Next month we will give plate portraits, with biographical sketches, of Messrs. D. R. Cameron, Burmah; W. H. Gregg, St. Louis, U.S. A.; and Hugh Cameron, Montana, U.S.A.

VOLUME VII. can now be had, tastefully bound, 6s. 6d., post free, from John Mackay, 1 Blythswood Drive, Glasgow.

THE CLAN MACKAY SOCIETY.-The opening meeting of the session was held in Glasgow on 19th ult. -Mr. Alex. Mackay, vice-president, in the chair. There was a large attendance. Mr. John Mackay, editor, Celtic Monthly (hon. secretary), reported on the recent tour in the Reay country. 380 pupils had attended the nine Gaelic classes, and the examinations held in each parish showed that they had made remarkable progress in their studies. Mr. James R. Mackay, C.A., stated that the present year had been most successful, and the balance the largest for several sessions past, the total funds now amounting to £1215. Eleven life members and a large number of ordinary members had recently joined. Rev. Angus Mackay, M.A., reported the discovery of an ancient carved stone in Halladale, dated 1630, showing an " open hand" as part of the Mackay arms, similar to that on the Mackay banner. This convincing proof of the authenticity of the banner as

being the genuine Bratach Bhan of the Clan Mackay, ought to make Rector Alex. Macbain and Mr. D. Murray Rose pause before rushing again into print with their rash and improbable theories.

THE CLAN MACLEAN'S "AT HOME" was held in the Queen's Rooms on 20th ult.—Col. Sir Fitzroy D. Maclean, C.B., chief of the clan, in the chair. There was a large and representative gathering. The chief delivered a rousing speech, in which he referred to the publication of the new clan history by Rev. Maclean Sinclair, the large increase in membership and funds, and the useful work which the society was performing. The gathering was very enjoyable. The hall was most artistically decorated with tartan draperies, Highland weapons, &c., by the well-known firm of Messrs. Rowan & Co., 104 Argyle Street.

MACKAY AND THE CAITHNESSMAN. We are all familiar with the story of the deathbed scene of Rob Roy, in which the priest is depicted exhorting Rob among other things to forgive his enemies in order that he might receive forgiveness himself, and of Rob's regretful reply-" Weel, weel, what maun be maun be, but "-turning towards his two sons, all ablaze with the last dying flash of the old Adam within, he suddenly added-" God bless ye, Duncan and Rory, if ye forgie them."

So died we are told that unweaned "Child of the Mist."

In those days instances showing the ruling passion strong in death were not confined, alas, to the Braes o' Balquhidder. Tradition bequeaths us many such, but I shall merely quote one, well known at one time in the Mackay country. The story opens with one of these periodic incursions with which the Mackays and the Caithnessmen were wont to enliven the monotony of the dull northern day of that age. On this particular occasion it was the Sinclairs' turn to visit the Reay country on an expedition for the study of its flora and fauna, especially of its fauna. It would seem that on their return a small band of the Sinclairs became detached from the main body, and entering a narrow pass, endeavoured to reach their storm-swept headland by a shorter route. Fatal error! In the centre of the pass they were Aoidh's suddenly confronted by one of Clan mightiest sons, Big Swarthy John, as he would be named in English. The encounter was sharp and sanguinary. Of the best part of a dozen, all but one who escaped, fell by the blade of this demon of the pass.

Swarthy John lived to hear the tale oft told on the Naver, his prowess being fully appreciated by his clansmen, who felt proud that one of their number could repeat in the wilds of Caithness that heroic deed which King Robert the Bruce performed in the deep solitude of Lorn. But at length Swarthy John entered a pass in which he was confronted by a demon from which no one has returned to tell a tale. He lay on his death bed, with the priest bend ing over him, exhorting him to prepare for the final journey. But no sign of repentence came from Swarthy John, he remained silent, although visibly affected. The priest continued to press him, asking if he had nothing to confess-left no regrets behind him. Regrets, said you," replied the dying man, "yes, I still deeply regret that I let that last Caithness man escape me in the pass."

New York.

MACDHAI.

