AGS Magazine October 1899

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY. Fifteenth Year of Publication.

October, 1890.

'new Series, Vol. 111., 114o. 4.

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THE

GRAMMAR SCHOOL MAGAZINE

NEW SERIES—Nos. I.-IV. 1 898-99

ABERDEEN i

JAMES G. BISSET

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MDCCCXCIX.

CONTENTS 13 t.t

AN INTERVIEW WITH THE GERMAN EMPEROR.

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AN INTERVIEW WITH M. LOUIS DE ROUGEMONT.

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AN INTERVIEW WITH MR. EDWARD TERRY ANAG RAM

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ANALYSIS OF THE BURSARY COMPETITION RESULTS. AQUATIC SPORTS

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ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS

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BAZAAR, THE F.P. BON-RECORD

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ATHLETICS, A SCHOOLBOY'S ESSAY. •

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BY THE EDITOR OF THE "BIRMING-

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CINCINNATUS.

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"COMMEM." WEEK AT OXFORD. BY AN "OXFORD BLUE" (F.P.) .

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DEBATING FINALE

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CYCLING CLUB

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PA(:E

LETTER FROM THE POET LAUREATE

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LIFE AT A CATHOLIC COLLEGE. BY A. G. JOHNSTONE (F.P.) 47 .

MY INTRODUCTION TO THE JAPANESE NAVAL SERVICE .

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NOTES ABOUT OLD BOYS . . . . .

• 4, 37, 68, 114 •OLD SCOTTISH SUPERSTITIONS. BY W. P. MILNE . . .

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•OUR PILGRIMAGE TO ROME OUR POETS' CORNER .

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.OUR PRIZE COMPETITION

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OUR SCHOOL IN THE DAYS OF GEORGE IV. BY " SENEX 4.)UR SCHOOL RIOTS THREE HUNDRED YEARS AGO •

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POSITION OF THE ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHOOL IN THE SCIENTIFIC WORLD, THE . .

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PRIZE ESSAY

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PRIZE DAY, 1899

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BY W. K. L. (F.P.)

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READING AND READERS IN 1868.

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By J. GRAY (F.P.) . . . . . . . .

52 SCHOOL RECORDS IN ATHLETICS .

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ESTIMATES ON APPLICATION. Orders also received at the " Free Press" Office.

CONTENTS.

- 109 - 114 NOTES ABOUT OLD BOYS - 117 SESSION 1898-99 - 120 OUR PILGRIMAGE TO ROME My INTRODUCTION TO THE JAPANESE NAVAL SERVICE 124 - 128 INTERVIEW WITH MR. EDWARD TERRY - 130 THE PRIZE ESSAY - 133 THE F:P. BAZAAR - 133 THE SPORTS—Full and Graphic Account - 137 THE CYCLING CLUB - 137 THE AQUATIC SPORTS - 140 GYMNASTIC COMPETITION _ _ _ - 141 SCHOOL RECORDS IN ATHLETICS PRIZE COMPETITION -

DEBATING SOCIETY •

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THE

Orammar Sci?oof tiTaga3ine.

New Series, Valli

OCTOBER, 1899.

No. 4.

SCHOOL NOTES. HERE endeth the Third Volume of the Grammar School Magazine, and subscriptions, 2s., are now due for the Fourth Volume. With this number the present editor begs leave to say farewell to all his friends, and assures them that—to use the language of advertisements—he has the greatest confidence in recommending those to whom he hands down the editorial quill. Our tenure of office has been a delight to us on account of the support we have met in the School and out of it ; and, as a consequence, the financial position of the Magazine is in a very satisfactory state. We have to thank, in anticipation, the Debating and Literary Society of 1898-99 for the generous donation of £1 10s. which they have voted to the Magazine. We wish the new editors every success, and we shall always be ready to give them any assistance we can.

The whole School learns with deep regret of Dr. Moir's serious accident, and we are sorry to hear that his progress towards convalescence is but slow. He has the sympathy of us all. As a consequence of his illness, the Upper Classical School is in rather a congested condition. The Fifth, consisting of last year's Fourth (A and B), numbers 44, and there are 43 in the present Fourth. The present Sixth did so well in the Leaving Certificate Examinations last year that we must offer them our heartiest congratulations.

Are the present Fifth to achieve less renown ? We hope not.

The Football Captains have been elected, and we should like to give them a hint. Many new fellows have come to School who require a little pressing before they will do anything in the athletic line. If they are tackled in time and in the right way they will soon get over their shyness 4

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and disinclination for games. We were sorry last year and the year before to see such sturdy material lying fallow, as it were. Mr. C. B. Fry, in his excellent articles in The Captain, points out that the Captain of the School must not forget that the games all through the School require looking after. The Captain, he says, ought to go round the minor games, and be seen taking an interest "Taking an interest" reminds us that the present Seventh seem to be rather lax in their duty towards the School Societies We certainly expected to see certain names in the Committee, for instance, of the Literary Club and Debating Society. If that Society last Session was not quite up to the mark—and strange rumours fill the air—it was the duty of the Seventh to see that it was.

And it is the duty of the highest class to take the lead in every Society and Club. Let the individuals who keep aloof come down from their lofty perch and give the ordinary Upper School fellow the benefit of their wisdom.

Of course, in speaking of the Seventh, we include the Sixth Modern. Does it take its rightful share of the burden of School Society work ?

We have seen a photograph of the Physical Laboratory with all the fellows putting on their best photographic smile. " Looking pleasant" at the command of a bland operator is rather a difficult thing to do, but the Moderns have come out of the ordeal very well. We understand the photograph is to appear at the Paris Exhibition. Will this not be an inducement for some of us to go there next year ?

It is also rumoured that the " Workshop" is in the full swing of preparing specimens for the great Exposition.

May they win a medal •

Mr. Pope is to be congratulated on the brilliant results of his drawing examinations this year. They have never before been so good. We personally look up to Mr. Pope with a certain amount of awe even yet, for he was the only Master from whom we got a thrashing. It was richly deserved, too, for but that's another story.

Nos quoque in Arcadia fuimus ! " You are old, Father William," and we begin to feel so indeed, for one by one our relics of the olden time disappear.

Within the last few weeks our venerable " Domus Rotunda "

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has been levelled with the ground. The grove, the scene of many classic combats in the days of yore, sighs gently at the loss of its ancient shrine. New gods have been set up in our midst and new shrines also. And why should we repine though the relics disappear, for do we not read that our Lords and Masters are spending £3,000 on our new Gymnasium and Workshop ? Does that include the muchtalked-of Swimming Bath ?

It is not very often that our School appears in the Police Court reports. It did so figure lately. A week or two ago some of the ragamuffins of the Leadside Road District made off with a bicycle that was stowed away near the janitor's lodge until its owner came out of School. They made good use of it, for it was returned next morning in a sorry condition, enamel scratched, pedals bent, and so on. Its owner, however, was glad to get it in any condition.

Baillie Taggart dealt with the amateur Tin-pins in a very vigorous fashion, and our bicycles will be allowed to rest in peace in future.

It was proposed to build a bicycle shed some time ago, but there was an insufficient number of bicyclists in the School for the project to be carried out. They have a shed at " the other place," we believe.

We read in the prize columns of The Captain that Allan N. Sutherland, of the Fifth, has won the second prize (value half-a-guinea) in the drawing competition of that magazine.

The subject was "The best sketch of a master's desk."

He was our special artist at the Swimming Gala and at the Sports, and we present our readers with the results of his labour in the form of an illustrated supplement. We have more of his sketches, even better than those reproduced, but for various reasons they cannot appear at present.

By the way, we strongly recommend The Captain to all our readers, for we think that there is no better magazine for boys published. ,

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Just before the holidays we received a letter from the Right Honourable James Bryce, M.P., in the course of which he said that in the autumn he might have sufficient time to write an article for us, "and my own schoolboy recollections give me so much sympathy with the Magazine that I should like to do so." There ought to be something

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worth reading in the next issue. We are also on the track of Old Boys who were blockade-runners, and of others who were filibustering in the late Philippino war.

A friend of ours in Shiraz has promised us an article on Persian Life, and we have in hand about two dozen letters dealing with life in the Malay Peninsula.

We give here a list of the office-bearers of the " Literary Club and Debating Society," and we also print the syllabus in full. With such a programme the Society ought to have a very successful session.

OFFICE-BEARERS. Hon. President—W. Murison, Esq., M.A. President—William Rae. Vice-Presidents—H. J. Butchart, J. M. Hector, Theo. Watt.

Secretary and Treasurer--D. Anderson.

Committee—J. Edwards, D. E. Rae, J. M. Robertson, A. M. Shinnie, B. Wright.

1899.

SYLLABUS. Sept. 22. Lecture—" The Poets Laureate of England."

Rev. J. M. DANSON, D.D. Hat Night.

Oct. Debate—" Which is the happier: the Barbarian or the Civilized Man ?"

For., G. S. RUSSELL ; Lat., J. EDWARDS. „ 13. Lecture—" Oliver Goldsmith."

Rev. A. DOAK. 20. Magazine Night.

27. Debate—" Ought we to have Conscription in Great Britain ?"

Aft:, D. ANDERSON ; Neg., W. RAE. Nov. 3. Lecture—" Traditionary Ballads of Scotland."

Rev. G. W. THOMSON. „ 10. Debate—" Cremation v. Burial."

For., A. M. SHINNIE ; Lat., THEODORE WATT. „ 17. Lecture—" In Sweden with a Camera," with Limelight Views.

J. B. PHILIP, Esq., M.A. 24. Impromptu.

A. APLEon, Esq. Dec. 1. Reading.

8. Parliamentary Night. „ 15. Debate - " Is Duelling justifiable ?"

Ai., D. E. RAE ; Hey., B. WRIGHT. 5, 22. Hat Night.

1900.

Jan. 12. Lecture— ' George Borrow, "The Gipsy."'

W. MORISON, Esq., A I .A. „ 19. Debate —" Ought our Empire to Federate ? " ..4f., H. J. ROTCHART ; Neg., J. M. HECTOR. 26. Impromptu.

Feb. 2. Paper—" The Magazines and Novels of to-day."

J. M. ROBERTSON. „ 9. Magazine Night. „ 16. Lecture. C. M`Leod, Esq., M.A. „ 23. Lecture—" A Tour in Italy—Rome, Florence, and Venice," with Limelight Views.

