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REMINISCENCES.
THE KIRK COLLECTION
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IINISCENCES OF
SCOTTISH LIFE & CHARAOTER
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WITH
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C.ONTENTS.
.:.
LIST OF IJ.JL'CSTRATIONS .
PAGE
1
PREFACE TO TWENTy-SECOXD EDITIO:Y .
1
CHAPTER I.
IN'fRODUCTORY
7
CHAPTER II.
SCOTTISH RELIGIOCS FEELIKGS AKD OnSERV AXCES 56
CHAPTER III.
O
OLD SCOTTISH CO
VIVIALITY .
.
. 101
CH
PTER I,r.
ON THE OLD SCOTTISH DO:\IESTiC SERV.ANT .
. 127
CHAPTER V.
SCOTTISH JUDGES .
. 145
lV
OONT ENTS.
CHAPTER VI.
PAG
Os HUMOUR PROCEEDING FRO
1 SCOTTISH EXPHES-
810:\"8, INCLUDI
G SCOTTISH PROYERBS . 169
CHAPTElt VII.
ON SCOTTISH STORIES OF 'VIT ,AND HUMOUR . 24;3
CO:YCLUSION 351
l
DEX
75
ILLUSTRATIONS
jrout l}aintinys by
HENRY \V. KERR, A..R.S.A., R.S.W.
PA.GS
THE KIRK COLLECTION . . frontúpiece
THE PILLAR 0' THE KIRK 12
A SCOTTISH BAPTISM 28
THE WEA VER'S SHOP 60
THE WEA VER . 76
THE SHEPHERD 92
THE GRAVEDIGGEll. 108
THE S:xt;FFBR. 12i
A Gum GA
GIN' PLE..\ . 156
A LOWLAXD COTTAGE 172
THE MUTCH . 188
THE BONNET LAIRD 25
THE BEADLE . 300
HIS DAY AT THE PLATE. 316
THE LAIRD'S DAUGHTER. 332
THE READER . 348
PREFACE
TO
T'VENTY-SECOND EDI1:ION.
.
IN preparing another duodecimo edition of the" Relni-
niscences of Scottish Life and Character," I gladly
avail myself of the opportunity afforded me of repro-
ducing some of the materials ,,"hich had been added
to the octavo edition, especially that part at page
322, etc., which advocated a modified interchange of
pulpits between Episcopalian and Presbyterian clergy-
men; to add also some excellent Scottish stories
which had been sent to me by kind friends. I am
desirous also of repeating the correction of an error
into which ,ve had fallen in copying the account of a
toast in the I-lighland form, 'v hich had been kindly
contributed by the respected nlinister of
Ioulin, in
the octavo edition at page 70. rfo Lo,vland concep-
tions, the whole proceeding has somewhat the appear-
ance of a respectable company at once becoming insane;
still it ought to be correct, and the printer had, by
mistake, inserted a ,vord that has no existence in the
Gaelic language. The text reads-
" Lud ria! Lud ris! You again! you again! "
ft
..
PREFAOE.
It should be
Sud ris! Bud ris ! Yon again! yon again!
that is-" yon cheer again."
1.lle demand for a twenty-second edition of a volume
of" Scottish Reminiscences It embracing subjects which
are necessarily of a limited and local character-a
demand which has taken place during the course of
little more than fifteen years since its first publication-
proves, I think, the correctness of the idea upon which
it was first undertaken-viz. that it should depict a
phase of national manners which was fast passing
away, and thus, in however humble a department,
contribute something to the materials of history, by
exhibiting social customs and habits of thought which
at a particular era ,vere characteristic of a race. It
may perhaps be very fairly said that the Reminiscences
came out at a time specially suitable to rescue these
features of national life and character from oblivion.
They had begun to fade away, and many had, to the
present generation, become obsolete.
To those ,vho have not given their attention to the
subject for the elucidation of which this volume has
been written, I would present two specimens of the
sort of materials from ,vhich they may expect to find
these Reminiscences are compiled. They are chosen
to indicate a style of life and mann
rs now fast fading
away, and are taken from a period which lies within
the scope of our own recollections. Now, a subject
like this can only be illustrated by a copious applica-
tion of anecdotes which must show the features of the
PREF.AOE.
3
past. And let me premise that I make use of anec-
dotes not for the purpose of telling a good story, but
solely in the way of illustration. I am quite certain
that there was an originalitJT, a dry and humorous
mode of vie,ving persons and events, quite peculiar to
the older Scottish characters. And I am equally
certain, that their peculiar humùur can only be exhi-
bited in examples. From the late Mr. Erskine of
Linlathan I received the following: - Mr. Erskine
recollected an old housekeeper at Airth, who belonged
to this class of character. A speech of this Mrs.
Henderson was preserved in the family as having
been made by her at the time of the execution of
Louis XVI. in 1793. She was noticing the violent
emotion exhibited by 1\ir. Bruce of Kinnaird, the
Abyssinian traveller, at the sad event which had just
taken place, and added, in the following quaint and
caustic terms, "There's IGnnaird greeting as if there
was nae a saunt on earth but himser and the king 0'
France." How utterly unlike anything that ,vould be
said on such an occasion by an English person in the
same position in life!
For the same purpose, let me introduce a charac-
teristic little Scottish scene, ,yhich my cousin, the
late Sir 'fhomas Burnett of Leys, used to describe with
great humour. Sir Thomas had a tenant on his
estate, a very shrewd clever man, ,vhom he ,vas some-
times in the habit of consulting about country matters.
On one occasion he came over to Crathes Castle, anù
asked to see Sir Thomas. He ,vas accordingly ushered
in, aceompanied by a young nlan of very simple appear.
4
PlfE}'AUE.
ance, who gazed about the room in a stupid va.cant
manner. The old man began by saying that he
understood there ,vas a farm on the estate to be let,
and that he kne\v
very fine young man whom he
wished to recommend as tenant. He said he had
plenty of siller, and bad studied farming on the most
apprf'ved principles-sheep-fa.rming in the Highlands,
cattle-farming in the Lowlands, and so forth, and, in
short, was a model farmer. When he had finished
his statement, Sir Thomas, looking very significantly
at his companion, addressed the old man (as he was
usually addressed in the county by the name of his
farm)-" vVell, Drummy, and is this your friend \vhom
you propose for the farm 1" to ,vhich Drummy replied,
" Oh fie, na. Hout! that is a kind 0' a Feel, a fri
nd
(i.e. a relation) 0' the wife's, and I just brought him
ower \vi' me to show him the place."
The question of change in the" life and character"
of a people, during the period embraced in the remi-
niscences of an aged individual, must always be a
subject for deep and serious consideration. III the
case of Scotland, such changes comprise much that is
interesting and amusing. But they also contain much
matter for serious thought and reflection to the lovers
of their country. In preparing the present edition
of these Reminiscences, I have marked out many fur-
ther changes, and have marked them frem a deep
feeling of interest in the moral and religious improve-
ment of my country. To my readers I say that I
hope we have all learned to view such changes under
a more serious national aspect than a mere question
PREFAUE.
5
of amusement or speculation. The Christian, when
he looks around hinl on society, must observe many
things \vhich, as a patriot, he wishes might be pernla-
nent, and he marks many things ,vhich, as a patriot,
he wishes ,vere obliterated. 'Vhat he desires should
be enduring in his countrymen is, that abiding attri-
butes of Scottish character should be associated
amongst all men with truth and virtue-with honour
and kindly feelings-with telnperance and self-denial
-with divine faith and love-,vith generosity and
benevolence. On the other hand, he desires that
what may become questions of tradition, and, in regard
to his own land, RE
IINISCENCES of Scottish life, shall
be-cowardice and folly, deceit and fraud, the lo,v
and selfish motives to action which make men traitors
to their God and hateful to their fello\v-men.
It ,vouid be worse than affectation-it would be
ingratitude-to disclaim being deeply impressed by
the favourable reception which has for so long a time
been given to these Reminiscences at home, in India,
in America, and in all countries where Scotchmen are
to be found.
It is not the least of the enjoyments which I have
had in compiling these pages, to hear of the kind
sympathy which they have called forth in other
minds, and often in the minds of strangers; and it
would be difficult for nle to describe the pleasure I
have received ,vhen told by a friend that this work
had cheered hin1 in the hour of depression or of sick-
ness-that even for a. fe\v moments it may have be-
guiled t,he weight of corroning care and ,vorldlyanxiety.
H
6
PREFAOB.
I have been desirous of saying a word in favour of
old Scottish life; and with some minds, perhaps, the
book may have promoted a more kindly feeling to-
wards hearts and heads of bygone days. And cer-
tainly I can now truly say, that my highest reward-
my greatest honour and gratification-would spring
from the feeling that it Inight become a standard
volume in Scottish cottage libraries, and that by the
firesides of Scotland these pages might become as
Household Words.
EDINBURGH, 23 AINSLIE PLA.CE.
St. Andrew', Day..
· Tbc!'e words, U St. Andrew's Day," were deleted by the Dean; and
though he livc<l till the 27th December, he did Iwt touch the proof-abe
u
after tbe 19th November 1872.
REMINISCEN CES
OF
SCOTrl'ISH LIFE AND CHARACTER.
.
CHAPTER THE FIRST.
INTRODUCTORY.
I 'VISH my readers always to bear in mind that these
Relniniscences are meant to bear upon the changes
".hich would include just such a revolution as that
referred to at page 15 in the bonnet practice of
Laurencekirk. There is no pretension to any re-
searches of antiqua1'ian character; they are in fact
Reminiscences ,vhich come almost within personal
recognition. A kind friend gave me anecdotes of the
past in her hundredth year. In early life I ,vas
myself consigned to the care of my granduncle, Sir
Alexander Ramsay, residing in Yorkshire, and he was
born in 1 715; so that I can go pretty far back on my
o\vn experience, and have thus become cogllisant of
many changes which might be expected as a con-
!equence of such experience.
I cannot imagine a better il1ustration of the sort of
change in the domestic relations of life that has
taken place in something like the time v,"e speak of,
than is sho\vn in the following anecdote, which was
kindly communicated to DIe by Professor 1\IacGregor
of the Free Church. I have pleasure in giving it in
8
RE]j[INISOENCES OF
t.he Professor's own words:-" I happened one day
to be at Panmure Castle when Lord Panmure (now
Dalhousie) was giving a treat to a school, and was
presented by the Monikie Free Church Deacons'
Court with a Bible on occasion of his having cleared
them finally of debt on their buildings. Mterwards
his Lordship took me into the library, where, among
other trea.sures, we found a handsome folio pfrayer
Book presented to his ancestor Mr. Maule of Kelly by
the Episcopalian minister of the district, on occasion
of his having, by Mr. Maule's help, been brought out
of jail. The coincidence and contrast were curiously
interesting. "
For persons to take at various intervals a retrospec-
tive view of life, and of the characters they have met
with, seems to be a natural feeling of human nature;
and every one is disposed at times to recall to memory
many circumstances and many individuals ,vhich
suggest abundant subjects for reflection. We thus
find recollections of scenes in which we have been
joyous and happy. We think of others ,vith which
we only associate thoughts of sorrow and of sadness.
Amongst these varied emotions ,ve find subjects for
reminiscences, of which we would bury the feelings in
our own hearts as being too sacred for communication
with others. Then, again, there are many things of
the past concerning which we delight to take counsel
with friends and contemporaries. Some persons are
disposed to go beyond these personal communications
\vith friends, and having through life been accustomed
to write do\vn memoranda of their o\vn feelings, have
published them to the world. Many interesting works
have thus been contributed to our literature by \vriters
,vho have sent forth volumes in the form of Memoirs
of their Own Times, Personal Recollections, Remarks upon
SCOTTISH LIFE
OHARAOTER.
Past Scenes, etc. etc. It is not within the scope of this
,vork to examine these, nor can I specify the many
cOlnmunications I have from different persons, both at
home and in our colonial possessions; in fact, th e
references in many cases have been lost or mislaid.
But I must acknowledge, however briefly, my obliga-
tions to Dr. Carruthers, Inverness, and to Dr. Cook,
Haddington, who have favoured me with valuable
contributions.
Now, when ,ve come to examine the general question
of memoirs connected ,vith contemporary history, no
work is better known in connection ,vith this depart-
ment of Scottish literature than the History of his Own
Times, by my distinguished relative) Dr. Gilbert
Burnett, Bishop of Salisbury. Bishop Burnett's father,
Lord Crimond, was third son of my father's family,
the Burnetts of Leys, in Kincardineshire. There is
now at Crathes Castle, the family seat, a magnificent
fun-length portrait of the Bishop in his robes, as
Prelate of the Garter, by Sir Godfrey Kneller. It
,vas presented by himself to the head of his family.
But, as one great object of the Bishop's history was to
laud and magnify the personal character and public
acts of William of Orange, his friend and patron, and
as William was held in special abhorrence by the
Jacobite party in Scotland, the Bishop holds a
prominent, and, with many, a very odious position in
Scottish Reminiscences; in fact, he drew upon himself
and upon his memory the determined hatred and
unrelenting hostility of adherent.s to the Stuart cause.
They never failed to abuse him on all occasions, and I
recollect old ladies in Montrose, devoted to the exiled
Prince, ,vith 'v horn the epithet usually applied to the
Prelate was that of " Leein' Gibby.".
* Lying Gilbert.
]0
llEMINISCEN(!1?ll OF
Such language has happily b
come a "Reminis-
cence." Few would be found now to apply such an
epithet to the author of the History of his Own Tirnes,
and certainly it would not be applied on the ground of
the Jacobite principles to which he was opposed.
But a curious additional proof of this hostility of
Scottish Jacobites to the memory of Burnett has lately
come to light. In a box of political papers lately
found at Brechin Castle, belonging to the Panmure
branch of the family, who, in '15, were forfeited on
the ground of their Jacobite opinions and adherence
to the cause of Charles Edward, there has been found
a severe and bitter supposed epitaph for Bishop Burnett.
By the kindness of the Earl of Dalhousie I was per-
mitted to see this epitaph, and, if I chose, to print it
in this edition. I am, howev9f, unwilling to stain my
pages with such an ungenerous and, indeed, I may sa:r,
so scurrilous a representation of the character of one
who, in the just opinion of our Lyon King-at-Arms,
himself a Burnett of the ICemnay branch, has charac-
terised the Bishop of Salisbury as "true and honest,
and far beyond the standard of his times as a Clergy-
man and as a Bishop." But the epitaph found in
these Panmure papers shows clearly the prejudices of
the age in ,vhich it was written, and in fact only em-
bodies something of that spirit and of those opinions
which we have known as still lingering in our own
Reminiscences.
If it ,vere not on my part a degree of presumption,
I might be inclined to consider myself in this volume
a fello\v-Iabourer with the late accomplished and
able Mr. Robert Chambers. In a very limited sphere
it t.akes a portion of the same field of illustration. I
ßhould consider Inyself to have done well if I shall
direct any of my readers to his able volumes. Who.
SOOTTISH LIFE
OHARAOTER. 11
soever wishes to know what this country really was in
times past, and to learn, ,vith a precision beyond
what is supplied by the narratives of history, the
details of the ordinary current of our social, civil, and
national life, must carefully study the Domestic Annals
of Scotland. N ever before were a nation's domestic
features so thoroughly portrayed. Of those features
the specimens of quaint Scottish humour still remem-
bered are unlike anything else, but they are fast
becoming obsolete, and my motive for this publication
has been an endeavour to preserve marks of the past
which would of themselves soon become obliterated,
and to supply the rising generation with pictures of
social life, faded and indistinct to their eyes, but the
strong lines of which an older race still remember.
By thus coming for\vard at a favourable moment, no
doubt many beautiful specimens of SCOTIISH MIN-
STRELSY have in this manner been preserved from
oblivion by the timely exertions of Bishop Percy,
Ritson, 'Valter Scott, and others. Lord l\Iacaulay, in
his preface to The Lays of Ancient Rome, shows very
powerfully the tendency in all that lingers in the
Inemory to become obsolete, and he does not hesitate to
say that " Sir Walter Scott ,vas but just in time to save
the precious relics of the minstrelsy of the Border."
It is quite evident that those ,vho have in Scotland
come to an advanced age, must have found some
things to have been really changed about them, and
that on them great alterations have already taken
place. There are some, however, which yet may be
in a transition state; and others in ,vhich, although
changes are threatened, still it cannot be said that
the changes are begun. I have been Jed to a con-
sideration of impending alterations as likely to take
place, by thB recent appearance of two very remarkable
12
REJ,IINISCENCES OF
and very interesting papprs on subjects closely con-
nected \vith great social Scottish questions, where a
revolution of opinion may be expected. These are two
articles in Recess St1ldies ( 1870), a volume edited by our
distinguished Principal, Sir Alexander Grant. One
essay is by Sir Alexander himself, upon the " Endowed
Hospitals of Scotland j" the other by the Rev. Dr.
Wallace of the Greyfriars, upon" Church Tendencies
in Scotland." It \vould be quite irrelevant for me to
enlarge here upon the merits of those articles. No
one could study them attentively \vithout being
impressed \vith the ability and power displayed in
them by the authors, their grasp of the subjects, and
their fair impartial judgment upon the various
questions \vhich come under their notice.
From these able disquisitions, and from other prog-
nostics, it is quite evident that sounder principles of
political economy and accurate experience of human
life show that much of the old Scottish hospital system
was quite wrong and must be changed. Changes are
certainly going on, which seem to indicate that the very
hard Presbyterian views of some points connected
with Church matters are in transition. I have
elsewhere spoken of a past sabbatarian strictness,
and I have lately received an account of a strictness
in observing the national fast-day, or day appointed
for preparation in celebrating Holy Communion, which
has in son1e measure passed away. The anecdote
adduced the example of two drovers who ,vere going
on very quietly together. They had to pass through
a district \vhereof one ,vas a parishioner, and during
their progress -through it the one whistled ,vith all
his might, the other screwed up his mouth without
emitting a single sound. When they came to a burn,
the silent one, on then crossing the stream, gave
THE PILL
\R 0' THE KIRK
F"011l tl. .l'l!tey-COloll Y drawitl,g by
11 J....J.VR V lV. A-ERR,
A.R.S.A., R.S.ll/.
'"'
\.
"
....
"
,
SCOTTISH LIFE æ CHARAOTER. 13
a skip, and began whistling with all his Inight, ex-
claiming \vith great triumph to his companion, " I'Yß
beyond the parish of Forfar now, and I'll ,vhistle as
muckle as I like." It happened to be the Forfar
parish fast-day. But a still stricter observance was
shown by a native of ICirkcaldy, ,vho, ,vhen asked by
his companion drover in the south of Scotland " why he
didna ,vhistle," quietly ans,vered, "I canna, man; it's
our fast-day in Kirkcaldy." I have an instance of a
very grim assertion of extreme sabbatarian zeal. A
maid-servant had come to a ne,v place, and on her
mistress quietly asking her on Sunday evening to \vash
up some dishes, she indignantly replied, "Mem, I hae
dune mony sins, and hae mony sins to ans,ver for; but,
thank God, I hae never been sap far left to mysell as
to wash up dishes on the Sabbath day."
I hope it will not for a moment be supposed we
would ,villingly throw any ridicule or discouragement
on the Scottish national tendencies on the subject, or
that we are not proud of Scotland's example of a
sacred observance of the fourth commandment in the
letter and the spirit. We refer now to injudicious ex-
tremes, such, indeed, as our Lord condemned, and
which seem a fair subject for notice amongst Scottish
peculiarities. But the philosophy of the question iß
curious. Scotland has ever made her boast of the
simplest form of worship, and a ,vorship free from
ceremonial, more even than the Church of England,
\vhich is received as, in doctrine and ritual, the
Church of the Reformation. In SOlne respects, therefore,
may you truly say the only standing recognised obser-
vance in the ceremonial part of Presbyterian worship
is the Sabbath day-an observance which has been
pushed in times past even beyond the extreme of a
spirit of Judaism, as if the sabbatical ceremoniaJ
14
REJfIltISOENCES OF
were made a substitute for all other ceremony. I'n
this, as well as in other matters ,vhich we have pointed
out, what changes have taken place, what chànges
are going on! It may be difficult to assign precise
causes for such changes having taken place among us,
and that during the life-time of individuals no,v living
to remember them. It has been a period for many
changes in manners, ha
its, and forms of language,
such as we have endeavoured to mark in this volume.
The fact of such changes is indisputable, and some..
times it is difficult not only to assign the causes for
them, but even to describe in \vhat the changes thenl-
selves consist. Theyare gradual, and almost impercep-
tible. Scottish people lose their Scotchness; they leave
home,and return without those expressions and intona-
tions, and even peculiarity of voice and manner, \vhich
used to distinguish us from Southern neighbours. In
all this, I fear, we lose our originality. It has not
passed away, but with every generation becomes less
like the real type.
I would introduce here a specimen of the precise
sort of changes to which I would refer, as an example
of the reminiscences intended to be introduced into
these pages. We have in earlier editions given an
account of the pains taken by Lord Gardenstone to
extend and improve his rising ,,;l1age of Laurencekirk ;
amongst other devices he had brought down, as settlers,
a variety of artificers and workmen from England.
With these he had introduced a hatter from New-
castle; but on taking him to church next day after
his arrival, the poor man sa,v that he might decamp
without loss of time, as he could not expect much
success in his calling at Laurencekirk; in fact, he
found Lord Gardenstone's and his o\vn the only hats
in the kirk-the men all wore then the flat Lo\vland
SCOTTISH LIFE d; CHARACTER. 15
bonnet. But ho,v quickly times change! My excel-.
lent friend, Mr. Gibbon of Johnstone, Lord Garden-
8tone's own place, which is near Laurencekirk, tells
me that at the present time one solitary Lowland
bonnet lingers in the parish.
Hats are said to have been first brought into
Inverness by Duncan Forbes of Culloden, the Lord
President, who died in 1747. Forbes is reported to
have presented the provost and bailies with cocked
hats, which they ""ore only on Sundays and council
days. About 1760 a certain Deacon Young began
daily to wear a hat, and the country people cro,,,,ding
round him, the Deacon used humorously to say,
" \Vhat do you see about me, sirs 1 am I not a mortal
man like yourselves 1 " The broad blue bonnets I
speak of long continued to be worn in the Highland
capital, and are still occasionally to be seen there,
though generally superseded by the Glengarry bonnet
and ordinary hat. It is a minor change, but a very
decided one.
The changes which have taken place, and which
give rise to such" Reminiscences," are very numerous,
and meet us at every turn in society. Take, for
example
the case of our Highland chieftains. "r e
may still retain the appellation, and talk of the chiefs
of Clanranald, of Glengany, etc. But how different
is a chieftain of the present day, even from some of
those of ,vhom Sir 'Valter Scott wrote as existing so
late as 1 715 or 1745! Dr. Gregory (of immortal
Jnixtu're memory) used to tell a story of an old High-
land chieftain, intended to show ho,v such Celtic
potentates ,,"erc, even in his day, still inclined to hold
themselves superior to all the usual considerations
which affected ordinary mortals. The doctor, after
due examination, had, in his u
ual decided and blunt
16
RE.JfIJ.lISCENOES OF
manner, pronounced the liver of a Highlander to bp
at fault, and to be the cause of his ill-health. His patient,
who could not but consider this as taking a great liberty
with a Highland chieftain, roared out-" And what
the devil is it to you whether I have a liver or not? n
But there is the case of dignity in Lo,vland Lairds as
well as clan-headship in Highland Chiefs. In proof
of this, I need only point to a practice still lingering
an10ngst us of calling landed proprietors, not as Mr.
So-and-so, but by the names of their estates. I re-
collect, in my early days, anum ber of our proprietors
were always so designated. Thus, it was not as Mr.
Carnegie, Mr. Douglas, Mr. Irvine, etc., but as Craigo,
TillwhiUy, Drum, etc.
An amusing application of such a territorial denomi-
native system to the locality of London was narrated
to me by a friend who witnessed it. A Scottish
gentleman, ",vho had never been in the n1etropolis,
arrived fresh from the Highlands, and met a small
party at the house of a London friend. A person
was present of most agreeable manners, who delighted
the Scotsman exceedingly. He heard the company
frequently referring to this gentleman's residence in
Piccadilly, to his house in Piccadilly, and so on.
'Vhen addressed by the gentleman, he commenced his
reply, anxious to pay him all due respect-" Indeed,
Piccadilly," etc. He supposed Piccadilly must be his
own territorial locality. Another instance of mistake,
arising out of Scottish ignorance of London ways, was
Inade by a North Briton on his first visit to the great
city. He arrived at a hotel in Fleet Street, where
many of the country coaches then put 'up. On the
follo,ving morning he supposed that such a. crowd as
he encountered could only proceed from some" occa-
sion," and must pass off in due time. Accordingly, a
SCOTTISH LIFE tf CHA.RACTER. 17
friend from Scotland found him standing in a door-
way, as if waiting for some one. His countryman
asked him what made him stand there. To which
he answered-" Ou, I was just stan'ing till the kirk
had scaled." The ordinary appearance of his native
borough made the crowd of Fleet Street suggest to
him the idea of a church crowd passing out to their
several homes, called in Scotland a "kirk scaling."
A London street object called forth a similar simple
remark from a Scotsman. He had come to London
on Ilis way to India, and for a few days had time to
amuse himself by sight-seeing before his departure.
He 'had been much struck with the appearance of the
mounted sentinels at the Horse Guards, Whitehall,
and bore them in remembrance during his Eastern
sojourn. On his return, after a period of thirty
years, on passing the Horse Guards, he looked up to
one, and seeing him, as he thought, unchanged as tú
horse, position, and accoutrements, he exclaimed-
"Od, freend, ye hae had a lang spell on't sin' I left,"
supposing him to be the identical sentinel he had seen
before he sailed.
It is interesting to preserve national peculiarities
\vhich are thus passing away from us. One great
pleasure I have had in their collection, and that is
the numerous and sympathetic comnlunications I have
received from Scotsmen, I Inay literally say from
Scotsmen in all quarters of the world,. sometÌlues
communicating very good examples of Scottish hu-
Inour, and ahvays expressing their great pleasure in
reading, 'v hen in distant lands and foreign scenes,
anecdotes which ren1il1ded them of Scotland, and of t
their ain days of "auld langsyne."
There is no mistaking the national attachment so
strong in. the Scottish character. Men return aft'jr
IS
RE.1fI."ft/ISOENOES OF
long absence, in this respect, unchanged; whilst ab.
sent, Scotsmen never forget their Scottish home. In
all ftriéties of lands and climates their hearts ever
turn towards the "land 0' cakes and brither Scots."
Scottish festivals are kept with Scottish feeling on
" Greenland's icy mountains" or " India's coral
strand." I received an amusing account of an ebul-
lition of this patriotic feeling from Iny late noble
friend the Marquis of Lothian, who met with it ,vhen
travelling in India. He happened to arrive at a sta-
tion upon the eve of St. Andrew's Day, and received
an invitation to join a Scottish dinner party in com-
memoration of old Scotland. There was a great deal
of Scottish enthusiasm. There were seven sheep-
heads (singed) down the table; and Lord Lothian
told me that after dinner he sang with great applause
"1'he Laird 0' Cockpen."
Another anecdote arising out of Scotsmen meet-
ing in distant lands, is rather of a more serious
character, and used to be told with exquisite humour
by the late lamented Dr. Norman Macleod. A settler
in Australia, who for a long time had heard nothing
of his Scottish kith and kin, was delighted at the
arrival of a countryman direct from his own part
of the country. When he met with him, the fol-
lowing conversation took place bet,veen them :- Q.
" Ye ken my fouk, friend; can ye tell me gin my
faather's alive r' A .-" Hout, na; he's deed." Q.-
"Deed! What did he dee 0'
was it fever
" A.-
" N a, it wasna fever." Q.-" Was it cholera 1 " A.-
N a." The question being pressed, the stranger
drily said, "Sheep," and then he accompanied the
ominous word by delicately and significantly pointing
to the jugular under his ear. The man had been
hanged for sheep. stealing !
SCOTTISH LIFE C'è OHAllAOTE.ll. 19
It must always be amusing for Scotsmen to meet
in distant lands, and there to playoff on each other
the same dry, quaint humour ,vhich delighted them
in their native land, and in their early days at home.
An illustration of this remark has been communi-
cated by a kind correspondent at Glasgow. l\frs.
Hume, a true Scot, sends me the following dialogue,
accompanied by a very clever etching of the parties,
from the Melbourne Punch, August 17, 1871, headed
"Too Poor,-Night of TVave1'Zey Concert."
Southron.-You here, Mac! you ought to have been
at the concert, you know. Aren't you one of the
, Scots \v ha hae 1 '
Mac.-Indeed no. I'm ane 0' the Scots wha hac
na, or I \vadna be here the nÎcht.
He would not have stayed at home if he had been one
of the "Scots wha hae."
I am assured that the genuineness of the following
anecdote is unquestionable, as my informant received
it from the person to whom it occurred. A popular
Anglican Nonconformist minister was residing \vith
a family in Glasgo\v while on a visit to that city,
,vhither he had gone on a deputation from the \Ves-
leyan Missionary Society. After dinner, in reply to
an invitation to partake of some fine fruit, he men-
tioned to the family a curious circunlstance concerning
himself-viz. that he had never in his life tasted
all apple, pear, grape, or indeed any kind of green
fruit. 1'his fact seemed to evoke considerable sur-
prise from the company, but a cautious Scotsman,
of a practical, matter-of-fact turn of mind, \vho had
1istened with lunch unconcern, drily remarked, U It's
a peety but ye had been in Paradise, and there micht
lla hae been ony faa." I have spoken else,vhere of th
cool matter-of-fact manner in ,y hich the awful q ue8
20
RE
[11VISCENOES OJ!
tions connected with the funerals of friends are often
approached by Scottish people, without the least in-
tention or purpose of being irreverent or unfeeling.
By the kindness of Mr. Lyon, I :tIn enabled to give
an authentic anecdote of a curious character, illustra-
tive of this habit of Inind, and I cannot do better
than give it in his own words :-" An old tenant of
my late father, George Lyon of Wester Ogil, nlany
years ago, ,vhen on his deathbed, and his end near at
hand, his wife thus addressed him: 'Willie, Willie,
as lang as ye can speak, tell us are ye for your burial-
baps round or square 7' Willie having responded to
this inquiry, ,vas next asked if the murners were to
have glooes (gloves) or mittens, the fonner being ar-
ticles with fingers, the latter having only a thumb.
piece; and Willie, having also answered this question,
,vas allowed to depart in peace."
There could not be a better exanlple of this
familiar handling, without meaning offence, than one
\vhich has just been sent to nle by a kind corres-
pondent. I give her o,vn words. "Happening to
call on a poor neighbour, I asked after the children
of a l)erson who lived close by. She replied, "They're
no hame yet; gaed awa to the English kirk to get a
clap 0' the heid. It was the day of confiJ'111alion for
St. Paul's. This definition of the 'outward and
visible sign' would look rather odd in the catechism.
But the poor ,vomall said it from no disrespect; it
,vas merely her ,yay of answering my question." But
remarks on serious subjects often go to deeper views
of religious matters than nÚght be expected frOln the
position of the parties and the terms made use of.
Of the ,vise and shre\vd judgment of the Scottish
character, as bearing upon religious pretensions, I
have an apt example from TIIY friend Dr. Norman
SCOTTl
H LIFE æ CHARAUTER. 21
Iacleod. During one of the late revivals in Scot-
land, a small fanner went about preaching ,vith much
fluency and zeal the doctrine of a "full assurance "
of faith, and expressed his belief of it for himself in
such extravagant terms as fe,v men \yould venture
upon \vho were humble and cautious against presump-
tion. The" preacher," being personally rather re-
markable as a man of greedy and selfish views in
life, excited some suspicion in the breast of an old
sagacious countryman, a neighbour of Dr.
Iacleod,
who asked him what he thought of John as a preacher,
and of his doctrine. Scratching his head, as if in
some doubt, he replied, "I'm no verra sure 0' Jock. I
never ken't a man sae sure 0' Heaven, and sae sweert to
be gaing tae't." He showed his sagacity, for John
was soon after in prison for theft.
Another story gives a good idea of the Scottish
matter-of-fact view of things being brought to bear
upon a religious question without meaning to be pro-
fane or irrev'erent. Dr. Macleod was on a Highland
loch ,vhen a storm came on ,vhich threatened serious
consequences. The doctor, a large po\verful man,
\vas accompanied by a clerical friend of diminutivE
size and small appearance, who began to speak
seriously to the boatmen of their danger, and proposed
that all present should join in prayer. "N a, na, JJ said
the chief boatman; "let the little ane gang to praYt
but first the big ane maun tak an oar." IllustrativE
of the same spirit was the reply of a Scotsman of
the genuine old school, "Boatie n of Deeside, of
whom I have more to say, to a relative of mine. He
had been nearly lost in a squall, and saved after great
exertion, and ,vas told by my aunt that he should be
grateful to providence for his safety. The man, not
meaning to be at all ungrateful, but viewing his pre-
I
22
RE.iJIINISCENCES OF
servation in the purely hard nlatter-of-fact light,
quietly ans\vered, "W eel, ,veel, l'tIrs. Russell; Pro-
vidence here or Providence there, an I hadna worked
sair mysell I had been drouned. JJ
Old Mr. Downie, the parish minister of Banchory,
was noted, in my earliest days, for his quiet pithy
remarks on men and things, as they came before him.
His reply to his son, of v{hose social position he had
no very exalted opinion, was of this class. Young
Downie had come to visit his father from the West
Indies, and told him that on his return he ,vas to be
n1arried to a lady ,vhose high qualities and position
he spoke of in extravagant terms. He assured his
father that she ,vas "quite young, ,vas very rich, Hnd
very beautifu1." "Aweel, Jemmy," said the old man,
very quietly and very slily, "I'm thinking there mauu
be some faut." Of the dry sarcasm ,ve have a good
example in the quiet utterance of a good Scottish
phrase by an elder of a Free Kirk lately formed. The
minister was an eloquent man, and had attracted one
of the town-council, who, it was known, hardly ever
entered the door of a church, and now came on
motives of curiosity. He was talking very grand to
some of the congregation: "Upon my word, your
minister is a very eloquent man. Indeed, he wi]!.
quite convert me." One of the elders, taking the word
in a higher sense than the speaker intended, quietly
replied, " Indeed, Bailie, there's muckle need."
A kind correspondent sends me ;J,n illustration of
this quaint matter-of-fact view of a question as affect-
ing the sentiments or the feelings. He tells me he
kne\v an old lady ,vho was a stout large woman, and
who v{ith this state of body had many ailments.
\vhich she bore cheerfully and patiently. '
Vhen asked
one day by a friend, "How she was keeping," she re.
SCOTTISH LIFE
CHARACTER. 23
plied, "OU, just middling; there's ower muckle 0' mr.
to bp a' weel at ae time." No Englishwolnan ,vould
have given such an ans\ver. The same class of cha-
racter is very strongly marked in a story 'v hich was
told by
Ir. Thomas Constable, who has a keen
appreciation of a good Scottish story, and tells it
inimitably. He used to visit an old lady who was
much attenuated by long illness, and on going up
stairs one trenlendously hot afternoon, the daughter
,vas driving away the flies, \vhich ,vere very trouble-
some, and was saying, " Thae flies ".ill eat up a' that
remains 0' my puir mither." The old lady opened
her eyes, and the last words she spoke were, " What's
left 0' me's guid eneuch for them."
The spirit of caution and wariness by which the
Scottish character is supposed to be distinguished has
given rise to many of these national anecdotes.
Certainly this cautious spirit thus pervaded the
opinions of the Scottish architect who was called
upon to erect a building in England upon the long-
lease system, so common 1vith Anglican proprietors,
but quite new to our Scottish friend. When he
found the proposal ,vas to build upon the tenure
of 999 years, he quietly suggested, "Culd ye no mak
it a thousand? 999 years '11 be slippin' awa'."
But of all the cautious and careful ans\vers \ve ever
heard of was one given by a carpenter to an old lady
in Glasgo\v, for whom he was working, and the anec-
dote is well authenticated. She had offered him a
dram, and asked him whether he 1vould have it then
or \vait till his ,vork ,vas done-" Indeed, mem," he
said, "there's been sic a po,ver 0' sudden deaths
lately that I'll just tak it now." He would guard
against contingency and secure his dram.
The following is a good specimen of the samf
2
REMINISOENOES OF
humour :-A minister had been preaching against
covetousness and the love of money, and had
frequently repeated how "love of money was the root
of all evil. JJ Two old bodies ,valking home from
church-one said, "
n' wasna the minister strang
upo' the moneyr' "Nae doubt," said the other, rather
hesitatingly; and added," ay, but it's grand to hae
the wee bit siller in your haund when ye gang an
errand. "
I have still another specimen of this national, cool,
and deliberative view of a question, ,vhich seems cha-
racteristic of the temperament of our good countrymen.
Some time back, when it was not uncommon for
challenges to be given and accepted for insults, or
supposed insults, an English gentleman ,vas entertain-
ing a party at Inverness with an account of the
,vonders he had seen and the deeds he had performed
in India, from whence he had lately arrived. He
enlarged particularly upon the size of the tigers he
had met with at different times in his travels, and by
way of corroborating his statements, assured the com-
pany that he had shot one himself considerably above
forty feet long. A Scottish gentleman present, who
thought that these narratives rather exceeded a
traveller's allowed privileges, coolly said that no doubt
those were very remarkable tigers; but that he could
assure the gentleman there were in that northern
part of the country some wonderful animals, and, as
an example, he cited the existence of a skate-fish
captured off Thurso, which exceeded half-an-acre in
extent. The Englishman saw this was intended as a
sarcasm against his own story, so he left the room in
indignation, and sent his friend, according to the old
plan, to demand satisfaction or an apology from the
gentleman, who had, he thought, insulted him. The
SCOTTISH LIFE cê OHARAOTER. 25
naITator of the skate story coolly replied, "W eel, sir,
gin yer freend ,vill tak' a fe,v feet aff the length 0' hi
tiger, we'll see what can be dune about the breadth o.
the skate." He was too cautious to commit himself
to a rash or decided course of conduct. 'Vhen the
tiger was shortened, he would take into consideration
a reduction of superficial area in his skate.
A kind correspondent has sent me about as good a
specimen of dry Scottish quiet humour as I kno\\T.
A certain Aberdeenshire laird, who kept a very good
poultry-yard, could not command a fresh egg for his
breakfast, and felt much aggrieved by the ,vant. One
day, however, he met his grieve's ,vue with a nice
basket, and very suspiciously going towards the mar-
ket ; on passing and speaking a worù, he was enabled
to discover that her basket was full of beautiful white
eggs. N ext time he talked ,vith his grieve, he said
to him, "J ames, I like you very well, and I think
you serve me faithfully, but I cannot say I admire
your wife." To which the cool reply ,vas, "Oh,
'deed, sir, I'm no surprised at that, for I dinna
muckle admire her mysel'."
An answer very much resembling this, and as much
to the point, Vlas that of a gudewife on Deeside,
,vhose daughter had just been married and had left
her for her new home. A lady asked the mother very
kindly about her daughter, and said she hoped she
liked her new home and new relations. "Ou, my lady,
she likes the parish weel eneuch, but she doesna think
muckle 0' her man! "
The natives of Aberdeenshire are distinguished for
the t'vo qualities of being very acute in their remarks
and very peculiar in their language. Anyone may
still gain a thorough knowledge of Aberdeen dialect
and see capital examples of Aberdeen humour. I
26
llEJfI.:.VISOENOES OF
have been
upplied with a remarkable example of this
combination of Aberdeen shre,vdness with Aberdeen
dialect. In the course of the week after the Sunday.
on which several elders of an Aberdeen parish had
been set apart for parochial offices, a knot of the par-
ishioners had assembled at what was in all parishes a
great place of resort for idle gossiping-the sll1iddy
or blacksmith's workshop. The qualifications of the
new elders '\vere severely criticised. One of the speak-
ers emphatically laid do,vn that the minister should
not have been satisfied, and had in fact made a most
unfortunate choice. He was thus ans,vered by an-
other parish oracle-perhaps the schoolmaster, perhaps
a weaver :-"
'at better culd the man dee nir he's
dune
-he bud tae big's dyke ,vi' the feal at fit o't."
He meant there was no choice of Inaterial--he could
only take 'v hat offered.
By the kindness of Dr. Begg, I have a most
amusing anecdote to illustrate how deeply long-tried
associations were mixed up with the habits of life in
the older generation. A junior minister having to
assist at a church in a remote part of Aberdeenshire,
the parochial minister (one of the old school) promised
his young friend a good glass of ,vhisky-toddy after
all ,vas over, adding slily and very significantly,
" and gude smuggled whusky." His Southron guest
thought it incumbent to say, "Ah, minister, that's
wrong, is it not 1 you know it is contrary to Act of
Parliament." The old Aberdonian could not so easily
give up his fine whisky to ,,"'hat he considered an
unjust interference; so he quietly said, "Oh, Acts
0' Parliament lose their breath before they get to
Aberdeen shire. n
'rhere is something very aIDusing in the idea of
\vhat may be called the "fitness of things," in regard
SCOTTISH LIFE & CHARACTER. 27
to snuff-taking, ,vhich occurred to an honest Highlander,
a genuine lover of sneeshin. At the door of the Blair-
Athole Hotel he observed standing a magnificent
man in full tartans, and noticed ,vith much admiration
the ,vide dimensions of his nostrils in 3, fine upturned
nose. He accosted hiIn, and, as his most compliment-
ary act, offered hiIn his mull for a pinch. The
stranger dre,v up, and rather haughtily said: "I
never take snuff." "Oh," said the other, "that's a
peety, for there's grand acco'lnrnodation I" =if:
I don't know a better example of the sly sarcasm
than the follo,ving ans,ver of a Scottish servant to the
violent command of his enraged master. A ,vell-
kno\vn coarse and abusive Scottish law functionary,
,vhen driving out of his grounds, ,vas shaken by his
carriage coming in contact ,vith a large stone at the
gate. fIe ,vas very angry, and ordered the gatekeeper
to have it rernoved before his return. On driving
home, ho,vever, he encountered another severe shock
by the ,vheels coming in contact ,vith the very same
stone, ,vhich ren1ained in the very same pla.ce. Still
more irritated than before, in his usual coarse language
he called the gatekeeper, and roared out: " You
rascal, if you don't send that beastly stone to h-,
I'll break your head." " "\Vell," said the nlan quietly,
and as if he had received an order which he ha.d to
execute, and ,vithout meaning anything irreverent,
"aiblins gin it were sent to heevall it u
ad be mair
out 0' YOU1' Lordship's way."
I think about as cool a Scottish" aside" as I kno,v,
was that of tIle old dealer ,vho, when exhorting hi
tr This anecdote has been illustrated, as taken from these pages,
by a very clever sketch of the Highlander and his admirer, in a
curious l>ublication at Liverpool called The Tobacco Plant, and
devoted to the interests of sluoking and snuffing.
28
"'l}J}'[l
rISGENOE8 OF
son to practise honesty in his dealings, on the ground
of its being the" best policy," quietly added, "I hae
tried baith."
In this work frequent mention is made of a class
of old ladies, generally residing in small towns, who
retained till within the memory of many now living
the special characteristics I have referred to. Owing
to local connection, I have brought for,vard those
chiefly who lived in Montrose and the neighbour-
hood. But the race is extinct; you might as well
look for hoops and farthingales in society as for
such characters now. You can scarcely imagine an
old lady, however quaint, now making use of some
of the expressions recorded in the text, or saying,
for the purpose of breaking up a party of ,vhich
she was tired, from holding bad cards, " We'll stop
now, bairns; I'm no enterteened; " or urging
more haste in going to church on the plea, "Come
awa, or I'll be ower Jate for the 'wicked man'"
- her mode of expressing the commenceUlent of
the service.
Nothing could better illustrate the quiet pa 'v ky
style for which our countrymen have been distin-
guished, than the old story of the piper and the
wolves. A Scottish piper ,vas passing through a
deep forest. In the evening he sat down to take his
supper. He had hardly begun, when a Ilunlber of
hungry wolves, prowling about for food, collected
round him. In self-defence, the poor Inan began to
throw pieces of his victuals to them, which they greedily
devoured. When he had disposed of all, in a fit of
despair he took his pipes and began to play. The
unusual sound terrified the ,volves, which, one and all,
took to their heels and scampered off in every direction:
on observing wlÜcp, Sandy quietly renlarked, "Od, an
A SCOTTI
ll B \PTIS
I
F'ro11l a ;('flter-colour drn...uÍ11g by
HE.l'Rr IV. KERR,
A.R.S.A.. R.S.U:
.'"'t-->
'I
...
""
&
,
t'I
"
..
SCOTTISH LIFE d: CH.ARACTER. 29
I'd kellned ye liket the pipes sae weel, I'd a gien ye
a spring afore supper."
This imperturbable mode of looking at the events
of life is illustrated by perhaps the rnost cautious
answer on record, of the Scotsman ,vho, being asked
if he could play the fiddle, ,varily answered, "He
couldna say, for he had never tried." But take otheI
cases. For example: One tremendously hot day,
during the old stage-coach system, I was going do,vn
to Portobello, when the coachman drew up to take in
a gentleman who had hailed him on the road. lIe
was evidently an Englishman-a fat man, and in a
perfect state of "thaw and dissolution" from the heat
and dust. He ,viped himself, and exclaimed, as a
remark addressed to the company generally, "D-d
hot it is." Noone said anything for a time, till a
luan in the corner slily remarked, "I dinna doubt, sir,
but it may." The cautiousness against committing
himself unreservedly to any proposition, however
plausible, ,vas quite delicious.
A Inore determined objection to giving a categorical
ans,ver occurred, as I have been assured, in rega.rd to
a more profound question. ."..\. party travelling on a
railway got into deep discussion on theological ques-
tions. Like
Iilton's spirits in Pandemonium, they
had
" Reason'd high
Of providence, fore-knowledge, will, and fate-
Fix'd fate, free-will, fore-knowledge absolute;
And found no end, in wand'ring mazes lost."
A plain Scotsman present seemed much interested
in these matters, and having expressed himself as not
satisfied with the explanations which had been elicited
in the course of discussion on a particular point
80
REMINIsaENaES ov
l'egarding predestination, one of the party said to him
that he had observed a minister, whom they all kne,v
in the adjoining cOlnpartrnent, and that when the
train stopped at the next station a fe\v rninutes, he
c')uld go and ask his opinion. The good man accord-
ingly availed himself of the opportunity to get hold
of the minister, and lay their difficulty before him.
He returned in time to resurne his o\vn place, and
when they had started again, the gentleman who had
advised him, finding him not luuch disposed to volun-
tary communication, asked if he had seen the minister.
., 0 ay," he said, "he had seen him." "And did you
propose the question to him 1 " "0 ay." " And
w hat did he say 1" "Oh, he just said he didna ken;
and ,vhat was mair he didna care I"
I have received the four following admirable anec-
dotes, illustrative of dry
cottish pawky hurnour, from
an esteemed Iuinister of the Scottish Church, the Rev.
\V. Mearns of Kinneff. I now record them nearly in
the same words as his o,vn kind comnlunication. The
anecdotes are as follow :-All aged rninister of the
old school, Mr. Patrick Stewart, one Sunday took to
the pulpit a sermon without observing that the first
leaf or t,vo ,vere so ,vorn and eaten away that he
couldn't decipher or a.nnounce the text. He ,vas not
a man, ho\vever, to be embarrassed or taken aback by
a matter of this sort, but at once intimated the state
of matters to the congregation,-" My brethren, I
canna tell ye the text, for the mice hae eaten it; but
,ve'll just begin whaur the mice left air, and when I
come to it I'll let you ken. n
In the year 1843, shortly after the Disruption, a
parish minister had left the manse and removed to
about a mile's distance. His pony got loose one day,
and galloped down the road in the direction of tht:
COTTISH LIFE d: OHARAOTER. S1
old glebe. The minister's man in charge ran after
the pony in a great fuss, and ,vhen passing a large
farm-steading on the ,vay, cried out to the farmer,
\vho ""as sauntering about, but did not kllO\V ,,,hat
had taken place-" Oh, sir, did ye see the minister's
shault r' " No, no," ,vas the answer,-" but \vhat's
happened
"
, Ou, sir, fat do ye think 1 the minister's
shault's got lowse frae his tether, an' I'rl1 frichtened
he's ta'en the road doun to the auld glebe." " ,,,... eel-
a-,vicht! "-,vas the shrewd clever rejoinder of the
fanner, who was a keen supporter ûf the old parish
church, "I ,vad na \vonder at that. An' I'se \varrant,
gin the minister ""as gettin' lozl'se frae !tis tether, he
wad j ist tak the same road."
An old clerical friend upon Speyside, a confirrned
bachelor, on going up to the pulpit one Sunday to
preach, found, after giving out the psalm, that he
had forgotten his sermon. I do not know \vhat his
objections were to his leaving the pulpit, and going
to the manse for his sermon, but he preferred sending
his old confidential housekeeper for it. He accord-
ingly stood up in the pulpit, stopped the singing
\vhich had commenced, and thus accosted his faithful
domestic :-" Annie; I say, Annie, we've committed a
mistak the day. Ye maun jist gang your ,vaa's hanle,
and ye'll get my sermon oot 0' nlY breek-pouch, an'
we'll sing to the praise 0' the Lord till ye come back
again." Annie, of course, at once executed her im-
portant mission, and brought the sermon out of "the
breek- pouch," and the service, so far as we heard,
was completed without further interruption.
My dear friend, tbe late Rev. Dr. John Hunter, told
me an anecdote very characteristic of the unimaginati va
luatter-of-fact Scottish vie,,'" of matter8. One of the
minist.ers of Edinburgh: a man of dry humour. bad a
REJfIJ..VISOE.YCES OF
daughter ,vho had for some time passed the peliod of
youth and of beaut)'". She had become an Episco-
palian, an event ,vhich the Doctor accepted with nluch
good-nature, and he ,vas asking her one day if she
did not intend to be confirmed. "\V ell," she said,
"I don't know. I understand Mr. Craig always
kisses the candidates whom he prepares, and I could
not stand that." "Indeed, Jeanie," said the Doctor
slily, " gill Ed ,yard Craig were to gie ye a kiss, I dinna
think ye would be muckle the ,vaur."
Many anecdotes characteristic of the Scottish
peasant often turn upon ,vords and ideas connected
with Holy Scripture. This is not to be considered as
in any sense profane or irreverent; but it arises from
the Bible being to the peasantry of an older genera-
tion their library-their only book. We have con-
stant indications of this almost exclusive familiarity
with Scripture ideas. At the late ceremonial in the
north, when the Archbishop of Canterbury laid the
foundation of a Bishop's Church at Inverness, a number
of persons, amid the general interest and kindly feeling
displayed by the inhabitants, were vie,ving the pro-
cession frOln a hill as it passed along. "Vhen the
clergy, to the number of sixty, came on, an old
WOlnan, ,vho was ,vatching the whole scene \vith
some jealousy, exclaimed, at sight of the surplices,
"There they go, the whited sepulchres!" I received
another anecdote illustrative of the same remark fronl
an esteemed minister of the Free Church: I mean of
the hold which Scripture expressions have upon the
minds of our Scottish peasantry. One of his flock ""as
a sick nervous wonlan, who hardly ever left the
house. But one fine afternoon, when she \vas left
alone, she fancied she would like to get a little air in
the field aùjoining the house. Accordingly she IJut
SOOTTISH LIFE & CHÂRÁOTER. 33
on a bonnet and ,,'rapped herself in a huge red shawl.
_ Creeping along the dyke-side, some cattle were
attracted to,vards her, and first one and then another
gathered round, and she took shelter in the ditch till
she was relieved by some one coming up to her
rescue. She after\vards described her feelings to her
minister in strong language, adding, "And eh, sir!
,vhen I lay by the dyke, and the beasts round a'
glowerin' at me, I thocht ',vhat Dauvid maun hae felt
,vhen he said-' }Iany bulls have compassed IDe;
strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.' "
"Tith the plainness and pungency of the old-fashion..
ed Scottish language there was sometimes a coarseness
of expression, which, although commonly repeated Îh
the Scottish dra,ving-room of last century, could
not no,v be tolerated. An example of a very plain
and do,vnright address of a laird has been recorded
in the annals of "Forfarshire Lairdship." He had
married one of the Misses Guthrie, ,vho had a strong
feeling towards the Presbyterian faith in which she
had been brought up, although her husband ,vas
one of the zealous old school of Episcopalians. The
young ,vife had invited her old friend, the parish
minister, to tea, and had given him a splendid "four
hours." Ere the table ,vas cleared the laird came in
unexpectedly, and thus expressed his indignation, not
verJ' delicately, at what he considered an un,varrant-
able exercise of hospitality at his cost :-" Helen
Guthrie, ye'll no think to save yer aiD saul at the ex-
pense of my meal-girnel !'
The answer of an old ,voman under examination
by the minister to the question from the Shorter
Catechism-" 'Vhat are the decrees of God 1" could
not have been surpassed by the General Assembly of
the Kirk, or even the Synod of Dort-" Indeed, sir,
84
REMINISCElvCES OF
He kens that best Himsell." vVe have an an:-,wer
analogous to that, though not so pungent, in a cate-
chumen of the late Dr. Johnston of Leith. She
answered his own question, patting him on the
shoulder-" , Deed, just tell it yersell, bonny doctor
(he was a very handsome man); naebody can tell it
better."
To pass from the ans,vers of "persons come to
years of discretion "-1 have elsewhere given ex-
amples of peculiar traits of character set forth in the
ans,vers of mere cltild1"en, and no doubt a most
arnusing collection might be n1ade of very juvenile
"Scottish R,eminiscences." One of these is no, v a
very old story, and has long been current amongst
us :-A little boy ,vho attended a day-school in the
neighbourhood, when he came home in the evening
was al,vays asked ho,v he stood in his o,vn class. The
invariable answer nlade ,vas, "I'm second dux," which
means in Scottish academical langua.ge second from
the top of the class. As his habit.s of application at
home did not quite bear out the claim to so dis-
tinguished a position at school, one of the family
ventured to ask what ,vas the number in the class to
,vhich he ,vas attached. After some hesitation he
was obliged to admit: "Ou, there's jist me and anither
lass." It was a very fJ1"actical answer of the little girl,
when asked the meaning of " darkness," as it occurred
in Scripture reading-" Ou, just steek your een."
On the question, 'Vhat was the "pestilence that
walketh in darkness " 1 being put to a class, a little
boy answered, after consideration -" Ou, it's just
bugs." I did not anticipate ,vhen in a former edition
I introduced this answer, which I received from my
nephew Sir .Lt\..lexander Ramsay, that it would call
forth a comment so interesting as one which I have
SCOTTISH LIFE
CHARACTER. :;5
receÎyed from Dr. Barber of Ulverston. He sends
tne an ex
ract from
Iatthe'v's Tlanslation of llle Bible,
- ,vhich he received from Rev. L. R. Ayre, ,vho pos-
sesses a copy of date 1553, from '\vhich it appears that
Psalm xci. 5 ,\yas thus translated by Mat th e'\v . who
adopted his translation from Coverdale and Tyndale:-
"So that thou shalt not need to be afrayed for any
bugge by nyght, nor for the arro,v that flyeth by
day." · Dr. Barber ingeniously remarks -" Is it
possible the little boy's mother had one of these old
Bibles, or is it merely a coincidence
"
The innocent and unsophisticated ans,\"ers of chil-
dren on serious subjects are often very amusing.
l\Iany examples are recorded, and one I have received
seems much to the point, and derives a good
deal of its point from the Scottish turn of the expres-
sions. An elder of the kirk having found a 1ittle boy
and his sister playing n1arbles on Sunday, put his
reproof in this form, not a judicious one for a child :-
"Boy, do ye kno,v ,vhpre children go to ,vho play
marbles on Sabbath-day 1" "Ay," said the boy," they
gang doun' to the field by the "yater below the brig."
" No," roared 'Jut the elder, "they go to hen, and are
burned." The little fellow, really shocked, called to
his sister, " Come awa', Jeanie, here's a man s,vearing
a \vfull y."
A Scotch story like that of the little boy, of \vhich
the humour consisted in the dry application of the
terms in a sense different from what ,vas intended hy
the spea.ker, wa.s sent to me, but has got spoilt by pass-
ing through the press. It must be Scotch, or at least, is
composed of Scottish materials-the Shorter Catechism
· The troth is, in old English usage "bug" signifies a spectre
or anything that is frightful. Thus in Henry VI., 3d Part, act
v. BC. ii.-" For Warwick was a bug that feared 11S all."
36
REJfIlvISCENOES OF
and the bagpipes. A piper was plying his trade in
the streets, and a strict elder of the kirk, desirous to
remind him that it ,vas a sonlewhat idle and profit-
less occupation, went up to him and proposed solemnly
the first question of the Shorter Catechism, "What is
the chief end of man 1" The good piper, thinking
only of his o\vn business, and supposing that the ques-
tion had reference to SOlIte pipe melody, innocently
answered, "N a, I dinna ken the tune, but if ye'll
whistle it I'll try and play it for ye. "
I have said before, and I would repeat the remark
again and again, that the object of this work is not
to string together mere funny stories, or to collect
amusing anecdotes. We ha ve seen such collections,
in which many of the anecdotes are mere Joe Millers
translated into Scotch. The purport of these pages
has been throughout to illustrate Scottish life and
character, by bringing forward those modes and forms
of expression by ,vhich alone our national peculiarities
can be familiarly illustrated and explained. Besides
Scottish replies and expressions which are most cha-
racteristic-and in fact unique for dry humour, for
quaint and exquisite ,vit-I have often referred to a
consideration of dialect and proverbs. There can be
no doubt there is a force and beauty in our Scottish
phraseology, as well as a quaint humour, considered
merely as phraseology, peculiar to itself. I have
spoken of the phrase " Auld langsyne," and of other
words, which may be compared in their Anglican and
Scottish form. Take the familiar term common to
many singing-birds. The English word linnet does
not, to my mind, convey so much of simple beauty
and of pastoral ideas as belong to our Scottish word
IlINTIE.
I recollect hearing the Rev. Dr. Norman Macleod
SOOTTISH LIFE J: CHARACTER. 37
gi \7e a Inost interesting account of his visit to Canada.
In the course of his eloquent narrative he mentioned
a conversation he had ,vith a Scottish emigrant, ,vho
in general terms spoke favourably and gratefully of
his position in his adopted country. But he could
not help making this exception ,vhen he thought of
the "banks and braes 0' bonny Doon"-" But ob,
sir," he said, "there are nae linties i' the ,vuds."
Ho,v touching the ,vords in his o,vn dialect! The
North American woods, although full of birds of beaut i-
ful plumage, it is ,yell known have no singing-birds.
A \vorthy Scottish Episcopal minister one day met
a to,vnsman, a breeder and dealer in singing-birds.
The man told him he had just had a child born in his
fan1ily, and asked him if he would baptize it. He
thought the minister could not resist the offer of a
bird. "Eh, Maister Shaw," he said, " if ye'll jist do
it, I hae a fine 1intie the noo, and if ye'll do it,
I'll gie ye the lintie." He quite thought that this
would settle the matter!
By these remarks I mean to express the feeling
that the ,vord lintie conveys to my mind more of
tenderness and endearment towards the little songster
than linnet. And this leads me to a remark (which I
do not remember to have met with) that Scottish
dialects are peculiarly rich in such terms of endear-
ment, more so than the pure Anglican. 'Vithout at
all pretending to exhaust the subject, I may cite the
following as examples of the class of terms I speak of.
Take the names for parents-"Daddie" and "l\Tinnie;"
names for children, "l\1:y ,vee bit lady" or " laddie,"
" My ,,"'ee bit lamb j" of a general nature, "l\Iy ain
kind dearie." " Da,vtie," especially used to young
people, described by J anliesoll a darling or favourite,
one ,vho is da'lvted-i.e. fondled or caressed. My
K
38
RE'J.111.L\TIS(''L
...,rCES Oll
"joe" expresses affection ,vith fanliliarity, evidently
derived from joy, an easy transition-as " My joe,
Janet;" "John Anderson, my joe, John." Of this
character is Burns's address to a ,vife, "My ,vinsome n
-i.e. charming, engaging-" ,vee thing j" also to a
,vife, "My ,vinsome malTow" -the latter ,vord sig-
nifying a dear cOlupanioll, one of a pair closely allied
to each other; also the address of Rob the Ranter to
Maggie Lauder, " My bonnie bird." Now, we ,vould
remark, upon this abundant nomenclature of kindly
expressions in the Scottish dialect, that it assumes an
interesting position as taken in connection with the
Scottish Life and ChaTacter, and as a set-ofr against a
frequent short and grul1
PY manner. It indicates how
often there must be a current of tenderness and affec-
tion in the Scottish heart, ,vhich is so frequently re-
presented to be, like its climate, "stern and wild. U
There could not be such teT'InS ,vere the feelings they
express unknown. I believe it often happens that in
the Scottish charácter there is a vein of deep and
kindly feeling lying hid under a short, and hard and
some,vhat stern manner. Hence has arisen the Scot-
tish saying which is applicable to such cases-" His
girn's ,vaUI" than his bite :" his disposition is of a softer
nature than his ,vords and manner ,vould often lead
you to suppose.
There are two admirable articles in Blackwood's
Magazine, in the numbers for N"ovelnber and Decclnber
1870, upon this subject.
rhe ,vriter abundantly vin-
dicates the point and humour of the Scottish tongue.
Who can resist, for exaluple, the epithet applied by
1vIeg Merrilies to an unsuccessful probationer for ad-
mission to the ministry:-" a sticket stibbler "1 'fake
the sufficiency of Holy Scripture as a pledge for any
one's salvation :-" There's eneuch bet".cen the brods
SCOTTISH LIFE d. CHARAOTER. 89
0' the Testament to save the biggest sinner i' the
"rarld." I heard an old Scottish Episcopalian thus
pithily describe the hasty and irreverent manner of a
young Englishman :-" He ribbled aff the prayers
like a man at the heid 0' a regiment." A large family
of young children has been termed "a great sma'
family." It ,,-as a delicious dry rejoinder to the ques-
tion-" Are you !vIr. So-and-so
" , It's at that's 0'
me" (i.e. to be had for him.) I have heard an old
Scottish gentleman direct his servant to mend the
fire by saying, "I think, Dauvid, ,ve ,,"adna be the
waul' 0' some coals."
There is a pure Scottish term, which I have al\vays
thought more expressive than any English word of
ideas connected with manners in society-I mean the
\vord to blether, or blethering, or blethers . Jamieson
defines it to "talk nonsense." But it expresses far
more-it expresses powerfully, to Scottish people,
a person at once shallo\v, chattering, conceited, tire..
some, voluble.
There is a delicious servantgirlism, often expressed
in an answer given at the door to an inquirer: "Is
your master at home, or nlistress
" as the case may be.
The problenl is to save the direct falsehood, and yet
evade the visit; so the answer is-" Ay, he or she is
at hame; but he's no in."
The transition from Scottish exp'ressions to Scottish
Poetry is easy and natural. In fact, the most inter..
esting feature no\v belonging to Scottish life and
social habits is, to a certain extent, becoming ,vith
many a matter of reminiscence of Poetry in the Scottish
dialect, as being the most permanent and the most
familiar feature of Scottish characteristics. It is be-
coming a matter of history, in so far as \ve find that
it has for some time ceased to be cultivated \yith much
40
REJ.lfINISCE1\j""OES OF
ardour, or to attract much popularity. In fact, since
the time of Burns, it has been losing its hold on the
public mind. It is a remarkable fact that neither
Scott nor Wilson, both admirers of Burns, both copious
,vriters of poetry themselves, both also so distinguished
as writers of Scottish prose, should have written any
poetry strictly in the form of pure Scottish dialect.
"J ock 0' Hazeldean" I hardly admit to be an exception.
It is not Scottish. If, indeed, Sir Walter wrote the
scrap of the beautiful ballad in the " Antiquary"-
" N o,v haud your tongue, baith wife and carle,
And listen, great and sma',
And I will sing of Glenal1an's Earl,
That fought at the red Harlaw "-
one cannot but regret that he had not written more
of the same. Campbell, a poet and a Scotsman,
has not attempted it. In short, we do not find poetry
in the Scottish dialect at all kept up in Scotland.
It is every year becoming more a matter of research
and reminiscence. Nothing new is added to the old
stock, and indeed it is surprising to see the ignorance
and want of interest displayed by many young persons
in this department of literature. How fe,v read the
works of Allan Ramsay, once so popular, and still so
full of pastoral imagery! There are occasionally new
editions of the Gentle Shepherd, but I suspect for a
limited class of readers. I am assured the boys of the
High School, Academy, etc., do not care even for
13urns. As poetry in the Scottish dialect is thus
slipping away from the public Scottish mind, I thought
it very suitable to a work of this character to supply
a list of modern Scottish dialect 'write,ts. This I am
able to provide by the kindness of our distinguished
antiquary, l\Ir. David Laing-the fulness and correct..
SCOTTISH LIFE J; CHARACTER. 41
ness of ,vhose acquirements are only equalled by his
readiness and courtesy in communicating his informa-
tion to others:-
SCOTTISH POETS OF THE LAST CE?\TURY.
ALLAN RAL"\ISAY. B. 1686. D. 1757. His Gentle
Shepherd, completed in 1725, and his Collected
Poems in 1721-1728.
It cannot be said there was any want of successors,
however obscure, follo,ving in the same track. Those
chiefly deserving of notice were-
ALEXANDER Ross of Lochlee. B. 1700. D. 1783.
The Fortunate Shepherdess.
ROBERT FERGUSSON. B. 1750. D. 1 774. Leith
Races, Caller Oyste1.s, etc.
REV. JOHN SKINNER. B. 1721. D. 1807. Tulloch-
g01"um.
ROBERT BURNS. B. 1759. D. 1796.
ALEXANDER, FOURTH DUKE OF GORDON. B. 1743.
D. 1827. Cauld Kail in Abe1.deen.
ALEXANDER WILSON of Paisley, who latterly distin-
guished himself as an American ornithologist. B.
1766. D. 1813. Watty and Meg.
HECTOR l\IACNEILJ.I. B. 1746. D. 1818. Will and
Jean.
ROBERT TANNAHILL. B.1';74. D.1810. Songs.
J A
IES HOGG. B. 1 772. D. 1835.
ALLAN CUNNINGHAThI. B. 1784. D. 1842.
To this list we must add the names of Lady Nairne
and Lady Anne Lindsay. To the former we are
indebted for" The Land 0' the Leal," "The Laird 0'
Cockpen," and "The Auld Hoose;" to the latter for
42
RE
{INISCENaES OF
"Auld Robin Gray:" and our \vonder is, ho,v those
who could write so charmingly should have ,vritten so
little.
I have no intention of discussing the general ques-
tion of Scottish poetry-of defending or eulogising,
or of apologising for anything belonging to it. There
are songs in broad Scottish dialect of ,vhich the
beauty and the po,ver v{iU never be lost. vV ords of
Burns, Allan Ramsay, and Lady Nairne, must ever
speak to hearts that are true to nature. I am de-
sirous of bringing before Iny readers at this time the
name of a Scottish poet, which, though in Mr. Laing's
list, I fear is become rather a ren1iniscence. It is
fifty years since his poetical pieces were published in
a collected form. I am desirous of giving a special
notice of a true-hearted Scotsman, and a genuine
Scottish poet, under both characters. I look with a
tender regard to the memory of the Rev. JOHN
SKINNER of Langside. He has ,vritten little in
quantity, but it is all charming. He was a good
Christian minister. He was a man of learning-a
man of liberal and generous feeling. In addition to
all this, he has upon me the claim of having been a
Scottish Episcopalian divine, and I am always re-
joiced to see among learned men of our church sym-
pathies with liberalism, besides what is patristic
and theological. John Skinner's name and family are
much mixed up with our church. ' Tullochgorum ' ,vas
father of Prirnus John Skinner, and grandfather of
Primus W. Skinner and of the RéV. John Skinner of
Forfar. The youngest brother of Tullochgorum was
James Skinner, W.S., who died at ninety-one, and
,vas 'grandfather of W. Skinner, W.S., Edinburgh.
The Rev. J. Skinner ,vas born in Birse, a wild pal't
of .A..berdeellshire, 1721. His fat.her ,vas parochial
SCOTTISH LIFE
CHARA01'ER. 43
schoolmaster at Gight for nearly fifty years. He
worked hard under the care of his father, who was a
good Latin scholar. He gained a bursary at Aberdeen,
,,,,here he studied. 'Vhen he left college he became
schoolmaster at l\Ionymusk, where he ,yrote some
pieces that attracted attention, and Sir Archibald
Grant took him into the house, and allo,,"ed him the
full use of a very fine library. He made good use of
this opportunity, and indeed becanle a fair scholar
and theologian. Skinner had been brought up a
Presbyterian, but at l\Ionymusk found reasons for
changing his views. In June 1740 he became tutor
to the only son of
Irs. Sinclair in Shetland. Re-
turning to Aberdeenshire in 1 741, he cOlnpleted his
studies for the ministry, was ordained by Bishop
Dunbar, and in 1742 became pastor of Langside.
He worked for this 1ittle congregation for nearly
sixty-five years, and they ""ere happy and united
under his pastoral charge. One very interesting in
cident took place during his ministry, ,vhich bears
upon our general question of reminiscences and
changes. John Skinner was in his o,vn person an
example of that persecution for political opinion re-
ferred to in Professor 1\facgregor's account of the large
prayer-book in the library at Panmure. Mter the '45,
Episcopalians \vere treated with suspicion and seve-
rity. The severe la,vs passed against J aco bites were
put in force, and poor Skinner fined.
However, better and more peaceful times came
round, and all that John Skinner had undergone did
not sour his temper or make him severe or misan-
thropical. As a pastor he seems to have had tact, as
well as good temper, in the management of his flock,
if we may judge from the follo'\\ing anecdote:-
Talking ,vith an obstinate self-confident farmer, ",'hen
<<
REJlI1VISOENCES OF'
the conversation happened to turn on the subject of
the motion of the earth, the farnler would not be con-
vinced that the earth moved at all. " Hoot, minister,"
the man roared out; "d'ye see the earth never gaes
oot 0' the pairt, and it maun be that the sun gaes
round: we a' ken he rises i' the east and sets i' the
west." Then, as if to silence all argument, he added
triumphantly, "As if the sun didna gae round the
earth, when it is said in Scripture that the Lord com-
manded the sun to stand still!" Mr. Skinner,
finding it was no use to argue further, quietly an-
s,vered, "Ay, it's vera true; the sun was commanded
to stand still, and there he stands still, for Joshua
never tauld him to tak the road again." I have
said John Skinner ,vrote little Scottish poetry, but
what he wrote was rarely good. IIis prose works
extended over three volumes when they were col-
]ected by his son, the Bishop of Aberdeen, but we have
no concern with them. His poetical pieces, by ,vhich
his name will never die in Scotland, are the "Reel
of Tullochgorum " and the "Ewie with the Crooked
Horn," charming Scottish songs,-one the perfection
of the lively, the other of the pathetic. It is quite
enough to say of "Tullochgorum n (by which the
old man is now always designated), ,vhat was said of
it by Robert Burns, as "the first of songs," and as
the best Scotch song Scotland ever saw.
I have brought in the following anecdote, exactly
as it appeared in the Scotsman of October 4, 1859,
because it introduces his name.
" The late Rev. John Skinner, author of ' Annals of
Scottish Episcopacy,' was his grandson. He was first
appointed to a charge in Montrose, from whence he
was removed to Banff, and ultimately to Forfar. After
he had left l\iontrose, it reached his ears that an ill..
srtOTTISH LIFE J: CHARACTER. 4ð
natured insinuation was circulating there that he
had been induced to leave this to,,,'TI by the temp-
tation of a better income and of fat pork, ".. hich, it
'\voulcl appear, ,vas plentiful in the locality of his new
incumbency. Indignant at such an aspersion, he
wrote a letter, directed to his maligners l vindicating
himself sharply from it, ,vhich he sho,ved to his grand-
father, John Skinner of Langside, for his approval.
The old gentleman objected to it as too lengthy, and
proposed the following pithy substitute :-
" 'Had Skinner been of carnal mind,
As strangely ye suppose,
Or had he even been fond of swine,
He'd ne'er have left
Iontrose.'"
But there is an anecdote of John Skinner \v hich
should endear his memory to every generous and
loving heart. On one occasion he ,vas passing a small
dissenting place of worship at the time when the
congregation were engaged in singing: on passing the
door-old-fashioned Scottish Episcopalian as he was
-he reverently took off his hat. His companion said
to him, ,,""That! do you feel so much sympathy with
this Anti Burgher congregation
" " No," said Mr.
Skinner, "but I respect and love any of my fellow-
Christians 'v ho are engaged in singing to the glory of
the Lord Jesus Christ." \Vell done, old Tullochgorum !
thy name shall be loved and honoured by every true
liberal-minded Scotsman.
Yes! 1\Ir. Skinner's experience of the goodness of
God and of the po\ver of grace, had led him to the
conviction that the earnest song of praise, that comes
from the heart of the sincere believer in Christ, can
go up to Heaven from the humblest earthly house of
prayer, and be received before the throne of grace as
46
REJ.JfI.J.VISCENCES OF
acceptahly as the high and solenIn service of the lofty
cathedral,
U 'Vhere, from the long-drawn aisle and fretted vault,
The pealing antJlem swells the note of praise. "
We must firmly believe that, obsolete as the
dialect of Scotland may become, and its words and
expressions a matter of tradition and of reminiscence
with many, still there are Scottish lines, and broad
Scottish lines, which can never cease to hold their
place in the affections and the admiration of innu-
merable hearts whom they have charmed. Can the
choice and popular Scottish verses, endeared to us
by so many kindly associations of the past, and by
so many beauties and poetical graces of their o,vn,
ever lose their attractions for a Scottish heart 1 The
charm of such strains can never die.
I think one subsidiary cause for permanency in the
popularity still belonging to particular Scottish songs
has proceeded from their association with Scottish
music. The melodies of Scotland can never die. In
the best of these compositions there is a pathos and a
feeling ,vhich must preserve them, however simple in
their constnlction, from being vulgar or commonplace.
Mendelssohn did not disdain taking Scottish airs as
themes for the exercise of his profound science and
his exquisite taste. It must, I think, be admitted
that singing of Scottish songs in the perfection of their
style-at once pathetic, graceful, and characteristic-
is not so often met with as to remove all apprehension
that ere long they may become matters only of remi-
niscence. Many accomplished musicians often neglect
entirely the cultivation of their native melodies, under
the idea of their being inconsistent with the elegance
and science of high-class music. They commit a mis
SCOTTISH Lll!'E tê CH
4RA01rb'R. 47
take. "Then judiciously and ta
teful1y performed, it
is a charming style of nlusic, and will always give
pleasure to the intelligent hearer. I have heard two
young friends, ,vho have attained great skill in scien-
tific and elaborate compositions, execute the simple
song of" Lo,v do,vn in the Broom," \vith an effect I
shall not easily forget. Who that has heard the
Countess of Essex, ,vhen l\liss Stephens, sing" Auld
Robin Gray," can ever lose the impression of her
heart-touching notes
In the case of" Auld Robin
Gray," the song composed by Lady Anne Lindsay,
although very beautiful in itself, has been, I think,
a good deal indebted to the air for its great and con-
tinued popularity. The history of that tender and
appropriate melody is somewhat curious, and not gene..
rally known. The author ,vas not a Scotsman. It
,vas composed by the Rev. Mr. Leves, rector of
'\V rington in Somersetshire, either early in this century
or just at the close of the last. l\;Ir. Leves was fond
of music, and composed several songs, but none ever
gained any notice except his "Auld Robin Gray," the
popularity of which has been marvellous. I knew
the family \vhen I lived in Sonlersetshire, and had
met them in Bath.
Ir. Leves composed the air for
his daughter, 1\fiss Bessy Leves, ,vho ,vas a pretty
girl and a pretty singer.
I cannot but deeply regret to think that I should
in these pages have any ground for classing Scottish
poetry and Scottish airs amongst "Reminiscences."
It is a department of literature where, of course, there
must be selection, but I am convinced it will repay a
careful cultivation. I would recommend, as a copious
and judicious selection of Scottish tunes, "The Scot-
tish l\Iinstrel," by R. Å. Smith (Purdie, Edinburgh).
There are the 1cords, also. of
Y
st number of Scottish
48
REJ.11INISCENOES OF
songs, but the account of their authorship is very de-
fective. Then, again, for the fine Scottish ballads of
an older period, we have two admirable collections-
one by Mr. R. Chambers, and one by the late Professor
Aytoun. For Scottish dialect songs of the more
modern type, a copious collection \vill be found (exclu..
sive of Burns and Allan Ramsay) in small volumes
published by David Robertson, Glasgo\v, at intervals
from 1832 to 1853, under the title of Whistlebinkie.
But there are more than lines of Scottish poetry
which may become matter of reminiscence, and more
than Scottish song melodies which may be forgotten.
There are strains of Scottish PSALMODY of which it
would be more sad to think that they possibly may
have lost their charm and their hold \vith Scottish
people. That such psalmody, of a peculiar Scottish
class and character, has existed, no one can doubt
who has knowledge or recollection of past days. In
glens and retired passes, 'v here those who fled from
persecution met together-on the moors and heaths,
,v here men suffering for their faith took refuge-in
the humble worship of the cottar's fireside-were airs
of sacred Scottish melody, which were well calculated
to fan the heavenward flame which was kindled in
lays of the "sweet Psalmist of Israel." These psalm-
tunes are in their ,yay as peculiar as the song-tunes
\ve have refeITed to. Nothing can be more touching
than the description by Burns of the domestic psalmody
of his fAther's cottage. Mr. R. Chambers, in his Life
of Burns, informs us that the poet, during his father's
infirmity and. after his death, had. himself sometimes
conducted family \vorship. Happy days, ere he had
encountered the temptations of a world in ,vhich lle
had too often fallen before the solicitations of guilty
passion! and then, beautifully does he describe the
SCOTTISH LIFE ((: GHAHAOTE.R.. 4P
characteristic features of this portion of the cottar:ß
\vorship. How solemnly he enumerates the psalm-
tunes usually made use of on such occasions, and
discriminates the character of each :-
"They chant their artless notes in simple guise
1'hey tune their hearts, by far the noblest aim:
Perhaps DUYDEE'S \vild warbling measures rise,
Or plaintive
IA.RTYRs, worthy of the name,
Or noble ELGIN beets'* the heavenward flame."
He was not, alas! al\vays disposed in after life to
reverence these sacred melodies as he had done in his
youthful days. In his poem of "The Holy Fair," he
less reverently adduces mention of these sacred airs :-
" Now turn the Psalms 0' David ower,
And lilt wi' holy clangour.
0' double verse come gie us four,
An' skirl up the Bangor. 1t
These tunes seem to have been strictly and ex-
clusively national. In proof of such psalmody being
quite national, I have been told that many of these
tunes ,vere composed by artisans, such as builders,
joiners, blacksmiths, etc.
Several of the psalm-tunes more peculiar to Scotland
are no doubt of an early date. In Ravenscroft's
Psalms, published with the music in four parts in
1621, he gives the names of seven as purely Scottish-
I(ing's, Duke's, Abbey, Du.nfe1..mline, Dundee, Glasgow,
1.11 artyrs. I ,vas used to hear such psalmody in Iny
early days in the parish church of Fettercairl1, ,vhere
,ve always attended during summer. It had all the
simple characteristics described by Burns, and there
was a heartiness and energy too in the congregation
when, as he expresses it, they used to "skirl up the
* Adds fuel to fire.
50
REJI1J.tISOE1VOES OF
Bangor," of which the effects still hang in TIl)'
recollection. At that time there prevailed the curious
custom, ,vhen some of the psalms ,vere sung, of
reading out a single line, and ,,,hen that was sung
another line was read, and so throughout.-Jf. Thus, on
singing the 50th psaln1, the first line sounded thus :-
"OU1. God shall come, and shall no ?nore,o" when that
was sung, there came the next startling announce-
ment-" Be silent, but speak out." A rather unfortunate
iuxtaposition ,vas suggested through this custom, which
we are assured really happened in the church of
Irvine. The precentor, after having given out the
first line, and having observed some members of the
family from the castle struggling to get through the
cro\rd on a sacramental occasion, cried out, "Let the
noble family of Eglinton pass," and then added the
line which followed the one he had just given out
rather mal-apropos-" No,t stand in sinners' way."
One peculiarity I remember, which was, closing the
strain sometimes by an interval less than a semitone;
instead of the half-note preceding the close or key-note,
they used to take the qua'rter-llote, the effect of which
had a peculiar gurgling sound, but I never heard it
elsewhere. It may be said these Scottish tunes were
unscientific, and their performance TIlde. It may be
so, but the effect was striking, as I recall it through
the vista of threescore years and ten. Great advances,
no doubt, have been n1ade in Scotland in congrega-
tional psalmody; organs have in some instances been
adopted; choirs haye been organised with great
effort by choirmasters of musical taste and skill. But
I hope the spirit of PIETY, which in past tin1es once
... As far as I am aware the only place in which it is practised
at present (July 1872), is in the }-ree Church, Brodick, Arran.
SCO'l'TISH LI}
tt CHARACTER. 51
accomp:-tnied the old Scottish psalm, ,vhether sung irA.
the church or at home, has not departed with the
music. Its better emotions are not, I hope, to become
a "Ren1iniscence."
There ,vas no doubt sometimes a degree of noise in
the psahnody more than ,vas consistent "yith good
taste, but this often proceeded fronl the earnestness of
those ,vho joined. I recollect at Banchory an honest
fellow ,vho sang so loud that he annoyed his fellow-
worshippers, and the minister even rebuked him for
" skirling" so loud. James was not quite patient
under these hints, and declared to some of his
friends that he was resolved to sing to the praise of
God, as he said, "gin I should crack the ,vaas 0' the
honss. n
Going from sacred tunes to sacred words, a good
many changes have taken place in the little history
of our own psalmody and hymnology. 'Vhen I first
came to Edinburgh, for psalms ,ve made use of the
mild and vapid new version of Tate and Brady ;-for
hymns, almost each congregation had its own
selection-and there ,yere hymn-books of Dundee,
Perth, Glasgo\v, etc. The Established Church used
the old rough psalter, \\7ith paraphrases by Logan, etc.,
and a fe,v hyn1ns added by authority of the General
Assembly. There seems to be a pretty general
tendency in the Episcopal Church to adopt at present
the extensive col1ection called "Hymns Ancient and
l\Iodcl'n," containing 3 8 6 pieces. Copies of the ,vords
alone are to be procured for one penny, and the ,v'hole,
,vith tunes attached, to be procured for 1 s. 6d. The
Hymns Ancient and
Iodern are not set forth ,vith
any Ecclesiastical sanction. It is supposed, ho,vever,
that there ,yill be a Hymnal published by the Church
of England on autl10rity, and if so, our Church "7ill
62
REJII1VISCEJ.YDES OF
be likely to adopt it. The Established Churel-..
Hymnal Committee have lately sanctioned a very
interesting collection of 200 pieces. The compilation
has been made ,vith liberality of feeling as well as
"\vith good taste. There are several of Neale's transla.
tions frOlli l11ediæval hyulns, several from John Ke ble,
and the whole concludes ,vith the Te Deum taken
literally from the Prayer-Book.
This mention of Scottish Psalmody and Scottish
Hymnology, whether for private or for public worship,
naturally brings us to a very important division of
our subject; I mean the general question of remini-
scences of Scottish religious feelings and observances j
and first in regard to Scottish clergy.
My esteenled friend, Lord N eaves, who, it is well
known, combines with his great legal knowledge and
high literary acquirements a keen sense of the humor-
ous, has sometimes pleasantly complained of my
drawing so many of my specimens of Scottish humour
from sayings and doings of Scottish ministers. They
,vere a shre\vd and observant race. They lived amongst
their o,vn people from year to year, and understood the
Scottish type of character. Their retired habits and
familiar intercourse with their parishioners gave rise to
many quaint and racy communications. They were
excellent men, ,veIl suited to their pastoral work, and
did much good alnongst their congregations; for it
should be always remembered that a national church re-
quires a sympathy and resemblance between the pastors
and the flocks. Both ,viII be founù to change together.
