Issuu

THE

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHGDL MAGAZINE

ABERDEEN

pi-it-Ire-4i

for The Former Puri& Club ar The Rosemount' Press•

Volume XXX, No. 2. PRICE ONE SHILLING.

March, 1927.

EDUCATIONAL BOOKS JAMES G. BISSET CONTINUES to supply all the Class Books (New or Second-hand) suited for the requirements of the Higher Educational Institutions in the City, at the Lowest Prices. N.B.—Best Value in Students' Note Books.

JAMES G. BISSET Classical, Medical, and Educational Bookseller,

85 BROAD STREET (Opposite Marischal College). Telephone: Aberdeen 763.

Telegrams : •' CENTRAL BAKERY."

A. B. HUTCHISON BREAD BISCUITS CAKES Best Quality.

Moderate Prices.

THE CENTRAL BAKERY

ABERDEEN Shops throughout the City

PEARL AND PLATINUM NECKLACES

‘ .

of Pearls. Selection in stock These Necklaces can be supplied any length, and with any number to £1,000 for exceptionally handsome at £15, £20, £25, £35, 050, £75, £100, and upwards half the above prices. about at Pearls expensive Chains with less long Guards. Gold

A. & J. SMITH 191 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN

A. C. LITTLE COSTUMIER & FURRIER. Always in Stock a Large Selection of Model Costumes and Model 2-Piece Suits, Furs, Fur Coats, Fur-lined Coats, Wraps, Coat Frocks, Costumes, Dresses, Jumper Suits, Showerproofs, Skirts, etc. ALL AT THE VERY KEENEST PRICES. INSPECTION IS INVITED.

EXCEPTIONAL VALUE IN MOURNINGS. The Largest Selection of Black Costumes, Coat Frocks, Dresses, Coats, Skirts, etc., in the City, at the Keenest Prices. Fit is Guaranteed within 6 hours, and no Charge is made for alteration.

"THE HOUSE FOR VALUE"

105 UNION ST., ABERDEEN. OPEN ALL DAY SATURDAYS. Telephone 523.

SOCKS TO MATCH

SUITS

JAMES FYFE & SON PAINTERS AND GLAZIERS. •

•

OFFICE AND SHOWROOMS:

11 DEE STREET, ABERDEEN. I',•1(

30-1.

Telegrams—" Fyfe, Painters."

WILLIAM GRAY Tailor and Outfitter, HOLBURN JUNCTION, ABERDEEN. We are Outfitters to the Grammar School, and hold Stocks of everything for present and former pupils. Your patronage will be esteemed. 'PHONE 2211.

ESTABLISHED 18116.

BOOKS - - - - BOUND ,

k,,w frc..„,„...64 ,

7 a..., 4Xtr twin,

44. e6t

should like

to take this opportunity of expressing try

entire setiefaotion

with the excellent work you hove done for

us.

WM. JACKSON

BOOKBINDERS

(ABERDEEN) LIMITED

18 BACK WYND

ABERDEEN

Telephone No. 291

Established 1855.

The Bureau of Travel. An

Travel by Boat, Rail, Motor, or Air. Up-to-date SHIPPING, PASSENGER and TOURIST OFFICE, where everything is arranged in connection with travel.

MACKAY BROTHERS & COY., 35a Union Street, Aberdeen, Arc at your service, and can arrange TOURS, CRUISES at Home anti Abroad. CONTINENTAL TRAVEL-CONDUCTED OR INDEPENDENT. Agents :—Polytechnic Touring Association ; George Lunn's Swiss and Italian Tours ; Dean & Dawson's Tours; Free Church Touring Guild ; Sir Henry Lunn'. Tours ; Frame's Tours, etc., etc.

ROUND THE WORLD TOURS. Health and Pleasure Tours and Cruises to Norway, Canary and Madeira Islands, Mediterranean, Northern Capitals of Europe, etc., etc. L. and N.E. Rail Tickets Issued and dated in advance. Sleeping Berths, Seats, and Compartments Reserved. Pleasure Parties catered for.

SHIPPING. OFFICIAL AGENTS—All Lines, All Routes. PASSPORTS, also VISE, arranged where necessary. FOREIGN MONEY Bought, Sold, or Exchanged. Latest Information always available.

'Phone 825 Central. Tels. •` Worldwide, Aberdeen."

A.J.S., 7.99 H.P. combination, from £80 ; 4'98 H.P., from £56 ; 3.49 H.P., from £44. SUNBEAM, 3.47 H.P., from 63 Gns.; 4.92 H.P., from 72 Gns. LEVIS,r 2.47 H.P., from £29 18s. 6d.; 3.46 £54 12s. 0d.

n.Tr.v.,

G. CUMMING, ALFO,RD

PLACE

(HOLBURN JUNCTION). Telegrams—" INLET."

Telephone 2405.

COPLAND DECORATOR, 154 Union Street, Aberdeen SPECIALIST 72A STAINED GLASS es? MURAL DECORA M acteeapw.-on. a

•

A. D. COPLAND, F.I.B.D.

Telephone No. 1891.

ARCHIBALD MIELLAR Family Grocer and Wine Merchant,

454-456 Union Street, Aberdeen. . . We Specialise in

• .

•

Cooked Gammons, " Sinclair's "

Belfast Smoked Hams, " Harris's " Wiltshire Bacon.

Medicinal Wines—Vibrona, Hall's, Wincarnis, Glendenning's.

Henderson Bros. 59 St. Nicholas Street. GRAMMAR SCHOOL BLAZERS, all sizes, CAPS, BELTS, TIES, BADGES, &C. GRAMMAR SCHOOL WHITE SWEATERS, all sizes, now 6/11, were 10/6. Boys' Strong Wearing Suits, 15/6 to 45/-. Long Trouser Suits, 35/6 to 60/-. White or Grey Flannel Trousers. Specialists in Boy Scouts', Girl Guides' and Brownie Outfits.

PHONE 424.

59 ST, NICHOLAS STREET.

Telephone No. 1524.

Telegrams : " Bruce, Cycles, Aberdeen."

Established 1814.

GEORGE BRUCE & SONS IIolburn Motor and Cycle Works,

18 HOLBURN STREET, ABERDEEN. Wireless Goods of every description at lowest Prices. GENERAL

ENGINEERS,

MOTOR

and

CYCLE

AGENTS.

Motor Cycle Agencies: Quadrant, Ivy, and Omega. (Any other make supplied at liberal discounts.)

We Specialise in Repair Work of all makes of Cars, Motor Cycles and Cycles. Works, 1 ALFORD LANE.

CHARGES MODERATE.

Royal (Dick) Veterinary College EDINBURGH. Principal: O. CHARNOCK BRADLEY, M.D., D.Sc., M.R.C.V.S. After attendance on Complete Courses of Instruction in this College, Students may proceed to the Examinations for the Diploma of Membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (M.R.C.V.S.), and for the Diploma in Veterinary State Medicine (D.V.S.M.). Students of the College may also present themselves for the Degree of Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Veterinary Science conferred by the University of Edinburgh. The College being recognised as a Central Institution under the Education (Scotland) Act, 1908, Students are eligible for Bursaries granted by the Education Authorities of Scotland. A Copy of the College Calendar may be obtained on application to A. C. DOULL, Secretary and Treasurer.

THE ROYAL ATHENAEUM RESTAURANT AND GRILL ROOM (Opposite Town House).

Choice Selection of Old Vintage Champagnes and other Wines. Large selection of Havana Cigars and Foreign Liqueurs. TABLE D'HOTE DINNER FROM 6 P.M. AT 5s. 6d. Special Arrangements for Private Parties. Tel. No. 2273. Telegrams: Athenaeum.

A. C. MITCHELL, Manager.

Yl-Boy's Wool Pullover, attractive designs and various colourings. To fit 5 to 17 years. Prices 10/6 to 21/-. Y2—Sportsman and Pesco Jerseys, in all the newest mixtures and self-colourings. Sizes 22 ins. to 30 ins. Prices 8/11 to 18/6. Y3--Overcoats for Spring wear, in light and dark Fawn coatings. Double-breasted and belt at back. To fit 2 to 5 years. Prices 24/6 to 35/-. Y4-Boy's Trench Coat, suitable for sunshine or shower. In Navy or Fawn cotton Gaberdine. To fit 7 to 18 years. Prices 31/6 to 49/6.

John:Falconer& .

(FAMOUS fOR A

minor,. •

QUARTER FOR QUALITY

•

v•zue.)

Wow/ _Zrade warehouse ABERDEEN

W. LUMSDEN & SON 58 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN.

GROCERIES, PROVISIONS, ::

WINES and SPIRITS, ALL

HIGHEST

QUALITY.

HAVANA CIGARS in Great Variety. Telegrams: "TRAvELLED, ABERDEEN."

'PHONE 260.

Telephone 274

1-',:tablished 1770

SIVIPSON & WHYTE LIMITED

Tailors qf . .

Ladies' & Gentlemen's Garments ALSO ti

1 1

I -,

Naval, Military, and Clerical

8 ALBYN PLACE, ABERDEEN

ESTABLISHED 1843.

PRINTING.

Wm. Cay & Sons

The

Central Press

funzral

(JOHN MILNE),

ZThbertahers*, 415 UNION

General Printer, Lithographer,

STREET

AND 209

GEORGE

STREET,

AND

Stationer,

ABERDEEN.

Motor Hearses and Cars

61-63 Belmont St.,

for Distant Funerals.

ABERDEEN. Telegrams—"Cay, Aberdeen." 'Phones Nos. 92 and 54.

Telephone No. 809.

ESTABLISHED 1818.

BY APPOINTMENT TO H.M. THE KING.

J. WILLIAMSON & SON (W. B. STILLIAMSON, PROPRIETOR),

Meat Purveyors and Poulterers

1, 2, & 3 MARKET BUILDINGS ('Phone 452),

ABERDEEN Branches:

35 FOUNTAINHALL ROAD ('Phone 1724).

THE SQUARE, CULTS ('Phone, Cults 2).

FRED HARDIE

D. Wyllie & Son

Photographic Artist,

247 Union Street,

416 Union Street,

Aberdeen.

ABERDEEN

•

Wyllies' Bookshop, Aberdeen ; Prompt service ; prices keen ; Established—One-eight-one-four ; Car service at our door.

What to do, 'Phone 402.

For every style of In- and Out-Door Group, Composite Groups & General Portraiture, Etc.

Commercial Photography our Speciality.

Telegraphic Address :

AT POPULAR PRICES.

"Wyllie, Bookseller, Aberdeen"

TELEPHONE

851.

GET YOUR MUSIC AND EVERYTHING NECESSARY FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF THE ART

JAMES MACBETH 261 UNION STREET ABERDEEN over 80 years ago, THEandFirmhaswasbeenestablished in the same family for three generations, with a PRACTICAL PIANO-MAKER as Proprietor in each generation. Telephone No. 235

Telegrams : " Macbeth, Aberdeen"

For Drawing Instruments & Materials PICTURE FRAMER AND ARTISTS' COLOURMAN

TYPEWRITERS New or Second-hand —Large or Small— Special Second-hand Bargains in POSTS, . . from £4 10/OLIVERS No. 9, from £5 15/REMINGTONS, from £7 0/-

UNDERWOODS, from £9 0/-

TAYLOR

ROYALS, finest Typewriter made, from £9

SCHOOLHILL

ABERDEEN

C. H. WEBSTER 'ALFORD PLACE

Telephone 2870.

ABERDEEN

Gem Rings of Superior Quality

WE specialize in this particular branch of our business, and request your kind inspection of our large and varied selection of

GEM RINGS AND PEARL NECKLETS

GEO. JAMIESON & SON NEXT UNION BRIDGE, ABERDEEN "THE WALTHAM WATCH DEPOT"

SCIENTIFIC APPARATUS Microscopes and Microscopical Apparatus. Students' Requisites Slide Rules. Mathematical Instruments. PlIOTOGRAPIIIC MATERIALS

00AK

Chemical, Physical, Bacteriological Glassware. Thermometers, Hydrometers. Acids. Filter and Test Papers.

Gel your Plsolographic Requirements ezi

D. S. Allan's Pharmacy 35 HOLBURN STREET (Near Holburn Junction).

Photographic Doparttnent.

NICOL SMITH CO., St. Nicholas St., ABERDEEN. Telephone 1315.

A Large Stook of Cameras, Plates, Films, Paper', and Accessories. Dept for Kodak: and Kodak Supplies Developing and Printing executed by an Expert and delivered in v4 hours.

'Phone 1624

MILNE & MUNRO Bootmakers

263 UNION STREET Trust the fitting of your Boy's feet to us—Aberdeen's Practical Bootmakers Aberdeen's Leading Shoemakers 60 years ago Make us your Scientific Shoefitters TO-DAY 'Phone 1028

ELLIS & NeHARDY 130i UNION STREET. 18 REGENT QUAY &

Importers of Household and Steam Coals. Telephone 2889.

Delivered by Careful and Experienced Drivers.

George Bisset Complete Outfitter and Hatter, HIGH-CLASS TAILOR AND CLOTHIER,

5 & I5 UNION ST., ABERDEEN.

Highland Outfits a Speciality FOR

BOYS,

YOUTHS, AND GENTLEMEN.

PIANOS of ALL GRADES FROM CHEAPEST DEAREST

'1'0

PATERSON, SONS and MARR WOOD'S 183

UNION

STREET

Largest Stock in North of Scotland

CASH

INSTALMENTS

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

Aberdeen's Premier House of Entertainment and one of the Finest Theatres in the British Isles.

For full particulars of this week's Programme see Theatre Bills or Advertisements in Daily Press or Tram Cars. Lessee—WALTER GILBERT.

Telephone Nos. 1881, 1882.

Acting Manager—W. LOTHIAN GI LB ER T.

Telegraphic Address: "Plaster, Aberdeen...

JAMES SCOTT & SON (Aberdeen), Ltd. Fire Grates :

Cooking Ranges

Antique and Modern.

Independent Water Heaters.

Mantelpieces IN Wood and in Marble.

Inquiries regarding Genuine Old Chimney Pieces and Fire Grates solicited.

Marble, Mosaic, Terrazzo and Tiles i ,,) Fire-places, Walls, and Floors.

Thermostove "—combined Cooker and Water Heater.

Address :

483-485 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN.

TAILORING Suits, Overcoats, Dress Suits, Costumes. READYMADES Men's Suits and Overcoats, Boys' Suits and Overcoats, Showerproots, Waterproofs, Sports Jackets, Blazers, Flannel Trousers.

Style ,

„JaJue 7

HOSIERY Latest Styles in Hats, Caps, Ties, Collars, Hose, Socks, Handkerchiefs, Shirts, Pyjamas, Gloves, Underclothing, Pullovers. SPECIALITY Complete Highland Outfits for Boys.

A. & J. SCOTT 29 GEORGE STREET ABERDEEN Tailors, Clothiers, and Outfitters A visit and an opportunity to serve you will be greatly appreciated Telephone No. 2299

CONTENTS. 93

PORTRAIT OF THE REV. ALEX. BEVERLY, M.A., LL.D. facing page ,, 101 PORTRAIT OF JOHN MALCOLM BULLOCH, M.A., LL.D. .. „ .. „ 124 PORTRAIT OF THE SCHOOL RUGBY 1ST XV, 1926-27 SCHOOL TOWER THE SHANGHAI F.P.S-GIFT OF A CLOCK FOR • • . . • • .. A MESSAGE TO FORMER PUPILS .. •• •• •• •• NOTES ABOUT OLD BOYS ..

LL.D.

'TIS FIFTY YEARS AGO : THE REV. ALEX. BEVERLY, •• • • • • SOME COMMON BIRDS OF SOUTH AMERICA . . DEPARTURE THE PRESIDENT OF THE F.P. CLUB : A NEW • • • • • • • • •0 TEA PLANTING IN ASSAM .. .. • • .. .. A " NEW CHUM " WRITES HOME • • • • .. • • •• " CONCORDANCE " CRUDEN .. RESIDENT MAP SHOWING WHERE F.P. CLUB CONSULS ARE OF WATERFALLS AN EXPLORING TRIP TO ONE OF THE GREAT SOUTH AFRICA (with illustrations) • • . . • • • • .. • • • • WINTER SPORTS IN SWITZERLAND SCHOOL NOTES • 0 4 • • • •• • • .. • • . . • • THE SCHOOL MUSEUM .. •• • • SCHOOL RUGBY FOOTBALL •• • • • • • • .• SCOUT NOTES THE SCHOOL LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY THE FORMER PUPILS' CLUBTHE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CLUB .. .. . • CLUB COLOURS. CLUB CONSULS .. SETTLEMENT OF F.P.S IN SOUTH AFRICA • • .. •• THE LONDON SECTION • • .. THE RUGBY FOOTBALL SECTION • • • • • • THE HOCKEY SECTION THE TENNIS SECTION. THE MOTOR SECTION LIST OF NEW MEMBERS

•.

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• • .. • •

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Page 71 73 „ „., " „

75 90

96 101

101 „ 103 106 „ 108 „

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110

" „ „ „ „ „

132 138 141 141 143 145

••

146

•• 117 „ 119 „ 122 „ 123 127 , , 129

ESTABLISHED 1836

NORTHERN ASSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED

Assets

£15,000,000

ALL CLASSES OF INSURANCE LIFE

ASSURANCE BRANCH.

The Company's

Tables of Rates for Life Assurance include every class of Policy.

Write for particulars of

CHILDREN'S EDUCATIONAL POLICIES ESTATE DUTY POLICIES PARTNERSHIP POLICIES ENDOWMENT ASSURANCE POLICIES

CHIEF OFFICES t

ABERDEEN -

1 Union Terrace.

1 Moorgate, E.C. 2.

LONDON

Aberdeen Board of Directors. A. S. R. BRUCE, EsQ.

GEORGE M. COOK, ESQ.

D. M. A. CHALMERS, ESQ.

GARDEN A. DUFF, ESQ.

FRANCIS J. COCHRAN, ESQ.

A. MARTINEAU, ESQ.

Manager

R. MACKAY, F.F.A.

aberbeen

Orammar School Maga3ine Vol. XXX.

MARCH, 1927.

No. 2

The " Grammar School Magazine " is issued under the auspices Former Pupils' Club, in March, June, and November. All The of communications with regard to the " Magazine " should be addressed to the Editor (the Secretary and Treasurer of the Club), THEODORE WATT, M.A., The Rosemount Press, Aberdeen. *,,,• Members of the Club are requested to inform the Secretary of any change of address.

The Shanghai F. P. s. GIFT OF A CLOCK FOR THE SCHOOL TOWER.

Intimation has just been received by the Secretary of the F.P. Club of a splendid gift to the School. In a letter dated 26th February, Mr. George A. Buyers, the Club Consul at Shanghai, states that the Shanghai Section of the Club wish to present to the School a Clock and Bell for the Clock Tower. In 1925 the Secretary of the F.P. Club was informed by Mr. Buyers, who was then home on holiday, that the F.P.s in Shanghai would like to do something for the School, and was asked whether he had any suggestions to offer. After consultation with the Rector, he wrote pointing out that the School had a Clock Tower with provision for two dials, but that no clock had ever been placed in it, and said that nothing would be more welcome to the School than to have this long-felt want supplied. Particulars as to the probable cost of a suitable clock were given, and there the matter rested, so far as the Secretary of the Club was concerned, until the receipt of Mr. Buyers's letter. Mr. Buyers states that he returned to Shanghai in February, 1926, and that the F.P.s there held their Third Annual Re-union Dinner in the following month, when the

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

Secretary's letter was read, and his suggestion met with an immediate response from four members, who put up 100 dollars each. The junior members subscribed smaller sums, and Mr. Buyers placed on deposit the total amount collected. The Fourth Annual Dinner was held on 25th February of this year at the Shanghai Club, when 14 members were present, only one member being absent, as he was unable to get leave from defence duties. At this Re-union there was a further collection, which brought the total to over 1,000 dollars, and the balance required to meet the estimated cost of the clock was guaranteed by three of the senior members, who will advance the money when it is wanted. There can be no doubt that the Aberdeen Education Authority will welcome the gift on behalf of the School, and that arrangements will be made for the installation of the clock, with a 5-cwt. bell, as soon as possible. The intimation of this magnificent gift will be received with very great pleasure and gratitude by all who are interested in the School, and the clock, which it is suggested should be called " The Shanghai Clock," will be a constant reminder of the wonderful loyalty to the School of a small band of F.P.s resident thousands of miles away. It is a striking indication of their devotion that the preparations for making the gift should have been carried through during a period of great unrest and anxiety in Shanghai. Mr. Buyers, in concluding his letter, says—" Cheerio and best wishes from us all. We are beginning to breathe again now the British troops are here." The 15 members of the Shanghai Section of the F.P. Club are :— Edwin Garland Tait (1892-94). Randal Walker Robertson (1892-94). William Robertson Myers (1895-99). David Whamond (1900- 02). Charles Brown Ogilvie (1902-04). William Elder Smith (1904-09). Alexander Munro Halley (1904-12). Herbert Brebner Scott (1905-08). George Alston Buyers (1906-08). William Nicoll Buyers (1906-10). Alexander Thomson Begg (1909-10). Stewart Duncan Begg (1909-10). Edward John Harper (1909-14). Harry Henderson Gow (1909-17), M.B. Shao Ying Yeh (1913), M.A., LL.B.

A berdeen Grammar School Magazine.

A Message to Former Pupils. The Editor suggests a continuance of the notes which I contributed to the last issue of the Magazine, and I can find, at the moment, no valid reason for withholding my consent. The idea of a message broadcast from the School to keep Former Pupils in touch with what is going on from month to month has much to commend it. My only fear is that the springs of interest may occasionally run dry. There are frequent spells when nothing seems to happen, nothing, at least, which is not pitched in a minor key. Most of what I have to say will simply repeat what is chronicled elsewhere in the Magazine under the various activities of the School, but no harm will be done by linking up a few facts in narrative sequence. My remark about the tranquillity of School life needs qualification so far as the present term is concerned. It was, unfortunately, marred by one of the most regrettable incidents which have occurred in recent years. It will be common knowledge by this time that our old friend, Dr. McLeod, met with a very serious accident on the 21st February in one of It the School Laboratories. 1 need not go into details. was, almost literally, a wound received in action, as he had been preparing an experiment for a lecture which he proposed to give to the School Literary and Debating Society later in the week. It must be a matter of profound satisfaction to all to know that the operation which was found necessary was entirely successful, and that the patient is making very satisfactory progress. Movements in the Staff continue. Mr. J. W. Robertson, who took over Dr. McLeod's work in Mathematics, left us in December, after a brief but fruitful sojourn, to become Head of the Central School. He, in turn, has been succeeded by Mr. A. H. Gray of our own staff, a brilliant graduate of Glasgow University. His career both as scholar and teacher warrants the assurance that he will maintain the traditions of his Department. Changes in the personnel of the younger members of the Staff need not be detailed. Such changes are more frequent than one could wish them to be. The new Gymnasium is now sufficiently far advanced to enable us to appreciate its harmonious lines and its spacious interior. F.P.s may be pardoned if they feel a pang of jealousy that such facilities for the physical side of their education were not available in their time. As I mentioned before, the old Gymnasium is to be carved into four classrooms, which will house those who meantime forgather in remote and not wholly suitable quarters.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

The question of improving and bringing up to date the older Science Laboratories in the main building is presently under the consideration of the Authority. The Chemical Laboratory, in particular, has served its generation well. It might, appropriately, be christened "The McLeod Laboratory," in honour of a brilliant teacher and his no less brilliant pupil— the discoverer of Insulin. The Football season is practically over, and the School may look back on its record with considerable satisfaction. The 1st XV has no reason to be ashamed of its encounters with such important schools as Glenalmond, Dollar, and Glasgow Academy. The last-mentioned fixture was notable for the largest attendance which has been seen at Rubislaw for many a long day. The game was keenly contested, and our visitors were full of admiration for the amenities of the field— the Pavilion, in particular—and for the beauty of our city. The field has stood the constant wear and tear to which it is subjected extremely well, and should be in good condition, after its Easter-time rest, for the opening of the Cricket season. There is no lack of enthusiasm for Cricket in the School, and there is abundance of latent talent, but the shortness of the season will always militate against success, and will prevent our reaching the standard set by schools which are in session till the end of July. Sports Day--the most eagerly anticipated event in the School calendar—will soon be round again. More of this anon. Meantime the hope may be expressed that F.P.s who are home on leave may grace the function with their presence and tell us candidly whether they note any symptoms of deterioration in the present stock. May I repeat a hint which I threw out some time ago, that gifts of sports prizes—in money or in kind—will be very acceptable ? When one sees the cups and other trophies which are lavished on other schools of our class, one cannot but feel that in this respect we are less fortunately placed than we might be. For the rest, the old landmarks are still to the fore, including the gardener's dog, that sad-eyed Cerberus who stands guard over the School's demesne, and whose contours " swell like the Solway and ebb like its tide" according as the School kitchen is functioning, or the reverse. But I am ending on too frivolous a note. As I write, the gloom of impending examinations is settling on our Seniors. To-morrow they enter the lists for the Leaving Certificate, and those of you who can recall the ordeal will join in the wish that they may emerge from it with credit to themselves and to the School. D. M. A.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

*** It is requested that the Editor be informed of all new appointments and interesting incidents in the careers of Former Pupils.

