The Celtic magazine. A monthly periodical devoted to the literature ...

50 THE CELTIC MAGAZINE.CUEIOSITIES EEOM THE BUEGH COUET EECOEDSOF INVEEls^ESS.1st OCTOBER 1621 TO 17th APEIL 1637.The volume examined ranges over the above period, and contains agreat variety of matter, some of little or no interest noAV ; and, of course,in such Eecords there is, as miglit be expected, a great deal of sameness ;we have, therefore, as set forth above, made some extracts of Avhat weconsidered the most interesting and curious.Quarrelsome Neighbours.Our first extract is one of common occurrence, and similar ones mightbe picked out of almost every second page. Alexander Gumming andJames Gumming, both burgesses of Inverness, quarrel. Mutual friendsbecame security for each that they shall keep the peace and do oneanother no harm, under the penalty of 300 merks. In some instancesthe penalty is larger, and in others smaller, just according to the circumstancesof the individuals :" The Head Burgh Court of Inverness after Michaelmas, held witliinthe Tolbooth of the same by James Cuthbert of Easter Drakies, Provost,Andrew Eraser, Wm. Paterson, elder, Bailies, conjunctly and severally,the 1st day of October, the year of 1G21 years, the suits called, the Courtfenced and affirmed as use is : That day, Wm. Gray in Inverness isbecome acted surety, cautioner and lawburrows for Alexander Cumming,burgess there, tliat James Cumming, burgess of the said burgh, sliall beharmless and skaithless of the said Alexander, in his body, goods andgear, in all time coming, otherwise than by order of Law and Justice,under the pain of 300 merks money, and the said Alexander is becomeacted for his said cautioner's relief, whereupon took Act of Court."(Signed) James Duff. Clerk." That day WiUiam Eobertson, elder, burgess of Inverness, is becomeacted surety, cautioner and lawburrows for James Cumming, tliat AlexanderCumming shall be harmless and skaithless of him, in all time comingotherwise than by order of Law and Justice in his body, goods and gear,under the pain of 300 merks money, and the said James is become actedfor his cautioner's relief, whereupon," &c."The Jnstice and Burgh Court of the Burgh of Inverness, held[as above] the 25th day of October the year of God 1621 years, thesuits called, tlie Court lawfully fenced and affirmed as use is."Eesults of Drunken llow.We have here rather a curious mode of challenge. Tlie parties cut aquantity of straw, each taking a half, and then retii-e to the Dempster