C. DAVIDSON, Esq., M.A. Mar. 2. Impromptu.

School Notes.

113

We have to record with deep regret the death of A. Lawrence Mackenzie, a bright, promising boy in Middle II. B., who died on June 4th, in consequence of an accident.

We have to thank most cordially the Former Pupils' Club for their continued interest in the School. Last session they presented two silver medals to the best scholars in English on the Classical and Modern sides. They also voted £1 1.s. for the Sports (in addition to the same amount for Swimming), but, through a misunderstanding, it did not appear in the list of donations. It is gratifying to find that the Club realises so strongly its duties towards the School. Might we hint that there is no medal for Mathematics. Why should that subject stand all forlorn?

Will some kind friend remember it before next year?

Messrs. A. & J. Smith. who cut the dies for the silver medals, have within the last few days presented a beautiful silver cup to the Rector, to be given, we believe, for the Quarter Mile. It is not the first time that the School has been indebted to the Messrs. Smith. Mr. George Cruden (F.P.) has also presented a silver medal for Gymnastics.

We hope that every boy who leaves the School now or at any time will join the Old Boys' Club, and thus keep in touch with the School. The annual subscription is only one shilling, and the honorary secretary is Mr. Alf. W. Edwards, 267 Union Street, Aberdeen.

We see that a resident in Leadside Road has sent a complaint to the School Board in regard to the danger from cricket balls flying over the wall. Perhaps this may induce the Board to fence the wall with high wire netting, which will serve a double purpose. It will keep out of our grounds the unsavoury characters who infest it at present during our matches, and it will, of course, keep the balls from crashing through the windows opposite.

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Our late assistants in the editorial work of this Magazine, W. P. Milne and James Shirran (Dux of the School) have left for the University. The former had attended the School two sessions, and so missed the position of Dux, but as a compensation he got the silver medal awarded to the Best English Scholar on the Classical side. Their aid was much appreciated by us. We wish them all success.

We are indebted to the courtesy of Mr. Thomas Hector,

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Clerk to the School Board, for a copy of the School Board Cnroaicle, from which it appears that the annual meeting of School Board Clerks was held at Brighton in June.

At this Conference a paper on " An Old Scottish Burgh School " was read by Mr. James Arnot, M.A., Edinburgh.

In the course of it he says " In Aberdeen Grammar School. the representative School of the North of Scotland, of which there is a record dating from 1262, John Vaus, who was Rector in 1520, and afterwards a Professor in the University of that city, has the honour of being the first Scotsman who published a Latin Grammar, and the foremost of many illustrious grammarians that School has produced—such men as Reid, Wedderburn, Beattie, and Melvin. As a master of idiomatic Latin, the latter takes a place in the first rank of Scottish scholars. From the Statutes of the School of 1553, we gain a good idea of the course of study then pursued, and find that a good secondary education was given. When we are inclined to boast of the advanced education of the present day, it may be well for us to keep in mind that, at the date mentioned, the boys of • that School were ' strictly forbidden to speak in the vulgar tongue, but only in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, French, and Gaelic.' Nor was Aberdeen alone in giving a liberal and scholarly education to its pupils."

NOTES ABOUT OLD BOYS. WE have to record in this number the deaths of several of

our illustrious old boys, including that of one whose name we had not before heard of. We mean the name of Mr. John Donaldson, partner of Mr. Thornycroft, the famous torpedo boat constructor. In the course of a long and laudatory paragraph the Times of 5th October declares that it was owing to Mr. Donaldson's frequent lectures at the Royal United Service Institution in London that the British Government introduced torpedo boats in the navy.

Before this time Mr. Donaldson had built torpedo boats for foreign navies, and the first fast torpedo boat was constructed by him for Norway. Along with Mr. Thornycroft he introduced the famous water-tube boilers, which have revolutionised the engine-rooms of our men-of-war. Mr. Donaldson was educated at the Old School and at Glasgow University.

Vice-Consul James Scott, of the Eastern Consular Service, has been appointed Consul at Swatow. Mr. Scott

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was Vice-Consul for several years in the Corea, and during his residence there he published a Corean Grammar and Dictionary, which are now the standard works on that language. He received the special thanks of the British Government for this important work, and just before the troubles broke out in the Corea he was appointed ViceConsul at Shanghai. Mr. Scott is at present in Aberdeen with his wife and family, and, although he has a wonderful collection of rare photographs, he is too busy to prepare a lecture for our Debating Society. He has some capital stories to tell of "explorers" who go out from this country and get most of their adventures in the smoking-rooms of Eastern clubs, and then return home to thrill their hearers with " 'orrible accounts of hairbreadth escapes," and other fairy tales.

Brigade-Surgeon-Lieut.-Col. Maconachie, M.D. (Aber.), M.R.C.P. (Lond.), late Principal of Grant Medical College, Bombay, has been appointed, on the recommendation of the Medical Faculty, Lecturer in Tropical Medicine in the UniN ersity of Aberdeen.

Rev. Robert S. Kemp, B.D., has been appointed to the important charge of Old Deer.

Rev. W. Carden Blaikie, D.D., died during the holidays. He was Professor of Homiletics and Pastoral Theology in New College, Edinburgh. Born in 1820, he studied with us under Melvin (Dux in 1833), and afterwards at Marischal College, where he graduated at the early age of 17.

We congratulate our old class-fellow, J. H. M. Davie, on being gazetted as Captain in the Royal Scots. His regiment is at present stationed at Mandalay.

Eugene de Faye is not, as we stated in our last number, the leading dental surgeon in Lausanne. It is his brother Edouard who is in that position. Eugene is Professor of Theology in Paris.

Edmund Danson has been appointed Lieutenant in the Indian Marine. He has seen much service in many parts of the world. His Japanese experiences are well worth listening to, and he has promised to send us an account of his experiences in India.

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Professor A. F. Murison, LL.D., London, formerly English Master with us, and lately candidate for the Lord Rectorship of Aberdeen University, recently wrote the " Life of William Wallace " for the " Famous Scots " series, and has now followed this up by a " Life of Robert the Bruce " for the same.

Robert Ogilvie, LL.D., whose death we now chronicle, was one of Her Majesty's Chief Inspectors of Schools for Scotland. He belonged to the family of that name distinguished in educational matters, and, like his brothers, the head of Gordon's College and Dr. Joseph Ogilvie, old boys of our school. We ourselves, when in the Sixth, experienced an examination in Classics from him—Dr. Moir being Rector—and we shall never forget the genial appearance of the man, nor the charming way with which he " put He quite gained our us through" parts of the Hecuba. confidence and affection, and we gave him a ringing cheer on leaving. There was no trace of the dominie about him.

It is a thing worthy of note that Thomas A. Stewart, LL.D., the Chief Inspector of Schools for the Western District of Scotland, should also be one of us. Since the above was written. Dr. Stewart has been appointed to the Edinburgh District, being thus the doyen of the Inspectorate in Scotland. Let us also remind our readers that two of the Four Principals of the Scottish Universities are Old Boys.

Hugh Gunn has been appointed an Assistant Inspector of Schools.

Rev. J. Gordon Watt, M.A., has been appointed Editorial Superintendent to the British and Foreign Bible Society. He studied at Aberdeen and at Oxford, where he distinguished himself.

Sir James Westland, K.C.I.E., has been made a member of the Council of India. When he entered the Indian Civil Service he took the first place in the competitive examination—a feat unrivalled by any Aberdeen student since.

Edward Fiddes, M.A. (Cantab.), is now Secretary of Owens College, Manchester.

Erskine Burnett writes us that he has been roughing it lately in the " woolly West," and is now in Vancouver waiting for something to turn up. Luck !

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Notes about Old Boys.

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Alexander Smith, Judge in the Bengal Service, died last month.

Rev. John Robb of Pittrichie, one of our very old boys, died last summer.

Andrew Hunter, M.B., whose appointment to the West African Frontier Force we chronicled in our last number, has died of fever.

Several of our old boys are to take part in the Greek Play—" The Alcestis "—which is to be performed this session at the University. This play was produced in the open air at Orange, in the south of France, last August, and we felt .sorely tempted to break our journey to see it, but time forbade. We wonder, by the way, how many in the School know that William, Prince of Orange, derived his title from this place.

SESSION 1898-1899.

A SCHOOL magazine which is to fulfil its proper function of being a complete record of the school life would fail in its chief duty if it did not occasionally pass in review the results of the annual " work." While we are very far from endorsing the popular but sadly mistaken view, that a school performs " the whole duty of man" if it can show a fair share of passes in examinations, it is none the less gratifying to find, on a whole review of our last session's work, that even in this limited and partial aspect there has been an abundance of material progress.

(1.) In the details of the UNIVERSITY BURSARY COMPETITION there was on the whole a marked advance on the results of 1898, our 13 candidates in the first 60 on the list averaging 7.14 places higher than last year's 12 candidates in the first 60, 25 of the whole 106 being from the School, as compared with 21 of the 94 who got a place in 1898. It is pleasant to add that the great bulk of our candidates were our candidates in the sense of having been at least two years at the School.

(2.) In the LEAVING CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION last June, our 81 candidates gained 7 Honours, 70 Higher Grades, and 146 Lower Grades and Passes, as against 2, 68, and 168, won by 94 candidates in 1898. The present year

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is, in fact, the "record year" for Honours and Higher Grades, the latter being justly estimated by Sir Henry Craik in his report this year as the best test of the efficiency of a Higher Grade Secondary School (in respect of the work tested). To this we have to add 5 of the new LEAVING CERTIFICATES IN SCIENCE as evidence that the Moderns, too, in the work special to their " Side," are giving an excellent account of themselves. Six years ago (1893) the results were 23 Higher Grades and 153 Lower Grades.

It is worthy of note that of the 39 " Honours in Latin" over the whole of Scotland, the School gained 4. As was foreshadowed by the success of our candidates in the Bursary Competition, there has been a marked advance in Mathematics, which this year is credited with 1 Honour and 19 Higher Grades, as compared with 9 Higher Grades in 1898.

(3.) In ART the advance has been still more striking and gratifying, as may be seen best from the results tabulated below :— • ART CERTIFICATES GAINED.

1899.

1898.

Elementary.

1st Class. 2nd Class.

1st Class. 2nd Class.

2 4 — ...

Light and Shade •• • — 38 25 ... 14 ... 7 ..

Model 43 7 13 ... ... 10 Freehand ...

