Issuu

ABERDEEN

✓AS

G.B/SSET.

•

Educational Books. vibe

JAMES G. BISSET

ONTINUES to supply all the Class Books (New or Second-hand) suited for the Requirements of the Higher Educational Institutions in the City, at the Lowest Prices.

N.B.-BEST VALUE IN STUDENTS' NOTE BOORS.

JAMES G. BISSET, Classtcal, tOc0ical, anb Et cationat Voohseller,

85 BROAD STREET (Opposite Marischal College).

The Sportsman's Depot and Athletic Stores.

GEO. M. MACKAY (Fellow of Educational Institute of Scotland), Angling Correspondent for the " Field," " Fishing Gazette," &c. 50

BRIDGE

STREET,

- -

7CBEFtLEEN.

Telegraphle Address—" MACKAY. Bridge Street. N.B.- Close to Railway Station. High-Class Tackle of every description, for River, Lake, or Sea Angling. Flies dressed to any pattern. Greenheart and Cane Rods, Reels, Lines, &c. Angling Bureau and Fishing Agency. All information as to waters in the North of Scotland. Advice given. Fishings and Shootings arranged. Guns and Shot of the best and latest description. Air and Spring Guns a speciality. Golf.—Clubs, Golf Bags, Golf Balls, &c. Simpson's, Weir's, and other makers. Cricket —Lockwood, Ayres, Lillywhite, &c. Tennis, Croquet, Bowls, &a. Football.—The latest and best in the Market. Repairs.—Rods, Reels, Guns, Clubs, Rackets, Cycles, &c., repaired at shortest notice. Golfing, Cycling, and Angling Gloves. Physical Culture and Gymnastic Apparatus.—hoxing Gloves ; Flasks, Knives, &c. Mackay's Anti-Midge, for Gnat and Mosquito Bites, ls. Bottles. Post, Is. 2(1. Larger Bottles, 2s. 6d. Post, 2s. 9d. In-door and Out-door Games of every description. Catalogue and Anglers' Guide now ready. Free on application.

CONTENTS. 1ST XI.

SCHOOL

Frontispiece. NOTES

THE LIBRARY (LENDING)

NOTES ABOUT OLD BOYS

IN MEMORIAM

RANDOM NOTES

RAMBLING IMPRESSIONS OF GERMAN UNIVERSITY LIFE

THE LIBRARY (REFERENCE)

LEAVING CERTIFICATES EXAMINATIONS, 1904 FOOTBALL CLUB ANNUAL CONCERT

THE ATHLETIC SPORTS

CRICKET NOTES

18 19

22 24

THE SWIMMING CLUB

" HOW OLD DO YOU THINK I AM ?"

FOOTBALL NOTES DEBATER NOTES

OUR CONTEMPORARIES SCHOOL OFFICIALS -

33 -

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%bortbanb, . .

C. M. LAWRENCE,

Cypewriting, .

19 CROWN ST. 405V3

Voohr---keeping.

TELEPHONE 875.

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TEXT BOOKS Of all ItinD5 (NEW AND SECOND-HAND), AT

ig 247 UNION STREET, D. WYLLIE & SO"9 ABERDEEN.

JOHN C. M`LEOD, - - HATTER, - -

UNION STREET,

'MOULD respectfully intimate to pupils of Grammar School a Large Stock of Cap and Olenciarrp Vabges, as authorised; also, football 3-ersevs, IBMs, Xatbing

pants, Costumes, and ties.

Great variety of Football, Cricket, Tennis, and Boating yerseys, Sweaters, Knickers, Trousers, Shirts, yackets, Belts, Cowls, Caps, and Hats. TROPHY AND CLUB CAPS MADE TO ORDER.

FOR SUMMER—Straw Hats, with Club and other Fancy Bands, Guards, Puggarees, &c. NEW STYLES FELT HATS, TWEED

CAPS, &c.

TIES, SCARFS, COLLARS, BRACES, and UMBRELLAS.

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A. (i. S. -- ist XI.

T. Stewart. R. W. Eddie.

1904.

A. Reid. J. Davidson, Esq. F. Wisnart. G. E. Scroggie. J. Bannochie. (lion. Sec. Games Committee.) H. G. M. Wilson (Sec.). .T. A. Campbell (Capt.). F. M. Rae. J. Giles.

THE

Grammar Sci?oot Maga3inc. Vol. VIII.

DECEMBER, 1904.

No. 1.

" How shall we begin ? " That is the question which rises before us as we take up, for the first time, the editorial pen. To write school notes may seem, to one who has never tried it, a very easy thing, but to us at the present moment it appears to be the most difficult thing in the world. If only the beginning were past, the pen might glide on more easily. With this number the Magazine enters upon its twenty-first year of existence, and with the last number of this volume it will come of age. All those who carried on the Magazine last year have left us, and it has passed into entirely new hands. Before going further, the Editor begs to thank the members of his Staff for the zeal which they have shown in assisting him to produce this number. We reproduce with this issue a photo. of the School Cricket Team, which, we are sure, will be heartily welcomed by all. The season was, perhaps, a little more successful than last, as the team won more matches than last year's team did. We must remember, however, that some of the fixtures were not quite so ambitious. This photo. has already been posted up in the corridor, beside those of the teams of former years.

The Grammar School Magazine.

The appearance of the School in the Leaving Certificate Examinations was quite as good as it had been in preceding years. The number of honours gained, however, was not so great, having come down from eight to five. We must congratulate Robert Y. Hunter, our late Dux, on gaining three Honours—Latin, Greek, and English, the highest number of Honours Certificates which may be gained by one candidate. Our congratulations are also due to Wm. Arthur Lothian and Robert M. Easton, who gained Honours in Mathematics and Englisb respectively. We heartily congratulate those masters whose pupils were successful in gaining Certificates. Our Annual Athletic Sports took place, as usual, not long after the School had reopened after the holidays. Although the weather on the Friday was somewhat damp, it did not prevent the programme from being carried out as had been intended. On the Saturday we were favoured with one of the finest days which we had had for a long time, and we were extremely pleased to see that so many of the gentler sex were interested in our Sports. The most successful competitors in the Open Events were D. N. Lowe and G. E. Scroggie, whom we beg to congratulate. We would also extend our congratulations to R. W. Eddie, who won the mile. Lowe established a record for the School in putting the weight. We must not forget to congratulate D. J. T. Jamieson and J. H. Millar on winning the Former Pupils' hundred yards and mile respectively. The Debating Society's season has again begun. As usual, the meeting for the election of officials was held in Room I.—Mr. Murison, the Honorary President, in the chair. The President this year is W. L. Oxford, and we The are sure that he will make a very good one. syllabus is long and interesting, and includes lectures by Dr. M`Leod, Mr. Middleton, Mr. A. Mackie, and the Rev. E. E. Marshall. We hope that all will join us in wishing the " Debater " a successful season. We understand that the Society's Dramatic Performance is to take place in January, instead of, as is usual, in March. This is a much better arrangement, for it is very distracting for a fellow to be learning and practising

School Notes.

his part in the play when the Bursary Competition and Prelims. are looming large before him. The piece to be represented is "Vice Versa," which is founded on the well-known story by F. Anstey. This play was acted by the Debating Society in 1896, and was considered a great success. The chief parts will be taken by W. L. Oxford, G. A. Ledingham, L. F. Merrylees, and F. Robson. t

Our Cricket Captain, A. Campbell, has left us, and so has our Secretary; H. G. M. Wilson. Their loss is felt in the Football XV. and in the Magazine Staff, as well as in the Cricket XI. Campbell tops the batting average this season, being much the best batsman in the School. R. W. Eddie has also left us; he was a prominent member of both the Cricket and Football Teams, and, indeed, would have been Captain of the Football XV. if he had stayed on. A few days before it was known that he was leaving, he was also appointed Captain of the Swimming Club, of which he was Vice-Captain last session. By the way, while we are still on the subject of the Swimming Club, we should like to remind all Grammarians that the tickets for this session are already out, and that they can be had from any of the officials on payment of One Shilling. In return for this nominal subscription, members are permitted to enter the Corporation Baths at a reduced rate of charge, and are also allowed to compete in the Annual Aquatic Sports, held in the Baths in June.

