AGS Magazine January 1895

Jaituarp, 1S03.

•Illcw %cries, 1140. 3.

Grammar cboo1 ap3inc.

ABERDEEN: I/ WYLLIE & SON. 1895.

PRICE SIXPENCE.

CONTENTS. EDITORIAL AND GENERAL. NOTES

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NOTES ABOUT OLD Boys

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BISHOP ELPHINSTONE AND HIS TIMES-I. .

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CATULLUS III. (TRANSt vr)oN).

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A HEAR Hi - NT IN SYRIA—Chap. V. and Conclusion

LEAVES FROM THE JOURNAL OF Fl II"R INNOCENTS ABROAD . 179 PIERRE—ChapS. V. and VI.

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LITERARY CLUB AND DEBATIN(; 804 •[ ETV THE. THIN END OF THE WEDGE . no"TALL I\H:PORTS

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ADDITIONAL LIST OF OBJECTS GIVEN TO SCHOOL MUSEUM . 199 IN NI ENiovi.tm

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New Series.

No. 5.

JANUARY, 1895. EDITORIAL.

AGAIN the season has returned when it becomes the duty, as it is the pleasure, of the Grammar School Magazine to wish all its readers, seniors and juniors, former pupils and present pupils, teachers and taught, a happy and prosperous New Year. Its staff has undergone considerable changes since it made its deb.U in the new quarterly series twelve months ago, the University having drawn away its annual tribute last October. But it is hoped that the changes in the staff will not diminish the reputation of the Magazine, but will more than maintain the credit that it has gained for itself. The office-bearers of the F.P. Club for the present year are as follows :Hon. President—Sir Wm. D. Geddes, LL.D. Hon. Vice-Presidents— The Chairman of the School Board. Rev. Principal Brown, D.D. Professor David Ferrier, M.D., LL.D. Rev. J. W. Legge, M.A. Rev. Professor Salmond, D.D. Sir James Stirling, LL.D. Dr Ogilvie Will. Sir Robert Hamilton, LL.D. Emeritus Prof. Bain, LL.D. Professor Masson, LL.D. Charles Mitchell, Esq., LL.D. R. A. Neil, Esq., LL.D. 14

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The Grammar School Magazine. President—Mr. H. F. Morland Simpson, M.A. (Cantab.). Vice-President—Mr. Alex. Duffus, jun. Secretary—Dr. Wm. Findlay, 475 Union Street. Treasurer—Mr. A. W. Christie, 127 Union Street. Committee--Mr. John F. Christie, Mr. W. S. Davidson, Mr. G. O. Gauld, Mr. Robert Henderson, Mr. A. M. Mackay, Mr. William Mackay, Mr. George E. Marr, Dr. Riddell, Mr. H. P. Sleigh, Dr. Urquhart, Mr. George Walker, Mr. Louis Wilson, Mr. Charles Davidson (Dramatic Club). Affiliated Clubs— Cricket Club—Dr. Kelly, 51 Schoolhill, Convener. Dramatic Club—Mr. Charles Davidson, 4 Bridge Street, Chairman. Football Club—Mr. A. W. Christie, 127 Union Street, Secretary.

The second annual dinner of the F.P. Club is to be held in the Grand Hotel on Thursday, 24th January, at 7.30 p.m. The membership of the club is fast increasing, and it is to be hoped that pupils generally on leaving the School will join it, and so keep up the many pleasant associations of School days. The annual dinner is one of the institutions of the club, and ought to be highly conducive to this end. The Rector gave an illustrated lecture on Montrose's Campaigns on Friday, the 11th, too late in the month for any account of it to appear in the present number. An entertainment is to be given in February by the F.P. Dramatic Club. The Rector and Mrs. Simpson gave a Christmas tree entertainment to the children of the Preparatory Department of the School on Saturday, December 22nd. Christmas songs and carols were sung, and a very pleasant evening was spent. The Scotch Educational Department has issued a note calling attention to changes which are to be made in the examination for Leaving Certificates this year.

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Several slight alterations will be made in the mathematical papers. In modern languages the Department think it right to give full scope, for proving special literary knowledge, but warn school authorities that superficial answers will not be counted as of any value, and will not compensate for failure in competent grammatical knowledge. With regard to English papers, it has been decided, as the result of representations made, that the Department will require to be shown—(1) A fair power of writing lucid and grammatical English, such as may prove the candidate to have had an adequate training in composition ; (2) such power of paraphrasing as may prove that he has been trained to read with care and thought, and to exercise his mental faculties in endeavouring to discover the meaning of a difficult passage ; (3) he must also show a comprehension of grammatical principles, and a general acquaintance with the leading grammatical rules under some system in current use. In regard to English literature, candidates may be expected to have some acquaintance with the authorship and period of the leading masterpieces. But any answers which show that the study of English literature has been interpreted to mean the committing to memory of lists of authors and their books, will be treated with the utmost rigour, and will not be held to compensate in any way whatever for deficiency in the essential parts of the examination. On the other hand, such answers as show independent reading, careful and methodical instruction, or intelligent criticism, will be accorded full weight in adjudging marks in the case of the higher and honours grades. Sir Thomas Sutherland, the " old boy " who controls the world-famous P. and 0. fleet of steamers, gave a lecture recently on " The Growth and Improvement of Steam Navigation in our Day." Sir Thomas holds that the last twenty years have shown more progress in the speed of marine locomotion than all the years that preceded them in this great century of steam. " The voyage from New York to Queenstown is now accomplished at the rate of twenty-five statute miles an hour ; the run from Southampton to the

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Cape has been made in fourteen and a-half days, and English mails have been conveyed between Charing Cross and India in thirteen days. Indeed, Jules Verne's dream is ridiculously out of date, for the great globe itself can now be circumnavigated in less than fifty days I" Nor has the limit by any means been reached. In Sir Thomas Sutherland's opinion, a great advance will yet be made, and the long result of time will add, in this as in other respects, to all the wonders that will be.

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The football XV. has this year been rather unsuccessful, as, out of eight matches played, only four have been won. This is mainly owing to the superior weight of our opponents, but this might be counteracted by better training on our own part. There was a distinct falling off in the attendance at the practices during the six weeks before the holidays, for which the weather was partly to blame, but we hope to see more fellows turn out now that we art. making a fresh start at the beginning of the term. Junior football seems quite to have come to a standstill. There does not seem to be enough energy among the lower forms to get up a game of any sort. This is the more to be regretted, because new goal-posts have been erected for the juniors, which are hardly ever used. At the beginning of the season it was intended that there should be two games played at the same time, the thirty best players using the big field, and the rest using the little field, but those who did not get to play in the big game, did not attempt to promulgate, or take part in, any smaller game. Hockey has not yet been started in the school for the season, but we hope it will not be long before some of the enthusiastic ones have again opportunities of exhibiting their prowess. We might recommend this game as a suitable form of exercise to the football players, when the ground is too hard to play football, as it would afford capital training for wind and speed.

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We are hoping soon to see some arrangements made about the Sports, as it is four years since we last had them, and that is surely a long enough interval. There was also some time ago mention of paper chases, and if anything is really going to be the result of this, we believe that this is about the proper time to make definite arrangements. Both players and spectators have benefited by the fence which was constructed at the beginning of the football season along the south side of the playing field. The cry of " spectators' touch " is now no longer heard. We acknowledge receipt of the Fettesian, Spier's School (Beith) Magazine (2), Blair Lodge School Magazine.

NOTES ABOUT OLD BOYS. JAMES C. PHILIP, M.A., has gained the Murray Scholarship at Aberdeen University. The scholarship is of the annual value of about £70, for three years. Mr. Philip received his preliminary education at Fordoun Public School, and afterwards was for three years a pupil of the Grammar School, which he left in 1889 as Gold Medallist. He graduated with first-class honours in Mathematics, and was awarded the Town Council Gold Medal at the University.

John F. Ewen, who graduated at Aberdeen University with second-class honours in Mathematics, was lately admitted a barrister-at-law at the Middle Temple. There died not long ago the Rev. Dr. Hugh Mitchell, who for nearly fifty years was minister of Craig Free Church, Ferryden. The deceased was a pupil of Dr. Melvin, and from his youth cherished an enthusiastic love for geological research. John H. Lobban, M.A., assistant Professor of Logic, who carried on the summer class of English Literature at the

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University, discharged the duties of the Chair of Moral Philosophy during the first month of the session, pending the appointment to the professorship. On the motion of Principal Sir William Geddes, the Senatus accorded a special vote of thanks to Mr. Lobban for his services undertaken at very short notice. At his first meeting with the class, Professor Sorley spoke in terms of appreciative acknowledgment of the work done by Mr. Lobban. In the list of New Year honours conferred by the Crown, a prominent name is that of James Westland, Financial Member of the Supreme Council of India. The Knight Commandership of the Star of India (K.C.S.I.) has been bestowed upon him, and he will henceforth be known as Sir James Westland. He had a distinguished career at the school in the middle fifties, and after graduating at Marischal College, was foremost, in 1861, at the examination at Woolwich, and was also first in the Indian Civil Service examination. He went out to India in 1862, and his rise has been steady and rapid. Five years ago he received the honorary degree of LL.D. from the University of Aberdeen. Alexander R. Gordon, M.A., gained a Scholarship of the value of £100 a year for two years at the New (F.C.) College, Edinburgh. Gordon left the School six years ago as gold medallist (along with another). Entering the University as first bursar he finished a brilliant course there by graduating with first class honours in both Classical Literature and Mental Philosophy, carrying off at the same time the Simpson Greek prize, the Hutton prize, the Bain gold medal, and the Town Council gold medal. He was first also for the Dr. Black prize in Latin, but was ineligible through having gained the Simpson Greek. He was afterwards Fullerton Scholar in Classics. We regret to chronicle the death of Charles W. T. Stephenson, M.B., the second son of Professor Stephenson, Aberdeen, which occurred early in December.

