Issuu

11)oI. IX., 1I4o. 3.

?-Cti Q _-

3ttne, 1906.

- - --

17;Tr<

h IIli' i

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A II 5,

6d ABERDEEN JAS G B/SSET.

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CONTENTS.

1ST XV. -

Frontispiece.

SCHOOL NOTES

•

NOTES ABOUT OLD BOYS

RANDOM NOTES

" KOOTS "

THE SCHOOL MUSEUM

SOME OF OUR VETERANS

THE EAST WIND

100

103

108

112

116

THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL AND THE UNIVERSITY

117

NOTES ON THE PHYSICAL REGISTRATION -

118

CRICKET NOTES

SECRETARY OF DEBATING SOCIETY'S REPORT

109

•

120

CRITICISM OF 1ST XI.

123

POETRY -

124

SCHOOL FOOTBALL NOTES

125

" DEBATER " NOTES -

THE SCHOOL AND THE VOLUNTEERS

•

127 128

OUR CONTEMPORARIES

129

SCHOOL OFFICIALS -

132

•

OW"

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE. "VI

Young Gentlemen can have their

TWEED OR FLANNEL SUIT Made to Measure from Material of their own choosing at

£2 lOS. from

CHRISTIE & GREGOR, .(ncychant Uaitortl,

42 and 43 UNION TERRACE.

TEXT BOOKS .• Of all (NEW AND SECOND-HAND), \ I

D. WYLLIE & SON,

247 UNION STREET, A BERDEEN.

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

STREET,

/iXa0ULD respectfully intimate to pupils of Grammar School a Large Stock of Cap and Lenart Zaboes, as authorised; also, football 3-erseps, Melts, Tries, Wee, and tat 16anbs. Great variety of Football, Cricket, Tennis, and Boating yerseys, Sweaters, Knickers, Trousers, Shirts, Belts, Caps, Hats, Bathing Pants and Costumes. TROPHY AND CLUB CAPS MADE TO ORDER. FOR SUMMER

Straw Hats, with Club and other Fancy

Bands, Guards, Puggarees, &c. NEW STYLES FELT HATS, TWEED

CAPS, &c.

TIES, SCARFS, COLLARS, BRACES, and UMBRELLAS.

GRAMMAR SCHOOL RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB—Ist XV.

Season loos-O.

W. Ingram. J. R. Murray. W. L. Gilbert. H. J. Milne. F. W. Gerrard. Mr. James Davidson. J. 8. Giles. G. M. Johnston. W. MacGavin (lion. Sec. Games Committee). F. Macrae. F. Wishart J. lielman E. E. Butthart. A. M. Macleod. (Captain). (Secretary). J. S. Stewart. J. E. Law.

T Fi E

Oratnntat Scf?oot t1Taga3ine. Vol. IX.

JUNE, 1906.

No. •

" Now the last day of many days . . . . . . . The loveliest and the last is dead. Rise, Memory, and write its praise! "

SooN, very soon now, the sun will set: our day is almost done. A few short weeks and our School-life will be over for ever. We may even now hear the world calling us forth. Many of us the world will claim; many of us will part with regret from the School we love so well. Of those who go forth, some will enter the University, some will enter business life; but all may rest assured that the good wishes of the School are following them in whatever career they may have chosen to cast their lot. We, who have directed the Magazine with so much pleasure to ourselves for one short year, will pass forth with the rest, and a new Editor will fill our place ; but ere we go we would bid farewell to all our readers who have borne with our faults and our shortcomings so kindly. Little comment is needed on the Bursary Competition ; the results have become common property long ere this. The School has not done so well as usual, only gaining two places out of the first twenty. G. F. Cox, who gained the 8th place, and F. W. Gerrard, who gained the 17th, are both deserving of our heartiest congratulations, as

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are also W. Peters, A. M. Macleod, and W. P. Selbie, who gained the 24th, 30th, and 32nd places respectively. We would also congratulate D. C. Rees, of the VI., who gained the 27th place. Rees, from all accounts, is a most promising scholar, and ought to come out well next year. Another of the VI., Farquhar Macrae, also did exceedingly well, and ought to be a strong man next year. The Leaving Certificate Examinations are drawing on apace now, and we hope that the School will do well, for, as we said, our record in the " Comp." is hardly up to the standard of former years. We live in hope, however, for the VII. is a class whose members shine in individual subjects, and should exact a heavy toll of honours; while, judging from last year's results, a large number of higher and lower grade certificates should also find their way to the Grammar. The 1st XI. is having one of the most miserable seasons on record. Out of seven matches arranged for May, it has been found possible to play only two, the other five, with the exception of one, having had to be declared off owing to rain. This is all the harder as the XI. is really a strong one—one which, indeed, favoured with reasonable weather, ought to have won fresh laurels for the School. The team is both a strong batting and a strong bowling side, and the only fault the members appear to have is a certain nervousness when they go in to bat. The fielding this year is marked by neatness and dash, and is even better than last year's. We have thus all the elements necessary for a successful cricket season but good weather, and we hope to get even that in time. We have again to thank Mr. Harper for granting us a pitch in the Duthie Park for Friday afternoon matches, as our own field is still far from being fit for match play. It seems to us that this regrettable state of affairs must necessarily continue until the centre pitch is either wholly returfed or until a new field is obtained. Surely it appears rather hard that a School of the standing of the Aberdeen Grammar School is unable to provide a cricket pitch for its 1st XI. In the beginning of March, a most instructive and interesting lecture on " The Navy" was delivered to the

School Notes.

School by Lieutenant Knox, R.N. The lecture was illustrated by lime-light views, and was greatly appreciated by all, as was evident from the hearty cheers which interrupted the lecturer from time to time. As a result of Lieutenant Knox's visit, a branch of the " Navy League" was formed at the School. The success of the scheme has been phenomenal. About 100 boys have joined the League. This is the right sort of spirit in which to regard naval matters. We are sure that our frontispiece will be warmly welcomed by all. The XV. worked extremely well together—so well, in fact, that, if we mistake not, it tied with the 2nd F.P. s for the honour of Junior Champions. For this great success the forward line was mainly responsible—but the team was criticised in our last issue, so we need not criticise it again. Suffice it to say that the XV. of 1905-6 has set an example which all succeeding teams will do well to emulate. We would extend our heartiest congratulations to those members of the School XV. who obtained the honour of being chosen to represent the 2nd City XV. in their No fewer than five— match against the 2nd F.P.'s. Kelman, Wishart, Macrae, Butchart, and Giles—were chosen from the School. A very large attendance of parents and boys turned out to witness the Annual Gymnastic Assault-at-Arms, which was held in the School Hall on the evening of Friday, 9th March. The Assault passed off with its usual success, and all the gymnasts went through their various exercises with neatness and dexterity. Altogether, the exhibition reflected the greatest credit on Mr. Josephs, and was an eloquent testimony to the good work he puts in during the session. A most attractive programme, containing several new items, has been drawn up for the Swimming Sports, which are to come off on 15th June, a date very much later than usual. It was originally intended that they should be held on 8th June, but this was found to be impossible, as the Baths had been engaged for that date by the Thistle Club. We are rather afraid that, owing to the lateness

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of the date, we will not be able to give a report of the Sports in this issue. The criticism of the 1st XI. which we produce with this issue ought to prove of interest to the School in general and to the XI. in particular. We are sure that the XI. will take it in the spirit it is given—not as a discouragement, but as an incentive to better play. The School will also benefit by the criticism, as it will point out to them how to overcome their weak points and how to improve those points in which they think themselves already strong. The Reference Library is closed this quarter, as all the books have been shifted into the new buildings, where, along with those of the Lending Library, they will be rearranged and made ready for use at the opening of next session. The Infants are already in possession of their new quarters, and appear to be greatly delighted with them. We believe, by the way, that advantage is to be taken of the formal opening of the new buildings next session to hold a huge F.P. gathering, at which will be present all our oldest and most distinguished alumni. No doubt there will be many distinguished F.P.'s in the city at the time of the King's visit, and what more natural than to take Time by the forelock and hold an F.P. re-union ? We have to acknowledge with thanks a donation of £2 from the Debating Society. As the Magazine is in a rather embarrassed condition, we hope that the Swimming Club, which has always plenty of funds, will follow the good example. Since the last number of the Magazine was published, we have lost our Cricket Secretary, who has gone to fill an appointment in an East India merchant's office in London. Giles is made of the right stuff, and is sure to get on ; in all probability, he will eventually go to Singapore. Giles headed the averages last year, and his departure has greatly weakened the batting strength of the XI. R. M. Porter, who was a Vice-President of the Debating Society, of which Giles was Secretary, and one of

School Notes. the Librarians, has left for the University. wishes of the School go with them.

93 The best

We are pleased to note that in the 3rd or highest grade of the Church of Scotland Guild Competitions, James S. Giles gained the 9th prize, while in the 2nd or higher grade James Ewing carried oft the 2nd prize (value £3). We heartily congratulate both on their success. We are very glad to see that the public of Aberdeen has taken up the Byron Statue Scheme in earnest again. Only a little over £400 is now required, and, if an effort is made, the sum should easily be raised. Many people seem to hesitate to subscribe because they cannot give a large sum. Nothing could be more foolish. Subscriptions of all kinds are welcomed, no matter how small—in fact, the motto for subscribers to the Byron Statue is, " Subscribe what you can." Apropos of subscribing, we heard a pretty little story the other day. It was that of a little boy who went to the Rector with a few coppers and gave them as his subscription. The little fellow had saved up his pocket-money to be able to become a subscriber. This is the spirit we want! Let there be no half-heartedness, no lukewarmness ! If you cannot give The £5, give 2s. 6d.: it will be equally acceptable. School clubs are warmly supporting the scheme, but this is not enough. Let every pupil of the Grammar School follow the example of that little boy, and give what he can. Put your whole heart and soul into the matter, and the Byron Statue will be raised in the School Grounds within two years. An appeal is made to your loyalty, School. See that you answer it, warmly, nobly, as every Grammar boy should ! Several letters, purporting to give a critical estimate of Byron, have been appearing in the local press lately. We are glad to see they have met with the treatment they merit—utter indifference. The writers, for the most part, attack " Don Juan " on account of its loose moral tone, condemn it utterly, and would have it burnt by the common hangman. In their condemnation they forget two things—first, that " Don Juan" is a masterpiece; and second, that the code of morals in Byron's day was much less strict than it is now. To these alleged critics

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we would recommend a thorough study of Byron, who wrote " Language, clearer than the tone " Of his land's tongue . . .

and an exhaustive inquiry into the moral tone of society in Byron's day. " Where rose the mountains, there to him were friends; Where rolled the ocean, thereon was his home; Where a blue sky, and a glowing clime, extends, He had the passion and the power to roam." CHILDE HAROLD, III.

