More wee hours waffle ( and yes the spell checker IS off ) This postings extracted from my copy of "Reminiscences and Notices of the Parishes of the County of Haddington " by JOHN MARTINE published 1890 using information from the 1755, 1793 and 1841 Statistical Accounts of Haddingtonshire. John Martine in a more pensive mood in this one. <The late ROBERT BAIRD, Esq. of Newbyth, was long well-known as an active East Lothian magistrate and county gentleman. He was member for the Haddington district of Burghs in 1801 and 1802. He kept a good stud of hunters, and was owner of several, famous race horses: one called "Cleveland" ran second for the St Leger at Doncaster in 1826; the "Pirate" was well-known at Musselburgh, Kelso, Perth. &c. The fine property of Seacliffe, including the farms of Auldhame and Scoughall, formerly belonged to the COLTS of Cartsherrie. They sold it to JOHN BRODIE, Esq., the tenant of Scoughall, burdened with the life-rent of Mrs COLT, who lived to a great age. The purchase turned out a bargain for Mr BRODIE. GEORGE SLIGO, Esq., Merchant in Leith, bought it from Mr BRODIE, his daughter Lady HARRIS sold it for a large sum to the late Mr LAIDLAY in whose family it remains. Seacliffe House and grounds have the command.of some of the finest sea views that are anywhere to be met with. The land is of the best quality, much of it stretches along the coast to Peffer side, and is light, sandy and benty. The names of a number of old farmers in Whitekirk parish will still be recollected by old residenters. Mr ALEXANDER DUDGEON, of Newmains and Lochhouses, was an excellent farmer. He was the first in the county to use bone dust for raising turnips. He was much ridiculed at first for his attempt. The country folk could not understand how "Dry Banes' could raise a crop of turnips. His success in doing so, and growing heavy crops, soon dissipated their fears. Mr DUDGEON left Lochhouses somewhere about 1824, having become tenant of the farms of Falkland Wood and Durno, on the Falkland estate in Fifeshire. He was succeeded by Mr WALTER HOOD, and after his death by his brother GEORGE, also now dead. The HOODS were old East Lothian folk, and were much esteemed; also Mr JOHN HOOD, tenant of Newmains, formerly farmer at Long Yester. Mr HUGH L. MITCHELL, the late tenant of Lochhouses, died in 1890, much regretted by a numerous circle of friends. The name of Mr ANDREW HOWDEN, senior, of Tyninghame, Lawhead, will not soon be forgotten in the county. He was a gentleman of superior mark, and one of the most distinguished agriculturists of his day. Conversant with all the details of farming, he was much sought after as a valuator of land and an arbiter in agricultural matters and disputes. He was several times examined as a witness before the House of Commons, along with other East Lothian farmers, in the long continued and vexed question of the Corn Laws. He was the author of several very accurate reports on agricultural subjects, and gained premiums for them, which were offered by the Highland Society. The last communication made (as stated in the Statistical Account of the Parish written by Dr WALLACE in 1841) by Mr HOWDEN, related to the growth and qualities of upwards of a hundred varieties of the potato. The report contains several interesting facts, amongst others, that it is safe and profitable to plant the tubers whole, rather than to cut them, as is commonly done. Mr HOWDEN was a contemporary of the late GEORGE RENNIE, Esq. Of Phantassie, Mr BROWN of Markle, Mr ROBERT HOPE of Fenton, Mr ADAM BOGUE of Linplum, and Mr JOHN BRODIE of Scoughall. He farmed very extensively, being tenant of Lawhead, Traprain and Kippielaw, and the hill farm of Johnscleuch. Mr WILLIAM HOWDEN, oldest son of Mr ANDREW HOWDEN, died at Traprain, 24th March 1876, aged 50, and was buried at Prestonkirk. True tributes to the memory of this estimable and deeply lamented gentleman appeared in the Haddingtonshire Courier of 31st March 1876. He spent the early part of his life in India, where he married, as an indigo planter. Coming home, he was tenant of Stonelaws for nineteen years. At the end of his lease, he was induced to visit the kingdom of Portugal. In a series of letters which were inserted in the Courier, he published his First Impressions of Portugal, which were graphically described, and were much thought of at the time. He afterwards became tenant of Traprain. The intelligence of Mr WILLIAM HOWDEN's death caused the deepest regret to his relatives and wide circle of friends, many of whom are still living, and can bear ample testimony to his sterling worth, kind heart, and loving spirit. Mrs HOWDEN still survives him. Recognise any rellies? Regards George Wallace