Nothing could be further from my mind in recording
these stories, than the idea of casting ridicule upon
such an order of men. My own feelings as a Scots-
man, with all their ancestral associations, lead me to
cherish their memory ,vith pride and deep interest.. I
SCOTTI
H LIFE &; CHARACTER. 58
may appeal also to the fact that many contributions
to this volume are voluntary offerings from distin.
guished clergymen of the Church of Scotland, as ,veIl
as of the Free Church and of other Presbyterian com-
munities. Indeed, no persons enjoy these stories more
than ministers themselves. I recollect many years
ago travelling to Perth in the old stage-coach days,
and enjoying the society of a. Scottish clergyman, ,vho
was a most amusing companion, and full of stories,
the quaint humour of \vhich accorded ,vith his o\vn
disposition. 'Vhen ,,"e had come through Glen Farg,
my companion pointed out that \ve \vere in the parish
of Dron. 'Vith much humour he introduced an anec-
dote of a brother minister not of a brilliant order of
mind, \",ho had terminated in this place a course of
appointments in the Church, the names of which, at
least, \vere of an ominous character for a person of
unimaginative temperament. The ,vorthy man had
been brought up at the school of Dunse; had been made
assistant at Dull, a parish near Aberfeldy, in the
Presbytery of 'Veern; and had here ended his days
and his clerical career as minister of Dron.
There can be no doubt that the older school of
national clergy supply many of our most amusing
anecdotes; and our pages ,vouid suffer deplorably
were all the anecdotes taken a\vay which turn upon
their peculiu.rities of dialect and demeanour. I think
it will be found, ho\vever, that upon no class of
society has there been a greater change during the
last hundred years than on t
le Scottish clergy as
a body. This, indeed, might, from many circum-
stances, have been expected. The improved facilities
for locomotion have had effect upon the retirement
and isolation of distant country parishes, the more
lIberal and extended course of study at Scottish
L
54
REJfINISOEJ.VCES o.F
colleges, the cheaper and wider diffusion of books on
general literature, of magazines, newspapers, and
revie,vs. Perhaps, too, we may add that candidates
for the ministry now more generally originate from
the higher educated classes of society. But honour
to the memory of Scottish ministers of the days that
are gone !
The Scottish clergy, from having Inixed so little
,vith life, ,vere often, no doubt, men of simple habits
and of very childlike notions. The opinions and feel-
ings 'v hich t.hey expressed were often of a cast, 'v hich,
amongst persons of more experience, ,vould appear to
be not al"rays quite consistent with the clerical
character. In them it arose from their having nothing
conventional about them. Thus I have heard of an
old bachelor clergyman whose landlady declared he
used to express an opinion of his dinner by the grace
,vhich he made to follo,v. When he had had a good
dinner ,vhich pleased him, aud a good glass of beer
with it, he poured forth the grace, "For the riches of
thy bounty and its blessings we offer our thanks."
'Vhen he had had poor fare and poor beer, his grace
,vas, "The least of these thy mercies."
Many exalnples of the dry, quaint hUlllonr of the
class occur in these pages, but there could not be a
finer specimen than the instance recorded in the
" Annals of the Parish" of the account given by the
minister of his own ordination. The ministers were
all assembled for the occasion; 11rayers had been
offered, discourses
elivered, and the time for the
actual ordination had come. The form is for the can
didate to kneel do,vn and receive his sacred office by
the imposition of hands, i.e. the laying on of hands by
the whole Presbytery. As the attendance of ministers
was large, a number of hands ,vere stretched forth,
SCOTTISH LIFE &: CHARACTER. 55
more than could quite conveniently come up to the
candidate. An old minister, of the quiet jocose turn
of mind ,ve speak of, finding himself thus kept at a
little distance, stretched out his walking staff and
put it on the young man's head, ,vith the quiet
remark, "'fhat ,vill do! Timmer to timmer "-timber
to timber.
Their style of preaching, too ,vas, no doubt often
plain and homely. They had not the graces of elocu-
tion or elegance of diction. But many ,vere faithful
in their office, and preached Christ as the poor man's
friend and the Saviour of the lo,yly and the suffering.
I have kllo,vn Scottish ministers of the old school get
into a careless indifferent state of ministration; I
have also kno,vn the hoary head of many a Scottish
minister go do,vn to the grave a cro,vn of glory, in his
day and generation more honoured than many ,yhich
had heen adorned by a mitre.
5
REA'INISCENCES OF
CHAPTER rrH}
SECO
D.
SCOTTISH RELIGIOUS FEELINGS A
D OBSERV AN'CE
.
PASSING from these remarks on the Scottish Clergy
of a past day, I would treat the more extensive subject
of RELIGIOUS FEELINGS and I
ELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES
generally ,vith the caution and deference due to such
a question, and I ,vould distinctly premise that there
is in my mind no intention of entering, in this volulne,
upon those great questions which are connected ,vith
certain church movements amongst us, or with national
peculiarities of faith and discipline. It is impossible,
however, to overlook entirely the fact of a gradual re-
laxation, ,vhich has gone on for some years, of the
sterner features of the Calvinistic school of theology
- at any rate, of keeping its theoretic peculiarities
more in the background. 'Vhat ,ve have to notice
in these pages are changes in the feelings with regard
to religion and religious 0 bservances, which have
appeared upon the exterior of society-the changes
,vhich belong to outward habits rather than to in-
ternal feelings. Of such changes n1any have taken
place within my own experience. Scotland has ever
borne the character of a moral and religious country;
and the mass of the people are a more church-going
race than the masses of English population. I am
not at all prepared to say that in the middle and lower
ranks of life our countrymen have undergone muc.h
change in regard to religious observances. But there
SCOTTISH LlFE J: CHARACTER. 57
can be no question that amongst the upper classes
there are manifestations connectgd \vith religion now,
which son1e years ago were not thought of. The at-
tendence of rnen on public worship is of itself an ex-
ample of the change ""e speak of. I am afraid that
,,,,hen 'V alter Scott described l\Ionkbarns as being with
difficulty "hounded out" to hear the sermons of good
lr. Blattergowl, he wrote from a kno,vledge of the
habits of church-going then generally prevalent among
Scottish lairds. The late Bishop Sandford told me
that when he first came to Edinburgh-I suppose fifty
years ago-fe,v gentlemen attended church-very few
indeed were seen at the communion-so much so that
it was a matter of conversation when a male communi-
cant, not an aged man, was observed at the table for
the first time. Sydney Smith, when preaching in
Edinburgh some forty years ago, seeing how almost
exclusively congregations ,vere made up of ladies, took
for his text the verse from the Psalms, " Oh that men
would therefore praise the Lord!" and ,vith that touch
of the facetious which Inarked everything he did, laid
the emphasis on the ,vord "TIlen." Looking round the
congregation and saying, "Oh that men would there-
fore praise the Lord!" implying that he used the
,yord, not to describe the human species generally, but
the male individuals as distinguished from the female
portion. In regard to attendance by young men, both
at church and communion, a marked change has taken
place in my o,yn experience. In fact, there is au
attention excited to,vards church subjects, which, thirty
years ago, \yould have been hardly credited. Nor is
it only in connection with churches and church services
that these changes have been brought forth, but an
interest has been raised on the subject from Bible
societies, missionary associations at home and abToad
68
REMINISCENCES OF
schools and reformatory institutions, most of ,y hicl
as regard active operation, have grown up during fifty
years.
N or should I omit to mention, what I trust may be
considered as a change belonging to religious feeling-
viz., that conversation is no,v conducted "rithout that
accompaniment of those absurd and unmeaning oaths
which \vere once considered an essential embellishment
of polite discourse. I distinctly recollect an elderly
gentleman, when describing the opinion of a refined
and polished female upon a particular point, putting
into her mouth an unmistakable round oath as the
natural language in which people's sentiments and
opinions would be ordinarily conveyed. This is a
change wrought in men's feelings, which all must hail
\vith great pleasure. Putting out of sight for a
moment the sin of such a practice, and the bad in-
fluence it must have had upon all emotions of reverence
for the name and attributes of the Divine Being, and
the natural effect of profane swearing, to "harden a'
within," we might marvel at the utter folly and incoll-
gruity of making swearing accompany every expression
of anger or surprise, or of using oaths as mere ex-
pletives in common discourse. A quaint anecdote,
descriptive of such senseless ebullition, I have from a
friend who mentioned the names of parties concerned:
-A late Duke of Athole had invited a well-kllo,vn
character, a writer of Perth, to come up and meet him
at Dunkeld for the transaction of some business. The
Duke mentioned the day and hour ,vhen he should
receive the man of law, who accordingly came
punctually at the appointed time and place. But the
Duke had forgotten the appointment, and gone to the
hill, fronl which he could not return for SOlno hours.
A IIighlander present described the Perth \vriter's iu-
SCOTTISH LIÞ'E æ CHARACTER. 59
dignation, and his mode of sho,ving it by a most
elaborate course of s,vearing. "But ,vhonl did he
s \vear at 1" ,vas the inquiry made of the narrator, 'v ho
replied, "Oh, he didna sweer at ony thing particular,
but juist stude in ta Iniddle of ta road and s\voor at
lairge." I have from a friend also an anecdote ,vhich
sho,vs ho,v entirely at one period the practice of
s,vearing had become familiar even to female ears
,vhen mixed up with the intercourse of social life. A
sister had been speaking òf her brother as luuch
addicted to this habit-" 001' John sweers R\vfu', and
we try to correct him; but," she added in a candid
and apologetic tone, "nae doubt it is a great set aff
to conversation." There ,vas something of rather an
admiring character in the description of an outbreak
of s,vearing by a Deeside body. He had been before
the meeting of Justices for some offence against the
excise la\vs, and had been promised some assistance
and countenance by my cousin, the laird of Finzean,
who ,vas unfortunately addicted to the practice in
question. The poor fello,v had not got off so ""ell as
he had expected, and on giving an account of ,vhat
took place to a frien d, he was asked, "Eu t did not
Finzean speak for you
" " N a/' he replied, "he
didna say muckle; but oh, he damned bonny!"
'fhis is the place to notice a change which has
taken place in regard t.o S01ne questions of taste in
the building and embellishing of Scottish places of
,vorship. Some years back there was a great jealousy
of ornament in connection with churches and church
services, and, in fact, all such embellishments were
considered a
marks of a departure from the sim-
plicity of old Scottish ,vorship,-they ,yere distinctive
of Episcopacy as opposed to the severer nlodes of Pres-
byterianisnl. The late Sir 'Villiam Forbes used to
80
REJIIJ.Y'ISOENCES OF
give an account of a conversation, indicative of thh
feeling, ,vhich he had overheard bet\veen an Edin.
burgh inhabitant and his friend from the country.
1'hey \vere passing St. John's, which had just heen
finished, and the countryman asked, "'Vhatna kirk
was that
" " Oh," said the townsman, "that is an
English chapel," meaning Episcopalian. "Ay," said
his friend, "there'll be a ,valth 0' images there." But,
if unable to sympathise with architectural church
ornament and embellishment, how much less could
they sympathise with the performance of divine ser-
vice, which included such musical accompaniments as
intoning, chanting, and anthems! On the first in-
troduction of Tractarianism into Scotland, the full
choir service had been established in an Episcopal
church, where a noble family had adopted those views,
a.nd carried them out regardless of expense. The
lady \vho had been instrumental in getting up these
musical services ,vas very anxious that a favourite
female servant of the family-a Presbyterian of the
old school-should have an opportunity of hearing
them; accordingly, she very kindly took her down
to church in the carriage, and on returning asked her
what she thought of the music, etc. "Ou, it's verra
bonny, verra bonny; but oh, my lady, it's an a\vfu'
way of spending the Sabbath." The good woman
could only look upon the whole thing as a musical per-
formance. The organ ,vas a great mark of distinction
between Episcopalian and Presbyterian places of
worship. I have heard of an old lady describing an
Episcopalian c]ergyman, without any idea of disre-
spect, in these terms :-" Oh, he is a whistle-kirk
Ininister." From an Australian correspondent I haye
an account of the difference between an Episcopal
u1Ïnister and a Presbyterian minister, as remarked
THE \\iEAVER'
I-IOP
FroJJz a 7J..atcr-colour tf'ra,..ving by
HE
YRY TV. A-ERR,
A.R.S.A., R.S.lr.
--.
'-
. j
SCOTTISH LIFE d: OHARAOTER. 61
by an old Scottish lady of his acquaintance. Being
asked in what the difference ,vas supposed to consist,
after some consideration she replied, ""7" eel, ye see,
the Presbyterian n1inister wears his sark under his
coat, the Episcopal minister \vears his sark aboon his
coat." Of late years, ho,vever, a spirit of greater
tolerance of such things has been growing up amongst
us,-a greater tolerance, I suspect, even of organs
and liturgies. In fact, ,,"e may say a ne\y era has
bee-un in Scotland as to church architecture and
'-'
church ornaments. The use of stained glass in
churches-forming memorial \vindo,,"s for the de-
parted, * a free use of crosses as architectural orna-
Inents, and restoration of ancient edifices, indicate a
revolution of feeling regarding this question. Beauti-
ful and expensive churches are rising every,,"here,
in connection \vith various denominations. It is
not long since the building or repairing a ne\v church,
or the repairing and adapting an old church, implied
in Scotland simply a production of the greatest pos-
sible degree of ugliness and bad taste at the least
possible expense, and certainly never included any
notion of ornament in the details. K O\V, large sums
are expended on places of ,yorship, \vithout reference
to creed. First-rate architects are employed. Fine
Gothic structures are produced. The rebuilding of
the Greyfriars' Church, the restoration of South Leith
Church and of Glasgo\Y Cathedral, the very bold
experiment of adopting a style little kno,vn amongst
us, the pure Lombard, in a church for Dr. 'v. L.
Alexander, on George IV. Bridge, Edinburgh; the
Distinguished examples of these are to be found in the
Olù Greyfriars' Church, Edinburgh, and in the Catl1edral of
Glasgow; to say Dot11ing of the beautiful specimens in St
J ,)hn's Episcopal Church, EdiD burgh.
62
RE},IINISOENOES OF
really splendid Free Churches, St. l\lary's, in Alban}
Street, and the Barclay Church, Bruntsfield, and
many similar cases, mark the spirit of the times re-
garding the application of w hat is beautiful in art to
the service of religion. One might hope that changes
such as these in the feelings, tastes, and associat.ions,
would have a beneficial effect in bringing the "\vor-
shippers themselves into a more genial spirit of for-
bearance with each other. A friend of mine used
to tell a story of an honest builder's views of church
differences, ,vhich was very amusing, and quaintly
professional. An English gentleman, 'v ho had arrived
in a Scottish country town, was walking about to ex-
amine the various objects which presented themselves,
and observed t,vo rather handsome places of ,vorship
in course of erection nearly opposite to each other.
He addressed a person, ,vho happened to be the con-
tractor for the chapels, and asked, "What was the
difference bet,veen these t,vo places of worship which
were springing up so close to each other
"-meaning,
of course, the difference of the theological tenets of
the t,vo congregations. The contractor, "\vho thought
only of architectural differences, innocently replied,
" There may be a difference of sax feet in length, but
there's no aboon a few inches in the breadth." 'V ould
that all our religious differences could be brought
\vithill so narrow a compass!
The variety of churches in a certain county of Scot-
!and once called forth a sly remark upon our national
tendencies to religious division and t,heological dispu-
tation. An English gentleman sitting on the box,
ànd observing the great number of places of ","orship
in the aforesaid borough, remarked to the coachlnan
that there must be a great deal of religious feeling in
a to"''!l ,vhich produced so many houses of God
SCOTTISH LIFE d: CHARAC2'ER. 63
"Na," said the n1an quietly, "it's no religion, it's
C1rrstness," i.c. crabbedness, insinuating that acerbity
of temper, as ,veIl as zeal, ,vas occasionally the cause
of congregations being multiplied.
It might be a curious question to consider how far
motives founded on mere taste or sentiment n1ay
have operated in creating an interest to,vards religion,
and in making it a more prominent and popular ques-
tion than it ,vas in the early portion of the present
century. There are in this country t,yO causes which
have combined in producing these effects :-lst. The
great disruption ".hich took place in the Church of
Scotland no doubt called forth an attention to the
subject ,vhich stirred up the public, and made re-
ligion at any rate a topic of deep interest for discus-
sion and partizanship. l\fen's minds were not allowed
to remain in the torpid condition of a past generation.
2d. The æsthetic movement in religion, ,vhich some
years since was Inade in England, has, of course, had
its influence in Scotland; and many who showed
little concern about religion, ,vhilst it ,vas merely a
question of doctrines, of precepts, and of worship,
threw thelnselves keenly into the contest ,vhen it
became associated ,vith cerelnonial, and music, and
high art. N e,v ecclesiastical associations have been
presented to Scottish tastes and feelings. 'Vith some
minds, attachment to the church is attachment to her
Gregorian tones, je,velled chalices, lighted candles,
embroidered altar-cloths, silver crosses, processions,
copes, albs, and chasubles. But, from ,yhatever cause
it proceeds, a great change has taken place in the
general interest excited to,vards ecclesiastical ques-
tions. Religion no,v has numerous associations ,vith
the ordinary current of human life. In times past it
was kept more as a thing apart. There was a false
tU
REJf]J.VISGENCES OF
delicacy which made people shrink from encountering
appellations that were usually bestowed upon those
who made a more prominent religious profession than
the ,vorid at large.
A great change has taken place in this respect with
persons of all shades of religious opinions. With an in-
creased attention to the exteTnals of religion, ,ve believe
that in many points the heart has been more exercised
also. Take, as an example, the practice of family prayer.
Many excellent and pious households of the former
generation would not venture upon the observance, I am
afraid, because they were in dread of the sneer. There
was a foolish application of the terms "Methodist,"
"saints," "over-righteous," where the practice ,vas
observed. It was to take up a rather decided position
in the neighbourhood ; and I can testify, that less than
fifty years ago a family would have been marked and
talked of for a usage of lvhich now throughout the
country the exception is rather the unusual circumstance.
A little anecdote from recollections in my own family
will furnish a good illustration of a state of feeling on
this point now happily unkno,vn. In a northern
town of the east coast, where the earliest recollections
of my life go back, there ,vas usual1y a detachnlent of
a regiment, ,vho were kindly received and welcomed to
the society, '\\"hich in the \vinter months was very full
and very gay. There was the usual measure of dining
dancing, supping, card-playing, and gossiping, ,vhich
prevailed in country towns at the time. The officers
were of course an object of much interest to the natives,
and their habits were much discussed. A friend was
staying in the family \vho partook a good deal of the
Athenian temperament-viz. delight in hearing and
telling some new thing. On one occasion she burst
forth in great excitement ,vith the intelligence tlJat
SCOT1'ISH LIFE & OH.ARACTER. 65
" Sir Nathaniel Duckinfield, the officer in command of
the detachment, had family prayers every morning!"
A very near and dear relative of mine, knowing the
tendency of the lady to gossip, pulled her up with
the exclamation: "Ho,v can you repeat such things,
Iiss Ogilvy 1 nothing in the ,vorld but the ill-natured
stories of Montrose]" The remark ,vas made quite
innocently, and unconsciously of the bitter satire it con-
veyed upon the feeling of the place. The" ill-nature"
of these stories ,vas true enough, because ill-nature
,vas the motive of those ,vho raised them; not because
it is an ill-natured thing of itself to say of a family
that they have household ,vorship, but the ill-nature
consisted in their int.ending to thro,v out a sneer and
a sarcasm upon a subject ,vhere all such reflections
are unbecoming and indecorous. I t is one of the best
proofs of change of habits and associations on this
Inatter, that the anecdote, exquisite as it is for our pur-
pose, will hardly be understood by many of our young
friends, or, at least, happily has lost much of its force
and pungency.
These remarks apply perhaps more especially to
the state of religious feeling amongst the upper classes
of society. Though I am not a,vare of so much
change in the religious habits of the Scottish
peasantry, still the elders have yielded much from
the sternness of David Deans; and upon the ,vhole
view of the question there have been many and great
changes in the Scottish people during the last sixty
years. It could hardly be otherwise, \vhen ,ve con-
sider the increased facilities of communication between
the two countries- a facility ,vhich extends to the
introduction of English books upon religious subjects
The most popular and engaging ,vorks connected
\\pith the Church of England have no,v a free circu-
66
REJ,IINISOEl\.CES OF
lation in Scotland; and it is impossible that such
productions as the " Christian Year," for example,
and many others-whether for good or bad is not
now the question-should not produce t.heir effects
upon minds trained in the strictest school of Calvin-
istic theology. I should be disposed to extend the
boundaries of this division, and to include under
"Religious Feelings and Religious Observances U
many anecdotes which belong perhaps rather indi-
rectly than directly to the subject. There is a very
interesting reminiscence, and one of a sacred charac-
ter also, which I think ,vill come very suitably under
this head. 'Vhen I joined the Scottish Episcopal
Church, nearly fifty years ago, it was quite customary
for members of our communion to ask for the blessing
of their Bishop, and to ask it especially on any
remarkable event in their life, as marriage, loss of
friends, leaving home, returning home, etc.; and it
,vas the custom amongst the old Scottish Episcopalians
to give the blessing in a peculiar form, which had
become venerable from its traditionary application
by our bishops. I have n1yself received it from my
bishop, the late good Bishop Walker, and have heard
him pronounce it on others. But whether the custom
of asking the bishop's blessing be past or not, the
form I speak of has become a reminiscence, and I
feel assured is not known even by some of our own
bishops. I shall give it to my readers as I received
it from the family of the late Bishop 'Valker of
:Edinburgh :-
" God Almighty bless thee with his Holy Spirit;
Guard thee in thy going out and coming in ;
Keep thee ever in his faith and fear;
Free from Sin, and safe from Danger."
I have been much pleased ,vith a remark of my
SCOT'l'IS1J LIFB ,{o CHARACTER. 67
friend, the Rev. 'v. Gillespie of the U, P. Church,
Edinburgh, upon this subject. He ,vrites to me as fol-
lows :-" I read ,vith particular interest the paragraph
on the subject of the Bishop's Blessing, for certainly
there seems to be in these days a general disbelief in
the efficacy of blessings, and a neglect or disregard
of the practice. If the spirit of God is in good men,
as He certainly is, then ,vho can doubt the value and
the efficacy of the blessing ,yhich they besto,v
I
remember being blessed by a very venerable n1Ínister,
John Dempster of Denny, ,vhile kneeling in his
study, shortly before I left this country to go to
China, and his prayer over me then ,vas surely the
effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man. Its effect
upon me then and ever since ,vill never be forgotten. J:
I quite agree ,vith
Ir. Gillespie on the point, and
think it not a good sign either of our religious belief
or religious feeling that such blessings should become
really a matter of reminiscence; for if lye are taught
to pray for one another, and if ,ve are taught that
the "prayer of the righteous availeth much," surely
,ve ought to bless one another, and surely the blessing
of those ,vho are venerable in the church fron1 their
position, their age, and their piety, may be expected
to avail as an aid and incentive to piety in those
,vho in God's name are so blest. It has struck
me that on a subject closely allied ,vith religious
feelings a great change has taken place in Scotland
during a period of less tban fifty years-I mean the
attention paid to cemeteries as depositories of the
mortal remains of those ,vho have departed. In my
early days I never recollect seeing any efforts made
{or the embellishment and adornment of our church-
yards; if tolerably secured by fences, enough had
bee.n donc. The English and 'Velsh practices of
88
RE.1II
VISCE1VCES OF
planting flowers, keeping the turf smooth and dressed
over the graves of friends, ,vere quite unknown. In-
deed, I suspect such attention fifty years ago ,vould
have been thought by the sterner Presbyterians as
some,vhat savouring of superstition. The account
given by Sir 'V. Scott, in "Guy lVlannering," of an
Edinburgh burial-place, ,vas universally applicable to
Scottish sepulchres. *' A very different state of
matters has grO"\vn up ,vithin the last fe,v years.
Cemeteries and churchyards are now as carefully orna-
mented in Scotland as in England. Shrubs, flowers,
smooth turf, and neatly-kept gravel ,valks, are a
pleasing accompaniment to head-stones, crosses, and
varied forms of monumental memorials, in freestone,
marble, and granite. Nay, more than these, not
unfrequently do ,ve see an imitation of French senti-
ment, in wreaths of " everlasting" placed over graves
as emblems of immortality; and in more than one of
our Edinburgh cemeteries I have seen these enclosed
in glass cases to preserve them from the effects of
,vind and rain.
In consequence of neglect, the unprotected state of
churchyards ,vas evident from the number of stories
in circulation connected with the circumstance of
timid anù excited passengers going amongst the tombs
of the village. The following, amongst others, has
been communicated. The locale of the story is un-
kno,vn, but it is told of a weaver ,vho, after enjoying
* "This was a square enclosure in the Greyfriars' Churchyard,
guarded on one side by a veteran angel without a nose, and hav-
ing only one wing, who had the merit of having maintained his
post for a century, while his comrade cherub, who had stood
entinel on the corresponding pedestal, lay a broken trunk,
among the hemlock, burdock, and nettles, which grew in gigan-
tic luxuriance around the walls of the mausoleum."
SOúTTISH LIFE
OHARAOTER. 69
his potations, pursued his way home through the
churchyard, his vision and walking some,vhat im-
paired. As he proceeded he diverged fronl the path,
and unexpectedly stumbled into a partially made
grave. Stunned for a while, he lay in ,vonder at his
descent, and after S0111e time he got out, but he had
not proceeded Inuch farther when a similar calamity
befell him. At this second fall, he was heard, in a
tone of wonder and surprise, to utter the following
exclamation, referring to ,vhat he considered the un-
tenanted graves: "Ay! ir ye a' up an' awa 1"
The kindly feelings and interest of the pastoral
relation always formed a very pleasing intercourse
between minister and people. I have received from
an anonymous correspondent an anecdote illustrative
of this happy connection, for which he vouches as
authentic :-
John Bro,vn, Burgher minister at Whitburn (son
of the commentator, and father of the late Rev. Dr. John
Bro,vn of Edinburgh, and grandfather of the present
accomplished M.D. of the same name, author of "Rab
and his Friends," etc.), in the early part of the century
was travelling on a small sheltie* to attend the
summer sacrament at Haddington. Between Mus-
selburgh and Tranent he overtook one of his own
people. "What are ye daein' here, Janet, and whaur
ye gaun in this warm weather
" "'Deed, sir," quo'
Janet, "I'm gaun to Haddington 101" the occasion,t an'
expeck to hear ye preach this efternoon." " Very
weel, Janet, but whaur ye gaun tae sleep 1" "I
dinna ken, sir, but Providence is aye kind, an'll pro-
vide a bed." On Mr. Brown jogged, but kindly
thought of his humble follower; accordingly, after
8ervice in the afternoon, before pronouncing the bless-
· A Shetland pony. t The Lord's Supper.
M
70
REA/L..
{ISOENOBS OJl
ing, he said from the pulpit, "Whaur's the auld
wifie that followed me frae Whitburn
" H Here
I'm, sir," uttered a shrill voice from a back seat.
" A wee}," said Mr. Bro\vn, "I have fand ye a bed;
ye're to sleep wi' Johnnie Fife's lass."
There ,vas at all times amongst the older Scottish
peasantry a bold assertion of their religious opinions,
and strong expression of their feelings. The spirit
of the Covenanters lingered amongst the aged people
whom I remember, but which time has considerably
softened down. We have some recent authentic in-
stances of this readiness in Scotsmen to bear testi-
mony to their principles :-
A friend has informed me that the late Lord
Rutherfurd often told with much interest of a rebuke
which he received from a shepherd, near Bonaly,
alnongst the Pentlands. He had entered into con-
versation \vith him, and was cO:plplaining bitterly of
the weather, ,,"hich prevented him enjoying his visit
to the country, and said hastily and unguardedly,
"What a d-d mist!" and then expressed his
wonder how or for ,vhat purpose there should have
been such a thing created as east wind. The
shepherd, a tall, grim figure, turned sharp round
upon him. ""''11at ails ye at the mist, sir 1 it weets
the sod, it slockens the yowes, and"-adding with
much solemnity-" it's God's wull ;" and turned a\vay
with lofty indignation. Lord Rutherfurd used to
repeat this with much can dour as a fine specimen of
a rebuke from a sincere and simple mind.
There was something very striking in the homely,
quaint, and severe expressions on religious subjects
which marked the old-fashioned piety of persons
shadowed forth in Sir Walter Scott's Davie Deans.
We may add to the rebuke of the shepherd of Bonaly
SCOTTISH LIFE
OHARACTER. 11
of Lord Rutherfurd's remark about the east wind, his
ans\ver to Lord Cockburn, the proprietor of Bonaly.
He was sitting on the hill-side with the shepherd, and
observing the sheep reposing in the coldest situatiol],
he 0 bserved to him, "J ohn, if I were a sheep, I
would lie on the other side of the hill." The
shepherd answered, " Ay, my lord, but if ye had been
a sheep ye would hae had mair sense."
Of such men as this shepherd ,vere formed the
elders-a class of men ,vho were marked by strong
features of character, and who, in former times, bore
a distinguished part in all church matters.
The old Scottish elder ,vas in fact quite as dif-
ferent a character from the modern elder, as the old
Scottish minister was from the modern pastor. These
good men ,vere not disposed to hide their lights, a.nd
perhaps sometimes encroached a little upon the office
of the minister. A clergyman had been remarking
to one of his elders that he was unfortunately invited
to t,vo funerals on one day, and that they were fixed
for the same hour. " 'Veel, sir," answered the elder,
, if ye'll tak the tane I'll tak the tither."
Some of the elders ",yere great humorists and
originals in their way. An elder of the kirk at
Muthill used to manifest his humour and originality
by his nlode of collecting the alms. As he ,vent
round \vith the ladle, he reminded such members of
the congregation as seemed backward in their duty,
by giving them a poke with the "brod," and making,
in an audible ,vhisper, such renlarks as these-"'Vife at
the braid Inailin, n1Îlld the puir ;" "Lass wi' the bra,\T
plaid, mind the puir," etc., a mode of collecting which
marks rather a bygone state of things. But on no
question ,vaa the old Scottish disciplinarian, whether
elder or not: more sure to raise his testin10ny than on
7
BE.}fINISOENOES OJl
anything connected with a desecration of the Sabbath.
In this spirit was the rebuke given to an eminent
geologist, when visiting in the Highlands :-The
professor was ,valking on the hills one Sunday
morning, and partly from the effect of habit, and
partly from not adverting to the very strict notions
of Sabbath desecration entertained in Ross-shire, had
his pocket hamnler in hand, and ,vas thoughtlessly
breaking the specimens of minerals he picked up by
the way. Under these circumstances, he ,vas met by
an old man steadily pursuing his ,vay to his church.
For some time the patriarch observed the move-
ments of the geologist, and at length, going up to
him, quietly said, "Sir, ye're breaking something
there forbye the stanes!"
The same feeling, under a more fastidious form, was
exhibited to a traveller by a Scottish peasant :-An
English artist travelling professionally through Scot-
land, had occasion to remain over Sunday in a small
town in the north. To while away the time, he walked
out a short way in the environs, where the picturesque
ruin of a castle met his eye. He asked a countrJtman
who was passing to be so good as tell him the name
of the castle. The reply was sonlewhat startling-
" It's no the day to be speerin' sic things I"
A manifestation of even still greater strictness on
the subject of Sabbath desecration, I have received
from a relative of the family in which it occurred.
About fifty years ago the Hon. Mrs. Stewart lived in
Heriot Ro,v, ,vho had a cook, ,Jeannie by name, a
paragon of excellence. One Sunday morning when
her daughter (afterwards Lady Elton) went into the
kitchen, she \\yas surprised to find a new jack (recently
orùered and which ,vas constructed on the principle
of gOlug constalltl.y ,vithout winding up) wholly para-
l{(JOTTL(jH LIFE k CHARACTER. 7"
lysed and useless. Miss Stewart naturally inquired
what accident had happened to the new jack, as it
had stopped. The mystery was soon solved by Jeannie
indignantly exclaiming that "she was llae gaeing to
hae the fule thing clocking and rinning about in her
kitchen a' the blessed Sabbath day."
There sometimes appears to have been in our country-
nlen an undue preponderance of zeal for Sabbath
observance as cornpared with the importance attached
to other religious duties, and especially as compared
,vith the virtue of sobriety. The following dialogue
bet\veen 1\Ir. ]'facnee of Glasgow, the celebrated artist,
and an old Highland acquaintance whom he had met
with unexpectedly, ,vill illustrate the contrast between
the severity of judgment passed upon treating the
Sabbath with levity and the lighter censure attached
to indulgence in whisky. Mr.l\lacnee begins, "Donald,
what brought you here
" "Ou, weel, sir, it vtas a
baad place yon; they were baad folk-but they're a
God.fearin' set 0' folk here I" " Well, Donald," said
l\lr.
I., "I'm glad to hear it." "Ou ay, sir, 'deed
are they; an' I'll gie ye an instance o't. Last Sabbath,
just as the kirk ,vas skailin,' there was a drover chield
frae Dumfries comin' along the road whustlin,' an'
lookin' as happy as if it was ta middle 0' ta \veek;
,veel, sir, oor laads is a God-fearin' set 0' laads, an'
they were just comin' oot 0' the kirk-'od they yokit
upon him, an' a'most killed him !" Mr. 1\1., to whom
their zeal seemed scarcely sufficiently ,veIl directed to
merit his approbation, then asked Donald ".hether it
had been drunkenness that induced the depravity of his
former neighbours
" 'Veel, weel, sir," said Donald..
with some hesitation, I: may-be; I'll no say but it
micht." "Depend upon it," said Mr.
f., "it's a bad
thing whisky." " W eel, weel. sir," replied Donald,
4
RF:MI,lvISCENOES OF
"I'll no say but it may;" adding in a very decided
tone-" speeciallie baad whusky !"
I do not know any anecdote which illustrates in a
more striking and natural manner the strong feeling
which exists in the Scottish mind on this subject. At
a certain time, the hares in the neighbourhood of a
Scottish burgh had, from the inclemency of the season
or from some other cause, become emboldened more
than usual to approach the dwelling-places of men;
so much so that on one Sunday morning a hare ,vas
seen skipping along the street as the people were go-
ing to church. An old man, spying puss in this un-
usual position, significantly remarked, " Ay, yon beast
kens weel it is the Sabbath-day;" taking it for granted
that no one in the place would be found audacious
enough to hurt the animal on a Sunday.
Lady Macneil supplies an excellent pendant to Miss
Stewart's story about the jack going on the SundaJ'.
ller henwife had got some Dorking fowls, and on
I.Jady M. asking if they were laying many eggs, she
repJied, with great earnestness, "Indeed my leddy,
they lay every day, nu' excepting the blessed Sabbath."
There were, however, old persons at that time who
were not quite so orthodox on the point of Sabbath
observance; and of these a lady residing in Dumfries
was known often to employ her wet Sundays in ar-
ranging her wardrobe. "Preserve us!" she said on
one occasion, "anither gude Sunday! I dinna ken
whan I'll get thae dra,vers redd up."
In connection with the awful subject of death and
all its concomitants, it has been often remarked that
the older generation of Scottish people used to view
the circumstances belonging to the decease of their
nearest and dearest friends ,vith a coolnpss which does
not at first sight seem consistent with their deep and
SCOTTISH LIFJ! d: CHARACTER. 75
sincere religious inlpressions. Amongst the peasantry
this was sometimes manifested in
n extraordinary
and startling manner. I do not believe that those
persons had less affection for their friends than a cor-
responding class in England, but they had less awe
ùf the concomitants of death, and approached them
\vit.h more familiarity. For example, I remember
long ago at Fasque, Iny sister-in-Ia,y visiting a worthy
and attached old couple, of ,vhom the husband, Charles
Duncan, \vho had been gardener at Fasqne for above
thirty years \vas evidently dying. He \vas sitting on
a common deal chair, and on my sister proposing to
send do,vn for his use an old arm-chair which she re-
collected was laid up in a garret, his \vife exclaimed
against such a needless trouble: "Rout, my leddy,
wbat would he be duin' "vi' an arm-chair 1 he's just
deein' fast a\va." I have t\VO anecdotes, illustrative
of the same state of feeling, fron1 a lady of ancient
Scottish fan1ily accustomed to visit her poor depend-
ants on the property, and to notice their ,vays. She
was calling at a decent cottage, and found the occu-
pant busy carefully ironing out some ]inens. Th
lady
remarked, "Those are fine linens you have got thrre,
Janet." " Troth, mem," \vas the reply, "they're just
the gudeman's deed claes, and there are nane better
i' the parish." On another occasion, \vhen visiting
an excellent woman, to condole ,vith her on the death
of her nephew, ,vith ,vhom she had lived, and whose
loss lnust have been severely felt by her, she remarked,
""That a nice white cap you have got, 1vlargaret."
"Indeed, mem, ay, sae it is; for ye see the gude lad's
,vinding. sheet ,vas o,ver lang, and I cut aff as mnckle
as made twa bonny nlutches " (caps).
There certainly ,vas a quaint and familiar manner
in which saered and solemn subjects were referred to
16
REJfINISCENCES OF
by the older Scottish race, who did not mean to
be irreverent, but who no doubt appeared so to a
more refined but not really a more religious genera-
tion.
It seems to me that this plainness of speech arose
in part from the sincerity of their belief in all the
cirCUlnstances of another condition of being. They
spoke of t.hings hereafter as positi,re certainties, and
viewed things invisible through the same medium as
they viewed things present. The following is illustra-
tive of such a st.ate of mind, and I am assured of its
perfect authenticity and literal correctness: - " Joe
M'Pherson and his wife lived in Inverness. They had
t,vo sons, who helped theirfather in his trade of a smith.
They were industrious and careful, but not successful.
The old man had bought a house, leaving a large part
of the price unpaid. It was the ambition of his life
to payoff that debt, but it ,vas too much for him,
and he died in the struggle. His sons kept on the
business with the old industry, and with better for-
tune. .A..t last their old mother fell sick, and told her
sons she was dying, as in truth she was. The elder
son said to her, 'Mother, you'll soon be with my
father; no doubt you'll have much to tell him; but
dinna forget this, mother, mind ye, tell him the house
is freed. He'll be glad to hear that.' "
A similar feeling is manifest in the following con-
versation, which, I am assured, is authentic: - At
Hawick the people used to wear wooden clogs, which
make a clanking noise on the pavement. A dying
old woman had some friends by her bed-side, who
said to her, "W eel, Jenny, ye are gaun to heeven, an'
gin you should see oor folk, you can tell them that
we're a' weel." To which Jenny replied, "W eel, gin
I ehould see them I'se tell them, but you manna ex-
THE '\
EA VER
From a 'ZlJate'r-cowur drawÙlg ly
HENRY IV. KERR,
A.R.S.A. R.S.lf'
l
,#
I ,
..........,..
-
t-
'I-
t!'
SCOTTISH LIFE I: CHARACTER. 71
pect that I am to gang clank clanking through heevan
looking for your folk."
But of all stories of this class, I think the following
death-bed conversation bet,veen a Scottish husband
and ,vife is about the richest specimen of a dry Scot-
tish matter-of-fact view of a very serious question :-
An old shoemaker in Glasgo,v was sitting by the bed-
side of his wife, who was dying. She took him by
the hand. " Weel, John, we're gawin to part. I
hae been a gude ,vife to you, J-ohn." "Oh, just
rniddlil1g, just middling, Jenny," said John, not dis--
posed to commit himself. "John," says she, "ye
maUD promise to bury me in the auld kirk-yard at
Stra'von, beside my mither. I couldna rest in peace
among uneo folk, in the dirt and smoke 0' Glasgow."
"'Veel, weel, Jenny, my woman," said John sooth-
ingly, "we'll just pit you in the Gorbals jifrst, and gin
ye dinna lie quiet, ,ve'll try you sine in Stra'von."
The same unimaginative and matter-of-fact view of
things connected with the other world extended to a
very youthful age, as in the case of a little boy who,
when told of heaven, put the question, "An' will
faather be there 1" His instructress answered, "of
course, she hoped he would be there;" to which he
sturdily at once replied, "Then 1']1 no gang."
'Ve might apply these remarks in some measure to
the Scottish pulpit ministrations of an older school, in
,vhich a minuteness of detail and a quaintness of ex-
pression ,vere quite common, but which could not now
be tolerated. I have two specimens of such antiquated
language, supplied by correspondents, and I am assured
they are both genuine.
The first is from a St. ...t\ndrews professor, who is
stated to be a great authority in such narratives.
In one of our northern counties, a rural district had
7R
REJJIJ.VISCENCE8 OF
its harvest operations affected by continuous rains.
The crops being much laid, wind was desired in order
to restore them to a condition fit for the sickle. A
minister, in his Sabbath services, expressed their want
in prayer as follows :-" 0 Lord, we pray thee to
send us wind; no a rantin' tantin' tearin' wind, but a
noohin' (noughin 1) soughin' winnin' wind." More
expressive words than these could not be found in any
language.
The other story relates to a portion of the Presb)"-
terian service on sacramental occasions, called "fencing
the tables," i.e. prohibiting the approach of those who
were unworthy to receive.
This fencing of the tables was performed in the
following effective manner by an old divine, whose
flock transgressed the third commandment, not in a
gross and loose manner, but in its minor details :-" I
debar all those who use such minced oaths as faith!
troth! 10sh! gosh! and lovanendie !"
These men often showed a quiet vein of humour in
their prayers, as in the case of the old minister of the
Canongate, who always prayed, previous to the meeting
of the General Assembly, that the Assembly might
be so guided as "no to do ony ha1.m."
A circumstance connected with Scottish church dis-
cipline has undergone a great change in my time-I
mean the public censure from the pulpit, in the time
of divine service, of offenders previously convicted be-
fore the minister and his kirk-session. This was per-
formed by the guilty person standing up before the
congregation on a raised platform, called the cully stool,
and receiving a rebuke. I never sa,v it done, but
have heard in my part of the country of the discipline
being enforced occasionally. Indeed, J recollect an
instance \vhere the rébuke was thus administered and
SCOTTISH LIFE J: OHARACTER. 7'
received under circumstances of a touching character,
and which made it partake of the moral sublime. The
daughter of the minister had herself committed an
offence against moral }ulrity, such as usually called
forth this church censure. The minister peremptorily
refused to make her an exception to his ordinary
practice. His child stood up in the congregation, and
received, from her agonised father, a rebuke similar
to that administered to other nlembers of his congre-
gation for a like offence. The spirit of the age became
unfavourable to the practice. The rebuke on the cutty
stool, like the penance in a white sheet in England,
went out of use, and the circumstance is now a matter
of" reminiscence." I have received some communica-
tions on the subject, which bear upon this point; and I
subjoin the following remarks from a kind correspond-
ent, a clergyman, to ,vhom I am largely indebted,
a!5 indicating the great change which has taken place
in this matter.
"Church discipline," he \vrites, "'\"as much more
vigorously enforced in olden time than it is now. A
certain couple having been guilty of illicit intercourse,
and also "ithin the forbidden degrees of consangui-
nity, appeared before the Presbytery of Lanark, and
made confession in sackcloth. They ,vere ordered to
return to their own session, and to stand at the kirk-
door, barefoot and barelegged, from the second bell to
the last, and thereafter in the public place of repent-
ance; and, at direction of the session, thereafter to
go through the \vhole kirks of the presbytery, and to
satisfy them in like manner. If such penance wert'
now enforced for like offences, I believe the registra-
tion books of many parishes in Scotland would be-
come nlore creditable in certain particulars than th{\y
unfortunately are at the present time."
t
8-)
REMINISCENCES 011
But there was a less formidable ecclesiastical cen..
sure occasionally given by the minister from the
pulpit against lesser misdemeanours, which took place
under Ilis own eye, such as levity of conduct or sleep-
ing in church. .l\. most amusing specimen of such
censure ,vas once inflicted by the minister upon his
own \vife for an offence not in our day visited with
so heavy a penalty. The clergyman had observed
one of his flock asleep during his serInon. He paused,
and called him to order. "Jeems Robson, ye are
sleepin'; I insist on your \vauking when God's \vord
is preached to ye." "'V eel, sir, you may look at your
ain seat, and ye'll see a sleeper forbye me," ans,vered
Teems, pointing to the clergyman's lady in the minis-
ter's pew. "Then, Jeems," said the minister, "when
ye see my ,vife asleep again, haud up your hand."
By and by the arm was stretched out, and sure enough
the fair lady was caught in the act. Her husba.nd
60lenlnly called upon her to stand up and receive the
censure due to her offence. He thus addressed
her :-" 1'Irs. B., a'body kens that ,vhen I got ye for
my wife, I got nae beauty; yer frien's ken that
I got nae siller; and if I dinna get God's grace, I
shall hae a puir bargain indeed."
The quaint and original humour of the old Scottish
minister came out occasionally in the more private
services of his vocation as well as in church. As the
whole service, whether for baptisms or marriages, is
supplied by the clergyman officiating, there is more
scope for scenes between the parties present than at
similar Ininistrations by a prescribed form. Thus, a
1ate nlinister of Caithness, \vhen examining a member
of his flock, \vho was a butcher, in reference to the
baptism of his child. found him so deficient in ,vhat
he considered the needful theological kno,,,-ledge, that
SCOTTISH LIFE do CHARAOTER. 81
he said to him, "Ah, Sandy, I doubt ye're no 1Ìt to
haud up the bairn." Sandy, conceiving that reference
,vas made not to spiritual but to physical incapacity,
answered indignantly, "Hout, nlinister, I could haud
him up an he ,vere a twa-year-auld stirk." - A late
humorous old minister, near Peebles, who had strong
feelings on the subject of lnatrinlonial happiness, thus
prefaced the ceremony by an address to the parties ,vho
came to hin1 :-" 1\ly friends, marriage is a blessing
to a fe,v, a curse to many, and a great uncertainty to
all. Do ye venture 1" After a pause, he repeated with
great emphasis, " Do ye venture f' No objection being
made to the venture, he then said, "Let's proceed."
The old Scottish hearers were very particular on the
subject of their minister's preaching old sermons; and
to repeat a discourse which they could recollect ,yas
always made a subject of animadversion by those "Tho
heard it. A beadle, who \vas a good deal of a wit in
his way, gave a sly hit in his pretended defence of
his minister on the question. As they were proceed-
ing from church, the minister observed the beadle had
been laughing as if he had triumphed over some of the
parishioners with ,vhom he had been in conversation.
On asking the cause of this, he received for ans,ver.
" Dod, sir, they were saying ye had preached an auld
sermon to-day, but I tackled them, for I tauld them
it was no an auld sermon, for the minister had preach-
ed it no sax months syne."
I remerllber the minister of Banchory, l\Ir. Gregory,
availed himself of the feelings of his people on this sub.,
ject for t.he purpose of accomplishing a particular ob-
ject. During the building of the new church the
service had to be performed in a schoolroom, ,y hich
did Dot nearly hold the congregation. The object ,vas
* Bullock.
8
REMINISOENOES OF
to get part of the parish to attend in the morning,
and part in the afternoon. Mr. Gregory prevented
those who had attended in the ll10rning from return-
ing in the afternoon by just giving them, as he said,
" cauld kail het again. U
It is son1e,vhat remarkable, ho,vever, that, notwith-
standing this feeling in the matter of a repetition of
old serlnons, there was amongst a large class of Scot-
tish preachers of a former day such a sameness of
subject as really sometimes made it difficult to dis-
tinguish the discourse of one Sunday from al110ngst
others. These were entirely doctrinal, and however
they might commence, after the opening or intro-
duction hearers were certain to find the preacher
falling gradually into the old channel. The fall of
man in Adam, his restoration in Christ, justification
by faith, and the terms of the new covenant, formed
the staple of each sermon, and without ,vhich it was
not in fact reckoned complete as an orthodox exposi-
tion of Christian doctrine. Without omitting the
essentials of Christian instruction, preachers now take
a wider view of illustrating and explaining the gospel
scheme of salvation and regeneration, without constant
recurrence to the elemental and fundamental principles
of the faith. From my friend Dr. Cook of Haddington
(who it is \vell known has a copious stock of old Scotch
traditionary anecdotes) I have an admirable illustration
of this state of things as regards pulpit instruction.
"Much of the preaching of the Scotch clergy," Dr.
Cook observes, "in the last century, ,vas almost exclu.
sively doctrinal-the fall: the nature, the extent, and
the application of the remedy. In the hands of able
men, no doubt, there might be much variety of exposi-
tion, but with weaker or indolent men preaching
extempore, or without notes, it too often ended in a
SOOTTISH LIFE æ CHARAOTER. 83
weekly repetition of what had been alrea.dy said. An
old elder of mine, ,vhose recollection might reach back
from sixty to seventy years, said to me one day, 'No\v-
a-days, people make a work if a minister preach the
same sermon over again in the course of two or three
years. 'Vhen I was a boy, ,ve ,vould have wondered
if old Mr. W had preached anything else that:
what we heard the Sunday. before.' MyoId friend
used to tell of a clergyman ,vho had held forth on
the broken covenant till his people longed for a
change. The elders waited on him to intimate their
wish. They were examined on their knowledge of
the subject, found deficient, rebuked, and dismissed,
but after a little ,vhile they returned to the charge,
and the minister gave in. Next Lord's day he read
a large portion of the history of Joseph and his
brethren, as the subject of a lecture. He paraphrased
it, greatly, 110 doubt, to the detriment of the original,
but much to the satisfaction of his people, for it was
something new. He finished the paraphrase, 'and
no'v,' says he, 'my friends, we shall proceed to draw
some lessons and inferences; and, 1st, you will observe
that the !acks of Joseph's brethren ,vere rripit, and ill
them was found the cup; so your sacks will be ripit
at the day of judglnent, and the first thing found in
them will be the broken covenant;' and having gain-
ed this advantage, the sermon ,vent off into the usual
strain, and embodied the usual heads of elenlentary
dogmatic theology."
In connection with this topic, I have a communi-
cation from a correspondent, who remarks-The story
,..bout the minister and his favourite theme, "the bro-
ken covenant," reminds me of one respecting another
minister \vhose staple topics of discourse were" Justi-
fication, Adoption, and Sanctification." Into every
84
REJIINISOEllOES OF
dermon he preached, he managed, by hook or by crook.
to force these three heads, so that his general method
of handling every text was not so much expos,itio as
irnpos-itio. He was preaching on these words -" Is
Ephraim my dear son
Is he a pleasant child
" and
he soon brought the question into the usual formula
by adding, Ephraim was a pleasant child-first, because
he was a justified child; second, because he was an
adopted child; and third, because he was a sanctified
child.
It should be relnembered, ho\vever, that the Scottish
peasantry themselves-l mean those of the older
school-delighted in expositions of doctrinal subjects,
and in fact were extremely jealous of any minister
,vho departed from their high standard of orthodox
divinity, by selecting subjects \vhich involved discus-
sions of strictly moral or practical questions. It was
condemned under the epithet of legal preaching; in
other ,vords, it was supposed to preach the law as
independent of the gospel. A worthy old clergyman
having, upon the occasion of a communion 1vlonday,
taken a text of such a character, was thus commented
on by an ancient dame of the congregation, who ,vas
previously acquainted ,vith his style of discourse:-
"If there's an ill text in a' the Bible, that creetur's
aye sure to tak it."
The great change-the great hnprovement, I would
say-which has taken place during the last half-cen-
tury in the feelings and practical relations of religion
with social life is, that it has become more diffused
through all ranks and all characters. Before that
period 111any good sort of people ,vere afraid of nlaking
their religious views very prominent, and were al,vay
separated from those who did. Persons w 110 made fi
profession at all beyond the low standard generallJ
SCOTTISH LJFE d: CHARACTER. Sf-
adopted in society ,vere marked out as objects of fear
or of distrust. The anecdote at page 65 regarding
the practice of fan1ily prayer fully proves this. N o,v
religious people and religion itself are not kept aloof
from the ordinary current of men's thoughts and ac-
tions. There is no such marked line as used to be
drawn round persons who make a decided profession
of religion. Christian men and ,vornen have stepped
over the line, and, ,vithout compromising their
Christian principle, are not necessarily either morose,
uncharitable, or exclusive. The effects of the old
separation ,,"ere injurious to men's minds. Religion
,vas with many associated with puritanism, with cant,
and unfitness for the ,vorid. The difference is marked
also in the style of iermons prevalent at the two
periods. There ,vere sermons of two descriptions-viz.,
sermons by "rnoderate " clergy, of a purely moral or
practical character; and sermons purely doctrinal,
from those ,vho were known as " evangelical " minis-
ters. Hence arose an impression, and not unnaturally,
on many minds, that an almost exclusive reference
to doctrinal subjects, and a dread of upholding the
law, and of enforcing its more minute details, ,vere
not favourable to the cause of moral rectitude and
practical holiness of life. This ,vas hinted in a sly
,vay by a young member of the kirk to his father, a
minister of the severe and high Calvinistic school.
Old Dr. Lockhart of Glasgow ,vag lamenting one day,
in the presence of his son John, the fate of a, man who
had been found guilty of immoral practices, and the
more so that he was one of his own elders. " Well,
father," remarked his son, "you see what you've driven
him to." In our best Scottish preaching at the pre-
Bent day no such distinction is visible.
The same feeling came forth with much point and
N
B6
REMINISOENOES I)F
humour on an occasion referred to in U Carlyle'e
l\lemoirs." In a company ,vhere John Home and
David Hume ,vere present, much wonder was expressed
what could have induced a clerk belonging to Sir
vVilliam Forbes' bank to abscond, and embezzle æ900.
"I kno,v what it was," said Horne to the historian;
"for when he ,vas taken there ,vas found in his
pocket a volume of your philosophical ,vorks and
Boston's' Fourfold State"'-a hit, 1st, at the infidel,
,vhose principles would have undermined Christianity;
and 2d, a hit at the Church, "Thich he was compelled
to leave on account of his having ,vritten the tragedy
of Douglas.
I can myself recollect an obsolete ecclesiastical
custom, and which was always practised in the church
of Fettercairn during my boyish days-viz., that of
the minister bo,ving to the heritors in succession who
occupied the front gallery seats; and I am assured
that this bowing from the pulpit to the principal
heritor or heritors after the blessing had been pro-
nounced was very common in rural parishes till about
forty years ago, and perhaps till a still later period.
And when heritors chanced to be pretty equally
matched, there was sometimes an unpleasant contest
as to who was entitled to the precedence in having
the fi1 9 St bow. A case of this kind once occurred in
the parish of Lanark, which was carried so far as to
be laid before the Presbytery; but they, not con-
sidering themselves "competent judges of the points
of honour and precedency among gentlemen, and to
prevent all inconveniency in these matters in the
future, appointed the minister to forbear bowing to
the lairds at all from the pulpit for the time to come;"
and they also appointed four of their number" to wait
upon the gentlemen, to deal with them, for bringing
SCOTTISH LIFE &: CHARACTER. 87
them to condescend to submit hereunto, for the success
of the gospel and the peace of the parish."
In connection ,vith this subject, we may mention a
ready and complimentary reply once made by the late
Reverend Dr. 'Vightlllan of l{'irkmahoe, on being
ral1icd for his neglecting this usual act of courtesy one
Sabbath in his own church. The heritor ,vho was
en titled to and ahvays received this token of respect,
was Mr. Miller, proprietor of Dalswinton. One
Sabbath the Dals,vinton pc,v contained a bevy of
ladies, but no gentlemen, and the Doctor-perhaps
because he was a bachelor and felt a delicacy in the
circumstances-on1Ïtted the usual salaam in their
direction. A few days after, meeting Miss Miller,
\vho was widely famed for her beauty, and ,vho after-
wards became Countess of :Nlar, she rallied him, in
presence of her companions, for not bowing to her
from the pulpit on the previous Sunday, and requested
an explanation; when the good Doctor immediately
replied-" I beg your pardon, Miss Miller, but you
surely kno,v that angel-worship is not allowed in the
Church of Scotland;" and lifting his hat, he made a
low bow, and passed on.
Scottish congregations, in some parts of the country,
contain an element in their composition quite unknown
in English churches. In pastoral parts of the country,
it ,vas an established practice for each shepherd to
bring his faithful collie dog-at least it was so some
years ago. In a district of Sutherland, where the
population is very scanty, the congregations are made
up one-half of dogs, each human member having his
canine companion. These dogs sit out the Gaelic
services and sermon ,vith commendable patience, tin
towards the end of the last psalm, when there is a
universal stretching and ya\vning, and all are prepared
88
REJ.1fIJ.VISOFNOES OF
to scamper out, barking in a most excited manner
whenever the blessing is commenced. The congrega-
tion of one of these churches detern1Ìned t.hat the
service should close in a more decorous 1nanner, and
steps ,vere taken to attain this object. Accordingly,
when a stranger clergyman ,vas officiating, he found
the people all sitting when he was about to pronounce
the blessing. He hesitated, and paused, expecting
them to rise, till an old shepherd, looking up to
the pulpit, said, "Say a,va', sir; we're a' sittin' to
cheat the do,vgs."
There must have been some curious specimens of
Scottish humour brought out at the examinations or
catechisings by ministers of the flock before the ad-
ministrations of the conlIDunion. Thus, ,vith reference
to hunlan nature before the fan, a man was asked,
"What kind of man was Adam
" "Ou, just like
ither fouk." The minister insisted on having a more
special description of the first man, and pressed for
more exp]anation. " 'Vee]," said the catechumen,
"he ,vas just like Joe Simson the horse-couper."
"Ho,v so f' asked the minister. " Weel, naebody
got onything by him, and mony lost."
A lad had come for examination previous to his
receiving his first communion. The pastor, knowing
that his young friend was not very profound in his
theology, and not wishing to discourage him, or keep
him from the table unless compelled to do so, began
by asking \vhat he thought a safe question, and
what would give him confidence. So he took the Old
Testament, and asked him, in reference to the Mosaic
law, how many commandments there were. After a
little thought, he put his answer in the modest form
of a supposition, and replied, cautious]y, " Aiblins ...
.. Perhaps.
SOOTTISH LIFE d: CHARAOTER. 89
a hunller." The clergyman was vexed, and told him
such ignorance ,vas intolerable, that he could not
proceed in examination, and that the youth must
\vait and learn more; so he went a\vay. On return-
ing home he met a friend on his \vay to the manse,
and on learning that he too \vas going to the nlin
ster
for examination, shrewdly asked him, "\V eel, ,vhat
\vill ye say noo if the minister speers hoo mony COID-
Inandments there are
" " Say! \vhy, I shall say ten
to be sure. n. To ".. hich the other rejoined, ,vith great
triumph, "Ten! Try ye him ,vi' ten! I tried him
\vi' a hunner, and he wasna satisfeed." Another
answer from a little girl \vas shrewd and reflective.
The question was, "'Vhy did the Israelites make a
golden calf
" " They hadna as Inuckle siller as ,va( 1
mak a coo."
.Þ,._ kind correspondent has sent me, from personal
kno\vledge, an admirable pendant to stories of Scottish
child acuteness and shre\vd observation. A young
lady friend of his, resident in a part of Ayrshire
rather remote from any very satisfactory adminis-
tration of the gospel, is in the habit of collecting the
children of the neighbourhood on Sundays at the
"big hoose," for religious instruction. On one
occasion the class had repeated the paraphrase of the
Lord's Prayer, which contains these lines-
"Give us this day our daily bread,
And raiment fit provide."
There being no question as to \"hat "daily bread"
was, the teacher proceeded to ask: "What do you
understand by 'rainlent fit,' or as ,,"e might say, 'fit
raiment
'" For a short time the class remained
puzzled at the question; but at last one little girl
sung out "stockings and shune." The child kllC\V
90
REJ,fINISCENOES OF
that" fit," ,vas Scotch for feet, so her natural explana-
tion of the phrase was equivalent to "feet raiment,"
or "stockings and shune," as she termed it.
On the point of changes in religious feelings there
comes within the scope of these Reminiscences a
character in Aberdeensbire, which has no\v gone out-
I mean the popular and uni versally well-received
Roman Catholic priest. Although we cannot say
that Scotland is a more PROTESTANT nation than it
,vas in past days, still religious differences, and strong
prejudices, seen1 at the present time to dl'a\v a more
decided line of separation between the priest and his
Protestant countrymen. As examples of 'v hat is
past, I \vould refer to the case of a genial Romish
bishop in Ross-shire. It is well known that private
stills \vere prevalent in the Highlands fifty or sixty
years ago, and no one thought there was any harn1
in them. This good bishop, whose name I forget
was (as I heard the late W. Mackenzie of Muirton
assure a party at Dunrobin Castle) several years pre-
viously a famous hand at bre\ving a good glass of
whisky, and that he distributed his mountain-de,v
with a liberal and impartial hand alike to Catholic
and to Protestant friends. Of this class, I recollect, cer-
tainly forty-five years ago, Priest Gordon, a genuine
Aberdonian, and a man beloved by all, rich and poor.
He ,vas a sort of chaplain to Menzies of Pitfodels,
and visited in all the country fan1Îlies round Aberdeen.
I remember once his being at Banchory Lodge, and
thus apologising to my aunt for going out of the
room :-" I beg your pardon, Mrs. Forbes, for leaving
you, but I mann just gae doun to the garden and say
my bit wordies "-these "bit wordies" being in fact
the portion of the Breviary "y hich he \\yas bound to
SCOTTISH LIFE J: CHARACTER. 91
recite. So easily and pleasantly were those matters
then referred to.
The follo,ving, however, is a still richer illustra-
tion, and I am assured it is genuine :-" Towards the
end of the last century, a worthy Roman Catholic
clergyman, well kno,vn as 'Priest Matheson,' and
universally respected in the district, llad charge of a
mission in Aberdeenshire, and for a long time made
his journeys on a piebald pony, the priest and his
'pyet shelty' sharing an affectionate recognition
wherever they came. On one occasion, however, he
made his appearance on a steed of a different descrip-
tion, and passing near a Seceding meeting-house, he
forgathered with the minister, who, after the usual
kindly greetings, missing the familiar pony, said, , Ou,
Priest! fat's come 0' the auld Pyet l' 'He's deid,
minister.' 'W eel, he was an auld faithfu' servant, and
ye wad nae doot gie him the offices 0' the church l'
'Na, minister,' said his friend, not quite liking this
allusion to his priestly offices, 'I didna dee that, for
ye see he tU1.ned Seceder afol o e he dee'd, an' I buried
him like a beast.' He then rode quietly a,vay. This
,vorthy man, however, could, ,vhen occasion required,
rebuke ,vith seriousness as well as point. Always a
,vel come guest at the houses of both clergy and gentry,
he is said on one occasion to have met with a laird
,vhose hospitality he had thought it proper to decline,
and on being asked the reason for the interruption of
his visits, answered, 'Y e ken, an' I ken; but, laird.
God kens!'"
One question connected with religious feeling, and
the manifestation of religious feeling, has become a
more settled point amongst us, since fifty years have
expired. I mean the question of attendance by
clergymen on theatrical representations. Dr. Carlyle
92
REJfINISOEJ..VOES OF
had been prosecuted before the General Assembly in
1757 for being present at the performance of the
tragedy of Douglas, ,vritten by his friend John Home.
He was acquitted, however, and ,vrites thus on the
subject in his
femoirs :-
".....\..lthough the clergy in Edinburgh and its
neighbourhood had abstained from the theatre because
it gave offence, yet the more remote clergymen, when
occasionally in town, had almost universally attended
the play-house. It is remarkable that in the year
1784, when the great actress 1YIrs. Siddons first
appeared in Edinburgh, during the sitting of the
General Assembly, that court was obliged to fix all
its important business for the alternate days when
she did not act, as all the younger members, clergy
as ,veIl M laity, took their stations in the theatre
on those days by three in the afternoon."
Drs. Robertson and Blair, although they cultivated
the acquaintance of Mrs. Siddons in private, were
amongst those clergymen, referred to by Dr. Carlyle,
who abstained from attendance in the theatre; but
Dr. Carlyle states that they regretted not taking the
opportunity of ,vitnessing a display of her talent, and
of giving their sanction to the theatre as a place of
recreation. Dr. Carlyle evidently considered it a
narrow-minded intolerance and bigoted fanaticism
that clergymen should be excluded from that amuse-
ment. At a period far later than 1 784, the same
opinion prevailed in some quarters. I recollect when
su
h indulgence on the part of clergYlnen was treated
with much leniency, especially for Episcopalian clergy.
I do not mean to say that there was anything like a
general feeling in favour of clerical theatrical attend-
ance; but there can be no question of a feeling far
less strict than ,vhat exists in our own tÏ1ne. As J
THE SHEPHERD
F1'fJ11Z a water
colo1tr dra-;uillg by
llEiYRV IV. f(ERR,
A.R.S.A., R.S. Tr.
'\-
.
SCOTTISH LIFE d: CHARACTER. 98
have said, thirty-six year8 ago some clergymen ,vent
to the theatre; and a few years before that, ,vhen my
brothers and I ,,,,ere passing through Edinburgh, in
going back,vards and forwards to 8chool, at Durham,
,vith our tutor, a licentiate of the Established Church
of Scotland, and ,vho after\vards attained considerab]p
eminence in the Free Church, we certainly ,vent \vith
him to the theatre there, and at Durham very fre-
quently. I feel quite assured, ho"yeyer, that no clergy-
man could expect to retain the respect of his people
or of the public, of ,vhom it was known that he fre-
quently or habitually attended theatrical representa-
tions. It is so understood. I had opportunities of
conversing "Tith the late l\lr. Murray of the Theatre
Royal, Edinburgh, and \vith IvIr. Charles Kean, on the
subject. Both admitted the fact, and certainly if any
Inen of the profession could have removed the feeling
froln the public mind, these were the men to have
done it.
There is a phase of religious observances which has
undergone a great change amongst us within fifty
years-I mean the services and circumstances con-
nected with the administration of the Holy Comnlu-
nion. 'Vhell these occurred in a parish they ,vere
called "occasions," and the great interest excited by
these sacramental solemnities Illay be gathered from
" Peter's Letters," "The Annals of the Parish," and
Burns' "Holy Fair." Such ceremonials are now con-
ducted, I believe, just as the ordinary church services.
Some years back they 'v ere considered a sort of preach-
ing matches. Ivlinisters vied "\vith each other in order
to bear a\vay the bell in popularity, and hearers em
braced the opportunity of exhibiting to one another
their po,vers of criticisIn on what they heard and sa\v.
In the parish of U rr in Gall 0 "\v ay , on one sacra-
94
REJfINISCE_VOES OF
mental occasion, some of the assistants invited were
eminent ministers in Edinburgh; Dr. Scot of St.
Michael's, Dumfries, was the only local one who was
asked, and he was, in his own sphere, very popular a.s
a preacher. A brother clergyman, complimenting
him upon the honour of being so invited, the old
bald-headed divine modestly replied, " Gude bless you,
man, what can I do 1 They are a' han' ,vailed 'If. this
time; I need never sho,v face among them." " Y e're
quite mista' en," was the soothing encouragement;
"ta.k' your Re8'U'f'rection (a well-known sermon used for
such occasions by him), an !'lllay my lug ye'll beat
every clute 0' them." The Doctor did as suggested,
and exerted himself to the utmost, and it appears he
did not exert himself in vain. A batch of old women,
on their way home after the conclusion of the services,
were overheard discussing the lnerits of the several
preachers who had that day addressed them from the
tent. " Leeze me abune them a'," said one of the
company, who had waxed warm in the discussion,
"for yon auld clear-headed (bald) man, that said,
, Raphael sings an' Gabriel strikes his goolden harp,
an' a' the angels clap their wings wi' joy.' 0 but it
was gran', it just put me in min' 0' our geese at Dun-
jarg when they turn their nebs to the south an' clap
. their wings when they see the rain's comin' after lang
drooth. "
There is a subject closely allied with the religious
feelings of a people, and that is the subject of their
superstitions. To enter upon that question, in a general
view, especially in reference to the Highlands, would
not be consistent with our present purpose, but I am
induced to mention the existence of a singular super-
stition regarding swine which existed some years ago
* Carefully selected.
SOOTTISH LIFE æ CHARACTER. 96
among the lower orders of the east coast of Fife. I
can observe, in my o,vn experience, a great change to
have taken place amongst Scotch people generally on
this subject. The old aversion to the "unclean ani-
mal" stilllingers in the Highlands, but seems in the
Lo,vland districts to have yielded to a sense of its
thrift and usefulness. - The account given by my
correspondent of the Fife s,vinophobia is as follows :-
Among the many superstitious notions and customs
prevalent among the lower orders of the fishing towns
on the east coast of Fife, till very recently, that class
entertained a great horror of swine, and even at ,the
very mention of the word. If that animal crossed
their path ,vhen about to set out on a sea voyage, they
considered it so unlucky an omen that they would not
venture off. A clergyman of one of these fishing
villages having mentioned the superstition to a clerical
friend, and finding that he ,vas rather incredulous on
the subject, in order to convince him told him he
would allo,v him an opportunity of testing the truth
of it by allo,ving him to preach for him the follo,ving
day. It was arranged that his friend was to read the
chapter relating to the herd of s,vine into which the
evil spirits were cast. Accordingly, when the first
verse was read, in which the unclean beast was men-
tioned, a slight comnlotion ""as observable among the
audience, each one of them putting his or her hand
on any near piece of iron-a nail on the seat or book-
board, or to the nails on their shoes. At the repeti-
tion of the word again and again, more commotion
was visible, and the words "cauld airn" (cold iron)
the antidote to this baneful spell, \vere heard issuing
* I recollect an old Scottish gentleman, who shared this horror,
asking very gravely, "Were not swine forbidden under the law
and cursed under the gospel î"
96
REJ.J[INISCENCE
O
from various corners of the church. And finally, on
his coming over the hated ,vord again, \vhen the ,
hole
herd ran violently do,vn the bank into the sea, the
alarmed l)arishioners, irritated beyond bounds, rose
and all left the church in a body.
It is SOlne time no\v, ho,vever, since the High-
landers have begun to appreciate the thrift and com-
fort of swine-keeping and swine-killing. A Scottish
lninister had been persuaded by the laird t.o keep a
l)ig, and the gudewife had been duly instructed in the
mysteries of black puddings, pork chops, and pig's
head. "Oh!" said the minister, "nae doubt there's
a hantle 0' tniscellawneous eating aboot a pig."
Amongst a people so deeply in1pressed \vith the
great truths of religion, and so earnest in their reli.
gious profession, any persons ,vhose principles \vere
kno,vn to be of an infidel character would naturally
be looked on with abhorrence and suspicion. There
i
a story traditionary in Edinburgh regarding David
Burne, ,vhich illustrates this feeling in a very amus-
ing manner, and which, I have heard it said, Hun1e
hilnself often narrated. The philosopher had fallen
from the path into the swamp at the back of thp
Castle, the existence of which I recollect hearing of
from old persons forty years ago. He fairly stuck
fast, and called to a "
on1an ,vho was passing, anù
begged her assistance. She passed on apparently
,vithout attending to the request; at his earnest en-
treaty, however, she came where he was, and asked
him, "Are na ye Hume the Atheist 1 " " Well, ,veIl,
no matter," said IIume ; " Christian charity commands
you to do good to every one." "Christian charity
here, or Christian charity there," replied the ,voman.
"I'll do naething for you till ve turn a Christian
yoursell'-ye lllaun repeat the Lord's Prarer and th(1
t
COTTISH LIFE
CHARACTER. 07
Crperl, or faith I'll let ye grafel - there a
I fand ye."
l'he historian, really afraid for his life, rehearsed the
requjred formulas.
Notwithstanding the high character borne for so
many years by our countrymen as a people, and as
specially attentive to all religious observances, still
there can be no doubt that there has sprung up
amongst the inhabitants of our crowded cities, ,vynds,
and closes, a class of persons quite unkno,,"n in the
old Scottish times. I t is a great difficulty to get them
to attend divine worship at all, and their circumstances
combine to break off all associations,,
ith public services.
Their going to church becomes a matter of persuasion
and of Illissionary labour.
A lady, who is most active in visiting the houses
of these outcasts from the means of grace, gives me
an amusing instance of self-complacency arising from
performance of the duty. She ,vas visiting in the
\Vest Port, not far from the church established by my
illustrious friend the late Dr. Chalmers. Having asked
a poor woman if she ever attended there for divine
service-" Ou ay," she replied; "there's a man ca'd
Chalmers preaches there, and I whiles gang in and
hear him, just to encourage him, puir body!"
From the religious opinions of a people, the transi-
tion is natural to their political partialities. One great
political change has passed over Scotland, which none
now living can be said to have actually u'ilnessed ;'
but t},ey remember those ,vho were contemporaries of
the anxious scenes of' 45, and many of us have known
determined and thorough Jacobites. The poetry of
that political period still remains, but we hear only as
pleasant songs those words and melodies which stirred
tbe hearts and excited the deep enthusiasm of a past
.. Lie in a grovelling attitude. See Jamieson.
98
REj[INISCENOES OF
generation. Jacobite anecdote
also are fading from
our knowledge. To many young persons they are
unknown. Of these stories illustrative of Jacobite
feelings and enthusiasm, many are of a character not
fit for me to record. The good old ladies who were
violent partisans of the Stuarts had little hesitation
in referring without reserve to the future and eternal
destiny of William of Orange. One anecdote which I
had from a near relative of the family may be ad-
duced in illustration of the po,verful hold which the
cause had upon the vie,vs and consciences of Jacobites.
A former Mr. Stirling of Keir had favoured the
Stuart cause, and had in fact attended a muster of
forces at the Brig of Turk previous to the '15. This
symptom of a rising against the Government occasioned
some uneasiness, and the authorities were very active
in their endeavours to discover who were the leaders
of the movement. l{eir was suspected. The miller
of Keir was brought for,vard as a witness, and swore
positively that the laird was not present. N ow, as it
was well known that he was there, and that the miller
knew it, a neighbour asked him privately, when he
came out of the witness-box, how he could on oath
assert such a falsehood. The miller replied, quite un-
daunted, and with a feeling of confidence in the right-
eousness of his cause approaching the sublime-" I
would rather trust my soul in God's mercy than Keir's
head into their hands." .
A correspondent has sent me an 8Jccount of a curious
ebullition of Jacobite feeling and enthusiasm, now I
suppose quite extinct. My correspondent received it
himself from Alexander, fourth Duke of Gordon, and
he had entered it in a commonplace-book when he
heard it, in 1826.
"David Tulloch, tenant in Drumbenan, under the
IlfJOTTISH LIFE
CHARACTER.
9
econd a.nd third Dukes of Gordon, had been C out ' in
the '45 - or the fufteen, or bot/
-and was a great
favourite oÎ his respective landlords. One day, hav-
ing attended the young Lady Susan Gordon (after-
,vards Duchess of Manchester) to the 'Chapel' at
Huntly, David, perceiving that her ladyship l1ad
neither hassock nor carpet to protect her garments
from the earthen floor, respectfully spread his plaid
for the young lady to kneel upon, and the service pro-
ceeded; but ,vhen the prayer for the King and Royal
Family ,vas commenced, David, sans ærémonie, drew,
or rather' twitched,' the plaid from under the knees
of the astonished young lady, exclaiming, not sotto
voce, 'The deil a ane shall pray for them on my plaid!' n
I have a still more pungent demonstration against
praying for the king, which a friend in Aberdeen as-
sures me he received from the son of the gentleman
,vho hea1"d the protest. In the Episcopal Chapel in
Aberdeen, of ,vhich Primus John Skinner ,,,,as incum-
bent, they commenced praying in the service for
George III. immediately on the death of Prince
Charles Edward. On the first Sunday of the prayer
being used, this gentleman's father, walking home
with a friend whom he kne,v to be an old and deter-
mined Jacobite, said to him, "'Vhat do you think of
that, Mr. --1" The reply was, "Indeed, the less
we sayaboot that prayer the better." But he was
pushed for "further ans,ver as to his own views and
his own ideas on the matter," so he came out with
the declaration, "'V eel, then, I say this-they may
pray the kenees'* aff their breeks afore I join in that
prayer."
The following is a characteristic Jacobite story. It
must have happened shortly after 1745, when all
· So pronounced in Aberdeen.
100
RE},[INISCENCES OF
l11anner of devices ,vere fallen upon to displ
y tT aco.
bitism, without committing the safety of the Jacobite,
such as having ,vhite knots on gowns; drinking," The
king, ye ken wha I mean;" uttering the toast "The
king," with much apparent loyalty, and passing the
glass over the water-jug, indicating the esoteric mean..
ing of majesty beyond the sea,-etc. etc. ; and various
toasts, which were most important matters in those
times, and were often given as tests of loyalty, or the
reverse, according to the company in which they were
given. Miss Carnegy of Craigo, well known and still
remembered amongst the old Montrose ladies as an
uncompromising Jacobite, had been vowing that she
would drink I(ing James and his son in a company
of staunch Brunswickers, and being strongly dis-
suaded from any such foolish and dangerous attempt
by some of her friends present, she answered them
\vith a text of Scripture, "The tongue no man can
tame-James Third and A'lt(;ht," and drank off her
glass! ·
* Implying that there waR 9. .James Third of EnglAnd, Eightb
of Soot1an<<L
SCOTTISH Ll
FE d: CHARACTER. 101
CHAPTER THE THIRD.
ON OLD SCOTTISH CONVIVIALITY.
THE next change in manners which bas been effected,
in the memory of Inany now living, regards the habits
of conviviality, or, to speak more plainly, regards the
banishment of drunkenness from polite society. It is
indeed a most important and blessed change. But it
is a change the full extent of which many persons
now alive can hardly estimate. Indeed, it is scarcely
possible to realise the scenes ,vhich took place seventy
or eighty years back, or even less. In many houses,
,vhen a party dined, the ladies going a,vay ,vas the
signal for the commencement of a system of compulsory
conviviality. No one ,vas allowed to shirk-no day-
light-no heeltaps-,vas the wretched jargon in ,vhich
,vere expressed the propriety and the duty of seeing
that the glass, when filled, must be emptied and
drained. 'Ve have heard of glasses having the
bottoms knocked off, so that no shuffling tricks might
be played with them, and that they could only be put
do,vn-empty.
One cannot help looking back ,vith amazement at
the infatuation \y hich could for a moment tolerate
such a sore evil. To a man of sober inclinations it
must have been an intolerable nuisance to join a
dinner party at many houses, where he knew he should
have to ,vitness the most disgusting excesses in others,
o
102
REJIINISCENCES OF
and to fight hard to preserve himself from a compliance
,yith the exanlple of those around him.
The scenes of excess ,vhich1l occurred in the houses
where deep drinking was practised nlust have been
most revolting to sober persons ,vho ,vere unaccustonled
to such conviviality; as in the case of a drinking Angus
laird, entertaining as his guest a London merchant
of formal nlanners and temperate habits. The poor
man was driven from the table when the drinking set
in hard, and stole a,vay to take refuge in his bedroom.
The company, ho,vever, were determined not to let
the worthy citizen off so easily, but proceeded in a
body, with the laird at their head, and invaded his
privacy by exhibiting bottles and glasses at his beà-
side. Losing all patience, the wretched victim gasped
out his indignation-" Sir, your hospitality borders
upon brutality." It must have had a fatal influence also
on many persons to "\vhom drinking was most injuri..
ous, and who were yet not strong-minded enough to
resist the temptations to excess. Poor J anles Boswell,
,vho certainly required no extTaordinary urging to
take a glass too much, is found in his letters, which
have recently come to light, laying the blame of his
excesses to "falling into a habit which still prevails in
Scotland;" and then he remarks, with censorious
emphasis, on the" drunken manners of his country-
men." This was about 1770.
A friend of mine, ho,vever, lately departed-Mr.
Boswell of Balmuto-showed more spirit than the
Londoner, when he found himself in a similar situation.
Challenged by the host to drink, urged and almost
forced to s,vallow a quantity of wine against his own
inclination, he proposed a counter-challenge in the way
of eating, and made t.he follo,ving ludicrous and
original proposal to the compally,-that t\VO or three
SCOTTISH LIFE
. CHARAOTER. lOB
legs of mutton should be prepared, and he \vould then
contest the point of who could devour most meat;
and certainly it seems as reasonable to compel people to
eat, as to conlpel them to drink, beyond the natural
cravings of nature.
The situation of ladies, too, must frequently have
been very disagreeable-\vhen, for instance, gentlemen
came up stairs in a condition most unfit for female
society. Indeed they \vere often compelled to fly
from scenes '\vhich '\vere most unfitting for thenl to
'\vitness. They were expected to get out of the ,yay at
the proper tinIe, or ,vhen a hint was given them to do
so. At Glasgo,v sixty years ago, \vhen the time had
come for the bowl to be introduced, some jovial and
thirsty members of the company proposed as a toast,
"The trade of Glasgo,v and the outwa'rd bound I" The
hint was taken, and silks and satins moved off to the
dra\ving-room.
In my part of the country the traditionary stories
of drinking prowess are quite marvellous. On Deeside
there flourished a certain Saunders Paul (whom I re-
member an old man), an innkeeper at Banchory. He
,vas said to have drunk ,vhisky, glass for glass, to the
claret of
Ir. Maule and the Laird of Skene for a
,vhole evening; and in those days there was a tradi-
tional story of his despatching, at one sitting, in com-
pany with a character celebrated for conviviality-
one of the men employed to float rafts of timber
down the Dee-three dozen of porter. Of this !vIr.
Paul it ,vas recorded, that on being asked if he con-
sidered porter as a ,vholesome beverage, he replied,
"Oh yes, if you don't take above a dozen." Saunders
Paul \vas, as I have said, the innkeeper at Banchory ·
his friend and porter companion \vas dro,vned in the
Dee, and when told that the body haà been found
104
llEJ[INISuE.YGES OF
down the stream below Crathes, he coolly remarkert,
" I am surprised at that, for I never kenn'd him pass
the inn before ,yithout comin' in for a glass."
Some relatives of mine travelling in the Highlanùs
were amused by observing in a small road-side public-
house a party drinking, whose apparatus for convivi-
ality called forth the dry quaint humour which is so
thoroughly Scottish. Three drovers had met together,
and were celebrating their meeting by a liberal con-
sumption of whisky; the inn could only furnish one
glass without a bottom, and this the party passed on
from one to another. A queer-looking pa,vky chield,
\vhenever the glass came to his turn, remarked most
gravely, "I think we ,vadna be the waur 0' some
,vater," taking care, however, never to add any of the
simple elelnent, but quietly drank off his glass.
There was a sort of infatuation in the supposed
dignity and manliness attached to powers of deep pota-
tion, and the fatal effects of drinking were spoken of
in a manner both reckless and unfeeling. Thus, I
have been assured that a well-known old laird of the
old school expressed himself with great indignation at
the charge brought against hard drinking that it had
actually killed people. "Na, na, I never kne,v ony-
body killed wi' drinking, but I hae kenn'd some that
dee'd in the training." A positive éclat was attached
to the accomplished and well-trained consumer of
claret or of ,vhisky toddy, ,vhich gave an importance
and even merit to the practice of drinking, and which
had a most injurious effect. I am afraid some of the
Pleydells of the old school would have looked ,vith
the most ineffable contempt on the degeneracy of the
present generation in this respect, and that the tem-
perance movement ,vould be little short of insanity in
their eyes; anù this leads me to a remark.-In con.
SCOTTISH LIFE ill CHARACTER. 106
sidering this portion of the subject, ,ve should bear in
mind a distinction. The change ,ve no,v speak of
involves more than a Inere change of a custom or
practice in social life. It is a change in men's sen-
timents and feelings OIl a certain great question of
morals. Except ,ve enter into this distinction we can-
not appreciate the extent of the change ,vhich has
really taken place in regard to intemperate habits.
