Now is the time to bind the back numbers of the BORDER MAGAZINE, and we would strongly urge our readers to do so without delay. One has no idea of the full value of our magazine until he peruses one or two bound volumes, and discovers how much interesting matter they contain. A good plan is to remove the advertising matter and place the supplements in proper position before sending the numbers to the binder. The frontispiece for last volume is "Thomas Scott and J. B. Selkirk at the Haining Loch," although this was not mentioned in the index. The publishers' cases for binding are very neat and durable, and are sent post free for 1/6, while a complete bound volume suitable for presentation to Border friends can be forwarded per post for 6s. The BORDER MAGAZINE can be sent to any address monthly, post free, for 4s per year. THE BORDER KEEP. (In which are preserved paragraphs from various publications, to the authors and editors of which we express our indebtedness). Burns has immortalised that particular Scottish -shall we call it dainty- the haggis, but it would almost seem as if Scotland had also given to the world something which is generally looked upon as peculiarly English. What is plum porridge? Plum pudding we all know (some by dear digestive experience), but the other we don't know. Yet Scott, extolling in "Marmion" the old Christmas fare, tells us that "There the huge sirloin reeked; hard by Plum porridge stood, and Christmas pie." Mrs Fraser," sole teacher of the culinary art in Edinburgh," in her cookery book of 1791, gives "plum pottage" among the soups; while a contemporary poet declares that "Plum broth was Popish, a mince pieOh! that was flat idolatry." The notion in regard to the mince pie was that the priests had derived it from the paste images and sweet meats given to the Fathers of the Vatican at Rome on Christmas Eve. But the Popish tendency of plum broth cannot be accounted for. Curiously enough, it is the above-named Mrs Fraser who is the first to mention plum pudding in a cookery book. May we therefore claim for Scotland the invention of this Christmas delicacy, as well as the invention of the haggis, great chieftain o' the puddin' race"? * "Dunblanensis" writing to the press some time ago makes the following interesting reference to a speech delivered by the Principal of Glasgow University:-I was much interested in the reminiscences of Principal McAlister, which, though not of Sir Walter, were of that Dr Watson who grasped the great Wizard's dying hand. After nearly four score years since Sir Walter's death, the surviving witnesses of the man must be few. The writer, like Sir Donald MacAlister, can only quote one who saw Sir Walter-namely, Mr Alex. Ireland, of well-known literary distinction. A friend of his persuaded him to take a holiday drive from Edinburgh to Abbotsford. On reaching Abbotsford the old butler declined to admit them to see the house on the plea that Sir Walter was at home. They urged that they had seen Sir Walter at his post in the Court of Session the previous day. The butler still assured them his master was at home, whereupon a door opened, and Sir Walter appeared in a Norfolk jacket with hunting knife, two dogs bounding in front. As soon as he knew that the youths had come from Edinburgh, he spoke a few kind words to them, and instructed his Caleb Balderston to show them over Abbotsford. Mr Alex. Ireland had reminiscences of not a few men of mark, among others of Wordsworth, who recited with frank delight some of his poems. * وو In a characteristic essay on the Enterkin Pass, Dr John Brown, of "Rab and His Freens fame, asserts that every now and then a miner living in the Leadhills district "takes to the deluding, feckless work" of searching for gold and silver. In the old days, the precious metals were found in such quantities that the Glengoner, Short Cleuch, Mennock, and Wanlock, four streams in the neighbourhood, were compared to Pison, Gihon, Hiddekel, and Euphrates, the four rivers in the Garden of the Lord. A handsome candelabra made of Wanlockhead silver, which was presented to the Duke of Buccleuch by his Dumfriesshire tenantry rather more than a year ago, affords conclusive evidence that the mineral resources of this wild and sterile region have not been exhausted. * The recent slight railway mishap which occurred at Irongray, near Dumfries, has prompted various correspondents to remind us that the heroine of Scott's romance, "The Heart of Midlothian," lies buried in the parish churchyard there. Jeanie Deans in real life was Helen Walker, and her grave in the beautiful little churchyard of Irongray, overlooking the Cairn River, is a place of pilgrimage for large numbers of tourists annually. A goodly proportion of Scott lovers are, of course, American; but the souvenircollecting craze, deeply as it has bitten into our cousins in the States, is not confined to them. So ruthless had visitors to Helen Walker's tomb become in their demand for souvenirs that the gravestone had to be completely covered