and the scanty volumes of the cottage library fifty or sixty years ago. Though the prevailing tone of Aunt Janet's Legacy is fervent and religious, there is yet much in it that pictures the scenery of Yarrow, and describes several incidents which remind us of some of those to be found in Dr. Russell's Reminiscences. In Glimpses of Peebles, or Forgotten Chapters in its History, by the Rev. Alexander Williamson, F.S.A., we have a number of sketches not only of great interest to Peebleans, but also to readers far beyond the bounds of the Border burgh on the upper reaches of the Tweed. For among the ministers, doctors, schoolmasters, and tradesmen of the town whom Mr. Williamson brings before us, we have also Sir Walter Scott, John Leyden, Mungo Park, the Ettrick Shepherd, and several other well-known names in literature. Sir Walter got at least three originals for the Waverley Novels out of Peebles-Meg Dods, Edie Ochiltree, and the Black Dwarf. Of Mungo Park we have some interesting "glimpses." It seems that after settling down in Peebles on returning from Africa, his heart was still in the "Dark Continent," and there he longed to le. The longing ripened Into resolution, but the resolution drew the line at his wife's decision in the matter. "Ailie," he said to her, "say the word and I'll stay: but she, knowing the earnestness of his desire to go, restrained that word under great self-denial and left it to himself. Shortly afterward, Park set out for Africa, but never again returned. What we miss in these Glimpses of Peebles, is a notice of the brothers, William and Robert Chambers. They are mentioned, it is true, but mentioned only incidentally. Has Mr. Williamson forgotten them in his Forgotten Chapters of Peebles history? In Riverside Rambles of an Edinburgh Angler, by Duncan Fraser, we find much to interest both anglers and general readers inasmuch as the author not only relates many of his fishing experiences, but also introduces several local "characters" whom he meets in the course of his Rambles. Here is an anecdote of Bob Scott, "the prince of guides" up Ettrick and down Yarrow. A Cockney tourist was on the coach one day lately, and as Watch Law came into view, he raised his eye-glass and languidly surveyed the cattle that were grazing near the top. "I should think these creatures can get little herbage up there," he remarked. "That may be," replied Bob, "but, losh man, look at the view they're gettin'!" This anecdote of the Yarrow guide may be original, but there is one from the North with a similar vein of humour in it. A "minister's man" had been complain ing about the poor grazing on the glebe, and expressing his belief that there was "no as nuckle pickin' for the bease as wad feezik a snipe." 'Man, Dauvit, haud your tongue," replied the minister, pointing to Kirkton Burn and the open country of Strathmore stretching away for many miles, "the bease ha'e plenty o' fine water, an' their attention'll be ta'en up wi' that grand view." All the works noticed above are very tastefully got up, have good illustrations, and do much. credit to the firm of Messrs. George Lewis, & Co., who are now taking front rank among provincial publishers and printers. From Galashiels come the two following volumes: first, Principal Excursions of the Innerleithen Alpine Club, during the years 1889 -94. Printed and published for the club by John M'Queen, Scottish Border Record Office. In this work, with its sixteen illustrations, we get a graphic account of the excursions and rambles of the members of the Club among the hills and glens of Peeblesshire, Moffatdale, and the neighbouring districts. So long accustomed as we have been to the legends, songs, ballads, and battlefields of the Border Country, it is quite a pleasant change to get, instead, a turn at its geology, botany, and antiquities. In no scientic phraseology are these excursions related: nor are the ramblers so many Dr. Dryasdusts, airing their theories and riding their hobbies. All are pleasantly told, and after a perusal of the volume we feel that we have learned something that we had not previously known of Border scenery and Border history. The illustrations are very well done the most cherished of which will be the portrait of the late Mr. Robert Matheson, first President of the Club, to whose memory the volume is gracefully and affectionately dedicated. Taking up the next volume from Galashiels, we are glad to observe that the practice of congregational history-writing is now becoming general in Scotland. So many advantages are to be derived from the practice, that we should like to see the General Assemblies of the Established and Free Churches, and the Synod of the United Presbyterian Church, recom mending to every Session-Clerk, or other competent office-bearer, that they should write the history of the congregation with which they are officially connected. What a wealth of modern Scottish history and anecdote would thereby be accumulated and preserved! While every congregation would naturally feel interested in its own records, it would be a poor compilation that did not contain some thing to interest the general reader as well. One of the best works of the kind to which we refer, is a volume BY JOHN HOGARTH, SECRETARY. ERHAPS the most trying experience in the life of a young man is when he is compelled to leave the home of his childhood and youth, and embark alone upon the ocean of life. More particularly is this the case if he has been accustomed to the quiet matter of fact existence to be found in our rural districts, and it becomes necessary