The dates given in parentheses after names indicate the sessions of attendance at the School. THE SHANGHAI DEFENCE FORCE.

At least three F.P.s have received appointments to the Shanghai Defence Force, which was formed in January :— Patrick B. Sangster* (1884-88), C.M.G., D.S.O., Colonel, Indian Army, is in command of the 20th Indian Infantry Brigade. He entered the Indian Army in 1894, and was appointed Brigade Major of the Ferozepore Brigade in 1912, serving in this capacity in France during the first year of the Great War. Subsequently he served as Squadron Commander and then as Commandant of Lancers in France, Egypt, and Palestine. John Frederick Ferguson* (1904-09), Captain, The Durham Light Infantry, has been appointed one of the General Staff Officers (G.S.O.3). He entered the Army in 1912, and during the Great War served in India, Mesopotamia, and Palestine. He qualified at Camberley as a Staff Officer last year, passing with distinction. Douglas Gordon Cheyne* (1901-05), M.C., M.D., Major, Royal Army Medical Corps, has been appointed Deputy Assistant Director of Hygiene. He holds the Diploma of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene of the University of Cambridge. Arthur James Anderson* (1903-O6) is at present Captain of the S.S. Edenwood of Middlesbrough. He passed as Master in 1919, and during the Great War served as a Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve. John Campbell Anderson* (1909-13), who served his apprenticeship with Messrs. James Abernethy & Co., Ltd., Aberdeen, and subsequently studied at the School of Mines, Camborne, Cornwall, is now engaged in copper-mining with the Anglo-American Corporation in Northern Rhodesia. Alexander Spring Archibald (1915-22) received the degree of M.A. from Aberdeen University in November last. Robert Bain* (1893-99), M.A., was in January appointed *.Indicates Member of Former Pupils' Club.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

by the Aberdeen Education Authority to be Head Master of the new Intermediate School in Torry. He has been Master of Method in the Central Secondary School, Aberdeen, since 1920, and was previously Second Master in Walker Road School, Aberdeen. Charles Ogilvie Will Bowman* (1910-15) has recently become a member of the F.P. Club. He is in the head office of the Dundee, Perth, and London Shipping Co., Ltd., Dundee, and is well known in Scotland and England as a weight-lifter and a wrestler. He is a Master of the British Ju-Jitsu Society, and ascribes his success as an athlete to the training he received at the Grammar School. James Anton Bremner (1916-19) has been for the last four years on an estate in Tanganyika Territory, and is at present at his home in Elgin. John Malcolm Bulloch* (1877-80), M.A., LL.D., at the end of February had a short lecture tour in Scotland. He spoke to the Gaelic Society of Perth on " The Raising of the Highland Regiments," to the Dundee Aberdeen, Banff and Kincardine Association on " Scotsness," and to the Scots Vernacular Association of Edinburgh on " 0or Ain Sels." John Rudolph Wardlaw Burnet* (1899-1901), B.A., LL.B., was in January appointed Clerk of the Faculty of Advocates, Edinburgh, for 1927. Donald Campbell* (1908-17), M.B., has recently gone into partnership with Dr. Fowler, Ellon. EXPLORING IN CENTRAL AMERICA.

James Cooper Clark* (1894-96), who was recently elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, is the leader of a small expedition that is at present attempting to probe the secrets of an ancient civilization in Central America. At the beginning of the year active preparations for the equipment of the expedition were being made in London, where Major Cooper Clark was in consultation with Mr. T. A. Joyce, Deputy Keeper of the Ethnography Department, British Museum, who is in control of the excavators. Mr. Joyce is conducting the expedition to the 2,000-years-old site of Maya at Lubaantun in British Honduras. After he has established the camp and set the expedition going, he will hand over control to Major Clark. The latter has specialized in archa °logical matters for many years, and is recognized as an authority on the ancient life of Mexico. He lived for some time there, and has been frequently in Florence making facsimile copies of important Mexican documents of other days. The Maya expedition will, owing to seasonal difficulties, extend over a period of years. The Maya people were the

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pioneers of civilization in Central America. They were a cultured people, and had developed their artistic gifts to a very high degree. The work of the expedition will be hard : the temperature is never less than 80, even at night ; at mid-day it may be as high as 116. Major Clark has gone out with no delusions about the strenuous character of the work, but full of hope that the finds will be of great archaeological value. Douglas Scott Cruickshank* (1918-23), B.Com., who was serving as an apprentice with the late Mr. George Dickie, chartered accountant, Aberdeen, has had his indenture transferred to Mr. C. R. Urquhart of Messrs. Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., chartered accountants, London. Edwin John Cruickshank* (1913-15), who served as an apprentice engineer with Messrs. John Lewis & Sons, Ltd., Aberdeen, received an appointment last year with the IndoBurma Petroleum Co., Ltd., and is meantime stationed at Yenang Yaung, Upper Burma. Alastair Shand Cumming (1901-05), D.S.C., LieutenantCommander, Royal Navy, is at .present in command of H.M. Submarine L54. James Gordon Danson* (1894-1903), M.D., R.N., is now Principal Medical Officer in the Emperor of India, 3rd Battle Squadron. In October last he was made a Member of the Royal College of Physicians, London (M.R.C.P.). For three and a half years, up to December, 1925, he was P.M.O., Medical Side, R.N. Hospital, Malta. Alan Alexander Duffus* (1900-11), M.B., who was Assistant Medical Officer of Health for some years at Singapore, is now engaged in medical practice at Watford, Herts. William Brand Duffus* (1908-16) was in February admitted a Member of the Aberdeen Society of Chartered Accountants. Alexander Robertson Duncan* (1912-19) has acquired the estate of Hatwara, Thika, Kenya. Naughton Dunn* (1891-1902), M.A., M.B., was last year appointed the first Lecturer in Orthopedic Surgery in Birmingham University. Sydney William Duthie* (1918-23) has left for Buenos Aires, where he has received an appointment with the AngloSouth American Bank. He served his apprenticeship in the Royal Bank, Aberdeen. John Murray Easton* (1895-1905) was recently awarded the Godwin Medal and Bursary by the Royal Institution of British Architects. The bursary enables him to study abroad for a period, and he proposes to visit Germany, Austria, and Czecho-Slovakia in the coming summer.

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Alan C. Emslie* (1912-18) was in February admitted a Member of the Aberdeen Society of Chartered Accountants. Alexander Flett* (1891-92), Lieutenant-Commander, R.N.R., who is Berthing Master at the Corporation Loading Pier, Southend, was in February awarded a medal for saving the life of a girl at Westcliff in July last. Henry Ogg Forbes (1863-67), LL.D., who was formerly well known as an explorer, and was Director of Museums to the Corporation of Liverpool from 1894 to 1911, had in January an interesting letter in The Times, in which he dealt with the question—Are new collections in the British Museum worked out with reasonable celerity ? " May I," he wrote, " relate my own experience of one of its departments. In 1878, when about to set out for the Malay Archipelago, I entered into an engagement with, on his own proposal, the then Keeper of Botany, that in consideration of the Museum being allowed to acquire, in preference to Kew, the type set of my herbarium, the department would undertake the distribution of the collection and, with the least possible delay, its systematic determination. Every Keeper of Botany since that date has acknowledged his obligation to carry out this agreement, and has, year after year, given me his solemn undertaking to implement it. Only five years ago, after more than 40 years of incessant reminders, did the first determinations appear in the Journal of Botany. They were continued in monthly driblets till January, 1926, when they suddenly ceased before completion, and since then have not been resumed. Had these plants gone to Kew Herbarium, they would have been described within a few months, but through the procrastination of four decades the national herbaria have secured from my collection (I cannot speak of others) only 300 out of some 700 types, extraneous botanists having forestalled the Museum in the others. From a personal point of view I have suffered large pecuniary loss in being unable, through lack of these determinations, to incorporate my field notes, the careful work of years, in a new edition, long ago called for, of my " Naturalist's Wanderings," till now; in 1927, I am an old man. Such delays should not be possible in the National Museum." George Topham Forrest* (1879-89), F.R.I.B.A., Chief Architect to the London County Council, delivered in November last a lecture on " The Greater London " to the members of the London Society. The lecture, which was a development of a former lecture on " London One Hundred Years Hence," was printed in full in the Journal of that Society, and was the subject of a leading article in the Daily Telegraph of 25th November. Mr. Forrest is responsible for the drawings, illustrations, and architectural descriptions of the recently published Tenth Volume of the London County Council's

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magnificent Survey of London, dealing with that part of the Parish of St. Margaret, Westminster, lying between Parliament Street and St. James's Park Station. MI. Forrest came specially to Aberdeen on 10th March to deliver a lecture under the auspices of the Aberdeen Town Council on " Guiding and Guarding the City." He visited his old School on the morning of the 11th, and delivered a short address to the boys. William Grenville Irvine Fortescue*(1910-13), Captain, Royal Engineers, is at present stationed at Meerut, United Provinces, India. George Knowles Fraser (1907-08), M.A., B.Sc., Lecturer in Physics, Chemistry, and Geology in Relation to the Soil, University of Aberdeen, has been awarded by the Carnegie Trustees a Teaching Fellowship for the year 1926-27. He has been a Teaching Fellow since 1923. Arthur Wellesley Frater (1865-70), M.A., who for the last 25 years has been minister of the British Protestant Church at Courtrai, Belgium, received from the King of the Belgians in December last the honour of knighthood (Chevalier de l'Ordre de Leopold). The announcement was published in the list of royal favours at the time of the marriage of the Crown Prince of Belgium and Princess Astrid. Such an honour is seldom given to a clergyman, and has been bestowed in this case largely on account of Mr. Frater's services as chaplain in 1914 at Folkestone, and from 1915 to 1918 at Flushing, where he greatly helped the interned British and Belgian soldiers, and regularly visited the camps at Treist, The Hague, and Groningen. Johnston Milne Fyvie* (1897-1906), who was formerly in the service of Messrs. C. Davidson & Sons, Ltd., Mugiemoss Paper Mills, Bucksburn, is now resident in Toronto, Canada. William Morton Grant* (1907-12), M.A., B.D., of Bankfoot U.F. Church, Auchtergaven, Perthshire, has accepted a call to the West U.F. Church, Falkirk. John Robert Gray* (1914-16) has for more than a year been on an estate at Attampettia, Bandarwela, Ceylon. Edwin Oswald Hector* (1916-21), who has been serving as an apprentice with Messrs. Bower & Smith, C.A., Aberdeen, was recently awarded a prize by the Society of Accountants in Aberdeen from the James Milne Fund in view of the standard attained by him in passing the second division of the final C.A. examination. He has been admitted a Member of the Aberdeen Society of Chartered Accountants, and has just received an appointment with Messrs. Whinney, Smith and Whinney, C.A., London. William John Seivwright Ingram* (1905-06), M.C., M.B., Indian Medical Service, was in November last promoted from Captain to Major.

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John James Johnston* (1905-06), who was home on leave last year, has recently entered an a four years' spell at Lanadron Estate, Panchor, Mnai River, Johore. James Pickford Lillie* (1913-18), M.B., has been since December, 1924, in partnership with Alexander Hendry Mackie* (1881-86), M.A., M.D., Birmingham. Thomas William Lumsden (1883-91), M.D., is engaged at the Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine, Chelsea, on Cancer Research. He had a letter in The Times in January, protesting against the unjustifiable reference in certain newspapers to some experimental work of his under headings such as " Cancer Hopes," " Cancer Cure? " etc. " These results," he wrote, " were communicated to fellow pathologists on 8th January at the biennial meeting of the Pathological Society. They refer only to immunity to implanted tumours of rats and mice and will be published in a medical journal in the ordinary way. They have no direct bearing upon the treatment or cure of human cancer, and if they have any value it can only be to those engaged in cancer research. Such misleading paragraphs are discreditable to journalism. They cause disappointment to those who are already sufferers. They are detrimental to the cause of science, and are offensive and damaging to the individual whose name is thus misused." Dr. Lumsden has been granted £1,000 a year for six years by the Grand Council of the British Empire Cancer Campaign to devote his whole time to research. James Ronald Leslie Macdonald* (1873-76), K.C.I.E., C.B., LL.D., Major-General, has been awarded by the Carnegie Trustees a grant in Botany for 1926-27. Lachlan Mackinnon (1865-70), advocate, Aberdeen, who was Dux of the School in 1870, is a member of a committee recently appointed by the Secretary of State for Scotland to inquire into the processes of the registration of writs in the Sasines Office, Edinburgh, and to report whether and to what extent any changes are desirable in the system of registration, or in the system of searches conducted in the Department, including the fees exigible for such searches. William Mackintosh* (1893-96), manager of the Royal Insurance Co., Ltd., at New York, and also F.P. Club Consul there, has been elected President of the Siwanoy Country Club, Mount Vernon, N.Y., which is one of the leading metropolitan golf clubs. It is at the present time custodian of the British Amateur Championship Cup. Alasdair Macgillivray Macleod* (1904-06), M.A., minister of the U.F. Church, Invergordon, since 1920, has accepted a call to the Braids U.F. Church, Edinburgh. George _Donald Mann* (1914-19), M.A., is at present

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in the service of Messrs. Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., C.A., in their Paris office. Edward George Marr (1899-1901), is manager of the Bank of London and South America in Barranquilla, Colombia. James William Slessor Marr* (1913-19), M.A., B.Sc., formerly known to fame as Scout Marr, has been appointed Zoologist to the Discovery expedition, organized by the Colonial Office to investigate deep-sea life and to make other scientific surveys in the Antarctic. Two vessels are taking part in the exploration work—the Discovery and the William Scoresby—and during several months of research they have obtained many interesting specimens, which are now in London. Marr has received a commission as officer in charge of the collections that are being made. He expects to be absent for at least three years. His tour of duty, when a far south-going ship can be had to enable him to join up with the main body of explorers, will take him, en route, to a laboratory station which is being established at Gryt Viken Harbour, South Georgia. He is responsible for part of the official narrative of the British Arctic Expedition of 1925 to North Polar Waters, recently published with the title " Under Sail in the Frozen North." James Irvine Melville* (1917-21) is in the service of the North of Scotland Bank, Limited, at Stonehaven. Lord Meston* (1876-80) was in December installed as Grand Superintendent of the Provincial Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Berkshire. Thomas Patrick Edward Murray* (1907-18), M.A., LL.B., was in December admitted a Member of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen. At the same time ROBERT MOM WILLIAMSON* (1882-83), M.A., LL.B., was re-appointed President of the Society, and HARVEY HALL* (1852-56), M.A., Auditor of the Society. Donald Fraser Mursell* (1921-22) has recently left Aberdeen to take up an appointment as assistant in forestry with Messrs. T. D. Findlay & Sons, Moulmein, Burma. John James Alexander Neil (1883-92), M.B., of Durban, South Africa, suffered recently a tragic loss, his wife and daughter (aged 22), the only child of the family, being murdered upon the verandah of their bungalow near Durban, while Dr. Neil was absent on duty. Mrs. and Miss Neil had returned from spending a social evening at a neighbour's house about a mile distant. The weather was oppressively warm, and mother and daughter decided to sleep on their bungalow verandah. Here they were attacked and killed, their wounds being of such a nature as to suggest that they had been inflicted by a knife used for cutting sugar-cane. Dr. Neil is

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the only surviving son of the late Surgeon-Major Alexander Neil, Indian Army. After being educated in Aberdeen, he went to South Africa and engaged in banking. Later he took up farming, but having a desire for a medical career, he came to Aberdeen and attended the University, qualifying as a doctor in 1910. While a student he married Miss Marian Poison, only child of the late Dr. Robert Poison, Old Aberdeen. After graduating, Dr. Neil started in medical practice in South Africa. William Peters* (1900-06), M.A., as British Charge d'Affaires ad interim at Moscow was the medium of communication of the Soviet reply to the recent British Note protesting against Bolshevist propaganda. Richard Reginald Maitland Porter* (1895-1906), M.C., M.A., M.B., Major, Indian Medical Service, has been appointed Professor of Surgery at Patna Medical College. He entered the I.M.S. in 1913, and has recently been stationed at Quetta as Specialist in Advanced Operative Surgery for Baluchistan. David Cooper Rees* (1897-1907), who has been minister of Cairns U.F. Church, Stewarton, Ayrshire, since 1922, recently accepted a call to Bayswater Presbyterian Church, London. Ebenezer Ritchie (1878-87), M.A., B.D., minister of the English Presbyterian Church, Swalwell-on-Tyne, since 1917, has accepted a unanimous call from the congregation of the Presbyterian Church, Belford, Northumberland. James Shepherd (1859-64), M.A., M.D., D.D., who died in March of last year, is the subject of " a well-written and informing record of nearly fifty years of missionary work in Raj putana," recently published by Messrs. Hodder & Stoughton, under the title of " Shepherd of Udaipur and the Land he Loved." Robert Petrie Stott* (1912-18), who was formerly on a tea estate in Travancore, South India, transferred last year to Merliman Estate, Malacca, Straits Settlements. Adrian Stronach* (1899-1902) has been appointed agent of the North of Scotland Bank at Aboyne. He entered the service of the Bank in 1902, and has been agent at the Mile-end Branch, Aberdeen, since June, 1924. James Gordon Sutherland (1872-75) has received the degree of D.D. from Aberdeen University. He is ministeremeritus of Trinity U.F. Church, Galston, Ayrshire, to which he was appointed in 1884, and has been Junior Principal Clerk of the General Assembly of the U.F. Church of Scotland since 1920. He is a son of the late Rev. James Sutherland, M.A., D.D., for many years minister of the Free Church at Turriff, who was a pupil at the Grammar School from 1832 to 1837,

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James Taggart (1887-92), M.A., B.Sc., has for health reasons resigned the rectorship of Brechin High School, which he has held since 1912. He was previously mathematical and science master in the same school. George James Gibson Taylor* (1917-22) received in November from Aberdeen University the degree of M.A. with second class honours in French-German. George Findlay Walker* (1907-20), who recently completed his apprenticeship with Messrs. Bower & Smith, C.A., Aberdeen, passing the Chartered Accountants' Final Examination in December last, has secured an appointment with Messrs. McAuliffe, Davis and Bell, chartered accountants, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He has a four years' agreement, and sailed for Rio in March. James Strachan Walker* (1913-17), M.B., who was formerly on the staff of Queen Mary's Hospital, Stratford, is now engaged in general practice at Romford Road, London, E.15. Henry Jackson Watt (1891-96), M.A., Ph.D., D.Phil., who died in October, 1925, has been commemorated in the University of Glasgow by a Watt Memorial Tablet, which was recently handed over to the keeping of the Vice-Chancellor. At the ceremony Mr. John L. Hardie, speaking as the students' representative and on behalf of a small circle of intimate friends,made fitting reference to the late Lecturer on Psychology as one who had brought honour to the University alike by the distinction of his work and the integrity of his character. To few men was it given to accomplish so much in so short a time as Dr. Watt had been able to do, and none had made more signal advance in his chosen line of study. He had enunciated, set up, and developed a new theory of the structure of knowledge as based on sense, a new theory of emotion, and a new theory of sound, psychologically considered, on which last his reputation as a scientific figure would safely rest. Principal Sir Donald MacAlister, in accepting the Memorial, alluded to the great work done by Dr. Watt in founding and developing the Psychological Laboratory in the University. Archibald Moir Macrae Williamson* (1906-16), M.A., LL.B., has been appointed by the Faculty of Advocates, Edinburgh, one of the counsel for the poor for 1927. Douglas Herbert Walker Williamson* (1894-1902), M.A., who was formerly serving with the Royal Air Force, now holds the rank of Captain in the Army Dental Corps, and is stationed at Kempston Barracks, Bedford. George Alexander Williamson* (1904-12), B.L., was in February admitted a Member of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen.

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Maurice Joseph Williamson* (1894-1903), Major, R.A.M.C., who was in command of the Convalescent Camp at Naini Tal, is now stationed at Meerut, United Provinces, India. Hugh Norman Blackett Wilson* (1905-14), M.A., is at present with Messrs. Laurence, Sons and Gardner, stockbrokers, Throgmorton Street, London. Edward James Wood* (1908-21), M.A., who is a Scholar of Trinity College, Cambridge, was recently placed second in the examination for classical scholarship open to the whole University of Cambridge. He has been awarded the Waddington Scholarship, the value of which is £80. George Tod Wright* (1901-06), M.A., B.D., minister of Dryfesdale Parish Church, Dumfriesshire, since 1917, has been elected to the charge of St. Serf's, Edinburgh.