in by a high iron railing some time ago lest it should completely disappear in multitudinous fragments chipped off by unscrupulous tourists. * All lovers of Scott's writing will be pleased to hear of the " Waverley Dictionary" published by Messrs Routledge, London. The book is intended as a work of reference for the student and lover of the Waverley Novels; and in a minor degree," says an Introductory Note, for the humanist who sees in Scott a noble nature worthy of closer acquaintance." Its aim is that of a dictionary and not an encyclopædia, an identification and description rather than a condensed narrative, of the multitude of characters created by Sir Walter. No fewer than 2,836 of these are dealt with in the book; and a feature is that the list includes 37 horses and 33 dogs-a point that indicates the thoroughness, at all events, of this very useful volume. A table of the novels is given; and there are chronological and other notes. This is typical of the method and manner of the dictionary: DUMEIEDIKES, LAIRD OF. "Damn-me-dikes": the "grasping landlord who managed to gain possession of Widow Butler's little croft Beersheba: also Davie Deans' landlord. The London Scots have lost a notable member of their colony through the death of Mr Sinclair Dunn, whose name is familiar to many who sing our guid auld Scottish sangs. His funeral took place in London on 14th January, 1911. Born in Glasgow on August 3, 1846, he early showed signs of exceptional vocal ability, winning the first prize for singing at school when 10 years of age. After Moody and Sankey visited Kilmarnock he was engaged to take Sankey's place as a Gospel singer. Lady Elizabeth Pringle of Langton, Berwickshire, who was attracted by his singing, offered him a post as precentor, which he accepted. During his three-year sojourn in the Border county Mr Dunn brought out a village choir which succeeded in winning the first prize in the competition held annually by the Church of Scotland for the most efficient choir, and gave lectures on Scottish songs. Through the introduction of Sir George Macfarran he was appointed choirmaster at Marylebone Presbyterian Church. In musical composition Mr Dunn leaves a record of great industry, and as a teacher of singing he held many important appoint ments. DEATH OF A SELKIRK INVENTOR.-By the death of ex-Councillor William Jamieson, which occurred at his residence in Selkirk late on Thursday, 5th January, 1911, Selkirk has lost a prominent citizen. The circumstances associated with the death of the deceased gentleman were sad, for his wife predeceased him by only four days, and was buried the day before he died. His condition was so grave that it was doubtful if he realised his loss. Mr Jamieson was a native of Selkirk, being a son of the late Mr Gideon Jamieson, who was employed as a spinner in Ettrick Mills. For more than forty years Mr Jamieson was in the employment of Messrs George Roberts & Co. (Limited), woollen manufacturers, Selkirk, first as a throstle spinner, and then for a considerable period as a yarn foreman. In his industry he was a man of marked ability. He invented a guide for the purpose of keeping the ends separate in the process of twisting yarn, and by all who understand this part of woollen manufacture the guide was very greatly appreciated and valued. It was adopted generally in the industry. Mr Jamieson devoted some attention to public affairs in Selkirk. was elected a member of the Town Council in 1902, and sat till 1905. Of the history of Selkirkshire, and, indeed, of the Borderland generally, he had an excellent knowledge, and only a few weeks ago contributed an interesting series of articles to a Border journal dealing with Montrose and the Battle of Philiphaugh. In political matters a Unionist and Tariff Reformer, he had a fine grasp of the relation of the present fiscal system to the woollen industry, and although not an office-bearer on political Associations, he did much in the town and district to further his principles. DOMINIE SAMPSON. He course It is a THE GREEN BANKS OF LYNE. MONG the quiet, unobtrusive districts of Peeblesshire, the parish of Lyne is one that is to be highly commended to all who love the green pastures and the quiet waters of the Borderland. Strangers to the scene are informed that Lyne Water "rises within half a mile of the Mid Lothian border, and winds its of 183 miles south, southeastward through or along the boundaries of Linton, Newlands, Stobo, Lyne, and Peebles parishes, falling into the Tweed close to Lyne Station near Peebles." substantial feeder of the Tweed in the upper waters of that river, and contains a good supply of trout, while for several miles in the near proximity of Peebles its green banks charm alike the natives and the numerous summer visitors to Peebles. Having known it from boyhood, we speak of it as a friend of old standing with whom we are on the most familiar and loving terms. Lacking the wooded grandeur of Stobo, its very lack of sylvian beauty is abundantly recompensed