text: V ', Nc v^. Leabh. Traas Mlos a' Glieamhraidh, 1875« ||i*4i|i'ii'iiè(ii:i8iiiiri'=i!in!iiiiijEy 37 Air. A. li J. BWYSON, PaiNTERS. 34 HUTSHESON STRBBT GLASGOW, THE GAEL ADVERTISEMENTS. AISEAG A NASGUIDH AG us CUIDEACHADH FARAIDH DO NEW ZEALAND. I.- Tha CuiDHACHADH FARAIDH airatlioiit do Luchd-oibre fearainn, Nai-vien, Ciobairean agus Lxichd-ceiide posda air dhoibli gculladh sgriobhta 'thoirt gu'm paigh iad deicli Puinnd Shftsuniiach gach duine 'n a mlieidbisean ai) deigh dol thairis; no le coig puinnd Shasunu- ach an duine a phaigheadli man seol iad. Feumaidh iad a bhi stuania, deanadacb, fo dheagh cbliu, fallaiu n an inutiun, saor o dheiieas, ann an slainte nihatb, agus a' dol tbairis a' cur rompa oibreachaidh air son tuarasdail. II. — Cba toir an Uacbdranachd aiseag do os cionn clithis cbloinne eadar aon bbliadbna agus da bbliadbn' deug a db-aois (oms (icvh tcaijhlacli; aeb faodaidh parantan an t-airgiod aisig, eadlioii, seaclid puinnd Saasunnacb, a pbaigbeadli air .son gacb aon d'an teagblacb oa cionn an aireanib sin. Tba gacb pearsa «.•>• cionn da bhliadhiC dciia air a ndieas mar dhuine; clann eadar aon bhliadhva ayns da h/iìiadìiìi' dciii/ air am meas m&r Idh dhaoine; agus naoidbeanan fo aon bbliadbna air an giulan a ìtaf:f/itidìi. III.— Mnathan Singilte. — Tba AISEAG^ A NASGUIDH aig Ban-chocairean, Maigbdeannan-seomair, Searbbantan-tigbc, Banaraicbean &c.,nacb'eil fo cboig bliadhn' deug no os cionn coig bliadbn' deug tbar f bicbead a dli-aois. IV. — Gbeobb nighcanan charuidean ponda, a tba da bbliadbn' deug no os a cbionn, aiseag a nasguidb ; agus gabbar gillean d'an aois cbeudna a tba falbb an cuideacbd am parantan na 'm paigbear coig puinnd Sliasunnach an fear air an sonm'an seol iad, no air gbealladh sgriobbta gu'm paigbear sea puinnd Sbasunnacb am fear air an son mar Ian airgiod-aisig. V.-Daoine Singilte. — Is i an t-suim a db' fbeumar a pbaigbeadh air son dbaoine singilte ochd puinnd Sbasunnacb am fear de airgiod ullanib. Jlur urrainn doibb sin a dbioladb faodaidb iad ceitbir puinnd Sbasunnacb a pbaigbeadh ullamh agus an ainm a cbur ri gealladb air sou ocbd puinnd Sbasunnacb. Is iad na tuarasdail a tba 'dol air son obair ocbd uairean 's an hitlm—Laboitrcrs, bho cboig gu seacbd tastain 's an latba — Luchd-ceirde, bho ocbd gu deieh tastain 's an latba. Gbeobbar duilleachaiu Gbaidhlig mu Neiv Zealand ann an Office A' Ghaidheil a nasguidb. Air son tuillidh eolais agus chwnhachan sgriobhgus an AGENT GENERAL FOE NEW ZEALAND, 7 WESTMINSTER CHAMBERS, VICTORIA ST., WESTMINSTER, LONDON, S.W. THE HIGHLANDER NEWSPAPER- Editor-John Murdoch. The objects of " The Highlander" are :— To foster enterprise and public opinion in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland ; To advocate those political, social, and economic measures which appear best calculated to advance the wellbeing of the peojjle at large ; and, To provide Highlanders at home and abroad, with a record and review of events, i which due prominence shall be given to Highland affairs. Among the topics which have prominence, are — the Land Question; Game Preserva* tion and Deer Foresting ; the best systems of Rural Economy and Practical Husbandry; the establishing of Manufactures in the Highlands; the Fisbei-ies; the working of Mines, Quarries, and Peat Mosses; th« Utilization of Sewage; Railway Extension and Mantvge- ment; Local and Imperial Taxation; Celtic and kindred Literature; Sanitary Matters, kc. Time of Publication, every Saturday. Price 2d per copy. The HIGHLANDER is Published by The HIGHLANDER Newspaper & Printing & Publishing Coy., Limited. lAuhility c/ c"(7( SliarchiihJcr is dricUy limited to the amount for trhich he gubsci^ibes. CAPITAL £3,000, in 3,000 SHARES of £1 each. Applications for Shares and orders for the Paper to be sent to the SECUETAllY. JOHN MURDOCH, at TME OFFICES, 71 CHURCH ETREET, INVSRNSSS, ÌQM GAEL ADVERTISEMENTS. SPECIAL NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS. The conductors of The Gael regret that, owing to other pressing engagements, they have not been able to give the necessary atten- tion to the publishing arrangements during the past year, and that, in consequence, the monthly appearance of the publication has been sometimes more or less delayed. They are glad to announce, how- ever, that new and improved arrangements have been made for its regular and prompt appearance on the first of every month during the ensuing year. Under these arrangements, The Gael will be published simultaneously by Messrs. Maclachlan   ^^ ^^* Steerage — To Qncbcc, Porllai)d,| _po p>„ BOSTON, or NEW YORK. • ) ^^ ^^^ These Steamers oiler the best opportu- nity for Tassengers wishing to proceed to Canada, as they are landed at the Railway AVharf at (Quebec, in the Do- minion, and are thence forwarded to all the principal Stations immediately after disembarkation. • Passengers wishing to proceed to the Western States and Territories of the Union, and to California, can be booked by Quebec, as cheaply, and carried to destination as expeditiously as by any other Line. Dietary Bills, and full information as to Through Tickets, Berth, Accommoda- tion, &c., and Hates for Children, may be had on application to JAMES & ALEXANDER ALLAN, 70 Great Clyde Street, Glatgow. Anchor". Line. C3- L -A. S a- O "W" TO NEW YORK. The Steamers of this Line are despatched from 6LA860WF0R NEW YORK Every TUESDAY, THURSDAY, and SATURDAY, Calling at Movillb, Lough Foyle, and QuEENSTOWN, to Embark Passengers. SALOON CABIN :— TuES. Steamers, £14 14s and £15 15s. Thue.s. ,. £12 12s and £13 13s. Sat. ,, £10 IGs and £17 17s. INTERMEDIATE. - - Eight Guineas. STEERAGE. Six Guineas. To New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore, and Quebec. Passengers Booked at Lowest Fares to all parts of the T'^nitcd States and Canada. A}>pl!/ to HENDERSON BROTHERS, 4o k 47 UxioK Street, Glass ott. fifE G^AEL AD^^ER'rtSEMENfS. COMUNN GAIDHEALACH GHLASCHU. GLASGOW hTg'hlTnD ASSOCIATION. F F I CE- B E A h' E It S. CHIEF— OLUNY MACPHERSON of Oluhy. Chieftains — DuKc.vN Shakp, Donald M'Arthuk. Secretary— J. C Maokay. Treasurer— John Whyte. Directors. — Peter Cameron, Convener; Duncan Cowan, Duncan Carmichael, James Eraser, Robert Eraser, Angus Fiiilayson, Donald Graham, James Johnston, D. M'Gregor, Angus M'Indeor, AUan M'Kechnie, Donald M'Kenzie, James M'Kellar, James M'Millan, John M 'Queen, A. Mitchell, John Morrison, Norman Morrison, A. Sinclair, James Sinclair, Donald Sinclair. THE objects of this Association are — the cultivation of social intercourse among Highlanders desirous of chereshing their native attachments and of collecting and preserving the Traditions, Tales, Poetry, and Mnsic of the Highlands ; the relief of deserving Natives; the instituting of a Reading Room, Library, and a House of Call for Highlanders, where a Register will be ke^jt for the jnirpose of giving information where employment may be had. Membership Eees.— Honorary Members, £5; Life Members, £2 28.; Ordinary Members — Entry-money, 2/6 ; Yearly Contribution, 4/. Meetings are held every Thurday livening, in M'Callum's Temperance Hotel, 26 Glassford Street, at 8 o'Clock, to enrol Members, &c. Gaelic Entertainments are held in the Joiners' Hall, 7 Alston Street, every Satur- day Evening, at Half -past 7 o'Clock. ^am&M^ ii'i^aii, MANUFACTURER HIGHLAND BAGPIPES, 171 WEST NILE STREET, 0/ 0/ 0/ 0/ 10/ 7 (.;, & 10/ 10/ 1.5 Great Hii;hlaud Bagpipes, made of ebony, "full-mounted with ivorjs £8 Do. half-mounted with Silver, 16 Do. full-mounted with Silver, Ornamented, Chas'd,orEngrav'd, 30 Half-size, as above, £o, £10, & 18 Miniature Pipe, Practising Chanter, Large Pipe Chanters, Half size do., Gnnn's Pipe Music, the best and most complete collection of Strathspeys' Reels, Jigs. &c., ever published, bound in cloth, 6/ ; stiff covers, 4/. Tha Mr. il'Phi e ihixw aithiiiclite 's :in iluthaidi mai- sliav-fliear-cluiclie air a' Phiob-Mhoir, ajjus tha e uinie sin eòlacli air gach ftnè agus beait a tha air son a deananih coinihliont' air sonciùil; agus cha 'n 'eil Piob 's am 1>itli a' fhgail a' bliiith aige, gun a bhi air a dearbhadh an toiseacli leis U\n. a«us tha e mar sin a" dol an urras nir gad) to a Hi e a bhi anus gach dòigh ceart. Just publkhed, ANEW EDITION of CAPTAIN S. ERASER of Knockie's celebrated COLLECTION of HIGHLAND MUSIC, arranged for the Pianoforte, Violin, &c. It was first published in 1816, and con* sidered by competent Judges to be the most comi)lete collection of the kind ex- tant. The new edition contains important amendments and additions by the Com- piler's Son, the late Angus Eraser ; and the whole work has been carefully revised by Mr. AVilliam Mackay, late Secretary to the Gaelic Society at Inverness. This Work is published in Four Parts, at 5s. each. Order early, as only a limited number are printed. Country SubscriV)er3 will receive their Copies by Post. Huf:ii MAfKENZir, Bank Lane, Invern«i»», a?M:E 0--A.£Jt. DEVOTED TO MISCELLANEOUS GAELIC LITEEATXJllE, AND TO THE INTERESTS OF SCOTTISH HIGHLANDERS GENERALLY. Edited by ANGUS NICOLSON. CONTENTS OF NO. 37. Happy New Year, ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 Address to the New Year. ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 Proverbs, ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 Camus na h-Eirl>he 's Lament, ... ... ... ... ... 8 Fiun's Enchautment, ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 Horner, ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 13 Gaelic in .Schools, ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 15 Piobaireachd Dhoiiuill Duilili. ... ... ... .. ... IS Mary M.iguire, ... ... ... ... ... ... ... It' Advice, ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... I'.t A'Bhean Chomuiuii, ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 ENGLISH DEPARTMENT. Shoulder to Shoulder, ... ... ... ... ... ... 21 Deputation to the Lord Advocate, .. ... ... ... ... 22 Gaelic in Highland Schools, ... ... ... ... ... 2o Club of True Highlanders, ... g-... ... ... ... .. 27 Soiree of the Natives of Skye in Glasgow, ... ... ... ... 28 He-union uf the Natives of Inverness in Glasgow, ... ... ... 30 News of the Highlands and Islands, ... ... ... ... 