•

It has come to our ears that a petition has been sent up to the School Board, asking for a Swimming Instructor for the School. If this request is granted, we hope that the School will show its gratitude and appreciation by an increase of the membership of the Swimming Club. The Football Season has come round again, and already several matches have been played. The Captain this year is G. E. Scroggie, who, in his place at wing three-quarter, played so well for us last year. J. Kelman is Secretary. There are not many of last year's First remaining, but, since there are a good many of the Second, we hope to have a fairly successful season. We were delighted to see that the old School beat

The Grammar School Magazine.

Gordon's College a few Saturdays ago. This is something like what it used to be. There was a time when the Grammar beat Gordon's by fifty-one points to nil, but we are afraid that, unless our fellows make marvellous progress, they will not, in a hurry, give Gordon's such a big beating as all that. However, there is no saying what practice will do.: We are sorry to see that so few of our school-fellows patronise the Library. We believe that the membership this year is only somewhere between twenty and thirty. Time was when there were fifty or sixty members, and we should like to see something like that now. Our field has returned once more to its natural appearance. During the summer a large part in the centre was under repair, and was enclosed with a fence of wirenetting. But when we came back after the holidays, we found, to our joy, that this fence had disappeared, and that the new turf, although still rather soft, had been cut and rolled, and was fit for games. One cricket match and about a dozen games of football have been played on it, and it seems to be standing the wear and tear pretty well ; we sincerely hope that this will continue. The prizes for our Athletic Sports were distributed on The Friday, 4th November, by the Rev. J. Smith. School turned up in very nearly its full numbers, but there were very few visitors present. During the course of his remarks, Mr. Smith said that, although he had not the honour of being a F.P. himself, yet many of his relatives had been educated at this School. He then presented the prizes, which were many and beautiful, and which, we hope, will encourage more fellows to enter for the Sports. We have been fortunate in securing for this number an article from the Rev. Charles Dunn, of Arbuthnott. contribution from his pen has ever before appeared in these pages, but we are sure that his article on student life in Germany will be eagerly read and greatly appreciated by all. Mr. Dunn is an F.P. of this School, having received part of his education here from 1888 to 1891. After leaving School he studied at Aberdeen University, He was for some time and afterwards in Germany.

School Notes.

•

assistant minister in Dundee, and in the West Parish Church, Aberdeen, and was, in 1903, elected to the Parish of Arbuthnott. During his course Mr. Dunn took several prizes and scholarships, and was altogether a very distinguished student. We hope that this will not be the last time that we shall receive a contribution from him. An interesting item of news regarding our Magazine reaches us from far Pekin, where we have our only subscriber in China, Mr. R. Hynd, of the Hong-Kong and Shanghai Bank. One day Mr. Hynd left his Magazine on the counter of the bank. A stranger entered, and, on spying the cover, exclaimed, " Hullo ! the Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine in Pekin! Who is the subscriber?" Mr. Hynd said that he was, and asked the name of his unknown school-fellow. It turned out to be General Macdonald, of Tibet fame, who was interested in reading a little paragraph relating to himself.

THE LIBRARY (LENDING).

•

WE cannot find any other opening to this our paragraph on the Library than the old grumble that there are not enough members. Those who have joined seem to belong mostly to the Middle School and to the lower classes of the Upper School. Why do not more of the older fellows join? We are afraid that they can never have read or heard of St. Paul's excellent advice to Timothy, " Give attendance to reading." Several new books have lately been purchased, including Sir A. Conan Doyle's " Hound of the Baskervilles." The Rector has also kindly presented us with a number of Clark Russell's sea stories, as well as several other novels, which we now gratefully acknowledge. We also beg to acknowledge with thanks the presentation by J. A. Wattie of "Felix" and the " Odd Job Man." We hope that our appeal with regard to the membership will have some effect. P.

• THE Moderator-elect of the Church of Scotland is the Rev. Andrew J. Milne, LL.D., of Fyvie. Dr. Milne was a pupil for a short time under Dr. Melvin.

The Senior Chief Inspector of Schools for Scotland, Thomas A. Stewart, LL.D., died on 26th September. At the University, Dr. Stewart gained the Town Council Gold Medal, the Simpson Greek Prize, graduating with First Class Honours in Classics. He also carried oft the Ferguson Classical Scholarship and the Fullerton in Classics and Mental Philosophy. He was interim Rector cf the School in 1868-9. Sir Patrick Manson, K.C.M.G., LL.D., F.R.S., has received the degree of Doctor of Science from the University of Oxford. Dr. Cornelius A. Suvoong, of Shanghai, has received the Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene from the University of Cambridge. Christian H. M. Milne, M.A., Rector of the Arbroath High School, has been appointed Rector of Kilmarnock Academy.

John A. Stewart has passed the Examination for the Indian Civil Service, and is at present in residence at Christchurch, Oxford. His destination is Burmah.

•

Henry J. Watt, Ph.D., has received a Carnegie Fellowship ; and John Stuart Rose, M.B., R. D. Keith, M.B. and R. L. G. Ritchie, M.A., have been awarded Carnegie Scholarships.

Notes about Old Boys.

John F. White, LL.D., a former Dux of the School, died lately. Dr. White was well known as an art critic, and an ardent supporter of the Classics. The Rev. Professor Pirie, LL.D., of the Chair of Mathematics in the University of Aberdeen, also died very suddenly at Braemar. The Professor lectured at least on one occasion to our F.P. Club, in which he took a great interest. The Rev. Canon W. L. Low, of St. Columba's, Largs, has just published "Vignettes from a Parson's Album," a volume which we hope to see on the shelves of our Library soon. His Excellency Sir James Thomson, K.C.S.I., is at present Lieutenant-Governor of Madras, while Lord Ampthill takes the place of the Viceroy, who is home on furlough. Another Excellency of ours, Sir William MacGregor, is now Governor of Newfoundland, and we give, with pleasure, the following anecdote of him as told in the Daily Chronicle :—" Most people, hearing the name of Sir William MacGregor, connect him with the Alake and there is an end of it; but Dr. MacGregor—as he was then played a great part in the rescue of a shipful of Indian coolies in the " Syria," which struck on a rock about twelve hours' steaming from Suva, the capital of Fiji. Dr. MacGregor, then Acting Colonial Secretary, organised the relief expedition, clambered over a broken mast that was the only path to the emigrants, who had been more than two days on the split steamer, and again and again returned with a man or a woman on 117s back, and sometimes a child, held by its clothes between his teeth. A man of vast physical strength, MacGregor wanted it all for his final feat. Down below on the reef was a woman who had fallen overboard, had got at the spirits, and was mad with drink. The captain of the ship and a police officer who had gone after her were being swept out to sea. MacGregor slid down a rope, caught the knot of the woman's hair in his teeth, and with his hands seized the two men and dragged them both into safety. He went back to Suva in a borrowed suit of pyjamas, having left all his clothes and a good deal of his skin on the coral reef."

The. Gramnuu• School Magazine.

The Rev. John Thomson, M.A., with First ('lass Honours in Philosophy, has been elected minister of the Carmylie C.F. Church. has been appointed Mathe.Tames A. Copland, matical and Science Master at Franklin College, Dresden ; and •Tames Shirran, M.A., a. former Dux, is now in a similar position at Keswick. The death is announced of •John A. Anderson, Barristerat-Law, and Judge of the Punjaub Chief Court, Lahore.

William Clark Souter, M.B., has just returned from the South Polar Regions, where he spent a whole year on His Majesty's Antarctic Relief Ship, " Terra Nova," the ship sent to the relief of the " Discovery," along with the steam yacht " Morning." Dr. Souter is full of interesting stories of his adventures in the Far South, and has promised to write a descriptive article for the next issue of the Magazine. John Hector has, in open competition, secured a prize of £50 for a Treatise on Architecture. We have a few interesting notes about the Johnstones, of whom we have had many as pupils. E. N. M. Johnstone is in the Electrical Department of the ('.P.R., Winnipeg; Stanley is a partner of Jones & Johnstone, contractors, Winnipeg; Percy is learning farming about 150 miles from Winnipeg. They all like the country and their work very well, and look forward to the future with great confidence. They think that Winnipeg will by-andbye be the largest town in the Dominion, and the rival of Chicago. Vincent is at the Technical College, Glasgow, and is to start as a mining engineer; while Harry is studying agriculture in Aberdeenshire, and intends to go to Canada or the Argentine. Henry M. Burnett (1893-8) went out about six months ago to a bank in Para, at the mouth of the Amazon. His brother, Gilbert, who had the distinction in his last year at School of being the sole member of Modern VI., is going out to India as a tea-planter. He has received a good appointment at Darjeeling, and sails about the middle of this month (November).

