The papers contained in this volume have been chosen as illustrative of the social life of Scotland two hundred years ago. They consist of the Book of Record an autobiographical diary, written by Patrick, first Earl of Strathmore, between the years 1684 and 1689; a Contract betwixt the Earl of Strathmore and Jacob de Wet for the execution of decorative pictures used in the enrichment of Glamis Castle; the Account for this artistic work rendered by de Wet, with the deductions made thereon by Lord Strathmore; and an Estimate for the repairing of Lord Strathmores Organ at Glamis Castle. It was intended to include in this volume the Itinerary of Thomas Crorabie, the valet who accompanied Lord Strathmore's son to the Continent, but as it would have carried the subject-matter of the volume to a much later date than was contemplated, this document has been reserved. It was also intended to have published with the Book of Record the Household Account-Book of Lady Helen Middleton, wife of the first Earl of Strathmore, but the original manuscript has unfortunately been misplaced, and could not be obtained in time to be published in this volume. The Editor has to acknowledge the valuable assistance he has received in the transcribing and annotation of these papers from the Right Hon. the Earl of Strathmore, the Rev. S. G. Beal, M.A. Oxon., Rector of Romald-Eirk, who was for many years chaplain at Glamis Castle, and A. C. Lamb, Esq., F.S.A.Scot., Dundee. It is hoped that the comprehensive index appended to this volume will make it useful as a book of reference.
