in quantity in its only locality in vc81, last seen 1976. Sphagnum teres. Juncus/ ParnassiaJ Briza flush, Lauder Common near Tanwell NT4845, 9 September, D. G. Long. Third record for vc81. Sphagnum warnstorfii. Juncus/ Parnassia/ Briza flush, Lauder Common near Tanwell NT4845, 9 September, D. G. Long. Second record for vc81. 69 70 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB Tetraplodon mnioides. Raised bog, Dogden Moss NT6949, 10 April, D. G. Long and G. E Rothero. Third recent record for vc81. Tortula virescens. On old hollow Fraxinus, Gateside, Brunta Burn NT5948, 16 March, D. G. Long. Third record for vc81. Zygodon rupestris. Dry basaltic rocks, south end of Blythe Juniper Wood NT5748, 9 March, D. G. Long and W. Walker. Second record for vc81. Liverworts Kurzia pauciflora. Raised bog, Dogden Moss NT6849, 10 April, D. G. Long and G. P Rothero. Confirmation of one of three vc81 sites. Tritomaria exsectiformis. Sandstone rocks, Blythe Juniper Wood NT5749, 9 March, D. G. Long and W. Walker. Second extant record for vc81. Vascular Plants Nomenclature follows Kent, List of Vascular Plants of the British Isles (1992). All are field records made during 1996 except where otherwise indicated; * refers to an alien. The status of aliens is classified as Established, Surviving, Casual or Planted. *Alchemilla mollis. GARDEN LADY'S-MANTLE. River gravel, bridge at foot of Leader Water NT5734, 12 October, M. E. Braithwaite. Casual; first record for vc81. Apium inundatum. LESSER MARSHWORT. Mud, Cambus Old Townhead pond NT8069, 21 September, M. E. Braithwaite. Arabis hirsuta. HAIRY ROCK-CRESS. Rocks, Greenlaw Knowe NT8864, 8 June, M. E. and P F. Braithwaite. * Aster nova-belgii. MlCHAELMAS-DAISY. Ditch by road, A1107 near Old Cambus Wood NT8368, 5 October, M. E. Braithwaite. Surviving as large clump. Miss I. M. Hayward recorded this species Tn abundance on the Leader and Tweed, Berwicks., 1909'. Surprisingly, there are no subsequent records there for vc81. Atriplex laciniata. FROSTED ORACHE. Beach, Lumsdaine Shore NT8770, 7 September, M. E. and P F. Braithwaite. Carex pendula. PENDULOUS SEDGE. Spring in former woodland, Eye Water above Grantshouse NT8165, 15 June, M. E. Braithwaite. Second extant record for vc81. *Chenopodium rubrum. RED GOOSEFOOT. Freshly rebuilt road verge, A68 near Soutra at Red Brae NT4756, 31 August, M. E. Braithwaite. Casual with other arable weeds. First record for vc81 since 1832. FIELD NOTES AND RECORDS - 1996 71 *Draba muralis. WALL WHITLOW GRASS. Spoil and dry bank, opposite Grantshouse quarry NT8165, 15 June, M. E. Braith waite. Established; second record for vc81. Geranium pusillum. SMALL-FLOWERED CRANESBILL. Bare patches in grass, Westerside NT8868, 18 June, M. E. Braithwaite. Dry Bank, Old Cambus dry valley NT8070, 29 June, M. E. Braithwaite. First records for vc81 since 1960. Juniperus communis. JUNIPER. Scrub, Winding Burn NT8266, 16 June, M. E. Braithwaite. *Leucanthemella serotina. AUTUMN OXEYE. Spoil, Grantshouse Quarry NT8165, 18 August, M. E. and E F. Braithwaite. Surviving as large clump. First record for vc81. Lycopodium clavatum. STAG'S-HORN CLUBMOSS. In Calluna, Grants- house Quarry NT8165, 4 May, M. E. Braithwaite. Lythrum portula. WATER PURSLANE. Mud, Cambus Old Townhead pond NT8069, 21 September, M. E. Braithwaite. First record for vc81 since 1960. Recorded here by J. Hardy in 1870. Mud, Lowries Knowes Pond NT8569, 9 November, M. E. Braithwaite. *Pilosella flagellaris ssp. flagellaris. SHETLAND MOUSE-EAR HAWK- WEED. Road verge, A1 near Grantshouse NT8165, 18 August, M. E. and E F. Braithwaite. Established. First record for vc81. Each stem has two flower heads. Polystichum setiferum. SOFT SHIELD-FERN. Woodland, Dean Plantation, Coldingham NT8966, 17 June, M. E. Braithwaite, Woodland, Lambsmill Burn, Edrington NT9354, 17 June, D. Walton and M. E. Braithwaite. Both populations include probable hybrids P x bicknelli with Hard Shield-fern. * Kibes sanguineum. FLOWERING CURRANT. Scrub, Grantshouse Quarry NT8165, 4 May, M. E. Braithwaite. Well established. Rumex longifolius. NORTHERN DOCK. Road verges, A1 Grantshouse to Berwick NT8165, 8364, 8662, 8762, 8962, 9659, 9757, 9954, 29 June, M. E. Braithwaite. Widespread where formerly absent. Also at intervals along the A72 in Peeblesshire, 10 October. M. E. Braithwaite. Sagina maritima. SEA PEARLWORT. Road verge, A68 near Soutra at Renshawrig and Red Brae NT4757, 4756, 31 August, M. E. Braithwaite. Established. First inland records for vc81. Saponaria officinalis. SOAPWORT. Road verge near Mayfield NT8360, 5 October, M. E. Braithwaite. Surviving as large patch, double-flowered form. Salix myrsinifolia. DARK-LEAVED WILLOW. Scrub by Winding Burn NT8166, 16 June, M. E. Braithwaite. Only extant record for vc81. 72 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB *Sedum telephium. ORPINE. Railway bank near Grantshouse NT8165, 18 August, M. E. and E F. Braithwaite. Surviving. Probably here of garden origin. Stellaria neglecta. GREATER CHICKWEED. Wood by Coldingham Bay NT9166, 1956, E. E Beattie. Record formerly doubted, now accepted. Shaded shoreline, Coldingham Westloch NT8967, 5 October, M. E. Braithwaite. First and second records for vc81. Maritime Plants on Roads in the Scottish Borders M. E. Braithwaite N. E. Scott (Watsonia 1982) recorded the invasion of roads salted in winter by maritime plants in Northumberland. In 1980 Puccinellia distans, Reflexed Saltmarsh-grass was known on the A1 north to Berwick and Spergularia marina, Lesser sea-spurrey, only in a small area north of Newcastle. In 1992 I recorded both species on the A1 in Berwickshire and on the A68 at Carter Bar in the Cheviot Hills where they form colonies along a narrow strip at the edge of the road except where a concrete kerb is installed or where there is shading by trees. There has been an enormous spread by both species in the four following years to 1996. Puccinellia distans has spread from Carter Bar down the A68 to Jedburgh and down the A6088 to Hawick. On the coast the A1107 over Coldingham Moor is heavily invaded and outliers from the A1 colonies appear on the Ayton to Chirnside road and on the Grantshouse to Preston road. There are several colonies around Kelso and further colonies near Gordon, Ashkirk, Clovenfords, Heriot and, just out of the region, near Dolphinton. Spergularia marina is found often in great quantity, in almost all the locations mentioned for Puccinellia distans, and was usually the first of the two to colonise. It is also found on the B6456 between Polwarth and Westruther, on Soutra, on the Dunion near Jedburgh and in Peeblesshire around Blyth