Notes about Old Boys.

Thomas M. Watt, B.A. (Oxon), has been appointed Assistant Lecturer in Theology at Mansfield College. - -David M. Murray has died from the effects of poison, contracted from eating fish, in the South Sea. Islands. David S. Cramond has been successful in the Customs Examination, taking the 25th place. Captain A. Skeen has been appointed Major for distinguished service in Somaliland. Alexander Macdonald has been appointed Master in the School at Kirkcaldy where Thomas Carlyle taught. We regret to announce the death of Rev. 1)r. Geo. Philip, Edinburgh. Frank Anderson has been appointed Town Clerk of Fraserburgh. The Rev. Mr. Anderson, late Vicar of Foulshain, Norfolk, and now Vicar of Tooting, London, has just been elected Mayor of Wandsworth. Principal James Donaldson, of St: Andrews, has received the degree of LL.D. from Glasgow University. William Fraser, M.A., has been appointed an Inspector of Schools in the Orange River Colony. We need not, perhaps, remind our readers that Mr. Gunn, the Director of Education in that Colony, is a former Dux. Mr. Fraser inspects 15,000 square miles of territory. Our best wishes go with him. We have to announce the death of a pre-Disruption minister, the Rev. Dr. Murray Mitchell. Dr. Mitchell was a pupil and, for a short time, a master at the School under Melvin. During his mastership he boasted that never once did he administer corporal punishment. His fame as a master of Oriental Languages, especially those of India, was European.

The Grammar Sieh,ool Magazine.

3n Memoriam. DAVID LITTLEJOHN CONNER. IT was with deep sorrow that the School, on reassembling on the Tuesday after the Autumn Holiday, learned that one of their number had met his death by drowning. It seems that David Conner, with some other boys, had gone to the woods on Tullos Hill to spend the day, and, while there, they began to sail paper boats on one of the disused quarry holes. While so doing, Conner, in some unexplained way, slipped into the water, and, although frantic efforts to rescue him were made by his companions, disappeared. The boys, almost beside themselves, rushed for help, but when help arrived it was, alas! too late. Nothing was known of the sad news in School till we assembled in the morning for prayers, and then the word flew from one to the other that some one was drowned, but who it was was not quite clear. The Rector made a solemn and fitting reference to the sad event, which cast a gloom, not only over Classical V., but over the whole School. Evidences of sympathy, quick and sincere, were sent to the bereaved parents from the masters and boys who knew Conner. And to know him was to love him. He was essentially a good boy, a boy who, by his gentle and unassuming nature, as well as by his upright character and conscientious work, impressed both his school-fellows and his masters with a sense of his worth. He was one whom the School could ill afford to lose. It was a pathetic little group of his classfellows and masters that waited at the gate of Allenvale on the following Thursday to pay their last tokens of respect to one who, though gone, is not forgotten.

RANDOM

NOTES.

THESE columns are meant to contain accounts of anything

Now, several remarkable that has occurred recently. remarkable things have happened: some of these, however, are too personal to write about. We shall therefore commence by offering congratulations.

Random Notes.

In the first place, we must congratulate the members of -VII. on the splendid way in which they are following the example of former classes in maintaining their - fullflown dignity." A splendid example of this was to be seen between the hours of eleven and twelve on Wednesday, the 19th October. During that hour VII. was engaged in that juvenile game locally known as " Backie." This form of sport is not exactly conducive to the .preservation of dignity, but it was not adopted, you may be sure, until after a long and serious consultation had been held. The object of this " concilium " was to find if there was any other game which would,, to a greater degree, benefit the literary and intellectual minds of the Class. And, indeed, the way in which this game was indulged in involved no loss of dignity, for the " gravitas et dignitas " of all would have deeply impressed any " outsider " present.

Again, on Monday, the 24th October, there was, in the field, an exciting game of " Barley Across "--at least, so it used to be called in our own youthful days. But this proved too undignified, and was soon given up. Afterwards, a lengthy and heated discussion took place upon the Churches case, and, at the end of a most entertaining hour, VII. marched off the field to the tune of "The Barren Rucks of Aden," whistled by the Class Piper-inChief, who, unfortunately, had left his pipes at home. We must also congratulate the Debating Society on the auspicious start it has made with its new session. The opening meeting was a great success. There was absolutely no rowdyism, and the behaviour was extraordinarily good. It is a surprising fact, and one which, we fear, will hardly be believed, that only two. inkpots are missing, and that no desks were broken. The President's paper was listened to with great attention, and was apparently highly enjoyed, to judge from the applause which greeted its close. The Committee of the Society desires us to thank all those members who, in any way, "contributed to the evening's enjoyment," especially the gentleman who, rightly disapproving of the close atmosphere of the room, was kind enough to employ some exquisite perfume to purify the air.

The Grammar School Magazine.

Thanks must also be given to those outside, who, though not hearing the eloquent address of the President, showed their appreciation by throwing sand, etc., into the room. We are also requested to state that the President, though he has had no opportunity of publicly thanking the Society, feels deeply grateful for the encouraging reception by which he was greeted. The Society, we are sure, if one may form any opinion from the opening meeting, will have a most successful session. " It is easier to conceive than to describe " the great joy of the Librarians at the increasing interest the School is taking in reading. On the • opening day, the Library was besieged by an eager crowd (of two boys), all anxious to buy a ticket (and a catalogue). We have good authority for stating that there are, at least, twenty-five members. Such a membership has never yet been recorded in the annals of the Library. The Librarians, no doubt, when they have reached the time when they can say, " I'm an F.P. now, don't you know, old chap? " will be proud to think that it was during their year of office that the membership reached such an amazing height. We are glad to see that the pupils of the School are taking such pains to improve their grammar. This is as it ought to be, and they deserve all praise for their efforts in this direction. For example, a certain individual, whose correctness in writing Latin prose is famed far and near, declared, with no small pride, that there was no " howlers " in his version. If only the excellence of his Latin equalled the excellence of his English grammar! Another, who is noted for his powers of construing. translated a well-known sentence from a Greek author much beloved by VI. and VII. thus :—" He said it was not he but him that was general." This lucid and intelligent rendering of the passage was highly appreciated by the Class. We look forward to seeing some (1;:y a treatise by this gentleman on the subject of ambiguous pronouns. It is to be feared that the vocal efforts of the Juniors are not sufficiently appreciated. Instead of feeling grateful, those Classes which continue after three o'clock

Random Notes.

grumble, and seem to be annoyed at the part songs and other music practised by the Middle School in the playground. We have had several opportunities of hearing these performances; the voices blend in most melodious harmony, and the effect is striking in the extreme. Occasionally a few strains are wafted into the rooms to the west of the School. Thus heard, they are most soothing, and the fortunate individuals inside these rooms ought to go on with their work with renewed vigour. Instead of that, however, they compare the singers to "bubones," and grumble, and feel annoyed. For them, apparently, music has no charms.

RAMBLING IMPRESSIONS OF GERMAN UNIVERSITY LIFE.