Our article, " Koots," is by Mr. Frederic W. Galloway, Of an F.P. whose name is no stranger to our pages. " Boots " we can only say that it is the best contribution Mr. Galloway has yet sent us. From these words our readers may judge that there must indeed be something good in store for them in another part of the Magazine.

-- -

Our other article, " The East Wind," is by the Rev. R. Bruce Taylor, a graduate of Glasgow University, and Mr. Taylor has minister of Ferryhill U.F. Church. travelled widely in the East, and has had many interesting experiences among the Arabs. He also takes a great interest in sailing, and spends his summer holidays in his yacht on the West Coast of Scotland. We will leave our readers to judge of the merits of " The East Wind." We already hear their decision: "Well, this may be the first time Mr. Taylor has written for the Magazine, but we ' jolly well' hope that it won't be the last." The results of the Brebner French Prize, which have just come out, call for our congratulations to the winners. G. F. Cox and D. C. Rees have tied for the first place, W. P. Selbie coming close behind. The results of the Smith Medal for Latin Prose have not yet come out.

Notes about Old Boys.

at the Cape of Good Hope, has been appointed President of the British Association for the year 1907. It will be interesting for many to know that the School was represented at the Olympic Games this year. S. H. Carnelley was one of the seven English-speaking competitors who entered for the five-mile race and the Marathon race.

SIR DAVID GILL, K.C.B., Astronomer-Royal

David W. Bruce, M.A. ('88), has been appointed Colonel of a regiment raised in Natal against the rebels. He was formerly a major in the Scottish Horse, and was • on active service with his company during the Boer War. George Stuart Forbes, C.S.I., of the Indian Civil Service, has been appointed member of the Council of the Governor of Madras. He was made Secretary to the Government of Madras in 1895. Sir James Thomson, K.C.S.I., who acted as Governor of Madras in 1894, was also member of the Council for several years. He has just resigned. The University gave him its LL.D. degree last year. A. H. Dyack, Chief Secretary to the Government of the Punjaub, has been made Commander of the Victorian Order. He superintended the arrangements for the Prince of Wales' visit. •

Professor W. Stirling, of the Victoria University, has been appointed Fullerian Professor of Physiology at the Royal Institution, London. James Scott, M.A., I.S.O., H.B.M. Consul-General in Canton, has retired from that post after 34 years' service

The Grammar School Magazine.

in China. The "China Mail," in a lengthy article, praises in no unstinted terms the energy, honesty of purpose, and unerring judgment of this " strong " man, and declares that he, by persistent study of land matters, in reorganising the Land Office, had become the greatest authority in China on the land question. The Governor of Hong Kong came on board the steamer to bid him good-bye. We have got a complete set of stamps of the Portuguese colony of Macao (China) from him, and hope to present them to the School Museum when it is ready. George Combe, Student-Interpreter from Peking, has been serving under Mr. Scott as Consular Agent for some time, and is showing himself to be a man of ability and resource. The Foreign Office, indeed, has commended his work. May he be Consul-General some day. Major J. H. M. Davie, of the Royal Scots, who passed out of Sandhurst third on the list, has just been gazetted Brigade-Major of the Indian Staff. Lieutenant James A. Butchart, R.A., has also been gazetted to the important post of Aide-de-camp to His, Excellency the Governor of Madras. Our hearty congratulations to both these " Old Boys," to whose future career we look forward with interest. Charles Garland has passed sixth in the difficult examination for Surveyorships of Taxes. • A. R. Williamson, whose honours and medals. gained at the University have been a source of pride to the School, has just been declared to be the most distinguished student of his year, and has received the Town Council Gold Medal. He won the Simpson Greek Prize and the Liddell Prize, but was ineligible to hold the Dr.. Black Latin Prize.. Duncan G. Mearns has gone to India to take up an Appointment in the Indian Railway Service. •

•

Dr. Alex. Mackie has taken the degree. of Doctor of Science with special distinction. • • , • Sir George Reid has severab fine portraits in the. Royal

Notes about Old Boys.

Academy this year. The " Times" says that although he is not yet R.A. he surpasses almost every R.A. in his portrait of the Bishop of Salisbury. In the New Gallery he has also the portrait of an " Old Boy "—Principal Donaldson, of St. Andrews---which the critics style a superb work. He has also striking portraits of Principal Story, of Glasgow, and of Sir John Glover. Charles Sleigh has got an appointment in the London and River Plate Bank in Monte Video, while John Smith and his brother Andrew, at present in Switzerland, are to settle in Buenos Ayres. Frank W. Michie, M.A., Assistant Inspector of Schools, has been gazetted Inspector. W. Miller, C.E., from the office of the Harbour Board, has got an appointment in Oxford. John Gibb, D.D., Professor in the Presbyterian Church of England, has received the honorary degree of M.A. from the -University of Cambridge. James N. Adams has passed the second examination for the Society of Actuaries, while J. G. Slessor and A. H. Maclean have been made members of the Society of Chartered Accountants in Scotland. William Harper, manager of the Bombay Motor Car Company, has won the challenge trophy, worth 2,500 rupees, presented by the Maharajah of Mysore for the " motor car reliability trial " over a distance of 425 miles. The trial lasted four days, and our " Old Boy " did not lose one mark. Sir George S. Gibb has been nominated President of the Economic Service and Statistics Section of the British Association, which meets in York next August. H. O. Forbes, LL.D., the explorer, has been appointed ,by the Council of the Senate, Reader in, Ethnology in the University of Liverpool. W. W. Gould, M.A., has been awarded a fellowship iii 'New College; Edinburgh. He, along with Archibald

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Young, M.A., has received the Honours Diploma in Theology in the same college. Eu Siang Hye writes us that he is first in class marks and third and fourth in Theoretical and Practical Chemistry at the School of Mines, Redruth, Cornwall. The death is announced of Robert W. D. MacMartinCameron, M.D., D.Sc. (Edinburgh University). He was Medical Officer of Health for Wigton and Kirkcudbright. He is succeeded there by another F.P.—Dr. James Dawson. Last session the School scored many notable successes at the University. In addition to the brilliant achievements of A. R. Williamson, J. Urquhart won the Simpson Mathematical Prize, the Rennet Gold Medal in Mathematics, and the Natural Philosophy Prize. The honours fell to our lot " thick as autumnal leaves." Dr. Joseph Ogilvie is about to retire from the Church of Scotland Training College, Aberdeen, of which he has been the respected Principal for many years. Rev. Dr. Forsyth, the Principal of the Hackney Congregational College, has been appointed Lyman Beecher Lecturer at Yale University, U.S.A. Bertie Holmes, who returns on furlough to Aberdeen this summer, has many wondrous tales to relate of his adventures among the Krooboys of Lagos, where he is engaged in railway work. The Alake of Abeokuta sent down to the sea lately his whole harem of 400 dusky beauties. Our F.P. was in charge. His men wished him " a safe return to his wives and families " ! James Webster, who has been fruit-growing in Canada, has gone to Dominica, West Indies. Bob Fleming has exchanged from the C.P. Railway to the Grand Trunk. He is getting on well. W. J. Keith, who manages one of Mr. Williams' mines in Bulawayo, is at home on furlough. We also see in town Eliot Rae, who manages a tea plantation in Assam. George Johnston, who took a leading part in the

Notes about Old Boys.

F.P. theatricals, is also in town. He is on a tea estate in Assam, and visited the School lately.

James S. Giles has left the Sixth for an East India merchant's office in London. He is much missed in the School. Madden Bower was lately in the Isle of Elba, where he tells us that granite abounds. He has many yarns to spin of Java and Borneo and other little-known places. What a pity that he will not let us have them in these pages. John Simpson and Russell Sharp have been admitted as Law Agents by the Lords of the Court of Session. We note that two of our "Old Boys "—G. W. Morgan and G. C. Taggart—have come through the dreadful experience of the earthquake in San Francisco. Both lost all their belongings. W. S. B. Thomson, Modern VI., has passed first in French out of 700 candidates in the recent examination for Boy Clerkships in the Civil Service. The Rev. George Cassie has resigned his charge at Hopeman, where he was minister for 40 years. We have the sad duty of recording the deaths of many distinguished " Old Boys." The Very Rev. A. J. Milne, D.D., Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, has died at Fyvie; also the Rev. A. Leslie, M.A., of Evie, Orkney. By the death of William Watt, of the " Free Press," our School has lost a friend. William Boulton, C.E., a man well advanced in years, died lately.

•

Surgeon-General David Reid Mackinnon, who held the Crimea medal, with four clasps, and the Legion of Honour of France, and the Order of the Medjidieh of Turkey, is also dead. His last surviving son, Captain Lachlan Mackinnon, also an " Old Boy," was killed in action in Somaliland in 1903. We note the death of J. P. Bisset, Provost of Banchory, and at one time Vice-Convener of Kincardineshire.

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Dr. John Hunter, a rising young doctor in Fraserburgh, has died after a very short illness. The sympathy of the whole School goes out to the parents and relatives of A. J. Reid, who died in London on 26th May. It is only a year since he left School to enter an East India merchant's office. While with us he took an active part in our School athletics.