OBITUARY. William Milne Anderson (1876-77), M.B., C.M., died at Montgarrie House, Alford, on 29th December, in his 69th year. He graduated in medicine at Aberdeen University in 1881, and was for many years in practice in West Dulwich, London. He retired in 1920, and thereafter resided at Montgarrie House, Tullynessle. James Brebner (1852-55), M.A., D.D., minister-emeritus of the parish of Forgue, died on 23rd January at 33 Springbank Terrace, Aberdeen. He was 87 years of age. Born in the parish of Lonmay on 22nd February, 1839, he was educated at Lonmay Public School, the Grammar School, and King's College, where he graduated in Arts in 1859. For ten years he was head master of the parish school of Daviot, and then he went through the divinity course and became minister of Ythanwells. After two years there he was called to the parish of Forgue, where he laboured for the long period of 45 years, retiring in 1916. In 1908 Aberdeen University conferred on him the degree of D.D. The following appreciation of Dr. Brebner by Rev. Canon Harper* (1873-77) of Culross, Fife, appeared in The Scottish Standard Bearer of June, 1909 :— " James Brebner was head master of the parish school of Daviot, Aberdeenshire, from 1859 to 1869. To him they were happy days which he has never forgotten, and to which he still looks back with pleasure and satisfaction. He was a splendid specimen of the old Scotch dominie, a type now, alas ! almost extinct. He took the deepest interest in his scholars, and he . was ever a welcome guest at their homes. He held the most enlightened views on religious education, and taught us little Episcopalians our Collects and Church Catechism. Had every teacher been like-minded, there would never have been any

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difficulty regarding religious education in the country. An old scholar, writing to the editor last year, recalled ' an incident of my school days. Once when Mr. Brebner was teaching his class that learned the Episcopalian Catechism, he gave a little speech for the good of the whole school, which I have often thought of since. He said, " In times gone by Presbyterians and Episcopalians used to hunt and kill each other ; now we can agree to differ." ' " Among Mr. Brebner's scholars in those days there were some ' lads of pairts.' Very few remain in the locality ; some have risen to occupy positions of trust and responsibility in various parts of the world. In those ten years there passed through his hands more than a round dozen who afterwards went to the University, and of these, eleven graduated (at least four of them with honours), four became clergy—all Episcopal, seven became doctors, and one Principal of an English School." James Cadenhead (1870-74), R.S.A., R.S.W., died at his residence, 15 Inverleith Terrace, Edinburgh, on 22nd January, at the age of 67 years. Mr. Cadenhead, who was a distinguished painter in both oils and water-colours, was born in Aberdeen in 1858. His father was the late Mr. George Cadenhead, advocate, who was Procurator-Fiscal of the County of Aberdeen. He was educated at the Grammar School and Aberdeen University, and his early artistic aspirations were encouraged by the late Dr. John Forbes White. In 1878 he left Aberdeen in the midst of his arts course, and went to Edinburgh to study drawing. He gained the National Gold Medal for drawing, and was admitted to the R.S.A. Life School. Here he worked till 1882, when he went to Paris. He studied in the French capital for two winters under M. Carolus Duran, being, it is said, the first R.S.A. student to work in Paris. Returning to Aberdeen, he worked at landscape and portrait. The original Aberdeen Artists' Society, of which he was one of the promoters, occupied his attention for some time. In 1891 he married and settled in Edinburgh, where he remained, working chiefly at landscape. He was actively concerned in originating and carrying on the Society of Scottish Artists. The Society elected him chairman of the Executive Committee in 1898. He exhibited regularly in the Royal Scottish Academy from 1880. He was a member of the R.S.W. from 1893, and of the New English Art Club from 1885. He was elected Associate of the Royal Scottish Academy in 1902, and a full member in 1921. Robert Bruce Macleod Cameron* (1886-89) died at Kemp Town, Brighton, in February, 1926, aged 53 years. He was for a number of years in fairly constant touch with the editor of the Magazine, but the latter had not received a letter

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from him after October, 1925, and only recently learned of his death. Major Cameron was first brought into touch with the F.P. Club through enquiries made about him by the editor of the " Roll of Pupils." The story of how he was traced is, by the way, one of the minor romances connected with the compilation of that volume. Whenever Major Cameron heard of the existence of the F.P. Club and saw a specimen copy of the Magazine, he decided to become a member. The editor quickly discovered in him a potential contributor to the pages of the Magazine, and before long Major Cameron was induced to write what was to be the first of a number of articles which were published during the four years 1921-25 under the penname of " Ubique." The first article appeared in June, 1921, and was entitled " Random Recollections by an F.P." In this article the Major recalled not a few of the incidents that had occurred while he was a pupil at the School. In March, 1922, he contributed the first instalment of " Some Phases of an Army Career." This consisted of six articles, and dealt with his experiences as an Artillery Officer in Ceylon and Mauritius. In June, 1925, appeared the first of what was intended to be a second series of articles, entitled " Vignettes of Canada," but, unfortunately, ill health prevented his writing any more, although he was most anxious to try. Bruce Cameron was a son of the late Mr. J. Macdonald Cameron, who was M.P. for the Northern Burghs from 1886 to 1892. He entered the Royal Artillery from the Militia as second Lieutenant in November, 1894 ; was promoted Lieutenant in November, 1897 ; and Captain in September, 1900. He retired from the Army in April, 1910, with the rank of Captain, and spent the next few years in Canada. In July, 1915, he enlisted in British Columbia in the 54th Canadian Battalion, and received a commission as Lieutenant in the following month. He crossed to England in November, 1915, and served in France with the 4th Division from August to November, 1916, and again from January to 1st March, 1917, when he was severely wounded. Thereafter he served at home. He was promoted to be Captain in November, 1915, and Major in November, 1918. After being demobilized in August, 1919, he started poultry-farming at Bethersden, near Ashford, Kent. His health, however, had been seriously undermined by his War service, and owing to severe heart trouble he had to save himself from exertion of any kind. For the last few years he lived in retirement in Brighton, and his death brought relief from almost continuous pain. William Laird Clark* (1892-1903), chartered accountant, died at Aberdeen on 2nd December, aged 39 years. He was a son of the late Mr. John Hay Clark, shipmaster, and after

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leaving the Grammar School served his apprenticeship with Messrs. Whyte and Williamson, C.A., Aberdeen. When the War broke out he was at the head office in London of the Crown Insurance Company. In May, 1915, he joined the Army Service Corps as a driver, and at the end of 1916 was given a commission in the Black Watch. While serving with the 7th Battalion in France, he was severely wounded in July, 1918. After leaving the Army, he became a partner in the firm of Messrs. Marquis & Hall, C.A., Aberdeen. Allan Patrick Cooper (1897-1900) died at Oxted, Surrey, on 26th November, in his 42nd year. He was the second son of the late Mr. John A. Cooper, of Dunnydeer, Insch. After serving as an apprentice with Messrs. James Bisset & Sons, merchants, Insch, he gained further experience in London, and in 1906 founded the firm of Messrs. Cooper & Harper, merchants, Insch. Owing to ill-health he had to give up business some years ago, and went to live in Surrey. John Ligertwood Craib (1879-82), who was a son of the late Mr. George Craib, Pityot, Cookney, died at Richmond Highlands, Seattle, U.S.A., on 26th February, aged 60 years. He went to the United States about 1890 and engaged in business in Seattle. Charles Gordon Daniel (1881-83) died in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A., on 31st December, aged 56 years. He was the youngest son of the late Mr. William Daniel, of Messrs. Warrack & Daniel, Aberdeen. He served as apprentice to a stockbroker in Aberdeen, and thereafter went to the United States. James Gray (1868-69) died at a nursing home in Glasgow on 1st March, aged 70 years. He was the second son of the late Mr. Adam M. Gray, of Fountainhall, merchant in Aberdeen, and was for over fifty years in the service of the Caledonian and London, Midland and Scottish Railway Companies. David Harry Halliday* (1904-07) died at Basingstoke on 23rd December, aged 38 years. He was the youngest son of the late Rev. James Halliday, M.A. (who was himself a pupil at the School for a short time in 1867-68), and was in the service of the Anglo-Chilian Nitrate and Railway Company, Ltd., Tocopilla, Chile, till after the War broke out. He returned home for service and enlisted as a private in the 4th Gordon Highlanders in July, 1916. In the following March he received a commission in the Gordon Highlanders, and thereafter served in India for a year, in Arabia for a year, and at Aden as cable censor for four months. He was demobilized in January, 1920, and for two years was with Messrs. Lockie, Pemberton, Ltd., in San Domingo, West Indies. Owing to bad health he had to give up his post, and in spite

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of going for several voyages, he gradually got worse, so that his death was not unexpected. Peter Geddes Hendry* (1879-82), M.A., died at the U.F. Manse, Paxton, Berwick-on-Tweed, on 1 1 th December, aged 63 years. He was a son of the late Mr. John Hendry, merchant, Braemar, and after graduating in arts at Aberdeen University in 1886, studied for four years at New College, Edinburgh. He was appointed assistant in Corstorphine Free Church in 1890, ordained minister of Mordington Free Church, Berwickshire, in 1894, and translated to Paxton U.F. Church, in 1908. Walter Wellesley Hill* (1922-24) died at Hampstead General Hospital, London, after an attack of influenza followed by pneumonia, on 9th February, aged 20 years. He was the youngest son of Mr. Walter W. Hill, of Peterhead. James Smith, who graduated M.A. at Marischal College, Aberdeen, in 1852, and was the senior graduate of Aberdeen University, died at Alexandria, Ontario, on 27th October, 1926, in his 92nd year. In a message which he sent to the Aberdeen University Review in 1925, he said, " In the middle of 1848 my brother Alexander and myself left our home in Methlick to go for a three months' course in the old Grammar School, to complete our course of training preparatory to entering the University. I have a very kindly recollection of my teacher there, the late Dr. Melvin." After he graduated M.A. he was for 10 years a teacher in Aberdeenshire, first at Fintry, near Turriff, and then at Udny. In 1863 he married, and immediately afterwards left for Canada, where his first post was that of teacher in the village of Pakenham, Eastern Ontario. Some years later he joined the staff of the Cornwall Grammar School, and remained there until 1886, when he was appointed principal of the Alexandria High School. After nine years' service in this post he resigned, and became assistant registrar at the local Land and Titles Office, a position which he continued to hold till 1918. Mr. Smith at the time of his death was probably the senior former pupil of the School, but it is impossible to be certain on this point. The oldest surviving member of the F.P. Club is Rev. John Smith, D.D., minister for 50 years of St. John's Church, Pietermaritzburg, Natal. He is in his 88th year. James Wright Smith (1893-95) died at Carterton, New Zealand, on 17th January, aged 44 years. He was the third son of the late Mr. George B. Smith, 225 Great Western Road, Aberdeen. William Dickie Smith* (1878- 87), advocate, died at a nursing home in Aberdeen on 2nd March, aged 56 years. He graduated in arts at Aberdeen University in 1891, and

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after serving as a law apprentice with Messrs. Morice & Wilson, advocates, Aberdeen, qualified as a law agent in 1895. Thereafter he engaged in legal practice in Aberdeen, and was admitted a Member of the Society of Advocates in 1901. He was associated in business with his uncle, the late Mr. Robert Lamb, advocate, for many years procurator-fiscal for the burgh, and on the latter's death, continued to carry on the business under the style of Messrs. Robert Lamb & Co., advocates. He was for nearly thirty years depute procurator-fiscal, holding that appointment up to the time of his death.

Marriages. Cochran (1909-22).—At Aberdeen, on 18th January, GEORGE MURRAY COCHRAN,• son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred T. Cochran, 61 Westburn Road, Aberdeen, to Violet C., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James A. Jeffrey, 128 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen. Dean (1908-14).—At the Douglas Hotel, Glasgow, on 24th December, CHARLES ALFRED DEAN, M.B., Ch.B., youngest son of the late Robert Hugh Dean, M.A., Dunmore, Brighton Place, Aberdeen, to Helen, fifth daughter of John M'Bride, Broomside, Manse Road, Motherwell. Duff (1915-16).—At the Wellesley Square U.F. Church, Calcutta, on 11th January, DAVID INGLIS DUFF,• son of Walter Duff, Morningside Park, Edinburgh, to Louise, daughter of T. J. Roxburgh, Corstorphine, Scotland. Edwards (1906-17).—At All Saints' Church, Hunmanby, Yorkshire, on 2nd December, HERBERT JOHN EDWARDS,• advocate, Aberdeen, to Lilias Ashworth Stuart, daughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. Dunlop, Thornhill, Dumfriesshire. Fiddes (1904-15).—At All Saints' Church, Taiping, F.M.S., on 25th February, WILLIAM OGILVIE FIDDES,* eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. James Fiddes, Rubislaw Den House, Aberdeen, to Ethel May, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. King, of Taiping, F.M.S., and Sydney, Australia. Imlay (1909-14).—At Ramsay Arms Hotel, Fettercairn, on 1st December, JOHN AUGUSTUS JACKSON IMLAY,* only son of Mr. and Mrs. Imlay, Arnhall, Edzell, to Grace Fernside, third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mackay, Thornyhill, Fettercaim. Mackinnon (1905-08).—At St. James's Episcopal Church, Aberdeen, on 16th December, WALTER GRIEVE MACKINNON, B.Sc., youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. James Mackinnon, sen., 16 Whitehall Place, to Annie, only daughter of Mr. William Brandie, superintendent engineer, and Mrs. Brandie, 215 Great Northern Road. Mearns (1915-17).—At 13 Belvidere Street, Aberdeen, on 14th December, EDWARD MICHIE MEARNS, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Meatus, 66 Hammerfield Avenue, to Mary Mabel, second daughter of Mr. and the late Mrs. Glass, 72 Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen. Turnbull (1897-99).—At Glendronach, Forgue, on 18th December, JAMES BRUCE TURNBULL, second son of the late P. M. Turnbull of Smithston, Gartly, to Harriet, third daughter of the late Capt. Charles Grant and Mrs. Grant, The Glen, Forgue.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

'Tis Fifty Years Ago. Second Series.

II—Our Examiner : The Reverend Alexander Beverly, LL.D. By CANON HARPER, CULROSS. There need he no hesitation about including Dr. Beverly among the great Latinists of Aberdeen of last century. There cannot be very many now alive who can remember him personally, and that small number is steadily diminishing. But a distinguished F.P. who was in the class next after ours, tells me that he can recall the visits of Dr. Beverly to Mr. Legge's class-room as vividly as he can recollect the lessons he learned from Professor Murison in the English class. In Dr. Morland Simpson's Bon Record* we are told that Dr. Beverly was the son of Alexander Beverly of Aberdeen, that he graduated M.A. at the University in 1844 with honourable distinction, and that in 1873 he was promoted to the degree of LL.D. An old friend, the Rev. Dr. Lendrum of Fairlie, supplies the information that in the winter of 1845-46 Beverly and Martin (who was afterwards Rector of the School from 1869 to 1881) were class-fellows in the first year at the Free Church College in Aberdeen, and that both completed the full four years' course. Apparently Martin did not proceed further, and never took up the active work of the ministry. On the other hand, Beverly was duly licensed as a preacher, but like Legge was not ordained to a pastoral charge. All three men eventually devoted themselves to the teaching profession. Beverly married a sister of Martin's, and their close friendship and family life were briefly dealt with by the present writer in the School Magazine for March, 1926. For many years Dr. Beverly was one of the Masters of the Grammar School, first in the old Schoolhill premises, and afterwards in the present buildings. In the interesting volume entitled Bon-Record, already referred to, Sir James Westland, an old pupil of Beverly's, says that he was lame and unable to move even in his class-room without the aid of a thick stick. He was, in fact, very lame ; his right leg was quite inefficient — apparently paralysed. It could not support him without the big stick while he moved forward the other leg, which, indeed, was also far from being efficient. He could only just hirple along with much effort, for he was of heavy build, not being able to take adequate exercise. The late Sir George Reid, the eminent Scottish artist, another * Records and Reminiscences of the Aberdeen Grammar School : Ballantyne Press, 1906.

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pupil of Beverly's, alludes to the same fact, and adds " we irrelevantly called him Dick." But is the nickname really irrelevant ? Is it not rather very much to the point ? Is not " Dick " a name commonly given to anyone who has the misfortune to be lame ? There is a popular doggerel rhyme known, I think, all over the country to this effect— "Cripple Dick upon a stick, And Sawney on a soo, And I'll awa' to Alloa To buy a pun' o"oo."

Of course, in the present day, all our young people are perfectly polite ; pa va sans dire / But in my young days rude little boys and girls would frequently sing or shout this mocking verse at any one afflicted with lameness. However that may be, our examiner was universally known as Dick Beverly. Sir James Westland in his reminiscences given in BonRecord goes on to say :— " He was one of the best and kindest of Teachers. I remember . . . his kindly manner, which interfered not one whit with his capacity for keeping order in his class. . . He had a curious habit of twisting his cane (the symbol of discipline) wheelwise up and down the ladder of his fingers." (Page 253.) Sir W. B. Berry, another old pupil, who was afterwards Speaker of the Cape House of Assembly, gives similar testimony, which, curiously enough, is in almost identical terms. " Mr. Beverly was one of the best and kindest of masters." Beverly was a man of strong personality. He was masterful in manner (a contemporary tells me) and certainly, would stand no nonsense, but he was of the most kindly disposition ; he was thoroughly competent at his job. In a recent communication from Professor Murison, who was a younger colleague of Dr. Beverly on the Grammar School staff, and who knew him well, my correspondent gives many interesting reminiscences. I venture to quote two. The first is an amusing episode :— " Like other schoolmasters—retired or otherwise— he was fond of posing a fellow with a sly humorous satisfaction. I was once—but only once—a predestined victim. Very soon after my appointment as English Master, I visited him when he was living with Martin, under the gracious supervision of Miss Martin, who would promptly and quietly reduce them to order when they tended to keen disagreement, as elderly strong-willed fellows will disagree however friendly they may be. Beverly had dabbled a good deal in Old English, and

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having worked up to his point, proceeded in the most innocent way, while apparently quite absorbed in stoking his nose with a large pinch of snuff, to pose me. In point of fact, I had done very little at Old English, and, in view of the Bursary Competition, I had nothing to do with it at all. Anyhow, says he, ' Can you tell me the meaning of Ayenbite of Inwyt ' ? " ' H--m ! Coals to Newcastle,' I replied. ' But anyhow ayenbite seems to be again-bite or remorse, and inwyt to be in-knowing—within-knowing. Suppose we say Remorse of Conscience.' With remarks on the strange vicissitudes of language, he gently drifted back to general conversation ; and I suppose I had passed my exam., for he never again attempted to pose me on English." The second extract gives the genial and learned Professor's matured estimate of Dr. Beverly. As thus :— " Beverly was a widely-cultivated and thoughtful man, with very little of the narrowness usually associated with pedagogues. He was as deeply interested in Botany as he was in Latin or in English. On educational matters he held strongly liberal views ; his trenchant sarcasm was largely nourished by the conflict between the results of his own patient study and the superficialities that he often thought he discerned in higher spheres—university and municipal. Withal a strong-headed man, scrupulously fair-minded and most kindly." To the Rev. T. C. Still, of Pencaitland, an old friend and classfellow, the reader is indebted for the following intimate sketch :— " Beverly's hobby was Botany. A neighbour of ours in those early days was Frater, the Town Chamberlain. His son, Arthur Wellington Frater—now a Church of Scotland Chaplain on the Continent [Courtrai]—several years my senior, was a pupil at the time in the Grammar School. Hearing from me that Beverly was coming to have tea with us one evening, he asked me to show Beverly his dried flowers. Beverly wrote down on each sheet the name of the plant which the boy had not identified, much to his delight." It would appear that Beverly's métier was his capacity for translating passages of English into Latin, commonly known as the writing of versions. Beverly was not only an adept at this himself, but he also had much success in imparting the art of it to his pupils. In 1868 he published a book of English selections for translation into Latin, which rapidly gained a large circulation among the schools in the North, and went through at least two editions. It was the

The Reverend ALEXANDER BEVERLY, M.A., LL.D.

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standard book for versions in our time, and formed our staple food at this diet of learning. A copy of Beverly's exercises lies before me as I write. It is considerably the worse for wear, but it is still complete. It is noted in pencil, in the book, that we commenced it in Still's class in December, 1874, and finished it in June, 1876. During that period our studies in version-writing were varied by occasional excursions into Smith's Principia Latina, Crombie's Gymnasium, and other " fresh woods and pastures new." Dr. Melvin, in a Report on the Grammar School, presented to the Town Council in 1834, says :— Latin composition occupies much of our time. Exercises are prepared with much care, and are so framed as to afford the scholars an opportunity of practically showing their knowledge not only of the Latin Syntax, but also of the genius and elegancies of the language, and their discrimination and choice of appropriate words and expressions. . . . The best criterion of a person's acquaintance with a language is his being able to write it." Forty years later that same policy remained in force in the School. Much stress was still laid on the writing of Versions. Beverly claims for it that " it trains a young man to form habits of accuracy, discrimination, and careful investigation, which I take to be one of the most important ends of education." [Preface to Exercises.] It is a moot point whether Latin is the best language to use as an instrument for this purpose. Certainly it is very difficult, and it takes years before a pupil attains much proficiency in it. Ian Maclaren tells us that when Elspeth Macfadyen was describing the sermon of John Peddie of Muirton to Jamie Soutar, she said—" Sit doon, Jamie, it canna be dune in a meenut." So exactly is it with the learning of Latin. There is so much to do, and so little to do it with. One has to observe hundreds of involved and complicated rules as to voice, mood, and tense of the verbs, and as to gender, number, and case of the nouns, adjectives, and pronouns. Besides, there are exceptions which must be carefully borne in mind. Even then the tale is not complete. It is not enough simply to put the English prose into Latin, avoiding the mistakes called " maxies " and " medies," one must also aim at acquiring the Latin idiom and manner. It is necessary to make the sentences not only grammatically correct, but also terse, laconic, and concise—producing, in fact, multum in parvo. It inevitably follows then that to be a successful versionist one requires more than a good memory. Reasoning power,

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taste, and judgment are also needed, for there are frequent occasions when one has to select out of four or five different expressions, all of which might pass muster, just the one that is most elegant and exactly right. Now I frankly confess that I never attained to anything like that excellence ; but it has never ceased to be an ideal with me. I once had occasion to write a long Latin document which was to be placed in the cavity of the foundation stone of a church which I was instrumental in building. The English was first drawn up and then carefully translated into Latin. Needless to say, I did my best. But in order to safeguard myself against mistakes I sent my rendering for criticism and correction to one of the best Latinists I have ever known, the late Rev. A. T. Grant, of Wemyss Castle. He was an F.P. of the School, under Geddes, in the Schoolhill days. A short notice of him appeared in the School Magazine for June, 1919, on the occasion of his death. Mr. Grant passed my version, and at the same time he was good enough to send me an alternative form based upon mine. But his elegant revision was like wine as compared with the water of my poor effort. By a few happy changes of vocabulary and by a few judicious alterations of phraseology one felt that he had made it into real Latin, the work of a master hand. And there it is, hidden away in the church of St. Michael, Kirkcaldy, to this day. After Dr. Beverly's teaching days were over, he was still retained on the School staff in the capacity of Examiner, and that was his office when we attended the School in 1872-76. The title is a general one, and was understood to refer to all our studies. He set us papers in Classics, Mathematics, and English. Of the two latter I have only a faint recollection, but the examination in Latin I can clearly recollect. There was no question at issue as to our passing. As a matter of fact the whole of us automatically moved up a class every year when we returned to School after the summer holidays. But he heard us construe in the class, and he asked us grammatical and other questions. He also set us a trial version every year when he visited us, for which special prizes were given. Among our champion versionists were T. C. Still, P. W. Rattray, John Thomson, and John Kelly. I cannot now say what was the exact order of merit, but I remember that John Jenkyns thought he might be a successful candidate in our fourth class. He felt he had sent in a good piece of Latin prose, and he was under the impression that Beverly had looked at him with a kindly and favourable eye, and that he was sure to get a prize. Jenkyns' reasoning amused me ; I was not impressed by it, but all the same he did gain a prize. I have a vivid recollection of the last time I saw Dr. Beverly. He was superintending Still's work in the fourth class in 1875,

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while we were being taken over Readings in Livy and Virgil. It was pretty late in the afternoon of a very hot day, and the amiable old gentleman fell fast asleep in his chair, much to Still's undisguised amusement. It may be remembered by my readers that an appreciation of Still appeared in the School Magazine of March, 1925 (pp. 103 seq.). May I take this opportunity of repeating that testimony as to the excellent work he did for the School ? Still was a pupil of Beverly's till he passed into Melvin's class (1846-50). They remained warm friends up to the day of Beverly's death. It was obvious, even to us boys, that Still took great pains in preparing his work for us. For that reason it was always fresh, interesting, and instructive. He taught us to read Latin authors like Cxsar, Livy, Ovid, and Virgil with intelligence and expression. He explained to us the mythology and history that lay beneath the text, but his chief care was that we should have a thorough knowledge of the grammar and syntax of what we read. His remarks to us one by one when he handed back our corrected versions proved that he was giving us individual attention. In my copy of Beverly's Exercises the margins of the pages are full of pencil notes of neat renderings, and idiomatic phrases that Still had mentioned to us by way of help and encouragement. I am informed that our old Master revised the proof sheets of Beverly's Exercises. He appears also to have examined the proof sheets of the " key," for in the preface to the latter there is the customary acknowledgment :— " I have been under great obligations to my colleague, Mr. Thomas Still, who has kindly revised the proof sheets. To his sound scholarship I am indebted for many invaluable suggestions." Still had to his credit many able scholars among his pupils. Mention may be made of W. Keith Leask, P. W. Rattray, and at least half a dozen others who took high honours in Classics at the University. What Still may have been before our time or after it I have no means of knowing. But he certainly was one of the best teachers in the School, when we passed through it, and I am confident that this opinion is widely shared by those who were my contemporaries.