/ 4

ON the 10th of April, 1898, a kindly fate decreed that I should continue the development of what intellectual talents I had, at some German University. I say it was a kindly fate, for never from that day to this have I had any cause for regret, except once. And that was when crossing from Leith to Hamburg. Not having been rocked in a cradle for some considerable time, I did not find a repetition of the experience of my childhood conducive either to happiness or to courage. And both of these, let me affirm, are most necessary when you first land in a country where the people are so uncivilised as not to understand English, even though spoken with a good Aberdeen accent. However, this regret was only of a momentary nature. As soon as my foot got on to its customary threshold, my happiness and courage were restored. And, when I tell you what I carried in my pocket, you would be surprised if it had been otherwise. Before leaving Scotland I had taken the reasonable advice of a bookseller, and provided myself with what he regarded as an absolute necessity, an English-German Conversation Lexicon. Armed, therefore, with such an imposing vade mecum, I felt quite at my ease about Custom House officers, cabmen, and railway porters. But what a broken reed did this courage-giving dictionary prove! It was quite an easy matter, of course, to find just the very sentence which you needed for any conceivable occasion. But it was quite another matter to make a

The Grammar School Magazine. stupid German understand German as pronounced by an Aberdonian, or to make him answer just as it was prescribed in the book he should answer. The result of my first attempts with this dictionary were so successful that I would have been willing to sell it to anybody for less than half-price. A Conversation Dictionary is of more profit to the seller than to the buyer. Such is my philosophy regarding that much-advertised and much-abused book. Somehow or other, and without the use of any unnecessary talk, I arrived, after many days, at my destination. To describe the various difficulties which beset me on my way to Gottingen would be suicidal. I should like everyone to " know them for themselves." And, what is more, as I should like everyone to pay a visit some day to Gottingen, a catalogue of my " perils and dangers " might alarm them. Now, it is not necessary for me to tell you where is Gottingen is situated. In these days, when Geography may taught in our schools, everybody knows that. But it Uniinterest you to know that this little town contains a versity which has numbered amongst its Professors such famous men as Lotze and Ritschl. Gottingen is also rich in reminiscences of Bismarck and Heine. None of these of are very much to their credit. And though the citizens Bismarck of connection the of proud now Gottingen are so. and Heine with their town, they were not alwaysthey other the and town, the of out The one they expelled regarded as something below a gentleman for the extraordinary divisions into which he classified the women of Gottingen. He classified them according to the size of their boots. But, as I consider Heine very much wanting in chivalry in the " affair," I shall not give you the classification. The memory of my first impressions of student life at Gottingen has been considerably blurred by later impressions at the University of Berlin. At first, and this is specially true if you are a Britisher, one is inclined to do nothing but make sarcastic and childishly insular remarks about German students and their uncouth way. It is an unfortunate habit. But, with the home idea still prominent in one's mind that everything German must be of poor quality, it is, perhaps, natural. Such a tendency, however, soon passes away; and I have nothing but appreciative remarks to make about German students and German Universities. At a small University like Gottingen, even a foreigner

Impressions qf German University Life.

sees a good deal of real student life, the life of the " Korps, ' the " Kneipe," and the " Duell." That side of student life I need not describe to you. It has been done so often and so well by many others. Permit me simply to state that the German student's capacity for beerdrinking is nothing less than marvellous. To me it seemed equally as extraordinary as the large salaries paid to Scotch professors seem to German professors. A friend of mine once asked Professor Pfleiderer, of Berlin, whether he still believed in miracles. " Yes, most assuredly," replied the Professor. "A few years ago I delivered a few lectures in Scotland, and, in payment, received about half as many hundred pounds as lectures. After that, surely I could not disbelieve in miracles." And so, after seeing a German student swallow some seventeen litreglasses of beer at one sitting, one has to extend the sphere of the miraculous. And, what is more, the same student at the end of it all was quite sober. As for the Duel, we must not grudge the German student his sports, for duelling is the only sport which he indulges in. Cricket, Tennis, and Football have not yet caught on in Germany. The last they regard as too brutal, and the former as too childish. And when we consider the ordinary student's duel simply as an effective means of altering the architecture of the face, or a cheap way of getting your hair cut, we need not condemn it as uncivilised. The "Duell" is seldom or never attended with danger to life or to limb. And, as a German girl likes a student with a well-slashed face, is it not chivalrous of the male student to oblige? Here, as elsewhere, you see, you may trace the good influence of woman ! Joking aside, however, I must confess to the great kindness and sympathy shown me as a stranger by many a German student. To a poor Scotchman they are always ready to lend a helping hand, and to make his stay amongst them as pleasant as possible. Perhaps they regard our life at home as so miserable that they try to make us hai)py so long as we are in Germany. In explanation of this, I may say that reports are not infrequent of the tyrannical way in which Scotch students are treated. To the Scotch student, the life of his fellow in Germany must appear perfectly ideal. There is no daily roll kept. A student may come and go as he likes ; there are no monthly, quarterly, or yearly examinations ; and, as there are always more than two professors lecturing upon the same subject, the student may choose for himself

The Grammar School Magazine.

what professors he shall hear. The fees are small—at the highest, twenty marks per session. Isn't this Elysium ? And then, if he gets tired of one University, he may go on to another and not lose one sermon. If he gets tired of Gottingen, he may go on to Strassburg, and from that he may go to Berlin, and finish his course of study. Berlin is now considered as the greatest of all the German Universities, and, if it is not heresy, as the 'greatest University in the world, not including Oxford and Cambridge. During the time I was a student at Berlin University, there was an average attendance of seven thousand matriculated students. Of that number, about one thousand were foreigners. Now, what is it that constitutes the greatness of the University? Its buildings? No, certainly not. The University proper is but an old eighteenth century palace turned into a palace of learning. Its greatness lies in the eminence of its professional staff. And though that staff is a large one, numbering a few hundreds, yet most of the names which you find upon it are well-known, not only in Germany, but in the world at large. It is the high talent of its Professors which has gained for Berlin University the proud position of the educational " hub " of the world. Now, don't be alarmed! I am not going to treat you to a biographical sketch of all the great and eminent men who have filled, and are filling, the Professional Chairs of this great University. For that task I have not the necessary qualifications. Let me simply mention one name as proof of what I say, and that is the name of Professor Harnach. Professor Harnach is regarded at the present day as the world's greatest theologian and historian. That this is true, sufficient evidence is provided in the fact that, during one session, no fewer than eight hundred students attended a course of lectures which he delivered upon. the " Nature of Christianity." Just think of it 1 A theological Professor lecturing upon a religious subject, and yet attracting hundreds of students. And when I tell you that this enormous class was composed of students of all faculties and of nearly all nations, you have such a tribute of praise as scarcely any other Professor in the world could call forth. 'Tis true the " Wee Frees " might not find his teaching exactly equivalent to all the doctrines in their creed. But Professor Harnach is a modest man. He frankly confesses that his brain is not big enough to grasp or understand the whole Gospel. " It is too wide and universal to be understood by any one man." And

Impressions of German University Life.

yet, if one measures a man, not by the creed which he professes, but by the creed by which he lives, Professor Harnach is eminent not only as a profession, but as one of the highest types of Christian which the world possesses. C. DUNN. i I

10,

THE LIBRARY (REFERENCE). THE Librarian desires to acknowledge with thanks a copy of " Experimentelle Beitrage zu einer Theorie des Denkens" (Experimental Contribution to a Theory of Thought), by Henry J. Watt, F.P. (Dux in 1896), being his thesis for the degree of Doctor (Ph.D.) in the University of Wiirzburg. Dr. H. Watt holds a Carnegie Research Fellowship, and is continuing his studies in Mental Philosophy at Wiirzburg. His dissertation is especially ° welcome, and we could wish that others of our Former Pupils who have published works would be as ready to remember the Library of their old School.

RESULTS OF THE LEAVING CERTIFICATES EXAMINATION, 1904.

A t

Tins year the School gained : -... ... (Group) Leaving Certificates, ... ... ... ... Intermediate Certificates, ... ... ... Honours Certificates, ... ... ... ... Higher Grade Certificates, ... ... ... Lower Grade Certificates, ... ... ... Higher Mathematics, ... ... ... ... Passed in Book-keeping, ... ... ... •• • Passed in Science, ... ... ... ... Passed in Drawing, ... ... Passed in Arithmetic, Higher,... ... ... Passed in Arithmetic, Lower, ... Passed in Lower Mathematics and Higher ... ... ... ... Arithmetic, ... Total,

...

9 7 5 77 82 3 2 9 12 17 1 2 226

In Honours, Higher Grades, and the higher passes combined, there was a marked improvement on the totals of

The Grammar School Magazine.