I have an anecdote from a descendant of Principal
Robertson, of an address made to him, ,vhich showed
the real importance attached to all that concerned the
systenl of drinking in his time. The Principal had
been invited to spend some days in a country-house,
and the minister of the parish (a jovial character) had
been asked to nleet him. Before dinner he ,vent up
to Dr. Robertson and addressed him confidentially-
"Doctor, I understand ye are a brother of my gude
freend Peter Robertson of Edinburgh, therefore I'll gie
you a piece of advice,-Bend * ,veel to the Ma.deira at
dinner, for here ye'll get little o't after." I have
known persons who held that a man who could not
drink must have a degree of feebleness and imbecility
of character. But as this is an important point, I
,vill adduce the higher authority of Lord Cockburn,
and quote from him t,vo examples,. very different cer-
tain1-y in their nature, but both bearing upon the
question. I refer to what he says of Lord Hermand :
-" With IIermand drinking ,vas a virtue; he had a
sincere respect for drinking, indeed a high moral
approbation, and a serious compassion for the poor
,vretches who cauld not indulge in it, and ,vith due
contempt of those who could but did not;" and,
secondly, I refer to Lord Cockburn's pages for an
anecdote ,vhich illustrates the pervelted feeling I
Old Scotch foI' "drink Lard. .,
Ie:J
RE
IINISCEJ.VCES OF
refer to, now happily no longer existing. It relates
the opinion expressed by an old drunken writer of
Selkirk (whose name is not mentioned) regarding his
anticipation of
professional success for
ir. Cranstoun,
afterwards Lord Corehouse. Sir "\Valter Scott, 'Villiam
Erskine, and Cranstoul1, had dined with this Selkirk
writer, and Scott-of hardy, strong, and healthy frame
-had matched the writer himself in the matter of
whisky punch. Poor Cranstoun, of refined and deli-
cate mental and bodily temperament, was a bad hand
at such work, and ,vas soon off the field. On the
party breaking up, the Selkirk writer expressed his
admiration of Scott, assuring him that he would rise
high in the profession, and adding: " I'll tell ye what,
Maister Walter, that lad Cranstoun may get to the
tap 0' the bar, if he can; but tak my word for't, it's
no be by drinking."
There was a sort of dogged tone of apology for
excess in drinking, which marked the hold ,vhich the
practice had gained on ordinary minds. Of this we
have a remarkable example in the unwilling testi-
mony of a witness who was examined as to the fact
of drunkenness being charged against a n1Înister. The
person examined was beadle, or one of the church
officials. He was asked, "Did you ever see the
minister the worse of drink
" " I canna say I've seen
him the waul" 0' drink, but nae doubt I've seen him
the better o't," ,vas the evasive ans,ver. The question,
ho,vever, was pushed further; and when he ,vas
urged to say if this state of being" the better for
drink" ever extended to a condition of absolute
helpless intoxication, the reply was: Indeed, afore
that earn', I was blind fOli mysel', and I could see
naething. "
A legal friend has told me of a celebrated circuit
SCOT1'ISH LIÞ'E d: Gll
11t.1CT}}lt.. 107
where Lord Hermanù ,vas judge, and Clephane depute-
advocate. The party got drunk at Ayr, and so con-
tinued (although quite able for their ,vork) till the
business ,vas concluded at Jedburgh. Some years
after, my informant heard that this circuit had, at
Jedburgh, acquired the permanent name of the "daft
circui t. "
Lord Cockburn ,vas fond .of describing a circuit scene
at Stirling, in his early days at the bar, under the pre-
sidency of his friend and connection Lord Hermand.
Mter the circuit dinner, and when drinking had gone
on for some time, young Cockburn observed places
becolning vacant in the social circle, but no one going
out at the door. He found that the individuals had
dropped down under the table. He took the hint, and
by this ruse retired from the scene. He lay quiet till
the beams of the morning sun penetrated the apart-
ment. The judge and some of his staunch friends
coolly walked up stairs, washed their hands and faces,
came down to breakfast, and ,vent into court quite
fresh and fit for ,vork.
The feeling of importance frequently attached to
powers of drinking was formally attested by a ,vell-
kno,vn western baronet of convivial habits and
convivial memory. He was desirous of bearing
testimony to the probity, honour, and other high
moral qualities of.a friend ,vhom he wished to
commend. Having fully stated these claims to con-
sideration and respect, he deemed it proper to notice
also his convivial attainments: he added accordingly,
with cautious approval on so important a point-" And
he is a fair drinker.".
* A friend learned in Scottish history suggests an ingenious
remark, that this might mean more than a merefull drinker. To
drìnk " fair," used to imply that the person drank in the same
lOB
RE11IINISCEJ.tCES np
The follo,ving anecdote is an amusing example of
Scottish servant humour and acuteness in measuring
the extent of consumpt.ion by a convivial party in
Forfarshire. The party had met at a farmer's house
not far from Arbroath, to celebrate the reconciliation
of t,vo neighbouring farmers who had long been at
enmitylo The host ,vas pressing and hospitable; the
party sat late, and consumed a vast amount of,vhiskr
toddy. The ,vife was penurious, and grudged the
outlay. \Vhen at last, at a morning hour, the party
dispersed, the lady, ,vho had not slept in her anxiety,
looked over the stairs and eagerly asked the servant
girl, "Ho,v many bottles of ,vhisky have they used,
Betty 1 n The lass, ,vho had not to pay for the whisky,
but had been obliged to go to the well to fetch the
,vater for the toddy, coolly answered, " I dinna ken,
mem, but they've drucken sax gang 0' water."
We cannot imagine a better illustration of the
general habits that prevailed in Scottish society in re-
gard to drinking about the time we speak of than one
\vhich occurs in the recently-published" Memoirs of a
Banking House," that of the late Sir William Forbes,
Bart. of Pitsligo. The book comprises much that is
interesting to the family, and to Scotchmen. It con-
tains a pregnant hint as to the manners of polite
society and business habits in those days. Of John
Coutts, one of four brothers connected with the house,
Sir 'Villiam records how he "Tas " more correct in his
conduct than the others; so much so, that Sir William
never but once sa,v him in the counting-house disguised
,vith liquor, and incapable of transacting business."
proportion as the company; to drink more would be unmannerly;
to drink less might imply SOlne unfair motive. Either inter.
pretation shows the im!)ortauce attached to arinking and all that
concenled it.
TI-IE GR
-\VEDIGGER
From n 'water-colour draowÙzg by
EIE_VRY Jr. A
r:RR,
A.R.S,A" R.S.lr.
11',
.
"
SCOTTISH LIFE æ CHARACTER. 109
In the Highlands this sort of feeling extended to
an almost incredible extent, even so much as to ob-
scure the moral and religious sentÎ1nents. Of this a
striking proof was afforded in a circumstance ,vhich
took place in my o,vn church soon after I came into
it. One of our Gaelic clergy had so far forgotten
himself as to appear in the
hurch some,vhat the
worse of liquor. This having ha.ppened so often as to
come to the ears of the bishop, he suspended him fronl
the performance of divine service. Against this de-
cision the people were a little disposed to rebel, be-
cause, according to their Highland notions, "a gentle-
man ,vas no the ,vaur for being able to tak' a gude
glass 0' ,vhisky." These ,vere the notions of a people
in ,vhose eyes the po,ver of s\vallo,ving whisky con..
ferred distinction, and with whom inability to take
the fitting quantity ,yas a mark of a mean and futile
character. Sad to tell, the funeral rites of Highland
chieftains ,vere not supposed to have been duly cele-
brated except there ,vas an immoderate and often
fatal consumption of whisky. It has been related that
at the last funeral in the Highlands, conducted ac-
cording to the traditions of the olden times, several
of the guests fell victims to the usage, and actually
died of the excesses.
This phase of old and happily alnlost obsolete Scot-
tish intemperance at funeral solemnities must have
been peculiarly revolting. Instances of this horrid
practice being carried to a great extent are tradition-
ary in every part of the country. I am assured of
the truth of the following anecdote by a son of the
gentleman ,vho acted as chief mourner on the occa-
sion :-.About seventy years ago an old maiden lady
died in Strathspey. Just previous to her death she
sent for her grand-uephev,", and said to him, ""TillJ',
110
REJfINISCENCES OF
I'm deein\ and as ye'll hae the charge 0' a' I have,
mind now that a.s much whisky is to be used at n1Y
funeral as there ,vas at my baptism. " Willy neglected
to ask the old lady ,vhat the quantity of ,vhisky used
l1t the baptism ""as, but when the day of the funeral
arrived believed her orders ,vouid be best fulfilled by
allo,ving each guest to drink as much as he pleased.
The churchyard where the body was to be deposited
was about ten miles distant from where the death
occurred. It ,vas a short day in November, and when
the funeral party came to the churchyard the shades
of night had considerably closed in. The grave-digger,
,vhose patience had been exhausted in waiting, was
not in the least willing to accept of Captain G-'s
(the chief mourner) apology for delay. After looking
about him he put the anxious question, " But, Captain,
whaur's Miss Ketty 1" The reply was, "In her coffin,
to be sure, and get it into the earth as fast as you
can." There, however, was no coffin; the procession
had sojourned at a country inn by the way-had
rested the body on a dyke-started without it-and
had to postpone the intern1ent until next day. My
correspondent very justly adds the remark, "'Vhat
would be thought of indulgence in drinking habits
now that could lead to such a result
"
Many scenes of a similar incongruous character are
still traditionally connected with such occasions.
'Vithill the last thirty years, a laird of Dundonald, a
small estate in Ross-shire, died at Inverness. There
was open house for some days, and great eating and
drinking. Here the corpse commenced its progress
to,vard its appointed home on the coast, and people
followed in multitudes to give it a partial convoy,
all of ,vhom had to be entertained. It took altogether
a fortnight to bury poor Dundonald, and great expense
SCOTT/Sf! LIFE d; CHAR.AOTER. 11]
must have been incurred. This, ho,vever, is looked
back to at Inverness as the last of the real grand old
Highland funerals. Such notions of ,vhat is due to
the memory of the departed have no\v become unusual
if not obsolete. I myself ,vitnessed the first decided
change in this matter. I officiated at the funeral of
the late Duke of Sutherland. The procession ,vas a
mile long. Refreshments' ,vere provided for 7000
persons; beef, bread, and beer; but not one glass of
whisky ,vas allo,ved on the property that day !
It may, perhaps, be said that the change we speak
of is not peculiar to Scotland; that in England the
same change has been apparent; and that drunkenness
has passed a,vay in the higher circles, as a matter of
course, as refinement and taste made an advancement
in society. This is true. But there ,vere some
features of the question which 1vere peculiar to Scot-
land, and which at one time rendered it less probable
that intemperance \vould give way in the north. It
seemed in some quarters to have taken deeper root
amongst us. The system of pressing, or of compellirzg,
guests to drink seemed more inveterate. Nothing
can more po\verfully illustrate the deep-rooted cha-
racter of intemperate habits in families than an anec-
dote which "Tas related to me, as coming from the late
1\11'. 1Iackenzie, author of the J.1Ian of Feeling. He
had been involved in a regular drinking party. He
was keeping as free from the usual excesses as he ,vas
able, and as he nlarked companions around him falling
victims to the po\ver of drink, 'he himself dropped off
under the table among the slain, as a measure of pre-
caution; and lying there, his attention was called to a
sman pair of hands ,vorking at his throat; on asking
what it ,vas, a voice replied, "Sir, I'm the lad that's
to lo\vse the neckcloths. " Here, then, ".as a family,
112
RE..1II.J.VISCE.J.VCES OF
\vhere, on drinking occasions, it ,vas the app01
1teù
duty of one of the household to attend, and, ""hen the
guests ,vere becolning helpless, to untie their cravats
in fear of apoplexy or suffocation. *" "r e ought cer-
tainly to be grateful for the change ,vhich has taken
place from such a systen1; for this change has made
a great revolution in Scottish social life. The charn1
and the romance long attached in the minds of some
of our countrymen to the ,vhole system and concerns
of hard drinking was indeed most lamentable and ab-
surd. .A..t tavern suppers, where, nine times out of ten,
it was the express obJect of those who ,vent to get
drunk, such stuff as "regal purple stream," "rosy
wine," "quaffing the goblet," "bright sparkling nec-
tar," "chasing the rosy hours," and so on, tended to
keep up the delusion, and make it a monstrous fine
thing for men to sit up drinking half the night, to
have frightful headaches all next day, to make maudlin
idiots of themselves as they were going home, and to
become brutes amongst their family ,vhen they ar-
rived. And here I may introduce the mention of a
practice connected ,vith the convivial habits of which
we have been speaking, but which has for some time
passed away, at least from private tables-I mean the
absurd system of calling for toasts and sentiments
each time the glasses were filled. During dinner not
a drop could be touched
except in conjunction with
others, and ,vith each drinking to the health of each.
But toasts came after dinner. I can just remember
the practice in partial operation; and my astonish-
.. In Burt's Letters 11'0'1)11 the North of Scotland, written about
1730, similar scenes are related as occurring in Culloden House:
as the company were disabled by drink, two servants in waiting
took up the invalids with short I>oles in their chairs as they sat
(if not fallen down), and carried t.henl off to their heù
.
RC01'1'ISII LIP},' & CJ-IAll.ACJ'ER. 113
ment as a mere boy, ,vhen accidentally dining at table
and hearing my Inother called upon to " give the com-
pany a gentleman," is one of my earliest rerniniscences.
Lord Cockburn must have relnembered them well,
and I ,viII quote his most amusing account of the
effects :-" Mter dinner, and before the ladies retired,
there generally began \vhat ,vas called 'Rounds' of
toasts, when eac.h gentleman named an absent lady,
and each lady an absent gentleman, separately; or
one person ,vas required to give an absent lady, and
another person ,vas required to match a gentleman
,vith that lady, and the persons llamed were toasted,
general1y, \vith allusions and jokes about the fitness
of the union. And, worst of all, there were' Senti-
ßlents.' These were short epigrammatic sentences,
expressive of moral feelings and virtues, and ""ere
thought refined and elegant productions. A faint
conception of their nauseousness nlay be formed from
the following examples, every one of which I have heard
given a thousand times, and ,vhich indeed I only reo
collect from their being favourites. The glasses being
filled, a person was asked for his or for her sentiment,
when this, or something similar, ,vas committed:-
'
Iay the pleasures of the evening bear the reflections
of the morning;' or, 'may the friends of our youth
be the companions of our old age ;' or, , delicate plea-
sures to susceptible minds;' 'nlay the honest heart
never feel distress;' may the hand of charity ,vipe
the tear from the eye of sorro'v.' The conceited, the
ready, or the reckless, hackneyed in the art, had a
knack of making new sentiments applicable to the
passing incidents ,vith great ease. But it ,vas a
Jreadful oppression on the tinlid or the a,v kward.
'fLey used to shudder, ladies particularly; for nobody
,vas spared when their turn in the 1'ound approache(Ï.
114
REJII..."\"'ISCE..."^r-CES OF
)Iany a struggle and blush did it cost; but this seemed
only to excite the tyranny of the masters of the craft;
and conlpliance could never be avoided, except by
more torture than yielding. It is difficult
for those ,vho have been under a more natural system
to comprehend how a sensible man, a respectable
matron, a worthy old maid, and especially a girl,
could be expected to go into company easily, on such
conditions. n *
This accompaniment of domestic drinking by a
toast or sentiment--the practice of wllich is now con-
fined to public entertainments-was then invariable
in private parties, and was supposed to enliven and
promote j the good fellowship of the social circle.
Thus Fergusson, in one of his poems, in describing a
dinner, says-
"The grace is said; it's nae ower lang,
The claret reams in bells.
Quo' Deacon, 'Let the toast round gang;
Come, here's our noble sels
Weel met the day.'"
There was a great variety of these toasts, some of
them exclusively Scottish. A correspondent has
favoured me with a fe,v reminiscences of such incen-
tives to inebriety.
The ordinary form of drinking a health was in the
address, "Here's t' ye."
Then such as the following were named by succes-
sive members of the company at the call of the
host :-
The land 0' cakes (Scotland).
Jl[ air freens and less need 0' them.
Thumping luck and fat weans.
· I/OI'd Cockburn's Memorials of kis Time, p. 37, pt Sfq.
8G01'TlSH LIFE If: CHARACTER 116
"7len we' 're gaun up thl3 hill 0' fortune may we ne' e.,
'1neel a freen' coming doun.
J.vJay ne'er 'lCazt1' be amang us.
J.fay the hinges 0' freendsltip never rust, or the 'wings 0'
lut.e lose a feather.
Here's to tlwm that 10' es us, or lenns us a bft.
Hm'e's health to the sick, stilts to the lame; claise to
the back, and brose to the wame.
IIere's health, wealth, wit, and meal.
The deil rock the'm in a creel that does na' wish us a'
wee 1.
Horny hands and weather-beaten haffels (cheeks).
The rending 0' rocks and the [Ju'in' doun 0' auld
houses.
The above t,vo belong to the mason craft; the first
implies a wish for plenty of work, and health to do it ;
the second, to erect ne,v buildings and clear away old
ones.
May the winds 0' adversity ne'er blaw open our door.
l.1fay poortith ne'er throw us in the dirt, or gowd into
the high saddle..
May the mouse ne'er leat'e our meal-poc
wi' tluJ tear
in its e'e.
Blythe may we a' be.
nl may we never see.
B1"eeks and Mochan (brose).
J.Way 'lce ne'e1' want a freend, or a drappie to gie him.
G1tde een to YO'll a', an' talc your napPlI.
A willy-waught's a gude night cappy. t
ill ay 'lce a' be canty an' cosy,
A n' ilk hae a wife in his bosy.
* 1Iay we never be cast down by adversity, or unduly ele<
vated by prosperity.
t A toast at parting or breaking up of the party.
116
11l!.'JII.J.VISCfJ lV CES 01&'"
A cosy b'ltt, and a canty òen,
To cO'ltthie * women and trusty men.
The ingle neuk 'lvi' '}'01ttht 0' bannocks and bairns.
IIe1'e's to h.im 'lvha winna beguile ye.
1.l! air sense and mair sille1'.
Horn, C01'n, wool, an' ya'rn. :I:
Sometimes certain toasts were accompanied by
Highland honours. This was a very exciting, and to
a stranger a somewhat alarming, proceeding. Ire..
collect my astonishment the first time I witnessed
the ceremony-the company, from sitting quietly
drinking their wine, seemed to assume the attitude of
harmless maniacs, allowed to amuse themselves. The
moment the toast was given, and proposed to be
drunk with Highland honours, the gentlemen all
rose, and with one foot on their chair and another
on the table, they drank the toast with Gaelic shrieks,
which were awful to hear, the cheering being under
the direction of a toast-master appointed to direct the
proceedings. I am indebted to the kindness of the
Rev. Duncan Campbell, the esteemed minister of
1\1oulin, for the form used on such occasions. Here
it is in the Gaelic and the Saxon :-
Gaelic. T'ì'anslation.
Prepare !
Now! Now!
Yon again ! Yon again!
Now! No\v!
At it again! At it again!
Another time, or one cheer more !
So!
Nish! Nish!
Sud ris! Sud ris !
Nish! Nish!
Thig ris! Thig ris !
A on uair eile !
The reader is to imagine these words uttered "7ith
yells and vociferations, and accompanied ,vith frantic
gestures.
.. Loving. t .Plenty.
'l'oast for agricultural dinn
rs.
l:;r:OTTI8II LIFE J: CH.AR..4.0TER. 111
The system of giving toasts was so regularly estab.
lished, that collections of thenl ,vere published to add
brilliancy to the festive board. By the kindness of
the librarian, I have seen a little volume "Thich is in
the Signet Library of Edinburgh. It is entitled,
"The Gentleman's N e,v Bottle Companion," Edin-
burgh, printed in the year MDCCLXXVII. It contains
various toasts and sentiments ,yhich the "'Titer con-
sidered to be suitable to such occasions. Of the taste
and decency of the conlpanies ,vhere some of them
could be nlade use of, the less said the better.
I have heard also of large traditionary collections
of toasts and sentÏ1nents, belonging to old clubs and
societies, extending back above a century, but I have
not seen any of them, and I believe my readers ,,,,ill
think they have had quite enough.
The favourable reaction which has taken place in
regard to the ,vhole system of intemperance Dlay very
fairly, in the first place, be referred to an improved
moral feeling. But other causes have also assisted j
and it is curious to observe ho,v the different changes
in the modes of society bear upon one another. The
alteration in the convivial habits ,vhich ,ve are notic..
ing in our o,vn country may be pa.rtly due to altera-
tion of hours. The old plan of early dining favoured
a system of suppers, and after supper ,vas a great time
for convivial songs and sentiments. This of course
induced drinking to a late hour. Most drinking songs
inlply the night as the season of conviviality -thus
ill a popular madrigal :-
U ßy the gaily circling glass
\Ve can tell how minutes pass;
By the hollow cask we're told
How the wa.ning niglLt grows old."
118
REJ,IIl\"'ISCENCES OF
And Burns thus marks the time :-
" I t is the moon, ! ken her horn,
That's blinkin' in the lift sae hie;
She shines sae bright, to wyle us harne,
But by my sooth she'll wait a wee."
The young people of the present day have no idea
of the state of matters in regard to the supper system
when it was the normal condition of society. The
late dining hours may make the social circle more
formal, but they have been far less favourable to drink-
ing propensities. After such dinners as ours are no,v,
suppers are clearly out of the question. One is as-
tonished to look back and recall the scenes to \vhich
'v ere attached associations of hilarity, conviviality, and
enjoyment. Drinking parties ,vere protracted beyond
the 'v hole Sunday, having begun by a dinner on
Saturday; imbecility and prostrate helplessness were
a con1mon result of these bright and jovial scenes;
and by what perversion of ]anguage, or by ,vhat ob-
liquity of sentiment, the notions of pleasure could be
attached to scenes of such excess-to the nausea, the
disgust of sated appetite, and the racking headache-
it is not easy to explain. There were lnen of heads
so hard, and of stomachs so insensible, that, like Iny
friend Saunders Paul, they could stand anything in
the ,vay of drink. But to men in general, and to the
more delicate constitutions, such a life must have been
a cause of great misery. To a certain extent, and up
to a certain point, wine may be a refreshment and a
,vholesome stimulant; nay, it is a Dledicine, and a
valuable one, and as such, comes recommended on
fitting occasions by the physician. Beyond this point,
as sanctioned and approved by nature, the use of wine
is only degradation. \Vell did the sacred \vriter cal1
SCOTTISH LIFE l6 CHARACTER. llg
wine, ,vhen thus taken in excess, "a mocker." It
makes all men equal, because it makes them all idiotic.
It allures thenl into a vicious indulgence, and then
mocks their folly, by depriving them of any sense they
n1ay ever have possessed.
It has, I fear, been injurious to the cause of tem-
perance, that emotions of true friendship, and the
outpouring of human affections, should so frequently
be connected ,vith the obligation that the parties
should get drunk together. Drunkenness is thus made
to hold too close an association in men's minds ",.ith
some of the best and finest feelings of their nature.
" Friend of my soul, this goblet sip,"
is the constant ackno"\vledged strain of poetical friend-
ship: our o"\vn Robert Burns calls upon the dear
companion of his early happy days, ,vith "\vhom he
had" paidl't i' the burn, frae mornin' sun till dine,"
and bet,veen whom" braid seas had roar'd sin auld
lang syne," to commemorate their union of heart and
spirit, and to ,vel come their meeting after years of
separation, by each one joining his pint-stoup, and by
each taking a mutual "richt guid ,villie-,,"aught," in
honour of the innocent and happy times of "auld
lang sync." David marks his recognition of friend-
ship by tokens of a different character-" 'Ve took
sweet counsel together, and ,yalked in the house of God
as friends."-Ps. Iv. 14.
Reference has already been made to Lord Hermand's
opinion of drinking, and to the high estimation in
which he held a staunch drinker, according to tIle
testimony of Lord Cockburn. There is a remarkable
corroboration of this opinion in a current anecdote
,vhich is traditionary regarding the same learned
judge. A case of some great offence was tried hefore
120
REJIIJ.VISûENCES OF
him, and the counsel pleaded extenuation for his client
in that he ,vas drunk when he committed the offence.
" Drunk!" exclaimed Lord Hermand, in great indig-
nation; "if ....he could do such a thing ,vhen he ,vas
drunk, what might he not have done ,vhen he ,vas
sobel. I" evidently in1plying that the normal condition
of human nature, and its most hopeful one, \vas a
condition of intoxication.
Of the prevalence of hard drinking in certain houses
as a systen1, a remarkable proof is given at page 102.
The following anecdote still further illustrates the
subject, and corresponds exactly ,vith the story of the
"loosing the cravats," ,vhich ,vas performed for guests
in a state of helpless inebriety by one of the house-
hold. There had been a carousing party at Castle
Grant, many years ago, and as the evening advanced
towards morning two Highlanders were in attendance
to carry the guests up stairs, it being understood that
none could by any other means arrive at their sleep-
ing apartments. One or two of the guests, ho,vever,
whether from their abstinence or their superior strength
of head, ,vere "\valking up stairs, and declined the
proffered assistance. The attendants ,vere quite as-
tonished, and indignantly exclaimed, "Agh, it's sare
cheengecl times at Castle Grant, when shentlemens can
gang to bed on their ain feet."
'There was a practice in many Scottish houses ,vhich
favoured most injuriously the national tendency to
spirit-drinking, and that was a foolish and inconsiderate
custom of offering a glass on all occasions as a mark
of kindness or hospitality. I mention the custom
only for the purpose of offering a remonstrance. It
should never be done. Even no,v, I am assured, small
jobs (carpenters' or blacksmiths', or such like)
re
constantly remunerated in the West IIighland;:; oj
Ç(,OTTIS1I LIFE do OHAR.ACTER. 121
Scotland-and doubtless in many other parts of tho
country-not by a pecuniary payment, but by a dram ,.
if the said dram be taken from a speerit-decanter out
of the family press or cupboard, the compliment is
esteemed the greater, and the offering doubly valued.
A very amusing dialogue between a landlord and his
tenant on this question of
he dram has been sent to
me. John Colquhoun, an aged Dumbartonshire tenant,
is asked by his laird on Lochlomond side, to stay a
minute till he tastes. " Now, John," says the laird.
"Only half a glass, Camstraddale," meekly pleads
John. "vVhich half
" rejoins the laird, "the upper
or the lo\ver 1" John grins, and turns off both-the
upper and lO'lCe1. too.
The upper and lower portions of the glass furnish
another drinking anecdote. A very greedy old lady
employed another John Colquhoun to cut the grass
upon the lawn, and enjoined him to cut it very close,
adding, as a reason for the injunction, that one inch
at the bottom ,vas ,vorth t",.o at the top. Having
finished his work much to her satisfaction, the old
lady got out the whisky-bottle and a tapering wine-
glass, ,vhich she filled about half full; John suggested
that it would be better to fill it up, slily adding, "Fill
it up, mem, for it's no like the gress; an inch at the
tap's worth t,va at the boddom. "
But the most ,vhimsical anecdote connected with
the subject of drink, is one traditionary in the south
of Scotland, regarding an old Gallovidian lady dis-
claiming more drink under the following circum-
otances :-The old generation of Galloway lairds were
8 primitive and hospitable race, but their conviviality
eometimes led to awkward occurrences. In former
days, v:hen roads were bad and ,vheeled vehicles
dmost unknown, an old laird was returning from a
I ".)
... ...
RElIIIJ.....,SOEJtOEs nF
supper party, with his lady mounted behind him on
horseback. On crossing the river Drr, at a ford at a
point where it joins the sea, the old lady dropped off,
but was not missed till her husband reached his door,
,vhen, of course, there ,vas an immediate search made.
'fhe party who were despatched in quest of her arrived
just in time to find her remonstrating with the ad.-
\Tancing tide, "\yhich trickled into her mouth, in these
,vords, "No anither drap; neither het nor cauld. JJ
A lady, on one occasion, offering a dram to a por-
ter in a rather small glass, said, " Take it off; it will
do you no harm," on which the man, looking at the
diminutive glass, observed, " Harm! N a, gin it ,vere
poushon " (poison).
I would no,v introduce, as a perfect illustration of
this portion of our subject, t,vo descriptions of clergy-
men, well kno,vn men in their day, which are taken
from Dr. Carlyle's work, already referred to. Of Dr.
Alexander Webster, a clergyman, and one of his con-
temporaries, he writes thus :-" Webster, leader of the
high-flying party, had justly obtained much respect
amongst the clergy, and all ranks indeed, for having
established the Widows' Fund. His ap-
pearance of great strictness in religion, to "\vhich he
was bred under his father, ,vho was a very popular
minister of the Tolbooth Church, not acting in restraint
of his convivial humour, he was held to be excellent
company even by those of dissolute manners; while,
being a five-bottle man, he could lay them all under
the table. This had brought on him the nickname
of Dr. Bonum Magnum in the time of faction
But
never being indecently the worse of liquor, and a love
of claret, to any degree, not being reckoned in those
days a sin in Scotland, all his excesses were pardoned. n
Dr. Patrick Cumming, also a clergyman and a con-
SCOTTISH LIFE It: CIIARACTh'R. 12
temporary, he describes in the follo,ving terms:-
"Dr. Patrick Cumming ,vas, at this time (1751), at
the head of the moderate interest, and had his temper
been equal to his talents, might have kept it long, for
he had both learning and sagacity, and very agreeable
conversation, with a constitution able to bear the con-
vivz"ality of the t-imes."
N o,v, of all the anecdotes and facts which I have
collected, or of all ,vhich I have ever heard to illus-
trate the state of Scottish society in the past tin1es,
as regards its habits of intemperance, this assuredly
surpasses them all.-Of t,,,,o \vell-kno,vn, distinguished,
and leading clergymen in the middle of the eighteenth
century, one ,,,,ho had "obtained much respect," anJ
"had the appearance of great strictness in religion,"
is described as an enormous drinker of claret; the
other, an able leader of a powerful section in the
church, is described as owing his influence to his power
of meeting the conviviality of the times. Suppose for
a moment a future biographer should \vrite in this
strain of eminent divines, and should 3,pply to distin-
guished me1nbers of the Scottish Church in 1863 such
description as the follo\ving :-" Dr. ,vas a man
who took a leaùing part in an church affairs at this
time, and ,vas much looked up to by the evangelical
section of the General Assembly; he could al\vays
carry off ,vithout difficulty his five bottles of claret.
Dr. - had great influence in society, and led the
opposite party in the General Assembly, as he could
take his place in all companies, 3.ud drink on fair
terms at the most convivial tables!!" Why, this
seems to us so monstrous, that ,ve can scarcely believe
Dr. CarJyle's account of matters in his day to be
possible.
'There is a story \v1)Îch illustrates, with terrihle
1
.J
REJfINISOEJ.VCES OÞ'
force, the power which drinking had obtained in
Scottish social life. I have been deterred from bring-
ing it for,vard, as too shocking for production. But
as the story is pretty ,veIl known, and its truth
vouched for on high authority, I venture to give it, as
affording a proof that, in those days, no consideration,
not even the most awful that affects human nature,
could be made to out,veigh the claims of a deter-
n1ined conviviality. It may, 1 think, be mentioned
also, in the ,yay of warning men generally against tIle
hardening and demoralising effects of habitual drunken-
ness. The story is this :-At a prolonged drinking
bout, one of the party remarked, "What gars the laird
of Garskadden look saa gash 1". "Ou," says his
neighbour, the laird of I(ilmardinny, "deil meane
him! Garskadden's been wi' his Maker these twa
hours; I sa,v him step awa, but I didna like to dis-
turb gude COlnpany ! "t
Before closing this su bj ect of excess in drinking, I
may refer to another indulgence in which our country-
men are generally supposed to partake more largel)"
than their neighbours :-1 Inean snuff-taking. The
popular southern ideas of a Scotchman and his snuff-
box are inseparable. Smoking does not appear to
have been practised more in Scotland than in Eng-
land, and if Scotchmen are sometimes intemperate in
the use of snuff, it is certainly a more innocent excess
than intemperance in ,vhisky. I recollect, anlongst the
common people in the north, a mode of taking snuff
which showed a determination to make the most of it,
and which indicated son1ewhat of intemperance iu the
enjoyment; this was to receive it not through a pinch
· Ghastly.
t The scene is described and place mel1tioned in Dr. Stranr'e
account of Glasgow C]ubs, p. 104, 2d edit.
TIlE S
üFFEl{
Fr01lt a ';tlater-c%u,- drawing by
I-J E
r R 1 11-. A- ER R,
A.R.s.A., R.s./r.
."",
11
/
8t'OT1'ISll Llp"E d: CHARACTER. 125
bet\\'eell the fingers, but through a quill or little bone
ladle, ,,,hich forced it up the nose. But, besides
smoking and snuffing, I have a reminiscence of a third
us
of tobacco, \yhich I apprehend is no\v quite obso-
lete. Some of my readers ,vill be surprised ,vhen I
nanle this forgotten luxury. It ,vas called plugging,
and consisted (hOl'1"eSCO 'referens) in poking a piece of
pig-tail tobacco right into the nostril. I remember
this distinctly; and no\v, at a distance of Inore than
sixty years, I recall my utter astonishment as a boy, at
seeing my grand-uncle, with ",horn I lived in early
clays, put a thin piece of tobacco fairly up his nose.
I suppose the plug acted as a continued stimulant on
the olfactory nerve, and was, in short, like taking a
perpetual pinch of snuff.
The inveterate snuff-taker, like the dram-drinker,
felt severely the being deprived of his accustomed
stimulant, as in the follo,ving instance: -A severe
snow-storm in the Highlands, lvhich lasted for several
weeks, having stopped all communication bet,vixt
neighbouring hamlets, the snuff-boxes '''"ere soon re-
duced to their last pinch. Borro,ving and begging
from all the neighbours \vithin reach ,vere first resorted
to, but when these failed, all were alike reduced to
the longing ,vhich un,villingly-abstinent snuff-takers
alone kno"T. The minister of the parish was amongst
the unhappy number; the cra-ving was so intense tbat
study was out of the question, and he became quite
restless. As a last resort the beadle was despatched,
through the snovv, to a neighbouring glen, in tbe hope
of getting a supply; hut he came back as unsuccess-
ful as he ,vent. """'hat's to be dune, John
" was
the minister's pathetic inquiry. John shook his head,
25 much as to say that he could not tell; but im-
mediately thereafter started up, as if a new idea had
126
r..EJII.J..VISOENOEB OJ?
occurred to him. He came back in a few minutes,
crying, "Hae!" The minister, too eager to be scru-
tinising, took a long, deep pinch, and then said,
" \Vhaur did you get it
" "I soupit* the poupit," was
John's expressive reply. The minister's accumulated
superfluous Sabbath snuff no,v came into good use.
It does not appear that at this time a similar ex-
cess in eating accompanied this prevalent tendency to
excess in drinking. Scottish tables ,vere at that
period plain and abundant, but epicurism or gluttony
do not seenl to have been handmaids to drunkenness.
A humorous anecdote, ho,,'"ever, of a full-eating laird,
Inay ,veIl accompany those ,vhich appertain to the
drinking lairds.-A lady in the north having watched
the proceedings of a guest, who ate long and largely,
she ordered the servant to take away, as he had at
last laid down his knife and fork. To her surprise,
however, he resumed his work, and she apologised to
him, saying, "I thought, Mr. , you had done."
" Oh, so I had, mem; but I just fan' a doo in the redd
0' my plate." He had discovered a pigeon lurking
amongst the bones and refuse of his plate, and could
not resist finishing it.
.. 8't
cpt.
8COl'1'[SH LIFE æ CHARAC1'El/.. 121
CIIAPTER THE FOUR1'II.
ON THE OLD SCOTTISH DO::\IESTIC SERVANT.
I co:r
IE no,v to a subject on which a great changE
has taken place in this country during my o,vn ex-
perience-viz. those peculiarities of intercourse which
some years back marked the connection bet,veen
masters and servants. In many Scottish houses a
great familiarity prevailed bet,veen members of the
family and the domestics. For this many reasons
might have been assigned. Indeed, when ,ve con-
sider the simple modes of life, which discarded the
ideas of ceremony or etiquette; the retired and
uniform style of living, which afforded few oppor-
tunities for any change in the domestic arrange-
ments; and when ,ve add to these a free, unrestrained,
unformal, and natural style of intercommunion, which
seems rather a national characteristic, we need not be
surprised to find in quiet Scottish fan1ilies a sort of
intercourse with old domestics ,vhich can hardly be
looked for at a time when habits are so changed, and
where much of the quiet eccentricity belonging to us
as a national characteristic is almost necessarily soft-
ened do,vn or driven out.
Iany circumstances con-
spired to promote familiarity ,vith old domestics,
,vhich are now entirely changed. 'Ve take the case
of a domestic coming early into service, and passing
year after year in the same family. The servant
gro,vs up into old age and confirmed habits when the
128
llEJlI.i.VISCE.iYCES OF
laird is becoming a man, a husband, father of a îa.lllÌ1 J".
The domestic cannot forget the days 'v hen his Dlaster
was a child, riding on his back, applying to him for
help in difficulties about his fishing, his rabbits, his
pony, his going to school. All the family kno,v ho,"\"
attached he is ; nobody likes to speak harshly to hitn.
He is a privileged man. The faithful old servant of
thirty, forty, or fifty years, if ,vith a tendency to be
jealous, cross, and interfering, becomes a great trouble.
Still the relative position was the result of good feel-
ings. If the familiarity sometimes became a nuisance,
it ,vas a wholesome nuisance, and relic of a simpler
tinle gone by. But the case of the old servant,
whether agreeable or troublesome, was often so fixed
and established in the households of past days, that
there was scarce a possibility of getting away from it.
The well-kno\vn story of the answer of one of these
domestic tyrants to the irritated master, who was
making an effort to free himself from the thraldom,
shows the idea entertained, by one of the parties at
least, of the permanency of the tenure. I am assured
by a friend that the true edition of the story was
this :-An old Mr. Erskine of Dun had one of these
retainers, under whose language and unreasonable
assumption he had long groaned. He hail almost
determined to bear it no longer, when, walking out
with his man, on crossing a field, the master exclaim-
ed, "There's a hare." Andre,v looked at the place,
and coolly replied, "What a big lee, it's a cauff." The
Inaster, quite angry now, plainly told the old domestic
that they must part. But the tried servant of forty
years, not dreaming of the possibility of his dismissal,
innocently asked, a ...\.y, sir; whare
e gaun
I'ID
sure ye're aye best at hame ;" supposing that, if there
were to be any disruption, it must be the m
ster ,vho
SCOTT/Sfl I
I}'E d' CHARA OJ'L'R. 129
\rould change the place. .A.n example of a similar
fixedness of tenure in an old servant ,vas afforded ill
an anecdote relateù of an old coachman long in the
service of a noble lady, and ,,,,ho gave all the trouble
and annoyance ,vhich he conceived ,vere the privileges
of his position in the fanÜly. At last the lady fairly
gave him notice to quit, and told hinl he must go.
'The only satisfaction she got ,vas the lJ.uiet ans\ver,
"
a, na, my lady ; I druve ye to your marriage, and
I shall stay to drive ye to your burial." Indeed, ,ve
have heard of a still stronger assertion of his official
position by one ,vho met an order to quit his nlaster's
service by the cool reply, " K a, na; I'm no gangin'.
If ye dinna ken \vhan ye've a gude servant; I ken
,\. han I've a gude place."
It is but fair, however, to give an anecdote in which
the master and the servant's position ,vas reversed, in
regard to a 'v ish for change :-An old servant of a rela..
tion of my own ,vith an ungovernable temper, became
at last so ,veary of his master's irascibility, that he
declared he must leave, and gave as his reason the fits
of anger \vhich came on, and produced such great
annoyance that he could not stand it any longer. His
master, un,villing to lose him, tried to coax him by
reminding him that the anger ,vas
oon off. "Ay,"
replied the other very shre\vdly, "but it's nae suner atf
than it's on again." I remember \vell an old servant.
of the old school, who had been fifty years domesticated
in a family. Indeed I ,veIl remember the celebration
of the half-century service completed. 'fhere were
rich scenes ,vith Sandy and his mistress. Let Ine
recall you both to memory. Let me think of you, the
kind, generous, ,varm-hearted mistress; a gentle,voman
by Jescel1t and by feeling; a true friend, a sincere
Christian. .,lud let me think, too) of you, Sandy, an
130
IlEJIIl.'9'ISCE.VCES OJ"
honest, faithful, and attached member of the farnilv.
01
For you '\v.ere in that house rather as a humble friend
than a servant. But out of this fifty years of attached
service there sprang a sort of domestic relation and
freedom of intercourse ,vhich ,vould surprise people
in these days. And yet Sandy knew his place. Like
Corporal Trim, who, although so familiar and admitted
to so much familiarity ,vith my Uncle Toby, never failed
in the respectful address-never forgot to say" your
honour." At a dinner party Sandy ,vas very active
about changing his mistress's plate, and ,vhipped it off
when he sa,v that she had got a piece of rich paté
upon it. His mistress, not liking such rapid move-
ments, and at the sanle time knowing that renlon-
.:;trance was in vain, exclaimed, " Rout, Sandy, I'm no
dune," and dabbed her fork into the "pattee" as it
disappeared, to rescue a morsel. I remember her
praise of English mutton ,vas a great annoyance to
the Scottish prejudices of Sandy. One day she was
telling me of a triumph Sandy had upon that subject.
The smell of the joint roasting had become very
offensive through the house. The lady called out to
Sandy to have the doors closed, and added, " That
must be SOlne horrid Scotch mutton you have got."
To Sandy's delight, this \vas a leg of English mutton
his mistress had expressly chosen; and, as she signifi-
cantly told me, "Sandy never let that do,vn upon me."
On Deeside there existed, in my recollection,
besides the Saunders Paul I have alluded to, a
number of extraordinary acute and hUlnorous Scottish
characters amongst the lo,ver classes. The native
gentry enjoyed their humour, and hence arose a fan1Ï-
liarityof intercourse which called forth manyamus-
ing scenes and quaint rejoinders. A celebrated
character of this description bore the soubriquet 01
saOl'l'lSll LIFE J; CHAllAOTER. 131
'e Buaty," of "rhom I have already spoken. He had
acted as Charon of the Dee at Banchory, and passed
the boat over the river before there was a bridge.
Boaty had many curious sayings recorded of him.
"Then speaking of the gentry around, he charac-
terised them according to their occupations and
activity of habits-thus :-'
As to Mr. Russell of
Blackha', he just ,vorks hinlsell like a paid labourer;
Ir. DUllcan's a' the day fish, fish; but Sir Robert's
a perfect gentleman-he does naething, naething."
Boaty ,vas a first-rate salmon-fisher himself, and ,vas
much sought after by anlateurs "Tho came to Bal1chory
for the sake of the sport afforded by the beautiful
Dee. He ,vas, perhaps, a little spoiled, and presumed
upon the indulgence and familiarity sho,vn to him in
the way of his craft-as, for example, he ,vas in at-
tendance ,vith his boat on a sportsman \vho ,vas both
skilful and successful, for he caught salmon after
salmon. Bet,veen each fish catching he solaced hin1self
,vith a good pull frolll a flask, 'v hich he returned to
his pocket, ho,vever, ,yithout offering to let Boaty have
any participation in the refreshment. Boaty, partly
a little professionally jealous, perhaps, at the success,
and partly indignant at receiving less than his usual
attention on such occasions, and seeing no prospect
of amendment, deliberately pulled the boat to shore,
shouldered the oars, rods, landing-ncts, and all the
fishing apparatus ,vhich he had provided, and set off
home,vards. His companion, far from considering his
day's ,vork to be over, and keen for more sport, ,vas
amazed, and peremptorily ordered him to come back.
But all the answer made by the offended Boaty ,,"'as,
"Na na; them 'at drink by themsells may just fish
by them sells. "
'Ihe charge these old domestics used to take of thA
132
REJ[I.,..vISCE
"'CES OF
interests of the falnily, and the cool \vay in \vhich
they took upon thenl to protect those interests, some-
times led to very provoking, and sometimes to very
ludicrous, exhibitions of Î1nportance. A friend told
me of a dinner scene illustrative of this sort of inter-
ference ,vhich had happened at Airth in the last
generation. Mrs. Murray, of Abercairney, had been
amongst the guests, and at dinner one of the family
noticed that she ,vas looking for the proper spoon to
help herself ,vith salt. The old servant, Thomas, ,vas
appealed to, that the ,vant might be supplied. He
did not notice the appeal. It "Tas repeated in a nlore
perernptory manner, "rrholnas, Mrs. Murray has not
a salt-spoon I" to which he replied most enlphatically,
" Last titne Mrs. 1\furray dined here "Te lost a salt-
spoon." An old servant ,vho took a similar charge
of everything that ,vent on in the fanlily, having
observed that his master thought that he had drunk
,vine with every lady at table, but had overlooked
one, jogged his memory ,vith the question," vVhat
ails ye at her wi' the green gown
"
In my o\vn family I kno\v a case of a very long
service, and where, no doubt, there ,vas much interest
and attachnlent j but it ,vas a case ,vhere the temper
had not softened under the influence of years, but
had rather assumed that form of disposition which
we denominate crusty. My grand-uncle, Sir Å. Ram-
say, died in 1806, and left a domestic ".ho had been
in his service since he ,vas ten years of age; and
being at the time of his master's death past fifty or
,vell on to sixty, he must have been more than forty
years a servant in the fanlily. From the retired life
my grand-uncle had been leading, Jamie Layal had
much of his own way, and, like many a domestic so
situated, he did not like to be contradicted, and, in
SCOTTISH LI.PE J: CHAR.AC1'ER. 133
fact, could not bear to be found fault with. My
uncle, who had succeeded to a part of my grand-
uncle's property, succeeded also to Jamie Layal, and,
from respect to his late master's memory and Jamie's
own services, he teok him into his house, intending
him to act as house servant. Ho,vever, this did not
answer, and he ,vas soon kept on, more ,vith the form
than the reality of any active duty, and took any
light work that was going on about the house. In
this capacity it was his daily task to feed a flock of
turkeys which ,vere growing up to maturity. On one
occasion, my aunt having followed him in his "rork,
and having observed such a ,vaste of food that the
ground was actually covered ,vith grain which they
could not eat, and which ,vollld soon be destroyed
and lost, naturally remonstrated, and suggested a
more reasonable and provident supply. But all the
ans\ver she got from the offended Jamie was a bitter
rejoinder, "W eel, then, neist time they saIl get nane
ava ! " On another occasion a family from a distance
had called whilst my uncle and aunt were out of the
house. Jamie came into the parlour to deliver the
cards, or to announce that they had called. My aunt,
somewhat vexed at not having been in the way, in-
quired ,vhat message Mr. and Mrs. Innes had left,
as she had expected one. " No; no message." She
returned to the charge, and asked again if they had
not told him anything he was to repeat. Stil
, " No ;
no message." "But did they say nothing
Are you
sure they said nothing
" J arnie, sadly put out and
offended at being thus interrogated, at last burst forth,
" They neither said ba nor bUlTI," and indignantly left
the room, banging the door after him. A character-
istic anecdote of one of these old domestics I have
frOlll a frienù \vho ,vas acquainted ,vith the parties
Q
134
Rl
JII.J.\f"ISG'E}tCES OF
concerned. The old man ,vas standing at the side-
board and attending to the denlands of a pretty large
dinner party; the calls nlade for various wants from the
company became so numerous and frequent that the
attendant got quite bewildered, and lost his patience
and temper; at length he gave vent to his indignation
in a remonstrance addressed to the ,vhole company,
" Cry a' thegither, that's the way to be served."
I have two characteristic and dry Scottish answers,
traditional in the Lothian family, supplied to me by
the late excellent and highly-gifted Marquis. .A.
Marquis of Lothian of a former genera.tion observed
in his ,valk two ,vorkmen very busy "Tith a ladder to
reach a bell, on \vhich they next kept up a furious
ringing. He asked ,vhat ,yas the object of making
such a din, to which the ans,ver was, "Oh, juist, my
lord to ca' the workmen together!" "Why, ho,,,"
nlany are there
" asked his lordship. "Ou, juist
Sandy and me," was the quiet rejoinder. The same
Lord Lothian, looking about the garden, directed his
garùener's attention to a particular plum-tree, charg-
ing him to be careful of the produce of that tree, and
send the u'/tole of it in marked, as it ,vas of a very
particular kind. " Ou," said the gardener, "I'll dae
that, my lord; there's juist t,va 0' them."
These dry answers of Newbattle servants remind
us of a sÌ1llilar state of comlnunication in a Yester
domestic. Lord T\veec1dale was very fond of dogs,
and on leaving Yester for London he instructed his
head keeper, a quaint bodie, to give him a periodical
report of the kennel, and particulaJ"s of his fa vourite
dogs. Alnong the latter was an especial one, of the
true Skye breed, called "Pickle," from ,vhich soubri-
quet we may form a tolerable estÎ1natc of hi
qualities.
SC01'TISH LIFE d: CHARAOTER. 135
It happened one day, in or about the year 1827,
that poor Pickle, during the absence of his mastpr,
,vas taken un,yell; and the watchful guardian imme-
diately warned the l\1arquis of the sad fact, and of
the progress of the disease, ,vhich lasted three days
-for ,vhich he sent the three following laconic
despatches :-
:\1 Y LORD,
Yater, May 1st, 18--.
Pickle's no weel.
Your Lordship's humble servant, etc.
Yester, J.lay 2d, 18-.
Aly 1,oRD,
Pickle will no do.
I am your Lordship's, etc.
Yester, .
lay 3d, 18-.
1tlv 14oRD,
Pickle's dead.
I am your Lordship's, etc.
I have heard of an old Forfarshire lady ,vho, k110""-
ing the habits of her old and spoilt servant, when she
,vished a note to be taken without loss of time, held
it open and read it over to him, saying, "There, noo,
Andre,v, ye ken a' that's in't; noo dinna stop to open
it, but just send it aff." Of another servant, ,'{hen
sorely tried by an unaccustomed bustle and hurry, a
very aUlusing anecdote has been recorded. His
znistress, a '\
Oll1an of high rank, who had been living
in much quiet and retirement for some time, was
called upon to entertain a large party at dinner. She
consulted ,vith NichoL her faithful servant, and all
the arrangements ,vere Inade for the great event. As
the company ,vere arriving, the lady sa,," Nichol
running about in great agitation, and ill his sl1Ìrt
sleeves. She remonstrated, and said that as th...
l:>
REJf[lYISOENUJrJS OJ.""
gl1
sts \vere con1Ïng ill he must vut 011 hi::; cú,li.
" Indeed, nlY lady," was his excited reply, "indeclI,
there's sae muckle rinnin' here and rinnin' there, that
rIn just distrackit. I hae cuist'n my coat and ,vaist-
coat, and faith I dinna ken how lang I can thole* Iny
breeks." There is often a ready ,vit in this class of
character, marked by their replies. I have the follo\v-
ing communicated from an ear-witness :-" vVeel,
Peggy," said a man to an old family servant, "I
,vonder ye're aye single yet!" "Me marry," saill
she, indignantly; "I wouldna gie my single life for
a' the double anes I ever saw!"
An old woman ,vas exhorting a servant once about
her ways. " You serve the deevil," said
he. " Me !"
!aid the girl; "na, na, I dinna serve the deevil; I
serve ae single lady."
A baby ,vas out with the nurse, who "\yalked it up
and down the garden. "Is't a laddie or a lassie
"
said the gardener. "A laddie," said the In aid.
" W eel," says he, I'm glad 0' that, for there's o\ver
mony women in the ,vorld." "Hech, nlan," said
Jess, "div ye no ken there's aye maist sawn 0' the
best crap 1 "
The answers of servants used curiously to illustrate
habits and manners of the time,-as the economical
modes of her mistress's life were well touched by the
lass who thus described her ,vays and domestic habits
with her household: "She's vicious upo' the wark;
but eh, she's vary mysterious 0' the victualling."
A country habit of making the gathering of th
congregation in the churchyard previous to and after
divine service an occasion for gossip and business}
which I remenlber well, is thoroughly described in
the following :-A lady, on hiring a servant girl III
it Bear.
SCOTTISH LIFE k CHARACTER. 137
the country, told her, as a great indulgence, that she
hould have the liberty of attending the church every
Sunday, but that she ,vonld be expected to return
home ahvays imnlediately on the conclusion of service.
The lady, ho,vever, rather unexpectedly found a
positive objection raised against this apparently
reasonable arrangement. "Then I canna engage wi'
ye, mem; for 'deed I lvadna gie thé crack i' the kirk-
yard for a' the sermon."
There is another story ,v'hich shows that a greater
importance might be attached to the crack i' the kirk-
yard than ,vas done even by the servant lass mentioned
above. A rather rough subject, residing in Galloway,
used to attend church regularly, as it appeared, for
the sake of the crack ; for on being taken to task for
his absenting himself, he remarked, "There's nae need
to gang to the kirk noo, for everybody gets a news-
paper."
The changes that many of us have lived to witness
in this kind of intercourse between families and old
servants is a part of a still greater change-the change
in that modification of the feudal system, the attach-
men t úf clan s. This, also, from transfers of property
and extinction of old families in the Highlands, as
,veIl as from more general causes, is passing a,vay;
and it includes also changes in the intercourse between
landed proprietors and cottagers, and abolition of
harvest-homes, and such meetings. People are now
more independent of each other, and service has
hecome a pecuniary and not a sentimental question.
The extreme contrast of that old-fashioned Scottish
intercourse of families ,vith their servants and depend..
ants, of which I have given some amusing examples,
is found in the nlodern manufactory sJ'stem. There
the service is a mere question of personal interest.
138
R
JII...YISCE.J.Y'CES O,F'
One of our first practical engineers, and one of tIle
first engine-lnakers in England, stated that he
employed and paid handsomely on an average 1200
worklnell; but that they held so little feeling for hitn
as their master, that not above half-a-dozen of the
number would notice him ,yhen passing him, either
in the ,yorks or out of ,york hours. Contrast this
advanced state of dependants' indifference with the
familiarity of domestic intercourse ,ve have been
describing!
It has been suggested by nlY esteemed friend, Dr.
'V. Lindsay Alexander, that Scottish anecdotes deal
too exclusively with the shrewd, quaint, and pawky
humour of our countrymen, and have not sufficiently
illustrated the deep pathos and strong loving-kindness
of the "kindly Scot," -qualities ,yhich, however
little appreciated across the Border, abound in Scottish
poetry and Scottish life. For example, to take the
case before us of these old retainers, although snappy
and disagreeable to the last degree in their replies,
and often most provoking in their ,yays, they were
yet deeply and sincerely attached to the falnily ,vhere
they had so long been domesticated; and the servant
who would reply to her mistress's order to mend the
fire by the short answer, "The fire's weel eneuch,"
,vould at the same time evince much interest in all
. that might assist her in sustaining the credit of her
domestic economy; as, for example, whispering in
her ear at dinner," Press the jeelies; they ,vÍnna
keep;" and had the hour of real trial and of difficulty
come to the family, ,vould have gone to the death for
them, and shared their greatest privations. Dr.
Alexander gives a very interesting example of kind.
ness and affectionate attachment in an old Scottish
domestic of his o,vn family, whose quaint and odd
SCOTTISH LIFE J: CH.AR.ACTER. 139
familiarity ,vas charming. I give it in his o"
n ,vords :
-" 'Vhen I 'vas a child there ,vas an old ser,rant at
Pinkieburn, where my early days were spent, ,vho
had been all her life, I may say, in the house-for she
came to it a child, and lived, ,vithout ever leaving it,
till she died in it, seventy-five years of age. Her
feeling to her old master, who was just t,vo years
younger than herself, ,vas a curious compound of the
deference of a servant and the familiarity and affec-
tion of a sister. She had kno,vn him as a boy, lad,
man, and old TIlan, and she seemed to have a sort of
notion that without her he must be a very helpless
being indeed. 'I aye keepit the hoose for him,
whether he ,vas hame or awa',' ,vas a frequent utter-
ance of hers; and she never seemed to think the
intrusion even of his own nieces, \vho latterly lived
,vith him, at all legitimate. 'Vhen on her deathbed,
he hobbled to her room with difficulty, having just
got over a severe attack of gout, to bid her farewell.
I chanced to be present, but ,vas too young to remem-
ber ,vhat passed, except one thing, which probably
was rather recalled to me afterwards than properly
recollected by me. It was her last request. 'Laird,'
said she (for so she always called him, though his
lairdship was of the smallest), ',vill :ye tell them to
bury me \vhaur I'll lie across at your feet l' I have
always thought this characteristic of the old Scotch
servant, and as such I send it to you."
...4.11d here I would introduce another story which
struck me very forcibly as illustrating the union of
the qualities referred to by Dr. Alexander. In the
following narrative, how deep and tender a feeling is
expressed in a brief dry sentence! I give l\Ir. Scott's
langna.ge :*-"
Iy brother and I "-ere, during our
* Rc\". H. Scott of Cranwcll.
140
l
EJ.II
A'IS()E.A.{JES OJ?
IIigh School vacation, some forty years ago, very much
indebted to the kindness of a clever young carpenter
employed in the machinery ,vorkshop of New Lanark
Mills, near to which we were residing during our six
weeks' holidays. It was he-Sa
uel Shaw, our dear
companion-,vho first taught us to sa,v, and to plane,
and to turn too; and ,vho made us the bows and
arrows in which we so much delighted. The vacation
over, and our hearts very sore, but bound to Samuel
Shaw for ever, our mother sought to place some
pecuniary recompense in his hand at parting, for all
the great kindness he had shown her boys. Samuel
looked in her face, and gently moving her hand aside,
,vith an affectionate look cast upon us, who were by,
exclaimed, in a tone which had sorro,v in it, "N 00,
Mrs. Scott, ye hae spoilt a'." After such an appea1,
it may be supposed no recompense, in silver or in
gold, remained with Samuel Shaw.
On the subject of the old Scottish domestic, I have
to acknowledge a kind communication from Lord
Kinloch, which I give in his Lordship's words:-
"My father had been in the counting-house of the
well-known David Dale, the founder of the Lanark
Mills, and eminent for his benevolence. Mr. Dale,
who it would appear ,vas a short stout man, had a
person in his employment nanled Matthew, who was
permitted that familiarity with his Inaster which ,vas
so characteristic of the former generation. One win-
ter day Mr. Dale came into the counting-house, and
complained that he had fallen on the ice. Matthew,
who saw that his master was not much hurt, grinned
a sarcastic smile. 'I fell all my length,' said Mr.
Dale. ' Nae great length, sir,' said l\iatthew. ' In-
deed, Matthe,v, ye need not laugh,' said
Ir. Dale;
'I have hurt the sma' 0' my back.' , I ,vunner whaur
SCOTTISH LIFE &; CHARACTh.,R. 141
that is,' said
Iatthe'v." Indeed, specinlens like
1-Iatthc"., of serving-men of the forlner time, have
latter]
" been fast going out, hut I remember one
or t".o such. A lady of lIlY acquaintance had one
nanled John in her house at Portobello. I remember
ho,v my modern ideas ""ere offended by John's fami-
1iarity ,vhen ,vaiting at table. "Some more wine,
John," said his 11listress. " There's some i' the bottle,
DIcnl," said John. A little after, "Mend the fire,
John." " The fire's ,veel eneuch, nlem," replied the
impracticable John. Another" John" of my ac-
quaintance ,vas in the family of :NIrs. Campbell of Ard-
nave, mother of the Princess Polignac and the Hon.
Irs. Archibald :hlacdonald. A young lady visiting
in the family asked John at dinner for a potato.
John made no response. Thf' request was repeated;
,vhen John, putting his nlouth to her ear, said, very
audibly, "There's jist twa in the dish, and they maun
be keepit for the strangers."
The follo".ing ,vas sent me by a kind correspondent
-a learned Professor in India-as a sample of squab-
bling bet,veen Scottish servants. A Inistress observing
something peculiar in her Inaid's manner, addressed
her, "Dear me, Tibbie, ,vhat are you so snappish
about, that you go knocking the things as you dust
them f' "Ou, mem, it's Jock." ""r ell, ,,,,hat has
Jock been doing
" "Ou (,vith an indescribable, but
easily imaginable toss of the head), he ,vas angry at
IIle, an' misca'd me, an' I said I ,vas juist as the Lord
had made me, an' "" "r ell, Tib bie f' " An'
he said the I
ord could hae had little to dae "Than he
made me." T'he idea of Tibbie being the ,york of an
idle tnoment ,vas one, the deliciousneð8 of which ,vas
not likely to be relished by the lassie.
The follo\",ing characteristic anecdote of a IIighland
142
RE.JII.:..YISCENCES OF
servant I have receiveù from the same correspondent.
An English gentlen1an, travelling in the Highlands,
was rather late of conling do,vn to dinner. Donald
,vas sent up stairs to intimate tllat all was ready.
He speedily returned, nodding significantly, as much
as to say that it was all right. " But, Donald," said
the master, after some further trial of a hungry man's
patience, " are ye sure ye made the gentlenlan under-
stand 1" "Unde'J"stand 7" retorted Donald (who had
peeped into the room and found the guest engaged
at his toilet), "I'se warrant ye he understands; he's
sharping his teeth," -not supposing the tooth-brush
could be for any other use.
There have b6en some very amusing instances
given of the matter-of-fact obedience paid to orders
by I-lighland retainers ,vhen made to perform the
ordinary duties of domestic servants; as ,vhen
Ir.
Campbell, a Highland gentlen1an, visiting in a country
house, and telling Donald to bring everything out of
the bedroom, found all its movable articles-fender,
fire-irons, etc.-piled up in the lobby; so literal was
the poor man's sense of obedience to orders!
A.lld
of this he gave a still more extraordinary proof dur-
ing his sojourn in Edinburgh, by a very ludicrous ex-
ploit. When the family moved into a house there,
Irs. Campbell gave him very particular instructions
regarding visitors, eXplaining that they were t.o be
shown into the dra\ving-room, and no doubt used the
Scotticism, "Ca1.1.Y any ladies that call up stairs."
On the arrival of the first visitors, Donald was eager
to sho,v his strict attention to the mistress's orders.
T,vo ladies came together, and Donald, seizing one in
his arms, sHirl to thp other, " Bide ye there till I come
for re," and, in spite of her struggles and rrnlon.
SCOTTISH LIFE (ê CHAR.AOTElt. 143
strances, ushered the terrified visitor into l\Irf.':. Camp-
bell's presence in this un\yonted fashion.
Another case of literal obedience to orders pro-
duced a some\vhat startling form of message. A
servant of an old maiden lady, a patient of Dr. Poole,
formerly of Edinburgh, \vas under orders to go to the
doctor every morning to report the state of her health,
ho,v she had slept, etc., with strict injunctions always
to add, "\vith her compliments." At length, one
morning the girl brought this extraordinary message:
-"
Iiss 8-'s compliments, and she dce'd last
night at aicht o'clock!"
I recollect, in l\fol1trose (that fruitful field for old
Scottish stories I), a most naïve reply from an honest
lass, servant to old 1\lrs. Captain Fullerton. .c\. party
of gentlemen had dined with l\Irs. Fullerton, and they
had a tUFkey for dinner.
Irs. F. proposed that one
of the legs should be det'iled, and the gentlemen have
it served up as a relish for their wine. Accordingly
one of the company skilled in the mystery prepared
it with pepper, cayenne, lTIustard, ketchup, etc. He
gave it to Lizzy, and told her to take it do,vn to the
kitchen, supposing, as a matter of course, she ,vould
kno,v that it was to be broiled, and brought back in
due time. But in a little \vhile, ,vhen it was rung for,
Lizzy very innocently replied that she had eaten it up.
As it was sent back to the kitchen, her only idea ,vas
that it must be for herself. But on surprise being
expressed that she had eaten \v hat ,vas so highly
peppered and seasoned, she very quaintly ans\vered,
" Ou, I liket it a' the better."
A well-kno,vn servant of the old school was John,
the servant of Pitfour,
Ir. Ferguson, l\I.P., himself a
most eccentric character, long father of the House of
Commons, and a great friend of Pitt. John used to
144:
REMINISCEÞt(fES OF
entertain the tenants, on Pitfour's brief visits to hig
estat.Jð" with numerous anecdotes of his master and l\Ir.
Pitt; but he always prefaced them ,vith sOlnething in
the style of Cardinal 'V olsey's Ego et 'rex meu8-",.ith
"
Ie, and Pitt, and Pitfour," ,vent som, e,vhere or
performed some exploit. The famous Duchess of
Gordon once ,vrote a note to John (the nalue of this
eccentric valet), and said, " John, put Pitfour into the
carriage on Tuesday, and bring him up to Gordon
Castle to dinner." After sufficiently scratching his
head, and considering ,vhat he should do, he sho,ved
the letter to Pitfour, ,vho sIniled, and said drily,
" Well, John, I suppose we must go."
An old domestic of this class gave a capital reason
to his young master for his being allowed to do as he
liked :-" Y e needna find faut ,vi' me, Maister J eems;
I llae been lange1 e aboot the place than ye'l.sel."
It may seem ungracious to close this chapter ,vith
a communication which appears to convey an un-
favourable impression of an old servant. But the
truth is, real and attached domestic service does not
offer its pleasures and ad vantages without some alloy
of annoyance, and yet ho,v much the solid benefits
prevail over any occasional drawbacks!
The late Rev. Mr. Leslie of St. Andrc".-Ijhallbryd,
a parish in Morayshire, in describing an old. servant
,vho had been with him thirty years, said, " The first
ten years she ,vas an excellent servant; the second
ten she ,vas a good mistress; but the third ten Rhe
,,,,as a perfect tJrant."
SCOTTISH LIFE &: C'HARACTER.. 14å
CHAPTER THE FIFfH.
SCOTTISH JtrDGES.
'THERE is no class of men ,vhich stands out murc
prominent in the reminiscences of the last hundred
years than that of our SCOTTISH JUDGES. They form,
in many instances, a type or representative of the
leading peculiarities of Scottish life and Inanners.
They are mixed up with all our affairs, social and
political. There are to be found in the annals of the
bench rich examples of pure Scottish humour, the
strongest peculiarity of Scottish phraseology, acute-
ness of intellect, cutting ,vit, eccentricity of manners,
and abundant powers of conviviality. Their succes-
sors no longer furnish the same anecdotes of oddity
or of intemperance. The Courts of the Scottish
Parliament House, without lacking the learning or
the la,v of those who sat there sixty years ago, lack
not the refinement and the dignity that have long
distinguished the Courts of \Vestminster Hall.
Stories still exist, traditionary in society, anlongst
its older members, regarding Lords Gardenstone,
lonboddo, Hermand, Ne,vton, Polkemmet, Braxfield,
etc. But many younger persons do not kno,v thenl.
It may be interesting to some of my readers to deyote
a fe,v pages to the subject, and to offer some judicial
gleanings. *
* I ha.ve derived SOllle information from a curious book,
"Kay's Portraits," 2 vo1.
. The work is scarcely known in
Englanù, and is becoming rare in Scotlanù. " X othing can
]46
Rl
"JfTltISCEJ.,rCES O.J. Q
I have t,vo anecdotes to sho\v that, both in social
and judicial life, a renlarkable change must have taken
place amongst the "fifteen." I am assured that the
following scene took place at the table of Lord Pol-
kemmet, at a dinner party in his house. \Vhen the
covers were removed, the dinner ,vas seen to consist
of veal broth, a roast fillet of veal, veal cutlets, a
florentine (an excel1ent old Scottish dish composed of
veal), a calf's head, calf's foot jelly. The "\vorthy
judge could not help observing a surprise on the
countenance of his guests, and perhaps a simper on
some; so he broke out in explanation: "Ou ay, it's
a cauf; when ,ve kill a beast we just eat up ae side,
and down the tither." The expressions he used to
describe his own judic'ial preparatio
s for the bench
were very characteristic: "Y e see I first read a' the
pleadings, and then, after lettin' them wamble in my
warne ,vi' the toddy t,va or three days, I gie my
aiu interlocutor." For a moment suppose such anec-
dotes to be told now of any of our high legal function-
aries. Imagine the feelings of surprise that would
be called forth were the present Justice-Clerk to
adopt such imagery in describing the process of
preparing his legal judgment on a difficult case in his
court!
In regard to the wit of the Scottish bar.-It is a
subject which I do not pretend to illustrate. It
,yould require a volulne for i.tself. One anecdote,
ho\vever, I cannot resist, and I record it as forming
a striking example of the class of Scottish l1umour
vdâch, with our dialect, has lost its distinctive charac-
teristics. John Clerk (afterwards a judge by the
be more valuable in the way of engraved portraits than these
reIJresentations of the distinguished men who adorned Edinburgb
in the latter part of the cigllteenth eentury. "-Chambc1'S.
SCOTTISlf LIFE d. CHARACTER. 147
title of Lord Eldin) ,vas arguing a Scotch appeal
case before the House of Lords. His client claimed
the use of a mill-stream by a prescriptive right. !vIr.
Clerk spoke broad Scotch, and argued that "the
watte'r had rin that way for forty years. Indeed nae-
body kelln'd ho\y long, and ,vhy should his client
no\y be deprived of the "ratter
"etc. The chancel-
lor, much amused at the pronunciation of the Scottish
ad vocate, in a rather bantering tone a
:ked him, "
Ir.
Clerk, do you spell ,vater in Scotland. with t\VO t's
"
Clerk, a little nettled at this hit at his national tongue,
ans\vered, "Na, my Lord, ,,"e dinna spell wattel
(n1aking the word as short as he could) wi' twa t'sJ
but \ve spell mainners (making the word as long as
he could) wi' t\va n's. n
John Clerk's vernacular version of the motto of the
Celtic Club is highly characteristic of his humour and
his prejudice. He had a strong dislike to the ,vhole
Highland race, and the motto assumed by the modern
Celts, "OHm marte, nunc arte," Clerk translated
"Formerly robbers, now thieves." Quite equal to
Swift's celebrated remark on William Ill's motto-
Recepit, non 'rap1.tit-" that the receiver was as bad as
the thief. " Very dry and pithy too Vtpas Clerk's legal
opinion given to a claima!lt of the Anuandale peerage,
\vho, \vhen pressing the employment of some obvious
forgeries, "Tas \varned that if he persevered, nae doot
he might be a peer, but it \vould be a peer 0' anither
tree /
The clever author of" Peter's Letters" gives an
elaborate description of Clerk's character whilst at the
bar, and speaks of him as "the plainest, the shrewd-
est, and the most sarcastic of men." Nor could he
entirely repress these peculiarities \vhen raised to the
bench under the title of Lord Eldin.
148
R EJ[I
Y,[SCE1YC"'JS D,1'
His defence of a young friend, who was an advo-
cate, and had incurred the displeasure of the Judges,
has often been repeated. Mr. Clerk had been called
\!pon to offer his apologies for disrespect, or implied
disrespect, in his manner of addressing the Bench.
The advocate had given great offence by expressing
his "astonishment" at something ,vhich had ema-
nated from their Lordships, Ï1nplying by it his dis-
approval. He got Lord Eldin, who was connected
,vith him, to make an apology for him. But Clerk
could not resist his humorous vein by very equivo-
cally adding, "My client has expressed his astonish-
ment, my Lords, at ,vhat he had met with here; if
my young friend had known this court as long as I
have, he would have been astonished at nothing."
A kind Perth shire correspondent has sent me
a characteristic anecdote, which has strong in-
ternal evidence of being genuine. When Clerk
was raised to the Bench he presented his credentials
to the Court, and, according to custom, was received
by the presiding Judge-who, on this occasion, in a
somewhat sarcastic tone, referred to the delay which
had taken place in his reaching a position for which
he had so long been qualified, and to which he must
have long aspired. He hinted at the long absence of
the Whig party from political po\ver as the cause of
this delay, which offended Clerk; and he paid it off
by intimating in his pithy and bitter tone, which he
could so well assume, that it was not of so much
consequence
" Because," as he said, "ye see, my
Lord, I ,vas not juist sa.e sune doited as some 0' your
Lordships.' ,
'fhe follo,ving account of his conducting a case i
also highly characteristic. T,vo individuals, thp one
a mason, the other a carpenter, both residenters in
SCOTTISH LIFE d'; ClIARACTER. 1
9
\Vest Portsburgh, forIned a copartnery, and com-
menced building houses ,vithin the boundaries of
the burgh corporation. One of the partners \yas a
freeman, the other not. The corporation, considering
its rights invaded by a non-freeman exercising privi-
leges only accorded to one of their body, brought
an action in the Court of Session against the inter-
loper, and his partner as aiding and abetting. !vIr.
John Clerk, then an advocate, ,vas engaged for the
defendants. How the cause ,vas decided Inatters
little. 'Vhat ,vas really curious in the affair ,vas
the naïvely droll manner in ,vhich the advocate for
the defence opened his pleading before the Lord
Ordinary. "
Iy Lord," commenced J Ohll, in his
purest Doric, at the same time pushing up his spec-
tacles to his bro,v and hitching his gown over his
shoulders, " I wad hae thocht naething o't (the action),
had hooses been a nc,v invention, and my clients
been caught ouvertly impingin' on the patent richts
0' the inventors! 11
Of Lord Gardenstone (Francis Garden) I have
many early personal reminiscences, as his property of
Johnstone was in the Howe of the l\Iearns, not far
from my early home. He was a man of energy, and
promoted improvements in the county with skill and
practical sagacity. His favourite scheme was to
establish a flourishing town upon his property, and
he spared no pains or expense in promoting the
importance of his village of Laurencekirk. He built
an excellent inn, to render it a stage for posting.
He built and endo\ved an Episcopal chapel for the
benefit of his English immigrants, in the vestry of
which he placed a most respectable library; and he
encouraged manufacturers of all kinds to settle in
the place. Amongst others, as ,ve have seen, canlP
R
150
.l.1EJ1INl;:;CEl.lCES 0,1/
the hatter who found only three hats in the kirk.
His lordship ,vas luuch taken up ,vith his hotel
or inn, and for which he provided a large volume for
receiving the ,vritten contributions of travellers who
frequented it. It ,vas the landlady's business to pre-
sent this volume to tbe guests, and ask them to write
in it during the evenings whatever occun'ed to their
memory or their inlagination. In the mornings it
,,"as a favourite amusen1ent of Lord Gardenstone to
look it over. I recollect Sir 'Valter Scott being
llluch taken with this contrivance, and his asking
me about it at Abbotsford. His son said to him,
" You should establish such a book, sir, at Melrose;"
upon which Sir 'V. replied, "No, Walter; I should
just have to see a great deal of abuse of myself."
On his son deprecating such a result, and on his
observing nlY surprised look, he answered, "'V ell,
,yell, I should have to read a great deal of foolish
praise, which is nluch the same thing." An amusing
account is given of the cause of Lord Gardenstone
withdrawing this volume from the hotel, and of his
determination to submit it no more to the tender
nlercÌes of the passing traveller. As Professor Stuart
of Aberdeen ,vas passing an evening at the inn, the
volume was handed to him, and he ,vrote in it the
following lines, in the style of the prophecies of
Thomas the Rhymer :-
" ]'rae sma' beginnings Rome of auld
Became a great imperial city;
'Twas peopled first, as we are tauld,
By bankrupts, vagabonds, banditti.
Quoth Thamas, Then the day ma.y come,
When Laurencekirk shan equal Rome."
'fhese lines so nettled Lord Gardenstone, that the
volume disappeared, and ,,"as never seen afterwards
SCOTTISH LI1'E cf; OHARACTER. 15]
in the inn of Laurencekirk. There is another linger-
ing reminiscence which I retain connected ,,-ith the inD
at Laurencekirk. The landlord, Mr. Cream, ,vas a
nlan ,veIl known throughout all the county, and ,vas
distinguished, in his later years, as one of the fe,v
nlen "rho continued to 'Wear a pigtail. On one occasion
the late Lord Dunmore (gråndfather or great-grand-
father of the present })eer), ,vho also still ,yore his
queue, halted for a night at Laurencekirk. On the
host leaving the room, ,vhere he had come to take
orders for supper, Lord Dunmore turned to his valet
and said, "
J ohnstone, do I look as like a fool in my
pigtail as Billy Cream does 1"-" 1vluch about it, my
lord," ,vas the valet's imperturbable ans,ver. "Then,"
said his lordship, "cut off mine to-morro,v morning
,vhen I dress."
Lord Gardenstolle seemed to have had t,vo favourite
tastes: he indulged in the love of pigs and the love
of snuff. He took a young pig as a pet, and it be-
came quite tame, and follo,ved him about like a dog.
At first the animal shared his bed, but ,vhen, growing
up to advanced swinehood, it became unfit for such
companionship, he had it to sleep in his room, in ,vhich
he lnade a comfortable couch for it of his o,vn clothes.
His snuff he kept not in a box, but in a leathern
waist-pocket made for the purpose. He took it in
enormous quantities, and used to say that if he had
a dozen noses he ,vould feed them all. Lord Garden-
stone died 1793.
Lord Monboddo (James Burnet, Esq. of ltlonboddo)
is another of the well-kno,vn members of the Scottish
Bench, who combined, ,,'ith many eccentricities of
opinion and habits, great learning and a most amiable
disposition. From his paternal property being in the
county of l{incardiue, and Lord 1\[ being a ,-isitor at
182
REJ.
/I
VIS()EN()ES OF
my father's house, and indeed a relation or clansman,
I have many early reminiscences of stories ,vhich I
have heard of the learned judge. His speculations
regarding the origin of the human race have, in tinles
past, excited much interest and amusement. His
theory was that man emerged from a ,vild and savage
condition, much resembling that of apes; that man
had then a taillike other aniInals, but which by pro-
gressive civilisation and the constant habit of sitting,
had become obsolete. This theory produced nlany ajoke
from facetious and superficial people, ,vho had never
read any of the arguments of the able and elaborate
work, by which the ingenious and learned author main-
tained his theory.. Lord Kames, a brother judge, had
his joke on it. On some occasion of their meeting, Lord
Monboddo ,vas for giving Lord Kames the prece-
dency. Lord K. declined, and drew back, saying, " By
no means, my lord; you must walk first, that I may
see YOu'}. tail." I recollect Lord Monboddo's coming
to dine at Fasque caused a great excitement of interest
and curiosity. I was in the nursery, too young to
take part in the investigations; but my elder brothers
were on the alert to watch his arrival, and get a
glimpse of his tail. Lord !YI. was really a learned man,
read Greek and Latin authors-not as a mere exercise
of classical scholarship - but because he identified
himself with their philosophical opinions, and would
have revived Greek customs and modes of life. He
used to give suppers after the manner of the ancients,
and used to astonish his guests by the ancient cookery
of Spartan broth, and of mulsum. He was an
nthu..
siastical Platonist. On a visit to Oxford, he was
received with great respect by the scholars of the Uni-
versity, ,vho were much interested in meeting '\vith
* Origin and Pro{,'1'ess of Language.
SCOTTISH LlFE & CHAR.AC1'ER. 158
one who had studied Plato as a pupil and fonow er.
In accordance with the old custom at learned univer-
sities, Lord 1\fonboddo was determined to address the
Oxonians in Latin, which he spoke ,vith much readi-
ness. But they could not stand the numerous slips
in prosody. Lord 1Ionboddo shocked the ears of the
men of Eton and of 'Vinchester by dreadful false
quantities- verse-making being, in Scotland, then
quite neglected, and a matter little thought of by the
learned judge.
Lord l\fonboddo ,vas considered an able la,vyer,
and on many occasions exhibited a very clear and
correct judicial discernment of intricate cases. It was
one of his peculiarities that he never sat on the bench
with his brother judges, but always at the clerk's
table. Different reasons for this practice have been
given, but the simple fact seems to have been, that he
,vas deaf, and heard better at the lo"rer seat. His
mode of travelling ,,"as on horseback He scorned
carriages, 011 the ground of its being unmanly to "sit
in a box dra,vn by brutes." 'Vhen he went to Lon-
don he rode the ,vhole way. At the same period,
Ir. Barclay of Dry (father of the well-known Captain
Barclay), ,vhen he represented Kincardineshire in
Parliament, ahvays
(jalked to London. He was a, very
powerful man, and could ,valk fifty miles a day, his
usual refreshment on the road being a bottle of port
,vine, poured into a bowl, and drunk off at a draught.
I have heard that George III. was much interested
at these performances, and said, "I ought to be proud
of my Scottish subjects, ,vhen my judges 'fide, and my
members of Parliament
calk, to the metropolis."
On one occasion of his being in London, Lord l\Ion.
boddo attended a trial in the Court of King's Bench.
it cry was heard that the roof of the court-room
]54
REJ.1IIJVISCEJ:.tCES 01"
was giVIng w'ay, upon which judges, hnvyers, and
people made a rush to get to the door. Lord l\1:on..
boddo vie\ved the scene from his corner ,vith much
composure. Being deaf and short-sighted, he kne\v
nothing of the canse of the tumult. The alarm proved
a false one; and on being asked \vhy he had not be-
stirred himself to escape like the rest, he coolly
answered that he supposed it was an annual ceremony,
,vith ,vhich, as an alien to the English la,vs, he had
no concern, but If'hich he considered it interesting to
witness as a remnant of antiquity! Lord Monhoddo
died 1799.
Lord Rockville (the Hon. Alexander Gordon, thirù
son of the Earl of Aberdeen) was a judge distinguish-
ed in his day by his ability and decorum. " He
adorned the bench by the dignified Inanliness of his
appearance, and polished urbanity of his manners.".
Like most la'\vyers of his time, he took his glass freely,
and a whimsical account which he gave, before he
was advanced to the bench, of his having fallen upon
his face, after making too free with the bottle, was
comn1only current at the tin1e. Upon his appearing
late at a convivial club with a most rueful expression
of countenance, and on being asked what was the
matter, he-exclainled with great solemnity, " Gentle-
men, I have just met ,vith the nlost extraordinary
adventure that ever occurred to a human being. As
I was walking along the Grassmarket, all of a sudden
the street". rose up and struck me on the face." He had,
however, a more serious encounter with the street after
he ,vas a judge. In 1792, his foot slipped as he ,vas
going to the Parliament House; he broke his leg, ,vas
taken home, fevered, and died.
Lord Braxfield (Robert M'Queen of BraxfielJ) \vae
* Douglas' Peerage, vol. i. p. 22.
SCOTTISH LIFE æ CHARACTER. 155
one of the judges of the old school, ".e11 kno,vn in his
day, and might be said to possess all the qualities
united, by ,vhich the class ,vere remarkable. He spoke
the broadest Scotch. He ,vas n. sound and laborious
lawyer. He ,vas fond of a glass of good claret, and
had a great fund of good Scotch humour. He rose
to the dignity of Justice-Clerk, and, in consequence,
presided at many important political criminal trials
about the year 1793-4, such as those of 1\Iuir, Palmer,
Skirving,
Iargarot, Gerrold, etc. He conducted these
trials ,vith much ability and great firmness, occasion-
ally, no doubt, with more appearance of severity and
personal prejudice than is usual with the judges who
in later times are caned on to preside on similar oc-
casions. The disturbpd temper of the times and the
daring spirit of the political offenders seemed, he
thought, to call for a hold and fearless front on the
part of the judge, and Braxfield was the man to sho\v
it, both on the bench and in common life. He met,
ho,vever, sometimes with a spirit as bold HS his own
from the prisoners before him. 'Vhen Skirving was
on trial for sedition, he thought Braxfield ,vas threaten-
ing him, and by gesture endeavouring to intimidate
him; accordingly, he boldly addressed the Bench :-
"It is altogether unavailing for your Lordship to
menace me, for I have long learnt not to fear the face
of man." I have observed that he adhered to the
broadest Scottish dialect. "Rae ye ony coonseJ, man
"
he said to l\Iaurice l\Iargarot <,vho, I believe, was an
Englishman). " No," was the reply. "Diy ye want
to hae ony appinted
" " No," replied
Iargarot; "I
only want an interpreter to make me understand ""hat
your Lordship says." A prisoner, accused of stealing
some linen garnlents, ,vas one day brought up for trial
before thp old judge, but was acquittpd becausp the
156
llEJIL..YISCE1YCES OF
prosecutor had charged him ,vith stealing shirts\
,vhereas the articles stolen were found to be shifts-
" female apparel. Braxfield indignantly remarked that
the Cro,vn Counsel should llave .called them by the
Scottish name of Barks, which applied to both sexes.
Braxfield .had much humour, and enjoyed wit
in others. He was immensely delighted at a reply
by IJr. M'Cubbin, the minister of Bothwell. Brax-
field, when J ustice- Clerk, was dining at Lord
Douglas's, and observed there was only port upon
the table. In his usual off-hand brusque manner,
he demanded of the noble host if "there was nae
claret i' the castle." " Yes," said Lord Douglas; ,0: but
Iny butler tells me it is not good." "Let's pree't,"
said Braxfield in his favourite dialect. A bottle was
produced, and declared by all present to be quite ex-
cellent. " NOD, minister," said the old judge, address-
ing Dr. M'Cubbin, who ,vas celebrated as a wit in his
day, "as a lama clamosa has gone forth against this
wine, I propose that you absolve it,"-playing upon
the terms made use of in the Scottish Church Courts.