No speck of blue in the sky, no bit of delicate colouring in the landscape-all is cold, cheerless, and grey. And the two young people who stand there in the fading light are in strange harmony with their surroundings. The girl's dress or short petticoat, of dark blue serge, is faded and well worn, even the tartan kerchief, that should be a bright bit of colouring in the garb, has lost its original hues in the wear and tear of many seasons. He who stands by her side bears also the marks of deep poverty. Yet they are a comely pair to look upon-be, tall and broad-chested, with fair, reddish hair and beard, and a pleasant open countenance. His

Then her struggle to emulate his bravery triumphs, and she looks up with eyes no longer dim with unshed tears, but love-lit and full of hope.

"And it will be good cheer, Donald, never fear," she says gently.

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"My own! my own!" he murmurs, with passionate fervour. There, you may go to Bella and Peggy now. I have kept them too long from their supper to-night. By daybreak I'll be starting for Stornoway."

"And you'll chust give a bit tap on the window as you go by; then I'll be coming out to wish you good-luck again," she says. "And mind and take care of yourself, Donald; it's a weary road you're starting, and I'll chust be ferry anxious till I'll be seein' you back, whateffer."

"It'll chust be counting effery meenit I am, till I get back to you, Christy, mo chridhe," he declares.

Then, with mutual tenderness, they say goodnight again, and part.

The children have hung back shyly, although they are fond of Donald. They know that he, like all his fellow cottars, is in sad trouble, and, kind-hearted little mortals that they are, they will not spoil his morsel of pleasure, snatched in the fast fading light.

With a subdued gladness they come to their sister now and take each a hand, while she, thinking still of her lover, has to pause at the house door hastily to wipe her tears away.

Ah! it is hard to think of their leaving their native land, where the fair, bright days of youth have dawned with promise of radiant morning! Her mind dwells upon the scenes she knows and loves so well; there, in the tranquil loch, where, long ago, her almost baby hands were taught to use the oar; by the sea, at times a plaything, scattering treasures from the deep. Left alone on the silent moor, Donald, too, gives vent to the pent up grief of his heart as he ponders sadly on his prospects.

Until now doing most of the work on his aged father's little croft, keeping the house tight and dry from wind and rain, engaging as gillie in the summer months, his time has been fully and happily occupied. And over all an additional halo of gladness had been cast by dreams of another steading that Christy and he would share together in a fair future.

But now fierce storm and tempest had swept the crops away; the potatoes had rotted in the ground, and every day found Donald poorer in a vain endeavour to keep the wolf from the door. So now he was resolved to put in his lot with those who were about to emigrate to a foreign land. While he pondered on the still moor, his only brother was standing in the doorway of his father's house. All around the

little steading spoke of orderliness and careful work; no "lazy-beds" disfigured the lands at harvest time; nor even now, when the destructive blast of the late storms might have been excuse, was there evidence of neglect.

The house itself was in better repair than most of the neighbouring ones, and where the absence of chimneys was strikingly general, the quite stately one of the Macivor's dwelling was at once suggestive and imposing. Within, although the floor was an earthen one, how trim and clean was everything, from the crockery shining bright on the dresser-which Donald's own hands had made to the smallest item of use or ornament.

Sitting by the low, wide fireplace, were an old couple, Donald's respected and worthy parents.

"Do you see Donald coming?" presently asked the old woman, speaking to her son standing in the doorway, and he, replying in the affirmative, went on smoking.

Like his mother, he spoke in Gaelic; indeed, his English vocabulary was well nigh as scant as hers; and, truth to tell, his chief characteristic was the "limpet" pertinacity for his native soil with which islanders are particularly accredited, caring little for aught beyond the barest necessaries of existence, and blessed with few thoughts to extend beyond his humble ideas of self-gratification. Donald was a striking contrast. Imbued with all the feverish impetuosity of an ardent nature, he had long been ruled by the desire to better his lot in life, and was only restrained from seeking a wider field for his energy by his care for those depending, not on his pecuniary help alone, but for kindness and sympathy together. Possessing all that resolution of character that makes men of his disposition successful wherever they go, the thought of the aged parents he must leave behind to his brother's perhaps not too tender care, alone had held him back from seeking fortune abroad. Then, too, Christina would be sorely missed in her home; her mother, a widow, being blind, the charge of the little girls already mentioned was chiefly hers, to take her entirely away from them would seem cruel indeed. And that which would be painful as a voluntary act, how much harder now being almost compulsory?