•M

J. Cuthbert Williamson is in business at Ulundi, in Zululand, not far from the centre of the present troubles with the natives. Not long ago the militia in the district got orders to be ready to mobilize. The available force consisted of Williamson, one other white man, and two natives. After due deliberation it was decided, whether unanimously or by the casting vote of the chairman we are not told, that the white men should be officers and the natives privates. When last heard of they had not been called on to show their prowess in the field. Williamson writes that the natives in his district are so far loyal. Even if disposed to be otherwise, the chiefs are so jealous of each other no one dares to rise against the powers that be, knowing full well that the others would make that an excuse to fall on him and wipe out his tribe. Not that they hate Britain the less, but each other the more. W. P. Milne is Fourth Wrangler at Cambridge this year. Lord Justice Stirling, of the High Court of Appeal, who was Dux in 1851, has retired from the Bench. He was Senior Wrangler at Cambridge.

RANDOM NOTES. THE " merry month of May" is over, having been about as unlike the May of which poets sing as most other things are unlike the ideal. June is now with us, a month of which Spenser says,

Yet in his time he wrought as well as played.

This quotation is most apposite at a time when the familiar " Leavings " are once more approaching.

Random Notes.

•

101

Probably we ought to feel thankful that our connection with the School and its Magazine is ending at this time; otherwise we might, in the near future, have to chronicle some melancholy incidents relating to a scheme no doubt calculated to corrupt the morals of many future pupils of the Grammar School. We refer to the proposed Byron Statue. Great enthusiasm has been aroused for. this statue, and the Debating Society has even contributed a part of its surplus funds. Only certain persons old and wondrous wise have, with the omniscience afforded by octogenarianism, the power to foresee the untold harm that Grammar School pupils will suffer from seeing a monument to the most famous former pupil of their historic School, and one of the greatest of Britain's poets. To those, however, who consider that this statue will do more harm to the School than ever the wooden horse did to Troy, we would fain point out that their crusade must proceed further. Let them obliterate every memorial of this corrupter of youth. Are they aware that in the School II all there is a bust of Lord Byron, and a picture of him in at least one class-room An idea prevailed among several members of the School that " Empire l)ay " was to be celebrated in some way this year. The celebration, it was thought, would consist in a whole holiday. Now, we are always charmed to note any signs of real patriotism, but we were pained to observe on this occasion that, when it was announced that, for the present at any rate, the School must be satisfied with special patriotic lessons, the patriotism of too many subsided altogether. We hear that in one class a suggestion was made that as the Empire had been built up by hard work, special diligence might be seemly on We regret to say that this good advice such a day. seemed totally unappreciated.

It is said that charity begins at home, and possibly a little more " patriotism " in regard to the School itself might not be out of place. For instance, only comparatively few seem to be aware that there is such a thing as a School cap. The Magazine, too, has never received from present pupils the support it deserves. By all parties, however, criticism is lavished upon it with a generosity quite over-

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powering to its editors. We should like to recommend those impecunious members of the School who regard the present price of the Magazine as absolutely prohibitive to reduce their expenditure on cigarettes from time to time until they have amassed six whole pence. For the younger pupils, who, of course, know nothing of the "evil weed," we should advise strenuous resistance to the temptations of " sliders." Some time ago we read a woeful complaint about the date of the Bursary Competition. The present arrangement, it appears, is altogether unsuitable for a certain candidate in the far North, and an instant change is demanded. We trust that the University authorities will give earnest attention to this matter, and fix a date in accordance with this gentleman's wishes, without a thought as to its convenience for any such paltry institution as the Aberdeen Grammar School. Some amusement was recently caused by the innocent question of a member of the School in search of knowledge. Having heard a certain Jerome mentioned as one from whose writings we obtain much valuable information regarding the Classics, he inquired naively if this was Jerome K. Jerome ! Possibly the modern novelist would have no particular objections to being regarded as a Classical authority, but imagine " Three Men in a Boat " and " Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow " being attributed to the eminent Church Father and translator of the Vulgate ! A pleasant interlude in the studies of the Seventh occurred recently when a member of the class translated extempore a portion of a Latin verse unseen into four lines of great elegance and harmony. The class, ever ready to recognise new talent, has unanimously requested the same gentleman to translate into English verse possibly for the Magazine another Latin poem recently studied a characteristic piece from Catullus. An impression prevails in many minds that the " split infinitive " is a grammatical error, and such, indeed, has always been our belief. Be it known, however, that a prominent member of the School has discovered that it is doubtful if there is any ground for this aversion to the

Random Notes.

103

" split infinitive." He no doubt fully expects, by using it himself on all possible occasions, to gradually introduce and to after a short time make it general. (For the benefit of our younger readers, we may say that we hope none of them will take the last sentence as a model for English prose.) We should at once have accepted this gentleman's finding, especially after the eloquent way in which he defended his view on a recent public occasion, had it not been for one thing. We have observed that he sometimes affects an even stranger construction singular verbs with plural subjects. This, we fear, is a usage which even " poetic license " could scarcely allow. Members of VI. and VII. are once more keenly sensible of the kindness of the junior classes in admitting them to the Reading Room, on the distinct understanding, of course, that these seniors show proper respect for their juniors. Moreover, in future, VI. and VII. are not to be deprived of all the papers and magazines. " Chambers's Journal," " The Bookman," and " Le Monde Illustre " are to be reserved for their delectation. And now we have written our last note for the Magazine, and shall soon pass into the ranks of Former Pupils. At a time when many others are likewise taking farewell of the School, we imagine that the feelings of all such are expressed in the line--a line, alas ! better known for its syntax than its sentiment— praeteritos referat ei Jupiter annos. O

" KOOTS." just come out to my camp here, 19 miles from Cawnpore, on the wide road that leads to Jhansi and the South. It is the 11th of February, and the sun is slowly sinking behind a thin veil of clouds that promise rain to the famine-stricken—a promise that is long of fulfilment, as the number of starved wayfarers that are journeying to the Relief Works at Bhognipur show. Ever they halt in the villages, and the mournful cry, " Bhukon se murte " (we die of hunger), is heard, but there is little to be got in alms. It is a hard year. In places like this, where the canal and its branches I HAVE

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are veritable rivers of life, the fields are ripe unto harvest, but a little beyond and the dried ground lies a wilderness. There is nothing green: the leaves have been stripped from the trees as a last fodder for the cattle. There is dust and desolation and silence, and the idle rope swings • at the well-head. It is all sad to see and think of, but it is not this that has filled my spirit with bitterness now. The two dogs— Nero, the greyhound, and Billy, the bull-terrier—are outside chasing pea-fowl from the neighbouring crops, and trying to catch elusive squirrels among the trees that shade the tent. They want me to come for the usual evening shoot, but I will not go to-night. I see a little form beneath a blanket, wearing his police coat of khaki, with scarlet trimming, and Bharosa, his attendant for the past three years, is digging a grave, while an old, grey-haired sub-inspector looks on. My best friend lies dead eight miles back. Poor, faithful Koots! He died this morning, and I was not there. In a strange country we are very homeless at first. Sometimes we scorn ourselves for the feeling ; sometimes we do not realize how lonely we are. A kindness in the early clays is not readily forgotten ; a friendship is almost proof against dissolution. He came to me in the first week I was in India, when I was ill and tired and disappointed withal. When the smoke hung low over the villages in the chill of winter, when the summer blew hot gusts of fiery air through the verandah, and the punkah creaked and sagged in the breathless rains, through bad and good repute, he was always with me, curled up beside my chair, near enough to be patted, or asleep in bed stretched at my feet. I can scarcely believe he is gone. I know I shall look for him in the days to come. I may even call for him, but there will be no response. He started out on his last march yesterday night from Cawnpore—rather, he was carried out. Ill as he was, he would not be left behind, so he went in advance with the pony. For the first time, he never reached camp. He is being buried back at Sachendi, where, two months ago, he helped to find me birds to shoot. His two companions reek not of him : they do not understand. Four and a half years ago I was recovering from my first attack of fever, and was sitting in a long chair in the verandah outside my room at the mess, when Koots made

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his appearance, led on a string by a native. There was another dog on another string, and from the point of view of a dog fancier, he was superior, being a good stamp of fox-terrier, but my heart went out to the bright-eyed nondescript—half Irish terrier, half some breed unknown—and he became mine. Three rupees bought him. I called him Koots, as a contraction for " kutchnahin," which means " nothing," because he was valueless, and I was rather ridiculed for getting him. Two weeks later I took him with me on a visit to Lucknow. I lost him when out the first morning, and had quite given him up, but in the evening he found me at the Chater Manzil, where neither he nor I had been before. I remember it, because, unable to deny ownership in the face of his demonstrations, I was fined for bringing him to the club. His intense desire to make friends with all, his valiance in fight, his keen interest in shikar, and his unruffled temper more than atoned for his somewhat quaint appearance, and soon made him the mess favourite. Often I wondered whose he had been before he came into my possession. Evidently he had been stolen from some sahib, as he had perfect house manners, and knew tricks that no native ever taught him. In size, he was small for a terrier, and owned a remarkable pair of ears that proclaimed him as partly of the country. In all my wanderings Koots has accompanied me. We have roved from the line of the Central Provinces, north to the precincts of Bengal, and west to the Punjab. He was in Ajmere with me, whither we went to see the marvellous Jain temples and Akbar's marble palace, on the Anasagar Lake, and again to Delhi and Jaipur. We have been in solitary shoots in the great Tarai. Together we breasted the Himalayas, going to Mussoorie three summers ago, he trotting up the slope beside the hillpony, dusty and panting, to throw himself into a trough of chill water at our journey's end, thereby bringing on an attack of rheumatism, from which he recovered in time to allow of a fierce struggle with a wild cat, which he cornered behind the hotel before we went down to the plains. He was clawed in his right eye, and was always half-blind in it afterwards, but his efforts were well spent. He was with me last year for a joyous fifteen days at Naini Tal, when we escaped from the end of a blistering June, but found the rains had not broken when we had to return. Were it a hockey tournament at Allahabad or

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a polo week at Bareilly, we were there regardless of expense, travelling in the same compartment and sharing the same gari. At Agra, when we were in the Prince of Wales' camp in December, he had the run of his teeth, which was contrary to all rules, and later in the same month, at Lucknow, he conciliated and spent his spare time in the tent of the Senior D.I. General, who loathed dogs, and lived in daily terror of being bitten. Many times when I have been dining out, I have heard a laugh go round the room, and looked up to find Koots had followed, and was standing with a diffident air and drooping ears waiting the effect of his advent. This was a favourite trick of his in the early days. Sometimes he would come before we had gone into dinner, and sometimes appear from nowhere as the guests were preparing to leave. His presence was quite unnecessary at a parade on the King's birthday one year, when he kept in front of the local mounted corps and solemnly marched past the saluting flag at the regulation distance, accompanied by a disreputable admirer that had attached himself on the way down. Brave to recklessness, he would embark in furious fights against dogs many times his size, and with a fine disregard for numbers. My D.S.P. at Gorakhpur had three that generally accompanied him to office. Koots tackled one day an offender that ventured into my room. It was only after a very considerable mauling that he The very next day Koots was rescued from the trio. came down with me again, and before I had opened the first letter of the dak, he invaded the enemies' room and seized the largest by the throat. In the ensuing melee, poor Koots was nearly killed. He had to be carried home ;by his friend the Goorkha orderly, whom I subsequently found extolling his exploits to the rest of the servants. It was the worst fight of all that led to his end after six long days of enforced starvation. I was out a morning ride in the Station about three weeks ago, accompanied by the dogs, and on the way Koots and Bill dropped behind. I returned •to the bungalow to find Bill present, but no Koots, and it was hours later that a miserable object, blood-stained and dust-laden, wearily dragged itself into the compound. It was his last battle, his Day of Armageddon, and he had fought it alone, for Bill would never have deserted him had he been at hand. I know not who the assailants were. It is as well.