— 83 —25 —38 —17 Advanced.

1 2 1 ...

Light and Shade ... — 6 6 4 ._ ... ... 1 Model 13 6 2 ._ ._ 1 Freehand _.

— 20 —14 — 2 - 7 -. __ __ — 103 39 45 _. ._ 19 Total._ 142 64 Second-Class (4.) In BOTANY 3 First-Class and 15 Certificates were taken.

(5.) MR. BLAIR'S REPORT on the "Moderns," or Organised Science School, was very favourable, and in several respects highly commendatory, indicating solid progress on the good results of preceding years. Mr. Blair's Report also bore testimony to good work in Mathematics in other parts of the School examined by him.

To all who have contributed to the above excellent results we would commend the saying— " Ceteris satisfacio, mihi nunquam."

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Session 1898-99.

THE ROLL-SESSION 1898-99.

While we are on the subject of statistics, it is of interest to note the following :— From the From Frotriithe From the Rest of Country. Scotland. England. c ty

Under 12 years...187 Over 12 years ...289 Total... ...476

13 66 — 79

Total.

203 383

3 8 — 11

0 20 — 20

586 for the whole Session.

THE EXAMINATION SCOURGE.

Our record would be incomplete without a list of the annual examinations, which break out every Spring and infest our schools like a virulent epidemic for the remainder of the session. Here is a chance for statesmen.

1. University Bursary Competition .. April 21st, etc.

2. University Preliminaries in Science, • • •••• 1) 7, Arts, and Medicine 3. Evening Science and Art ExaminaMarch, April, May. ••• tions 4. Day Science and Art Examinations ... May 18th and 19th.

• •• ...

(O.S.S.) ...

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•••

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(Seven weeks before the Session's end.)

5. Along with this, the Statutory Examination of the School in Mathematics and Science.

6. The Leaving Certificate Examinations ... June 6th.

••• (O.S.S.) in Science 7. The Town Council, Anderson, and ... June 10th.

••• Free Scholarships 8. Special Examinations for the Brebner ... June.

Prizes and Smith Medal ... ... June 17th.

Bursaries Trust 9. Educational 10. Leaving Certificate Examinations ... June 19th-23rd.

11. The rest of the Statutory Examinations, Written and Oral, in June 22nd, 23rd.

Languages ... June 22nd.

12. Day Examination in Botany With the further possibilities, for individuals, of 13. London Chamber of Commerce.

14. Welfare of Youth.

15. Government, and Business, and Professional Examinations, whereof the name is legion. And then we prate of our system of Education I ...

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a • •

OUR PILGRIMAGE TO ROME. "It is the business of every man's life to see Rome."—Dr. JOHNSON.

IT had long been our ardent desire to see the Eternal City, and this year we gratified it. We do not intend to bore our readers with long descriptions of towns and scenery.

We shall have ample scope for that when we deliver our lecture to the Debating Society later in the Session. It is always delightful to us to get away from Aberdeen and its somewhat narrowing influences to the wider arenas of the south, where we breathe an ampler ether. And this year we had particular reasons for wishing to go to Rome, for we were anxious to hear the Roman, as distinguished from the Aberdeenshire, pronunciation of Latin, of which we hear so much nowadays !

We spent a few days in London, when we " did" as many theatres as possible. We saw "The Gay Lord Quex," and also Coquelin and his whole company from Paris, in " Le Gendre de M. Poirier," &c.

This was in the first fortnight in July, when the heat was well-nigh unbearable. So we took our circular ticket for Rome via Paris and Turin, knowing that the heat could not be much greater than in London.

On the journey to Paris we met an old Grammarian, a school friend of our own, on his way to Paris, Brussels, and Ostend. We had a long crack over old times as we crossed the Channel, which was as level as this sheet of paper. There were few Scotsmen on board, but many Londoners of both sexes. There were several ladies of uncertain age, very learned looking and very plain. A lively Frenchman could not help making ungallant remarks about sandwiches. He could not understand where all these angular Minervas came from. He saw few of them, he said, in England.

We arrived at Paris on the last night of the National Fête—a Sunday—and the scenes to be witnessed would scarcely have been approved of by the Elders in " The Little Minister."

We have seen many a Fourteenth of July, but never one so lively. Up on " The Heights" there were merry-gorounds of fat pink pigs, which wriggled and jerked as they flew round to the raucous rootling of a steam organ. The riders were pitched off at any moment, and the crowds yelled with laughter, and the more discomfited the riders, the louder the laughter. Dancing, singing, and music were the order of the day, or rather night, but there was little night. It was the People's night. Our favourite resort

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was the terrasse in front of the Cafe de la Paix, where we sat for hours watching the people passing up and down the boulevard. And the heat !

We set out from Paris by the Paris-Rome Express, and after traversing the fertile district rendered famous by Vercingetorix, we arrived at the Italian Custom-House, just before we plunged into the thirteen-mile-long Mont Cenis Tunnel. It was then that we began to experience the benefits of our Italian tutor in Aberdeen, for the doganieri were very pertinacious in their inquiries about smuggled goods. We always put on a highly righteous_ look at Custom-House examinations, and thus, although our baggage was looked at six times before getting home again, we escaped the horrors of turning out all our things on the platform. A white chalk mark was sufficient—fit emblem of our clear conscience.

Down from the frowning Alps we rushed into the smiling plains of Lombardy, lunching the while in the restaurant car. We spent a night and a day at Turin, which seems to be as near an approach to a modern American town as could be imagined. The streets seem like one of the propositions in Euclid that deal with parallel straight lines, for they seem to have been all laid out with rulers and pencils. Electric cars and electric light everywhere. Brilliantly lit cafes, quite Parisian arcades, where we stroll in the stifling heat. But all roads lead to Rome, so having donned our thinnest flannels, we reserve our corner in the carriage marked "Roma." On we speed through Genoa and through Pisa with its Leaning Tower.

And in the moonlight the Mediterranean lies glittering as we catch glimpses of it between tunnels. It reminds one of the Great Western Railway in Devonshire between Dawlish and Torquay.

We have no sleep that night, for the anticipation of the morning's pleasure is too vivid. In the weird grey of the morning we notice the old walled towns on the hill tops standing out with startling vividness, but there is no sign of living things. The fiat country suggests malaria and mosquitoes. Grubby and unshaven, we descend at Civita.

Vecchia, the port of Rome, for a hasty breakfast of apricots, coffee, and rolls. Then, curving inwards, we pass many unhealthy-looking ponds, and then through the Campagna, and lo ! the Eternal City on the Seven Hills.

Here the yellow Tiber and there the Via Appia and yonder the majestic dome of S. Peter's. It all seems so familiar, and a curious sense of pleasure comes over us. We seem

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like one who has been far away for many years, and is now returning home.

On the day of our arrival, things looked rather alarming in Rome, for three earthquake shocks had happened that morning, and had done a certain amount of damage.

We saw one house with a large crack down the front of it.

But we were all too full of excitement to heed the talk about the earthquake. We had been wondering what would be the first familiar object we should see in the streets. What was it, think you? but our old familiar friends,S. P. Q. R.—embroidered on all the caps of the employs of the Corporation of Rome. It is just a little disappointing to find an up-to-date Town Council managing the electric tramways in Rome. It seems, somehow, incongruous to have all these modern• things amidst the places with the ancient names.

The first thing we did was to try to identify the Seven Hills—a somewhat difficult task, as they are not now hills in our sense of the word, and they have been cut away by workmen. One of our first visits was to the Forum Romanum, where the workmen in their excavations are unearthing interesting ruins daily. This year they came on the famous "lapis niger," mentioned by many writers of antiquity as the place where Romulus was buried. We crawled, candle in hand, below the scaffolding, and had a good look at the stone with its archaic characters, but we could make out nothing of their meaning.

A generous Englishman has given the Italian Government a large sum of money to be spent entirely in buying houses built on part of the Forum and demolishing them.

Workmen then " bowk up" their foundations, and already gratifying results have been obtained. .

On one side of the Forum lies the Nova Via, still called by that name in Italian, which, after being buried for many 'centuries, serves again as the "new" street. We spent almost a fortnight in Rome, and it was always to the Forum that we came back. Indeed, one night, after supper al fresco on the Aventine Hill, as was our wont, we " missed the last car," and arrived at the Forum on foot at an early hour in the morning. The moon was shining brightly, and not a soul was about, and, as we stood there gazing on all the gaunt ruins, we filled them, in our imaginations, with the people of the past. But, after a while, an eerie feeling came on us, and so, whistling softly "The Cock o' the North," we tramped on briskly to our hotel on the Pincian, glancing over our shoulder occasionally, half-hoping, half-

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fearing to see the ghost of Caesar or of Cicero, or, perchance, some shadowy triumphal procession wending its way along the Sacra Via to the temple of Jupiter Capitolinus. It was interesting to see that there is still a live wolf kept in a cave on the Capitol, and in the Museum on the top is the famous bronze Capitoline she-wolf, dating back to the fifth century B.C. But in our the site of the Tarpeian Rock, which used to figure will soon Archaeologists uncertain.

Roman History, is now beliefs. picturesque early our of vestige one leave us not Besides all the museums filled with countless treasures of the past, there are, of course, churches without number, each one containing something marvellous or beautiful or both. We felt that years would not suffice to allow us to see all that was to be seen in Rome. We carried an introduction to Monsignor Fraser, D.D., Rector of the Scots College, where priests for the Catholic Church are trained, but he, unfortunately, had gone to the country for his holidays, so we did not have the privilege of availing ourselves of his kindness. We were pleased to see on the front wall of the College the guid Scots Thistle and the Lion Rampant, and the well-known motto "Nemo me impune lacessit." Inside the College they exhibit the original Proclamation which James VIII. sometimes called the Old Pretender, issued at Edinburgh. In the spring of this year an Old Boy, Mr. J. B. Rennet, was more fortunate in his introduction to Dr. Fraser, for he was admitted to a special tribune in S. Peter's to see the solemn thanksgiving service held for the recovery of the venerable Pontiff. And what shall we say of S. Peter's—the greatest Church in Christendom?

The burial-place of the Apostle S. Peter, of Popes and Cardinals, Kings, and Princes. What can we say that has not been said before ? We were moved more than we can tell by the sight of the tomb of the Stuarts—of Bonnie Prince Charlie and his brother the Cardinal. But we never realised so much how insignificant human beings are. One feels oneself dwarfed almost to the vanishing point. Westminster fills one with awe, but in S. Peter's the feeling becomes almost painful.