31 Subscriptions Heceived in December,— Malcolm M'Kellar, T.arbert, 9, ; John M'Pherson, Lochgilphead, 7/ ; E. Fraser, Inverness, 4 ; Ale.x. Macintosh, .Aviemore, 9,6 ; Kobert M'Lagan, Pitlochiy, 4/; J. M'Lean, Oban, 4/; Finlay M'llae, Durham, Ont., 2dols; ' Evan M'Don.ald, Manitoba House, 1 dol. 50c. ; Duncan Sharp, Glasgow, ò,6 ; Eev. J. M'C.illum, Aberfelciy, S/d ; John Mackenzie, Inverness, .5,0 ; Kev. John M'Donald, Ross- shire, 9/G ; Duncan Campbell, Kilmarnock, 4  ;•. Mac- la ucMan .... POETRY. A Vision of Ossian and the Cp''*-ìc Chair — Professor Blackie Ead. le Mairi Nic-Eallair Lay of the Erave Cameron The Tongue of the Gael ^4^ INT G A 1 1) H E A L. Mur iikatlb sol II is do ///' nnnm j) iii Tha xijeula na h-ulmsir a dh''fhal.hl(." — Oiskan. IV. Leabh.] TREAS MIOS A' GIIEAMIIRAIDH, 1875. [37 AlR. liLlADIINA MUATII UK. HIiadhua mhath iir ag-us mòi'aii iliu — 's e durachd ar cridhe do g'ach (iaidheal, ge l)'e aite am beil iad. Tha Ills tri bliadhua g"u letli o'li a  hos a's thai) ; Dòirteadh beannaclidan mar dhriìndid Gach bliadlvn'-iir thig air au ceann. Ged a sgaradh sinn ri luaths, Bidh ar cairdeas buau 's gach am ; 'S òlaidh sinn le caithrim chruaidli, L;ui na cuaich air Tir nam beauu. N. Mac-Liìoid.. SEAX-FIIOCAIL. r. CIOD IAD? Bithidh mi air uairean a' sinuain- eachadh, au uair a bha 'n Saoghal na b' oige na tha e uis, au uair uach robh iarrtasan au duiue cholioiimhor 's a tha iad air fas, 's an uair nach robh an sluagh a' stri cho dian 's a tha iad a uis ris na seau iarr- tasan a shasuchadh agus ri iarrtasan ura a ghineamhuinn, gu'n robh an Ciniie-daonna a' mealtuinu toil- inutinucan luachmhor air uach 'eil siune ag amas, no, mar bu choir a radh, ris nach 'eil sinn a' fuireach. Gun teagamh, is mor agus is lion- luhor na sochaireau a bhuilicheadh oiriine a tha, beo amis iia linnibli deiieanuacli so, air nach cuala ar n- aithriclieaii iomradh. Is luachmhur an dileab a dh' fliag na ginealaich a chaidh tbuiris im'aiiine a thainig 'n an deigh. I'.' riiialaidh a tluM.m ar n-aithrichean iallus an grnaidhe. a' ''US "-u trie full au cridlie a chum Treas niios a' Gheamhraiiih, 187-i AN GAIDHEAL. na beannaclidan nach do mheal iad fein a bhuaniiaclid d' aii cloiuii. Tha iia sochairean a choisinn misoeach ug-us cruaidh-chas. eolas ag'us seirc ar sinnsearau dhuiniie do-aireamh ; agnis bhiodh e eu-comasacli a cbur an ceill g'aoli doigb air am bheil an Saoglial air a chur fo chis a cbum soiias an diiirie a mheudacbadh. Tha so a' cur dieasdanais chudtbrcun- uicli oirniie gu'n aisig^ siiiii 'n an lan-thoirblieartasd'arcloinnLiatiodh- bacan luacbmbor a tba sinii fein a' mealtuiun. Acb an iiair a tba so uile fior, cha'n *eil mi gun amhurus iiach robb lucbd-aiteacbaidb an t-sean sbaogb- ail, am measg' iomadh anacotbroim, a' mealtuiun cnid de fbior sbonas aim an doig-beaii air nacli 'eil sinne ruig-beachd a nis. Cha 'n aim uile ,i;-u leir gun aobbar. tba mi meas, a bbitbeas ua Baird a' trenracbadli ar u-aire gu sonas na "tuu a bb' aim o sbean.' A db- aon ni, cba toir a bbi 'i)eacbdacbadb 'air an domban 's na l)lieil anil ' co-ionaim toiliimtinn do'n duiiie a nis, 's a bbeireadb e anus na ' linutibb a tbreig.' Dbuisgeadb an cruinne-ce faireacbdainuean ami an iuntinn an duine o sbean nacb eil comasach an diugb. Co-dhiu a cbitheadb e 'chruitbeacbd 's na lagh- annan a tba 'riagbladli iimte mar bballa iaruiim mu'n cuairt da acb an taobh muigb dbetb. agus e feiu mar mboU air a luasgadb leis gacb oiteig, — gun fbios aige cia iis no c'aite a bba 'tbus no 'tbriall : co-dbiu l^ba e 'g a fbaiciim fein mar cbuid de'ii ciiruitbeacbdmlioir. a'tarrumgbeatba uaipe 's a 'tiomnadb a libeatba db' i — le cbeile a' coimblioiiadb an Dain : ged bba an Dan am folacb air ; no ' co-dbiu a bba inntinn air a treoracb- adb gu bbi saoilsinn gu'n i-obb e 'faicinnann an obiiira'cbrutbacbaidb dearbbadb air latiiaireacbd Bitb uile- ghlic agus uiIe- amhraiilh. an doriis fhosgladh a chum 's gu'ii raiinsaich e 'n tigh, — gach cùil a's oisinn deth. Bha 'ii t-eolas so " ro- i(>ug'antac.h"le Daibhidh aguscho ard 's iiach ruigeadh e air ; ach cha'n 'eil a'chuis marsodhasaiiairaii dothaom- adh gu pailt solus an Eolais agus a' (jhliocais'u ar latha-ne. Cha 'n 'eil gunteaganih, fios aige co leag Clach- oisiun an talnihainn ; ach dearbhaidh e dhuit nach 'eil Clach-oisinn idir arm. Chuir e 'shnathainn-tomhais, cha 'n anil a mhain thar an talamh ach thar an iarmailt mar an ceudna. Chaidh e steach gu tobraichibh na t'airge ; chuuTiaic e ioumhasan an t-sneachda. Dh'fhosgailemiouach an talmhainn ; rannsaich e doimhneachd a'chuain ; lean e slighe an dealanaich ; cheasnaich e 'ghiian. Thug e air oibre Naduir gu leir an ionmhasan a thoirt am follais, 's am fagail aig a' chosan, a chum a bhi 'frithealadh do chomhfhurtachd an duine. Is mor agus is urramach an dearbhadh so air cumhachd buaidhean an duine an uair a tha iad air an deagh chleachd- adh ; ag"us is luachmhor a' chreach a thug iad dhachaidh dha a tir an Aineolais. Ach an lorg so. chaill .sinii, saoilidh mi, faireachdainnean a bheireadh toilinntinn a's solas do'n auam. Ma dh' fhairich esan a dhearbh gur iarann ti' ghrian an t-ardachadh inntinn a tha dligheach dhasan a bheir buaidli a niach, nach eigin gu'n do mhothaich e mar an i'eudna nach ionann faireachdainn a (Ihuisgeas " ard-locharan na sjieur " an cridhe an t-sluaigh gu brath tnillidh, an uair a chithear i '' mar fhear-nuadh-posda a' teachd a mach 3! 'sheomar." Anns na h-inntinnean is airde, cha 'n 'eil gun teagamli Spiorad an miaim no na h-irisleachd air a luglidachadh ach air a mheud- achadh mai- a tlia eolas a' dol am farsuingeachd. Tha e eu-comasach dhasan, anns nach eil Spiorad an Aoraidh marbh. a tha 'beachdachadh air gloir na h-iarmailt, 's a tha 'creidsinn gu bheil gach reul a's rionnag a chi an t-suil, agus na mil- tean do-aireamh nach faic,'n an Grein a' soillseachadh Saoghail gun chrich ann am farsuingeachd na Cruith- eachd, gun a bhi 'g altrum beachdan na 's airde agus na 's soluimte mu thimchioll a' Chruinne-che agus an Ti a chruthaich e. (Jha 'n fhaic a" leithid so de fhear anns gach fearann a theid a cheannsachadh ach crioch na tire neo-chriochnaich air nach do chuir duine fathast a chas. Ach cha 'n aim mar so a chi an Saoglial. " Millidh danadas modh ; " agus faodar a' radh mu mhoran gu'n lughdaich Eolas urram. Ach a ris, dh' atharraich ar n- eolas, agus na h-inuleachdan a fhuaii- eolas amach, guturarbeachdmu thim- chioll Morachd agus Greadhnachas an talmhainn. Cha 'n ionann beachd dhuinne agiis d' ar n-aithi-ichean air Astar. no eadhon air Tim. Thug innleachdan taobh eile an t-saoghail na's diuitlie dhuinne na bha 'n ath sgireachd d' ar n-aithrichean. Siubli- laidh tu roimh 'n tir leth-cheud mile 's an uair. Bithidh tu an All)aiini an dhigh agus anns an Fhraiiig am maireach. Gheibh thu litir :i Amer- ica na's luaithe agus na's saoire na gheibheadh do sheanair a Glaschu i. Gheibh thu fios air ais à Australia na's luaithe na gheibheadh d'athair as an ath bhaile. Cha 'n 'eil e duilich dhnitse snathainn-tomhais a shin- eadh airan talamh ; — nach'eilcearcaill de shnathainnean iaruinn thairis a's thairis air, a' giulan le luathas an dealanaich teachdaii'cachd o dhuine gu duine. o bhaile gu baile, 's o rioghaclid gu lioghachd ; 's nach 'eil so a' tabhaiit aobhair-dochais do mhoran gur goii'id an nine gus am bi luchd-aiteachaidh an t-saoghail 'n am biaithrean mai'tlia iadcheana 'n an coimliearsnaich ; gus "am buail iad an claidhean mi cnhairean, 's an Treas niios a" GheamhraMh, 1875. AN GAIDIIEAL. sleaghan gu corranaibh-R - 1 (irai hratMÌih ; Ged rinn e 'liubhairt do'ii niunhaid, 'S e 'n impis sgàinea ' olc a' bhiatachd è, ach cha robh comas aii'. Bha Fionn 'u a thosd 's 'n a chuimhne, 's b' ion da sin. An uair a bha 'n ròic thairis, 's cha b' fhada h-uige. dh' iari" am Bliir- Buidhe an t-ubhal òii' a thoirt a nuas g'us an oidhche fhada gheamhraidh a chui- seachad air Fionn. Thug i nuas au t-ubhal 's thug i dhà e. Thoisich iad air a cheile leis an ubhal_ 's ma thoisich, cha b' fhada gus 'u a chuir am Blàr as do 'u iomlan de ghillean Fhinn. Thuig am Blài' nach diauadh e an gnothach air Fionn fhein leis an ubhal, 's thuirt e gu 'm feumadh iad dol a ghleachd. An dromannan a cheile gabhar iad ; ach, ged a bhiodh iad fliathast ag gleachd, cha tugadh e glideachadh air Fionn. Tra a chuun- aic am Blar gu 'n do thachair a sheise ris, dh' iarr e air a mhnaoi a' ghreideal a chur air gus an rachadh casaii Fhinn a gharadh, gur cinnte gu'u robh e fuar, 's an oidhche chruaidh reòdhta bh' anu ; 's dh' iadh iad uile mu Fhionn (sin tra a thuirt e, 'cha duine duine 'n a onar), agus sparr iad air a' ghreidil e gus 'n a loisg a chasan gu ruig ua sleisdean. Bha e uise gun chomas suidhe. Leig am Blar rochd gàire as, agus spiirr e stob-iia-feola romh a dha mhàs ; 's bha e 'n sin gim chomas eirigh no suidhe. Shaoil leis a' Bhlàr gu'n robh e gun phlosg anal- ach, 's thilg 6 seachad 's a' chùil e. Cha robh Fionn riabh roimhe an gailc na bu mho na so, ach, an uair a bha e eadar an t-euradh 's an aim- beairt, agus cuindinichear e gu'n robh corn nam-tììdjh aige, 's gu'n cluinuteadh e an c()ig choigean na h-Eireann. An uair a ghabh an tigh gu fois, mhagair e mach gu dubh - balbh - sàmhach gu mullach cuuic a's slnnd e 'n corn tri uairean ! Fad an ama so bha chuid eile de 'n Fheimi gu dubhach, deurach air tòii' Fhinn, Cha d' fhag iad ciiil no cial gun sireadh, 's iarraidh-mhairbh aca air. Mu dheireadh thai), an uair a thug iad geill a's dubh-gh('ill, chuala Diarmad donn mac a pheathar an corn ; 's ma chuala cha bu rabhadh gim fhreagairt. Bha fhios aige gur h-eiginn-bhkis a bheireadh air Fionn a sheideadh. Thuig e gu'n robh an gnothach gu h-olc ; 's thug e bold a's briathar air a chlaidheamh nach rachadh biadh no deoch thair 'anail gus an coibhreadh e air brathair a mhathair. Thog e air, e fhein 's a ghillean, 's bu cham gach direach leotha thair chuoc a's shioc, 's ge b' fhada bhuapa e, cha b' fhada 'g a ruighinn iad. Fhuair iad Fionn 'n a dheòiridh truagh gun chomas eirigh no suidhe am fasgadh tuim. Dh' fharraid Diarmad d' e ciod a dh' fhairich e. Is coma sin, osa Fionn ; 's dh' innis e dha gach car mar a thachair : mar a mharbh am Ijlar- Buidhe na gillean, agus an droch ghiullachd a fhuair e fhein bhuaithe ; 's chomhairlich e dhasan tilleadh dhachaidh mu'n eireadh an cleas ciadna dha — gu'n robh esan mar a bhitheadh e co dhiubh. Bhoidich a's bhriathraich Diarmad nach till- eadh e gus an d' thugadh e mach an aichmheil ; 's gun tuilleadh a ràdh thug e tigh a' Bhlàir-Bhuidhe air, Cha robh stigh ach a' bhean 's i fuiu- eadh. Thug i biadh a's deoch dhaibh's ffhabh i au sgial. Dh' innis i dhaibh 12 AN GAIDHEAL. Troa a' Gheamhraidh, 1875 .U-irm-obhamBIar-Biiidhe'sa'l)heiiiii- sheilg, 's gii 'm fheai-r dhaibh a blii falbh ma 'a tigeadh e dhachaidh mu 'ii eireadh dhaibli mar a dh' eirich do dh-Fliioiin. A roghaiiin l)i()dh dhà, osa Diai-niad, ach cha 'ii fhalbb siim g-us an toir siini a niacb an aichnib- ei! ; 's .sbiiidh iad a stigb, Feitb ri dlieireadb ma ta, os' ise. Cba robb iad acli goirid mar sin tra a db' niairich iad stùini-stàirn aig an dorns. Co bb' ami an sid acb am Bbir 's a gbillean, 's toi'C nimbe mor fiaclacb aige air a mhuin. Tbug e togail bheag mhor air fbein a cbratb- adh an t-sneachda db' e, 's cbuir e critb fo 'n ursainn 's fo sbuidbeacban an tigbe. Gbb^odb e, Tba mi fair- achdaiim fkilidb fbarbbalacb romh- am, a bbean, co so th' agad a nocbd ? Db' innis a bbean gu'n robb Diarmad 's a cbuid gbillean. A mach do gbillean, a Dbiarmaid a tboirt dbiam na b-eallaicbe, os' am Blàr. Leum Diarmad e fbein amach ; agns mn'n d' fhairich am Blar tball no bbos e mbarbb e 'n darn a letb db' e gbillean 's chuir e tnrracb air tharrach iad air taobb deas an doruis mn cboinnimb