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Shikar was Koots' chief joy. Were you duck-shooting, and a winged bird took to the water, there would be a splash, and a little, brown head would go out among the reeds following hard in the wake. Did a wounded quail drop into a wheat-field, Koots would persevere in the search long after other dogs gave it up, and a beater would overtake you a quarter of a mile off bringing the retrieved bird, while Koots jumped up pretending to snatch it from his hand. The grey partridge might hide in the grasstuft, but the chances lay on its being flushed, however close it cowered. The humbler forms of shikar were not neglected. In the absence of a rat, a mouse would suffice. Hour after hour would be cheerfully devoted in exemplary patience, waiting, waiting, and the crash of an overturned chair would tell when the quarry came in sight. Last summer was given over to trying to kill the club It had many narrow escapes, khausama's black cat. albeit it was no coward. Once a rent in my mosquito curtain told how the anxious Koots had hurled himself after it when bent on a midnight strayal. Chance saved it eventually, for on a Sunday I came upon the two in the road. Koots had it fast by the neck, and it had all foreclaws in Koots' ears. Just as I arrived, Bill, whose midday siesta had been disturbed, also appeared on the scene. Pussy still lives to tinkle his bell, but it was the " deus ex machina " that saved him. No bobbery pack was complete without Koots. His unerring nose led him straight to where the hare lay, or put him on the line of the jackal that had sneaked off. If the hunt were too fast, he would find short cuts to avoid the jinks, and be in at the death with the best— a cannonade of growls showing where he was in the struggling pile. Last August a party of us set off from the club to look for sport. We found none, and were returning home disconsolate, when the Fates sent a village boar across the path. It was too much for the pack, and piggy was on his back at once. An application of hunting-crops cleared the air, and even Bill relinquished a good hold he had secured well back, but when the worried animal struggled off he took Koots with him. There is a loneliness that none west of Suez ever know. It comes on one in the hot weather in an out-station, and some go under. It is a longing to be in the great

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world again, to hear the rumbling of traffic, and to rub shoulders with fellow-men. One is afraid to think, for thoughts run in endless cycles round one's self. With no one to talk to, time drags its weary length. Outside the " tattie " are barren rocks and bleak wastes of sand, all throbbing and palpitating in the glare. By night the pitiless stars tell of to-morrow—a to-morrow as to-day and yesterday. Had there been no Koots in Karwi in 1904, it would have been very terrible indeed. As it was, we pulled through. I must close, for Koots' history is a memoir of my own life, and that is too long to recount. Bill and Nero have ceased their play. They are good dogs, but they cannot replace him. They are not sympathetic as he was. They are not personal friends. It is night! Bharosa has returned, and little Koots will stir no more. lie is asleep in his winter coat : may his rest be sweet ! A muffled sound of sobbing comes from without. Poor Bharosa ! I would fain do likewise. FREDERIC W. GALLOWAY, A.D.S.P. Cawnpore, 4th April, 1906. THE SCHOOL MUSEUM. A HIGHLY interesting and valuable addition to our collections has lately been presented by Mr. Robert Law, of Shanghai, who has sent us a collection of carved models, illustrative of Chinese life. The series consists of : — • 1. A Chinese junk. 2. Three methods of travelling in China—a Sedan chair, a 'rickshaw, and a wheel-barrow. 3. Three methods of punishment—by execution, by cangue, and by means of a cage. 4. Five methods of labour—carrying stones in a wheel-barrow, carrying tea, ploughing, a key-maker, and fishing with cormorants. 5. A Chinese coffin. 6. A pagoda. With so many friends and well-wishers in China, our collections thence are growing apace, and likely to prove of exceptional interest and value. Our warmest thanks to Mr. Law.

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SOME OF OUR VETERANS. " Threescore and ten, I can remember well."

t r

James Wallace, retired Inspector of Poor, the oldest living alumnus of the School and of the University, now 97 years of age, entered Class II. in 1822, and left, in 1826, for Marischal College, 1826-30. His class teacher in II. and III. was Mr. Robert Forbes, under-master, 1799-1836, and in IV. and V. the Rector, James Cromar, second of the name, an assistant teacher from about 1790 ; Mr. appointed under-master, 1796; Rector, 1803-26. Wallace thus came under one of the teachers of Byron's school-days (1795-98). Admiral Sir Arthur Farquhar, K.C.B., of Drumnagesk, Aboyne; born 22nd January, 1815; at the School, 1826-28; entered the Navy, 1829 ; present at the bombardment of Acre, in 1840 ; now in his 92nd year. Alexander Fraser, M.A., merchant in Java; now in London; son of Alex. Fraser, merchant, Schoolhill; at the School, 1826-29, Classes II. to V., under Mr. John Dun, 1826-61; and [Dr.] James Melvin, under-master, 1821; Rector, 1826-53. Mr. Fraser was at Marischal College, 1829-33. John Craig, 1828-31; M.A., 1835 ; surgeon (retired), lion. East India Company; now in Brighton; a son of Thos. Craig, merchant, Schoolhill. Rev. James Davidson, 1830-32 ; M.A., King's College, 1837 ; Lonmay ; Vicar of Nafferton, Hull. George Allan, born 8th April, 1820 ; 1831-35 ; Marischal Mr. Allan, College, 1835-36; advocate in Aberdeen. whose vigorous memory is a mine of information on the School in the days of George IV., writes : —" At that time it was the custom for the Principals of the various academies or schools in town to assemble what pupils they had wishing to join the Grammar School, and march, each at the head of his contribution to the 1st Class ; and I recollect well Mr. Ledingham,* then keeping his academy in what is now the House of Refuge, Duthie's Court, 35 Guestrow, accompanying his half a dozen, among them the late Sir James M`Kenzie, of Glenmuick (father of the present baronet), and myself, with some pride. The ages of my class-fellows were almost uniformly from 10 to 11 years. Dr. Melvin,t dressed in his gown, received us at * James and John Ledingham, "teachers of English, elocution, and geography." Directory 1830. t LL. D., 1834.

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the Public School.: On reaching the Rector's class-room, where the 4th and 5th Classes met, we were joined by three, whose ages were from two to three years younger than the rest, viz., David Mather Masson,§ Emeritus Professor, Edinburgh University, still alive ; James Webster, elder son of the minister of Ellon ; and Dugald Bremner,§ afterwards in the Bank of Bombay—both dead. A Government Commissioner had been appointed to gather information, inter alia, regarding the ages of the pupils in Scots schools, when it lay between these three, who was the youngest, and Bremner had it, in the 4th Class (October, 1834); and in the 5th, one James Reid,Il a precentor of the Secession Chapel, Skene Terrace, had the distinction of being the eldest, being 'twixt 19 and 20 years of age." Wm. Thom, 1833-34; M.A., 1838; now at Hawarden, Chester. Rev. Andrew Donald, 1831-35; M.A., 1839; Blackford, Auchterarder. David Mather Masson, 1832-35; Classes I.-IV.; 1st Bursar at age of 12 ; M.A., 1839 ; Blackwell Prize, 1840 ; LL.D., 1864; Professor of English, University College, London, and University, Edinburgh (emeritus); H.M. Historiographer for Scotland ; author of " Life of Milton," etc., etc. Rev. Walter Chalmers Smith, 1834-37; M.A., 1841; F.C. minister, Glasgow, Edinburgh; D.D., Glasg., 1868; LL.D., Aberd., 1876; poet ; now living at Orwell, Kinbuck, Dunblane. Wm. Smith, 1836; M.A., 1841; teacher, Gartly. Rev. Alex. Eason, 1838-39 ; M.A., 1843 ; retired teacher; Mannofield, Aberdeen (lately deceased) Alex. Martin, 1835-40 ; M.A., 1844 ; under-master, Gr. School, 1863, in succession to Alex. Beverly; Rector, 1869-81; now living in Aberdeen. Rev. James Allan, 1844; M.A., 1848; son of John Allan, farmer, Rothiemay; hon. distinction and Gray Scholarship; schoolmaster, Deskford; minister, Grange, Keith, and Marnoch ; Huntly ; D.D. John Watt, 1839-42 (Class IV.); advocate, Banchory. : The central part of the H-shaped building, 1757-1862, the door and belfry of which are still preserved in our buildings. § Their names occur first in Class II., 1732. Were they held too young for I. in 1831 ? Extranean, 1834 ; son of Richard Reid, merchant in Aberdeen.

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Some of our Veterans.

