AGS Magazine June 1905

i i

ABERDEEN. •

✓AS

G. 8 /SSET.

Educational Books.

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.

C

i

)T.B.-BEST I i 1,1'E IN STUD I N TS' A OTE BOWLS.

JAMES G. BISSET, Classical, 111)ebical, anti Ebucational iSoohseller,

85 BROAD STREET (Opposite Marischal College).

MACKAY'S, 50-BRIDGE

STREET,

ABERDEEN

50.

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The latest and best Goods in the Sporting and Athletic World always in stock and sent on the shortest of notice.

Angling.—High-Class Tackle of every description. The Editor, " Fishing Gazette," says : " What Mr. Mackay does not know of angling is not worth knowing."

Guns and Shot of the latest and best. Air-guns, etc.

Cricket —The finest selection in Bats, Balls, Guards.

• Tennis.—The beat and cheapest. Rackets restrung.

Croquet, Bowls (Taylor's), Golf Clubs, Balls, etc. always in stock.

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50 BRIDGE STREET, ABERDEEN.

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CONTENTS.

Frontispiece.

RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB SCHOOL NOTES

77

NOTES ABOUT OLD BOYS

82

RANDOM NOTES

87

" LESSONS IN ENGLISH" -

88

CAMPED -

91

THE BURSARY COMPETITION

93

SWIMMING SPORTS t

94

" DEBATER " NOTES -

9(i

SECRETARY

OF

DEBATING

SOCIETY'S

REPORT

ON

SESSION 1904-5

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CRICKET NOTES

97 99

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CRITICISM OF 1ST XI.

104

POETRY -

105

OUR CONTEMPORARIES

107

SCHOOL OFFICIALS -

l08

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHOOL RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB—Season igo4.5•

C. R. Greeson.

J. A. Reid.

.T. M. Mitchell.

J. S. Giles.

F. Macrae. Mr. J. Davidson R. E Butehart. A. J. Smith. F. D. Leslie.

(Hon. Sec. Games Committee).

F. Wishart. J. Reiman G. E. Seroggie L. F. Merrylees.

R. Semple.

(Secretary).

(Captain).

A. S. R. Anderson.

W. M. M`Gavin.

J. R. Murray.

THE b

Oraminar School tilaga3ine.

Vol. VIII.

JUNE, 1905.

No. 3.

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ANOTHER school year is now almost over, and again the long summer holidays are approaching. Once more the School will close, amid the rejoicing of many ; and once more, after two months, it will reopen: but it will not seem the same School, for many of the old faces will be gone, and many new ones will have taken their places.

We are sure that the good wishes of all our schoolfellows go with those who are leaving, whether they are entering the University, or business life, or whatever career they may have chosen. The direction of the Magazine itself will devolve upon other hands, and we, its present editors, shall pass into the long list of those who are styled " former editors."

------With this number the Magazine comes of age, as it has been in existence now for twenty-one years.

Long may it continue to flourish !

The Bursary Competition is now a thing of the past, for which fact we are truly thankful.

The School did much better than usual in gaining the second, fifth, sixth, twelfth, twenty-eighth, and thirtieth places.

Herbert Milne, who was second, was only sixteen marks behind the First Bursar ; last year he gained the twenty-eighth place.

We heartily congratulate our future Dux, who is a splendid all-round scholar, on his great achievement. Much praise

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The Grammar School Magazine.

is also due to J. W. Robertson, A. R. Macrae, V. Walker, R. N. Gilchrist, and H. It. Souper, who were fifth, sixth, twelfth, twenty-eighth, and thirtieth (equal) respectively.

Although the Bursary Competition is over, we are by no means finished with examinations for the year ; for are not the Leaving Certificates still to be encountered?

We hope that the Seventh will do its utmost to gain as many Honours as we usually have; and we are pretty confident that this hope will be realised, if the results of the Bursary Competition are any indication in this matter.

The School also expects every man (or boy) to do his duty with regard to the Higher and Lower Certificates.

Cricket is now in full swing, and the let XI. seem to be having a very successful season. In the 'Shire match, the School's innings was, as usual, a procession from and to the pavilion; but, since then, the XI. have beaten Banchory, Gordon's College, Strichen, and the Y.M.C.A. At. Turriff, however, they suffered a severe defeat. The players have been practising assiduously, and one great feature of their game this season is their keen fielding.

It is in fielding that the School team is usually weak, but this year very few catches have been dropped, and several of the matches have been won through smartness in the field.

Frank Rae, our captain, has been bowling exceedingly well lately. His bowling is medium pace, but has a lot of sting in it; tie keeps a splendid length, and makes the ball break with great effect. With the bat, too, he can usually give a very good account of himself, and seems to do best in this direction when things are going badly with his side. Giles's 38 against Gordon's College came at a very opportune moment, and was a fine exhibition of forcing play; while Wishart's bowling against the 'Shire was particularly good. Milne, one of the new men, has been doing very well; he had a plucky 19 not out against • Banchory, and sets a splendid example of smart fielding to the rest of the team. Kelman does good work behind the wickets.

The centre part of our field, which was repaired last year, has proved very unsatisfactory for cricket, and so Mr. Harper has very kindly consented to allow us a pitch in the Duthie Park on Friday afternoons. The wickets on

School Notes.

79

our practice-ground in front of the School are fairly good, but, owing to the fewness of them, have to be worked pretty hard.

Our Swimming Sports were held in the Corporation Baths on Friday, 2nd June. There was a good turnout of spectators, and the entries were fairly numerous.

We must heartily congratulate D. Semple on winning the Rector's Cup. The race for this trophy is four lengths of the Baths (120 yards), and Semple swam this in good style, beating T. Mackay, after a hotly contested race, by several yards. Congratulations are also due to those others who won prizes. In the course of the sports an exhibition of fast and trick swimming was given by Mr. D. Mailer, who so kindly acts as our instructor.

A full report of the Sports will be found farther on.

The Annual Gymnastic Assault-at-Arms took place in the School Hall on the evening of Thursday, 27th April, and was, as usual, a very great success. There was a large audience of boys and their friends, and the manner in which the gymnasts went through their various exercises testifies to the splendid work which Mr. Josephs does throughout the year. Those yearly gymnastic displays are most enjoyable, and do great credit both to the boys themselves and to their capable and efficient instructor.

Mr. Josephs has lately been enrolling boys to take part in the great Gymnastic Festival which is to take place in Pittodrie Park on Saturday, 17th June. Three thousand people are to perform in this festival, which is modelled on the lines of those held in Switzerland, France, and other Continental countries. This is the first festival of this kind which has been held in Britain, and Aberdeen is leading the way. We are sorry to say that Mr. Josephs has not received the support which he expected from the School.

The competitions for the Smith Medal for Latin Prose and for the Brebner French Prize have already been held. and, although the results are not yet announced, we here venture to congratulate the fortunate winners, whoever they may be.

The Library has been closed early this year, on account of the alterations to the School buildings. It is feared

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The Grammar School Magazine.

that, for the same reason, it will not be opened at all next session, or that, if it is opened, it will not be till after the New Year ; so that next year the duties of the Librarians, if there are any, will not be very onerous.

An interesting item in our bill of fare for this number is the criticism of the 1st XI. The team has been doing well this season, and the members have been looking forward to their criticism with keen interest. We hope they will not be disappointed with it, but will be encouraged to strive harder for the honour of their School.