gillean Fbinn. Is olc an t-aoidb tbu, os' am Blar. Mnr fiiaic thn na 's raiosa na sid dbiam mu'n tig an latba, na bi gearan. osa Diarmad ; 's gun tuilleadb bruidbne thug e stigb an tore. Gbrindb iad an tore gu matb 's gu ro mbatb, 's ghabb e fbein 's a gbillean an leoir dh' e. Gacb cnaimb mar a lomadb iad thilgeadb iad sid do 'n Jiblar 's db' a gbillean. Is olc an t-aoidb tbu, os'am Blar. Mur fhaic tbu na 's miosa na sid dbiam mu'n tig an latba, na bi gearan, osa Diarmad ; 's dh' iarr e an t-ubhal a tboirt a nuas gus an oidbche fhada glieamh- raidb a cbur seachad air a' Bblar- Bbuidbe. Thug a' bbean a nuas an t-ubhal agus thoisicb an cleas. Air a' cliiad tilgeadh a thug Diarmad do 'n ubbal, mbarbb e dithis de na bh' air laimh dbeis a' Blilair. Is olc an t-aoidh tbu, os' am Blur. Mur fhaic tbu Tia 's miosa na sid diam mu 'n tig an latba na bi gearan, osa Diar- mad. Tbilg am Blar air ais an t-ubhal acb cha d' rinn e dochunn sa bith air gillean Dbiarmaid. Thug Diarmad an t-atb-tbilgeadh do 'n ubbal 's mbarbb e dithis de na bh' air laimh cblith a' Bbhur ; agus mar sin gus 'u a mbarbb e 'm fear mu dheireadh dbiubh ; 's am Blar gun aon tiimb ag radh, Is olc an t-aoidh tbu ; agus amhnil sin Diarmad 'g a fhreagairt. Mur fhaic tbu na 's miosa na sid dbiam mu 'n tig an latha, na bi gearan. An uair a bha iad sgith de chluith an ubbail-oir, thuirt Diarmad ris a' Bhlàr gu'm b' fbearr dhaibh dol a cbur cuir gleacbd ; 's ma chaidh, cha robb an gleachd fad air chumail an uair a bha am Blar air claisneach a dhroma air leacan lonia an iirlair. Is olc an t-aoidh tbu, os' am Blar, 's thug e cuead ghointe ;is. Mur fhaic tbu na 's miosa na sid diam mu 'n tig an latha na bi gearan, osa Diarmad, 's dh' iarr e air a' mhnaoi a' ghreideal a cbur air gus an rachadh casan a' Bhlair a gharadh, gur cinnte gu'n robh e fuar an tleigh tighinn dach- aidh as a' bhehi-sheilg. Cli;udh a' ghreideal a dhianarab dearg ; s' thug Diarmad togail do 'n Bhliir. 's bha sid 'n a sgug buidhe air a' ghreidil. Oiteag, oit, oit, os' am Blar. (rabh air do shocair e, osa Diarmad, crean- aidli do chnaimhean buidhe air mu'n cobhair mis' ort, 's chum e air a' ghreidil e gus 'n a loisg a cliasan gu bun nan sleisdean. Bha am Blar a nise gun chomas suidhe agus ghrad-sparr Diarmad stob-na-feòla romb chòi'ii a dha mhàis, 's bha e 'n sin gun chomas eirigh no suidhe 's thilg e air a shlisnich 's a' chùil e. Tra a bha iad seachd sgith ag eisdeachd oiteagail a' Bhlair, rug Diarmad air sprogan air, 's thuirt e,. Treas mios a" Glieamhraidh, AN GAIDHEAL. i;^ Am bas air do inhuiii, a bhodaich, ciod e d' eiric .' Am bas air do mhuin, a bhodaich, ciod e d' eiric, a's to.a: dhimi brigh do chhiith. Oiteag', oit, oit, os' am J^>làr, cha'u 'ell a dh-cii-ic agamsa ach cuach-iocshlaiut a tha am bun na creigendthallagusleig'hisidhiFioiin. All uair a chnala Diarmad inn 'n chuaich, cha d' fbuirich e ri tuilleadh clinmhlaideau iarraidli — Iju ro fhada leis a bha brhthair a mhùthai' 'g a chuaradh aig bun an tuiiii, 's chaidh e do 'ii uamha. Thvigar a' cbiad liiinh air a' chuaich 's buailear leatha gu FioDU, 's ionnlaidear a chrcuchd- ;in leatha tri uairean. A' chiad uair dh' fhas a chasan gu ruig na gluinean; an darna h-uair dh' fhhs iad gu ruig nah-aobruinii; 's an treas uair l)ha Fionu gun chrou, guu chiothrom, cho beù slìui 's a lilia e riabh ! Rinn aon bhoiseag de dh-uisge na cnaiclie geasan nan gillean a bhrist- eadh, 's thug e am Blar air. ' A chulaidh-thruais.' osa Diarmad ris, • Boidich nach iiair thu tuilleadh de gheasan no 'chleasan air an Pheinn. Bhoidich am am Blar sid a's ionia rud eile bharrachd ; 's thug Diarmad gu suairce dha fliein 's dh'a ghillean an diol a dh-uisge iia cuaiche, 's ghabh iad an cead dh'e cheile. A dhianamh sgiala goirid d'e, lean a' chuach ris an Fheinn, a's dh' l'hàg mis' aca i. — Rente Celtique, 1870. SGIALACHD NA TROIDHE Air a tionndadh bho Ghrcugais Hoineir gu Gaidhlig Abraich, bK P:;obhan Mac-La(-hainn. V. DlAN. (Jniomiiran Dhiomeid ilmc Tiiin. Tha Dionic'd mac Tliid 'g a dliearbliadh flieiii inar chuiridh 's a' bhlàr so. Dh" irapich Minerva, sgiath-dhidinn Dhiomeid. Mars gus an iirfhacli fhiigail. Lotadh Diomed 's an lainih le .saighid a tliilg Pandarus air, ach leighis Minerva e, agus (diiiir i inar glieasan air gun dol tuiUc. an einnseal nan dia ; ach, na'ni b' e 's gu'n teannadh Venus ri meachranachd, dh' òrduich i dha dol gun eagal, gun fhiainh, 'n a cinnseal-se. Le doiniheadas nacli d' rinn a shaighdean diobhail air Menelaus no air Diomed, leum Pandarus do eharbad^'Eiicais. agus buailear iad le cheile air Diomed. Thuit Pandanis 's a' cliaonnaig, a's leònadh jEnèas, agus ghlac Diomed na h-eich. Thugadh iEneas a stigh do'n Tròidh, agus an teampull Pliargainuis leighiseadh an leòn. Chaidh Mars an leisgeul nan Greug- ach. An uair a chunnacas e tighinn chomh- airlich Diomed do na ilaoine an ruaig n ghabliail. Thòisich Minerva air tilgeil na geilte air, ag cur an euinihne dha, fhad's a b' e an t-Aicheall làmh-f lieuma na Greige nach robh a chridhe aig Tròidheach urad 's asgailt a' bliaile f hagail ; mhaoidh i air cuideachd naeli bu mhac mar an t-athair e — Tide mòr a rinn a leithid dedh-euchd an cogadh Thebeis. Tha Diomed 'g a thoiit fhein an uachdar, ag gabliail mar leisgeul gur h-ann a choimlilionadh a h-òrduigli fhein a bha e, gun d' iarr i air gun eirigh an aghaidh nan dia. An sin 's ann a mhol Minerva e air son 'uimhailtis, 's rinn i suidhe ri thaobh 'n a charbad ; 's le sàthadli fearail de slileagh an laoicli leònadh Mars as tlieich e as an arf haich. An sin tliug Pallas euchd a's buaidli, Do mhor Dhiomed nan ruag blàir. 'G a thogail ard thair an t-sluagh, Los a cliliu i)hi Iman ,gu brath. Bhruchd sruth teintidli bho 'bheairt-iliinn. 'S las mu 'thargaid ghrinn nam benni, Dealanaich chlis 'n an dian chaoii-, A shoillsich an raon gu h'ir. Mar rionnaig fhoghair nan speur, Ag eirigh blio'n gliailbhinn fhuair, 'S aillidh air gorm neamh a loinn, 'S i ur-nighte 'n tuinn a' chuain. B' amliuil an geal-dhearrsadh cian, 'G iathadh mu 'ghuailnean 's mu 'cheann. 'N uair bhrosnaich Minerva 'n treun Gu garg bliuilsgein streup nan lann. Bu Troidheach Dares gun ghaoid, Reachdmhor a mhaoin, caoin a bheus ; Fear-iobairt Vulcain 's gach trath. Da mhac h;is an spairn nan glens, Phegeus a's Idoeus og, Na Fiurain bu chorr 's an strith. Thug iadsan ruatliar romh 'n t-slogh, 'S tliairg iad comhrag do'n mhor righ. Mhari'aich iad air steudan luath, 'S deagh mliae Thid air cruaidh an fLuinii 'S an iom-ehrith gu gaisge blair, GhUiais na li-oig an dail an t-suinn Thilg Phegeus an tus 'n a deann, Sleagh bu chian dhuatharaich cranii. 14 AN (tAIDHEAL. Treas luios a' Gheaiiiliiaidh, 187 Slieacliainn i Grciigach nan glonn, Thair a ghiuihunn chli Ic srann. Tliilg an sin mac Thid a chruaidh Nacli d' iniich gun blmaidh a Mliorn ; Buailcar imi'n da chich an trenn, 'S leagar hliarr a stcud gun dco. TiCuni Idonis 'n a tluiil uihaoini A 'eliarbad Iju loiimtrcacli dealbli. Bior-gliointe mu 'bliratliair-gaoil. 'S gun plilosg ann an laochnan arm. Ach 's beag nacli d' rinn gniomli gun ;igli, A reic-san ri dan an eig ; Mur b' e feart Vuleain 'g a dhion, 1a' comlidach ciar.nial nan speur, Thoirt misnich d' an atliair graidli, Los naoli dearblit' an cradh oho troni. Glilac Mac Thid a charaid stend, '8 dh' ordaicli iad gu sreud nan long. ('hunnaic Troidhich nan cucdid bras, Dosgainn mic an t-sagairt leith : Aon air teicheadh bho 'n bhlar .shcarbh, 'S aon fo charbad niarbli air feur. ( 'ho-ghhiais a' measgnadh 's gach cliabh, loghnadh a's fearg, fianih a's truas ; Ach ghlac Pallas Mars air laimh, 'S thaisbein i 's an radii a smuain : Areis shnain-mharbhaich nan creuflid, Nigheas dùin nan trenn am fuil, C'uim' nach tairneadh Troidh 's a' Ghreig. Le 'n neart fliein an gniomh gu buil Ì Imreadh iad fhein comhrag chruaidh, 'S glipobhar liuaidh bho righ nan .speur : Diobrar leinne stritli nan laoch, Los nach taosg oiriin fraoch an de. Stiuir i 'n sin si teas a' bhlair, Ares nam paidhe craiteach trom, Shuidh aig Xanthns nam bruach tlath, 'S dh' eisd iad ri gaoir-bhais nan sonn. An sin cliuir (Ireugaich Troidh "n a deann, "S chaisg gach ceannni-d laodi dha fhein. Tliorchradh Odius mòr an tus, liC mac Atrenis iul nan treun, \S e tionndadh a steud gu taobli. Komh 'n .sgrios chiurraidh "n a ndiaom- niaig ; Bhuail e 'ghlocach cul an t-.suinn, 'S tholl romh 'n uclid bho'n diuim le fuaim. Triath nan Alisonacli garbli, Maeh :i charbad thuitgnn dco ; Shlinlricb na buill plirais nju 'chom, 'S dli' riialbli an sgail gii fonn a' Idiroin. Mliarbh Idomen I'hfostns con-, lai'mad IJhoniis bu chian cliu, Air iir theachd gu magh a' bhlair, I>ho chrich Tliairnc nan gorm li'ih. A mliiann grad-shuidh air a steud, Los bhi shios a leum 's a' ghreis ; Thainig fad shleagh nan creuchd trom, 'S bheum i 'n sonn 's a' ghualainn di'is : Tliuit e marbh a charbad nuadh. 'S dhiiin uime nial fuar an aoig ; Dh' iath an luchd-freasdail niu'n chairbh, 'S reub iad dh'i na h-airm 's am faobh. Thuit Scamandiius bu ndiath surd Feadh nan stiu- a shealg an fheidh, Menclaus mharbh an t-òg. Le shleagh mhòir bu stròiceach beuni. Xochd Diana cèird a làndi, Do'n chuimseir a b' airdc miagli A' lot gach faoghai igh le fios bàis, An gatii trenn bu chràiteach Magji, Eadar da shliuneiu an òig, 'S romh uclid garbh chaidh croc nan ruinn : Thuit e gun phlosg air an leirg, 'S chluinnteadii gliongraich airm an t- suinn. Thorchuir Merion le chruaidh eliaoil, Phercclus Tuai" saor-nan-long. Liunh a blia teom' air gach gn'mndi '( 'hunnacas riabh 'g a dheilbh air fonn. Aig Pallas bu ndiòr a thoirt ; 'S e rinn cabhla.ch an toisg thi'uaigh A dh' aisig gu Troidh, 's dlia fheili Aobhar millteach nan ci'euchd Ijuan. Bu bheag fiiios air run nan dia : Dliiuid ris Merion 'g a dhian-ruag, 'S esan a' deann-ruith le geilt. Lot e bliòdhan deas le chruaidh. Komli shoire "n uisge fo'n chnàimh, Shiubliail gloc nan àr le srann ; Thuit 's an raoicich air leth-ghlun, 'S an ceo siorruith dliuin niu "cheanii. Mharbli Meges Pedanis bras, Mac Atenoir bu ghasd iul, Ged rngadh romh 'n cheangal-iihòst' Thog Theano 'n t-òg le muirn. Ceai't andiuil a maca ruin, Stiuir i 'm fiuran 's gach tleagh-bheus, Mar urram do 'n ghaisgeach àigli, D' an d' thug i bnan gliràdh a cleibh. Dhruid 'n a choir mac Philcnis treun, Bu mlior euclid an streup nan ruinn ; Thilg e lidm-ghatli nam beum dluth, 'S bhuail c 'm fuirbidh 'n cul a' chinn, Ghearr rondi 'n tcanga an searbh bhalL Kadar fhiaclan le srann fhuaim. Thuit esan "s an dust fo'n clireuchd. 'S ghlais c dheudach mu 'n chalg fhuar. FJiuair sagart Scamandeir eug Bho neart ndiic Ethenioin chorr, lS'ioI Dholojihioin nan iird euchd, Dhearbh e urram de bho'n t-slogh. Bha 'n Greugach 'g a ruag 'n a leunj mio3 a" GheamliraiJli, 1ST AN GAIDHEAL. 