We spent much time in the Coliseum, which we saw by moonlight, and on the Palatine Hill, among the ruins of the palaces of the Caesars. One day we went to Tivoli and to see Hadrian's Villa, and the Villas of Horace Keats of and Shelley Catullus. We visited the graves of in the English Cemetery. We passed through the galleries of the Vatican several times. While inspecting the museum

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attached to S. John Lateran, we came on a monument with the first known inscription in honour of the Virgin in the most prominent place in the gallery, which made us proud of Aberdeen and of our Professor of Humanity—Professor Ramsay. It was mounted on a -white marble pedestal, which revolved, and on the front is this inscription :— FRAGMENTUM TITULI SEPULCHRALIS EX ASIA ADVECTUM IN QUO ABERCIUS HIEROPOL • EPISC • SAEC • IL UNIVERSAE ECCLESIAE CONSENSUM IN UNAM FIDEM TESTATUR.

On one side is the following :—PARTEM FRAGMENTI INFERIOREM DONO DEDIT GUGLIELMUS RAMSAY IN ABERDONENSI ATHENAEO DOCTOR CUIUS INDUSTRIA MONUMENTUM DETECTUM RECOGNITUM. On the other :—ABDUL HAMID IMPERATOR TURCARUM DONO MISIT LEONI XIII. P.M. ANNO MDCCCXCII. Thus we have figuring in one inscription Pope

Leo XIII., Abdul Hamid, Sultan of Turkey, and Professor Ramsay, of Aberdeen.

We visited Florence, Bologna, Venice, and Milan, spending a few days in each, but we have no space left to say anything about these delightful places. Let it be sufficient to say that we are now adepts at haggling over the price of things, and can now bring down an Italian cabman or gondolier at least 3d. l We have many stories to tell about Italian sharp practices in attempts to palm off bad coins on us, but we are too old a bird to be caught that way.

Throughout Italy we were struck by the number of places that had erected marble tablets commemorative of visits of Lord Byron. He seems to be remembered better in Italy than in the land of his birth. In conclusion, we recommend all travellers to Italy in July to take with them menthol, pulegium for mosquito bites. We found it very efficacious.

Also Keating's Powder in case of emergencies. In Rome there seems to be a special breed of insects which infest bedrooms, and which are remarkable for the virulence of their bite and for the agility with which they escape being captured. With this rather prosaic ending to our hasty scribble we wish our readers a good night and so to bed.

C. D. MY INTRODUCTION TO THE JAPANESE NAVAL SERVICE. OFTEN do I look back to my Grammar School days, and sometimes even regret that I was not as much credit to my masters as I might have been. It is, therefore, a great

My Introduction to the Japanese Naval Service. 125 pleasure to me to find myself in a position to give a little help to your Magazine, and perhaps to do a little good to the School, in an indirect way, by spinning a yarn that may keep some little boy from leaving his mother and running away to sea.

A few years ago I was in want of employment just after I had obtained my second mate's certificate. By good luck I was introduced to a man who was in England superintending the building of twelve twin-screw steamers for a large Japanese merchant company. This man, when he heard that I wanted a billet, very kindly offered me the first vacancy which might occur. At that time, however, I had considerable patriotic scruples, and did not at all like the idea of sailing under foreign colours. But when a fellow has been ashore about twelve weeks, and has not been earning any money, scruples of this kind very soon disappear, and in a week's time I was steaming in the Glasgow express to take up my appointment. As I was a stranger to Glasgow, I had some difficulty in finding the agent's office ; but, after numerous inquiries, I managed to find its whereabouts, and having been informed by the agent's clerk of the berth at which my steamer was lying, I set out in the direction of Partick to have a look at her.

She looked a very fine specimen of an Eastern trader, having four pole masts and one gigantic funnel, which gave her an imposing appearance ; but her white painted hull and pink water-line would have given an outsider the idea that she was a pleasure yacht. She was hardly finished when first I saw her, and was in want of a crew ; but I found out from the chief officer that the crew were expected to join that night, and I was also informed that it would fall to my lot, being junior officer, to keep the night on board, and to see that the crew were properly berthed.

In the course of my short conversation with the chief and second officers, who, I may mention, had been in the company before, I gathered that the Japanese were not such nice shipmates to be with as I had imagined, and certainly some of the stories that were told in that halfhour concerning their doings would have made the heart of many a better man than myself beat a little faster than was its wont. Although I thought that they were probably " pulling my leg," to use a slang expression, still it was with mixed feelings, of pride at being left in charge of so large a ship, and also of apprehension about my Japanese companions, that I repaired on board at 6 p.m. to take over the night's duty. First I got my orders from the chief, who

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was about to go ashore, and then I had a look round to see that everything was in order. Presently I perceived a large and disorderly mob coming down the yard, and from their peculiar rig and foreign appearance I concluded that they were some of the members of our crew. As they came over the gangway they presented one of the funniest sights I have ever seen, each being rigged out in a semi-man-of-war uniform, and each armed with an umbrella in one hand, whilst under the other arm they carried a mattress. There was not one of the whole crew who could talk a word of English, with the exception of the " bosun," and he only knew a few odd words ; so after I had driven them all into the foc'sle I congratulated myself on having disposed of them with so little trouble after my previous apprehensions.

It was about dusk, and as it was the beginning of March the weather was rather cold, so because there was nowhere to sit with any comfort, I thought it advisable to turn in.

I had not been in my bunk for ten minutes, however, when I heard a tremendous pattering of feet down the alleyway where my cabin was situated, and jabbering, which must have been fifty per cent. worse than the confusion of tongues spoken at the building of the Tower of Babel, which Scripture records. Immediately there came into my mind some of the yarns I had heard in the forenoon from the second officer. Suddenly my door was opened most unceremoniously, and in the dim light I saw a disorganised mob of Orientals, whose mouths worked like indiarubber balls, producing thereby the most unearthly articulations of which their language is composed. At first I felt inclined to heave the nearest article handy at them (which happened to be an Indian club), but in a case like this discretion is the better part of valour ; so I inquired in English terms, perhaps to landsmen's ears more forcible than polite, what was the matter. Their spokesman, the " bosun", then stepped in with a paraffin lamp in his hand, and taking off the burner, endeavoured to explain that there was no oil in it, and that all the crew were in a similar predicament. I must confess that a good deal of his eloquence was hopelessly wasted, for the only words in the whole course of his five minutes' oration which I could understand were " Light no come, lamp no good."

I then remembered that we had no steam up, and that consequently no dynamo was running for the electric light, so I tried to instil into their thick heads that it would be far more sensible for them to go and turn in. as they would have a hard day's work to-morrow, and that they would

My Introduction to the Japanese Naval Service. 127 therefore need no light that evening. These remarks, however, were by no means received enthusiastically, much to my surprise, and the mob really looked so much like business that I thought it better to try and pacify them in a more solid manner.

I remembered that there were some casks on deck which looked as if they contained oil, so putting on a few necessary clothes, I repaired there with this mighty living mass in my wake—which reminded me of the Children of Israel imploring Moses to give them water, one of the few things that I learnt at the Grammar School. But alas ! when I tapped the first cask it only contained engine oil, and each one in succession was the same, till I began to think that I should have a warm half-hour with the second engineer in the morning for broaching his stores in this unauthorised manner.

The Japs are not of a very patient nature, and by this time their war cries and ejaculations were beginning to alarm the neighbourhood, for a considerable crowd had collected on the wharf to see the fun. I was almost going to give the job up in despair, when I remembered that some carpenters were working all night on board, and thought perhaps that they might give me a little oil out of their lamps for a slight compensation. I got hold of one of them who had a large naphtha lamp, such as you have no doubt, seen on the stalls in the Castlegate on a Saturday night ; but as I knew that naphtha is a dangerous fluid to use in a paraffin lamp I had some misgivings that an explosion might take place. However, at this critical moment I thought that an explosion in the foc'sle would be much pleasanter for me than a few inches of cold steel in my flesh, so I filled all the lamps without hesitation and shook hands with myself metaphorically when • I heard the jabbering considerably diminish. But one of the mob, who knew far too much, applied his nose to the lamp and smelt that there was something peculiar about the oil which he did not half like ; so he soon communicated this fact to the remainder, who fell in with his way of thinking very quickly, and again the jabbering commenced worse than before.

But this time I had become desperate, and refused to listen any more to their complaints, and arming myself with my Indian club in case of emergency, I led them forward and lit all their lamps myself just to show that they would burn all right, a matter of which I was myself exceedingly doubtful. However, greatly to my relief, they lit up better

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than my most sanguine expectations had hoped for, so I returned to my cabin quite satisfied.

I could not sleep, however, for the fear of a probable explosion considerably weighed upon my mind, and I lay awake until 4 a.m. thinking what I should do with this ungodly rabble in case of fire.

I had just dozed off when I awoke with a start, and most distinctly heard the crackling of burning wood, and in less time than it takes to tell I was out on deck hurrying for all I was worth in the direction of where the sound came from. Imagine my relief when I found it was only a blacksmith's portable forge which must have been smouldering all night, and had set some wood alight which had been placed there ready for re-lighting the fire in the morning. A bucket of water soon put this affair right, and once more I lay down, this time in peace till the mess-room boy awakened me for my morning cup of steaming coffee, of which I gladly partook after my cold experiences of the previous night.

I did not tell the chief when he came on board of all my little exploits for various reasons, and the broaching of halfa.-dozen oil casks still remains a mystery to the second engineer even to this day, although he used enough bad language at the time to unravel a gunpowder plot.

So passed my first night on board a Japanese vessel, and I must confess that at the time I thought it a bit of an adventure ; since then, however, it has been put in the shade by scenes of mutiny and bloodshed which, although more exciting and adventurous, will never make me forget my introduction to the Japanese.

EDMUND DANSON.

AN INTERVIEW WITH EDWARD TERRY. COMING out of the Theatre one evening during the visit of that greatest of comedians—Mr. Edward Terry—I overheard one of the crowd say—" After all, there is nothing like the real London actor." And, when one thinks of it, how true it is. There is about the actor of the Metropolis a " savoirfaire " and an indescribable "something" of which his brother of the Provinces cannot boast.