for him to migrate to some large city or other centre of industry and enterprise. This is the most crucial period in his life, for it is then that he forms companionships which will probably mould his whole future career. recently published in Galashiels, Origin and Glasgow Border Counties Association. History of Ladhope Free Church, by Robert Hall, published under the auspices of Ladhope Free Church Literary Association. It is, of course, specially intended for the members of that congregation, but Mr. Hall has done his work so well that outsiders and strangers will find a great deal both to interest and amuse them. It is full of humour as may be gathered from the numerous anecdotes incidentally related in the course of the narrative. Take the following instance. There had been a congregational library in Ladhope Free Church, but the books had got into an unhappy and unhealthy condition, by being kept in a damp closet off the vestry. The librarian, however, was equal to the occasion, and showed quite a genius in the way of treating mouldy books. "Here 'e are," he would say, pushing a damp volume into the hands of an applicant: "there's a right yin for 'e. Take it away an' gie'd the air, it stands muckle in need o't." The condition of a volume appeared to the worthy librarian to be the test of its suitability rather than of its contents. Literary Notes. WE have much pleasure in announcing, on the authority of the author himself, that a new and greatly enlarged edition of "J. B. Selkirk's" poems is in preparation, and that it will be ready shortly. We feel sure that this announcement will be received with much gratification, not only by all Border readers, but by all lovers of good and genuine poetry. One of the most remarkable and outstanding books of the season is written by a Border man of whom we are all justly proud-Mr. William Jacks. The work referred to is, "Robert Burns in Other Tongues," published by James Maclehose & Sons, Glasgow. The other tongues" in which our national poet's words are rendered are no less than sixteen in number-German, Swiss, French, Dutch, etc. Some of these translations are very amusing: for example The halesome parritch, chief o' Scotia's food, is converted by the German translator into A partridge as is pleasing to the Scotch. It may be of interest to our readers to note that portrait of John Leyden, painted by Sir David Wilkie, has lately been discovered. The portrait is now in possession of a well-known citizen of Edinburgh, and a fervent admirer of Leydennamely, Mr. James M. Gow, Agent for the Union Bank, Hunter Square. Publishers are respectfully informed that NOTICES OF BORDER BOOKS will form one of the special features of this Magazine. Works intended for review should be sent not later than the 12th of each month.-ED. B. M. The depopulation of our country districts goes on apace, and the consequent influx of young men into our large cities renders it absolutely necessary that something should be done to aid such on their first introduction to city life. It is with this object in view that associations, such as the Glasgow Border Counties Association, have been formed, and surely this aim is a commendable one, and well worthy of every encouragement and support. In cities like Glasgow almost every county and, in many cases, even localities and towns have their local associations. All such are formed in the first instance to meet in some measure the dissolution of family ties, and are doing, or at least are capable of doing, a grand and noble work. The natives of the Border Counties have not lagged behind their contemporaries in this respect. For a number of years they have had a vigorous association in Saint Mungo, the home of their adoption, and have been doing an enthusiastic and varied work, more especially among the young Borderers resident there, and for whose benefit the association chiefly exists. Year by year as it has increased in numbers, its scope has widened and the sphere of its usefulness has extended. The objects of the Association as stated in its constitution are: (1) The cultivation of friendly intercourse among the members. (2) The relief of persons belonging to any one of the Border Counties resident in or passing through Glasgow in indigent or distressed circumstances. (3) To encourage the cause of education in these Counties by the presentation of prizes or other rewards. With the first of these we will deal more particularly, for it is in reality the root from which the others spring. The social element is now a most important one in our modern everyday life, and it will, in about ninety cases out of every hundred, be found that the leading object of all such associations is very similar in its terms to that first quoted, and it is the one which the directors of the Glasgow Border Counties Association do their utmost to foster and encourage. After a hard day's work much relaxation and enjoyment are to be derived from an hour or two's social intercourse with friends hailing from the same country side, and the one great tie which binds them together is the love of home and of the fatherland-call it clannishness or by what other name you choose. The Glasgow Border Counties Association as now constituted, was formed in 1872 by the amalgamation of the Roxburghshire and Berwickshire Associations, and comprises the counties of Roxburgh, Berwick, Selkirk and Peebles. For many years previous to this, however, similar associations are known to have existed in Glasgow, among which may be mentioned the Tweedside Society, which was formed in 1813 