" Ay, my Lord," said the minister, "you are first-rate
authority for a case of civil or criminal law, but you
do not quite understand our Church Court practice.
'Ve never absolve till aftm" three several appearances."
The wit and the condition of absolution were alike
relished by the judge. Lord Braxfield closed a long
and useful life in 1799.
Of Lord Hermand we have already had occasion to
speak, as in fact his name has become in some manner
identified ,vith that conviviality which marked almost
as a characteristic the Scottish Bench of his time. He
gained, however, great distinction as a judge, and was
a capital lawyer. When at the bar, Lords Newton
and Hermand were great friends, and many were the
A GUID GA
GIN' PLEA
PrOJJl a 'maier-colour drawing fry
lIEJ.1 T R Y IV. A-ERR,
A.R.S..A., R.S.II:
I
1
-
.... ...
t
tf
-<"
,
.""
t
.
"-
SCOTTISH LIFE cf: CHARACTER. 157
convivial meetings they enjoyed together. But Lord
Herll1and outlived all his old last-century contemIJo.
raries, and formed with Lord Balgray ,vhat we may
consider the connecting links between the past alul
the present race of Scottish la\vyers.
Lord I\.ames ,vas a keen agricultural experiment-
alist, and in his Gentleman Farmer anticipated many
modern improvements. He \vas, ho\vever, occasionally
too sanguine. " John," said he one day to his old over-
seer, "I think ,ve'Il see the day \vhen a man nlay
carry out as much chemical manure in his ,vaistcoat
pocket as ,viH serve for a \vhole field." " 'Veel,"
rejoined the other, "I am of opinion that if your
lordship \vere to carry out the dung in your ,vaist-
coat pocket, ye might bring hame the crap in your
greatcoat pocket."
'Ve could scarcely perhaps offer a more marked
difference bet\veen habits once tolerated on the bench
and those \vhich now distinguish the august seat of
Senators of Justice, than by quoting, from Kay's
Portraits, vol. ii. p. 278, a sally of a Lord of Session
of those days, which he played off, \vhen sitting as
judge, upon a young friend \vhom he ,vas determined
to frighten. "A young counsel ,vas addressing
him on some not very important point that had
arisen in the division of a common (or commonty,
according to law phraseology), when, having made sonle
bold avennent, the judge exclaimed, 'That's a lee,
Jemmie.' 'My lord!' ejaculated the amazed barrister.
, Ay, ay, Jemmie; I see by your face ye're leein'.'
, Indeed, Iny lord, I aln not.' 'Dinna tell me tbat;
it's no in your memorial (brief)-a\va wi' you;' and,
overcome ,,"ith astonishnlent and vexation, the discom-
fited barrister left the bar. The judge thereupon
chuckled with infinite delight; and beckoning to the
158
R,EJfIlvISOE'.iVOES OÞ'
clerk ,vho attended on the occasion, he said, 'Arp ve
no Rabbie H -'g man
' , Yes, my lord.' "V as
a
Jemmie - leein'
' , Oh no, my lord.' 'Y e're quite
sure
' 'Oh yes.' 'Then just write out what you
want, and I'll sign it; my faith, but I made Jemmie
stare.' So the decision was dictated hy the clerk, and
duly signed by the judge, who left the bench highly
diverted with the fright he had given his young
friend." Such scenes enacted in court now ,vould
astonish the present generation, both of lawyers and
of suitors.
'Ve should not do justice to our Scottish Remini-
scences of judges and lawyers, if ""e omitted the once
celebrated Court of Session je1.t d'eSpTlt called the
"Diamond Beetle Case." 'fhis burlesque report of
a judgment ,vas ,vritten by George Cranstoun, advo-
cate, who afterwards sat in court as judge under the
title of Lord Corehouse. Cranstoun ,vas one of the
ablest lawyers of his time; he was a prime scholar,
and a man of most refined taste and clear intellect.
This humorous and clever production ,vas printed in
a former edition of these Reminiscences, and in a
very flattering notice of the book which appeared
in the N01.th British Review, the revie,ver-himself, as
is well kno,vn, a distinguished member of the
Scottish judicial bench-remarks: " We are glad that
the whole of the 'Diamond Beetle' by Cranstoun has
been given; for nothing can be more graphic, spirited,
and ludicrous, than the characteristic spee.ches of
the learned judges ,vho deliver their opinions in the
case of defamation." As copies of this very clever
and jocose production are not no, v easily obtained,
and as some of my younger readers Inay not have
seen it, I have reprinted it in this edition. Considered
in the light of a Inemorial of the bench, as it ,vas known
RCOTTISH LI1/E & CHARACTER. 159
to a fornler generation, it is well worth preserving j
for, as the editor of Kay's Portraits well observes,
although it is a caricature, it is entirely without ran-
cour, or any feeling of a malevolent nature to,vards
those ,vhom the author represents as giving judgment
in the "Diamond Beetle" case. And in no way could
the involved phraseology of Lora Bannatyne, the pre-
dilection for Latin quotation of Lord l\Ieadowbank,
the brisk n1anner of Lord Hermand, the anti-Gallic
feeling of Lord Craig, the broad dialect of Lords Pol-
kemmet and Balmuto, and the hesitating manner of
Lord
Iethven, be more admirably caricatured.
FULL COpy OF THE FIXDING OF THE COURT IX
THE O
CE CELEBRATED "DIA
IO
D BEETLE
CASE." *
Speeches taken at ad'l'isi71g the Action o.t D
famation and
Dnmages, ALEXANDER CUNNINGHAItI, Jeweller in
Edinburgh, against J AL"\IES RUSSELL, Surgeon there.
"THE LORD PRESIDENT (SIR ILAY CA:L\IPBELL).-
Your Lordships have the petition of Alexandel
Cunningham against Lord Bannatyne's interlocutor.
I t is a case of defamation and damages for calling the
petitioner's Diamond Beetle an Egyptian Louse. You
have the Lord Ordinary's distinct interlocutor, on
pages 29 and 30 of this petition:-' Having con-
sidered the Condescendence of the pursuer, Ans"\vers
for the defender,' and so on; ':Finds, in respect that
it is not alleged that the diamonds on the back of
* The version I have given of this amusing burlesque was
revised by the late 1.11'. Pagan, Cupar- Fife, and corrected frolIl
his own manuscript copy, which he had procured from authen tic
sources ahout forty years ago.
160
REJ,IINISOENOES OF
the J)iamond Beetle are real diamonds, or anything but
shining spots, such as are found on other Diamond
Beetles, ",-hich likewise occur, though in a smaller
number, on a great number of other Beetles, somewhat
different from the Beetle libelled, and similar to which
there may be Beetles in Egypt, ,vith shining spots
on their backs, which may be termed Lice there, and
may be different not only from the common Louse,
but from the Louse nlentioned by 1\10se8 as one of the
plagues of Egypt, ,vhich is admitted to be a filthy
troublesome Louse, even ,vorse than the said Louse,
\vhich is clearly different from the Louse libelled.
But that the other Louse is the same with, or similar
to, the said Beetle, which is also the same with the
other Beetle; and although different from the said
Beetle
libelled, yet, as the said Beetle is similar to
the other Beetle, and the said Louse to the other
Louse libelled; and the other Louse to the other
Beetle, which is the same with, or similar to, the
Beetle ,vhich somewhat resembles the Beetle libelled;
assoilzies the defender, and finds expenses due.'
"Say a,vay, my Lords.
"LORD l\1:EADO\VBANK.-This is a very intricate
and puzzling question, my Lord. I have formed no
decided opinion; but at present I am rather inclined
to think the interlocutor is right, though not upon
the 'ratio assigned in it. It appears to me that there
are two points for consideration. First, whether the
,vords libelled anlount to a convicium against the
Beetle; and Secondly, aùmitting the convicium, whether
the pursuer is entitled to found upon it in this action.
N ow, my Lords, if there be a conviciurn at all, it con-
sists in
the comparatio or comparison of the Scarabæus
or Beetle ,vith the Egyptian Pediculus or Louse. l'ly
first doubt regards this point, but it is not at all
SCOTTISH LIFE æ CHARACTER. 161
founded on ,vhat the defender alleges, that there is
no such animal as an Egyptian Pediculus or Louse in
rerum natura; for though it does not actually exist, it
may possibly exist (if not in actio, yet in potentia-if
not in actuality, yet in potentiality or capacity); and
whether its existence be in esse vellJOsse, is the same
thing to this question, provided there be termini habiles
for ascertaining ,vhat it ,vonld be if it did exist. But
my doubt is here :-Ho,v am I to discover what are
the essentia of any Louse, 'v hether Egyptian or not
It is very easy to describe its accidents as a naturalist
,vonId do-to say that it belongs to the tribe of A ptera
(or, that is, a yello\v, little, greedy, filthy, despicable
reptile), but ,ye do not learn from this ,vhat the pro-
prium of the animal is in a logical sense, and still less
what its differentia are. No",., ,vithout these it is
impossible to judge whether there is a convicium or
not j for, in a case of this kind, which sequit'lt1 4 nat'lt-
1 4 am delicti, ,ve must take them rneliori sensu, and
prpsume the cornparat-io to be in '1nelio1.ibus iantu1n.
And here I beg that parties, and the bar in general-
[interrupted by Lord Hermand: Your Lordship should
add1.ess yourself to the Chai1.]-I say, I beg it may be
understood that I do not rest my opinion on the
ground that ve'ritas convicii excusat. I am clear that
although this Beetle actually were an Egyptian Louse,
it would accord no relevant defence, provided the
calling it so were a convicium; and there my doubt
lies.
"'Vith regard to the second point, I am satisfied
that the Scarabæus or Beetle itself has no persona
standi in Judicio,. and therefore the pursuer cannot
insist in the name of the Scarabæ1ls, or for his behoof.
If the action lie at all, it must be at the instance of
the pursuer himself, as the verus dOlninus of the Scara-
162
RE],[[l\TISCENCES OF
bæus, for being calumniated through the COnVlð'Llt111
directed prin1arilyagainst the animal standing in that
relation to him. N o 'V, abstracting from the qualifica.
tion of an actual dOlltÍniu111, ,vhich is not alleged, I have
great doubts ,vhether a mere conVÜ
i'llm is necessarily
transmitted from one object to another, through the
relation of a dominium subsisting between them; and
if not necessarily transmissible, we must see the
principle of its actual transmission here; and that has
not yet been pointed out.
"LORD HER1\IAND.-"\tV e heard a little ago, my
Lord, that there is a difficulty in this case; but I
have not been fortunate enough, for my part, to find
out where the difficulty lies. '\Till any man presume
to tell me that a Beetle is not a Beetle, and that a
Louse is not a Louse
I never saw the petitioner's
Beetle, and ,vhat's nlore I don't care ,vhether I ever
see it or not; but I suppose it's like other Beetles,
and that's enough for me.
" But, my Lord, I know the other reptile well. I
have seen them, I have felt them, my Lord, ever since
I was a child in my mother's arms; and my nlind
tells me that nothing but the deepest and blackest
malice rankling in the human breast could have
suggested this comparison, or led any man to form a
thought so injurious and insulting. But, my Lord,
there's more here than all that-a great deal more.
One could have thought the defender would have
gratified his spite to the full by comparing the Beetle
to a common Louse-an animal sufficiently vile and
abominable for the purpoRe of defamation-( Shut that
door there ]-but he adds the epithet Egyptian, and I
know we.ll ,vhat he means by that epithet. He means,
my Lord, a Louse that has been fattened on the head
of a Gipsy or Tinker, undisturbed by the cOlnb or nail,
SCOT1'ISH LIFE cé CHARAC1'ER. 163
and unm01ested in the enjoyment of its native filth.
He meallS a Louse gro,v11 to its full size, ten times
larger and ten times more abominable than those ,vith
,,"hich your Lords/tips and I a1.e ja1nilia t r. The peti-
tioner asks redress for the injury so atrocious and so
aggravated; and, as far as my voice goes, he shall not
ask it in vain.
"LORD CRAIG.-I am of the opinion last delivered.
It appears to me to be s]anderous and calulnnious to
compare a Diamond Beetle to the filthy and mischie-
tous allimallibelled. By an Egyptian Louse I under-
stand one ,vhich has been fOlmed on the head of a
native Egyptian-a race of men ,,"ho, after degenerat-
ing for many centuries, have sunk at last into the
abyss of depravity, in consequence of having been sub-
jugated for a time by the French. I do not find that
Turgot, or Condorcet, or the rest of the economists,
ever reckoned the combing of the head a species of
productive labour; and I conclude, therefore, that
wherever French principles have been propagated,
Lice gro,v to an immoderate size, especially in a warm
climate like that of Egypt. I shall only add, that ,ve
ought to be sensible of the blessings ,ve enj oy under
a free and happy Constitution, ,vhere Lice and men
live under the restraint of equal la,ys the only
equality that can exist in a ,veIl-regulated state.
"LORD POLKE1\l:\IET.-It should be observed, my
Lord, that ,vhat is called a Beetle is a reptile
very ,veIl known in this country. I have seen mony
ane 0' them in Drumshorlin
Iuir; it is a little black
beastie, about the size of my thoom-nail. The country-
folks ca' thenl Clocks; and I believe they ca' them
also l\Iaggy-,vi' -the-molly-feet; but they are not the
least like any Louse that ever I sa,v; so that, in my
ol>inion, though the defcuder lnay have lnade a
164
REJ.
[INISOE.LVCES OF
blunder through ignorance, in comparing them, there
does not seem to have been any ani
us injuriandi;
therefore I am for refusing the petition, my Lords.
"LORD BALl\IUTo.-'Am
for refusing the petition.
There's more Lice than Beetles in Fife. They ca'
them Clocks there. What they ca' a Beetle is a thing
as lang as my arm; thick at one end and sma' at the
other. I thought, ,vhen I read the petition, that the
Beetle or Bittle had been the thing that the women
have ,vhen they are washing towels or na.pery with-
things for dadding them ,vith ; and I see the petitioner
is a jeweller till his trade; and I thought he
had ane 0' thae Beetles, and set it all round with
diamonds; and I thought it a foolish and extravagant
idea; and I sa'v no resemblance it could have to a
Louse. But I find I ,vas mistaken, my Lord; and I
find it only a Beetle-clock the petitioner has; but my
opinion's the same as it was before. I say, my Lords,
'am for refusing the petition, I say--
"LORD "\VooDHousELEE.-There is a case abridged
in the third volume of the Dictionary of Decisions,
Chalmers 'lJ. Douglas, in which it ,vas found that
veritas convicii excusat, ,vhich may be rendered not
literally, but in a free and spirited manner, according
to the most approved principles of translation, 'the
truth of calumny affords a relevant defence.' If,
therefore, it be the la,v of Scotland (which I am
clearly of opinion it is) that the truth of the calumny
affords a relevant defence, and if it be likewise true
that the Diamond Beetle is really an Egyptian Louse,
I am inclined to conclude (though certainly the case
is attended with difficulty) that the defender ought
to be assoilzied. -Refuse.
"LORD JUSTICE-CLERK (RAE).-I am very ,veIl ac-
* llis Lordship usuall
. pronounced I a11l,-.A um4'
SCOTTISH LIF
? &: CH.ARAOTER. 165
quainted with the defender in this action, and have
respect for him, and esteeul him likewise. I know
him to be a skilful and expert surgeon, and also a
good man; and I ,vould do a great deal to serve him
or to be of use to him, if I had it in my po,ver to do
so. But I think on this occasion he has spoken
rashly, and I fear foolishly and improperly. I hope
he had no bad intention-I am sure he had not.
But the petitioner (for whom I have like,,'ise a great
respect, because I kl1e"\v his father, who was a very
respectable baker in Edinburgh, and supplied my
family ,vith bread, and very good bread it was, and
for which his accounts ,vere regularly discharged), it
seems, has a Clock or a Beetle, I think it is called a
Diamond Beetle, ,vhich he is very fond of, and has a
fancy for, and the defender has compared it to a
Louse, or a Bug, or a Flea, or a worse thing of that
kind, "\vith a view to render it despicable or ridiculous,
and the petitioner so likewise, as the proprietor O!
o,vner thereof. It is said that this is a Louse in fact,
and that the veritas convicii excusat; and mention is
made of a decision in the case of Chalmers v. Douglas.
I have al,vays had a great veneration for the de-
cisions of your Lordships; and I am sure ,viII al,vays
continue to have ,vhile I sit here; but that case was
determined by a very small majority, and I have
heard your Lordships nlention it on various occasions,
and you have always desiderated the propriety of it. 1
and I think have departed from it in some instances.
I remember the circumstances of the case ,vell:-
Helen Chalmers lived in 1\lusselburgh, and the de-
fender, 1\lrs. Douglas, lived in J.'isherrow; and at that
time there ,vas much intercourse between the genteel
inhabitants of Fisherro,v, and :!\Iusselburgh, and
lnveresk, and likewise Ne,vbigging; and there were
s
166
REMINISCENOES OF
balls, or dances, or assem b1ies every fortnight, or
oftener, and also sometimes I believe every week; and
there were card-parties, assemblies once a fortnight,
or oftener; and the young people danced there also,
and others played at cards, and there were various
refreshments, such as tea and coffee, and butter and
bread, and I believe, but I am not sure, porter and
negus, and likewise small beer. And it was at one of
these assemblies that Mrs. Douglas called Mrs. Chal-
mers very improper names. And Mrs. Chalmers
brought an action of defamation before the Commis-
saries, and it came by advocation into this Court,
and your Lordships allowed a proof of the veritas
convicii, and it lasted a very long time, and in
the end answered no good purpose even to the
defender herself, while it did much hurt to the
pursuer's character. I am therefore for REFUSING
such a proof in this case, and I think the petitioner
in this case and his Beetle ha ve been slandered, and
the petition ought to be seell.
" LORD METHvEN.-If I understand this-a-a-a
-interlocutor, it is not said that the-a-a-a-a-
Egyptian Lice are Beetles, but that they m
y be, or
-a-a-a-a-resemble Beetles. I am therefore
for sending the process to the Ordinary to ascertain
the fact, as I think it depends upon that whether
there be-a-a-a-a-convicium or not. I think also
the petitioner should be ordained to-a-a-a-pro-
duce his Beetle, and the defender an Egyptian Louse
or Pediculus, and if he has not one, that he should
take a diligence-a-a-a-against havers to recover
Lice of various kinds; and these may be remitted to
Dr. Monro, or Mr. Playfair, or to SOllle other naturalist.,
to report upon the subject.
"Agreed to."
saOT1'ISH LIFE
CHARAOTER. 1
;
This is clearly a Reminiscence of a bygone state of
matters in the Court of Session. I think every reader
in our day, of the once famous Beetle case, will come
to the conclusion that, making all due allowance for
the humorous embellishment of the description, and
even for some exaggeration of caricature, it describes
what ,vas once a real state of matters, ,vhich, he will
be sure, is real no more. The day of Judges of the
Balmuto-Hermand-Polkemmet class has passed away,
and is become a Scottish Reminiscence. Having thus
brought before my readers sonle Reminiscences of past
times from the Courts of Justice, let me advert to one
which belongs to, or was supposed to belong to, past
days of our Scottish universities. It is now a matter
of tradition. But an idea prevailed, whether correctl);
or incorrectly, some eighty or a hundred years ago,
that at northern colleges degrees ,yere regularly sold,
a,nd those who could pay the price obtained theIn,
,vithout reference to the merits or attainments of those
on ,,
horn they ,vere conferred. ,V e have heard of
divers jokes being passed on those who were supposed
to have received such academical honours, as \\'eIl as
on those ,vho ha.d given them. It is said Dr Samuel
J ohn80n joined in this sarcastic humour. But his
prejudices both against Scotland and Scottish literature
,vere ,vell kno,vn. Colman, in his amusing play of
the" Heir at Law," Dlakes his Dr. Pangloss ludicrously
describe his receiving an LL.D. degree, on the grounùs
of his own celebrity (a
he had never seen the college),
and his paying the heads one pound fifteen shillings
and threepence three farthings as a handsome compli-
Illent to them on receiving his diploma. Cohnan
certainly had studied at a northern university. But
he Inight have gone into the idea in fun. Ho\vevtl'
this may be, an anecdote is currell t in the eaast of
168
REJIINISOENOES OF
Scotland, which is illustrative of this real or supposed
state of matters, to which we may indeed apply the
Italian phrase that if" non vero" it is " ben trovato."
The story is this :-An East Lothian minister, ac-
companied by his man, who acted as betheral of his
parish, went over to a northern university to purchase
his degree, and on their return home he gave strict
charge to his man, that as now he was invested with
academical honour, he was to be sure to say, if any
one asked for the minister, " 0 yes, the Doctor is at
home, or the Doctor is in the study, or the Doctor is
out, as the case might be." The man at once ac-
quiesced in the propriety of this observance on account
of his master's newly-acquired dignity. But he quietly
added, " Ay, ay, minister; an' if ony ane speirs for
me, the servants mann be sure to say, Oh, the Doctor's
in the stable, or the Doctor's in the kitchen, or the
Doctor's in the garden or the field." " What do you
mean, Dauvid 1" exclaÏ1ned his astonished master;
"what can you have to do ,vith Doctor
" " Weel,
ye see, sir," said David, looking very knowing, "when
ye got your degree, I thought that as J had bayed a
little money, I couldna lay it out better, as being
betheral of the church, than tak out a degree to
mysell." The story bears upon the practice, whether
a real or a supposed one; and we Inay fairly say that
under such principals as Shairp, Tulloch, Canlpbell,
Ba.rclay, who now adorn the Scottish universities, "re
have a guarantee that such reports must continue to
be Reminiscence and traditional only.
SOOTTISH LIFE &: aHAR.AOTEJ1.. 169
CHAPTER TI-IE SIXTH.
ON HU?tIOUR PROCEEDING FRO:r.I SCOTTISH EXPRES-
SIONS, INCLUDING SCOTTISH PROVERBS.
WE come next to Reminiscences which are chiefly con-
nected with peculiarities of our Scottish LANGUAGE,
whether contained in words or in expressions. I am
quite aware that the difference between the anecdotes
belonging to this division and to the last division
termed ""\Vit and Humour" is very indistinct, and
must, in fact, in many cases, be quite arbitrary. Much
of what we enjoy most in Scottish
tories is not on
account of wit properly so called, in the speaker, but
I should say rather from the odd and unexpected view
which is taken of some matter, or from the quaint and
original turn of the expression made use of, or from
the simple and matter-of-fact reference made to cir-
cumstances which are unusual. I shall not, therefore,
be careful to preserve any strict line of separation
between this division and the next. Each is conversant
with what is amusing and with what is Scotch. W"hat
,ve have now chiefly to illustrate by suitable anec-
dotes is peculiarities of Scottish language-its various
humorous turns and odd expressions.
'Ve have no,v to consider stories where ,vords and
expressions, which are peculiarly Scotch, impart the
humour and t.he point. Sometimes they are altogether
incapable of being rendered in other language. As,
for example, a parishioner in an Ayrshire village.
meeting his pastor, who had just returned after a con-
170
REMINISOENOES 011
siderable absence on account of ill health, congratu-
lated him on his convalescence, and added, anticipatory
of the pleasure he would have in hearing him again,
" I'm unco yuckie to hear a blaud 0' your gab." This
is an untranslatable form of saying how glad he should
be to hear his minister's voice again speaking to him
the words of salvation and of peace from the pulpit.
The two following are good examples of that Scot-
tish style of expression which has its own character.
They are kindly sent by Sir Archibald Dunbar. The
first illustrates Scottish acute discernment. A certain
titled lady, well known around her country town for
her long-continued and extensive charities, ,vhich are
not ,vithheld from those who least deserve them, had
a few years since, by the unexpected death of her
brother and of his only son, become possessor of a
fine estate. The news soon spread in the neighbour-
hood, and a group of old women ,vere overheard in
the streets of Elgin discussing the fact. One of them
said, "Ay, she may prosper, for she has baith the
prayers of the good and of the bad."
The second anecdote is a delightful illustration of
l\Irs. Hamilton's Cottage'rs of Glenb'lf/rnie, and of the old-
fashioned Scottish pride in the midden. About twenty
years ago, under the apprehension of cholera, commit-
tees of the most influential inhabitants of the county
of Moray ,vere formed to enforce a more complete
cleansing of its towns and villages, and to induce the
cottagers to remove their dunghills or dung-pits from
too close a proximity to their doors or windows. One
determined woman, on the outskirts of the town of
"orres, no doubt with her future potato crop in view,
met the l\1.P. who headed one of these committees,
thus, , N 00, Major, ye may tak our lives, but ye'll no
tak our middens."
SCOTTISH LI1YE
CHARACTER. 171
The truth is, many of the peculiarities ,vhich marked
Scottish society departed with the disuse of the Scot.
tish dialect in the upper ranks. I recollect a familiar
example of this, which I may ,vell term a Reminis-
cence. ...L\.t a party assembled in a county house, the
Earl of Elgin (grandfather.of the present Earl) came
up to the tea-table, ,vhere Mrs. Forbes of 1Ied,vyn,
one of the finest examples of the past Scottish lady,
was sitting, evidently much engaged with her occupa-
tion. " You are fond of your tea, l\frs. Forbes
"
The reply was quite a characteristic one, and a pure
reminiscence of such a place and such interlocutors;
"'Deed, my Lord, I ,vadna gie my tea for your yerl-
dome "
1\Iy aunt, the late Lady Burnett of Leys, ,vas one of
the class of Scottish ladies I have referred to ;-tho-
roughly a good ,yornan and a gentle\von1an, but in
dialect quite Scottish. For example, being shocked
at the sharp Aberdonian pronunciation adopted by
her children, instead of the broader Forfardhire model
in which she had been brought up, she thus adverted
to their manner of calling the floor of the room where
they ,vere playing:" "That gars ye ca' it 'flee??'
canna ye ca' it 'flure?' But I needna speak; Sir
Robert ,,,-inna let me corree' your language."
In respect of language, no doubt, a very important
change has taken place in Scotland during the last
seventy years, and which, I believe, influences, in a
greater degree than many persons would imagine,
the turn of thought and general modes and aspects of
society. In losing the old racy Scottish tongue, it
seems as if much originality of chrtracter ,vas lost. I
suppose at one time the two countries of EnglanJ and
Scotland were considered as almost speaking different
l
nguages, and I suppose also, that from t.he period of
172
RElJtfINISCENOES OF
the union of the cro,vns the language has been assimi-
lating. 'Ve see the process of assimilation going on,
and ere long amongst persons of education and birth
very little difference will be perceptible. With regard
to that class, a great change has taken place in my
o\vn time. I recollect old Scottish ladies and gentle-
men who really spoke Scotch. It was not, mark me,
speaking English with an accent. No; it was down-
right Scotch. Every tone and every syllable was
Scotch. For example, I recollect old Miss Erskine of
Dun, a fine specimen of a real lady, and daughter of
an ancient Scottish house, so speaking. Many people
now would not understand her. She ,vas always the
lady, notwithstanding her dialect, and to none could
the epithet vulgar be less appropriately applied. I
speak of more than forty years ago, and yet I recollect
her accost to me as well as if it were yesterday: "I
didna ken ye were i' the toun." Taking word and
accents together, an address how totally unlike what
we now meet with in society. Some of the old Scot-
tish words which we can remember are charming;
but how strange they ,vould sound to the ears of the
present generation! Fancy that in walking from
church, and discussing the sermon, a lady of rank
should now express her opinion of it by the description
of its being, "but a hummelcorn discourse." Many
living persons can remember Angus old ladies who
would say to their nieces and daughters, "Whatna
hummeldoddie 0' a mutch hae ye gotten
" meaning
a flat and low-crowned cap. In speaking of the dry-
ness of the soil on a road in Lanarkshire, a farmer
said, "It stoors in an o or. " * How would this be as
· Stoor is, Scotticé, dust in motion, and has no English syno-
nym; oor is hour. Sir Walter Scott is said to have advised an
A LO\VLA
lJ COTTAGE
From a .water-colour drawÙtg by
IIE
YRY TV. KERR,
A.R.S.A., R.S.fV.
\...
j
SOOTTISH LIFE J: CHARAOTER. 173
tersely translated into English
The late Duchess
of Gordon sat at dinner next an English gentleman
\vho was carving, and \vho made it a boast that he
was thoroughly master of the Scottish language. Her
Grace turned to him and said, "Rax me a spaul 0'
that bubbly jock." * The unfortunate man was com-
pletely nonplussed. A Scottish gentleman \vas enter-
taining at his house an English cousin \vho professed
himself as rather kno\ving in the language of the north
side of the Tweed. He asked him what he supposed
to be the meaning of the expression, "ripin the ribs."t
To which he readily answered, "Oh, it describes a
very fat man." I profess myself an out-and-out
Scotchman. I have strong national partialities-call
them if you will national prej udices. I cherish a great
love of old Scottish language. Some of our pure
Scottish ballad poetry is unsurpassed in any language
for grace and pathos. Ho\v expressive, how beautiful
are its phrases ! You can't translate them. Take an
example of power in a Scottish expression, to describe
with tenderness and feeling what is in human life.
Take one of our most familiar phrases; as thus:- ,V e
meet an old friend, we talk over bygone days, and
remember many who were dear to us both, once
bright, and young, and gay, of whom some remain,
honoured, prosperous, and happy-of whom some are
under a cloud of misfortune or disgrace-some are
broken in bealth and spirits- some sunk into the
grave; we recall old familiar places-old companions,
artist, in painting a battle, not to deal with details, but to get
np a good stoor: then put in an amI and a sword here and therp.,
and leave all the rest to the imagination of the spectator.
* Reach me a leg of that turkey.
t Clearing ashes out of tbe bars of the grate.
174
REJllINISCENCES OF
pleasures, and pursuits; as Scotchmen our heart.8 art'
oouched with these remembrances of
AULD LANG SYNE.
Match me the phrase in English. You can't transla
it. The fitness and the beauty lie in the felicity of
the language. Like many happy expressions, it is not
transferable into another tongue, just like the "simplex
munclitiis" of Horace, which describes the natural
grace of female elegance, or the åY1Jg,OfliOV '1eÀa
/ka of
Æschylus, which describes the bright sparkling of the
ocean in the sun.
I think the power of Scottish dialect ,vas happily
exemplified by the late Dr. Adam, rector of the High
School of Edinburgh, in his translation of the Horatian
expression "desipere in loco," ,vhich he turned by the
Scotch phrase "W eel-timed daffin';" a translation,
however, which no one but a Scotchman could appre...
ciate. The following humorous Scottish translation
of an old Latin aphorism has been assigned to the late
Dr. Hill of St. Andrews: "Qui ben
cepit dÏ1nidiun
facti fecit," the \vitty Principal expressed in Scotch,
"Weel saipet (,veIl soaped) is half shayen."
'Vhat mere English word could have expressed
a distinction so ,veIl in such a case as the following'
I heard once a lady in Edinburgh objecting to a
preacher that she did not understand him. Another
lady, his great aùmirer, insinuated that probably he
,,,,as too "deep" for her to follow. But her ready
Jnswer ,;vas, "N a, na, he's no just deep, but he's
d'l'umly." *
"\Ve have a testimony to the value of our Scottish
language from a late illustrious Chancellor of the
· 1fentally confused. bIuddy when applied to water.
SCOTTljf}H L1FE æ CHARACTER. 175
University of Edinburgh, the force and authority of
which no one ,vill be disposed to question. Lord
Brougham, in speaking of improvements upon the
English language, makes these striking remarks :-
"The pure and classical language of Scotland must
on no account be regarded as a provincial dialect, any
more than French was so regarded in the reign of
Henry V., cr Italian in that of the first Napoleon, or
Greek under the Roman Empire. N or is it to be in
any manner of way considered as a corruption of the
Saxon; on the contrary, it contains much of the old and
genuine Saxon, with an intermixture from the Northern
nations, as Danes and Norse, and some, though a small
portion, from the Celtic. But in whatever way com-
posed, or from whatever sources arising, it is a national
language, used by the whole people in their early
years, by many learned and gifted persons throughout
life, and in which are written the la,vs of the Scotch,
their judicial proceedings, their ancient history; above
aU, their poetry.
"There can be no doubt that the English language
,vonld greatly gain by being enriclled ,vith a number
both of ,vords and of phrases, or turns of expression,
now peculiar to the Scotch. It ,vas by such a process
that the Greek became the first of tongues, as "Tell
\Vrittell as spoken.
""\V ould it not afford means of enriching and improv-
ing the English language, if full and accurate glossaries
of improved Scotch ,vords and phrases-those success-
fully used by the best ,vriters, both in prose and
verse-,vere given, ,vith distinct explanation and
reference to authorities 1 This has been done in
France and other countries, where some dictionaries
accom pany the English, ill some cases with Scotcb
17e
REJfINISCENCES OF
synonyms, in others with varieties of expression."-
Installation Address, p. 63.
The Scotch, as a people, from their more guarded
and composed method of speaking, are not so liable
to fall into that figure of speech for which our Irish
neighbours are celebrated-usually called the Bull;
some specimens, ho\vever, of that confusion of
thought, very like a bull, have been recorded of
Scottish interlocutors.
Of this the two follo"\ving examples have been sent
to me by a kind friend.
It is related of a Scottish judge (who has supplied
several anecdotes of Scottish stories), that on going
to consult a dentist, ,vho, as is usual, placed him in
the professional cI1air, and told his lordship that he
must let him put his fingers into his mouth, he
exclaimed, "Na! na! ye'll aiblins bite me."
A Scottish laird, singularly enough the grandson of
the learned judge mentioned above, when going his
round to canvass for the county, at the time when the
electors were chiefly confined to resident proprietors,
was asked at one house where he called if he would
not take some refreshment, hesitated, and said, "I
doubt it's treating, and may be ca'd b'ribe1.Y."
But a still more amusing specimen of this figure of
speech was supplied by an honest Highlander, in the
days of sedan chairs. For the benefit of my young
readers I may describe the sedan chair as a comfort-
able little carriage fixed to two poles, and carried by
two men, one behind and one before. A do,vager
lady of quality had gone out to dinner in one of
these "leathern conveniences," and whilst sIle herself
enjoyed the hospitality of the mansion upstairs, her
bearers were profusely entertained d<.nvnstairs, and
SCOTTISH LIFE
OHAR.Á.(JTER. 177
partook of the abundant refreshment offered to them.
"\Vhen my lady was to return, and had taken her
place in the sedan, her bearers raised the chair, but
she found no progress ,vas made-she felt herself
sway first to one side, then to the other, and soon
came bump upon the ground, when Donald behind
was heard shouting to Donald before (for th
bearers
of sedans were always Highlanders), "Let her down,
Donald, man, for she's dTunk."
I cannot help thinking that a change of national
language involves to some extent change of national
character. Numerous examples of great power in
Scottish Phraseology, to express the picturesque, the
feeling, the ,vise, and the humorous, might be taken
from the ,yorks of Robert Burns, Ferguson, or Allan
Ramsay, and which lose their charms altogether when
unscottijìed. The speaker certainly seems to take a
strength and character from his words. 'Ve must
now look for specimens of this racy and expressive
tongue in the more retired parts of the country It
is no longer to be found in high places. It has dis-
appeared from the socia] circles of our cities. I can-
not, however, omit calling my reader's attention to a
charming specimen of Scottish prose and of Scottish
humour of our o\vn day, contained in a little book,
entitled "Mystifications," by Clementina Stirling
Graham. The scenes described in that volulue are
matters of pleasing reminiscence, and to some of us
,vho still remain ",viII recall that blithe and ,vinning
face, sagacious and sincere, that kindly, cheery voice,
that rich and quiet laugh, that mingled sense and
sensibility, ,vhich met, and stil1 to our happiness nleet,
ill her who, with all her gifts, never gratified her
consciousness of these powers so as to give pain to
178
REJ.llINISOEJ:.lOES Olf
any human being." *' These words, ,vritten more
than ten years ago, might have been penned yester--
day; and those who, like myself, have had the
privilege of seeing the authoress presiding in her
beautiful mansion of Duntrune, will not soon forget
how happy, how gracious, and how young, old age
may be.
I I No fears to beat away -no strife to heal;
The past unsighed for, and the future sure."
In my early days the intercourse with the peasantry
of Forfarshire, Kincardineshire, and especially Deeside,
was most amusing-not that the things said were so
much out of the common, as that the language in
which they were conveyed was picturesque, and odd,
and taking. And certainly it does appear to me that
as the language grows more uniform and conventional,
less marked and peculiar in its dialect and expressions,
so does the character of those who speak it become
so. I have a rich sample of Mid-Lothian Scotch
from a young friend in the country, w'ho describes the
conversation of an old ,voman on the property as
amusing her by such specimens of genuine Scottish
raciness and humour. On one occasion, for instance,
the young lady had told her humble friend that she
'\vas going to Ireland, and would have to undergo a
sea voyage. "Weel, noo, ye dinna mean that!
Anee I thocht to gang across to tither side 0' the
Queensferry wi' some ither folks to a fair, ye ken ;
lnlt juist whene'er I pat Iny fit in the boat, the boat
gae ,vallop, and IllY heart gae a Iou p, and I thoch t
I'd gang oot 0' my judgmpnt athegither; so says I,
Na, na, ye gang a,va by yoursel]s to tither side, anù
· Prefa.c
to 4th edition of .JfystijicatÙnl,s, by Dr. John Bro\Vv
SOOTTISH LIFl1" æ OHARA.OTER. 17
I'll bide here till sic times as ye come a,va back.'.
\Vhen ,ve hear our Scottish language at home, and
'poken by our own countrymen, we are not so much
truck with any remarkable effects; but it takes a far
more impressive character when heard amongst those
who speak a different tongue, and when encountered
in other lands. I recollect hearing the late Sir Robert
Liston expressing this feeling in his own case. \Vhen
our ambassador at Constantinople, some Scotchmen
had been recommended to him for a purpose of
private or of government business; and Sir Robert
,vas al,vays ready to do a kind thing for a country-
nlan. He found them out in a barber's shop,
waiting for being shaved in turn. One came in
rather late, and seeing he had scarcely room at the
end of the seat, addressed his countryman, "Neebour,
,vad ye sit a bit wast?" What strong associations
must have been called up, by hearing in an eastern
land such an expression in Scottish tones.
We may observe here, that marking the course any
person is to take, or the direction in which any
object is to be met ,vith, by the points of the compass,
,vas a prevailing practice alnongst the older Scottish
race. There could hardly be a more ludicrous appli-
cation of the test, than ,vas furnished by an honest
Highlanùer in describing the direction ,vhich hii
Inedicine \vould not take. Jean Cunlming of Altyr
,
,vho, in common with her three sisters, ,vas a true
æur de charité, was one day taking her rouIllls as
usual, visiting the poor sick, aUlong 'VhOlll there wa
a certain Donald MacQueen, who had been some time
confined to his bed. Ivliss Cumnling, after asking
hÌIn ho,v he felt, and finding that he ,vas" no better."
of course inquired if he had taken the medicine which
she had sent him; "Troth no, me lady," he replied.
18u
REltfINISCENCES OF
U But why not, Donald f' she answered; "it was 'very
wrong; how can you expect to get better if you do
not help yourself with the remedies which heaven
provides for you 1" "Vl'ight or Vrang," said Donald,
"it wadna gang wast in spite 0' me." In all the
north country, it is al\vays said, "I'm ganging east
or west," etc., and it happened that Donald on his
sick bed was lying east and west, his feet pointing to
the latter direction, hence his reply to indicate that
he could not swallo,,,, the medicine!
We may fancy the amusement of the officers of a
regiment in the West Indies, at the innocent renlark
of a young lad who had just joined from Scotland.
On meeting at dinner, his salutation to his Colonel
was, "Anither het day, Cornal," as if "het days"
were in Barbadoes few and far between, as they were
in his dear old stormy cloudy Scotland. Or t
:ke the
case of a Scottish saying, ,vhich indicated at once the
dialect and the economical habits of a hardy and
struggling race. A young Scotchman, \vho had been
some time in London, met his friend recently come up
from the north to pursue his fortune in the great
metropolis. On discussing matters connected with
their new life in London, the more experienced visitor
remarked upon the greater expenses there than in the
retired Scottish town which they had left. " Ay,"
said the other, sighing over the reflection, "when ye
get cheenge for a saxpence here, it's soon slippit awa'."
I recollect a story of my father's "Thich illustrates the
force of dialect, although confined to the inflections of
a single Dlonosyllable. On riding home one evening,
lIe passed a cottage or small farul-house, where theré
,vas a considerable assemblage of people, and an
evident incipient meITy.making for some festive
occasion. On asking one of the lasses standing about.
SCOTTISH LIFE & CHARAC1'ER. 181
",.hat it ""'as, she ans,vered, "Ou, it's just a wedding
0' ,-10ck Thamson and Janet Frazer." To the question,
"Is the bride rich
" there ,vas a plain quiet" Na."
"Is she young
" a more emphatic and decided "Naa!"
but to the query, "Is she bonny 1" a most elaborat
and prolonged shout of "Naaa!"
It has been said that the Scottish dialect is pecu-
liarly po,verful in its use of 'rowels, and the follo,ving
dialogue bet,veen a shopman and a customer has been
given as a specimen. The conversation relates to ß
plaid hanging at the shop door-
Cus. (inquiring the material), 00
(wool
)
Shop. Ay, 00 (ye8
of ,vooI).
CUiJ. 1\.' 00
(all wool
)
Shop. Ay, a' 00 (yes, all \vool).
Cus. A' ae 00
(all same wool 1)
Shop. Ay a' ae 00 (yes, all same wool).
An amusing anecdote of a pithy and jocular reply,
comprised in one syllable, is recorded of an eccentric
legal Scottish functionary of the last century. An
advocate, of whose professional qualifications he had
formed rather a low estimate, ,vas complaining to hinl
of being passed over in a recent appointment to the
bench, and expressed his sense of the injustice with
"T hich he had been treated. He was very indignant
at his claims and merit being overlooked in their not
choosing him for the new judge, adding with much
acrimony, " And I can tell you they might have got a
, waur.' " * To \v hich, as if merely eoming over the
complainant's language again, the answer was a grave
" 'Vhaur 1 "t The merit of the impertinence ,vas, that
it sounded as if it were merely a repetition of his
friend's last words, waur and whaur. It was as if "echc
ans\\"'ered whaur 1 " As I have said, the oddity and
· Worse.. t Where.
T
182
BE},[INISOENCES OF
acuteness of the speaker arose from the manner of ex-
pression, not from the thing said. In fact, the same
thing said in plain English would be mere common-
place. I recollect being much amused with a dialogue
between a late excellent relative of mine and his
man, the chief manager of a fann which he had just
taken, and, I suspect in a good measure nlanager of the
farmer as well. At any rate he committed to this
acute overseer all the practical details; and on the
present occasion had sent him to market to dispose of
a cow and a pony, a simple enough transaction, and
with a simple enough result. The co,v was brought
back, the pony ,vas sold. But the man's description
of it forms the point. " Well, John, have you sold
the cow 1 " " N a, but I g'rippit a chiel for the powny !"
" G'rippit" was here most expressive. Indeed, this
word has a significance hardly expressed by any
English one, and used to be very prevalent to indicate
keen and forcible tenacity of possession; thus a
character noted for avarice or sharp looking to self-
interest was termed" grippy." In mechanical contriv-
ances, anything taking a close adherence \vas called
having a gude g'rip. I recollect in boyish days, \vhen
on Deeside taking wasp-nests, an old man looking on
was sharply stung by one, and his description was,
" Ane 0' them's grippit me fine." The following had
an indescribable piquancy, which arose from the Scot-
ticisrn of the terms and the lnanners. Many years ago,
when accompanying a shooting party on the Gram-
pians, not with a gun like the rest, but with a bota-
nical box for collecting specimens of mountain plants,
the party had got very hot, and very tired, and very
cross. On the way home, whilst sitting down to rest,
a gamekeeper sort of attendant, and a character in his
way, said, "I wish I was in the dining-room of Fasque."
SCOTTISH LIFE
CHARACTER. 183
Our good cousin the Rev. Mr. Wilson, D1inister of
Farnel, who liked ",yell a quiet shot at the grouse, rather
testily replied, "Y e'd soon be kickit out 0' that;" to
which the other replied, not at all daunted, "W eel,
,,"eel, then I wadna be far frae the Idtchen." A quaint
and characteristic reply I re
ollect from another farm-
servant.
Iy eldest brother had just been con-
structing a piece of machinery which ",vas driven by
a stream of water running through the home farm-
yard. There was a thrashing machine, a ,vinno,ving
machine, and circular sa\v for splitting trees into pal-
ing, and other contrivances of a like kind. Observing
an old man, ,\"ho had long been about the place, look-
ing very attentively at all that was going on, he
said, "'V onderful things people can do llO'V, Robby! "
" Ay," said Robby; "indeed, Sir Alexander, I'm think-
ing gin Solomon were alive noo he'd be thocht nae-
thing 0' ! "
The two follo,ving derive their force entirely from
the Scottish turn of the expressions. Translated into
English, they ,vould lose all point-at least, much of
the point which they no,v have :-
At the sale of an antiquarian gentleman's effects in
Roxburghshire, ,vhich Sir "r alter Scott happened to
attend, there ""as one little article, a Roman patina,
'\vhich occasioned a good deal of competition, and was
eventually knocked down to the distinguished baronet
at a high price. Sir 'Valter ,vas excessively amused
during the time of bidding to observe how much it
excited the astonishment of an old woman, who had
evidently come there to buy culinary utensils on a
more economical principle. "If the parritch-pan,"
she at last burst out-" If the parritch-pan gangs at
that, ,vhat will the kail-pat gang for
"
An ancestor of Sir W alt
r Scott joined the Stuart
184
llEJlINISCENCES OF
Prince in 1 715, and, ,vith 11is brother, ,vas engaged
in that unfortunate adventure ,vhich ended in a skir-
n1ish and captivity at Preston. It was the fashion of
those tiInes for all persons of the rank of gentlemen
to wear scarlet waistcoats. A ball had struck one of
the brothers, and carried part of this dress into his
body, and in this condition he ,vas taken prisoner with
a number of his companions, and stripped, as ,,,,as too
often the practice in those remorseless 'val's. Thus
wounded, and nearly naked, having only a shirt on,
and an old sack about hiIn, the ancestor of the great
poet ,vas sitting, along ,vith his brother and a hun-
(Ired and fifty unfortunate gentlemen, in a granary at
Preston. The ,voundecl man fell sick, as the story
goes, and vomited the scarlet cloth which the ban
had passed into the wound. " 0 man, 'Vattie," cried
his brother, "if you have a ,vardrobe in your warne, I
,,,,ish you would vomit me a pair 0' breeks." But,
after all, it was amongst the old ladies that the great
abundance of choice pungent Scottish expressions, such
as you certainly do not meet ,vith in these days, ,vas
to be sought. In their position of society, education
either in England, or education conducted by English
teachers, has so spread in Scottish fantilies, and inter-
course ,vith the south has been so increased, that all
these colloquial peculiarities are fast disappearing.
Some of the ladies of this older school felt some in-
dignation at the change ,vhich they lived to see was
fast going on. One of them being asked if an indi-
vidual \vhom she had lately seen was "Scotch," an-
s,vered with some bitterness, "I canna say; ye a'
speak sae genteel now that I dinna ken wha's Scotch."
It was not uncommon to find, in young persons,
examples, some years ago, of an attachment to the
Scottish dialect, likp that of the old lady. In the
SCOTTISH LIFE æ ClIARAOTER. 185
life of P. Tytler, lately published, there is an account
of his first return to Scotland froln a school in Eng-
land. His family ,vere delighted ,vith his appearance,
nlanners, and general in1provement; but a sister did
not share this pleasure unn1Ìxerl, for being found in
tears, and the remark being made, "Is he not charnl-
iug
" her reply was, in great distress, "Oh yes, but
he speaks English!"
The class of old Scottish ladies, D1arked by so many
peculiarities, generally lived in provincial towns, and
never dreamt of going from hon1e. Many had never
been in London, or had even crossed the Tweed.
But as Lord Cockburn's experience goes back further
than mine, and as he had special opportunities of
being acquainted ,vith their characteristic peculiarities
I will quote his animated description at page 57 of his
,;lfemo1"'Íals. "There ,vas a singular race of old Scotch
ladies. They ,vere a delightful set-strong-headed,
\varm-hearted, and high-spirited-merry even in soli-
tude; very resolute; indifferent about the modes and
habits of the modern world, and adhering to their
o,vn ,vays, so as to stand out like primitive rocks
above ordinary society. Their prOtnillent qualities of
sense, humour, affection, and spirit, were enlbodied in
curious outsides, for they all dressed, and spoke}
and did exactly 3.8 they chose. Their language, like
their habits, entirely Scotch, but without any other
vulgarity than ,vhat perfect naturalness is sOlnetimes
mistaken for." *
This is a masterly description of a race now all but
passed away. I have kno\vn several of them in my
early days; and amongst them \ve nHlst look for th-r
racy Scottish peculiarities of diction and of expression
which, with them, are also nearly gone. Lord
it Lord Cock1Jufn's Jfe7Jlorials, p. 68.
186
RE.i}[INISOENOES OF
Cockburn has given some illustrations of these pecu-
liarities ; and I have heard others, especially connected
with Jacobite partialities, of which I say nothing, as
they are in fact rather strong for such a ,vork as this.
One, however, I heard lately as coming from a Forfar-
shire old lady of this class, which bears upon the point
of " resolute n determination referred to in the learned
juùge's description. She had been very positive in
the disclaiming of some assertion which had been
attributed to her, and on being asked if she had not
,vritten it, or something very like it, she replied, " N a,
na; I never write onything of consequence-I Inay
deny what I say, but I canna deny what I write."
Mrs. Baird of Newbyth, the mother of our dis-
tinguished countryman the late General Sir David
Baird, was always spoken of as a grand specimen of
the class. When the news arrived f
'gm India of the
gallant but unfortunate action of '84 against Hyder
Ali, in which her son, then Captain Baird, ,vas engaged,
it was stated that he and other officers had been taken
prisoners and chained together t,vo and two. Thö
friends ,vere careful in breaking such sad intelligence
to the mother of Captain Baird. 'Vhen, how"ever,
she was made fully to understand the position of her
son and his gallant companions, disdaining all weak
and useless expressions of her own grief, and knowing
well the restless and athletic habits of her son, all
she said ,vas, "Lord pity the chiel that's chained to
our Davie! "
It is only due to the memory of "our Davie," how-
ever, to add that the" chiel "to whom he ,,"as chained,
had, in writing home to his friends, borne the highest
testimony to the kindness and consideration of
Captain Baird, which he exercised towards him in
this uncomfortable alliance. General Baird was a first;.
SCOTTISH LIFE & OHARACTER. 187
rate officer, and a fine noble character. lIe left home
for active service so soon (before he ,vas fifteen) that
his education had necessarily been very imperfect.
This deficiency he had always himself through life
deeply regretted. A military friend, and great
admirer of Sir David, used jocularly to tell a story of
him-that having finished the despatch which must
carry home the news of his great action, the capture
of Seringapatam, as he was preparing to sign it in
great form, he deliberately took off his coat. " "Thy
do you take off your coat
n said his friend. To
which the General quietly answered, " Oh, it's to turn
the muckle D in Dauvid."
The ladies of this class had certainly no affectation
in speaking of those ,vho came under their displeasure,
even ,vhen life and death were concerned. I had an
anecdote illustrative of this characteristic in a well..
known old lady of the last century, Miss J ohnstolle
of 'Vesterhall. She had been extremely indignant
that, on the death of her brother, his widow had
proposed to sell off the old furniture of vVesterhall.
She was attached to it from old associations, and
considered the parting ,vith it little short of sacrilege.
The event \\Tas, ho\vever, arrested by death, or, as she
describes the result, " The furniture ,vas a' to be roupit,
and we couldna persuade her. But before the sale
carn on, in God's gude providence she just clinkit aff
hersell." Of this same 1iiss Johnstone another
characteristic anecdote has been preserved in the
faruily. She caIne into possession of Hawkhill, near
Edinburgh, and died there. 'Vhen dying, a tremendous
storm of rain and thunder came on, so as to shake
the house. In her own quaint eccentric spirit, and
with no thought of profane or light allusions, she
looked up, and, listening to the storm, quietly
188
.REJ.
/IJ.VISGENOES O
P
remarked, in reference to her departure, "Ech, sirs!
what a nicht for me to be fleein' through the air!"
Of fine acute sarcasm I recollect hearing an expres-
ion from a mndern sample of the class, a charming
chnxacter, but only to a certain degree answering to
the description of the older generation. Conversation
turning, and with just indignation, on the infidel
remarks ,vhich had been heard from a certain indi-
vidual, and on his irreverent treatment of Holv
Scripture, all that this lady condescended to say
f
him ,vas, "Gey impudent of him, I think."
A recorded reply of old Lady Perth to a French
gentleman is quaint and characteristic. They had
been discussing the respective merits of the cookery
of each country. The Frenchlnan offended the old
Scottish peeress by sorne disparaging remarks on
ScC"ttish dishes, and by highly preferring those of
France. All she would answer was, "'V eel, "
eel,
some fowk like parritch and some like paddocks." *
Of this olcIer race-the ladies who were aged, fifty
years ago-no description could be given in bolder or
stronger out1ine than that which I have quoted fron1
Lord Cockburn. I would pretend to nothing rnore
than giving a fe"r further illustrative details from my
own experience, which may assist the representation
by adding some practical realities to the picture.
Several of them whom I kne,v in my early days cer-
tainly answered to many of the terms nlade use of by
his lordship. Their language and expressions had a
zest and peculiarity which are gone, and which would
not, I fear, do for modern life and tinles.
I have spoken of Miss Erskine of Dun, which is
near Montrose. She, ho,vever, resided in Edinburgh.
But those I knew best bad lived many years in the
.. }'ro
s.
THE l\1UTCH
From a -water-colour dra;ubz.g by
lJEArRY TV. f(ERR,
A .R.S.A., R.5.1r.
.
\
I
...-.1
seOTTISH LIFE
OHARACJ.'Elt. 189
'then retired society of a country to\vn. Some were
my own relations; and in boyish days (for they had
not generally much patience with boys) were looked
up to ,,'ith considerable awe as very formidable
personages. Their characters and modes of expression
in many respects remarkably corresponded ,vith Lord
Cockburn's idea of thf' race. There ,vas a dry
Scottish humour which ,ve fear their successors do
not inherit. One of these
fontrose ladies,
fiss Nelly
Fullerton, had many anecdotes told of her quaint
\vays and sayings. "r alking in the street one day,
slippery from frost, she fairly fell do,vn. A young
officer ,vith much politeness came for,vard and picked
her up, earnestly asking her at the same tirne. " I hope
ma'am, you are no \vorse î" to which she very drily
ans,vered, looking at him very steadily," 'Deed, sir,
I'm just as little the better." .A few days after, she
nlet her military supporter in a shop. He ,vas a fiue
tall youth, up\vards of six feet high, and br ,yay of
making some grateful recognition for his late polite
attention, she eyed hÍIn from head to foot, and as she
was of the opinion of the old Scotch lady 'v ho de.
clared she "aye liked bonny fo,vk," she viewed her
young friend with much satisfaction, but which she
only evinced by the quaint remark, "Od, ye're a lang
lad; God gie ye grace."
I had from a relative or intimate friend of two
sisters of this school, well known about Glasgow, an
odd account of \vhat it seems, from their o,vn statement,
had passed between them at a country house, where
they had attended a sale by auction. As the business
of the day ,vent on, a dozen of silver spoons had to
be disposed of; and before they w'er(
put up for
competition, they were, according to the usual custom,
handed round for inspection to the COUlp.Ul)P. WbeD
190
RElffINISOENOES OF
returned into the hands of the auctioneer, he found
only eleven. In great .w-rath, he ordered the door to
be shut, that no one might escape, and insisted on
everyone present being searched to discover the
delinquent. One of the sisters, in consternation,
,vhispered to the other, "Esther, ye hae nae gotten
the spune 1" to ,vhich she replied, "Na; but I hae
gotten Mrs. Siddons in my pocket." She had been
struck by a miniature of the great actress, and had
quietly pocketed it. The cautious reply of the sister
was, "Then just drop her, Esther." One of the sister-
hood, a connection of my own, had much of this dry
Scottish hunlonr. She had a lodging in the house of
a respectable grocer; and on her uiece most innocently
asking, "if she was not very fond of her landlord,"
in reference to the excellence of her apartments and
the attention he paid to her comfort, she dernurred
to the question on the score of its propriety, by reply-
ing, "Fond of my landlord! that ,,,,ould be an
1tnaccountable fondness."
An amusing account was given of an interview and
conversation between this lady and the provost of
Montrose. She had demurred at paying some nluni-
cipal tax with \vhich she had been charged, and the
provost, anxious to preveut her getting into difficulty
on the subject, kindly called to convince her of the
fairness of the claim, and the necessity of paying it.
In his explanation he referred back to his o,vn bachelor
days ,vhen a sÌIllilar payment had been required from
him. "I assure you, ma'am," he said, "'v hen I \vas
in your situation I ,vas called upon in a similar way
for this tax;" to which she replied, in quiet scorn,
" In my situation! an' whan were ye in my situation
-an' auld maid Ieevin' in a fiat \vi' an ae lass."
But the complaints of such imposts were urged in a
ßC01.'TISH LIFE d: OHARAOTER. 191
very humorous manner by another l\Iontrose old lady,
Miss Helen Carnegy of Craigo; she hated paying
taxes, and always pretended to misunderstand their
nature. One day, receiving a notice of such paYlnent
signed by the provost (Thorn), she broke out: "I
dinna understand thae taxes; but I just think that
when Mrs. Thorn \vants a new gown, the provost sends
me a tax paper!" The good lady's naïve rejection
of the idea that she could be in any sense "fond of
her landlord," already referred to, was somewhat in
unison with a siluilar feeling recorded to have been ex-
pressed by the late Mr. Wilson, the celebrated Scottish
vocalist. lIe ,vas taking lessons from the late Mr.
Finlay Dun, one of the most accomplished nlusicians
of the day.
Ir. Dun had just returned from Italy,
and, impressed with admiration of the deep pathos,
sentiment, and passion of the Italian school of music,
he regretted to find in his pupil so lovely a voice and
so much talent losing much of its effect for want of
feeling. Anxious, therefore, to thro\v into his friend's
performance something of the Italian expression, he
proposed to bring it out by this suggestion: " Now,
::\11'. 'Vilsoll, just suppose that I am your lady love,
and sing to Ine as you could imagine yourself doing
\vere you desirous of inlpressing bel' \vith your earnest-
ness and affection." Poor 1\11'. Wilson hesitated,
blushed, a.nù, under doubt how far such a personifi-
cation even in his case was allo,vable, at last remOll-
strated, " Ay, Mr. Dun, ye forget I'm a married man !"
A case has been reported of a country girl, ho,\T-
ever, ,vho thought it possible there might be an
excess in such scrupulous regard to appearances. On
her marriage-day, the youth to 'v horn she \vas about
to be united said to her in a. triumphant toqe, " \Veel,
Jenny, haven't I been uneD ceevil1" alluding to tbe
192
RE.1fINISCE...YCES OF
fact. that during their w bole courtship be had never
even given her a kiss. Her quiet reply was, " Ou, ay,
DJan; senselessly ceevil."
One of these Montrose ladies and a sister lived
together; and in a very quiet ,yay they ,,,,ere in the
habit of giving little dinner-parties, to \vhich occasion-
ally they invited their gentlemen friends. HO\Yever,
gentlemen were not al\vays to be had; anrl on one
occasion, when such a difficulty had occurred, they
were talking over the matter with a friend. The
one lady seenled to consider such an acquisition. almost
essential to the having a dinner at all. The other,
who did not see the same necessity, quietly adding,
,. But, indeed, 001' Jean thinks a Ulan pelJiect salvation."
Very much of the same class of remarks was the
following sly observation of one of the sisterhood.
At a well-known tea-table in a country to,vn in Forfar-
shire, the events of the day, grave and gay, had beeu
fully discussed by the assembled sisterhood. The
occasion was improved by an elderly spinster, as
follows :-" "\\T eel, weel, sirs, these are solemn events
-death and nlarriage-but ye ken they're ,vhat we
must a' come till." "Eh, Miss J eany! ye have been
lang spared," was the arch reply of a younger member.
There was occasionally a pawky sen1i-sarcastic
}}umour in the replies of some of the ladies we speak
of, that \vas quite irresistible, of which I have from a
.friend a good illustration in an anecdote ,veIl known
at the time. A late ,veIl-known melnber of the
Scottish bar, when a youth, was somewhat of a dandy,
and, I suppose, some\vhat short and sharp in his
temper. He \vas going to pay a visit in the country,
and was nUtking a great fuss about his preparing and
putting up his habiliments. His old aunt 'Ya
n1uch
I.nnoyeù at- all this bustle, anù stopppd him Ly the
SCOTTlS.'! LIPE
CHARACTER. 198
somewhat contemptuous question, " 'Vhar's this you're
gaun, Robby, that ye mak sic a grand "
ark about yer
claes
" The young man lost temper, and pettishly
replied, "I'm going to the devil." "'Deed,Robby, then,"
"YtlS the quiet answ'er, "ye needna be sae nice, he'll
juist tak' ye as ye arc. ' .
Ladies of t."hi
class had a quiet DIode of expressing
themselves on very serious subjects, which indicated
t.heir quaint po,ver of description, rather than their
,vant of feeling. Thus, of t,vo sisters, ,vhen one had
died, it ,vas supposed that she had injured herself by
an imprudent indulgence in stra,v berries and cream,
of ,vhich she had partaken in the country. A friend
,vas condoling ,vith the surviving sister, and, express-
ing her sorro,v, had added, "I had hoped your sister
,vas to live many years." To which her relative
replied-" Leeve! hoo could she leeve 1 she juist
felled'* hersell at Craigo wi' straeberries and 'ream! n
However, she spoke ,vith the same degree of coolness
of her o,vn decease. For ,vhell her friend 'Y3S com-
forting her in illness, by the hopes t.hat she ,vou]d,
after ,vinter, enjoy again some of their country spring
butter, she exclaimed, without the slightest idea of
being guilty of any irreverence, "Spring butter! by
that tinle I shall be buttering in heaven." 'Vhen
really dying, and ,vhen friends ,vere round her bed
she overheard one of thelll saying to another, "Her
face has lost its colour; it grows like a sheet of paper."
The quaint spirit even then broke out in the remark,
"Then I'm sure it maun be broon paper." it very
strolJg-mindeù lady of the class, and, in Lord Cock-
burn's language, "indifferent about modes and
habits,"t had been asking from a lady the character
of a cook she ,vas about to hire. The lady naturally
· Killed. t
liss Jenny
lE'thven.
IØ4
REJIINISCENCES OF
entered a little upon her moral qualifications, and
described her as a very decent woman; the response
to which was, "Oh, d-n her decency; can she make
good collops
"-an ans,ver ",. hich would sOlne,vhat
surprise a lady of Moray Place now, if engaged in a
similar discussion of a servant's merits.
The Rev. Dr. Cook of Haddington supplies an
excellent anecdote, of which the point is ill the dry
Scottish answer: An old lady of the Doctor's
acquaintance, about seventy, sent for her medical
attendant to consult hiIn about a sore throat, which
had troubled her for SOlne days. Her medical man
,vas ushered into her room, decked out with the now
prevailing fashion, a nlustache and flowing beard.
The old lady, after exchanging the usual civilities,
described her complaint to the ,vorthy son of
LEsculapius. " Well," says he, "do you kno,v, Mrs.
Macfarlane, I used to be much affected with the
very same kind of sore throat, but ever since I
allowed my mustache and beard to grow, I have
never been troubled ,vith it." " Aweel, aweel," said
the old lady drily, "that may be the case, but ye
maun prescribe some other method for me to get quit
0' the sair throat; for ye ken, doctor, I canna adopt
that cure."
Then how quaint the answer of old Mrs. Robison,
widow of the eminent professor of natural philosophy,
and who entertained an inveterate dislike to every-
thing which she thought savoured of cant. She had
in vited a gentleman to dinner on a particular day,
and he had accepted, with the reservation, "If I am
spared."-" W eel, weel," said Mrs. Robison; "if ye're
deed, I'll no expect ye."
I had two grand-aunts living at
Iontrose at that
time-two Miss R,amsays of Balmain. They ,vere
SCOTTISH LIFE
CHARACTER. 195
somewhat of the severe class-Xelly especially, who
,,"as an object rather of awe than of affection. She
certainly had a very a,vful appearance to young
apprehensions, from the strangeness of her headgear.
Ladies of this class Lord Cockburn has spoken of as
"having their peculiarities embodied in curious out-
sides, as they dressed, spoke, and did exactly as
they chose." As a sample of such" curious outside
and dress," my good aunt used to go about the house
,vith an immense pil1o,v strapped over her head-
,varm but formidable. These t,vo maiden grand-aunts
had invited their niece to pay them a visit-an aunt
of mine, ",.ho had made ,,"hat they considered a very
imprudent marriage, and where considerable pecuniary
privations ,vere too likely to accompany the step she
had taken. The poor niece had to bear many a
taunt directed against her improvident union, as for
example :-One day she had asked for a piece of tape
for some ,vork sIle had in hand as a young ,vife
expecting to become a Inother.
liss Kelly said,
,vith much point, "Ay, I(itty, ye shall get a bit
knittin' (i.e. a bit of tape). 'Ve hae a'thing; ,,-e're
no married." It was this lady who, by an inadvertent
use of a term, show
ed 'v hat ,vas passing in her mind
in a ,vay which must have been quite transparent to
the bystanders. ..A..t H supper which she was gï'7ing,
she ,vas evidently much annoyed at the reckless and
clumsy manner in ,vhich a gentleman was operating
upon a ham which was at table, cutting out great
lumps, and distributing them to the company. The lady
said, in a very querulous tone, "Oh, l\Ir. Divot, will
you help Mrs. So and So r'-divot -being a provincial
term for a turf or sod cut out of the green, and the
resemblance of it tó the pieces carved out by the
gentleman evidently having taken possession of her
198
REMINISCENCES OF
imagination. :Nlrs. Helen Carnegy of Craigo, already
lllentioned, was a thorough specimen of this class.
She lived in 1\Iontrose, and died in 1818, at the
advanced age of ninety-one. She ,vas a Jacobite, and
very aristocratic in her feelings, but on social terms with
many burghers of Montrose, or Munross as it ,vas
caned. She preserved a very nice distinction of
addresses, suited to the different individuals in the
t.o,vn, according as she placed them in the scale of
her consideration. She liked a party at quadrille,
and sent out her servant every morning to invite the
ladies required to make up the game, and her direc-
tions 'v ere graduated thus:-Io
Nelly, ye'll gang to
Lady Carnegy's, and mak my compliments, and ask
the honourj" of her ladyship's company, and that of the
1vliss Carnegys, to tea this evening; and if they canna
come, ging to the Miss Mudies, and ask the pleasurre
of their company; and if they canna come, ye may
ging to
fiss Hunter and ask the favourj" of her com-
pany; and if she canna come, ging to I.Jucky Spar]{
and bid her co me. "
A great confusion existed in the minds of SOlne of
those old-fashioned ladies on the subject of nlodern
inventions and usages. A Montrose old lady pro-
tested against the use of steam-vessels, as counteracting
the decrees of Providence in going against wind and
tide, vehemently asserting, "I ,vould hae naething to
say to thae Í7n-pio'us vesselß." Another lady ,vas
equally discolnposed by the introduction of gas,
asking, with much earnestness, "What's to become 0'
the puir ,vhales 1" deeming their interests materially
a,ffected by this superseding of their oil. A lady of
this class, who had long lived in country retirement,
coming up to Edinburgh, was, after an absence of
many years, going along Prince
Street about the
SCO'1'TISII LIFE (t. CHAR
4aTER. 197
time "Then the ,vater-carts ,vere introduced for pre-
venting the dust, and seeing one of them passing,
rushed from off the pavement to the driver, saying,
'" Man, ye're skailin' a' the ,vater." Such being her
ignorance of modern improvements.
There used to be a point and originality in expres-
sions made use of in regard to common matters,
unlike ,vhat one finds 110'V; for example: A country
minister had been invited, ,vith his wife, to dine and
spend the night at the house of one of his lairds.
Their host was very proud of one of the very large
beds ,vhich had just come into fashion, ð,nd in the
Inorning asked the lady how she had slept in it.
"Oh, vary ,veIl, sir; but, indeed, I thought I'd lost
the minister athegither."
Nothing, however, in my opinion, comes up to the
originality and point of the Montrose old maiden
lady's most "exquisite reason" for not subscribing to
the proposed fund for organising a volunteer corps
in that town. It was at the t.ime of expected
invasion at the beginning of the century, and some
of the to,vn magistrates called upon her and solicited
her subscription to raise men for the service of the
king-" Indeed," she answered right sturdily, "I'll
dae nae sic thing; I ne'er could raise a man for mysell,
and I'm no ga'in to raise men for King George."
Some curious stories are told of ladies of this
class, as connected with the novelties and excitement
of railway travelling. 1\fissing their luggage, or find..
ing that something has gone wrong about it, often
causes very terrible distress, and might be amusing,
,vere it not to the sufferer so severe a calamity. I
was much entertained with the earnestness of this
feeling, and the expression of it from an old Scotch
IJ.dy whose box ,vas not forthcoming at the station
u
198
REJ.ll[lVISOE1VOES OJ
"rhere she ,vas to stop. "Then urged to be paticnt,
her indignant exclamation ,vas -" I can bear ony
pairtings that may be ca'ed for in God's providence;
but I canna stan' pairtin' f1'ae my claes."
The follo,ving anecdote from the ,vest exhibits a
curious confusion of ideas arising from the old-
fashioned prejudice against Frenchmen and their
language, which existed in the last generation.
During the long French war, two old ladies in
Stranraer ,vere going to the kirk; the one said to
the other, " 'Vas it no a wonderfu' thing that the
Breetish ,vere aye victorious o,ver the French in
battle
" "Not a bit," said the other old lady; "dinna
)'e ken the Breetish aye say their prayers before ga'in
into battle 1" The other replied, "But canna the
French say their prayers as ,veel
" The reply "1'as
most characteristic, "Hoot! jabbering bodies, ,vha
could 'ltnderstan' them 1"
Some of these ladies, as belonging to the old county
families, had very high notions of their own impor-
tance, and a great idea of their difference from the
burgher families of the to\vn. I am assured of the
truth of the following naïve specimen of such fanlily
l)ride :-One of the olden nlaiden ladies of l\Iontrose
called one day on some ladies of one of the families
in the neighbourhood, and on being questioned as to
the ne,vs of the tOWll, said, " Ne,vs! oh, Bailie -'s
eldest son is to be Inarried." "And pray," ,,,.as the
reply, "and pray, lVliss , an' fa' ever heard 0' a
merchant i' the toon 0' Montrose ha'in an eldest son?"
'
rhe good lady thought that any privilege of prin1o-
geniture belonged only to the family of laÙ'd.
I t is a dangerous experiment to try passing ofT
ungrounded claims upon characters of this descriptiollc
:hlallY a clever sa.rcastic reply is on recorll frOlli
l
(JOTTISH LIFE
OHARAOTER. 199
Scottish ladies, directed against those ,vho wished to
impose upon them some false sentiment. I often
think of the remark of the outspoken ancient lady,
"rho, ,vhen told by her pastor, of ,,;rhose disinterested-
ne!;s in his charge she was not quite sure, that he
" had a call froln his Lord and ßlaster to go," replied
-" 'Deed, sir, the Lord micht hae ca' ed and ca' ed to
ye lang eneuch to Ouchtertoul (a very small stipend),
and ye'd ne'er hae letten on that ye heard him."
At the beginning of this century, ,vhen the fear of
invasion ,vas rife, it ,vas proposed to mount a sn1all
battery at the water-mouth by subscription, and l\Iiss
Carnegy ,vas waited on by a deputation from the
to,vn-council. One of them having addressed her on
the subject, she heard him ,vith some impatience, and
'v hen he had finished, she said, "Are ye ane 0' the
toon-cooncil. He replied, "I have that honour,
ma'am." To ,vhich she rejoined, "Ye may hae that
profit, but 11onour ye hae nane;" and then to the
point, she added, "But I've been tell't that ae day's
wark 0' t,va or three men wad mount the cannon,
and that it may be a' dune for t,venty shillings; no".
there's twa punds to re." The councillor pocketed
the money and ,vithdre,v. On one occasion, as she
sat in an easy chair, having assumed the habits and
privileges of age,
rr.
follison, the minister of the
Established Kirk, called on her to solicit for SOD1e
charity. She did not like being asked for money,
and, from her Jacobite principles, she certainly did
not respect the Presbyterian I\:.irk. 'Vhen he came
in she made an inclination of the head, and he said,
"Don't get up, Inadam." She replied
"Get up! I
,v'adna rise out 0' my chair for I\".ing George hÜnsell,
let abee a ,vhig n1Ìnister."
This ,vas plain speaking enough, but there is
oo
RJ
J'L..VISCE}tCES OF
something quite inimitable in the matter-of- factnpss
of the following story of an advertisement, ,vhich
may tend to illustrate the Antiquary's renlark to ::Thfrs.
1\Iacleuchar, anent the starting of a coach or fly to
Queensferry. A carrier, ,vho plied his trade between
Aberdeen and a village considerably to the north of
it, was asked by one of the villagers, "Fan are ye
gaen to the toaD
"(Aberdeen). To ,yhich he replied,
"I'll be in on Monanday, God willin' and ".eather
permittin', an' on Tiseday, fitlzer or no.
It is a curious subject the various shades of Scottish
dialect and Scottish expressions, commonly called
Scotticisms. We mark in the course of fifty years
how some disappear altogether; others become more
and more rare, and of all of them we may say, I
think, that the specimens of them are to be looked
for every year more in the descending classes of
society. What was common amongst peers, judges,
lairds, advocates, and people of family and education,
is now found in humbler ranks of life. There are
fe,v persons perhaps ,vho have been born in Scotland,
and who have lived long in Scotland, whom a nice
southern ear might not detect as from the north.
But far beyond such nicer shades of distinction, there
are strong and characteristic marks of a Caledonian
origin, ,vith which some of us have had practical
acquaintance. I possess two curious, and now, I
believe, rather scarce, publications on the prevalent
Scotticisms of our speaking and ,vriting. One is
entitled "Scotticisms designed to Correct Impro-
prieties of Speech and Writing," by Dr. Beattie of
Aberdeen. The other is to the same purpose, and is
entitled, "Observations on the Scottish Dialect," by
the late Right Honourable Sir John Sinclair. Ex-
pressions which were common in thcir days, and used
8COTTISll LIFE ill alI.ARACTEll. 201
by persons of all ranks, are not kno,vn by the rising
generation. ]'Ianr amusing equivoques used to be
current, arising from Scotch people in England ap-
plying terms and expressions in a manner rather sur-
prising to southern ears. Thus, the story ,vas told
of a public character long associated ,vith the affairs
of Scotland, Henry Dundas (first Viscount :ßlelville),
applying to
Ir. Pitt for the loan of a horse" the length
of Highgate j" a very common expression in Scotland,
at that time, to signify the distance to ,vhich the ride
,vas to extend. 1\11'. Pitt good-humouredly ,vrote
back to say that he was afraid he had not a horse in
his possession quite so long as Mr. Dundas had men-
tioned, but he had sent the longest he had. There
is a ,veIl-known case of mystification, caused to
English ears by the use of Scottish terms, which took
place in the House of Peers during the examination
of the 1\Iagistrates of Edinburgh touching the parti-
culars of the Porteous 1\Iob in 1736. The Duke of
N c,vcastle having asked the Provost ,vith what kind
of shot the to,vn-guard commanded by Porteous had
loaded their muskets, received the unexpected reply,
"Ou, juist sic as ane shutes dukes and sic like fules
,vi'." The ans,ver ,vas considered as a contempt of the
House of Lords, and the poor provost would have
suffered from misconception of his patois, had not the
Duke of Argyle <,vho must have been exceedingly
amused) eXplained that the worthy magistrate's ex-
pression, ,vhen rendered into English, did not apply
to Peers and Idiots but to ducks and
vate'r-fowl. The
circumstance is referred to by Sir 'V. Scott in the
notes to the Heart of l\fid-Lothian. A sin1Ïlar
equivoque upon the douLle meaning of "Deuk" in
Scottish 13 nguage supplied material for a poor ".on1an's
honest compliment to a hcncy.olent Scottish nobl{}.
202
nEJlINISCE}{CES OIl
nlan. John, Duke of Roxburghe, ,vas one day out
riding, and at -the gate of Floors he ,vas accosted by
an importunate old beggar ,voman. He gave her
half-a-cl'o,vn, ,vhich pleased her so much that she
exclaimed, "W eel's me on your guse face, for Duke's
ower little tae ca' ye."
A very curious list may be made of ,vords used ill
Scotland in a sense which would be quite unintelligible
to Southerns. Such applications are going out, but
I remember them ,veIl amongst. the old-fashioned
people of Angus and the Mearns quite common in
conversation. I subjoin some specimens :-
Bestial signifies amongst Scottish agriculturists
cattle generally, the whole aggregate number of beasts
on the farm. Again, a Scottish farmer, ,vhen he
speaks of his "hogs" or of buying "hogs," has no
reference to s,vine, but means young sheep, i.e. sheep
before they have lost their first fleece.
Dwc'reet does not express the idea of a prudent or
cautious person so nluch as of one who is not rude,
but considerate of the opinions of others. Such
application of the word is said to have been made by
Dr. Chalmers to the late Henry, Bishop of Exeter.
These t,vo eminent individuals had met for the first
time at the hospitable house of the late Mr. Murray,
the publisher. On the introduction taking place,
the Bishop expressed himself so ,varmly as to the
pleasure it gave him to meet so distinguished and
excellent a man as Dr. Chalmers, that the Docto.c
some,vhat surprised at such an unexpected ebullition
from an English Church dignitary, could only reply,
" Oh, I am sure your lordship is very' discreet.'''
Ente'rteening has in olden Scottish usage the sense
not of amusing, but interesting. I renlcmber an
* "Civil," "obliging. "-Jamieson.
SCOTTISH LIFE & CHAR,ACTER. 203
honest Dandie Dinmont on a visit to Bath. A lady,
\vho had taken a kind charge of him, accompanied
him to the theatre, and in the Illost thrilling scene
of Kemble's acting, \vhat is usually termed the dagger
scene in Macbeth, she turned to the farmer \vith a
\vhisper, "Is not that fine
" to which the confidential
reply ,vas, " Oh, meJn, its verra ente1"teening !" Enter-
teening expressing his idea of the effect produced.
Pig, in old-fashioned Scotch, ,vas al\vays used for
a coarse earthen,vare jar or vessel. In the Life of
the late Patrick Tytler, the amiable 3nd gifted his-
torian of Scotland, there occurs an amusing exemplifi-
cation of the utter confusion of ideas caused by the
use of Scottish phraseology. The family, ,vhen they
\yent to London, had taken with them an old Scottish
servant who had no notion of any terms beside her
o\vn. She came in one day greatly disturbed at
the extremely back,vard state of kno,v ledge of
domestic affairs amongst the Londoners. She had
been to so many shops and could not get "a great
broon pig to haud the butter in."
From a relative of the family I have received an
account of a still ,vorse confusion of ideas, caused by
the inquiry of a Mrs. Chisholm of Chisholm, ,vho
died in London in -1825, at an advanced age. She
had come from the country to be with her daughter,
anù YfaS a genuine Scottish lady of the old school.
She \vished to purchase a table-cloth of a cheque
pattern, 1ike the squares of a chess or draught board.
No\va draught-board used to be called (as I remember)
by old Scotch people a " danl
brod." t Accordingly,
Irs. Chisholm entered the shop of a linen-draper, anù
asked to be sho\vn table-linen a dam-broil pattern.
The shopman, although, taken aback by a request, as
* Dan?" the game of draughts. t Brod, the hoard.
204
RE..Jfl.:.YISCElv"'CES ()'F'
he considered it, so strongly ,yorded, by a respectable
old lady, hrought do\vn ,vhat he assured her ,vas the
largest and widest made. No; that v/ould not do.
She repeated her wish for a dam-brad pattern, and
left the shop surprised at the stupidity of the London
shopman not having the pattern she asked for.
Silly has in genuine old Scottish use reference to
,veakneas of body only, and not of mind. Before
knowing the use of the word, I remember being much
astonished at a farlner of the Mearns telling me of
the strongest-minded n1an in the county that he ,vas
"uncommon silly," not insinuating any decline of
mental vigour, but only meaning that his bodily
strength ,vas giving way.
F1'ail, in like manner, expresses infirn1Íty of body,
and implies no charge of any laxity in moral principle;
yet I have seen English persons looking with consider-
able consternation when an old-fashioned Scottish lady,
speaking of a young and graceful female, lamented her
being so frail.
Fail is another instance of different use of words.
In Scotland it used to be quite common to say of a
person ,vhose health and strength had declined, that he
had failed. To say this of a person connected lvith
mercantile business has a very serious effect upon
southern ears, as implying nothing short of bankruptcy
and ruin. I recollect many years ago at Monmouth,
my dear mother creating much consternation in the
mind of the mayor, by saying of a ,vorthy man,
the principal banker in the t01v'n, 'VhOlll they both
concurred in praising, that she ,vas "sorry to find he
was fa.iling."
Honest has in Scotch a peculiar application, irre-
spective of any integrity of moral character. It is a
kindly mode of referrin ó to an individual, as ,vp ,vould
8COT7'ISH
IFE æ CHARAOTER. 205
iJay to a stranger, "fIonest nlan, ,vollld you tell me the
way to -1" or as Lord Herlnand, ,,,,hen about to
sentence a 'VOlnan for stealing, began remonstrati vely,
"Honest ,voman, whatever garr'd ye steal your neigh-
bour's tub
"
Superstitious: A correspondent informs me that in
some parts of Mid-Lothian the people constantly use
the ,vord "superstitious" for" bigoted;" thus, speak-
ing of a very keen Free Church person, they ,vill say,
" He is a,vfu' supperstitious."
Kail in England simply expresses cabbage, but in
Scotland represents the chief meal of the day. Hence
the old-fashioned easy ,vay of asking a friend to dinner
,vas to ask him if he would take his kail ,,,,ith the
family. In the same usage of the ,vord, the Scottish
proverb expresses distress and trouble in a person's
affairs, by saying that ," he has got his kail through
the reek." In like manner haddock, in IGncardineshire
and Aberdeenshire, used to express the same idea, as
the expression is, ""Vill ye tak your haddock ,vi' us
the day f' that fish being so plentiful and so excellent
that it was a standing dish. There is this difference,
however, in the local usage, that to say in Aberdeen,
"Till yúu take your haddock
implies an invitation to
dinner; ,vhilst in J\tlontrose tbe same expression means
an invitation to supper. Differences of pronunciation
also caused great confusion and misunderstanding.
K ovels used to be pronounced novels; envy envy; a
cloak was a clock, to the surprise of an English lady,
to ,vhom the maid said, on her leaving the house,
" l\Iem, ,vinna ye tak the clock ,vi' ye
"
The names of children's diseases were a remarkable
item in the catalogue of Scottish words :-Thus, in
1775, 1\11'8. Betty l\luirheid kept a boarding-school for
).oung ladies in the Trongate of Glasgo,v, near the 'rron
206
RE},[INISCENCES OJ'
steep]e. l\. girl on her arrival ,vas asked \vhether she
had had smallpox. " Yes, mem, I've had the sma'pox,
the nirls,
the blabs,t the sca\v,:!: the kinkhost,
and
the fever, the branks II and the \vorm."
There is indeed a case of Scottish pronunciation
which adds to the force and copiousness of our language,
by discriminating four words, which, according to
English speaking, are undistinguishable in mere pro-
nunciation. The words are-\vright (a carpenter), to
write (\vith a pen), right (the reverse of wrong), rite
(a cerenlony). The four are, ho\vever, distinguished
ill old-fashioned Scotch pronunciation thus-I, He's H,
\viricht; 2, to wireete; 3, richt; 4, rite.
I can rernember a peculiar Scottish phrase very com-
monly used, which now seems to have passed a\vay.