When I wrote to Mr. Terry requesting the honour of an interview I received in return a most courteous, businesslike letter of the sort one would expect from a gentleman

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with the reputation for good nature which Mr. Terry possesses. " Just come up to my room," said he, on my presenting myself at Her Majesty's, and when we had arrived there, " Now what am I to say ? " Then I commenced putting him through his catechism.

Mr. Terry was born in London, and was educated privately, thus missing, as he himself remarked, all the je ne sais quoi of a public schoolboy's life. Although his father had acted before Mr. Terry himself was born, he does not come of a family of actors, and is no relation to Miss Ellen Terry. Mr. Terry is one of our veteran actors, having been on the stage since 1863. " And what is your favourite part, Mr. Terry ?" I asked. " The part I'm playing," was the very characteristic reply, and those who have seen Mr. Terry act will, I am sure, agree that he acts all his parts equally well. His Dick Phenyll in " Sweet Lavender," for instance, and Mortimer Pendlebury in " Love in Idleness," are parts which he interprets to perfection, and in the latter, especially, he combines humour and pathos, laughter and sadness, in a way inimitable, and peculiar to himself. " What is your opinion of the Stage as a profession for boys ? " I venture to inquire. " It all depends on the boy," said my victim, " if he has a talent, an aptitude for the Stage, let him adopt the profession. Like the Law, for instance, it has its dark side as well as its light. It is not by any means an easy profession." " I suppose a good many who embrace it never succeed in making their way to the front." " Yes," said Mr. Terry, in rather a sad tone of voice, " but in many instances it is a case of the square peg and the round hole. A man may be a great painter, for example, and yet not a great actor."

Then Mr. Terry told me how fond he was of Aberdeen.

He said he could not remember the year that he had not come here.

This led to the subject of the Byron Statue, the project for which (low be it spoken !) Mr. Terry had not even heard of ! 'So I had to explain the scheme to the best of my ability. " Now, Mr. Terry," said I, " could you recommend some farces suitable for acting at School ?"

He gave me the names of some, and then one of us mentioned " High Life below Stairs "—one of Mr. Terry's

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most famous pieces. " Did you ever hear," he asked, of the reception that ' High Life below Stairs' got on the first night it was produced?" and on my answering in the negative, he told me the following interesting story which I have left pretty much in his own words.

The play was written by a clergyman in the last century —a Reverend William Townley—and in those days the nobility and gentry used to bring with them their servants, who were accommodated in the gallery, and, when these people saw their own doings being made public, they got " waxy " (N.B.—That is not Mr. Terry's word) and stormed the stage. The end of it was that the gentlemen had to drive their own servants out at the sword's point. " And," Mr. Terry went on, " I believe that ' High Life below Stairs' is sometimes acted in real life to this day."

Mr. Terry's personality is all his own, and he seems to be as much in love with his art as ever, in spite of his thirty odd years of work, for Mr. Terry is one of the hardest workers on the stage. As for his plays they speak for themselves, their beauty lies in their sentiment, and in their exquisite humour and pathos.

I left Mr. Terry with increased admiration for the actor and the man, together with the inward hope that any interviews I might be privileged to have in the future with men of mark might be as pleasant and enjoyable as this— my very first.

G. S. R.

PRIZE ESSAY. " THE POETS-LAUREATE OF ENGLAND." (An Abstract of Dr. Danson's Lecture to the Debating Society.)

I HAVE heard some people call Geoffrey Chaucer the first

Poet-Laureate of England ; but that he was not, at least, in the true sense of the word. What is a Poet-Laureate?

He is the person chosen and salaried by the Crown as the chief of poets. He writes a special poem to commemorate some national event.

The first real Poet-Laureate was Ben Jonson, the great dramatist.

James I. of England appointed him Poet-Laureate at a salary of a hundred merles and a fierce of wine. I have not space here to enter into a criticism of Jonson's dramas,

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but, as a rule, I have found them rather heavy. You have almost to force yourself to read them. His contemporaries acknowledged him to be the one man who could rival Shakespeare ; but it is for his songs that he is famed at the present day, especially that one beginning " Drink to me only with thine eyes."

Jonson died in 1637, and was succeeded by Davenant.

This man was an accomplished cavalier and a devoted follower of the unfortunate Charles I. After many narrow escapes from the Roundheads, he was at last caught by them.

He was on board a vessel ready to sail when some Parliamentary ships swooped down on it and captured it. There is a romantic story that Davenant was to have been beheaded but for the intervention of John Milton. Although on the Parliament's side, Milton would sympathise with a fellow-poet in distress, and interceded with Cromwell, and The that, too, successfully, for the life of Davenant. poetical justice of the story is accomplished when we further read that after the Restoration Davenant was instrumental in saving the blind poet from the gibes and sneers of Charles' courtiers.

The " Merry Monarch" was not the man to trouble his head about poetry, and consequently the office remained vacant for three years. At the end of that period Charles appointed John Dryden to the office. He gave the poet a most handsome salary, and also paid up the arrears of the three years, so that Dryden had nothing to complain of the bounty of his Royal master. Anyone who has read that splendid novel " The Pirate" will remember the ecstasies of Claud Halcro over " glorious John."

In his poem of " Absalom and Achitophel " Dryden introduces Og, King of Bashan. He here refers to the poet Shadwell, whom he lashes with his most pungent wit.

What must have been his chagrin, then, when in 1688, the year of the Revolution, William of Orange appointed this very man to his post! William would not allow Dryden to hold the post -any longer, as he had been on the side of Charles and James.

What were the merits of Shadwell to justify his appointment to this distinction no one can tell. The only noteworthy feature of his Poet-Laureateship was his introduction of an ode on the anniversary of the King's birthday. This led to a long roll of ill-composed, turgid, and bombastic poems, such as would weary the mind of the most patient reader. Shadwell was addicted to opiumeating—a practice which was referred to by Dryden in his satire upon Og.

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After Shadwell comes a long list of insignificant poets, whose very names are unfamiliar to us.

Theophilus Cibber, Roe, Pye, and others, all are lost to fame. One noticeable thing of the reign of Queen Anne is that in an age when such intellects as Pope, Palmer, Addison, and Steele flourished such a man as Pye was chosen as PoetLaureate of England.

Again, with but one exception, there is a dearth of famous Poets-Laureate till the beginning of this century.

Then, at last, a determined effort was made to give the office to a really good poet. Sir Walter Scott was offered the position, but declined it, and thereupon Robert Southey accepted it.

Whatever we may think of Southey's poems, Southey the man we must admire. He took Coleridge under his care, and provided for all the latter's needs. Never did a needy man leave his house empty-handed. His poetry is very little read at the present day, but his prose works are still famous. " The Doctor," his best prose work, is very humorous.

Southey was succeeded by William Wordsworth. Of all the Lake poets Wordsworth was the greatest. The influence which he had over Tennyson and other poets was immense, and much of the music in Tennyson is traceable to Wordsworth's influence. His greatest work is " The Excursion," and at the beginning of my copy of the poem I have written, " Try it when you are twenty-one, and if you do not like it then, try it again when you are thirty, and, unless you have not the least spark of genius in you, you will pronounce it to be one of the noblest works in the English language."

Alfred Tennyson succeeded Wordsworth.

Of him I have but this one thing to say: you should always read Tennyson aloud ; otherwise you miss the luscious music of his poems.

The question now is whether the Poet-Laureate of the present day is worthy to succeed Southey, Wordsworth, and Tennyson. I am afraid he is not. How he ever gained the coveted post no one can tell.

Lord Salisbury, the present Premier, is said to have a great influence with the Queen upon the election of the Poet-Laureate.

Everyone acknowledges the genius of Salisbury as a statesman ; but whether he has a true appreciation of poetry is a different thing. There are several poets of the present day head and shoulders above Alfred Austin.

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In conclusion, I have to say that, if ever you go to London—as you will doubtless do some day—you should visit the Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey. There you. will find monuments of Shakespeare, Jonson, Spencer, Thomson, Addison, Pope, Dryden, Gray, and countless others—all of whom have helped to make the English language what it is. The latest addition to the Corner is --I think—Tennyson, who (to quote his own words) was laid there— " To the noise of the mourning of a mighty nation."

A LDIBORON..

THE F.P. BAZAAR. WE would draw the attention of the school to the Bazaar which is being promoted by the Rugby F.C. branch of the Former Pupils' Club. The object of the Bazaar is to raise a sum, the interest on which will be sufficient to meet the deficit on the Club's accounts, and provide a balance towards meeting the rent of a field which it is necessary to lease, the School field not being available. The amount aimed at is £250, which does not seem an impossible sum.

The F.P. Rugby F.C. have a special claim on the School, for, as we are all aware, the pupils have always been admitted to the matches free—a privilege which has been largely taken advantage of. It is the intention of the F.P. Club to continue this practice, and, where possible, to give the use of their ground for important School fixtures.

The Bazaar will be held in the Public Hall of the School on Saturday, 16th December, and the prizes won at the sports are to be publicly presented to the successful comThere is to be a petitors after the opening ceremony.

Concert and a Dramatic Performance. All sorts of sideshows are to be provided.

We are sure every pupil wishes success to the Club in their venture. All contributions to be sent to the Secretary, Mr. Pope, 124 Union Street.

THE

SPORTS.

IT was with an anxious eye that we scanned the heavens on the morning of Monday, October 2nd, and Jupiter certainly looked grim. As hour after hour crept on, and no

134

The Grammar School Magazine.

rain actually fell, our spirits rose accordingly, and when the twelve o'clock bell clanged we bolted off instanter for a hasty lunch, and by 130 we were on the field. Even then ominous clouds were scudding before the rude blasts, but we were determined to enjoy ourselves for one brief afternoon, come what might. Many others seemed to share our view of matters, for a goodly crowd of spectators lined the ropes, and they, by no means, all Grammarians. It was really encouraging to see how beaming papas and mammas and their charming daughters braved the chill winds to encourage their athletic sons and brothers and cousins.

