Chapter X: Appendix (2)

Upon Tuesday's night, being the 30th of April, Charles Macklellan of Colline, with several neighbours, were in the barn. As he was at prayer he observed a black thing in the corner of the barn, and it did encrease as if it would fill the whole house. He could not discern it to have any form but as if it had been a black cloud; it was affrightning to them all, and then it threw bear-chaff and other mud upon their faces; and after did gripp severals that were in the house by the middle of the body, by the arms and other parts of their bodies, so strait that some said for five days thereafter that they thought they felt these gripps. After an hour or two of the night was thus past there was no more trouble.--This is attested by Charles Macklellan, Thomas Macminn, Andrew Paline, John Cairnes, and John Tait.

Upon Wednesday's night, being the 1st of May, it fired a little sheep-house; the sheep were got out safe, but the sheep-house was wholly burnt. Since there has not been any trouble about the house by night nor by day.

Now all things aforesaid, being of undoubted verity, therefore I conclude with that of the Apostle, _1 Peter v., 8-9_, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith."

This relation is attested, as to what they particularly saw, heard, and felt, by Andrew Ewart, minister of Kells; James Monteith, minister of Borgue; John Murdo, minister of Crossmichael; Samuel Spalding, minister of Parton; William Falconer, minister of Kelton; Charles Macklellan of Colline, William Lennox of Millhouse, Andrew Tait in Torr, John Tait in Torr, John Cairns in Hardhills, William Macminn, John Crosby, Thomas Macminn, Andrew Paline, &c.

"The Laird o' Coul's Ghost: an Eighteenth Century Chapbook. An Account of Mr Maxwell, Laird of Coul, his Appearance after Death to Mr Ogilvie, a Minister of the present Establishment at Innerwick." (Abridged.)

Upon the third day of February, 1722, at seven o'clock at night, after I had parted with Thurston [his name Cant], and was coming up the Burial Road, one came riding up after me: upon hearing the noise of his horse's feet, I took it to be Thurston, but upon looking back, and seeing the horse of a greyish colour, I called "Who is there?" The answer was, "The Laird of Coul [his name Maxwell], be not afraid." Then looking to him by the help of the dark light which the moon afforded, I took him to be Collector Castellow designing to put a trick upon me, and immediately I struck at him with all my force with my cane, thinking I should leave upon him a mark, to make him remember his presumption; but being sensible, I aimed as well as ever I did in my life, yet my cane finding no resistance, but flying out of my hand the distance of about 60 feet, and observing it by its white head, I dismounted and took it up, and had some difficulty in mounting again, what by the ramping of my horse and what by reason of a certain kind of trembling throughout my whole joints, something likewise of anger had its share in the confusion; for, as I thought, he laughed when my staff flew away. Coming up with him again, who halted all the time I sought my staff, I asked once more "Who he was?" He answered, "The Laird of Coul." I enquired, "If he was the Laird of Coul, what brought him hither?" and "What was his business with me?"

_Coul_--The reason of my waiting on you is that I know you are disposed to do for me a thing which none of your brethren in Nithsdale will so much as attempt, though it serve to ever so good purposes. I told him I would never refuse to do a thing to serve a good purpose, if I thought I was obliged to do it as my duty. He answered, since I had undertaken what he found few in Nithsdale would, for he had tried some upon that subject, who were more obliged to him than ever I was, or to any person living: I drew my horse, and halted in surprise, asking what I had undertaken?

_Ogilvie_--Pray, Coul, who informed you that I talked at that rate?

_Coul_--You must know that we are acquainted with many things that the living know nothing about. These things you did say, and much more to that purpose; and all that I want is that you fulfil your promise and deliver my commissions to my loving wife.

_Ogilvie_--'Tis a pity, Coul, that you who know so many things, should not know the difference between an absolute and a conditional promise.

But did I ever say that if you would come to Innerwick and employ me that I would go all the way to Dumfries upon that errand? That is what never so much as once entered into my thought.

_Coul_--What was in your thought I do not pretend to know, but I can depend upon my information that these were your words; but I see you are in some disorder; I will wait on you again, when you have more presence of mind.

By the time we were got to James Dickson's inclosure below the churchyard, and while I was collecting in my mind whether ever I had spoken these words he alleged, he broke from me through the churchyard with greater violence than ever any man on horseback is capable of, and with such a singing and buzzing noise as put me in greater disorder than I was all the time I was with him. I came to my house, and my wife observed something more than ordinary paleness in my countenance, and would allege that something ailed me. I called for a dram and told her I was a little uneasy. After I found myself a little eased and refreshed, I retired to my closet to meditate on this the most astonishing adventure of my whole life.

THE SECOND CONFERENCE.

Upon the 5th of March, 1722. Being at Blarehead baptising the shepherd's child, I came off at sunsetting, or a very little after. Near Will. White's march the Laird of Coul came up with me on horseback as formerly, and, after his first salutation, bid me not be afraid, for he would do me no harm. I told him I was not in the least afraid, in the name of God and of Christ my Saviour, that he would do the least harm to me; for I knew that He in whom I trusted was stronger than all them put together, and if any of them should attempt even to do the horse I rode upon harm, as you have done to Dr Menzies' man,[48] if it be true that is said, and generally believed about Dumfries, I have free access to complain to my Lord and Master, to the lash of whose resentment you are as much liable now as before.

_Coul_--You need not multiply words upon that head, for you are as safe with me and safer, if safer can be, than when I was alive.

I said--Well then, Coul, let me have a peaceable and easy conversation with you for the time we ride together, and give me some information about the affairs of the other world, for no man inclines to lose his time in conversing with the dead without having a prospect of hearing and learning something that may be useful.

_Coul_--Well, sir, I will satisfy you as far as I think it proper and convenient. Let me know what information you want from me.

_Ogilvie_--Well, then, what sort of body is it that you appear in, and what sort of a horse is it that you ride on that appears so full of mettle?

_Coul_--You may depend upon it 'tis not the same body that I was witness to your marriage in, nor in which I died, for that is in the grave rotting; but it is such a body as answers me in a moment, for I can fly as fast as my soul can do without it, so that I can go to Dumfries and return again before you ride twice the length of your horse: nay, if I incline to go to London, or to Jerusalem, or to the moon, if you please, I can perform all these journeys equally soon, for it costs me nothing but a thought or wish; for this body you see is as fleet as your thought, for in the same moment of time that you carry your thoughts to Rome I can go there in person. And for my horse, he is much like myself, for 'tis Andrew Johnstoun, who was seven years my tenant, and he died 48 hours before me.

_Ogilvie_--So it seems when Andrew Johnstoun inclines to ride you must serve him for a horse, as he now does you?

THE THIRD CONFERENCE.

Upon the 9th of April, 1722, as I was returning from Old Hamstocks, Coul struck up with me upon the back, at the foot of the ruinous inclosure before we come to Dodds. I told him his last conversation had proven so acceptable to me that I was well pleased to see him again, and that there was a vast number of things which I wanted to inform myself further of, if he would be so good as to satisfy me.

_Coul_--Last time we met I refused you nothing that you asked, and now I expect you will refuse me nothing that I ask.

_Ogilvie_--Nothing, sir, that is in my power, or that I can with safety to my reputation and character. What then are your demands upon me?