I mean the expression" to let on," indicating the notice
or observation of something, or of some person.-For
example, " I sa\v Mr. at the meeting, but I nevel
let on that I knew he was present." A form of expre
-
sion which has been a great favourite in Scotland in my
recollection has much gone out of practice-I mean
the frequent use of diminutives, generally adopted
either as terms of endearment or of contempt. Thus
it ,vas very con1mon to speak of a person ,vhom you
Jueant rather to undervalue, as a mannie, a boddie, a
bit boddie, or a wee bit '1nannie. The Bailie in Rob Roy,
,vhen he intended to represent his party as person
of no importance, used the expression, "'V e are bits
0' Glasgo\v bodies."
An admirable Scotch expression I recollect froll1
one of the Montrose ladies before referred to. IIer
niece was asking a great many questions on SOllle
point concerning \vhich her aunt had been giving her
* 1Ieasles. t Nettle-rash. ::: The itch.
Whooping-cough. n 1\Iumps.
Toothache.
SCOTTIS/l LIFE cI: CIIARACTER. 207
information, and coming over and over the ground,
demanding an explanation ho\v this had happened,
and \vhy something else \vas so and so. The old
lady lost her patience, and at last burst forth: "I
winna be back-spei1'ed noo, Pally Fullerton." Back-
speired! ho\v much more pithy and expressive than
cross-examined! " He's not a man to ride tbe water
on," expresses your ,vant of confidence and of trust
in the character referred to. Another capital expres-
sion to mark that a person has stated a point rather
under than oyer the truth, is, "The less I lee," as in
Guy l\Iannering, \vhere the precentor exclaiIns to
1\lrs. l\lacCandlish, "A \vee1, gude\vife, then the less I
lee." 'Ve have found it a. very amusing task collect-
ing together a number of these phrases, and forming
them into a connected epistolary composition. 'Ve
may in1agine the sort of puzzle it would be to a
young person of the present day-one of \vhat we
may call the ne\v school. "r e \yill suppose an English
young lady, or an English educated young lady, lately
married, receiving such a letter as the follo\ving from
the Scottish aunt of her husband. 'Ve may suppose
it to be written by a very old lady, \vho, for the last
fifty years has not moved fronl home, and has
changed nothing of her early days. I can safely
affirm that every \vord of it I have either seen ,vritten
in a letter, or have heard in ordinary conversation :-
"filontrose, 1858.*
"l\Iy DEA.R NIECE-I am rèal glad to find my nevy
has made so good a choice as to have secured you for
his \vife; and I am sure this step \vill add n1uch to
his comfort, and we behove to rejoice at it. He \vil1
nOlv]ool{ forward to his evening at home, and you
fr The Scotticisms are printed in italics.
208
IlEJI[.J.VISCEh"'CER OF
,,,ill be happy ,vhen you find you never want him
I t ,viII be a great pleasure ,vhen you hear him in the
t1 4 ance, and ,vipe his feet upon the bass. But Willy
is not strong, and you must look ,veIl after him. I
hope you do not let him sn1tJf so much as he did.
He had a sister, poor thing, v;ho died early. She
,vas relnal'kably cleve, and well read, and most
intelligent, but ,vas always uncommonly silly. * In
the autumn of '40 she had a sai1 4 host, and ,vas aye
speaking through a cold, and at dinner never did more
than to s'up a few family broth. I am afraid she did
not change her feet ,vhen she came in from the wet
one evening. I never let on that I observed anything
to be ,vrong; but I renlenlber asking her to conle
and sit upon the fire. But she ,vent out, and did not
lake the door with her. She lingered till next
spring, \vhen she had a great income, t and her
parents were then too poor to take her south, and
she died. I hope you ,vill like the lassie Eppie we
have sent you. She is a discreet girl, and comes of a
decent family. She has a sister ma1"ried upon a
Seceding minister at Kirkcaldy. But I hear he
expects to be l1 4 ansported soon. She ,vas brought up
in one of the hospitals here. Her father had been a
souter and a pawky chiel enough, but ,vas doited for
many years, and her Inother ,vas sai1 4 doltled. We
have been greatly interested in the hospital ,vhere
Eppie was educate, and intended getting up a bazaar
for it, and ,vould have asked you to help us, as \ve ,vere
most anxious to raise some additional funds, \v hen
one of the BaiIies died and left it fe.uing-stances to
the amount of 5000 pounds, which ,vas really a great
mortification. I am not a good hand of w1 4 ite, and
therefore shall stop. I am very tired, and have been
* Delicate in health. t AilD1ent
SCOTTI
\';l1 LI1?E cC' OH.ARACTHlt. 209
gantin'* for this half-hour, and even in correspondence
gantin' may be smittin'. t The kitclwn
is just coming
in, and I feel a smell of tea, so when I get my four
hours, that '\yill refresh me and set me up again.-I
am, your affectionate aunt, ISABEL DING'V ALL."
This letter, then, we suppose ,vritten by a very old
Forfarshire lady to her niece in England, and perhaps
the young lady who received it might answer it in a
style as strange to her aunt as her aunt's is to her,
especially if she belonged to that lively class of our
young female friends who indulge a little in phrase-
ology which they have imbibed from their brothers,
or male cousins, '\vho have, perhaps for their amuse-
ment, encouraged them in its use. The ans\ver, then,
might be something like this; and without meaning
to be severe or satirical upon our young lady friends,
I may truly say that, though I never heard from one
young lady all these fast terms, I have heard the
most of them separately from many :-
"l\ly DEAR AUNTy-:r.rany thanks for your kind
letter and its enclosure. From my not knowing
Scotch, I am not quite up to the n1ar}{, and some of
the expressions I don't twig at all. 'Villie is absent
for a few days, but '\vhen he returns home he will
explain it; he is quite awake on all such things. I
an1 glad you are pleased that "Tillie and I are now
spliced. I am well aware that you will hear me
spoken of in some quarters as a fast young lady. A
nlan here had the impudence to say that '\vhen he
visited my husband's friends he would tell them so.
I quietly and civilly replied, "You be blo"\ved!" So
don't believe hinl. \Ve get on famously at present.
it Yawning. t Catching. : 'l'ea.urn.
]O
REjII.J.VL'JUENOES OF
'Villie comes home from the office every afternoon at
five. We generally take a ,valk before dinner, and
read and ,york if we don't go out; and I assure you
we are very jolly. 'Ve don't kno,v many people here
yet. It is rather a su;ell neighbourhood; and if we
can't get in with the nobs, depend upon it we will
never take up ,vith any society that is decidedly
snobby. I daresay the girl you are sending will be
very useful to us; our present one is an a,vful slow
coach. In fact, the sending her to us was a regular do.
But ,ve hope some day to sport b'ldtons. My father
and mother paid us a visit last week. The governor
is well, and, notwithstanding years and infirmities,
comes out quite a jolly old cove. He is, indeed, if you
will pardon the partiality of a daughter, a regular
'rick. He says he ,vill help us if ,ve can't get on,
and I make no doubt will in due time fo'rk O'ltt the tin.
I am busy working a cap for you, dear aunty; it is
from a pretty German pattern, and I think when
finished ,vilI be quite a stunnm.. There is a shop in
Regent Street ,vhere I hire patterns, and can get six
of them for five bob. I then return them without
buying them, which I think a capital dodge. I hope
you will sl)ort it for my sake at your first tea and
tu'rn O'ltt.
"I have nothing more to say particular, but am
always
" Your affectionate niece;
"ELIZA DING'V ALL."
"P.S.-I am trying to break Willie off his horrid
habit of taking snuff. I had rather see him take his
cigar 'v hen ,ve are ,valking. You ,viII be told, I
daresay, that I sometimes take a weed myself. It is
not true, dear aunty."
SCOTTIS1I LIÞ'l
' & CHAltACTER. 211
Before leaving the question of change in Scottish
expressions, it may be proper to add a few ,vords on
the subject of Scottish dialects-i.e., on the differences
which exist in different counties or localities in the
Scottish tongue itself. These differences used to be
as marked as different languages; of course they still
exist amongst the peasantry as before. The change
consists in their gradual vanishing from the conversa-
tion of the educated and refined. The dialects ,vith
,vhich I am most conversant are the two which present
the greatest contrast, viz. the Angus and the Aberdeen,
or the slo\v and broad Scotch-the quick and sharp
Scotch. "Thilst the one talks of " Buuts and shoon,"
the other calls the same articles "beets and sheen."
"Tith the Aberdonian "what" is al,vays" fat" OJ
" fatten j" " music" is meesic j" "brutes" are" breets ;'It
,. 'Vhat are ye duin'1" of southern Scotch, in Aberdeen
,vould be "Fat are ye deein'
" Fergusson, nearly a
century ago, noted this peculiarity of dialect in his
poem of The Leith Races :-
" The Buchan bodies through the heach,
Their bunch of Findranls cry;
And skirl out bauld in N orland speech,
Gude speldans fa will buy! "
"Findon," or "Finnan haddies," are split, smoked,
and partially dried haddocks. Fergusson, in using
the ,vord "Findra.ms," which is not found in our
glossaries, has been thought to be in error, but his
accuracy has been verified singularly enough, within
the last fe,\"" days, by a ,vorthy octogenarian N e\vhaven
fisherman, bearing the characteristic name of Flucker,
'v ho remarked "that it ,vas a ,,,,ord commonly used
in his youth; and, above all," he added, "when L
ith
l
aces ,vere held on the sands, he was like to be deevcd
212
REJl[JlISCENCES 0]1'
wi' the lang-tongued hizzies skirling out, 'Aell a Fin-
dram Speld'J"ains,' and they jist ca' ed it that to get a
better grip o't ,vi' their tongues."
In Gallo,vay, in 1684, Symson, after,vards an ousted
Episcopalian minister (of Kirkinner), notes some
peculiarities in the speech of the people in that district.
"Sonle of the countrey people, especialJy those of the
elder sort, do very often OJuit the letter 'h' after 't '
as ting for thing; tree for three; tatch for thatch;
wit for with; fait for faith; mout for mouth, etc.;
and also, contrary to some north countrey people, they
oftentimes pronounce 'w' for 'v,' as ser\vant for
servant; and so they call the months of February,
1Ylarch, and April, the wa1 g e quarter, from ve1 9 .*
Hence their common proverb, speaking of the storms
in February, 'winte1 9 neveT comes till 'ware comes.'"
These peculiarities of language have almost disappeared
-the immense influx of Irish emigrants during late
years has exercised a perceptible influence over the
dialect of 'Vigtonshire.
When a southerner mentioned the death of a friend
to a lady of the granite city, she asked, "Fat dee'd
he 0'
" which being utterly incomprehensible to the
person asked, another Aberdonian lady kindly ex-
plained the question, and put it into language which
she supposed co
tld not be mistaken, as thus, "Fat did
he dee 0'
" If there ""as this difference between the
l\.berdeen and the Forfar dialect, ho\v much greater
IllUSt be that difference when contrasted with the
ore 1 9 otundo language of an English southern dignitary.
Such a one being present at a school examination in
.A..berdeen \vished to put some questions on Scripture
hi1tory hinlself, and asked an intelligent boy, "vVhat
* Ver, the spring months.-e.g.
" This was in 'l'er quhen wynter tide "-Barbour.
SCOT fISH L1J?E J; CH,ABACTE1::'. 213
\vas the ultimate fate of Pharaoh 1" This the boy
not understanding, the master put the same question
Aberdonicé, "J emmy, fat was the hinner end 0'
Pharaoh
" ,vhich called forth the ready reply, " He
,vas drouned i' the Red Sea." A Forfarshire parent,
dissatisfied ,vith his son's English pronunciation,
remonstrated \vith him, "\Vhat for diy' ye say u;hy ?
why canna ye say 'what for' 1 "
The po\ver of Scottish phraseology, or rather of
Scottish lang1KLge, could not be better displayed than
in the follo\ving A berdonian description of London
theatricals :-1\11'. Taylor, at one time ,veIl kno,yn in
London as having the management of the opera-house,
had his father up from Aberùeen to visit him and see
the ,vonders of the capital. \Y'hen the old man re-
turned home, his friends, anxious to kno,v the impres-
sions produced on his mind by scenes and characters
so different from what he had been accustomed to at
h orne, inquired 'v hat sort of business his son carried
on 1 "Ou," said he (in reference to the operatic
singers and the corps de ballet), "he just kerps a
curn:tf: 0' quainies t and a 'v he en ,viddyfous,:t: and gars
them fissle,
and loup, and mak nlurgeons,1I to please
the great fo,vk."
Another ludicrous interrogatory occurred regarding
the death of a 1\11'. Thomas Thomson. It appeared
there were two cousins of this name, both corpulent
men. "7hen it was announced that Mr. Thomas
Thomson was dead, an Aberdeen friend of the family
asked, "Fatten Thamas Thamson 1 " He was in-
formed that it was a fat Thomas Thomson, upon
,vhich the Aberdeen query naturally arose, " Ay, but
fatten fat Thamas Thamson 1 " Another illustration
* A number. t Young girls.
Iake whistling noises.
: Gallows birùs.
II Distorted gestures.
x
214
REJ/INISOEÞlOES OF
of the Aberdeen dialect is thus given :- The Pope 0'
Rome requires a bun to do his wark, but the Emperor
0' France made a coo dee't a' "-a co,v do it all-a
pun on coup d' état. A young lady from Aberdeen
had been on a visit to Montrose, and ,vas disappointed
at finding there a great lack of beaux, and balls, and
concerts. This lack ,vas not made up to her by the
invitations ,vhich she had received to dinner parties.
And she thus expressed her feelings on the su hj ect
in her native dialect, when asked how she liked
Montrose: "Indeed there's neither n1en nor meesic,
and fat care I for meat
" There is no male society
and no concerts, and ,vhat do I care for dinners
The dialect and the local feelings of Aberdeen ,vere
said to have produced some amusement in London,
as displayed by the lady of the Provost of Aberdeen
\vhen accompanying her husband going up officially
to the capital. Some persons to ,vhom she had been
introduced recommended her going to the opera as
one of the sigbts worthy the attention of a stranger.
The good lady, full of the greatness of her situation
as ,vue of the provost, and kno,\\ring the sensation her
appearance in pu blic occasioned when in her o,vn
city, and supposing that a little excitement ,vould
accompany her ,vith the London public, rather declined,
under the modest plea, "Fat for should I gang to the
opera, just to creat a confeesion
" An aunt of Inine,
who knew Aberdeen well, used to tell a traditionary
story of t,vo Aberdonian ladies, 'v ho by their insinua-
tions 3gainst each other, finely illustrated the force
of the dialect then in comlnon use. They had both
of them been very attentive to a sick lady in declin-
ing health, and on her death each had felt a distrust
of the perfect disinterestedness of the other's attention
This created more than a coolness bct,veen them, and
SCOTTISH LIFE
OHAR.AOTER. 215
the bad feeling came out on their passing in the street.
The one insinuated her suspicions of unfair dealing
\vith the property of the deceased by ejaculating, as
the other passed her, "Henny pig. and green tea," to
,vhich the other retorted, in the same spirit, "Silk
coat and negligee." t Aberdonian pronunciation pro-
duced on one occasion a curious equivoque between
the minister and a mother of a family \vith \vhom he
was conversing in a pastoral way. The minister l1ad
said, "'V eel, l\Iargaret, I hope you're thoroughly
ashamed of your sins." No\v, in Aberdeenshire sons
are pronounced sins; accordingly, to the minister's
surprise, Margaret burst forth, " Ashamed 0' ma sins !
na, na, I'm proud 0" ma sins. Indeed, gin it werena
for thae cutties 0' dauchters, I should be owe1. proud
0' m a sins."
.A.ny of my readers who are not much conversant
with Aberdeen dialect \vill find the following a good
specimen :-A lady \vho resided in Aberdeen, being
on a visit to some friends in the country, joined an
excursion on horseback. Not being much of an
efJ.uestrian, she ,vas mounted upon a Highland pony
as being the canniest baste. He, however, had a trick
of standing still in crossing a stream. A burn had
to be crossed-the rest of the party passed on, \vhile
,. Paddy" remained, pretending to drink. Miss More,
in great desperation, called out to one of her friends
-" Bell, 'oman, turn back an gie me your bit fuppie,
for the breet's stannin' i' the peel wi' ma."
A rich specimen of Aberdeen dialect, under peculiar
circumstances, was supplied by an Aberdonian lady
who had risen in the world from selling fruit at a stall
to be the wife of the Lord Provost. Driving along
in her 0\"'11 carriage, she ord\Jreù it to stop, and called
· Honey jar. t  kind of loose gown formerly worn.
216
REJfI...VISOENOES OF
to her a poor ,voman ,vhom she saw following her old
occupation. After sonle colloquy, she dismissed her
very coolly, remarking, "'Deed, freet's dear sin' I
sauid freet in streets 0' Aberdeen." This anecdote
of reference to a good lady's nlore humble occupation
than riding in her carriage may introduce a somewhat
analogous anecdote, in ,vhich a more distinguished
personage than the wife of the Provost of Aberdeen
takes a prominent part. The present Archbishop of
Canterbury tells the story himself, "\vith that admixture
of humour and of true dignity by which his Grace's
manner is so happily distinguished. The Archbishop's
father in early life lived much at Dollar, where, I
believe, he had some legal and official appointment.
Ilis sons, the Archbishop and his brother, attended
the granlmar school, rather celebrated in the coun-
try; they ran about and played like other lads, and
"\vere known as schoolboys to the peasantry. In
after days, ,vhen the Archbishop had arrived at his
present place of dignity as Primate of all England,
he ,vas attending a great confirmation service at
Croydon-the church,vardens, clergy, mayors, etc.,
of the place in attendance upon the Archbishop, and
a great congregation of spectators. On going up the
centre of the church, a Dollar man, ,vho had got into
the cro,vd in a side aisle, said, loud enough for the
Archbishop to hear, "There wasna muckle 0' this at
Dollar, my Lord."
I have not had leisure to pursue, as I had intended,
a further consideration of SCOTTISH DIALECT, and their
differences from
ach other in the north, south, east,
and. west of Scotland. I merely remark now, that
the dialect of one district is considered quite barbar-
ous, and laughed at by the inhabitants of another
district where a different form of lal1guage is a.doptcd.
SCOTT1SH LIFE d,. CHARAVTER. 21
I have spoken of the essential difference between
Aberdeen and Southern Scotch. An Eng1ish gentle..
man had been visiting the Lord Provost of Edinburgh,
and accompanied him to Aberdeen. His lordship of
Edinburgh introduced his English friend to the Provost
of Aberdeen, and they both attended a great dinner
given by the latter. After grace had been said, the
Provost kind]y and hospitably addressed the company,
Aberdonice-"No,v, gentlemen, fah tee, fah tee." The
Englishman whispered to his friend, and asked ,vhat
,vas meant by "fah tee, fah tee;" to which his
lordship replied-" Rout, he canna speak; he means
fau too, fau too." Thus one Scotticism was held in
terror by those who used a different Scotticism; as
at Inverary, the ,vife of the chief ,vriter of the place,
seeking to secure her guest from the taint of inferior
society, intimated to him, but some,vhat confidentially,
that Mrs. 'v. (the rival ,,'"riter's ,vife) ,vas quite a
vulgar body, so much so as to ask anyone leaving
the room to " snib the door," instead of bidding them,
as she triumphantly observed, "sneck the door."
Now, to every one who follows these anecdotes of
a past time, it must be obvious ho,v much peculiarities
of Scottish ""it and humour depend upon the language
in which they are clothed. As I have before re-
marked, much of the point depends upon the broad
Scotch with "Thich they are accompanied. As a type
and representative of that phraseology, ,,"e would
specially recommend a study of our Scottish proverbs.
]n fact, in Scottish proverbs ,vill be found an epitome
of the Scottish phraseology, ,vhich is peculiar and
characteristic. I think it quite clear that there are
proverbs exclusively Scottish, and as ,ve find embodied
in them traits of Scottish character, and many
}3pcu1iar forms of Scottish thought and Scottish
218
RE}.[I.:.VISCENOES OF
language
sayings of this kind, once so familiar,
should have a place in our Scottish Reminiscences.
Proverbs are literally, in many instances, becoming
'reminiscences. They now seem to belong to that older
generation whom we recollect, and who used them in
conversation freely and constantly. To strengthen
an argument or illustrate a remark by a proverb was
then a common practice in conversation. Their use,
however, is now considered vulgar, and their formal
application is almost prohibited by the rules of polite
society. Lord Chesterfield denounced the practice of
quoting proverbs as a palpable violation of all polite
refinement in conversation. Notwithstanding all this,
we acknowledge having much pleasure in recalling
our national proverbial expressions. They are full of
character, and we find aIIlongst them important truths,
expressed forcibly, ,visely, and gracefully. The ex-
pression of Bacon has often been quoted-" The
genius, wit, and wisdom of a nation, are discovered
by their proverbs."
All nations have their proverbs, and a vast number
of books have been written on the subject. We find,
accordingly, that collections have been made of
proverbs considered as belonging peculiarly to
Scotland. The collections to ,yhich I have had
access are the following :-
1. The fifth edition, by Balfour, of "Ray's Complete
Collection of English Proverbs," in which is a
separate collection of those which are considered
Scottish Proverbs-1813. Ray professes to have
taken these from Fergusson's work mentioned below.
2. A Complete Collection of Scottish Proverbs,
explained and made intelligible to the English reader,
by James Kelly, M.A., published in London 1721.
3. Scottish Proverbs gathered together by David
SCOTTISH LlJf'E
C}[ARACTER. 219
Fergusson, sometime minister at Dunfermline, and
put, ord-ine alphabetico \vhen be departed this life anno
1598. Edinburgh, 1641.
4. A collection of Scots Proverbs, dedicated to the
Tenantry of Scotland, by Allan Ramsay. This
collection is found in the edition of his Poetical \V orks,
3 vols. post 8vo, Edin. 1818, but is not in the hand-
some edition of 1800. London, 2 vols. 8vo.
5. Scottish Proverbs, collected and arranged by
Andre,v Henderson, with an introductory Essay by
'V.
lother,vell. Edin. 1832.
6. The Proverbial Philosophy of Scotland, an
address to the School of Arts, by \Villiam Stirling of
I(eir, l\I.P. Stirling and Edin. 1855.
The collection of Ray, the great English naturalist,
is well known. The first t,vo editions, published at
Cambridge in 1670 and 1678, ,vere by the author;
subsequent editions ,vere by other editors.
The ,vork by James Kel1y professes to collect
Scottish proverbs only. It is a volume of nearly 400
pages, and contains a short explanation or comment-
ary attached to each, and often parallel sayings from
other languages.:I: 1\Ir. Kelly bears ample testimony
to the extraordinary free use made of proverbs in his
time by his countrymen and by himself. He says
that" there were current in society up,vards of 3000
proverbs, exclusively Scottish." He adds, "The Scots
are wonderfully given to this way of speaking, and,
as the consequence of that, abound with proverbs,
many of which are very expressive, quick, and home
* Amongst many acts of kinùness and essential assistance
which I have received and am constantly receiving from Iny
friend 1\Ir. Hugh James Rollo, I owe my introduction to t]nJl
intpresting Scottish volume, now. I believe, rather scarce.
220
REJIIJYISCENOES OF
to the purpose; and, indeed, this humour preyails
universally over the whole nation, especially alnong
the better sort of the commonalty, none of whom
,vill discourse with you any considerable time but he
,vill affirm every assertion and observation "\vith a
Scottish proverb. To that nation I owe my birth
and education; and to that manner of speaking I
,vas used from my infancy, to such a degree that I
became in some measure remarkable for it." This
,vas "\vritten in 1 721, and we may see from Mr. l{elly's
account what a change has taken place in society as
l'egards this mode of intercourse. Our author states
that he has "omitted in his collection many popular
proverbs which are very pat and expressive," and
adds as his reason, that "since it does not becollle a
man of manners to use them, it does not become a
man of my age and profession to write them."
'Vhat ,vas Mr. Kelly's profession or what his age
does not appear from any statements in this volume;
but, judging by many proverbs which he has 'retained,
those which consideration of years and of profession
induced him to omit must have been bad indeed, and
unbecoming for any age or any profession.* The
third collection by Mr. Fergusson is mentioned by
Kelly as the only one which had been made before
his time, and that he had not met with it till he had
Inade considerable progress in his own collection.
The book is now extremely rare, and fetches a high
price. By the great kindness of the learned librarian,
I have been permitted to see the copy belonging to
the library of the Writers to the Signet. It is the
first edition, and very rare. A quaint little thin
volume, such as deligbts the eyes of true bibliomaniacs,
* Kelly's book is constantly quoted by Jamieson, and iS 4
in,leed, an excellent work for the study of good old Scotch.
SCOTTISH LIFE & CHARAOTER.
1
unpaged, and published at Edinburgh 1641-although
on the title-page the proverbs are said to have been
collected at
Ir. Fergusson's death, 1598.* There is
no preface or notice by the author, but an address
from the printer, "to the merrie, judicious, and dis-
creet reader."
The proverbs, amounting to 945, are given ,vithout
any comment or explanation.
Iany of them are of a
very antique cast of language; indeed some ,vould be
to most persons quite unintelligible without a lexicon.
The printer, in his address" to the merrie, judicious,
and discreet reader," refers in the follo,ving quaint
expressions to the author :-" Therefore manie in this
realme that hath hard of David Fergusson, sometime
minister at Dunfenl1line, and of his quick ans,vers and
speeches, both to great persons and others inferiours,
and hath hard of his proverbs ,vhich hee gathered to-
gether in his time, and now we put downe according
to the order of the alphabet; and manie, of all ranks
of persons, being verie desirous to have the said pro-
verbs, I have tl)ought good to put them to the presse
for thy better satisfaction. . . . I kno,v that there
Inay be some that ,viII say and maryell that a minister
should have taken pains to gather such proverbs to-
gether; but they that kne,v his fornle of po,yerfull
preaching the ,vord, and his ordinar talking, ever
almost using proverbiall speeches, ,viII not finde fault
,vith this that he hath done. And ,vhereas there are
some old Scottish ,vords not in use now, bear with
that, because if ye alter those words, the proverb ,vill
have no grace; and so, recommending these proverbs
to thy good use, I bid thee fare,vell. JJ
I HOW subjoin a few of Fergusson's Proverbs, ver-
* This probably throws back the collection to about the
middle of the century.
222
REJlINISCENCES OF
batim J which are of a more obsolete character, find
have appended explanations, of the correctness ofwhicb,
however, I am not quite confident:-
A year a nUl"ish, l seven yea't a da. i Refers, I pre-
sume, to fulfilling the maternal office.
Anes payit neve'r c1"avit. Debts once paid give no
more trouble.
All walda have all, all wald jorgie. 4 Those ,vho
exact much should be ready to concede.
A gangang 5 fit 8 is aye 7 yettin (gin a it we're but a
thorn), or, as it sometimes runs, gin it We1"e but a
broken tae, i.e. toe. A man of industry will certainly
get a living; though the proverb is often applied to
those who went abroad and got a n1Ìschief ,vhen they
might safely have stayed at home-(Kelly).
All m"akes,8 all bears. lo Spoken against bullies who
kept a great hectoring, and yet, 'v hen put to it.
tamely pocket an affront-(Kelly).
Bou?d ll not wi' bawtie 12 (lest he bite you). Do no
jest too familiarly with your superiors (Kelly), or
,vith dangerous characters.
Bread's house skailed neve'J.. 13 While people have
bread they need not give up housekeeping. Spoken
when one has bread and wishes something better---
(I{elly).
Crabbit It u.as and cause had. Spoken ironically of
persons put out of temper without adequate cause.
Dame, deem 11 warily, ye (watna 18 wha wytes 17 yersell).
1 Nurse.
, Daw, a slut.
3 'V ould.
" Forgive.
IS Going or moving.
8 Foot.
7 Always.
8 If.
9 Boasters.
10 TJ sed as cowards (1)
11 Jest.
12 A dog's nanle.
17 Blames.
13 To skail house, to
disfurnish.
H Being angry 01
cross.
15 Judge.
]6 Know not.
f:COTTISH LIFE C!' CHARACTER. 223
-Spoken to remind those who pa.ss hard censures
on others that they may themselves be censured.
Eiter lang mint l never dint.? Spoken of long and
painful labour producing little effect. Kelly's reading
is "Lang mint little dint." Spoken when men
threaten much and dare not execute-(Kelly).
Fill fou s and /Laud 4 Iou maks a sta?'k 5 man. In
Border language a stark man was one who takes and
keeps boldly.
He that c?'abbs 8 without ca
tse should mease 1 withoul
mends.. Spoken to remind those ,vho are angry
without cause, that they should not be particular in
requiring apologies from others.
Be is worth na weill that may not bide na wae. He
deserves not the sweet that will not taste the sour.
He does not deserve prosperity ,yho cannot meet
adversity.
Ka1ne 9 sindle 10 kame sair. ll Applied to those who
forbear for ,a "\v hile, but when once roused can act
with severity.
Kamesters 12 are aye creeshie. 13 It is usual for men
to look like their trade.
Let alane mal(,S mony lU1"den. H \Vant of correction
makes many a bad boy-(I{elly).
Jl,Iony tynes 15 the half-ma ' rk 18 wlzinge?,11 (fO?1 the halfe
1 To aim at. 1 Settle. 12 Wool-combers.
A stroke. 8 Amends. IS Greasy.
g Full. 4 Hold. 9 Comb. 14 'Vorthless fellow.
Potent or strong. 10 Seldom. 1:) Loses.
fì Is angry. 11 Painfully. 16 Sixpenny.
17 A sort of dagger or hanger which seems to have been used
both at meals as a knife and in broils-
" And u:hingers now in frielldsllip bare:
The social meal to part and share,
flat! found a bloody sheath. "-Lay of the L(1st 1Ilinstrd.
224
REJ.IINISCENOES OF
pennie tvltang).1 Another version of penny wise and
pound foolish.
J,.7ÿa plie 2 is best.
Reavers 3 Sllould not be rewe1.s. 4 Those ,vho are so
fond of a thing as to snap at it, should not repent
when they have got it-(Kelly).
Sok and seill is best. The interpretation of this
proverb is not obvious, and later "Triters do not
appear to have adopted it from Fergusson. It is
quite clear that sok or sock is the ploughshare. Seil
is happiness, as in I(elly. "Seil comes not till
sorro,v be o'er;" and in Aberdeen they say, "Seil 0'
your face," to express a blessing. My reading is
"the plough and happiness the best lot." The
happiest life is the healthy country one. See Robert
Burns' spirited song with the chorus:
, , Up wi' my ploughman lad,
And hey my merry ploug111nan ;
Of a' the trades that I do ken,
Commend D1e to the ploughman. "
\ somewhat different reading of this very obscure
anù no,v indeed obsolete proverb has been suggested
by an esteemed and learned friend :-" I should say
rather it meant that the ploughshare, or country life,
accompanied with good luck or fortune "Tas best; i.e.,
that industry coupled with good fortune (good seasons
and the like) was the combination that was most to
be desired. Sæl, in Anglo-Saxon, as a noun, means
oppO'J.tunity, and then good luck, happiness, etc.
'llh,elJ"e's mae" madines 6 n01. makines. 1 Girls are more
plentiful in the world than hares.
1 Thong.
2 No lawsuit.
3 Robbers.
4 Rue, to repent.
7 Hares.
l\Iore.
6 .r.raid'-'Tl9.
SCOTTISH LIFE æ CH.AR.AC1'El
. 225
}Te briecl l Of the [JVUk,2 ye ha'Ce not a Thyme:! but ane.
Applied to persons who tire everybody by constantly
harping on one subject.
The collection by .A..llan Ran1say is very good, and
l)rofesses to correct the errors of former collectors. I
have no,v before me the first edition, Edinburgh, 1737,
,vith the appropriate motto on the title-page, "That
mann be true that a' men say." This edition contains
proverbs only, the number being 2464. Some pro-
verbs in this collection I do not find in others, and
one quality it possesses in a remarkable degree-it is
very Scotch. The language of the proverbial \yisdom
has the true Scottish flavour j not only is this the
case ,vith the proverbs themselves, but the dedication
to the tenantry of Scotland, prefixed to the collection,
is \vritten in pure Scottish dialect. From this dedica-
tion I make an extract, ,vhich falls in ,vith our plan
of recording Scotch reminiscences, as Allan Ramsay
there states the great value set upon proverbs in his
day, and the great importance \vhich he attaches to
then1 as teachers of moral ,visdom, and as combining
alllusement ,yith instruction. The prose of Allan
Ran1say has, too, a spice of his poetry in its composi-
tion. His dedication is, To the tenantry of Scotland,
farmprs of the dales, and storemasters of the hills-
" ,V orthy friends - The follo,ving hoard of ,vise
sayings and observations of our forefathers, ,vhich
have been gathering through mony bygane ages, I
have collected "\vith great care, and restored to their
proper sense.
"As naetlúng helps our happiness mail' than to
have tIle mind made up ,vi' right principles, I desire
you, for the thriving and pleasure of you and yours,
to uso your een and lend your lugs to these guid auld
1 Tak
aftor. 2 Cuckoo. 3
ate.
226
REJII.J.VISGENOES OF
sa'll)S, that shine wi' wail'd sense, and will as lang as
the world ,vags. Gar your bairns get them by heart;
let them have a place an10ng your family-books, and
may never a window-sole through the country be
,vithout them. On a spare hour, when the day is
clear, behind a ruck, or on the green howm, draw the
treasure frae your poucl1, an' enj oy the pleasant
companion. Ye happy herds, while your hirdsell are
feeding on the flo\very braes, you may. eithly make
yoursells master of the haleware. How usefold' will
it prove to you (wha hae sae fe\v opportunities of
common clattering) when ye forgather wi' your
friends at kirk or market, banquet or bridal! By
your proficiency you'll be able, in the proverbial way,
to keep up the saul of a conversation that is baith
blyth an usefou'."
Mr. Henderson's ,vork .is a compilation from those
already mentioned, I t is very copious, and the
introductory essay contains some excellent remarks
upon the ,visdom and ,vit of Scottish proverbial
saYIngs.
J\ir. Stirling's (now Sir W. Stirling-Maxwell's)
address, like everything he writes, indicates a minute
and profound know ledge of his su bj ect, and is full
of picturesque and just views of human nature. He
attaches much importance to the teaching conveyed in
proverbial expressions, and recommends his readers
even still to collect such proverbial expressions as may
yet linger in conversation, because, as he observes, " If
it is not yet registered, it is possible that it might have
died "Tith the tongue from which you took it, and so
have been lost for ever." " I believe," he adds, "the
number of good old saws still floating as waifs
and strays on the tide of popular talk to be mucb
greater than might at fir8t appear."
SOOTTiSH LIFE &. CHARAOTER. 227
One remark is applicable to aU these collections-
viz., that out of so large a number there are many of
them on ,vhich ,ve have little grounds for deciding that
they are excZ'usively Scottish. In fact, some are mere
translations of proverbs adopted hy many natious;
some of universal adoption. Thus ,ve have-
A burnt bairn fire d?"eads.
Ae swallow '1nakes nae simmer.
FaÚlt heart ne'er wan .faÙ" lady
III 'weeds 'wax 'lceel.
.Jfony 81nds male a 'Jn1lclcle.
0' ty;a ills cl
use tl
e least.
Set a knave to grip a lenare.
Tu'a wits are better than ane.
There's nae fuZe lz'/ce an auld .fule.
Jrc canna mak a sille Int1"se 0' a SOlO'8 lug.
A e bird i' tlte hand
8 'worth twa jl eeing.
}J ony cooles 'Jte' er made gude /cail.
Of numerous proverbs such as these, some nlay or
lllay not be original in the Scottish. Sir 'Villianl
remarks that many of the best and oldest proverbs
may be common to all people-may have occurred to
all. In our national collections, therefore, some of
the proverbs recorded may be simply translations
into Scotch of ".hat have been long considered
t.he property of other nations. Still, I hope it is not
a nlere national partiality to say that many of
the common proverbs gain much by such translation
from other tongues. All that I would attempt no,v
is, to select some of our more popular proverbial
sayings, \vhich many of us can remember as current
amongst us, and were much used by the late genera-
tion in society, and to add a fe,v from the collections
I have named, ,"9hich bear a very decided Scottish
5t.
.mp either in turn of thought or in turn of language.
228
RE L llINISCE4VCES OF
I renlember being nIuch struck the first tirne I
heard the application of that pretty Scottish saying
regarding a fair bride. I was \valking in :\Iontrosc, a
day or t\VO before her n1arriage, with a young lady, a
connection of n1Ïnc, who merited this description,
\vhen she \vas kindly accosted by an old friend,
an honest fish-\vife of the to\vn, " 'Veel, l\liss Elizabeth,
hae ye gotten a' yer claes ready
"to \vhich the
young lady nIodestly ans\vered, " Oh, Janet, my claes
are soon got ready;" and Janet replied, in the old
Scotch proverb, "Ay, \veel, a bonnie bride's s:tne
bllskit." 1 In the old collection, an addition less
sentÏ1nental is made to this proverb, A short horse is
5ltne 'wispit. 2
To encourage strenuous exertions to meet difficult
circlunstances, is ,veIl expressed by Sett'ing a stout
heart to a stey brae.
The mode of expressing that the ,vorth of a hand-
son1e \voman out,,"'eigbs even her beauty, has a very
Scottish character-She's better than she's bonnie.
l"he opposite of this ,vas expressed by a Highlander
of his o\vn wife, \vhen he somewhat un grammatically
said of her, " She's bonnier than slle's bette'1'."
The frequent evil to harvest operations from
autumnal rains and fogs in Scotland is well told in
the saying, A dry SUmllte1. ne'e1. made a dea1' peck.
There can be no question as to country in the fol-
lowing, \v hich seems to express generally that persons
Jllay have the nanle and appearance of greatness
\vithout the reality-A' Stuarts a1'e na sibB to the king.
There is an excellent Scottish version of the
common proverb, "He that's born to be hanged will
never be dro,vned."-The wate1' 'will nevef warr: the
widdie, i.e. never cheat the gallo\vs. This saying re-
I Attired. 2 Currieù. 3 Related. 40 u trnn.
saOTTISH LIFE d; CH.ARACTER. 229
ceived a very naive practical application during t.he
anxiety and alarIn of a storm. One of the passengers,
a good simple-nlinded minister, was sharing the alarlll
that ,vas felt around hÏ1n, until spying one of his
parishioners, of ",. hose ignominious end he had long
felt persuaded, he exclaimed to himself, "Oh, we are
all safe no,v, " and accordingly accosted the poor man
with strong assurances of the great pleasure he had in
seeing him on board.
It's ,ill getting the bJ'eeks aff the Higltlandman is a pro-
verb that savours very strong of a Lowland Scotch
origin. Having suffered loss at the hands of their
neighbours from the hills, this was a mode of express-
ing the painful truth that there ,vas little hope of
obtaining redress from those ,vho had no means at
their disposal.
Proverbs connected ,vith the bagpipes I set do\vn
as legitimate Scotch, as thus-Ye are as lang in tuning
YOllr pipes as anither wad play a spring. .. You are as
long of setting about a thing as another would be in
doing it.
There is a set of Scottish proverbs ,vhich ,ve may
group together as containing one quality in common,
and that in reference to the Evil Spirit, and to his
agency in the ,vorld. This is a reference often, I
fear, too lightly Inade; but I am not conscious of
anything deliberately profane or irreverent in the fol-
lowing :-
The deil's nae sae ill as he's caa'd. The most of
people may be found to have SOlne redeeming good
point: applied in G'lty J.ll anneting by the Deacon to
Gilbert Glossin, upon his intimating his intention to
COTI1P. to his shop soon for the purpose of laying in his
\vinter stock of groceries.
* Tunt:.-
r
230
REMINISOENCES OF
To the same effect, It's a sin to lee on tlw deil. Even
of the worst people, t1.uth at least should be spoken.
He should hae a lang-shafted spune that sups kail wi' the
deil. He should be ,veIl guarded and well protected
that has to do with cunning and unprincipled men.
Lang ere the deil dee by the dyke-side. Spoken
when the improbable death of some powerful and ill-
disposed person is talked of.
Let ae deil ding anitherf. Spoken when too bad
persons are at variance over some evil work.
The deil's bairns hae deil's luck. Spoken enviously
,vhen ill people prosper.
The deil's a busy bishop in his ain diocie. Bad men
are sure to be active in prolnoting their o,vn bad
ends. A quaint proverb of this class I have been
told of as coming from the reminiscences of an old
lady of quality, to recommend a courteous manner to
everyone: It's aye gude to be ceevil, as the auld wife
said when she beckit '* to the deevil.
Raise nae mair deils than ye are able to lay. Provoke
no strifes which ye may be unable to appease.
The deU's aye gude to his ain. A malicious proverb,
spoken as if those whom we disparage were deriving
their success from bad causes.
Ye wad do little 101. God an the deevil was dead. A
sarcastic mode of telling a person that fear, rather
than love or principle, is the Inotive to his good COll-
duct.
In the old collection already referred to is a pro-
verb which, although somewhat personal, is too good
to omit. It is doubtful ho,v it took its origin,
whether as a satire against the decanal order in
general, or against some obnoxious dean in particular.
These are the term s of it: The de'll an' the deUli
· C1Ut
ied.
SCOTTISH LIFE & CHARAOTER. 281
begin wi' ae letter. Wlwn the deil has the dean the kirk
will be the better.
The deil's gane ower Jock lVabste1. is a saying which
I have been accustomed to in my part ot. the country
from early years. It expresses generally misfortune
or confusion, but I am not quite sure of the exact
meaning, or who is represented by "Jock vVabster."
It ,vas a great favourite ,vith Sir \Valter Scott, who
quotes it twice in Rob Roy. Allan Ran1say introduces
it in the Gentle Shepherd to express the misery of
married life when the first dream of love has passed
away:-
" The' Dei! gaes ower Jock Wabster,' hame grows hell,
When Pate misca's ye waur than tongue can tell."
There are two very pithy Scottish proverbial expres-
sions for describing the case of young women losing
their chance of good marriages by setting their aims
too high. Thus an old lady, speaking of her grand-
daughter having made what she considered a poor
match, described her as having "lookit at the 'lnoon,
and lichtit * in the midden."
It is recorded again of a celebrated beauty, Becky
:Vlonteith, that being asked ho,v she had not made a
good marriage, she replied, " Ye see, I wadna hae the
walkm.s, and the 'ride'J.s gaed by."
It's ill to wauken sleeping dogs. It is a bad policy
to rouse dangerous and Inischievous people, who are
for the present quiet.
It is nae maÙ. fe1'Zy t to see it WUlla
/1J greit than to see a
goose go ba1.efit. A harsh and ungallant reference to
the facility with \vhich the softer sex can avail them-
elves of tears to carry a puint.
A Scots mist will weet an EU;'Ilislunan to the skin.
* Fallen.
282
RE},fINíSOENOES OF
A proverb, evidently of Caledonian origin, arising from
the frequent complaints made by English visitors of
the heavy mists which hang about our hills, and which
are found to annoy the southern traveller as it were
downright rain.
I(cep YOU'I" ain fish-guts to your a'in sea-maws. This
was a favourite proverb with Sir vValter Scott, ,vhen
he meant to express the policy of first considering the
interests that are nearest home. The saying savours
of the fishing population of the east cost.
A Yule feast may be done at Pasch. Festivities,
although usually practised at Christmas, need not, on
suitable occasions, be confined to any season.
It's belle?' to sup wi' a cully than want a spune.
Cutty n1eans anything short, stumpy, and not of full
growth; frequently applied to a short-handled horn
spoon. As Meg 1Ierrilies says to tbe be,vildered
Dominie, " If ye dinlla eat instantly, by the bread and
salt, I'll put it down your throat wi' the cutty .
punf."
"Fules .mak feasts and 'wise rncn eat' em, my Lord."
This was said to a Scottish lloblenlan on his giving
a great entertainment, and who readily answered,
" Ay, and Wise 1nen m,ake proverrbs and fools 'repeat 'em."
A green Yule * and a 'white Pays t male a fat ki1.k-
ya'rd. A very coarse proverb, but Inay express a
general truth as regards the effects of season 011 the
human franJe. Another of a similar character is, An
rtl'. t 'winter males a saÍ1'
winte't.
Whet will bell the cat? The proverb is used in
reference to a })roposal for accomplishing a difficult or
dangerous task, and alludes to the fable of the poor
mice proposing to put a bell about the cat's neck, that
they might be apprised of his coming. The historical
application is ,veIl kno,vn. When the nohles of
· Christmas. t Pasch 01' Eastcr. =:: Early.
Severe.
SCOTTISH LIFE cf OHARACTER. 233
Scotland proposed to go in a body to Stirling to take
Cochrane, the favourite of James the Third, and hang
him, the Lord Gray asked, "It is ,vell said, but wha
will bell the cat 'j" The Earl of Angus accepted the
challenge, and effected the object. To his dying day
he was called Archibald Bell-the-Cat.
Ye hae tint tlll tangue 0' the trump. "Trump" is
a Jew's harp. To lose the tongue of it is to lose
'\v hat is essential to its sound.
i.lleat and mass hinde?s nae 'lnan. Needful food,
and suitable religious exercises, should not be spared
under greatest haste.
Ye fand it whar the Highlandman fand tlte tangs (i.e.
at the fireside). A hit at our mountain neighbours,
,vho occasionally took from the Lowlands-as having
found-something that ,\yas never lost.
His head 'will ne'er 'rh'e (i.e. tear) his fathe?'s bonnet.
.A, picturesque '\vay of expressing that the son ""ill
never equal the influence and ability of his sire.
His batrk is wallr nor his bite. A good-natured
apology for one ,,"ho is good-hearted and rough in
speech.
Do as the cow of FOlia? did, tak a standing drink.
This proverb relates to an OCCUITence which gave rise
to a lawsuit and a ,vhimsicallegal decision. A ,yoman
in Forfar, ,yho ,,-as bre,,"ing, set out her tub of beer
to cool. A CO,," callIe by and drank it up. The
o,,-ner of the cow was sued for compensa.tion, but the
bailies of Forfar, ,vho tried the case, acquitted the
o,vner of the coW", on the ground that the fare'\vell
drink, called in the Highlands the dochan dori.s,. or
stirrup-cup, taken hy the guest standing by the door,
* The proper orthography of this expression is deoch-an -doruis
(or dorais). Deoch, a drink; an., of the; doruis or dorais, pos-
sessÍ're case of dorus or doras a door.
234
REJ,IIJ..VI/. CENCES OF
\yas never charged; arld as the co\v had taken but a
standing drink outside, it could not, according to the
Scottish usage, be chargeable. Sir Walter Scott has
humorously alluded to this circumstance in the notes
to Waverley, but has not nlentioned it as the subject
of an old Scotch proverb.
Bannocks a1"e better no?' nae kind 0' bread. Evi-
dently Scottish. Better have oatnleal cakes to eat
than be in want of ,vheaten loaves.
Folly is a bonny dog. Meaning, I suppose, that
many are imposed upon by the false appearances and
attractions of vicious pleasures.
TIle e'ening b1'ings a' /tame is an interesting saying,
meaning, that the evening of life, or the approach of
death, softens many of our political and religious
differences. I do not find this proverb in the older
collections, but Sir William l\faxwell justly caBs it
"a beautiful proverb, which, lending itself to various
uses, may be taken as an expression of faith in the
gradual gro,vth and spread of large-hearted Christian
charity, the noblest result of our happy freedom of
thought and discussion." The literal idea of the
" e' ening bringing a' hame," has a high and illustrious
antiquity, as in the fragment of Sappho, t E(j'iZ"Ege, '7rtl.vra
Ègf/,-q;ÈgEI' õïv (or oTvolJ)
ègEI; aTya,
sgf/' /l/l;<règl 1':aìòa
-,vhich is thus paraphrased by Lord Byron in Don
Juan, iii. 107:-
" 0 Hesperus, thou bringest all good things-
Home to the weary, to the hungry cheer;
To the young birds the parent's brooding wings,
The welcome stall to the 0' erlaboured steer, etc.
Thou bring'st the chi1d, too, to the mother's breast."
A simila.r graceful and moral saying inculcates an
ackno\vledgment of gratitude for the past favours
saOTTL
H LIFE d: OHARACTER. 235
which we have enjoyed when we come to the close of
the day or the close of life-
R1tse *" the fair day at e'en.
But a very learned and esteemed friend has suggested
another reading of this proverb, in accordance ,vith
the celebrated saying of Solon (Arist. Eth. N. I. 10):
Ka7'à
óÀCIJ
a XCfWJI 'rfÀO; ógãv-Do not praise the fair-
ness of the day till evening; do not call the life happy
till you have seen the close; or, in other matters, do
not boast that all is well till you have conducted your
undertaking to a prosperous end.
Let him tak a spring on his ain fiddle. Spoken of
a, foolish and unreasonable person; as if to say, ,,'\T e
will for the present allow him to have his o,vn way."
Bailie Nicol Jarvie quotes the proverb with great
bitterness, when he warns his opponent that h is time
for triumph ,vill come ere long,-" A,veel, aweel, sir,
you're welcome to a tune on your ain fiddle; but see if
I dinna gar ye dance till't afore it's dune."
The kirk is meikle, but Jle 'Tnay say rnass in ae end 0' t ;
or, as I have received it in another form, "If ,ve
canna preach in the kirk, ,ve can sing mass in the
quire." This intimates, where something is alleged
to be too much, that you need take no more than
\vhat you have need for. I heard the proverb used
in this sense by Sir Walter Scott at his o,vn table.
His son had complained of some quaighs ,vhich Sir
\Valter had produced for a dram after dinner, that
they 'v ere too large. His answer ,vas, " "... ell, 'Valter,
as my good mother used to say, if the kirk is ower
big, just sing mass in the quire." Here is another
reference to kirk and quire-He 1'ivest the kirk to
theikt the qui1'C. Spoken of unprofitable persons,
· Prnit:;p.-. T Tp:}.r8. :- Thatch.
236
REJJfINISGENOES OF
\vho in the English proverb, " rob Peter to pay
Paul. "
The king's e1.1.and may come the cadge't's gate '!let. A
great man may need the service of a very mean one.
The maut is abl)on the meal. His liquor has done
more for him than his meat. The man is drunk.
},{ ak a ki1.k and a mill 0' t. Turn a thing to any
purpose you like; or rather, spoken sarcastically,
Take it, and make the best of it.
Like a sow playing on a t1.ump. No image could be
well more incongruous than a pig performing on a
Jew's harp.
Mair by luck than gude guiding. His success is due
to his fortunate circumstances, rather than to his own
discretion.
He's not a man to 'ride the water wi'. A common
Scottish saying to express you cannot trust such an
one in trying times. May have arisen from the dis-
tricts where fords abounded, and the crossing them
was dangerous.
He 'fides on the 1'iggin 0' the kirk. The rigging
being the top of the roof, the proverb used to be
applied to those who carried their zeal for church
matters to the extreme point.
Leal hea1.t neve? lee'd, well expresses that an honest
loyal disposition will scorn, under all circumstances,
to tell a falsehood.
A common Scottish proverb, Let that flee stick to lite
wa', has an obvious meaning,-" Say nothing more on
that subject." But the derivation is not obvious.*
* It l1as been suggested, and with lnuch reason, that the
reference is to a fly sticking on a wet or a newly !)ailltetl wan;
this is corroborated by the addition in Rob Roy, "When thp
dirt's drJ", it will rub out," which seems to point out the Jnean-
ing and derivation of the provf1rb.
SCOTTISH LIFE d: CHARACTEil. 237
In like manner, the meaning of He that will to CUp01
mdun to Cupar, is clearly that if a man is obstinatf\
and bent upon his o""n dangerous course, l1e must
take it. But "Thy Cupar
and ,vhether is it the
Cupar of Angus or the Cupar of Fife
Kindness m'eeps whm.e it canna gang prettily expresses
that ,vhere love can do little, it \vill do that little,
though it cannot do more.
In my part of the country a ridiculous addition
used to be made to the common Scottish saying.
l.1{ony a thing's made for the pennie, i.e. Ivlany contriv-
ances are thought of to get money. The addition is.
" As the old woman said "hen she sa,v a black man."
taking it for granted that he was an ingenious and
curious piece of mechanism made for profit.
Bluid is tl
icke1" titan watm" is a proverb which has
a marked Scottish aspect, as meant to vindicate those
family predilections to 'v hich, as a nation, we are
supposed to be ratner strongly inclined.
There's aye wale?" whe1"e tlte sti1'7âe* d1"OUns. 'Vhere cer-
tain effects are produced, there must be some causes
at work-a proverb used to sho\y that a universal
popular suspicion as to an obvious effect must be laid
in truth.
Better a finger aff than aye waggin'. This proverb
I remember as a great favourite ,vith n1any Scotch
people. Better experience the ,yorst, than have an
evil al,vays pending.
Cadgers a1"e aye c'ratking 0' c1"ook saddles+ has a very
Scottish a
pect, and signifies that professional men
are very apt to talk too nluch of their profession.
The follo,ving is purely Scotch, for in no count ry
but Scotland are singed sheep heads to be met with ;
He's like a slleep head in a pai'r 0' tangs.
· A youna hullor.'k. + Saddie for E;upporting !)a.D111elS-
38
RE].[INISOENCES OF
A s sure's deeth. A common Scottish proverbial
expression to signify either the truth or certainty of
a fact, or to pledge the speaker to a perfornlance of
his promise. In the latter sense an amusing illustra-
tion of faith in the superior obligation of this
asseveration to any other, is recorded in the Eglinton
Papc'ts.* The Earl one day found a boy climbing up
a tree, and called him to come down. The boy
declined, because, he said, the Earl ,vouid thrash him.
His Lordship pledged his honour that he would not
do so. The boy replied, "I dinna ken onything
about your honour, but if you say as sure's deeth I'll
come doun."
Proverbs are sometimes local in their application.
The men 0' the Mea1.ns canna do mair than they may.
Even the men of Kincardineshire can only do their
utmost-a proverb intended to be highly compli-
mentary to the powers of the men of that county.
rll mak Cathkin's covenant wi' you, Let abee fo'}" let
abee. This is a local saying quoted often in Hamilton.
The laird of that property had - very unlike the
excellent family ,vho have now possessed it for more
than a century - been addicted to intemperance.
One of his neighbours, in order to frighten him on his
,vay home from his evening potations, disguised him-
self, on a very wet night, and, personating the devil,
claimed a title to carry him off as his rightful
property. Contrary to all expectation, ho\vever, the
laird showed fight, and ,vas about to commence the
onslaught, ,vhen a parley was proposed, and the issu e
,vas, " Cathkin's covenant, Let abee for let abee."
When the castle of Stilrling gets a hat, tl
e Ca'rse of
C01.ntown pays fOIl' that. This is a local proverbial
saying; the meaning is, that when the clouds descend
· ,r 01. Í. p. 1
4.
SCOTTISH LIFE J: CHARACTER.
39
so 10,," as to envelope Stirling Castle, a deluge of rain
Inay be expected in the adjacent country.
I \vill conclude this notice of our proverbial reminis-
cences, by adding a cluster of Scottish proverbs.
selected from an excellent' article on the general
subject in the l.Vorth British Review of February 1858.
The revie\ver designates these as "broader in their
mirth, and more caustic in their tone," than the
moral proverbial expressions of the Spanish and
Italian :-
Ablate 1 cat 1nalcs a p,roud mouse.
Better a too1n 2 ltouse than an ill tenant.
Joule 3 and let theja'w 4. gang by.
lJony ane speirs the ..qate 5 he kens fu' weel.
The tod 6 ne'er t\'fJed better than when he gMd hi, aÚl
errand.
A wilfu' man s/
ould be unco wûe.
He that lias a meilde nose thinlc8 illca ane .pealc& o't.
He that teaches hi1nsell has a .f?,de 101' his rnaister.
It'8 an ill cause tltat the lau'1./e1" thinks 8ha1ne 0'.
L'ippen 7 to me, but look to '!J
ur8ell.
Ma1'r wltistle than '/.l'oo, a
the 80ule?' said lI.:llen shearin.1}
the 800.
Jre gae far about seekiug the neare..il.
Ye'll no sell '!Jour hen on a rainy day.
Ye'll mend 'wh,en ye grow better.
Ye're nae cln:cken fo'/' a' your clteepin'.8
I have now adduced quite sufficient specimens to
convince those who may not have given attention to
the subject, how much of wisdom, knowledge of life,
and good feeling, are contained in these aphorisms
\",hich compose the mass of our Scottish proverbial
1 Shy. 3 Stoop down 5 The way.
t Empty. C Wave. 6 Fox.
r Trnst w. I Chirping.
240
RE1tfINI8CENOES OP
sayings. No doubt, to many of my younger rf1aders
proverbs are little kno,vn, anù to all they are becom-
ing more and morr matters of reminiscence. I am
quite convinced that much of the old quaint and
characteristic Scottish talk which \ve are now en-
deavouring to recall ùrpended on a happy use of thos..
abstracts of moral sentiment. And this feeling ,viII
be confirmed when we call to mind hov{ often those
of the old Scottish school of character, whose conversa-
tion we have ourselves admired, had most largely
availed themselves of the nse of its prove'"fbial
philosophy.
I have already spoken of (p. 16) a Scottish
peculiarity-viz. that of naming individuals from
lands which have been possessed long by the fanlily,
or frf\quently from the landed estates which they
acquire. The use of this mode of discriminating
individuals in the Highland districts i8 Rufnciently
ohvious. Where the inhabitants of a whole country-
side are Camp hells, or :Frasers, or Gordons, nothing
could be more convenient than addressing the in(1i-
viduals of each clan by the name of his estate.
lndred, some years ago, any other designation, as
Mr. Canlpbell, Mr. Fraser, would have heen resented
as an indignity. Their consequence sprang frOIn their
possession.. But all this is fast wraring awa.y.
The estates of old fl,milics have often changed hands,
and Ifighlanders are most unwilling to give the names
of old properties to new proprietors. r-rhe custom,
however, lingers amongst us, in the northern districts
especially. Farms also used to give their names to
the tenants.t I can recall an amusing instance of
· Even in Forfarshire, w}lCrp Carnpf!ics a bound, we ha(l Craigo,
B:J luamoon, Pitarrow, pt('.
t This custom if; stil1 in UEW in GaHoway; and U Chpllocb.."
.,\'OOTTISH LIFE w CHARAOTER 2.1
this practice belonging to my early days. The oldest
recollections I have are connected with the narne,
the figure, the sayings and doings, of the old co\v-hcrd
at Fasque in my father's time; his name was Boggy,
i.e. his ordinary apppllation; his true name ,vas S
ndy
A ndersoll. But he \vas called Bogb'Y from the
circumstance of h(tving once h(1ld <t ,vretchcd farm on
Ðcesiùe llanlcd Boggendreep. Ile had long left it,
and been unfortunate in it, but the name never left
him,-he ,vas Boggy to his grave. The territorial
appellation used to be rr'ckoned cornplhnentary, and
more respectful than 111'. or any higher title to which
the individual might be entitled. I recollect, in my
brother's time, at Fasque, his showing off some of his
home stock to
lr. Willianlson, tho Aberdeen butcher.
They carne to a fine stot, and Sir Alexander said,
\vith some appearance of boast, "I was offered t\venty
guineas for that ox." "Indeed, Fasque," s1,id \Villiam-
son, " ye should hae steekit your neive upo' that."
Sir 'Valter Scott had 111:1rked in his dia.ry <<t terri-
torial greeting of two proprietors \v hich had ullluseù
him much. The laird of I(ilspindie had met the
laird of 1-'annachy- Tulloch, and the followin b compli-
Inents passed bet\veen tIlenl :-" Y er maist obeùient
hUlnmil servant, 'Ta.nnachy-Tulloch." To which the
reply was, "Y er nain Inan, I(ilspindie."
In proportion as ,ve advance to\vards the Highland
district this custom of distinguishing clans or races,
and marking them out accorùing to the district
they occupied, becarne more apparpnt. rrhcl'e ,vas
the Glcngarry country, the :Frascr country, the GorJoú
country, etc. etc. These names carried also ,,'ith
thern certain moral features
s cha.racteristic of ('3,ell
"Escbonc11dll," "Tonderghip," "Balsalloch," &J.nù " DrUIU1110rr(
JI
etc. etc., appeu.r r
gularly at kirk a!1d Illarket.
242
REMINISOE1{OES OJt"
division. Hence the following anecdote :-The morn-
ing litany of an old laird of Cultoquhey, when he
took his morning draught at the cauld well, was in
these terms :-" Frae the ire 0' the Drummonds, the
pride 0' the Græmes, the greed 0' the Campbells, and
the wind 0' the Murrays, guid Lord deliver us."
The Duke of Athole, having learned that Cultoquhey
was in the habit of mentioning his Grace's family in
such uncomplimentary terms, invited the humorist
to Dunkeld, for the purpose of giving him a hint to
desist from the reference. After dinner, the Duke
asked his guest what were the precise terms in which
he was in the habit of alluding to his powerful
neighbours. Cultoquhey repeated his liturgy without
a moment's hesitation. "I recommend you," said
his Grace, looking very angry, "in future to omit
my name from your morning devotions." All he got
from Cultoquhey was, "Thank ye, my Lord Duke,"
taking off his glass with the utmost sangfroid.
SCOTTISH LIFE æ CH
R.ACTEB. 2<13
CHAPTER THE SEVENTH.
ON SCOTTISH STORIES OF WIT A
D HIDrOUR.
THE portion of our subject which \ve proposed under
the head of "Reminiscences of Scottish Stories of
\Vit or Humour," yet remains to be considered.
This is closely connected with the question of Scot-
tish dialect and expressions; indeed, on some points
hardly separable, as the wit, to a great extent, pro-
ceeds from the quaint and picturesque modes of ex-
pressing it. But here we are met by a difficulty.
On high authority it has been declared that no such
thing as wit exists amongst us. 'Vhat has no exist-
ence can have no change. 'Ve cannot be said to have
lost a quality \yhich ,ve never possessed. l\Iany of
my readers are no doubt familiar ,vith what Sydney
Smith declared on this point, and certainly on the
question of \vit he must be considered an authority.
He used to say (1 anI almost ashamed to repeat it),
"It requires a surgical operation to get a joke well
into a Scotch understanding. 'l'heir only idea of \vit,
which prevails occasionally in the north, and 'v hich,
under the name of 'VUT, is so infinitely distressing to
people of good taste, is laughing immoderately at
stated intervals." Strange language to use of a
country which has produced Smollett, Burns, Scott,
Galt, and Wilson-all remarkable for the humour
diffuseù through their ,vritings! Indeed, ,ve nlay
fairly ask, have they equals in this respect amongl3t
244
RE./.
fINISCENCES OF
English writers 1 Charles Lalnb had the same notioll,
or, I should rather say, the same prejudice, about
Scottish people not being accessible to wit; and he
tells a story of ,vhat happened to himself, in cor-
roboration of the opinion. He had been asked to a
party, and one object of the invitation had been to
meet a son of Burns. When he arrived,
rr. Burns
had not made his appearance, and in the course of
conversation regarding the family of the poet, Lamb,
in his lack-a-daisical kind of manner, said, " I ,vish it
had been the father instead of the son;" upon which
four Scotsmen present with one voice exclaimed,
"That's impossible, for he's dead." *' Now, there will
be dull men and matter-of-fact men everywhere, ,vho
do not take a joke, or enter into a jocular allusion;
but surely, as a general remark, this is far from being
:), natural quality of our country. Sydney Smith and
Charles Lamb say so. But, at the risk of being con-
sidered presumpt.uous, I ,vill say I think them en-
tirely mistaken. I should say that there was, on the
contrary, a strong connect'ion bet,veen the Scottish
temperament and, call it if you like, humour, if it is
not ,vito And \vhat is the difference
Mv readers
01
need not be afraid that they are to be led through a
labyrinth of metaphysical distinctions bet\veen wit
and humour. I have read Dr. Campbell's dissertation
on the difference, in his Philosophy of Rhetoric; I
have read Sydney Smith's o\vn two lectures; but I
confess I am not Inuch the ,viser. Professors of rhe-
toric, no doubt, must have such discussions; but ,vhen
* .After all, tlle remark IURY not have been so absurd then as
it appears now. Burns had not been long dead, nor was he
then so noted a chaTact
:r as he is now. The ScotsJnen might
reany have supposed a Southerner unacqua.inted with the /CiJ..t
of the poet's death.
SCOTTISH LIFE æ CHARACTER. 245
you wish to be amused by the thing itself, it is some-
\vhat disappointing to be presented with metaphy-
sical analysis. It is like instituting an examination
of the glass and cork of a champagne bottle, and a
chemical testing of the wine. In the very process
the volatile and sparkling draught ,vhich was to de-
light the palate has become like ditch wa,ter, vapid
and dead. '''hat I mean is, that, call it ,vit or
humour, or ,vhat you please, there is a school of Scot-
tish pleasantry, amusing and characteristic beyond all
other. Don't think of analysing its nature, or the
qualities of which it is composed; enjoy its quaint
and amusing flo\v of oddity and fun; as we may, for
instance, suppose it to have flowed on that eventful
night so joyously described by Burns :-
"The souter tauld his queerest stories,
The landlord's laugh was ready chorus. "
Or \ve ma,y think of the delight it gave the good Mr.
Balwhidder, ,vhen he tells, in his Annals of the Parish,
of some such story, tl1a,t it ,vas a "jocosity that was
just a kittle to hear." 'Vhen I speak of changes in
such Scottish humour which have taken place, I refer
to a particular sort of humour, and I speak of the sort
of feeling that belongs to Scottish pleasantry,-which
is sly, and cheery, and pa,vky. It is undoubtedly a
humour that depends a good deal upon the vehicle in
which the story is conveyed. If, as we have said,
our quaint dialect is passing away, and our national
eccentric points of character, we must expect to find
much of the peculiar humour allied with them to have
passed a\vay also. In other departments of ,vit and
repartee, aud acute hits at men and things, Scotsmen
(whatever Sydney Smith may have said to the con-
trary) a,re equal to their neighbours, and, so far as I
z
248
R}JJJLYISCENCES OF
know, may have gained rather than lost. But this
peculiar humour of which I now spea,k has not, in our
day, the scope and development which were permitted
to it by the former generation. Where the tendency
exists, the exercise of it is kept down by the usage8
and feelings of society. For examples of it (in its full
foree at any rate) we must go back to a ra,ce who are
departed. One remark, however, has occurred to me
in regard to the specimens we have of this kind of
humour-viz. that they do not alwa,ys proceed from
the personal ,vit or cleverness of any of the individuals
concerned in them. The amusement comes from the
circumstances, from the conCUITence or combination
of the ideas, and in many cases from the mere expres-
sions which describe the facts. The humour of the
narra,tive is unquestionable, and yet no one has tried
to be humorous. In short, it is the Scottishness that
gives the zest. The same ideas differently expounded
might have no point at all. There is, for example,
something highly original in the notions of celestial
mechanics entertained by an honest Scottish Fife lass
rega,rding the theory of comets. Having occasion to
go out after dark, and having observed the brilliant
comet then visible (1858), she ran in with breathless
haste to the house, calling on her fellow-servants to
" Come oot and see a new star that ha.sna got its tail
cuttit aff yet!" Exquisite astronomical speculation!
Sta,rs, like puppies, are born with tails, and in due
time have them docked. Ta,ke an exa,mple of a story
where there is no display of anyone's wit or humour,
and yet it is a good story, and one can't exactly say
why :-An English traveller had gone on a fine High-
land road so long, without having seen an indication
of fellow-travellers, that he became astonished at the
solitude of the country; and no doubt before the
SCOTTISH LIFE
CHARACTER. 247
Highlands were so much frequented as they are in
our time, the roads sometimes bore a very striking
aspect of solitariness. Our traveller, at last coming
up to an old man breaking stones, asked him if
there ,vas any traffic on this road-wa.s it at all fre.
quented
"Ay," he said, coolly, "it's no ill at that;
there was a cadger body yestreen, and there's yoursell
the day." No English version of the story could have
half such amusenlent, or have so quaint a character.
An ans,ver even still more characteristic is recorded
to have been given by a countryman to a traveller.
Being doubtful of his way, he inquired if he were on
the right road to Dunkeld. 'Vith some of his national
inquisitiveness about strangers, the countryman asked
his inquirer where he ca,me from. Offended at the
liberty, as he considered it, he sharply reminded the
man that ,vhere he came from was nothing to him;
but all the answer he got ,vas the quiet rejoinder,
" Indeed, it's just as little to me whar ye're gaen."
A friend has told me of an answer highly characteristic
of this dry and unconcerned quality which he heard
given to a fello,v-traveller. A gentleman sitting
opposite to him in the stage-coach at Ber,vick com-
plained bitterly that the cushion on which he sat was
quite ,vet. On looking up to the roof he saw a hole
through ,vhich the rain descended copiously, and at
once accounted for the mischief. He called for the
coachman, and in great wrath reproached him with
the evil under ,yhich he suffered, and pointed to the
hole l\" hich "ras the cause of it. All the satisfaction,
however, that he got was the quiet unmoved reply,
" .A..y, mony a ane has comp]ained 0' that hole." Another
aneodote I heard from a gentleman ,vho vouched for
the truth, which is just a case where the narrative
has its humour not from the wit which is displayed
248
RElllINISCENCES OF
but from that dry matter-of-fact vie"'\y of things peculiar
to some of our countrymen. The friend of my inform-
ant was walking in a street of Perth, when
to his
horror, he sa,v a workman fall from a roof where he
was mending slates, right upon the pavement. By
extraordinary good fortune he ,vas not killed, and on
the gentlelnan going up to his assistance, and exclaim-
ing, with much excitement, "God bless me, are you
much hurt
" all the ans,ver he got was the cool re-
joinder, "On the contrary, sir." A similar matter-of
fact ans,ver was made by one of the old race of
Montrose humorists. He was coming out of church,
and in the press of the kirk skailing, a young man
thoughtlessly trod on the old gentlenlan's toe, which
was tender with corns. He hastened to apologise,
saying, "I am very sorry, sir; I beg your pardon."
rrhe only ackno,vledgment of which was the dry
answer, "And ye've as Inuckle need, sir." An old
man marrying a very young ,vife, his friends rallied
him on the inequality of their a.ges. " She will be
near me," he replied, "to close my een." "W eel,"
remarked another of the party, "I've bad twa wives,
and they opened 'Iny een."
One of the best specimens of cool Scottish matter-
of-fact vie"'\y of things has been supplied by a kind
correspondent, who narrates it from his o,vn personal
recollection.
The' back windows of the house ,vhere he was
brought up looked upon the Greyfriars Church that
was burnt do,vn. On the Sunday morning in which
that even t took place, as they were all preparing to
go to church, the flames began to burst forth; the
young people screamed from the back part of the
house, "A fire! A fire!" and all \vas in a state of
confusion and alarm. The housemaid wa
not a.t
SCOTTISH LIFE d: OHARAOTER. 249
honle, it being her turn for the Sunday" ont." Kitty,
the cook, Vr
as taking her place, and perforn1Ïng her
duties. The old woman ,yas always very particular
on the subj ect of her responsibility on such occasions,
and came panting and hobbling up stairs from the
lower regions, and exclaimed, "Oh, ,vhat is't, ,vhat
is't
" "0 I{itty, look here, the Greyfriars Church
is on fire!" "Is that a', ltliss 1 'Vbat a fricht ye
geed me! I thought ye said the parlour fire was out."
In connection ,vith the
ubject of Scottish toasts I
am supplied by a first-rate Highland authority of one
of the most graceful and crushing replies of a lady to
,vhat ,vas intended as a sarcastic compliment and
Slllart saying at her expense.
About the beginning of the present century the
then Campbell of Combie, on Loch A,ve side, in
Argyleshire, ,vas a man of extraordinary character,
and of great physical strength, and such s,viftness of
foot that it is said he could "catch the best tup on
the hill." He also looked upon himself as a "pretty
man," though in this he ,vas singular; also, it ,vas
more than whispered tha.t the laird ,vas not remark-
able for his principles of honesty. There also lived
in the saIne district a 11iss :1lacN abb of Bar-a' -Chais-
tril, a lady ,vho, before she had passed the zenith of
life, had never been remarkable for her beauty-the
contrary even had passed into a proverb, w"hile she
,vas in her teens; but, to counterbalance this defect
in external qualities, nature had endowed her ,vith
great benevolence, ,vhile she ,vas renowned for her
probity. One day the Laird of Combie, "",ho piqued
himself on his bon-lnvfs, ,,"as, as frequently happened.
a guest of l\Iiss l\lacl\abb's, and after dinner severa1
toasts had gone round as usual, COIn bie rose ,vitlt
great solemnity <1lul aùdressing the lady of t.he house
250
REJIINISCENOES OF
requested an especial bumper, insisting on all the
guests to fill to the brim. He then rose and said,
addressing himself to Miss 1IacNabb, "I propose the
old Scottish toast of 'Honest men and bonnie lassies,'"
and bowing to the hostess, he resumed his seat. The
lady returned his bow with her usual amiable smile,
and taking up her glass, replied, "W eel, Combie, I
am sure we may drink that, for it will neither apply
to you nor me."
An amusing example of a quiet cool view of a
pecuniary transaction happened to my father whilst
doing the business of the rent-day. He ,vas receiving
sums of money from the tenants in succession. After
looking over a bundle of notes ,vhich he had just
received from one of them, a well-known character,
he said in banter, " James, the notes are not correct."
To which the farmer, ,vho was much of a humorist,
drily answered, "I dinna ken what they may be nOD,.
but they ,vere a' richt afore ye had your fingers in
amang 'em." An English farmer would bardly have
spoken thus to his landlord. The Duke of Buccleuch
told me an ans,ver very quaintly Scotch, given to
his grandmother by a farmer of the old school. A
dinner was given to some tenantry of the vast estates
of the family, in the time of Duke Henry. His
Duchess (the last descendant of the Dukes of Mon-
tague) always appeared at table on such occasions,
and did the honours with that mixture of dignity
and of affable kindness for which she was so remark-
able. Abundant hospitality was shown to all the
guests. The Duchess, having observed one of the
tenants supplied with boiled beef from a noble round,
proposed that he should add a supply of cabbage: 011
his declining, the Duchess good-humouredly remarked,
å' 'Vhy, boiled beef and' greens' seem so naturally to
SCOTTlSfl LIFE &. CHARACTER. 251
go together, I ,yonder you don't take it." To ,,
hich
the honest farmer 0 bj ected, "Ah, but JTour Grace
mauu alloo it's a vary windy vegetable," in delicate
allusion to the flatulent quality of the esculent.
Similar to this \vas the naïve answer of a farmer on
the occasion of a rent-day. The lady of the house
asked him if he would take some "rhubarb-tart," to
,vhich he innocently answered, "Thank ye, mem, I
dinna need it."
A Highland minister, dining with the patroness of
his parish, ventured to say, " I'll thank your leddyship
for a little more of that apple-tart; " "It's not apple-
tart, it's rhubarb," replied the lady. " Rhubarb! "
repeated the other, ,vith a look of surprise and alarm,
and immediately called out to the attendant, " Freend,
I'll thank you for a dram."
A characteristic table anecdote I can recall amongst
Deeside reminiscences. l\Iy aunt, Mrs. Forbes, had
entertained an honest Scotch farmer at Banchory
Lodge; a draught of ale had been offered to him, which
he had quickly despatched.
ry aunt observing that
the glass had no head or effervescence, observed, that
she feared it had not been a good bottle, "Oh, vera
gude, maam, it's just some strong 0' the aaple," an
expression which indicates the beer to be some,vhat
sharp or pungent. It turned out to have been a
bottle of vinegar decanted by mistake.
An amusing instance of an old Scottish farmer being
unacquainted ,vith table refinements occurred at a ten-
ant's dinner in the north. The servant llad put down
beside him a dessert spoon when he had been helped
to pudding. This seemed quite superfluous to the
honest man, who exclaimed, "Tak' it a,va, my man;
my mou's as big for puddin' as it is for kail."
Amongst the lower orders in Scotland humour i'1
252
REJIINISOENOES OF
found, occasionally, very rich in nlere children, and 1
recollect a remarkable illustration of this early native
humour occurring in a family in Forfarshire, ,vhere I
used in former days to be very intinlate. A wretched
wonlan, ,vho used to traverse the country as a beggar
or tramp, left a poor, half-starved little girl by the
road-side, near the house of my friends. Always ready
to assist the unfortunate, they took charge of the child,
and as she grew a little older they began to give her
some education, and taught her to read. She soon
made some progress in rea.ding the Bible, and the native
odd humour of ,vhich ,ve speak began soon to show
itself. On reading the passage, which began, "Then
David rose," etc., the child stopped, and looked up
knowingly, to say, " I ken ,vha that was," and on being
asked what she could nlean, she confidently said,
"That's David Rowse the pleuchman." And again,
reading the passage where the words occur, " He took
Paul's girdle," the child said, with much confidence,
" I ken ,vhat he took that for," and on being asked
to explain, replied at once, "To bake's bannocks on j"
" girdle" being in the north the name for the iron
plate hung over the fire for baking oat cakes or
bannocks.
To a distinguished nlember of the Church of Scot-
land I am indebted for an excellent story of quaint
child humour, which he had from the lips of an old
woman who related the story of herse]f:- When a
girl of eight years of age she was taken by her grand-
mother to church. The parish minister ,vas not only
a long preacher, but, as the custom was, delivered t,vo
sermons on the Sabbath day without any interval, and
thus saved the parishioners the two journeys to church.
Elizabeth was sufficiently wearied before the close of
the first discourse; but when, after singing and prayer.
THE BO
ET LAIRD
From a "water-colour drawing by
IíE.LrRJ" IV. KERR,
A.R.S.A., R.S.lf'.
.
I
j
I
SCOTTISll LIFE d: CHARACTER. 25h
the good 111inister opened the Bible, read a second
text, and prepared to give a second sermon, the young
girl, being both tired and hungry, lost all patience,
and cried out to her grandmother, to the no small
amusement of those who \vere so near as to hear her,
"Come awa, granny, and gang hame; this is a lang
grace, and nae meat."
A most amusing account of child humour used to
be narrated by an old 1\11'. Campbell of Jura, \vho told
the story of his o,vn son. It seems the hoy was much
spoilt by indulgence. In fact, the parents were scarce
able to refuse him anything he demanded. He was
in the dra,ving-room on one occasion when dinner
,yas announced, and on being ordered up to the
nursery he insisted on going do,vn to dinner \vith the
company. His mother ,vas for refusal, but the child
persevered, and kept saying, " If I dinna gang, I'll tell
thon." His father then, for peace sake, let him go.
So he went and sat at table by his mother. 'Vhen
he found everyone getting soup and himself omitted,
he demanded soup, and repeated, "If I dinna get it,
I'll tell thon." Well, soup was given, and various
other things yielded to his importunities, to ,vhich he
always added the usual threat of "telling thon." At
last, when it came to wine, his mother stood firm, and
positiv'ely refused. as " a bad thing for little boys," and
so on. He then became more vociferous than ever
about "telling thon;" and as still he ,vas refused, he
declared, "N O"T
I will tell thon," and at last roared out,
, M a new breeks 'were made oot 0' the auld curtuÙzs I "
The Rev. Mr. Agnew has kindly sent me an
anecdote ,vhich supplies an example of cleverness in a
Scottish buy, and which rivals, as he observes, the
stnartness of the London boy, termed by P'llnch tl1e
"
treet boy." It has also a touch of quiet, sly Scottish
254
RE.JIINISOEltTOES OF
llul/l0U'r. A gentleman, editor of a Glasgow paper,
\vell kno\vn as a bon-vivant and epicure, and by no
means a popular cha.racter, ,vas returning one day from
his office, and met near his o,vn house a boy carrying
a splendid salmon. The gentleman looked at it with
longing eyes, and addressed the boy-" Where are
you taking that salmon, my boy
" Boy-" Do you
ken gin ae 1vlr. (giving the gentleman's name)
lives hereabout 1 " Mr. - "Yes, oh yes; his
house is here just by." Boy (looking sly)-" 'Veel,
it's no for him." Of this saIne Scottish boy clevetrness,
the Rev. Mr. M'Lure of l\iarykirk kindly supplies a
capital specimen, in an instance which occurred at
'v hat is called the market, at Fettercairn, where there
is always a hiring of servants. A boy was asked by
a farmer if he ,vished to be engaged. " Ou ay," said
the youth. ., Wha was your last maister
" \vas the
next question. "Oh, yonder him," said the boy; anù
then agreeing to wait w here he was standing wit.h
some other servants till the inquirer should return
from examination of the boy's late employer. The
farmer returned and accosted the boy, "W eel, lathie,
I've been speerin' about ye, an' I'm tae tak ye." " Ou
ay," was the prompt reply, "an' I've been speerin'
about ye tae, an' I'm nae gaen."
We could not have had a better specImen of the cool
self-sufficiency of these young domestics of the Scottish
type than the follo\\-ing :-1 heard of a boy making a
very cool and determined exit from the house into
\vhich he had very lately been introduced. He had
been told that he should be dismissed if he broke any
of the china that was under his charge. On the
rnorning of a great dinner-party he was entrusted
(rather rashly) ,vith a great load of plates, ,vhich he
was to carry up-stairs from the kitchen to the dining.
SCOTTISH LIFE tIt OHARAOTER. 25f
room, and which were piled up, and rested upon his two
hands. In going up-stairs his foot slipped, and the
plates ,vere broken to atoms. He at once ,vent up to
the dra,ving-room, put his head in at the door, and
shouted: "The plates are a' smashed, and I'm
a,va. n
...1.. facetious and acute friend, \v ho rather leans to
the Sydney Smith view of Scottish wit, declares that
all our humorous stories are about lairds, and lairds
that are drunk. Of such stories there are certainly
not a few. The following is one of the best belong-
ing to my part of the country, and to many persons
I should perhaps apologise for introducing it at all.
1'he story has been told of various parties and
localities, but no doubt the genuine laird ,vas a laird
of Balnamoon (pronounced in the country Bonny-
moon), and that the locality ,vas a ,vild tract of land,
not far from his place, called Munrimmoll lYloor.
Balnamoon had been dining out in the neighbourhood,
,vhere, by mistake, they had put down to him after
dinner cherry brandy, instead of port ,vine, his usual
beverage. The rich flavour and strength so pleased
him that, having tasted it, he ,vouid have nothing
else. On rising from table, therefore, the laird would
be more affected by his drink than if he had taken
his ordinary allowance of port. His servant Harry
or Hairy ,vas to drive him home in a gig, or ,vhisky
as it was called, the usual open carriage of the time.
On crossing the moor, however, whether from greater
exposure to the blast, or from the laird's unsteadiness
of head, his hat and ,vig came off and fell upon the
ground. Harry got out to pick them up and restore
them to his master. The laird ,vas satisfied ,vith the
hat, but demurred at the ,vig. "It's no my wig,
Hairr, lad; it's no my ,vig," and refused to haYt
256
REltIINISOENCES OF
anything to do with it. Hairy lost his patience, and,
anxious to get home, remonstrated ,vith his master,
" Ye' d better tak it, sir, for there's nae waile * 0' wigs
on Munrimmon Moor." The l1umour of the argument
is exquisite, putting to the laird in his unreasonable
objection the sly insinuation that in such a locality,
if he did not take this ,vig, he was not likely to find
another. Then, what a rich expression, ",vaile 0'
wigs." In English ,vhat is it
"A choice of per-
ukes ;" which is nothing comparable to the ",vaile 0'
,vigs." I ought to Inentioll also an amusing sequel
to the story, viz. in ,vhat happened after the affair of
the wig had been settled, and the laird had consenteù
to return home. \Vhen the ,vhisky drove up to the
door, Hairy, sitting in front, told the servant ,vho
came "to tak out the laird." No laird ,vas to be
seen; and it appeared that he had fallen out on the
moor without Hairy observing it. Of course, they
,vent back, and, picking hinl up, brought him safe
home. A neighbouring laird having called a few
days after, and having referred to the accident,
Balnamoon quietly added, "Indeed, I Il1aUn hae a
lume t that'll haud in."