We heard of some tearful applications for a half-holiday in at least one well-known ladies' school in town, and whether it was granted or not, many of our fair cousins were present all the afternoon. Snap-shots were the order of the day, but we fear that, owing to the dull light, the results will be rather disappointing. Many of our leading citizens popped in for a few minutes, while our staff was well in evidence all afternoon. One master, however, had to leave about three o'clock, at the call of duty to fag at the correction of three large sets of exercises. It was pleasant to see so many of our Old Boys about. We must congratulate the smaller boys on their better sense of what behaviour is fitting on a public occasion like this. The tug-of-war, however, was too exciting for them, for they swarmed over the ropes. There were forty-six events on the programme, and the competitions were divided into six classes, the first being open, and the others grading from " under 16 years " to " under 8 years." The events comprised flat races, sack race, broad and high jump, hurdle race, putting the weight, drop-kick, throwing the hammer, three-legged race, tug-ofwar (Class VII. v. School); and obstacle races, which included a big water jump. The arrangements for the sports were made by a committee consisting of the Rector, president ; W. H. Kirwan Ward, hon. secretary ; and Messrs J. Davidson, J. Brebner, H. J. Butchart, G. Giles, F. R. Johnson, A. F. Milne, N. Munro, D. E. Rae, T. B. Robertson, and S. Russell.

The officials were as follows :—Referees, Colonel George Cruden, F.P., and Dr. Francis Kelly, F.P. Timekeeper, Mr. W. H. Kirwan Ward. Judges, Messrs. J. Davidson and J. Watt. Starter, Mr. A. Monro. Music was supplied by the band of the Oakbank School, with pipers.

As the afternoon wore on the weather improved greatly.

The sun shone brightly and the wind died down. It has been arranged that the distribution of prizes will take place at the bazaar of the Former Pupils' Football Club, to be held in the School Hall on Saturday, 16th December.

The Sport8.

135

Some excellent performances were witnessed in several of the events. In the broad jump (open) D. E. Rae was first with the creditable distance of 16 feet 8 inches. A. S. Johnson's running in the hurdle race (under 14) was one of the best things of the day. He has a remarkably easy style, and gives promise of developing into a formidable runner. A' dead heat was run in the open hurdle race by F. R. Johnson and T. B. Robertson, the time being 15 seconds. T. B. Robertson also won the open high jump, clearing 4 feet 11 inches, which, though not up to the record of the Grammar School, is extremely good. The same competitor was first in the 100 yards race. The competition for putting the weight was won by J. Brebner with a distance of 29 feet 8 inches, while J. A. Copland threw the hammer 67 feet 9 inches. The quarter-mile was rather slow and uninteresting, but, following it, came the tit-bit of the day—the Former Pupils' hundred yards race, which F. H. Fraser pulled off by a hair's-breadth over J. W. Milne.

A. J. Milne was third. Another well-known runner—G. 0.

Gauld—was scarcely in form, and though he started in fine style, he could not maintain the pace. In the Former Pupils' half-mile race, Harold Merrylees and W. Gray were given a start of 100 yards over the well-known University runner, J. W. Milne, who, however, could not overtake the former though running in excellent style. The open mile was somewhat of a procession, but all the competitors ran well.

Variety was lent to the programme by the tug-of-war, in which the school team beat Class VII., and by the obstacle race and three-legged races. The following is a complete list of the results :100 yards race (under 12)-1st heat-1 P. Cooper, 2 A. M. Johnston, 3 D. Cruickshank; 2nd heat-1 J. N. Thomson, 2 W. Shepherd. 3 D. E. Sharp ; final-1 J. N. Thomion, 2 P. Cooper, 3 A. Johnston ; time, 14 2-5 seconds.

100 yards race (under 10)-1st heat-1 G. A. Ledingham, 2 R. Lillie, 3 R. Forgan; 2nd heat-1 R. P. Morrison, 2 K. A. M. Tomory, 3 B. Saunders.

Sack race (open)-1st heat-1 F. M. Greig, 2 R. H. Crawford, 3 G. A. Duncan ; 2nd heat-1 G. T. Soutter, 2 F. R. Johnson, 3 J. A. W. Hepburn ; 3rd heat-1 L. Smith, 2 Shand, 3 A. Lyon ; final-1 A. S. Johnson, 2 L. Smith, 3 Greig.

Hurdle race (under 14)-1st heat-1 A. S. Johnson, 2 J. O. Rennie ; 2nd heat-1 W. S. Trail, 2 R. F. O. Saunders ; final —1 A. S. Johnson, 2 W. S. Trail.

Hurdle race (under 16)-1 J. Saunders, 2 W. Flett ; time, 18 sec.

Hurdle race (open)-1 and 2 F. R. Johnson and T. B. Robertson (equal).

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The Grammar School Magazine.

Broad jump (under 14)--1 W. S. Trail, 2 P. Corke.

Broad jump (under 16)-1 J. Saunders, 2 G. E. Shand ; 14 feet 4 inches.

Broad jump (open) —1 D. E. Rae, 16 feet 8 inches.

High jump (under 12)-1 W. Shepherd, 3 feet 3 inches.

High jump (under 16)-1 W. Flett, 4 feet 3 inches.

High jump (under 14)-1 W. S. Trail, 4 feet 2 inches.

High jump (open)-1 T. B. Robertson, 4 feet 11 inches.

High jump (under 10), with spring board-1 A. P. M. Craib, 4 feet 9 inches ; 2 J. W. Dunn, 3 G. A. Ledingham.

High jump (under 12)-1 W. Shepherd, 3 feet 5 inches.

80 yards race (under 8)-1 A. C. Law, 16 1.5 seconds ; 2 W. Warrack.

100 yards race (under 10)-1 G. A. Ledingham, 15 secs. ; 2 R. Lillie, 3 B. Saunders.

100 yards race (under 14)-1 A. S. Johnson, 13 1-5 secs. ; 2 and 3 P. Corke and S M. Robertson (equal).

100 yards race (under 16)-1 J. T. Soutter, 11 4-5 secs. ; 2 W. Flett, 3 J. Saunders.

100 yards race (open)-1. T. B. Robertson, 2 F. R. Johnson.

Putting the weight (open)-1 J. Brebner, 29 feet 8 inches ; 2 J. A. Copland.

Half-mile race (under 14)-1 S. M. Robertson, 2 A. S. Johnson ; time, 2 min. 45 secs.

Half-mile race (under 16)-1 J. Saunders, 2 T. G. Clark ; time, 2 min. 41 1-5 secs.

Half-mile race (open)-1 D. E. Rae, 2 T. B. Robertson ; time, 2 min. 25 3-5 secs.

150 yards race (under 8)-1 K. Tomory, 2 J. Ellis.

Throwing hammer (open)-1 J. A. Copland ; distance, 6 feet 9 inches.

Throwing cricket ball (open)-1 J. Brebner, 2 T. B. Robertson ; distance, 88 yards 2 2 3 feet.

300 yards race (under 10)-1 R. Lillie, 2 F. M. Fyvie.

300 yards race (under 12)-1 J. N. Thomson, 2 E. D. Barnett, 3 W. Shepherd.

300 yards race (under 14)-1 A. S. Johnson, 2 S. M. Robertson, 3 J. R. W. Burnet.

Quarter-mile race (open)--1 T. B. Robertson ; time, 58 4-5 secs.

Quarter-mile race (under 16)--..-1. T. G. Clark; time, 66 4-5 secs.

100 yards race (F.P.'s)-1 F. H. Fraser, 2 J. W. Milne, 3 A. J. Milne ; time, 11 4-5 secs. .

Sack race (under 14)-1 S. M. Robertson, 2 H. L. Snowie.

Sack race (under 12)-1 W. A. B. K. Ward, 2 G. Bisset, 3 Shepherd.

Three-legged race (open) —1 D. E. Rae and T. B. Robertson.

Half mile race (F.P.'s)-1 H. Merrylees, 2 J. W. Milne ; time, 2 minutes 7 3-5 seconds.

The Sports.

137

One mile race (open)-1 D. E. Rae, 2 H. J. Butchart, 3 S. Robertson ; time, 5 minutes 29 2-5 seconds.

Tug of-war (Class VII. v. School)—School won.

Obstacle race (under 14).-1 M. J. Williamson, 2 It. Saunders, 3 H. L. Snowie.

Obstacle race (open)-1 F. R. Johnson, 2 H. J. Butchart, 3 D. H. W. Williamson.

Consolation race-1 G. E. Shand, 2 J. O. Rennie.

CYCLING CLUB. THE membership soon became fairly large, though it was confined to the upper classes; but as some disappointment was being felt in Classical and Modern III., it was at length decided to form a junior section. A meeting was held for this purpose on May 15th, and G. A. Duncan and W. Trail were elected respectively captain and vice-captain of the section.

RUNS. STONEHAVEN. —The first run of the Club was held on Saturday, May 6th, to Stonehaven, the Club meeting at the Bridge of Dee at 2 p.m. The Club arrived at its destination at 4 p.m., and proceeded to the Cricket Ground to watch the match of the School v. Thistle. Stonehaven was left at 6.30 p.m., and on the way home one member got rather a nasty " spill, ' but with that one exception the run was in every way a success.

KINCARDINE O'NEIL.—This run took place on May 27th, one week later than was intended owing to the unfavourable A good number of both sections, senior state of the weather. and junior, met at Queen's Cross at 12 noon. The juniors were under the able command of Mr. Mackie, who was accompanied

by Mr. James Davidson and a prominent F.P. D. Rae and T. Watt were the only officials of the seniors present, but the run did not puffer on that account. The route followed was by Cullerlie, Torphins, and Banchory. On arriving at Kincardine O'Neil, the Club decided that there was nothing to see " here," so they resumed their journey in the direction of Banchory, and waited there for the junior section. Both sections then united, and rode home under the command of the Captain, who had ridden out after the Club, and Aberdeen was reached about G. S. R. 9.30 p.m.

(To be continued.)

SWIMMING CLUB. THE School Swimming Sports were held on 2nd June, at the Corporation Baths, before a large gathering of friends, masters, and pupils of the school. The entrance of the rector was the signal for the usual deafening ovation, which Grammar fellows

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140

The Grammar School Magazine.

are so good at giving. . One of the most interesting events was the team race between our own School and Gordon's College.

During the whole race the School was in the greatest excitement, Sand, at the end, their joy knew no bounds when they found that we had beaten our rival by half a length, and " Even the ranks of Tuscany could scarce forbear to cheer."

The blindfold race, also, caused some amusement, the competitors appearing to be "at sea" in more senses than one, and one of our most popular Masters, who was among the spectators, was observed to point excitedly to the end of the bath, forgetting that the competitors, being blindfolded, could not see his gesticulations. The School champion is W. A. Hunter, who is to be congratulated on the ease and grace with which he swims. He would, doubtless, have won the Senior Handicap also, had he been handicapped by one second less.