15 "S e giaJ-theic-lieadli ronili'ii bheunighoirt lUiuail garbli-strailleadh le 'lainii, 'S sgar e laiiili an t-suinii bho 'chorp ; Thuit e 'ii a spaid air an raoii, Dhoirt an fliuil "n a caolas luath ; Leag an tiom bhàs e 's an uir, 'S lihnirhd mu 'shuilean mar mhuir niaiilb. I>' anibuil confhadb nan garg laoi>h. A'dian chaonnag 's a' cbruaidb ghleachd ; ("hiteadh Dioined 'n a dhcann-ehaoir, A' steud-lenm 's gach taobh de'n fheachd. Thall 's a bbos mu'n Ghreig 's mu Tbroidh. Am buillggt'in a' cliomlistritli gliairg ; vSi-ar a's siar blio thus gu dc'is, J>ha toiunn an trein 's an t'heirg, Mar liilior-shruth geandiraidh nan siaii, A' banadh gu dian ronih 'n flionn ; Uro  ' Oheamliraidli, A' BHEAN CIIOMUINN.* Koy C. Slow. Arranged by D. R. M. FONN. DM, l:d'.d',T |r\m\d':t.,R'!m\rSd':r'.d\Ti t. 1, s : 1., II L I dM, 1 : s. m, M ra'.r',d':d'.,R' t. 1, t : 1. s, L | t. 1, t : 1., M | m. f, s : 1. t, L I 1. s, 1 ; d\D", t 1 t. 1, 1 : m\ r', D' I t. 1, s : 1 l''o.N-N — ])1)' t'lialbli mo bliean choinuiiiii, Cha tig 1110 bheau ghaoil ; Gu'n il' fhalbhnio bheau iboiimiun. Bean 'thogail nan laogh, Thig blàth air a' gbiubhas, Agus ubiilan air geig ; t'innidh gucag air luaehair, 'S oha ghhiais mo bheau fheiii. Thig na gobhra do'ii mhaiunir, Deiridli aighean duinn Lioigli : Ai'h cha tig mo bheau daehaidh. A elachan nan cvaolili. Dh' fhallih, &.'. Thig mart oirnn, thig tbghar, Thig todhar, thig buar ; Ach cha tog mo bhean hiinneag Hi l)looghann, no buaiii. (-'ha diricli mi tuhxch, rhashiubhail mi fiith ; Cha'u fhaigh mi hwhd cadail, 'S mo tha.sgaidli 's a' chill. Dh' fhalbh, kc. Tha m' aodauh air tolladh, Tha'n ollann gun suiomh ; Agus tieagli bheau mo thighe, 'N a laidhe ib dhlou. Tha mo chiodli gun an leigeil, Tha an t-eadradh aig each ; Tha nio leauabh gun bheadvadh, 'N a shuidh' air an làr. Dh' fhalbh, &c. Tha m' fhàrdaeh-sa creachte, 'S lom mo leac a's gur fuar ; Tha m' ioumhas 's mo bheairteas, Fo ua leacau 'u a suaiu. Uist, a chagaraiu ghriidliaich — Caidil sàmhaeh, a luaidh ; (^ha tog caoineadh do mhàthair, — I'rum " Aa Duanaire," Maolmthlan 4: Stewart, Ediatmrgli. THE GAEL. ENGLISH DEPARTMENT. Vol. IY.] JANUARY, 18^ [No. 37. TITGHLANDERS SHOULDER TO SHOULDER. We offei- to our readers all over the woi'ld our hearty congratulations upon the advent (jf another year; and fei'vently do we wish that they may cherish the dear old motto ■s\hich is expressed with greater pi-e- (ision and coiaprehensiveness in oui- own language, •' The cliildren of the ( !ael to the shouldei-s of each other." We live in times of peace, and we enjoy the numbei'less blessings which a long-continued ))ea(« al- ways secuies. We ai-e not called ujion, as our fathei's often were, to vindicate our lights and liberties by the swoi'd. But it is none the less desirable that our attachment to our ancient motto should be zealtjusly maintained. We ai-e the inheritors of an ancient name, and of a noble histoi-y. It is our duty to revere tlie name, and to live, in altered times, worthy of those who went before. We are oi'casionally told that '•m- attachment to our motto is not so firm as we ourselves repre- sent it to be ; and that neither in our past history, nor in our jjresent [tosition auKjng the nations, have we l)een the most consjjicuous example of the princijjle that " Union is Streng-th." In the depaitment of literatui-e especially, we are fre- cpiently i-eminded of our supineness and neglect. We ai-e often told that the world is indebted to the labours of strangei-s for its knowledge of €e\i\c literature. The allegation is in a great mea- sure true ; but in some i-esjiects it is desii-able that it should be so. As free men, living imdei- a free govermnent, and enjoying the bene- fit of free institutions, diflerence of opinion ujjon the many vexing ques- tions which agitate the public mind of our day is unavoidable, even necessary. Upon such questions ^ve may well learn ''' to agiee to differ," for in respect of them uni- formity may be intellectual death, diversity a sig7i of a vigorous vi- tality. But in regard to what we venture to call questions of far deeper and more enduring interest, the position of the Celtic ])eople among the nations, their history and fortunes, theii- literature, their in- fluence, past and prospective, among ihe civilizing ]-aces of the world, we nmst admit that the ]'ej))-oach of neglect is not altogether undeserved. Why Celts, and especially High- landers, with their passionate attach- ment to their homes, and their pro- verbial readiness to resent any asper- sion of their name, should have left the investigation of their histoiy and origin to (jthers, is a question of psychological and histoi-ical interest, uj)on which we cannot at jiresent enter. For the little that was done Ijy them in this matter we feel grate- ful. All honour to our patriotic countr;vanen who iu the past exposed themselves to ridicule and scorn — weapons of fai- greatei- dread to them than the flash of sabi-e oi- the loar f)f cannon — hi tlieii' attempts to uphold the name and the fame of the ancient race fi-om wlieiic efore, the literature of Euroi^e. And as a consequence an increas- in.u" interest has been manifested in everything which tends to liirow light upon the history and ■iterature of the Celtic race. It is true that the interest has hitherto been exhibited chiefly ^■y others; but Celts also, we are glad to see. have shown themselves alive to the g'eneral awakening. 'J' he Teuton has hitherto beat the ('elt, even within his own domain ; hni we see, in a variety of ways, that the Celt is resolved this sliall not be the case foi- long. Here surely is a field for our countrymen, u])on which they may well miite ' shoulder to shoulder,' — a field upon which they may win fame as noble and more endm-ing than their fathers won by their swords. And the present seems an opportune time to place the claim of the Celts as a race of noljle parts before the world. The natiryns who sneei'ed at rni" fathers for makÌTig the attempt will cheer us in our efforts. And in the present generation om- country- men have peculiarly vindicated the claiuis of oui- race to those qualities which make a people great. Giotto speak of lesser names among us, who have won distinction in litera- ture, science, and art, as well as in the civil and military professions, the youngest of us will remember the names of two Argyllshire men — liOnl Clyde and Lord Colonsay- — hitely gone from among us, who won their way to the most exclusive assembly in the world — the British House of Peers. At the present moment, a Perthshire Highlander heads the Canadian ministry ; a Sutherlandshii-c Iliglihuider leads the opi)ositlon. A Celt of Irish descent i-ules FraTice; a Celt of Scotch extrac- tion is President of the United States. To trace the history and fortimes of this people, as far as it can now be done, from the cradle of the races upon the plains of Asia; to follow them in their wandenngs, as they successively came in contact with, and ijifluenced the supple Greek, the proud Roman, and the massive Teuton ; and to forecast the part of the imaginative Celt in the civilisa- tion of the futui-e, whether in Eur(jpe, America, or Australia, is surely a noble task. It is the work, not of one man, noi' of one generation. But it is peculiarly the work of Celts ; and in the work, it ought to be our privilege, as it is our duty, to bear a share howc\ei- humble. We hold the key of the- position. We ai-e in possessioti of a living dialect of the language which named the mountains, and rivei's,. and plains of Europe ; and we are the inheritors of the traditious. as well as tlie descendants of the jieople-. who influenced the history, the philo- sophy, and the litei'ature of anci(>nt and modern Europe, to an extent which has not yet l)een determined. In this Magazine, especially in the English department, as our rea e given to the teaching of Gaelic in the National Schools. The Rev. J. C. Macphail read several sugges- tions as to alterations in the Educa- tional Code, with reference to the Gaelic-speaking inspectors or assis- tant teachers and pupil teachers, and to grants to be given in consideration of this work being effectually carried on under the eye and with the ap- probation of the Government inspec- tors and the Scotch Board. The Rev. Mr Ross gave an accoimt of his long experience as inspector of the Gaelic schools, and his recent visit to the West Highlands. The other gentleman addressed the Lord Advo- cate in support of these representa- tions. The Lord Advocate, in reply, expressed considerable interest in what had been said, and stated that he was quite prepared to take the suggestions of the deputation into consideration. A conversation en- sued upon the application of the late Act to the circumstances of educa- tion in the Highlands, when his lordship said that there was every prospect of some modification beings made either in the Act itself, or in the Code by means of which it Avas practically applied throughout the country ; and state dfiuther, that he hoped such modification would make the Act both more effective and more economical. GAELIC LANGUAGE IN HIGHLAND SCHOOLS. TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SCOTSMAN." Edinbdrgh, December 2:5, 1874. Sir, — Will you allow me, as one who has had a somewhat varied ex- perience of these matters, to corro- borate the views advanced by your correspondents in reference to the teaching of the Gaelic language in the districts where Gaelic is the language of the children ; and more especially to endorse the seeming paradox of Mr Macquarrie, that " to include Gaelic in our school curriculum is to ensure, if not to hasten, its decline and extinction as a spoken tongue ?" The question is of importance primarily to that section of the country where Gaelic is still the spoken language of the people ; but, secondarily, to the whole nation, of which these people form a considerable portion. It is an 24 THE GAEL. educational i[iiestiun iu the widest sense of the term ; and, iu my judgment, it involves grave issues which beai- upon the social and moral, as well as upon the in- tellectual, well-being of the High- land peasantry. In the present tran.siti(in jieriod of our educational history it is of great practical im- portance, especially in its bearing upon the administration of the public grants for education in the llighlands and Islands. liappily with us the question is not com))licated by any diffi- culties of race, politics, or religion. It is also gratifying to note that the difference which obtahis re- garding it is a difference in means only. Those who contend for the teaching of the language in the school, equally with those who Avould exclude it, declare their final aim to be to secure for our Highland youth the best attainable English education, and. by cou- se([uence. the extermination of (xaelic as a living language ; for a bi-lingnal population in the High- lands would be impossible, even if it were desirable. It may be true that there exist some people who would, from the highest motives, uphold and perpetuate the old language. It is certainly ti-ue that many among us contemplate the extinction of it with regret. We know that