[1] In this happy manner of expressing his admiration of the object
before him, the author assures his readers, that he lays no claim to
originality.
[2] Bumble or bumbart bee. _Vide_ Dr. Jamieson’s Dictionary.
[3] North of the Tweed _beast_ is applied, as a general term, to
animals, without distinction.
[4] The following anecdote, with many others equally interesting, is
recorded in a very _rare_ work, to be found in few _collections, however
excellent_. A gentleman and his friend, passing along Oxford Road, were
stopped by an immense crowd near Hyde Park, and, on inquiring into the
cause, were told that a person of the name of Vowel was leading to
execution at Tyburn. “I wonder what vowel it can be,” (cried the one).
“It is neither U nor I, (replied the other), so let us pass on.” JOE
MILLER, a very old edition.
[5] Dunse, supposed to be derived from the old Celtic word _Dun_, a
hill, is situated in the centre of the county of Berwick, near to the
Lammermoor hills,--is famous for its _cabbages_,--from its being the
birth-place of _Duns Scotus_,--and from the number of _alehouses_ which
it contains. For an account of its places of ancient strength, _vide_
Statistical Account of Scotland, vol. iv.
[6] Whitadder and Blackadder, probably corruptions of Whitewater and
Blackwater, two streams which, uniting in their course, empty themselves
into the Tweed a little above Berwick.
[7] Those who feel with the author on this subject, will consult, with
peculiar pleasure, the general tenor of our Parliamentary Reports.
[8]
O fortes pejoraque passi
Mecum sæpe viri nunc vino pellite curas
Cras ingens iterabimus æquor.