The laird of Balnamoon was a truly eccentric
character. He joined ,vith his drinking propensities
a great zeal for the Episcopal church, the service of
which he read to his o,vn family with much solemnity
and earnestness of lnanner. T\vo gentlemen, one of
them a stranger to the country, having called pretty
early one Sunday morning, Balnamoon invited them
to dinner, and as they accepted the invitation, they
remained and joined in the forenoon devotional exer-
cises conducted by Balnan100n himself. The strangpr
\vas nluch impressed with the laird's performance of
* Choice. t _\ v\JdaeL
SCOTTISH LIFE
OHARAOTER. 257
the service, and during a '\valk which they took before
dinner, mentioned to his friend hovr highly he es-
teemed the religious deportment of their host. The
gentleman said nothing, but smiled to himself at the
scene ,vhich he anticipated was to follo,v. After
dinner, Balnamoon set himself, according to the cus-
tom of old hospitable Scottish hosts, to make his
guests as drunk as possible. The result was, that the
party spent the evening in a riotous debauch, and
'\vere caITied to bed by the. servants at a late hour.
Next day, '\vhen they had taken leave and left the
house, the gentleman '\vho had introduced his friend
asked him '\vhat he thought of their entertainer-
" 'Vhy, really," he replied, '\vith evident astonishment,
"sic a speat 0' praying, and sic a speat 0' drinking, I
never knew in the ,vhole course 0' my life."
I-iady Dalhousie, mother, I mean, of the late dis-
tinguished Marquis of Dalhousie, used to tell a cha-
racteristic anecdote of 11er day. But here, on mention
of the name Christian, Countess of Dalhousie, may I
pause a moment to recall the memory of one who ,vas
a very remarkable person. She \vas for many years,
to me and Inine, a sincere, and true and valuable
friend. By an awful dispensation of God's providence
her death happened instantaneously under my roof in
1839. Lady Dalhousie was eminently distinguished
for a fund of the most varied knowledge, for a clear
and po\verful judgment, for acute observation, a kind
heart, a brilliant wit. Her story ,vas thus :-A
Scottish judge, somewhat in the predicament of the
Laird of Balnamoon, had dined at Coalstoun ,vith her
father Charles Brown, an advocate, and son of George
Brown, ,vho sat in the Supreme Court as a judge with
the title of Lord Coalstoun. The party had been
eon vivial, as we know parties of the highest legal
258
REltfINISOENCES OF
characters often ,vere in those days. "\Vhen breaking
up and going to the d ra,,"ing-ro om, one of them, not
seeing his ,yay very clearly, stepped out of the dining-
rOOln window, ,vhich was open to the summer air.
The ground at Coalstoun sloping off from the house
behind, the worthy judge got a great fall, and rolled
do,vn the bank. lIe contrived, ho,vever, as tipsy
men generally do, to regain his legs, and was able to
reach the dra,ving-room. The first remark he made
was an innocent remonstrance '\vith his friend the
host, "Od, Charlie Brown, '\v hat gars ye hae sic lang
steps to your front door
"
On Deeside, where many original stories had their
origin, I recollect hearing several of an excellent and
,vorthy, but very simple-minded man, the Laird of
Craigmyle. On one occasion, when the beautiful and
clever Jane, Duchess of Gordon, ,vas scouring through
the country, intent upon some of those electioneering
schemes which often occupied her fertile imagination
and active energies, she came to call at Craigmyle,
and having heard that the laird was making bricks
on the property, for the purpose of building a new
garden wall, with her usual tact she opened the sub-
ject, and kindly asked, " Well, Mr. Gordon, and how
do your bricks come on
" Good Craigmyle's thoughts
were much occupied with a new leather portion of his
dress, which had been lately constructed, so, looking
down on his neth
garments, he said in pure Aber-
deen dialect, "Muckle obleeged to yer Grace, the
breeks war sum ticht at first, but they are deeing
weel eneuch noo."
The last Laird of 1Iacnab, before the clan finally
broke up and emigrated to Canada, was a well-known
character in the country, and being poor, used to ride
about on a most wretchpd horse, which gave occasion
SOOTTISH LIFE Æ CHARACTER. 259
to many jibes at his expense. The laird ,vas in the
constant habit of riding up from the country to attend
the lvlusselburgh races. A young wit, by way of
playing him off on the race-course, asked him, in a
contemptuous tone, "Is that the same horse you had
last year, laird 1 It " N a," said the laird, brandishing
his ,vhip in the interrogator's face in so emphatic a
manner as to preclude further questioning, "na; but
it's the same whujJ." In those days, as might be ex-
pected, people were not nice in expressions of their
dislike of persons and measures. If there be not
more charity in society than of old, there is certainly
more courtesy. I have, from a friend, an anecdote
illustrative of this remark, in regard to feelings
exercised to,vards an unpopular laird. In the neigh-
bourhood of Banff, in Forfarshire, the seat of a very
ancient branch of the Ramsays, lived a proprietor
who bore the appellation of Oorb, from the name of
his estate. This family has passed away, and its
property merged in Banff. The laird ,vas intensely
disliked in the neighbourhood. Sir George Ramsay
was, on the other hand, universally popular and re-
spected. On one occasion, Sir George, in passing a
morass in his o'\vn neighbourhood, had missed the road
and fallen into a bog to an alarming depth. To his
great relief, he sa 'v a passenger coming along the path,
which was at no great distance. He called loudly for
his help, but the man took no notice. Poor Sir
George felt himself sinking, and redoubled his cries
for assistance; all at once the passenger rushed for-
ward, carefully extricated him from his perilous posi-
tion, and politely apologised for his first neglect of his
appeal, adding, as his reason, "Indeed, Sir George, I
thought it was Oorb! II evidently meaning that hl1d it
boon Carb, he must have taken hiR cnance for him.
260
REJII.J.VlSCENCES OF
In. Lanarkshire there lived a sma' sma' laird nanled
Hamilton, ,vho ,vas noted for his eccentricity. On
one occasion, a neighbour waited on him, and requested
his name as an accommodation to a" bit bill" for
t\venty pounds at three months' date, which led to
the following characteristic and truly Scottish colloquy:
-" N a, na, I canna do that." "What for no, laird
ye hae dune the same thing for ithers." " Ay, ay,
Tammas, but there's wheels within wheels ye ken
naething about; I canna do't." H It's a sma' affair to
refuse me, laird." "'V eel, ye see, Tammas, if I ,vas to
pit my name till't, ye ,vad get the siller frae the bank,
and ,vhen the time came round, ye ,vadna be ready,
and I ,,,,ad hae to pay't; sae then you and me wad
quarrel; sae ,ve may just as weel quarrel the nOD, as
lang's the siller's in ma pouch." On one occasion,
Hamilton having business with the late Duke of
Halnilton at Hamilton Palace, the Duke politely
asked him to lunch. A liveried servant ,vaited upon
them, and ,vas most assiduous in his attentions to the
Duke and his guest. i\.t last our eccentric friend lost
patience, and looking at the servant, addressed him
thus, "What the deil for are ye dance, dancing, about
the room that gait
can ye no draw in your chair
and sit down
I'm sure there's plenty on the table for
thfree. "
As a specimen of the old-fashioned Laird, now
become a Reminiscence, ,vho adhered pertinaciously
to old Scottish usages, and to the old Scottish dialect,
I cannot, I am sure, adduce a better specimen than
Mr. Fergusson of Pitfour, to whose servant I have
already referred. He was always called Pitfour, from
the name of his property in Aberdeenshire. He must
h
ve died fifty years ago. He was for many years
l.i.P. for the county of Aberdeen, and I have reason to
SCOTTISH LIFE & OHARACTER.. 261
believe that he made the enlightened parliamentary de-
claration which has been given to others: He said
"he had often heard speeches in the House, which
had changed his opinion, but none that had ever
changed his vote." I recollect hearing of his dining
in London sixty years ago, at the house of a Scottish
friend, where there ,vas a s\vell party, and Pitfour
was introduced as a great northern proprietor, and
county M.P. A fashionable lady patronised him
graciously, and took great charge of him, and asked
him about his estates. Pitfour ,vas very dry and
sparing in his communications, as for exanIple, "What
does your home farm chiefly produce, Mr. Fergusson 1 "
Answer, " Girss." "I beg your pardon, Mr. Fergus-
son, what does your home farm produce 1 " All she
could extract was, "Girss."
Of another laird, whom I heard often spoken of in
old times, an anecdote was told strongly Scottish.
Our friend had much difficulty (as many worthy
lairds have had) in meeting the claims of those two
,voeful periods of the year called with us in Scotland
the "tarmes." He had been employing for some
time as workman a stranger from the south on some
house repairs, of the not uncommon name in England
of Christmas. His servant early one morning called
out at the laird's door in great excitement that
"Christmas had run away, and nobody knew \vhere
he had gone." He coolly turned in his bed with the
ejaculation, "I only wish he had taken 'Vhitsunday
and Martinmas along \vith hinl." I do not kno\v a
better illustration of quiet, shrewd, and acute Scottish
humour than the following little story, which au
esteemed correspondent mentions having heard from
his father when a boy, relating to a former Duke of
Athole, who had no fanâly vf his own, and whom he
2A
262
REJ1I.l.YISGE.lVCES OF
mentions as having relnenlbered very ,veIl :-He met,
one morning, one of his cottars or gardeners, whose
,vife he kne,y to be in the hopeful 'way. Asking him
"how Marget was the day," the man replied that she
had that morning given him twins. Upon which the
Duke said,-" \Veel, Donald; ye ken the Almighty
never sends bairns ,vithout the meat. n "That may
be, your Grace," said Donald; "but whiles I think
that Providence maks a mistak in thae matters, and
sends the bairns to ae hoose and the meat to
anither! n The Duke took the hint, and sent hÌ1n a
cow with calf the following morning.
I have heard of an amusing scene between a laird,
noted for his meanness, and a wandering sort of Edie
Ochiltree, a well-known itinerant who lived by his
wits and what he could pick up in his rounds amongst
the houses through the country. The laird, having
seen the beggar sit do,vn near his gate to examine
the con tents of his pock or wallet, conj ectured that
he had come from his house, and so drew near to see
,vhat he had carried off. As the laird was keenly
investigating the Inendicant's spoils, his quick eye
detected some bones on which there remained more
meat than should have been allowed to leave his
kitchen. Accordingly he pounced upon the bones,
declaring he 11ad been robbed, and insisted on the
beggar returning to the house and giving back the
spoil. He ,vas, however, prepared for the àttack,
and sturdily defended his property, boldly asserting,
" N a, na, laird, thae are no Tod-brae banes; they are
Inch-byre banes, and nane 0' your bonour's "-mean-
ing that he had received these bones at the house of
a neighbour of a more liberal character. The beggar's
professional discrimination bet"Teen the merits of the
bones of the two mansions, and his pertinacious dc-
SCOTTISH LIFE d: CHARACTER. 268
fence of his own property, \\.ould have been most
amusing to a bystander.
I have, however, a reverse story, in which the
beggar is quietly silenced by the proprietor. A noble
lord, some generations back, well kno,vn for his frugal
habits, had just picked up a sn1all copper coin in his
o,vn avenue, and had been observed by one of the
itinerating mendicant race, ,vho, grudging the transfer
of the piece into the peer's pocket, exclaimed, "0,
gie't to me, my lord;" to \vhich the quiet ans"
er
,vas, "N a, na j fin' a fardin' for yersell, puir body."
There are al w'ays pointed anecdotes against houses
wanting in a liberal and hospitable expenditure in
Scotland. Thus, \ve have heard of a master leaving
such a mansion, and taxing his servant with being
drunk, '\vhich he had too often been after other
country visits. On this occasion, however, he \v.as
innocent of the charge, for he had not the opportunity
to transgress. So, ,vhen his master asserted, "Jemmy,
you are drunk!" J emmy very quietly answered,
"Indeed, sir, I ,vish I ,yur." At another Iuansion,
notorious for scanty fare, a gentleman was inquiring
of the gardener about a dog ,vhich some time ago he
had given to the laird. The gardener showed him a
lank greyhound, on which the gentleman said, "No,
no; the dog I gave your master ,vas a nlastiff, not a
greyhound;" to ,y hich the gardener quietly ans,vered,
" Indeed, ony dog micht sune become a greyhound by
stopping here."
From a friend and relative, a minister of the
Established Church of Scotland, I used to hear many
characteristic stories. He had a curious vein of this
sort of hunlour in himself, besides ". hat he brought
out from others. One of his peculiarities ,yas a mor..
tal antip
t.hy to the 'v hole French nation, ,rhom he
264
RE.1[I2vISOE
YaES OF
frequently abused in no measured terms. At the
same time he had great relish of a glass of claret,
which he considered the prince of all social beverages.
So he usually finished off his antigallican tirades,
,vith the reservation, "But the bodies bre,v the bra,v
drink." He lived amongst his own people, and kne\v
well the habits and peculiarities of a race gone by.
He had many stories connected with the pastoral
relation between minister and people, and all such
stcries are curious, not merely for their amusement,
but from the illustration they afford us of that
peculiar Scottish humour which we are now describ-
ing. He had himself, when a very young boy, before
he came up to the Edinburgh High School, been at
the parochial school where he resided, and which,
like many others, at that period, had a considerable
reputation for the skill and scholarship of the master.
He used to describe school scenes rather different, I
suspect, from school scenes in our day. One boy,
on coming late, explained that the cause had been a
regular pitched battle between his parents, with the
details of which he amused his school-fellows; and
he described the battle in vivid and Scottish Homeric
terms: "And eh, as they faucht, and they faucht,"
adding, however, with much complacency, "but my
minnie dang, she did tho'."
There was a style of conversation and quaint modes
of expression between ministers and their people at
that time, which, I suppose, ,vonld seem strange to
the present generation; as, for example, I recollect a
conversation between this relat.ive and one of his
parishioners of this description.-It had been a very
wet and unpromising autumn. The minister met a
certain Janet of his flock, and accosted her very
kindly. He remarl{ed, "13ad prospect for the har'st
SCOTTISH LIFE d1 CHARACTER. 265
(harvest), Janet, this wet." Janet-" Indeed, sir, I've
seen as muckle as that there'll be nae har'st the year."
lJ;Iinister-" Na, Janet, deil as muckle as that 't eyer
you saw."
As I have said, he ,vas å clergyman of the Estab-
lished Church, and had many stories about ministers
and people, arising out of his own pastoral experience,
or the experience of friends and neighbours. He was
much delighted ,vith t.he not very refined rebuke
which one of his o'\vn farmers had given to a young
minister who had for some Sundays occupied his
pulpit. The young man had dined '\vith the farmer
in the afternoon when services "'gere over, and his
app
tite was so sharp, that he thought it necessary to
apologise to his host for eating so substantial a dinner.
-" You see," he said, "I am always very hungry
after preaching." The old gentleman, not much
admiring the youth's pulpit ministrations, having
heard this apology two or three times, at last replied
sarcastically, "Indeed, sir, I'm no surprised at it, con-
sidering the trash that comes aft' your stamach in the
morning. "
"That I wish to keep in view is, to distinguish
anecdotes which are amusing on account merely of
the expressions used, from those which have real wit
and humour combined, with the purely Scottish vehicle
in which they are conveyed.
Of this class I could not have a better specimen to
commence ,vith than the defence of the liturgy of his
church, by John Skinner of Langside, of whom pre-
vious mention has been made. It is ,,"itty and clever.
Being present at a party (I think at Lord Forbes's),
where ,vere also several ministers of the Establish-
ment, the conversation over their wine turned, among
other things, on the Pn.t)Tcr Book. Skinner took no
266
REJflNISCENCES OF
part in it, till one minister remarked to him, "The
great faut I hae to your prayer-book is that ye use
the Lord's Prayer sae aften,-ye juist mak a dishclout
o't." Skinner's rejoinder was, "V eITa true! Ay,
man, ,ve mak a dishclout o't, an' we ,vring't, an' we
wring't, an' ,ve ,vring't, an' the bree * o't '\vashes a' the
lave 0' our prayers."
Noone, I think, could deny the ,vit of the two fol-
lo,ving rej oinders.
A ruling elder of a country parish in the west of
Scotland was well known in the district as a shrewd
and ready-witted man. He received many a visit from
persons who liked a banter, or to hear a good joke.
Three young students gave him a call in order to have
a little amusement at the elder's expense. On ap-
I)roaching him, one of them saluted him, "Well,
Father Abraham, how are you to-day 1 " " You are
wrong," said the other, "this is old Father Isaac."
"Tuts," said the third, "you are both mistaken; this
is old Father Jacob." David looked at the young men,
and in his o,vn way replied, "I am neither old Father
Abraham, nor old Father Isaac, nor old Father Jacob;
but I am Saul the son of Kish, seeking his father's
asses, and lo! I've found three 0' them."
For many years the Baptist community of Dun-
fermline was presided over by brothers David Dewar
and James Inglis, the latter of ,vhom has just re-
cently gone to bis re,vard. Brother David was a
plain, honest, straightforward n1an, who never hesi-
tated to express his convictions, ho,vever unpalatable
they might be to others. Being elected a member of
the Prison Board, he ,vas called upon to give his vote
in the choice of a chaplain from the licentiates of the
Established Kirk. The party who had gained the con.
* J wee.
SCOTTISH LIFE d: CHARACTER. 261
fidence of the Board had proved rather an indifferent
preacber in a charge to which he had previously been
a.ppointed; and on David being asked to signify his
assent to the choice of the Board, he said, " 'V eel, I've
no objections to the man, for I understand he has
preached a kirk toom (empty) already, and if he be as
successful in the jail, he'll maybe preach it vawcant
as ,veel."
Froln
Ir. Inglis, clerk of the Court of Session, I
have the follo,ving Scottish rejoinder:-
"I recollect my father relating a conversation be-
tw'een a Perthshire laird and one of his tenants. The
laird's eldest son was rather a simpleton. Laird says,
'I am going to send the young laird abroad.' "Vhat
for l' asks the tenant; answered, 'To see the world; ,
tenant replies, ' But, lord-sake, laird, will no tIle world
see him?'"
An admirably humorous l'eply is recorded of a
Scotch officer, well known and esteemed in his day for
mirth and humour. Captain Innes of the Guards
(usually called Jock Innes by his contemporaries) was
with others getting ready for Flushing or some of
those expeditions of the beginning of the great war.
His conunanding officer (Lord Huntly, my correspond-
ent thinks) renlonstrated about the badness of his
hat, and recommended a new one-" N a, na! bide a
,vee," said Jock; "'v here ,ve're gain' faith there'll
soon be mair hats nor heads."
I recollect being much amused ,vith a Scottish refer-
ence of this kind in the heart of London. Many years
ago a Scotch party had dined at Simpson's famous
beef-steak house in the Strand. On coming away
some of tbe party could not find their hats, and Iny
uncle was jocularly asking the ,vaiter, whom he knew
to be a Deesid.e man, "'Vhar are our bonnets, Jecms f'
268
REJIINISCEJ.VCES OF
To \vhich he replied, "'Deed, I mind the day \vhen
I had neither hat nor bonnet."
There is an odd and original way of putting a matter
sometimes in Scotch people, \vhich is irresistibly comic,
although by the persons nothing comic is intended;
as for example, ,vhen in 1786 Edinburgh was illumi-
nated on account of the recovery of George III. fron1
severe illness. In a house where great preparation
,vas going on for the occasion, by getting the candles
fixed in tin sconces, an old nurse of the family, looking
on, exclaimed, "Ay, it's a braw time for the cannel-
makers when the king is sick, honest man!"
Scottish farmers of the old school \vere a shrewd
and humorous race, sometimes not indisposed to look
with a little jealousy upon their younger brethren,
who, on their part, perhaps, showed their contempt for
the old-fashioned ways. I take the following example
from the columns of the Pete1 0 head Sentinel, just as it
appeared-June 14, 1861 :-
"AN ANECDOTE FOR DEAN RA
ISAy.-The foIlo\v-
ing characteristic and amusing anecdote ,vas communi. '-
cated to us the other day by a gentleman who hap-
pened to be a party to the conversation detailed belo\v.
This gentleman was passing along a road not a hun-
dred miles from Peterhead one day this week. Two
different farms skirt the separate sides of the turnpike,
one of which is rented by a farmer who cu]tivates
his land according to the most advanced system of
agriculture, and the other of ,vhich is farmed by a
gentleman of the old school. Our informant met the
latter worthy at the side of the turnpike opposite his
neighbour's farm, and seeing a fine crop of wheat
upon ,vhat appeared to be [and really was] very thin
and poor land, asked, , "Then ,vas that ,vheat sown f
'0 I dinna ken,' replied the gcntlelnan of the old
SCOTTISH LIFE d.. CHARACTER. 269
school, ,vith a sort of half-indifference, half-contempt.
'But isn't it strange that such a fine crop should be
reared on such bad land
J asked our informant. '0,
na-nae at a'-deevil thank it; a gravesteen wad gie
guid bree. gin ye gied it plenty 0' butter!'"
But perhaps the best anecdote illustrative of the
keen shrewdness of the Scottish farmer is related by
1Ir. Boyd t in one of his charming series of papers,
reprinted from F'rasm"s !Jfagazine. " A friend of mine,
a country parson, on first going to his parish, resolved
to farm his glebe for himself. A neighbouring farmer
kindly offered the parson to plough one of his fields.
The farmer said that he would send his man John
'\vith a plough and a pair of horses on a certain day
, If ye're goin' about,' said the farmer to the clergyman,
, John will be unco ,veel pleased if you speak to him,
and say it's a fine day, or the like 0' that; but dinnn,'
said the farmer, with much solemnity, 'dinna say
onJthing to him about ploughin' and sawin'; for John,'
he added, 'is a stupid body, but he has been ploughin'
and sawin' a' his life, and he'll see in a minute that
ye ken naething aboot ploughin' and sa,vin'. And
then,' said the sagacious old farmer, '\vith much earnest-
ness, ' if he comes to think that ye ken naething aboot
ploughin' and sawin', he'll think that ye ken naething
aboot onything! '"
The follo,ving is rather an original commentary, by
a layman, upon clerical incomes :- A relative of n1Ïne
going to church with a Forfarshire farmer, one of the
old school, asked him the amount of the minister's
stipend. He said, "Od, it's a gude ane-the maist
part of .f300 a )Tear." " 'VeIl," said my relative, "many
of these Scotch ministers are but poorly ofr." .., TheJ've
* Broth. t RAv. A. K. H. Boyd.
270
llEJII.J.'tISCENCES OF
eneuch, sir, they've eneuch; if they'd mail', it ,vould
\vant a' their time to the spendin' o't."
Scotch galnekeepers had often much dry quiet
humour. I ,vas much amused by the ans,ver of ono
of those under the follo,ving circumstances :-A.n
Ayrshire gentleman, ,vho ,vas from the first a very
bad shot, or rather no shot at all, when out on 1st of
September, having failed, time after time, in bringing
down a single bird, had at last pointed out to him by
his attendant bag-carrier a large covey, thick and close
on the stubbles. " N 00, Mr. J eems, let drive at them,
just as they are!" Mr. J eems did let drive, as ad.
vised, but not a feather remained to testify the shot.
All fle,v off, safe and sound-" Hech, sir (renlarks his
friend), but ye've made thae yins shift thei1. quarters."
The two follolring anecdotes of rejoinders from
Scottish guid wives, and for ,vhich I ain indebted, as
for many other kind communications, to the Rev.
Mr. Blair of Dunblane, appear to me as good examples
of the peculiar Scottish pithy phraseology which we
refer to, as any that I have met ,yith.
An old lady from whom the" Great Unknown "
had derived many an ancient tale, was waited upon
one day by the author of "W averley." On his
endeavouring to give the authorship the go-by, the
old dalne protested, "D' ye think, sir, I dinna ken
my ain groats in ither folk's kail
"*
A conceited packman called at a farm-house in the
""est of Scotland, in order to dispose of some of his
,vares. The good.wife was offended by his southern
accent, and his high talk about York, London, and
other big places. "An' "Thaur come ye frae yerse1l1"
was the question of the guid ,vue. "Ou, I am from
* I believe the lady was }{rs. }I urray Keith of Ravelston,
with whom Sir Walter had in early life much intercour
.
SCOTTISH LIFE J: CHARAOTE1
. 271
the Border." "The Border-oh! I thocht that;
for ,ve aye think the selvidge is the ,vakest bit 0' the
,vab ! "
The following is a good specimen of ready Scotch
humorous reply, by a master to his discontented
"\vorkmall, and in ,vhich he turned the tables upon
him, in his reference to Scripture. In a town of one
of the central counties a l\Ir. J carried on, about
a century ago, a very extensive business in the linen
manufacture. Although strikes were then unknown
anlong the labouring classes, the spirit froin ,vhich
these take their rise has no doubt at all times existed.
Anlong 1fr. J -'8 many ,vorkmen, one had given
him constant annoyance for years, from his discontented
and argumentative spirit. Insisting one day on get-
ting something or other ,vhich his master thought
most unreasonable, and refused to give in to, he at
last submitted, ,vith a bad grace, saying, " You're nae
better than Phafaoh, sir, forcin' puir folk to mak'
bricks ,vithout straw." " 'V ell, Saunders," quietly
rejoined his master, "if I'm nae better than Pharaoh
in one respect, I'll be better in another, for III no
hinde'J. ye going to the wildm'ness whenevm. you choose."
Persons who are curious in Scottish stories of ,vit
and humour speak much of the sayings of a certain
"Laird of Logan," who was a well-known character
in the 'Vest of Scotland. This same Laird of Logan
was at a Ineeting of the heritors of Cumnock, ,vhere
a proposal was made to erect a new churchyard ,vall.
He met the proposition with the dry renlark, "I
never big dykes till the tenants complain." Calling
one day for a gill of ,vhisky in a public-house, the
Laird ,vas asked if he ,vould take any ,vater ,vith the
spirit. " N a, na," replied he, "I ,vould rather ya
,vould tak the ,vater out o't."
272
REltfINISUENCES 011'
The laird sold a horse to an Englishman, sa ying\
"Y ou buy him as you see him; but he's an honest
beast." The purchaser took hiIn home. In a fe,v
days he stumbled and fell, to the damage of his o,vn
knees and his rider's head. On this the angry
purchaser remonstrated with the laird, whose reply
was, " Well, sir, I told ye he was an honest beast;
many a time has he threatened to come down with
me, and I kenned he would keep his word some day."
At the time of the threatened invasion, the laird
had been taunted at a meeting at Ayr ",
ith want of
loyal spirit at Cumnock, as at that place no volunteer
corps had been raised to meet the coming danger;
Cumnock, it should be recollected, being on a high
situation, and ten or twelve miles from the coast.
"What sort of people are you up at Cumnock 1"
said an Ayr gentleman; "you have not a single volun-
teer ! " " Never you heed," says Logan, very quietly;
" if the French land at Ayr, there will soon be plenty
of volunteers up at Cumnock."
A pendant to the story of candid admission on the
part of the minister, that the people might be weary
after his sermon, has been given on the authority of
the narrator, a Fife gentleman, ninety years of a.ge
,vhen he told it. He had been to church at EJie,
and listening to a young and perhaps bombastic
preacher, ,vho happened to be officiating for the Rev.
Dr. Milligan, 'v ho was in church. After service,
meeting the Doctor in the passage, he introduced the
young clergynlan, who, 011 being asked by the old
man how he did, elevateQ his shirt collar, and com-
plained of fatigue, and being very much "IÙ.ed."
"Tired, did ye say, my Inan
" said the old satirist.,
who was slightly deaf; "Lord, man! if you're Jw{1
as tired as I am, I pit.y yc ! "
SCOTTISH LIFE J.. CHARACTER. 273
I have been much pleased ,vith an offering from
Carluke, containing two very pithy anecdotes.
Ir.
Rankin very kindly ,vrites :-" Your 'Reminiscences'
are most refreshing. I am very little of a story-
collector, but I have recorded some of an old school-
master, ,vho ,vas a story-teller. As a sort of payment
for the amusement I have derived from your book,
I shall give one or t,vo."
He sends the two follo,ving:-
"Shortly after Mr. !{ay had been inducted school-
master of Carluke (1790), the bederal called at the
school, verbally announcing, proclamation-ways, that
1\1rs. So-and-So's funeral would be on Fuirsday. ' At
what hour
' asked the dominie. ' Ou, ony time
atween ten and twa.' At two o'clock of the day
fixed, Mr. Kay-quite a stranger to the customs of
the district-arrived at the place, and ,vas astonished
to find a cro'\vd of men and lads, standing here and
there, some smoking, and all argle ba?g ling,
as if at
the end of a fair. He was instantly, but mysteriously,
approached, and toucbed on the arm by a red-faced
bareheaded man, ,vho seemed to be in authority, and
was beckoned to follo'\v. On entering the barn, ,vhich
"Tas seated all round, he found numbers sitting, each
,vith the head bent do,vn, and each ,vith his hat
bet,veen his knees-all gravity and silence. All on
a voice was heard issuing from the far end, and a
long prayer was uttered. They had ,vorked at this
-,vhat was called' a se?vice '-during three previous
hours, one party succeeding another, and n1any taking
advantage of every service, which consisted of a prayer
by way of grace, a glass of white ,,,,ine a glass of 'red
wine, a glass of 'I"urn, and a prayer by way of thanks-
giving. Mter the long invocation, bread and ,vin
.. Disputing 01' bandying worùs backwards and forwards.
274
REJfINISCENCES OF
passed round. Silence prevailed. Most partook of
both 'founds of ,vine, but ,vhen the rum came, many
nodded refusal, and by and by the nodding seemed
to be universal, and the trays passed on so much the
lllore quickly. A sumphish ,veather-beaten man, with
a large flat blue bonnet on his knee, who had nodded
un,vittingly, and ,vas about to lose the last chance of
a glass of rnm, raised his head, saying, amid the deep
silence, 'Od, I daursay I wull tak anither glass,' anù
in a sort of vengeful, yet apologetic tone, added, 'The
auld jaud yiI1ce cheated me wi' a cauve' (calf)."
At a farmer's funeral in the country, an undertaker
,vas in charge of the ceremonial, and directing how it
,vas to proceed, ,vhen he noticed a little man giving
orders, and, as he thought, rather encroaching upon
the duties and privileges of his own office. He asked
him, "And wha are ye, mi' man, that tak sae muckle
on ye 1 " "Oh, dinna ye ken
" said the man, under
a strong sense of his own in1portance, "I'm the corp's
brither 1 " :I
Curious scenes took place at funerals where there
was, in times gone by, an unfortunate tendency to
join with such solemnities more attention to festal
entertainment than was becoming. A farmer, at
the interment of his second ,vife, exercised a liberal
hospitality to his friends at the inn near the church.
On looking over the bill, the master defended the
charge as 1l1oderate. But he reminded him, "Y e
forget, man, that it's no ilka ane that brings a second
funeral to your house."
"Dr. Scott, minister of Carluke (1770), was a fine
graceful kindly man, al,vays stepping about in his
bag-\vig and cane in hand, ,vith a kind and reaùy
* In Scotland the ren\ains of tbe deceased person is cal1ed
the ,
corp. .J
SCOTTISH LIFE & CHARACTElt. 27S
word to everyone. He \yas officiating at a bridal ill
his parish, \vhere there "
as a goodly company, had
partaken of the good cheer, and ,vaited till the young
people ,yere fairly ,varmed in the dance. A dissent-
ing body had sprung up in the parish, ,vhich he tried
to think \vas beneath him even to notice, ,vhen he
could help it, yet never seenled to feel at all keenly
\vhen the dissenters were alluded to. One of the
chief leaders of this body ,vas at the bridal, and felt
it to be his bounden duty to call upon the minister
for his reasons for sanctioning by his presence so
sinful an enjoyment. ' 'Veel, minister, \vhat think ye
0' this dancin'
' , Why , John,' said the minister,
blithely, 'I think it an excellent exercise for young
people, and, I dare say, so do you.' 'Ah, sir, I'm no
sure about it) I see nae authority for't in the Scrip-
tures.' , U mph, indeed, ,J ohn; you cannot forget
David. ' Ah, sir, Dauvid; gif they were a' to dance
as Dauvid did, it ,vould be a different thing a'thegither.'
'Hoot-o-fie, hoot-o-fie, John; would you have the
young folk strip to the sark
' "
Reference has been made to the eccentric laird of
Balnamoon, his ,vig, and his " speats 0' drinking and
praying." A story of this laird is recorded, which I
do think is ,veIl named, by a correspondent ,vho COIll-
municates it) as a " quintessential phasis of dry Scotch
humour," and the explanation of ,vhich ,vouid perhaps
be thro\vn a\vay upon anyone \vho needed the explana-
tion. The story is this :-The laird riding past a
high steep bank, stopped. opposite a hole in it, and
said, "Hairy, I sa,v a brock gang in there." " Did
ye 1" said Hairy; "v{ull ye haud my horse, sir f'
"Certainly," saiù the laird, and a\vay rushed Hairy
for a spade. After digging for half-an-hour, he came
Lack, quite done, to the laird, who had regarded hinl
2i6
REJJllVISCEJ.."'CES OF
musingly. "I canna find hin1, sir," said Hairy
" 'Deed," said the laird, very coolly, "I wad ha
wondered if ye had, for it's ten years sin' I saw him
gang in there."
Amongst many hun10rous colloquies between Balna-
moon and his servant, the following must have been
very racy and very original. The laird, accompanied
by Hairy, after a dinner party, ,vas riding on his way
home, through a ford, when he fell off into the water.
"Whae's that faun 1" he inquired. "'Deed," quoth
Hairy, "I witna an it be na your honour."
There is a peculiarity connected with what we
have considered Scotch hUlnour. It is more common
for Scotsmen to associate their o\vn feelings ,vith na-
tional events and national history than for Englishmen.
Take as illustrations the follo\ving, as being perhaps
as good as any:-The Rev. Robert Scott, a Scotsman
who forgets not Scotland in his southern vicarage,
and ,vhom I have named before as having sent me
some good ren1iniscences, tells n1e that, at Inverary,
some thirty years ago, he could not help overhearing
the conversation of some Lowland cattle-dealers in the
public room in which he was. The subject of the
bravery of our navy being started, one of the inter-
locutors expressed his surprise that Nelson should
have issued his signal at Trafalgar in the terms,
"England expects," etc. He ,vas rnet \vith the answer
(\vhich seemed highly satisfactory to the rest), " Ah,
Nelson only said 'expects' of the English; he said
naething of Scotland, for he kent the Scotch would do
theirs. "
I am assured the follo\ving manifestation of national
feeling against the memory of a Scottish character
actually took place within a few years :- 'Villiamson
(the Duke of Buccleuch's huntsman) was one afternoon
SCOTTI.SH LIJ/E æ CHARACTER. 2i7
riding hOlne from hunting through Haddington; and
as he passed the old Abbey, he sa,v an ancient
,yoman looking through the iron grating in front of
the burial-place of the Lauderdale fanlily, holding hy
the bars, and grinning and dancing \vith rage. " Eh,
guùe\vife," said "Tilliaulson, ",,,,,hat ails ye 1 " " It's
the Duke 0' Lauderdale," cried she. " Eh, if I could
,vin at hin1, I ,vud rax t.he banes 0' him."
To this class belongs the follo,ving complacent
Scottish remark upon Bannockburn. A splenetic
Englishman said to a Scottish countryman, something
of a ,vag, that no nlan of taste ,,'"olIld think of rCl1lain-
ing any tin1e in such a country as Scotland. To
,vhich the canny Scot replied, " "fastes differ; I'se tak
ye to a place no far frae Stirling, ,vhaur thretty
thousand 0' your countrymen ha' been for five hunder
years, and they've nae thocht 0' leavin' yet."
In a sin1Ílar spirit, an honest Scotch farmer, who
had sent SOUle sheep to compete at a great English
agricultural cattle-sho\v, and ,vas much disgusted at
not getting a prize, consoled himself for the disappoint-
11lent, by insinuating that the judges could hardly act
quite inlpartially by a Scottish competitor, compla-
cently renlarking, "It's aye been the same since
Bannockburn."
Then, again, take the story told in Lockhart's Life
()f Sir 'Valter Scott, of the blacksmith ,vhom Sir
\Valter had fornlerly kno"
n as a horse-doctor, and
\vhom he found at a Slllall country to,vn south of the
Border, practising medicine ,vith a reckless use of
"lauda1ny and calomy," * apologising at the same
tinle for the Dliscbief he might do, hy the assurance
that it " would be lang before it rnade up 101' }"Tlodden."
IIo\v graphically it describes the interest felt by
· La'lùanum and ('alo:Ult
l.
2B
278
RE11fINISCEJ.YCES OF
Scotchnlen of his rank in the incidents of their national
history. A similar example has been recorded in
connection ,vith Bannockburn. T\vo Englishmen
visited the field of that great battle, and a country
blacksmith pointed out the positions of t.he t,vo arlnies,
the stone on ,,"hich was fixed the Bruce's standard, etc.
The gentlemen, pleased ,vith the intelligence of their
guide, on leaving pressed his acceptance of a cro\"'n-
piece. " N a, na," replied the ScotsDlan, with mu
h
pride, "it has cost ye eneuch already." Such an
example of self-denial 011 the part of a Scottish cicerone
is, ,ve fear, no,v rather a "reminiscence."
A north country drover had, however, it 1110rc
tang,ible opportunity of gratifying his national ani-
mosity against the Southron, and of which he availed
himself. Returning homewards, after a some,yhat
unsuccessful journey, and not in very good humour
with the Englishers, ,vhen passing through Carlisle he
sa\v a notice stuck up, offpring a re\vard of i50 for
anyone 'v ho ,voulc1 do a piece of service to the
comlnunity, by officiating as executioner of the la\v on
a noted criminal then under sentence of death. See-
ing a chance to make up for his bad market, and
cOlllforted ,vith the assurance that he \yas unkno,vn
there, he undertook the office, executed the condeluned,
and got the fee. 'Vhen nloving ofr ,vith the money,
he ,vas t\vitted at as a "mean beggarly Scot," doing
for nloney ,vhat no Englishman ,vould. '-Vith a grin
and quiet glee, he only replied, "I'll hang ye a' at the
. "
prIce.
Some ScotsP1en, no doubt, have a very cOlTIplacent
feeling regarding the superiority of their countrymen,
and n1ake no hesitation in proclaiming their opinion.
I have al,vays admired the quaint expression of such
belief in a case ,vhich bas recently been reported to
SCOTTISH LIFE ,f CHARAC1'ER. 279
me. A young Englishman had taken a Scotti
h
shooting-ground, and enjoyed his mountain sport so
much as to imbibe a strvng partiality for his northern
residence and all its accompaniments. At a German
,vatering-place he encountered, next year, an original
character, a Scotsman of the old school, very national,
and some,vhat bigoted in his nationality: he deter-
mined to pass himself off to him as a genuine Scottish
native; and, accordingly, he talked of Scotland and
haggis, and sheep's head, and ,vhisky; he boasted of
Bannockburn, and admired Queen J\Iary; looked upon
Scott and Burns as superior to all English ,vriters;
and staggered, although he did not convince, the old
gentleman. On going a,vay he took leave of his
Scottish friend, and said, "'V ell, sir, next tÍlne we
meet, I hope you ,vill receive me as a real countryman."
" "reel," he said, "I'nl jest thinkin', Iny lad, ye're nae
Scotsman; but I'll tell ye ,vhat ye are-ye're juist
an Ùnp1.1 1 ive(l Englishman."
I am afraid ,ve must allo,v that Scottish people
have a leetle national vanity, and may be too ready
sometimes to press the claÎIn of their country t.o an
extravagantly assullled pre-eulinence in the annals of
genius and celebrities. An ext.reme case of such pre-
tension I heard of lately, ,vhich is amusing. A Scots..
Iuan, ill reference to the distinction a,varded to Sir
\Valter Scott, on occasion of his centenary, had roundly
asserted, "But all ,vho have been eminent men were
Scotsmen." An Englishman, offended at such as-
sumption of national pre-eminence, asked indignantly,
"\Vhat do you say to Shakspeare 1 " To which the
other quietly replied, "\V eel, his tawlent ,vad justifee
the inference." This is rich, as an example of an à
priori argun1cnt in favour of a man being a Scots.
n'\.q,n.
280
RE},[I.i.VISOENOES OF
\Ve find in the conversation of old people frequent
mention of a class of beings ,veIl kno,vn in country
parishes, no,v either beconle commonplace, like the
rest of the ,vorld, or relnoved altogether, and shut up
in poorhouses or madhouses-I mean the individuals
frequently called parochial idiots; but 'v ho ,vere rather
of the order of naturals. They 'v ere eccentric, or
somc,vhat crazy, useless, idle creatures, who used to
wander about from house to house, and sometÏ1nes
made very shre\vd sarcastic remarks upon \vhat ,vas
going on in the parish. I heard such a person once
described as one "\vho was "\vanting in t\VOpellCe of
change for a shilling." They used to take great
liberty of speech regarding the conduct and disposition
of those \vith \vhom they came in contact, and many
odd sayings which emanated from them were tracli-
tionary in country localities. I have a kindly feeling
to\varùs these imperfectly intelligent, but often per-
fectly cunning beings; part1y, I believe, from recollec-
tions of early associations in boyish days ,vith some
of those Davy Gellatleys. I have therefore preserved
several anecdotes ,vith ,vhich I have been favoured,
,vhere their odd sayings and indications of a degree
of mental activity have been recorded. These persons
seenl to have had a partiality for getting near the
pulpit in church, and their presence there ,vas accord-
ingly sometimes annoying to the preacher and the
congregation; as at l\Iaybole, ,vhen Dr. Paul, now of
St. Cuthbert's, was nlinister in 1823, John J\1'Lymont,
an individual of thÜ
class, had been in the habit of
standing so close to the pulpit door as to overlook the
Bible and pulpit board. When required, however,
by the clprgyman to keep at a greater distance, and
not look Ù
upon the ministe1", he got intensely angry
and violent. lie threatened th(\ 111inister,-" Sir,
SCOTTISH LIl?E &: CH_4R.AOTER. 281
breby (maybe) I'll come farther;" meaning to intimate
that perhaps he ,vould, if much provoked, come into
the pulpit altogether. This, indeed, actually took
place on another occasion, and the tenure of the mini-
sterial position ,vas justified by an argument. of a Inost
amusing nature. The circumstance, I aln assured,
happened in a parish in the north. The clergyman,
on coming into church, found the pulpit occupied by
the parish natural. The authorities had been unable
to renlove him ,yithout more violence than ,vas seemly,
and therefore ,vaited for t.he minister to dispossess
Tam of the place he had assumed. " Come do,vl1, sir,
inlmediately !" ,vas the peremptory and indignant
call; and on Tam being unmoved, it ,vas repeated
,vith still greater energy. Tam, however, replied,
looking dov{n confidentially from his elevation, "N a,
na, minister! juist ye come up wi' me. This is a
perverse generation, and faith they lleed us baith."
It is curious to lnark the sort of glimmering of sense,
and even of discriminating thought, displayed by per-
sons of this class. As an example, take a conversation
held by this saIne J ohn
I'LrnIont, ,vith Dr. Paul,
,,"'horn he DIet SOlne tilne after. He seemed to have
recovered his good hunlour, as he stopped him and
said, " Sir, I ,vould like to speer a question at ye on a
subject that's troubling me." " "r ell, Johnnie, \vhat
is t.he question 1" To which he replied, "Sir, is it
lawful at ony time to tell a lee 1" The minister
desired to kno,v what Johnnie hinlself thought upon
the point. " "reel, sir," said he, "I'll no say but in
every case it's wrang to tell a lee; but," added he,
looking archly and giving a kno,ving wink, "I think
there are u:aU1' lees than ithe1"s." " How, J ohnnip 1"
and then he instantly replied, with aU the simplicity
of a fool, "1'0 keep dO'lcn a din, fur illBtallÆC. I'll n'J
282
BEJ/l
VISCENCES OF
say but a man does wrang in telling a lee to ]
eeF
down a din, but I'm sure he does not do half sac
muckle ,vrang as a man who tells a lee to kick up a
deevilnlent 0' a din." This opened a question not
likely to occur to such a mind. Mr. Asher, minister
of Inveraven, in Morayshire, narrated to Dr. Paul a
curious example of want of intelligence combined ,vith
a po,yer of cunning to redress a fancied wrong, sho,vn
by a poor natural of the parish, who had been seized
with a violent inflammatory attack, and was in great
danger. The medical attendant sa,v it necessary to
bleed him, but he resisted, and would not submit to
it. At last the case became so hopeless that they
were obliged to use force, and, holding his hauds and
feet, the doctor opened a vein and dre,v blood, upon
which the poor creature, struggling violently, ba,vled
out, "0 doctor, doctor! you'll kill me! you'll kill me !
and depend upon it the first thing I'll do ,vhell I get
to the other world ,vill be to 1'eport YO'lt to the board of
Supe-rvision the1'e, and get you dis1nissed." A most ex-
traordinary sensation ,vas once produced on a congre-
gation by Rab Hamilton, a ,veIl-remembered crazy
creature of the west country, on the occasion of his
attendance at the parish kirk of "Auld Ayr, wham
ne'er a toun surpasses," the Inil1ister of ,vhich, in the
opinion of Rab's o,vn 111inister, 1vIr. Peebles, had a
tendency to Socinian doctrines. 1vliss l{irkwood,
Both,vell, relates the story from the recollection of
her aunt, who was present. Rab had put his head
between some iron rails, the first intimation of which
to the congregation was a stentorian voice crying out,
" Murder! my heed ' 11 hae to be cnttit aft'! Holy
minister! congregation! Oh, my heed maun be cuttit
aft'. It's a judgment for leaving my godlie 1\11'. Peebles
at the Ne\vton." After he had been extricated a.nd
SCOTTISH LIFE cb CHARACTER. 28
quieted, when asked ,vhy he put his head there, he
said, "It was juist to look on. ,vi' anithe1" 'll'oman."
The follo,ving anecdote of this same Raù Hamilton
frOl1l a kind correspondent at Ayr sanctions the
opinion that he must have occasionally said such
clever things as made Sûlne think him more rogue
than fool. Dr. Aultl often sho,ved hinl kindness, but
being once addressed by him ,vhen in a hurry and out
of humour, he said, "Get a,vay, Rab; I have nothing
for you to day." ""Tha,v, \vhe\v," cried Rab, in a
half ho,vl, half ,vhinillg tone, "I dinna want onything
the day, }'Iaister Auld; I \vanted to tell you an
a,vsome dream I hae had. I dreamt I ,vas deed."
" \Veel, ,vh3.t then
" said Dr. Auld. "Ou, I ,vas
carried far, far, and up, up, up, till I canl to heeven's
yett, ,vhere I chappit, and chappit, and chappit, till
at last an angel keekit out, and said' \Vha are ye l'
, A'lll puir Rab Hamilton.' "Vhaur are ye frae
' 'Frae
the ,yickeù toun 0' Ayr.' 'I dinna ken ony sic
place,' said the angel. 'Oh, but A'm juist frae there.'
'V pel, the angel sends for the Apostle Peter, and
Peter COInes ,,"i' his key and opens the yett, and says
to me, 'Honest nlan, do you come frae the auld toun
0' Ayr r "Deed do I,' says I. "V eel,' says Peter,
, I ken the place, but naebody's carn frae the toun o
Ayr, no since the year'" so and sO-lnentioning the
year "Then Dr. Auld \vas inducted into the parish.
Dr. Auld could not resist givin
him his al1s'ver, and
telling him to go about his business.
The pathetic complaint of one of this class, residing
at a farln-house, has often been narrated, and forms a
good illustration of idiot life and feelings. He ,vas
living in the greatest cOlufort, and every \vant pro-
vhlcd. But, like the rest of mankind, he had his O\\Tn
.. Read fror
} the SaInt Look.
284
REJ[Il'
ISCE.l\TCES OF
trials, and his o,vn cause for anxiety and annoyance.
In this poor fello,v's case it was the g'reat turkey-cock
at the farln, of ,vhich he stood so terribly in a've that
he ,vas afraid to come \vithin a great distance of his
enemy. Some of his friends, coming to visit hin1, re
minded him how comfortable he was, and ho,v grate-
ful he ought to be for the great care taken of him.
He adl11itted the truth of the relllark generally, but
still, like others, he had his unl{no,vn grief ,vhich
sorely beset his path in life. There ,vas a secret
grievance \vhich embittered his lot; and to his friend
he thus opened his heart :-" Ae, ae, but oh, I'n1 sair
hadden doun "..i' the bubbly jock." *
I have received two anecdotes illustrative both of
the occasional acutenesss of mind, and of the sensitive-
ness of feeling occasionally indicated by persons thus
situated. A ,yell-known idiot, Jamie Fraser, belong-
ing to the parish of Lunan, in Forfarshire, quite
surprised people sometÏ1nes by his replies. The
congregation of his parish church had for some time
distressed the minister by their habit of sleeping in
church. He had often endeavoured to impress them
,vith a sense of the Ï111propriety of such conduct, and
one day J an1Ïe was sitting in the front gallery, ,vide
a\vake, when Inany were slunlbering round him. The
clergyman endeavoured to draw the attention of his
hearers to his discourse by stating the fact, saying,
" You see even Jamie Fraser, the idiot, does not faU
asleep, as so many of you are doing." J arnie, not
liking, perhaps, to be thus designated, coolly replied,
" An I hadna been an idiot, I Inicht ha' been sleepin'
too." Another of these imbeciles, belonging to
Peebles, t had been sitting at church for some time
listening attentively to a strong representation from
it Sorely kept under by the turkey-cock.
SCOTTISH LIFE d: CHAR.ACTER. 285
t he pulpit of the guilt of deceit and falsehood ill
Christian characters. He ,va.s observed to turn red,
and gro"\v very uneasy, until at last, as if ,rincing
under the supposed attack upon hinlself personally,
he roared out, " Indeed, nlinister, there's mail' leears
in Peebles than me." As examples of this class of
persons possessing much of the dry hunlour of their
more sane countrymen, and of their facility to utter
sly and ready-,yitted sayings, I have received the t,vo
follo\\ring from 1\11'. "T. Chambers :-Daft Jock Gray,
the supposed original of David Gellatley, "Tas one day
assailed by the minister of a south-country parish on
the subject of his idleness. " John," said the Ininister,
rather pompously, "you are a very itlle fello"\v ; you
ulight surely herd a fe\v co,vs. H '" 1\Ie hiI'd!" replied
Jock; "I dinna ken corn frae gerss."
,. There ,vas a carrier nalned Davie Loch ,,,,110 ,ras
reputed to be rather light of ,vits, but at the sanle
tÍ1ne not \vithout a sense of his ,yorldly interests.
His nlother, finding her end approaching, addressed
her son in the presence of a llunlher of the neigh-
bourse 'l'he house ,yill be Davie's and the furniture
too.' 'Eh, l1ear her/ quoth Davie; 'sensible to
the last, sensible to the last.' 'The lyin' siller'
'Eh yes; how clear she is about everything!'
'The lyin' siller is to be divided bet,yeell D1Y t\ya
dauchte1's.' 'Steek the bed doors, steek the bed
doors,'';;' interposed Davie; 'she's ravin' no,v ; , and the
old dying 'YOlllan \yas shut up accordingly."
In the illenzorials of the lJIontgomeríes, Earls 01
Eglinton, vol. i. p. 134, occurs an anecdote illustrative
of the peculiar acuteness and quaint humour ,y hieh
occasionally nlark the sayings of persons considered
* Close the doors. The old won1an was l
'iDg in a "búx.-l'ed.'
See L,f
of l
o1.Jf!,rt Cha1nbers, p )2.
286
RE11fINISCE1"lCES OF
as imbeciles. There ,vas a certain" Daft 'Vill Speir,"
who ,vas a privileged haunter of Eglinton Castle and
grounds. He was discovered by the Earl one day
taking a near Cll t, and crossing a fence in the delnesne.
The Earl called out, "Come back, sir, that's not the
road." " Do you ken," said '
Vill, " ,,,haul' I'lIl gaun 1 "
" No," replied his lordship. " 'Veel, hoo the deil do
ye ken ,vhether this be the road or no 1 "
This saIne "Daft "\Vill Speir " was passing the
minister's glebe, where haymaking was in progress.
The Ininister asked "\Vill if he thought the weather
,vould keep up, as it looked rather like rain. " Weel,"
said 'ViII, "I canna be very sure, but I'll be passin'
this ,yay the nicht, an' I'll ca' in and tell ye." " \Vell,
'Vil1," said his master one day to him, seeing that he
had just finished his dinner, "have you had a good
dinner to day
" (Will had been grumbling S0111e
time before.) "Ou, vera gude," answered 'Vill; "but
gin onybody asks if I got a draIn after't, what ,vill I
say 1" This poor creature had a high sense of duty.
It appears he had been given the charge of the coal-
stores at the Earl of Eglinton's. Having on one
occasion been reprimanded for allo\ving the supplies
to run out before further supplies ,vere ordered, he
was ever afterwards most careful to fulfil his duty.
In course of time poor 'Vill became" sick unto death,"
and the Ininister came to see him. Thinking hiul in
really a good frame of Inind, the minist.er asked hiIn,
in presence of the laird and others, if there ,vere not
one g'teat thought ,vhich ,vas ever to hÍln the highest
consolation in his hour of trouble. "Ou ay," gasped
the sufferer, "Lord he thankit, a' the bunkers are
fu' !"
'fhe follo,villg anecdote is told regarding the late
Lorù Dundrennan :-A half silly basket-\voman passing
SUOTTlSD LIF.E d: CHARACTER. 281
down his avenue at Compstone one day, he met her l
and said, "l\Iy good "Toman, t.here's no road this "Tay."
" Nasir" S he said "I think Y e're "
ran g there. I
", ,
think it's a most beautifu' road."
These poor creatures have invariably a great delight
in attending funerals. In many country places hardly
a funeral ever took place ,vithout t.he attendance of
the parochial idiot. It seemed ahnost a necessary
association; and such attendance seemed to constitute
the great delight of those creatures. I have Inyself
witnesseù again and again the sort of funeral scene
portrayed by Sir ".,. alter Scott, 'v ho no doubt took his
description from ,vhat was conlmon in his day :-" The
funeral pomp set forth-saulies ,vith their batons and
gUll1phions of tarnished ,vhite crape. Six starved
horses, themselves the very emblems of n1ortality, ,veIl
cloaked and plumed, lugging along the hearse \vith its
dismal elnblazonry, crept in slo,v pace towarlls the
place of interment, preceded by Jamie Duff, an idiot,
,vho, ,vith \veepers and cravat lllade of ,vhite paper,
attended on every funeTal, and follo\ved by six mourn-
ing coaches filled ,vith the cOlnpany." -(}uy J.1Ianlte'l'ing.
The following anecdote, supplied by 1\11'. Blair, is
an anlusing illustration both of the funeral propensity,
and of the working of a defective brain, in a half-
,vitted carle, ,vho used to range the province of Gallo-
,yay armed ,vith a huge pike-staff, and who one day
met a funeral procession a fe,y miles from 'Ylgto\vn.
A long train of carriages, and farmers riding on horse-
back, suggested the propriety of his bestriding his
staff, and following after the funeral. The procession
marched at a brisk pace, and on reaching the kirk-
yard style, as each rider dismounted, "Daft Jock" de-
scended from his ,vooden steed, besmeared ,vith nlire
and perspiration. excI
.in1Îng, "Hech, sirs, had it no
288
REJI].VISCE}{CES OF
been for the fashion 0' the thing, I ulicht as ,vt.
cl hae
been on IllY ain feet."
The '\vithdrawal of these characters from pulJlic
vie\v, and the loss of importance \\Thich they once en.
joyed in Scottish society, seem to Ine inexplicable.
Have they ceased to exist, or are they removed from
our sight to different scenes 1 'rhe fool was, in early
times, a very important personage in n10st Scottish
households of any distinction. Indeed this had been
so common as to be a public nuisance.
It seemed that persons assu'Jned the character, for
we find a Scottish Act of Parlialnent, dated 19 th
January 1449, ,vith this title:-" Act for the ,vay-
putting of Fenyent Fules," etc. (Tholnson's Acts of
Parliament of Scotland, vol. i.); and it enacts very
stringent measures against such persons. They seem
to have formed a link bet\veen the helpless idiot and
the boisterous madman, sharing the eccentricity of the
latter and the stupidity of the former, generally add-
ing, ho\vever, a good deal of the sharp-wittedness of
the knave. Up to the middle of the eighteenth century
this appears to have been still an appendage to sonle
families. I have before me a little publication ,vith
the title, "The Life and Death of J aUlie Fleeman, tl)e
Laird of U dny's Fool. Tenth edition. Aberdeen,
1810." "Tith portrait. Also t\venty-sixth edition,
of 1829. I should suppose this account of a family
fool was a fair representation of a good specimen of
the class. He ,vas evidently of defective intellect, but
at times showed the odd humour and quick conclusion
,vhich so often mark the disordered brain. I can
only no\v give t,vo examples taken from his history:
-Having found a horse-shoe on the road, he met
lr.
Craigie, the Ininister of St. Fergus, and showed it to
hÎIll, asking, in pretended ignorance, what it \VBS,
SCOTTISII LI
FE tL CHARAOTÞ)R. 281
" 'Vhy, J anlie," said I\Ir. Craigie, good humouredly,
" anybody that ,vas not a fool ,vonld kllO'V that it is
a horse-shoe." " Ah !" said J arnie, ,,"ith affected sim..
plicity, " \vhat it is to be ,vise-to ken it's no a 111eer'S
shoe!"
On another occasion, ,vhell all the country-side ,,"ere
hastening to the Perth races, Jamie had cut across
the fields and reached a bridge near the to,,'"n, and
sat dow'lI upon the parapet. He c0111menced munching
a1vay at a large portion of a leg of 111utton ,vhich he
had someho,v become possessed of, and of ,yhich he ,vas
aillazingly proud. The laird callle riding past, and
seeing J
ìlnie sitting on the bridge, accosted hilll:-
"Ay, :Fleeman, are ye here already 1" "Ou ay,"
quoth Fleeman, ,yith an air of assumed dignity and
archness not easy to describe, ,\'"hile his eye glanced
significantly to,vards the mutton," Ou ay, ye ken a
body ,vhen he has onytlÛng."
Of ,,"itty retorts by half- ,vitted creatures of tlJÎs
class, I do not kno,v of one more pointed than ,vhat
is recorded of such a character ,,,110 useù to hang about
the residence of a late Lord Fife. It ,vould appear
that some parts of his lorllship's estates ,\Tere barren,
and in a very unproducti \re conditioll. U neIer the
improved systenl of agriculture and of draining, great
preparations had been n1adc for securing a gooù crop
in a certain field, ,vhere Lord Fife, his factor, and
others interested in the subject, ,vere collected together.
There was llluch discussion, and some difference of
opinion, as to the crop ,vith ,vhich the field had best
be so,vn. The idiot retainer, ,vho had been listening un-
noticed to all that ,vas said, at last cried out, "Saw't ,vi'
factors, ma lord; they are surp to thrive every,vhere."
1'h(
rc was an idiot ,vho lived long in Lauder, and
GeeinS to have had a great rcsenlb1ance to tlu:1 je
t('r
290
REJIINISCENCES OF
of old times. He ,vas a staunch supporter of the
Established Church. One day some one gave hin1 a
bad shilling. On Sunday he went to the Seceders'
meeting-house, and ,,,hen the ladle ,vas taken round
he pnt in his bad shilling and took out elevenpence
halfpenny. After\vards he ,vent in high glee to the
late Lord Lauderdale, calling out, "I've cheated the
Seceders the day, my lord; I've cheated the Seceders."
J emmy had long harboured a dislike to the steward
on the property, ,vhich he made manifest in the
follo,ving manner:-Lord Lauderdale and Sir Anthony
l\!aitland used to take him out shooting; and one day
Lord l\1aitland (he was then), on having to cross the
Leader, said, "No,v, Jemmy, you shall carry me
through the water," which J emn1Y duly did. The
ste,vard, who ,vas shooting ,vith them, expected the
same service, and accordingly said, "Now, J emmy,
you must carry me over." " V era \veel," said J emmy.
He took the ste"rard on his back, and ,vhen he had
carefully carried him half-,vay across the river he paid
off his grudge by dropping hÜn quietly into the water.
A daft individual used to frequent the saIne district,
about ,vhon1 a variety of opinions were entertained,
-some people thinking him not so foolish as he
sometimes seemed. On one occasion a person, wishing
to test whether he kne,v the value of money, held
out a sixpence and a penny, and offered him his choice.
" I'll tak the wee ane," he said, giving as his modest
reason, "I'se no be greedy." At another time, a
miller laughing at him for his ,vitlessness, he said,
"Some things I ken, and some I dinna ken." On
being asked ,vhat he knew, he said, "I ken a miller
has aye a gey fat sou." "An' what d'ye no ken
"
said the miller. " Ou," he returned, "I dinna ken
wha-'8 expense she's fed at."
SCOTTISFl LIFE {
CIIAIlACT1:R. 291
A very amusing collision of one of those penurious
lairds, already referred to, a certain
Ir. Gordon of
Rothie, ,vith a half-daft beggar ,,"anderer of the name
of Jock J\fuilton, has been recorded. The laird was
very shabby, as usual, and, meeting Jock, began to
banter hÍ1n on the subject of his dress :-" Y e're very
grand, Jock. Thae's fine claes ye hae gotten; lrhaur
did ye get that coat
" Jock told him W' ho had given
hÏ1n his coat, and then, looking slily at the laird, he
inquired, as ,yith great sin1plicity, "And ,vhaur did
)-
e get yours, laird
"
For another admirable story of a rencontre between
a penurious laird and the parish natural I anl indebted
to the Scots1Jzan, J Hue 16, 1871. Once on a time
there was a IIighland laird reuo\vned for his caution
in money lnatters, and his precise keeping of books,
His charities ,vere there; but that departlnent of his
bookkeeping ,vas not believed to be heavy. On ex-
amination, a SUIl1 of half-a-cro"Tn ,vas unexpectedly
discovered in it; but this ,,"'as accounted for in a
manner creditable to his intentions, if not to his snc-
cess in executing theIne It had been given in Inistake
instead of a coin of a different denomination, to "the
natural" of the parish for holding his shelty ",-hile he
transacted business at the bank. A gleall1 in the
boy's eye dre,v his attention to a gleam of ".hite as
the metal dropped into his pocket. In vain the laird
assured him it ,vas not a good ba,vbee-if he ,vould
give it up he ,vould get another-it ,yas "guid
eneuch " for the like of him. And 'v hen the laird in
his extrenlity swore a great oath that unless it ,vas
given up he would never give another halfpenny, the
ans,ver was-" Ech, laird, it ,vad be lang or ye gied
n1e saxty "
AlloLher exalnple of shre\\"d and ready humour in
292
RE.JII.
YISCENCES Oll
one of that class is the follo".ing :- In this case tht
itliot ,vas 11lusical, and. earned a fe,v stray pence by
phtying Scottish airs on a flute. He resided at Stir-
ling, and used to hang about the door of the inn to
,vatch the arrival and departure of travellers. A lady,
who used to give him son1ething occasionally, \\Tas
just starting, and said to J anlie that she had only a
fourpenny piece, and that he nlust be content ,vith
that, for she could not stay to get more. Jamie ".as
not satisfied, and as the lady drove out, he expressed
his fee1ings by playing with all his might, "0 ,vearie
0' the loom pouch." *
1'he spirit in Jamie Fraser before mentioned, an<l
,vhich had kept him a,vake, sho,vs itself in idiots occa-
sional1y by 1uaking them restless and troublesome.
One of this character had annoyed the clergyman
,vhere he attended church by fidgeting, and by un-
couth sounds which he uttered during divine service.
Accordingly, one day before church began, he ,yas
cautioned against moving, or a making a \vhisht," under
the penalty of being turned out. The poor creature
sat quite still and silent, till, in a very inlportant
part of the sermon, he felt an inclination to cough.
So he shouted out, "l\Iinister, nlay a puir body 1ike
me noo gie a hoast
" t
I have t,vo anecdotes of t,vo peers, ,yllo 11light be
said to come under the description of half- \vitteù. In
their case the same sort of dry Scotch humour came
out under the cloak of 111ental disease. rrhe first is
of a Scottish nobleman of the last century \"ho had
been a soldier the greater part of his life, but "'as
obliged to COllle home on account of aberration of
mind, superinduced by hereditary propensity. De-
sirous of putting him under due restraint, and at the
>
:ml)ty poc
t\t. t .A cough.
SCOTTISH LIFE & CHARACTER. 293
same time of engaging his n1illd in his favourite pur-
8uit, his friends secured a Sergeant Briggs to be his
companion, and, in fact, keeper. To render the
sergeant acceptable as a companion they introduced
him to th e old earl as Colonel Briggs. Being asked
how he liked "the colonel," the earl showed ho,'"
acute he still was by his ans,ver, " Oh, very ,veIl; he
is a sensible man, and a good soldier, but he smells
dal1
nabl y of the halbert."
The second anecdote relates also to a Scottish
nobleman labounng under aberration of mind, and is,
I believe, a traditionary one. In Scotland, some
hundred years ago, madhouses did not exist, or ,vere
on a very limited scale; and there ,vas often great
difficulty in procuring suitable accommodation for
patients ,vho required special treatnlent and seclusion
fronl the ,yorld. The gentleman in question had
been consigned to the Canongate prison, and his posi-
tion there ,vas far fronl comfortable. An old friend
called to see him, and asked ho,v it had happened
that he was placed in so unpleasant a situation. His
reply ,vas, "Sir, it ,vas nlore the kind interest and
patronage of my friends than my own merits that
have placed nle here." "But have you not remon-
strated or complained
" asked his visitor. "I told
them" said his lordship, "that they were a pack of
infernal villains." " Did you
" said his friend; "that
,vas bold language; and ,vhat did they say to that 1 "
" Oh," said the peer, "I took care not to tell them till
they were fairly out of the place, and ,veel up the
Canongate. "
In Peebles there was a crazy being of this kind
caned "Daft Y edie." On one occasion he saw a
gentleman, a stranger in the town, ,vho had a club
foot. Yedie contemplated this phenomenon \\.itb
2 c
.
REJlINISCE1YCES OF
Borne interest, and, addressing the gentleman, said
compassionately, "It's a great pity-its spoils the
boot." 1'here is a story of one of those half-\vitted
creatures of a different character from the humorou!
ones already recorded; I think it is exceedingl)
affecting. The story is traditionary in a country dis
trict, and I aln not a 'v are of its being ever printed.
A poor boy, of this class, \vho had evidently Inani-
fested a tendency to\vards religious and devotional
feelings, asked permission fronl the clergyman to
attend the Lord's Table and partake of the holy com-
munion ,,'ith the other members of the congregation
(whether Episcopalian or Presbyterian I do not know).
The clergyman demurred for some tiIne, under the
impression of his mind being incapable of a right and
due understanding of the sacred ordinance. But
observing the extreme earnestness of the poor boy, he
at last gave consent, and he ,vas allo\ved to come.
He ,vas much affected, and all the way home was
heard to exclaim, "Oh! I hae seen the pretty man."
This referred to his seeing the Lord Jesus whom he
had approached in the sacrament. He kept repeating
the words, and ,vent with them on his lips to rest for
the night. Not appearing at the usual hour for
breakfast, \v hen they \vent to his bedside they found
him dead! The excitement had been too much-
mind and body had given way-and the half-idiot of
earth awoke to the glories and the bliss of his Re-
deemer's presence.
Analogous with the language of the defective intellect
is the language of the imperfectly formed intel1ect,
and I have often thought there was something very
touching and very fresh in the expression of feelings
and notions by children. I have given examples be-
fore, but the follo\ving is, to my taste, a cbarlning
SCOTTISH LIFE & CH.ARAC1'ER. 295
fõpecimen :-A little boy had lived for some time wit h
a very penurious uncle, \v ho took good care that the
child's health should not be injured by over-feeding.
The uncle ""as one day walking out, the child at his
side, ,yhen a friend accosted him, accompanied by a
greyhound. "Thile the elders ,vere talking, the little
fellow, never having seen a dog so slim and slight of
form, clasped the creature round the neck ,vith the
impassioned cry, " Oh, doggie, doggie, and div ye live
,vi' your uncle tae, that ye are so thin 1 "
In connection ,yith funera1s, I am indebted to the
kindness of Lord Kinloch for a characteristic anecdote
of cautious Scottish character in the ,vest country. It
was the old fashion, still practised in some districts,
to carry the coffin to the grave on long poles, or
" spokes," as they "'"ere commonly termed. There
,vere usually t,yO bearers abreast on each side. On a
certain occasion one of the t,vo said to his cOlIlp3nion,
"I'm a,vfu'tired ,vi' carryin'." "Do you car1'y 1" ,vas
the interrogatory in reply. " Yes; ,vhat do you do
"
" Oh," said the other, "I aye lean." His friend's
fatigue ,vas at once accounted for.
I am strongly tempted to give an account of a
parish functionary in the words of a kind corre-
spondent from l{ilmarnock, although C01l1IDUnicated
in the fol1o,ving very flattering terrns :-" In common
with every Scottish nlan ".orthy of the name, I have
been delighted ,vith your book, and have the ambi-
tion to add a pebble to the cairn, aud accordingly
send you a belluzan story; it has, at least, the merit
of being unprinted and unedited."
The incumbent of Craigie parish, in this district of
Ayrshire, 11ad asked a
Ir. 'V ood, tutor in the Cairn-
hill family, to officiate for him on a particular Sun-
day. bIr. Wood, however, between the time of being
296
REll1INISCElvCES OF
asked a.nd the appointed day, got intimation of the
dangerous illness of his father; in the hurry of
setting out to see him, he forgot to arrange for the
pulpit being filled. The bellman of Craigie parish,
by nalne Matthe,v Dinning, and at this time about
eighty years of age, was a very little "crined" '*' old
nlan, and al,vays wore a broad Scottish blue bonnet,
with a red" bob" on the top. The parish is a small
rural one, so that l\Iatthew knew every inhabitant in
it, and had seen most of them grow up. On this
particular day, after the congregation had waited for
some time, Matthe"\v ,vas seen to ,valk very slowly up
the middle of the church, with the large Bible and
psalm-book under his arm, to nlount the pulpit stair;
and after taking his bonnet off, and smoothing do,vn
his forehead with his " loof," thus addressed the
audience :-
"My freens, tl1ere was ane 'Vuds tae hae preached
here the day, but he has nayther corned himsell, nor
had the ceevility tae sen' us the scart 0' a pen.
Ye'll bide here for ten meenonts, and gin naebody
comes forrit in that time, ye can gang a,va' hame.
Some say his feyther's dead; as for that I kenna."
The following is another illustration of the cha-
racter of the old Scottish betheral. One of those
"rorthies, who was parochial grave-digger, had been
missing for t"\vo days or so, and the nlinister had in
vain sent to discover him at most likely places. He
bethought, at last, to make inquiry at a "public" at
some distance from the village, and on entering the
door he tnet his man in the trance, quite fou, stagger..
ing out, supporting himself ,vith a hand on eaeh wa'.
To the minister's sharp rebuke and rising wrath for
bis indecent and shameful behaviour, John, a wag in
· Shrivelled.
SOOT1'ISH LIFE d: OHARACTER. 297
hi
,yay, and emboldened by liquor, made answer,
"'Deed, sir, sin' I ca'd at the manse, I hae buried an
auld wife, and I've just drucken her, hough an'
horn." Such ,vas his candid admission of the n1anner
in ,vhich he had disposed of the church fees paid for
the interment.
An encounter of wits bet,veen a laird and an
elder :-A certain laird in Fife, well kno,vn for his
parsimonious habits, and ,vho, although his substance
largely increased, did not increase his liberality in
his ,veekly contribution to the church collection,
which never exceeded the sum of one penny, one
day by mistake dropped into the plate at the door
half-a-cro,vn; but discovering his error before he
"ras seated in his pe,v, he hurried back, and was
about to replace the coin by his customary penny,
when the elder in attendance cried out, "Stop, laird;
ye may put in ,vhat ye like, but ye maun tak nae-
thing oot !" The laird, finding his explanations ,vent.
for nothing, at last said, " .l1. ,veel, I suppose I'll get
credit for it in heaven." "Na, na, laird," said the
elder, sarcastically; "ye'll only get credit for the
penny."
The following is not a bad specimen of sly pipeIJ'
v{it :-
The Rev. l\fr. Johnstone of !\Ionquhitter, a very
grandiloquent pulpit orator in his day, accosting a
travelhng riper, "'"ell known in the district, "yith the
question, "\V en, Jolin, ho,v does the wind pay
"
received from John, ,vith a lo,v bo,v, the ans"
er,
" Your Reverence has the advantage of me."
Apropos to stories connected with ministers and
pipers, there cannot be a better specimen than the
famous one preserved by Sir "\Valter Scott, in his
notes to lfTu'l:erley, ,vhich I alll tempted to reproduce,
2p
REltlINISOENOES OF
as possibly some of my readers may have forgotten
it. The gudewife of the inn at Greenla\v had r3-
ceived four clerical guests into her house, a father
and three sons. 1'he father took an early oppor-
tunity of calling the attention of the landlady to the
subject of his visit, and, introducing hilnself, com-
menced in rather a pompous manner-" Now, con-
fess, Luckie Buchan, you never remember having such
a party in your house before. Here am I, a placed
minister, with nlY three sons, ,vho are themselves all
placed ministers." The landlady, accustomed to a
good deal of deference and attention from the county
families, not quite liking the high tone assumed by
the minister on the occasion, ancl being ,veIl a,vare
that all the four were reckoned very poor and unin-
teresting preachers, answered rather drily, "'Deed,
minister, I canna just say that I ever had sic a party
before in the hoose, except it were in the' 45, ,vhen
I had a piper and his three sons--a' pipers. But"
(she added quietly, as if aside), "deil a spring could
they play amang them."
I have received from Rev. 'Villiam Blair, A.1tI.
U.P. minister at Dunblane, many kind communica-
tions. I have n1ade a selection, ,vhich I no,v group
together, and they have this character in common,
that they are all anecdotes of ministers :-
Rev. Walter Dunlop of Dunlfries was well known for
pithy and facetious replies; he was kindly known unùer
the appellation of our " Watty Dunlop." On one occasion
two irreverent young fello\vs detenuinecl, as they said, to
.e taigle" *' the lllinister. Coming up to hinl in the lIigh
Street of Dunlfries, they accosted hiln \\.itl1 much solenlnitJ
-" l\Iaister Dunlop, dae ye hear the ne\vs 1 " What
news 1" "Oh, the deil's deed." "Is he 1" saiù 1\fr
· Confound.
SC01'TISH LIli'E æ OH...-l.RAGTER. 299
Dunlop, "then I maUD pray for t\va faitherless hainls."
Un another occasion 111'. Dunlop lnet, ,vith characteristic
humour, an attempt to playoff a trick against hiIn. It
was known that he ,vas to (line ,vith a nlinister w'hose house
was close to the church, so that his return back lllUst ùe
through the churchyard. Accordingly SOllle idle and n1is-
chievous youths \yaited for him in the dark night, and one
of thenl came up to hhn, dresseJ as a ghost, in hopes of
putting hinl in a fright. 'Vatty's cool accost speedily upset
the plan :-" W eel,
faister Ghaist, is this a general rising,
or are ye juist takin'..a daunder frae yer grave by yerse1l1"
I have received from a correspondent another specimen of
'Vatty's acute rejoinders. Some years ago the celebrated
Ed,vard Irving had been lecturing at Dumfries, and a man
who passed as a wag in that locality had been to hear hin1.
He met 'Vatty Dunlop the follo,ving day, ,vho said, " 'Veel,
'Villie, luan, an' what do ).e think of Mr. Irving 1" "011,"
said 'Villie, contemptuously, "the nlan's crack't." Dunlop
patted him on the shoulder, \vith a quiet remark, " 'Villie,
ye'll aften see a light peeping through a crack !"
He 'was accolnpanying a funeral one day, ,vhen he met
a man driving a flock of geese. The w'ayward disposition
of the bipeds at the moment \vas too much for the driver's
temper, and he indignantly cried out, "Deevil choke
them ! " 1\11'. Dunlop \valked a little farther on, and passeù
a farm-stead, ,,,here a servant 'was driving out a number of
swine, and banning thenl \vith " Dcevil tak then1 !" Upon
which,
Ir. Dunlop stepped up to him, and said, " Ay, ay,
my man; your gentlenlan '11 be wi' ye i' the noo: he's
juist back the road there a bit, choking some geese till a
man. "
Shortly a.fter the Disruption, Dr. Cook of St. Andre\vs
was introduced to
Ir. Dunlop, upon which occ.asion 1\Ir.
Dunlop said, " "\Veel, sir, ye've been lang Cook, Cooking
them, but ye've dished theln at last."
}Ir. Clark of Dalreoch, 'v hose head ,vas vastly dispro-
portioned to his bo(ly, lnet 1\11'. Dunlop one day. "Vl eel,
!;!r. Clark, t11.1.t'8 a
I"
at h
ad 0' your
." "Iudeeù it 1.s s
300
REJlllvISCENOES OF
Ir. Dunlop; I could contain yours inside of my own.' ,
"Juist sae," quietly replied Mr. Dunlop; "I was e'en
thinkin' it was geyan toon
. n *
lr. Dunlop happened one day to be present in a church
court of a neighbouring presbJtery. A Rev. Doctor ,vas
asked to pray, and declined. On the meeting adjourning,
:hIre Dunlop stepped up to the Doctor, and asked how he
did. 'l
e Doctor, never having been introduced, did not
reply.
lr. Dunlop ,vithdrew, and said to his friend,
" Eh! but isna he a queer man, that Doctor, he'll neither
speak to God nor man."
The Rev. John Brown of Whitburn was riding out one
day on an old pony, ,vhen he was accosted by a rude youth:
" I say, Mr. Brooll, what gars your horse's tail wag that
way 7" "00, jtúst what gars your tongue wag; it's fashed
,,
i' a wakeness."
About sixty years ago there 'were two ministers in
Sanquhar of the nalne of Thomson, one of whom was father
of the late Dr. Andrew Thomson of Edinburgh, the other
was father of Dr. Thonlson of Balfron. The domestic in
the family of the latter ,vas rather obtrusive ,vith her secret
devotions, sometimes kneeling on the stairs at night, and
talking loud enough to be heard. On a communion season
she '\-vas praying devoutly and exclusively for her minister:
" Remeluber
Ir. Tanu
on, no hhn at the Green, but oor ain
Ir. Tamson."
Rev.
Ir. Leslie of l\Iorayshire combined the duties of
justice of peace with those of parochial clergyman. Onp
day he was taken into confidence by a culprit ,vIlo had
been caught in the act of smuggling, and was threateneù
with a heavy fine. The culprit was a staunch Seceder,
and o,vned a small farm. Mr. Leslie, with an old-fashioned
zeal for the Established Church, said to him, "The king
will COlne in the cadger's road some day. Ye wadna come
to the parish kirk, though it were to save your life, ,,-ad
ye 1 Come 1100, an' I'se Diak ye a' richt !" N ext Sabbath
tbe seceding smuggler appeared in the parish kirk, an
l 8.;
· EIL.ptv
THE BE
-\DLE
From tl f Ia.ter-colour drall,z'Jl!: bJ'
II,/:'_YR r !fT. A-ERR,
l.R.S.d.. R.S.1f'.
.
.
,
,
- --L.:<
SaoTTISH LIFE J: CHAllAOTER.. SOl
the paupers were receiving parochial allowance, l\Ir. Leslie
s1ipped a shilling into the sllluggler's hand. When the
J. P. Court was beld, Mr. Leslie was present, w'hen a fine
".as proposed to be exacted from the smuggler. "Fine!"
said
Ir. Leslie ; "he's mair need 0' something to get duds
to his back. He's ane 0' my poor roll; I gie'd him a
shilling just last Sabbath."
A worthy old Seceder used to ride from Gargunnock to
Buckl
'vie every Sabbath to attend the Burgher kirk. One
day as he rode past the parish kirk of Kippen, the elder
at the plate accosted him, " rIn sure, John, it's no like the
thing to see you ridin'in sic a doon-pour 0' rain sae far by
to thae Seceders. Ye ken the mercifu' nlan is mercifu' to
his beast. Could ye no step in by î" "".,. eel," said John,
., I wadna care sae muckle about Ftablin' my bea
t inside,
but it's anither thing lli)?sel' gain' in."
The Rey. Dr. George Lawson of Selkirk acted for Inany
years as theological tutor to the Secession Church. One
day, on entering the Divinity Hall, he overheard a student
remark that the professor's wig \vas uncombed. That sanle
student, on that very day, had occasion to preach a sernlon
before the Doctor, for ,,-hich he received a bit of severe
criticism, the sting of ,,-hich \\'as in its tail: ., You said
my wig ".asna kaimed this mornin', my lad, ùut I think
I've redd your head to you."
The R.ev. John Heugh of Stirling was one day admonish-
ing one of his people of the sin of intenlperance : "
Ian,
John, you should never drink except when you're dry."
., Weel, sir," quoth John, "that's "That I'm aye doin', for I
am never slocken'd."
The Rev. 1\Ir.
I- of Butbóate came up to a strect-
paviour one day, and addressed him, "Eh, John, ,,-hat'8
this you're at ?" "Oh! I'm mending the ".ays 0' Bath-
gate!" ".Ab, John, rve long been trying to mend the ,,-ays
0' Batbgate, an' they're no weel yet." "\Y eel,
Ir. ltI., if
you had tried my plan, and COlue doon to your knecs, )'e
wad maybe hae come mair speed!"
Tbpre once lived Ïll Cupar u merchant w ho...e sture CûI:.
802
REJII1:{]SCENCES OF
tained supplies of every character and description, so that
he ,vas cOJnnl'Jnly known by the sobriquet of Robbie
A.'Thing. One day a minister, who ,vas ,veIl known for
a servile use of 1\lS. in the pulpit, called at the store, asking
for a rope and pill to tether a young calf in the glebe.
Robbie at once informed hhn that he could not furnish
such articles to him. But the minister, being sonlewhat
importunate, said, "Oh! I thought you ,yere named Robbie
A'Thing from the fact of your keeping all kinds of goods."
" 'V eel a .weel," said Robbie," I keep a'thing in Iny shop
but calf's tether-pins and paper serIllons for nlinisters to
read."
It was a sOlnewhat whimsical advice, supported by whim-
sical argument, which used to be given by an old Scottish
minister to young preachers, when they visited froin home,
to "sup well at the kail, for if they ,vere good they were
worth the supping, and if not they might be sure there
,vas not nlllch worth coming a.ftel. them."
A good many families in and around Dunblane rejoice
in the patronymic of Dochart. This nanle, which sounds
sOIne,vhat Irish, is derived from Loch Duchart, in Perth-
shire. The !\I'Gregors having been proscribed, were sub-
jected to severe penalties, and a group of the clan having
been hunted by their superiors, swanl the streanl which
issues fl'onl Loch Dochart, and in gratitude to the river
they after,vards assumed the fanlily name of Dochal't. A
young lad of this name, on being sent to Glasgo,v College,
presented a letter from his minister to Rev. Dr. Heugh of
Glasgo\v. He gave his name as Dochart, and the name in
the letter was
f'Gregor. "Oh," said the Doctor, " I fear
there is sOlne luistake about your identity, the IjameS don't
agree." ,,"\\r eel, sir, that's the \vay they spell the name in
our country."
'rhe relative ,vhom I have mentioned as supplying
so many Scottish anecdotes had many stories of. a
parochial functionary \vhose eccentricities have, in a
{reat mea:;uI'C, given ,yay before the assunilating
SC
TTISH LIFE d: CHARACTER. 303
lpirit of the times. I nlean the old SCOTTISH BEADLE,
or betheral, as he used to be called. Sonle classes of
men are found to have that nameless but distinguish-
'--'
Ïng characteristic of figure and aspect which marks
out particular occupations and professions of Inan-
kind. This ,vas so much the case in the betheral
class, that an old lady, observing a well-kno,vn judge
and advocate ,valking together in the street, renlarked
to a friend as they passed by, " Dear nle, Lucy, 'v ha
are thae twa beddle-looking bodies 1" They ,vere
often great originals, and, I suspect, nlust have been
in past tÍ1nes some,vhat given to convivial habits,
from a remark I recollect of the late Baron Clerk
Rattray, viz. that in his younger days he had hardly
ever kno,vn a perfectly sober betheral. However
this may have been, they 'v ere, as a class, remark-
able for quaint humour, and for being shre,vd ob-
servers of ,vhat ,vas going on. I have heard of an
occasion 'v here the betheral made his wit furnish an
apology for his ,vant of sobriety. He had been sent
round the parish by the minister to deliver notices at
all the houses, of the catechising ,vhich ,vas to pre-
cede t.he preparation for receiving the conlnlunion.