Bridge. Passing out of our region large colonies extend through Carstairs to Carluke. The same habitat has allowed the spread of Atriplex prostrata Spear-leaved Orache, previously virtually confined to the coast itself in the Borders. This is now known along the A1 and, in small quantity, on the A1107 over Coldingham Moor, near Chirnside, near Coldstream, at Dryburgh and Ancrum, on the A68 at Carter Bar and Soutra, and on the A 7 near Stow. In this FIELD NOTES AND RECORDS - 1996 73 plants have only attracted notice in the search for other maritime species and it is doubtless under-recorded, nevertheless I could only find it on the A1 in 1992, so its spread is believed to have been similar to the other species. Meanwhile Cochlearia danica, Danish Scurvygrass, remains confined to the A1 but Sagina maritima, Sea Pearlwort, has been detected in substantial quantity at Soutra. It is thought that the sands at Holy Island may have provided the opportunity for seeds from saltmarsh plants to hitch a lift from vehicles and spread up the artificial saltmarshes we have created along our roads. A similar phenomenon is evident over much of England and long-distance dispersal of seeds is likely to be contributing to this remarkable story. The arrival of further maritime species can be expected. Wildflowers observed 13th June 1996 in Newbiggin Dean ('Norham Dean') and disused Railway Viaduct (GR 89 7459 to GR 904 462) between 10m and 30m above m.s.l., drained by the Rutchey Burn E.N.E. to W.S.W. to River Tweed. Jill Robertson 1. Water Avens Geum rivale 2. Wood Avens Geum urbanum 3. Hybrid Avens (unusual) Geum rivale x urbanum 4. Bluebell (suspect garden escape) Endymion hispanicus 5. Brooklime Veronica beccabunga 6. Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus acris 7. Butterbur Petasites hybridus 8. Red Campion Silene dioica 9. White Campion Silene alba 10. Lesser Celandine Ranunculus ficaria 11. Common Chickweed Stellaria media 12. White Clover Trifolium repens 13. Russian Comfrey Symphytum asperum 14. Cow Parsley Anthriscus sylvestris 15. Meadow Cranesbill Geranium pratense 16. Soft Cranesbill Geranium molle 17. Cross wort Galium cruciata 18. Daisy Beilis perennis 19. Dandelion Taraxacum officinale 20. White Dead-Nettle Lamium alba 21. Broad-leaved Dock Rumex obtusifolius 22. Dog7 s Mercury Mercurialis perennis 74 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB 23. Yellow Flag Iris pseudacorus 24. Early Forget-Me-Not Myosotis ramosissima 25. Field Forget-Me-Not Myosotis arvensis 26. Fumitory Fumaria metricariodes 27. Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata 28. Goosegrass (Cleavers, Robin-run- Galium aparine dyke) 29. Ground Ivy Glechoma hederacea 30. Hairy Tare Vicia hirsutum 31. Hawkweed Hieracium britanniciforme* 32. Herb Robert Geranium robertianum 33. Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium 34. Giant Hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum 35. Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum 36. Kingcup (Marsh Marigold) Caltha palustris 37. Alpine Lady's Mantle Alchemilla alpina 38. Lady's Smock Cardamine pratensis 39. Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicaria 40. Mare's Tail Hippurus vulgaris 41. May (Hawthorn) Crategus monogyma 42. Rayless Mayweed Matricaria matricariodes 43. Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria 44. Clustered Mouse-Ear Cerastium glomeratum 45. Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica 46. Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata 47. Primrose Primula vulgaris 48. Ragwort Senecio jacobaea 49. Dog Rose Rosa canina 50. Northern Downy Rose Rosa sherardii 51. St John's Wort Hypericum perforatum 52. Meadow Saxifrage Saxifraga granulata 53. Silverweed Potentilla anserina 54. Common Sorrel Rumex acetosa 55. Germander Speedwell Veronica arvensis 56. Thyme-leaved Speedwell Veronica serpyllifolia 57. Persian Speedwell Veronica persica 58. Wild Strawberry Fragaria vesca 59. Tansy Chrysanthemum vulgare 60. Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense 61. Spear Thistle Circium vulgare 62. Tormentil Potentilla erecta 63. Bird's Foot Trefoil Lotus conniculatus 64. Hop Trefoil Trifolium campestre FIELD NOTES AND RECORDS - 1996 75 65. Bush Vetch 66. Narrow-leaved Vetch 67. Great Hairy Willow Herb 68. Rose Bay Willow Herb 69. Yarrow Vida sepium Vida augustifolia Epilobium hirsutum Epilobium augustifolium Achillea millefolium Most of the above-listed wildflowers were actually in flower; a few were identified from foliage, either having flowered already or being in bud or still to flower. *Hawkweed - in view of the large number of hawkweeds (260) growing in the British Isles, this identification is open to question. REFERENCES Keble Martin, W. The Concise British Flora in Colour. Swan, George A. Flora of Northumberland. ZOOLOGICAL RECORDS The Comma Butterfly in Roxburghshire M. E. Braithwaite The Comma butterfly, Polygonia c-album, has been considered extinct in Scotland since c. 1875 (G. Thomson, The Butterflies of Scotland, 1980). It is therefore pleasing to report the presence of a single individual at Chesters, Roxburghshire NT6210 on 26 October 1996 where it was photographed by Mr David Skinner in his garden. This follows a period of expansion by the species from its stronghold in the West Midlands since 1930 until it was reported at Haltwhistle in Northumberland earlier in 1996 (N. Bowles). Its reappearance in Scotland had been predicted by G. Thomson. Records in the Club's History date from 1845 and include final records from Denholm, Roxburghshire in 1868 by J. A. H. Murray with others from Lauder, Reston and Preston about 1870. The Blue Underwing in Selkirkshire A. Buckham The Blue Underwing or Clifden Nonpareil, Catocala fraxini, is a large grey moth with blackish underwings with a pale blue semi- circular band. The classic English locality was Ham Street in Kent 76 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB Photographs by Andrew Buckham Muslin Ermine FIELD NOTES AND RECORDS - 1996 77 where it occurred in Aspen woodland from 1935 to 1964 (Heath and Maitland-Emmet, 1983; Skinner, 1984). Elsewhere it is a scarce and irregular immigrant. The earliest Border record (and first Scottish record) is of one taken on 9 September 1876 at sugar by W. Shaw near Netherbyres, Berwickshire (NT9463). Roxburghshire has fared better with the first record on 24 September 1986, recorded by John Oliver. This specimen had been beaten on to a muddy road in heavy rain, just east of the gate into Thornwood House near Hawick (NT5115); another was recorded on 11 August 1898 by John Turnbull of Hawick