Charity, mayhap the grudging alms of the affluent, or emigration, these two confront him. The proud young islander clings to independence. To-night the subject must be broached, the stern necessity of immediate action is clear to him; and now when he is strong in trust and love from that meeting on the moor, he will do it best.

He goes into the house presently and slips to the fireplace.

Mother, you will be making me up some

If

His mother's words sounded in Donald's ears long after she and the other inmates of the house were asleep. He sat upon the low chest where all the treasures of the family were kept, and thought of different plans for tiding over the hard winter, but, alas! to no purpose. he had been in the Royal Naval Reserve, as so many of his fellow-cottars were, there would have been more hope; the money gained in that way would pay his rent, and credit was more easily obtained from the merchants by those in the service; but, although master of many occupations, Donald had never taken kindly to the deep-sea fishing, and only bona fide fishermen are eligible for this branch of Her Majesty's service. The trim appearance they present in their sailor suits and neat caps flitted through Donald's brain, and gradually, with the vision, a thought that flushed his cheek, and anon sent it an ashen hue.

Long the conflict raged within him, and when at last he rose, he staggered like one intoxicated. He crept stealthily to the shelf whereon lay one or two books, also pens and a small bottle of ink. The latter necessary adjuncts of correspondence he clutched nervously, and having placed them on the chest returned again, this time in search of writing paper.

But what makes the strong man tremble so that he can hardly steady the pen to do the work he wills it? Again and again he pauses, and it is long before the few lines are done which under other circumstances would have seemed but a trifling task.

knows is great, but then he is very familiar with the minister's handwriting, also the form of words he usually employs. And the fingers that have clutched the pen, tremulous though they be, are not those of a tyro, but one much given to perfect by practice his little stock of learning, none the worse because it has been gained under much adverse circumstance.

But, successfully accomplished although he feels it is, his work gives him no pleasurable thrill, as he thrusts it hastily from his sight into his pocket; and then, prayerless, and with such a load on his conscience as he has never felt before, seeks his humble pallet. There is no sleep for him that night, and long before the grey light of a new day has made any headway, he steals silently out into the chill, raw air.

"What! must you start so early?" Christina whispers in awe-struck tones, as, awaked by his gentle knock at her mother's door, she has thrown an enveloping plaid around her, and come, as promised, to wish him God-speed.

"Yes, I must be going," he answers in a constrained, sad voice. "Good-bye, Christy. Think well of me, whatever happens!" some impulse urges him to add.

If the young maiden was quick to throw her arms round the young man's neck, kissing him on lips and brow, as she bade him be of good cheer, can we blame her? And be assured her warmth was not lost upon her lover.

When he left, she shed a few silent tears, for she said

(Continued from page 7). 1709-April 25.-John Macpherson, of Achacha (a part of Raitts), registers bond to the Duke of Gordon, which narrates that his father, Andrew Macpherson, had appraised the lands of Raitts belonging to William Mackintosh, of Borlum, for a certain debt; and that he, as heir to his deceased father, had charged the Duke to enter him, and grant charter. This the Duke agreed to do for the consideration of a payment of 400 merks. "But it being customary for all superiors, upon granting entries. on apprizings, to exact and receive a full year's rent, yet his Grace has been pleased to accept 400 merks, which was far within a year's rent, still if the lands are not redeemed by Borlum

within the legal term, and pass into Macpherson's possession," he, the said Andrew, obliges himself and his heirs and successors to pay a full year's rent of the lands, under deduction of the above 400 merks. The bond bears date at the Canongate, 31st December, 1675.

1710 January 30.-Bond registered, granted by John Macpherson, of Tirfodoun (now incorporated with Dalchully), to George, Duke of Gordon, dated at Eilean dhu (in Laggan), 12th December, 1709.

Eo. Die.-Bond by James and John Macpherson, in Crubinbeg, to the Duke of Gordon, for £100 as part of the duty of Crubinbeg, still due by Alexander Macpherson, their brother german and others, possessors of the lands for the last three years, dated Ruthven, 15th December, 1709. Thomas Macpherson, son to Duncan Macpherson, of Invertromie, one of the witnesses.

Eo. Die.-Another bond by same persons to the Duke of Gordon for 32 merks, same date.