On his return it ,vas quite evident that he had par-
taken too largely of refreshment since he had been
on his expedition. The minister reproached hinl for
this Í1nproper a conduct. The betheral pleaded the
pressing hospitality of the parishioners The clergy.
man did not adnát the plea, and added, " N O'Y, John,
I go through the parish, and you don't see me return
fou, as you have done." "Ay, lllinister," rejoined
the betheral, \vith much complacency, "but then
aiblins ye're no sae popular i' the parish as Ine."
l\ly relative used to tell of one of these officiaÌs re-
ceiving, ,vith much cerelnollJT, a brother betheral, frolD
304
REJJI
VISOEN(JES OJí'
a neighbouring parish, ,vho had COlne with the minis-
ter thereof for the purpose of preaching on sonle special
occasion. After service, the betheral of the stranger
clergynlan felt proud of the performance of the ap-
pointed duty, and said in a triumphant tone to his
friend, " I think oor minister did \veel; ay, he gars the
stour flee oot 0' the cushion." To which the other
rejoined, ,vith a calm feeling of superiority, "Stour
oot 0' the cushion! hout, our minister, sin' he earn ,vi:
us, has dung the guts oot 0' twa Bibles." Another
description I have heard of an energetic preacher more
forcible than delicate-" Eh, oor minister had a great
po\ver 0' watter, for he grat, and spat, and s\vat like
mischeef." An ohliging anonymous correspondent
has sent me a story of a functionary of this class
,vhose pride was centred not so much in the perforln-
ance of the minister as of the precentor. He state
that he remembers an old beadle of the church which
,vas called" Haddo's Hole," and sometilnes the" Little
Kirk," in Edinburgh, \v hose son occasionally officia-
ted as precentor. He was not very well qualified
for the duty, but the father had a high opinion of his
son's vocal po,vers. In those days there was ahvays
service in the church on the Tuesday evenings; and
,vhen the father was asked on such occasions, ",\Vho's
to preach to-night 1" his self-complacent reply used to
be, " I divna ken wha's till preach, but, my son's for
till precent." The following is a more correct version
of a betheral story than one which occupied this page
in the last edition. The beadle had been asked to
recolnnlend a person for the same office, and his
ans,ver ,vas, "If ye had ,vanted t,va or three bits 0'
elder bodies, I cud hae gotten them for ye as easily aG
penny haps oot of IVlr. Rowan's shop," pointing to a
baker's shop opposite to where the colloquy took place j
SCOTTISH LIFE
CHARACTER. 805
.Ior even if ye had wanted a minister, I might hae
helpit ye to get ane j but as for a gude beadle, that's
about the maist difficult thing I ken 0' just no\v."
Perhaps the following may seem to illustrate the
self-importance of the betheral tribe. The Rev. Dr.
H ugh Blair ''''as one Sunday absent from his pulpit,
and next morning meeting his beadle in the street he
inquired ho,v matters "
ent in the High Church on
Sabbath. "'Deed, I dare say no very \veel," "ras the
ans,ver j "I wasna there ony mail' than yoursell."
l\Ir. Turnbull of Dundee kindly sends me an excel-
lent anecdote of the "Betheral" type, ,vhich illus-
trates tbe esprit de C01"jJS of the betherelian mind.
The late Dr. Robertson of Glasgo'\Y had, while in
the parish of Mains, a quaint old church attend-
ant of the name of 'Valter Nicoll, con1monly called
"'Vatty Nuckle," whom he invited to come and
visit him after he had been removed to Glasgo"..
'Vatty accordingly ventured on the (to him) terrible
journey, and ,vas received by the Doctor ,vith great
kindness. The Doctor, an10ngst other sights, took
him to see the Cathedral church, and showed him all
through it, and after they ,vere con1ing a,vay the
Doctor asked 'Vatty ,vhat he thought of it, and if it
,vas not better than the J\Iains church. "ratty shook
his head, and said, "A,veel, sir, you see she's bigger;
but she has nae laft, and she's sair fashed wi' thae
. 11 "
pi ars.
On the same subject of beadle peculiarities, I have re-
ceived from
Irs. l\Iearns of Kineff Manse an exquisitely
characteristic illustration of beadle professional habits
being made to bear upon the tender passion :-
t\.
certain beadle had fancied the manse housemaid, but
at a loss for an opportunity to declare himself, one
day-a Sunday-when his duti
\vare ended, he
306
RE],[Il{[SCE1{CES OF
looked sheepish, and said, "Mary, ,vad ye tak a turn,
Iary 1" l-Ie led her to the churchyard, and pointing
\vith his finger, got out, "
1:y fowk lie there, l\lary ;
\vad ye like to lie there
" 'fhe grave hint ,vas taken,
and she became his ,vife, but does not yet lie the1'e.
Here is another good example of betheral refinement
or philo
ophy.-He ,vas carefully dressing up a grave,
and adjusting the turf upon it. The clergyman, pass-
ing through the churchyard, observed, "That's heauti-
ful sod, J eems." "Indeed is't, minister, and I grudge
it upon the grave 0' sic a scamp."
This class of functionaries ,vere very free in their
remarks upon the preaching of strangers, ,vho used
occasionally to occupy the pulpit of their church-
the city betherals speaking sometinles in a most
condescending manner of clergy from the provincial
parishes. As, for exam pIe, a betheral of one of the
large churches in Glasgo,v, criticising the sermon of a
minister from the country \vho had been preaching
in the city church, characterised it as "gude coorse
country ,vark." A betheral of one of the churches
of St. Giles, Edinburgh, used to call on the family of
Mr. Robert Stevenson, engineer, ,vho ,vas one of the
elders. On one occasion they asked him vlhat l1ad
been the text on such a night, ,vhen none of the
fanlily had been present. 'rhe man of office, confused
at the question, and unwilling to show anything like
ignorance, poured forth, "'V eel, ye see, the text last
day ,vas just entirely, sirs-yes-the text, sirs-what
,vas it again 1-ou ay, just entirely, ye see it ,vas,
'What profiteth a Inan if he lose the ,vorld, and gain
his o,vn soul 1 ' " Most of such stories are usually of
an old standing. A more recent one has been told
me of a betheral of a royal burgh much decayed
from former importance, and governed by a feeble
SCOTTISH LIFE d; CHARACTER. 307
municipality of old men, 'v ho continued in office, and
in fact constituted rather the shado\y than the
substance of a corporation. A clergyman frOln a
distance having come to officiate in the parish church,
the betheral, kno,ving the terms on ,,"hich it ,vas
usual for the minister officiating to pray for the
efficiency of the local In agis tracy, quietly cautioned
the clergyman before service that, in regard to the
town-council there, it ,vonld be quite out of place for
him to pray that they should be a "terror to evil-
doers," because, as he said, "the puir auld bodies
could be nae terror to onybody." A Ininister of
Easter Anstruther, during the last century, used to
say of the Inagistrates of 'Vester Anstru ther, that
"instead of being a terror to evil-doers, evil-doers
\vere a terror to then}."
The "minister's man" \vas a functionary ,veIl
kno,vn in many parishes, and \,"ho often evinced
much Scottish humour and original character. rrhese
men ,vere (like the betheral) great critics of sermons,
and often severe upon strangers, sometimes ,vith a
sly hit at their own minister. One of these, David,
a ,vell-kno,vn character, complimenting a young
minister "Tho had preached, told him, " Your intro-
duction, sir, is aye grand; its ,vorth a' the rest 0' the
sermon-could ye no mak it a' introduction 1"
David's criticislns of his master's sermons \vere
sometimes sharp enough and shre\vd. On one
occasion, driving the minister home from a neighbour-
ing church ,vhere he had been preaching, and ","ho,
as he thought, had acquitted himself pretty well,
inquired of David ""hat 1M thought of it. The
subject of discourse had been the escape of the
Israelites from Egypt. So David opened his criticism
-" Thocht o't, sir 1 deed I thocht nocht o't ava. It
308
RE},fINISCENCES OF
was a vara imperfect discourse in ma opinion; ye did
weel eneuch till ye took them through, but where
did ye leave them 1 just daunerin' 0' the sea-shore
without a' place to gang till. Had it no been for
Pharaoh they had been better on the other side,
where they ,vere comfortably encampit, than daunerin'
,vhere ye left them. It's painful to hear a sermon
stoppit afore it's richt ended, just as it is to hear
ane streekit out lang after it's dune. That's ma
opinion 0' the sermon ye gied us to-day." " Very
freely given, Da\Tid, very freely given; drive on a
little faster, for I think ye're daunerin' noo yersell."
To another ,vho had gone through a long course
of parish official life a gentleman one day ren1arked
-" John, ye hae been sae lang about the minister's
ha.nd that I dare say ye could preach a sermon yersell
no,v." To ,vhich John modestly replied, "0 na, sir,
I couldna preach a sermon, but maybe I could dra'v
an inference." " Well, John," said the gentleman,
11lunouring the quiet vanity of the beadle, "what
inference could ye draw frae this text, 'A ,vild ass
snuffeth up the ,vind at her pleasure 1'" (Jer. ii. 24).
" "VVeel, sir, I ,vad dra,v this inference, he ,vould snuff
a lang time afore he ,vould fatten upon't." I had an
anecdote from a friend, of a reply from a betheral to
the minister in church, ,vhich ,vas quaint and amusing
from the shre,vd self-importance it indicated in his
own acuteness. The clergyman had been annoyed
during the course of his scrinon by t.he restlessness
and occasional ,vhining of a dog, which at last began
to bark outright. He looked out for the beadle, and
directed him very peremptorily, "John, caITY that
dog out. " John, looked up to the pulpit, and with
a very knowing expression, said, "N a, na, sir; I'se
just mak him gae out on his ain four legs." I havo
SCOTTiSH Lll'E <f OHARAOTER. 809
another story of canine misbehaviour in church. A
dog was present during the service, and in the sermon
the worthy minister was in the habit of speaking
very loud, and, in fact, "Then he got ,varmed with his
subject, of shouting almost at the top of his voice.
The dog, who, in the early part, had been very quiet,
becanle quite excited, as is not uncommon .,vith some
dogs when hearing a noise, and from ,vhinging and
whining, as the speaker's voice rose loud and strong,
at last began to bark and howl. The minister,
naturally much annoyed at the interruption, called
upon the betheral to put out the dog, ,vho at once
expressed his readiness to obey the order, but could
not resist the temptation to look up to the pulpit,
and to say very significantly, "Ay, ay, sir; but
indeed it was yersell began it." There is a dog story
connected with Reminiscences of Glasgow (see
Oharnbe1's's Jou1'nal, March 1855), which is fuU of
meaning. The bowls of rum-punch which so remark-
ably characterised the Glasgo,v dinners of last
century and the early part of the present, it is to be
feared made some of the congregation given to
sODlnolency on the Sundays following. The melnbers
of the town-council often adopted Saturday for such
meetings; accordingly, the Rev. 1\11'. Thorn, an
excellent clergyman,. took occasion to ll1ark this
propensity ,vith some acerbity. A dog had been
very troublesome, and disturbed the congregation for
some time, when the minister at last gave orders to
the beadle, " Take out that dog; he'd ,vauken a
Glasgo,v magistrate."
· It was of this minister,
Ir. Thorn of Govan, that Sir
Walter Scott remarked "that he had demolished all his own
chances of a Glasgow benefice, by preaching before the town
council CrOIn a text in Hosea, 'Ephraim's drink is sour.' U
2D
810
REMINISOENCES OF
The parochial grave diggers had sometimes a very
familiar professional style of dealing with the solemn
subjects connected ,vith their office. Thus I have
heard of a gravedigger pointing out a large human
bone to a lady who was looking at his work, of digging
a grave, and asking her-' D'ye ken wha's bane that
is, mem 1-that's Jenny Fraser's hench-bane;" adù-
ing with a serious aspect-" a ,veel-baned family thae
Frasers. JJ
It would be impossible in these Reminiscences to
omit the ,veIl-known and often repeated anecdote con-
nected ,vith an elninent divine of our own country,
whose works take a high place in our theological
literature. The story to which I allude ,vas rendered
popular throughout the kingdom sonle years ago, by
the inimitable mode in ,vhich it was told, or rather
acted, by the late Charles Matthews. But Matthews
,vas wrong in the person of ,vhom he related the
humorous address. I have assurance of the parties
from a friend, ,vhose father, a distinguished clergyman
in the Scottish Church at the tÏIne, had accurate
knowledge of the whole circumstances. The late cele-
brated Dr. Macknight, a learned and profound scholar
and comnlentator, ,vas nevertheless, as a preacher,
to a great degree heavy, unrelieved by fancy or Ï1nahri-
nation; an able writer, but a dull speaker. His col-
league, Dr. Henry, well kno,vl1 as the author of a
History of England, was, on the other hand, a man of
great humour, and could not resist a joke when the
telnptation came upon him. On one occasion when
coming to church, Dr. l\iacknight had been caught in
a sho,ver of rain, and entered the vestry soaked ,vitI!
,vet. Every means were used to relieve hirn from his
discomfort; but as the tinle drew on for divine ser\'ice
he became much distressed, and ejaculated over and
saOTTISH LIFE &: CHARAOTER. Sll
over, "Oh, I wush that I was dry; do you think I'nl
dry 1 do you think I'm dry eneuch noo î His jocose
eolleague could resist no longer, but, patting him on
the shoulder, conlforted him with the sly assurance,
" Bide a ,vee, Doctor, and ye'se be d?4yeneuch ,vhen ye
get into the pu'pit."
Another quaint remark of the facetious doctor to
his more formal colleague has been preserved by
friends of the family. Dr. Henry, ,vho ,vith all his
pleasantry and abilities, had himself as little popu-
larity in the pulpit as his coadjutor, had been remark-
ing to Dr. l\Iacknight ,vhat 8. blessing it ,vas that they
\vere t,yO colleagues in one charge, and continued
dwelling on the subject so long, that Dr. 1vlackl1ight,
not quite pleased at the frequent reiteration of the
remark, said that it certainly ,vas a great pleasure to
himself, but he did not see ,vhat great benefit it
might be to the ,vorld. " Ah," said Dr. Henry, "an
it hadna been for that, there wad hae been twa tOODl -
kirks thic; day." Lord Cockburn tells a characteristic
anecdote of Dr. HenrySs behaviour the last day of his
life. I am indebted to a gentleman, himself also a
distingui
hed luember of the Scottish Church, for an
authentic anecdote of this learned divine, and ,vhich
occurred whilst Dr. l\lacknight was the minister of
1Iaybole. One of 11Ïs parishioners, a well-kno,,,]}
humorous blacksmith of the parish, ,vho, no doubt,
thought that the Doctor's learned books ,vere rather
a ,vaste of time and labour for a country pastor, ,vas
asked if his minister ,vas at home. The Doctor ,vas
then busy bringing out his laborious and valuable
,york, his Harmony of the j?OU't GOS1Je1s. " N a, he's
gane to Edinburgh on a verra useless job." On being
asked \vhat this useless ,york n1Ìght ùe ,vhich eng
bed
.. Enlpty.
a12
REMI1{[SOENOES OF
his pastor's time and attention, he ans\vered, "He's
gane to mak four Inen agree wha ne'er cast oot."
The good-humoured and candid answer of a learned
and rather long-,vinded preacher of the old school
al,vays appeared to me quite charlning. The good
man was far from being a popular preacher, and yet
he could not reduce his discourses below the hour and
a half. On being asked, as a gent.le hint of their
possibly needless length, if he did not feel ti1"ed after
preaching so long, he replied, " N a, na, I'm no tired; "
adding, however, with much naïveté, "But, Lord, how
tired the fowk \vhiles are."
The late good kind-hearted Dr. David Dickson was
fond of telling a story of a Scottish termagant of the
days before kirk-session discipline had passed away.
A couple ,vere brought before the court, and Janet,
the ,vife, ,vas charged ,vith violent and undutiful
conduct, and with wounding her husband by throwing
a three-legged stool at liis head. The minister re-
buked her conduct, anù pointed out its grievous
character, by explaining that j list as Christ was head
of his Church, so the husband \vas head of the \vife ;
and therefore in assaulting hi-rn, she had in fact injured
her own body. " Weel," she replied, "it's conle to a
fine pass gin a ,vife canna kame her ain head;" 'Ay,
but, Janet," rejoined the minister, "a three-legged
stool is a thief-like bane-kame to scart yer aill head
W ., I "
1 .
1'he fol1o,ving is a dry Scottish case, of a Ininister's
\vife quietly" kaming her husband's head." Mr. Mair,
a Scotch Ininister, was rather short-tenlpered, and
had a ,vife named Rebecca, whom for brevity's sake
he addressed as "Becky." He kept a diary, and
among other entties, this one ,vas very frequent-
"Becky and I had a tippet, for which I desire to be
SCOTT1SH LIFE
CHARACTER. 813
hunlble." A gentleman ,vho had been on a visit to
the Ininister \vent to Edinburgh, and told the story
to a minister and his \vife there; ,vhen the lady replied
" Weel, he must have been an .excellent man, Mr. Mair.
1Iy husband and I sometimes too have' rippets,' but
catch him if he's ever hUlnble."
Our object in bringing up and recording anecdotes
of this kind is to elucidate the sort of humour we
refer to, and to show it as a humour of past times.
A modern clergyman could hardly adopt the tone
and manner of the older class of ministers-men not
less useful and beloved, on account of their odd Scot-
tish humour, which indeed suited their time. Could
a clergyman, for instance, now come off from the
trying position in which ,ve have heard of a northern
minister being placed, and by the same \vay through
which he extricated himself \vith much good nature and
quiet sarcasm
A young man, sitting opposite to him
in the front of the gallery, had been up late on the
previous night, and had stuffed the. cards with which
he had been occupied into his coat pocket. Forget-
ting the circumstance, he pulled out his handkerchief,
and the cards all fle\v about. The minister sinlply
looked at him, and renlarked, "Eh, man, your psalm-
buik has been ill bund. JJ
An adlnirable story of a quiet pulpit rebuke is
traditionary in Fife, and is told of l\ir Shirra, a
Seceding minister of Kirkcaldy, a man still well remem-
bered by sonle of the older generation for many
excellent and sonle eccentric qualities. A young
officer of a volunteer corps on duty in the place, very
proud of his fresh uniform, had come to Mr. Shirra's
church, and "Talked about as if looking for a seat,
but in fact to sho,," off his dress, whicll he saw ,vas
attracting attention from some of the less grave
31(
REl
{INISaENCES OF
members of the congregation. He came to his place J
however, rather quickly, on
Ir. Shirra quietly re.
monstrating, " 0 man, will ye sit doun, and we'll see
your ne,v breeks ,vhen the kirk's dune." This same
l\Ir. Shirra was well known from his quaint, and, as
it. were, parenthetical comments ,vhich he introduced
in his reading of Scripture; as, for examp1e, on read-
ing from the 116th Psaln1, "I said in my haste all
men are liars," he quietly observed, "Indeed, Dauvid,
my man, an' ye had been i' this parish ye might hae
said it at your leisure."
There ,vas something even still more pungent in
the incidental remark of a good man, in the course of
his sermon, ,vho had in a country place taken to
preaching out of doors in the summer afternoons.
He used to collect the people as they were taking air
by the side of a stream outside the village. On one
occasion he had unfortunately taken his place on a
bank, and fixed himself on an ants' nest. The acthre
habits of those little creatures soon made the position
of the intruder upon their domain very uncomfortable;
and, afraid that his audience might observe something
of this discomfort in his manner, he apologised by
the remark-" Brethren, though I hope I have the
word of God ill my mouth, I think the deil himself
has gotten into my breeks."
There was often no doubt a sharp conflict of wits
when some of these humorist ministers came into
collision with members of their flocks who ,yere also
humorists. Of this nature is tbe follo\ving anecdote,
which I am assured is genuine :-A minister in the
north ,vas taking to task one of his hearers who was
a frequent defaulter, and was reproaching him as a
ha.bitual absentee from public worship. The accused
vindicat-ed himself on the plea of a dislike to long
SCOTTISH LIFE (
CHARACTER. 315
serInons. " 'Deed, man," said the reverend monitor;
a little nettled at the insinuation thro,vn out against
himself, "if ye dinna mend, ye may land yersell
where ye'll no be troubled wi' mony sermons either
lang or short." " 'Veel, aiblins sae," retorted John.
" but that mayna be for want 0' ministers."
An ans,ver to another clergyman,
Ir. Shireff,
parochial minister of St. :Ninian's, is indicative of
Scottish and really clever ,vito One of the members
of his church was John Henderson or Anderson-a
very decent douce shoemaker - and ,vho left the
church and joined the Independents, ,vho had a
meeting in Stirling. Some tinle after\vards, ,vhen
lr. Shireff met J oh11 on the road, he said, "And so,
John, I understand you have become an Independent
"
"'Deed sir" re p lied John "that' s true" "Oh John"
, , , ."
said the minister, "I'm sure you ken that a ro,vin'
(rolling) stane gathers nae fog" (moss). " Ay," said
John, "that's true too; but can ye tell TIle ",
hat guid
the fog does to the stane
"
Ir. Shireff himself
after\vards became a Baptist. The \vit, ho\vever, was
all in favour of the minister in t.he follo\ving :-
Dr. Gilchrist, formerly of the East Parish of
Greenock, and who died minister of the Canongate,
Eùinburgh, received an intimation of one of his hearers
\vho had been exceedingly irregular in his attendance
that he had taken seats in an Episcopal chapel. One
day soon after, he met his former parishioner, 'v ho
told him candidly that he had" changed his religion."
"Indeed," said the Doctor quietly; "ho\v's that
I
ne' er heard ye had ony." It ,,,"as this same Dr.
Gilchrist ",.ho gave the \vell-known quiet but forcible
rebuke to a young minister \vhom he considered rather
conceited anù fond of putt.ing for,vard his o,vn doings,
and who was to officiate in the Doctor's church.
816
REltlINISUENOE8 OF
He explained to him the mode in which he usually
conducted the service, and stated that he al\vays
finished the prayer before the sermon ,vith the Lord's
Prayer. The young minister demurred at this, and
asked if he "might not introduce any other short
prayer 1" "Ou ay," was the Doctor's quiet reply,
" gif ye can gie us onything better."
There is a story current of a sharp hit at the pre-
tensions of a minister who required a little set down.
The scene was on a Monday by a burn near Inverness.
A stranger is fishing by a burn-side one Monday
morning, ,vhen the parish minister accosts him from
the other side of the stream thus :-" Good sport 1"
"Not very." "I am also an angler," but, pompously,
"I am afishe,. of men." "Are you always successful 1"
"Not very." "So I guessed, as I keeked into your
creel
yesterday."
At Banchory, on Deeside, some of the criticisms
and remarks on Serl110nS were very quaint and charac-
teristic. My cousin had asked the Leys grieve what
he thought of a young man's preaching, who had
been more successful in appropriating the words than
the ideas of Dr. Chalmers. He drily ans,vered, "Ou,
Sir Thomas, just a floorish 0' the surface." But the
same hearer bore this unequivocal testimony to
another prßacher whom he really admired. He was
asked if he did not think the sermon long: "N a, I
should nae hae thocht it lang an' I'd. been sitting on
thorns. .,
I think the following is about as good a sample of
\vhat ,ve call Scotch" pawky" as any I know :-A
countryman had lost his wife and a favourite cow on
the same day His friends consoled him for the loss
of the ,vife; Rnd being highly r('spectabl
, severaJ
* Basket for fish.
HIS DAY A r THE PLATE
From fl .ualer-col(-'U1" dra'lvÎllg by
HR
YRr IV. lí..
ERR,
A.R.S.A., R.S.TV.
\
, I
- .
....
SCOTTISH LIFE J: CHARACTER. 317
hints and offers were nlade towards getting another
for him. "Ou ay," he at length replied; "you're a
keen aneuch to get me anither ,vife, but no yin 0' ya
offers to gie me anither coo."
The following anecdotes, collected from different
contributors, are fair samples of the quaint and original
character of Scottish ways and expressions, now
becoming more and more matters of reminiscence:
-A poor man came to his minister for the purpose
of intimating his intention of being married. As he
expressed, however, some doubts on the subject, and
seemed to hesitate, the minister asked him if there
were any doubts about his being accepted. No, that
was not the difficulty; but he expressed a fear that
it might not be altogether suitable, and he asked
,vhether, if he were once married, he could not (in
case of unsuitability and unhappiness) get unmarried.
The clergyman assured him that it was impossible;
if he married, it must be for better and ,vorse; that
he could not go back upon the step. So thus instructed
he went a,vay. Mter a tirne he returned, and said
he had made up his mind to try the experiment, and
he came and lv-as married. Ere · long he came back
very disconsolate, and declared it ,vould not do at
all; that he was quite miserable, and begged to be
unmarried. The minister assured him that was out
of the question, and urged him to put away the notion
of anything so absurd. The man insisted that the
marriage could not hold good, for the ,vife was "waur
than the deevil." The minister demurred, saying
that it was quite tmpossible. "'Deed, sir," said the
poor man, "the Bible tells ye that if ye resist the
deil be flees frae ye, but if ye resist her she flees at ye."
A faithful n1Ïnistp.r of the gospel, being one day
engaged in visiting some rnem hers of his flock, camA
818
RE
fTNISCENCES OF
to the door of a house ,vhere his gentle tapping could
not be heard for the noise of contention ,vithin.
Mter ,vaiting a little he opened the door, and walked
in, saying, \vith an authoritative voice, "I should like
to kno'v \v ho is the head of this house." " W eel, sir,"
said the husband and father, "if ye sit doun a ,vee,
we'll maybe be able to tell ye, for we're just trying to
settle that point."
I have received from my kind correspondent, Rev.
Mr. Hogg of Kirkmahoe, the follo\ving,most amusing
account of a passage-at-arms between a minister and
" minister's man," both of them of the old school.
The minister of a parish in DUlnfriesshire had a man
who had long and faithfully served at the manse.
During the minister's absence, a ploughing match
came off in the district, and the man, feeling the old
spirit return ,vith the force of former days, wished to
enter the lists, and go in for a prize, ,vhich he did, and
gained the fifth prize. The minister, on his return
home, and glancing at the local ne,vspaper, saw the
report of the match, and the name of his o\vn man in
the prize-list. Being of a crusty temper, he rang the
bell in fury, and summoned J ohu, when the following
colloquy took place :-" John, how is this 1 who gave
you leave to go to the ploughing-match 1" " You
,vere not at hame, sir." "'V ell, you should have
written to me." " I didn't think it ,vas worth \vhile,
sir, as ,ve had our ain ploughing j01Tit." -J(. " That
may be; but why ,vere. you not higher in the prize-
list 1 I'm ashamed of you, and you ought to be
ashamed of yourself for being so far behind." John's
patience had given ,vay, and, in his haste he burst
forth, " Indeed, I'ln thinking, sir, that if )1'e ,vere at a
* Well advanced.
SCOTTISH LIFE d: CHARACTER. 319
preaching match, and fiYt1-and-thirty in the field, yo
,yadna come in for onytldng, let a-be for a fift'."
Stories of humorous encounters between ministers
and their hearers are numerous, and though often
seasoned with dry and caustic humour, they never
indicate appearance of bitterness or ill-feeling between
the parties. As an example, a clergyman thought his
people "rere making rather an unconscionable objec-
tion to his using a
IS. in delivering his sermon. They
urged, ""\Vhat gars ye tak up your bit papers to the
pu'pit 1 " He replied tbat it was best, for really he
could not remember his sermon, and must have his
papers. " Weel, ,veel, minister, then dinna expect
that we can remember them."
Some of these encounters arise out of the old ques-
tion of sleeping in church. For example-" I see,
James, that you tak a bit nap in the kirk," said a
minister to one of his people; "can ye no tak a mull
with you
and when you become heavy an extra pinch
would keep you up." "1Iaybe it ,vad," said James,
"but pit you the sneeshin intil your sennon, minister,
and maybe that'll serve the sanle purpose." As a
specinlen of the matter-of-fact vie,v of religious ques-
tions frequently recorded of older ministers, let
me adduce a well-authenticated account of a minister
in a far up-hill parish in Deeside. Returning thanks
one Sabbath for the excellent harvest, he began as
usual, "0 Lord, ,ye thank thee," etc., and went on to
mention its" abundance, and its safe ingathering; but,
feeling anxious to be quite candid and scrupulously
truthful, added, " all except a fe,v sIna' bitties at Birse
no "yorth 0' mentioning."
A Scotch preacher, a man of large stature, being sent
to officiate one Sunday at a country parish, \vas accom-
modated at night, in the manse, in a very ùinlinutive
820
REJI[lVISCENOES OF
closet-the usual best bed-room, appropriated to
strangers, being otherwise occupied. "Is this the
bed-room
" he said, starting back in amazement.
"'Deed ay, sir, this is the prophets' chalmer." "It
maun be for the minor prophets, then," ,vas the quiet
reply.
Elders of the kirk, no doubt, frequently partook of
the original and humorous character of ministers and
others, their contemporaries; and amusing scenes
must have passed, and good Scotch sayings been said,
,vhere they were concerned. Dr. Chahners used to
repeat one of these sayings of an elder ,vith great
delight. The Doctor associated with the anecdote the
name of Lady Glenorchy and the church which she
endowed; but I am assured that the person was Lady
Elizabeth Cunninghame, sister of Archibald, eleventh
Earl of Eglinton, and ,vife of Sir John Cunninghame,
Bart., of Caprington, near KHmarnocl{. It seems her
ladyship had, for some reason, taken offence at the
proceedings of the Caprington parochial authorities,
and a result of ,vhich was that she ceased putting her
usual liberal offering into the plate at the door. This
had gone on for some tinIe, till one of the elders, of
less forbearing character than the others, took his turn
3t the plate. Lady Elizabeth as usual passed by
,vithout a contribution, but made a formal courtsey to
the elder at the plate, and sailed up the aisle. The
good man was determined not to let her pass so easily,
so he quickly followed her, and urged the remon-
strance: " Gie us Inair 0' your siller and less 0' your
mainners, my lady Betty." My kind correspondent,
Rev. Mr. Agnew, supplies me with an amusing pendant
to this anecdote :-At a great church meeting, Dr.
Chalmers had told this story with Illuch effect \vhen
I.JÛrrl Galloway ,vas in the chair. Aftpr the meeting,
SCOTTISH LIFE æ CHARACTER. 321
Dr. Chalmers, and many who had been present, dined
at his lordship's hospitable table. After dinner, when
the morning meeting was discussed, Lord Galloway
addressed Dr. Chalmers on the subject of this story
and, as if not quite pleased at its being introduced,
said, "Do you know", Doctor, the lady of ".hom you
told the story of the elder is a near relation of mine 1"
Dr. Chalmers, ,vith real or seeming simplicity, answered,
" No, my Lord, I did not; but next time I tell the
story I can mention the fact." As a pendant to the
elder's disclaimer of " mainners" on the part of a lady
of rank, I may add an authentic anecdote of a very
blunt and unpolished l{incardineshire laird, expressing
the same disclaimer of mainners on the part of a servant,
but in a far rougher form of speech. He had been
talking ,vith a man who came to offer for his service
as a butler. But the laird soon found he was far too
grand a gentleman for his service, and became chafed
with his requiring so many things as conditions of
c0111ing; till, on his dismissal, "Then the man ,vas
bo,ving and scraping to show ho\v genteel he could.
be, he lost all patience, and roared out, "Get out, ye
fule; gie us nane 0' your mainners here."
Of an eccentric and eloquent professor and divine
of a northern Scottish university, there are numerous
and extraordinary traditionary anecdotes. I have
received an account of SOllIe of these anecdotes from
the kind communication of an eminent Scottish clergy-
lnan, who ,vas himself in early days his frequent
hearer. The stories told of the strange observations
and allusions which he introduced into his pulpit
discourses almost surpass belief. For many reasons,
they are not suitable to the nature of this publication,
still less could they be tolerated in any pulpit
administration no\v, although familiar with his con-
822
REJ,fINI
CENOES OF
temporaries. The remarkable circumstance, however,
connected with these eccentricities ,vas, tbat he
introduced them ,vith the utmost gravity, and of ten-
tin1es, after he had delivered them, pursued his subject
,vith great earnestness and eloquence, as if he had said
nothing uncommon. One saying of the professor,
ho,vever, out of the pulpit, is too good to be omitted,
and may be recorded ,vithout violation of propriety.
He happened to meet at the house of a lawyer, whom
he considered rather a man of sharrp practice, and for
,vhom he had no great favour, two of his own pari
h-
ioners. The la \vyer jocularly and ungraciously put
the question; "Doctor, these are members of your
flock; may I ask, do you look upon them as white
sheep or as black sheep
" "I don't know," ans,vered
the professor drily, "whether they are black or white
sheep, but I know that if they are long here they are
pretty sure to be fleeced."
It ,vas a pungent answer given by a Free Kirk
Inember who had deserted his colours and returned to
the old faith. A short time after the Disruption, the
J.1"ree Church minister chanced to nleet him who had
then left him and returned to the Established Church.
'rhe minister bluntly accosted him-" Ay, lnan, John,
an' .,ye've left us; what micht be your reason for that
Did ye think it wasna, a guid road we ,vas gaun
"
" Ou, I daursay it was a guid elleuch road and a bra,v
road; but, 0 minister, the tolls ,vere nneo high."
rrhe' follo,ving stor
T I received from a member of
the Penicuik fanlÍly :-Dr. Ritchie, who died minister
of St. Alldre,v'3, Edinhurgh, ,vas, \\rheu a young man,
tutor to Sir G. Clerk and his brothers. \'Vhilst wit.h
them, the clergYlnan of the parish became unable, fron1
infirnåty and illness, to do his duty, and Mr. Ritchie
was appointed interim assistant. He ,vas au active
SCOTTISH LIFE do CHAliAG1 Y ER. <<)28
young Inan, and during his residence in the country
had become fond of fishing, and was a good shot.
'Vhen the grouse-shooting came round, his pupils
happened to be laid up with a fever, so 1fr. Ritchie
had all the shooting to himself. One day he walked
over the moor so far that he became quite ,yeary and
footsore. On returning home he went into a cottage,
\vhere the good ,vomall received him kindly, gave
him ,vater for his feet, and refreshment. In the
course of conversation, he told her he ,vas acting as
assistant minister of the parish, and he eXplained how
far he had travelled in pursuit of game, how weary he
was, and how completely knocked up he ,vas. " Weel,
sir, I dinna doubt ye maun be sair travelled and tired
\vi' your ,valko " And then she added, with sly
reference to his profession, "'Deed, sir, I'm thinkin'
ye micht hae travelled frae Genesis to Revelation and
no been sae forfauchten." *
Scotch people in general are, like this old "rOnIan,
very jealous, as lliight be expected, of ministers join
ing the sportsman to their pastoral character. A
proposal for the appointment of a minister to a
particular parish, ,vho ,vas kno\vn in the country as a
capital shot, called forth a rather neat Scottish pun,
from an old \vornan of the parish, 'who significantly
observed, "'Deed, KilpaatrilJk ,vouid hae been a Inair
appropriate place for him." Paul rick is Scotch fur
partridge.
I cannot do better in regard to the three follo,,"ing
anecdotes of the late Professor Gillespie of St.
Andrews, than give thenl to my readers in the ,vorò.s
with vrhich Dr. Lindsay Al
xander kinùly con1ll1uui-
cated them to me.
U In the Cornlâll 1Jlagazint?- for .l\Iarch 1860, in
* \V
aricù.
824
REJfI.VISCE.VCES OF
an article on Student Life in Scotland, there is
an anecdote of the late Professor Gillespie of St.
Andrews, '\vhich is told in such a way as to miss the
point and humour of the story. The correct version,
as I have heard it from the professor himself, is this:
Having employed the village carpenter to put a frame
round a dial at the manse of Cults, where he ,vas a
minister, he received from the Inan a bill to the follo,v-
ing effect :-' To fencing the deU, 58. 6d.' 'When I
paid him,' said the professor, 'I could not help saying,
John, this is rather more than I counted on; but I
haven't a word to say. I get somewhere about t,vo
hundred a year for fencing the deil, and I'm afraid I
don't do it half so effectually as you've done.' n
"Whilst I am writing, another of the many stories
of the learned and facetious professor rises in my mind.
rhere was a worthy old woman at Cults whose place in
church was '\vhat is commonly called the Lateran; a
kind of small gallery at the top of the pulpit steps.
She was a most regular attender, but as regularly fell
asleep during sermon, of '\vhich fault the preacher had
sometimes audible intirnation. It was observed, how-
ever, that though Janet always slept during her own
pastor's discourse, she could be attentive enough when
she pleased, and especially was she alert ",. hen SOlne
young preacher occupied the pulpit. A little piqued,
perhaps, at this, Mr. Gillespie said to her one day,
, Janet, I think you hardly behave very respectfully
to your own minister in one respect.' 'Me, sir! ' ex-
claimed Janet, , I '\vad like to see ony man, no tae say
woman, by yoursell, say that 0' me! what can you
mean, sir
' , 'V ep I, Janet, J e ken w hen I preach
you're almost always fast asleep before I've ,veIl given
out nlY text; but .w'hen any of these young men from
St. .A.ndrews preach for me, I see you never sleep a
SCOTT/Sl! LI}'E &: CHARAC1'ER. 325
wir
k. N ow, that's 'v hat I call no using Ine as you
should do. t 'Hoot, sir,' "
as the reply, 'is that a'
I'll sune tell you the reason 0' that. "Then you
preach, ,ve a' ken the 'YOI'd 0' God's safe in your
hands; but when thae young birkies tak it in haun,
my certie, but it taks us a' to look after them.' *
"I am tempted to subjoin another. In the
Humanity Class, one day, a youth ,vho was rather
fond of showing off his po,yers of language, translated
Hor. Ode iii., 3, 61, 62, some,vhat thus :-' The
fortunes of Troy renascent under sorrowful omen shall
be repeated with sad catastrophe.' , Catastrophe! '
cried the professor. C Catastrophe, 1\Ir. -, that's
Greek. Give us it in plain English, if you please.'
Thus suddenly pulled do,vn frOIn his high horse, the
student effected his retreat with a rather lame and
inlpotent version. 'No,v,' said the professor, his
little sharp eyes t,vinkling ,vith fun, 'that brings to
my recollection ,vhat once happened to a friend of
mine, a minister in the country. Being a scholarly
nlan he was sometinles betrayed into the use of words
in the pulpit ,\yhich the people ,vere not likely to
understand; but being very conscientious, he never
detected himself in this, ,vithout pausing to give the
meaning of the word he had used, and sometimes his
extempore explanations of very fine ,vords were a
little like ,,"hat we have just had from l\Ir. ,
rather too flat and commonplace. On one occasion he
allo,ved this very ,vord C catastrophe' to drop from
him, on ,vhich he immediately added, ' that, you kno,v,
my friends, means the end of a thing. ' Next day, as
he ,vas riding through his parish, some mischievous
... I have abundant eviùence to prove that a similar answer
to that which Dr. Alexanùer records to have been made to l\Ir.
Gillespie has been given on similar occasions by others.
2E
826
REJII.J.VISOENOES OF
youth succeeded in fastening a bunch of furze to his
horse's tail-a trick which, had the animal been
skittish, 11light have exposed the ,vorthy pastor's
horsemanship to too severe a trial, but which h
ppily
had no effect whatever on the sober-nlinded and
respectable quadruped ,vhich he bestrode. On, there-
fore, he quietly jogged, utterly unconscious of the
addition that had been made to his horse's caudal
region, until, as he was passing SOlne cottages, he was
arrested by the shrill voice of an old ,voman exclaim-
ing, 'Heh, sir! Heh, sir! there's a ,vhun-buss at
your horse's cata"rstrophe !'"
I have several times adverted to the subject of
epigrams. A clever impronlptu of this class has been
recorded as given by a judge's lady in reply to one
made by the witty Henry Erskine at a dinner party
at Lord Armadale's. When a bottle of claret ,vas
called for, port ,vas brought in by mistake. A second
time claret was sent for, and a second time the same
mistake occurred. Henry Erskine addressed the host
in an impromptu, which \vas meant as a parody on the
,veIl-known Scottish song, "
Iy Jo, Janet"-
" Kind sir, it's for yonr courtcsie
When I CaDle here to dine, s
r,
}"or the love ye bear to me,
Gie me the claret wine, sir."
To ,vhich J.rlrs. Honeyman retorted-
" Drink the port, the claret's dear,
Erskine, Erskine;
Ye'11 get fou on't, never fear,
Iy jo, Erskine."
Some of n1Y younger readers may not be farniliar
\vith the epigraln of John lIome, author of the t.ragedy
of " Doug1as. u The lines were great favonrites ,vith
SCOTTISH LIFE d: CHARACTER. 827
Sir "r alter Scott, ,yho delighted in repeating them.
Home ,vas very partial to claret, and could not bear
port. He ,vas exceedingly indignant ,vhen the Govern.
ment laid a tax upon claret, having previously long
connived at its introduction into Scotland under very
mitigated duties. He embodied his anger in the
follo\ving epigram :-
" Firm and erect the Caledonian stood,
Old was his mutton, and his claret good;
, Let him drink port,' an English statesman cried-
He drank the poison, and his spirit died. PI
There is a curious story traditionary in some fan1Ïlies
connected ,vith the nobleman ,vho is the subject of it,
,vhich, I am assured, is true, and further, that it has
never yet appeared in print.. The story is, therefore,
a "Scottish reminiscence," and, as such, deserves a
place here. The Earl of Lauderdale ,vas so ill as to
cause great alarm to his friends, and perplexity to his
physicians. One distressing symptom was a total
a bsence of sleep, and the medical men declared their
opinion, that ,vithout sleep being induced he could not
recover. His son, a queer eccentric-looking boy, who
,vas considered not entirely right in his mind but
somewhat" daft," and ,vho accordingly had had little
attention paid to his education, was sitting under the
table, and cried out, "Sen' for that preachin' man
frae Livingstone, for faither aye sleeps in the lcirk."
One of the doctors thought this hint ,vorth attending
to. The experiment of "getting a minister tin him"
succeeded, and, sleep coming on, he recovered. The
Earl, out of gratitude for this benefit, took more notice
of his son, paid attention to his educat.ion, and that
boy became the Duke of Lauderdale, after,vards so
famous or infamous in his country's histur.r.
328
REJII,.VISCEJ.VCES OF
The following very amusing anecdote, although it
belongs more properly to the division on peculiarities
of Scottish phraseology, I give in the ,vords of a cor-
respondent who received it from the parties with whom
it originated. About twenty years ago, he was paying
a visit to a cousin, married to ft Liverpool merchant
of some standing. The husband had lately had a
visit from his aged father, ,vho formerly follo,ved the
occupation of farming in Stirlingshire, and ,vho had
probably never been out of Scotland before in his life.
The son, finding his father rather de tj'op in his office,
one day persuaded him to cross the ferry over the
Mersey, and inspect the harvesting, then in full opera-
tion, on the Cheshire side. On landing, he approached
a young woman reaping ,vith the sickle in a field of
oats, when the follo,ving dialogue ensued :-
Fa1'mct.-Lassie, are yer aits muckle bookit * th'
year 1
Reaper.- What say'n yo 1
Farme1..-1 ,vas speiring gif yer aits are muckle
bookit th' year!
Reape1. (in amazement).-I dnnnot kno\v what yo'
say'n.
Farme1" (in equal astonishment).-Gude-safe-us,
-do ye no understaall gude plain English 1-are-yer
-aits-muckle-bookit 1
Reaper decamps to her nearest companion, saying
that was a madman, while he shouted in great wrath,
"They were naething else than a set 0' ignorant pock-
puddings."
An English tourist visited Arran, and being a keen
disciple of Izaak "\Valton, was arranging to have a day's
good sport. Being told that the cleg, or horse-fly,
would suit his purpose adnlirably for lure, he addressed
· Oats heavy iu bulk.
SCOTTISH LIFE c! OHARAOTER. 329
himself to Christy, the Highland servant-girl :-" I
say, my girl, can you get me some horse-flies 1"
Christy looked stupid, and he repeated his question.
Finding that she did not yet comprehend him, he ex-
claimed, "\Vhy, girl, did you never see a horse-fly
"
" N aa, sir," said the girl, " but A wance saw a coo jump
ower a preshipice. n
The following anecdote is highly illustrative of the
thoroughly attached old family serving-man. A cor.
respondent sends it as told to him by an old school-
fellow of Sir Walter Scott's at Fraser and Adam's
class, High School :-
One of the lairds of Abercairllie proposed to go out,
on the occasion of one of the risings for the Stuarts, in
the ' 15 or '45-but this ,vas not with the will of his
old serving-man, ,vho, when Abercairnie was pulling
on bis boots, preparing to go, overturned a kettle of
boiling water upon his legs, so as to disable him from
joining his friends-saying, "Tak that-let them
fecht wha like; stay ye at hame and be laird 0' Aber-
cairnie. "
A story illustrative of a union of polite courtesy
with rough and violent ebullition of temper common
in the old Scottish character, is ,yell known in the
Lothian family. 'Villiam Henry, fourth Marquis of
Lothian, had for his guest at dinner an old countess
to whom he ,vished to sho,v particular respect and
attention. * After a very complimentary reception, he
put on his ,vhite gloves to hand her down stairs,
led her up to the upper end of the table, bowed, and
retired to his o",.n place. This I an1 assured was the
* This b-larquis of Lothian was aide-de-camp to the Duke of
Cumberland at the battle of Culloden, who sullied his character
as a solflier and a nobleman by the cruelties which he exerciaed
on the vanqui:;hed.
33,)
RÞ}J[I
VISCE1VCES OF
usual custom with the chief lady guest by persons ,vho
themselves remember it. After all ,vere seated, the
Marquis addressed the lady, "l\fadam, may I have the
honour and happiness of helping your ladyship to
some fish
" But he got no ans\ver, for the puor
woman was deaf as a post, and did not hear hÎ1l1.
After a pause, but still in the most courteous accents,
"MadanI, have I your ladyship's permission to send
you sonle fish 1" Then a little quicker, "Is your
Ladyship inclined to take fish f' Very quick, anù
rather peremptory, "l\iadaln, do ye choice fish
" At
]ast the thunder burst, to everybody's consternation,
with a loud thump on the table and stamp on the
floor: " Con-found ye, ,vill ye have any fish 1" I
am afraid the exclamation might have been even of a
Inore pungent character.
A correspondent l1as kindly enabled me to aùd a
reminiscence and anecdote of a type of Scottish
character now nearly extinct.-I n1ean the old Scottish
'1nilitary officer of the wars of Holland and the Lo,v
Countries. I give them in his o,vn words :-" l\fy
father, the late Rev. Dr. Bethune, minister of Dornoch,
\vas on friendly terms with a fine old soldier, the late
Colonel Alexander Sutherland of Calmaly and Brae-
grudy, in Sutherlandshire, \v ho was lieutenant-colonel
of the' Local Militia,' and ,vho used occasionally, in
his word of command, to break out ,vith a Gaelic
phrase to the men, much to the amusen1ent of by-
standers. He called his charger, a high-boned not over-
fed animal, Cadìíver-a play upon accents, for he was
a good .
lassical scholar, and fond of quoting the Latin
poets. But he had no relish nor respect for the
,
Iodern languages,' particularly for that of our French
neighbours, whom he looked upon as 'hereditary'
enemics !
Iy father and the colonel were both poli-
SCOTTISH LIFE d: CHAllACTER. 331
ticians, as well as scholars. Reading a ne,vspaper
article in his presence one day, my father stopped
short, handing the paper to him, and said, 'Colonel,
here is a FTench quotation, which you can translate
better than I can.' , No, sir!' said the colonel, 'I
never learnt the language of the scoundrels! ! ! ' The
colonel ,vas kno\vn as 'Col. Sandy Sutherland,' and
the men ahvays called him Colonel Sandy. He was a
splendid specimen of the hale veteran, ,vith a sten-
torian voice, and the last queue I remember to have
seen. "
A correspondent kindly sends me from Aberdeen-
shire a humorous story, very much of the same sort as
that of Colonel Erskine's servant, ,vho considerately
suggested to his master that" maybe an aith might
relieve him.":Iie l\ly correspondent heard the story
from the late Bishop Skinner.
It was among the experiences of his father, Bishop
John Skinner. "Thile making some pastoral visits in
the neighbourhood of the to,vn (Aberdeen), the Bishop
took occasion to step into the cottage of t\VO humble
parishioners, a nlan and his ,yife, who cultivated a
little croft. Noone ,vas ,vithin; but as the door
,vas only on the latch, the Bishop knew that the
,vorthy couple could not be far distant. He therefore
stepped in the direction of the outhouses, and found
theln both in the barn winno\ving corn, in the prinlitive
way, ,vith "riddles," bet,vixt two open doors. On t.he
Bishop Inaking his appearance, the honest man ceased
his winnowing operations, anù in the gladness of his
heart stepped briskly for,vard to welcolne Ili
pastor;
but in his haste he trod upon the rim of the riddle,
which rebounded with great force against one of his
shins. The accident made him suddenly pull up j
<It Sir II. Munereiff's Life of Dr. J. E'ì'ski1l.e.
832
REJIIJ.."'ISCE.VCES OF
and, instead of completing the reception, ho stood
vigorously rubbing the injured limb; and, not daring
in such a venerable presence to give vent to the
customary strong ejaculations, kept t,visting his face
into all sorts of grimaces. As was natural, the Bishop
went forward, uttering the usual formulas of condolence
and sYlnpathy, the patient, meanwhile, continuing his
rubbings and his silent but expressive contortions.
At last Janet came to the rescue; and, clapping the
Bishop coaxingly on the back, said, "N 00, Bishop,
jist gang ye yir waas into the hoose, an' \ve'll follow
fan he's had tinle to curse a fyllie, an' I'se warran' he'll
seen be weel eneuch! "
The following might have been added as examples
of the dry humorous manner in which our countrymen
and country\vomen sometimes treat matters \vith ,vhich
they have to deal, even when serious ones :-
An itinerant vendor of ,vood in Aberdeen having
been asked ho\v his wife ,vas, replied, "Oh, she's fine;
I hae taen her tae Banchory ;" and on it being inno-
cently remarked that the change of air ,vould do her
good, he looked up, and, with a half smile, said, " Hoot,
she's i' the kirkyard."
The well-known aversion of the Scotch to hearing
read sermons has often led to amusing occurrences.
One pastor, in a country district, ,vho ,vas much
respected by his people, but who, nevertheless, were
never quite reconciled to his pape1" in the pulpit,
found himself on one occasion in an a,vkward predi-
cament, fronl this same paper question. One Sabbath
afternoon, having exhausted both firstly and secondly,
he canle to the termination of his discourse; but,
unfortunately, the manuscript was wanting. In vain
efforts to seek the luissing paper, he repeated" thirdly
and lastly" ad nauseam to his hearers. At last one,
THE L.-\lkD'S D_-\ CGHTER
.From a 7i.'lltcr-colo1tr dra:
f..IiJz.g bJ'
HE_YRY iV. A-ERR,
A.R.S.A.. R.......lr.
..
,
.
'"
SCOTTISH LIFE J: CHARACTER. 3SS
cooler than the others, rose, and nodding to the
minister, observed, "'Deed, sir, If I'm no mista'en,
I saw' thirdly and lastly' fa' ower the poopit stairs;"
evidently enjoying the disappearance of so important
a part of the obnoxious document.
This prejudice was indeed some years since in
Scotland quite inveterate. The follo,ving anecdote
has been kindly sent to me from lJfemoirs of Cha,tles
Young, lately published by his son :-
"I have a distinct recollection, one Sunday when
I was living at Cults, and when a stranger was officiat-
ing for Dr. Gillespie, observing that he }lad not
proceeded five minutes ,vith his 'discourse,' before
there was a general commotion and stampedo. The
exodus at last became so serious, that, conceiving
something to be wrong, probably a fire in the manse,
I caught the infection, and eagerly inquired of the
first person I encountered in the churchyard what
,vas the matter, and was told, with an expression of
sovereign scorn and disgust-' Losh keep ye, young
man! Hae ye eyes, and see not 1 Hae ye ears,
and 11ear not î The oman reads!' n
On one occasion, however, even this prejudice
gave ,vay before the power of the most eloquent
preacher that Scotland ever heard, or perhaps that
the world ever heard. A shrewd old Fife hearer of
sermons had been objecting, in the usual exaggerated
language, against reading sermons in the pulpit. A
gentleman urged the case of Dr. Chalmers, in defence
of the practice. He used his paper in preaching
rigidly, and yet ,vith ,vhat an effect he read! All
the objector could reply to this ,vas, "Ah, but it's
fell- reading yon. n
The two fol1o,ving are from a correspondent who
· Extraordinary.
SS4
ltEJII4Y'ISCE
"'CES OJ!'
heard th eln told by the late Dr. Barclay the anatonlist,
well kno,vn for his o,vn dry Scottish humour.
A country laird, at his death, left his property in
equal shares to his t,vo sons, who continued to live
very amicably together for Inany years. At length
one said to the other, "Tam, ,ve're get tin' auld now,
you'll tak a ,vife, and ,vhen I dee you'll get my share
0' the grund." " N a, John, you're the youngest and
maist active, you'll tak a wife, and when I dee you'll
get my share." " Od," says John, "Tam, that's jist
the way ,vi' you when there's ony fash or trouble. The
deevil a thing you'll do at a'. n
A country clergyman, 'v ho ,vas not on the most
friendly terms with one of his heritors who resided in
Stirling, and 'v ho had annoyed the Ininister by
delay in paying hinl his teinds (or tithe), found it
necessary to nlake the laird understand that his
proportion of stipend must be paid so soon as it
became due. The payment came next term punctual
to the time. When the messenger was introduced to
the minister, he asked \vho he was, remarking that
he thought he had seen hÎ1n before. "I am the
hangman of Stirling, sir." " Oh, just so, take a seat
till I write you a receipt." It was evident that the
laird - had chosen this medium of communication ,vith
the minister as an affront, and to sho,v his spite.
The minister, ho,vever, turned the tables upon hinl,
sending. back an acknowledgment for the payment
in these terms :-" Received from Mr.-, by the
hands of the hanglnan of Stirling, his doer, * the sum
of," etc. etc.
The follo,ving story of pulpit criticisln by a beadle
* In Scotlautl it is usual to term the law-ageut or Juau oi
business of any p
r:3on his" ùocr. 1t
SCOTTISH LIFE
CIIAR...l0TÞ:R. 885
ased to be told, I anl assured, by the late Rev. Dr.
Andre,v Thomson:-
A clergyman in the country had a stranger preach..
ing for hiIn one day, and meeting his beadle, he said
to him, "".,. ell, Saunders, how did yon like the
sermon to-day
" " I ,vatna, sir; it ,vas rather o,ver
plain and simple for me. I like thae sermons best
that jumbles the joodgment and confoonds the sense.
ad, sir, I never saw ane that. could come up to your-
sell at that."
The epithet" canny" has frequently been applied to
our countrymen, not in a severe or invidious spirit, but
as indicating a due regard to personal interest and
safety. In the larger edition of Jamieson (see edition
of 1840) I find there are no fe,ver than eighteen
meanings given of this ,vord. The following extract
frOln a provincial paper, ,vhich has been sent me, will
furnish a good illustration. I t is headed, the
"PROPERTY QUALIFICATIO
," and goes on-." Give a
chartist a large estate, and a copious supply of ready
money, and you make a Conservative of him. He
can then see the other side of the moon, 'v hich he
could never see before. Once, a deterILlined Radical
in Scotland, named Davy Annstrong, left his native
village; and many years after\vards, an old fello,v
grulnbler met him, and commenced the old song.
Davy shook his head. His friend was astonished,
anù soon perceived that Davy ,vas no longer a grumbler,
but a rank Tory. "\V ondering at the change, he ,vas
desirous of knowing the reason. Davy quietly and
laconically replied-' I've a coo (co,v) noo.'"
But even still more "canny" ,vas the eye to the
main chance in an Aberdoniall fellow-countryman,
communicated in the follo,ving pleasant terms from
a Nairn correspondent :-" I have just been reading
336
REJIIl{ISCENCES OF
your delightful 'Reminiscences: which has brought
to my recollection a story I used to hear my father
tell. It was thus :-A countryman in a remote
part of Aberdeenshire having got a newly-coined
sovereign in the days when such a thing was seldom
seen in his part of the country, went about showing
it to his friends and neighbours for the charge of one
penny each sight. Evil days, however, unfortunately
overtook him, and he was obliged to part with his
loved coin. Soon after, a neighbour called on him,
and asked a sight of his sovereign, at the same time
tendering a penny. 'Ah, man,' says he, 'it's gane;
but I'll lat ye see tlte cloutie it was 'rowt in for a
ba \v bee. ' "
There was something very simple-minded in the
manner in which a parishioner announced his canny
care for his supposed interests when he became an
elder of the kirk. The story is told of a man who
had got himself installed in the eldership, and, in
consequence, had for some time carried round the
ladle for the collections. He had accepted the office
of elder because some \vag had made him believe that
the remuneration was sixpence each Sunday, \vith
a boll of meal at New Year's Day. When the time
arrived he claimed his meal, but was told he had
been hoaxed. " It may be sae wi' tIle meal," he said
coolly, "but I took care 0' the saxpence mysell."
There was a good deal both of the pawky and the
canny in the following anecdote, which I have from
an honoured lady of the south of Scotland :-" There
was an old man who always rode a donkey to his
work, and tethered him while he worked on the roads,
or whatever else it might be. It was suggested to
him by my grandfather that he was suspected of
putting it in to feed in the fields at other people' 8
SCOT1
ISH LIFE æ CHARACTER. 331
expense. ' Eh, laird, I could never be tempted to do
that, for my cuddy ,vinna eat onything but nettles
and thristles.' One day my grandfather was riding
along the road, ". hen he saw Andre,v Leslie at ,,"ork,
and his donkey up to t.he knees in one of his clover
fields, feeding luxuriously. 'Hollo, Andre,v,' said
he; 'I thought you told me your cuddy would eat
nothing but nettles and thistles.' 'Ay,' said he, 'but
he misbehaved the day; he nearly kicket me o,ver
his head, sae I pat him in there just to punish him.'"
There is a good deal of the same sort of simple
character brought out in the t,vo following. They
,yere sent to me from Golspie, and are original, as
they occurred in my correspondent's o,vn experience.
The one is a capital illustration of thrift, the other
of kind feeling for the friendless, in the Highland
character. I give the anecdotes in my correspondent's
o,vn words :-A little boy, some t,,"elve years of age,
came to me one day with the follo,ving message: "1\1y
mother ,vants a vomit from you, sir, and she bade me
say if it 'v ill not be strong enough, she "rill send it
back." "Oh,
Ir. Begg," said a ,voman to DIe, for
,vhom I ,vas ,veighing two grains of calomel for a
child, "dinna be so mean ,vi' it j it is for a poor
faitherless bairn."
The follo,ving, from a provincial paper, contains a
very amusing recognit.ion of a return ,vhich one of
the itinerant race considered himself conscientiously
bound to make to his clerical patron for an alms:
"A beggar, while on his rounds one day this week,
called on a clergyman (\vithin two and a half miles of
the Cross of Kilmarnock), who, obeying the biblical
injunction of clothing the naked, offered the beggar
an old top-coat. It was immediately rolled up, and
the beggar, in going a,vay ,vith it under his arm,
S38
REJ.1JI1v'rISOENCES OF
thoughtfully (1) remarked, 'I'll hae tae gie ye a daY'fJ
Marin' for this na.' n
The natural and self-complacent manner in ,vhich
the follo,ving anecdote brings out in the Highlander
an innate sense of the superiority of Celtic blood is
highly characteristic :-A few years ago, ",.hen an
English family were visiting in the 1-lighlands, their
attention ,vas directed to a chUd crying j on their
observing to the mother it ,vas C'fOSS, she exclaimed
-"Na, na, it's nae cross, for ,ve're baith true Hieland."
The late IvIr. Grahame of Garsock, in Strathearn,
w hose grandson no,v "is laird himsel," used to tell,
,vith great unction, some thirty years ago, a story of a
neighbour of his own of a still earlier generation,
Drummond of Keltie, ,,"ho, as it seems, had enlployed
an itinerant tailor instead of a nletropolitan artist.
On one occasion a ne,v pair of inexpressibles had
been made for the laird; they 'v ere so tight that,
after waxing hot and red in the attempt to try them
on, he let out rather savagely at the tailor, ,vho calmly
assured him, "It's the fash'n; it's jist the fash'n."
" Eh, ye haveril, is it the fashion for them no to go on? "
An English gentleman ,vrites to me-" We have
all heard much of Scotch caution, and I n1et once
,vith an instance of it ,vhich I think is ,vorth record-
ing, and which I tell as strictly original. About
1827, I fell into conversation, on board of a Stirling
steamer, with &, well-dressed middle-aged man, who
told me he was a soldier of the 42d, going on leave.
He began to relate the campaigns he had gone through,
and mentioned having been at the siege of St. Sebas-
tian. -' Ah! under Sir Thomas Graham 1 ' eYes,
sir; he commanded there.' , Well,' I said, merely
by way of carrying on the crack, c and what do you
think of lLÍlIL" Insteaù of answering, ho scanneà
COTTISH LIFE
CHARACTER. S39
me several times from head to foot, and from foot to
head, and then said, in a tone of the most diploma.tic
caution, 'Y e'll perhaps be of the name of Grah'm
yersel, sir
' There could hardly be a better example,
either of the circumspection of a real canny Scot, or
of the lingering influence of the old patriarchal feel-
ing, by ,vhich 'A name, a ,,,"ord, makes clansmen
vassals to their lord.'"
N o,v ,vhen ,ve linger over these old stories, "
e
seem to live at another period, and in such reminis-
cences ,ve converse ,vith a generation different from
our o,vn. Changes are still going on around us.
They have been going on for some time past. 'fhe
changes are less striking as society advances, and ,ve
find fe,ver alterations for us to notice. Probably
each generation ,yill have less change to record than
the generation that preceded; still everyone ,vho is
tolerably advanced in life must feel that, conlparing
its beginning and its close, he has witnessed t",.o
epochs, and that in advanced life he looks on a
different ,vorld from one ,,"hich he can remeln ber.
To elucidate this fact has been my present object,
and in attempting this task I cannot but feel ho,v
trifling and unsatisfactory nlY remarks must seem
to n1any ,vho have a more enlarged and minute -
acquaintance ,vith Scottish life and manners than I
have. But I shall be encouraged to hope for a
favourable, or at least an indulgent, sentence upon
these Reminiscences, if to any of my readers I shall
have opened a fresh insight into the subject of social
changes amongst us.
lany causes have their effect
upon the habits and custorns of nlankind, and of late
years such causes have been greatly multiplied in
number and activity. In n1:lny persons, and in some
,vho have not altogether lost their national partialities,
840
REJI[J.VISCENCES OF
there is a general tendency to merge Scottish usages
and Scottish expressions into the English forms, as
being more correct and genteel. The facilities for
moving, not merely from place to place in our o,vn
country, but from one country to another; the spread
of knowledge and inforn1ation by means of periodical
publications and ne,vspapers; and the incredibly lo,v
prices at ,yhich literary works are produced, must
haye great effects. Then there is the improved taste
in art, ,vhich, together ,vith literature, has been taken
up by young men ,vho, fifty, sixty, seventy years ago,
or more, ,vould have kno,,"n no such sources of interest,
or indeed ,vho ,vould have looked upon them as un-
manly and effeminate. 'V"hen first these pursuits ""ere
taken up by our Scottish young men, they excited
in the north much amazement, and, I fear, contempt,
as ,vas evinced by a laird of the old school, ,vho, the
first time he saw a young man at the pianoforte,
asked, ,vith evident disgust, "Can the creature sew
ony 1" evidently putting the accomplishment of play-
ing the pianoforte and the accomplishment of the
needle in the same category.
The greater facility of producing books, prints, and
other articles ,vhich tend to the comfort and embel-
lishment of domestic life, must have considerable
influence upon the habits and tastes of a people. I
have often thought how much effect might be traced
to the single circumstance of the cheap production of
pianofortes. An increased facility of procuring the
means of acquaintance ,vith good works of art and
literature acts both as cause and effect. A growing
and improved taste tends to stimulate the production
of the best works of art. These, in return, foster
Rnd advance the power of forming a, due estimate of
art. In the higher department of music, for example,
SOOTTISH LIFE æ CHARACTER. 341
the cheap rate not only of hearing cOlnpositions of
the first class, but of possessing the ,vorks of the
most eminent composers, must have had influence
upon thousands. The principal oratorios of Handel
may be purchased for as many shillings each as they
cost pounds years ago. Indeed, at that time the
very names of those immortal works ,vere kno'Yll
only to a few ,vho were skilled to appreciate their
high beauties. N ow associations are formed for
practising and studying the choral ,yorks of the great
masters.
'Ve might indeed adduce nlany more causes ,vhich
seem to produce changes of habits, tastes, and associa-
tions, amongst our people. For example, families do
not vegetate for years in one retired spot as they used
to do; young men are encouraged to attain accomplish-
ments, and to have other sources of interest than the
field or the bottle. Everyone kno,vs, or rnay know,
everything that is going on through the ,vhole world.
There is a tendency in mankind to lose all that is pe-
culiar, and in nations to part ,vith all that distinguishes
them frolIl each other. "r e hear of ,vonderful changes
in habits and customs ,vhere change seelned impossible.
In India and Turkey even, peculiarities and prejudices
are fading awa.y under the influence of time. Amongst
ourselves, no doubt, ORe circumstance tended greatly
to call forth, and, as we may sa.y, to develop, the pecu-
liar Scotch humour of ,vhich ,ye speak-and that ,vas
the familiarity of intercourse ,vhich took place between
persons in different positions of life. This extended
even to an occasional interchange of words bet\veen
the minister and the members of his flock during time
of service. I have two anecdotes in illustration of this
fact, which I have reason to believe are quite authentic.
In the church of Banchory on Dceside. to \\Thich J
2F
4
1fE.
fIlfJSCEA"'aES OP
have refelTed, a former Inillister al ,,"'ays preached
\vithout book, and being of an absent disposition,
he sometimes forgot the head of discourse on ,vl]ich
he ,,"as engaged, and got involved in confusion. On
one occasion, heing desirous of recalling to his memory
the division f'f his subject, he called out to one of his
elders, a farmer on the estate of Ley, " Bush (the name
of his farn1), Bush, ye're sleeping." "Na, sir, I'm no
sleeping- I'lll listening." U 'V eel, then, what had I
begun to say 1 n "Oh, ye ,vere saying so and so.':
This ,vas enough, and supplied the minister with the
thread of his discourse; and he went on. The other
a.necdote related to tlu"\ parish of Cumbernauld, the
minister of which was at the time referred to noted
for a very disjointed and rambling style of preaching,
without method or connection. His principal heritor
\vas the Lord Elphil1stone of the time, and unfortu-
nately the minister and the peer 'v ere not on good
terms, and ahvays ready to annoy each other by sharp
sayings or other\vise. The ministpr on one occasion
had somewhat in this spirit called upon the beadle
to "wauken my Lord E1phinstone," upon which Lord
Elphinstone said, "I'm no sleeping, minister." "In-
dped you ,vere, my lord." He again disclain1cd the
sleeping. So as a test the preacher asked hinI, " What
I had been saying last then 1" "Oh, juist ,vauken
Lord Elphinstone." "Ay, but what did I say before
that 1 " "Indeed," retorted Lord Elphinstone, "I'll
gie yc a guinea if ye'll tell that yerselI, nlinister. " We
can hardly imagine the possibility of such scenes now
taking place amongst us in church. It seems as if aU
luen were gradually approximating to a common type
or form in their manners and views of life; oddities
are sunk, prominences are rounded off, sharp features
are polished, and all things are becoming smootb anti
t::COTTISH LI}E
CHARACTER. 84
conventional. The remark, like the effect, is genera],
and extends to other countries as ,yell as to our own.
But as "\'''e have 1110re recently parted "\vith our pecu-
liarities of dialect, oddity, and eccentricity, it becomes
the more anlusillg to n1ark our participation in this
change, because a, period of fifty years sho,vs here a
greater contrast than the same period ,\.ould sho"\v in
many other localities.
I have already referred to a custom ,yl1Îch prevailed
in all the rural parish churches, and "\\"hich I remember
in my early days at Fettercairn; the custom I mean,
no,v quite obsolete, of the minister, after pronouncing
the blessing, turning to the heritors, ,vho always occu-
pied the front seats of the gallery, and making low
b01VS to each family. Another custom I recollect :-
"Then the text had been given out, it \vas usual for
the elder branches of the congregation to hand about
their Bibles amongst the younger mpmbers, marking
the place, and calling their attention to the passage.
During service another handing about "Tas frequent
among the seniors, and that ,vas a circulation of the
sneeshin-mull or snuff-box. Indeed, I have heard of
the same practice in an Episcopal church, and particu-
larly in one case of an ordination, where the bishop
took his pinch of snuff, and handed the mull to go
rounù amongst the clergy assembled for the solemn
occasion ,vithin the altar-rails.
Amongst Scottish reluiniscences which do not ex-
tend beyond our o,vn recollections ,ve may mention
the disappearance of Trinity Church in Edinburgh,
which ha.s taken place "ithin the last quarter of a
century. It was founded by 1\:1ary of Gueldres,
queen of James II. of Scotland, in 1446, and liberally
enòowed for a provost, prebendaries, choristers, etc. It
was never completed, but the portions built--\iz.,
844
REMINISCENOES OIl
choir, transept, and central tower-were amongst the
finest specimens of later Gothic work in Scotland.
The pious founder had placed it at the east end of
what was then the North Loch. She chose her own
church for the resting-place of her remains as a sanc-
tuary of safety and repose. A railway parliamentary
bill, ho\vever, overrides founder's intentions and Epis-
copal consecrations. Where once stood the beautiful
church of the Holy Trinity, ,vhere once the" pealing
organ" and the" full-voiced choir" were daily heard
"in service high and anthems clear"-where for 400
years slept the ashes of a Scottish Queen-now re-
sound the noise and turmoil of a raihvay station.
But we have another example of the uncertainty of
all earthly concerns, and one ,vhich supplies a Scottish
reminiscence belonging to the last seventy years.
Wilhelmina, Viscountess Glenorchy, during her life-
time, built and endo,ved a church for two ministers,
who were provided with very handsome incomes.
She died 17th July 1786, and was buried on the 24th
July, aged 44. I-Ier interment took place, by her own
direction, in the church she had founded, immediately
in front of the pulpit; and she fixed upon that spot
as a place of security and safety, ,vhere her mortal
remains might rest in peace till the morning of the
resurrection. But alas for the uncertainty of all
earthly plans and projects for the future !-the iron
road came on its reckless course and swept the church
away. The site was required for the North British
Railway, which passed directly over the spot where
Lady Glenorchy had been buried. Her remains were
accordingly disinterred 24th December 1844; and
the trustees of the church, not having yet erected a
new one, deposited the body of their foundress in the
vaults beneath St. John's Episcopal Church, and after
SCOTTISH LIFE J: CHARACTER. 846
resting there for fifteen years, they were, in 1859,
removed to the building which is now Lady Glen.
orchy's Church.
In our reminiscences of many changes ,vhich have
taken place during fifty years in Scottish manners, it
might form an interesting section to record some pecu-
liarities ,vhich 're rna in. I mean such peculiarities as
yet linger amongst us, and still mark a difference in
SOllle of our social habits from those of England. Some
Scottish usages die hard, and are found still to supply
anlusement for southern visitors. To give a few ex-
am pIes, persons still persist among us in calling the
head of a family, or the host, the landlord, although
he never charged his guests a halfpenny for the hospi-
tality he exercises. In games, golf and curling still
continue to mark the national character-cricket ,vas
long an exotic amongst us. In many of our educa-
tional institutions, ho\vever, it seems no\v fairly to
have taken root. 'Ve continue to call our reception
rooms "public rooms," although never used for any but
domestic purposes. Military rank is attached to ladies,
as ,ve speak of 1\Irs. Lieutenant Fraser, Mrs. Captain
Scott, lYlrs. l\lajor Smith, l\Irs. Colonel Can1pbell. On
the occasion of a death, ,ve persist in send ing circular
notices to all the relatives, \r hether they kno,v of it
or not-a custom which, together ,vith men wearing
weepers at funeral solemnities, is unkno,vn in Eng-
land." Announcing a married lady's death under her
maiden name 111USt seem strange to English ears-as,
for example, ,ve read of the demise of
irs. Jane
Dickson, spouse of Tholnas :\forison. Scottish cookery
retains its ground, and hotch-pot-eh, minced collops,
sheep's head singed
and occasionally haggis, are still
* And yet, eVen as we write, weeper
seeDl tu he rassing int3
relOini.s
ellP
.
846
REJ.}fI1VISOENCES OF
marked peculiarities of the Scottish table. Thes6
social differences linger amongst us. But stronger
points are ,vorn away; eccentricities and oddities
such as existed once ,vill not do now. One does not
see why eccentricity should be more developed in one
age than in another, but \\re cannot avoid the conclu-
sion that the day for real oddities is no more. Pro-
fessors of colleges are those in whom one least expects
oddity-grave and learned characters; and yet such
have been in former times. 'Ve can scarcely now
imagine such professors as we read of in a past gene-
ration. Take the ca.se of no less distinguished a
person than Adam Snlith, author of the IVealth o.f
Nations, ,vIto went about the streets talking and
laughing to himself in such a n1anner as to rnake the
market women think he was deranged; and he told
of one himself who ejaculated, as he passed, "Hech,
sirs, and he is weel pat on, too!" expressing surprise
that a decided lunatic, who froln his dress appeared
to be a gentleman, should be permitted to walk abroad
unattended. Professors still have their crotchets
like other people; but v
"e can scarcely conceive a
professor of our day coming out like Adanl Slnith.
and making fish wives to pass such observations on
his demeanour.
Peculiarities in a people's phraseology may prove
more than we are aware of, and ma.y tend to illustrate
circumstances of national history. Thus many words
which would be included by Englishmen under the
general terln of Scotticisms, bear directly upon the
question of a past intercoursè \vith France, and prove
how close at oue tilne must have been the influence
exercised upon general habits in Scotland by that
intercourse. Seoto-Gallic words were quite different1y
8ituated from French \\'orùs and phrases adopted in
SOO'1"l'ISH LIFE" d- OHAllAOTER. 84i
England. \Vith us they proceeùed from a real
admixture of the t\VO peoples. 'Vith us they form
the ordinary COlnnlon language of the country, nnll
that was from a distant period moulded by French.
In England, the educated and upper classes of late
years adopted French ,vorùs and phrases. "Tith us,
some of our French derivatives are gro,ving obsolete
as vulgar, and nearly all are passing from fashionable
society. In England, ,ve find the French-adopted
words rather receiving accessions than going out of
use.
Examples of words such as we have referred to, as
showing a French influence and admixture, are familiar
to many of my readers. I recollect SOlne of them in
constant use amongst old-fashioned Scottish people,
and those terms, let it be renlembered, are unkno,vn
in England.
A leg of mutton ,vas al \\Tays, ,vith old-fashioned
Scotch people, a gigot (Fr. gigot).
The crystal jug or decanter in '\vhich ,vater is
placed upon the table, ,vas a caraff (Fr. carafe).
Gooseberries \vere groserts, or grossarts (Fr. gro-
seille ).
Partridges were pertricks,-a word much more
formed upon the }
rench perdrix than the English
partridge.
The plate on ,vhich a joint or side-dish was placed
upon the table ""as an ashet (Fr. assiette).
In the old streets of Edinburgh, ,r here the houses
are very high, and ,,'here the inhabitants all live in
flats, before the introduction of soil-pipes there ,vas
no method of disposing of the foul ,vater of the
household, except by thro\ving it uut of the windo\v
into the street. This operation, dangerous to those
outsidè, \vas liIniteù to certain hours, and the well
:548
REJfINISOENOES OF
known cry, which preceded the missile and ,yarned
the passenger, was gardeloo! or, as Smollett writes
it, gardy 100 (Fr. garge de ]' ean).
Anything troublesome or irksome used to be called,
Scotticè, fashious (Fr. facheux, facheuse); to fash
one's-self (Fr. se facher).
The small cherry, both black and red, common in
gardens, is in Scotland, never in England, termed
gean (Fr. guigne), from Guigne, in Picardy.
The terln dambrod, ,vhich has already supplied
materials for a good story, arises from adopting French
terms into Scottish language, as dams were the pieces
with \vhich the game of draughts ,vas played (Fr.
dammes). Brod is board.
A bedgown, or loose felnale upper garlnent, is still
in many parts of Scotland termed a jupe (Fr. jupe).
In Kincardineshire the ashes of a blacksmith's
furnace had the peculiar name of smiddy-coom (Fr.
écume, i.e. dross).
Oil, in common Scotch, used always to be ule,-
as the uley pot, or uley cruse (Fr. huile).
Iany of my readers are no doubt familiar with
the notice taken of these words by Lord Cockburn,
and ,vith the account ,vhich he gives of these Scottish
words derived from the French, probably during the
time of Queen ßfary's minority, when French troops
were quartered in Scotland. I subjoin a n10re full
list, for \vhich I am indebted to a correspondent,
because the ,yords still lingering amongst us are in
themselves the best RÉl\IINISCENCES of former days.
Scotch. English.
Serviter Napkin
Gigot (of mutton)
Reeforts Radishes
Grosserts Gooseberries
Gardyveen Case for llolding wine
French.
From Serviette.
, , Gigot.
, , Raiforts.
" Groiìeilles.
,. Gard
-v
THE READER
F 'Olll a ';uafer-colour draL('Ùlg b.y
lIE_YRr lV. KERR,
I.R.Sui., R.S.TI:
SCOTTISH LIFE d: CHARAOTER. 3"
Scotch.
Jupe
Bonnaille
Gysard
DaIn brod
Pantufles
Haggis
Gou
Hogue
Grange
1rlouter
Dour
Douce
Dorty
Braw
Kimmer
J alouse
Vizzy
Ruckle
Gardy-Ioo
Dementit
On my verity
By n1Y certy
Aumrie
English.
Part of a woman's dress
A parting glass with a "
friend going on ajourney
Person in a fancy dress
Draught-board
Slippers
Hashed Jnea.t
Taste, smell
Tainted
Granary
Iiller' s perq u isi te
Obstinate
!!ild
Sulky
Fine
Gossip
Suspect
'ro aim at, to examin
Heap (of stones)
(Notice 'well known in "
Edin burgh)
Ou t of patience, dcranged
Assertion of truth
Assertion of truth
Cupboard
Walise Portmanteau "
Sucker Sugar "
Edinburgh Street Ory :-N eeps like sucker.
neeps 1" (turnips).
Cakes of triangular shapes "
.t'etticoat-tails
...\shet 11eat-dish
Fashious Troublesome
Prush,
Iadame * Call to a cow to come for-
ward
French.
" Jupe.
Bon aller.
Guise.
Dammes.
Pantoufles.
Hachis.
Gout.
Raut gout.
Grange.
Mouture.
Dur.
" Doux.
Dureté.
Bra ve.
Comm
re.
J alouser.
Viser.
Recueil.
Gardez-l' eau.
"
It
u
"
"
,.
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
Dementir.
Verité.
Certes.
Almoire, in old
French.
Valise.
Sucre.
\Vhae'll buy
"
"
"
"
Petits gatelles
(gateaux).
.Assiette.
Facheux.
A pprochez,
1\-Iadame.
"
"
* This expression was adopted apparently in ridicule of the
Frpnch applying the word "Madame" to a cow.
350
REJIINISOEJ.,TCES OJl
I dwell the more minutely on this questiou of
Scottish words, from the conviction of their being so
characteristic of Scottish humour, and being so dis-
tinctive a feature of the older St."ottish race. Take
away our Scottish phraseology, and we lose what is
our specific distinction from England. III these
expressions, too, there is often a tenderness and
beauty as remarkable as the wit and humour. I
have already spoken of the phrase" Auld-Iang-syne,"
and of other expressions of sentiment, which may be
compared in their Anglican anù Scotch form.
JitJO'l'TISB LIFE &l: CHAR.ACTER.
J
CONCLUSION.
I A)[ very anxious to bear in mind throughout these
Reminiscences
and to keep in vie\v the saIne feeling for
my readers-viz. that such details regarding the
changes ,vhich Inany living have themselves noticed
as taking place in our customs and habits of society
in Scotland, should ahvays suggest the question to the
thoughtful and serious mind, Are the changes ,vhich
have been observed for good I Is the ,,"orld a better
,vorld than that ,rhich we can remember
On son1e
important points changes have been noticed in the
upper classes of Scottish society, ",-hich unquestionably
(tire Ï1nprovements. :For example, the greater atten-
tion paid to observance of Sunday, and to attendance
upon public \vorship.-the partial disappearance of
profane s\Vearillg and of excess in drinking. But
then the painful questions arise, Are such beneficial
changes gene'Joal through the whole body of our
countrymen
may not the vices and follies of one
graJ.e of societ.y have found a refuge ill those that are
of a lower class
may not ne\v faults have taken their
place "r here older faults have been abandoned
Of
this \ve are quite sure-no lover of his country can
fail to entertain the anxious wish, that the change \ve
noticed in regard to drinking and s\vearing 'vere uni-
versal, and that \ve bad sonle evidence of its being
extended through all classes of society. "T e ought
certainly to feel grateful \vhen \ve reflect that, in
852
REltfI...Y"ISCE1{CES OF
many instances which \ve have noticed, the ,vays and
customs of society are Inuch inlproved in common
sense, in decency, in delicacy, and refinement. There
are certain modes of life, certain expressions, eccen-
tricity of conduct, coarseness of speech, books, and
plays, which were in vogue amongst us, even fifty or
8ixty years ago, which would not be tolerated in
society at the present time. 'Ve cannot illustrate this
in a nlore satisfactory manner than by reference to
the acknowledglnent of a very interesting and charm-
irig old lady, who died so lately as 1823. In 1821,
Mrs. Keith of Ravelstone, grandaunt of Sir 'Valter
Scott, thus writes in returning to him the \vork of a
felnale novelist \vhich she had borrowed from him out
of curiosity, and to relnind her of " auld lang syne : "
-" Is it not a very odd thing that I, an old 'v oman
of eighty and upwards, sitting alone, feel myself
ashamed to read a book which, sixty years ago, I
have heard read aloud for the amusement of large
circles, consisting of the first and most creditable
society in London f' There can be no doubt that at
the time referred to by Mrs. Keith, Tristram Shandy,.
Tom Jones, Humphrey Clinker, etc., \vere on the
drawing-room tables of ladies ,vhose grandchildren or
great-grandchildren never sa,'" them, or would not
acknowledge it if they had spen them. But authors
... Sterne, in one of his letters, describes his reading TristraIll
Shandy to his wife and daughter-his daughter copying fronl
his dictation, and Mrs. Sterne sitting by and listening whilst
she worked. In the life of Sterne, it is recorded that h
used
to carry about in his pocket a volume of this sanle work, and
read it aloud when he went into company. Admirable reading
for the church dignitary,. the prebendary of York! How wen
adapted to tIle hours of social intercourse with friends! How
fitted for domestic seclusion with his fanlily!