_Coul_--All I desire is that, as you promised that Sabbath day, you will go to my wife, who now possesses all my effects, and tell her the following particulars, and desire her in my name to rectify these matters. First, that I was justly owing to Provost Crosby £500 Scots, and three years' interest; but upon hearing of his death, my good-brother (the laird of Chapel) and I did forge a discharge narrating the date of the bond, the sum, and other particulars, with this onerous clause that at that time it was fallen by and could not be found, with an obligation on the Provost's part to deliver up the bond as soon as he could hit upon it, and this discharge was dated three months before the Provost's death; and when his only son and successor, Andrew Crosby, wrote to me concerning this bond, I came to him and showed him that discharge, which silenced him, so that I got my bond without more ado. And when I heard of Robert Kennedy's death, with the same help of Chapel, I got a bill upon him for £190 sterling, which I got full and compleat payment of, and Chapel got the half. When I was in Dumfries the day Thomas Greer died, to whom I was owing an account of £36 sterling, Chapel, my good-brother, at that time was at London, and not being able of myself, being but a bad writer, to get a discharge of the account, which I wanted exceedingly, I met accidentally with Robert Boyd, a poor writer lad in Dumfries. I took him to Mrs Carrick's, gave him a bottle of wine and told him that I had paid Thomas Greer's account, but wanted a discharge, and if he would help me to it I would reward him. He flew away from me in great passion, saying he would rather be hanged, but if I had a mind for these things I had best wait till Chapel came home. This gave me great trouble, fearing that what he and I had formerly done was no secret. I followed Boyd to the street, made an apology that I was jesting, commended him for his honesty, and took him solemnly engaged that he should not repeat what had passed. I sent for my cousin Barnhourie, your good-brother, who with no difficulty, for one guinea and a half undertook and performed all that I wanted, and for one guinea more made me up a discharge for £200 Scots, which I was owing to your father-in-law and his friend Mr Morehead, which discharge I gave in to John Ewart when he required the money, and he, at my desire, produced it to you, which you sustained. A great many of the like instances were told, of which I cannot remember the persons' names and sums. But, added he, what vexes me more than all these is the injustice I did to Homer Maxwell, tenant to Lord Nithsdale, for whom I was factor. I had borrowed 2000 merks from him, 500 of which he borrowed from another hand, and I gave him my bond. For reasons I contrived, I obliged him to secrecy. He died within the year. He had nine children, and his wife had died a month before himself. I came to seal up his papers for my lord's security. His eldest daughter entreated me to look through them all, and to give her an account what was their stock and what was their debt. I very willingly undertook it, and in going through his papers I put my own bond in my pocket. His circumstances proved bad, and the nine children are now starving. These things I desire you to represent to my wife; take her brother with you, and let them be immediately rectified, for she has sufficient fund to do it upon, and, if that were done, I think I would be easy and happy. Therefore I hope you will make no delay.

_Ogilvie_--After a short pause I answered--'Tis a good errand, Coul, that you are sending me to do justice to the oppressed and injured; but notwithstanding that I see myself among the rest that come in for £200 Scots, yet I beg a little time to consider on the matter.

THE FOURTH CONFERENCE.

Upon the 10th of April, 1722, coming from Old Camus, upon the post road I met with Coul, as formerly, upon the head of the path called the _Pease_. He asked me if I had considered the matter he had recommended? I told him I had, and was in the same opinion that I was of when we parted: that I could not possibly undertake his commission unless he would give it in writing under his hand. I wanted nothing but reason to determine me, not only in that, but all other affairs of my life. I added that the list of his grievances was so long that I could not possibly remember them without being in writing.

I know, said he, that this is a mere evasion; but tell me if your neighbour, the laird of Thurston, will do it? I would gladly wait upon him.

_Ogilvie_--I am sure, said I, he will not, and if he inclined so I would do what I could to hinder him, for I think he has as little concern in these matters as I. But tell me, Coul, is it not as easy for you to write your story as it is to tell it, or to ride on--what-is-it-you-call-him? for I have forgotten your horse's name.

_Coul_--No, sir, 'tis not, and perhaps I may convince you of it afterwards.

_Ogilvie_--I would be glad to hear a reason that is solid for your not speaking to your wife yourself. But, however, any rational creature may see what a fool I would make of myself if I should go to Dumfries and tell your wife that you had appeared to me and told me of so many forgeries and villainies which you had committed, and that she behoved to make reparation. The event might, perhaps, be that she would scold me; for as 'tis very probable, she will be loth to part with any money she possesses, and therefore tell me I was mad, or possibly might pursue me for calumny. How could I vindicate myself? how should I prove that ever you had spoken with me? Mr Paton and the rest of my brethren would tell me that it was a devil who had appeared to me, and why should I repeat these things as truth, which he that was a liar from the beginning had told me? Chapel and Barnhourie would be upon my top and pursue me before the Commissary, and everybody will look upon me as brainsick or mad. Therefore, I entreat you, do not insist upon sending me an April errand. The reasonableness of my demand I leave to your consideration, as you did your former to mine, for I think what I ask is very just. But dropping these matters till our next interview, give me leave to enter upon some more diverting subject; and I do not know, Coul, but through the information given to me, you may do as much service to mankind as the redress of all the wrongs you have mentioned would amount to, &c.

Authorities Consulted and Quoted.

No. Page

1. Cromek's Remains of Nithsdale and Galloway Song, appendix
p. 228 11

2. Hereditary Sheriffs of Galloway, vol. II., p. 13 14

3. Do. do. p. 459 15

4. _Gallovidian_, vol. IV., p. 40 17

5. Andrew Donaldson, Esq., Ardwell, Stranraer, letter from 24

6. Do. do. 24

7. Do. do. 25

8. Do. do. 26

9. Do. do. 29

10. Cromek's Remains of Nithsdale and Galloway Song, appendix
p. 230 31

11. Wigtown: Historical and Descriptive Sketches, by Fraser,
p. 359 34

12. East Galloway Sketches (Dalry), p. 349 35

13. Dumfries and Galloway Antiquarian Society, Transactions
of--"Superstitious Custom in Galloway," by J. M'Kie
(March, 1895) 40

14. John Copland, Esq., The Studio, Dundrennan, letter from 43

15. Do. do. 44

16. Do. do. 46

17. Do. do. 49

18. Dumfries and Galloway Antiquarian Society, Transactions
of--"Folk-Lore in Tynron," by James Shaw (November, 1887) 50

19. Folk-Lore of Uppermost Nithsdale, by Wilson, p. 17 52

20. The Bard and Belted Knight, by Johnstone, p. 21 53

21. Cromek's Remains of Nithsdale and Galloway Song, appendix
p. 233 56

22. Andrew Donaldson, Esq., Ardwell, Stranraer, letter from 57

23. East Galloway Sketches (Dalry), p. 350 58

24. Scottish Gallovidian Encyclopedia (2nd ed.), p. 114 59

25. Law's Memorials, edited by Kirkpatrick Sharpe 62

26. The Book of Galloway (privately printed) 64

27. History of Galloway, by Mackenzie, vol. II., appendix p. 37 77

28. Do. do. p. 40 82

29. Do. do. p. 42 87

30. History of Dumfries, by M'Dowall (2nd ed.,) p. 375 91

31. The Book of Kirkpatrick-Durham, by Stark, p. 94 93

32. The Scots Worthies (Howie), by John Semple 93

33. History of the Parish of Minnigaff, by Jas. G. Kinna, p. 119 96

34. Wigtown: Historical and Descriptive Sketches, by Fraser,
p. 360 97

35. Kirkmaiden, Guide to, by Andrew Donaldson, p. 40 98

36. History of Dumfries, by M'Dowall (2nd ed.), p. 377 111

37. Do. do. p. 375 112

38. Do. do. p. 376 113

39. Do. do. p. 376 113

40. Do. do. p. 376 115

41. History of Dumfries, by M'Dowall (2nd ed.), p. 375 116

42. Do. do. p. 377 116

43. Do. do. p. 379 117

44. Domestic Annals of Scotland, vol. III., p. 66 118

45. History of Dumfries, by M'Dowall (2nd ed.), pp. 378 and 379 120

46. Dumfries and Galloway Antiquarian Society, Transactions
of--"Kirk-session Records of Irongray Parish, 1691-1700"
(February, 1906) 122

