These Descriptions, brought together in 1831 for the Maitland Club, 'appear to be of considerable value from the many contemporary particulars they contain, as well relative to the property as to the genealogy of the proprietors in the important and populous districts to which they refer.' Also included are 'copious notatory additions and two separate Appendices, consisting of original papers and authentic documents.' William Hamilton of Wishaw, an 'Antiquary of no little fame' was a younger son of John Hamilton of Udston, an early branch of the Ducal house of Hamilton.