Eo. Die.-Bond registered by Elias Macpherson, in Prothemore (Crathymore?) as principal, with Angus Macpherson, of Druminord, as cautioner, to the Duke of Gordon for £25 3s 4d of borrowed money. Dated ut antea.

This word "Elias "" is at the time not unfrequent among the Macphersons, and the last owner of Invereshie of the original line was so named. The real name was Gillies.

Eo. Die.-Bond registered by Samuel Macpherson, of Drum-Callaig, to the Duke of Gordon, for 164 merks, dated at Eilean dhu, 12th December, 1709, and witnessed by John Macpherson, of Tirfodoun; Duncan Macpherson, of Gergask; and Duncan Macpherson, of Invertromie.

Eo. Die-Bond registered by Donald Macpherson in Shirrabeg to the Duke of Gordon for £50 Scots, dated and witnessed as above.

Eo. Die-Bond registered granted by Evan Macpherson, alias Macvurrich Roy, in Shirramore, to John Cuming, of Tom breachie, chamberlain of Badenoch, for £40. Dated at Shirramore, 10th December, 1709, in presence of John and Donald Macpherson, elder and younger of Tirfodoun, and others.

Eo. Die.-Bond registered granted by Angus Macpherson, of Druminord, and Thomas Macpherson, in Pitgoun, to the said John Cuming, for 52 merks, price of three horses pounded by him for byegone duties from Murdo Macpherson of Shirramore. Dated Ruthven, 14th December, 1709. Dougal Macpherson, in Ruthven,

one of the witnesses.

Eo. Die.-Bond registered by Dougal Macpherson, William Mackintosh, and Evan Macintyre, all in Crathymore, to John Cuming, chamberlain of Badenoch, for £20. Dated

Ruthven, 15th December, 1709. Duncan Mackintosh, of Gergask, one of the witnesses.

Eo. Die.-Bond registered, granted by John Mackintosh, of Blargymore, to the said John Cuming, for 60 merks of unpaid duty for the three years of 1706, 1707, and 1708.

Eo. Die. Bond registered, granted by Donald Macpherson, of Invernahaven, to the said John Cuming, for 40 merks, borrowed money, dated Ruthven, 16th December, 1709.

Eo. Die.-Bond registered, granted by Donald Macpherson, of Pitchurn, to the said John Cuming, for 110 merks, price of 11 bolls of oatmeal, of the Miln farm of Delraddie, dated Ruthven, 10th May, 1709. Alexander Macpherson, of Phoness, one of the witnesses.

1710 February 2nd.-Registration of factory by the Duke of Gordon to John Macpherson of Corronach (now part of the farm of Biallid), as Chamberlain of Lochaber, dated 10th November, 1709. Malcolm Macpherson, of Breakachie, one of the witnesses.

1710 February 3rd.-Registration of factory by the Duke of Gordon to Malcolm Macpherson, of Breakachie, as his chamberlain in Laggan for Martinmas, 1686, and during his pleasure, dated at Gordon Castle, 20th January, 1687.

1710 February 18th.-Registration of factory by George, Duke of Gordon, who, being confident of the ability, fidelity, and dutifulness of Lachlan Mackintosh, of Strone, appoints him chamberlain of his lands and mills within the Parish of Kingussie, for collecting the Martinmas rents of 1686. Subscribed at Gordon Castle, 26th January, 1687. Lachlan Mackintosh, of Balnespick, and Malcolm Macpherson, of Breakachie, witnesses.

1710 February 22.-Commission registered by George, Duke of Gordon, to Lachlan Mackintosh, present possessor of the lands of Ruthven (second son of William Mackintosh, third of Borlum), to hold courts within the Lordship of Badenoch and the Barony of Kincardine, for the administration of justice, ordaining him to account for all emoluments of office, allowing him 300 merks of salary. Dated at the Citadel of Leith, 12th September, 1709, and witnessed by John Alexander, doctor of medicine, and James Wilson, described as his Grace's servitor.

1710 March 2.-Registration of tack by the Duke of Gordon to the above Lachlan Mackintosh, of the town and lands of Ruthven in Badenoch, rent, £458 6s 8d Scots, together with public burdens. Signed at the Citadel of Leith, 13th September, 1709, in presence of George Leslie, of Kincraigie, advocate, and James Simson, the Duke's servitor.

1710-March 9.-Registration of Letter of forestry by the Duke of Gordon to Samuel