47. Unique Traditions of the West and South of Scotland, by
Barbour--"The Witch's Well" 124

48. History of Witchcraft in Scotland, by C. Kirkpatrick Sharpe,
p. 160 131

49. Law's Memorials, edited by Kirkpatrick Sharpe 141

50. The Testimony of Tradition, by M'Ritchie, p. 115 161

51. Hereditary Sheriffs of Galloway, by Agnew, vol. II., pp. 168
and 169 164

52. Droll Recollections of Whithorn, by Jas. F. Cannon, p. 105 166

53. Galloway Gossip, by "Saxon"--"Riddled in the Reek"--p. 289 169

54. _Dumfries and Galloway Magazine_, 1822--"Glenkens
Anecdotes"--p. 456 172

55. The Castle-Douglas Miscellany, 1827 174

56. Cromek's Remains of Nithsdale and Galloway Song, appendix
p. 241 176

57. Cromek's Remains of Nithsdale and Galloway Song, appendix
p. 239 177

58. Do. do. p. 242 179

59. Do. do. p. 238 180

60. Do. do. p. 246 182

61. Dumfries and Galloway Antiquarian Society, Transactions
of--"Folk-Lore of Glencairn," by John Corrie (February,
1891) 183

62. Folk-Lore of Uppermost Nithsdale, by Wilson, p. 75 184

63. Bard and Belted Knight, by Johnstone, p. 19 185

64. Cromek's Remains of Galloway and Nithsdale Song, appendix
p. 265 188

65. Do. do. p. 266 190

66. Do. do. p. 268 191

67. Dumfries and Galloway Antiquarian Society, Transactions
of--"Folk-Lore of Glencairn," by John Corrie (February,
1891) 202

68. Galloway Gossip, by "Saxon," p. 175 205

69. _Dumfries Standard_ 209

70. Dumfries and Galloway Antiquarian Society, Transactions
of--"Folk-Lore of Glencairn," by John Corrie (December,
1890) 212

71. Drumlanrig and the Douglases, by Ramage, p. 185 214

72. Celtic Lecture, Glasgow University, by Dr Henderson 218

73. Dumfries and Galloway Antiquarian Society, Transactions
of--"Bee Folk-Lore," by P. Dudgeon (May, 1892) 218

74. Life and Times of the Rev. John Wightman, D.D., p. 120 224

75. The Laird of Lag, by Lieut.-Col. Fergusson, appendices II.
and III., p. 251 227

76. Do. do. p. 144 232

77. Old Church Life in Scotland, by Edgar (2nd series), p. 249 239

78. Memorials of Sanquhar Kirkyard, by Tom Wilson (_Courier
and Herald_, Dumfries) 240

79. Hereditary Sheriffs of Galloway, by Agnew, vol. II., p. 164 248

80. Wigtown: Historical and Descriptive Sketches, by Fraser,
p. 208 253

81. Jas. F. Cannon, Esq., Edinburgh, letter from 254

82. Do. do. 256

83. Galloway Gossip, by "Saxon," p. 337 258

84. The Tinkler-Gypsies of Galloway, by M'Cormick, p. 123 263

85. John Copland, Esq., The Studio, Dundrennan, letter from 269

86. Dumfries and Galloway Antiquarian Society, Transactions
of--"Kirkbean Folk-Lore," by Sam. Arnott, Esq. (November,
1894) 274

87. Appendix to the earlier (1774, 1781, 1816) editions of
Howie's Scots Worthies 282

88. John Corrie, Esq., Burnbank, Moniaive, letter from 283

89. Dumfries and Galloway Antiquarian Society, Transactions of
(March 14th, 1902) 293

90. Reminiscences of Thomas Carlyle, by Froude (Longmans, Green
& Co., 1881) 294

91. Poets of Dumfriesshire, by Miller (1910), p. 220 295

92. Dumfries and Galloway Antiquarian Society, Transactions of
(November 18th, 1898) 296

93. Dumfries and Galloway Antiquarian Society, Transactions
of--"Antiquities of Eskdalemuir," by Rev. John C. Dick
(November 18th, 1896) 297

94. Concerning Certain Apparitions, by Frances M'Laughlin
(_Chambers' Journal_, January 1909) 299

GLOSSARY.

The student of Scots dialect will not always find the quoted
vernacular running through the text quite pure, many words having been
unconsciously modified by a too free use of phonetic spelling.

A

ADDER-STANE, the adder-bead charm.

ADOWE, stir.

AIRLESS, heirless.

AIRT, direction.

ANON, immediately, thereupon.

ASK, newt.

AVA, at all.

AWSOMLY, in fear.

B

BACKGANE, not thriving, wasting.

BAGS, entrails.

BAYILLIS, bailies.

BEES BIZIN', noises in the head caused by alcohol.

BELDAM, an old woman.

BELTANE, the festival of May first.

BEK, bake.

BENISON, prognostication for good.

BENSHEE, a banshee or fairy, really an Irish fairy.

BERRY, thresh.

BESOME, broom.

"BEST AUCHT," the most valuable possession, usually a horse or ox, claimed by the superior on the death of a farm tenant.

BICKERING, moving noisily.

BIEN, prosperous.

BIGGIT, built.

BINWUD, ivy.

BLACK-SPAULD (SPAUL), a pleuritic disease of cattle.

BLEW SPOT, a significant witch-mark also another term for "dede-nip."

BLINMENS' BAWS, common puff-ball (devil's snuff-box).

BLINKING, attractive, comely.

BLUIDY-FINGERS, foxglove.

BOGLE-BO, hobgoblin.

BOOR-TREE, elder-tree.

BOWCAIL, cabbage.

BOWTE, to strike against.

BRATTLE, a clattering sound.

BRECKAN, bracken.

BREERS, briars

"BROCKEN," the important mediæval place of witch festival in Germany (see _Faust_).

BROSE, pease-meal mixed with boiling water.

BUMBEE, humble-bee.

BUTTER-SKEP, butter-basket.

BYKE, a wasp's or bee's nest.

C

"CA CUTTIE CA," called upon to eat freely, even greedily.

"CANNIE MOMENT," significant time.

CANTIE, canty, contentedly.

CANTRIP, charm or spell.

CAP, caup, a wooden bowl.

CARLE, a man.

CERTES, certainly.

CHAMPIT, bruised.

CHANNEL-STANE, curling-stone.

CHESSEL, the tub for pressing cheese.

CHICKEN-WORT, chicken-weed.

CHIST (KIST), a wooden box.

CHOWED, chewed.

CLOWT, cloth.

COG, a wooden domestic vessel.

COGFU', the full of such a vessel.

COMPEARED, appeared.

COUPE, to empty or capsize.

COUTERS, thick mucous secretion.

COUTHIE, in rude comfort.

COWER, to bend down.

COWES, bushes, more particularly of the broom.

COWSHERNE, cow-dung.

CRAFT, croft or field.

CRONE, hag, old woman.

CROUSELY, proudly.

"CRUMMIE," a term for cows with usually crooked horns.

CRUNE, a murmuring sound, sometimes threatening.

CRUPPEN, contracted.

D

DEAD-BELI }
}
DEDE-CHACK }
}
DEDE-DRAP }
}
DEID-LICHT } See text, pages 210 to 213.
}
DEDE-NIP }
}
DEDE-SPALL }
}
DEDE-SPEAL }
}
DEAD-WATCH }

DEIL'S MILK, milky sap.

DEMPSTER, judge.

DEERAY, disorder.

DIVINATION, conjuration.

DOME, doom.