traits of character con- ducive to the highest well-being of a people die with the people's tongue; but, in reference to Gaelic, we are fully aware that it will die out, notwithstanding the most strenuous efforts to maintain it ; and we believe, moreovei-, that the practical advantages in store for our countrymen on their acquiring Knglish will more than compensate for the loss sustained through the demise of Gaelic. And we contend for a recogtiition of the language in the schools as the surest and most effective means for its final extirpation, as well as for the in- telligent teaching of the piesent and proximate generations who are destined to speak it, and it alone. Those who have hitherto guided the educational policy' of this country have held a diffei-ent and, in my judgment, a mistaken view. They have pi'oceeded upon the twofold assumption that to ignore a language is to extinguish it, and that the schoolmaster is all-power- ful to mould the character and change the language of a people. It would be difficult anywhere to find assumptions more completely falsified than these have been, in the educational history of the Highlands of Scotland.' The diffi- culty of placing the means of edu- cation within the reach of the Highland people, owing to the physical configuration of the country, and tlie poverty of the inhal)itants, found legislative re- cognition in the Acts of 1838 and 1872. But the fact that these people speak a different language from the rest of the inhabitants of Scotland appears to have escaped the notice of our modern educational legislators. It was not so in the past. In 1016 it was declared. •' That the vulgar Inglish toung be universallie plantit and the Irishe language which is one of the cheif and principall causis of the continewance of barbaritie and inciuilitie amongis the inhabitantis of the Illis and Heylandis may be abolisheit and removeit ; " and for this })urpose it was enacted that an English s(;hool should be ' erected in every paiish. and that Ì the children of the chiefs and I leading men past nine years of ! age should attend and learn to ■January, 1875. THE GAEL. 25 read, wiite, and speak English, under penalty of not being *' seruit air to their father or vtheris pre- decessouiis nor ressauit nor ac- kuawleg'eit as tennentis to his maiestie." And the Registrar- Genei'al foi- Scotland in his Report on the Census of 1871, published this year, politely leaving- out the •'barbaritie and inciuilitie," as well as the pains and penalties, and foi-- getting- that Gaelic is not taught in the public schools, wiites : — " The Gaelic language ought thei'efore, in the opinion of the Registrar- General, to cease to be taught in all our national schools ; and, as we are one people, we should have but one language. lu 1839 public grants from the Imperial Exchequer began to be given, under the ad- ministration ()'i Her Majesty's Privy ('oiuicil, for elementary education, and for the training of teachers, and these grants have been con- tinued, by the Act of 1872, under the Scotch Education Department. Wliat official recognition of the lingual difficulty in the Highlands was made in the distribution of these grants ? For a time a Gaelic paper was set to schoolmasters sitting foi- certificates, a }kiss in which entitled the holder to claim £:> per anmim as long as an in- spectoi- who knew not Gaelic certi- fied that he taught a school in adis- ti-ict in which a knowledge of that language was desirable in the teacher. Cnder the new Scotch Code, in districts where Gaelic is spoken, we are told the intelligence of the children examined in the second and third standards may be tested by requiring them to explain in(jaelic the meaifingof the passag'e read. But the teacher is neither encouraged nor expected to make use of the language of the children iu order to teach them English. He and they are tested by the same standards as if English were their mothor-tongue. It is needless to say that the method so persistently followed has completely failed. If Acts of Par- liament, Codes, and English Schools could have annihilated Gaelic, the language had long ago become a thing of the past. But a living- tongue is not so easily got rid of. Languages always die hard. And the Celtic race have been found peculiarly conservative of old habits. Why, Acts of Parliament with their consequent pains and penalties failed to compel us to clothe our limbs ; no wonder that they have been powei-less to make us hold our tongues. But if this method of ignoring the native tongue has failed to make us English readers and speakers, it has been most successful in pre- venting us from becoming Gaelic readers. Oui- vernacular literature is of the most meagre charactei-, and the little there is, is not read. And yet that the Highland peasantry have a capacity for litera- ture is conclusively proved by the pure and lofty diction of their everyday speech, as well as by the quantity of prose and verse litera- tui-e lately collected by J. F. Camp- bell and others among them. That the refusal to acknowledge the language of the people as a means of education has operated in- juriously in the past, can, I think, be easily proved. To it is mainly to be attributed the fact, that till thej'ear 1802 we had notacomplete Gaelic translation of the Scriptures. It may, I think, be justly charge- able with the circumstance that ! we had no young Highlanders (the 1 late Ewen M'Lachlan, of Aberdeen, I is almost the onlj'- exception that I occurs to me) going direct from the 26 THE GAEL. .Jammry, 1875. parish school to the ITiiiversity, and making' their mark in the country by their scholarship. And as a consequence we do not find, as in the south, endowments left for edu- cational purposes. Many High- landers made their fortunes abroad, and made wise and foolish wills like their neighbours ; but only two or three, notwithstanding their well-known attachment to their homes, have left a part of their fortune to encourage education in their native parish. They did not consider that they owed their success in life to the teaching of the parish school. (It is to be hoped that Professor Blackie will not have to wait till a rich Highlander leaves his fortune to endow a Celtic Chair.) Highlanders figured prominently before the public mind from the verdict they gave upon the ecclesi- astical controversy of thirty years ago. If they will judge differently from the rest of the country in the controversy which threatens us now, as they did at that time, out- siders will be apt to attribute their conduct to the same cause. But, it is frequently said, English has made such rapid progress of late yeai-s in the Highlands, that if you allow matters to take their course it will cover the country in a generation oi- so — what need, then, to distui-b (Hir educational arrange- ments ? If I believed what is fre- quently said upon this question, I would not have taxed your kind- ness with this long letter. That English has made progress in the Highlands for the last forty years — gieater pi-ogress than it did for a hundred years pi'eviously — will, I ix'lieve, be admitted ; but I do not anticipate such progress for the next forty years through the same agencies. Tourists, steamers, rail- ways, farmers, and tradesmen from the south have jienetrated a gi-eat part of the country, and the English language accompanied them ; while in many other places the necessity for any language at all has ceased, owing to the removal of the people. But beyond the routes of tourists and the places of call of steamers, the Gaelic-speaking })0])ulation may yet, I believe, be counted by hmidreds of th(iusands. and it is with these that the Highland edu- cationist has to deal. The schools of the large Iligliland villages may be left out of account. What is the educational conchtion of the out- lying parts ? The interesting and exhaustive report of Shenff Nicol- son to the Education Connnission can tell. English schools have been in ()j)eration for generations, and the childreTi of the present day are as helpless in English as their ances- tors were 100 years ago. It is time that a larger number of the youths of the present day come south, or go to the east coast fishing, and acquire the power of making themselves in- telligible in English ; but when these return and settle at lK)me, as many of them do, their English is laid aside — reserved for State occasions, tcv indulge their vanity, or to guide a stranger, never to educate their children. The children of these people will oc(m})y the same platform in the English school which they themselves did. They will spend their school life learning to read English ; they will close their English books when they leave school, and when the next generation of childi'cn appeal', the })roctìss is rej^eated. The few that remain long enoug'h at school to become scholars ai-e encouraged to learn Latin in order to ;u'- (|uii-e a knowledge of English ! A fair test of what the school- master unaided has done in diffusing a knowledge of English among the THE GAEL. 27 j)eo[)le is tu take a Guelic-speakiiig district, and find out, not the number of people who ccm I'ead and write English, but the muiiber who do read and write the language after they are grown up. How many of the Lews peasantry outside of Storno- way (l(> read an English book ? Not, I fancy, one in ten of those who can, and Mr Nicolson's i-eport gives us the percentage of these. The fact is, in a purely Gaelic district the sohcjolmaster is practically power- less to change the language of the people till he can make them read. It is. therefore, in order to make them readers that we would advo- cate the teaching of Gaelic. And surely Gaelic which they know, is as ser\'iceable as T/atin which they do not know, to furnish material for exercises to be translated into Eng- lish. I am confident that by the judicious and persistent use of the native language in the school, the extinction of it in the cottage would be hastened by a generation, and in the meantime the intellig'ence of the inhabitants would be stimu- lated. Nor is this a new theory. The opposite method has been tried and has completely failed. Common sense and past history alike demand a change. Intelligent Highlanders have all along demanded it. The best of Highland teachers, notwith- standing legislative enactments and official patronage, have acted upon it. The late James Munro, well known to every reader of Gaelic, taught the language in his school. All his Gaelic scholars were intelligent men, and most of them English scholars as well. The two Highland clergy- men of the last generation ( Dr Mac- leod and Dr Mackintosh Mackay), who could speak with the greatest authority upon the (juestion, earnest- ly and eloquently contended for the same view. Sheriff Nicolson. after quoting \alua hie testimony in support of it, adojits it. And now we have the testimony of Mr "Macquarrie, a practical