and recorded by W. Renton. Almost eighty years elapsed before the next Roxburghshire record, when on 21 September 1976 I found this moth in my light trap at Wells Sawmill, Denholm (NT5917). There were no records for Selkirkshire until 10 October 1996 when one was found clinging to the wall of the Scottish College of Textiles in Galashiels (NT5035) by Norman Noble. This specimen, and the most recent from Roxburghshire, are now preserved in my collection. Across the border in Northumberland this moth was taken at Twizell south of Belford (NU1328) on 14 August 1842, one at Scremerston (NU04) in July 1876 and a more recent record from Morpeth on 21 September 1976 (Dunn and Parrack, 1986). No doubt others have occurred but were never seen or recorded. It would appear that when there is a large migration of butterflies (such as the Painted Lady) from the continent there can be a sprinkling of Blue Underwings and rarer butterflies such as the Camberwell Beauty. Painted Ladies were abundant in the Borders during 1996 but I know of no records of the Camberwell Beauty. REFERENCES Dunn, T. C., and Parrack, J. D. (1986). The Moths and Butterflies of Northumberland and Durham. Durham: Northern Naturalists' Union. Heath, J., and Maitland-Emmet, A. (ed.) (1983). The Moths and Butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland. Vol. 10, Colchester: Harley Books. Skinner, B. (1984). Colour Identification Guide to Moths of the British Isles. Harmondsworth: Viking Press. The Muslin Moth in Berwickshire A. Buckham While walking on the Humlie Knowe at Coldingham Bay (NT9166) on 13 June 1996 I found a female Muslin Moth Diaphora mendica. The female of this species is a silky white with several black dots on the wings; the male in contrast is darkish brown with a few black spots on the wings. 78 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB The specimen was collected alive and taken home for two days for photography during which time it laid a batch of eggs and was then kept as a voucher specimen. These eggs hatched on 22 June; the larvae were fed on dandelion and eventually eighteen of them pupated. Subsequently ten of these pupae were returned to Coldingham Bay and concealed amongst moss and vegetation by colleagues in Scottish Natural Heritage. On researching the literature, I found this to be a rare insect in the Eastern Borders. In 1899 one was taken at Galashiels, Selkirkshire (NT43) by William Shaw. In 1903 W Renton recorded one from near St Boswells Railway Station in Roxburghshire (NT5731), and in Berwickshire one was recorded from St Abbs Head (NT96) by the Ranger George Evans in July 1979; earlier records were several from Birgham (NT7939) in 1960, 1961 and 1962 by G. A. Elliot (Long, 1969). In Northumberland the moth has in recent years been mounting a steady progression northwards along the coastal plain, but not far inland (Dunn and Parrack, 1986), so it may be showing a welcome increase in Berwickshire. REFERENCES Dunn, T. C., and Parrack, J. D. (1986). The Moths and Butterflies of Northumberland and Durham. Durham: Northern Naturalists' Union. Long, A. G. (1969). The Macro-lepidoptera of Berwickshire - Part XIII. History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, 38, 136-137. Birds at St Abbs Head - the highlights of 1996 K. J. Rideout Breeding LITTLE Grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis. Two pairs bred raising broods of 4 and 2, the best breeding performance for several years. Fulmar, Fulmarus glacialis. The population count was 364 nest sites, a decrease on last year but still a healthy number. SHAG, Phalacrocorax aristotelis. There were 175 nests which is similar to last year but well down compared to numbers in the early 1990s. MOORHEN, Gallinula chloropus. Two pairs bred raising a total of six young. COOT, Fulica atra. At Mire Loch, two pairs raised a total of eight young. Kittiwake, Rissa tridactyla. The count in June showed 13,437 nests, a small decrease compared to last year. FIELD NOTES AND RECORDS - 1996 79 PUFFIN, Fratercula arctica. The peak count was 74 ashore on 22nd June. It's always best to look for them in the evening. SEDGE Warbler, Acrocephalus schoenobaenus. 16 breeding terri- tories - a site record. LINNET, Carduelis cannabina. Nine breeding territories plus another overlapping Reserve boundary. YELLOWHAMMER, Emberiza citrinella. Six breeding territories. REED Bunting, Emberiza schoeniclus. Two breeding territories. Migrants Sooty Shearwater, Puffinus griseus. 34 were recorded between 21st August and 12th September. OSPREY, Pandion haliaetus. Three singles flew over in May on 8th, 13th and 31st. QUAIL, Coturnix coturnix. At least one calling daily from barley field above Mire Loch throughout July. CORNCRAKE, Crex crex. One on 23rd August. POMARINE SKUA, Stercorarius pomarinus. Five were seen between the 19th August and 20th September. ARCTIC Skua, Stercorarius parasiticus. A total of 81 were recorded in August and early September. GREAT Skua, Stercorarius skua. A total of 44 were seen in August and early September. SANDWICH Tern, Sterna sandvicensis. First one on 11th April then regular through summer with peak count of 76 per hour on 23rd September. TURTLE dove, Streptcrpelia turtur. In May there were singles on 20th and 31st. KINGFISHER, Alcedo atthis. One on 31st August, a very unusual record. BLACK Redstart, Pheonicurus ochruros. In April there was one on 11th and two on 14th. REDSTART, Phoenicurus phoenicurus. Regularly seen in May and September with a peak of 12 on 20th May. WHINCHAT, Saxicola rubetra. Frequently seen in May, August and September with a peak of 14 on 20th May. WHEATEAR, Oenanthe oenanthe. A poor year for this species with only small numbers of migrants and no breeding. Best count was 36 on 14th April. RING Ouzel, Turdus torquatus. Two were seen on 23rd October. 