1903 115, as against 102. The falling off in the sum total-272 in 1903, and 226 this year—is on the score of fewer Lower Grade passes, and due mainly to the fact that no candidates were entered from Classical and Modern IV. Passes in only one or two subjects by members of these classes are •of little real advantage to themselves; while the fragmentary nature of the examination for boys of this stage proved a considerable disturbance to orderly work and progress. The Honours were gained by:— Robert Y. Hunter—English, Latin, Greek. W. Arthur Lothian-- Mathematics, with pass in Analytical Geometry. Robert M. Easton English. Five Highers each were gained by Herbert J. M. Milne, Robert N. Paton, Harry J. Rae, and Hugh R. Souper.

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHOOL F.Ps' R.F.U. ANNUAL CONCERT. ON Friday evening, the 28th October, this Club held its first annual concert. Owing to the big rent we have to pay for Mannofield ground, the Club has not been paying its way of late years, and it was felt that something should be de/ne to correct this state of matters. At the general meeting of the Club it was decided that the best. way of raising money for this purpose was to get up a concert, and the success of our first effort in that line has fully It must have been especially justified this decision. gratifying to Mr. H. J. Butchart to see such a large audience turning up. Few outside the Committee know how hard he worked as " concert secretary." His following-up and tackling of performers was equal to anything of the same sort he has done on the " footer " field we need not say more. Coming to the programme itself, we shall not attempt to criticise or describe the various items. Suffice it to say that everything went splendidly, and was thoroughly enjoyed, and our best thanks are due to Madame Patti Hicks, Mrs. Brander, the Misses Wyuess, Marr, Middleton, and Rae, and Messrs. A. L. Smith, G. C. Fimister, R. J. L. Hendry, C. Helmrich, jun., E. Gauld, Munro, and J. R.

•

Annual Concert.

19'

Pope for so kindly contributing to the programme. We must not forget Mr. Cameron, who undertook with success the trying part of accompanist. In conclusion, we would just point out again that thiswill in future be an annual event, so book early for next . . year's concert, and bring your friends. T. D. THE ATHLETIC SPORTS. THE Annual Athletic Sports were held on Friday, 30th September, and Saturday, 1st October. Friday, the day 'on which the Jumping and Trial Heats took place, brought with it a drizzling rain, and a rumour was current in School that. the Sports had been postponed. This, however, was not the case, and the Sports went on despite the inclemency of the weather. Little need be said of Friday, as on that day there was only one event of importance. This event was the Open Broad Jump, which was won by I). N. Lowe with a leap of 17 feet ti ins. Saturday was fine although rather cold, and we were very pleased to see a large turnout of spectators, among whom were Rev. Maxwell J. Wright, Rev. R. Semple, Rev. J. Smith, Mr. J. Craigen, Mr. Lyall, F.P., from Ceylon, and a number of the Staff. Of the other sex also there was a goodly number, and all appeared to take great interest in the proceedings.. The Oakbank Band played during the whole afternoon. The Refreshment Tent was, as usual, set up behind the wire, and was well patronised. Those who erected it, however, placed it too close to the wire, and anyone moving up and down behind the spectators had considerable difficulty in getting past it. Two Races for Former Pupils were in this year's programme, a Mile Race and a 100 Yards Race. The Mile was won by J. Millar, and D. J. T. Jamieson again won the 100 Yards. This year Jamieson ran the 100 Yards in one-fifth of a second less than last year. The two events in which most interest was taken were the Mile Race and the Tug-of-war. The Mile was won by Eddie, who kept up a good pace all though: in the Tug-of-war the School beat the VII. Classical after a hard pull. A new feature of the Sports this year was the Tugof-war between the School and a team of Former Pupils. Although the F.P. Team looked rather formidable, the School pulled them over with ease.

The Grammar School Magazine.

• Again one or two officious individuals, not on the Games and Sports Committee, figured on the course. Mr. Charles Davidson (F.P.) acted as referee, Mr. J. C. Knox and Mr. A. Speirs as judges, Mr. J. Clarke as timekeeper, and Mr. Josephs as starter. Our best thanks are due to Mr. James Davidson, on whom, as Hon. Secretary of the Games and Sports Committee, the management of affairs in general devolved. A list of the prize-winners and prize-donors is subjoined :— PRIZE-WINNERS. Class VI. (under 6).—A. D. Grant, 1st 60 Yards. Under 7.—A. E. Bruce, 3rd (equal) 80 Yards; J. M`Leod, 3rd (equal) 80 Yards; W. W. Scott, 2nd 80 Yards ; G. Craig, 1st 80 Yards. Under 8.—R. Esslemont, 3rd 100 Yards; W. B. Stott, 2nd 100 Yards; A. M. Halley, 1st 100 Yards (16 four-fifth seconds). Class V. (under 10).-R. B. Finlayson, 3rd High Jump, 100 Yards; W. C. Halley, 2nd High Jump; J. S. Rose, 2nd 300 Yards ; R. Benton, 2nd 100 Yards, 3rd 300 Yards; J. Bannochie, 1st High Jump (4 feet 7 inches); W. Wyllie, 1st 100 Yards (14 four-fifth seconds), 300 Yards (50 four-fifth seconds). Class IV. (under 12).—D. M. Bisset, 2nd Sack Race; S. Benton, 2nd (equal) High Jump, 3rd Sack Race, 3rd (equal) 300 Yards ; L. Wishart, 2nd 100 Yards ; 300 Yards; W. H. Stericker, 1st Sack Race, 2nd (equal) High Jump, 3rd 100 Yards, 3rd (equal) 300 Yards ; R. I). Lawrence, 1st High Jump (3 feet 7 inches), 100 Yards (13 one-fifth seconds), 300 Yards (43 four-fifth seconds). Class III. (under 14).—A. Chalmers, 3rd (equal) 300 Yards; A. O. Gray, 3rd Sack Race; J. M. Walker, 3rd 100 Yards; H. Shinnie, 2nd 300 Yards; E. G. Ducat, 1st Hurdle Race ; J. M`Gavin, 1st High Jump (4 feet 1 inch) ; T. MacKay, 2nd High Jump, Broad Jump; H. J. Sorley, 1st Broad Jump (12 feet 11 inches); W. G. Bannochie, 1st 100 Yards (13 one-fifth seconds), 3rd High Jump; D. C. Duncan, 2nd HalfMile, Hurdle Race, 3rd Obstacle, 3rd (equal) 300 Yards ; K. Tomory, 2nd 100 Yards, 1st 300 Yards ; J. Wilson, 3rd Broad Jump, 2nd Sack Race, 1st Obstacle Race; B. Saunders, 1st Half-Mile, Sack Race, 2nd Obstacle, Three-legged Race (Open). Class II. (under 16).—J. G. Bisset, 2nd Half-Mile ; And.

The Athletic Sports.

Smith, 2nd Broad Jump, Hurdles, 3rd (equal) Sword Feats on Bicycle (Open); H. T. Finlayson, 1st 100 Yards (11 four-fifth seconds); Hurdles (14 four-fifth seconds); J. Giles, 1st Half-Mile (2 minutes 22 seconds), Quarter-Mile (65 four-fifth seconds), 2nd 100 Yards, High Jump; G. E. Scroggie, 1st High Jump (4 feet 7 inches), Broad Jump (16 feet 2 inches), 100 Yards (Open) (11 four-fifth seconds), Hurdles (Open) (15 seconds), 2nd Quarter-Mile (Open), 2nd (equal) High Jump (Open). OPEN. C. Reid-2nd Three-legged Race. G. A. Ledingham-3rd (equal) Sword Feats on Bicycle. T. A. Clarke-1st Sword Feats on Bicycle. T. Kelman 1st Obstacle, 3rd Half-Mile. F. D. Leslie-1st Three-legged Race, 2nd 100 Yards, 2nd Hurdles. R. Semple 1st Throwing Cricket Ball (91 yards 2 feet 4 inches), 2nd Putting Weight, 3rd Three-legged Race. G. M`Donald-1st High Jump (5 feet 1 inch), 1st Throwing Hammer (61 feet 8 in.). R. D. Leslie-2nd Broad Jump, Throwing Hammer, Sword Feats, 3rd Mile, Obstacle Race. Eddie-1st Mile (5 minutes 50 seconds), Half-Mile W. R. (2 minutes 14 three-fifth seconds), 3rd Three-legged Race. D. N. Lowe-1st Broad Jump (17 feet 6 inches), Putting Weight (30 feet 8 inches), Quarter-Mile (60 two-fifth seconds), Three-legged Race, 2nd Mile, Half-Mile, Obstacle Race, Throwing Cricket Ball, 2nd (equal) High Jump. FORMER PUPILS' RACES. D. J. T. Jamieson-1st 100 Yards (11 seconds). J. Millar-1st Mile (5 minutes 4 one-fifth seconds). PRIZE-DONORS. Mrs. H. F. Morland Simpson, Miss J. B. T. Davidson, Miss Mackie, Miss E. W. Davidson, Miss Adam, Miss Anderson, Miss Maydon, Miss Ledingham, A. Ledingliam, Esq. (F.P.), 3; Baillie Glass, Rev. Mr. M`Luckie, the Rector, Dr. M`Leod, George Middleton, Esq. ; M. H. Mackie, Esq.; W. Murison, Esq.; S. Pope, Esq.; W. Brownie, Esq.; J. Davidson, Esq.; C. Davidson, Esq. (F.P.); A. Speirs, Esq.; P. Edward, Esq.; G. N. Ritchie, Esq. (F.P.); J. M. Morrison, Esq. ; J. C. Knox, Esq. ; C. M. Lawrence, L. F. M. Esq. ; and P. G. Allan, Esq. (F.P.).