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R. M. Routledge, barrister-at-law, has been appointed to a seat on the bench of the Supreme Court of Trinidad as Acting Justice. Mr. Routledge has been only a short time in the colony. J. Scott Riddell, M.A., M.B., has lately issued a "Manual of Ambulance." In Mr. Robert Davidson, who died on the 15th of November, a second to the venerable dux of 1817 in seniority among F.P. s, passed away. Mr Davidson, who was born in 1804, attended the Grammar School and Marischal College, and in his day was a noted chemist and electrical engineer. He had an electrically propelled locomotive at work on the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway as early as 1840, but as it was maliciously destroyed, and as the Railway Companies of the time did not look with favour upon electric propulsion, the serious question of expense prevented him from proceeding further with the development of his invention, which, however, attracted much notice in the scientific world, and was fully described in various publications. Dr. James Walker, who attended the School about the time of the opening of the present buildings, and was afterwards in medical practice in Aberdeen, where he died early last year, is the subject of a privately printed memorial volume just issued. Another " old boy" who occupied a prominent place among Aberdeen physicians and in connection with religious education—Dr. Archibald Reith—died on the 30th ult., on board a Cape liner while on his return from South Africa, whither he had gone in search of health. James Gordon Watt, M.A. (with highest mathematical honours) was ordained not long ago to the Congregational

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ministry at Mansfield College, Oxford. Principal Fairbairn presided, and this was the first ordination at the College. Mr. Watt has obtained an important secretarial appointment under the British and Foreign Bible Society.

BISHOP ELPHINSTONE AND HIS TIMES. (Read by Dr. Moir to the Literary Society.) I.

THE fact that the University of Aberdeen is soon to celebrate the four-hundredth anniversary of its foundation (at the close of the session 1895-96) (?) seems to make an attempt to recall the circumstances under which the University was founded particularly interesting. As Bishop Elphinstone was not only the greatest man connected with Aberdeen four hundred years ago, and the founder of our University, but also probably the greatest man in Scotland next to the king, I have thought it due to his eminent position and noble character to make him the central figure in the picture of life in Aberdeen four hundred years ago, which I am to attempt to bring before you. We are so much interested in educational problems as they present themselves to us in these latter days that there is a danger of failing to do justice to the pioneers of light and leading—to those men who first kindled the torch of higher learning in these northern regions. The subjects of study now considered necessary for a liberal education may not be the same as those that patriotic statesmen encouraged four hundred years ago, but the motives are the same, to wit, the love of knowledge, and the desire to enlighten, instruct, and benefit our fellow-men. It must not be supposed that before the foundation of King's College there was no provision for higher education in Aberdeen. There had been a Grammar School in the town for at least 200 years before there was a University. Probably its chief function was to train lads for the ministry of the Church, although the fact that the Town

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Council seems at an early period to have wished to have a say in the appointment of the Rector would appear to indicate that, as that body paid the piper, they were entitled to call for the tune. At all events, early in the sixteenth century there was a dispute between the municipal and ecclesiastical authorities as to which of them possessed the real patronage of the Rectorship. It is an interesting fact that the title of Rector of the Grammar School is the oldest official designation still in existence in the city. The head master of the Town School was styled Rector when the Provost (or Lord Provost) was called the Alderman. Thus, for more than 600 years, while the ecclesiastical dignitaries have been changed from Popish to Episcopal and Presbyterian, the Rector of the Grammar • School has continued to bear the same name. This, however, by the way. The chief question that would seem to arise is, how Scotland came to have Universities at all. There were, before the foundation of the Scottish Universities, Universities such as Oxford and Cambridge in England, and abroad others which Scottish students could attend under considerable difficulties. For instance, Barbour, the first of Scottish poets, who was Archdeacon of Aberdeen about 1375, had to get permission from the English king to attend Oxford University. About the end of the 14th century, in the reign of Richard II. of England, a writ was issued to the Chancellor and Proctors of the University of Oxford forbidding them to molest the Scottish students, notwithstanding their " damnable adherence to Robert the Anti-Pope." These were days when Christendom, otherwise undivided by schisms as to doctrines, presented the spectacle of a Pope and Anti-Pope. Scotland and Spain alone supported the claims of the Anti-Pope, whose residence was at Avignon, in the south of France, and afterwards in Spain. Bishop Wardlaw, of St. Andrews, visited the Anti-Pope in the latter country in the early years of the 15th century, and obtained, on the motion of James I., at that time himself a captive in England, from one who was himself, in the opinion of the greater part of Christendom, no Pope at all, the charter of the University of St. Andrews, the premier

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University of Scotland. Doubtless Wardlaw felt that the Scottish Church ought to have the means of educating its ministers at home without these having to encounter the dangers and difficulties connected with their journeying by land or sea to foreign parts in order to get the education requisite to fit them for their sacred office. So in 1411 we find Wardlaw founding Scotland's first University, St. Andrews. That was the year in which the people of Aberdeen, led by their Provost, joined the other north-eastern Lowlanders in resisting the Celtic invasion of the county by Donald, Lord of the Isles, whom they met and defeated at the Battle of Harlaw, which has been called the Marathon of Scotland. Forty years after the foundation of St. Andrews, Glasgow obtained its University, and some forty years later, in 1494, King's • College was founded. The endowments of these Universities were wretchedly inadequate, and at first they seem to have been little more than conventual schools. It was in this same year, 1494, that the first Scottish Education Act was passed. Doubtless Elphinstone, who at the time was Chancellor of the Kingdom, had suggested the passing of this Act. The Act ordained that all Barons and Freeholders that are of substance shall put their eldest sons and heirs to the schools from the time that they be six or nine years of age, and "till remaine at the Grammar Schules, quhill they be competently founded and have perfite Latine," and thereafter to remain three years at the schools of Art and Jure, so that they may have knowledge and understanding of the laws; the penalty for failing so to educate being twenty pounds payable to the king. What with the discovery of printing, the rise of the new learning, and the discoveries of the new world, the last years of the fifteenth century must have been a period of great activity. Before speaking further of Elphinstone, it may be interesting to try to present a picture of Aberdeen at this (late. Probably its population did not exceed five or six thousand. This population had its abode in Broad Street, the Gallowgate, the Castlegate Shiprow, the preen, the

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Upper and Netherkirkgates, with some buildings along the harbour. The Dee at that time came much closer to the town, and the Don seems to have fallen into the sea near the Broad Hill. There is not a single building in Aberdeen which is of the antiquity of four hundred years, except the parts of St. Nicholas Church known as Drum's and Collieson's Aisles, and the crypt known as St. Mary's Chapel. Much information as to the state of affairs in Aberdeen in olden times may be gathered from the Council Register of the town. No town in Scotland has so complete and so ancient records as Aberdeen possesses. From these we learn that all citizens were to have their arms ready in their booths or shops and houses, so as to be ready to come to the help of the Alderman and Baillies when they see or hear that they require help in the discharge of their duties. In 1496 it was decreed that all freemen, burgesses of the town, should appear personally on the Cunnegar Hill " welbodin and abilzeit for weir, ilk ane after their faculte and degre," having a spear or a bow, and a targe with other arms of defence. These wappinschaws were instituted in order th be ready for an invasion by their " auld enemies " of England. The fact that every male between sixteen and sixty years of age was liable to be called, and had to provide himself with arms, led to frequent quarrels between the citizens, and we hear of one worthy brought before the authorities who seems to have been a bloodthirsty swashbuckler, for he rejoices in the name of " Johannes out wi' the suerd." Precautions also were taken against the plague, and elaborate orders were issued for cleaning the streets of middens before the visit of the Queen. The Grammar School was then and for long after the only school in the town. "In 1479 Meister Thomas Strathachin, maister of the Grammar Scules of Abirdene, is to have yearly from the common good of this toune fyve pundis, ay and till he be promovit till a service within the kirk of Sanct Nicholass of Abirdene." Clearly the Rectorship was considered only a stepping-stone to a benefice in the Church. The Rector was the only teacher in the School until more than a hundred years after this.