The F.P.'s have generously sent us photos of their football teams, and these interesting mementoes have already been hung in the corridor. We have now quite an array of photos in the corridor, of F.P. football teams and of the School football and cricket teams. The School football XV. has also been photographed, and this photo forms the subject of our illustration.

The team, though rather weak in the forward line, had a very successful season, and may well be proud of itself. It won the majority of its matches, and worked hard for the good of the School in a way which we hope will be imitated by all future teams.

Several prominent fellows have left us since the last number of the Magazine was issued—G. E. Scroggie, who was captain of the football XV., a member of last year's cricket XI., and one of our finest athletes ; and L. F. Alerrylees, who was also a member of the football XV., was editor for sport of the Magazine, and took a keen interest in School affairs, as was shown by the fact that he was on the committees of most of the various clubs and societies. W. L. Oxford, who was President of the Debating Society, and one of the Librarians, has also left.

The whole of the Lower Field south of the path from the West Gate is just now under repair. It has been fenced in with wire-netting, a top-dressing of soil has been put down, and this has been sown with grass seed. We are certain that this will be an immense improvement, and we hope that it will soon be ready for games again.

The School seems to be rapidly turning into a hot-bed of poetic feeling, for all three poems which appear in this

School Notes.

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81

number are written by members of it. We are glad to see them taking an interest in the Mag. and doing their best to assist it, and we would wish that more of this spirit existed in the School.

A generous friend of our School, who prefers to be called Anon., has presented a great many books to the Library, making his contribution one hundred volumes in all.

The results of the competition for the Smith Medal for Latin Prose have just been announced, and we hasten to congratulate Hugh K Souper, the fortunate winner, who held the second place in this competition last year.

Herbert J. M. Milne holds that position this year.

W. P. Selbie and G. F. Cox, both members of the Sixth Classical, have tied for the third place. In the competition for the Brebner French Prize, the results of which have also appeared, William Peters has been the most successful candidate; but the first six are very close, as only nine marks divide the first from the sixth.

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4

The Hon. James Thomson, C.S.I., who acted as President of the Government of Madras during the absence of Lord Ampthill, has been promoted to be Knight Commander of the Star of India (K.C.S.I.).

The Hon. George Stuart Forbes, Chief Secretary of the Government of Madras, has been made Companion of the Star of India (C.S.I.).

At the investiture which was held by the Governor of Madras, Lord Ampthill, all the chief officials of the Government were present, as well as the Maharajah of Travancore, G.C.S.I., and the Rajah of Cochin, G.C.S.I. Highly laudatory speeches were made in honour of the recipients of the titles. Altogether the ceremony was a brilliant one.

WE would impress upon those who send us notes for this

column the importance of being accurate in their statements, for we find that a few minor inaccuracies were inserted in the last number. This we regret. So far is Rex Maconachie from being in Canada that he is in Stonehaven.

Bryan Wright is at his original occupation in Canada.

And our eagle eye was evidently not piercing enough to penetrate the burnt cork on the face of the J. Grant who was performing in our local theatre lately. George Gray is also engineer in a mine at La Union, Murcia, Spain.

May he soon be partner, if he is not one at present.

We are glad to see that Robert Fleming, C.E., has got an important position on the Canadian and Pacific Railway. Such posts are difficult to get, but influence is an " Open Sesame " that is generally effective.

•

I

Notes about Old Boys.

83

G. B. Pirie, brother of I. M. P. of 'Shire fame, is accountant in a bank in Johannesburg.

Who knows but what a Cullinan diamond may be his some day?

Ernest A. Buchan, after a few years' business experience in London, has left for Tocopilla, Chile, to enter the service of the Auglo-Chilian Railway and Nitrate Company. Tocopilla is considerably to the north of Valparaiso, where J. W. Simpson is employed in the great firm of Balfour, Matheson, 4 Co. We congratulate George Eddie Thomson, M.A., on winning the King William Scholarship of £100, tenable for two years ; and G. B. T. Michie, B.D., on winning the Brown Scholarship of £12 at the University. The latter is now assistant in the West Parish Church.

Herbert Dunn has passed the final examination for Veterinary Surgeons in Edinburgh with Second-Class Honours.

An entirely new line has been taken up by one of our distinguished "Old Boys "—Robert J. Gilchrist, M.A., B.Sc. It seems that Principal Lang of Aberdeen got a letter from a cotton merchant in Liverpool asking if he could recommend a distinguished graduate who might wish to follow out a business career. Professor Davidson, acting as intermediary, recommended Mr. Gilchrist, and the result was that an interview •was arranged and the appointment settled at a handsome salary.

We know that R. J. G. will do very well, for he comes of the right stock.

Let us hope that more of our business men who are at the heads of large firms may follow the above example.

By so doing they will be imitating our American cousins, who give valuable business appointments to College graduates. We know an " Old Boy," an M.A., who is at present a commercial traveller for a Canadian firm. And then, of course, there is Sir George Gibb, M.A., LL.B., who is manager of the North-Eastern Railway.

The Rev. A. A. Cooper, director of the Egyptian agency of the British and Foreign Bible Society, who has lately been on furlough in Aberdeen, has presented to His Highness the Khedive a specially bound copy of the Arabic Bible as a souvenir of the Centenary of the Society.

84

The Grammar School Magazine.

An interesting life of the late distinguished Chinese scholar, Dr. Legge, Professor of Chinese at Oxford, has just appeared. It is written by his daughter.

James Legge went from the Grammar School as First Bursar to King's College, and, after winning the Hutton Prize and other distinctions, he went through a course of training for the mission field, which he entered under the auspices of the Loudon Missionary Society. He edited the Chinese Classics in eight large volumes a colossal task—and also wrote six volumes in the series of " Sacred Books of the East," edited by Max Muller.

We append the following wonderful anecdote from his life, in the hope that some of our readers may be tempted to get the book for their shelves :— A curious fact of natural history came under his observation in Malacca.

A young Dutch girl, granddaughter of the first Dutch governor, had several pearls, of which the Dutch residents were great collectors, got from oysters found in a river of the Malay Peninsula.

She gave Mrs. Legge a small box containing a large pearl the size of a pea, with a blue spot on it, and two others not so large.

This box was then put away and locked up.

Several weeks later he took it out, and on opening it discovered more than a dozen pearls, most of them very small. Astonished, he called his chief servant, a Portuguese, who happened to enter the room, and who expressed no surprise, but declared it to be a common occurrence.

On inquiry, he found that many of the Dutch people had jars of pearls, large and small, which had accumulated in this way. Some years later he related the incident at dinner on board ship. The captain, who was a cautious Highlander, said nothing, but two years after, on meeting James Legge in Hong-Kong, he came up to him with the words, " It's true, doctor ! " " What is true? " " What you told us about the pearls." He added that he had disbelieved at first, but had investigated the matter on his voyages between China and Calcutta.

Captain Rae has been appointed Acting-Adjutant of Royal Garrison Artillery.

Francis S. Marr has passed the first part of the examination for the national diploma in the science and practice of Agriculture at the University of Leeds.

Notes about Old Boys.

85

Campbell Smith and Sam Reid have both got pictures well hung in the Royal Academy, London.

•

Dr. Ronald Cadell Macdonald has won the Scottish Chess Championship for the second year in succession.

