A HISTORY OF PEEBLESSHIRE. Edited by J. W. Buchan and
the Rev. Henry Paton. Volume III. (Glasgow : Jackson, Wylie and Co. 25s.)—This substantial and finely printed book completes a county history which does great credit to its editors and authors and to the charming shire with which it is concerned. There is a chapter for each parish, and the history of each estate (as we should say) is worked out meticulously with compact biographies, pedigrees, repro- ductions of charters and, in fine, all that the antiquary can require. But the authors are careful also to note all picturesque details. In the Stobo chapter we learn that in 1802 there were only six silver watches in the whole parish, but that now the folk are better off and eat wheaten bread in place of oat- cake or barley bannocks. In the Manor chapter is a good account of David Ritchie, the queer, deformed creature who was the original of Scott's " Black Dwarf." The book is illustrated with many views and portraits and with maps. It is an admirable production in every respect.
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