by its abundant greenery of bank and brae, the clearness of its water, and the sinuous windings of the stream, all of which invite you to come and make better acquaintance with these green banks. Many have found it out, more have been introduced to it, and we now recommend these banks to as many as care to come for there is room and to spare for hundreds, though we should not like it to be invaded by thousands, or by a lot of trippers who would sing (probably out of tune) and disport themselves in an utterly frivolous manner. It is a place for rest, and for meditation if so disposed, a district where the literary man can read as well as compose, where the friend feels an accession of friendship steal into his heart, and the aspiring lover can woo in peace; the bleating lambs along with the cushant dove and the partridge harmonise in a pleasant lullaby, and all nature seems to say, "cease from strife, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart, enjoy my green banks without money and without price.' When Wordsworth visited the district, he rightly enough gave his undivided attention to Neidpath Castle on the Tweed, his time was limited though his poetical power was full and ubiquitous, therefore had he trod those green banks, we should have had from his bountiful pen verses worthy of the theme, and a much finer description than any of his disciples can give, though one of them now wishes to do his best to give his readers some idea of this pastoral scene. Allan Ramsay, author of the "Gentle Shepherd," could have done it justice, but apparently he never deserted the Mid-Lothian Esk, or Logan Water, and hence there has remained unsung a fertile theme for descriptive verse. But as there is a similarity between the pastoral valley depicted by Allan Ramsay and this lovely strath in Peeblesshire, we do well to adopt Ramsay's verse in the present instance and to quote his very lines: "Between twa birks, out o'er a little linn, grass.' "A flowery bourne between twa verdant braes, Where lasses use to wash and spread their claes; A trolling burnie wimpling through the Its channel pebbles shining smooth and "The open field, a cottage in a glen, An auld wife spinning at the sunny end." Several sheep farms, the property of the Earl of Wemyss, are seen on the hill sides ; farmers and shepherds, with some ploughmen, here live in quiet comfort; the exquisite little parish church is in close proximity to a comfortable manse, and these again adjoin the parish school, the district forge, and the carpenter's shop. Of the accessibility of Lyne to Peebles, the railway from the latter whirls the visitor in seven minutes, and thus two, four or six hours may be pleasantly spent in Lyne, before he returns in similar manner to the delightful Royal Burgh on the Tweed. Hence Lyne, with regard to a railway station, is more favourably suited than Manor or Traquair, which, beautiful as they are, lack a railway station. Should have a carriage you with you at Lyne, a most agreeable drive can be obtained thro' the Meldons to Eddleston and thence to Peebles by the Edinburgh road, or if when at Lyne you prefer to cross the Tweed into Manor, an excellent foot bridge is provided and in less than an hour you are at the Kirkton, with its manse, church, and old mill, all in close proximity to the Black Dwarf's Cottage, and a stream as pleasant as the Lyne, tho' not having so conspicuously the green banks bordering that fair stream. D. BROWN ANDERSON. THE HILLS OF PEEBLESSHIRE. A BORDERER'S MUNIFICENCE. THERE is a charm in the familiar hills That look on us with sweet and kindly eyes. There is a song in all the happy rills, Whose fountains burst where the great moun tains rise. The lower ridges nestling far below Wear on their brows sweet belts of verdant green, While on the heights there lies the early snow, HOUGH it is not intended that the BORDER MAGAZINE should take up the role of a recorder of passing events, it is well that a note should be made of some present-day happenings so that the record may be preserved for future reference and guidance. When the Murrays of Philiphaugh gave up the ancestral estate they had held for so many hundreds of years all true Borderers were saddened, and not a few shook their heads when a new name became associated with the fam ous lands in Selkirkshire. Mr William Strang Steel, the new proprietor, however, soon put all doubts at rest, for he entered into the spirit of the place and did everything he could to preserve its traditions. He gave with no stinted hand to all worthy objects and improved the lands in various ways. He imbibed to the full the spirit of the Borderland, and we hope, at no distant date, to do justice to his memory. The publication of Mr Strang Steel's will has proved how much he had the good of his fellows at heart, and we quote from newspaper paragraphs relating thereto : The trust disposition and settlement of the late Mr William Strang Steel of Philiphaugh, Selkirk, has just been lodged in the Register House, Edinburgh. The