The accompanying text in the volume begins as follows: "The personal history of these men is almost entirely unknown; and probably few incidents in their humble progress through life would be found worthy of recording. The elder of the two, DAVID GILCHRIST, was a worthy enough person in his way; and he is still remembered by some of the sable fraternity of Edinburgh. He lived in the College Wynd, off the Cowgate. At a remote period, there was only one individual of the name of Hamilton - resident in the West Port - who devoted his attention solely to the sweeping of chimneys. He kept a number of men and boys in his employment; but the city, notwithstanding, was very indifferently supplied. In order to remedy this state of things - as well as to avoid the barbarous system of 'climbing boys' twelve men, previously porters, were appointed chimney-sweepers for the city, with an annual allowance of one guinea, and certain other perquisites. They were called 'Tron-men', from the circumstance of their being stationed at the Trone, or public beam for weighing, which formerly stood in front of the Tron Church."
The image library for the collections of Edinburgh Libraries and Museums and Galleries The image library for the collections of Edinburgh Libraries and Museums and Galleries