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Colonel James Allardyce, 1843-44; son of William Allardyce, Aberdeen ; Marischal College, 1844-48 ; LL.D., 1895; Hon. E.I.C.S.; Colonel, Madras Staff Corps; of Culquoich ; author. Peter Duguid (M`Combie), 1844; Marischal College, 1844-6; son of Simpson Duguid, of Camachmore, in the county ; advocate ; of Easter Skene. 1848; D.D.; late Rev. Wm. Temple, 1844; minister of Forgue ; now in Aberdeen. George Ogilvie, extran. in V., 1844 ; M.A., 1848 ; Headmaiter, Watson's College, Edinburgh; retired; LL.D., 1873 ; now in Aberdeen. John Stewart Glennie, 1841-45; M.A., 1849; son of Alex. Glennie, of Maybank, county; barrister, Middle Temple, 1853; author and journalist; Surrey. Rev. Archibald Lees, 1845 ; M.A., 1849 ; son of John Lees, planter, Demerara ; F.C. licentiate ; now in Edinburgh. Rev. John Milne, born 1830; 1844-45; M.A. 1849 ; son of James Milne, farmer, New Deer; schoolmaster, King-Edward ; LL.D., 1886 ; author ; now in Aberdeen, and contributing an interesting series of articles in the " Aberdeen Journal " on by-gone Aberdeen. Rev. Charles Bruce, 1844-45; Cairnie; ILA., 1850, King's College; schoolmaster, St. Andrews; minister, Glenrinnes, Dufftovvn. Thomas Ligertwood, 1843-45 ; M.B., 1851; M.D., 1860 ; Army Medical Department, War Office. Thomas M`Kenzie, 1841-45; M.A., 1850; sheriff-substitute, Tain. James Donaldson, 1843-46, Classes I.-IV. ; M.A., 1850 ; hon. distinction ; son of James Donaldson, engineer, Aberdeen; LL.D., 1865; Rector, High School, Edinburgh; Professor of Humanity, Aberdeen ; Principal, University of St. Andrews. James William Barclay, 1846-47; son of George Barclay, farmer, Cults: Marischal College, 1848-50 ; merchant, London; ex-M.P. for Forfar; now of Glenbuchat Castle, Donside. Alexander Forbes, 1844-49, born 1835; merchant, Aberdeen ; author; brother of James, born 1836, and the late John, born 1838, barrister and Recorder of Hull. Joseph Ogilvie, extran. in V., 1852; son of William Ogilvie, farmer, Itothiemay, and brother of George, above, and the late Dr. Robert Ogilvie, of Gordon's College ; M.A.,

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1856; silver pen, 1853; hon. distinction; schoolmaster, Methlick, Keith; Rector, Church of Scotland Training College, Aberdeen (retiring, June, 1906); Lecturer on Education ; LL.D., 1889 ; author. H. F. M. S. N. B.—Corrections, and information as to others, will be very welcome. Probably there is a goodly number of others whom we have been unable to trace, as they did not pass through the University ; and the admirable records, by Mr. P. J. Anderson, are not available in such cases.

THE EAST WIND. Mr. Jarndyce. " I am always conscious of an uncomfortable sensation when the wind is blowing in the east." Others as well as Mr. Jarndyce feel uncomfortable when the wind is in the east. The farmer says it is good for neither man nor beast; the angler rises early, shivers, puts his head out of the window, looks regretfully at the casts soaking over night, says something, and gets into bed again ; the dweller in Ferry-hill lives, for the time being, in the atmosphere of " smokies ; and the boating man on the West Coast takes in reefs or lets out more cable. The West Coast was not constructed with the idea of offering any shelter from an east wind. All the nice, cosy nooks where you can lie hearing the wind shrieking through the rigging and congratulating yourself that the anchor is in good, honest mud are intended for sheltering from a wind that has some west in it. The author of the song, " Sweet Rothesay Bay," had never spent a night there in a tiny yacht which one moment was trying to stand upon its head and the next was trying to sit up and beg like some terrier. She had never tried to sleep when the anchor chain, drawing taut every other wave, threatened to tear the stem out of the little vessel. And the most unpleasant feature of an east wind is that a gale may sweep down without giving any barometric warning of its approach. For two or three days the wind has blown crisp and clear from the north-west; then there has come a glorious day of almost sultry heat. The evening closes in dull and cloudy, and you declare as you look at the mercury trying to climb out of the barometer that it is a mere heat haze. Laboriously you tow, in the perfect calm, " TILE wind's in the east," said

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into what promises to be a good anchorage. You cook your supper in perfect peace, and eat it with the thought that, as far as motion is concerned, you might as well be tied up in the canal basin at Ardrishaig. You sit on deck and watch the smoke of your pipe going straight A little up. You turn in with great contentment. into a pitching by the awakened are you after dawn lumpy sea and by the rush of the waves past your very ear. You creep out carefully, for the motion is so rapid and uneasy that it is difficult to keep your footing. You put your head out of the scuttle, to gaze upon a sweep of whitey grey water, with squalls chasing one another down towards you. The sky is changing to windward into an angry red, but above you the clouds are almost featureless and stationary. You creep out on deck, and the spindrift wets your pyjamas through at once. You crawl forward and find the anchor chain as taut as a bowstring : nothing but a steam winch will lift that anchor unless it can be humoured in some way. You begin to wonder if there is any fun in this kind of thing, whether boating is a rational holiday at all. You are caught on a lee shore ; you cannot stay where you are; but to get out tests both nerve and muscle. Two years ago my wife and I, the sole crew of the "Kiwi," had drifted, one calm night, to an anchorage Blindman's just inside Ardlamont, of sinister fame. Bay is a good shelter from anything except an east wind. The water is not deep, and the bottom is soft and gives the anchor a good hold. We had a walk ashore, ordered— and paid for—some milk, to be called for in the morning, and then turned in early. Between two and three in the morning further sleep was made impossible by the quick jump of the boat into the sea. The " Kiwi" was plunging her bowsprit under to every wave. The very first glance outside told that there was no time to be lost. The boat had swung inshore with the wind, and there was barely two fathom under her stem. To step into sea-boots and an oilskin was the work of a moment. It was useless to attempt to get the anchor up by the customary handover-hand process. Besides, if, in lifting the anchor, the " Kiwi " gathered stern way, she would be ashore before we could do anything to bring her up. With a vessel of the old type we should either have had to ride out the gale where we were or have slipped the anchor chain, with a buoy attached. But the modern yacht has no

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" forefoot." She draws next to nothing at the bow, and, as a consequence, can spin round on her stern like a top. This fact renders possible the trick of " sailing up to the anchor." The mainsail was hoisted with three reefs, and the storm jib was set. The jib was then hauled to weather, so that the boat paid off on the port tack, and began to drag on the anchor chain like an otter trawl on its warp. Whenever she had steerage way on, my wife put her about on the starboard tack, and as soon as she was moving fast through the water put the helm down and let the boat shoot right up to her anchor. All this time I was standing forward looking after the jib. Whenever the boat began to forge up to the anchor, and the chain came slack, I took it in, until at last the anchor was directly under the bow. A turn or two was then given to the chain round the bowsprit bitts; the boat was again swung off on the port tack, and lifted the anchor herself. In a minute she was out in deep water, and was then laid to until the anchor was got on board and lashed. We then ran over to the Bute shore, and anchored among a fleet of fishing boats which had had to haul their nets and run for shelter. By six o'clock the anchor was down in calm water. Two wearied people crept breakfastless into their cots, and there were no signs of life in the " Kiwi " till late in the afternoon. Such an occurrence as this is, of course, a mere incident, calling for nothing more than some sure and rapid handling of the boat. Another gale of east wind last summer was not so easily escaped. We had been at Campbelton, and, after being becalmed for a whole day, had had to anchor in a bay completely exposed to the east. Shortly after dawn a strong breeze set in, and, repeating the performance just described, we got the little ship under weigh, and ran across the Sound of Kilbrannan under the lee of Arran. In the evening things had very much quietened down, and as we were anxious to get back to the Gareloch, we determined to sail all the night. The full mainsail was. hoisted, and all went well till we were between Bute and Arran. All at once the wind completely took off, and for an hour we pitched and rolled helplessly in a broken tidal swell, with the boom banging about over our heads, and putting all the rigging to a most unpleasantly severe test. It now came down dark and thick; puffs of hot wind came from all directions; but the aneroid made no

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sign of bad weather. All of a sudden, with a rush and a scream, a squall burst on us out of the darkness, and the boat began to tear through the water. The wind had come a little more northerly than earlier in the evening, and it was impossible now to lay a course for the Kyles of Bute. Tarbert was the nearest anchorage, and Tarbert was eight long miles away. The " Kiwi " is decked, all except a cockpit, but she was so overweighted with the full mainsail that she lay over till part of the mainsail with the boom was trailing along in the water. If the peak halyard could have been let go or cut, it would have relieved the strain immensely. But I did not dare to leave the helm. Short and deep boats steer wildly when running with the sea upon the quarter. To prevent them from broaching-to needs a considerable amount of sheer strength, and the mate, with all her skill, lacks muscle. Had the " Kiwi" been allowed to take charge for a few seconds, she would have shipped two or three seas and sunk. And yet, with the deck lying at such an angle and the waves washing clean over the bow of the boat, it would have been folly to send the mate forward to let go the halyard. Anyone falling overboard on such a night would never have been seen again. Therewas nothing to be done except to carry on and trust to the excellence of the gear. On we rushed through the night, with little other light than the phosphorescence of the waves. So great was the pressure of the wind and the speed of the boat that the bow every now and again was forced right under the water, and a sea, flying aft along the deck, would strike the coaming of the hatch and come in a perfect flood into the cockpit. At last a break in the line of hills showed the whereabouts of Tarbert. Even in the daytime the little natural harbour has an entrance that is difficult enough: at night it is unlighted, and would be impossible for a stranger. But we were no strangers, and as the boat shot through the entrance and rounded to in the little basin behind the fir trees, the rattle of the anchor chain was music welcome enough. It's a bad wind, the east.

