The inhabitants of Bothkennar are distinguished for their sober and industrious habits, and live in the most friendly terms with each other. They are most attentive to the public ordinances of the Gospel; and their moral conduct has been such, that there is not an instance upon record of any individual having been arraigned or punished for any offence against the laws of his country. Since the opening of the colliery in this district, a large proportion of the parish, as already stated, are employed in that establishment, whose habits and manners, it is much to be regretted, are not such as become the Gospel. Their wages are high, and the greater part is spent on the Saturday and Sabbath in public-houses, which contributes exceedingly to make them inattentive to the ordinances of religion. Very few of them at any time enter the house of God.

April 1841.