80 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB Grasshopper Warbler, Locustella naevia. Singles on 24th April and 3rd May. REED Warbler, Acrocephalus scirpaceus. Singles on 20th and 31st August and 23rd September. LESSER Whitethroat, Sylvia curruca. Occasionally seen in May and September. WHITETHROAT, Sylvia communis. Small numbers seen in April, May, August and September. Garden Warbler, Sylvia borin. Occasional in May, August and September. BLACKCAP, Sylvia atricapilla. Seen in small numbers between 18th April and 19th June then again between 21st August and 30th October. WOOD Warbler, Phylloscopus sibilatrix. Singles on 24th and 25th April and 20th May. CHIFFCHAFF, Phylloscopus collybita. Regular sightings between 3rd April and 13th June and again between 22nd September and 30th October. WILLOW Warbler, Phylloscopus trochilus. The peak spring count was 40 on 21st April with an unusually low autumn peak of 10 on 24th September. SPOTTED Flycatcher, Muscicapa striata. Small numbers seen in May and September. PIED Flycatcher, Ficedula hypoleuca. Seen in May, August and September with a peak count of seven on 20th September. BRAMBLING, Fringilla monti fringilla. Regularly seen in October with a peak count of 20 on 23rd. Rarities Mediterranean Shearwater, Puffinus yelkouan. One flew by the Head on 12th September. SABINE'S Gull, Larus sabini. One seen on 9th September. WRYNECK, Jynx torquilla. One recorded on 19th May. BLUETHROAT, Luscinia svecica. Single females on 20th May and 25th September. MARSH WARBLER , Acrocephalus palustris. One trapped and ringed on 22nd September. ICTERINE WARBLER, Hippolais icterina. One by Mire Loch 19th and 20th May. BARRED Warbler, Sylvia nisoria. In September there were singles on 18th and 22nd to 25th (probably different birds). FIELD NOTES AND RECORDS - 1996 81 Yellow Browed Warbler, Phylloscopus inornatus. One from 24th to 30th October. Red Breasted Flycatcher, Ficedula parva. One from 20th to 22nd September. Great Grey Shrike, Lanius excubitor. One at Northfield during the 21st and 22nd September. ORTOLAN Bunting, Emberiza hortulana. One on 19th May. The Little Owl, Athena noctua, in Berwickshire G. A. C. Binnie I first saw a little owl about 25 years ago near the 'Pistol' crossroads in Whitsome parish. Each summer from June to September for the last three or four years a single bird has been seen regularly in the vicinity of Ladykirk Church. Latterly it has shown a proclivity to roost in the afternoon sunshine on the roof of the church tower. On August 13th, 1996 I found, near to the church, a dead young bird which had probably been killed by a car. In the next few days another young bird was to be seen on the church tower being fed by at least one adult bird. The nest was thought to have been in a nearby farm building. Little Owls are recorded each year in Scotland, in the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway regions, including one or two records in Berwickshire in each of the last four or five years. One pair probably bred in Dumfries and Galloway in 1993 (Scottish Bird Reports, 1991-95). What was said to be the first record of a little owl in Berwickshire was on September 2nd, 1949, when three were seen at Charterhall; two of them were shot (Ornithological Notes, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, 31, 250). In 1958-1960 there were two nesting pairs near Lintlaw in Bunkle parish (Ornithological Notes, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, 35, 80; 187). ARCHAEOLOGICAL NOTES - 1996 SCOTTISH BORDERS REGION J. Dent Principal Officer (Archaeology and Countryside) Scottish Borders Council, Newtown St Boswells, Melrose TD6 OSA Tamshiel Rig iron age settlement and field system This site had been cleared of trees in 1994 and was the subject of small scale excavations by the Centre for Field Archaeology in 1996 to assess the impact of tree growth on the archaeological remains. Two round houses were examined, and 1950s drainage ditches and recent tree-blow created opportunities to observe sections through the inner stone wall of the enclosure, the outer earthen bank, and a major field bank. Work showed that damage to the archaeological remains was related to ploughing and ditching operations, and that root damage was localised. Newstead Roman military complex The University of Bradford carried out further work on the site, this time between the Roman fort and the River Tweed. To the north of the fort defensive ditches and a broad scatter of 'background noise' were revealed by geographical survey, and indicated that there had been a fourth annex on this side. On the eastern side this annex had been enclosed by a ditch in its early stages, perhaps in the late 1st century AD, but 2nd century occupation, which included buildings terraced into the hillside, expanded beyond the levelled remains of the original boundary. North-east of the fort complex earthwork remains of a possible amphitheatre were examined by trial trenches which identified an artificial bank around a central elliptical area c. 37m by c. 30m. The nature of small finds, which included very little pottery, but hobnails and other probable accidental losses, was consistent with use of the area as an arena. The external bank would have supported seating, and there would have been entrances to the north and south. A1 widening Lemington-Howburn Excavations by the Centre for Field Archaeology beside the A1 trunk road failed to find any trace of further burials on a site 82 ARCHAEOLOGICAL NOTES - 1996 83 where a cinerary urn and other remains were found in the 19th century. Drumlanrig Square, Hawick An archaeological evaluation of street frontage in the centre of medieval Hawick, which lies between the earthwork castle of the Lovell family and the parish church of St Mary, confirmed earlier investigations by revealing that no archaeological deposits overlay the natural subsoil, although features such as wall trenches or pits, cut into the subsoil, might still survive. Melrose Abbey Excavations by Kirkdale Archaeology uncovered three succes- sive phases of the Cistercian chapter house, built between the 12th and 14th centuries AD. A lead casket, originally uncovered in 1921, and believed to contain the heart of King Robert I, was also found. Many fragments of glazed decorative tiles were found, and these probably belong to the third and final phase of the building, which may have been demolished when the church nave was rebuilt in 1610. A number of graves were also found, and there is historic reference to relocation of burials in the chapter house in 1240 in the Chronica de Mailros. Rhymer's Tower, Earlston An archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Scotia Archaeology Ltd prior to development adjacent to the 16th century tower associated with the 13th century seer and personality. No archaeological traces of any ancillary structures were uncovered. Edin's Hall Broch The fort, settlement and broch were the subject of survey and excavations to investigate the impact of rabbits and gorse on this monument, which is in national guardianship. The works revealed that the fort ramparts were of dump construction with drystone retaining walls on the outer face. The rampart to the south of the broch also had a rough inner face, and secondary rubble banks applied both inside and out. Part of the paved floor of the broch was uncovered, and examination of two round houses revealed complex construction, but few internal signs of occupation. Finds from the site included coarse pottery and a stone spindle whorl. 