One of our oldest F.P.'s, the Rev. John Philip, D.D., of Fordoun, has died lately at the age of 85 years. He entered the School in 1828, while George IV. was King, at the age of eight and a half years, and continued with us for five years. At Marischalliege he had a distinguished career.

He was the youngest and last surviving of four brothers who were F.P.'s all, as well as ministers of the Free Church of Scotland. His son is Mr. J. Bentley Philip.

We have to report the death of the Very Rev. Stewart Dingwall Fordyce Salmond, M.A., D.D., F.E.I.S., Principal and Professor of Theology and Exegesis in the United Free Church College, Aberdeen.

His fame as a theologian, and especially as the author of " The Christian Doctrine of Immortality," spread wherever the English language is spoken.

Alexander Anderson, C.I.E., Commissioner in the Indian Civil Service, a member of the Council, has died at Lahore. Just before his death, at the comparatively early age of fifty-five, he had been appointed temporary Financial Commissioner. On entering the I.C.S., he took the twelfth place.

The Rev. David Stuart Ross, who was minister of Edzell for thirty-six years, has died since our last number was issued. He was Chairman of the School Board and of the Parish Council, and was also a justice of the Peace.

•

The Very Reverend Andrew J. Milne, LL.D., of Fyvie, whose striking presence fits him for the high office, has just returned from discharging the onerous duty of Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Might it not be fitting to write the names of Moderators on the space reserved on the walls of our Hall for the names of distinguished alumni?

Another Moderator, the Rev. William Macgregor, D.D., who presides over the Assembly of the English Presbyterian Church, is also one of ours. At the opening

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The Grammar School Magazine.

meeting of the Assembly lately he delivered a remarkable address on " The Evangelisation of the World." For over forty years Dr. Macgregor has laboured with great success in China, where the Amoy Theological College is a standing monument to his in organisation.

And still another Moderator. The Rev. Principal Forsyth, D.D., is President of the Congregational Union of England, and, according to the London press, his address from the chair on " A Holy Church the Moral Guide of Society' is one of the most searching and " advanced" utterances, fearless and forcible, ever delivered to the Congregational Union.

4

1•

And the cry is " Still they come ! " For the Rev. Thomas Matthew, of Kilwinning, is the Moderator of the Original Secession Church. Can any school in Scotland show such a record ? Mr. Matthew was schoolfellow with Dr. Robertson Nicoll, of British Weekly fame.

The Rev. W. S. Dickie, M.A., of Trinity U.F. Church, Irvine, has just celebrated his semi-jubilee in the ministry.

James B. Riddell, M.A., has been promoted to be senior English master in Robert Gordon's College, Aberdeen.

It is with pleasure that we record that the educational exhibits sent out by our School to the St. Louis Exhibition have been included in a group which has been awarded a Grand Prize. Unfortunately, several schools share in the honour, so the Prize, whatever it may be, will have little chance of resting in our Hall.

Dr. James Dawson has been appointed Medical Officer of Health for Wigton and Galloway.

The following account will be read with interest. At Aberdeen University, during Session 1904-5, there were of men students in the various faculties as follows :Percentaµ;e of F.P.'s

Arts 237, of whom 62 were Old Boys 8 Science .. ... 60, ,, Divinity ... . 14, ,, 3 ,, ,, , , 13 Law 30, ,, ,, Medicine 324, ,, 67 II

II

665

153

II

')6.2 13.3 21.4 43.3 20.7 23

r

Notes about Old Boys.

87

There are also some six at Edinburgh, and about as many more at other Universities and Colleges. We are represented at Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Durham, Leeds, London, Oxford, and Cambridge Universities.

The session's record at Aberdeen University includes 32 graduations-10 with first-class honours and distinctions ; 26 firsts, 19 seconds, 17 thirds, and 13 fourths, etc., in class places ; 6 University prizes, and 3 scholarships.

The Rev. Anthony Mitchell, M.A., B.D., Rector of St. Mark's, Portobello, who was Dux of the School in 1886, has been appointed Pantonian Professor of Theology and Principal of the Episcopal College at Edinburgh. This is the first step towards the Episcopal Bench, we hope.

RANDOM NOTES. APRIL and May have passed with their wintry showers

and winds, and June has come.

It is to be supposed, therefore, that summer is approaching, likewise the holidays. To those who do not yet know how to spend their holidays, we would venture to make some suggestions.

Go to some fashionable coast-town. Take with you your bicycle, your camera, your golf clubs, your fishing-rod, your vasculum, and your bathing-costume. Then, when you have been at this delightful place for a week, and have cycled a little, photographed much, golfed much, fished a little, botanised none, and bathed much—take the measles or something of that sort. Then you will know what enjoyment really is. You will lie in bed watching the flies chasing each other on the roof, watching the beautiful sunlight shining in at the window, listening to the motors passing outside, and the distant murmur of the waves breaking upon the shingly beach.

You will think what a lucky boy you are in lying quietly resting your brain, not getting all the dust and odours from the passing motors, or sand in your ears and pebbles in your shoes upon the beach. Then you will return home in a reserved carriage, thinking what a privileged fellow you are in so doing, and dreading that anyone should get any of your precious infection from you.

That is how to enjoy a real holiday. Just try it, and see whether we have not spoken truly.

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The Grammar School Magazine.

Talking of measles, there have been two epidemics recently in the School—one of mumps, the other of buttonholes. Of the former we are not qualified to speak, but we are happy to state that the latter seems to have died out, probably because the season of auriculas is over. Many were infected by this epidemic, and many and various were the flowers used for adornment. But the efforts to paint the lily by wearing a pansy and a lily-white complexion, or to gild refined gold by wearing a dandelion and auburn hair, were not exactly successful.

The new soil which was laid down on the middle pitch in the field a year or so ago seems to be unusually fertile.

Fountain pens and pieces of money are springing up in great luxuriance. Some one has surely been emulating Cadmus, and been sowing pen-nibs and halfpence instead of a dragon's teeth, with the result that the nibs have grown into full-fledged fountain pens, and the halfpennies into threepenny pieces and sixpences. Next year, if the newly sown part of the field proves as productive, Mabie, Todd, ‘8L Bard will have no need to make pens, nor the Mint to coin sixpences.

"LESSONS IN ENGLISH." My tents are pitched not a stone's throw from the garden that lies round the Memorial Well at Cawnpore. The holy river rolls sluggish over its mud-banks, under the railway bridge, and past Massacre Ghat.

It is a holiday, and I have been utilising the time tearing up old papers. Some of them are rather quaint, and ere I send the torn pieces to whirl in the little dust spirals without, I note a few literary efforts as samples of the Western education of Eastern minds.

Some two years ago, when I was in Gorakhpur, I made a collection of petitions that struck me as amusing. I have been bucketed about over the Province a great deal since then, and they have gone astray. I remember one, however—a complaint against a town policeman it was-in which the petitioners had inserted the following passage—" This constable is continually annoying the gentries of the mohallah, and beating us to black and to blue."

One must have a local knowledge to appreciate fully the delicate humour of the word " gentries " when used in this connection.

Lessons in English.

89

" mistn " is a worker in wood. His implements are usually of the crudest kind. A saw, a plane, and a revolving drill, which he works indifferently by hand or foot. almost comprise his stock-in-trade ; yet the finish of his handicraft at times compares favourably with that of a skilled artisan. The wonderful creations that he can make emerge from a log or a board, or the neat manner in which he can mend a broken article, are only equalled by the short durability of the same. A writer in the bazaar carries on his accounts for him, and is often generously remunerated for his services.