G. S. R. GYMNASTIC COMPETITION FOR THE GOLD MEDAL. THE Annual Competition for the Gold Medal presented by the School Board, was held on 15th June, in the hall which does duty as our Gymnasium. Six competitors—G. Craig, T. B .Robertson, G. Shand, A. M. Shinnie, J. Strachan, and D. Watson— entered the lists, and it was evident that there would be a keen struggle, as all six are good gymnasts. The VII. Classical was unrepresented, but the VI. had T. Robertson and J. Strachan, the former of whom lost the medal by only one mark, for which, as the VI. and VII. Classical get no gymnastics, he deserves great credit.

The proceedings were opened by an exhibition in Indian Club exercises, which, though done with admirable precision, was somewhat inferior to those of former years. The exercises on the "Horse" which followed were, on the whole, well executed. The feats on the Parallel Bars were well calculated to test the proficiency of the competitors in this branch of physical recreation, and showed that the Instructor's efforts had not been in vain. The fourth and last test was the high jump.

The first downfall was at 4 feet 3 inches, and the others continued to drop off till the maximum was reached. The following are the marks :— Name. ...

G. Craig T. Robertson f G. Shand ...

1J. Strachan A. M. Shinnie D. Watson ...

•• • • • •

••.

•••

•••

Drill.

39 37 33 33 38 38

Horse.

40 41 40 36 37 35

Bars.

39 39 40 41 384 41

Jump.

10 10 7 10 5 10

Total.

128 127 120 1 120 f 1184 124

J. S. G. S. R.

SCHOOL RECORDS IN ATHLETICS. DEAR SIR, Perhaps the following list, contrasting the feats done at the recent Grammar School Sports with those of the great English Public Schools, will prove interesting enough to the readers of the Grammar School Magazine as to permit of its publication :ABERDEEN GRAMMAR ALDENHAM BERKHAMSTEAD BLUNDELL'S BRIGHTON COLLEGE CARLISLE kirRAMM ill CIIARTERHOUSE SCHOOL CHELTENHAM COLLEGE Curros COLLEGE DOVER COLLEGE EASTBOURNE COLLEGE ETON COLLEGE MILL HILL SCHOOL SHREWSBURY SCHOOL RUGBY SCHOOL WARWICK WELLINGTON COLLEGE

-

100 Yds. Sec. 10 4-5 10 2-5 11 3.5 11 3-5 10 4-5 11 4-5 10 4-5

11 11 1.1 2-5 10 2-5 l 1 1-5 11 11 2-5 11 2-5 11

)file.

Min. Sec. 5 29 2-5 5 18 5 725 5 14 2-5 5 24 2-5 5 27 2-5 5 5 38 1-5 4 57 5 22 2-5 5 20 3-5 4 57 3-5 4 55 5 8 5 3 4 58 1.5

Half-Mile.

Quarter Mile.

Min. Sec. Sec. 2 25 3-5 58 4-5 No open event.

59 2 17 4-5 60 1-5 55 4 5 -59 2-5 61 9.10 55 57 4-5 2 13 3-5 58 2 134 57 4-5 58 1-5 55 3.5 66 2 15 56 2 11 3-5 57 4-5 57 4-5 2 10 3-5 56 4-5

Long Jump.

Ft. Ins. 16 8 20 2 19 2 19 2 19 1 18 3 20 14 17 4 18 4 19 3 18 10 18 9 17 7 20 6 19 17 81 19 5

High Jump.

Ft. In. 4 11 5 3 5 1 5 1 5 4

4 5

4

5 5 5 5

84

-

94

1 54 5

4 10 4 9

4 114 4 11 5 1

Cricket Ball.

Yds. Ft. Ins. 88 2 2-3 89 -L 1 92 4 103 114 1 2 89 2 4 89 11

70

2 -

100 2 97 101 __ 96 -

-

87 -

102 90 92 86

1

-

5

Weight.

FL Ins. 29 8 ___

27 114 28 14 30 -

6

._

_ 30 8 31 7 -

-

-

-

28

1 _.

31 -

1 6

It may be seen from the above that the Records at our recent Sports are not far behind those of our sister schools in England, and, in some events, particularly the 100 yards, we can hold our own with the majority of them. The Records in black figures are those which have been defeated by the similar events at the Grammar Sports.

I am, yours truly, FRANCIS W. DAVIDSON (F.P.).

P.S.—I collected Records of other Schools from Public Schools Magazine.

•

DEBATING SOCIETY. AN account of Dr. Danson's lecture is .given elsewhere.

After votes of thanks the elder members of the audience left. Members of the Debating Society were then enrolled.

The Then two highly intellectual debates were formed. first—" Should the Sports be held in April or September ?"

—was ably defended on one side by a youth who showed a laudable sympathy for the Oakbank boys degree of temperature when playing. The resolution arrived at in the next debate will likely startle the commercial world and cause riots. It was—" Has the Introduction of Machinery done more harm than good? " This was a lengthy debate, and many and varied were the arguments used by both sides. One poetical youth waxed ecstatic over the beauty of the "virgins of Aberdeen." Another member, whose powers of oratory are well known, advocated sinking into • oblivion for everybody. Poetical Youth thought there was no chance of Oblivious Member sinking into oblivion, as he was possessed of a comely person, and had a paunch like Falstaff. Another youth, who would .not like to say "Auchterarder," or be called on by the Master to go through the imperfect subjunctive passive of "rego" or "gero," told the audience a pathetic story, which drew tears from the eyes of his audience, but nothing but "oblivion" from Oblivious Member. Oblivious Member then gave a brief synopsis of Mill's General Geography, expatiated on the miseries of Spain, and ended up with a whirling denunciation of all who would not " sink into oblivion." A Committee meeting was held afterwards, but it was not of such an intellectual, albeit useful, turn, being to 1` cart away chairs I " (To be continued.)

OUR PRIZE COMPETITION. Our competition this time was to form the best sentence from the word Badminton.

The following has been judged to be the best :— Boers and Dutch Might Impute Niggardliness To Our Nation.

G. E. SHAND.

LIBRARY. STAFF.-J. B. Scott left at Easter, after doing a great deal of work. He was most enthusiastic, and has done a great deal to put the Library in order. K. Crawford has been appointed to fill his place.

REFERENCE DEPARTMENT.—A Reference Department of over 60 volumes has now been formed, of which John Shaw will have charge. It contains many Encyclopaedias, Dictionaries, and other works.

MAGAZINES.—A number of Magazines have been added to the Lending Department, including two volumes of the Grammar School Magazine, the Public Schools Magazine; four volumes of the Strand Magazine, &c.

OTHER ADDITIONS.—The following have also been presented by G. S. R. to the Lending Department : —" The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes" (a continuation of "The Adventures"); "The Rajah of Dah," by G. Manville Fenn. Two of Dumas' novels have also been presented.

The Debating and Literary Society has presented £1 10s. and " A Subscriber " 2s. 6d. to the Library.

As the Library has been removed to the room next the Lunch-Room, it is expected that business will be despatched more expeditiously.

Mr. A. W. Robertson, M.A., of the Public Library, is taking a great interest in our Library, and has been kind enough to supervise the issue of the new Catalogue, which will be ready at Christmas.

We hear on the best authority that there are to be two Gymnastic Assaults for the Library this year, as well as a Concert and a Dramatic Performance, for which Mr. Ward has kindly agreed to be stage manager.

G. S. RUSSELL, LibraTialf.

PRIZE

DAY.

THE Prize Distribution was held on 29th June, and the

weather was all that could be desired. The School appeared in force, as is usual on this great day, and occupied one side of the Hall, while the other was well filled with parents and friends. The entrance of each Master was the signal for an outburst of applause—Dr. Moir and Mr. Simpson Rev. Alex. Webster preespecially receiving ovations. sided, and was accompanied on the platform by Baillie

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The Grammar School Magazine.

Lyon (who presented the prizes), Rev. Dr. Denson, Rev. George Walker, East Church of St. Nicholas; Dr. Moir, the Rector, and members of the Town Council and the School Board. Rev. Mr. Walker opened with prayers, after which the Rector intimated letters of apology from Sir William Geddes, Sir Arthur Farquhar, Sir William Henderson, Professor James Bryce, M.P. ; Mr. D. Vernon Pixie, M.P. ; Colonel Cruden, and other gentlemen.

Mr. Simpson then delivered an eloquent and characteristic speech, in which he referred with regret to the death of A. L. Mackenzie, which cast such a gloom over the School.

He also referred in. glowing terms to William P. Milne, the Dux, and to James Shirran, who, owing to Milne's not having attended three full sessions, obtained the Gold Medal and the other distinctions of Dux. Mr. Simpson also mentioned Bain, Smith, Clark, and several members of the Modern Side. Baillie Lyon and Mr. Webster also made speeches, after which the former gentleman, in the absence of the Lord Provost, distributed the prizes. Mr. R. S. Machray, accompanied on the piano by Mr. J. C. H. Macbeth, then sang " Bon-Record," which some of the gentlemen on the platform had been examining during the proceedings. The proceedings concluded with the singing of " God Save the Queen."

G. S. R. OUR POETS' CORNER. WANTED—A CONTRI,BUTI N. lot like m i ne akmlst r 'ner quite No r g t through alllth dayor ai y sle p a t night; My friends in numbers crowd around with wondrous resolution, For various things they come to ask a little contribution.

HAD eier

A thousand poor unfortunates who fell with ruined banks ; A thousand starving unemployed (with rascals in their ranks); A thousand locked-out artisans stir up a revolution, And swear they'll shoot me if I don't give them a contribution.

The Swimming Clubs expect a dole—a pound I've paid already ; The washerwoman's broke her leg (her husband isn't steady) ; To keep them all from starving quite there's only one solution— Subscription lists go round, and I must give a contribution.

To send out to the Cherokees toothpicks to civilize 'em, And watering pots in wholesale lots and parsons to baptize 'em ; To stop the plague in India and clear away pollution, 'Tis clear I must at once agree to give a contribution.

Wanted—A Contribution.

145

So day by day and week by week my weakness they impose on, For everything beneath the sun that rhymes you could compose on ; I never can, try as I will, escape the persecution Of people who insist that I shall give a contribution.

When for the Grammar Magazine a poem they desire (Although I don't by any means to poetry aspire), My stumbling muse right willing aids so good an institution— So here in rambling rhymes you have my little contribution.