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It was not till 1631 that other three masters were appointed in terms of Patrick Dun's will. In 1509 we find a Mr. John Marshall appointed Rector in succession to Strachan, who is called William, not Thomas. Marshall is appointed for life, and admitted to office by the gift of "ane pair of bedis with all commodities, fredotnes, and profites pertening thereto." We get some idea of the internal discipline of the school from a book published in Paris in 1553 by John Vans, Humanist in King's College. The pupil on entering the school was to fall on his knees and utter a prayer in Latin, as follows :— "Gratias tibi pater caelestis ago, quod praeteritam noctem mihi volueris esse prosperam : precorque ut diem itidem hunt mihi bene fortunes, ad tuam gloriam et anirnae meae salutem, et to qui es vera lux, occasum nesciens, sol aeternus, omnia vivificans, alens, exhilarans, digneris illucescere menti meae, ne usquam in ullum impingam peccatum, sed ductu tuo perveniam ad vitani aeternam. Amen." At seven o'clock the teacher was to enter and chastise delinquents ; lessons began at eight. There was an interval for breakfast until 10. Dinner was at noon. Lessons went on to 6 o'clock. Arithmetic they were to get merely a taste of. All were to speak Latin, Greek, Hebrew, French, or Gaelic, never English, at least with those who knew Latin. Punishments were inflicted for disobedience, being late in the morning, failure to repeat their lesson, moving about unnecessarily, running about, speaking in class, returning late from breakfast and dinner, staying too long when out on leave. There were no school books in those days. Such is a glimpse of school life. Outside school the pupils would see a clock on St. Nicholas Church, or it may have been on the Tolbooth—it was there in 1535. We hear also of the appointment of an organist for the church. At every step they would meet friars, for Aberdeen had by this time the Gray Friars, whose house was where Marischal College now stands; the Black Friars, where Gordon's

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site of College now is; the Carmelite Friars, on the foot of the Carmelite Street; and the Trinity Friars at Market Street. In those days the Church tried to instruct the people by not only by the ordinary religious services, but also at 1442, in Thus, plays. of exhibitions of the nature annually, required were Candlemas the various craftsmen in honour of the Virgin Mary, to furnish the following persons for the procession :— The littstars (dyers)—the Emperor and two doctors, and as many squires as possible. The smiths and hammermen—the three Kings of Culane (Cologne), that is, the three magi. The tailors—Lady Saint Bride, St. Helen, Joseph, &c. The skinners—Two bishops, four angels, &c. The websters (weavers) and walkers (species of weavers)— Symon and his disciples, &c. The cordiners (saddlers)—The Messinger and Moses, &c. The fleshers—Two or four woodmen, &c. The Guild brethren — Knights in harness and squires honestly arrayed. The baxters (bakers)—The minstrels, &c. The boys must have greatly enjoyed these pageants, but there were others with which they were more closely connected. The following order was issued by the Town the Council at a date later than Elphinstone's times, but long existed had to probability is that the custom referred before, and that the Council were only anxious to define and limit the practice :— "That the maister of thair Grammar Scuyll sell haf iiij s. Scottis at Sanct of the sobirest person that resauis him and the bischop men honest vder euere and leyst, the at Nicholace till his vage, ony of man honest ony gif and ; plasour to gif him at thair bischop reputatioune, oder craftismen or vder, haldis furth the maister, and and giffis hym rocht entres, he sell pay iiij s. to the ordanis the and viij s. to the baillies onforgewin for thair wnlaw, because that and of ciaris to pound and distrenze for the samin ; on, lyk leif to fee it ves considerit be thaim that he hes na vder

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as his predecessouris hed afor him, and vder maisteris of vder scuiles. "And, als, that every honest man, freman within the said burgh, baith merchandis and craftisman ressane him and the hischop at Sanct Nicholace mess within their houssis, conforme to the auld lovabill vse of the said burgh, and gif him thair wagis of the auld maner, efferand to thair estatis, as tha think expedient. And gif ony honest man, merchant, or craftisman, that ma guidly gif his wages, resanis him rocht and the bischop at the same tyme, that he sail complane on the dissobeyaris to the bailzeis that hapnis to be in office for the time, and tha to taus him to have duyte of thame, be the avise of the consale, conforme to the auld vse of this said burgh." This practice in another form continued down to nearly 100 years ago. There were other processions somewhat similar, such as those of the Abbot of Bon-Accord, or the Abbot of Unreason, the play of the Haly-blude in the playfield near Denburn. Then there is the classic incident of the visit of Queen Margaret in 1511, which forms the subject of the poem by Dunbar, beginning :— "Blyth Aberdene, thow beriall of all tounis, The lamp of bewtie, bountie, and blythnes ; Unto the heaven ascendit thy renown is, Off vertew, wisdome, and of worthines ; He nottit is thy name of nobilnes, In to the Cumming of Oure Lustie Quein, The wail of welth, guid their, and mirriness : Be blyth, and blisfull, burgh of Aberdein." But if I am to get to Bishop Elphinstone and his University, I must reluctantly leave these glimpses of life in Aberdeen. I should like first to give some account of the king and of the political state of Scotland. Scotland enjoyed greater prosperity under James IV. than it had seen since the days of Robert Bruce. The king was married to the sister of the English monarch,and the kingdom had been free from war with England for many years, while the turbulence of the nobles had been quelled by the energy of James. The alliance of Scotland was courted

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by France, Spain, and Germany. Literature flourished to a degree unknown in England. Since the days of Chaucer England had produced no great writer. Scotland in James' time had Blind Harry, Henryson, Dunbar, and Lindsay, the last three mentioned being possessed of true poetic power, and Harry, if not of great poetic gifts, yet of a certain rugged, dramatic power, which had a great influence on his countrymen. Printing was introduced about 1508 chiefly by the influence of Elphinstone. The Education Act I have already referred to. The character of the king may be seen in a favourable light in the following account by Pedro d'Ayala, the Spanish Ambassador in Scotland in 1498 :— " The King is 25 years and some months old. He is of noble stature, neither tall nor short, and as handsome in complexion and shape as a man can be. His address is very agreeable. He speaks the following foreign languages :—Latin, very well, French, German, Flemish, Italian, and Spanish ; Spanish as well as the marquis, but he pronounces it more distinctly. His own language is as different from English as Aragonese from Castilian. The King speaks, besides, the language of the savages who live in some parts of Scotland and on the islands. It is as different from Scottish as Biscayan is from Castilian. His knowledge of languages is wonderful. He is well read in the Bible and in some other devout books. He is a good historian. He has read many Latin and French histories, and has profited by them, as he has a very good memory. He never cuts his hair or his beard. It, becomes him very well. He fears God and observes all the precepts of the Church. He does not eat meat on Wednesdays and Fridays. He would not ride on Sundays for any consideration, not even to mass. He says all his prayers. Before transacting any business he hears two masses. After mass he has a cantata sung, during which he sometimes despatches very urgent business. He gives alms liberally, but is a severe judge, especially in the case of murderers. He has a great predilection for priests, and receives advice from them, especially from the Friars Observant, with whom he confesses."

CATULLUS III. " LUGETE, 0 VENERES CUPIDINESQUE." (On the death of a pet sparrow.) COME, lads an' lasses, lovers a', Come mourn wi' me, ye callants bra', The bird my dearie cherished Moir than her ain twa e'en is dead. The sweet wee birdie ken'd her weel As ony bairn her mither kens, An' hoppin' roun', an' up, an' doun, Ne'er wander'd aff to ither frien's, But nestlin' til his mistress' breast For her alane wad pipe his best. But noo 'tis gaun yon dusky track Whaur ne'er a traveller comes back. Foul fa' ye, fient, auld greedy carl, That rives the bonnie frae the warl ; Wee winsome birdie, stolen frae me ! Ill was the deed ; aye maun we dree't My lassie's bonnie e'en for thee Are red wi' greetin' wearilie.

A BEAR HUNT IN SYRIA. CHAPTER V.-ON THE TOP. IT was only the noise made by the muleteer as he remonstrated with the horses by the aid of a stick. Of course a sharp look-out was kept on the way up from our camping ground for bears and other large game, especially by my two friends. I said to them, when they were talking truculently about what they were going to do to the bears, that we should likely not see any to shoot at, to say nothing about the chances of missing them, and that I should be perfectly content if I were left to take a sketch or two. My companions were shocked at the idea of talking about

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sketching till at least two hours after they had finished talking about bears. My friends now got off their horses in order to walk alongside and be terribly prepared for contingencies. Two bears, or three, might suddenly appear at any moment, and begin shuffling off in a clumsy looking but really rapid trot. It was even by no means inconceivable that they might shoot a cub, and that its mother, with the usual impetuosity of mothers when their children are interfered with, might come clown upon poor inoffensive me and devour me, paintbox and all. We were at the time near a spot where the year before my companions had seen several bears playing and sliding about upon a snow bank. On that occasion the hunters were only provided with revolvers for close quarters, and an old gun, which had this peculiarity that when one trigger was pulled both barrels went off at once. As the rebound came all upon one shoulder, it was not a weapon to waste shot with in a needless and wanton manner. This time they had a rifle and two powerful shot guns, and might expect to do considerable execution either at long range or at close quarters. Though looking anxiously for the enemy in all directions, we reached the summit of Mount Hermon without any blood having been shed on one side or the other. When we reached the top, 10,000 feet above the level of the sea, we proceeded to examine the remains of a Temple of the Sun, mere ruins, and a circular cave, as large as an ordinary drawing-room, hollowed out of the solid rock. This cave we intended to make our sitting-room, dining-room, and bedroom. Then we cast our eyes about in search of the snow which we had expected to find in large quantities, and from which we were to get water, as we had none left. To our dismay no snow was to be seen ; as the previous winter had been very dry, little snow had fallen on the top, and what little there had been appeared to have all melted away. No time was to be lost. We dismissed our servants with orders to send up some one next morning with a jar or two of water and other requisites, telling them that our lives were in their hands. Away they went, and as they 15