The Grammar School Magazine.

SCHOOL T. 'VARSITY. On Wednesday, 8th June, the fourth and last match against the 'Varsity was played at King's College in fine weather. The School XI. started batting, and, although the majority of the scores were poor, managed to • reach a total of 63. The last wicket put on 23. The 'Varsity then batted, and were all out for 78. Batting for the School, A. Reid, Eddie, and Semple had 14, 16, and 13 (not out) respectively, and for the 'Varsity, Gilchrist had 18 and Trail 15. Rae and Eddie each took three wickets for the School, and Petrie, for the 'Varsity, took 7. ScHooL T. B.ANCIIORY C.C. The School travelled to Banchory in lovely weather to play off this fixture. The Banchory team batted first, and compiled a score of 93, of which Paterson, with a faultless innings, made 42. Paterson hit one five. Lamb and Mitchell, the only others who succeeded in getting into double figures, had 10 and 16 respectively. The School team made no stand at all, not one of them making more than 6. Bowling for the School, Eddie had 4 wickets for 19. The School score was 30. MODERN V. AND VI. AND CLASSICAL VI. AND -VII. r. REST. OF ScIIOOL. This match was played at the Duthie Park on Friday, 17th June, and resulted in a win for the " Rest, of School" by 48 runs. The " Four Highest Classes " went in first, and were all put out for the small

Cricket Notes.

score of 27. Bowling for the Highest Classes, Wilson had 4 wickets and A .Reid 3. The " School " then went in, and made 75, of which Kelman made 23 and Wishart 14. Eddie and Wishart each took 5 wickets. ScHooL v. GORDON'S COLLEGE.-In the last four matches of the season, that against Gordon's was the only one in which much interest was taken. The match was played The at King's College grounds in showery weather. detailed scores are :— GORDON'S COLLEGE.

SCHOOL.

A. Cameron, b Campbell . . . 20 Giles, c Stuart b Reid . . . A. Philip, b Wishart . . . . 8 Reid, run out A. Duguid, b Wishart . . . . 1 Scroggie, b Reid W. Park, b Campbell . . . . 0 Wilson. b Murray A. Gordon, c Eddie b Campbell. 7 Campbell, b Murray . . W. Brown, c Stewart b Wishart 3 Rae, c Duguid b Park . . . C. Munroe, b Eddie 0 Eddie, c Stuart, b Murray . A. Reid, b Rae 2 Stewart, c Stuart b Murray . H. Murray, not out 0 Wishart, b Park R. Johnstone, c Giles b Rae . 0 Bannochie, b Murray . . . F. Stuart, b Campbell . . . • 0 Murray, not out Extras Extras 3 — Total 44 Total

0 11 0 6 26 12 2 2 1 0 2 0 — 62

No account was kept of the other four matches of the season, 'but the scores of each side are given below. past season has not been a record one for the 1st XI. The XI. has, however, had the satisfaction of beating th.4! 'Varsity once and Gordon's twice. Campbell, who comes out at the top of the averages, scored well in nearly all the matches, and Peterkin, who takes the second place, invariably played a steady game. Campbell, Rae, Eddie, and Wishart shared the bowling honours, but Campbell's and Wishart's analyses were, unfortunately, not kept. The scores in the four matches not in the above notes were : School v. Cults—Played at Cults. School, 51; Cults, 72. School v. Monaltrie—Played at Ballater. School, 47; Monaltrie, 50. Modern, 50; Modern v. Classical—Played at School. Classical, 49. 'Shire, 132; School v. 'Shire—Played at Mannofield. School-1st Innings, 43 ; 2nd Innings, 77 for 7 wickets. Summary of matches of last season : —Won, 4 ; lost, 9 ; not played, 2 ; drawn, 0.

The Grammar School Magazine.

BATTING AVERAGES. No. of Innings.

Name.

A. Campbell C. Peterkin F. Rae H. Wilson A. Reid R. Eddie T. Stewart R. Semple - • F. Wishart J. Bannochie J. Giles : G. Scroggie -

- - - 14 - - - 14 14 10 6 14 - - - 12 - - - 7 - - - 14 - - - 12 - - 13 . - - 13

Not out.

... ..• • .• .•• • .• .• • •.• ••• • .• ••. •• • ...

2 1 1 0 0

0 1 1 1 1 0

Highest Score.

Total No. Nuns.

... 140 .•• 106 •. • 103 ... 78 • • • 45 .• . 56 ••. 46 • • • 17 ••• 36 ... 24 ..• 26 ... 19

..• •.. •.• .•. ... ••• .•• •• • .•. .•. .• • •••

30 1:•. 38 22 46 ••:: 14 19* ... 17 ... 13. ... 7 ... 11* ... 7 1 7 ...

Average.

111 8.1

7.9

7.8 71 41 31 2.8 2.7 2.1 1.4

*Signifies not out.

BOWLING AVERAGES. Overs.

Maidens.

R. Eddie - - - 53.5 ... 9 ... ... 10 ... F. Rae - - - 64

Runs.

Wickets.

Mils.

Average.

120 ... 25 ... 321 ... 4.8 183 ... 22 ... 384 ... 8.2

L. F. M.

THE SWIMMING CLUB. THE meeting for the election of officials of this Club was

held in Room I. on Thursday, 6th October. Mr. Mackie presided, and, after a few words from him, the business was proceeded with. The officials elected were :— Captain R. W. Eddie. Vice-Captain—C. D. Peterkin. Secretary and Treasurer G. A. Ledingham. Committee—R. D. Leslie, L. F. Merrylees, G. E. Scroggie, F. Wishart, A. M. Wilson. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to Mr. Mackie.

A few days after the meeting it was announced that Eddie was leaving the School, and a meeting of the Committee was held, at which C. D. Peterkin was elected Captain; A. M. Wilson, Vice-Captain; and J. G. Bisset was chosen to fill the vacancy in the Committee.

Football Notes.