DONNERT, stupid.

DOOR (DOUR) here used (page 59) in the sense of sour or astringent.

DRABBLED, slobbered.

DRUBBING, thrashing.

DRUGGET, coarse woollen cloth.

DRUMLIE, thick.

DWINED, pined away or wasted.

E

EEN, eyes.

"EFFIGIES CLERICORUM," a mock poem on the clergie when they met to consult about taking the Test in the year 1681 (printed A.D. MDCXVII.).

ELFIN, fairy.

ESHEITE, forfeited.

F

FALD, fold.

FARINTOSH, whisky.

FASH, trouble.

FEARIE, used here (page 203) in the sense of fearless.

FEAT, tidy.

FEATS, clever doings.

FECKET, under-jacket.

FEN, to strive hard for the means of livelihood.

FEY, a small field or croft.

FIENT, no one at all.

FIRSLE, to rustle.

FLEYED, frightened.

FLUTTERBAWS, puff-balls (see blinmens' baws).

FOGGY, mossy.

FORFOCHTEN, exhausted.

FOWK, people.

FRENZIET, eccentric, mad.

FUMART, pole-cat.

G

GALL, bile.

GARS, makes or compels.

GAUR, to compel.

GELLOCKS, earwigs.

GIRN, girning, whining, or fretting.

GLAMOUR, bewitchment.

GLED, kite.

GLENTED, sparkled, gleamed.

GLOWER, to gaze intently.

GOWAN, mountain daisy.

GOWK'S SPITTLES, plant froth (discharged by an insect, Cicada).

GREETS, cries or weeps.

GRINWAN, a noose of horse-hair attached to a stick or rod.

GRUN, ground, referring to the grinding of grain.

GYRE-CARLINE, a mother-witch.

H

HAED, possessed.

"HAGGERT WEE GRANUM," a rather ragged small old woman.

HAG-RIDDEN, bewitched (_lit._, ridden by a witch).

HALD, hall.

HALE, well, in good health.

HALLOW-EVE, the night before All-Hallow.

HALVE, a hand-fishing net on a wooden frame.

HANNIE, suitable, a fitting time.

HANTLE, much.

HAURNED, roasted.

HAURPAN, brain-pan or skull.

HAWCKET, probably finely chopped.

HAWS, fruit of the hawthorn.

HEREZELD, the best beast on the land, given to the landlord on the death of a farm tenant.

HERIOT, the fine exacted by the superior on the death of a tenant.

HERRIE, confiscate.

HEUGH, a small height or eminence.

HIP O', shoulder or edge of.

HINNIE-SUCKLES, honeysuckle.

HOOSE-RIGGIN', roof.

HOOVES, abdomen, (_lit._, swollen by gaseous distension).

HOWE, depth.

HOUK, to dig up.

HOWLET, an owl.

HOWS, house.

HYNT, caught up.

I

ILK, the same name.

ILL E'E, evil eye.

J

JIMP, neat and slender.

JOW, ringing of a bell.

K

KAIN, rent or exchange in kind.

"KELLY," Satan, Old Nick.

KEP SKAITH, avert evil.

KEPPIT, caught.

KILTED, tucked up.

KIMMER, witch-wife or "gossip."

KNAG, keg, or wooden vessel.

"KNOCK THE BIG," to hull the barley.

KOW, a goblin.

KYE, cows or oxen.

L

LAIR, quagmire, to entice into a quagmire.

LAMMASTIDE, August, beginning of.

LAVE, remainder.

LIFT, vault of the heavens.

LINGLE, leather-thong.

LOCHEN, small loch or tarn.

LOOFIE, fingerless glove.

LOUPES, jumps.

LOURING, lowering of clouds.

LOUTHE, abundance.

LOWNE, silent, still.

LOWSE, loosen.

LUGS, ears.

M

MALEFICES, offences.

MALISON, prognostication for evil.

MART, a fattened ox (killed at Martinmas for winter use).

MAUN, must.

MAUT, meal.

MEAL-ARK, meal chest.

MEALL, male.

MEIKLE, much.

MEIL, meal.

METTLE, with spirit.

"MILKED THE TETHER," extracted the milk by witchcraft through the halter.

MINNIE, mother.

MOOLS, earth or soil.

MORT-CLOTH, funeral pall.

MOU', mouth.

MUIR-ILL, a disease specially affecting black cattle.

N

NAIG, riding-horse or nag.

NAPPLE-ROOTS, heath peas.

NEERS, kidneys.

NEIST, nearest or next.

NETTLE-STINGERS, nettle leaves.

NIEVE, hand or fist.

NOB, nose, also boat's prow.

NOOL-SHEARINGS, horn parings.

NOWT, oxen (a corrupt form is noat).

O

O'ERSWAK, sound of breakers.

ONSTEAD, home or farm-steading.

P

PADDOCK, a frog.

PAWKY, shrewd and crafty.

PAWT, movement of foot, kick.

PHILIBEG, a pouch worn in front of a kilt.

PICKLE, small quantity.

PIG, an earthenware vessel.

PINGLE, a small pan.

PIRN, a reel.

PIZION, poison.

PLOTCOCK, the Devil.

POULDER, gun-powder.

POYNTIS, points.

POW, head or skull.

PREENS, pins.

PUDDOCKS (YELLOW), here (page 58) probably the toad-stool fungus.

PYCKERING, pilfering.

PYET, magpie.

PYKED, picked.

Q

QUARTER-ILL, a disease of cattle affecting one limb or quarter only.

QUEEN (QUEAN), girl, damsel.

R

RASPS, raspberries.

"RAVE THE THACK," tear the thatch.

REAMIN, full to overflowing.

REDE, wild.

REDE, counsel.

REID, red.

REMEID, remedy.

RIDDLE, sieve.

RIDDLE-TURNING, divination by means of a riddle balanced on the points of scissors.

RINNEN DOON (DARN), a disease of cattle with diarrhoea present.

RIPPISH, cleanly.

RESSET, receive.

ROSSEN, clump of thorns.

ROUTH, abundance.

ROWANS, mountain-ash berries.

RUE, regret.

RYDAND, riding.

RYE-BOWT (RYBAT), hewn stone.

S

SAIN, to make the sign of the cross.

SALL, shall.

SAMIN, same.

SARK, shirt or chemise.

SAUGH, willow.

SAWNS, sands.

SCAITH, injury.

SCAUM, thin mist.

SCARROW (SCARRIE), stony incline.

SCLATER, wood-louse.

SCRUNKED, dried (_lit._, shrunk).

SEGG, yellow iris plant.

SHEIP, sheep.

SHEARINGS, clippings or parings.

SHIELING, a shepherd's hut.

SHILPED (SHILPIT), puny and shrunken.

"SICH AND GREIN," sigh and regret.

SIDE-ILL, a disease of cattle named from the situation of the disease.

SIEW, sieve.

SINDRIE, sundry.

SKAITH, injury.

SKELLET, dead-bell.

SKIMES, side-glances.

SKIRL, a shrill cry.

SLADE, glided.

SLAVERIN', saliva running down.

SLOCKENED, quenched, _i.e._, put out.

SLUDGE, miry-mud.

SMOORED, smothered.

SORNING, exacting free board and lodging.

SOUGH, moaning as of wind.

SOWENS, a dish made by steeping, fermenting, and then boiling the husks or siftings of oats in water.

SPANGS, leaps or bounds.

SPATTER'D, dropped.

SPENCE, country parlour.

SPURTLE, porridge-stick.

STANCE, stand.

STARNIES, stars.

STAVERING, sauntering.

STICK AND STOWRE, completely.

STRAUGHTED, straightened in preparation for burial.

STRICKEN HOUR, a full hour.

STUE, stew or concoction.