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disappeared a sense of happiness and Robinson Crusoe freedom came over us when we were left alone on the top of Hermon, with the prospect of passing the night in that open-mouthed cave. As the afternoon wore on we had some target practice, so as to ensure deadly accuracy in an emergency. Before turning in for our second night on the mountain, we went to the highest rock to enjoy the prospect. On one side was a strange sight, the immense shadow cast in the sunset by towering Hermon ; and on the other side we saw, faintly glimmering in the distance, the Lake of Galilee itself. With chattering teeth and burning thirst we made ourselves a-4 comfortable as possible in the underground cave, and waited there for morning and the muleteer. We awoke in time for sunrise, left the cave, and mounted again to the highest peak, where we stood and gazed while the silvery glistening east began to flush with gold, and finally the old and welcome sun lifted up his face once more fresh as in the days of Abraham. While making a very unsatisfactory breakfast off tinned meat and dry bread, with nothing to wash it down, my two friends declared their intention to descend the hill, an hour's distance, to look for water and hunt up any game that might be in the neighbourhood before the sun got too high. After wandering about for several hours they at last reached the fountain that we had expected to find on our way up, and there quenched their thirst. Then they lay clown to wait till the man whom we expected to reach the top with provisions before long, should pass them on his way up the mountain. But they waited long. I forgot to say that I had been left on the top to sketch and protect the stuff from any four-footed intruders. I passed the forenoon walking about the summit examining the ruins of the heathen temple and trying not to think about my parched throat. The day wore on and there I was on the top without water, while my companions had eaten nothing to speak of in the morning, and after their toilsome descent must be suffering as much from hunger as I from thirst. And yet no relief came.

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CONCLUSION.

My companions might have sat by the well till they starved waiting for the muleteer, whom they expected to pass them on his way to the top. He had chosen another road. I was seated on a rock near the summit commanding a view of the path, and was attempting a sketch. My principal occupation, however, was in brushing away the tears which the keen wind brought into my eyes. In course of time the muleteer and a friend that he had brought with him reached the top, and deposited the provisions and fuel in the cave. Then, to give my friends time to put in an appearance, we set off in search of snow for the pot. We found all that was left—what we had overlooked before, but what our muleteer with his practised eye at once detected—a mass as large as a man's body. Discoloured though it was, it was soon packed in the saddlebags and transported to our cave kitchen. When we returned to the cave I was in hopes that the two others might have come back during the hour that we had been absent, but when I went down into the sleeping, dining, and sitting room there was nothing—nothing, at least, that could be seen, though a superstitious person might have said that there was something that could be felt. It seemed that the ghosts of the ancient sun worship. pers had been crowding into the dark earthy-smelling hole to have a close look at Morton's tinned provisions. However, they had been civil enough not to touch anything, and as I looked around and saw the motionless belongings of my two friends I had a foreboding that something had gone wrong with them. I explained to the two Arabs that my friends had started off to meet them before eight o'clock, and had eaten little or nothing the day before, that it was now one o'clock, and that it would be a serious matter if they were still waiting at the well. After some grumbling the natives at length consented to go down part of the way and call out if they saw anybody. They were away over an hour, and then came back

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yawning and rubbing their eyes, and looking chilled and not at all like men who had been toiling up a steep mountain side. After a great deal of wriggling, they confessed that they had gone over the shoulder of the hill, and when out of my sight had sat down in a sunny place to look for the gentlemen, and, being tired and sleepy, &c., they had fallen asleep a little while. The lazy, slouching scoundrels ! I had great difficulty in keeping my hands off them. As it was I am afraid that, while I was walking up to the cave mouth in a rather dramatic and animated manner, one of them ran his cheek against the back of my hand, but fortunately my hand was not a bit hurt, and the accident had rather a soothing effect upon me. I sent them out of my reach in order to avoid any more such accidents, and ordered them to keep a sharp look-out for two figures below working their way upwards. About four o'clock in the afternoon I heard one of the drivers calling out to me. His friend further down had called to him to bring down something to eat, as the two hunters were faint with hunger. We reached them in time to save their lives, or, as they thought, to awaken them from a delicious sleep. At the very moment that we had caught sight of them they had been forced to confess that they could not mount a step higher. Before they lay down one of them had slowly waved his arm, and it was this that had drawn attention to them. We relieved their immediate wants, and then got them with considerable difficulty as far as the cave. Apart frcm the effects of a rather inconsiderate use of the ice-cold water and cool grapes they were soon all right and ready to partake of the chicken and rice that I had been cooking. That chicken, by the way, had been boiling for four hours, but as water boils at a very low temperature in such a rare atmosphere, and as the fowl itself was one of those left behind by the Crusaders, because it was too old and too tough for killing in the time of King Richard, you will not be surprised when told that it was still as hard and tough as whale-bone. A fork vainly pushed into its thighs came out again with a snap and a twang like that of a bow-string.

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We did not wish to be beaten by the thing, especially as it was the only hot dish we had. Accordingly we cut it up into eight or nine pieces, and fried it in butter. Then by sitting down and pulling with teeth and both hands, and fixing our eyes on the distant horizon, we were able to separate what there was of flesh from the bones. Our teeth whetted by this effort, we made sad havoc among the water melons, pomegranates, and grapes, and retired to rest in our cave at a very early hour, the monosyllable bear not being once pronounced, as far as I remember. The dangers and weariness of the day had become a matter of pleasant and thankful retrospect. Next morning we packed up and prepared for the descent. This descent, like descents generally, was much less laborious than the ascent, but still as interesting, as we chose another route, where our guide hinted we might have a better chance than on the road up of carrying home a bear's skin as a trophy. Our prospects of sport looked gloomy till we reached the square stone hut, where I had a week before refreshed my horse and its rider. Noticing an animal's skin hanging up in the place, I asked the owner what sort of skin it was, and how he had come by it. From his starting off at once to tell me what terrible things the wolf had done before it was shot, I gathered that the article was for sale. After some discussion I bought it, and placed it over my saddle-bow. Seven hours more, and as I neared the end of my journey, everyone came to the door to welcome home again the weary hunter. Soon the shaggy covering of the saddle was detected, and a combined shout " Certainly, my dears," said I, " a arose : " a bear's skin but if you turn it over you side, hairy the on wolf's skin it is, as you say, a bare skin." side other will see that on the LEAVES FROM THE JOURNAL OF FOUR INNOCENTS ABROAD. ABOUT the end of June, 1894, four innocents, whose face are not unknown at the Grammar, set forth from the parental hearths, bound for the sunny shores of France.

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A merry party they were, too, consisting of the BearLeader, young Sandford and Merton, and the Stripling. Light were their hearts as they trod the timbers of the " Ban-Righ " in the harbour, like so many Ralph the Rovers. But scarcely had they gone a mile, "a mile or scarcely twa," when a subdued feeling began to steal over the mirthful hearts of Sandford and Merton. Vainly were the piles of cakes and jam spread for them, vainly were the frizzling bacon and the steaming rolls served up piping hot. Even cherry tarts and strawberries and cream were sent away with a sickly smile. And long ere London town was reached, the full and bitter tribute of Neptune had been paid. The Stripling and the BearLeader kept up a brave show, however, making ample amends for the failings of their friends. The tedium of the voyage was enlivened by the divine harmonies (?) of some twenty Salvationists on their way to the great Booth demonstration at the Crystal Palace. The Bear-Leader and the Stripling growled somewhat at the never-ceasing medleys, and felt rather pleased when the gentle swell gave way to a quite unsettling pitching, which put the minstrels to a sudden stop. They had a rest for a few days in London, and rushed about to see the principal sights. Unfortunately they had to leave Merton locked up in his room at The Langharn, as he was still quite exhausted with his sacrifices to the seagod. Of course, they hied to Constantinople at Olympia, where they duly "took the caique," and proceeded underground through the Hall of the Thousand and One Columns, at the darkest part of which their picturesque conductor proceeded to levy backsheesh with his most winning smile. And how could they resist him ? The Stripling fell rather in love with a Turkish cigarette maker, but his difficulty was to find language to express himself. All he could say was in English, and all she could prattle in that language was, "Verr-ry pr-r-retty, verr-ry sweet, verr-ry dainty segarette," uttered with such a charming little accent, that all the passers by halted and bought