will, which extends to about a score of pages of foolscap, is dated May 8, 1906, and has five codicils appended. After leaving his landed property to his son, he bequeaths a large number of legacies to relatives, friends, employees of Steel Brothers & Co. (Limited), and domestic and estate servants. Subject to implement of other purposes of the will, the testator leaves to the widow of his friend Sir John Muir, Bart. of Deanston, formerly Lord Provost of Glasgow, £500; and to her son Matthew William Muir, the testator's namesake, £1000. He leaves to the Western Infirmary of Glasgow £5000, and to the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, £2500. He directs his trustees to set aside the sum of £5000 for the establishment of a fund to be called The Strang Steel Fund." The money is to be paid over to the testator's successor in the estate of Philiphaugh, the Sheriff-Substitute of the county of Selkirk for the time being, the convener of the Commissioners of Supply for the county, and the Provost of the burgh of Selkirk, or to such of those persons as shall be prepared to accept office and act in the Trust proposed to be constituted, and such other persons as they may assume to act along with or in succession to them in the administration of the Trust. The income and annual proceeds of the money shall be applied by the trustees, who may in their discretion devote not more than one-half of the income in any year for the purpose of assisting any body, institution, association, or public movement having for its object the advancement of education within the county, including the burgh of Selkirk, and the whole income and annual proceeds which may not be so applied shall be applied in assisting any bodies, institutions, associations, or public movements in the county, including the burgh of Selkirk, which have for their object the relief of persons suffering bad health or destitution, or public institutions or associations such as hospitals in Edinburgh in which patients. from the county, including the burgh of Selkirk, are treated or receive benefit, declaring that it is his wish that the bodies, institutions, associations, or movements to be assisted shall not be connected with any sectarian or denominational system of religion and shall not be maintained out of public rates or taxes, the testator's wish being to encourage and assist voluntary efforts of a philanthropic and charitable nature. But this direction shall not be held to restrict the trustees from assisting bod ies in charge of public education or other bodies administering funds provided from public rates if the trustees are of opinion that the objects for which their assistance is given could not otherwise be attained. The Edinburgh Border Counties Association is entrusted with £4000 for the founding of bursaries for students in the Scottish universities, and the testator desires that preference should be given in the disposal of these bursaries to students born or resident in the parishes of Yarrow, Ettrick, Kirkhope, Ashkirk, Selkirk, Heatherlie, and Caddonfoot, or the parish of Teviothead, but in the event of a suitable candidate from any of the parishes not being forthcoming in any year, then the bursary for the year in question shall be thrown open to competition to all students or intending students belonging to the counties of Selkirk and Roxburgh. The bursaries thus founded shall be known as "The Strang Steel Bursaries." Glasgow University also receives £4000, while by a codicil dated August 20, 1909, the testator leaves a legacy of £250 to his friends the Rev. Robert Borland, D.D., minister of the parish of Yarrow, and to his wife jointly. The last-mentioned tribute to friendship will be read with pleasure by all who know the genial minister of Yarrow. 66 An old friend of Mr Strang Steel, who knew him well, thus writes to the Scotsman" of his death-The beginning of the year has seen the passing away of Mr Steel of Philiphaugh, who died after a short illness on the verge of four-score. Though not taking a prominent part in public affairs commensurate with his keen interest in them, Mr Steel was widely known throughout Great Britain and its Eastern dependencies as a strenuous and successful man of business. Originally connected with the firm of Messrs Gladstone, Wyllie & Co. (founded by the father of the great Liberal statesman), Mr Steel ultimately commenced business on his Own account, founding the firm of W. Strang Steel & Co. at Rangoon in Burmah, and quickly developing a very large business in imports and exportsthe latter mostly of rice. For many years he controlled the firm's affairs from London, with increasing success. About twenty years ago he acquired the estate of Philiphaugh, from the ancient and honourable family of Murray, to whom it had descended from sire to son in unbroken succession for over 400 years. The new laird took a keen interest in the historical associations of his estate, conscientiously protecting and preserving all relics and memorials |