Prestonpans and Vicinity

opposite the village, about a mile out seaward, and terminate at Leith. At low tide, the sea-ware floating above these rocks can be followed for a considerable distance east to westward. Some affirm that the naked rocks were observable at extreme low tides long ago, and that there appeared to have been buildings upon them opposite the town.
Inquiring at a very old fisherman, I was told " that he had never actually seen the rocks from the shore, but that he had sailed over them hundreds of times when they almost touched the keel of the boat; and that there had been buildings on them at one time he had no doubt, because he and his companions often used to pay attention, when passing, to the large blocks of square hewn stones resting among them. " His idea is that there might have been a "lighthouse" there at one time, or perhaps a breakwater.
THE HUMLICKS.
Why these should take their names from such rank smelling poisonous herbs we fail to learn. Following these come the
SLIDEAWAY ROCKS.
These we understand carry a double meaning upon their shoulders; not only were the boys accustomed to slide down over them, but the rocks themselves were accustomed to slide away out into the waters, but not to return again.
THE QUEBEC ROCKS.
Some say these received their name from the fact of a ship from that quarter once being driven ashore near that particular spot. Others say the name was derived from the fact of a gentleman from that Canadian city taking up house directly opposite them. The next are
THE SHADOWY ROCKS.
It is curious to think that this was at one period a good high rock, and more curious still, to think that at one time a dwelling-house rested upon it. A family of the name of Baxter were the last to occupy the house on the rock. A very old man, at the beginning of the nineteenth century, named John Baxter, asserted that he was born in the house thereon, Some say it received its name from the exceedingly dark
shadow that always hung around it, alike in sun and moonlight. During the " Richard Weaver revival times, " its neighbourhood became a somewhat famous resort for young preachers. Night after night, without tuck of drum or tingle of bell, great congregations were wont to assemble there. As a rule an itinerant preacher would be in attendance. If not, local talent would step in. One evening Jock Brown took the initiative. Jock was about to give out a hymn to be sung, the first line of which went as follows: —
" Under the shadow of the Rock. "
Jock, looking up, apparently called to mind that he was in the neighbourhood of the " Shadowy Rock, " and evidently forgetful of his chief mission that evening, he pointed towards the rock lying there, and blurted out—

Under the shadow of that rock,
Under the shadow of that rock.

Yea, I repeat—

Under the shadow-