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something at this stall, grinning very foolishly all the time for want of something to say. The Bear-Leader, however, for the first time in his life, found a practical application for his Greek. Remembering the descriptions of the " Oxeyed Athen4" and the " rosy-fingered dawn," he summoned the shades of Geddes' Grammar to his aid, and, behold I the ox-eyed one uttered winged words. 'T was in modern Greek, 't is true, but yet her meaning was nut veiled ; but the god-like heroes hasted on with speedy steps, the fair Stripling still gazing behind like another Orpheus at his Eurydice. The cry, however, was " Vorwarts," and so leaving Victoria Station by the tidal train one evening, they found themselves by midnight on board the Newhaven-Dieppe steamer. Neptune again required his toll from S. and M., but the Stripling wrestled successfully with old Poseidon. On arriving at Dieppe about 3 a.m., sleepless and dissatisfied, they got a Commissionaire to take them to a hotel, where after banging at a door like that of a feudal castle of the Middle Ages, they were admitted by the night porter and conducted to their chambers. Musty, evil-smelling rooms they were, too, as they found at many of the French hotels, but they slept the sleep of the righteous, heedless of the uninvited guests which so often share one's bedroom abroad. Getting up at ten, they tucked their towels and things under their arms, preparatory to a dip in the briny, but on arriving at the beach what was their astonishment to see all—men, women, and children—bathing together in most chic bathing costumes, the cut and shape of which were fearful and wonderful. But, recalling the saying about " Doing in Rome as the Romans," they had also to don these ultra-civilized garments. You should have seen the Bear-Leader attired in a delicate salmon and white peignoir, the Stripling in some Liberty Artlooking confection of blue and white, while Sandford and Merton affected a deep azure and sea-green arrangement respectively. But how to get down to the sea from their bathing machine? was a question which agitated them at Dieppe, Trouville, and St. Malo. For the coaches are at a

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great distance from the water, and one has got to walk the plank (literally), which is stretched from the boxes to the sea, between rows of very candid critics, some armed with cameras, others with field glasses. They looked at the phalanx before them and held a council of war. Sandford and Merton, thinking of chaste Albion, blushed a very becoming pink, and said that they could not face the foe. The Stripling, however, accustomed to many a scrum on the Grammar field, thought " a fig for the `darned mounseer.'" So out they set in Indian file down the plank, the Bear-Leader in the van as was naturalI 'm afraid, however, that even the boldest of them held his breath and looked demurely on the ground, feeling slightly ridiculous, conscious of the eyes of all the beach upon them. The descent of Avernus was comparatively easy, "sed revocare gradum" ?—up the hill all the way too. They simply rushed up, nearly upsetting some of the comfortably rotund and, to our idea, unnecessarily frisky, elderly Frenchmen on the way. They got rid of such feelings after a time, and I now believe that even Merton could walk down the long plank in his sea-green costume before the eyes of all Trouville without more than the suspicion of a blush and a slight droop in the eyelids. Pleasantly did these five weeks pass in Normandy, Brittany, and Jersey, although the weather was not so good as it might have been. After leaving Caen they visited Bayeux, where they saw the wonderful tapestry woven by Queen Matilda in honour of her husband, the Conqueror's exploits. What a painstaking queen she was, and no mistake, for every little detail about Harold and William in their various meetings are set forth with an amazing fidelity to nature. It was at Bayeux where the Stripling and his two friends got into a fix. Of course in France no one is allowed on the platform of a railway station except the passengers, and they not until the train is drawing up, being before that shut up like convicts in small rooms. Our ingenuous youths, however, managed to elude the vigilance of the railway officials, and were calmly

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sauntering up and down the platform, hands in pockets, when up rushes the gold-bedecked official beseeching Messieurs les Anglais to have the bounty to depart from the platform. The trio, ignorant of French except in so far as regarded the " Have you seen the son of our gardener ? No, but I have some mustard in the dining-room," replied to the very polite request by " Non, merci," this being as they thought sufficient to mollify the hardest-hearted official under any circumstances. Again came the smile and a query why could they not go at once. " Non, merci," came from the Stripling, with a suave smile. But alas ! for the shortness of the Gallic temper. Down came the storm. The official's arms wildly sawed the air, his nostrils were quivering and his eyes were flashing fire, and rushing upon the mildly surprised ones, who wondered what it was all about, and who kept shouting in a conciliatory chorus " Non, merci," he was bundling them out at the wicket, when the Bear-Leader arrived on the scene. The guard was now fairly shrieking with wrath, and saying, I fear me, the things he ought not to have said, but the BearLeader gradually succeeded in pacifying his wrath by explaining how desolated he was at his three companions' inexcusable ignorance of the beautiful French language, and softly slipping into his hand a franc piece, a veritable sop to Cerberus, completely turned away his ire. Here, as at other places, they found that it went down wonderfully to say that we were not English, we were Scots, the ancient friends of France ! This, declaimed in a slightly melodramatic tone, had a most wonderful effect. But the further adventures of the Innocents in the Cathedrals, in the Cafes, in the Champs Elysees, and on the Boulevards of gay Paris will, with the kind permission of the Editor, be set forth in another number of the magazine. So, au revoir. C. D.

PIERRE. CHAPTER V.-THE UHLANS.

Two or three days after Sedan, there was great stir in a little village in the neighbourhood of Reims. The cabaret was filled with an excited crowd, wearing blouses and flat caps. Absinthe and thin wine flowed freely ; and threats, curses, and cries of rage were heard on all sides. " Detestables !" " murderers !" " thieves !" " villains ! " " pigs of Prussians! "—such were some of the expressions. One man, in particular, with very bristly hair and a talent for stump oratory, mounted the table, and, standing among the wine glasses, slops, and broken matches, thus held forth— " Frenchmen, the fatherland is desecrated : Our crops are laid waste, our villages destroyed, our farms burnt, our fields trampled upon, by the innumerable hosts of the barbarians ! Bravely have our brethren resisted, but where are they ? They were one against a hundred ; they were swept away struggling; they were trodden into the earth! But the Prussians shall come no further! No ! Let us arm ! Let us fling our bodies on their steel! Their march shall be opposed by a living wall of Frenchmen, of women, of children ! They may advance, but to a wilderness in which not a living soul is left! Not a foot of our country shall they possess ; not a stone of our fortresses! Rise, Frenchmen, and by a gigantic effort sweep the invader of the sacred soil of France to the Rhine, that he may repent that he ever crossed it !" And his audience wept, and shouted, and cried—" Vive la patrie ! Vive la France ! " and rushed for scythes, sickles, muskets—anything, to serve the fatherland. All except two. These were seated on a bench in the background, eating bread and sausage, and seemed rather to shrink from observation. They were our two friends, clad now in blouses and sabots — regular, pleasant costumes — but, do what they would, they could not assume to perfection the slouching manners of the rustics. At last suspicious eyes began to be

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directed upon them, and angry whispers went round the excited mob. A lad in the rear, probably from love of mischief, yelled "Prussian spies!" It was the spark to powder. Knives appeared ; the crowd behind pressed forward those in front, and our friends seemed about to have a bad time of it. Emile rose, backed up by Pierre, and the mob recoiled quickly before a couple of revolvers pointed straight at them. " Friends," said Emile, " we are no spies; we also are Frenchmen. We have more reason to hate the Prussians than you, for they have driven us from house and homestead." At this the assailants were divided, some, especially those in front, crying that they were good men and true. More, however, particularly those behind, among whom the loudest was the orator, were disposed to doubt this, and some cried —" To the Mayor " ; others, " A rope ! hang them up " ; and were only deterred from rushing on by the threatening appearance of the revolvers. At this moment a cry was heard outside—" The Prussians," and under this fresh excitement, some, too, being not unwilling to escape the revolvers, the cabaret rapidly emptied. As the villagers tumbled pell mell into the street they saw riding slowly towards them, about a hundred yards along the road which entered the village from the east, some four Uhlans. Three of these rode abreast, and the fourth, an officer, rode about ten yards in front. He had light blue eyes and a fair moustache and wore an eyeglass. He also smoked a cigar in an nonchalant way, as he came along at a walking pace in front of his little troop. The only sign by which one might judge that he was not among friends was that in his right hand, which was encased in a snowy white gauntlet, he held a cocked revolver. His three men had lances rising behind them from their right heel, and carbines slung across their backs. Each had a revolver in his right hand, and they chatted together and laughed. The officer came slowly up to the door of the inn and halted. Every eye was upon him, and there was gloomy silence. " Well, friends," in tolerable French, " What is the matter to-day ?

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Why this crowd? Ah, no doubt it is a holiday." Then more threateningly, "Friends, you had better go home quietly," and with an almost imperceptible motion of his right hand he raised the muzzle of his pistol—" Where is mine host ? " Up to this the crowd had gazed gloomily and silently at him, but without moving for fear of the pistol in the officer's hand and the three shining pistols behind. But now a lad sprang forward with a shout and seized the horse's bridle. The mob gave a grow], and an uneasy motion ran through it that seemed to be the first signs of a coming tempest. There was a sharp report, the pistol smoked in the German's hand ; the lad let go the bridle, covered his face with his hands, and fell backwards without a sound. Blood trickled through his fingers, and began to form a little pool round his head. The crowd fell back in fear. The troopers ceased talking and came a little nearer " Bring me a glass of beer," said the officer to the trembling innkeeper, who now appeared at his summons. While he drank his beer he cast his cold blue eyes over the sullen, scowling faces before him, willing to attack, but afraid of the smoking pistol and the three silent troopers behind, and casually observed that some French prisoners had escaped from the German guards. " Had any of them been seen hereabouts ?" Receiving no answer, he looked about him again. " Hola. who are these men ?" he cried suddenly ; " seize them!" and everyone turned their eyes where he pointed. There were our friends Emile and Pierre making off at a good round pace, having a presentiment that the place would soon be too hot to hold them. Finding themselves discovered, they broke into a run, and made off full speed towards a wood which skirted the road as it left the west end of the village. As the villagers, who saw their former mistake, seemed by no means anxious to assist in the pursuit, the officer uttered a curse, set spurs to his horse, and, followed by his men, went full gallop after the fugitives. These, however, had a good start, and, in spite of a few pistol shots, were within a couple of yards of the wood when the Prussian dashed up. He drew rein so suddenly that his horse reared and nearly