The "mistn" who once repaired an office-table of mine, the receipt of which had been neglected, sent in his bill, and remonstrated gently—" As you given me the order for the office-table I sented you nearly 14 clays ago, but sorry you didn't give any answer of it as you received it or not." He took more liberty with the language than most writers would dare to, and was scarcely within his rights when he spelt plan " plain," and referred to it as " them."

He—or his scribe—were streets in advance of the " abdar " in the Head Quarters Cavalry Camp that I was He was not the regular attached to this cold season. " abdar" but was acting pro temp., and many a hearty laugh did his menu-card afford us. " Lunchian, ' " quell (quail), " chopes " (chops), " suffly," are a few gems, and he had others quite as interesting.

I don't know why it should, but this reminds me of the " babu's " essay on the horse, in which he stated—" The horse is a very noble animal, but when much excited it will not do so." The meaning is plain, but the syncope is rather startling.

A year ago I was stationed in Jhansi, and we were heading India by a comfortable lead with 118 degrees Fahr. registered in the shade. We had got the better of Jacobsbad, between which and a certain suppositious region the layer of earth-crust is said to be of the thinnest.

The wind came up fiercely from the west, and the mud of the dried pools cracked in the heat.

It was one of the sternest of " dog days," and I was ruminating on the possibilities of early decease and the mournfulness of things, when I chanced on the following petition, which I give in its entirety—" With due respect I most humbly and respectfully beg to inform your honour that your most obedient servant, named J. H., son of Qazi Nizam Husain, constable, 1st grade, residing at M--, is

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my intimate friend, who had several times written to me about his illness owing to the unfit climate, which has lost his appetite and makes him weak and thinner day by day.

He had also written to me with these lovely words—' I several times intended and also became quite ready to send my.petition as a resignation, but was obliged not to do so by the Dist. Supt.'s kindness, and so I do not wish to leave his kind foot under service, which is a great mean for me.'

But this day I am made much sorrowful to know that he has sent his application as a resignation, on account of becoming tired with that sickness by the same cause and broke all his hopes for ever. The cause of a great sorry is to leave such a kind and merciful officer and owner as you, and also to search any Govt. employment, in such a condition, without great difficulty, is quite impossible.

Therefore I beg that you would be good enough to transfer him under your honour District or to any other place which may be fit for him, so that your poor obedient servant may be pleased, in such a obliged and miserable condition' with such a poorly nourishment, for which act of great benevolence he and I shall, as in duty bound, be much thankful, and pray for your long life and prosperity.

E remain to be, ."

Most pathetic ! but about as truthful as the constable whose mother dies conveniently once a year, and who obtains ten days' leave on the strength of it to go and see her buried and settle up family affairs, or the " syce " who is teetotal except on birthdays, but who has his birthday occur every week.

There are some people who strive after a laboured style of composition, and whose diction is replete with long words and longer periods. The native judge who wrote this decision in a murder case, in which a woman had been thrown into a well, was a " dispenser" of justice of no mean attainments and versatile imagination, and I doubt not but that he smoked the " hookah " of peace after this effort with a chastened feeling of a literary power that would lead to greater things. ' Witnesses D. Pasi, G. Pasi, and B. Pasi were cognizant of the above facts, but none of them whisperel a word to anybody till the miraculous dead body itself rose from the watery tomb to display the wonders of the just Hand in upsettling the deadly plans of the cruel murderers, which plans they had vilely adopted to defeat the ends of Justice. She coming to light and the solution of this case is due more to the symbolical phraseology of the mute dead body than to the articulate

Lessons in English.

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92

eloquence of any living body, who were enthusiastically busy with the working out of phenomenal disappearance of the deceased."

I recommend the last sentence to Grammar boys as showing what can be made of a very ordinary statement.

I am inclined to think it is somewhat more of a Chinese puzzle than the scroll I once found over the doorway of an emigration sub-depot that I had to inspect. The writing was in English and in -Urdu, so that he that ran might read: "Iemegreystion sub-depot for treynedad, Fegee, Jamay Baia, sunt Luseia."

There is something in Saint Lucia much nearer a part of a well-known Latin verb than ever struck me before.

The world is big—we live and learn.

FRED. W. GALLOWAY, A.D.S.P. Cawnpore, 27th Feb., 1905.

CAMPED.

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WHEN the holidays come round once more, the young man of the town cudgels his weary brains to find out how best he may recoup his shattered health, put the old strength into his flabby muscles, and revive the wonted glow in his pale cheeks. If I may advise such a one, let him procure a tent and a few companions, rake out his old clothes, and make for the country—away from the hard, sun-beaten pavements to the heather-covered slopes, the rugged hills, and the rushing mountain torrent. Let him choose out some meadow at the head of some valley, beside a copious stream, not far from the pinewood with its sweet odours There, " castris and humming of a thousand insects. positis," let him fill his lungs with the air of the mountains, smoke the pipe of peace. and live the life of the blessed for a space.

We cannot do better than spend our holidays thus.

We who are for ever in the hum of things, in the glare of city life, seem to cut our cables and enter a new existence when under canvas in some lonely Highland glen, with nothing to criticise us but the birds, the woods, and the burns; we, as it were, take a clear jump two thousand years back, and seem to live once more the life of our ancestors. whose roof in summer was the sky, and whose food was the milk from the trine. the fish from the river. and the game from the thicket. It is true our old clOthes

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are a poor substitute for the skins that clad these ancient denizens of the primeval forest; it is true that they cry " fashion" at us ; it is true we have an uncomfortable hankering after a linen collar and a brush to calm the raging sea of our locks; but such things the soul of the seasoned camper abhors, such longings soon die down in his breast, and the descendant of the ancient Briton seeks but to clothe his nakedness, and asks not how. He rises hungry with the sun, and wearily seeks his heather couch in the twilight, thinking it softer than feather beds and quilts of down. His food is simple and wholesome: he feels not the slightest qualm at attacking huge bowls of such food as would have sent a shudder through his soul had he contemplated them while playing with his coffee and toast in his city home. No need here to rush through your breakfast to be in time for your duties : in camp we have no duties—we have but to feed ourselves, and the day's work is clone.

Then comes the glorious tramp across the hills ; the rape of guddled fish from the brook; the more gentle wooing of them from the river ; the joyous splash in the pool when the day is hot; the basking in the sun, with never a care to bring wrinkles to the brow—these are the joys the camper knows, this is the life that firms his worldweary limbs and invigorates his sluggish brain. No insomnia here, no headache, no doctors, no interfering policemen. We go to sleep lulled by the music of the tinkling brook, and we wake when the sun begins to peep, and the curlew sings its eerie song far away above the tent.

Truly, you say, camping must be glorious living ! But what when the rain comes down on the defenceless camp ?

Our lord of the camp takes no thought for rain. If caught on the hills and soaked, he is dry before lie gets home—for the camp is his home—while if he be enjoying the quiet near his tent, he is soon inside and sheltered. He can watch the burn rise, blacker and more tumultuous every minute; he can think of the "basket" to be added to his larder when the fish—keen after the spate— begin to take. When the rain comes down on the sleeping camp and wakes the camper in the dead of night, as he listens to the patter of the raindrops on the canvas, he feels perfectly secure. With his ground-sheet beneath him and the thin tent above, he feels more sheltered than though he had rafters of wood and roofs of slate above his head.

