fact, wood was so scarce that materials for spear shafts, staves and bows, essential in the armor of the age, had to be imported from other countries.

Of course, not even the nobility were always prosperous and secure. For one thing, they were troubled by both beggars and kings. Beggars were numerous and sometimes traveled in tough gangs. They would descend upon a house or farm and compel the owner to give them food and a night’s lodging.

Even more burdensome was a visit from the king, who was usually short of funds and had the right to visit his barons for an indefinite stay. Bringing with him family, servants and retainers, he could virtually eat the baron out of "house and home." Thus a visit from his majesty was more of a calamity than an honor.

War was always a heavy burden. Someone remarked that "constant fighting made the Scots poor, though brave, hardy and stubborn."

Sir John Houstoun II died in 1542, about the time Mary, Queen of Scots, ascended the throne. He had ruled the Houstoun barony 14 years and must have been still young at the time of his death. lie was succeeded by his son, Sir Patrick III.