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fell backwards, requiring all his rider's skill to force him down. This occupied but a moment, but it was enough for his prey to escape. They dived into the wood, and in a moment were plunging for their lives in different directions through the thick undergrowth. The Prussian, fuming with rage, sprang from his horse followed by two of his men, and dashed into the wood. The remaining Uhlan stayed with the horses. Pierre rushed on desperately, forcing his way through the matted hazel bushes, but he heard rapid crackling and crashing behind him, which grew louder and louder. Finding it impossible to distance his pursuer, he crawled into a thicket and waited. The German came running up, panting heavily, and held straight on. Pierre breathed freely again, and, creeping out, cautiously stole away in another direction. Not a moment too soon, for the Uhlan had found himself at fault, and came back, peering into the bushes and thrusting his lance into all suspicious places. So near did he come to the "chase" that his lance stuck in the ground about a foot from Pierre's nose. It was removed safely, however, and the German finally gave up the search and returned to his comrades. After this narrow escape, Pierre lay quiet, hearing the Germans in the distance, and thinking that his safest plan was to remain in his present place of concealment for a little. Suddenly a shot rang out, immediately followed by another. Listening intently he could hear nothing more, and resolved at whatever cost to know the meaning of this ominous silence. Cocking his revolver, he grasped it firmly, and crept along in the direction of the last sounds. In a minute or two he arrived at a little open space, at one side of which stood Emile de Xanville, leaning against a tree, and bleeding from a wound in the arm. Facing him, and about six paces distant, stood one of the Uhlans. The other lay on the ground with a bullet through his heart. The Uhlan had his carbine at his shoulder, and only waited a sign from the lieutenant, who stood at the side, sword in hand, to end summarily the career of the prisoner. "Prisoner," said the officer, " you have carried concealed

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arms on your person. You, being a non-combatant, have shot a soldier of the Prussian army. For these offences the law condemns you to death. Nevertheless, if you have anything to plead in your own defence, you shall be heard "— and the lieutenant twirled his moustache. Finding that the prisoner said nothing, he slowly raised his sabre, and gave the word, " Fire." A report followed, but not from the carbine, and the Uhlan staggered and fell. " Donnerwetter! " cried the lieutenant ; " whom have we here ? Ah," catching sight of Pierre, " it is you again," and, levelling his revolver, he fired. The bullet whizzed past Pierre's ear. Pierre fired two or three shots, which had no effect, and, rushing forward, grappled with the officer, receiving as he did so a sword cut on the shoulder, which for the moment served only to infuriate him. Emile soon came to his assistance, and between them they secured the officer in spite of his struggles, tying him up with his belt and strips of cloth. Emile then turned to Pierre, and, grasping his hand, warmly exclaimed," You have saved my life the second time !" Pierre opened his lips, but before he could speak a carbine report rang out, and he staggered and fell forward on his face. The third Uhlan had come up, and stood at the edge of the wood, his smoking carbine in his hand. Emile gave a cry of rage, and, snatching up the wounded trooper's carbine, discharged it at the Uhlan who was making for cover. The German with a cry of despair fell crashing forward. Emile going up to him found that he was only wounded, so, after a struggle, he strapped his hands to his sides with his belt, and did the same to the other, who was recovering from the pistol wound. He then bent over Pierre. A faint groan told him that he still lived. He turned him over on his back and felt his heart. It beat faintly, but the bullet had penetrated the lung, and he bled profusely. Already his face was turning grey. He tried to speak. Emile put his ear near his mouth and heard the words, " Tell—Cdcile—it was—for her—sake." Then came a great shudder, a gush of blood from the mouth, and Pierre was dead.

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CHAPTER VI.-THE LAST. After many adventures Emile de Xanville arrived at Paris, which he entered among the crowd of fugitives whi, swarmed into the capital under the belief that there only would they be safe from the invaders. He had a very warm reception from his father and sister, whom he found in a state of anxious suspense, as there had been no news of him for some time. In relating his adventures, he told in full the story of Pierre and his last words. M. de Xanville did not at once connect this soldier with his quondam page, but (24cile's womanly instinct divined the truth. She left the room on some pretext, went to her bedroom, and, being alone, wept long and bitterly. (The End.) REPORTS, &c. LITERARY CLUB AND DEBATING SOCIETY. THE twelfth session of this Society has opened very successfully. The preliminary meeting of the Upper School for the election of office-bearers was held on 15th October. The first ordinary meeting was held on Friday, 9th November, when it was discussed whether school athletics should be compulsory. Mr. Keith supported the affirmative, and Mr. P. The vote resulted in a Anderson supported the negative. majority of 17-12 for Mr. Keith. On 16th November Dr. Moir delivered a lecture on "Bishop Elphinstone and His Times," when the chair was taken by Mr. Murison, the Honorary President. Having narrated the circumstances of the founding of the Scottish Universities, and in particular of King's College, Dr. Moir went on to speak of the condition of the Grammar School and of Aberdeen generally in the times of the great Bishop. After describing the character of King James IV. and of his illegitimate son, Alexander, he gave an account of the life of the Bishop, enumerating his great benefits to Scotland generally, and especially to Aberdeen, and finished with a description of some amusing customs and superstitions of those old days.* • The first part of the paper is given elsewhere.

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On 23rd November and 14th December the meetings were devoted to impromptu debates. The results were as follows :— The savage is happier than the civilised man ; the " version " should be abolished ; swimming is superior to rowing ; more pleasure is derived from the pursuit than from the possession of an object ; the House of Lords should not be abolished ; country life is preferable to life in the town ; there are circumstances in which a man is justified in departing from the truth ; Greece has done more for civilisation than Rome. On November 30, Mr. Murison read a paper on "Scottish Literature from Barbour to Burns." After remarking on the difference between Scotch and English poetry, he gave an account of each of the poets of the period under review--Barbour, Henryson, Dunbar, Douglas, Lyndsay, Ramsay, Ferguson, and Burns— an illustrative extract accompanying each. After a short descrip• tion of the other poems of the period, he finished by reading one of the Jacobite songs. On December 7, Mr. Charles Davidson delivered a lecture on "Spain." After he had given a humorous description of his voyage to Cartagena and the manners and customs of the Spaniards, especially of a Spanish bull-fight, a series of 50 limelight views, specially procured from London, was thrown upon the screen, a brief description from the lecturer accompanying each. The meeting terminated with votes of thanks to Mr. Davidson, the Rector, who had occupied the chair, and the lanternist. The membership of the Society is 47 against 39 last year, and the average attendance has been about 30. JAMES STRACHAN, Secretary.

THE THIN END OF THE WEDGE. AFTER the success of the Old Boys' Football Club, it was thought that a cricket club might also be added to the list of subsidiary societies of the "F. P." Although it was found impracticable from various reasons to form a regular playing club last year, still a beginning was made, and a few matches played under the auspices of the F. P. Club. Not the least pleasant of these matches were the two played on Deeside in the beginning of August. Last winter three old boys had discussed the feasibility of taking a team up Deeside to play Banchory, Aboyne, and

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Ballater. When, then, these three found themselves nominated by the Parent Club to form a committee to start a cricket club, they reverted to the old idea, with the result that the matches against Banchory C. C. and Ballater C. C. came off. No club had been formed at Aboyne, so we had to pass by the fine pitch on the green there, not without a sigh. When we turned up at Ballater on 4th August, we experienced one of those phenomena for which our island weather is famed—a dry day, without too much sun or wind. True, there were shadows on the field from its nearness to Craigendarroch, and darker shadows on the captain's brow at the uncertainty as to " G. O's " whereabouts. It was known that he had left Elgin that morning. Could he bicycle the 60 miles in time ? A weary, very muddy figure trundling a bicycle in front of him, turned into the field in time to save that shadow becoming permanent, and we knew the match was won. Still it was a near thing. The local club bowled well, and we could make but 44 runs. Let it be remembered, however, that the grass in the field was inches long, and that accordingly it was the most efficient fielder present. R. G..M‘Kerron hit out brilliantly for 11, as did A. M. Mackay for 9. G. 0. succumbed for 6, while F. Kelly played too cautiously for 9 (not out). The Ballater men began well, but, despite his fatigue, G. 0. did valiantly, and by means of his bowling (6 for 11) we got them out for 38. Willie Mackay also bowled well, and the fielding was good, J. F. taking Coutts in the long field at the third attempt. The scores were :— GRAMMAR SCHOOL. . J. F. Christie, b C. Young . . . A. M. Mackay, run out . G. 0. Gauld, b L. Young . R. G. M'Kerron, b L Young . . . F. Kelly, not out . C. G. Cowie, b C. Young . . . W. Mackay, run out . H. J. C. Boulton, b Coutts . W. Webster, c L b C. Young . D. Kyd, c Clark b C. Young . . E. Gauld, b C. Young Extras,

. . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . .

.

.

•

Total,

.

