Biggar and the House of Fleming

346 BIGGAR AND THE HOUSE OF FLEMING.
The town, under the care of the Commissioners, is now well
lighted and cleaned. Drains, in several quarters, have been
constructed, and the unseemly obstructions, which have long
encumbered the streets, are in the course of removal. The
strenuous opposition at first manifested against the adoption
of the Act has been gradually disappearing, and all parties now
demand that its requirements be thoroughly carried into effect.
The rate of assessment for all purposes has not exceeded 9d
per pound.
Biggar is unfavourably situated with regard to water. It has
no doubt several wells, and the burn for washing and bleaching,
but as these are distant from most of the houses, the inhabitants
are subjected to much labour and loss of time in carrying the
water which they require for domestic purposes. It would be
a great boon could a copious supply be introduced into the
houses. Entire cleanliness and salubrity cannot be easily
maintained without a ready command of this most necessary
element. Efforts should be made to ascertain if a proper supply
could be got from the high grounds in the neighbourhood, and
if so to form a company to bring it to the town. Another want
much felt is Hotel accommodation commensurate with the
increased requirements of the times. The deficiency in this
respect excited attention nearly half a century ago, and arrange-
ments were partly entered into to supply it, but unhappily some
obstacle arose to prevent them from being carried into effect.
The numerous gentlemen, who are now resident in the neigh-
bourhood, and who pay frequent visits to the town, may be
expected ere long to urge on a movement to put Biggar on an
equal footing in respect of Hotel accommodation with other
parts of the country.