ScuLooL v. 3nn 'SiaRE.—On the 15th of October the Football Season opened with a match with the 3rd 'Shire. The weather was all that could be desired for football, and our field, now almost entirely covered with grass, was in fine hard condition. The 'Shire turned up short, and had to be lent a man. The School kicked off towards the west, and, after kicks had been exchanged, play settled down in the 'Shire 25. Scoring started immediately for the School, and before half-time was called the score stood at 23 points (4 goals and 1 try). On resuming play, the School had even an easier time of it, the forwards playing a good game, and allowing the School halves to get the ball out almost every time. Kelman, Campbell, and Scroggie played good games. When time was called the School score had risen to 55 points (9 goals, 2 tries, and 1 dropped goal). We are much indebted to Mr. Anderson for acting as referee. SCHOOL v. QUEEN'S CROSS.—This match was played in the School grounds on the 22nd of October, and was one in which considerable interest was taken. The School won the toss, and kicked off up-field. Play continued in midfield until the opposing forwards, coming away with a rush, carried the game into the School 25. From this until half-time the School was hard pressed. The Queen's crossed the line three times, but never succeeded in scoring. At last the School brightened up, and Kelman dribbled the ball up the field, and scored a magnificent

c26

The Grammar School Magazine.

try. The try was, unfortunately, not converted. Shortly afterwards the half-time whistle went without more scoring. Playing down in the second half, the School ought to have done much better, but the Queen's forwards were playing a hard game, and kept the ball in the School 25. They scored 4 tries in rapid succession from forward rushes, against which the School forwards could do nothing. None of the tries, however, were converted, and when time was up the scores stood: Queen's Cross 12 points (4 tries); School, 3 points (1 try). Mr. Anderson again acted as referee. SCHOOL v. 2ND 'SHIRE.—On the 29th of October the School played the 2nd 'Shire in the School grounds. The weather was most disagreeable, as rain had fallen heavily all forenoon, and continued to fall while the game was being played. The School turned up short, but the vacant places were easily filled, and the game was played with full teams. The School kicked off down-field. Play was very unsettled owing to the state of the ground, and sometimes the • School was well down in the 'Shire goal, but more often the 'Shire were in the upper half of the field. Two free-kicks were awarded to the School, on both occasions one of the 'Shire halves being off-side, but very little was gained by them. Shortly before half-time the 'Shire forwards pressed, and scored from a rush. At half-time the score was—'Shire, 5 points; School, nil. On resuming play the School team brightened up considerably, but were, for a time, unable to move the 'Shire from their 25. 'Scroggie, however, from a pass from a scrum, kicked for touch at mid-field. By another kick from the throw-out the game was carried within the 'Shire 25. Shortly afterwards.the School scored far out, and the try was converted. The game ended-- 'Shire, 5 points (1 goal) ; School, 5 points •(1 goal). Mr. Cheyne acted as referee. SCHOOL V. GORDON'S COLLEGE.--- The first of three matches to be contested this season with Gordon's was played in the School grounds on Saturday, the 5th of November. The School won the toss, and elected to play up against the wind. After kicks had been exchanged, play was confined to mid-field until Gordon's broke away, and Knox scored between the posts. The easy kick was converted amid tremendous enthusiasm on the part of the spectators who were backing Gordon's. During the remainder of the first half our opponents were seldom dangerous, although they reached our 25 several times. In one of their rushes down-field, Macdonald got his eye

Football Notes.

hurt, and had to retire from the game. Mitchell, however, took his place, and the game continued in the centre until half-time. With 5 points against us, the teams took the field for the second half. Every player was now doing all he could, and consequently a hard game ensued. The Gordon's were gradually driven back towards their goal. Their full-back kicked the ball into touch a few yards from the back-line, and Kelman, instead of throwing the ball out, ducked under the arms of the opposing half, and scored on the touch-line. Merrylees converted. We were now equal with them, and the game became even harder than before. Gordon's, however, gained very little from their kick, and the ball was speedily transferred to their 25. Shortly afterwards Anderson kicked in behind. The full-back missed the ball, and Greeson touched down for the School. The try was not improved upon. By the kick out the game was carried into the School half, and the Gordon's forwards, who were now playing a very hard game, crossed the line several times, but never succeeded in scoring. During the last seven minutes play was entirely within our 25, and, for the most part, within a few yards of our line. Although Gordon's deserved to score again, they never did so, and a hard-fought game resulted in a win for the School by 3 points. Scores at full time were—Gordon's, 5 points (1 goal) ; School, 8 points (1 goal, 1 try). L. F. M. FOOTBALL OFFICIALS, 1904-05. Class. Classical VII. Classical VI. 6: Modern VI. Classical V. Modern V, Modern IV. Classical IV. Modern III. A Modern III. A Classical III. Middle II. A Middle II. a Middle I.

Captain. R. Leslie* G. F. Cox . J. Mitchell D. Semple A. Adam J. Stewart J. Williams D C. Duncan W. Mackintosh G. Stephen E. Smith H. Potter

Lower School IV. Lower School III. and II.

D. M'Lean K. Robson * Left.

• • •

Secretary. W. L. Oxford' R. Anderson G. Lawrence G. A. Ledingham Fy vie E. Main G. Fraser M'Gavin R. Abbey R. C. B. Hay E. Morrice H. Shinnie Vice-Captain. A. Cumming L. Reid

The Grammar School Magazine.

"ElE,BATErt"

NOTES

Tin!: General Meeting for the election of the Society's officials was held in Room I.-- Mr. Munson, i Hon. President, presiding. The results of the election will be found on the School Officials' page. Friday, October 14. On this evening the Society opened for the session before a large turnout. R. N. Gilchrist occupied the chair. W. L. Oxford read a paper on " Artemus Ward." The reader gave us an interesting account of the author's life, enlivened by extracts from his works; but, owing to the disturbance created in the room, the paper had to be curtailed considerably. After the paper, or, rather, a part of it, hail been read, a few debates were discussed. The chief debate was, " Ought we to have a rniversal Language? " This debate, like all the other debates, was but poorly discussed. The speaking on this occasion was miserable, and the behaviour Friday, October 21.-- On this (late the Society met in Room I. the President in the chair. The business for the evening was " Impromptu Debates." The first debate proposed was, " Should Capital Punishment be Abolished? " This debate was well discussed by the Society, several very good .arguments being put forward, both for and against abolition. The chief speakers for the affirmative were—H. G. M. Wilson, L. F. Merrylees. and J. M. Easton. The opposite side was taken by- -W. L. Wilson, C. D. Peterkin, and G. P. Burr. On a vote being taken, 12 voted for the affirmative and 21 for the negative The next debate proposed was, " Which Empire Exercised the Greater Influence Roman or British ? " This debate was not very well discussed, only a few members taking part. Other debates were " Ought the School to have an

Ilelatter Notes.

Association Team' " and " Is Professionalism Degrading Sport' " The first of these debates was well discussed, G. P. Burr being strongly in favour of a team, while L. F. Merrylees and other members of the 1st XV. present thought that we should only have the Rugby team Friday, October 28.-- -As the F.Ps' were having a concert in the School Hall on this (late, the Society held iv) meeting. Friday, November 4.—The business for this evening was the debate,." Is the Influence of Modern Fiction Good or Bad? " Former, R. N. Gilchrist; latter, G. P. Burr. W. L. Oxford, who was in the chair, called on R. N. Gilchrist to give his paper first. Gilchrist, in the course of his paper, said that the novel of to-day was far better than the novel of the past, and quoted the opinions of several leading writers on the subject. He regretted that Sir A. Conan Doyle was to retire, as a writer of good, wholesome literature would thus be lost to the public. Burr, in his paper, said that the present-day novelists went in too much for sensation, and he denounced Annie S. Swan on account of her love stories, as love stories often led to disastrous elopements. He ended a highly humorous paper by condemning all magazines as trashy and a source of serious danger to the public mind. On the subject being thrown open for debate, very little discussion took place. A. .T. Morrison was the chief speaker. The vote resulted—Good, 17 ; Bad, N. At a hat night held afterwards several very good debates were read out, the chief of which were--" Are Ghosts Real or Imaginary' " and " Is the Present System of Teaching Modern Languages a Good One? " In the first of these, C. D. Peterkin and W. L. Wilson took up the " Imaginary " side, while another member, who was " certain sure " that ghosts were real, opposed them. In proof of his theory, this member told the Society a " hair-raising " story related by some clergyman. The second debate also was warmly discussed, L. F. Merrylees being especially zealous in condemning the present system of teaching. Friday, November 11. - " Magazine Night" was to have been held this evening, but owing to the delay in the issue of the Magazine, " Heckling Night " was held instead. Two Wards, Rosemount and Rubislaw. were contested. The two candidates for Rosemount Ward were G. P. Burr and J. Stewart. Burr delivered a witty speech. the chief item of which was the wholesale extinction of ice-cream shops. Stewart, however, dealt with improve-

The Grammar School Magazine.