1

9 6 11 9 0 0 1 0 3

I

3 ..._ 44

After the match we adjourned to the village and admired its many beauties until the last train went off with the major part of the team to Aberdeen. Those who remained enjoyed magnificent 16

192

The Grammar School Magazine.

weather on Sunday. Lochnagar and the verdant Knock Hills being seen to the best advantage. On Monday, the 6th, the different detachments met at Banchory station, and proceeded to the Burnett Park where a pitch had been prepared. Again we had fine weather, but there was a strong west wind, which interfered with the bowling somewhat. Both sides played a man short. Banchory had the assistance of the crack, Clarence Haslewood, who went in first and scored 20 in good style. After he left, Leslie hit with a good slice of luck for 25, and managed to raise the total to 73. G. O. had 4 wickets for 25, while Christie came out as a bowler and took 3 wickets for 4. Willie Mackay bowled well, but with bad luck. Of course we thought that 73 was an easy task, but we failed. Three wickets fell for 27 runs, and five for 41, and then came a collapse, the last 4 wickets adding only 8 runs. Scores :— GRAMMAR SCHOOL. F. Kelly, b Paterson . . . . A. M. Mackay, c sub. b Haslewood . G. 0. Gauld, b Paterson . . . W. Mackay, b Paterson . . . . . J. F. Christie, b Paterson . R. G. M`Kerron, c and b Haslewood E. H. Jobberns, b Paterson . . D. Kyd, c Leslie, b Paterson . . A. Maclean, not out . . . . A. Laing, at Todd b Haslewood . Byes, Total,

.

.

.

• . . . . . . . . .

11 8 9 0 3 10 2 2 1 0 3

••

-49

At tea, after the match, it was agreed, non. con., to have a tour on similar lines next year. We hope to see this idea extended in the near future, and that our successors, if not ourselves, will have not only an annual cricket tour, but home matches on their own grounds. Five matches were played, two having been won and three lost. The wins were over the School and Ballater, and the losses were against the School (return, by 4 runs), Banchory, and a strong team of the Aberdeen Asylum. Twenty-nine players took part in the five matches. BATTING AVERAGES. Total Highest Innings. Runs. Score. Average. A. M. Mackay, . . 4 50 19 12.5 H. P. Sleigh, . . 2 20 18 10• W. Webster, . . 2 20 20 10• . F. Kelly, . 5 23 11 5.75 G. 0. Gauld, . . 4 9 22 5.5 J. A. R. Glennie (32), J. Liebbrandt (17), and W. F. Cornwall (14, not out), played in one innings each.

193

Reports, &c. BOWLING AVERAGES. Innings. Overs. Maidens. Runs. Wickets. Average.

70 19 51 4 G. 0. Gauld, 22 6 15.1 J. F. Christie, 2 60 8 37 3 W. Mackay, 11 3 11 3 F. Kelly, . 27 4 15 2 H. P. Sleigh, 19 1 5.1 2 0. F. Kirby, J. A. R. Glennie (1 for 1) bowled in one innings.

19 7 7 4 5 3

3.13 3.1 8.5 21 5.4 6.3

FOOTBALL REPORTS. F.P. MATCHES. F.P.'s v. HALL RUSSELL'S ENGINEERS, October 20 (from Free Press).—This match at Holburn proved a very interesting one. The Grammar kicked off down hill and gained a good deal of ground at the first rush. Before the Engineers quite knew their whereabouts, the ball was scrambled over the line near touch. Gauld made a good attempt to convert. Not long after Mackay got the ball from the opposing quarter and ran behind. Pope, with a fine dribble, scored a third point, which Marr converted. With change of ends the Engineers had more of the game. Playing fast and loose they twice got the ball behind the posts ; while for the Grammar Gauld scored with a fine run from goal off a pass from the forward line. The game resulted in a win for the F.P's. Score—F.P's, 2 goals 2 tries (16 points) ; Engineers', 1 goal 1 try (8 points). F.P.'s v. NOMADS, November 3.—This match was played at Mannofield, the ground being in a very soft and slippery state. The F.P.'s pressed immediately after the kick-off, and the scoring was opened by Gauld dropping a difficult goal in the teeth of the wind. Play throughout the first period was of a very even character, although the Grammar forwards were stronger than their opponents in the mauls. This, however, was counterbalanced by the plucky play of the Nomads' quarters. In the second half the Nomads several times came very near scoring, making several unexpected rushes, one of which was almost successful in carrying the ball across the Grammar line. Gauld saved, and a few minutes before time was called, during a heavy shower, he sent the ball sailing between the posts for a second time by a very difficult drop kick. F.P.'s (3 points) v 'SHIRE (12 points), Nov. 17.—On a perfect ground, and before an average attendance of spectators, this match was played at Holburn. The F.P.'s had the most of the

194

The Grammar School Magazine.

play until about fifteen minutes after the start, when Sinclair carried the ball, by a brilliant run, from the 'Shire 25 to within a yard or two of the Grammar goal line, where he ran into touch. Woodrow secured the ball from the throw-in, and got across, Marr subsequently kicking a goal. In the second half play was fairly even. Sinclair secured a second try for the'Shire, from which Marr notched a goal. After the kick-off the F.P.'s pressed in grand style, and Rennet secured a try, the result of a fine piece of co-operative play. The kick, however, was not successful. There was no further scoring, and the 'Shire were left winners by 12 points to 3. Both teams played well. The School halves and quarters, though slightly overmatched, worked well together ; while the 'Shire back division was in good form. F.P.'s (18 points) v. 2ND 'SHIRE (nil.), Dec. 15. —This fixture was played at Holburn on the large field, and was one-sided, especially in the first half. In the second half the 'Shire having the wind, played up pluckily, but the Grammar tackling was too sure, and ten minutes before time Rennet scored far out. For the Grammar Gauld and Rennet were the best. Gauld developed an unexpected degree of speed, and at centre half ran through the opposing forwards in good style. The brothers Lumsden were rather clumsy in picking up, and she red a reprehensible tendency to run back and across—and when playing on a full-sized field, this latter tendency wastes a great deal of valuable time. On a smaller field the School would undoubtedly have scored oftener, and they suffered from the further die. advantage of there being in the opposing team several let 'Shire men, SCHOOL MATCHES. SCHOOL v. CLYNE MITCHELL'S ENGINEERS, October 13 —We lost the toss and kicked off at half-past three. The kick was badly returned, and play began in the Engineers' 25. After some loose play we were awarded a free kick for offside. Milne kicked a grand goal. After the kick-off play came for the first time to our 25, but we soon relieved. We gradually worked down to the Engineers' 25, and C. Grant got in behind, but this time Milne's kick was not successful. Soon after the Captain forced his way in, but the point was disallowed. Simpson also got in after a good run, but we had to come back on account of the previous sounding of the whistle. Play was then transferred to

Reports, &c.

195

our 25, but J. Butchart, who was playing splendidly, soon relieved, and the half-time whistle sounded with play at the centre. A. M'Kenzie went quarter with his brother during the latter half, C. Grant taking his place at half. Soon after the kick-off, A. M'Kenzie made a mark from a mis-kick of our opponents' full back, and the Captain kicked another fine goal, After this the Engineers pressed hard and began to look dangerous, but Stewart broke away and made a good run up the field, a chance of scoring being lost by a throw forward. After this the Engineers began to gain ground by hard mauling, and once or twice looked dangerous, but no further scoring took place, and the whistle sounding left us winners by 9 points to nil. School team :—A. Milne ; A. MgKenzie, J. Butchart, J. Milne ; J. Simpson, K. M`Kenzie ; Bisset, B. Butchart, Fraser, Greig, C. Grant, H. Grant, G. Gray, M`Queen, Stewart. SCHOOL v NOMADS, Oct. 20.—Played at Mannofield with only 13 men, and these not our best, Butchart and Milne being hors de combat, and Greig unable to play. The Nomads had only 12 men, but they were their best, and we had to submit to a severe defeat. The ground was in a very soft and slippery state, and the ball almost impossible to hold. The one-sided nature of the game renders it unnecessary to give a full account. The only time we got a chance was in the second half when we got within ten yards of our opponent's goal. Score : —4 goals 10 tries (50 points) to nil. School team :—A. Milne ; C. Grant, A. M'Kenzie, J. Simpson ; G. Gray, K. M`Kenzie ; Bisset, B. Butchart, Fraser, Garvie, Grant, Rainnie, Stewart. SCHOOL v. 2ND 'SHIRE, November 3.—Played at Holburn on very wet and slippery ground. We were without the services of Butchart, who got his shoulder hurt while playing for the North against Jedforest on the previous Saturday ; yet this is hardly accountable for the easy victory of our opponents. In the first half the 'Shire dropped a goal and got behind about four times, In the second half the Scott converting more than once. unfortunately, ran into Simpson, School played perhaps better. run, and Milne made a good a from back touch, and was called The heavy 'Shire kick. penalty a from good attempt at a goal their way in forced and us, for much too men were, however, His excellent successfully. kicking again Scott several times, School team :— score. point the assisted materially place-kicking ; K. Mlienzie, Simpson Milne, W. J. M`Kenzie, ; A. Milne A. J.

196

The Grammar School Magazine.