84 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND Sara Rushton County Archaeologist, County Hall, Morpeth NE61 2EF Wark Castle Wark Castle, on the Anglo-Scottish border, was originally built as a Norman motte and bailey commanding a ford across the River Tweed. The castle played an important part in Border history for over 500 years and during this time underwent many modifications. Its final use was as an artillery fort built during the 16th century. Today the visible remains of the castle consist of the motte surmounted by the massive stonework ring of the artillery platform. The enclosing curtain wall, which utilises a natural glacial ridge for extra height, is also clearly visible although much overgrown with ivy. Dense tree cover on the site has recently been removed as part of a management agreement and this has revealed the true state of the monument underneath - part of the castle mound is collapsing and the masonry is in urgent need of repair. A major consolidation programme will soon be completed with grant aid from English Heritage, the European Regional Development Fund and the County Council. An interpretation panel will be installed which will show how this complex site would have looked in the past. The castle is easily visible from a public right of way which goes past the west end of the castle mound. Marygate, Holy Island Sympathetic development is in the pipeline for one of the last remaining gap sites in Holy Island village and archaeological remains are one of the major factors affecting its design. The area of proposed development is thought to lie within the monastic boundary associated with Lindisfarne Priory but, until some documentary research was carried out, nothing was known about the site. Contemporary records and more recent research on the land plots at Holy Island, suggest that it was the location of two medieval cottages. The records show that the cottages were ruinous by 1592 and later maps show that this lot has remained empty ever since this 16th century date. The potential survival of archaeological deposits at this site was therefore high and further investigation was necessary before finalising the design of the proposed development. An ARCHAEOLOGICAL NOTES - 1996 85 evaluation of the site was carried out by The Archaeological Practice from the University of Newcastle in summer 1996. Two main phases of archaeological activity were identified. The earliest phase of activity on the site was discovered towards the back of the plot and has provided new information about Holy Island's more distant past. Although prehistoric activity on Holy Island has long been recognised, until now there has been no evidence of any Neolithic structure - a rare discovery for any part of Northumberland - dated to the Early Neolithic period between 3685-3365 BC. The latest phase of activity on the site is broadly 14th to 17th century in date and lay towards the front of the site. A substantial pit was discovered containing several fragments of human skull, probably redeposited here from a graveyard. Other traces of occupation included a short length of stone flagging and a large cobble-filled pit. All these features were overlain by a demolition layer of 15th to 17th century date. Although no certain evidence was discovered of the documented cottages, these demolition layers do suggest that a building, built at least partially in stone, was situated nearby. Once the importance of the remains was established the design of the development was done with the archaeology firmly in mind. Although some excavation will inevitably be needed, the disturbance will be minimised by sympathetic siting of buildings, the spanning of floors above foundations and the building up of ground levels to protect remains where necessary and possible. New Quay, Berwick upon Tweed In Spring 1996 a combined excavation and watching brief were carried out in the area of the New Quay in Berwick by TWM Archaeology. This was necessitated by the need for a new sewerage system in the town. The area of the New Quay is regarded as being of great archaeological significance and sensitivity relating to waterfront exploitation in the medieval periods. Initially, the site of the New Quay appears to have been an area of undeveloped tidal foreshore. By 1769 evidence from Armstrong's map shows it to have been reclaimed. During works semi-waterlogged horizons were encountered from which organic material was recovered. At least 21 complete leather shoe soles were recovered as well as wood, bone and pottery. The pottery was medieval in date and it would appear that these deposits represent refuse dumping on the tidal foreshore. The upper layers of these deposits were c. 3.5m below 86 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB ground level. These deposits were sealed by dumps of almost pure sand which may represent 18th century reclamation through dumping of ships7 ballast. Overlying this were other dumps into which 19th century building foundations were set. Ridsdale Ironworks Ridsdale Ironworks, north of Ridsdale near West Woodburn, was built in 1836 and closed c. 1848. It was later acquired by W G. Armstrong who substantially dismantled the site c. 1865. It originally comprised three furnaces, an engine house and an adjoining boiler house. Nearby were coke ovens and calcining kilns, with reservoirs located across the road. A network of tramways linked the site with nearby sources of ironstone, limestone and coal. The most prominent part of the site today is the former engine house, a large derelict stone building frequently mistaken for a Border castle. With the exception of the dismantled furnace site and parts of the foundry yard, the remainder of the complex survives relatively intact as earthworks in an area now used as pasture. For several years there has been local concern about the safety of the engine house. In autumn 1996 consolidation works were funded by English Heritage and overseen by Northumberland County Council. In addition, a detailed photographic survey was made of the engine house together with comprehensive archaeological recording. Access arrangements are under discussion and interpretive material will be provided. FIELD SECRETARIES' REPORT - SEASON 1996 The field meetings were arranged by a sub-committee consisting of the President (Mrs Isobel McLelland), the Vice-President (Major General Sir John Swinton), the Revs Geoffrey Burton and A. C. D. Cartwright and Mr Neil Robertson, with Dr G. A. C. Binnie acting as convener. Our sympathy goes to Mrs Burton and her family following the sudden death of her husband shortly after the July Meeting, which he had arranged. The thanks of the Club are due to Mrs Sheila Romanes who retired from the sub-committee this year, and to Miss R. I. Curry for her invaluable help with arranging the coach transport. Members may have noticed photographs taken at Field Meetings in the local press, and our thanks are due to Mr R. C. Ward for acting as Club photographer. 