Ayrshire > Volume 1

THE SOCIAL MARCH OF THE SHIRE 329
With the exception of one unfortunate woman who had
been banished, no person belonging to the parish had
been judicially impeached or convicted of any crime
within the memory of the oldest inhabitant. Wallace-
town suffered from an influx of disorderly people, driven
thither by the desire of the magistrates of Ayr and
Newton to maintain order, but, all things considered,
there was " as much peace and decency of behaviour "
among the inhabitants generally " as could well be
expected." The people were " a mixture of English,
Irish, and Highlanders."
Galston had retained one rather curious custom.
" It is usual," says the minister, " for even the women
to attend funerals in the village, dressed in black or red
cloaks. Another singular custom prevails here — When
a young man wishes to pay his addresses to his sweet-
heart, instead of going to her father's, and professing
his passion, he goes to a public house ; and having let
the landlady into the secret of his attachment, the
object of his wishes is immediately sent for, who almost
never refuses to come. She is entertained with ale, or
whisky, or brandy, and the marriage is concluded on.
The second day after the marriage a creeling, as it is
called, takes place. The young wedded pair, with their
friends, assemble in a convenient spot. A small creel
or basket is prepared for the occasion, into which they
put some stones. The young men carry it alternately
and allow themselves to be caught by the maidens, who
have a kiss when they succeed. After a great deal of
innocent mirth and pleasantry, the creel falls at length
to the young husband's share, who is obliged to carry it
generally for a long time, none of the young women
having compassion upon him. At last his fair mate
kindly relieves him from his burden, and her com-
plaisance in this particular is considered as a proof of
her satisfaction with the choice she has made. The
creel goes round again, more merriment succeeds, and
all the company dine together and talk over the feats of
the field." There still existed in Galston a religious