The question, however, was pushed further; and when he was urged to say if this state of being "the better for drink" ever extended to a condition of absolute helpless intoxication, the reply was: "Indeed, afore that cam', I was blind fou mysel', and I could see nae thing." A legal friend has told me of a celebrated circuit where Lord Hermand was judge, and Clephane depute-advocate.

The party got drunk at Ayr, and so continued (although quite able for their work) till the business was concluded at Jedburgh.

Some years after, my informant heard that this circuit had, at Jedburgh, acquired the permanent name of the "_daft_ circuit." Lord Cockburn was fond of describing a circuit scene at Stirling, in his early days at the bar, under the presidency of his friend and connection Lord Hermand.

After the circuit dinner, and when drinking had gone on for some time, young Cockburn observed places becoming vacant in the social circle, but no one going out at the door.

He found that the individuals had dropped down under the table.