9th May, Thursday. OTTERBURN MILITARY TRAINING AREA. Eighty-three members and friends met at Otterburn Camp in fine weather but with a biting east wind, so that the picnic lunch was taken under cover in the Camp rather than in the open as was planned. Colonel Richard Cross, the Range Officer, gave an introductory talk on the day's visit with a brief history of the Otterburn Training Area from its inception in 1911 to its growth to 58,000 acres, and the best facilities for military training in Western Europe. There are current problems because of its place in the Northumberland National Park. There are four main aspects of the management of the area on which 30,000 soldiers train each year. There is farming with 31 agricultural tenancies, and with the Range closed to military training during the lambing season. There are 4,000 acres of managed forestry, 48% of which is broad leaved. There are 32 scheduled monuments which involve conservation and there is public access with 140 miles of roads. The Club then toured the area in two buses, with commentaries being given in the buses by Colonel Cross and Mike Bell, the Head Forester. A remarkable cross-section of what Otterburn has to offer was seen, from a state of the art electric target range to High Rochester Roman Camp, a First World War 87 88 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB trench system to High Shaw Bastle, and all with stunning views over the vast and remarkably tidy training area. Tea was provided at the Camp at the beginning and the end of the day, and those there went home impressed and satisfied with a very well organised visit. John Swinton 19th June, Wednesday. LANGTON PARISH: GAVINTON AND RAECLEUGH HEAD. Members met in Langton Church hall, and had coffee supplied by members of the Women's Guild, and then adjourned to the church where they heard talks on 'Some Aspects of Langton Parish', based on a village trail leaflet prepared by our two speakers for members to use on the heritage trail in the village after the talks. Mr Laurie Cleat, Past President, traced the history of Langton Estate. A Dutch sea captain whose ship was wrecked near Lunan in Forfarshire, stayed with the beadle, James Gavin, and married his daughter. The beadle's grandson subsequently moved to Holland and became very prosperous and was able to buy Langton Estate and had the model village of Gavinton built. Wells were important in the choice of the site, particularly the Draw Well, where the friction of the rope has worn clefts in the stone rim of the well. There is also the Butterwell, which may have been used to separate butter from whey. Mrs Isobel McLelland, the Club President, followed, and said that according to the Berwickshire News of June 6th, Gavinton is the only Berwickshire area in the high priority list. On the 1920 Club visit to the parish, the girth of the Sequoia wellingtonia gigantea which was planted by Mr Gladstone in 1876, was recorded as 13 feet ten inches in girth four-and-a-half feet from the ground. Last September it measured 24 feet and was about 100 feet in height. In 1604, the Rev. John Livingstone encamped with the Earl of Cassilis' Regiment in 'Chouslywood', and was so cold the following morning that he had to be helped into his clothes by two servants. A final tale was of the unfortunate woman, dragged across the Langton Burn from the old village, and burned as a witch on Crumstane (or Crime Stone) Hill, on which the present parish church now stands. After inspecting the village, members returned to the church to be addressed by Mr John Seed on 'BlOfuels - Fuel for the future'. This involves the production of coppiced plants such as willow for fuel. FIELD SECRETARIES' REPORT - 1996 89 Raecleugh Head Hill Fort was visited in the company of Mr John Dent, Scottish Borders Council Archaeologist, who pointed out the man-made earthworks and the natural promontories left by glacial meltwater as it ran and formed channels from east to west before joining the southerly flow towards the Tweed. The evidence of rigs and furrows of later mediaeval farmers was also pointed out. Isobel McLelland 18th July, Thursday. BAMBURGH CASTLE and KYLOE WOODS. About 120 members and friends met at Bamburgh Castle, and moved to the site of the old chapel where only the stone altar remained with the castle bell mounted on top because the people of Bamburgh did not wish its ringing to disturb their peace. Inside was no mediaeval castle, rather a home of parquet floors, soft hangings and carpets with a wealth of priceless furniture as well as homely objects. Lady Armstrong' s portrait was seen and that of the 'Grand Old Duke of York' of the song. The great King's Hall was created by the architect Charles Ferguson. The teak was given by the King of Siam. The woodwork of the roof was carved elsewhere by Thomas Worsnop and then put in place using only wooden pegs and dowels. Leading from the King's Hall is a passageway with a special curtain made in the Crimean War of 1854/6 from the uniforms of Russian prisoners whose epaulettes were used to make the pelmet. Many members enjoyed a picnic lunch on the seaward side of the Castle. Kyloe Woods were visited by kind permission of Mr Robert Fleming, and the Club was conducted by Mr Peter Hale, the estate Land Agent, who pointed out how important adequate rainfall was. Fortunately the rainfall in Kyloe is boosted by Northumbrian haars, one of which had been experienced that morning. The Club inspected a grove of giant Wellingtonia, Sequoia dendron gigantea, now over 100 feet high. The timber is of no value, but they were planted by many estates about 100 years ago. Noble firs were pointed out as well as Douglas firs, so named after the Douglas who introduced them from Oregon. Kyloe's own introduction is the well known Leylandii conifer. A specimen Pinus wallichiana or Bhutan pine was pointed out, a very dainty, blue-green leaved native of the Himalayas. Far more aggressive was the Tsuga which has to be actively kept in check. An area which had been clear-felled was shown. It had 90 