SELKIRK, the capital of the county of the same name, is a small town pleasantly situated on a rising ground, and enjoys an extensive prospect in all directions, especially in the course of the river Ettrick. It is remarkable for those plaintive airs produced in its neighbourhood, the natural simplicity of which are the pride of Scotland and the admiration of strangers.
The citizens of this burgh, like the other inhabitants of the sheriffdom of Ettrick forest, rendered themselves famous by adhering to the fortune of their sovereign James IV. Of 100 citizens who followed that monarch to the plains of Flodden, a few returned loaded with spoils taken from the English. Of the trophies of that day, there yet remains in the possession of the corporation of weavers, a standard taken by a member of that body. It may also be mentioned, that the sword of William Brydone, the town-clerk, who led the citizens to the battle, and was knighted for his valour, still remains, it is said, in the possession of a citizen of Selkirk, his li-
neal descendant. The desperate valour of the citizens, however, so exasperated the English, that they reduced their defenceless town to ashes; but their grateful sovereign, James V. shewed his sense of their services by a grant of an extensive tract of Ettrick forest, the trees for building their houses, and the property as a reward for their heroism. Selkirk is a royal burgh, uniting with Lanark, Linlithgow, and Peebles, in sending a member to parliament. W. Long. 2. 46. N. Lat. 55. 26.