INTRODUCTION

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for intrusting me with their MSS. for a long time, which made
my work much easier and more satisfactory. The Society
is also indebted to Mr. David Douglas for the use of his
transcript of bts., and for the first suggestion that the MS.
should be printed.

By the kindness of Lady Anne Dick Lauder four portraits
in her possession are reproduced. 1. Lord Fountainhall, in
ordinary dress,a difFerent picture from the one in robes published
by the Bannatyne Club. 2. His first wife, Janet Ramsay,
an attractive picture, which suffers in the photographie repro-
duction. 3. Sir John Lauder, Fountainhall's father. 4. Sir
Andrew Ramsay, Lord Abbotshall, his father-in-law.
I have received constant assistance and advice from Mr.
T. Graves Law, Librarian of the Signet Library. I have also
to thank Sir Arthur Mitchell, who read some of the proofs,
and gave me valuable suggestions, Mr. J. T. Clark, Keeper
of the Advomtee Library, for ready help on many points,
Mr. H. A. Webster, Librarian of Edinburgh University, Mr.
W. B. Blaikie, of l\lessrs. T. and A. Constable, and Mr. Alex.
Mill of the Signet Library, who in transcription and otherwise
has given me efficient and obliging assistance.

1 am particularly grateful to Miss Cornelia Dick Lauder,
for the inter~t which she has taken in the book, and the help
which she has given me in obtaining the necessary materials
for it.

D. C.

EDlNDl'non, .~Varcl~ 1900.