And so the night passes, and in the morning up gets jthe

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camper with fresh life in his bones, and dashes the last hazy remnants of sleep from him with a plunge in the pool.

He lights a fire of broom and larch, and soon his kettle is singing merrily ; then he sits on the edge of his fire-trench amid the smoke that curls to heaven ; around him the mists are slowly clearing from the hills, and, far off, some distant cock proclaims the morn. Perchance his thoughts fly to his friends far away, and he smiles in contentment, and the blood goes singing through his veins. We shall leave him there—the child of Nature, endowed with the restfulness that Nature alone can give.

A. R. W. THE BURSARY COMPETITION. ALTHOUGH the Bursary Competition of 1905 is already far

behind us, these few remarks will serve as a reminder of how creditable an appearance was made by the School in that examination. Unfortunately, we did not manage to get the 1st place, but we must congratulate Herbert J. M. Milne most heartily on gaining the 2nd place—and, after all, sixteen marks are a mere trifle in a total of eighteen hundred. We must congratulate also John W. Robertson and Alfred R. MacRae on attaining the 5th and 6th places respectively. Altogether, of the 28 competitors sent forward from the Grammar, 14 got places on the list, of whom 3 were in the first 10. The average of the School this year is a marked improvement on that of last year, as this table shows :10 20 30 40 In the first • 50 60 70 80 100

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But, besides the high average of places, the Grammar has shown the " mettle of its pasture ' in another way. Out of the seven subjects of the Competition, the School has gained the first place in four of the these—a record of which any school may well be proud.

The following table shows the marks of the two highest Grammar candidates in each subject : —

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English—R. N. Gilchrist, 312—highest mark in Competition ; Alfred R. MacRae, 303.

Mathematio —John W. Robertson, 392; Alfred R. MacRae, 344.

Latin—Alfred R. MacRae, 339; Herbert J. M. Milne, 332.

Greek —Herbert J. M. Milne, 362—highest mark in Competition; John W. Robertson, 322.

French—William Peters, 152 ; Alfred R. MacRae, 150.

German—Herbert J. M. Milne, 190—highest mark in Competition ; William L. Oxford, 92.

Dynamics—Vane Walker, 200—equal highest mark in Competition ; Robert Semple, 178.

The following is the full list of places taken by School : — 2nd 5th 6th 12th 28th 31st 43rd 49th 54th 57th 68th 74th 82nd 98th

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Herbert J. M. Milne.

John W. Robertson.

Alfred R. MacRae. Vane Walker.

Robert N. Gilchrist.

Hugh R. Souper.

William P. Selbie.

George F. Cox. Frederick W. Hardie.

William Peters.

Robert Semple.

Alexander J. Morrison.

George H. MacDonald.

James Youngson.

SWIMMING SPORTS. THE Annual Swimming Sports of the School were held in the Corporation Baths on the afternoon of Friday, June 2nd. There was a large attendance both of visitors and of the School. Among the visitors were : —Rev. J. M. M`Luckie, Rev. F. J. Rae, Rev. R. Semple, Councillor Wilson, Mr. A. Ledingham, Mr. G. M. Fraser, Public Library; Mr. Hendry Davidson, Mr. Ewen Macdonald.

Several of the staff were also present, including Miss Ledingham, Miss Mackie, Miss Maydon, Miss Adam, Dr. M`Leod, Mr. Murison, Mr. Mackie, Mr. Knox, Mr. Chas. Davidson, Mr. Edward, Mr. Morrison, and Mr. Jas. Davidson. The chair was taken by the Rector.

The first event was the race for the Rector's Cup. This race was remarkably well swum, the winner being D. Semple. Next followed the Beginners' Race, for which seven competitors entered—a fact which testifies to the popularity and help of Mr. Mailer, who so kindly acts as instructor. Two events which caused great amusement were the " Dolphins versus Swans " race and the " Candle

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and Potato " race. In the former, A. Wilson was the only one who could keep his mount under control.

During the course of the sports, Mr. Mailer gave a remarkably fine exhibition of fast swimming, swimming with hands and feet tied, " torpedoing," plunging, walking under water on the hands, and turning back somersaults.

In all of these Mr. Mailer proved himself an expert, and was heartily applauded for his exhibition.

As the " Greasy Pole" had, unfortunately, to be omitted, a team race was arranged, Classical versus Modern, and resulted in a win for the Modern team.

At an interval in the sports, the Rector, having thanked the spectators for their presence, stated that the membership of the Swimming Club was in a very flourishing condition, partly owing to the splendid instruction given

by Mr. Mailer. On behalf of the School, Mr. Simpson assured Mr. Mailer that they were all deeply indebted to him for his great kindness.

Rev. J. M. M`Luckie, at the conclusion, said he was very pleased to have seen such good sports. Perhaps the School Board, who had of late been most enthusiastic about the teaching of swimming, would some time have a pond of their own, in order to educate the pupils satisfactorily in this important branch of instruction. Mr. M`Luckie, in proposing a vote of thanks to the Chairman, referred to the interest Mr. Simpson takes in the welfare of the School, and said he was glad to see that the Rector took such a keen interest in the physical development of his pupils.

We would take this opportunity of heartily thanking ])r. W. F. Croll and Mr. D. Mailer, who acted as judges, and Mr. A. Johnstone, who acted as starter and referee, for their help in contributing to the success of the sports.

The detailed results are as follows : —Rector's Cup (4 lengths)-1 D. Semple : 2 T. Mackay. Beginners' Race (1 length)-1 C. Duncan ; 2 G. Beath ; 3 B. Saunders. Senior Handicap (2 lengths) 1 G. Ledingham ; 2 J. V. Lorimer ; 3 T. Mackay. Neat Dive--1 A. Wilson ; 2 C. Peterkin ; 3 D. Semple. Junior Handicap (2 lengths).-1 J. D. Macrae; 2 C. Reid. Plunge--1 D. Semple (43 ft. 8 in.) ; 2 G. Ledingham ; 3 A. Wilson. Object-Diving-1 T. Mackay; 2 I. Bisset ; 3 J. V. Lorimer. Candle and Potato Race— Heat I.-1 D. Semple ; 2 G. Lawrence. Heat II.-1 A. Wilson; 2 C. Peterkin. Final--1 D. Semple ; 2 A. Wilsoil ; 3 G. Lawrence. Team Race—Classical v. Modern-winner, Modern.

S.

"DBATER"

KOTES

Friday, March 3.—Owing to Mr. Wilson's inability to be present, the Society held no meeting on this date.

Friday, March 10.—On this date the Society held their last meeting for the session. As it was the last occasion on which all the members would be together, the Committee resolved to have an Impromptu Concert and Dramatic Entertainment--a pleasant change from the usual impromptu. The play selected was entitled " My Bachelor Days," and the " cast " was as follows :-Mr. Christopher Peckover Major Mangle Mr. Augustus Banbury Mr. Horatio Brown Cumming (the waiter) Mrs. Fritterly Mrs. Peckover -

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W. L. OXFORD. L. F. MERRYLEES. C. D. PETERKIN. J. H. N. CRAIGEN. F. WISHART. G. P. BURR. J. M. EASTON.

