"Branks" (Vol. ix., p. 336.).—The word branks does occur in Burns, and signifies "wooden curb," but it is not in that sense it is used by Wodrow. The branks of the Covenanters was an iron collar and chain firmly fixed to a tree, or post, or pillar, about three feet from the ground. This was locked round the neck of the luckless offender, who was thus obliged to remain in a most inconvenient and painful crouching posture, being neither able to stand nor lie. Many of these are still to be seen in the neighbourhood of the residences of old Highland families who, ere Lord Hardwicke's Jurisdiction Act, exercised the powers of pit and gallows. There is one at the entrance to Culloden House, near Inverness.
Kennedy M‘Nab.
Miscellaneous.
BOOKS AND ODD VOLUMES
WANTED TO PURCHASE.
Particulars of Price, &c. of the following Books to be sent direct to the gentlemen by whom they are required, and whose names and addresses are given for that purpose:
The Trials of Robert Powell, Edward Burch, and Matthew Martin, for Forgery, at the Old Bailey. London. 8vo. 1771.
Wanted by J. N. Chadwick, Esq., King's Lynn.