G. S. R IN MEMORIAM " PARADISE." April, 1881.

NEVER was taught a truth more clear To those who pleasure's paths pursue ; E'en in the other hemisphere Solomon's words are always true— Hence the plaint that I make to you.

0 Dominie, dear, be not beguiled, Weigh the words of the Royal Jew— " Sparing the Rod will Spoil the Child."

Mothers who dote on many a dear, Fathers who rule a roystering crew, Harden your hearts 'gainst trickling tear, And teach your bratlings wrong to rue.

If them with wisdom you'd imbue, Rule not in manner meek or mild, But give the Israelite his due— "Sparing the Rod will Spoil the Child."

The proverb tells that 'tis the fear Of application of the yew That lights a laddie's path to lear And tardy talent brings to view ; It will with vigour him endue— Thus is the prophecy fulfilled (Seers like Solomon are too few !)— Sparing the Rod will Spoil the Child."

L'ENVOI. Dominies all who have to do With bairns wayward and children wild, This Royal Precept ne'er eschew— " Sparing the Rod will Spoil the Child."

JACK POINT, F.P.

PARAPHRASING. [WITH PROFOUND APOLOGIES TO HER MAJESTY'S INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS.] PARAPHRASE the following passage :— "Few men have come more rapidly to the front in the world of letters during the last few years than Mr. Rudyard Kipling.

Born in Bombay towards the end of December, 1865, Mr. Kipling appears to have had exceptional opportunities of studying native life, as he certainly has exceptional powers for its vivid portrayal."

The following is suggested as a Middle I. boy's notion of " a Paraphrase " :— •

[TIME ad lib.].

Few men have come more rapidly In letters to the fore, Than Mr. Rudyard Kipling, who, All unbeknown before, In Bombay first became alive, December's end towards, In eighteen hundred sixty-five.

This circumstance affords Exceptional chance the native life To study, sure, as he, With powers as exceptional, Portrayeth vividly. a

•

PRIMULUS B.

CAPTAINS OF CLASSES.

H. J. Butchart. ...

••.

••• School Vice-Captain.

Captain.

Brebner.

A. VI. Classical A. C. - Hay. W. E. Kilgour.

V. A. C. Davidson.

Vincent Johnstone.

IV „ Modern VI.' and V. J. Saunders.

J. Fr - aser.

F. R. Johnson.

IV. „ C. Lawrence.

Alex. Giles.

III. „ J. Rae. S. M Robertson.

Middle III. J Bruce. „ II. A. E. R. MacBain.

C. Macleod. „ II. B. D. Davidson. ...Alex. Watt. „ I A. S. Hally.

N. MacLean.

I. B. IS I

Secretary—T. B. Robertson, 8 Marine Terrace.

LIBRARY. STAFF.-J. B. Scott left at Easter, after doing a great deal of work. He was most enthusiastic, and has done a great deal to put the Library in order. K. Crawford has been appointed to fill his place.

REFERENCE DEPARTMENT.-A Reference Department of over 60 volumes has now been formed, of which John Shaw will have charge. It contains many Encyclopaedias, Dictionaries, and other works.

MAGAZINES.-A number of Magazines have been added to the Lending Department, including two volumes of the Grammar School Maqazine, the Public Schools Magazine; four volumes of the Strand Magazine, &c.

OTHER ADDITIONS.—The following have also been presented by G. S. R. to the Lending Department : —" The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes" (a continuation of "The Adventures"); "The Rajah of Dah," by G. Manville Fenn. Two of Dumas' novels have also been presented.

The Debating and Literary Society has presented £1 10s. and " A Subscriber " 2s. 6d. to the Library.

As the Library has been removed to the room next the Lunch-Room, it is expected that business will be despatched more expeditiously.

Mr. A. W. Robertson, M.A., of the Public Library, is taking a great interest in our Library, and has been kind enough to supervise the issue of the new Catalogue, which will be ready at Christmas.

We hear on the best authority that there are to be two Gymnastic Assaults for the Library this year, as well as a Concert and a Dramatic Performance, for which Mr. Ward has kindly agreed to be stage manager.

G. S. RUSSELL, Librarian4.

PRIZE

DAY.

THE Prize Distribution was held on 29th June, and the

weather was all that could be desired. The School appeared in force, as is usual on this great day, and occupied one side of the Hall, while the other was well filled with parents and friends. The entrance of each Master was the signal for an outburst of applause—Dr. Moir and Mr. Simpson especially receiving ovations. Rev. Alex. Webster presided, and was accompanied on the platform by Baillie

MAGAZINE COMMITTEE. D. Anderson.

H. J. Butchart.

J. M. Hector.

D. E. Rae. J. Edwards.

J. M. Robertson.

A. M. Shinnie.

B. Wright.

W. Rae. S. Russell.

OUR CORRESPONDENCE COLUMN. As you remind us, "The Assyrian came down like a wolf on the fold," but remember the fate of the Assyrian ! Read the poem to the end.

Poor chap!

SPORTS.—Did the tea really disagree with you ?

What could you expect at a penny the cup. If you are not better yet, try Dr. Fibbles' Pale Blue Pills for Green People. Our little Tommy has used three boxes of them, and, wonderful to say, is still quite healthy.

TIT-FOR-TAT.-Quite so.

But you cannot expect distinguished lecturers to come unless you turn out well.

MODERN IV.,—We cannot tell you. Send it to Mr. Edwards.

But please do not let us have any more of those Arabian odours, something or other—oxide.

DEBATER.—Quite right, too.

RUSTICUS.—We could do the distance from the station in ten

minutes easily, and so could you if iou tried. )We city see ( the tth pf the line " The schoo boy creep ng lik unwil'ingly Ito school.( BAZAAR.-Of course you will all be present. Get your sisters, cousins, and aunts to do something.

FERRYHILL.—We do not understand your football skit. It might be considered offensive, so we must declinf to insert it. ' INDISPOSITION.-Try a little brain work for a change, and you

will soon be well again. We certainly think that two helpings of pudding are ample.

In winter the NOAH'S ARK.—Yes, we are glad to be out of it. temperature is Arctic. It is a wonderful stimulant of thought.

SOUTH AFRICA.—Morphy is in the Royal Artillery, and at this

moment, we believe, is on the Transvaal border. Donaldson is in the Scots Greys. So is Schivas. Williamson, who was at King's Kraal, in Swaziland, has fled to Delagoa Bay.

148

The Grammar School Magazine.

W. K. L.—Thanks.

Your services have been invaluable.

We are writing to every one you mention.

Unfortunately we cannot pay for contributions, so they pass us by.

They all give us the reply that Kipling gave to a Cambridge Magazine :— " There once was a writer who wrote, ' Dear sir, in reply to your note Of yesterday's date, I am sorry to state It's no good—at the prices you quote.' "

PROVERB.—It is " Mony a ane speirs for Aiberdeen that kens the

Brig o' Dee."

Not bad, eh 7

H. J. M., C. D., &c.—Your articles on the Indian Civil Service and on the F. P. Day at Glentana are crowded out.

EDUCATIONAL NOTE. To masters and parents we heartily recommend a book from which we have derived much inspiration. It is the Life and Letters of Edward Thring, Head Master of Uppingham, by G. R. Parkin, C.M.G. Thring was one of the greatest educators of this century, and to his efforts is due entirely the high position that Uppingham now holds among English schools. Speaking of examinations (voL ii., p. 130), he utters these pregnant words :— " A system of examination and inspection, in proportion to its power, is death to all original teaching, to all progress arising from new methods, and even to all improvement which is at all out of the routine track." " There is no dead hand so dead as living power thrust in on work from the outside. It is the doctor putting his fingers on the heart when he ought to feel the pulse." " If education and training are the true aim of mankind, and power in a man's self the prize of life, then no superstition ever ate into a healthy national organism more fatal than the cult of the examiner." " Where examinations reign, every novelty in training, every original adv ce, every new method of dealing with mind, becomes at once fun ssible. It is outside the prescribed area and does not pay." " Teaching is not possible if an Inspector is coming to count the number of bricks male to order." " The Inspector destroys teaching, because he is bound by law and necessity to examii3 according to a given pattern, and the perfection of tF aching is that it does not work by a given pattern." " Minds cannot be inspected. The minds of the class cannot be produced as specimens on a board, with a pin stuck through them, like beetles. Shoving in the regulation quantity is one thing, clearing the stuff out of the bewildered brain and strengthening the mind is another ; and the two are foes."

We commend the book to all in authority over us.

LORIMER.

JOHN C. M'LEOD, HATTER, 48

UNION

STREET,

OULD respectfully intimate to pupils of Grammar School a

W Large Stock of Cap and Glengarry Badges, as authorised; also, Football Jerseys, Belts, Bathing Pants, and Costumes.

Great Variety of Football, Cricket, Tennis, and Boating Jerseys, Sweaters, Knickers, Trousers, Shirts, Jackets, Belts, Cowls, Caps, and Hats.

TROPHY

AND

CLUB

CAPS

MADE

TO

ORDER.

For Summer -Straw Hats, with Club & other Fancy Bands, Guards, Puggarees, &c.

W..."."0

,1•WSNOW

NEW STYLES FELT HAIN, TWEED CAPS, &c.

Ties, Scarfs, Collars, Braces, and Umbrellas.

-

1899.

EDUCATIONAL BOOKS ARE SUPPLIED BY

Walker 4 19

BRIDGE

(L'ompany, STREET,

At the Lowest Possible Rate. It is considered that they carry the Largest Educational Stock.

School .T.Itationerv for the various Stands supplied at Cut Prices.

WALKER & COMPANY, Ebucational& (3eneral 36oohsellers THE HOME OF

19

THE CINEMATOGRAPH),

BRIDGE

STREET,

ABERDEEN.

G. G. GLEN VIRRIFF, M.A., I.U.M.,

Organist and Choirmaster of Skene Street Congregational Church.

Author of Works on the Mandoline, &c.

Lessons on

piario, )io1in, Mandoline,.

Guifar, Rat*, k.

FOR TERMS APPLY:3

Belmont Street, Aberdeen, N.B.

Private tuition IN

Technical Architectural Drawing and 'Scheduling (Bills of Quantities), I

%nibble an klubitect9, £nGincers, IS GIVEN BY

Mr. J. N. CARMICHAEL, Honoursman Building Technology, Al'

9 Margaret Place, illittbrieston.