The scene of the play was laid in a hotel, and the rather complicated plot simply evolves itself into a scrape in which Mr. Peckover finds himself and his ludicrous efforts at extricating himself. We are not in a position to judge, but if the applause of the Society and a consensus of opinion is any proof, the play went remarkably well, all the actors sustaining their parts admirably. After each member had given what he called a " song," the meeting, and at the same time the session, was brought to a close by the singing of " Auld Lang Syne," followed by cheers for the office-bearers. Before closing the report, we beg to thank the Rector, who kindly lent us the piano, and at the same time II R. Souper, who acted so ably as accompanist.

F. WISHART, Secretary.

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SECRETARY OF DEBATING SOCIETY'S REPORT ON SESSION 1904-5.

This past session of 1904-5 has been in many ways a unique one in the Society's annals. Of the many good improvements, perhaps that of having the " Finale " in January or early in February is the best.

This new arrangement permits the Society to have the services of any of its members as actors, whereas in March this was impossible owing to the Bursary Competition.

This arrangement, however, has a certain drawback (if it is a drawback), for in March the Society winds up rather tamely without its " Concert and Dramatic Performance."

The Committee, however, got over this difficulty by devoting the last night to " Impromptu," and then organising a " Dramatic Performance and Impromptu Concert."

Owing to the disgraceful scene on the opening night of the Society, the Rector decided that no F.P. could become a member of the Society. This exclusion of F.P.'s has not affected the finances of the Society in the slightest.

Last year, when F.P.'s were admitted as members, the subscriptions totalled £2 8s. ; this year they total £2 10s.

We do not say, however, that this protective method has been altogether beneficial to the Society. In one way it has been beneficial, since it has excluded those rowdy members whom we can very well do without.

On the other hand, however, it has deprived us of some capital speakers, who helped to enliven debates and to encourage the younger members to speak up. Taking a broad view of the measure, however, we think that it has done much for the good of the Society.

Our syllabus this year was an extremely interesting one, and contained lectures from Dr. M`Leod, Mr. Murison, Mr. J. M. Morrison, Mr. A. Mackie, and Rev. E. E. Marshall. It is extremely good of these gentlemen to take the trouble to lecture to us, and we thank them heartily for it. At the lectures the attendance was excellent—a fact which is very gratifying to the lecturer.

The debates this year were extremely good, and had all been carefully prepared.

Moreover, they were on subjects which everyone knew something about.

The " Finale " was, as everyone knows, a huge success.

For this we have very greatly to thank Mr. C. Davidson, our ever-popular stage-manager.

No one, except the actors, knows how hard Mr. Davidson worked and how much time he spent to make the play a success, and we are glad to say his efforts were not in vain.

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The number of our members this year reached 50, and the average attendance was 27—a fact which speaks for itself.

Our funds this year are in a rather feeble condition, for our " Finale " expenses were very much heavier than was expected. Also, we had the expenses of our " Second Finale " to bear. However, as our object is to practise speaking in public, and not to amass a fortune, we need not grumble.

Before closing the report, I beg to thank all my fellowofficials for the help they have given me with my work, and to express the hope that succeeding Committees may be only half as energetic as the one of 1904-5.

FREDERICK WISHART, Secretary and Treasurer.

SCHOOL V. 'SHIRE.—This match was played at Mannofield on Saturday, 6th May, in cold, showery weather. The School batted first, and were all dismissed for the meagre total of 15.

The 'Shire replied with 96, of which Hamilton Hoyland had 61 not out, and Thynne 13. Wishart bowled very well for the School, having six wickets for 29 With his first ball he clean bowled runs.

H. H. Smith, and at the end of his first over he had two wickets for 2 runs.

Smith and Mortimer shared the bowling honours for the 'Shire. As usual, we did not do very well in this, our first match for the season ; but we hope to do much better next time we play the 'Shire, as practice and confidence ought to improve us greatly.

CLASSICAL V. MODERN.—This match was played at School on May 10th in rather dull weather. The Moderns, on winning the toss, elected to field. The Classicals began with Peterkin and Giles, Munro and Horne bowling.

Runs came freely, both batsmen hitting out well, and over 20 was registered before the first wicket fell. With the exception of Giles (10) and Peterkin (12), however, none of the Classicals reached double figures, 6 apparently being the favourite score.

The Classical score, accordingly, only reached 58.

For the Modern XI., Munro bowled exceedingly well, taking seven wickets. When the Moderns went in the game became very slow, the batsmen evidently finding the Classical bowling quite up Until Gilbert and Anderson got to 1st XI. standard. together the Modern score did not seem to have any chance of getting beyond 20. Then, however, given able assistance by very slack fielding, it rose at a terrible rate.

When Gilbert was bowled, the Classicals breathed freely

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again. They were quite justified, for the Modern " tail " failed miserably, and their score closed at 52. Gilbert with 10 and Anderson with 12 were the highest scorers for the Modern side.

Bowling for the Classical XL, Wishart had four wickets, Rae three, and Semple two.

On this occasion we were treated to a repetition of the fielding against the 'Shire, the Classical XI. being much the worse in that respect.

SCHOOL v. BANCIIORY.—To play this match the School travelled to Banchory on May 13th, and, although it had rained the whole morning in town, yet at Banchory it was dry and warm. Rae won the toss, and sent Banchory in. The Banchory men played cautiously at first, only scoring 2 runs off the first four overs. Lamb, however, was soon scoring steadily, and, with the score at 31 for four wickets, things were looking bad for the School. At last, however, Rae and Wishart found their length, and a " rot " set in, the last six wickets only yielding 6 runs.

Lamb, with 16, was top scorer for Banchory. Rae bowled extremely well all through, and took six wickets for 13 runs, whilst Wishart, although punished a little at first, also bowled well, and took four wickets for 21 runs. With a total of only 37 to face, the School sent in Cox and Giles. The batsmen opened tamely, no runs coming for a while. With two wickets clown for 2 runs, the School's chances did not look so bright. Then Peterkin and Munro got together, and by delightful cricket brought the score up to 31 before Munro left, after having scored a valuable 12. Rae followed, and he and Peterkin soon put the issue beyond doubt. With the score at 41, Peterkin was bowled in attempting to pull a ball, having contributed a lively 14, obtained by clean, hard cutting. After this, wickets fell rapidly, until Milne came in to stop the " rot."

By good cutting and strong pulling he quickly ran up 19, when his partner was, unfortunately, bowled. The last wicket put on 21 runs. The School score was 68.

The most noticeable feature was the great improvement in the School fielding as compared with the display at Mannofield the previous week. The XI. are apparently beginning to realise that fielding is the most important branch of the whole game—surely a good sign of improvement.

SCHOOL v. 2ND XI.—This match was played on May 19th, at Duthie Park, in beautiful weather. The 2nd XI. captain won the toss, and sent the 1st XI. in. The School started with Cox and Giles, and runs came at a great pace,

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until Giles was dismissed after scoring 16. After his dismissal runs came even faster, but wickets were thrown away through the eagerness of the batsmen to score quickly. With the score at 56 for eight wickets, Rae closured. Peterkin with 12 and Giles with 16 were the highest scorers for the School. Finlayson and Reid were the most successful bowlers for the 2nd XI. With 45 minutes to play, the 2nd XI. started their innings with Gilbert and Reid. Helped by deplorably slack fielding, the 2nd XI. score mounted at an appalling rate, so that when time was called they had scored 49 for one wicket— Eddie 15 not out, Gilbert 15 not out, and Reid 14, being the scorers. There is no denying that the 2nd XI. gave us a big scare, for only time saved us from a heavy defeat.