ments required by the whole city, and was greatly in favour of the widening of Union Bridge and a new Station. After the Rosemount candidates had been heckled, L. F. Merrylees gave his views of the reforms required in Rubislaw Ward. F. Wishart, the other candidate, then gave his views. The heckling of the Rubislaw candidates was very similar to that of the Rosemount ones. In their respective Wards, J. Stewart and L. F. Merrylees were returned with flying colours. Thy keenest hecklers were—J. M. Mitchell, J. H. N. Craigen, and A. M. Garden. A hat night was held afterwards, but none of the debates seemed to catch on well. R. N. Gilchrist occupied the chair. Friday, November 18.—On this date the Society met in Room I., the business for the evening being the debate-" Which Exercises the Greater Influence over the Public Mind—Poet or Novelist? " Former, W. P. M`Leod; latter, A. J. Morrison. The President, who was in the chair, called on W. P. M`Leod to give his paper first. M`Leod, in the course of his paper, said that poetry beautifies life and helps one to live, for poetry is wisdom. He said that, of all poets, Burns affects men most deeply. One great thing in favour of poetry is that a poem may be read again and again, and appear at the twentieth reading just as good as at the first. This does not hold good in the case of the novel, for, when it is once read, all the details of its plot, the main feature of the novel, are mastered. The variety and appropriateness of M`Leod's quotations show him to be exceedingly well read. Morrison thought that poetry, though it appealed to the sentimental side, ought not to be wholly eradicated. There were some novelists who appealed to the sentimental side —Dickens, for example. The poet's great fault is that he cannot view things in their true proportions since he judges them from his own standard only. In short, the poet is a dreamer, the novelist a thinker. On the subject being thrown open for debate, the papers were rather freely criticised. The chief " critics' were C. D. Peterkin, G. P. Burr, W. L. Wilson, J. H. N. Craigen, J M. Mitchell, H. I. M. Milne, and R. N. Gilchrist. Several members made the quite unnecessary statement that they had come down to the meeting with their minds fixed as to the side they were to vote for, but that, on bearing the papers, they thought it their duty to vote for the other side. The vote resulted as follows— -Poet, 20; Novelist, 15. A hat night was held afterwards, but the idiotic and

Debater Notes.

puerile nature of some of the debates led to its being abandoned. An impromptu debate, "Is the Worl 1 Growing Better? " was then tried, and, though it lagged on for half-an-hour, only seven members spoke on it. F. WISnART, SeC.

" HOW OLD DO YOU THINK I AM? " " THROUGH the wilderness of this world I walked To a place where once was a den"— My dear old school ! I had often talked Of seeing it once again. There was the old grey pile, as of yore, With its granite towers and turrets and door, And the same old noise of bouncing boys, Just such—well, hardly such boys, you know, As when WE were boys—how long ago ? And the same old " Reckie " came stalking down In just the same old cap and gown; And the same old bell, with dolorous chime, Found me, for once, in my place in time, In the same old room, with the same old " con," And I thought he was going to " put me on," 'When " to-morrow," he said, " your lesson is Gram.," And I. gasped reply with a helpless cry, " How old do you think I am? " Then aimlessly my steps I bent As of old at the " skailin' o' school ;" And oaths irretortis went By. the toothsome M-tch-ll and M 1, Where a chubby urchin in Grammar cap, With a plate of strawberries in his lap, And a yard of " grub " in either hand, Beckon'd me in, and offered to stand Candy or cake, whatever I'd take, Or tarts of apricot jam; But I passed him by with the stern reply, " How old do you think I am? " 'Twas Wednesday, and again at three The lads at " footer " I turned to see. There stood the sides so well I knew, In the brave old red and white and blue ;

The Grammar School Magazine.

When a stalwart lad, In knickers and dark blue jersey clad, Ran up and shouted, " Come on, old tup, You take the kick, and we'll back you up ; Off with your coat and topper and tie, Tuck up your trousers, and never say die ; You look as if you would soon be blown, But through the ' scrum ' your fifteen stone Will go like a battering ram." And I could but sigh, as I made reply, " How old do you think I am? " 'Tis a useful form of words, in truth, As on in life you go; And when you have lost the zest of youth, pponite hoc luero. If a friend would sell you a cow or a horse-A sacrifice or bargain, of course,— Or wants you to help him up the hill By writing your name on the back of a bill;— If, just to develop a thriving trade, A merchant requires a partner's aid, With a thou' or so, to be quickly doubled, And the gentleman not for a moment troubled ;— If a company wish to employ your son (Paid by commission on business done) Provided he takes a £50 share In the " going " concern, to show all's fair ;— Or an architect, or engineer, Will teach him the business (at nuppence a-year), Exacting only a good round sum By way of the usual premium ; Or a stranger asks if you won't assist To make up a quiet rubber of whist o n a railway journey ; or, at its close, A lone-lorn lady, whom nobody knows, Entreats you kindly to hold her babby, While she looks after a hansom cabby;-In fact, for every cram or sham, You've done your task, if von simply ask, " How old do you think I am? " And thus I walked through the wilderness, And the crowded haunts of men, In peace and peril, joy, distress, To threescore years and ten.

" How Old do you think I am?"

And on my birthday, late at night,— My wonted hour to read and write,— My last top hair stood stiff with fright By chance half open stood the door (I leave it open nevermore), And full upon the fronting wall, Thrown by the lamp within the hall, I saw a grisly shadow fall; Human in frame, in frame alone; His skull, his breast, his thighs were bone; On bony legs he seemed to stand, And shook a dart in his bony hand ! A moment sunk in dumb surprise, Then up I rose to exorcise. I hurled my formula at his head, And, for this time, he turned and fled I shut the door with a slam ; But will he fly when next I cry, " How OLD DO YOU THINK I AM? " BULSTRODE REDIVIVUS.

OUR CONTEMPORARIES. TILE Editor begs to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following magazines " Yellow Dragon " (2), " Nelsonian," " Olavian," " Edinburgh Academy Chronicle," "Glasgow Academy Chronicle," "C.A.I." (Coleraine Academical Institution).

THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL MAGAZINE. Published Quarterly throughout the School Year. The Magazine may be obtained from the Janitor, at the School; James G. Bisset, Bookseller, Broad Street; and D. Wyllie & Son, Booksellers, Union Street. The Annual Subscription to the Magazine is 2s. ; or, post free, 2s. 6d., at home and abroad. All subscriptions should be forwarded to the Business Manager of the Magazine, Grammar School, Aberdeen. Back numbers of the Magazine since 1885 may be had on application to the Business Manager. All literary communications should be sent to the Editor, Grammar School, Aberdeen. Correspondents must enclose their names, not necessarily for publication.

Zchoot Officials. Session 1904-19os. Games Committee. The RECTOR. Mr. JAMES DAVIDSON. Mr. J. C. KNOX (representing Lower School). J. KELMAN (Football). J. P. CAMERON. C. D. PETERKIN (Cricket, MagaFootball, (Cricket, CAMPBELL* A. zinc, Swimming;. Swimming). R. W. EDDIE* (Cricket, Football, F. M. RAE (Cricket). Swimming). G. E. SCROGGIE (Cricket, Football). J. GILES (Cricket). F. WISHART (Cricket). Football. G. E. SCROGGIE. Captain, J. KELMAN. Secretary Swimming Club. C. D. PETERKIN. Captain, A. M. WILSON. Vice-Captain, G. A. LEDINGHAM. Secretary and Treasurer, Committee. L. F. MERRYLEES. I. G. BISSET. G. E. SCROGGIE. R. D. LESLIE.t

President, Hon. Secretary,

F. WISHART. Literary and Debating Society. W. L. OXFORD. President, G. P. BURR. Vice-Presidents, { R. N. GILCHRIST. F. WISHART. Secretary and Treasurer, Committee. H. J. M. MILNE. J. M. EASTON. A. J. MORRISON. L. F. MERRYLEES. C. D. PFTERKIN. Library. W. L. OXFORD (Lending). I J. P. CAMERON (Reference). I H. R. SOUPER (Lending). C. D. PETERKIN (Lending). ! F. WISHART (Lending). Magazine.

Editor-in-Chief, Editorfor Sport, Literary Editor, Business Manager,

C. D. PETERKIN.

L. F. MERRYLEES. H. R. SOUPER. F. WISHART. The Hon. Secretary of the Former Pupils' Club is Mr. ALFRED W. EDWARDS, 267, Union Street, Aberdeen. t Left November, 1904. *Left October, 19°4. N.B.—The Cricket Officials have not yet been elected.

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