teaclier of repute, when brought face to face with the diffi- culty in the outlying parts, as In- spector of Church of Scotland schools. How best to carry out the prin- ciple is a matter of detail. Diffe- rent jilans might be suggested; and the scheme of your correspondent "MacLaon" appears reasonable. To adjust codes is, howevei", tht* task of our educational administra- tors. It is ours to represent to them the urgency of the case ; and to assure them, so far as our ex- perience can be a gniide, of our firai conviction that the quickest and most effective method of extirpating the   large Hall of the Queen's Rooms, which was filled in every part. In the absence of the President, Mr Lachlan Macdonald of Skea- bost, who had to leave suddenly for India on business, the chair was occupied byhis brother, Mr N. M. Macdonald of Dunach, Oban. On the platform were likewise Professor J. S. Blackie, who arrived while the Chairman was giving his opening address, Mr J. 11. A. Macdonald, advocate, and Mr \V. ti. Roy, .S.S.C., Edinburgh ; Mr Murdoch, of the Highhiuder, Inverness ; Rev. Dr Walter C. Smith, ; I)r Cam])bell Black, Oban ; Rev. John Ciardiner ; Messrs Nicholson (of the Gad), Thomas Williamson, John Watson. C. M. Williamson, A. Williamson, Bell, Sharp, and M. Macpherson. The Chairman, who was much applauded on rising, stated that his brother, on the eve of his departure for India, had asked him to take his place, and however unworthy he was to occupy the position, he did not hesitate to come forward to do his best for their interests. The Chairman proceeded to say — With your leave, I will now read a letter from my brother, written in pencil in the hurry of departure. He says — "Express to the meeting how very much pleased I was to hear that the office-bearers of the Society had determined on giving the surplus of the proceeds of the evening's gathering in aid of the funds for the endow- ment of a Celtic Chair in Edinburgh, and give my thanks to Professor Blackie — (he is not here) — as one Highlander, at any rate, who feels grateful to him, and I am sure — (at this point Professor Blackie appeared on the platform and was received with enthusiastic applause). The Chairman having repeated the proceeding portion of the letter for the information of the learned professor, read the remainder as follows : — "Such must be the sentiments of every Highlander, for his noble exertions and plucky conduct, at evidently great personal trouble to himself, in his endeavours to per- petuate our mother tongue. Had circum- stances allowed me to preside at the meeting, I intended proposing a subscription from members of the Glasgow Skye Association, in aid of the funds for the endowment of i a Celtic Chair, and I hope this may yet be managed, for the proceeds of the night's i entertainment (which it had been agreed I should be given for that subject) will not be sufficient to represent in cash the feelings of Skye people towards this object. Put my own name down for ;^ioo." In my humble opinion, added the Chairman, your president has set a very good example, and one which I trust a great many here to-night will follow. For myself, I certainly shall. The secretary Mr Macqueen read the annual report of the directors of the Glasgow Skye Asociation for the year ending 31st October 1874. It stated that the A.ssocia- tion had been in a satisfactory condition. The income during the year, including a balance on hand in November 1873 of ;^25, ris. 6d., amounted to ^79, 8s., and there had been expended ^18, 3s. iid., leaving a balance on hand of ^61. 4s. id., the in- come having thus exceeded the expenditure by £Z^, I2S. 7d. A principal part of the money expended had been given towards the relief of natives of the Islands. The Society at present held three beds in the Royal Infirmary. Mr J. H. A. Macdonald subsequently gave a short address, making a few sug- gestions as to the principles on which those before him, as Highlanders, ought to act, now that they were living in the mid.st of a teeming industrial population like that of Glasgow. Professor Blackie, who was received with loud cheering, after describing in his own piquant style his experiences in learning the Gaelic language, and in his attempt to get an endowment for a Celtic Chair, concluded as follows : — With the help of one or two excellent friends, he had. in the course of six short weeks, collected ;{^I200. He had the honour and pleasure, when living at Inveraray Castle, of reading translations from Alister Macdonald, of Ardnamurchan, and some other poets, before the Princess Louise and Marquis of Lome, and the whole ducal family, and they all expressed themselves perfectly astonished to find such sublime poetry in the Gaelic language. He said, " No wonder you are astonished ; you don't know anything at all about it." They said, "We will .sup- port you in this, and we have the Queen at our back ; we know that she is in favour of thismovement ; but the Gaels must first prove that they want it, and then the Queen will come and hurrah them on to the assault." Professor Blackie concluded by reading a list of the subscriptions already received. Among the subscribers were — The Marquis of Bute ; Mr Charles Eraser-Mackintosh, M.P.; Mr Mackinnon of Balnakiel ; Mr Hallof Tangy ; MrDuncan Smith, Gla.sgow ; Mr Barbour, Bonskeid, Killiecrankie ; Mr Uuncan Macneill, London ; the Mackay Clan, Sir William Stirling-Maxwell, Pro- fessor Blackie, Mr Donald Beith, Edinburgh ; Mrs Campbell of Inveraray, Mr E. S.' Gordon, M.P.; Mr Macpherson of Cluny, The Mackintosh, &c. He advised the Highlanders to help themselves, and God would help ihem. :30 THE GAEL. Januan', RE-UNION OF THE NATIVES OF,' INVERNESS-SIIIRE IN GLASGOW. The Seventh Annual Re-union of the Na- li vesof Inverness-shire in Glasgow — and per- haps the most successful and enjoyable of the number yet held — took place on Friday night, the nth ult., in the large Hall of the (iueen's Rooms, under the auspices of the ( ilasgow Inverness-shire Association. The hall was filled. The chair was occupied by Charles Fraser-Mackintosh, Esq., M.P., chief of the Association, who appeared in full Highland costume ; and on the platform were 1 h Cameron, M. P., and Mrs Cameron ; Rev. Dr David MacEwan ; Rev. Mr Came- ron, Govan; Bailie Collins and Mrs Collins; Bailies Torrens and Scott : Bailie and Mrs Macbean, fand Miss Macbean ; ex-Bailie Malheson ; Mr Hector Stewart and Miss Stewart ; Mr William Macbean and Mrs Macbean ; ^Tr Duncan Cameron and Mrs Cameron : Messrs Bell, C.E. ; J. R.Napier, Thomas .Morrison, M. A., Walker, James F. Barron, Nigel Macneil, Hugh Macmillan. and D. Ross, H.M. Inspector of Schools ; Dr F. .\. and Mrs Mackay;5Mr W'.B. Forsyth and Mr J. Murdoch, of Inverness. Apologies were received from the Provost of Inver- ness : Bailie Simpson, Inverness ; and Pro- fessor Young of the University. While the ladies and gentlemen who occupied the jilatform were taking their places, Pipe- Major Mackinnon, of the Cdasgow High- landers, discoursed stirring music. A blessing having been asked by 1 )r MacEwan, tea was served. The Chairman, who ^\■as received with great applause, said. Ladies and (Jentle- men — The objects of your Association are twofold, viz. — I. The relief of individuals, natives of, or connected with, Inverness- shire, who may be residing in, or passing through Glasgow, and affording assistance in procuring situations for such as are un- employed. 2. The mutual improvement of its members, the promotion of social and friendly intercourse, an annual gathering, and the revival of former associations con- nected with the county. All these objects are most praiseworthy and proper ; bul as I am limited in time, I shall chiefly confine myself to the last — " The revival of former associations connected with the county." Which county is it, then, that we belong to? Is it insignificant in extent? Is it barren in history ? The very reverse. The sheriffdom of Inverness once extended from benorth the mountains of the Grampians to Caithness, comprehending the present shires of Inverness, Ross, Caithness, and Suther- land ; and though for a long time shorn of its original bounds, it is still the largest in Scotland, and stretches from .sea to sea. In it are the highest mountains, some of the largest lakes, and the sources of some of our finest rivers. From the mighty hills in the Braes of Badenoch, which culminate in the lofty Ben Alder, flow waters which find|their respective exits — the one at Dundee in the German, the other at Fort-William in the Atlantic Oceans. Again, it has been es- sentially the land of chiefs and clans. Be- ginning with the Outer Hebrides, you would find Macneils ; next in Inner Hebrides. Mac- leods. Mackinnons.and Macdonalds of Slate. On the mainland we have those powerful houses of the Macdonald family, Clanranald, Glengarry, and Kepjioch : also, Camerons — \ worthy representatives of whom I have on my right and left — the great confederacy of the Clan Chaltan, with its sixteen tribes ; I Frasers, Chisholms, and Grants. These \ clans — "our fathers" — with their kith and ; kin, friends and followers, absorb most of our surnames ; and while \\'e feel glad that I several of these chiefs remain and hold a j high position, we also much regret that some 1 have merely names without " local habi- tation.'' Again, our county is more closely 1 associated with that brilliant event (the rising in 1745) than any other part of Great Britain. Prince Charles Landed in, and took his departure from, the county. The raising I of his standard at Glenfinnan, the first brush j with the Hanoverian soldiers near Inver- 1 lochy, the last final fight at Culloden, all ' occurred within its bounds. Next, I would [ refer to our county as being, at least, one of the great seats of the Gaelic language. Considering its antiquity, its cx]:ressive comprehensiveness, its poetry, that the poets and bards knew no other language, it ap- pears to us that we are bound to preserve it, as far as possible, and to do otherwise would be acting falsely to those who have preceded us. These points touch and affect us as Highlanders ; but apart from this, we have the testimony of famous scholars and philologists that this language is an interest- ing and valuable one, and ought to be pre- served, though it ultimately came to be cat- alogued as a dead language. It is needless, therefore, to add that I entirely approve of the proposal to found a Celtic Chair, so energetically taken up by Professor Blackie. and commend it to your liberality. Our position in regard to Gaelic is this — to insist, as a matter of right, that it be taught in schools in Gaelic-speaking districts ; and, after we have done our part by adequate voluntary subscriptions, to insist, as a right, on the government su])plementing the fund to establish the Chair. Again, our county THE GAEL. 31 is distinguished in the number of eminent men it