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SECRETARY OF DEBATING SOCIETY'S REPORT ON SESSION 1905-6. WE can now congratulate ourselves on having passed through a very successful session. Young and enthusiastic members have been greatly in evidence, and this One new feature was the bodes well for next year. appointment of a " Chucker-out." F. Macrae was entrusted with this onerous office, and right well did he discharge it on the rare occasions on which ,he was called on to do so. An ornamental official, in the shape of an " Assistant Chucker-out," was also appointed. The dignity of this office was nobly upheld by W. MacGavin. At the General Meeting held at the beginning of the session, all the patrons, save Principal Salmond, deceased, were re-elected. The Hon. President and the Hon. VicePresident were re-elected, and F. Wishart was elected President. The syllabus was well got up, and contained lectures by Professor J. Arthur Thomson, Rev. F. J. Rae, Rev. R. Thomson, Mr. Middleton, Mr. J. M. Hector, and Dr. IVI`Leod. The Society was very fortunate in getting so many excellent lectures by so many distinguished gentlemen, and we hope that it will be as successful next year. " Judicial Night " passed off very well, but there was one curious fact in connection with it. The cost of getting it up far exceeded the receipts. We hope that this state of affairs will not occur again. The Finale was a great success, and we must congratulate those who helped to make it so—particularly Mr. C. Davidson, without whom, we are afraid, there would be no Finale at all. The rehearsals for the Finale this year were accomplished in record time—only four weeks being taken to reach concert pitch. The debates chosen for the syllabus this year were good, but the Society failed to take full advantage of them. The " impromptu " and " hat" debates, however, might be improved. Even yet the speaking is not all that could be desired, notwithstanding the great improvement on former years. We should wish to see the speaking become more general, and rid itself of the " confined" element with which it appears to be hampered at present. The very few disturbances which occurred during the session must be a matter of extreme gratification to. the Chairman and to the officials generally.

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The Society's funds are in an extremely healthy condition. £2 has been given as a donation to the Magazine, and £2 to the Byron Statue Fund, on condition that the statue be erected in the Grammar School Grounds, while a workable balance has been left over for next year. The membership this year reached the highly satisfactory figure of 48, while the average attendance was 32— an eloquent testimony to the prosperity of the Society. On the whole, we may congratulate ourselves on having finished a very interesting, edifying, and altogether delightful session. I have to thank all my colleagues who helped me in my work. JAMES STIRLING GILES, Secretary and Treasurer.

THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL AND THE UNIVERSITY. THE UNIVERSITY BURSARY COMPETITION. TILE results of this year in quantity and quality leave us little room for self-gratulations, and much room for improvement. Of our candidates, Classical VI. relatively did better than VII., gaining the 27th, 63rd, and 81st places, the last, William G. Walker, being, all considered, the best of the three. Best of all is the success, without Greek, of Wm. M. Peters, Dux of the Moderns last year, 24th, and 1st of all candidates in French, with 182 marks, and equal 1st full marks in Mathematics. Frederick W. Gerrard (VII.), 17th, full marks in Mathematics, is to be cordially congratulated on the undoubted excellence of his work. It is rumoured that no fewer than four others attained full marks in Mathematics. It is to be feared that this distinction is becoming monotonously cheap. But, after all, there is " balm in Gilead." With 8 (1 disqualified) out of 14 University Arts prizes, 554. per cent. of the 1st Class Honours in Mathematics, 50 per cent. of the Honours in Classics, the only 1st Class Honours in English, and, over all, some 22 per cent. of the 1st Class Honours, Prizes, and Certificates to the credit of our " Old Boys," who form 17.8 per cent. of all

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for the whole year is exceptionally brilliant. It is almost the students, and 22.5 of the men students, our record invidious to select names for special mention; but for work of outstanding merit we record the names of A. R. Williamson, George Hay, and James Milne, 1st Class in Classics; J. Urquhart, in Mathematics ; Wm. S. Mackie, in English; and Colin M. Kerr, man of many degrees, and all superlative. The following table of F.P.'s at the University will be perused with interest : No. of F.Ps.

% F.P.'s of Males.

- - -

250 284 68 23 19

56 68 13 5 3

22.4 23.9 19.1 21.7 151

405 293 73 23 19

13 8 23.2 17.8 21.7 151

Total - -

644

145

22.5

813

17 8

Arts Medicine - Science - Law -

Total, all "/0 F.P.'s of Students. all Students.

No. of Male Students.

Divinity

Of some 4,000 names on the General Council University Calendar, 1905-06, the Rector has identified over 750— some 18:1- per cent. of the whole—as Former Pupils. As these range from " Old Boys " who entered the School in 1822 to the graduates of last year, it is clear that the School continues to maintain its position as "a main feeder of the University." Many now proceed direct to their special faculties, in Medicine, Science, etc. Our proportion in Arts, therefore, is probably much less than formerly. Of our 89 students, 1905-06, in other faculties than Arts, only 22 have graduated previously-22 _M.A., 1 also B.Sc.

NOTES ON THE PHYSICAL REGISTRATION. Begun, 15th January ; finished, 16th March. Hearing, ; summaries, on the 23rd. 23rd on For most age-groups, except the very youngest and the oldest, in which the number of individuals is small, the averages of measurements, carried over from year to year, scarcely vary by minute fractions of a millimetre.

Notes on the Physical Registration.

1-19

Birthplace. Of 121 examined for the first time, 74 born in Aberdeen, 17 in the home counties, 10 in the rest of Scotland, 5 in England, 11 abroad. Home in town, 102 ; in the country, 19. Hearing.--Tested, 295, of whom 202 for the second time (taken alternately with sight every second year). For the whole period, 1903-06, 68.8 per cent. are normal; Of the latter, 10.4 per cent. showed 31.2 defective. marked deficiency in one or both ears. Sight. —Tested, 118, whereof 79.6 per cent. are normal ; 20.4 per cent. defective in one or both eyes. Of these, 12.0 per cent, showed marked deficiency in one or both. Parentage, 1903-06.—Parents and grandparents all born in Aberdeen, 12; in Aberdeen and home counties, 124 ; all in home counties, 59 ; all in England, 23 ; none born in Aberdeen, 347 ; total, 565. Other combinations, 107. Colour Sense, 1903-06. Examined, 597 ; normal, 89.5 per cent.; defective, 7.5; very defective (green or redblind), 3. Boys examined this year, 470, out of 477 on the roll. Number of examinations, 1903-06, 1,720, including 762 individuals. Chest-expansion this year is above the average in each age-group. There is also for this year a perceptible improvement in most age-groups in those measurements which indicate nutrition, viz., height, weight, and girth of limb. This accords with the marked absence of epidemics and other sickness and the excellent attendance this session, in which September, November, January, February show the best attendance on record, and March the second best, in the last twenty-four years. Except in one class, there has been marked improvement in the number attending the gymnastic lessons. The Rector is much indebted to Robert Semple, F.P., for his kind assistance in the last fortnight. Most of the measurements were taken by the Rector's clerk, Joseph Cameron, F.P. Both of these are medical students, and showed a very keen, practical interest in the examination. S.

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•

SCHOOL V. 'SHIRE. This match, which ought to, have been played on 5th May, had to be abandoned owing to rain. SCHOOL V. UDNY.—This match, which ought to have been played on 12th May, was put off by LTduy at the last moment, as they found themselves unable to raise a team. We do not recommend the continuance of this fixture.

SCHOOL v. 2ND XI.—This match, which ought to have been played on 18th May, had to be abandoned owing to, rain. SCHOOL V. GORDON'S COLLEGE.—This match, which ought to have been played on 19th May, was put off by Gordon's, as the heavy rains had rendered King's unplayable.

SCHOOL v. 2ND XI.—This match was played at the Duthie Park on 25th May in delightful weather. Wishart won the toss, and sent the 2nd XI. to the wickets. Anderson and Walker opened for the 2nd XI., but a neat catch by Stewart caused the latter to give way to J. llacGavin. Nine runs were added before the next wicket fell, but after that no stand at all was made, and

Cricket Notes.

121

the innings closed for 31. MacGavin, with a well-played Wishart had 12, was highest scorer for the 2nd XI. three wickets for 11 runs and Munro six for 16 runs for the School. The 1st XI. were left with 45 minutes to hit off the necessary runs, and, thanks to Stewart and Kelman, who played an admirable forcing game, managed to do so with ease. The School won the match with eight wickets in hand, and when time was called the score stood at 70 for seven wickets. Stewart, with 22, and Kelman, with 32 (not out), were the highest scorers for the School. Peters and Mackenzie shared the bo'wling honours for the 2nd XI. SCHOOL V. TURRIFF.—The School journeyed to Turriff on 26th May to play off this fixture, and were favoured with a glorious day. Stewart and Kelman were absent from the School team, but otherwise the XI. was at full strength. Turriff had first lease of the wickets, and immediately started to score rapidly. A good catch by Gerrard caused the fall of the first wicket with the score at 21; but after this runs came freely, and with the score at 70 for five wickets, Turriff applied the closure. Wishart was the only School bowler who could do anything, and took all five wickets at a cost of only 30 runs. The School started with Gilbert and Gerrard, but the first three wickets went down for three runs. Wishart and Milne, and, afterwards, MacGavin and Milne, helped on the score a bit, but the rest of the team, with the exception of MacNeil, collapsed badly. The score accordingly only reached 32. Milne, with 11, was highest scorer for the School. Murray had six wickets for Turriff. The School fielding was very good and exceptionally keen. SCHOOL V. 'VARSITY WANDERERS.—This match, which ought to have been played on 1st June, had to be declared off owing to rain. SCHOOL V. GORDON'S COLLEGE. This match was played at King's College on 2nd June under a cloudless sky. Gordon's College won the toss, and elected to bat. Scoring proceeded at a slow pace, and Gordon's were at the wickets two hours and a half for 59 runs, about 20 of which were put on by their last two men. The School tried a variety of bowlers, of whom Munro and Robson were most successful, Wishart and Milne appearing to be rather off colour. The School started well, but after the

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The Grammar School Magazine.

fall of the third wicket the batting broke down in an inexplicable manner. The following are the detailed scores : GRAMMAR SCHOOL. GORDON'S COLLEI;E. IV. L. Gilbert, run out - - - 9 A. Henderson, b. Munro - - - 0 F. K. Dobson, c. Hardie, W. Stark, c. Murray, b. Munro 1 2 b Gillies J. Dawson, c. Gerrard, b.Wishart 10 0 H. J. Milne, b. Gillies - - - 1 A. Gordon, c. Gilbert, b. Milne J. Kelman, l.b.w., b. Gillies - 4 J. Rae, b. Milne - - - - - 12 1 J. R. MacNeill, b. Gillies A. Cameron, c. Kelman, 6 W. MacGavin, b. Gillies - 1 b. Wishart 2 F. Wishart, run out - F. McKinty, c. MacNeill, b Rob0 - 5 i F. W. Gerrard, b. Gordon son - -----2 R. Hardie, b. Robson - - . - 7 j J. MacGavin, b. Gordon 1 G. A. Munro, not out - J. Johnston, run out - - - - 1 0 J. R. Murray, b. Gillies - R. Knox, c. Robson, b. MacNeill 8 3 Extras E. Gillies, not out - - - - - 11 Extras - - ' - - - 3 Total - -