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Some Common Birds of South America. To anyone who likes the outside world the most charming inhabitants of any country are its native birds. One does not need to be a W. H. Hudson to say that. Nor does one say so with any feeling of disrespect towards the many deIightful individuals, to be met with in all countries, of that other species of biped called, systematically, Homo sapiens. Nor again, in these matters, is it necessary to be in any way a skilled naturalist. Everyone, more or less, is a liker of birds ; and everyone, more or less, has an acquaintance with the native birds of his own country. He is, therefore, in a position when he goes to another country to observe birds if he wants to. It is worth while doing so. The following notes on South American birds are written entirely from the non-specialist standpoint. No authority attaches to them ; and they refer merely to the common birds, to those birds, namely, which can be observed in the bygoing by anyone travelling in that continent. The transient passenger has to restrict his observation to the common species, for obvious reasons. Limitations of time or opportunity place all the rarer and scarcer birds outside his range ; and, besides that, unless he has some definite equipment in ornithology, the mere seeing of a rare bird is profitless, unless it be to provide him with something to talk about. One can get the correct attitude for the plain man by taking the case of a foreigner visiting this country. One can easily imagine, say, an American, tolerably familiar with his own common wild birds, making a passing visit to north-eastern Scotland. He might not see a bullfinch, but with ordinary observation he would notice the abundance of the chaffinch and the greenfinch ; he would not see a raven, but he would note the great abundance of the rook, jackdaw, and starling. These notes on South American birds are written from a corresponding point of view. One of the first things that one notices anywhere in the open country in South America is the large number of carrioneating birds. This service, so useful in the economy of things, especially in warm climates, is there performed by a number of rather striking birds with powerful flight. In Scotland this work is done by the carrion crow and other birds, notably, anywhere near the coast, by the herring gull. In South America nature seems to demand that it be done quicker, in view of the warmer climate. At anyrate these birds are the first to attract your notice in that continent. To this class belongs the famous condor of the Andes, the largest bird in the world, now confined to the remoter mountain regions. And to this class belong two of the commonest South American birds, both of

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which are protected by law in several countries on account of their economic importance. The first of these is the common Black Vulture, called in North America the turkey buzzard, which is perhaps the most widely-known bird in the new world. It is jet black and considerably bigger than a raven ; at close quarters it is ugly because of the bald head and neck, but on the wing it is handsome, especially when circling high up, which it does with wings up at an angle. It is a silent bird. It is, of course, an unpleasant sight feeding, or when sitting in its sinister way on the roof of a house ; you invariably see it hanging about the rubbish tips of towns and such like places. In Spanish America the name of this vulture seems to vary ; it is called the " aura" in Central America ; in Chile it is called the " jote " ; there seem to be a blackheaded and a redheaded variety. When you first see this bird in the distance, you may take it for a big crow, because the feathers at the tips of its wings are open like those of our crow. Later on you discover that the crow family as we know it is practically absent from South America. The foregoing bird is at home either in the tropics or in quite temperate regions, being well distributed, but I do not remember it as being so common at the high levels in Bolivia or upper Peru. The other of the two carrion-eating birds to which I have referred is more to be associated with temperate South America. It is a member of the Falconidae, and at first sight you can guess this, because it looks like a big hawk. This is the Chimango, whose discordant scream is as characteristic a sound on the Argentine plains as the cry of the teuchat is in our country districts at home. It has rather handsome chestnut-brown plumage, and being protected, is not at all shy. On the camp (the Argentine-English word for the Argentine country, from Spanish " campo ") the chimango's screams mingle with those of an entertaining white owl, which is also abundant, and which nests in the holes of the burrowing animals, as well as with the cries of a big plover, something like our lapwing, but much bigger and harsher in its cry. Chimango (accent on the a) is the Argentine name for the bird ; in Chile it is called a " tiuque " (pronounced " chooky "). These two birds of the carrion-eating class are abundant and quite interesting to watch, but, of course, they are not attractive. We pass on to the small birds. Of these there is one which seems to outnumber all others. That is the crested sparrow of South America, which is called in the Argentine the Chingolo (in Chile " chincol," and elsewhere loosely called " gorrion," a word properly applied only to the European sparrow). It is not a social bird, apart from seasonal flocking.

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It has a small crest and a striped head, and perhaps varies somewhat in different parts of the continent. It lives everywhere in town and country, and one gathers that it is easier to please in the choice of habitation than any bird we know in Europe, because one can hear its song in the plazas of big cities, or out in the open country, or again high up on the mountains. In the Central Andes I noticed it nesting somewhere about 11,000 feet up ; in Bolivia I noticed it at about 12,000 feet, but I do not think I saw much of it above that height. It is a pleasant, artless little bird, much more attractive than the European sparrow, and its song is an endlessly repeated refrain which may be represented by " witi-weetyou-trrrrr," but the song is slightly different in different areas. Throughout all temperate South America the voice of the chingolo is by far the commonest and most widespread of all bird sounds. The Argentine possesses some native birds which are common about the estancias, and are unusually novel to anyone from this country. In situations where in this country you would find the blackbird and thrush, there you find the bienteveo and the hornero, birds whose voices are not sweet but which keep up a loud clamour, which is rather entertaining. The Bienteveo you at first sight take for a woodpecker ; it is rather like the green woodpecker of England, only smaller. It flies about from tree to tree and peeps from behind the branches, and its cry has quite a resemblance to the words which form its name—" bien to veo " (I see you well). The other, the Hornero, or oven-bird, is a black-brown bird which struts about actively on longish legs ; its voice is a shrill clatter. But the feature of this bird is its nest, which is a round structure of mud as big as a football, on a tree branch ; from this it gets its name, literally ovenman. (" Hornero" is from " horno " an oven, outside ovens of rounded shape being a feature of all Argentine homesteads. The h is scarcely sounded, and the accent is on the e, as in all similar Spanish words, e.g. trocadero.) To these two birds one might add another one with an interesting nest, called the La-later°, or firewood-man (from " left," firewood). The nest of that bird is a collection of sticks forming a round mass as big as a clothes-basket ; hence the name. These are Argentine birds ; you do not see them across the Andes in Chile. But Chile has a noticeable bird of its own, common everywhere, at anyrate from central Chile southwards. This is the Diuca, generally pronounced " yuca." It is a blue-black bird with a white throat, rather less than a starling in size ; its call is a loud jerky twitter, something like the sound made by a wagtail, only far louder. The diuca is to be seen, along with the chincol, in the plazas of all the

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Chilean towns. It is well known in Chile to be the " mas madrugador," the " earliest riser " of all their birds ; and this you can easily confirm for yourself by going out before dawn in any of the towns in the central valley of Chile. Then you will hear the diuca's jerky call as soon as the first suggestion of light appears over the mountains to the east, long before the other birds discover that the day is coming and long before the rosy fingers of dawn have begun to touch the snows of the Andes. The half dozen birds named are the ones which to the passing visitor seem to be the most common in temperate South America. They are those which the ordinary observer who does not possess the knowledge of a specialist can see for himself without going out of his way. Such an observer cannot follow up many of the countless less noticeable species. But he can note a few in passing. The Argentine, for instance, has its cowbirds, glossy black, like small crows. If you imagine a male blackbird with the beak of a finch, you get an idea of the appearance of the common cowbird as known both in North and in South America. It gets its name from its habit of hanging about the cows when grazing, and nipping up the insects that gather about the animal. It gathers in flocks which settle on trees and bushes and keep up a sort of conversational wheezy twitter. I am told that the cowbird has the same habit as the European cuckoo of laying its eggs in the nests of other birds. The Argentine, too, has a goldfinch which one can scarcely miss seeing. It has a black head and brighter yellow on its wings than our goldfinch ; in its habits it seems a similar bird to the latter, and if, like the latter, it feeds on thistle seeds then the abundance of big thistles in the Argentine might account for its abundance in that country. But it seems to be widely distributed. I saw this goldfinch, or one very like it, in namerous flocks on the mountains of Peru at an altitude of about 16,000 feet. Amongst the aquatic birds of the Argentine the most striking are the pink flamingoes, frequently to be seen standing along the sides of shallow lakes. There is also a blackheaded gull, which is reckoned a valuable bird in the sections that are subject to locust invasion, on account of its zeal for gobbling up locusts. This gull is apparently an inland dweller ; it is similar to our blackhead but larger. There is one thing, however, which is less pleasant to see when moving through the Argentine and Chile. That is the big colonization of these countries by the European sparrow, which is now in progress. It is comparatively recently that our sparrow was introduced there, somewhere near Buenos Aires. To-day it is all over the Argentine, in every town and village and about every estancia. It has now crossed the Andes and invaded Chile. It is plentiful at Santiago ; less

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so at Valparaiso on the coast. A friend in the latter town told me that he first saw it there two years ago. To anyone who likes birds an invasion of this sort is an unpleasant sight. Its success must be, to some extent anyway, at the expense of the native birds. The latter are so interesting from the outsider's standpoint that one grieves to think of them being subjected to the competition of the most graceless of all European birds ; but one cannot deny that our sparrow has a sort of efficiency about it in its vulgar way. One thing that may help the native species against the invader is that none of them, so far as the passing observer can note, are anything like so dependant on mankind as is our sparrow. None of them could, like the latter, be called, scientifically, domesticus. All the birds named are to be identified with temperate South America. When you come to deal with tropical South America you are in a quite different region as regards birds. The transient visitor is at a loss there, so many quite strange birds come into sight. The black aura vulture, already described, is there and it cannot be mistaken. But, that apart, it would need residence in these regions to get at all acquainted with the bright parrots, the scarlet finches of the tanager kind, and so on, which constantly come into view. I can really say little about these. As soon, however, as you come into tropical America there is one great class of birds that you will scarcely fail to see some members of, namely, the humming-birds. The humming birds, it is generally agreed, are, taken as a class, the most beautiful birds in the world. Anyway, to anyone who likes birds the first living humming bird that he gets a glimpse of is a memorable sight. The Spanish name is " picaflor," which seems to well express the characteristic attitude of these fairy-like creatures when they hover in front of a flower. It is then that you hear the hum of their wings, beating so fast as to be scarcely visible, while they put their long bills into the recesses of the flower, or, like an insect, disappear entirely within its petals. In the sun their plumage sparkles with blues and greens ; they are as bright as peacocks and sometimes no bigger than butterflies. But they do not waste their charms on you ; they fly swiftly, and in a moment they are gone. Humming birds are in the main tropical birds, although some species are found outside the tropics both in North and in South America. But they are entirely American birds, and they are without doubt the most beautiful of living things in the new world. W. M. A.

JOHN MALCOLM BULLOCH, M.A., LL.D., F.S.A. (Scot.) President of the Former Pupils' Club, 1927-28.

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The President of the F.P. Club. A NEW DEPARTURE.

For a considerable number of years it has been the practice for the F.P. Club to elect a new President every year, and up till now the President has always been a member of the Club resident in or near Aberdeen. At a recent meeting of the Executive the view was expressed that it would be in the best interests of the Club if from time to time a member resident outside the Aberdeen area were elected as President. This view met with hearty support, and it was then further suggested that it would be very fitting if a member of the London Section of the Club were elected to the Presidential Chair. The name of Dr. JoaN MALCOLM BULLOCH was mentioned as that of an F.P. who had for a long time taken a warm interest in the affairs of the London Section, and also of the Club in general and the Magazine in particular. It was accordingly unanimously agreed that he should be proposed as President, and when this was done at the Annual Meeting in March, the motion was enthusiastically carried. As the chairmen at meetings are in the way of saying, Dr. Bulloch " requires no introduction " to the readers of the Magazine. He is well known as one of the leading journalists and dramatic critics in London. He is President of the London Burns Club and of the Dramatic Critics' Circle, and within the last few weeks he has become a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, and a Freeman of the City of London.

Tea Planting in Assam. The primary object of this short article is to dispel from the minds of those at home the idea that when a man comes to Assam to take up tea planting he immediately loses touch with civilization and home interests. I also hope it will encourage men to come to this wonderful country, where there are great prospects for all who have the desire to " get on." No matter how remote a garden may be, within five days at most one gets news of all that happens at home. Two days after Aberdeen beats Rangers all India knows about it. Indian papers make a point of taking particular notice of Aberdeen. ' In the jungle," as out-of-the-way gardens are termed, wireless, telegraph, and telephone are not unknown. Tea-garden life is not quite the ideal, but is in some respects as near so as any life. For six months of the year lots of work has to be done, especially by the assistant who is in charge of the factory where the green leaf from the bushes is converted into the black tea known to all. The man who is in charge of the plucking of the leaf has at most to put in twelve hours daily in the rainy season,

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while the factory man puts in anything from twelve to twentyfour hours daily. Once the green leaf is off the bushes it is perishable, so the process of manufacture must be gone through to a finish. The leaf plucked one day must be manufactured the following day. The other six months of the year are, however, different. During four of these no leaf is plucked, the time being devoted to pruning, etc., of the bushes, and in the factory to the overhauling of machinery. During these months one can find ample time for polo, tennis, shooting, and fishing. Within reach of most gardens there is a club where one meets other men in a social capacity. At the club, if one is so inclined, one indulges in dancing, bridge, or billiards. Club life is usually confined to one or two days only per week. On club days parades of the local detachment of the Auxiliary Force are held. All assistants are expected to join this force, and some managers insist on their assistants doing SO.

Every assistant is expected to buy a pony, and every encouragement to do this is given. Some managers advance money to enable the newcomer to buy a pony, the money being refunded in small monthly instalments. On purchasing a pony the owner immediately commences to draw pony allowance, which more than covers the cost of upkeep of the animal. A word about pay. The average pay offered to an assistant is £250 per year, rising by yearly increments of £25, while pony allowance, rent-free bungalow, free servants, and free medical attendance are standing benefits. One also has free shooting, which to me is worth £500 a year. Few men at home earning £300 a year can afford to rent shootings of countless acres for an indefinite period. The language spoken on tea gardens is very easily mastered if one studies it seriously at the beginning. The beginner will find that the coolie, or labourer, will make every attempt to make himself understood and also to understand the language peculiar to new " sahibs." On all gardens there are English-speaking Babus, usually clerks, who are very useful as interpreters, but I recommend that the general use of interpreters be avoided. The climate is a bit trying during the rainy season, when the thermometer stands at 95 degrees F. for days—nay, weeks—on end, and rain, rain and still more rain makes things thoroughly enjoyable! The cold weather, however, makes up for all this. Then one sits by a roaring fire and goes to bed under four or five blankets, and the past rainy season is forgotten and the rainy season to come is unthought D. C. F. of.

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A " New Chum " Writes Home. Dear —,—I think you may be interested to learn how I struck Australia, and how Australia struck me. In this letter I shall endeavour to tell you. No country in the world makes more appeal to the Britisher who has to make his own way in the world than Australia—Land of the Better Chance. In the short space of just over 140 years she has gathered to her wide, fertile spaces more of the Anglo-Saxon people than are to be found in any other land outside the United Kingdom, and the day I hit Melbourne, Victoria, one more was added to the fold. The first problem confronting the " new chum " is that of finding work. Having no special inclination towards farm work made my task one of considerable difficulty. On the other hand, farm workers, with or without experience, have their wants satisfied right away. Living in one of the largest industrial districts of Melbourne, I decided that on the morrow I'd have a " go " at the first thing that offered. Early morning saw me well away on the all-important mission—all-important I can assure you when the sum total of the exchequer was nearer half a dollar than half a quid. Coming to a factory where men were busily engaged unloading lorry after lorry of steel and cast-iron piping, I surveyed the business for a moment, then deciding that pipe-slinging came within my capabilities, up I walked to the boss. " Good day," said he. " How goes it ? " " Not too bad," I replied. " Looking for ' graft ' ? " " Sure." " Right-o, Scotty. Start to-morrow morning." " Say," I queried, " how do you know I'm a Scotty ? " " Whisht, man, awm frae Glesca' masel'. Thirty years since I saw Sauchiehall Street." The work was uninteresting and heavy. I worked with a " cobber," he at one end and I at the other, and our job was to stack bundles of piping weighing anything from two to three cwts. When I went to bed that night I reckoned I hadn't been loafing around all the day. Oh no, not half ! Came Friday, the day " the coo calved." Like every true Aberdonian I was eagerly looking forward to it. Really anxious was I to see what the fruits of my first three days' labour in Australia amounted to. Well, twenty-four hours' actual work made me the richer by £2. 8s. 9d.—Not too bad, eh ? The next pay-day saw the boy pulling home £4. 17s. 6d. —and digs, all in, 27s. 6d. ! Yes, my lad, my opinion of Australia rose considerably that night. The job lasted six weeks, and at its conclusion I found myself with over £18 to my credit, and four burst fingers, which necessitated my attendance at the surgical out-patients' department of the Melbourne General Hospital for a fortnight.

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Speaking generally, Australian work-mates are of the best. They are always willing to give a helping hand in both a physical and financial sense. To make progress with the Dinkum Aussie one thing only is necessary—don't tell him how this or that is done in the Old Country. He doesn't want to know. What really concerns him is the way things are done in Australia. Naturally his belief is strong that Australian methods cannot be improved upon, and it is a deep-rooted conviction with him that no " Pommy " can teach him anything. The motto for all newcomers to the country is, " Do in Aussie as the Aussie does." Here I should like to tell you about wages in this part of the globe. In Western Australia and South Australia the minimum adult wage (male) is £3. 19s. 6d. ; in Victoria and and New South Wales, £4. ; and in Queensland, £4. ls. These rates are for unskilled labour only. Tradesmen receive a margin for skill : for example, in Melbourne an engineer receives £5. 12s. 6d. per week. In trades and factories hours of work vary from 44 to 48 per week, according to the trade, and working conditions are as a general rule determined by awards of specially constituted industrial courts. After my enforced rest, I was once again on the warpath for work. Bearing in mind the Biblical injunction : " Seek and ye shall find," I turned my steps seven miles out of town. My objective was a gigantic farm-implement factory—the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. On my arrival I found, alas, I was one of a crowd numbering well over 100. We waited half an hour to see the Factory Superintendent. Our wait was in vain. There was nothing doing. " Look back next month," was his advice. He reckoned on being able to engage a few then. However, I decided that the next morning would do me, and at 7.30 I found myself installed at the gate— alone ! Now, in this factory everything was done on the massproduction scale. In all departments the workers were on piecework, and when I tell you the wages made during the peak period were anything from £12. 10s. to £21. per fortnight, you will readily understand the crowds anxious to find employment within its gates. I had a long, long wait before I saw the boss—from 7.30 in the morning till 4 in the afternoon. However, my vigil had its reward. During the day, while waiting patiently to interview the head, I had attracted the attention of a clerk whose duties took him all over the works. Well over the afternoon his curiosity overcame him. " Hallo, Digger," he said, " what's the business standing here all day. Reckon you've been here since morning ? " " Sure," I replied, " I'm waiting to see the Factory Superintendent, and what's more I'm not moving till I do see him." " All right," said he, " I'll do a search for

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him, and I'll tell him a near relative of Job wishes to see him." With that off he went, returning in a few minutes with the joyful news that the head wished to see me. " Good day," said he, as I was ushered into his presence. " You've waited some time, eh ? " " Sure thing," I replied. " What about a job ? " " What line do you follow out ? " At that 1I planked down a few Old Country testimonials. Hurriedly he scanned them, then smilingly said, " Aberdonian, eh ? " I smiled, too, as I pleaded guilty. " Right, Scotty, 7.30 to-morrow. I'll give you a go." I took so much advantage of that " go " that at the end of the peak period, when all the extra hands were dismissed, I found myself installed on the permanent staff—wages £5. 7s. 6d. weekly. And here I am —going while the going is good. On the voyage out I met a young engineer also from Aberdeen. Since finishing his apprenticeship he hadn't done a stroke of work. In desperation he invested all his worldly wealth in a ticket to Australia. He procured work at his trade the day after his arrival, and has never been idle since. To-day he can write a cheque for £600. Not bad for a working man after 34 years' work ! Such instances could be multiplied indefinitely in this land of opportunity. No one afraid of hard work need come here. This is a land for workers only. If the " new chum " cannot find work in the towns or at his trade, off he goes farming. Of course the wages are comparatively low, but every few months he'll take a trip into the nearest large town to see what's doing in his own particular line. Sooner rather than later he'll find a billet ; if not, he sticks to the land all the time, gaining experience of Australian country life which will prove a decided asset to him in after life. Wealth, in my opinion, is more evenly distributed here than in the older countries of the world, and opportunities for advancement more plentiful. There are no wide distinctions between social classes, and the people enjoy a great measure of personal independence. The working man is better housed and better fed than those of his class in the congested centres of the world's population. In social and industrial legislation Australia occupies a leading position among progressive nations. Laws passed for the amelioration of the conditions of labour have resulted in shorter hours, healthier working conditions, and safeguards against accidents. There are no " blind alleys " for persons of industry and capacity ; in all directions are avenues leading to success and prosperity. To-day all political parties are unanimous in the encouragement of the migration of the British people. To keep Australia for the white races is a principle to which they all subscribe. For all time this great island continent is to know only one

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race, one language, and one nationality. Great Britain to-day is overcrowded ; Australia is under-peopled. None need worry about climatic conditions. Over a period of years the highest mean temperature during the warmest month in Brisbane, Queensland, is 85.4 degrees, and the lowest mean temperature during the coldest month in Hobart, the southernmost capital, is 39.4 degrees. The small margin of about 19 degrees measures the difference between the mean maximum and minimum readings of the thermometer in each Australian capital. In a nutshell, the normal contions are blue skies and sunny days of genial warmth. Now,. are you coming out ? L. S. MARSHALL (1899-1901).

" Concordance " Cruden. " GRAMMAR" BOY'S STRANGE LIFE STORY.

Cruden's Concordance is probably not so well known to-day as it was a hundred years ago, but it was a remarkable bit of pioneer work which has had a lasting influence on subsequent treatment of the subject with which it deals. The strangely gifted and eccentric author was a pupil of the Aberdeen Grammar School. The story of his life has been dug out of the archives of the Bodleian and the British Museum by Mary Bradford Whiting, and appears in the February number of the Empire Review. It is truly an extraordinary record, and we question whether there is anything to match it in the long annals of the Former Pupils. Alexander Cruden was born in 1701, the son of William Cruden, of Aberdeen, a well-to-do merchant and much respected Presbyterian elder. The boy was sent to the Grammar School, and afterwards to Marischal College—not one institution, as the authoress erroneously regards them—but, " though he had good abilities, he soon began to exhibit a flighty humour, and at times a wildness which friends attributed to a bite from a mad dog in childhood.— A Concordance of the Bible is such a solemn work that we should scarcely expect to find its author perpetually singeing his wings in the flame of love ; but Cruden was only a boy when the first of his long series of amours overcame him. That he should have formed an early attachment for the daughter of an Aberdeen clergyman is no cause for surprise, but, when she turned a deaf ear to his entreaties, he was seized with a wild infatuation that led him to persecute her with attentions. until he was declared insane, and shut up in a local asylum. The frenzy seems soon to have left him again, and, since he was released, for a change was sent to London, where he speedily found employment,. first as a tutor and then as secretary to the Earl of Derby.

Troubles, however, soon began. He was dismissed. Lord Derby refused to see him and Cruden resented this

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An Exploring Trip to One of the Great Waterfalls of South Africa.

bitterly. After a tutorship in the Isle of Man, of which no record remains, Cruden returned to London, and in 1732 he opened a bookseller's shop under the Royal Exchange, and three years later was appointed bookseller to Queen Caroline, wife of King George II. " However unbalanced, his capacity for work must have been enormous, for he spent every spare moment from the shop on the compilation of his Concordance to the Bible, a task that he carried out absolutely unaided." The Queen gave him reason to expect a gratuity for his book, but not a single penny did he receive—a mortification that again unhinged a brain that was easily disturbed. He not only disposed of his stock and closed his shop, but once more persecuted a lady with unwelcome attentions, and was once more sent to an asylum. In this private madhouse in Bethnal Green he remained for nearly three months, when he effected an astonishing escape. The story is told in a very rare pamphlet, The London Citizen Exceedingly Injured. He was kidnapped by a " diabolical butcher," chained to the leg of his bedstead, put into a strait waistcoat, and obliged to eat his meals " with his mouth like a dog." But the indomitable Cruden was not to be beaten. He cut the bedstead through with the knife with which he ate his victuals, got away to friends, and fortified himself with a certificate as to sanity signed by three doctors. An action for unwarrantable detention failed, and this was a severe disappointment, but he turned to work again and became a corrector of the press, revising Greek and Latin proofs. But more extraordinary adventures were to follow. He conceived the idea of becoming a corrector of morals, being specially anxious to check Sabbathbreaking, and his early activity in this direction again landed him in an asylum. He had other unsuccessful love affairs, one lady being assailed with " great numbers of praying bullets " and bombarded with letters. He wanted to stand for Parliament and demanded a knighthood, and he was the victim of a Cambridge " rag," the undergraduates conferring on him the much-desired honour. His last publication, The History of Richard Potter, a Sailor and Prisoner in Newgate, 1763, was a plea for prison reform, and a damning exposure of the lamentable state of the prisons of his time. Even here there was an eccentric touch, but the pamphlet reveals the earnestness and selfsacrifice of the man. His call, when it came, was sudden, for on the 1st of November, 1770, his landlady went into his room and found him on his knees, " his hands clasped as if in prayer, injuries and disappointments alike forgotten, and the fitful fever of his brain stilled in the kindly sleep of Death."