SUGHS, moaning of the wind.

SWARFED, swooned.

SWEIR, reluctant.

SWITCHING, threshing with a thin stick or switch.

SYNE, afterwards.

T

TADE, toad.

TAIL-ILL, a disease of animals affecting the tail.

"TAK' THE GAIT," peremptory dismissal.

TAIN ALOWE, caught fire.

TAPPIN, the crest of a hill.

TATE, spot (_lit._, a small lock of hair).

THACKLESS, roofless.

THIGGING, begging.

THRAW, a twist.

THREID, thread.

THRISSLES, thistles.

TIRLED, rattled at the door.

TOD, a fox.

TOOM, empty.

TOUK OF DRUM, sound of drum.

TREDDED, trodden.

TRYSTED, made an appointment with.

U

UNCA, unusually.

UNCHANCY, ill-omened.

UNSONSY, ill-proportioned.

UNYIRTHLY, unearthly.

V

VAUNTY, inclined to be boastful.

VACANS, holidays.

W

WALPURGIS NIGHT, Eve of First of May, a night of witch revelry (see witch Sabbath).

WAUCHIE, clammy.

WARBLES, a parasitic worm disease of cattle.

WATER-ILL, a disease of the kidneys in cattle.

WATTLES, wooden roof supports on which the thatch is placed.

WHOMEL'D, turned round and round (_lit._, upset).

WHORLED, wheeled or spun.

WIGHT, man or fellow.

WIND A CLEW, a witchcraft rite in which a reel of coloured thread is wound.

WINGLAN, walking feebly.

WIRREIT, strangled.

WIS, know.

WITCH'S SABBATH, the gathering together of all the witches of Scotland on the evening between the first Friday and Saturday of April.

WITHRE-SHINES, contrarily (_lit._, against the sun's course).

WONS, dwells.

WYLIE, wily.

WYME, belly.

WYTE, blame.

Y

YAIRD, yard or garden.

YELL, barren, dry.

YESTREEN, last night.

YILL-BOAT, ale-barrel or brewing tub.

YIRBS, herbs.

YOWLED, howled.

YULE, Christmas, also Hogmanay (December 31st).

INDEX.

A

Abbey of Glenluce, 15, 61

Abbey of Holm-Cultram, 16

Abraham Crichton, Ghost of, 285

Abraham Crichton, Laying of ghost of, 287

Act against Witchcraft (1563), 66

Act for burying in Scots linen (1686), 220

Adder Beads, 55

Agnew, Sir Andrew, 245

Agnews of Galdenoch, 245

Aikieslak (Dalbeattie), 274

Aikendrum, 191

Alloway Kirk, 17

Annan River, 290

Auchabrick House (ghost legend), 250

Auchencairn, 300

Auchenmalg Barracks, 257

Auchensheen (Colvend), 185

Auchenstroan (Glencairn), 283

B

Ballad--Prisoner of Spedlins, 291

Balmaghie, 46

Bard of Corrie, 213

"Bards of Galloway," 166

Barnamon (Stoneykirk), 37

Barncorkerie, 154

Barr, 13

Beadle (Sexton), 241

Bee Folklore, 218

Bell of St. Ninian (Clog Rinny), 243

Bellknowe of Penninghame, 243

Bengairn, 172

Bess o' Borgue, 17

Birns, 47

Bishop's Castle (Kirkmaiden), 154

Bishopton Crofts (Whithorn), 254

Blackaddie (Sanquhar), 51

Black Art, 10, 16

"Black Clud's Wyme," 16

Black Esk, 296

Blackett Tower (legend of spectre), 294

Bladnoch, 64

Blew Spot, 213

Blink o' an ill e'e, 26

"Bloody Bell," 295

"Bloody Passage" (Drumlanrig), 282

"Bluidy Brae," 73

Bodsbeck Ha', 188

Bogha (Balmaclellan), 72

Bogle-Hole (Dalry), 267

Bonshaw Tower, 294

"Book of Galloway," 62

Bower, Walter, Abbot of Inchcolm, 277

Boyd, Rev. Mr (Dalry, 1690), 34

Breath-blasting, 182

Brig o' Ken, 18

Brishie (Minnigaff), 185

"Brocken" of Dumfries and Galloway, 7

Brocklock Burn, 42

Brownie, The, 186

Brownie o' Blednoch, 149, 191

Brownie of Newabbey, 190

Buckland Burn, 270

Buckland Glen, Ghost of, 269

Buittle, 301

Burial without Coffins, 237

Burnfoot, 45

Burnes, William (father of Poet), funeral of, 234

C

Caerlaverock Castle, 2, 10, 277

Cairn, 283

Cairnmon (Stoneykirk), 37

Cantrip Incantations, 58

Cardoness Castle, 151

Cardrain, Ghost of, 251

Carlin's Cairn, 35

Carrick, 13

Carsphairn Parish (origin of), 55

Castle-Douglas, 63

Cassencarry, 262

Changelings, 182

Charles the Second, 36

Charms against Witchcraft, 54

Churchyard Superstitions, 239

Cere-cloth, 227

Clash, The (Kirkmaiden), 23

Claunch (Sorbie), 253

Clay Slap (Glenluce), 14

"Clog Rinny" (Bell of St. Ninian), 243

Closeburn, 49

Cocklick, 173

Coltran, Provost (Wigtown), Ghost of, 252

Comyn, John (murder of and ghostly legend), 276

Corbie, Janet, Sentence of, 80

Corrie (Dumfriesshire), 53

Craigdhu (Glasserton), 254

Craighlaw House (ghost legend), 257

Craik of Arbigland (family tragedy), 275

Crichton Family, 284

Crawick Mill, Witches of, 50

"Cromek's Remains," 10, 182

Cubbox (Balmaclellan), 72

Culloch, 173

Cumberland, 46

Cunningham, Allan, 9

D

Dalry, 34, 35, 57, 263

Dalry Kirk, 17

"Daemonologie," 67

Dead-bell, 212

Dead-bell (skellat), 241

Dead-days, 217

Dead-watch, 212

"Dear Meal Johnny," 213

Death Customs and Funeral Ceremony, 216

Dede-chack, 212

Dede-drap, 212

Dede-nip, 212

Dede-spall, 212

Dee, The, 47

Deid-lichts, 213

Derry's Howe (Kirkbean), 274

Devil's Grace, 62

Devil of Glenluce, 252

"Devil-Raiser of Urr," 106

Dinnans (Whithorn), 97

Douglas, Sir Wm., of Gelston, 62

Dream of the Abbot of Tungland, 16

Dribblings (Kirkmaiden), 24

"Droll Recollections of Whithorn" (Cannon), 165

Drumlane, 173

Drumlanrig Castle, 282

Drummore, 55

Drumrash, 269

Duncan, Henry, of Ruthwell, 235

Dunbars of Mochrum, 262

Dundrennan, 269

Dunnan Fort, 149

Dunreggan (Moniaive), 202

Dunskey Castle, 244

E

Edinburgh Bibliographical Society publications (note on Jean Maxwell), 99

"Effigies Clericorum," 142

Elf-cups, 55

Eliock, 284

Elspeth M'Ewen--
Suspected of Witchcraft, 72
Examined, 73
Prison Expenses, 73
Commission appointed for new trial, 74
Execution at Silver Craigs, Kirkcudbright, 77
Note of expenses of trial and execution, 78
Executioner's petition, 80

Encoffining, or "kistin'," 219

Eskdalemuir Parish, 296

Eskdale Moor (funeral adventures), 223

F

Fairies and Brownies, 143

Fairies--
Attitude towards mankind, 143
Capriciousness of, 144
Elf-shot wounds, 144
Explanation of fairy and brownie belief, 148, 149
"Fairy Rade," 176
Fairy Park (Logan), 157
Feasting and dancing, 143
"Good neighbours," 144
Kidnapping by, 145
Pageants, 143
Practices to counteract fairy influence, 146
Unreality of fairy fabric, 147
"Wee fouk," 144