•

- 59

Total

-31

SCHOOL v. Y.M.C.A.—This match was played at Duthie Park on the evening of 8th June in glorious weather. Y.M.C.A. won the toss, and went in first. The pitch was as hard as iron, and greatly assisted Wishart's bowling, which came along at a terrific pace. Y.M.C.A. made no stand against Wishart and Munro, and were all out for 24. The excellence of the School bowling may be judged from the fact that Wishart took six wickets for 9 runs and Munro four for 8 runs. The School started none too well, losing two wickets for no runs ; but with Milne and Kelman associated, the bowling was soon mastered. Milne, with 25, Kelman, with 16, Wishart, with 10, and Munro, with 9, were the chief contributors to the School total of 84. The most productive partnership was that of Wishart and Milne, who carried the score from 38 to 58. SCHOOL v. 'SHIRE.—This match was played at Mannofield on 9th June in beautiful weather. Wishart won the toss, and elected to bat first. Two wickets fell for five, obtained in the second over by A. Stewart, who then, unfortunately, put up a catch to mid-on, which did not go a-begging. After this Milne and Kelman again got together, and by very careful cricket took the score to 30, when Kelman had to retire with 12 to his credit. Milne, with his score at 14, followed Kelman to the pavilion soon after. After this there was no big stand, although Gilbert batted well towards the close of the innings, and was left not out. The School score closed for 48. J. Mortimer,

Cricket Notes.

123

H. H. Smith, Dr. Chalmers, and Dr. Christie shared the School wickets. The strong 'Shire team soon passed our score, and ultimately ran up 102, of which H. H. Smith had 23. Wishart, Munro, Milne, and Stewart shared the bowling honours for the School. J. K. 2ND XI. FIXTURES. match was played at King's College on 12th May in delightful weather. The School turned out a very weak team, and got beaten by two runs. Scores—School, 24; Gordon's College, 26. For the School, J. MacGavin had eight and W. Ingram seven. Bowling for the School, P. W. Stewart had six wickets for 10 runs and W. Peters four for 12. 2ND XI. v. 1sT XI.—Reported under 1st XI. fixtures. 2ND SCHOOL V. 2ND GORDON'S COLLEGE.—This match, which ought to have been played on 26th May, had to be declared off owing to rain. 2ND SCHOOL V. 2ND GORDON'S COLLEGE.—This

CRITICISM OF 1ST XI. THE following is a brief criticism of a very good, all-round team, which has, on occasions, collapsed in a most inexplicable fashion : — F. Wishart captains the team with evident success. Is a very good fast bowler who is extremely difficult to play when in form, but gets rather wild on occasions. His batting shows marked improvement on last year's form, while his fielding is neat and safe. G. A. Munro is a bowler who keeps a very good length, and gets a good deal of work on the ball. A fair bat and safe fielder. W. L. Gilbert is an exceedingly safe and careful bat, and a brilliant fielder who has saved many a run at third man. H. J. Milne is a very steady bat, whose power of keeping his end up has often proved very useful; when set, he is a fine, punishing bat. He bowls a good fast ball, and is safe and clean in his fielding. J. Kelman is the wicket-keeper—and a good one at that. He is the best forcing bat in the team, and shows very

The Grammar School Magazine.

124

considerable improvement on last year's form. Is master of many neat strokes. A. Stewart is a strong, forcing bat and a good change bowler. Safe in his fielding. •T. R. MacNeill is a good change bowler, and a batsman who does not believe in " ducks." Is an exceedingly smart fielder at point, who never lets the ball past him. W. MacGavin is a player whose enthusiasm has made him improve immensely since last year, especially in batting. His fielding is keen, and he would prove a useful change bowler. F. W. Gerrard is a player who has been rather unfortunate this year. His batting is good, and his fielding very effective at drive. F. K. Robson is a rather good bat, and a useful, though rather erratic, change bowler. He has shown some excellent fielding, as well as some very mediocre in quality. •1. R. Murray is a slashing bat, who can also play as reserve wicket-keeper. Should remember that " silence is golden," and speak much less.

TRANSLATION. ADRIAN'S ADDRESS TO IIIS SOUL \MIEN DYING. Animula! vagula, blandula, Hospes comesque corporis, Quae nunc abibis in loca-Pallidula, rigida, nudula, Nec, ut soles, dabis iocos? THE EMPEROR HADRIAN, AP. AELIIIS SPARTIANIIS, HADR. 25. • •

•

Ah! gentle, fleeting, wav'ring sprite, Friend and associate of this clay! To what unknown region borne,: Wilt thou now wing thy distant. flight? No more• with, wonted humour gay,: But pallicL cheerless, and forlorn.. • ' BY F.P. •

(Published in 1807.)

Football Notes.

125

SCHOOL V. FRASBRBITRGII. On the 16th February the School travelled to Fraserburgh to meet the 1st XV. there. The Fraserburgh team were disappointed that they could not get the big pitch, but they arranged to play on the Links. The first half was not long in progress before Fraserburgh found that they had a tricky team to play against, if not a heavy one. The School excelled in passing. Often the School were within an ace of scoring, but luck was against them. Anderson and Milne had often very hard lines. Half-time arrived without any scoring having taken place. In the second half the School at first held their own, but at last, being done up, had to yield to the superior weight of their opponents. After the first try, how often the Fraserburgh would score was only a matter of time. In this half Kelman had hard lines in not. scoring, reaching the ball first after a twentyfive, but falling over it. Gilbert, at three-quarters, played a brilliant game, while at forward, Butchart, Wishart, and Macrae played finely. Giles, at back, played his best game this season. The game ended—Fraserburgh, 17 points (1 goal• 4 tries) ; School, nil. After the we were very hospitably.entertained to tea by the match Fraser:burgh team, whom we would take this opportunity cif thanking • heartily for their kindness: to us. We hope 'hat this "fixture Will be continued next season. - . This match ended a highly successful football season. 1. J. K.

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The Grammar School Magazine.

2ND XV. FIXTURES. 2ND ScifooL V. 3RD 'SHIRE.—This match, which ought to have been played at the School Grounds on 17th February, had to be abandoned, as none of the 'Shire men put in an appearance. 2ND SCHOOL V. 2ND GORDON'S COLLEGE.—This match was played at the School Grounds on 24th February in very warm weather. The pitch was extremely bad, being practically unfit for play. Bisset won the toss, and the School kicked off uphill with eleven men, three others subsequently coming on. The School got into Gordon's twenty-five, and looked like scoring, but a rush by the opposing forwards transferred play to the other end. Play ranged extremely fast after this, but no scoring took place before half-time. At the beginning of the second half the School kept up a continued pressure on Gordon's lines, but were unable to score. A raid by Gordon's looked dangerous, but the School three-quarters relieved by a magnificent combined run, which took play into the Gordon's twenty-five. Here Bisset got possession, and kicked over, and Robson, seizing his opportunity, dashed in and scored. It was a fine try, in the scoring of which Bisset had as great a share as Robson. A fine kick by Robson put the School five points to the good. Gordon's came away with a rush from the kick-off, and got into the School twenty-five. At a " scrum " on the five-yards line, one of the School forwards " lifted " before the ball was put in, and Gordon's scored from the subsequent penalty. Fast and exciting play was the rule until time went shortly after with the scores unchanged—School, 5 points (1 goal); Gordon's College, 3 points (1 penalty goal). This splendid win was contributed to by every member of the School team. It is impossible to individualise, for every man played his very best, particularly those members of the 3rd XV. who were playing. 3RD XV. FIXTURES. 3RD SCHOOL V. 3RD GORDON'S COLLEGE.—This match, which ought to have been played at the School Grounds on 3rd March, had to be abandoned, as the field was unfit for play.

Debater Notes.

"DMISATER:

127

KOTES

Friday, February 9.—The Society met on the above evening, and as Dr. M`Leod was unable to deliver his lecture, " Impromptu Debates" were decided upon. G. A. Munro occupied the chair. A " Hat Night" was found to be the only method of getting up debates. The chief speakers were Thomson, Maine, and Fraser. The best debate of the evening was, " Is Falsehood ever Justifiable ?" Even this interesting subject failed to arouse enthusiasm. Just as the members were beginning to think of dispersing, a proposal was made that the rest of the evening should be passed in a " Conversazione." This " caught on," and the time passed away very pleasantly until 9.30 p.m. F. Wishart, who took the chair at 8 p.m., in our opinion, contributed the " tit-bit" of the evening. Friday, February 16.—The Annual Concert and Dramatic Performance took place on this evening. Friday, February 23.--The Society met on the above evening to hear a lecture by Rev. R. Thomson on " The Catacombs of Rome," but it was greatly disappointed to find that the lecturer had failed to appear. After a short meeting, the members dispersed. F. Wishart was in the chair. Friday, March 2.—The programme for the above evening was a lecture by Mr. J. M. Hector, M.A., on " Naturalists and their Work." Mr. Murison occupied the chair, and introduced the lecturer to the Society by a short speech, in which he expressed his gratification at presiding over a meeting addressed by one of his own old pupils. Mr. Hector, after a complimentary remark to Mr. Murison, said he had not come to give the Society a scientific discourse, but just a plain talk. His object was

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The Grammar School Magazine.

not to disgust us with a string of long Latin names, but to try to interest us in naturalists and their work. He divided naturalists into two classes the naturalist of fiction and the naturalist of real life. The foriner is usually represented as an untidy, lanky, spectacled, peering bore, while the latter is a man who loves the open air and the woods, where he can see animal life in its free state. He gave us anecdotes of Gilbert White and Thomas (" Tam ") Edward—both famous naturalists. Then came an excellent series of lime-light illustrations, which were exceedingly interesting to all present. The lecture closed by F. Wishart calling for a vote of thanks to Mr. Hector. Friday, March 9.—No meeting was held on this evening, owing to the Gymnastic Assault. Friday, March 16.—On the above evening the Society met in Room VI. to hear Dr. M`Leod's lecture on " Wave Motion." F. Wishart was in the chair. There was a good turn-out of members and others. Dr. M`Leod gave us examples of various kinds of waves—water waves, sound waves, light waves, and he said that if he had had time he would have given us electric waves also. The lecturer illustrated the different kinds of waves by a series of experiments. An experiment on the "spectrum" was very interesting. F. Wishart proposed a vote of thanks to Dr. M`Leod, and the latter, in reply, said he hoped that the time would soon come when the Classical fellows would also have the benefit of being taught Science. J. S. GILES, Secretary.