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It is rather a peculiar fact that Southern Africa, a country subjected to the ravages of drought, should possess wonderful waterfalls which for grandeur would take a lot of beating. The best known Falls are, of course, the Victoria Falls on the Zambesi in Rhodesia. They have been brought in touch with civilization through the construction of the Cape to Cairo railway. To see them necessitates a journey of 2,500 miles from Cape Town. The well-deserved fame of the Victoria Falls is apt to dwarf the importance of the two other big Waterfalls of South Africa, namely the Howick Falls in Natal, and the Aughrabies Falls (otherwise known as the Cataracts of King George) on the Orange River. The latter falls are unique in many respects, and are away from the beaten track. The reader will be able to trace their position on a map of South Africa quite easily by measuring a distance of approximately 240 miles to scale in a direct line eastwards from the mouth of the Orange River. To reach these Falls requires a journey of 85 miles from the nearest railway line, through semi-desert country, where the only water to drink is the muddy water of the Orange River. The writer and a friend of his, who are both in the Civil Service in Cape Town, had often wished to take a holiday into the wilds. It should be stated here that life in South African towns is almost as conventional as in European ones, and one has to go far now to visit the primitive places. We had read a lot in Fred Cornell's books about the glamour of the North-Western Districts of the Cape Province. He had done a lot of prospecting in the wild region in the neighbourhood of the Falls, and he describes in vivid fashion how wonderful they are. Through countless aeons of time they have worn their way through solid rock and drop into a chasm 450 feet deep. The natives dread this canyon, as they say that monsters reside there. Cornell records having seen a huge animal, the like of which he had never observed before, disappear into a fissure deep down in the canyon. An air of mystery has always surrounded this region, and it was sufficient to induce us to explore the country for ourselves. Strangely enough, the likelihood of dinosaurs and other huge reptiles of the past possibly still existing in out-of-the-way corners of Africa had been much discussed before we undertook this trip, and Fred Cornell's statements were repeatedly referred to. On Saturday, the 4th of August, 1923, we boarded at Cape Town the evening mail train for the North. We had decided to do the trip in August, as the Orange River is at its lowest during that month, and our chances of wading through the

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An Exploring Trip to One of the Great Waterfalls of South Africa.

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numerous tributaries of the river to get to the Main Falls would be easier. At De Aar we changed into the train for Upington. The country on the whole was monotonous, the vegetation consisting essentially of the stunted Karroo bush, which latter, however, is what the South African sheep thrive on. At Prieska the dry veldt was relieved by the green edging of the Orange River. Our train was delayed at Prieska, but fortunately both the guard and the engine-driver were anxious to attend a rugby match between Kenhardt and Upington,

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which was to be played at the latter place that afternoon ; hence we made up the delay and rushed the train into Upington dead on time-5 p.m. on Monday afternoon. It may not be out of place to say here that this was the most quickly constructed railway line in the world, 400 miles of track being laid in about seven months in 1914 and 1915, to assist the Union troops in conquering German S.W. Africa. At daybreak on the Wednesday we changed into our walking clothes, slung well-packed rucksacks over our shoulders, and marched off towards the West, glad to be on the road at last, after a long train journey, but sorry to leave Upington, where all whom we had met had been very kind to us and shown a lively interest in our trip. The road or track we followed kept fairly close to an irrigation furrow for about five miles, and then swung away from the river through the dry, sun-baked veldt. The going was

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heavy, as the track was very sandy and, although it was winter, the heat was terrific. We were only too thankful that our water bottles were well filled, because to go down to the river for a drink would have meant an extra walk of two or three hours. There was nothing to be seen now on the North except, the dry, treeless veldt. We were on the border of the great Kalahari Desert of sinister repute, and the occasional carcase of a sheep was silent evidence of the lack of water in " Thirstland." To the south a green line of foliage marked the course of the winding river. A good distance beyond the river, and sharply outlined against the blue sky, several pyramid-shaped kopjes (small hills) could be discerned, like sentinels guarding the desert. I am afraid the peculiarities of the region did not arouse our enthusiasm, owing to the intense heat. At about two o'clock that afternoon we left the road and made for a farm, called Dyasonsklip. It should be mentioned that farms are few and far between in this part of the country, and the owners are pioneers in the true sense of the term, as they have had to face all kinds of hardships and are gradually reclaiming the wilderness. At Dyasonsklip we had a most warm reception and a hearty meal. We were shown over the farm, which is really an eye-opener as illustrating what can be done along the banks of the Orange River with scientific irrigation and, above all, hard work. It was a barren piece of desert when the owner came there in 1918 ; he had to burn away bush, and incidently clear the place of loathsome puff-adders and other venomous snakes. The ground had to be levelled and irrigation furrows made, and he built his own cement house, with pumping plant on the Orange River. Wheat, lucerne, and fruit grow excellently on the wonderfully fertile alluvial soil brought down through the ages by the flood waters of the Orange River on its long winding course from the heights of the Drakensberg. The following morning at eleven o'clock we reluctantly left the farm and continued on our way. At four o'clock in the afternoon we entered the village of Keimoes, about 30 miles from Upington and 15 miles from Dyasonsklip. We spent only one afternoon and night at Keimoes, certainly not long enough to see all the well-cultivated islands in the river. However we had to push on, as we had no definite idea as to how long the rest of the trip would take us, and moreover we had to be prepared for any future delays. From Keimoes a merry old farmer gave us a lift in his cart to the farm Friersdale, a distance of about nine miles. The 18 odd miles from Friersdale to Kakamas which we had

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now to tackle proved to be more strenuous than we had anticipated. We were advised to follow a footpath which leads along the river, and which then winds its way over the rugged Vaalhoek Hills. This path we followed for hours, scrambling and stumbling over rocks and passing through narrow kloofs, just the type of kloof in which one would expect to find a lion or two prowling about. However, we were quite safe, as lions are found only about 200 miles north of Upington, in spite of vivid Cape Town newspaper headlines just before we left of " Lions at Upington." We walked, climbed, and scrambled along, not saying a word to one another but just " sticking it." The sun was setting, but there was no Kakamas to be seen. Rise after rise was topped until we reached a crest from which, as if to compensate us, we gazed upon a most magnificent sight : far in the distance, reflecting the last rays of the setting sun, was the wide, winding river with its numerous islands showing up clearly against the silvery water, and beyond lay Kakamas. It was truly a glorious sight, defying description. We had a good three hours before us still, before reaching the Portkeeper's house. The keeper, however, refused to take us across the river, as it was too dangerous at night (Kakamas village proper lies on the southern bank of the river), and we were thus forced to spend the night on the wrong side of the river. Early the following morning, Saturday, we were rowed over to Kakamas. Kakamas, with a population of about 4,000, is a thriving labour colony under the control of the Dutch Reformed Church. The farms extend along the river banks, as each plot of ground allotted to a farmer must of necessity have a river frontage, and an irrigation furrow leads the river water from a point a considerable distance to the east of Kakamas all the way down past the various allotments. The land lying between this furrow and the river is intensively cultivated. The force of the flowing river has been harnessed to generate electricity for . running the village flour mill. Transport is at present the greatest stumbling block to full development, but on completion of the railway from Upington to Kakamas this difficulty will be solved, and the settlements along the Orange River will probably be reckoned among the most intensively cultivated and most prosperous agricultural areas in South Africa. We left the labour colony at seven on the Monday morning, and this time followed the road leading along the south bank. For the first three hours we passed small farmhouses with their plots in various stages of development. At ten we crossed by means of a punt to a big island in the river called " Paarde Island, This island is 12 miles long, on an average about half a mile broad and cut up into many beautiful farms.

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It is one of the many islands in the Orange River which have been built up by accumulations of silt brought down by the water and now raised above flood level, so that farming is safe. Near the north-western corner of Paarde Island we crossed over to the north bank by means of a small rowing boat. We now suddenly found ourselves stranded in an absolute wilderness compared with the beautiful farm lands we had been walking through just a few minutes before. Once again we were on the edge of the desert. We struck a footpath that led through part of the undergrowth and then kept along the outskirts of the thick bush between us and the river. We were now wholly cut off from civilization, the nearest house or human soul being miles away. There were not even animals to be seen, except a few birds. However, steady progress was made to the westward, as we were determined to reach the last outpost near the Falls that night. This stretch of country is certainly not ideal for foot slogging, as we had long stretches of heavy sand, thick undergrowth, and boulder-strewn kopjes to contend against. Just before sunset we reached the small but welcome hut of Herman Oberholzer. Keeping goats was his means of subsistence, and he also grew a few mealies (maize). We had now reached one of the last and most remote of the Union's outposts in the North-West. With Oberholzer as guide we set out for the Falls at about 8.30 on the Tuesday morning. The only clothes we had on were a pair of shorts, a shirt, and sandshoes, as a lot of wading and probably swimming would have to be done. The only other article we had with us was, of course, a camera ; and in fact we would rather have lost all our clothing than that invaluable recording instrument. After walking down the north bank for about five minutes we reached the first point of crossing. This portion of the river was fairly broad, and at the deepest part the water reached up to our chests. We carried our few clothes in our hands, holding them high up above the head so as to avoid wetting them in case of a slip. This stream fortunately was not strong, but one had to take good care not to slip on the smooth rocks lying in the bed of the river, which could not be seen, as the water was of a muddy brown colour. We landed on a large, well-wooded island, put our clothes on again, and continued in a westerly direction, the general trend of the river here being north-north-west. From this island we crossed to another by jumping from boulder to boulder rising above the surface of the water. Some of these rocks were green with moss and extremely slippery. Our guide, however, helped us at spots where we otherwise would have plunged headlong into the surging river.

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The greater part of this second island consisted of open stretches of the typically brown Orange River soil, on which we saw a good many large snake spoors. Fortunately we did not meet any of these reptiles. The edge of the island was covered with thick undergrowth, through which, having very little clothing on, we crept gingerly, to avoid the many thorn bushes. We emerged on the side of a fairly swiftly flowing stream, about 15 feet wide. This is the most remarkable stream in the Orange River basin, as it flows in an opposite direction to the rest of the river, and finds an outlet as a subsidiary waterfall about 400 feet below the main Fall. It is called " Zonop Stroom " (Sun-up-Stream) because it flows east, whereas the Orange River flows west. We crossed the " Zonop " stream by means of a floating log, which almost reached the opposite side. The area we now found ourselves in consisted of huge blocks of bare rock flung about in wild confusion. A low, rumbling sound like distant thunder could be heard, but nothing could be seen except the bare rocks stretching far and wide on every side. The place had a terribly desolate appearance. We scrambled over the rocks and then suddenly came upon the Falls. The first impression, to be quite candid, was disappointing ; but as we gazed upon the scene, we became more and more impressed, as we realised more fully the immensity of everything around and below. The huge chasm cut out of solid rock (granite-gneiss) is in places over 600 feet deep, and at its upper end practically the whole Orange River plunges down into the darkness below, which is lightened only by the white falling spray and the rainbow about midway up, where the sun's rays strike. After surging and swirling in the depths below, the water continues in a wild race on its way between the narrow walls of the canyon, which stretches westward for a good many miles. Above the Falls the river rushes down in the form of a series of cataracts, makes a slight bend, and then thunders down into the narrow chasm, every drop of water apparently being torn into millions of smaller particles, giving the formerly dark brown water a light brown or almost white colour. The height of the Aughrabies Falls from the crest to the boiling pot below is approximately 420 to 430 feet. The width, of course, varies according to the season, but when we were there it was about 70 to 80 feet broad just above the crest of the Fall. The upper walls of the chasm itself are about 100 to 200 feet apart. No human being has, as yet, set eyes on the Falls during high flood, as it is impossible to reach them then. The sight must be almost beyond human conception. It is

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extremely difficult to get a good photo of the Falls. We waited till past mid-day to get a snap in the full rays of the sun, as the light shines on the bottom of the chasm for only a few minutes. There is really only one point from which a near full-view photo of the Falls can be obtained with any degree of success. Moreover, there is a risk of the spray blurring the lens. We were very lucky, however, and got several good snaps. We gazed for hours at the scene before us. We thought of Fred Cornell's mythical animal and wondered whether we should see it. Strangely enough, as we stood on the edge of the precipice we descried a huge " logowaan " (the South American Iguana) away down in the chasm, but it soon disappeared. We had left our revolver (which was our only firearm) at Oberholzer's hut, owing to having to wade the rivers. We walked along the edge of the canyon a good distance and peered into its depths, but saw no sign of life. The whole scene reminded me of pictures of the Colorado Canyon in America. The Aughrabies Falls, although higher than either the Niagara or the Victoria Falls, certainly do not compare favourably with these in regard to breadth and beauty, as there is not a vestige of growth in their immediate vicinity, and the utter barrenness of everything around makes them more awe-inspiring than beautiful. The return journey to our guide's hut took us about an hour by a slightly shorter route than the one by which we had come. That night we slept peacefully—glad that we had walked the 85 miles from Upington in sun and sand to see the great Falls. The following day we left the Orange River altogether and cut into the drought-stricken country lying to the north. Oberholzer guided us as far as the nearest borehole at Harpersputs, a good half-day's walk from the river. A guide was necessary, for to lose oneself in this lonely desert would have meant certain death from thirst. The next day we proceeded to Toeslaan Siding, on the South-West African railway line, and after spending a few days on a farm, we returned to Cape Town by train via Upington and De Aar. A narrow-gauge railway line has recently been completed to Kakamas, thus bringing modern civilization within 24 miles of one of the most remarkable waterfalls in the world. A. W. DUTHIE (1911).

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The Trip to the Orange River Cataracts.

TYPICAL KALAHARI DESERT COUNTRY

OBERH0LZER'S HUT.

NEAR TOESLAAN. •

DUTHIE AND OBERH0LZER A7 THE

THE Two "EXPLORERS" WHERE THE ORANGE RIVER DROPS INTO THE CHASM.

EDGE OF THE FALLS.

- --

THE MAIN AUGHRABIES FALL

AND

SUBSIDIARY

FALL.

THE CANYON OF THE

ANOTHER VIEW OF THE

ORANGE RIVER.

CANYON.

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Winter Sports in Switzerland. Anyone wishing an outdoor holiday can make no better choice than Switzerland in winter. It does not matter whether one skis, skates, bobsleighs, luges, or walks—enjoyment is certain.throughout the day, and in the evening there are concerts, cards, billiards, dancing, and in fact everything that is going on in this country during the Christmas season. The company is always cheery, and whether one goes in a large party or single, acquaintances are made easily, and it is not long before a new arrival gets into the swing of things and feels absolutely at home. Many people think—and it is probably natural— that it is no good going to Switzerland without some knowledge of ski-ing. That seems to be the first thought when Switzerland is mentioned. On the contrary, it might almost be said that it is the absolute novice at all the sports who gets the most pleasure—or at anyrate, that he gets as much as the expert. The first year one naturally mixes with all the other beginners—and there are plenty of them—and endless amusement is afforded by each other's futile attempts in these early days. It does not take long to decide which is the best sport, and the wise plan is to concentrate on it, and improve as each day goes by. For those who are young and fit there is nothing to beat ski-ing, and next in order comes bobbing. These two sports are most fascinating, and if either is taken seriously, there is little time available for anything else. Ski-ing must appeal to all because it is so interesting. If the reader has not been out in Switzerland, it is impossible to imagine the thrill that comes to the beginner the first time he succeeds in descending the shortest of slopes on skis without falling. Gradually more confidence is gained, and longer and steeper runs are taken, these being marred at first by not a few terrific falls. The struggle, however, is continued, until gradually more and more control is obtained. Then comes the excitement of trying to turn on skis—it sounds simple enough, but here again falls are frequent. One can hardly believe the joy of bringing off one of these turns at speed without falling. On paper all this sounds monotonous, but in reality there is more variation in ski-ing than in any other sport that I can think of. Gradually one learns to run faster, to take steeper slopes, to run safely over rough ground, to wind at speed through thick woods by means of various turns, and so on. As one's ski-ing improves, longer excursions are planned, where the skier can run downhill for hours on end. It is hard and even impossible to imagine the joy one gets running down an easy, even gradient in soft powdery snow, with the cool wind whistling past and the snow flying from one's skis like spray ; but even then it is necessary to be on the alert for

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any change in the character of the snow, as different turns are required to suit its varying condition. Not the least of the joys of ski-ing are the wonderful opportunities it gives to all lovers of beauty. The higher one • gets the more beautiful the mountains become, and although the same run is traversed several times, yet every time comes a different aspect of the view. Some days certain points seem to stand out more prominently than others. A peak which has not been noticed previously is standing there glistening in the sunlight, and with the later hours of the afternoon comes on all the summits a glorious pink glow, cast by the setting sun. For the sheer thrill of speed, bobbing takes a lot of beating. The track, which in different districts may be anything from half to four or five miles long, is dug out of the snow with high banks on each side, and is then iced. A bobsleigh normally seats four, but is big enough to hold six without any undue crush. There is a steering wheel, foot brakes for the driver, and hand brakes for the last man, so that the whole thing gives a sense of security—at any rate until one has had a fast run down, and then anything may happen. Each one on the bob has to do his bit—the driver sits firm and guides the bob down the course ; the others have to " bob " to make it go faster and lean out on corners to prevent it from skidding and turning over. There are many kinds and shapes of bends to get round—long, easy bends ; short, sharp ones ; hairpins, S bends, and so on. All of them are well banked for safety, but even then some people succeed in going over the top. Altogether bobbing is a very thrilling sport, and has little in common with tobogganing in this country. Lugeing is much the same as tobagganing, except that a luge holds only one or at most two persons. The luge track is made similarly to the bob-run, but not so steep. Skating and curling everyone knows about, but in this country there is rarely the perfect ice and weather conditions found in Switzerland. Before concluding I must say just something about the weather there. Most people who have not been out think that it is cold enough in this country in winter without going to Switzerland to get snow, ice, and cauld blasts. But until Switzerland has been tested, it would be difficult to imagine how moderate the climate really is. In a normal season there may be three or four days with a cold wind blowing, but as a rule there is hardly a breath of wind, and the cold is not nearly as penetrating as it is in this country. When the sun shines, and it does on most days, it is actually hot, and about mid-day people sit out on the verandas reading and basking in the sunshine.

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Another reason which, together with lack of skill and the thought of cold weather, may put people off going to Switzerland, is the thought of buying expensive clothes for all the different sports. This, however, need not disturb anyone. For ski-ing, a suit of some smooth material—as this does not collect the snow like tweed—not necessarily waterproof, with either long trousers or breeches, is the most serviceable. The only other suits necessary are a plus-four suit and a dinner suit. One requires plenty thick socks, as two pairs should be worn under ski-boots. Skis, boots, ski-sticks, and skates can be hired or bought out there to complete the equipment. Altogether Switzerland in winter time is an ideal place for a healthy, enjoyable holiday, and anyone who gets the chance of going out should not miss the opportunity. R. I.

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Every year at this time a strange and unwonted stillness descends upon the School. Small boys go about the corridors on tip-toe and speak in whispers-if possible ; a general atmosphere of gloom is prevalent. We are under the spell of the Leaving Certificates. The work done, or not done, during the preceding terms is under the test ; and we draw the attention of those whose work falls under the second category to this quotation from Bacon : " If a man read little, he had need have much cunning to seem to know what he doth not." At anyrate, to all who have been writing feverishly in the Hall " with fingers weary and worn," we wish the best of luck and a sure pass. * * * Another familiar figure left the School at the beginning month. Mr. G. F. Goodall has gone to Banff to take this of up the position there of Principal Science Master. Mr. Goodall was on the Mathematical Staff for a little over two years. We wish him every success in his new post. * * * We take this opportunity of offering our heartiest congratulations to Mr. A. H. Gray on his promotion to the post

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of Senior Mathematical Master in succession to Mr. John W. Robertson. * * * The whole School deplores the lamentable accident which befell Dr. McLeod while he was engaged in making preparations for his lecture to the Literary Society. A gasometer exploded, and Dr. McLeod was struck in the forehead and seriously injured. He was taken to the Infirmary and successfully operated on, and we are glad to learn that he is making progress towards recovery. We extend our sympathy to the Doctor and to Mrs. McLeod, and express the hope that he may soon be restored to his usual health. * * * A dramatic performance was given by members of the School before Christmas. This was the first time for some years that anything in this way had been done. Four one-act plays were produced, two French and two English. Mr. Wilson and Mr. Eddison were principally responsible for the experiment, which was in every way a success. *

This has led to the formation of a Dramatic Society, which meets for an hour after School on certain days of the week for reading plays and hearing an occasional lecture on the various aspects of the theatre and acting. Many societies have from time to time been founded in the School, but all, with the exception of the Debater, seem to have had but a spasmodic existence. We sincerely hope that the Dramatic Society will become an established institution. Under its auspices it is hoped to produce shortly after Easter four one-act plays. * * * In the middle of February it was the turn of the Grammar School to go to the Cowdray Hall to hear a concert given by the B.B.C., one of the series given to schools by arrangement with the Education Authority. Whether the concert was appreciated or not, or whether any benefit was derived from it, we do not know, but certainly the School cheered loudly enough. Anything is better than an afternoon's work in the classrooms ! * * * Owing to the impossibility of fixing a suitable date in January, the School Dance was held on 22nd December. It was attended by sixty-two couples, which was a satisfactory number. The Rector was unfortunately unable to be present through indisposition. There was a large number of the

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Staff there, however, and for a part of the evening Mr. Duncan, the Chairman of the Education Authority, attended. *

The morning after the Dance, the Lab. Boy found that he was not feeling as fit as usual. We heard that Sandy had the night previously, in a fit of abstraction, eaten the Janitor's share of trifle as well as his own. Sandy, himself, blamed the coffee. * * * The Inter-Debate with the Girls' High School was held on 14th January. Miss Ward, the Rector, and Mr. Munson were among those present. There might have been a larger attendance from the Grammar School. Perhaps the fact that the debate was held on a Friday night accounted for the paucity of the numbers. Miss Sharp and Miss Chalmers were the principal speakers from the High School, Mr. Gossip and Mr. Bate from the Grammar School. There were one or two humorous incidents. Mr. Bate was highly amused at being called " Miss Bates," while one young lady who forgot the strict rules of debate and began thus—" Janey said received an ovation. * * * On the evening of 23rd December the annual serenading of the Masters was carried out. It was unfortunate that many of them were not at home, but we were warmly received by those upon whom a call was made. The serenading is nominally carried out by the Debating Society, but it is certain that many who have never been near the Debater accompany it on its peregrinations at Christmas time. In accordance with time-honoured custom, the President of the Society mounted the rostrum at Queen's Cross, and from his elevated position delivered a short speech. 21

Those whose attendance at Morning Prayers is not as regular as it might be will be interested to know that we have been having recently one or two interesting addresses by distinguished visitors to the School. *

We record with deep regret the death on 6th March of John Farquhar Sinclair, son of the late Mr. Peter Sinclair and of Mrs. Sinclair, 33 Whitehall Road. He was 13 years of age, and a member of the class Middle I.A. The sympathy of the whole School is with his widowed mother and younger brother.