Gray; Greig, Grant, Stewart, Bruce, B. Butchart, M'Queen, Fraser, Garvie, Bisset. CLASSICAL v. MODERN, Grammar Grounds, November 10, at 10.30 a.m.—The Classical lost the toss and kicked off. Some stiff mauling then took place in the centre in which the Modern forwards were superior, gradually forcing back the Classical to their 25 line. Play was then transferred to the centre, and the Classical began to press. The Classical forwards were mauling well, though not heeling out smartly enough. The Modern were awarded a free kick, and Milne, with a good punt, brought them past the centre flag. Play remained here for some time, but by some good passing of the Classical half-backs, they entered the Modern 25. Till half-time the Classical pressed hard, but could not break through the Modern line of defence. The Classical were twice awarded free kicks, and Garvie made two excellent attempts to score, one of his kicks just passing outside the post. In the second half the Moderns had hard lines in not scoring. Greig crossed the line, but the try was disallowed. There was no further attempt at scoring, and the game ended with play at the centre. The Classical forwards were the heavier of the two packs, and usually got •the ball in the mauls, thus preventing the Modern backs, who were undoubtedly superior to the Classicals, from getting a chance to prove their powers. At goal, Milne, for the Modern, did all that he was required to do. Rae, for the Classical, had not enough kicking power, but was satisfactory in his tackling and fielding. A. M'Kenzie at centre half, and K. M'Kenzie at quarter, were the best of the Classical side. SCHOOL (nil) v VARSITY WANDERERS (9 points), Nov. 17.— Played at Mannofield. Half-past two we think would have been a much better hour than half-past three for beginning this match, seeing that by the time the whistle was blown for stopping, the shades of night had been already falling for some time. The School team are to be congratulated on the good form they showed although their inferior weight no doubt told against them. The School lost the toss, and kicked off. In the first half, Bruce, for the Wanderers, obtained a try, which was not improved upon, and Sellar almost succeeded in doing the same, but, unfortunately, dropped the ball just on the goal line. In the second half the Wanderers pressed during most of the time. A free kick was allowed the Wanderers for offside, and Stephen neatly kicked a

Reports, &c.

197

goal. Just before time Sellar had a good run, and secured a try, but failed to kick the goal. Our opponents, though victorious, were, we cannot help saying, in want of practice. Hare was perhaps the best of their forwards, and Sellar of their halves. Our captain's place-kicking was hardly so good as it usually is. School team :—A. Milne ; Greig, J. Milne, A. M'Kenzie ; K. M'Kenzie, Simpson ; Fraser, J. Stewart, Grant, Gray, Bisset, A. B. Butchart, Bruce, Garvie, Keith. SCHOOL (3 points) v. CLYNE MITCHELL'S ENGINEERS (6 points), Nov. 24. Played at the School Grounds. The Engineers' captain won the toss and elected to play down. The ball was kicked off for the Grammar by Grant, and for the first few minutes play was confined to the Engineers' territory. Two free kicks were awarded the School outside the Engineers' 25, but Milne failed to improve. After this the Engineers broke away with a rush and forced the School to touch down. If Bisset had been a little sharper at goal this might have been prevented. The Engineers got across shortly after, but only a minor resulted. The kick out was taken by Butchart, who followed up in grand style and secured the ball at the centre flag. It was then carried to the Engineers' 25, and from a free kick A. Milne obtained a neat goal. This was all the scoring in the first half, although the Engineers several times looked dangerous. Milne was safe at half back, and always brought down his man. In the second half the play was of a somewhat varied description, each side pressing, and both being forced to touch down. The Engineers' kick off was charged down by Bisset, and they were forced behind not long after. During the last twenty minutes the game was played in semi-darkness, and was confined chiefly to the School end. The Grammar were forced to touch down twice, and about a minute before time Johnston gained a second try for the Engineers—a very doubtful one. The game thus ended in a win for the Engineers by two tries to" a penalty goal, a score which may be taken as a fair index of the merits of the two teams. The Engineers were much heavier than their opponents, and if their forwards had played with some slight degree of combination the School would have suffered a much severer defeat. As it was the School forwards carried most of the mauls, their better training matching the weight of the other side ; but they seemed to fumble the ball at times, and were slow in coming round the mauls, a fault which they have not yet overcome. We

198

The Grammar School Magazine.

noticed that one of the Engineers' quarters seemed to think that the proper way to play was to indulge in a little extra and altogether unnecessary and superfluous swinging of his arms. Butchart was probably the best player on the field. His kicking and tackling were always sure, and he completely outplayed the The M Hiles and M'Kenzies, Kenneth opposing quarter. M'Kenzie in particular, all played a sound game, and showed that the School team was not unable to play a losing game. SCHOOL v. 'VARSITY ROVERS, December 1.—On this date the School played the newly-formed team of the 'Varsity Rovers, at the Grammar Grounds. Without entering into details, it is sufficient to say that the Rovers have still to learn how to play football. The School ran through them, and when time was called were winners by 49 points to nil. SCHOOL v. GORDON'S COLLEGE, December 8, at Mannofield.— The game turned out rather one-sided, the Gordon's team showing to considerable disadvantage from want of practice. Play began at 11.25. In the first half the School got behind six times—Butchart, Bower, J. Milne, and A. Milne being responsible. In the second half Gordon's College played much better, but did not succeed in scoring. By a fine combination with Butchart and A. M'Kenzie, Milne secured a try for the School. The halves—Butchart, J. Milne, and A. M'Kenzie—were conspicuous for their passing, and Butchart was by far the best player on the field. Bower and A. Milne played well at quarter, and Stewart was among the best of the forwards. SCHOOL (nil) v. HALL RUSSELL'S ENGINEERS (3 points), 15th December, at School Grounds.—This match, from the reputation of the opposing team, is, we need hardly say, one of our most important fixtures. We are glad to note that Mr. Menzies has again taken the field, his efforts at the match turning what might have been a bad defeat into a comparatively even game. The play from beginning to end was of an interesting character. On the ball being kicked off by Grant, the Engineers, following up their return, pressed and began to look dangerous. Mr. Menzies, however, at goal saved brilliantly more than once, but play for some time centred about the School 25. A run by one of the Engineers was stopped short by Mr. Menzies, who took the ball and kicked. Play was carried on in mid-field. Garvie, of the Engineers, had a good run, but was well tackled by A. M'Kenzie. After a free kick to the Grammar, the Engineers pressed, and

Reports, tt''.

199

Bell almost secured a try, but Greig succeeded in knocking the ball from his hands. Afterwards a free kick to the Engineers near the School goal proved unsuccessful, and A. M'Kenzie saved just at half-time. When the ball was kicked off again, our opponents brought it to the School 25, but a dribble shortly after transferred play to mid-field. The School continued to gain ground, and a free kick, which was taken by Mr. Menzies, almost secured a goal. The Engineers, after working their way up the field, were also awarded a free kick, but were unable to improve. After a touch down, the School brought the ball to the Engineers' 25, but the latter worked their way up the field, and after Greig had stopped the ball for a time, a rush secured a try. The kick was unsuccessful. Mr. Menzies kicked off, and by a smart follow up kept the ball. Almost immediately time was sounded. From the weight of the Engineers, the game was mostly a defensive one. The team, as a whole, played splendidly. The forwards were inclined to be rather slow in the mauls. The halves, Milne and Greig, were good, and M'Kenzie, considering his weight played very well also, his tackling being conspicuous. Mr. Menzies at goal was a tower of strength.

2ND. XV. MATCHES. Oct. 6.—Capt. v. Vice-Capt. Draw, 2 tries (6 points) each. Oct. 20.—v. Fountainhall, Won by 6 goals, 4 tries (42 pts.) to nil. Oct. 27.—v. „ (return) Won by 2 goals, 1 try (13 pts.) to nil. Dec. 1.—v. Seafield ... Won by 6 goals, 3 tries (39 pts ) to nil. Dec. 15.—v. Ferryhill ... Lost by 1 try (3 pts ) to 2 tries (6 pts).

ADDITIONAL LIST OF OBJECTS GIVEN TO SCHOOL MUSEUM. DATE.

12th Nov. 14th „ 21st Oct. 17th Nov. Nov. /9

8th Dec. 8th Dec.

17

OBJECT.

DONOR.

_ -

Gerald Holl, Dr. Moir, George Hendry, • Mrs. Duncan, P. Anderson, C. Davidson (F.P.), Geral 1 Holl, -

-

Leopard's Tusks. Old Grammar School Key. Coral. Indian (Punjab) Needlework. Specimens of Oil in (9) Bottles. Hemp and Manilla. Banderilla, from Cartagena. Tiger's Tooth.

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The Grammar School Magazine.

3n Memoriam. THE death of Mr. James H. Scott, who was gold medallist in the

year 1890, removes from our midst one who, during the four years he was at the University, took such places in the class lists, as few can hope to attain. His scholarship was not of a onesided nature, for he was equally distinguished both at King's and, latterly, at Marischal College. But it was not his intellect and genius that endeared him to his fellow-students, but a quiet and reserved charm of manner, which is rarely to be met with in student life. "Never in my college career," says a class-fellow, " did I come across one who was so universally respected, and yet he was not the man to court, but rather to shun, popularity. His memory will he cherished for many a long year by those who were fortunate enough to know him."

JOHN C. IWLEOD 46

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