has produced, particularly soldiers and poets, these:pursuits being characteristic of hill tribes all over the world. Among the former I need only refer to Sir Ewan Cameron of Lochiel. Mackintosh of Borlum, Allan Muidertach ; and in later times, out •of hundreds who have distingnished them- selves, I select Marshal Macdonald, Sir James Macdonell, and Colonel Cameron of Fassi- fern. Among the poets I may mention Donald Macdonald, Lochaber (DomhnuU Mac- FhiunlaithnanDan); MaryMacleod, Harris (Mairi nighean Alasdair Ruaidh) ; John Macdonell (Ian Lorn) ; Juliette Macdonell, Keppoch ; Neil MacVurich, bard and his- torian of Clan Ranald ; 1 -achlan Macpher- son, of Strathmashie ; Kenneth Mackenzie, Castle Leathers ; and I am happy to think that several bards flourish amongst us in the present day. Nor has the eminence of our county's sons been limitetl to the two classes I have referred to, for among statesmen the names of Sir James Mackintosh and Lord Glenelg ; among physicians and scholars, Martin and Maclachlan, hold high places ; and in other pursuits the like would be found, if my lime permitted. Next, ladies and gentlemen, I would say, that one of the objects of your Association — " the promot- ing social and friendly tntercourse" — is of the greatest importance. There must be many thousand Highlanders in Glasgow — most certainly in no other locality so nu- merous or influential — who, if they really banded together as indicated in your motto, "Shoulder to shoulder," could do great good. You have numerous Highland asso- ciations in Glasgow. It is well. I do not object even to parochial organizations ; but 1 should like to see a representative federa- tion of all these Glasgow societies, which, when social and economic questions connec- ted with the Highlands came up for discus- sion before the legislature or otherwise, would be able to speak with eff"ect, for it would do so, in the name, and by the authority of a united people. Miss M. Smith sang "Jock o' Hazeldean," and, as an encore, "Bonnie Charlie's noo awa." Mr J. Macpherson danced the Highland Fling ; after {which a communi- cation was sent up to the Chairman to the following effect : — "Honoured Sir, — This assembly is promising to be in harmony with the Highland spirit, but in the pro- gramme we see omitted the mention of a Gaelic song. Therefore, honoured sir, we, the undersigned, crave your attention to this in amending it. " The Chairman said it was a capital suggestion, and Mr Graham, who was in Highland costume, then sang a Gaelic song, for which he was encored. Dr Cameron, M.P., afterwards gave a short and humorous address, in which he claimed kin.ship with Inverness-shire, from llie fact that his grandfather and grand- mother were both Camerons, and that both hailed from In\erness. Mr Thomas Morrison, M.A., ex-Bailie Malheson. and Bailie Torrens, also gave short addresses. The speeches were varied by songs from Miss M. Smith, Mr W. H. Darling, Mr Houston, and Mr W. Graham. Mr J. Macpherson, in a manner which elicited great applause, danced the " High- land Fling" and "Gillie Galium," to the music of the bagpipes, on which Pipe-Major .Mackinnon performed at intervals during the evening. The usual votes of thanks brouglit the entertainment to a close and an assemblv followed. NEWS OF THE HIGHL.\NDS AND ISLANDS. CONKKRKNCE OV SCH(X)I. B(X\R1)S. — On Thursday, the loth December, a Conference of the Representatives of School Boards of the West Coast of Ross-shire, was held at Achnasheen, to consider the iiearing of the Education Act in the remote Highland par- ishes of Scotland. The conference was called by the Chairman of the School Board, of Gairloch (Sir Kenneth MacKenzie, Bart.), "in order that such points in the Scotch Education Act, and the Code of Regulations relative thereto, and such omis- sions therein as appear to call for amend- ment be considered, and to take such steps with regard to them as may seem most desir- able." There were present Sir Kennetli Mackenzie, of Gairloch, Bart. ; Mr and Mrs Matheson, of Ardross ; Mr Maoken- zie, Esq., of Dundonell ; Mr Ferguson, Tulloch ; Rev. Mr Matheson, &c. Re- solutions were passed giving expression to the extreme difficulty of working the Education Act and Code in the large par- ishes of the district, and copies of the resolu- tions were sent to the Lord Advocate ; the Secretary of the .Scotch Education Depart- ment ; the Secretary of the Board of Educa- tion ; the Clerks of Highland School Boards, with a request for an amendment of the Act and Code in the direction of the resolutions adopted by the meeting. Free Gaelic Church, Aberdeen. — At the Annual Social Meeting of the mem- bers of the Free Gaelic Church, on Tuesday night, the 8th ult., the pastor, the Rev. Geo. Macdonald, was presented with a handsome hand Bible, a purse and sovereigns, and areceipt representing the gift of a chifibnnier to Mrs Macdonald. THE GAEL. The Dugald Buchanan Monument. — On Tuesday evening, the 8th ult.. the Rev. Dr Macmillan, of Glasgow, delivered a lecture on ihe " Hospice of St Bernanl," in the Gaelic Church, Greenock — lìailie Campbell presiding. At the close of the lec- ture Dr Macmillan stateil that he had deliv- ered it at the request of the committee in charge of the Buchanan Monument. The Rev. Mr M'Askil gave a short sketch of Dugald Buchanan's life and works, and hoped Greenock would contribute handsomely to the object. The proceeds of the lecture are to go to the monument fund. The lecture was, as it well deserved, heartily applauded throughout, and at the close a hearty vote of thanks, on the motion of the chairman, was accorded to the Rev. Doctor. In connection with the same object the Rev. A. C. Sutherland, Strathbraan, gave a lecture in .St Columba's Free (Gaelic) Church, Edinburgh, on Tuesday, the I5lh ult., on the Life and Works of Dugald Buchanan. The proceeds of the lecture were handed over to the Monument Com- mittee. Death of Baron Macdonai.d, ok Armadale Castle, Skye. — Somerled James Brudenell Macdonald, fifth baron of the name, died on Friday last, in Edin- burgh, of acute inflammation of the lungs. The deceased nobleman, who was born in 1849, was the eldest son of the fourth Baron Macdonald, whom he succeeded in 1863. His lordship caught a severe cold in the beginning of last week, and had been con- fined to his room, for two days, when in- flammation set in and proved fatal within a few hours. His lordship was unmarried, and the title now devolves upon his younger brother, the Hon. Archibald Brudenell Macdonald. who was born in Edinburgh in 1853- The Religious Improvement ok the Highlands and Islands ok Scot- land. — On Thursday afternoon, the 3d December, the Twenty - fourth Annual meeting of Ladies and Gentlemen interested in the Association for the Religious Im- provement of the Remote Highlands and Islands of Scotland, in connection with the Free Church of Scotland, took place in the Hall of St George's Church, Shandwick Place, Edinburgh. There was a large attendance. The Chairman stated that the individual objects of the Association were (l) to aid the education of the I lighlands and Islands ; (2) to give assistance to promising young men in prosecuting their studies for the ministry; (3) to provide agencies to bear on the Popery which prevailed so much in the Highlands ; and (4) to provide clothing for the poorest of the people, that they might avail themselves of opportunities aflbrded to them of public worship and attendance at schools. The report, which was read by Dr M'Lauchlan, dwelt upon the difficulty of providing in the remote Highlands and Islands the means of education under the New Act, quoting a letter written by Dr Maclauchlan to the Association upon the subject. On the motion of Mr Hugh Mossman. seconded by Colonel Young, the report \\'as unanimously adopted. The Twenty-second Annual Meet- IN(; of the Association for the Religious Improvement of the Remote Highlands and Islands, was held on Tuesday, the 15th ult., in the Hall of the New College, tilasgow. The Rev. Dr Buchanan occupied the chair, and was accompanietl to the platform by Rev. Dr Maclauchlan (Edinburgh). Rev. Profes- sors Douglas and Candlish, Rev. Dr Adam, Rev. Messrs G. W. Thomson, A. Urquharl, Hamilton, W. Ross (Rothesay), Bain, A. C. Sutherland (Strathbraan), &c. The Rev. Professor Candlish having opened the meet- ing with prayer, Dr Buchanan made a state- ment dwelling upon the educational destitu- tion which prevailed in the outlying parts of the Highlands and Islands, after which, the Rev, W, Ross, Rothesay, read the annual report, from which it appeared, thai if the Association had not continued its work, no fewer than 740 children would have been left unprovided with the means of education, and with no immediate prospect for some years of having the deficiency supplied. Dr Maclauchlan moved, "That the report be approved of, and the objects of the Association commended anew to the in- creased liberality of the Christian jjublic, and that the proposed building fund of ^1200 be very specially commended to the liberal support of all friendly to the Association and its important work." The Rev. Mr Urriuliart seconded tlie motion. *^* We have been reluctantly compelled, from want of space, to reserve for our February number. Reports of the Edin- burgh Inverness, Ross, and Nairn Club ; the Edinburgh Argyle, ]5uie, and the Western Isles Association ; and tlie Jubilee of Dr M'Leod of Morven. THE GAEL ADVERTISEMENTS. STATE LINE. Tha na Smuld-Shoithlcheaii ceutach agus cumhachdach, Pennsylvania, 2500 Tunna I Louisiana, 1900 Tunna Virginia, 2500 „ Minnesota, 1000 ,, Georgia, 2500 „ | Alabama, I'JOO ,, A nis deas air son an aitean a ghabhail, agus seolaidh iad eadar OLASCHU agus NEW YORK, A H-ITLE C'EITIIin-LA-DEUO, Agus eadar Liverpool agus New Orleans, A H-uiLK Mros. Bithidh Batliar agus Luchd-turals air an giulan •s agus do gach ceai'n de BHREATUNX AQUS AN KOINN-EORPA: As agus do gach cearn de na STAITEAJf-AOXAICHTE AQUS de CHANADA, Ain na prisean a 's saoire. Tha na Soithichean uile air an togail fo shuil flr-coimhid sgileil, agus tha iad a" seasamh anns a' bhuidheann a's airde ris an abrar, A 100 at Lloyd's. Tha iad air an uidheamachadh leis gach goireaa a niheasar a bhi air son tearuinteachd agus seasgaireachd luchd-turais de gach inbh agus seorsa: agus o 'n dealbh grinn cho math r'am mor-churahachdthaiad coniasach airluaths a dheanamh nach bi dad air dheireadh air na Soithichean eile a's f hearr a tha air an t-slishe. Tha iad aig gach am air an comanndachadh le Bgiobairean agus oiftgich earbsach, agusbidh gach aire aira buileachadh airluchd-turais degach inbh. Tlia Lighiche, Ban-stiubhard agus Matron air bord air gach soitheach. Gheobhar tuillidh eolais, ann an Duneideann o R. D. Kerr, S North St. David Street ; ann an Dundea o Low, Moir, d: Co., SI Murray gate; ann an Liverpool o Robs, Skolfield, Jk Co., 9 Chapel Street; ann an Queenstov-ii o JV. tt J. Cumming Brothers; no ann an UNITED STATES AND CANADA. glaschc ALLANC. GOW & Co., 05 Great Clyde Street. Mississippi & Dominion Steamship Company, I Limited. I Thu following or other flrst-clasg, full-powered I Steamei-s are intended to make regular depar- , tures from LIVERPOOL:— Tons. Tons. Saint Louis 1,827 Vicksburg 2,500 Memphis 2,500 Missouri 2,000 Mississippi 2,200 Texas 2,350 Lord Clive, 3,400 Dominion (Ijuilding) 3,113 Palestine 2,868 Ontario (building) . .3,113 Calling at Belfast Lough. Palestine For Quebec and Montreal Lord Clive For Boston ^'Portland, U.S. Texas For Quel)ec and Montreal Memphis For Quebec and Montreal J^fississippi For New Orleans (direct) For rates of freight appiv to TAYLOR, TIPPER, and CO., 7 Chapel Street. Passengers will find superior accommodation in this Company's Steamers. They carry Surgeon and Stewardess. Saloon Fares to Boston, Portland, and Quebec, £12 12s., £14 14s.: to New Orleans, £20. Steerage Fare, including an ample supply of provisions cooked and served up by tlie Com- . pany's Stewards, £0 fis. Passengers booked to all parts of the States ! and Canada. 