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The School Museum. Mr. J. W. Collie has taken over general charge of the School Museum from Dr. W. Douglas Simpson, who, owing to increasing pressure of duties, found it impossible to find time for this work. Mr. Collie found that the School Museum contained extremely interesting and fairly extensive collections, particularly of eggs, butterflies, and birds. The collections on the whole were in very good order, but what appeared to be one of the chief defects was lack of case accommodation for the proper display of objects. This defect is being remedied by two additional cases supplied by the Education Authority. It will now be possible for the specimens to be displayed to much greater advantage. The School is extremely fortunate in having an excellent collection of Indian butterflies, presented by Mr. G. F. Rose, Calcutta. A collection of butterflies is very difficult to keep tree from the inroads of micro-organisms, and it was found that this collection was in urgent need of sanitary overhaul. With the valuable guidance and assistance of Mr. R. M. Neill, M.C., M.A., senior lecturer in Zoology at the University, the collection was cleaned thoroughly and the drawers disinfected. So far as can be seen, the collection is now safe for a number of years. Several alterations have been made in the methods of displaying objects and specimens. The manufacturing processes have been relegated to a less prominent position ; the specimens of geological interest have been removed from the larger museum to the small cases in the Natural History Museum, where they are seen to better advantage. Their places have been taken by collections of more intrinsic interest. A number of Tibetan specimens, gifted by Mr. G. A. Combe, and an excellent collection of large snakes now occupy one of the upright wall cupboards, while Chinese and Japanese objects of interest have taken the place of the geological specimens. A School museum such as ours ought always to be of great interest and educational value to pupils, and such interest can be maintained only by additional gifts from former pupils of the School, and especially from those resident abroad. Such gifts would testify to the donors' remembrance of their School and to their continued interest in it. They would be greatly appreciated not only by the boys and the staff, but also by the numerous former pupils and strangers who visit the School from time to time. All gifts will be most gratefully received and promptly acknowledged.

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School Rugby Football.

•

• •

School Rugby has thriven during the past season. The 1st XV in their inter-school fixtures have been beaten only on two occasions, namely, by Dollar Academy and by Glasgow Academy, while they were successful against Glenalmond, Dunfermline High School, Dundee High School, Perth Academy, and their old rivals Gordon's College. The games with Edinburgh Academy, George Heriot's School, Glasgow High School, and Strathallan had unfortunately to be cancelled owing to frost making the ground unplayable. Of these it was only possible to find an alternative date for the Glasgow High School game, which has yet to be played. The progressive policy adopted last session in the matter of fixtures has been further developed this season. Last session there were five inter-school fixtures and this session there were ten. When one recollects the excitement in School in season 1920-21 when two inter-school fixtures were arranged, the progress made since then can be measured. In the local Junior League Championship the School XV have again emerged as champions. On the resumption of School in September the 1st XV's prospects were only fair, for while all the backs but one had returned, there was only one old forward available. Practically an entirely new forward division had then to be built up. This did not cause undue worry, for while the finding of good backs is usually difficult, the School have been building up a tradition for always being able to find good forwards. The tradition held good, and a serviceable if not brilliant pack was soon formed. Lack of weight and strength has been a drawback to the success of the forwards, who have in most of their games failed to obtain possession in the scrums. Until the end of November the team made rapid progress, but first a series of accidents and then illness caused a decided set-back. Though matters gradually improved, it was not until the end of February that the XV was at full strength again. Despite the fine record of the 1st XV the outstanding feature of the season has probably been the play of the 2nd XV. In inter-school matches they were beaten only once, namely by Dollar Academy at Dollar, where they lost by a try to nil. Their successes include two victories each over the 2nd XV's of Glenalmond and Gordon's College, and one over Perth Academy. For some time owing to the calls of the 1st XV they were compelled to play much below full strength, but with all their players available, they were an exceptionally strong side.

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The 3rd XV has not been so strong as last season, mainly owing to a scarcity of players of ability in the Upper School. A very dour struggle between Byron, Melvin, and Dun Houses for the House Rugby Championship has resulted in the success of Byron House. Much valuable assistance has been given by members of the staff in coaching Junior XV's, and also in refereeing both House and School matches. •

Criticism of 1st XV Players. A. M. Scrimgeour (I925-26-27).—Captain, Scrum-half. Weight 9 st. 7 lbs. Age 18. An entirely sound player. Good in attack and very effective in defence. Has been the hack-bone of the team. His only weakness is in kicking. J. C. Thom (1924-25-26-27).—Vice-Captain, Wing three-quarter. Weight 10 st. 1 lb. Age 18. Very fast. Handles, kicks, and tackles well, but prone to hesitate or swerve too soon when faced by the full back. J. A. Hay (1924-25-26-27).—Leader of the forwards. Weight 11 st. 4 lbs. Age 18. A wonderful place-kicker. Fast, and dribbles and handles well, but swings too much. J. S. Stephen (1925-26-27).—Full back. Weight 10 st. 4 lbs. Age 16. At his best a first-class performer, but has not yet recovered his form after a long absence owing to injury. Fields, tackles, and saves well. Quick to turn defence into attack. Not certain in kicking. G. A. M. Saunders (1924-25-26-27).-Inside threequarter. Weight 10 st. 3 lbs. Age 18. Fast and difficult to tackle. Cuts through well. Handles well but, though improving, is still uncertain in tackling and kicking. R. D. Macpherson (1925-26-27).--Wing three-quarter. Weight 12 st. Age 17. Very effective. Fast and difficult to tackle, with a good swerve and hand-off. Ought to become a first-class wing. G. W. Bowes (1925-26-27).—Stand-off hall. Weight 10 st. 7 lbs. Age 16. Handles very well. Kicks, tackles, and saves well, but lacks pace. A. B. Donald (1926-27).—Inside three-quarter. Weight 10 st. 3 lbs. Age 16. Fortunate in possessing football sense to a marked degree. Fast, kicks very well, tackles and handles well. Rather lacks " devil." A very promising performer of the best type.

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School Rugby Football 1st XV.—Season 1926-27. Junior Champions.

Back Row.—A. J. Lockhart, H. Wriggleswortb, D. Abernethy, A. Nicol Smith, G. W. Dodds, J. M. Gossip, J. H. S. Third, J. L. Ducat. Second Row.—R. D. Macpherson, G. A. M. Saunders, J. C. Thom (Secy.), A. M. Serumgeour (Captain), J. A. Hay, J. L. Stephen, D. Middleton, Mr. D. Macgregor (Games Master). Ix Front.—A. B. Donald, G. W. Bowes.

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D. Middleton (1926-27).--Second forward. Weight 12 st. 5 lbs. Age 17. From being an indifferent full back rapidly developed into a first-class forward. Sound in every way. Particularly good when dribbling. J. L. Ducat (1926-27).—Forward. Weight 12 st. Age 17. Strong, hard-working forward. Slow to improve but ought to become an outstanding player, as he has many natural advantages. J. Third (1926-27).—Forward. Weight 10 st. 1 lb. Age 16. Lacking in weight, but works very hard. Good in the tight. Dribbles well. Sure to show great improvement in a year or two. A. J. Lockhart (1926-27).—Forward. Weight 11 st. 12 lbs. Age 18. A big, strong forward. Splendid kick. Lacking in pace. J. M. Gossip (1926-27).—Forward. Weight 10 st. Age 17. A very hard-working, honest forward. Dribbles and tackles very effectively. Not a good kick and lacking in weight. H. Wrigglesworth (1926-27).—Forward. Weight 12 st. 4 lbs. Age 16. A very strong heavy forward. Quite fast and tackles well. Lacks dribbling control and does not kick well. A. Nicol Smith (1926-27).—Forward. Weight 10 st. Age 14. A very young forward, but the most promising player the School has had for many years. Good all round. G. Dodds (1926-27).—Full back. Weight 10 st. 9 lbs. Age 17. Has improved to a remarkable degree. Very good kick with either foot. Fields, tackles, and saves well. Not quite fast enough. D. Abernethy (1926-27).—Forward. Weight 11 st. 2 lbs. Age 16. A strong, hard-working young forward. Quite fast and dribbles and tackles well. Poor kick and rather deficient at present in football sense. D. McG. Recent Matches. 27th November.—School v. 1st Bankers (St. Machar). School played down the first half, and kept play for the most part in their opponents' " twenty-five." The only score, however, was obtained by G. Bowes, Lockhart converting. In this half, School were unfortunate in losing their full back, J. Stephen, who received a kick on the mouth. In the second half, play was made difficult by the bad state of the light, and there was no scoring. Final score—School, 5 points ; 1st Bankers, 0 points. 4th December.—School v. 2nd Gordonians. School were far superior to their opponents. All divisions played well and tries were added in

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quick succession. Scorers—Thom (3), Bowes {2), Scrimgeour (2), Saunders (2), Whyte (1), Murdoch (1), Young (1). Lockhart converted six tries. Final score—School, 48 points ; 2nd Gordonians, 0 points. 1 I th December.—School v. Gordon's College. School were unfortunate in having a rather weak team. Gordon's concentrated on defence, and marked the School very closely. Scorers—Middleton (1), Donald (2), Bowers (1). Lockhart converted three tries. Final score—School, 18 points ; Gordon's College, 6 points. 15th January.—School v. Dollar Academy (at Dollar). The School was not up to full strength owing to injuries and influenza, but nevertheless they put up a very creditable game. At the beginning Dollar had matters mostly their own way, but soon School settled down and play became more even. Immediately after half time, School began to For press, and Saunders scored between the posts. Hay converted. the remainder of the game, play was very hard and fast, but Dollar showed their superiority. Final score—School, 5 points ; Dollar, 30 pts. 5th February.—School v. Dunfermline High School. The School, whose side was again weak owing to influenza and injuries, faced a strong breeze in the first half, but were soon on the lead, Saunders capping an individual effort with a good try, which remained unconverted. Dunfermline pressed after this early reverse and scored two unconverted tries. Play became very hard, and just on the interval Lockhart scored at the corner. Immediately after half time, Macpherson added another unconverted try, and then came a succession of scores, each side holding the lead in turn. Hay kicked two splendid goals from difficult angles. Final score— School, 19 points ; Dunfermline, 15 points. 19th February.—School v. Dundee High School. During the first half play was fairly even, but in the second half School overwhelmed their opponents. Dundee held their own in the forwards, but the School were better in the backs. Hay's goal-kicking was again very good. Scorers—Macpherson (3), Donald (2), Gossip (1), Hay (1). Hay converted three tries. Final Score—School, 27 points ; Dundee, 5 points. 23rd February.—School v. 2nd 'Varsity. 'Varsity fielded a strong team. Playing down first half, they pressed and scored an unconverted try. School rallied and Saunders scored, Hay converting. After half time 'Varsity concentrated on defence, and although School kept the play well in their opponents' " twenty-five," no scores were added. Final score—School, 5 points ; 2nd 'Varsity, 3 points. 5th March.—School v. 2nd A.G.S.F.P.s The match was played on a very muddy ground. School, however, did not give a very convincing display. F.P.s scored early in the game, but the try was not converted. School then rallied and just before full time the score stood at 18-3. Then Brown scored between the posts for the F.P.s. The try was converted, bringing the score up to 18- 8. Scorers—Macpherson (1), Gossip (1), Hay (1), Smith (1). Hay converted three tries. 12th March.—School v. Glasgow Academy. After a hard and spirited game School were beaten by 14 points to 6. School played " up " first half, and after about five minutes' play Academy scored an excellent try, which was converted. School rallied, but again Academy scored, this time without improvement. Play again became very hard, until Academy were penalised for " feet-up," and Hay kicked a penalty goal. After half time, Academy were again at fault, and Hay added another three points with the penalty kick. The Glasgow boys, however, were "hooking" very well, and before the end had added two more unconverted tries. Final score—School, 6 points ; Glasgow Academy, 14 points.

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Scout Notes. Parents and friends of the School Troops have been thrice called upon this winter to support Scout enterprise, and they have responded with extraordinary willingness. A Cafe Chantant, a lantern lecture, and a concert, although each the effort of a different Troop, have been largely supported by ladies and gentlemen connected with all four of the School Troops. Interest has been general, so that ticket-selling has met with remarkable success. The first of these money-raising schemes was that of the 17th Troop, which in November raised the amazing sum of £189 by a Café Chantant combined with concert and dance. Considering the numerical strength of the Troop this constitutes a record, and S./M. Savidge is to be heartily congratulated upon this triumph of organization. The Cafe opened under the cheerful auspices of Bishop Deane, and throughout provided lively entertainment in some novel side-shows, such as a Haunted House and Cinematograph Show ; in a Troop sketch of sheer delight calling itself " Pages from History " ; in a 9th Rover comedy in one of Stephen Leacock's best veins ; and in a dance held in the School gym. It is not easy to present original features at a Café nowadays ; but the 17th, as always, put themselves about to exploit new ideas. Their Scout Stall alone was full of novelties, from monkey-nut parrots to fretwork calendars. The sum raised is more than ample to meet the debt upon the Headquarters in Anderson Drive. The second appeal to parents came from the 10th (Shuttle Lane Mission) Troop under the Rovers. A fine response was made, and a large crowd gathered one night in February in the Alford Place College Hall to hear S./M. George G. Cameron give his experiences of " Wandering in Erin." A two hours' lecture bristling, among quietly humorous patches, with thrilling accounts of the Irish Civil Wars, and illustrated throughout by some 150 lantern slides, was finely carried out. Rovers Cameron, Scott, and Walker are to be congratulated upon this success, for it was a difficult undertaking. It was a brain-wave to have the Misses Forster sing Irish songs at intervals and to have Dr. Mursell in the chair. The audience departed with a keen sense of the charm of old Ireland, and with a common regret—that Cameron forgot to show his vivid Free State tie. The third and most recent attempt to raise Troop funds was made by the 38th Troop on 18th and 19th February—a twofold venture taking the form of a Friday concert in the Hall, and a Saturday dance in Westfield School and the gym.—the third appeal to School Troop parents and friends, and the Hall was filled ! Truly a wonderful response, unfortunate only in the lack of gentlemanly behaviour displayed by some School fellows. The programme throughout was bright and thoroughly

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

good. The Scouts of the 38th are capital play-actors. Their first dramatic stunt in public was delightful, and the character studies really fine. Old hands in play-acting, the 9th Rovers won all hearts with Eden Phillpotts' comedy, " Something to Talk About." In this, as in other items of the programme, the Girls' High F.P. Dramatic Club lent invaluable assistance. Mrs. Henry Davidson, Miss Daisy Moncur, and Mr. Mackenzie Forbes are only a few of the many other contributors whom the 38th have to thank. This concert, and the particularly good dance which followed on the Saturday, realized some £60. After weeks of worry S./M. Grafton smiles again. Parents and friends have carried their interest into Troop Open Nights. On such a night as 28th January, when the hurricane of wind and rain swept the town, quite a number visited the 1st Headquarters on the heights of Rubislaw. Once there S./M. Ninian Wright carried them briskly from one Scouty spectacle to another. Assistants, Leaders, and Scouts played up to a variety of bright ideas. Particularly attractive were the tableaux of camp-life, the deduction games, the tumbling' display, and the sketch. Commissioner R. B. Williamson was there and gave a talk to the visitors upon Scouting. A hint of a coming Café Chantant was thrown out in the S./M.'s report. Another Open Night has already been held, that of the 17th Troop. The Headquarters were well filled by some 55 parents and friends. Games, displays, and an investiture ceremony were gone through ; tea, and financial and general reports were served up ; and the presentation of some scenes from camp-life—the background of every Scout's winter thoughts —was particularly productive of enthusiasm. New names appear among the Scouters of the Troops. With the departure from the 17th of Rae Duffus—an A./S.M. of rare quality who carries the 17th's best wishes with him in his medical career—two new assistants come to the Troop in Stanley Williamson and A. Lance Simpson. The last was a P./L. in the 1st. The fact shows well the interchange of Leadership that is possible in School Scouting. Again is it seen in the going of P./L. George Bowes from the 9th to become an A./S.M. in the 38th. A new A./S.M. in the 9th is John L. Johnston. And now thoughts go out to April and the life of camping. Those of the 17th are as far afield as Braemar, where Leaders and Seconds will make an Easter camp in the Kindrochit chalet. Before the camping season ends may the County Flag come back to School Scouts ! For the County Flag is the first step to the Benmore Shield, and the Benmore Shield, at the hands of P./L. Ross and Scout A. Fox of the 17th, was handed over to other winners on 19th February at the annual meeting of Scottish Headquarters Executive in Edinburgh.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

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The School Literary and Debating Society. 1st December.—On this evening an attendance of over fifty heard a lecture from Dr. George Middleton on " Holidays Abroad." By the aid of a map of Europe, which continent he has visited thirty-two times, Dr. Middleton described various tours which he had made, and gave many interesting details of the towns and places which he had visited. In the course of his lecture Dr. Middleton told many amusing anecdotes. 8th December.—Dr. Cormack gave the Society an address on this evening on " The Development of Modern Agriculture." Dr. Cormack started with medieval farming, and after showing us how the faU of feudalism opened up a new era for the farmer, he traced the growth and progress of farming with reference both to live stock and cereal growing. The lecturer then described the work of the Rowett Institute at Aberdeen. Among the interesting items of information gathered from the lecture was the fact that the Janitor drove the first mechanical binder used in this part of the country. 6th January.—On this date the Society had a lantern lecture in the Hall by Colonel E. W. Watt on " Through Canada with a Kodak." Colonel Watt gave a most interesting and instructive lecture. We accompanied him on a tour across Canada and back again. Numerous coloured lantern slides were shown, and a very good idea of Canada as a whole could be gained from them. In the course of his lecture Colonel Watt told many amusing stories. 14th January.--About forty members of the Society visited the High School on this evening, when the Inter-Debate took place on the subject " Does the End justify the Means ? " Miss Nicol, who was in the chair, called upon Miss Sharp to read the first paper for the affirmative. Miss Sharp gave an excellent paper, well thought out, logically argued, and illustrated by apt quotations. War, the weak point in the case for the affirmative, was defended on the ground that war is inevitable as long as human nature remains the same, and therefore the sooner it is over the better. This justifies modern methods of warfare. Progress has always been attended with immediate hardship, but the ultimate benefit to man has always been immense. J. M. Gossip then followed for the negative. After a dissertation upon the Garden of Eden, Cain and Abel, Noah and the Flood, he made a slashing attack upon the motives or lack of motives of the great conquerors of history. Considering the enormous loss of life, war was not justified. Gossip then discussed day schools and Sunday schools as means to an end, and in both cases he endeavoured to show that the end did not justify the means. Gossip's paper was a fine rhetorical effort. P. A. T. Bate then followed in support of Miss Sharp. He elaborated the theme of vivisection, and referred to Jenner's discovery of vaccination as an example of the end justifying the means. Gossip was seconded by Miss Chalmers, who read a racy and witty paper for the negative. Murder, theft, crimes of all sorts were means to an end, but how many approved of them ? Good ends cannot justify bad means. The debate was then thrown open, and a lukewarm discussion took place. From the Grammar School, Henry, Marshall, Davidson, and Begg spoke, Gossip interrupting occasionally. Miss Mennie, Miss Ross, and Miss Kemp spoke from the High School. On the invitation of the chairman, The Rector and Mr. Munson both said a few words. Miss Ward having had to leave, Miss Michie spoke on behalf of the High School. Gossip and Miss Sharp then summed up. On a vote being taken it was found that the negative had won by seven votes. 20th January.—On this date a Parliamentary Sitting was held in the Hall, with Mr. Walker as Speaker. The Conservatives were in power, and the Liberals formed the Opposition. The Prime Minister (N. F. M. Henry) brought in an Aviation Bill, and after some heated

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

discussion, during which the Chancellor of the Exchequer (W. M. Davidson) was severely questioned, a division was taken, and the Bill carried by a small majority. Question time then followed, and the Chancellor was again the butt of the Opposition. A vote of Censure on the Government was then proposed by the member for Cove (Wm. A. B. Hamilton) in a speech redolent of Burke at his best—or worst, and ably seconded by the member for Covent Garden (C. Marshall). The Vote of Censure was carried by a majority of three and the Government thereupon demitted office. 3rd February.—On this date a debate was held on the subject " Has the Horse Benefited Mankind more than the Motor ? " A. M. Scrimgeour in opening for the affirmative gave a very able paper, and described the pleasures of riding, for ever lost to those who go about in motors. C. Marshall then gave a very good paper for the negative, and showed that modern motors were now almost mechanically perfect. On the debate being thrown open, speaking was at first slow but brightened up afterwards, and though some tendency to wander from the subject was shown, this was preferable to members sitting silent. Marshall had many questions to answer and acquitted himself well. On a vote being taken, the affirmative was victorious. 10th February.—On this date the Society met in the Hall and heard a lantern lecture from Bishop Deane on " The Labyrinth and the Minotaur." Bishop Deane gave one of his usual racy and interesting lectures. He described the wonderful civilization which had once flourished in ancient Crete, and which had been brought to light by the excavations at Knossos. The Bishop told his audience of a possible manner in which the Minotaur legend might have arisen. The whole of the lecture was illustrated by lantern slides, which gave a clear and convincing impression of the buildings, pottery work, and paintings of the ancient Cretans. On the conclusion of his lecture Bishop Deane was given a hearty vote of thanks. 17th February.—The annual Judicial Night was held on this date. The following took part :—Judge—Mr. Eddison ; Counsel for Plaintiff— N. F. Henry ; Counsel for Defendant—C. Marshall ; Plaintiff—A. M. Scrimgeour ; Defendant—P. A. T. Bate ; Plaintiff's mother—H. Wrigglesworth. The action was one for breach of promise. Damages of £1,000 were asked. The learned Counsel wrangled in the approved fashion, the Judge listened at times, when he wasn't looking at the Plaintiff, and the Jury woke up occasionally. After a humorous and not too rowdy debate, the Jury decided for the Plaintiff and awarded one farthing damages, whereupon the Plaintiff leaned upon the maternal bosom and burst into tears. 3rd March.—For the first time since the Rector came to the School, the Debating Society was honoured by a lecture from him on this evening. The Rector took as his subject " Some Thoughts on the Choice of a Career," and delivered it to a large and attentive audience. His lecture was a most interesting one, and probably not a few of those present found a new stand-point from which to view the choice of a career. At the conclusion of his lecture Mr. Andrew was given three hearty cheers. 10th March.—Dr. W. Douglas Simpson gave on this date a lantern lecture on " The Second Season's Excavations at Kindrochit Castle." There was a very large attendance. The lecturer first recapitulated what had been done at Kindrochit two years ago, and showed a few slides to illustrate this. He then described how a large portion of the Castle had been excavated, apart from the Keep, which had been dug out previously, and showed slides which gave a clear impression of the enormous size of the walls. We were also shown pieces of pottery which had been unearthed. The manner in which the Scouts lived at Kindrochit was also described.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

1'31

The Former Pupils' Club. FOUNDED 1893.

presibent : JOHN MALCOLM BULLOCH, M.A., LL.D. lincesPresibent sub Chairman of Executive : ALEXANDER MCKENZIE JOHNSTON. Secretary an0 Creasurer: THEODORE WATT, M.A., The Rosemount Press, Aberdeen. assistant Sectetam DONALD A. DAVIDSON, B.L., 6 Golden Square, Aberdeen.

Secretaries of Sections: London Section—JOHN THOM, 51 Charterhouse Street, E.C. 1. [This Section comprises, without additional subscription, all Members of the Club resident in London, and within a radius of 50 miles.) Rugby Section—RICHARD IRVIN, 86 Queen's Road. Hockey Section—DANIEL J. WALKER, 22 Rosebery Street. Cricket Section—ALEXANDER J. ALLAN, 54 Whitehall Road. Tennis Section—P. R. WOOD, 24 Desswood Place. Motor Section—C. G. BROWN, Westwood, Craigton Road. Rates of Subscription for Membership:

. £5 5 0 . . . . Life Membership . Ordinary Membership— For those under 21 years of age at commence. 0 2 6 ment of Club year (1st January) For those of 21 years of age and upwards . 0 5 0

Payment of Club Subscriptions. •

Ordinary Members whose subscriptions for 1927 have not yet been paid are reminded of the omission by a slip attached to their copies of this issue of the Magazine. This is in accordance with the Constitution of the Club. As many members dislike the idea of being in arrears with their subscriptions, it may be well to point out that these are due on the 1st of January in each year. Ordinary subscriptions may be paid for any number of years in advance, and remittances of either 10/- or 20/- would save both members and the Treasurer the trouble associated with recurring annual remittances.

