Holy-Leaves), seem to have a similar import, especially when added to the new Crest, viz. "A Man issuing out of the Wreath in a Priest's habit, and praying posture," with this Motto, "Hæc prestat Militia *.” This change might possibly take place about the enthusiastic time of the Union of the two Kingdoms, when religious party spirit ran high in Scotland †.

Ross, Lord Ross, has the same Motto as Dalziel Earl of Carnwath; but on what pretensions does not appear.

I shall now proceed to another conjectural interpretation, as to the Motto of Lord NAPIER; which is, Ready, aye Ready." Sir Alexander Napier was killed at the Battle of Flodden Field (1513), leaving Issue Alexander, who married Margaret, the Daughter of Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy, ancestor of the Earls of Breadalbine. The Motto, or rather, perhaps, Slug-Horn, of the

* Nisbet's Heraldry, p. 414, 415.
+ See Memoirs of Ker of Kersland.

"Follow me."

Laird of Glenorchy, was, On this marriage, therefore, I am led to believe that Alexander Napier might take the responsive Slug - Horn of " Ready, aye Ready," as if he had said, "always ready to follow you." This may, perhaps, prima facie, appear too hypothetical; but it is grounded upon the authority of a Friend, a Native of Scotland, who once told me that the Mottoes of the Lairds often had a reference to that of their Chief.

Something like this appears in the Motto of FRASER, late Lord Lovat, which is, "I am Ready." That Family is descended from a younger Branch, the elder having ended in Daughters. They had for their Ancestor, in the Female line, the Sister of King Robert I. ; and the Motto seems, if not responsive, at least expressive of Loyalty.

This sort of Motto seems to prevail in the Family of DOUGLAS. That of the elder Branches is, "Forward;" to which the younger Branches reply, "Jamais Arrière,” which may, perhaps, be best translated by the vulgar Scottish expression, "Hard at your Back."

The Motto of HAY, Earl of ERROL, which is," Serva Jugum," deserves our particular attention; and is founded on a wellattested historical fact, related to this effect; by Mr. Crawfurd. In the Reign of Kenneth III. (anno 980), when the Danes invaded this Island, and gave Battle to the Scots, whom they had routed at the Village of Loncarty, near Perth, a certain Husbandman of the name of Hay, who was tilling his Land, perceived his Countrymen flying, before the Enemy; when he and his two Sons, arming themselves with their Ploughgear, the old Man having the Yoke of the Oxen for his own Weapon, upbraided the Scots for their Cowardice, and, after much difficulty, persuaded them to rally. They accordingly, under the Command of this unexpected Leader and his Sons, armed with Yokes and Plough-shares, renewed the Engagement; when the Danes, supposing' their Enemy had received a reinforcement, fled in their turn. The King, in reward for this uncommon Service, advanced Hay to the Rank of Noblesse, and gave him as much

Land as a Falcon, let loose from the Fists, should compass at one flight. The lucky Bird, says Dr. Abercrombie, seemed sensible: of the merits of those that were to enjoy it for she made a circuit of seven or eight miles long, and four or five broad; the limits of which are still extant. This Tract of Ground, continues my Author, being called Errol, the Family took from thence its designation, or title.

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To these circumstances the Armorial Bearings of the Family have very strong allusions; for the Supporters are Two Labourers with each a Yoke on his Shoulder; the Crest is a Falcon; and the Motto "Serva Jugum.' The Coat Armour likewise is, Argent, Three Escocheons Gules; or, to speak in the language of noble Blazonry, Pearl, Three Escutcheons Ruby; to intimate that the Father and his Two Sons had been the three fortu-' nate Shields by which Scotland had been defended and saved.

Another Branch of the Family (Hay, Earl of KINNOUL,) gives the same Coat, with a Bordure for difference; the Sup

porters are likewise Two Husbandmen, the one having a Plough-share, and the other a Pick, or Spade, upon his Shoulder. The Yoke is preserved in the Crest, upon the Shoulder of a Demi-Man, from the waist upwards; and the Motto seems to refer to the rallying of the Scottish Army in these words, "Renovate Animos."

Buchanan further tells us, with regard to the modesty of these unexpected Conquerors, that, when they were brought to the King, rich and splendid Garments were offered to them, that they might be distinguished in a Triumphal Entry which was to be made into the Town of Perth; but the old Man rejected them with a decent contempt; and, wiping the dust from his ordinary Clothes, joined the Procession, with no other distinction than the Yoke upon his shoulder, preceded and followed by the King's Train. More minute circumstances of this extraordinary Victory, obtained, after a palpable Defeat, at the instigation of one obscure Man, are related by Buchanan, to whom I refer your Lordship; and you will find it equal to any instance we