In Aberdeen in 1595 more organised relief was attempted. The whole town on Jan. 23rd, 1595 met together and the poor were divided into four classes, (1) "babis," (2) "decayit persones hous halderis," (3) "leamit and impotent persones, (4) "sic as war decrepit and auld" if bred and born in the town or resident there for seven years. The inhabitants then agreed some to receive "ane baib" and others to contribute money. They asked however that the magistrate should take "substantious ordour anent the expelling of extranear beggaris" and that their own poor should remain at home and be content with the aid allowed them, "and according to the said voting ilk man speking be himself as said is, the roll was instantlie sett down, and sic as everie man grantit be his awin mouth wreittin, and the babis delyuerit to sic as war content to receawe them." Extracts from the Council Registers of Aberdeen, II., p. 124. The authorities of both Glasgow and Aberdeen we shall see made other attempts to relieve their poor, but like the efforts of the English towns these attempts were seldom long successful.

[678] James V., cap. 272. Nicholl's History of the Scotch Poor Law, pp. 31, 32.

[679] In 1600 the kirk Session was to be assisted when necessary by one or two presbyters in the execution of the acts for the relief of the poor and punishment of vagabonds, and all presbyters were to "take diligent tryal of the obedience of the said sessions hereanent." Ib., p. 34.

1617. Justices are appointed and are to execute laws against vagrants. Ib., p. 37.

In 1661 justices of the peace were to administer the laws for the relief of the poor. Ib., p. 58.

1672. Correction Houses to be established in thirty burghs. Ib., p. 67.

Proclamation of 1692. The heritors, ministers and elders were to make the lists of the poor, and the charge for the maintenance was to be borne half by the heritors and half by the householders of the parish. } This regulation was confirmed by the Act of 1698. Ib., p. 79 and 84.

[680] Ib., p. 61.

[681] Register of the Scottish Privy Council, Vol. XIII., p. XXIX.

[682] Register of the Scottish Privy Council, p. 836.