Fairy-lore in Galloway and Dumfriesshire (from West to East)--
Dunnan Fort, 149
Kirkmaiden, 151
Barncorkerie, 154
Compass Stone (Port Logan), 156
Ringuinea, 157
Nick of the Balloch, 158
Curghie Glen, 158
Grennan, 158
Kirkbride, 158
Killumpha, 158
Slock-an-a-gowre, 158
Sorbie, 166
Kirkinner, 166
Longhill, 166
Dalry District, 169
Hazelfield (Auchencairn), 172
Nick of Lochenkit, 172
Dalbeattie, 172
Edingham Loch, 172
Long Wood (Lochanhead), 174
Dumfriesshire--
Caerlaverock, 180
Auchencreath, 175
Dalswinton, 183
Closeburn, 182
Drumlanrig, 183
Sanquhar, 184
Kirkconnel, 184
Polveoch, 184
Kello Water, 184
Glen Aylmer, 184
Glen Wharry, 184
Bale Hill, 186
Annandale, 184
Lochmaben, 175
Burnswark, 184
Corrie, 185

Fin M'Coul, 43

"Fire Spangs of Faustus," 16

Funeral festivities ("Gallovidian Encyclopædia"), 232

Funeral refreshment (Draigie), 234

Funeral rites and customs, 236

Funeral "services," 225

G

Galdenoch Tower, 245

"Galloway Gossip," 166

Galloway Mansion near Castle-Douglas, Ghostly story of, 273

"Galloway Register," 26

"Galloway Traditions," 26

Galloway, Western, Traditions of, 22

Gap's Mill, Glencairn, 283

Garryhorn, 36

Gatehouse, 262

General Assembly (Condemnatory Acts), 68

"Gentle Shepherd" (extract from), 59

Ghost-lore and Haunted Houses, 244

Ghost Legends of the South-west of Scotland (arranged in their order,
from West to East)--
Dunskey Castle, 244
Galdenoch Tower, 245
"Lodnagappal Plantin'," 248
High Ardwell, 248
Auchabrick House, 250
Cardrain House, 251
Tirally, 251
Glenluce, 252
Provost Coltran (Drummorall), 252
Packman's Grave (Bladnoch), 253
Claunch, Sorbie, 254
Whithorn, 254
Craigdhu, Glasserton, 255
Church of Kirkmaiden, 256
Auchenmalg Barracks, 257
Craighlaw House, 257
Machermore Castle, 258
Creetown, 262
Kirkdale Bridge, 263
Glenlee, Dalry, 263
Bogle-Hole, Dalry, 267
Moor of Corsock, 267
Buckland Glen, 269
Ringcroft of Stocking, 272
Mansion House near Castle-Douglas, 273
Wood Forester's, Dalbeattie, 274
Laird o' Coul's Ghost, 300, 344
Kirkbean--
Murder Fall, 274
Derry's How, 274
Farm-house, 274
Howlet's Close, 275
Three Cross Roads, 275
Near Newabbey, 276
Minorite Friary, Dumfries (1306) and Caerlaverock Castle, (1358), 276
Solway legend of the passing of "Aul' Lag," 278
Coach legend of passing of William Duke of Queensberry (Drumlanrig),
281
Drumlanrig Castle, 282
Tynron Doon, 282
Glencairn--
Auchenstroan, 283
Marwhirn, 283
Pentoot, 283
Gaps Mill, 283
Nut Wood, 283
Jarbruck Bridge, 283
Kirkland Bridge, 283
Sanquhar Castle, 283
Littlemark, Sanquhar, 284
Abraham Crichton's Ghost, 285
Poldean, Wamphray, 287
Spedlins Tower, 288
Jardine Hall, 290
Knockhill, 293
Orchard, Hoddom, 294
Bonshaw Tower, 294
Blackett Tower, 294
Kirkconnel Hall, 295
Todshawhill, 296
Lowland Manor House, 298