Before the match the 1st XI. expressed their contempt for the 2nd in no very complimentary terms, and regarded the match as one in which to get their averages up. Hence their carelessness—not of one, but of the whole team-which almost cost us the match.

ScHoot. v. GoanoN's COLLEGE.-This interesting match was played off at King's College Grounds on Saturday, 20th May, in cold weather. Gordon's went in first, but could make no stand against the bowling of Rae and Wishart, who put them all out for 43 runs. Rae had four wickets for 6 runs, and Wishart five for 25. The School started disastrously, three wickets being down for 5 runs ; but when Rae and Giles got together, they soon put a different complexion upon matters, and when the fourth wicket fell, the score had mounted to 29. The rest of the innings was marked by the fine play of Giles, who was caught off the last ball of the match, for the fine score of 38. He made most of his runs by powerful driving, and hit one 4 and six 3's. The School innings closed for 65.

Cameron and Holmes bowled well for Gordon's, each having five wickets. The detailed scores were COLLEGE. Cameron, b. Wishart - - - - 5 Ogston, b. Wishart - - - - 3 Holmes, b. Rae 0 Gordon, b. Rae 8 Park, run out 2 Morren, b. Rae 2 Munro, c. Rae, b. Wishart 2 Forbes, b. Wishart - - - - 4 Cameron, b. Wishart - 0 Speight, b. Rae 5 Stark, not out 0 Extras 12 Total

43

GRAMMAR SCHOOL. Munro, c. Stark, b. Cameron - 2 Kelman, lbw, b. Holmes - - - 0 Giles, c. Munro, b. Holmes - - 38 Peterkin, c. Munro, b. Cameron 1 Rae, b. Cameron 10 Milne, lbw, b. Cameron - - - 2 Wishart, b. Holmes - - - - 0 Stewart, c. Morren, b. Cameron 1 Cox, b. Holmes 0 Walker, b. Holmes - - - - 0 Semple, not out 7 Extras 4 Total

65

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SCHOOL V. STRICHEN.—TO play this match the School journeyed to Strichen on May 27th, and were favoured with a glorious day.

On winning the toss, Rae sent Strichen in. The School opened well, Wishart taking a wicket with the first ball of the match. Our bowlers soon found their length, and Strichen lost four wickets for 5 runs. On Tocher coming in, however, the game underwent a change. The new batsman treated the bowling with scant respect, and was not got rid of until he had scored 14, when he was " yorked " by Rae. Rae was now bowling magnificently, but Wishart was obviously finding the wind very troublesome. After Tocher left, no other Strichen man made any stand, and their last wicket fell with the score at 31. Rae took seven wickets for 17 runs, and Wishart three wickets for 13 runs.

On a muchimproved pitch the School started with Cox and Gilbert.

The Strichen attack, however, was strong, and the School lost two wickets for 1 run.

Peterkin and Milne soon changed the fortunes of the School, and when they were separated the School were in a pretty safe position. Milne left soon after Peterkin, but Kelman and Munro made a stand, and won the game for the School. The School " tail " forgot to " wag " this time, and we only won by 5 runs, the last wicket falling at 36. Peterkin 14, Milne 6, Munro 6, and Kelman 6, were the chief scorers for the School. After the match the Strichen team entertained us to a most enjoyable tea, served on the field. &nom, v. Y.M.C.A.—This evening match was played at the Duthie Park on Friday, 2nd June, and resulted in a win for the School by the small margin of 1 run. The Y.M.C.A. had the first lease of the wickets, but Rae and Reid dismissed them in less than an hour for the total of 38. Rae had seven wickets for 23, and Reid two for 12.

Robertson was top scorer with a rather lucky 17. When the School went in, they succeeded in running up 39.

Great excitement prevailed towards the close of the innings, and Robson was loudly cheered when he made the winning hit. Reid batted very well for the School, having 18 to his credit. Watt and Gray bowled well for the Y.M.C.A. Gray had eight wickets.

SCHOOL V. TURRIFF. - Played at Turriff on June 3rd, in lovely weather. The School team journeyed to Turriff to play off this fixture. When they arrived at the ground, they found a very fast, true wicket, and a stiff wind blowing down the pitch. The Turriff men went in first, and compiled the formidable total of 102, of which

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Murray had 42, made mostly by neat leg-hitting and hard cutting. When the School went to the wickets, they fared disastrously against the bowling of Murray, Young, and Bremner, who dismissed them all for 29 runs. Murray followed up his fine batting performance by taking five wickets for 9 runs. Young had two for 11, and Bremner three for 6. Giles and Peterkin were top scorers for the School, having 9 runs a-piece.

SCHOOL V. 'SHIRE.-Our second match with the 'Shire was played at Mannofield on Saturday, 10th June, in splendid weather. Rae won the toss, and, the wicket being good, decided to bat. Giles and Munro opened for the School against the bowling of Lyon and Smith ; but after Giles had hit a four, and a few singles had been scored, Munro was run out. Giles and Stewart then made a good stand, and when Stewart's wicket fell, the score had reached 25. Giles was out soon after for the good total of 20. No one else did much till Gilbert came in, but he, by sound Towards the cricket, compiled a beautifully-played 29. close of the innings Murray did some lively hitting, running up 23 in a remarkably short space of time. His score was made up of five fours, a two, and a single. The School innings closed for 122. The 'Shire batsmen went to the wicket with a rather stiff task before them; but they looked very like performing it, for the last wicket fell with the score at 115. Lyon played a grand innings of 48 not out, while Gordon had a well-played 22. Bowling for the 'Shire, Mortimer had the best analysis of the match, having six wickets for 36 runs; for the School, Munro had four for 33, and Allan Stewart two for 14.

SOH OOL V. 'VA RSITY WANDERERS.—Played at King's College Grounds on Wednesday, 14th June. Owing to the inability of the Wanderers to play us on the 31st of May, this, which should have been our second match with them, proved to be only the first. Rae won the toss and elected to bat.

The wicket was almost perfect, but the bowling was good, and the School innings closed for 29. Gilbert was again top-scorer, with a carefully played 12, not out. Hunter and Craig bowled very well for the 'Varsity. The School had to work hard to get the 'Varsity men out, and allowed them to put up 65 for seven wickets. Bowling for the School, Milne had five wickets.

SCHOOL V. GORDON'S COLLEGE.—The School played its. second match with Gordon's at King's College Grounds on Saturday, 17th June. Gordon's won the toss and sent the School to the wickets. The chief scorers for the School

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were Murray (12), Peterkin (12), Rae (8), Kelman (6). The best partnership was that of Murray and Kelman, who brought the scores from 25 to 45. Only one run was added after this partnership was dissolved, and the total was 46.