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB been replanted with Sitka spruce from the western Canadian seaboard, with larch on the perimeter, with silver birch. In addition privet, wild roses and honeysuckle were in full bloom. Rabbits are not a particular problem in Kyloe. There is a considerable resident population of Roe Deer which causes problems in snow, when the deer can eat the leading shoots of young trees. On a happier note red squirrels are still resident in the Kyloe Woods. G. R. W. Burton 21st August, Wednesday. NEW LANARK. New Lanark is about one mile from the town of Lanark, and is a 200-year-old village which is now a conservation area. It has been restored as a living community and as a lasting memorial to Robert Owen, mill owner and social pioneer. There are various restored buildings and equipment, as well as a guided tour called the Annie McLeod Experience'. This was most enjoyable as it was a very interesting and well presented exhibition. The greater proportion of the water from the River Clyde was being routed through the mill-lade and away from the river bed because of work being carried out on a dam upstream. This meant that the water level in the Clyde at the mill was so low that it would have been possible to walk across the river - although nobody seemed to try! The beautiful Falls of Clyde were just a short walk up the river from the village. That area is a Nature Reserve in a lovely wooded setting with various birds and animals to be observed. Although the day started out wet, it turned out a fine afternoon. On this occasion a second bus was used which picked up passengers at Duns. The return journey was made by way of the Borders, with a stop for tea in Peebles. A. C. D. Cartwright 21st September, Thursday. EDINBURGH ROYAL OBSERVATORY and HERMITAGE OF BRAID. There has been an observatory in Edinburgh since 1822, on Calton Hill in the city centre until 1888, when air pollution forced a move to Blackford Hill in 1894. It is part of a world-wide group with sites in Cambridge, Hawaii and La Palma. About 140 members enjoyed the views of Edinburgh from the roof top, and were able to call up programmes on astronomy on FIELD SECRETARIES' REPORT - 1996 91 the computers. There was also an orrery, so named because it was designed by the 4th Earl of Orrery. It shows the positions of the celestial bodies in relation to the sun. The 36 inches 1928 reflecting telescope in the dome was inspected. It has now been superceded by modern instruments, and was last used in the 1970s. An illustrated talk was given by members of the staff. The Hermitage of Braid is immediately to the south of Blackford Hill, and there is a Wildlife Park run by the City of Edinburgh with a Visitor and Information Centre in Hermitage House. An introductory talk by a ranger gave details of the history, the flora and the wildlife, and was followed by a guided walk along the Braid Burn including a visit to the old ice house and the doocot. Tea was taken at the Braid Hills Hotel. J. N. Robertson Extra Meetings 22nd February, Thursday. ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS AT EDIN'S HALL. The Centre for Field Archaeology conducted excavations on behalf of Historic Scotland at Edin's Hall from January 22nd until February 23rd, 1996. The previous archaeological excavation of the site was in the 1870s and was reported in the Club History. Unfortunately no other references to those or any other works could be found in the Club Library. Club members were invited to visit the excavations on February 8th, but that meeting was prevented by ten centimetres (four inches) of snow. This is the first record of a Club meeting having been abandoned because of snow. However, two weeks later in much better conditions, six interested members met at Elba and made their way to Edin's Hall Broch and the surrounding earthworks. The Director of the excavations, Mr Andrew Dunwell, conducted the group around the nine areas which had been opened up and pointed out the principal findings. No important artefacts had been found. A summary of what was done and found has been given to the Club by Mr Dunwell and is held in the Library. G. A. C. Binnie 92 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB 23rd May, Thursday. BLYTHE FARM, WATER DIVINING and HAREFAULDS IRON AGE FORT AND SETTLEMENT. Between 50 and 60 members met at Blythe Farm by kind invitation of Mr Logan McDougal. The first part of the meeting was devoted to a talk and demonstration by Mr Edwin Taylor of Hexham, a water diviner or dowser. He displayed a map of the Hexham area displaying some of the water sources he had found for various people and organisations over the years. It was an impressive array added to which were further findings in Leeds city centre as well as on Blythe Farm itself in the recent past. If so many people had water found for them, then it must work, it seemed. His divining rods were not of the usual hazel wood, but from an equally 'natural' source, two whalebone stays, from an old-fashioned pair of corsets. His demonstration in the barn caused the rods to rotate briskly in three places where the diviner said that water might be found. But what of science? A skeptic might like to have seen it repeated in an unknown field with the dowser blindfolded, but that would have been much less interesting than this demonstration of 'an age-old skill'. The party moved on to Harefaulds iron age fort and settlement on a promontory above the Blythe Water and about one kilometre from the farm steading. There the Club was given an outline history and description of the site by Mrs D. N. Playfair representing Historic Scotland. She also commented on the damage done to sites by rabbits and, as at Harefaulds, by bracken which is said sometimes to have root systems extending for over 150 metres underground. One botanical specimen had flowered for the benefit of the Club's visit, and was found at the base of a wall at Harefaulds. It was a specimen of the Club's emblem, the wood worrel, oxalis acetosella, presenting with a marked purple tinge in the normally white petals. G. A. C. Binnie 13th June, Thursday. Botanical Meeting - NEWBIGGIN DENE, NORHAM. The dene is crossed by a viaduct of the now gone railway line, and about 30 members met at the West Newbiggin end of the viaduct by kind permission of the farmer, Mr George Curry. The trees on most of the dene on West Newbiggin farm were felled about 35 years ago. The steep banks are now covered with scrub, with small meadow and marsh areas near to the Ruchie FIELD SECRETARIES' REPORT - 1996 93 Burn which runs the length of the dene. The East