THE SCHOOL AND THE VOLUNTEERS. MANY of our readers will be pleased to know that we furnish the various Volunteer corps of the North of Scotland with so many of their officers. We hope to give a complete list of such in subsequent issues of the Magazine, and shall be grateful if any reader will help us with names. Beginning with the town corps, we find the following names : — I. In the Artillery A.R.G.A.(V.) we have Lieut.-Colonel G. Milne, V.D. Major and Hon. Lieut.-Colonel J. Duguid, V.D. A. L. Miller. J. E. Race. Captains .. F. W. Kay (Captain and Adjutant). W. B. G. Minto.

The School and the Volunteers.

129

T. Davidson. G. C. Milne. J. H. Edwards. J. W. Henderson. Sec. Lieuts. ) J ' St. Clair Saunders. P. A. Cooper. Lieutenants

II.—Royal Engineers—R.E.(V.)— Major G. A. Cornwall. W. Dyack. Captains ... -I H. J. Kinghorn, Captain and Adjutant. G Hutcheson. Lieutenants f R. A. Duthie (Hon. Lieut. in Army). W. P. Crombie. R. Bruce. Sec. Lieuts. R. S. Asher. ) W. Bisset. Surgeon Major W. Sinclair, M.B.

III.—Gordon Highlanders— Lieut.-Col. and Hon. Col. Lachlan Mackinnon, V.D. Major and Hon. Lieut. Col. Charles Stuart Gordon, V.D. A. H. L. Mackinnon. Captains ... Thos. Ogilvie, Jr. R. A. Henderson (Hon. Lieut. in Army). 1 G. A. Smith. I E. W. Watt. R. Scott. Lieutenants J. Brown, Jr. W. Rae (Instructor of Musketry). A. Lyon. ( H. G. M. Wilson. Sec. Lieuts. J. B. Gillies. i P. B. Simpson. Surgeon-Major G. Williamson, M.B. Surgeon Captain J. F. Christie, M.D.

IV.-R.A.M.C.-Major J. Scott Riddell, M.V.O. Captain F. Kelly. Quarter-Master J. Cromar.

OUR CONTEMPORARIES. THE Editor begs to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following magazines : —" C. A. I.," " Edinburgh Academy Chronicle " (3), " Glasgow Academy Chronicle," "Mercers' School Magazine," The Nelsonian," "The Olavian " (2), " St. Andrew's College Magazine " (Dublin), " The Blade " (2), " The Fettesian" (2), " Glasgow High School Magazine," " The Portmuthian " (2), " The Yellow

130

The Grammar School Magazine.

Dragon " (3), " The Tooter" (3), - St. Andrew's College Magazine " (Grahamstown, S.A.), " Kero " (Central H.S., Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A.), " The Forum " (Mount Vernon H.S., Ohio, U.S.A.). . The "C. A. I." maintains its high standard of excellence. The " Edinburgh Academy Chronicle " and the " Glasgow Academy Chronicle" abound in excellent football notes. "Mercers' School Magazine" and "The Olavian" contain some very good school notes. " The Olavian " (March) has two very fine poems--one in Latin, the other in English. " The Nelsonian" has some excellent photos, and a very interesting letter from A. N. Fell, the Scottish Rugby Internationalist, describing the Scots-New Zealand rugby match at Inverleith. Dr. Fell is a New Zealander, but his letter is quite unbiased. " St. Andrew's College Magazine " (Dublin) contains a good burlesque poem and the full school prize-list for the past session. " The Fettesian" is very good all over, and is particularly strong in its notes on sport. The March issue contains an interesting account of the old Fettesians' dinner and also of the Fettesian-Lorettonian football tour. The April issue gives a clever article on " Shakespeare on Early School," and also produces a criticism of the 1st XV. "The Glasgow High School Magazine" contains several very interesting articles, abundance of excellent school notes, and a very good poem. " The Portmuthian " has some very good articles, while the account of " The Public Schools' Field Day " is also very' interesting. Its athletic notes are excellent. "St. Andrew's College Magazine" (Grahamstown, S.A.) gives an interesting account of the " Jubilee Celebrations," abundance of cricket news, and a very good article entitled " Recollections." " The Yellow Dragon " is as good as ever. From the March issue of this magazine we take the following— " The verse translation of Horace Odes, I., 22, is clever." This criticism is passed on our December issue. We hope it will encourage our budding poets to still greater efforts. From the January issue of " The Tooter " we take the

Our Contemporaries.

131

following—" We were glad to receive a copy of the Grammar School Magazine from Aberdeen, Scotland. As we hoped, we learned many things about English schoollife from it." The same issue contains some very clever burlesque replies to Ben Jonson's exquisite lyric—" Drink to me only with thine eyes." " The Tooter " (February) contains a drama in three acts : — Act I.—Maid one. Act II.—Maid won. Act III.—Made one. They did not rush nor hurry, Nor sit up late to cram, Nor have the blues and worry, But—they failed in their exam.

" The Tooter " (March) contains the following: — Mamma--Jimmy, stop using such language. Jimmy—Shakespeare said that. Mamma—Well, you must stop going with him. Teacher—Tommy, give me a sentence using the words " bitter end." Tommy (writing)—My dog chased my cat and bitter end. " Could anyone, love, between us come? " He asked in accents tender. " Were they to do so now, my own They'd have to be mighty slender."

" The Blade " is one of the brightest and most interesting American school papers we have yet seen. From the March issue we reproduce this estimate of our humble selves—" A late arrival on our exchange table is the Grammar School Magazine, of Aberdeen, Scotland. It is, indeed, a model paper. Its notes are plentiful and breezy. The weightier articles are excellently written, and, unlike some of like character on this side of the ocean, possess subject-matter of an educational character. With such an example as this before us, we can have nothing other than an exalted opinion of our Scottish contemporaries." Thanks ! " Blade," for your good opinion. We congratulate "The Blade," by the way, on the excellence of their cover designs. The " Kero " is a very well edited paper, and contains abundance of notes of all descriptions, as well as several good articles. " The Forum " is another well-edited American paper. Its notes are plentiful and crisply written, and it boasts some excellent articles. Since going to press we have received the " C. A. I." (May) and " The Scotch Collegian " (Easter term), which we beg to acknowledge with thanks.

SESSION

thoot Officiate. - - - 1905.6.

(lames Committee. The RECTOR. Mr. JAMES DAVIDSON. Mr. J. C. KNOX (representing Lower School). J. P. CAMERON. J. KELMAI' (Football, Cricket). A. S. K. ANDERSON (Football). W. MACGAVIN (Football). R. E. BUTCHART (Football). A. M. MACLEOD (Football). G. F. Cox (Cricket). F. MACRAE (Football). F. W. GERRARD (Football). H. J. MILNE (Cricket). W. L. GILBERT (Cricket). G. A. MUNRO (Cricket). W. INGRAM (Football). J. R. MURRAY (Football). F. WISHART (Cricket, Football, Magazine). Cricket. Caj5tain, F. WISHART. Secretary, G. A. MUNRO. Football. Cafitain, J. KELMAN. Secretary, F. WISHART. Swimming Club. Captain, A. M. WII.SON. _ _ Vice-Cafitain, D. M`H. SEMPLE. Secretary and Treasurer, I. G. BISSET. Committee. G. S. LAWRENCE. W. PETERS. I J. V. LORIMER. W. WILLIAMSON. F. WISHART. Debating Society. President, F. WISHART. A. M. MACLEOD. Vice-Presidents, - it R. M. PORTER. Secretary and Treasurer, J. S. GILES. Committee. G. F. Cox. J. KELMAN. A. M. GARDEN. F. MACRAE. W. P. SELBIE. Library. J. P. CAMERON (Reference). I F. WISHART (Lending). A. M. MACLEOD (Lending). R. M. PORTER (Lending). F. MACRAE (Lending). Magazine. Editor-in- Chiej; F. WISHART. Editorfor Sport, J. KELMAN. Literary Editor, W. P. SELBIE. Business Manager, F. MACRAE. The Hon. Secretary of the Former Pupils' Club is Mr. ALFRED W. EDWARDS, 29 Union Street,. Aberdeen.

President, Hon. Secretary,

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 (4 Nos.) is 2s. ; or, post free, 2s. 6d., at home and abroad. All subscriptions should be forwarded to the Business Manager of the Magazine, Grammar School, Aberdeen. Back numbers of the Magazine since 1885 may be had on application to the Business Manager. All literary communications should be sent to the Editor, Grammar School, Aberdeen. Correspondents must enclose their names, not necessarily for publication.

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12, 13.

11 /6 13/6 16/6

12/6 14/6 17/6

JUVENILE SAILOR SUIT—Blouse, Front, and Knickers, complete-, All Sizes, 5/11.

flora+ Boots&Shoes for bales& Gen/6/di ALL ONE PRICE. SOLE AGENT

Ot. C. e5 mi t-CI. 64e Ofin9,' kuifain9, 111-119 8tzeet Et 6etaeon

THEATRICAL WIGS, 150, FOR SALE OR HIRE. Grease Paints and every requisite kept for " Making-up," at cut prices. " Making up" a Speciality. APPLY FOR TERMS TO

Pre$slie,

Ladies' anti Gentlemen's Hairdresser, 10 Opictse ABERDEEN.