The Gordon's College total reached 73, and thus the School was beaten by 27 runs. Morren and Cameron had 14 and 11 respectively for Gordon's. Rae had four wickets for the School, and Holmes six for Gordon's. The following are the detailed scores :— SCHOOL. J. Giles, b. Gordon - - - - 0 C. Peterkin, c. Duncan, b. Park 12 A. Stewart, b. Holmes - - - 0 W. Gilbert, b. Holmes - - - 0 F. Rae, C. Duncan, b. Holmes 8 J. Kelman, b. Holmes - - - 6 F. Cox, C. Duncan, b. Holmes 1 R. Semple, b. Park - - - - 0 J. Murray, c. Munro, b. Park 12 G. Ledingham, c. Cameron, b. Holmes 1 H. Finlayson, not out - - - 0 Extras 6 Total

46

GORDON'S COLLEGE. A. Ogston, b. Semple - - - - o A. Cameron, run out - - 11 E. Holmes, b. Rae 0 A. Gordon, b. Semple - 6 J. Forbes, b. Rae 1 C. Munro, lbw, b. Finlayson - 8 W. Park, lbw, b. Stewart - - 7 W. Morren, b. Rae - - - - 14 L. Duncan, b. Stewart - - - 0 A E. Cameron, e. Ledingham, b. Rae W. Stark, not out 6 Extras 11 Total 73

CRITICISM OF 1ST XI. Tim following is a brief criticism of the 1st XI., which up till now has proved itself fully worthy of the School :— F. M. Rae makes a very good captain. He is the best bowler of the team, and a pretty bat, who scores very quickly when set.

He is also a very safe fielder.

C. D. Peterkin is one of the neatest and most careful bats in the team. He is master of many strokes, and is good at forward play and cutting. He is a clever and smart fielder and a safe catch.

F. Wishart is a very good fast bowler, but is apt to become loose if kept on long. Is a fair bat, but does not take full opportunities for scoring.

J. S. Giles is a good, fast-scoring bat, who drives strongly. Is also a very smart fielder.

H. J. Milne is a very good bat who knows how to cut, and who hits well on the leg side. An exceptionally smart and keen fielder.

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R. Semple is a good change bowler, but becomes rather loose at. times. Is a tremendous hitter, but is apt to slog wildly.

J. Kelman is a neat and smart wicket-keeper, who takes fast bowling very well. Is a fair bat.

G. A .Munro is a good but rather uncertain bat. Is a good fielder.

G. F. Cox is a very fair bat, but is inclined to be slow in the field.

W. Gilbert is a very steady bat who has not done himself full justice since his inclusion in the team. Is rather smart in the field.

A. Stewart is a good bat, though rather fond of a hit.

He has also shown some very good fielding.

THE SCHOOLBOY'S PLAINT. (With apologies to Lord Tennyson.)

Ask me no more: my sense is dazed with Greek, And Latin in my ear rings all the day.

Ask me no more : I know not what to say.

Ask me no more, lest I should give thee cheek.

Ask me no more.

Ask me no more: for who can versions write With sound of chatter filling all the room, Most like the distant, hollow, muffled boom Of thunder borne upon the wings of night?

Ask me no more.

Ask me no more. Each man oft error makes.

Of universal knowledge very few Possess the golden keys : even then their due They seldom get, though making few mistakes.

Ask me no more.

Ask me no more. Surely excuse enough, If men go wrong, that even boys should err.

This plaint we have addressed thy heart to stir, Sure it will touch thee e'en though e'er so rough.

Ask me no more.

H.

106

The Grammar School Magazine.

MY PET AVERSION. (With apologies to Robert Southey.)

I wish I were among the dead, When round me I behold Wherewith of Maths. to cram my head, Of Maths., my friend ( !) of old.

My hate-inspiring foe are they, With whom I battle night and day.

With them I think myself in—(Well, There's no relief in woe.)

I never could at all see well How much to them I owe.

My brow has often been bedewed With drops of rage, not gratitude.

My thoughts are with the dead : with such As lived in long-past years, Who thought and wrote and toiled so much To cause so many tears.

Their lessons cause but pain and grief— And yet in them some find relief.

In Maths. I have no hope ; anon With them I'll finished be, And without them I'll travel on Through all futurity.

But yet, though I am free, I trust That they'll soon perish in the dust.

G.

HORACE, ODES III. 13.

Canicula, when it cloth mount, Attendant in Orion's train, Can never harm thee, little fount.

The oxen, wearied from the plough, A soothing coolness here shall find ; The wandering herd shall drink enow.

Poetry.

107

Thou shalt be first 'mong famous wells, When I the lute tune in thy praise, And sing an ode for thee which tells Of :,ollow cliff with ilex green, Whence laughing waters downward leap, To add their flow to thy pure sheen.

W.

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OUR CONTEMPORARIES. Editor begs to acknowlege with thanks the receipt of the following magazines—" Glasgow High School Magazine," " Glasgow Academy Chronicle," " Edinburgh Academy Chronicle" (2), " Olavian," " St. Andrew's College Magazine" (Grahamstown), " St. Andrew's College Magazine " (Dublin), " Yellow Dragon."

THE

_THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL MAGAZINE. Published three times during 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. Gd., 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.

%cbool Officials.

SESSION

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-

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1904-5

(lames Committee.

The RECTOR. Mr. JAMES DAVIDSON. Mr. J. C. KNOX (representing Lower School).

F. M. RAE (Cricket).

J. P. CAMERON. G. E. SCROGGIE (Cricket, FootJ. GILES (Cricket). ball).

L. F. MERRYLEES (Football).

C. D. PETERKIN (Cricket, Swim- J. KELMAN (Football).

F. WISHART (Cricket). ming`,, Magazine.

Football. _ _ G. E. SCROGGIE. Cafitain, • J. KELMAN. Secretary, Cricket.

F. M. RAE. Cafttain, C. D. PETERKIN. Secretary, -

President, Hon. Secretary,

Swimming Club.

Cafitain, Vice-Capain, Secretary and Treasurer, I. G. BISSET.

-

C. D. PETERKIN. A. M. WILSON. G. A. LEDINGHAM.

Committee.

I F. WISHART. R. D. LESLIE.

Literary and Debating Society.

W. L. OXF0RI>.

G. P. BURR. Vice-Presidents, R. N. GILCHRIST. { F. WISHART. Secretary and Treasurer, Committee.

A. J. MORRISON. J. M. EASTON. H. J. M. MILNE. L. F. MERRYLEES. C. D. PETERKIN. Library.

C. D. PETERKIN (Lending).

J. P. CAMERON (Reference). I H. R. SOUPER (Lending).

I W. L. OXFORD (Lending).

F. WISHART (Lending).

Magazine.

C. D. PETERKIN. Editor-in-Chief, L. F. MERRYLEES. Editorfor Sj5orl, H. R. SOUPER. Literary Editor, F. WISHART. Business Manager, The Hon. Secretary of the Former Pupils' Club is Mr. ALFRED W. EDWARDS, 29 Union Street, Aberdeen.

President,

"THISTLE CYCLES." Hood Home Built Machines, with Best Fittings, made by Experienced Workmen, can he had to order from

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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE. —.L.

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Repairs a Specialty, either in Leather, Gutta Percha, or Rubber. Also, Rubber Revolving Heel Pads—Ladies, 1s., Gent.'s, Is. 3d. per Pair.

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CLOTHING is the essential thing fur Boys' Summer Use, being practical both for F LANNEL School and Country Use. They come in at a most moderate price, and have the advantage of being cool and light, at the same time retaining warmth sufficient not to chill. They supply a want in saving better clothes. They will wash and not shrink.

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