132

•

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

The Annual Meeting of the Club. The Annual General Meeting of the Club was held in the Palace Hotel on Tuesday, 15th March, the Chairman being Mr. A. McK. Johnston, the Vice-President. There was a fairly large attendance of members. After the Minute of the last Annual Meeting had been read and approved, the Report by the Executive and the Accounts and Treasurer's Report for the year ended 31st December, 1926, were submitted as follows :— REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1926. The Executive has pleasure in submitting the Report for the year which ended on 31st December, 1926. Once again there is satisfactory progress but no outstanding event to record. Membership and Subscriptions. The following is an analysis of the membership of the Club at 31st December last :Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire.

Rest of Gt. Britain and Ireland.

Abroad.

Total 31/12/26.

Total 31/12/25.

Life Members 189 182 164 535 519 Ordinary Members 885 (J.280) 347 (J.23) 135 (J.4) 1,367 (J.307) 1,315 (J.302) Honorary 6 — 13 12 Members 7 Extraordinary Members 46 — — 46 46 1,127

535

299

1,961

1,892

J.= Junior Members.

From these figures it will be seen that the total membership at the close of 1926 was 1,961, as compared with 1,892 at the close of 1925, an increase of 69, as against an increase of 61 in the year 1925. It may be mentioned that no member is included in the foregoing figures if his subscription to the Club is in arrears for more than one year. The number of those whose subscriptions were not paid for 1926 was 3530 who were due 5/- and 5 who were due 2/6, so that the total amount of the subscriptions outstanding at 31st December last was £8. 2s. 6d. Already several of these subscriptions have been paid, and it is anticipated that the greater part of the sum mentioned will be recovered. At the end of 1925 there was a total of £6. 7s. 6d. due by 28 members.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

•

133

During 1926, 17 new Life Members were enrolled, as compared with 27 in 1925 and 21 in 1924. The efforts that have been made in recent years to induce boys to join the Club immediately after they leave the School are continuing to be successful. Up to 31st December 52 who ceased to be pupils either during or at the end of the session 1925-26 had been enrolled as members, and since that date 3 more have joined, making the total 55. There can be little doubt that in the next Annual Report the Executive will be able to record that the membership exceeds 2,000. It is understood that already the Club is one of the largest of its kind in this country. Losses by Death. The number of members (17) who died during 1926 was three more than in 1925 and the same as in 1924. Among those who passed away were Mr. George H. Mair, C.M.G., a brilliant journalist ; the Very Rev. J. N. Ogilvie, D.D., an ex-Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland; Rev. James Shepherd, M.D., D.D., formerly of Rajputana ; and no fewer than five other doctors. Consuls. The list of Club Consuls continues to grow, there being now 54 representatives of the Club in various parts of the world. During the year Consuls were appointed for Palestine, Rajputana, Southern Rhodesia, Uganda, and Cuba. The Executive would commend to the attention of members a map of the World which is to appear in the March, 1927, issue of the Magazine, showing all the places where Club Consuls are resident. The " Magazine." Three numbers of the Magazine were, as usual, issued during the year, these being on the same general lines as formerly. It may be mentioned that with the issue of June, 1927, the Magazine will have been for 20 years published under the auspices and financial control of the Club. The Club and the School. The Club presented to the School two Silver Medals, which were awarded at the close of the sesssion 1925-26 as follows . Robert T. S. Millar. Silver Medal for English Silver Medal for German . Charles R. Irvine. The All-Round Trophy was awarded to James S. Abernethy. The Executive has the pleasure of recording that the School for the fourth time in succession secured the first place in the Arts Bursary Competition of Aberdeen University. The successful competitor,,,William A. B. Hamilton, added to the distinction of securing the first place by taking it while a •

•

(Continued on page 136.)

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHOOL Abstract of Revenue and Expenditure Account REVENUE. I. CAPITAL ACCOUNTLife Members' Subscriptions received during year

£89 5 0

Subscriptions received during year applicable to future years

81 12 6

ORDINARY SUBSCRIPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCE-

III. APPLICABLE TO YEAR 1926— Ordinary Subscriptions received prior to 1st Jan. .. 1926 (transferred from Capital Account) Ordinary Subscriptions received during 1926 .. Arrears recovered in 1926 .. Revenue from Investments Balance from Annual Dinner Sale of " Roll of Pupils" ..

.. ..

£76 2 6 210 7 6 1 15 0 £288 63 0 4

5 6 4 1

0 8 5 0 355 17 1 £526 14

Balance Sheet as CAPITAL AND LIABILITIES. I. CAPITAL,-

.. £1,356 3 10 Amount at credit at 31st December 1925.. Deduct—Amount over-credited for Ordinary Sub3 2 6 scriptions received for 1925 " •• £1,353 1 4 Add—Life Members' Subscriptions received during 89 5 0 .. 1926, as per Revenue Account 15 16 3 „ Surplus for 1926, as per Revenue Account.. 1,458 2

II. ENTERTAINMENTS SUSPENSE ACCOUNT—

Amount at credit as per last Balance Sheet Less—Transferred to 1926 Ball Account ..

••

£20 0 13 11

7 6 8 5

III. ORDINARY SUBSCRIPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCE-

Balance of Subscriptions received prior to 31st December 1925, applicable to future years .. Subscriptions received in 1926 applicable to future . years, as per Revenue Account ..

•

£44

7 6

81 12 6 126 0 0 £1,590 11 0

•

FORMER PUPILS' CLUB. for year ended 31st December 1926.

•

EXPENDITURE. I. CAPITAL ACCOUNT— Amount transferred as per contra

£89 5 0

ORDINARY SUBSCRIPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCE—

81 12 6

Amount transferred to Capital Account as per contra

40,

III. APPLICABLE TO YEAR 1926— Working Expenses .. Magazine—Cost for year, less revenue from adver.. .. tisements and sales London Section—Paid to account for 1926-27 .. Miscellaneous Expenses ..

222 16 3 15 0 0 15 1 10

£340 0 10 15 16 3

Surplus for year

W g

• •

• g

•

£87 2

355 17 1 £526 14

at 31st December 1926. ASSETS.

••

£28 9 9

III. CASH IN HAND AND INVESTED FUNDS AT 31ST DECEMBER 1926 ..

6 10 0 1,555 11 3

I. ADVERTISING COMMISSION PAID IN ADVANCE II. BOARDING HOUSE SCHEME-

Preliminary Expenses

ABERDEEN, 3rd March, 1927.—We have examined the foregoing Revenue and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31st December 1926, and relative Balance Sheet as at 31st December 1926, compared the figures with the vouchers, and found the Accounts correct. We are of opinion that the above Balance Sheet correctly states the position of the Club as at 31st December 1926. We have had exhibited to us the various Securities supporting the Funds at the close of the Accounts. (Signed) BOWER & SMITH, C.A., Honorary .ludilors.

- --0

£1,590 11

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

pupil in the second highest class- of the School, which is believed to be a unique distinction. Social Activities. The Annual Dinner was held in the Palace Hotel on Saturday, 6th November, the Chairman being Lieut.-Colonel A. G. Nicol Smith, D.S.O., President of the Club. On this occasion there were no official guests and the proceedings were of a more informal character than usual. The Annual Ball was held in the Music Hall Buildings on Friday, 24th December, on exactly the same lines as in 1925. Owing to other attractions, the attendance was not so large as in the previous year, only 270 being present, as compared with 326 in 1925. As a consequence of the reduced attendance there was a deficit in the accounts of the Ball, which has been met by a contribution from the Entertainments Suspense Account instituted in 1924 from a handsome balance at the credit of the Ball in that year. It may be mentioned in this connection that it is the settled policy of the Executive to make all social activities self-supporting. For years no call in aid of either the Dinner or the Ball has been made on the general Club funds. The Athletic and Recreative Sections. The Rugby Section continues to do well, although it has not been quite so successful as in past years, but one has only to look at the number of F.P.s playing for other Clubs to realise how much Aberdeen Rugby owes to F.P.s. The Hockey Section has not experienced a very successful season, but some good performances have been witnessed. The Tennis Section, the least competitive of the Sections, continues to flourish, and had another very enjoyable season. The Cricket Section again had a disappointing season, and the Annual Tour had to be dropped through lack of support. The Motor Section is still flourishing, and carried through a varied programme last year, including a share in a novel and successful Gymkhana at Hazlehead in aid of the funds of the Royal Infirmary. London Section. This Section has been conducted on the same general lines as in previous years, three informal dinners being held. The number of members in the Section is just over 200. The All-Round Trophy. In 1925 the Executive of the Club appointed a Committee to revise in consultation with the Rector, the regulations governing the award of the All-Round Trophy and, if it were thought desirable, to frame a new scheme. After careful consideration the Committee came to the conclusion that the basis of the existing scheme was the best and most suitable,

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137

and ought to be retained ; but that the regulations and method of arriving at the winner of the Trophy ought to be entirely altered, and a method employed which would give greater elasticity and ensure that the scheme would not break down in any year through the fact that no boy of sufficient all-round brilliance was eligible for the Trophy. New regulations were accordingly framed by the Committee, and after being approved by the Executive, were first put into operation in the awarding of the Trophy for the School year 1925-26. The new regulations were printed in the March 1926 issue of the Magazine. Finance. The Revenue and Expenditure Account for the year to 31st December, 1.926, shows a surplus of £15. 16s. 3d. There are no items in the account to which the Executive wish to call special attention. The Capital of the Club now amounts to £1,458. 2s. 7d., being £101. 18s. 9d. more than at the close of the previous year. The total assets of the Club at 31st December, 1926, amounted to £1,590. 11 s. as compared with £1,493. 16s. 4d. at 31st December, 1925. On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Richard Irvin, the foregoing Report and Accounts were unanimously adopted. Office-Bearers and Members of the Executive for 1927-28 were appointed in accordance with the list which appears on page 148. Messrs. Bower & Smith, C.A., were re-appointed Honorary Auditors, and were thanked for their services during the past year. On the motion of Colonel A. G. Nicol Smith a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Johnston for presiding.

Post Cards of the Grammar School. A series of 10 Sepia Art Gravure Post Cards of the School has recently been prepared, and sets are on sale in the form of packets costing 1/4, and mounted in albums at 1/6. The views are exceedingly good. They present the School from various points, showing the Entrance, the Byron Statue, the School Garden, the Hall and War Memorial, the Library, the Infants' Department, the fine Luncheon Hall in the Westfield Building, the Main Corridor, the Rubislaw Field, and the Memorial Pavilion. We have no hesitation in commending these post cards to the attention of F.P.s, and we feel sure that many would like to obtain a set. The cards can be had on application to the Janitor at the School, the prices by post being 1/6 for a packet, and 1/9 for an album.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

Club Colours. Members of the E.P. Club are reminded that the supplying of Club Colours has been placed by the Executive in the hands of a single firm and that Messrs. Esslemont & Macintosh, Ltd., Union Street, Aberdeen, are the sole official outfitters to the Club. The object of the Executive in appointing only one firm was, as previously stated, to try to prevent the sale of Club Colours to unauthorized persons. It has come to the knowledge of the Executive that other outfitters are offering what purport to be the Club Colours. Obviously if these outfitters are supported by members of the Club and it is made worth their while to stock the Colours, then the chaos which existed before the present regulations were introduced will come again. Those who are not members of the Club, and those who are not even former pupils of the School, will be found wearing the Colours, and there will be no guarantee that the exact shades are not being departed from. Members of the Club are, therefore, earnestly requested to resist the temptation to purchase cheap representations of the Colours, and to deal only with the official outfitters, who have been supplied with a list of the members of the Club, and who take every precaution to see that the Colours are sold to none but those who have the right to wear them. If the members will support the Executive in this matter, then the unauthorized offering of Colours will soon come to an end.

Club Consuls. No new appointments have been made since the last issue of the Magazine. In order that F.P.s may see at a glance where Club Consuls are resident, a map of the World has been prepared and is reproduced in this issue (pages 108-109). On this map the names of the places where there is a consul are underlined. It is proposed to revise the map from time to time as alterations occur in or additions are made to the Club's Consular Service. Full List of Consuls. AUSTRALIA (New South Wales) :—HERBERT A. BREMNER (1893-95), Commonwealth Oxygen and Accessories, Ltd., Balmain, Sydney. AUSTRALIA (Victoria) :—THOMAS G. WATSON (1896-99), Box 26, Stock Exchange, Melbourne. BERMUDA :-LAWRENCE OGILVIE (1907-10), M.A., B.Sc., Agricultural Station, Bermuda. BORNEO :—Rt. Rev. E. D. LOGIE DANSON (1892-94), D.D., Bishop of Labuan and Sarawak, Bishop's House, Kucking, Sarawak, via Singapore. (Continued on page 139.)

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHOOL ROLL OF PUPILS 1795-1919 ANNOTATED

FROM

1863

THEODORE WATT, M.A.

111ftTEAlrel CONTENTS. Section

I-ROLL OF PUPILS : 1795-1863. II-ROLL OF PUPILS : 1863-1919. III-ROLL OF PUPILS WHO CONTINUED 28 JUNE, 1919.

THE

SCHOOL

AFTER

APPENDICES :-

Names and Relation of Classes, 1863-1919. B—Roll of Pupils from 1863 to 1919 on whom Orders of Chivalry of the United Kingdom were conferred. C—Roll of Former Pupils on whom Honours were conferred for service with H.M. Forces in the Great War. D—" Pro Patria Mortui " MCMXIV-MCMXIX. E—Statistics. LIST OF PLATES. James Moir, M.A., LL.D., D.Litt., Statue of Byron in front of the School. Rector, 1881-1893. The School Buildings, 1757-1863. The School Buildings about 1870. Henry Fife Morland Simpson, M.A., Lieutenant Robert Grierson Combe, LL.D., Rector, 1893-1920. V.C. The School Buildings in September Rev. William Barrack, M.A., Rector, 1923. 1860-1868. Alexander Martin, M.A., Rector, Memorial in the School Hall. War The 1869-1881. A—Table showing

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139

BRAZIL :-A. BAIN MACKIE (1896-1904), Royal Bank of Canada, Caixa do Correio No. 300, Rio de Janeiro. CANADA (Alberta) :—JOHN CHARLES MURRAY LIGERTWOOD (1903-06), C.A., c/o Messrs. Marwick, Mitchell & Co., 27 Canada Life Building, Calgary. CANADA (British Columbia) :—WILLIAM ERNEST MILNE (1881-90), 347 Water Street, Vancouver. CANADA (New Brunswick) :—WILLIAM MENZIES KESSON (1893-98), Fredericton. CANADA (Nova Scotia) :—GEORGE MACKENZIE WOOD (18801882), c/o Messrs. Joseph Wood & Co., Central Wharf, Halifax. CANADA (Ontario) :—ROBERT FLEMING (1891-98), C.E., c/o Messrs. Wood, Fleming & Co., Royal Bank Buildings, Toronto. CANADA (Quebec) :—JAMES A. ANGUS (1894-99), 340 Hampton Avenue, Montreal. CENTRAL AMERICA (Guatemala) :—CHARLES H. MOIR (1873-76), 6a Avenida Norte Prolongacion No. 1, Guatemala, via New Orleans and Puerto Barrios. CEYLON :-DAVID SCOTT (1886-94), c/o Messrs. Lewis Brown & Co., Colombo. CHILE :-JAMES ALEXANDER RHIND (1902-04), The AngloChilian Consolidated Nitrate Corporation, Tocopilla. CHINA (Shanghai) :—GEORGE ALSTON BUYERS (1906-08), C.A., 2 Canton Road, Shanghai. CUBA :-ALLAN CUNNINGHAM ANDERSON (1907-12), Royal Bank of Canada, Havana. CZECHOSLOVAKIA :—Captain JOHN WILLIAM TAYLOR (19061911), M.A., F.R.G.S., His Britannic Majesty's Vice-Consul, Prague. F.M.S. (Negri Sembilan) :—DONALD TRENCH SKEEN (18951899), M.B., Seremban. F.M.S. (Perak) :—WILLIAM PATERSON (1900- 03), Teja Estate, Batu Gajah. F.M.S. (Selangor) :—DAVID GRAEME ROBERTSON (1900-09), 1 Robertson Road, Kuala Lumpur. FIJI :-KENNETH JAMES ALLARDYCE (1894-95), Nabavatu. FRANCE :—WILLIAM GRAY (1884-94), 11 Rue Louis le Grand, Paris (2e). GERMANY :—JAMES GORDON DANIELSON (1896-1901), Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, Monckeberg Strasse 27, Hamburg, 1. GOLD COAST COLONY :—WILLIAM MILLER (1894—?), Resident Engineer, Takoradi Harbour Works, Sekondi. INDIA (Assam) :—WILLIAM H. G. HALLY (1889-96), Singlo Tea Co., Ltd., Jaboka Division, Sonari P.O. INDIA (Bengal) :--G. F. ROSE (1881-92), c/o Messrs. Andrew Yule and Co., Ltd., 8 Clive Row, Calcutta. INDIA (Bombay) :—GEORGE ALEXANDER THOMSON (19031906), Chartered Bank, Bombay. INDIA (Central Provinces) :—JOHN HALL RITCHIE (1903-09), M.A., B.Sc., Agricultural Department, Jubbulpur. INDIA (Madras) :—Rev. Principal WILLIAM MESTON (1881-86), M.A., D.D., Christian College, Madras.

140

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

INDIA (Punjab) :—WILLIAM NORMAN LESLIE (1892-95), M.A., B.L., Southern Punjab Railway Co., Ltd., Ferozepore. INDIA (Rajputana) :—GEORGE TAYLOR SIMPSON (1910-20), Jodhpur State Railway, Jodhpur. INDIA (Travancore) :—JOHN FORBES FRASER (1879-83), Travancore Tea Estates Co., Ltd., Bonami, Peermade P.O. INDIA (United Provinces) :—ALEXANDER MACGREGOR WILLIAMSON (1908-11), c/o The Cawnpore Woollen Mills Co., Ltd., Cawnpore. NEW ZEALAND :--Dr. THEODORE GRANT GRAY (1895-1901), Government Buildings, Wellington. GRANT Provinces) :—CAMPBELL (Northern NIGERIA Mc KENZIE (1910-12), Gombe, Bauchi Province. NIGERIA (Southern Provinces) :—Dr. WILLIAM EDWARD GLOVER (1896-98), c/o The Principal Medical Officer, Lagos. PALESTINE :-ROBERT BLAKE WORSLEY HOLMES (1895), General Manager, Palestine Railways, Haifa. POLAND :—JAMES BRYCE CLARKE (1896-99), Anglo-Polish Bank, Warsaw. RHODESIA (Southern) :—NORMAN ALEXANDER SINCLAIR (1913-16), Midlothian Syndicate, Midlothian Farm, P.B., Salisbury. SOUTH AFRICA (Cape Province) :—Dr. ALEXANDER MARR GEDDES (1897-1903), c/o The Secretary of the F.P. Club. SOUTH AFRICA (Natal) :—DAVID STRACHAN (1893-1902), 19 Hulston's Buildings, Durban.. SOUTH AFRICA (Orange Free State) :—DOUGLAS GORDON BISSET (1890-1900), Castor Siding, Private Bag, Bloemfontein. SOUTH AFRICA (Transvaal) :—JAMES MOIR (1881-93), M.A., D.Sc., Government Laboratory, Box 1080, Johannesburg. SOUTH AMERICA (The Argentine) :—REGINALD J. G. WILSON (1905-11), British Bank of South America, Ltd., Buenos Aires. STRAITS SETTLEMENTS (Penang) :—JOHN RHYS DANSON (1897-1903), Municipal Office, Penang. STRAITS SETTLEMENTS (Singapore) :—JOHN IVO DAWSON (1900-04), c/o Messrs. Guthrie & Co., Singapore. SUDAN :—JAMES LORIMER SOUPER (1898-1909), P. W. D., Wad Medani. SUMATRA :—EDWARD PERCY BARNETT (1895-1903), The Bandar Sumatra Rubber_Co., Ltd., Bandar Pinang, P.O., Galang, E.C., Sumatra. UGANDA :—GRAEME GEORGE SUTHERLAND (1903-09), Bulyango Estate, P.O., Masindi. UNITED STATES (Chicago) :—THOMAS B. G. HENDERSON (1894-1900), 1715 Illinois Merchants Bank Building, Chicago. UNITED STATES (New York) :—WILLIAM MACKINTOSH (1893-96), Royal Insurance Co., Ltd., 84 William Street, New York. UNITED STATES (Island of Hawaii) :—LOUIS WILSON (18721875), Hilo, Hawaii. WEST INDIES (Tobago) :—KENNETH REID (1901-04), King's Bay. WEST INDIES (Trinidad) :—ARCHIBALD YOUNG (1885-93), c/o Messrs. Alston & Co., Ltd., Port of Spain.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

141

Settlement of F.P.s in South Africa. It has come to our knowledge that several F.P.s have in recent years gone to South Africa with a view to settling on the land there, and that they have found the conditions to be not quite what they had anticipated. We would very strongly urge any F.P. who is thinking of going to South Africa to communicate first of all with the Club Consul for the Cape Province, Dr. Alexander M. Geddes. He is not at present resident at Cape Town, but letters addressed to him c/o the Secretary of the Club will be re-directed to him. Dr. Geddes has very considerable knowledge of the conditions in the Cape Province, but if he does not know about the particular part to which the intending emigrant is thinking of going, he can readily get the desired information. Another very valuable means of getting authoritative information is to communicate with the 1820 Memorial, Settlers' Association. This Association was formed in 1920 to commemorate and perpetuate the memory of the pioneers of 1820. Its object is to introduce into South Africa men and women of the type most likely to become good agriculturists and good citizens. It has no land or stock for sale, and the sole motives which actuate the members of the Association are the love of South Africa, and the belief that Britons who settle there can be of great service to the Empire and do good for themselves. Settlers are being dealt with under various categories, and in 1926 it was decided to formulate a new scheme for the settlement of School Boys between the ages of 17 and 20. South Africa differs essentially as a field for migration from other Dominions owing to the existence of a plentiful supply of relatively cheap native labour, which gives an advantage in the markets of the world to the South African farmer, and at the same time— generally speaking—makes the country unsuitable for immigrants who cannot command at least a small capital. This essential difference renders the Union particularly attractive to young men of the Public School type, who readily learn to handle native labour, and whose scope for progress is not restricted, as it is in other parts of the world where labour is either non-existent or excessively expensive. Information on methods of training, prospects, climate, etc., may be obtained either on written or personal application from the Secretary, 1820 Memorial, Settlers' Association, 199 Piccadilly, London, W.1, or the Organizer for Scotland, 1820 Memorial, Settlers' Association, 69a George Street, Edinburgh.

The London Section. The Annual General Meeting of the Section was held in the Mitre, 125 Strand, on 9th December, when the following members were elected : President, Lord Meston ; Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, John Thom ; Committee, J. I. C. Crombie, A. J. Croxford, Colonel George Cruden,

142

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

J. M. Easton, J. R. Esson, C. E. Garland, Dr. A. Hill Griffith, J. R. H. Jones, J. C. O. Lawrence, H. E. Lister, F. P. Morton, Brig.-General Mowat, J. Drummond Smith, Dr. A. Landsborough Thomson, and T. J. Wilson. The Business Meeting was followed by a very pleasant informal dinner, after which there was an impromptu concert. It was a very enjoyable evening and met with the approbation of all.