and is still in existence, although its operations and membership are now somewhat limited. A Berwickshire society and a Roxburghshire society flourished for many years, the latter having been formed in 1857 and was incorporated with the present association on its formation in 1872. Although the Glasgow Border Counties Association was formed in 1872, it is only necessary to trace its history of progress from about the year 1885, when new life, energy, and enthusiasm, were instilled into its proceedings by the formation in that year of a Literary Society which may be said to be the backbone of the Association's existence. During the last decade the career of the Association has been a most successful one, and the membership now amounts to over 200. For six months in the year-October to March-two meetings are held every week, one on the Wednesday evening for literary study, and the other on the Saturday evening for social recreation. These meetings are largely attended, and have proved of immense benefit to many on their introduction to city life. Many firm, lasting, and profitable companionships have been formed and cemented thereby, for surely no young man could form a better companionship than with those who before them have left their native hills and glens, and whose advice and experience is invaluable to the uninitiated in the ways of city life. In addition to this agency-the Literary Society --the Association has likewise a successful Cricket Club and Fishing Club in active operation during the summer months, affording to their members healthy pastime, besides giving continuity to the affairs of the Association. The Whist Club and Draughts Club may likewise be mentioned, and during the winter session, monthly Saturday evening concerts are regularly held, which are well patronised and much enjoyed Besides these meetings others on a much larger scale are from time to time held under the Association's auspices. The nucleus of a Library has been formed, and the Border newspapers will be found in the Rooms, at 94 West Regent Street, at the Saturday evening meetings. There is also a "John Leyden" Bursary in the University of Glasgow, subscribed by friends and members to perpetuate the memory of this well-known Border Poet and Scholar. Altho' much has been accomplished, the Directors have of late years found their operations somewhat hampered by the inadequacy of the means at their disposal, and they have at present on hand a scheme for obtaining permanent rooms, to be open all the year round, where Borderers, either resident in or visiting Glasgow, may meet at all times. The management is vested in a President, VicePresident, Secretary, and Treasurer, and a large body of Directors, together with a number of Patrons, Honorary President, and Honorary Vice Presidents. The ordinary subscription is 2/6 yearly. Donors of £2 2s. are entitled to be enrolled as Life Members, while a donation of a similar amount from any one not a Borderer entitles him to be enrolled as an Honorary Life Member. Edinburgh Border Counties THE Annual Meeting and Dinner of the Association were held in the Balmoral Hotel on Friday evening, 31st January. The Right Hon. Lord Tweedmouth occupied the chair, while A. S. Brown, Esq., Galashiels, and Major Thos. Darling, C.C., Berwick, acted as croupiers. Over seventy gentlemen sat down to dinner. Among the special features of the evening was the Rev. Mr. Crockett's Song of the Borderland," specially written for the occasion, and sung to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne." A full Report of the proceedings appeared in The Berwickshire News of February 4. In our April number we hope to be able to place before our readers some interesting extracts from the Annual Report which Mr. Usher, Secretary, has kindly promised to send us; notably an account of the taking over of the Rhymer's Tower at Earlston, which is now the property of the Association. Edinburgh Borderers' Union. A VERY successful concert of vocal and instrumental music was given in aid of the Reading Room funds in the Protestant Institute Hall, on the evening of Wednesday, 12th February. A high class programme was admirably sustained by Vocalists: Mr. W. D. Smart, Mr. J. Campbell Noble, R.S.A., Mr. Osborne Grieve, and Mr. J. Craig. Instrumentalists: Miss Graham, 1st violin, Miss Webster, 1st violin, Mr. Noble, 2nd violin, Mr. W. H. Daly, viola, and Mr. James Craig, 'cello. Mr. Tom Craig acted as accompanist and conductor. The Chairman, Mr. S. Douglas Elliot, S.S.C., proposed a very hearty vote of thanks to the performers, and congratulated the Union on the high class character of the entertainment. Mr. James Craig suitably replied. Border Notes and Queries. ACTING on the suggestions of several esteemed correspondents, we have much pleasure in setting apart a portion of our space under the above heading. By way of making a beginning, we note the following queries, to which we respectfully invite replies for publication in our next number. 1. Are the Innerleithen people justified in claiming their town as the scene of Sir Walter's St. Ronan's Well?-LEITHEN. 2. Is the word goam, (to recognise) only a Border term, or is it a regular auld Scotch word? What makes us ask is this on consulting a " Dictionary of Scotch " recently published, goam was not in it.-GATTONSIDE. 3. When Hawick Common was divided the event was commemorated in a song. The music is extant and contains men's part, women's part, and crowd's part, but words wanting. Can any reader supply the omission?-HAWICK. Glasgow: Carter & Pratt, Printers. |