Newbiggen end of the Dene has recently been cleared of gorse and reseeded. Near the bank of the Tweed at the lower end Giant Hogweed (heracleum mantegazzianum) was growing in such abundance that a path had been cleared for members. The group was led by Club member Mrs Jill Robertson of Norham. She and her husband had visited the dene earlier in the week, and members were given a list of the 57 flowers which they had found. Members were able to use it as a check-list of what was found on the day. A full list of the plants which were found on the Club's visit is published on pages 73-75. G. A. C. Binnie 19th October, Friday. CHAIN BRIDGE HONEY FARM, HORNCLIFFE. Members were refreshed with coffee before being shown around the various parts of the premises involved in the processing of honey. Members were welcomed by Mr William Robson. He introduced Mrs Ann Middleditch, a member of his staff, who gave a talk on the natural history of the honey bee. She pointed out that there had been a commercial honey farm at the Chain Bridge since 1961 when the business was founded by the father of Mr Robson, the present owner. There were now some 1,000 hives spread around the district in groups of 20 or so with one vacant hive available to be occupied by any swarms which might occur. The seasons of the year play a large part in the type of honey produced, and the hives are moved to take advantage of different crops. There was an opportunity to purchase the various wares of the Honey Farm, and it was taken by many of the visitors. G. A. C. Binnie 29th November, Friday - AUTUMN LECTURE. A talk, illustrated with slides, on his work in the National Nature Reserve at St Abb's Head was given by the Warden, Mr Kevin Rideout, in Berwick Community Centre. Members probably recall the Club's extra meeting at the reserve in 1995 which was led by Mr Rideout. G. A. C. Binnie LIBRARIAN'S REPORT - 1996 The Library continues to tick over and is consulted at times by various members and other researchers. Members' tickets are available from the Librarian and give access to the Clock Block in the Berwick Barracks complex. The Clock Block houses the Library and also the Berwick Borough Museum, including the one-eighth part of Sir William Burrell's collection which is not held in Glasgow. Access to other parts of the Barracks is by payment of the appropriate charge. Tickets are not transferable to other persons. The most noteworthy acquisition this year has been part of Dr A. G. Long's library, and it represents his catholic natural history tastes. These are listed below. Andrews, H. N. (1980). The Fossil Hunters. Bentham, G. and Hooker, J. D. (1930). A Handbook of British Flora. Blackmore, S. (Ed.) (1984). The Penguin Dictionary of Botany. Cameron, I. B. and Stephenson, D. (1985). British Regional Geology, The Midland Valley of Scotland. Campbell, N. and Smellie, R. M. S. (1983). The Royal Society of Edinburgh. Camus, Josephine M., Jermy, A. C, and Thomas, B. A. (1991). A World of Ferns. Clapham, A. R., Tutin, T. G., and Warburg, E. F. (1957). Flora of the British Isles, Illustrations. 4 Volumes. Corley, M. F. E., and Hill, M. O. (1981). Distribution of Bryophytes in the British Isles. Craig, G. Y. (1983). Geology of Scotland. Doncaster Naturalist (1984), Vol. 1, No. 5. Edwards, W. and Trotter, F. M. (1954). British Regional Geology, The Pennines and Adjacent Areas. Henderson, I. F. and W. D. (1957). A Dictionary of Scientific Terms. Heslop, I. R. E (1957). Indexed Check-list of the British Lepidoptera. Heslop, I. R. E (1964). Revised Indexed Check-list of the British Lepidoptera. Hickling, Grace (1980). The Natural History Society of Northumbria. Hooker, W. J. and Arnott, G. A. W. (1850). The British Flora. 94 LIBRARIAN'S REPORT - 1996 95 Kloet, G. S. and Hincks, W D. (1964). A Check List of British Insects, 2 Parts. Lindley, J. (1835). A Synopsis of the British Flora . Lindley, J. and Moore, T. (1899). The Treasury of Botany, Vols 1 and 2 (Dictionary). Long, A. G. (1980s). On the Occurrence of Clepsydropis parvula galtier in Tournaisian Rocks (Cementstone Group) of Berwickshire, Trans. Bot. Soc. Edinb., 45 : 397-399. Macan, T. T. (1973). A Key to the Adults of the British Trichoptera. Pardoe, H. S. and Thomas, B. A. (1992). Snowdon's Plants since the Glaciers. Paton, J. A. (1965). Census Catalogue of British Hepatics. Rendle, A. B. The Classification of Flowering Plants Vol 1 (1953). Gymnosperms and monocotyledons. Vol 2 (1952). Dicotyledons. Scott, D. H. Studies in Fossil Botany. Vol 1 (1920). Pteridophyta. Vol 2 (1923). Spermophyta. Sporne, K. R. (1965). The Morphology of the Gymnosperms. Sporne, K. R. (1974). The Morphology of the Angiosperms. Sporne, K. R. (1975). The Morphology of the Pteridophytes. Takhtajan, A. (1969). Flowering Plants, Their Origin and Dispersal. Transactions of the Northern Naturalists' Union, Vol 1, Pt 1 to Vol 2, Pt 2, 1931-1953, 6 Volumes. Von Goebel, K. (1926). Wilhelm Hofmeister. Warburg, E. F. (1965). Census Catalogue of British Mosses. Willis, J. G. (1957). A Dictionary of the Flowering Plants and Ferns. Woods, R. S. (1944). The Naturalist's Lexicon. Woods, R. S. (1947). Addenda to the Naturalist's Lexicon. Notes and cuttings relating to the Coldingham Priory Excavations, 1966-1979 were passed to the Library, having been collected by the late Dr J. H. Walker and left at Kimmerghame House. Gifted by the author was a report on the Edin's Hall excavations, which were the subject of the Club's January visit. Dunwell, A. (19%). Survey and Excavation at Edin's Hall, Berwick- shire, 1996. Purchases have continued to be made, including a copy of Dr 96 HISTORY OF THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB Long's autobiography. Hitherto. The Borders Family History Society has published this year the gravestone inscriptions of. the Roxburghshire parishes of Edgerston and Bedrule and the Berwickshire parishes of Fogo and Greenlaw, and copies have been purchased. Also purchased were: Bankier, Linda (1995). Berwick upon Tweed Illustrated , 1894-1994. Douglas-Home, Henry (1977). The Birdman. Faulkner, T. E. (Ed.) (1996). Northumbrian Panorama. Huntley, Jacqueline and Stallibras, Sue (1995). Plant and Vertebrate Remains from Archaeological Sites in Northern England. Johnson, G. A. L. (Ed.) (1995). Robson's Geology of North-East England. LIBRARIAN'S FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30th JUNE 1996 INCOME £ EXPENDITURE £ Opening balance ............. 298.16 Books & Postage 186.67 Sales of Histories ............. 128.86 Closing Balance 240.35 427.02 427.02 G. A. C. 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