Gilchristland, 50

Gilroanie, 270

"Girzie M'Clegg," 17

Glasserton, 165, 215

Glencairn, 283

"Glencairn Kate," 17

Glencaple Quay, 199

Glenkens, 19

Glenkens, twenty years' holidaying in (Blacklock), 265

Glenlee House (ghost narrative), 263

Glenluce, 13, 14

Greenmill (Caerlaverock), 209

Grennan, The, 25

Grierson, John, of Lag (funeral expenses of), 227

Grierson of Lag, Sir Robert (funeral expenses of), 229

Grierson of Lag, Sir Robert (funeral legend), 230

Grierson of Lag (Solway legend of his "passing"), 278

Grose's "Antiquities of Scotland," 289

"Gyre Carline," 8

H

Hallowmass, 2

Hallowmass Rade, 3

Hannayston, Witch of, 17

Harper's "Rambles in Galloway," 17

Hay of Park, 60

Heron, Robert (Journey through Western Scotland), 54

High Ardwall (white woman apparition), 248

Holm Glen (Dalry), 275

Howlet's Close (Kirkbean), 275

"Hydrostatics," Sinclair's, 300

I

"Il Penseroso" (extract from), 186

Inshanks Moor, 29

Irvings of Hoddom, 293

J

James VI. of Scotland, 67

Jarbruck, 283

Jardine's of Applegarth, 289

Jardine Hall, 290

"Jean o' the Howff" (Rerwick), 45

"Jock o' the Horn," 182

K

Kain Bairns, 7

"Keekafar" (Kirkmaiden), 155

Kells, 35

Kells Rhynns, 36

Keltonhill, 40

Kenmure (Stoneykirk), 157

Kenmure Castle (Dalry), 269

Killymingan (Kirkgunzeon), 105

Killumpha Farm (Kirkmaiden), 204

Kilmeny (Jas. Hogg), 146

Kincaid, John (Witch-pricker), 70

King's Croft of Stocking, 63

Kirkdale Bridge, Ghost of, 263

Kirkdale House, 262

Kirkmaiden, 22, 29, 151

Kirkmaiden Church, 30

Kirkmaiden, Legend of, 256

Kirkmaiden Witches, 29, 32, 98

Kirk-session (Borgue) examination for alleged fairycraft, 159

Kirkpatricks of Closeburn, 214, 227, 231, 284

Kirkpatrick, Roger, 277

Kirkpatrick Sharpe, Charles, 288

Kirkwaugh (Bladnoch), pedlar's ghost at, 253

Kippford, 274

Kirkennan Woods (Dalbeattie), 199

Kirkland Bridge (Glencairn), 283

Knockhill Mansion (tragedy at), 293

Knocknishy (Whithorn), 185

Knocksheen (Dalry), 17

L

Lady Ashburton, 267

Laird o' Coul's Ghost, 344

Langhill Fairy, The, 166

Lapps or Finns, 149

Latewake, 223

Law's Memorials, 287

"Lay of the last Minstrel" (extract from), 16

Liethin Hall, 187

Leswalt, 245

Levitical Law, 68

Library of Michael Scott (list of works), 16

Lichts before death, 209

Lindsay, James (Caerlaverock tragedy), 277

Little Cocklick (Urr), 101

Littlemark Farm, Sanquhar, Ghostly appearance at, 284

Locharbriggs Hill, 3

Lochar Moss, 8

Loch Doon, 36

"Lodnagappal Plantin," Apparitions at, 248

Logan, 24, 25

Logan Mill, 31

Lord Crichton (6th), 284

Lord Glenlee, 263

Lords of Sanquhar, 284

Lord Stormonth, 227

Lotus Hill (Kirkgunzeon), 173

Loup o' the Grennan, 151

Low Curghie (Kirkmaiden), 24

Luce, 13, 15

Luce Bay, 215

Lykewake, 223

M

Machars of Galloway, 33

Machermore Castle, Legend of, 258

Maggie's gate to Gallowa', 13

Mainsriddel, 274

"Maggie o' the Moss," 6, 17, 21

"Mak' Siccar" (tragedy, Dumfries), 278

Manor House in Lowlands (story of apparition), 298

Manxman's Lake, 270

March Moon, 55

Marshall, Rev. Mr (Kirkmaiden), 97, 248

Marwhirn, 283

Millar, Mary (alleged witch), 74

Mary Queen of Scotland (Act against witchcraft), 66

Master of Logan (Allan Cunningham), 19

Maxwell of Carriel (Carzield), 227

Maxwell of Dalswinton, 188

Maxwells of Monreith (successors to M'Cullochs), 214

Maxwell, Thomas (Laird of Coul), 301

Maxwell, Jean, trial of (for pretended witchcraft), 98

Maxwell, Jean (copy of title page of publication of trial), 110

Meg Elson (Kirkmaiden witch), 32

Meg Elson's Elegy, 32

Meg Macmuldroch (Galloway witch), 62

Melrose Abbey, 16

Michael Scott of Balwearie, 15

Mochrum Parish (extravagant funeral expenditure), 226

Moffat Churchyard, 213

Monkland Shore, 44

Monreith House, 161

Moor of Corsock (ghost of headless piper), 267

Moor of the Genoch, 248

Moor Kirk of Luce, 13

Mort-cloth (use of), 239

Mountsallie (Rhinns), Witchcraft at, 57

Muirhead, Dr James, 107

Mull of Galloway, 149

Murder Fall (Kirkbean), 274

Myrton Mound (fairy legend), 161

M'Cullochs of Myrton, 214

M'Culloch, Sir Godfrey, 151

M'Millan Cup, 195

M'Milligan of Dalgarnock, 283

N

"Necromancy," 16

Newabbey, Witchcraft at, 10

Newabbey (ghost of lady in white), 276

Nicholas Grier (witch of Hannayston), 17

Nick o' the Balloch, 13

"Nithsdale Minstrel" (poetical collection), 34

Nith, 51, 189

Nut Wood, Maxwelton (Moniaive), 283

Nicholson, Wm., poet (fairycraft examination, recollection by his
mother), 159

O

"Old Church life in Scotland" (Edgar), 237

Old Hall at Ecclefechan, Ghost at, 295

Old House of Park, 61

Old John Orr (Carlyle reminiscence), 293

Old Meg of Twynholm (reputed witch), 43

Old Red Cap (ghost of Blackett Tower), 294

Old Turnpike House, Dumfries, 231

Orchard, Hoddom (laying of ghost), 294

Osborne, "Maggie" (Wigtownshire witch), 11

P

Packman's Grave (Bladnoch), 258

Palmallet (Whithorn), 96

Palnackie, 199

"Passing Bell" (custom of ringing), 241

Passing Bell (reference in "Book of Galloway"), 243

Patiesthorn, Legend of, 269

"Pawky Auld Kimmer," 65

Pentoot (Glencairn), 283

"Philosophy of the Devil," 16

Picts, 148, 149

Poldean, Wamphray (ghost reference), 287

Portankill (fairy haunt), 149

Porteous, ghost of, at Spedlins Tower, 289

Portencockerie Bay (fairy haunt), 156

Port Logan, 31, 156

Portpatrick, Legend of, 245

Port-William, 254

Presbytery of Penpont (warning regarding burial festivity abuse), 234

Prestonmill, 274

"Pricking" of Witches, 70

"Prince of Darkness" (and witch revelry), 8

Privy Council Commissions (to try cases of witchcraft), 71

R

Rab's Howff (Rerwick), 45

Ray's Itinerary (Dumfries), 242

Red Comyn, 277

Rerwick, 44

Rerwick Apparition, 272, 321

Rhinns, 25

Rhonehouse, 40

"Riddling in the Reek," 166

"Ridden post by a witch," 5

Ringdoo Point, 15

Ringcroft of Stocking, 272

Ringcroft of Stocking, site of, 300

Robert the Bruce, 36

"Robin Goodfellow," 186

Roodmas, 176

Rotten Row (Whithorn), 33

S

Sanquhar, 50

Sanquhar Castle (ghostly legends), 283

Sanquhar, History of (Simpson), 184, 285

Sanquhar Kirkyard, 240

"Satan's Almanac," 16

"Satan's Invisible World," 300

Scots Money, 227

Shaws of Craigenbay and Craigend, 35

Shawn (Stoneykirk), 185

Shennaton (Bladnoch), 64

Shinnel Water, 283

Shirmers, 269

Sin-eating, 218

Sir Chesney Shaw, 35

Sir Walter Scott, 16, 244

Slip Coffins, 237

Solway Firth, 8

"Soothsayers' Creed," 16

Spell-casting, 60

Spedlins Tower, Ghost of, 288

Spedlins Tower Bible, 291

St. Ninian, 39

Stake Moss, Sanquhar, 239

State and Church (action against witchcraft), 22

Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, 151

Stoneykirk, 36, 248

Suicides, Burial of, 239

Surprising Story of the Devil of Glenluce, 299, 302

Sweetheart Abbey, 2, 10

T

Tam o' Shanter, 6, 17

Telfair, Alexander (Minister of Rerwick), 272

Three Cross Roads (Kirkbean), 275

Tirally (Kirkmaiden), 56

Tirally, Ghost at, 251

Todshawhill, Bogle of, 296

Tolbooth of Kirkcudbright, 108

Tongland, 16

Tower of Craigend, 35

Traditional Witchcraft described, 1

Train, Joseph (account of funeral superstitions), 236

True account of an apparition in Ringcroft, parish of Rerwick, 299, 321

Tynron, 49

Tynron Doon, Spectre of, 282

U

"Unique Traditions of the West and South of Scotland" (Barbour), 35

Upper Nithsdale, 50

W

"Warlock Feckets," 55

"Walpurgis" (witch festivals), 8

Warnings, accounts of from--
Caerlaverock, 209
Closeburn, 214
Corrie, 2
Craigdarroch, 214
Dumfries, 213
Glencairn, 210
Kirkmaiden (in Fernes), 214
Moniaive, 208
Tynron, 209

Waterside Hill (Dalry), 19

Water of Urr, 207

"Waulking" the dead, 219

Walter de Curry, 244

Well of the Co' (Kirkmaiden), 150

White Loch of Myrton, 161

Whithorn, Old Manse, 254

Whinnieliggate, 40

Whithorn (similar legend to Tam o' Shanter), 33

White Lady of Machermore, 258

"Witch Cake," 9

"Witch Chronicle, The," 16

Witches Gathering, 3

Witch Marks, 8, 70

Witch Narrative, 21

Witch Narrative (Southern Kirkcudbrightshire), 40

Witches Sabbath, 7

Witches' Stairs (Crawick), 50

Witches' Rocks (Portpatrick), 36

William, Duke of Queensberry (legend of ghostly coach), 281

Witchcraft, proceedings against, in Galloway--
Kirkcudbright (Presbytery, 1662), 72
Kirkcudbright, 1671, 72
Dalry (Kirk-session, 1696), 72
Dalry (Kirk-session, 1697), 73
Kirkcudbright, 1698, 74
Kirkcudbright, 1698, 80
Kirkcudbright, 1701, 82, 86, 87
Twynholm, 1703, 87
Urr (parish of) 1656, 91
Kirkpatrick-Durham (parish of), 92
Carsphairn (parish of), 93
Minnigaff (parish of), 93
New Luce (parish of), 96
Whithorn (parish of), 96
Kirkmaiden (parish of), 97
Kirkcudbright, 1805, 97
Maxwell, Jean, trial of (pretended witchcraft), 98

