The Book of the Chronicles of Keith, Grange, Ruthven, Cairney, and Botriphnie: events, places, and persons. L.P

Front matter

THE BOOK OF THE CHRONICLES OF K E IT H, GRANGE, RUTHVEN, CAIRNEY, AND BOTRIPHNIE: EVENTS, PLACES, AND PERSONS. By The Rev. J. F. S. GORDON, D.D., S. ANDREW'S, GLASGOW, \C — Author of Scotichroiucon, Monasticon, Glasghu Fades, Meteorology, Sermons, Pastorals, Letters, etc., etc. GLASGOW*. ROBERT FORRESTER, 1 ROYAL EXCHANGE SQUARE. 1880. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. It is usual to Introduce every Book with a Preface, Preamble, or Apology. For the present Kernel there is need of no such Husk, as the preliminary Remarks (although coming first were written last) are part and parcel of the Volume in general. Keith has little comparatively to engage the Antiquary, or to throw much light upon the history of our country. There are no remains of Fortresses, Obelisks, or Roman Camps. Bradshaw reports our ain Toun as having " only one street," — while another Guiile declares it to be " famous for cold winds, spring-wells, and road metal."

We ought to be thankful even for these small mercies. Our " Chronicles," however, will exhibit a few more attractions. Within the last half century, the Old Town, or Keith Proper, has been entirely changed. A Hamlet at Begg's Brae, built on the Glebe, together with a lot of quaint Tenements, and the High Street, so narrow and filthy, having room for a couple of wheel-barrows to salute and pass, have been swept away. One noticeable Relic (See Note Page 24) yet sticks fast, as a Fixture, in the S.E. corner of the Churchyard Dyke, viz., Five Blind Arches, or Kreams, which were, at an early date, used by the Merchants who came from far to vend their goods at Summarius' Fair. Keith has one commodity worth coveting, i.e. (as the Name signifies), its Wind or Pure Air. However bad the Air may be out of doors, it is always worse in the house.

Those who are shut up in a house are apt to mope, be peevish and fretful, — acquire narrow ideas of persons and things, — and worry over insignificant bothers not worth an instant's thought ; in short, Bores entailed to be set adrift. When thus beset, Turn out : Quick March. The Wind will tone and purify the whole anatomical Constabulary, mollify evil nature, and fortify what is weak. Great lark of Trees, Brigs o' Brigen' aral Haughs. IV Wood, Water, and Hills are the staple "manufactures" of all Scenery. The former material is in demand, for miles, in the environs. Hedges of Hawthorn and Privet belting fields and land-roads, or even solitary Trees planted along naked acres upon acres of arable land, would enhance the value of and beautify Town and Country ; which, albeit much that was done by John Watson, still cry aloud for more clothing.