Address by Dr. W. Douglas Simpson. (From a Correspondent.) The Section had a particularly successful evening on the 27th January, when over fifty of us met at the Mitre, Chancery Lane, to dine, and to hear Dr. W. Douglas Simpson address us on the subject of his great howk—" How Grammar School Boys unearthed Kindrochit Castle, Braemar, and what they found." In the absence of the President (who was understood to be carrying on the good work at Geneva), the chair was taken by Sir Francis Grant Ogilvie. Among those present were Dr. J. M. Bulloch, Robert Bruce, J. I. C. Crombie, A. J. Croxford, Colonel George Cruden, L. des Clayes, John M. Easton, J. R. Esson, Charles E. Garland, Howard A. Gray, Dr. A. Hill Griffith, William Hutcheon, Dr. R. N. Ironside, Dr. W. W. Jameson, J. R. H. Jones, J. C. O. Lawrence, F. P. Morton, Professor J. C. Philip, Dr. Douglas Porter, Major Charles Reid, D. C. Sangster, Dr. A. J. Shinnie, J. Cruickshank Smith, J. Drummond Smith, Leonard J. Smith, John Thom, Dr. A. Landsborough Thomson, Dr. James S. Walker, Colonel Douglas Wardrop, Dr. A. J. Williamson, Captain D. H. W. Williamson, Hugh N. B. Wilson, and T. J. Wilson. Dr. Simpson first formed the idea of excavating the site of Kindrochit in 1922. At that time there was nothing to mark the spot except a small heap of stones in a tangle of undergrowth. Nevertheless the lantern slide which showed a plan the lecturer drew up before commencing operations proved how shrewdly he had been able to forecast the ground plan as ultimately disclosed by the excavations. Dr. Simpson gave a short account of the origin of the castle—a summer retreat of Robert the Second from 1371 to 1388—and of the great tower added to the building by Sir Malcolm Drummond in 1390 by the licence of Robert the Third. He did not, however, have time to give us much of its history—that would form the material for another fascinating lecture, and perhaps it is not too much to hope that the London Section may have the pleasure of listening to Dr. Simpson on this aspect of the subject on a future occasion. The work was commenced in 1925, and Dr. Simpson had the valuable help of a band of sturdy Scouts from the Grammar. Some idea of the work these boys accomplished can be gathered from the fact that over three hundred tons of earth and rubbish were removed. Well done, Houkearii ! (This, by the way, is a late Latin word for " excavators " —apparently another discovery of the lecturer's.) The work revealed walls nearly eleven feet thick and a chamber divided into three parts— wine cellar, larder, and prison. Next year further excavations brought to light Sir Malcolm Drummond's tower. These remarkable discoveries, the finding of the Kindrochit Brooch, the site of the bridge over the Cluny, and many other matters, are no doubt well known to Aberdonians—or ought to be. It is sufficient, without going into any further details, to say how extraordinarily fascinating the whole subject was to the exiles in the South, and we have no doubt this lecture will result in heavy migration to Deeside next summer. The chairman expressed the keen pleasure that the lecture had given him. Everyone felt and said the same. The evening was a great success.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

143

The Rugby Football Section. The 1st XV was considerably disorganised owing to injuries and illness up to the end of January, and during that period the results were not so satisfactory as was expected. Since then, the combination of the team has been much improved, and both forwards and backs have given good displays in all matches. A curious position has arisen in the Senior League Championship, each of the three teams having won two games and lost two. On a points basis, F.P.s are the winners. The 1st XV have got into the semi-final of the North and Midlands Cup Competition, having beaten Aberdeen University in the first round. The 2nd XV did very well up to the middle of February, but latterly have been disappointing. In their last match against the School, who are Junior League Champions, F.P.s put up a remarkably good fight in view of the fact that they were opposing the strongest side the School had turned out since the early part of the season. 1926.

1927.

1st XV Results. v. Gordonians, at Rubislaw . . Won v. Aberdeen Univ. (League), at Rubislaw Lost v. Black Watch, at Elgin . . . Won v. Gordonians (League), at Rubislaw . Lost v. St. Andrews Univ., at St. Andrews Lost v. Aberdeen Univ. (League), at King's Won v. Highland, at Rubislaw . . Won v. Gordonians (League), at Seafield . Won v. 'Varsity (Cup Tie), at Rubislaw . Won

Nov.20. • 27. Dec. 4. „ 11. Jan. 8. • 29. Feb. 5. 19. Mar. 5.

3— 0 0— 3 16-11 3- 8 0— 8 6— 0 55- 5 20- 0 6— 5

Season's Analysis. Played All matches 15 League matches 4

1926.

1927.

Won 9 2

Lost 4 2

Drawn 2 0

Points for 190 29

Points against 71 11

2nd XV Results. v. 2nd Gordonians, at Seafield . . Won 12— 0 v. 2nd 'Varsity (League), at King's . Won 8— 7 v. Gordon's College (League), at Seafield Draw 5— 5 v. 2nd Gordonians (League), at Seafield Won 11— 0 v. 2nd Gordonians, at Rubislaw . Won 17— 6 v. 2nd Panmure, at Forthill . . Won 20— 9 v. Gordon's Coll. (League), at Rubislaw Won 23— 3 v. Banker's (League), at Rubislaw . Won 3— 0 v. 2nd 'Varsity (League), at Rubislaw Lost 0-30 v. 2nd Gordonians (League), at Rubislaw Lost 3— 5 v. School- (League), at Rubislaw . Lost 8-18

Nov.20. • 27. Dec. 4. „ 11. Jan. 8. • 15. Feb. 5. • 12. „ 19. 26.. Mar. ;". 5

Season's Analysis. Played. All matches 16 League matches 9 1926.

Dec. 11.

Played 4

Won. 10 4

Lost. 5 4

" A " XV Result. v. 3rd 'Varsity at Rubislaw

Won 3

Points for 184 61

Drawn. 1 1 .

Season's Analysis. Points Lost Drawn for 0 1 118

Points against. 103 73

. Lost Points against 20

8-20

144

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

27th November. v. 'Varsity.—From the kick-off 'Varsity attacked, but F.P.s cleared and took play to the other end, where Dingwall was forced to touch down. The 'Varsity three-quarters were always dangerous, and from a kick ahead Easton scored far out. The kick at goal failed. The F.P. forwards were playing strongly and twice they took the ball over the line, but both times 'Varsity secured the touch down. The score at half time was 3-0 for 'Varsity. In the second half F.P.s kept up a determined pressure, but they could not break through the defence. N. Esslemont cut through and passed to Wood, but he was shoved into touch at the corner flag. 'Varsity carried play down to their opponents' line, and no side came The with F.P.s on the defensive. Result—'Varsity 3 ; F.P.s Nil. forwards were good, and Richardson especially was very useful in securing the ball from the line-outs. The backs got plenty of opportunities but they lacked the ability to penetrate the 'Varsity's defence. F.P. XV.—J. Morrice; J. B. Smith, R. C. Scrimgeour, J. Yule, J. Middleton; N. Esslemont, J. M. McLeod ; R. Irvin, J. F. Richardson, N. Begg, J. Abernethy, I. A. McDougall, R. Bain J. G. Kilgour, D. M. Wood. 11th December. v. Gordonians.—The first half was very evenly contested, but Gordonians scored near the end, and the try was converted. Half time, 5-0 for Gordonians. On resuming F.P.s pressed, but were held out by keen tackling. From a penalty outside the 25 yards' line, J. M. McLeod dropped a good goal. The F.P. forwards were getting more of the ball and kept up a steady pressure, but the full-back cleared, and from a kick ahead Gordonians scored at the corner. The kick failed. F.P.s went all out for a score and rushed the ball down to the Gordonians' line, but they failed to get over and no side came without further scoring. Result-8-3 for Gordonians. F.P.s had most of the game territorially, but lacked scoring power, and their movements were too easily upset by the sound defence of the Gordonians. F.P. XV.—J. Morrice ; B. Esslemont, J. B. Smith, N. Esslemont, G. L. Cruickshank; R. C. Scrimgeour, J. M. McLeod; J. McLeod, R. Irvin, N. Begg, J. F. Richardson, J. Abernethy, I. A. McDougall, R. Bain, J. G. Kilgour. 29th January. v. 'Varsity.—The game started off very fast with neither side having any advantage. F.P.s brought off a great rush from their own line and Scrimgeour scored. Soon after 'Varsity were penalized in their own 25, and Spark kicked a good goal. Half time-6-0 for F.P.s. In the second half play was again very keen, 'Varsity going all out to score, but the F.P.s were playing hard, and managed to hold their lead to the finish. Result—F.P.s 6 points ; 'Varsity, Nil. In this game Scrimgeour was put in his old position at scrum-half, J. M. McLeod going full-back, Abernethy was brought out of the scrum to centre three-quarter, where his soundness both in defence and attack proved invaluable. These changes were a decided success, but it was largely due to the general fitness of the F.P.s that they were able to get the better of their opponents. F.P. XV.—J. M. McLeod; B. Esslemont, J. Abernethy, N. Esslemont, H. S. Insch ; J. Yule, R. C. Scrimgeour; J. McLeod, R. Irvin, N. Begg, J. F. Richardson, R. Bain, J. G. Kilgour, J. C. Spark, A. Gray. 19th February. v. Gordonians.—From the start the pace was very fast and Gordonians pressed on the F.P. line. F.P.s got going, and B. Esslemont scored after a brilliant run. Soon after, Richardson scored a try, which he also converted. The F.P.s were playing well together, and always got possession of the ball in the line-outs. Scrimgeour scored for F.P.s, giving them a lead of 11 points at half time. Grammar F.P.s still kept up the attack, and two more tries were scored in quick succession. In the last minute the Gordonians were penalized,

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

145

and Richardson scored from the free kick. Result—F.P.s 20; Gordonians, Nil. Begg and Bain were outstanding among the forwards. B. Esslemont was the best of the backs, but all played well. F.P. XV.—J. M. McLeod ; P. J. Walker, J. Abernethy, N. Esslemont, B. Esslemont; J. Yule, R. C. Scrimgeour; J. McLeod, N. Begg, J. F. Richardson, R. Bain, J. C. Spark, J. G. Kilgour, A. Gray, I. A. McDougall. 5th March. v. 'Varsity.—This game was played under very bad conditions, rain falling the whole time. As a result the ground was very soft and soon became badly cut up. The game was a series of forward rushes, with neither pack having much advantage over the other, and up to half time there was no scoring. Midway through the second half 'Varsity scored from a loose rush, and the try was converted. After this F.P.s had most of the game, and from a passing movement Walker scored after a good run. The kick at goal failed. In the last ten minutes F.P.s kept up a continual pressure, and just before time Gray scored from a forward rush. Result-6-5 for F.P.s. J. M. McLeod played a sound game at full back, his saving in the face of 'Varsity rushes being very plucky. All the forwards played well, but Begg and J. McLeod were outstanding. F.P. XV.—J. M. McLeod ; P. J. Walker, J. Abernethy, N. Esslemont, B. Esslemont; J. Yule, R. C. Scrimgeour; J. McLeod, N. Begg, J. F. Richardson, R. Bain, J. C. Spark, J. G. Kilgour, A. Gray, I. A. McDougall.

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The Hockey Section.

•

The hockey season is now practically over, except for three matches in the Senior Division and two in the Junior. The standard of hockey in the 1st XI has not been so high as in previous years, and this is shown by the results of the games played. Throughout the whole season there has been a marked lack of combination and team work, especially in the forward line, and this must be remedied if the team is to regain its former position in local hockey. Up to the present 19 games have been played, of which four have been won, nine lost, and six drawn. The 2nd XI have had quite a successful season, but have as usual been unfortunate in having to supply the wants of the parent team. Out of 15 games played, seven have been won, five lost, and three drawn. There is every prospect of both the 1st and 2nd XIs being at full strength next year, and although we cannot hope to have a more enjoyable season than the one just past, we may reasonably expect a somewhat more successful one. The following awards have been made by the 1st XI Cap Committee for Season 1926-27 :— Caps—J. R. Donald, A. J. Wilson, J. E. Wilson. Dates—F. R. Aitken. A criticism of the 1st XI players follows :— F. R. Aitken.—Goalkeeper. Very sound ; kicks and anticipates well, but should cultivate stickwork. J. R. Donald.—Right Back. Very safe; clears to advantage and tackles well. Stickwork excellent, but should not use reverse stick in front of goal. Shows great promise. A. J. M. Cruickshank.—Left Back. Tackles and intercepts well. Hitting very weak, but will improve with experience. D. J. Walker.—Right Half. Hard worker, but inclined to wander. Placing and hitting could be improved. A. J. Wilson.—Centre Half. Tackles and holds up the opposing attack splendidly. Hits and intercepts well. Should watch opposing centre in circle. J. B. Watt.—Left Half. A plodder. Tackles well, but constructive work with forwards poor. Stickwork could be much improved.

146

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

J. E. Wilson.—Outside Right. Good in attack and centres well. Speedy, but should have more variation in stickwork. A. G. Hutchison.—Inside Right. Shoots and combines well. Stickwork moderate. Has a fair understanding of the game, and should improve with experience. C. W. Williamson.—Centre Forward. Hard working and speedy. Shoots well. Should learn to control and distribute the ball. G. Wood.—Inside Left. An energetic player but rather inconsistent. Stickwork fairly good. Could combine with centre to advantage. N. Robb.—Outside Left. Has excellent speed and ball control which he uses to advantage, but should centre immediately he has beaten his man.

The Tennis Section. Tennis is now very near, and all members of the Section are looking forward to an enjoyable season. It is to be hoped that the weather will be good this year, especially during May—so much depends upon it. By the time the Magazine is published the Annual Meeting will have been held, but anyone wishing information should write the Secretary, P. R. Wood, 24 Desswood Place, Aberdeen. Play will probably commence in April.

The Motor Section. The Annual Meeting of the Section was held in the Chamber of Commerce on 3rd March. The retiring Secretary, E. O. Hector, in his report set forth a very satisfactory state of affairs, and the outlook for the coming season is indeed promising. The President, J. G. Michie, of Aboyne, presented the prizes for the season 1926, and greatly amused the company with stories of his early motoring days. Then the meeting proceeded to elect office-bearers for the season 1927, but before doing so, Mr. Hector, the retiring Secretary, was cordially thanked for the work he had done for the Section, and everyone joined in wishing him good fortune in his new situation in London. The new office-bearers were elected as follows :—Captain, C. Lamb ; Secretary and Treasurer, C. G. Brown, Westwood, Craigton Road ; Committee—J. P. Jeffrey, D. Lamb, S. Hurry, D. and J. Fairweather. At a later committee meeting a programme was drawn up, and if it can be taken as any guide, then the season 1927 will be one of the best for the Section. Anyone interested should communicate with the Secretary, or better still, appear at the opening meeting, which takes the form of a social run to the Burn o' Vat starting from the Bridge of Dee at 2.30 on Sunday, 24th April.

List of New Members of the Club. ORDINARY MEMBERS. Allan, Albert (1919-26), 14 Bruce, George William (1915Brunswick Place, Aberdeen. 24), Thoresby, Cults, AberAnderson, Fred (1912-15), deenshire. Wester Durris, Drumoak. Bruce, Ian Leslie (1922-26), Barton, George E. C. (1923Palmerston, Swanley Junc26), Glassel House, Glassel. tion, Kent. Bowman, Charles Ogilvie Will Cheyne, James Dalgarno (1910-15), 318 Perth Road, (1918-24), 5 Hammerfield Dundee. Avenue, Aberdeen. Brown, Kenneth Stewart Collins, Herbert Davidson (1913-21), 36 Ashley Gar(1922-26), 92 Bonnymuir dens, Aberdeen. Place, Aberdeen.

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Connon, Edwin William (191625), 70 Carden Place, Aberdeen. Cowie, James Murray (191626), 14 Norfolk Road, Aberdeen. Sharp William Davidson, Primrosehill (1921-26), House, Cults. Donald, James J., Sen. (188587), 55 Gray Street, Aberdeen. Donald, James J., Jun. (192126), 55 Gray Street, Aberdeen. Dugan, Douglas Ross (190208), M.B., Ch.B., 53 Argyll Place, Aberdeen. Esson, Francis Millar (191825), 4 Camperdown Road, Aberdeen. Fairley, Robert L. (1925-26), 50 Fernleigh Road, Newlands, Glasgow. Fyfe, George Paterson (191624), 22 Fonthill Road, Aberdeen. Grassick, Alfred G. M. (191926), 68 Forest Avenue, Aberdeen. Harper, Douglas Ross (191726), Seafield House, Aberdeen. Humphrey, James Rankine (1920-26), Craigton House, Cults. Hunter, Edward Alexander (1917-26), 23 Devonshire Road, Aberdeen. Hutcheson, Herbert Cecil (1921-26), 73 Brighton Place Aberdeen. Lindsay, Robert G. (1924-26), 310 Great Western Road, Aberdeen. Ludwig, Charles (1917-26), 5 Rubislaw Den South, Aberdeen. McGregor, David Alexander Ross (1910-11), Ellerslie, Cults, Aberdeenshire. Maciver, William (1923-26), Abbot Hall, Cults. Mackie, Alex. Douglas (192426), Gardener's Cottage, Hilton House, Woodside. Milne, Gordon Edward (192026), 394 King Street, Aberdeen.

147

Morgan, John Hendry (192425), 1 St. Peter Street, Peterhead. Munro, Gordon Crombie, (1923-26), Lour Hotel, Aberlour, Strathspey. Murray, Charles M. M. (191426), 37 Forest Road, Aberdeen. Mutch, A. R. (1899-1901), 42 Regent Quay, Aberdeen. Niven, James Cumming (192026), 43 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen. Ogg, John Scott (1919-20), 362 Holburn Street, Aberdeen. Phillips, John W. (1921-23), 63 Murray Terrace, Aberdeen. Rennett, James Leslie (191326), 12 Moray Place, Aberdeen. Roger, John Grant (1920-26), 370 Great Western Road, Aberdeen. Scott, James Henry (1920-26), 5 Abbotsford Place, Aberdeen. Scott, Thomas Wharrie [Falconer (1915-18), 30 Carden Place, Aberdeen. Scott, William Russell (191526), 38 Carden Place, Aberdeen. Shennan, David John George (1922-26), 25 Fonthill Terrace, Aberdeen. Skene, Ronald Fraser (191826), 26 Ashley Road, Aberdeen. Smith, Alexander R.(1922-26), 79 Forest Avenue, Aberdeen. Smith, William A. R. (192026), 31 Fonthill Terrace, Aberdeen. Spark, James C. (1918-21), The Manse, Durris. Stott, William Norman (18981904), 12 Osborne Place, Aberdeen. Webster, James (1920-26), 114 Westburn Road, Aberdeen. Whyte, Charles (1917-26), Rosemount, Montague St., Barnhill, Broughty-Ferry. Williamson, Alex. George G. (1914-26), 15 Forest Road, Aberdeen. Wright, D. O. (1915-16), 8 Alford Place, Aberdeen.

145

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.

F.P. Club Office-Bearers, 1927-28. Honorary President— DAVID MIDDLETON ANDREW, M.A. (Rector since 192 4).

Honorary Vice-Presidents— The Right Hon. Lord AI,NESS, P.C., M.A., LL.D., Lord Justice-Clerk of Scotland (1884-85). Sir JOHN BAKER, M.D. (1875-79). Sir GEORGE CARMICHAEL, K.C.S.I., LL.D. (1876-81). Sir WM. WATSON CHEYNE, Bart., K.C.M.G., C.B., M.B., C.M., F.R.C.S., D.Sc., LL.D., F.R.S. (1863-68). Sir JOHN COLLIE, C.M.G., M.D., C.M. (1873-76). Professor WILLIAM LESLIE DAVIDSON, M.A., LL.D. (1859-64). Sir DAVID FERRIER, M.A., M.D., LLD., D.Sc., F.R.S. (1854-58). Sir GEORGE STUART FORBES, K.C.S.I., M.A. (186o-64). Major-General Sir JAMES R. L. MACDONALD, K.C.I.E., C.B., LL.D. (1873-76). The Right Hon. Lord MESTON, K.C.S.I., LL.D. (1876-80). DOUGLAS GORDON MILLER, M.A. (Rector, 1921-24). Sir FRANCIS GRANT OGILVIE, C.B., M.A., B.Sc., LL.D. (187 2-74). Sir ALEXANDER OGST0N, K.C.V.O., M.D., C.M., LLD. ( 1855-58)Lieut.-Col. Sir DAVID PRAIN, C.M.G., C.I.E., M.A., M.B., LL.D., F.R.S. (1872-73). Lieut.-General Sir ANDREW SKEEN, K.C.B., K.C.I.E., C.M.G. (188o-86). Sir GEORGE WATT, C.I.E., M.B., C.M., LL.D. (1867-69). The LORD PROVOST OF ABERDEEN. The CHAIRMAN OF ABERDEEN EDUCATION AUTHORITY.

President—JOHN MALCOLM BULLOCH, M.A., LL.D. (1877-80). Vice-President—ALEXANDER MCKENZIE JOHNSTON (1898-1903).

Secretary and Treasurer— THEODORE WATT, M.A. (1889-1901), The Rosemount Press, Aberdeen.

40.

Assistant Secretary— DONALD ARBUTHNOT DAVIDSON, B.L. (1905-15), 1 47 Union Street, • Aberdeen.

Committee-DOUGLAS P.COCHRAN ALAN MCBAIN, M.A. W. CLARK SOUTER, M.D. GEORGE G. NICOL, WM. G. CRAIGEN, J. F. WALKER, M.A. D.S.O. M.A., LL.B. N. J. J. WALKER, JAS. PATTERSON, JAMES C. DUFFUS, M.A., LL.B. M.A., LL.B. M.A., LL.B. E. W. WATT, M.A. RANALD ESSLEMONT. J. L. RIDDELL. W. DOUGLAS SIMPJ. P. JEFFREY. SON, D.Litt. JAMES LEITH, Jr. Hon. Auditors—Messrs. BOWER & SMITH, C.A.

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DAVID MIDDLETON ANDREW, M.A.

course of HE GRAMMAR SCHOOL provides for Boys a complete Study, both Elementary and Secondary, Classical and Modern. The School, which is organized in three Departments—Lower, handsomely Middle, and Upper Schools—contains excellent laboratories Science Theatre furnished and equipped, including a Chemical Laboratory, Laboratory, Art Room, with Physical Laboratory attached, Natural Science Reading Room, and Library, Garden, Botanical Workshop, Gymnasium, Museum. Examination of Pupils in the Lower School are prepared for the Control examined for the Day are Classes Senior the while Authority, Education the of the Scottish School Certificate (Higher) and the Leaving Certificate being recognised Education Department, passes in the latter examination subjects of the as exempting from further examination in the corresponding and Medicine Preliminary Examination for graduation in Arts, Science, Law at the Scottish Universities. City is open and The situation of the School in the West end of the Recreation include healthy. The Class-rooms are large, and the Grounds for Courts, and a field separate Play-grounds for Juniors and Seniors, Tennis for Cricket and Football.

FOR GIRLS. ABERDEEN HIGH SCHOOL PLACE.) Ileadmlotrooo

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for Girls from 5 or 6 HE HIGH SCHOOL provides a liberal education home life and for to r8 or to years of age, and aims at fitting them for professions open to women. spacious site in the West The School buildings occupy an excellent and of the School comprise, in end of the City. The furnishings and equipment modern conveniences addition to numerous Class-rooms fitted up with many Gymnasium, Art Rooms, a for teaching purposes, an Assembly Hall, Cookery and Lantern Room, a School Library of 2,ooo volumes, spacious the most approved descripLaundry Rooms, and a suite of Laboratories of Biology. tion for the teaching of Physics, Chemistry, and Primary, The School is organized in three Departments—Infants, and Secondary. are graded in accordThe Classes in the Infants and Primary divisions pupils are prepared The Code. Scottish the of requirements ance with the Authority. Pupils in the Education the of Examination Control for the School Certificate (Higher) Secondary Department are prepared for the Day Education Department. The Scottish the of Certificate Leaving the and with History and Geography, subjects of study include—Scripture, English Mathematics, Classics, Modern Languages, Experimental and Domestic Science, Art, Class Singing, and Physical Exercises. Practice of Music Pupils whose parents desire it are taught Theory and Examinations of for the (Pianoforte, Violin, and Organ) in preparation Associated Board of the Royal Trinity College of Music, London, and of the Advanced pupils are prepared for Academy and Royal College of Music. the Licentiate of the Royal Academy.

Study, etc., at the Information as to Fees, Scholarships, Courses of is given in the School ProGrammar School and High School for Girls to the Director of Education, spectus which may be had free on application Rector or Headmistress Education Offices, 22 Union Terrace, or to the respectively.

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