Dumfriesshire (proceedings in)--
Burgh of Dumfries, 1657, 111
Kirk-Session of Dumfries, 1658, 111
Dumfries (official information regarding the judicial burning of
nine women), 112
Dumfries (attendance of clergy at the burning), 115
Dumfries (resolution against Janet Burnes, alleged witch), 115
Dumfries (warrant of execution against two alleged witches), 116
Dumfries (last trial for witchcraft in Scotland, Elspeth Rule), 117
Dumfries (Presbytery of--Southern district), 118
Caerlaverock, Kirk-session records, 118
Irongray, Kirk-session records, 120
Irongray Parish (traditional account of witch punishment), 122
Closeburn Parish, 124
Penpont Presbytery, 131
Glencairn Kirk-session records, 132
Glencairn, Case of Alexander Deuart, 133
Durisdeer, 138
Torthorwald, 140

Wood Foresters', Dalbeattie (scene of murder and ghost appearance), 273

Warnings, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212

Wraiths--
Seen at Balgreggan House, 205
" Buittle, 199
" Dalbeattie, 205
" Glencairn, 201
" Kirkmaiden, 204
" Moniaive, 202

Wraiths (account of from "Gallovidian Encyclopædia"), 202

Wylliehole, Witch of, 53

Y

Yule, 278

Yule Candles, 219

FOOTNOTES:

[1] The Well of the Co', Kirkmaiden, once much celebrated for the healing and medicinal properties of its waters.

[2] These berries make excellent preserves.

[3] Heather after being burned.

[4] "Confessions of Isobell Goudie."

[5] Dwining.

[6] Shall be.

[7] Stubble.

[8] Kiln.

[9] Sighing.

[10] A famous haunt of witches in the parish of Rerwick.

[11] Extract from King James's _Daemonologie concerning Sorcery and Witchcraft_ (1597):--

"The persons that give themselves to witchcraft are of two sorts, rich and of better accompt, poore and of baser degree. These two degrees answere to the passions in them, which the divell uses as means to entice them to his service: for such of them as are in great miserie and povertie, he allures to follow him, by promising unto them great riches and worldly commoditie. Such as though rich, yet burne in a desperate desire of revenge, he allures them by promises to get their turne satisfied to their heart's contentment."

[12] "The witch mark is sometimes like a blewspot, or a little tate, or reid spots, like flea-biting; sometimes also the flesh is sunk in, and hallow, and this is put in secret places, as among the hair of the head, or eyebrows, within the lips, under the armpits, _et sic de ceteris_." Mr Robert, minister at Aberfoill, in his _Secret Commonwealth_, describes the witch's mark--"A spot that I have seen as a small mole, horny, and brown-coloured; through which mark, when a large brass pin was thrust (both in buttock, nose, and rooff of the mouth) till it bowed and became crooked, the witches, both men and women nather felt a pain nor did bleed, nor knew the precise time when this was being done to them (their eyes only being covered)."--_Law's "Memorials," ed. by C. Kirkpatrick Sharpe._

[13] The extreme penalty took two forms. The condemned were either in the first place strangled or, to use an old expression, "wirreit" and then burned; or, worse still, they were straightway burned quick (alive).

[14] Thessr = Treasurer.

[15] Printed in Dumfries by his brother, Robert Rae, 1718.

[16] _The Parish of Glencairn_, Rev. John Monteith.

[17] Coshogle mansion-house or keep, belonging to the Douglases, was situated on the hill overhanging the Enterkine burn, above the farm-house of the same name. A marriage stone, built into a cottage wall, is all that remains of the structure.

[18] Sir James Douglas of Parkhead, styled Lord Torthorwald as having married the heiress of that barony, was afterwards run through the body on the High Street of Edinburgh by a nephew of Captain James Stewart, and died without uttering one word. On clearing away the rubbish, which till lately covered the pavement of the Chapel at Holyrood House, his tombstone was found, with this mutilated inscription:--"Heir lyes ane nobil and potent Lord James Douglas--and Cairlell and Torthorall wha mariet Daime Elizabeth Cairlell, air and heretrix yr. of, wha was slaine in Edinburgh ye 14 day of July, in ye yeir God 1608."--_Law's Memories._

[19] Another theory associates the fairies with the dwarfish Lapps or Finns who, driven out of their own country, settled in the outlying districts of Scotland.

[20] The mother of William Nicholson the poet, a native of Borgue, where her family had long been settled, and a woman of great intelligence, often told that in her day there lived a man belonging to Borgue parish whose mother and grandmother had been examined before the Kirk-Session regarding his having been carried away by the fairies.

[21] "Brownie" here synonymus with "Fairy."

[22] Langhill (now Longhill), adjacent to the Rispain Roman Camp, about a mile from Whithorn on the Glasserton Road.

[23] Roodmass: The festival of the finding of the Holy Cross (May 3rd).

[24] "When the mother's vigilance hinders the fairies from carrying her child away, or changing it, the touch of fairy hands and their unearthly breath make it wither away in every limb and lineament like a blighted ear of corn, saving the countenance, which unchangeably retains the sacred stamp of divinity. The way to cure a breath-blasted child is worthy of notice. The child is undressed and laid out in unbleached linen new from the loom. Water is brought from a blessed well, in the utmost silence, before sunrise, in a pitcher never before wet; in which the child is washed, and its clothes dipped by the fingers of a maiden. Its limbs, on the third morning's experiment, plump up, and all its former vigour returns."--_Allan Cunningham, in "Cromek's Remains of Nithsdale and Galloway Song."_

[25] The leaden figure of a man connected with a cascade, once a prominent feature of the gardens.

[26] Simpson's _History of Sanquhar_.

[27] The "Brownie" of Scotland corresponds with the "Robin Goodfellow" of England.

"Tells how the drudging goblin sweat
To earn his cream bowl duly set,
When in one night, ere glimpse of morn,
His shadowy flail hath threshed the corn
That ten day labourers could not end;
Then lies him down the lubber fiend,
And, stretched out all the chimney's length,
Basks at the fire his hairy strength,
And crop-full out of door he flings
Ere the first cock his matin rings."
--_Il Penseroso_

[28] A communion cup, belonging to M'Millan, the well-known ousted minister of Balmaghie, and founder of a variety of the species _Covenanter_. This cup was treasured by a zealous disciple in the parish of Kirkcowan, and long used as a test by which to ascertain the orthodoxy of suspected persons. If, on taking the precious relic into his hand, the person trembled, or gave other symptoms of agitation, he was denounced as having bowed the knee to Baal, and sacrificed at the altar of idolatry; and it required, through his future life, no common exertion in the good cause, to efface the stigma thus fixed upon him.--_Note to original edition._

[29] Several striking examples of wraith appearance may be found in Wilson's _Folk-lore of Uppermost Nithsdale_ (1904).

[30] A wonderfully graphic account of a manifestation of "deid lichts" to a Dumfries lady occurs in the _Dumfries and Galloway Monthly Magazine_, 1822, p. 169.

[31] The dog.

[32]

"Open lock, end strife,
Come death and pass life."
--"Meg Merrilees" in _Guy Mannering_.

[33] There seems to have been some variation in this usage. On the Borders, for example, the door was usually left wide open. (See Preparatory Note to "Young Bengie," _Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border_.)

[34] Bearing upon this last statement of Mr Dudgeon's, the writer has been told of a comparatively recent instance in the parish of Anwoth.