. SCOTTISH LIFE &: CHARACTER. 358
not inferior to Sterne, Fielding, or Smollett, are now
popular, '\vho, \vith Charles Dickens, can describe
scenes of human life with as much force and humour,
and yet in whose pages nothing will be found which
need offend the taste of the most refined, or shock
the feelings of the most pure. This is a change where
there is also great improvement. It indicates not
merely a better Inoral perception in authors themselves,
hut it is itself a homage to the improved spirit of the
age. "... e '\vill hope that, ,vith an improved exterior,
there is improvement in society within. If the feelings
shrink from \vhat is coarse in expression, we may hope
that vice has, in some sort, lost attraction. At any
rate, from ,vhat we discern around us we hope favour-
ably for the general improvement of mankind, and of
our o\vn beloved country in particular. If Scotland,
in parting ,vith her rich and racy dialect, her odd and
eccentric characters, is to lose something in quaint
humour and good stories, we will hope she may grow
and strengthen in better things-good as those are
\vhich she loses. Ho,vever this may be, I feel quite as-
sured that the examples which I have now given, of
Scottish expressions, Scottish modes and habits of life,
and Scottish anecdotes, which belong in a great measure
to the past, and yet which are remembered as having a
place in the present century, must carry conviction that
great changes have taken place in the Scottish social
circle. There were some things belonging to our
country \vhich we must all have desired should be
changed. There were others which we could only see
changed with regret and sorrow. The hardy and simple
habits of Scotsmen of many past generations; their in-
dustry, economy, and integrity, ,vhich made them take
so high a place in the estimation and the confidence
of the people alnongst whom the.}" dwelt in all countries
854
RE},{INISCENCES OF
of the world; the intelligence and superior ec.lucation
of her mechanics and her peasantry, combined with a
strict moral and religious derneanour, fuUy justified
the praise of Burns when he described the humble
though sublime piety of the "Cottar's Saturday Night,"
and we can ,vell appreciat,fj the testimony ,vhich be
bore to the hallo,ved power" and sacred influences of
the devotional exercises of his boyhood's home, when
he penned t.he immortal ,vords :-
"From scenes like these old Scotia's grandeur springs,
That makes ber loved at home, revered abroad."
On comparing Scotland past \vit.h Scotland present,
we cannot evade the question, .ATe "scenes like these"
-devotional domestic scones like thei;e-become less
frequent than they "1'ere
Do they stil1 hold their
place by the cottar's fireside, or are they becoming only
a reminiscence of \v hat was once a national distinction 1
'Vhatever be our religious opinions, or ,vhatever be our
views on questions of ecclesiastical polity and church
order, no Scotsman who desires the happiness and
honour of his country could avoid a deep regret at
the very idea of Burns' "Cottar's Saturday Night"
having become a tl}ing of the past; and yet we must
not shrink from inquiry into the true state of the case.
I have asked the opinions of friends both of the Estab-
lished and the Free Church, who have met my in-
quiries in a fair aud c:tndid spirit, and, from the
answers I have received, 'have come to something like
the following conclusion:- I believe such scenes as
Burns' "Cottar's Saturday Night" are still to be Dlet
with in all their freshness and all their fervour in the
dwel1ings of a good religious peasantry; but in some
places ,the cottar population -itself has undergone a
great change. Two causes have combined to produce
SCOTTISH LIFE & CHARACTER.
:;
this effect :-An extensive system of emigratioll ha.
thinned the older families of the soil, ,vhilst, the prac-
tice of bringing in mere labourers has in many districts
made the old fanlily donlestic firesides less numerous.
'rhen, alas! alas! we fear cottar
IORALITY has not.
been such as to keep up the practice. Reports made
t.o both the General AsseID blies of 1871 on this
question ,vere far from being satisfactory. Dr, Begg,
too, in his striking and able pamphlet on the" Ecclesi-
astical and Social Evils of Scotland," refers to "symp-
toms of a nation's degeneracy lvhich seem multiplying
in Scotland ;" also to a " gro,ying amount of heathen-
ism and drunkenness."
'Vith such representations before us regarding a
decline of domestic Inorality, 'ye cannot expect to see
much increase of domestic piety. Burns, after he had
becon1e 1o,vered in nloral feelings by those licentious
habits and scenes into which he unfortunately fell after
he had left his father's house, ,vas not hypocrite
enough to profess the same love and interest for the
scenes of his innocent and early days. The country
clergy of Scotland have their many difficulties against
,vhich they are to contend; and many obstacles "rhich
they have to meet. But let not the domestic piety
of the lowest cottages of the land be lost sight of.
The results of such worship a.re so blessed upon the
inmates, that the practice should every'v here be urged
upon their flocks by the clergy, and encouraged by all
means in their po,ver; and in that view it would, I
think, be desirable to circulate short forms of prayer
for family use. 1\Iany such have lately been publish-
ed; and, ,vhatever difference of opinion may be enter-
tained as to the comparative merits of extempore" or
liturgical prayer for the public ,vorship of the church,
there can be no question that in many instances It
:\56
BEAfINISCEj.VCES OF
form must be very useful, and often essential at the
cOlnmencement, at least, of cottage worship. I have
known cases where it has been declined on the plea
of inability to conduct the service.
There are numerous indications that, on the 'lvhole,
a regard for religion and religious ordinances is not
losing ground in Scotland. The great number of
churches-and of handsome churches-that are spring-
ing up, indicate, by their attendance, ho,v much hold
the subject has upon the people. The ample funds
raised for charitable and for missionary objects give
good testimony in the cause; and, in regard to the
immediate question before us, one favourable result
may be reported on this subject-the practice and
feelings of domestic piety and family ,vorship have,
at any rate, extended in Scotland in an upwa'rd direc-
tion of its social life. Beyond all doubt, ,ve may say
family worship is more frequent, as a general practice,
in houses of the rich, and also in the houses of farmers
and of superior operatives, than it was some years ago.
The Montrose anecdote about family prayers, told at
page 64, could hardly have place now, and indeed
many persons could not understand the point.
I hope I am not blinded to the defects of my own
countrymen, nor am I determined to resist evidence
of any deterioration which may be proved. But I
feel confident that Scotland still stands pre..eminent
amongst the nations for moral and religious qualities.
The nucleus of her character will bear comparison
with any. 'Ve will cherish hope for the mental tone
of our countrymen being still in the ascendant, and
still imbued with those qualities that make a moral
and. religious people. 'Ve have reason to know that
in many departments of business, Scottish intelligence,
Scottish character, and Scottish services, are still de-
eidAdly at 3 premium in the market.
SCOTT/S." LIFE J: CHARAOTER. 357
But no\v, before concluding, I am desirous of record-
ing iome Reminiscences upon a phase of Scottish
RELIGIOUS history which involves very important
consequences, and which I would not attempt to
discuss without serious consideration. Indeed I have
sometimes shrunk from the discussion at all, as lead-
ing to questions of so delicate a nature, and as in-
volving matters on which there are so many differences
of opinion. I refer to the state of our divisions and
alienations of spirit on account of religion.
The great Disruption, which nearly equally divided
the National Church, and \vhich took place in 1843,
is no\v become a matter of 'reminiscence. Of those
nearly connected with that movement, some were
relatives of my o,vn, and many ,vere friends. Unlike
similar religious revolutions, that which caused the
Free Church of Scotland did not turn upon any
difference of opinion on matters either of doctrine or
of ecclesiastical polity. It arose entirely from differ-
ences regarding the relation subsisting between the
Church and the State, by which the Church was
established and endowed. The great evil of all such
divisions, and the real cause for regret, lie in the
injury they inflict on the cause of Christian unity and
Christian love, and the separation they too often
make bet\veen those who ought to be united in spirit,
and ,vho have hitherto been not unfrequently actually
joined for years as companions and friends. The tone
which is adopted by publications, ,vhich are the
organs of various party opinions amongst us, sho\v
ho\v keenly disputants, once excited, will deal ,vith
each other. The differences consequent upon the
Disruption in the Scottish Church called forth great
bitterness of spirit and much mutual recrimination at
the time. But it seenlS to me that there are indica-
20
858
'REJII.J.VlSGEJ.Y'CES Or"'
tions of a better spirit, and that there is more tolerance
fi ad Illore forbearance on religious differences amongst
Scottish people generally. I cannot help thinking,
ho\vever, that at 110 period of our ecclesiastical annals
was such language made use of, and even against
those of the highest place and authority in the
Church, as ,\re have lately nlet with in the organs of
the extreme Anglican Church party. It is nluch to
be regretted that earnest and zealous men should
have adopted such a style of discussing religious
differences. I cannot help thinking it is injurious to
Christian feelings of love and Christian kindness. It
is really sonletimes quite appalling. From the same
qua.rter I nlust expect myself severe handling for
some of these pages, should they fan into their ,vay.
We cannot but lament, however, when ,ve find such
language used towards each other by those ,vho are
believers in a common Bible, and who are followers
and disciples of the same lo,vly Saviour, and indeed
frequently members of the same Church. Bigotry
and intolerance are not confined to one side or another.
They break out often where least expected. Differ-
ences, no doubt, will al,vays exist on many contested
subjects, but I ,vould earnestly pray that all SUCH
differences, amongst ourselves at least, as those "rhich
injure the forbearance and gentleness of the Christian
character, should becolne "Scottish Reminiscences,"
whetber they are cancd forth by the opposition sub-
sisting between Presbyterianism and Episcopacy, or
whether they arise amongst Presbyterians or amongst
Episcopalians themselves.
To my apprehension Scotland has l'ecently seen a
most painful indication of the absence of that charity
\\rhich, according to St. Paul, should "never fail "
alnongst a Christian people. 'fhe act of t,vo l
ngli::5h
.""COTT/S1I LIFE It: CHARA01'ER.
59
Prelates officiating in one of the Established churches
has called forth a storIn of indignation as loud and
vehement as if in a heathen land they had fallen down
before the image of a heathen deity, and worshipped
in a heathen temple. Then the explanation ,vhich
has been given by apologists for these services is not
the least relnarkable feature of the transaction. These
ministrations have bF.en caUed "l\fission Services,"
and, in so far as I enter into the meaning of the
phrase, I "Tould solemnly and seriously protest against
its being made use of in such a case. " JJfission
gervice" can only be applied to the case of a mis-
sionary raising his voice "in pa-rtibus injideIÙtrn," or,
to say the least of it, in a land ,vhere no Christian
church ,vas already planted. 'Vhen I think of the
piety, the Christian worth, and high character of so
many friends in the Established and other Presbyterian
churches in Scotland, I would again repeat my solemn
protestation against such religious intolerance, and
again declare my conviction, that Englishmen and
Scotsmen, so far from looking out for points of
difference and grounds for separation on account of
the principles on which their Churches are established,
should endeavour to nlake the honds of religious
union as close as possible. I can scarcely express the
gratification I felt on learning from the Scotslllan.
November 20, that such ,vere the sentÏInents called
forth by this event in the mind of one of the ablest and
Illost distinguished Prelates of our dare In reference
to the Glengarry
ervices, the Bishop of St. Andre,vs
(\V' ords,yorth) ha
declared his opinion, that the
"subsequent explanations of those services seemed
to .mar the good work by introducing .questions of
etiquette, where nothing should have been thought
of but the
imple performance of Christian duty
360
REJ.1IINISGE1YOES OF
by Christian ministers for the benefit of Christian
people." ·
Such is the judgment expressed by the honoured
and learned Bishop of St. Andrews, ,vhose noble and
patriotic exertions to draw the Episcopalians and the
Presbyterians of Scotland closer together in bonds of
religious feelings and religious worship have been
spoken of in such terms, and such words have b
en
applied to his labours in that cause, and to the ad-
ministration generally of his O\\Tn diocese, by one of
the very high English Church papers, as have been to
me a cause of deep sorrow and poignant regret.
As a Scotsman by descent from Presbyterians of
high moral and re1igious character, and as an Episco..
palian by conscientious preference, I would fain see
more of harmony and of confidence between all
Scotsmen, not only as fellow-countrymen, but as
fellow-Christians. When I first joined the Episcopal
Church the Edinburgh Episcopal clergy ,vere on most
friendly terms with the leading clergy of the Estab-
lished Church. Every consideration ,vas shown to
them by such men as Bishop Sandford, Dr. Morehead,
Rev. Archibald Alison, Rev. Mr. Shannon, and others.
There was always service in the Episcopal chapels on
the National Church commúnion fast-days. No oppo-
sition or dislike to Episcopalian clergymen occupying
Presbyterian pulpits was ever avowed as a great prin-
ciple. Charles Simeon of Canlbridge, and others üf
the Churches of England and Ireland, frequently so
officiated, and it ,vas considered as natural and suit-
able. The learning and high qualities of the Church
of England's hierarchy, were, ,vith few exceptions,
held in profound respect. Indeed, during the last
hunùred years, and since the days ,vhen Episcopacy
* Scottish Guardian, vol. ii. No. ix. p. 305.
SCOTTISH LIFE d: CHARACTER. 36]
was attacked under the term of " black prelacy;' I can
truly say, the Episcopal order has received far more
severe handling in Episcopal England than it has
received in Presbyterian Scotland. I must think,
that in the case of t,vo churches where the ground! of
resemblance are on points of spiritual importance affect-
ing great truths and doctrines of salvation, and where
the points of diffm'ence affect questions more of govern-
ment and external order than of salvation, there
ought to be on both parts the desire at least to draw
as closely as they can the bonds of Christian charity
and mutual confidence.
I believe it to be very painful to Scotsmen gener-
ally, ,vhether of the Established or the Episcopal
Church, that the Presbyterian Church of Scotland
should be spoken of in such terms as have lately been
made use of: Scotsmen feel towards it as to the
Church of the country established. by law, just as the
Anglican Church is established in England. They
feel to,vards it as the Church ,vhose ministrations are
attended by our gracious Sovereign when she resides
in the northern portion of her dominions, and in
,,"hich public thanksgiving ,vas offered to God in the
royal presence for her
Iajesty's recovery. But more
important still, they feel to"rards it as a church of
\vhich the D1embers are behind no other communion
in the tone and standard of their moral principle and
integrity of conduct. They feel to,,"ards it as a
church ,vhich has nobly retained her adherence to the
principles of the Reformation, and which has been
spared the humiliation of exhibiting any of her clergJl'
nominally members of a refonned church, and, at the
same time, virtually and at heart adherents to the
opinions and practices of the Church of Rome.
English people, in speaking of t.he Established Churcb
862
RE![[J.VISCENCES OF
of Scotland, seem to forget ho,v much Episcopalians
are mixed up ,vith their Presbyterian fello,v-country-
men in promoting common charitable and religious
objects. & For example, take my Olvn experience: the
administration of a very valuable charitable institution
called the Paterson and Pape Fund, is vested jointly
in the incumbent of St. John's, Edinburgh (Episco-
palian), and the two clergymen of St. Cuthbert's
(Established) Church. Even in matters affecting the
interests of our own Church we may find ourselves
closely connected. Take the administration of the
late Miss Walker's ,vill, and the carrying out her
munificent bequest to our Church, of ,vhich I am a
trustee. Of the nine trustees, two are Episcopalians
residing in Scotland, one an Episcopalian residing in
England,
and six are Presbyterians residing in Scot-
land. The primary object of l\tliss Walker's settlement
is to build and endo,v, for divine service, a cathedral
church in Edinburgh; the edifice to cost not less than
40,OOO. The income arising from the remainder of
her property to be expended for the benefit of the
Scottish Episcopal Church generally. A meeting of
trustees was held, November 25, 1871, and one of
the first steps unanimously agreed upon ,vas to appoint
the Bishop-Coadjutor of Edinburgh, who is a trustee,
to be chairman of the meeting. There is no doubt or
question of mutual good feeling in the ,vork, and that
our Church feels full and entire confidence in the fair,
honourable, candid, and courteous conduct of the trus-
tees to whom in this case ,vill be committed weighty
matters connected with her interests.
At one of the congresses of the English Church it
has been said, and weU said, by 1vIr. B. Hope, that he
and his friends of the High Church party would join
as closely as they could ,vith the members of the
SCOT1'ISII LIFE d: GHARAC1'El
. 363
ROIUish Church who have taken common cause with
Dr. Dollinger, "looking more to points \vhere they
agree, and not to points where they differ." "11y
should not the same rule be adopted toward
brethren
\vho differ from ourselves so little on points that are
vital and eternal 1 The principle which I would apply
to the circumstances, I think, may be thus stated: I
would join with fello\v-Christians in any good works
or offices, either of charity or religion, where I could
do so 'without compromise of my o\vn principles. On
such ground I do not see ,,"hy we should not realise
the idea already suggested,-viz. that of having an
interchange between our pulpits and the pulpits of the
Established and other Presbyterian or Independent
Churdles. Such ministerial interchange need not
affect the question of o1-ders, nor ueed it, in fact, touch
11lanyother questions on which differences are con-
cerned.
Of course this should be arranged under due regu-
lation, and \vith full precaution taken that the ques-
tions discussed shall be confined to points \v here there
is agreement, and that points of difference should be
left quite in abeyance. "\Vhy should we, under proper
arrangements, fail to realise so graceful an exercise of
Christian charity 1 "Thy should "\ye lose the many
benefits favourable to the ad vancement of Christian
unity amongst us 1 An opportunity for practically
putting this idea into a tangible form has occurred
from the circumstance of t.he ne,v chapel in the Uni-
versity of Glasgo\v being opened for service, to he
conducted by clergymen of various churches. I gladly
avail nlys
lf of the opportunity of testifying my grate-
ful ackno\vledgments for the courteous and generous
conduct of Dr. Caird, in his efforts to put for\vard
nlembers of our Church to cunduct the services of the
364:
RE.J.1IINISCENCES OF
College chapel, and also of expressing my adnliration
of the power and beauty of his renlarks on Christian
unity and on brotherly love..
This is with me no new idea; no crude experiment
proposed for the occasion. I have before me a paper
which I wrote some years since, and which I had put
into the shape of "An Address to the Bishops," to
sanction such exchange of pulpits, hoping to get some
of my clerical brethren to join in the object of the
address. I feel assured much good would, under God,
be the result .of such spiritual union. If congrega-
tions ,vould only unite in exchange of such friendly
offices of religious instruction ,vith each other, how
often would persons, now strangers, become better
acquainted! I wish the experiment could be tried,
were it only to show how prejudices would be re-
moved; how misunderstandings would be cleared
away; how many better and kinder feelings ,vould
grow out of the closer union on religious questions!
Nay, I would go farther, and express my full convic-
tion, that my own Church ,vould gain rather tban lose ..
in her interests under such a system. Men 'would be
Inore disposed to listen ,vith attention, and examine
with candour the arguments ,ve make use of in favour
of our Church views. "\Ve should gain more of the
sympathy of our countrymen who differ from us, by a
calm expostulation than by bitter invective. Beauti-
fully and \visely was it written by a sacred :pen nearly
three thousan d years ago, "A soft ans,,'er turneth
away ,vrath."
I have such confidence in the excellence of my own
* "What is Religion
" a sermon by Rev. John Caird, D.D.,
Professor of Divinity in the University of Glasgow, and one of
lIer
Iajesty's Chaplains for Scotlanù. See especiaUy concluding
remarks.
SCOTTISH LIFE Æ CHARACTER. 3ð5
Church, that I believe to bring persons into closer
and kinder connection ,vith our system would be the
more likely ,vay to gain their approval and their
favourable judgment. In nothing do we lose more of
the confidence and estimation of our fellow-country-
men than in the feeling of our being intolerant and
exclusive in our religious opinions. It is curious
people should not see that the arguments addressed
in a friendly spirit must tell more po,verfully than the
arguments of one who shows his hostile feeling.
\Vith these feelings on the subject, it may be easily
understood with 'v hat pleasure I read, ir
the Ed.in-
burgh Courant of November 10th, a report of \vhat
our Primus (Bishop Eden) said, at the entertainment
which was given on the occasion of the consecration
of St. Mary's Church, Glasgow. In speaking on the
question of Union, the Primus said-
"I think I may speak for my Episcopal brethren, ",'hen
I say that if the heads, especially of the Established
Church of Scotland-for that is the body that has most
power and influence-if a proposal were made by the
leading men in that Church, in conCUITence with those
who holù views sin1ilar to themselves-a conference of the
representative men of the different Churches-to consider
in a Christian spirit what our differences are, and what are
the points on ,vhich we are agreed, we wotùd be most
happy to take part in it. Such a conference might, in the
providence of God, lead to our being dra\vn nearer to each
other. I believe that then the prayer which the Bishop
of St. Andrews offered up \\9ould be the earlier accom-
plished, namely, that the Episcopal Churches might be-
come Reformed, and the Reformed Churches become Epis-
copal. If any proposal of this kind could be made, 1
believe ,\\ye \vould be 1110St ready to accept any invitation
to coneider whether the various Churches might not be
drawn nearer to each other." (Great applause.
366
HEJI J1:{[SCENCES 0 '/fT
The Coadjutor Bishop of Edinburgh in his address,
After briefly referring to SOllle proposals that had been
made for union among the churches in South Africa,
went on to say-
." I do say, as one of the Bishops of the Scottish Epis-
copal Church now, and in reference to what fell fronl the
Primus, that I most heartily concur in what he said, and I
cannot but feel that, without the slightest breach of the
great fundamental principles of the Church of Christ, there
are Inany points on 'v hich \ve nlay be at one ,,
ith Chris-
tians who are not part of our organic body.
"I believe the proposal made by the Primus would
have the effect of drawing them nearer to us, and be a step
forward to that consummation which we all desire, and
\vhich our blessed Lord prayed-with his last breath-' That
we Inay all be one.' " (Great applause.)
That two honoured Fathers of our Church, 'our
Primus and my own Bishop, should have made use of
such terms, and that their vie,,"s should have been
received by such an audience with so much applause,
I could have offered a grateful ackno,vledgment upon
Iny knees.
But after all, perhaps, it may be said this is an
utopian idea, ,vhich, in the present state of religious
feelings and ecclesiastical dHferences, never can be
realised. It ,vere a sufficient aus,ver to the charge of
utopianis7n brought against such a proposal, to plead
that it ,vas no tnore than \vhat ,vas sanctioned by the
teaching of God's ,vord. In this case it does not
seeIn to go beyond the requirements of holy Scripture
as set forth in St. Paul's description of charity, and in
other passages which' clearly enjoin Christians to act
to,vards each other in love, and to cultivate, so far as
they can, a spirit of nlutual forbearance and of joint
action in the sacred cause of preaching the truth as it
is in J esns. I cannot believe that, were St. Pan 1 on
SCOTTISH LIFE
OHARACTER. 367.
earth, he ,vould sanction the present state of jealous
separation amongst Christians. Take such separation
in connection with the beautiful sentiment, which we
read in Phil. i. 18 :-" What then
not,vithstanding
every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is
preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will
rejoice."
The determination to exclude preaching that is not
strictly according to our o,vn forms seems to me quit e
inconsistent ,vith the general teaching of Scripture,
more particu1arly with this apostolic declaration. But
I ,yould bring this question to a practical issue, and
we shall find enough in our o,vn experience to con-
firm the vie,v I have taken, and to sanction the
arrangement I propose. To bring for,vard co-opera-
tion in the great and vitally important work of
preaching God's word, which has been already effected
between persons holding on some points opinions
different from each other, take first the case of re-
vision of the English translation of the Old and Ne\v
Testament Scriptures, as it has been resolved upon
by the authorities of the great Anglican Communion.
They have had no difficulty in finding Nonconformist
scholars and divines ,vhose fitness to be associated
,vith Anglican Churchmen in the great ,york of ar-
ranging and correcting an authorised version has
been admitted by all. Thus we have Nonconformists
and English and Scottish Episcopalians united in
adj usting the ternlS of the sacred text ;-the text
from ,vhich all preaching in the English tongue shall
in future derivf' its authority, and by ,vhich aU its
teaching shall in future be guided and directed.
There is arready, ho,vever, a closer and a more
practical blending of minds on great religious ques-
tions Dluch differing from each other on lesser points.
368
RE
lJ I4VISCENCES OF
In the field of religious and devotional literature,
many of our church differences are lost sight of.
Episcopalian congregations are constantly in the habit
of joining ,vith much cordiality and earnestness in
singing hymns composed by authors nonconformists
with our Church-in fact, of adopting them into
their church service. These compositions form a
portion of their ,vorship, and are employed to illus-
trate and enforce their own most earnest doctrinal
views and opinions themselves. Ho\v entirely are
such compositions as the sacramental hymn, "1vly
God, and is thy table spread," by Doddridge; the
hymn, "When I behold the \vondrous cross," by
Isa.ac Watts, associated ,vith our Church services!
Nor are such feelings of adoption confined to poetical
compositions. How many prose productions by non-
Episcopalian authors might be introduced for the
delight and benefit of Christian congregations! How
eagerly many such compositions are read by members
of our Church! With ,vhat delight would many dis-
courses of this class have been listened to had they
been delivered to Episcopalian congregations! 'Vhere
uch hymns and such discourses are admissible, the
authnts of them might take a part in conducting
psalmody and in occupying the pulpit for preaching
to a congregation. If the spirits of such writers as
Doddridge, vVatts, and flaIl, have been felt to per-
meate and to influence the hearts of others ,vho have
heard or read their words of holiness and peace, we
may well suppose that God would sanction their
making like impressions, in his own house, upon the
hearts of those whom they meet there face to face.
Might they not communicate personally what they
communicate through the press 1 For example, ,vhy
should not Robert Hall have preached his SCI'Ill0nE
SCOTTISH LIFE c!: CHARACTER. 869
on Infidelity and on the Death of the Princess of
"r ales, perhaps the t\VO most magnificent discourses
in the language, in an English Cathedral1 'Vhy
should not the beautiful astronomical discourses of
Thomas Chalmers have been delivered in St. Paul's
or in St. John's, Edinburgh 1 For many years, in
want of better materials, the sermons of Dr. Blair
were more used in the Church of England, and more
read in private, than any sinlilar compositions. It
has been for years a grováng persuasion in my o,vn
mind that principles of Christian love and mutual
harmony are too often sacrificed to the desire of pre-
serving the exact and formal marks of church order,
as the Bishop of St. Andrews so happily expressed it
to preserve etiquette. Surely the great law of Christian
love \vould suggest and enforce a union at least of
spirit anlollgst Christian believers, ,vho cannot join
in the unity of the same organisation. Inability to
join in the same form of church polity and church
order need not shut the door to religious sympathies
and religious communion, \vhere there are so many
points of agreement and of mutual interest. The ex-
perience of the past ,viII tend to produce the convic-
tion that there has too often been in our religious
disputes a strong tendency in aU Christian denomina-
tions to make the great principle of love, which is a
principle to rule in Heaven and for eternity, actually
subservient and subordinate to a systenl of ecclesi-
astical order, which, important as it is for its own
purposes and objects, never can be more than a guide
to the ministration of the Church on earth, and an
organisation which must be in its nature confined to
time.
Wherever or whenever this feeling may be called
forth, it is a grievous error-it is a very serious sub.
370
RE
IIJ.VISCE};L'ES 0""
ject for our reflection, ho,v far such ,yant of sympathy
and of union ,vith those ,vho do not belong imme..
diately to our o,vn church, must generate a feeling
hostile to a due reception of an important article of
our faith, termed in the Apostles' Creed the COM-
IUNION OF SAINTS. According to the description
given by the judicious and learned Bishop Pearson,
this communion or spiritual union belongs to all who
are in N e\v Testament language denominated SAINTS;
by \vhich he means all who, having been baptized in
the faith, have this nallle by being called and baptized.
'fhen he states all Christian believers to have conl-
munion and fellowsbip with these, whether living or
dead. We should feel towards such persons (evidently,
as the good Bishop implies, without reference to any
particular church order) all sympathy and kindness as
IDenlbers of the same great spiritual family on earth,
expectants of meeting in heaven in the presence of
God and of the Lamb, and of joining in the worship
of saints and angels round the throne. I have no
hesitation in declaring my full conviction that such
expectations of future communion should supply a
very po\verful and sacred motive for our cultivating
all spiritual union in our po,ver ,vith all fello,v-
Christians, all for 'VhOlTI Christ died. It becolnes a
very serious subject for examination of onr own
hearts, ho,v, by (refl[
sing any spiritual intercourse
,vith Christians "rho are not strictly nleJnbers of our
o,vn Church, ,ve mar contravene this noble doctrine
of the COllullunion of Saints; for does not the bitter-
ness ,vith ,vhich sometinles ,ve find all union "rith
certain fello,,,, -Christians in the Church on earth chill
or check the feeling of a desire for union with the
same in the Church above
Nay, is there not Inatter
for lllcn' oS (;j,l'nest thought, ho,y far the violent aui.
SCOTT1SR Lll?}; ({. CHARACTER. 871
lTIosity displayed against the snlallest approaeh to
anything like spiritual communion with all Christians
of a different Church from their o,vn may chill tIle
DESIRE itself for "meeting in the Church above 1 "
Call hatred to meeting on earth be in any sense a
right preliminary or preparation for desire to meet in
Heaven
Nay, more, should ,ve not carefully guard
}pst thp bitter displays we see of religious hostility
may even tend to bring men's minds towards a dis'in-
clination to meet in Heaven, of ,vhich the most terrible
condition ,vas thus expressed by Southey:-" Earth
could not hold us both, nor can one heaven." *-
One lllark of any particular Church being a portion
of Christ's Church on earth seems to be overlooked
by some of our English friends, and that is a mark
pointed out by our Lord himself, ,vhen he said, "By
their FRUITS ye shall kno,v them." By this announce-
ment I would understand that besides and beyond a
profession of the great articles of the Christian faith,
I would, as a further criterion of a Christian church,
inquire if there ,vere many of its members \vho have
been distinguished for their Christian piety, Christian
learning, and Christian benevolence. Is all externaJ
communion to be interdicted with a church ,vhich has
produced such men as ,ve might name amongst the
children of our Established and other Churches in
Scotland
Look back upon half-a-century, and ask
if a similar act ,vith that of the Archbishop of York
and Bishop of "Tinchester ,vonid then have created a
like feeling. I can remember ,yell the interest and
'-'
adnliration called forth by the eloquence, the philan-
thropy, and the nloral fervour of Dr. Chalmers,
amongst the High Church school of the day too-
the good Archbiship Ho,,
ley, Bishop Blolnfield, Rev
* See Southey's l1ode'l"ick J book xxi.
8i2
REJIIN1S(JENOES OF
l\Ir. Norris of Hackney, Mr. Joshua \Vatson, etc. I
remember, too, the perfect ovation he received in the
attendance of Archbishops, Bishops, Clergy, Peers,
Princes, etc., of the great London world, at his lectures
on Establishments. 'Ve can hardly imagine anyone
saying then, "This is all very well, but the Church
that produced this man is no part of the true Church
of Christ, and no English prelate or clergyman could
possibly take service in it."
No one, I believe, who is acquainted with my own
views and opinions on religious subjects would say
that I look with indifference on those points wherein
,ve differ from the great body of our fello\v-country-
men. I am confident that I should not gain in the
estimation of Presbyterians themselves by showing a
cold indifference, or a lukewarm attachment, to the
principles and practice of my own Church. They
would see that my o\vn convictions in favour of Epis-
copal government in the Church, and of liturgical
services in her worship, were quite compatible with
the fullest exercise of candour and forbearance to-
wards the opinions of others-I mean on questions
not essential to salvation.
I believe that there are persons amongst us coming
round to this opinion, and who are ready to believe
that it is quite possible for Christians to exercise very
friendly Inutual relations in spiritual matters which
constitute the essential articles of a common faith,
whilst they are in practice separated on points of
ecclesiastical order and of church governnlent. I am
old, and shall not see it; but I venture to hope that,
under the Divine blessing, the day will come \vhen
to Scotsmen it will be a matter of reminiscence
that Episcopalians, or that Presbyterians of any de-
n01l1i nation, should set the interests of their own
SOOTTISH LIFE &: OHARAOTER. 373
oommunion above the exercise of that charity that
for a brother's faith "hopeth all things and believeth
all things." Zeal in promoting our o\vn Church
views, and a determination to advance her interests
and efficiency, need be no impediment to cultivating
the most friendly feelings towards those who agree
with us in matters ,vhich are essential to salvation
and who, in their differences frOln us, are, I an! bound
to believe, as conscientious as myself. Such days ,vi])
come.
But now, to close my remarks on national peculi-
arities, with what I may term a prac/kal and personal
application. "\Ve have in our later pages adopted a
more solemn and serious view of past reminiscences as
they bear upon questions connected ,vith a profession
of religion. It is quite suitable then to recall the
fact which applies individually to all our readers. "T e
shall ourselves each of us one day become subject to
a '
reminiscence" of others. Indeed, the whole ques-
tion at issue throughout the work takes for granted
""hat we must all have observed to be a very favourite
object with survivors- viz. that the characters of
various persons, as they pass away, ,viII be always
spoken of, and freely discussed, by those who survive
them. 'Ve recall the eccentric, and we are amused
,vith a remelnbrance of their eccentricities. vVe ad-
mire the wise and dignified of the past. There are
some ,,,,lio are recollected only to be detested for theÌ1
vices-some to be pitied for their weaknesses and
follies- SOlne to be scorned for mean and selfish
conduct. But there aré others whose men10ry is
en1balmed in tears of grateful recollection. There are
those whose generosity and ,vhose kindness, 'v hose
winning sympathy and noble disinterested virtues are
never thought upon or ever spoken of without calling
2n
374
REltflJ..VISOENOES.
forth a blessing. Might it not, therefore, be goO'{
for us often to ask ourselves how u.e are 1ikely to be
spoken of when the grave has closed upon the inter-
course bet,veen us and the friends whom we leave
behind
The thought n1Ïght, at any rate_ be useful
as an additional motive for kind and generous con-
u
duct to each other. And then the inquiry would
come home to each one in some such form as this-
;, "Tithin the circle of my falnily and friends-,,'"ithin
the hearts of those ,vho have known me, and ,vere
connected ,vith me in various social relations-,vhat
will be the estimate formed of me ,,"hen I am gone 1
What ,vill he the spontaneous impression procluced
by looking back on bygone intercourses in life 1 "Till
past thought of me furnish the memory of those \vho
survive me with recollections that will be fond and
pleasing
" In one ,vord, let each one ask hitnself (1
speak to countryn1en and countrywomen), "Will rny
nalne be associated with gentle and happy 'RE1tIINI.
SCENCES OF SCOTTISH LIFE AND CHAUACTER' 1 "
I N D E X.
.
· ÄAPLE,' bottle of beer strong 0', 251.
A bercairner, Laird of, prevented
from goiug out in '15, 329.
Aberdeen dialect, perfect specimens
of, 212, 215.
Aberdeen elders, opinion of, 26.
A berdeen provost, wife of, at the
opera, 214.
A.berdeen, two ladies of, mutual }'e-
crimination, 214.
, A bonnie briùe's sune bnskit: 228.
Accommodation, grand, for snuff, 26.
· .Acts 0' Parliament lose their breath
before they get toAberdeenshire,' 26
.Adam, Dr., Latin translation of Scot-
tish eXl)re:;sions, 174.
dvicc to a minister in talking to a
þloughruan, 269.
·
\ gravesteen wad gie guid hree gill
ye gied it plenty 0' butter,' 269.
(.\ hantle 0' miscellawneous eating
about a þig,' 96.
Airth, 110usekceper At, on king of BABY, a laddie or a las.
ie, 1&6.
FranC'e, ;.t Baird, Mrs., of X f'wb
1;h, remark of.
Alexander, Dr. 'V. Lindsay, 1:38. as to her son in India, 1
6.
· .\nd what. the devil is it to you Balnamooll, laird of, carriage to haud
whetheJ' I have a lh'cr or not!' 16. in, 2j6.
Auecdottls of quaint Scottish chA.rR.c- Baluamoon, laird of, great drinker,
ter, 317.
55.
Angel-worship is not allowed in the I Balnamoon, laird of, joke with hili ier.
t 'hurch of Scotland, öï. I vant, 2;5.
Angler and the horse-fly,
29. Balnamuon, laird of, refuses his wig,
, .Anither gude Sunday! I dinn3 ken
55,
whan I'll get thae drawers }'(.òJ. up,' BalnaIllOOl1, praying and drinking at,
; 4. 256.
· Anither bet day, Corna1.' 180. Banes, distinction of, by a beggnr,
C An inch at the tap is worth twa at 262.
the boùdam, l
l. Banes, Frasers \\'
el-baIled, 310.
'An I hadna been an idiot I ndcht 13annockburn, guide to, refusing all
hae been sleep in' too,' 28-1. Englishman's five shillings, 278.
Annal
of the parish. f'xtl'act
from, Bannockburn, Scottish remal'k upon,
55, 245. 277.
ÂDs\ver to stranger lisking tht' way. Baptism. minist
r aud member of l
ii
247. tiock. Sl.
Ans'
ersJ dry, specimens of,
47.
, A peer 0' anither tree,' 147.
Appetite, farmer's reason for minis-
ter's good appetite, 265.
Asher, minister of Inveraven,aneC'dote
of ')S'J
Ath:JI;, "Duke of, and Cultoquhey, 2-1.
Athole, Duke of, answer of his cottar,
262.
Auction, anecdote of spoon missing,
190.
Auld lan
syne, beauty of the expres.
sion, 174.
Auld, Rev. Dr., of Ayr, and Rab
Hamilton, 283.
Authors, older ones indecent, 352.
· Ay, ir ye a' up an' awa?' 69.
'Ay, sbe may prosper, for she bu
baith the prayers of the gOOfl and
of the bad; 1';0.
S7ð
INDEX.
Barelay ofUry, M.P., walk to London, Brown, Rev. John, and the auld wifie,
l
Bathgate, mending the ways of. SOl. Brown, Rev. John of Whitburn, an-
Beadle, equivocal compliment to min- swer to rude youth, 300.
ister's sermons, 335. Bruce, Mr., of Kinnaird, and Louis
Beadle or Betheral, character of, 30'3. XVI. of France, 3.
Beast, a stumbling, at least honest, Buccleuch, Duchess of, asking farmer
272. to take cabbage, 250.
· Becky and I had a rippit, for which Bull, specimen of Scottish confusion
I desire to be humble: 312. of ideas, 176.
Begg, Dr., on Scottish morality of the · Uulls of Bashan' applied by a lady
present day, 355. to herself, 33.
Beggar, expressing his thanks to a Burnett, Dr. Gilbert, Bishop of Salis-
clerical patron, 337. bury, 9.
Bellman of Craigie, notice from, 296. Burnett, Sir Thomas, of Leys, and his
Bestial, curious use of word, 202. tenant Drummy, 3.
Betheral, a conceited one, 304. Burnett, Lady, of Leys, 171.
Betheral criticising a clergyman, 306. I Burns, a son of, and Charles Lamb,
Betheral, criticism on a text, 306. I 244.
Betheral, evidence of, regarding drink- I Burns conducted family worship, 48.
ing, 106. Burying-place, choice of, 77.
Betheral, making love professionally, I Bush, conversation with minister in
805. I church, 342.
Betheral, on a dog that was noisy, I ßutler and Kincardineshire laird, 321.
308. ' But my minnie dang, she did though,
Betheral, on the town bailies, 307. 264.
Bethernl, Scottish, answer to minister 'But oh, I'm sail' 11adden doun wi'
on b.eing drunk, 296. the bubbly jock,' 284.
Betheral stories, 302. ' But the bodies brew the braw drink,'
Betheral taking a dog out of church,
64.
308.
Betheral's answer to minister, 303. CAMPBELl. of Combie and Miss
Betherals, conversation of two, re- M'.Kabb, anècdote of, 249.
garding their ministers, 304. Campbell, Rev. ÐWlcan, 011 lTighhmù
Blair, Rev. Dr. Hugh, and his beadle, honours, 116.
305. I Camstradrlale, the DUlllbartonshire
Blessing by Scottish Bisho1'
, form of, laird, 121.
become a reminiscence, 66. Canny, illustration uf one of its IIlt'an-
Blethering, 39. ings, 335.
Boatie, chara
ter on Deeside, 130, 131. Canterbury, Archbishop of, and the
Boatie of Deesiùe, and Providence, 21. Dollar man, 216.
Books, older ones indecent, 352. Carlyle, Dr., account of minister'"
Border, selvidge, weakest bit of th{! drinking in la
t century, 122.
wab. 270. I Carlyle, Dr., prosecuted by GeneraJ
Bowing- to heritors, f;(j, I Assembly for attending theatre, 92.
Boy, aÎ1ecdote of, 252. Carnegie, Miss Helen, of Craigo,
Braxfielct, Lord, a man of wit. l[,ti. anecdotes of, 191, 196.
Braxtield, Lorrl, character of, as a Carnegie, MisR, of Craigo, and
TameB
judge, 154. III. and VIII., 100.
Braxfield, Lord, conducting the trial Carrier, a countr.y, description of his
of Muir, Palmer, anù Skirving, etl>., journe
'8,
OO,
15ft. I Catastrophe, whimsical application of
Braxfielc1, Lord, delighted with reply t.he word, 325.
of Scotch minister, 156. · Cauld kail }let again,' 82.
Brax.fìeld, IJord, spoke the broadest 'Cee,-il: in courtship, may be carried
Scotch, 155, too far, 191.
Jjrig-gs, the sergeant, dry ùe
wription Cemeteries, treatment of, much
ot". hy Scottish nobleman, 29
. changed, 67, 68.
Brougham, Lord. on SCútth;h diu.lcf,t, Clulhners, Dr., poor woman's reasoll
11". for hearing.
7
INDEX.
377
Chllmhers, Robert, Domestic Annals of Collie dogs, sa
acity of, 88.
Scotland, 10. 'Come awa, Jeanie; here's a Ilian
Change of national language involves swearin' awfuUy,' 35.
change of national character, 1;7. 'Come awa, granny, and gang hame;
Changps, are they for the good of the this is a lang grace and nae meat,'
whole community? 351. 253.
Changes, example of, in an old Laird 'Come oot and see a new star that
seeing a man at the pianoforte, 3.0. hasna got its tail cuttit atf yet,' 246.
Changes fast going on around us, 137, Confession of faith, 96.
184, 339. Confirmation, anecdotes concerning,
Changes in Scottish manners and 20, 32.
dialect, 184. Constable, Thomas, anecdote of spare
Changes, interesting to mark, 11. lady,
3.
Changes taking place, here noticed, ConviviRlity, old Scottish, and forced,
14. 101.
Changes taking place in religiouR fepl- , Conviviality. Scotch, complaint of, by
ing, 58. a London merchant, 102.
Changes, various causes for, 14, Corb, and Sir George Ramsay, 259.
839-341. Corehouse, Lord, prediction of not
Chaplain of a. jail, humorous reasons rising at the bar, by a :=:;elkirk writer,
for his appointment, 266. 106.
Children, curious answers of, 34. C Corp's brither' at a funeral,
ì4.
Children, very poor, examples of Cottar's Saturday night, fine picture,
acuteness, 252. 354.
Children's di
eases, 206. Country minister and his wife, large
Church discipline in the Presbytery bed, 197.
of Lanark, 79. Craigie, Rev.
rT" find Jamie Flee.
Churches, a coachman's reason fOT man, 288.
their increase, 62. Craigmyle, Laird of, and Duchess of
Churches, architect's idea of difference Gordon, 258.
bf'tween two, 62. Cranstoun, George, Lord Corehouse,
Churches, handsome structure of, 158.
more common, 61. Cream, Billy, landlord of inn at Lau.
Church discipline, old fasJlioned, 79. rencekirk, and Lord Dunmore, 151.
Church-going of late neglected in Cross, curious meaning attached to,
to\Vm
, 97. 338.
Church-going, Scotchmen not famous (Cry a'thegithcr, that's the way to be
for, fifty years ago, 57, served" 134.
Churchyard, drunken weaver in, 68. Cumming, Dr. Patrick, con,.ivia}
Circuit, a drunken one, 107. clergyInan, 122.
Circuit, one described by Lord Coe1\.- Cumming, )Iiss, of Altyre, and Donald
burn, 107. MacQueen, 179.
Clergy, Gaelic. not judged severely on Cumnock, volunteer::; of, 272.
a('count of drinking, 109. I Cultoquhey, old Laird of, morning
mergyman footsore in grouse - shoot- litany, 2-t2.
ing. 322. Cutt
'-stool, former use of, 78.
Clerg
.man publicly reùuking his wife,
80.
Clerk, John, adrlress to presiding
judge, 148.
Clerk, John, answer to Lord Chan-
cellor, 147.
Clerk, John, apology for friend in
Court of Session, 148.
Cockburn, Lord, and the Bonaly shep-
herd, 71.
Cockburn, Lord, on Scottish change
,
185.
Cockhuru's .1lenwri-alø, extracts from,
18.5
DAFT
rson, hit:; choice of money,
290.
Dale, David, anecdote
of his
en'ant,
140.
Dalhousie, Lady, 257.
Dam-brod pattern table-cloth,
04.
Dancing, seceder's opinion of, 275.
Darkness, w}lat is it? 34.
Davie, chiel that's chained to, If:tt
Davy GeHatleys, many in the
country, 280.
Death, circumstances of, coolly treated,
75.
i8
Death or a sister described by old
l:tdy, 1Û3.
Decrees of God, answer of old woman,
33.
Degrees sold at northern universitie8,
167.
Delicacy of recent authors compareil
with older, 353.
Dewar, David, Baptist minister at
Dunfermline, 266.
Dialects, distinctions on Scottish,
211.
Dialect, Scottish, real examples of,
172, 173.
Dialects, provostCJ,Aberdeen and Edin-
burgh, 217.
Diamond Beetle case, 158.
Difference hetween an Episcopalian
and a Presbyterian minister, 6l.
Diminutives, terms of endearment,
06.
Discreet, curious use of word, 202.
Diseases of children, odd names for,
2Û6.
, Div ye no ken there's aye maist sawn
0' the best crap?' 136.
Docl1art, same as Macgregor, 302.
Dog story, 263.
, Doggie, doggie,' address of idiot to a
greyhouncl. 295.
Dogs in church, anecdotes of, 87, 88,
308, 309.
Donald, Highland servant, 142,
Donkey, apology of his master for
pntting him into a field, 336.
Downie, minister of Ban ch ory, and
son's marriage, 22.
Drams in Highlands, anecdoteg ut,
121.
Dream o( idiot in town of Ayr, and
apostle Peter, 282.
Drinking, apology for, SOl.
Drinking at Balnamoon, 257,
Drinking at Castle Grant, 120.
Drinking, challenge against, by l\Ir.
Boswell of Bahnuto, 102.
Drinking parties of Saturday some-
times took in Sunday, 118.
Drinking party, ' lad employed to
lowse the neckcloths,' 11 L
Drinking party, quantity consumed
by, 10
.
Drinking reekoncd an accomplish-
ment, 104.
Drinking, supposed manliness attach-
ed fo, 10í.
Drovers drinking in HighlandSJ, 104.
Drumly, happy explanation of, 174.
lJrumUlond of Keltie, anS""f>T to itine-
rant t.ailor, 235,
llf'DEX.
Dun bar, Sir Archibald, account of .
servant, 170.
Dundas, Henrr, and Mr. Pitt, 201.
Dllndrennan, Lord, anecdote of a 8illy
basket-woman, 287.
Dunlop, Rev. Walter, addreRs to Dr.
Cook of St. Andrews, 299.
Dunlop, Rev. Walter, and
1r.
Clarke's big hea(I, 299.
Dunlop, Rev. Walter, man of racy
humour, 298.
Dunlop, Rev. Walter, meeting flock
of geese, 299.
Dunlop, Rev. 'Valter, on a taciturn
brother, 300.
Dunlop, Rev. Walter, and mis-
chievouR youths in kirkyard, 299.
Dunlop, Hev. Walter, answer to two
young men, 298,
Dunlop, Rev. Walter, opinion of
Ed ward Irving, 299.
Dunmore, Lord, and Billy Cream, 15!.
, D'ye think I dinna ken my ain groats
in ither folk':) kail ?' 270.
EAST LOTHIAN minister and his be-
theral taking degrees at a northern
college, 168.
Economy, specimen of Scottish, 180.
Edinburgh and Aberdeen proyosts,
217.
, E'ening brings a' hamp,' expressed
by Lord Byron,
34.
Eglinton, Earl of, and little boy,
S8.
, Eh, man, yonr Psalm buik bas been
ill buml/ 813.
e Eh, 1\[ iss J eallY! ye have been Iang
spa red" 192.
Eldin, Lord (John Clerk), anecdotes
of, 146, 147.
Election, answer of minister to que8-
tiou, 30.
Elphinstnne, Lord, and minister of
CUmberll3.uld,342.
Endeannent,
cottish teI11lS of, 87,
3R
Englishman, an impruived, 279.
Entel'teening, curious use of word,
202.
E}.iscopalian chapels, anecdote of :-;iI
W. Forbes, 59.
Erskine, Colonel, serv:mt proposes an
aith for his relief, 331.
Erskine, Hon. Henry, (linner pa.rt
. at
Lord Armadale's, a
6.
Erskine, Mr., of Dun, and lis 1I1,1
::;ervant, 128.
Erskine of Dun, }'1i
R, 188.
Estate giving thf' uame to proprietor,
16, :HO,
EX3.mfnø.tionø of communicants, 88,
89.
Expressions, old Scottish, and modern
slang contrasted, 207, 20R, 209.
Expressions, specimens of Scottish.
07.
FACTCR3 J proposal to sow field with,
289.
'Fab tee, (ab tee,' 217.
Fail, curiOU8 use of word, 204.
Family worship now more common,
64.
Family worship, remark upon, 64.
.'armer and senr:mt boy, 254.
Farmer, answer of. when asked to take
rhubarb tart, 251.
Farmer, cool answer regarding notes,
250.
Farmer on Deeside and bottle of vine-
gar, 251.
Farmer rcru
ing a des8ert spoon, 251.
Farmer, Scottish, conversation with
English girl, 328.
Farms, giving names to tbe tenants,
241.
Fash as to taking a wife, 334.
Fast-day, nRtional. strictues
in ob.
Rerving, 1
.
f Fat for should I gang to the opera,
just to creat a confeesion?' 214
Fencing tables, by an old minister, i8.
Fencing the deil, 324.
Fergusson oC Pitfour and London
lady, 260.
Fettercairn, custom of bowing to
heritors, 86.
Fife elder and penurious laird, 29';.
Fife, Lord, proposal to, by an idiot,
289.
C Fin' a rardin' tor yersell, pnir body,'
263.
Finzean, Laird of, 8wearing, 59.
Fisher of men. 316.
Fit raiment, explanation 0(, by child,
89.
F1eeman, Jamie, anecdote of, 288.
Fleeman, Jamie, the Laird of Udnv's
fool, life of. published, 288. .
, Floorish 0' the surfacE>>,' to describe
a preaeher, 316.
Forbes, Mrs., of !tfedwyn, fond of tea,
171.
Forbes':3 banking-house, anecdotes of,
10
.
C Formerly robber8, now thieveR,'147.
Frail, curious use of word, 204.
Fraser, Jamie, address to minister in
kirk, 202.
Fnulf=lr, Jamie, idiot of Lunan, 284.
1.:.,TDEX.
379
Free Church, roa,I or, , tolls UTIL'O
high,' 322.
, Freet's dear
sin' I s
uld freet in
streets 0' Aberdeen,' 216.
French people, a clause in their
fävour, hya Scottish millistt..r. 263
Fruit, abstinence from, by minister,
19.
Fullerton, :Miss N'elly, anecdote of,
189.
Funeral, anecdote of, in Strath
peYJ
109.
Funeral, carrying at, or leaning, 295.
Funeral, extraordinary account of a
Scottish, at Carluke, 2ï3.
Funeml of a lairl] of DtInllonnld, 110.
Funeral. reason fol' a farmer taking
another gl
s at. 27-1.
Funeral, reason for a person being
offieious nt, 274.
Funeral. taking or(1ers for, on death.
be<.1, 20.
Funeral, the coffin forgotten at, 110.
GALLOWAY LADY declinin
drink.
121.
Garden
tone, J.Jord, and his book at
the inn, 149-
Gardenstone, Lord, and his pet pig,
151.
Gardenstone, Lord, exertions of, for
Laurencekirk, 14.
Gardenstone, Lord, keeping snuff in
his waistcoat po('ket, 151.
Gardenstone, Lord, personal reminis-
cences of, 149-151.
Garskadden, Laird of, , steppit a,WIl'
at table, 124.
General Assembly, minister's prayer
for, 78.
George nL, sickness of, advft.ntageou8
to candlemakel's, 268.
Ghost appearing to Watty Dunlop,
299.
Gilchrist, Dr., a.n::;wer to young minis.
tel' on Lord's Prayer, 315.
Gi1chlist, Dr., answer to one ot his
hearers, who had changed his I'e.
librion, 315.
Gillespie, Professor, :md vil1age car-
Jlenter, 324.
GilJespie, Rev. Mr., "tDll old womUD
sleeping \\'118n he preached, 325.
Glasgow Cathedral, betheral's opinion
of, 305.
Glasgow lady nnd carpenter,
8.
Glasgow, toast after dinner, hint to
the ladies, 103.
Glenorchy, Lady, and the elder at tht'
I plate at Carrington, 820.
380
Glenorchy, Lady, removal of her re-
mains on account of railroad, 344.
Gordon, Duchess of, 173.
Gordon, Duchess of, and the laird of
Craigmyle, 258.
Gordon, Lady Susan, and David Tul-
toch, gO.
Graham, MiRS Clementina Stirling,
Mystijlcations by, 177.
Grave, making love at, 305.
Gregory, Dr., story of Highland chief,
15.
Grieve in Aberdeenshire, opinion of
own wife, 26.
Grieve, on Deeside, opinion of young
man's preaching, 816.
I Gude coorse country wark,' 806.
Gudewife on Deeside, 25.
Guthrie, Helen, and her husband, 83.
Guy Mannering, extract from, 281.
HADDOCK, curious use of word, 205.
Halbert, smells damnably of the,'
292.
Hamilton, Laird, at the palace asking
the servant to sit down, 260.
Hamilton, Laird, noted for eccentri-
city, 260.
Hamilton, Laird, reasons for not sign-
ing a bill, 260.
Hamilton Rab, an idiot at Ayr, 282.
Hamilton, Rab, idiot, anecdotos of.
282, 283.
Hangman, Scotch drover acting as,
218.
Harvest, returning thanks for good,
319.
Hatter at Laurencekirk, 14.
Heaven, little boy's refusal of, 77.
Heaven, old wuman's idea of, 76.
'He bud tae big's dyke wi' the feal at
fit o't,' 26.
He is a wfu' 'snpperstitious,' 205.
'He turned Seceder afore he dee'd.
and I buried him like a beast,' 9l.
Hech, sirs, and he's wool pat on,
too,' 346.
C Henny pig and green tea,' 215.
Heritor sending the hangman of Stir-
ling to pay the minister, 334.
H eritors, bowing to, 86.
I1ermand, Lord, great drinker, but
5.rst-rate lawyer, ] 56.
Hormand, Lord, jokes with young
advocate, 157.
IIermand, Lord, opinion of drinking,
105.
Highland chainnan, 177.
Highland chief. story of, 16.
INDEX.
Highland gentleman. first time in LoJ)o
don, 16.
Highland honours, 116.
Highland inquisitiveness, 247.
Highlands kept up the custom of clans
or races. 24l.
Hill, Dr., Latin translation ofScðtti8h
expressions, 174.
His girn'! waul' than his bite. 38.
Holy communion, several anecdotes
concerning, 93.
Home, John, author of Douglas, lines
on port wine, 327.
Home, John, remark of, to David
Hume, 86.
Honest men and bonnie lassies,' 250.
C Honest woman, what garr'd ye steal
your lleighbour's tub?' 205.
Honesty declared the best potic:}",
why? 28.
Honeyman's, Mrs., answer to Henry
Erskine's impromptu lines, 326.
C Hoot! jabbering bodies, wha could
understan' them!' 198.
C Horse the length of Highgate.' 201.
Hospitals, changes in, 12.
Hot day, cool remark on, 29.
, Hout, that is a kind 0' a feel,' 4.
Hurne, David, refused assistance ex-
cept on conditions, 96.
Hume, Mrs. C Too poor,' 19.
Humour of Scotch language, 169.
Humour, Scottish, described in An.
n.als of the Parish, 245.
Humour, Scottish, description of, 169.
Hymns ancient and modern, 51.
I DIDNA ken ye were i'the tou11,' 172.
Idiot boy and penurious uncle, 295.
Idiot boy, pathetic story of one re-
ceiving communion, 294.
Idiot in Lauder, cheating the seceders,
289.
Idiot in Peebles church, 284.
Idiot, musical one at Stirling, appro-
priate tune, 2:12.
Idiot of Lauder, and Lord Lauder-
dale's steward, 290.
Idiot, pathetic complaint of, regard.ing
bubbly jock, 284.
Idiot, why not asleep in cll urch, 284.
Idiots, Act of Parliament concerning.
288.
Idiots, fondness for attending funerals,
287.
Idiots, parish, often very shrewd, 280.
'I druve ye to your marriage, and I
shall stay to drive ye to your bur.ia.l,
189.
Ir there'
ail i11 text in a' the BibJe,
that creetur's aye sure to tak it,' 84.
, If you dinna ken wban ye've a gude
servant, I ken whan I've a gude
place: 129.
C I hae cuist'n my coat and waistcoat,
nd faith I dinna ken how lang I
can thole my breek
,' 13ð.
c 1 jm
t fan' 8. doo in the ,.OOd 0' my
r.late: 126.
C 111 hang ye a' at the price,' 278.
C I maun hae a lume that'll haud in:
56.
C I'm unco vuckie to hear a blaud 0'
your gab/ 170.
Inch-b)7e banes,
ô2.
C Indeed, sir, I wish I wur,'
63.
India, St. Andrew's day kept in, by
Scotchmen, 18.
1 never big dykes ti11 the tenants
complain,' 271.
Innes, Jock, remark upon hats and
heads, 267.
Innkeeper's bill, reason for being
moderate, 274.
Interchange of words between minister
and flock in church, 342.
Intercourse between classes changed,
137.
C I soopit the pu'pit,' 126.
, It's a peety but ye had been in Para-
dise, and there micht na hae been
ony faa',' 19.
c It'a no the day to be speerin sic
things,' 72.
· I've a coo noo,' 335.
C I was just 8Ìan'ing tiU the kirk had
skailed,' 17.
C I was not juist Bae sune doited &..11
some 0' your Lordships,' 148.
· I wouldnl\ gie my single life for a'
the double anes I ever saw,' 136.
IllDEX.
38!
John, eccentric servant, aneedoteR of,
141.
Johnstone, :Miss, of Westerhall, speci-
men of flne old Scotch lady, 187,
188.
Johnstone, Rev. Dr., of Leith, and old
woman, on the decrees of God, 33.
Johnstone, Rev. Mr., of l\!onquhitter,
and travelJing piper, 297.
Judges, Scottish, former peculiarities
as a type, 145.
Judges, Scottish, in Kay's Portraits,
145.
KAIL, curious use of word, 205.
Kames, Lord, a keen agriculturist,
157.
Kames, Lord, his joke with Lord
Monboddo,152.
C Kaming her husband's head: 312.
Kay's Portraits, 157.
Keith, )[rs., of Ravelston, her remark
to Sir W. Scott on old books, 352.
Kilspindie, Laird of, and Tannachy
Tulloch, 241.
Kindly feelings between minister and
people, 69.
Kirkyard crack, 137.
Kirkyard crack superseded by news.
papers, 137.
LADIES of Montrose, anecdotes of, 28.
Ladies, old, of :Montrose, 28-
Lady, old maiden, of :Montrose, reason
for not fmbscribing to volunteer
fund, 197.
Lady, old, of )fontrose, objections to
steam vessels, and gas, and water-
carts, 196.
Lady, old Scotch, remark on loss of
her box, 197.
Lady, Scottish, Lord Cockburn's ac-
count of, 193.
JACOBITE feeling, 97, 98. Lady's, old, answer to her doctor, 194.
Jacobite lady, :reason for not rising Laird, parsimonious, and fool, 291.
from her chair, 199. Laird, parsimonious, and plate at
Jacobite toasts, 100. church-door, 297.
Jaeobite's prayer for the King,
. LAird, reason against taking his son
Jamie I.Jfiyal, old servant, anecdotes J into the world, 267.
ot, 132. Laird reproaches his brother for not
Jf'emR Robson, ye are sleepin', SO. taking a wife, 334.
· Jemmy, yon are drunk,' 263 Lairll, 8aving, picking up a farthin ó ,
Jock, dan, attending funeral at 'Wig- 263.
town, 2
7. Laird,. Scottish, delighted that Christ-
Jock Grey, supposed original of Davi(1 maR had run away, 2
1.
GeHatley, 286. Lamb, Charles, saw no
it in Scotch
Jock Wabøter, C den gaeR ower,' a pro- people, 244.
,'erb, 231. Land, differences of, in produce, 268.
101m Brown. burgher minister, aud an 'Lass wi' the brA.w pJaid, mind the
C auld wifie,' 69, puir,' 71.
ftR2
INDEX.
Laudamy And calomy,' 277. r :Uncnab, Laird of. bi
horse 8J1d whll'
Lauderdale, Duke of, and Williamsoll :!5S. I
the huntsman, 276.
lanN&bb, MisR, and Campbell oCCom.
Lauderdale. Earl of, recipe of his daft bie, 249.
son to make him sleep, 327. Jl'Pherson, Joe, and his wife 76.
Laurencekirk, change in, 14.
[agistrates of Wester An;truther
Laurencekirk def)cribed in st.yle of and evil-dQ4ars, 307. ·
Thomas the Rhymer, 150. '
Iair 0' your siller and less 0' YOU!
f..t..t.wson, Rev. Dr. George, of Selkirk, mainners, my Lady Betty,' 320.
and the student, 301. '
Ia new breeks were made oot 0' the
Leein' Gibbie, 9. auld curtains,' 253.
Leslie, Rev. Mr., and the smuggler, 'Man, ye're skailing a' the water' 197.
300. · Marriage is a blessing to a. f
a
, Let her down Donald, man, for she'H curse to many, and a great uuc'er-
drunk,' 177. tainty to aU: 8l.
· Let the little ane gang to pray, but ?tIaITiage, oM minister's address on, 3l.
first the big ane maun t.ak' an oar,' Mary of Guehlres, burying-l)lace now
21. a mil way, 343.
l..inties' and ScottiKh øettler in Maetiff, where turned into a grey_
C1I.nada, 37. hound, 263.
Linty offered 1\8 fce for baptism, 37. Maul, ?tIr., amI the .Lairc.l of Skene
Liston, bir Robert, and Scotchmen 103. '
at Constantinol)le, 179. ' Ma
a puir body like mp. noo gie R
IJoch, Davie, the carrier, at his boast?' 292.
motller's deathhed, 28!). C 1\Ie, and Pitt, and Pitfonr,' 144.
Lockhart, Dr., of Glasgow, and bis son Mearns, Rev. W. of Kinneff, so.
.T ohn, 85. · )Iem, winna ye tak the clock wi'
Logan, Laird of, speech at meeting of ye?' 205.
11eritors, 271. · Mending t11e ways 0' Bathgnte,' Bð).
'IJord be thank it, a' the bunkers are 1\1 ice consumed lJJiui.
ter's sermon, SO,
fu' ! ' 286.
liddens, example of attachment t(\
, Lord pity the chiel that's chained to 170. .
our Davie,' 186. Military rank attached to ladies, 845.
Lord's prayer, John Skinner"s reason Miligan, Dr., answer to 8. tired clergy
for its repetition, 265. man, 272.
Lothian, Lord, in India, St. Andrew's Milton quoted, 29.
day, 18. 1tIinister and rhubarb biTt, 2M.
Lothian, Marquis or, and old countess
1inister, anecdote of lit.tIu boy I'It
at table, 829. school, 212.
Lothian, Marquis of, and workmen, Minister asking who was head of the
13
hous
31
Minister called to a new living, 198.
lini8ter, conversation with Janet hi
palishioner, 264.
Minister in the north on long sermon.
312.
ser- :Minister on a dog barking in ('Inu-cl"t.
308.
Minister preaching on the water-side
attacked by ants, 314.
Minister publicly censuring hi.
daughter, 79.
Minister re3(ling his sermon, 301.
.Minister returning thanks for good
harvest, 319.
Minister, Scottish, aùvice to younS
preachers, 302.
Minister, Scottish, remark to a young
man, who pulled cards out of his
pocket in cburch, 31R.
M'CUBBIN, Scotcl\ minister, witty
unswer to Lord Brnxfteld, 1&6.
ø['Knight, Dr.,' dry eneuch in the
pulpit,' 310.
M'Knight, Dr.. tolk tired of his
mon, 312.
M'Knight and Henry, twa toom kirks,
311.
M'Knight, Dr., remark on his harmony
of the four gospels, 311.
lacleod, Rev. Dr. NormaD, and High..
land boatman, 21.
Macleod, Rev. Dr. Norman, and re-
vivals, 20.
'\facJeod, Rev. Dr. Norman, anecdote
of an Australian told by, 18.
)f'Lymont., Jolm, the jrliot, 8necd
ß
of, 280, 2'11
[}tDEX.
!sa
Mini
teT,
turid, educatior. and plac- I Xoblemnn, mad SCOt.t.fKh, c&utfoul
ing, 53. answer or, 293.
Minister, with · great power of watter,' ,
00, MaJor, ;ye mlLY tak our Jives,
304. but ye'li no tak our middens,' 170.
Minister, young, apology for good Suckle, Watty, betheraI. opinion, 305.
appetite after preaching, 2G5. .
'\Iinister's mall, account of, 307. · OD, Charlie Brown, what gar
e hl\e
Minister's man, criticisms of Jlis sic lang steps to yonr frcmt door!'
master's sermon, 307. 258.
Ministers, Scottish, a type of Scottish 'Od, freend, ye hae bad a lang spel1
character, 52. on't sin' I left.' 17.
Minister sending for bis sermon in 'Od, )'e;re a lang lad; God gie yð
pulpit, 31. grace, 18R
hnstrelsy of Scottish Border, Sir Old lad
' speaking of her own dea.th,
'Valter Scott just in time to save,11 193.
niss !\liller (Countess of :Mar) and Old sermons, preaching or, 81.
Scottish Minister, 8T. 01(1 woman, r-emarks of, on the Uß6-
,
fiss s.-'Nco1l1Itlimentg, and shedee'd fulues
of money, 24.
last nicbt at aicht o'c1o('k.' 143. ' On the contrnry, sir,' 24S.
fonboddo, Lord, anecdote in Court of I Ony dog micht soon hecome a grey-
King's Bench, 153. hound by stoPJ,illg here,' 263
ronboùdo, Lord, theory of primitive · Oor Jean thinks a man perfect lalva-
men having tails, 152. tion,' 19
.
:\Ionboddo, Lord, though a. judge, did · Oar John swears nwfu',' 59.
not sit on the bench, 152. Organ, ma.rk of distinction, 6].
:\Ionboddo, Lord, visit at Oxford, 152. Organs becoming more common, 50.
)foney, love of, discussion on, 24. · Ou, there's jist me and anither la'i8:
Montrose b!lUie's eldest sou, 198. 34.
\Iontrose, description of, by an ALer-
deen lady, 214.
Montrose lady's idea of man, 192.
\Iontrose old la(Hes, 28.
)1ontros
, provost of, conversation
with an old maid, 190.
, )fony a ane has complained 0' that
hole,' 247.
\luilton, Jock, idiot, snd 0. penurious
Laird, 291.
unrimmon
oor, no choice of wigs
on, 256.
Murray, :Mrs., snd the
alt spoon, 132
· My mou's 3S big for puddin aA it is
for kail; 251.
Mysti.fì,('ation.<;, by Mis
Clementina
Stirling GralJam, 177.
SA, different modifications of the
word, 181.
· Xa, ni.l, he's no just deep, but be's
dru1llly,' 174.
· Na, na, ye'll aib1ins bite me,' 176.
f Neebour, wad ye sit a bit 'Wast' '1i9.
elson, Lord, c:1.planation of his order,
i6.
ichol, an old servant of Forfarshirc,
135.
· No anither drap, neither het nor
csnld, 122.
Xobleman, hatf-witfM, ;n Canongate
jail, 2P:i.
P APERR in pulpit, 319.
Paradise and 'Vesleyan minister, 19.
Parishioner, coolness of, when maùe
an elder of the kirk, 336.
Paul, Dr.. his anecdotes of idiots, 281.
Paul, Saunders. of Bancbory, famoul
for drinking, 103.
Perth, Lady, remark to a FrencllmaD
on French cookery, 188.
Penurious laird and Fife elder, 297.
Pestilence t.hat walketh in darkness-
What is it! 34.
Phraseo)ogy, Scottish, an example of
pure, 213.
Phraseology, Scottish, Corre oC,
6.
Piccadilly, 16.
Pig, great broon. 203.
Pig, Scotch minister's account or eat.
mg one, 96.
Pinkieburn, faithful servnnt Rt, 139.
Piper and the elder, 36.
Piper aud the wolves, 28.
Plngging, an odious practice, 125.
Poetry, ::5cottisb, becoming less popu-
lar, 40.
Poetry in Scottish dialect, list of, 41.
Polkemmet, Lord, account of hisjudi-
cial preparations, 146.
PotkeIumet, Lord, his aceount of kill.
ing a calf, 146.
PompQ'1I
minietfr and the anglf'r, 816
384
INDEX.
Pony of Free KiJ k minister running 1 Providence, mi
take of, in re
rd tc
off to glebe, 31. bairns, 262.
Poole, Dr., his patient's death an- i Provost of Edinburgh in the Rouse of
nounced, 143. I Lords in 1786, 201.
· Powny, grippit a chiel for,' 18
. Psalmody, 8cottish, 48.
Prayers before battle, 198. Psalmody, Scottish, improvement of
Preacher, a bombastic, reproved satiri- 50. '
cally, 265. Pure language of !Scotland not to be
Preacher, Scottish, and his small bed- regarded as a provincial dialect
room at manse where he visited, 175. '
319.
Preacher, testimony to a good, 316.
Preaching old sermons, 81.
Precentor reading single line of psalm,
50.
Predestination, answer of minister
about, 30.
Priest Gordon, genuine Aberdonian
specimen of, 00.
Priest Matheson, 9].
Professor, P. reverend, his answer to
a lawyer, 3
2.
Pronunciation, Scottish, varieties of,
make four different meanings, 206.
Property qualification, 335.
Prophets' chalmer (the miIlor), 320.
Proprietors, two, meeting of, described
by Sir Walter Scott, 241.
Proverbial expressions, examples of
some very pithy, 227-239.
Proverbial Philosophy of Scotland, by
William Stirling of Keir, :M.P., 219.
Proverb, Scottish, appli,
ation of, by
a minister in a storm, 229.
Proverh, Scottish, expressed b)
Lord
Byron, 234.
Proverbs becoming remini$cences, 218,
240.
Proyerbs, immense col1ection of, by
FC'rgusson, 218, 220.
Proverbs, Scotch, some specially ap-
plicable to the Deil, 229-231.
Proverbs, Scotland famous for, 219.
Proverbs, Scottish, Allan Ramsay's
dedication of. 225, 226.
Proverbs, Scottish, Andrew Hender-
son, 219, 226.
Proverbs, Scottish, collections of, 218,
219.
Proverhs, Scottish, collection of, by
Allan Hamsay, 225.
Proverbs, Scottish, Kelly's collectioll,
218, 219.
Proverbs, Scottish, mnch used in
former times, 219.
Proverbs, Scottish, pre
"y application
of, 228.
Proverbs, Scottish, specimens of, in
language almost ohsolete, 222, 223.
Providence. 21.
C RAIMENT fit,' 89.
Ramsay, Allan, deòication of bis pro-
verbs in prose, 225.
Ramsay, Sir George, of Banff, a.nò the
Laird of Corb, 259.
Ramsay, two .Misses, of Balmain,
anecdotes of, 194, 195.
, Rax me a spaul 0' that bubbly jock,
173.
Reason given by an old man for
marrying a young woman, 248.
Recess Studies, 12.
Redd, pigeon found among, ] 26.
Religion, two great changes in ideas
of, 63.
Religious feelings and religious ob-
servances, 56, 94.
· Remember Mr. Tamson; no him at
the Green, but oor ain Mr. Tamson,
300.
, Reminiscences' capable of a practicaJ
application, 273.
.: Reminiscences' have calJp,d forth
communications from others, 9, Vi.
I lleminiscences' includes stories of
wit or hmnouT, 2.l3.
. Reminiscences,' object and purpOSf'
of, 36.
'Reminiscences,' reeall pleasant asso-
ciations, 8.
, Ripin' the ribs: 173.
Road, Highland, humorously de-
scribed, 246.
Robbie A'Thing, 301.
Robby, a young dandy, and his 01c1
aunt, 193.
Robertson, Principal, advice to, b}
Scotch minister, 10.
.
llobison, Mrs., answer to gentleman
coming to dinner, 19-1.
Rockville, Lord, character of, as a
judge, 154.
Rockville, Lord, description of street,
when tipsy, 154.
Ruling elder's answer to jokes of three
young men, 266.
Rutherfurd, Lorù, and tIlE' BOIlalJ
sh(>J)h
rrl. 70.
INDEX.
385
8ABBATH-DA Y, and redding up Scottish exþresstuùs, examples of
drawers, 74. peculiar applications, 202-205,
Sabbath-day, eggs ought not to be laid Scottish expressions, illustrated by a
on, 74. letter to a young married lady from
Sabbath-day known by 8 hare, 74. an old aunt, 207-209.
Sabbath day, where children go who Scottish gentleman in London, 16.
1)lay marbles on, 35. Scottish h
OU1' and Scottish wit
Sabbath desecration, geologist in the 169.
Highlands, 72. Scottish humow', specimen of, in .
Sabbath desecration, stopping the Fife lass, 246.
jack for, 72. Scottish minstrelsy, 11.
Sandy, fine specimen of old servant, Scottish music, charm of, 42.
129. Scottish peasantry, character of, 70.
C Sayawa', sir; we're a'sittin' to cheat Scottish peasantry, religious feelings
the dowgs,' 88. of, 70.
Scotchman, notion of things in Lon- Scottish peasantry, religious feelings
don, 16. of, changed, 65.
Scotchman of the old school, judg- Scottish phraseology, articles on, in
ment of, upon an Englishman, 279. Blacku'ood, 38.
Scotchman on losing his wüe and cow, Scottish psalm-tunes, some written by
316. operatives, 49.
Scotch minister and his diary regard- Scottish shepherd and Lord Cockburn.
ing quarrels with wife, 312. 71.
Scott, Dr., minister of Carluke, 274. Scottish shepherd and Lord Ruther-
Scott, Dr., on his parishioners dancing, furd, 70.
274. Scottish songs, collections of, 46, 47.
Scott, Rev. Robert, his idea of ]Çel- Scottish stories of wit and humour
Bon's order, 276. 243.
Scott, Rev. R., of Cranwell, anecdote Scottish verses, C'hann of, 41.
of young carpenter, 139. Scottij)h words of French derivation,
Scott, Sir'Valter, and the blacksmith 348, 349.
on the battle of Flodden, 2,;. Scottishness of the national humonr
Scott, Sir 'Valter, did not write poetry 246.
in Scottish dialect, 40. Seceder, au old. would not enter parish
Scott, ;:;i!' Walter, hi::; story of sa.)e uf churct. 301.
antiques, 183.
ecession Church, professor in, to a
Scott, Sir Walter, his Rtory or two young student, 301.
relatives who joined the Pretender, Sedan chairs, 176.
183. Sennon consumed by mice, 30.
Scott, Sir Walter, just in time t.o sa.ve Sermons, chauge of character of, 84,
Minstrelsy of the BorrIer, 11. ::;en.ant and dog Pickle at Yester,
Scotland, past and present, 354. I 134-5.
Scotticisms, expressive, pOlllted, and Servant, answer of, to his irascible
pithy, 181, 182. master, 1
S.
Scotticisms, remarks on, by Sir John Servant, answer or, when told to go,
Sindair and Dr. Beattie, 20. 129.
Scottish architect on English leases, Servant and Lord Lothian. 134.
3. Servant,
Irs.
IuITay, and the spoon,
Scottish boy cleverness, 253, 2[,-1. 132.
cottish conviviality, 0)11, 101. Servant of Mrs. Ferguson of Pitfour,
Srottish cookery, 345. ] 43.
Scottish dialect, difference between ;:;ervant of
Irs. Fullerton of l\lontrl'se,
Aberdeen and Southern f::Icotch, 2] 7. 143.
Scottish dialect, reference of, to Eng- SerV31lt, old, reason for doing as lla
ligh, 185. likeù. 1.14.
Scottish dialect, specimens of, 178, Servant praying for her minist.er', 300.
179. Servant taxed with being drunk, hi!!
cottish economy, specimen of, in answer, 2ü3.
London, 180.
en'ant6, ùome
tic Scottish, 127.
Scottish elders and miuisters, anec- 'She juist felloo. hersel at Craigo WI
dotes of, 71. straeberries anù 'r
arn,' 193
88ð
INDEX.
C She-. bounter tlu
n she's better:
!28.
'She will be Dear me to close my een,'
24-8.
Shire1f, Rev. Mr., and member of his
church who had left him, 315.
Shirra, Rev. :Mr., on David saying
· All men are liars,' 314.
Shot, a bad one, complimented on
success, 2;0.
Siddons, Mrs. , respected by Edin-
burgh clerg)', 92. .
Silly, curious use of the wori, 204.
Singing birds, absence of,
n America,
37.
Sins, Aberdeen mother proud of, 215.
· Sir, bæby I'll come farther,' 28l.
· Sit in a box drawn by hrutes,' 153.
Skinner, Bishop, and Aberdeen old
couple, 33l.
Skinner, Jolm, Jacobitism of, 43.
Skinner, John, of Langside, his
defence of prayer-book, 265.
Skinner, Rev. John, author of several
ScottiHh songs, 42.
Skinner, Rev. John, lines on his
grandson leaving Montrose, 45.
Skinner, Rev. J oIm, passing an Allti-
burgher chapel, 46.
Sleeping in church, 80.
Sleeping in church, and snuffing, 319,
Slockin'd, never, apology for drinking,
301.
Hmitb, Adam, marked as most eccen- TAILOR, apology for his clothes not
tric, 346. fitting, 338.
Smith, SydnflY, opinion of Scottish · Take out that dog: he'd wauken a
wit, 243. Glasgow magÜ
tràte.' 309.
Smuggler, case of one in cburcù, 300. Taylor, Mr., of Loudon, description
· 8neck the door,' 217. of his theatre by his father from
Snuff-box handed rouDtl in ehurcbu;, Aberdeen. 213.
343, Term-timeofll:'nsive to Scottish lairds)
8nuff, grantl accommodation for, lt6. 261.
Snuff, Im'pit soopit for, 1
t5. I Texts, remarks upon, 84.
:Snuff put into thf, >>ermou, 319. · 'flIat's a. lee, Jemmie.' 157.
:-5nutr-taking, 124, \ Theatre, clergy useù to atttmd, ill 11S4,
oldier, an old, of the 42rl, l':lntiúu8
2.
about tbe nalne of Gnthaw, 338. Theatre, clerical non-attendance, 9:3.
· Some lowk like }Jarritch, and some I 'The Lreet's stamJiu' j' the ]..)cel wi
like I)addocks,'
l'3s. ma,' 215.
· Some strong 0' the aêlple,' 251. " 'The <leila ane shall pray fvr them 011
ong
, drinking, 117. IlLY plaid,' 99.
Sovereign, when new, a curiosity, 3:-$(). 'rile fool and the miller, 2HÒ.
peat 0' praying and apeat o' drinking, , The man rcads,' 333.
257. 'Them 'at drink by themsellli Ula)
Speir, daft Will, and Earl of Eglinton, just Üsh by tbeJl1sells: 131.
285. 286. ' There'll }JC a. walth 0' images there_
Speir, da.ft Will, auswer to master 60.
about his dinner, 286, ' There'
Kinnaird greetiu' as if there
Spinster, elderly, areh reply to, by a WEtS nae a 8aunt Oil earth but hiw-
younier member, 192. sell and the King 0' Frances,' a.
Stipend, mintster'Ii, l'e&8011s afl&tnMt
its being 1arge, 269.
Stirling of Keir, evidence In favou.r
of, by the miller of Keir. 98.
Stirling of Keir, lecture on proverbs,
227.
Stl'a'von, wife's desire to Le buried in,
71.
Strikes, answer upon, by a master,
271.
Stewart, Rev. Patrick, sermon con-
sumed by mice, 30.
Stone remo\'ed out of the way, 27.
Stool, a three-legged, thrown at hUB.
band ùy wife, 312.
Stout lady. remark of, 22.
Strnnraer, old ladies on the Britisk
victories over the French, 198.
Sunday sometimes included ill Satur.
day's drinking party, 118.
Suppers once prevalent in Scotland,
118.
Sutherland, Colonel Sandy, hiN dil a
like to the French, 330.
Swearing by Laird of Finzean, 59.
Swearing by Perth writer, 5R
Swearing common in Scotland for
merly, 58, 5g.
Swine, dislike of, in Scotland, 04.
Swinophobia, reasons for, 95.
Smith, Sydney, remark
of, on mm
not at church, 57.
.
1..YDBX.
88i
Waverley quoted,
7.
Webster, Rev. Dr" a five-bottle man,
122.
, Weel then. neist time they sall get
"na'u: ava,' 133.
'We'll stop now, bairns: I'm no
Ilter-
teen ed, ' 28.
· We never a bsol ve till after thrH
several oppea.rancu,' 156.
West, going, ridiculous application of
179.
'Wha' are thae twa beddu-looking
bodies?' 303.
· 'Vhat a nicht for me to be fieein
through the air,' 1
8.
'What ails ye at her wi' the green
gown!' 132.
· WLat gars the laird of Garskadden
look Rae gash?' 124.
"Vhat is the chief end of man?' 86.
· When ye get cheenge for a saxpence
here, it':; soon slippit awa,' 180.
'V'hisky, limited blame of, 73.
, W)JÏted sepulchres,' applied to clergy
in surplices, Inverncss. 32.
'Vife, cool opinion of, by hushand, 25.
Wire, rebuke of, by minister, 80.
'ViCe taken by ber husband to Bao-
chory, 332.
Wig of professor in Secession Church
301.
Williamson the huntslliø.n and Duke
of Lauderdal,
, 277.
, Will ye tak your haddock wi' w the
day t' 205.
Wilson, Scottish vocalist, modesty of,
191.
Wind, Scotch minist.er's prayer for, 'i8,
W olvea and the piper, 28.
Wool, modificationi of, 181.
UNBELIEVf;R described 1.)). ScotcL I
lady, 188. ' YEa' speak sac genttd now that I
dillna ken wha'K Scotch,' 184.
VIE\V of things, Scottish matter of' Yeddie, daft, remark on a club-foot,
cl,HR
Vomit, if not strong enough, to Dt" 'Ye should hae titeekit your neive upo'
returned, 337. , tllat,'
.n.
I 'Y e've been lang Cook, Cooking them,
W AMHINO llisbes on the
aùhath da
'." but ye"'6 ùi
hecl them a.t last,' 2
9.
13. Young man and l'ards in church, 313.
Waverle
'. old lad)' discovering the I 'Your hospitality border:i up(ln
&:
thOI uf. i70. brutality,' 1O
.
'There'lJ nae wail 0' wigs on Munrim-
mon Moor,' 256.
· There's neither men nor meesic, and
fat care I for meat!' 214.
, They may pray the kenee:i atf their
breeks afore I join in that prayer,'
gP.
· They neither sald ba nor bum,' 133.
'Thirdly and lastly' fell over the
pulpit stairs, 332.
Thomson, Thomas, described in Aber-
deen dialect, 213.
Thomson, two of the name prayed for,
300,
Thrift, examples of, in medicine, 337.
Tibbie, eccentric servant, anecdote
of, 141.
Tiger and skate. stories of, 24.
Toast8 after dinner, 112, 117.
ToaRts, collection of, in the 1)ook
· The Gentleman's New Bottle COUl-
panion.' 117.
Toasts or sentiments, specimens of,
114-116.
Tom;st, En
1ish, asking Scottish girl
for horse-tlies, :
29.
Town Council, '}Irotit but not honour,'
199.
Tractarianism, idea of, by an old
Presbyt.erian, 60.
· Travel from Genesis to Revelation,
and not footsore,' 322.
Traveller'li story, treatment of, 24.
· Troth, mem, they're jUit the gude-
man's dud clae
,' 75.
Tulloch, David, Jacobite anecdote of,
at prayerø, 98.
Turkey leg, devilled, and !ìervant, U8.
Tweerldale, LOT(I, and dog Pil'kle, 134.
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Rams
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Dean R
msav's Reminiscences of Scottish life
t..
& character. (By Edward Bannerman Ramsay] With
sixteen illustrations in colour from original
wa ter-colo'lr dra\'li ngs by 11. W. Kerr. ChicaGo"
A.C. McClurg & Co.; Edinburgh, T.N. Foulis, 1908
[v] )87p. 16 col. plates. 20cm. jndex.
1.Scotl
d-Socirtl life 2nd customs. 2.Anecdotes-Scot-
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