1 Agents in Alontreal, :Messrs. D. Torrance and Co.: Boston, Messrs. Thayer and Lincoln ; New \ Orleans, Mr. SiLAS Weeks. \ For passage apply to the Managing Directors, j FLINN, MAIN, and MONTGOMERY, 12 Lancelot's Hey. EMIGRATION TO CANADA. Assisted Passages- -Free Grants of Land. THE GOVERNMENT of the DOMINION of CANADA grant WARRANTS for ASSISTED PASSAGES by Royal Mail and other powerful Steamships running from Ports in the United Kingdom to Farm Labourers, Navvies, Domestic Servants, Mechanics. Free Grants of 160 Acres are offered in Manitoba from the splendid Prairie Lands of that Province, and from 100 to 200 Acres in other parts of Canada. RECEPTION OF EMIGRANTS. On arrival in Canada, Emigrants are received in Dej^ots, and cared for by Government Agents, who assist in finding them immediate employment. For further information and terms, apply to the Agent General for the Dominion of Canada, Canada Government Building, King Street, Westminster (Emigration Department). iTOW HEADY. AM F E I L L I R E : "THE GAEL" ALMANAC, A HIGHLAND DIRECTORY AND YEAR BOOK FOR 1875. The Publishers of " The Gael " have now issued their Gaelic Almanac for 1875, which in additiou to the general features of a good Ahnanac, contains List of Gaelic Churches and Clergymen of all Denominations at Home and Abroad; Lists of Highland and Gaelic Societies; The Names of Chiefs, Badges, War-Cries, Marches, Salutes, Gatherings, &c,, of the Highland Clans ; Highland Pairs, Saints Days, Anniversaries, &c. , and a A'^ast amount of other matter of sijecial interest and vahie to Highlanders, not to be met with elsewhere. Frioe Sizpence; Clieap Edition, Threepence. MACLACHLAN & STEWART, SOUTH BRIDGE, EDINBURGH; AND WM. LOVE, ARGYLE STREET, GLASGOW. IV. Leabh. Ceud Mhios an Earraich, 1875. 38 Air, Seau-fliocHll 33 Cumha Aiiua :i5t Comhradh nan cnnc . . 40 Cruluueachudh Chlaiiii* Ghriogair 44 CLAR-INNSIOH : lalu agus Alantalr . . Altachadh an uiage-Mie;itl Earail iiiu'u Gbaidlifal Bop ait gach seld Gilldh Cliaiuaruii .. 2^a|i jttc pdinp boTTT cmani reiti „,.„,„ M/> ..A w^ 'VS'm FDINBURCxH MA.CLACHI GI \bGOW MCOLSON S. A. & J. BRYSON. PRINTBBS. 84 HUTOHESON STRKET QUASQOW, THE GAEL ADVERTISEMENTS. AISEAG A NASGUIDH AG us CUIDEACHADH FARAIDH DO NEW ZEALAND. I.-- Tha CuiDEACHADH FARAIDH air atuoiit doLuclul-oibre fearainn, Narries, Ciobaireau agus Luclid-eeirde posda air dhoibh gealladh sgriobhta 'thoirt gu'm paigh iad deicli Puinnd Shasunnach gach duiue 'n a mlieidhisean ai! deigh dol tbairis; no le coig jmiund Sliasuiin- ach an duine a )>haigheadh man s«ol iad. Feuniaidb iad a bhi stuama, deanadach, fo dhcagh chliu, fallain 'n an inntinn, saor o dheireas, nnn an slainte mhath, agus a' dol thairis a' cur romjia oibreachaidb air son tuarasdail. II.— Cha toir an Uacbdranacbd aiseag do os cionn iiithis chloinne eadar aon bliliadlma agus da bhliadhn' deug a dh-aois aìiìi.i flack teaflhinr/i; ach faodaidb parantan an t-aii.-i. l aisig, eadhon, seachd puinnd Saasunnacli, a pliaigheadh air son gach aon d'an teaghlac ! cionn an aireamh sin. Tha gach pearsa os cionn du b/dicuUiv' deny air a ndieas mar d'n i' • . cLann cadur aon lliliadhna aflvs da lidiadhn' demi air am uieas mur /cth dhaoive; agus naoidbeanan fo aon bhliadhna air an giulan a lia.yitid/i. III.— Mnathan S1NGII.TE. — Tha AISEAG A NASGUIDH aig Ban-chocairean, I^Iaighdeannan-seomair, Searbhantan-tighe, Bauaraichean &c.,nach'eil fo choig bliadhn' deug no os cionn coig bliadhn' deug thar f hichead a dh-aois. IV. — Gheobh nif/heanan charaidean posda, a tha da bhliadhn' deug no os a cliioiin, aiseag a nasguidh ; agus gabhar gillean d'an aois cheudna a tha falbh an cuideachd am parantan na 'm paighear coig puinnd Shasunnach an fear air an sonm'an seol iad, no air ghealladh sgriobhta gu'm paighear sea puinnd Shasunnach am fear air an son mar Ian airgiod-aisig. V.--DAOINE SiNGiLTE.— Is i an t-suim a dh' fheumar a pliaigheadh air son dhaoine singilte ochd puinnd Shasunnach am fear de airgiod ullamh. Mur urrainn doibh sin a dhioladh faodaidh iad ceithir puinnd Shasunnach a pliaigheadh ullamh agus an ainm a chur ri gealladh air son ochd puinnd Shasunnach. Is iad na tvarnsdail a tha 'dol air son obair ochd uairean '.s an \AÌhfi— Labourers, bho choig gu seachd tastain 's an latha — Luchd-ceirde, bho ochd gu deich tastain 's an latha. Gheobhar duilleachain Gliaidhlig mu New Zealand ann an Office A' Ghaidheu a nasguidh. Air son tv.Ulidh eolais aguif chniiih vorking of Mines, Quarries, and Peat Mosses; the Utilization of Sewage; Railway Extension and Jlanage- ment; Local and Inipenal Taxation; Celtic and kindred Literature; Sanitary Matters, kc. [ Time of Publication, every Saturday. Price 2d per copy. The HIGHLANDER is Published by The HIGHLANDER Newspaper & Printing & Publishing Coy., Limited. LiohUity (,f each Shai-elioldcr is strict/ 1/ limited to the antovnt for uhich he sidjscrihes. CAPITAL £3, 000, in 3,000 SHARES of £1 each. Applications for Shares and orders for the Pajjer to be sent to the SECRETARY, JOHN MURDOCH, at rffH OFFICES, 71 CUUJWH S THEFT, mVEJiNESS. i THE GAEL ADVEtlTÌSEMENTS. SPECIAL NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS. NEW ABBANaEMElTTS. The conductors of The Gael regi-et that, owing to other pressing engagements, they have not been able to give the necessary atten- tion to the publishing arrangements during the past year, and that, in consequence, the monthly appearance of the publication has been sometimes more or less delayed. They are glad to announce, how- ever, that new and improved arrangements have been made for its regular and prompt appearance on the first of every month during the ensuing year. Under these arrangements, The Gael will be published simultaneously by Messrs. Maclachlan & Stewart, South Bridge, Edinburgh, and Mr. William Love, 226 Argyle Street, Glasgow, on and after the fii'st of January, 1875, after which date all business communications should be addressed to The Gael, and Editorial communications to the Editor of The Gael, care of Messrs. Maclachlan & Stewart, 64 South Bridge, Edinburgh. In addition to present Editorial arrangements, other gentlemen have been engaged to take an active pai-t in the Editorial work of the publication during the ensuing year. These efibrts to render The Gael more useful, it is hoped, will be duly appreciated. The publisheis have suffered great pecuniary loss, in consequence of the large number of subsciibers who are in arieai's with their payments, and the difficulty of collecting such small amounts at wide distances apart. It has therefore been decided not to send The Gael in future except to those who have paid in advance, and to discontinue sending it at the end of the time paid for. Notice of the expiration of subscription will be given a month or two in advance, in order to giv« subscribers time to renew their subscrip- tions and keep their sets complete. THE OAÈL ADVERTISEMENTS. NOTICE TO EMIGRANTS FKOM SCOTLAND TO CANADA. ALLAN LIITE. The Steamers of the ALLAN LINE will commence their Direct Sailings from GLASGOW TO QUEBEC, ZK AFEIL, 1875 And will continue to Sail EVERY TUESDAY Throughout tub Season. Passage Money. Cabin— fo Qnekc, • • £13 13s. „ ToPortlau(l,Bostoii,or\effYorl i(I mhios an Earraicli, 1875. AN GAIDIIEAL. 47 I'obb iad, agus g-u 'u cuireadli e niu iiachaibh dlioibh gu 'm b' e e fbein ail lighicb. Ambuil 's mar a b' fliior, ghabb e stigb. Sbaoil leo- saii gu 'm b' e an ligliicli 'bb' ami. I)b' fbaigbnicb e dbiubb au robb iad deas. Tbuirt iad gu 'n robb. ^Fa ta, ars' Alastair, is obair gle dbuiUch a tba sibh a' cur mu m' cboiunimb-sa an uocbd, acb is eudar gu'n deauar i air a' sbon sin. Cbeaiig- ail e iad gu tòiseacbadli ri toirt diubb ua blouaig. Db' fhaigbuicli iad d' e, c' àite au d' fhàg e fear au tigbe. Gbabb e choimbead caraid 'tb' anu an àite tlia 'n sud, ars' Alastair, 's o'n nacb 'eil duil aige tigbinn dbacbaidb au uocbd, tbuiit e liumsa sibbse db'inuseadh dbombsa ail aite 's am bbeil au t-airgiod an ,i;It>idbeadb. Tba eagal orm uacb urr- aiiin duibb innseadb dbomb an deigb a' bblonag a thoirt asaibb. Tbuirt mi vis gur licbead punnd Sasuuuaeb a bbitliiun ag ian-aidb air son rao sbaotbracb. An ualr a cbuala ua boirlouuaich so tbuirt iad ris, tba preas an siu air do cbiilaobb, agus so dbuit iucbair, 's fosgail e. Gbabb Alastair coir an iucbair, agus db' fbosgail e 'm preas, 's ciod e a fbuair e ann acb mile punnd Sasunu- acb, 's a macb tbug e cbo luatb 's a bb' aige. Acb cba b' fhada gus an d' tbainig fear an tigbe 's au ligbieh, 's mur do gbabb iad iongantas an uair a fbuair iad na baiutigbearnan ceang- uilte air meadbon an lobbta. Cuid- icb mise ! arsa fear au tigbe, ciod a tba sibb a' deauamb ceangailte mar siu ? Nacb 'eil, ars' iadsau, au ligbicb 'cbuir sibb fbeiu a tboirt illiinn na blonaig. An e mise? arsa fear an tigbe; cba do cbuir mise iigbicb 's am bitb tbgauibb. Nacb 'eil an ligbicb cbaidb mise db' iarraidb agam au so. Db' aitbuicb na baintigbearnan nacb robb- an Alastair acb am mealltair nior. Seall, ars' iadsau, tbuirt am fear a cbeangail sinn au so gu'ii d' iarr tbu fbein air a radh ruiiine, sinn a tboirt dlia a tbuaras- dail. Db' iniiis sum dha au t- aite 's an robb an t- airgiod an gleidb- eadb, agus a'cbeart cbo luatb 's a fbuair e e, am macb gbabb e. ! tba mise briste, arsa fear au tigbe 's e leum a db-ionnsaidb au aite 's an robb au t- airgiod an gleidbeadb aige, agus fbuair e gu'n robb a b-uile sgillinn d' e air a gboid. ! am bbeil fada o 'u a db'fbalbb e, ars' esan, Faigbeareacb dboinhsa, agus tbeid mi db' fliencbainn am beir mi air. Bba Alastair ume mbaitb air falbb mu'n am so; acb ged a bba, bba ambarus aige gu'iu biodb an toir air. Tbacbair duine air aig taobb aimbne, agus e 'buain feoir. 'S eadb, ars' Alastair, an dean tbu fasdadb rium fad tbii uaiieau an uaii-eadair, air cbuig sgilliun Sbasunnaicb ? Ni mi, ars' an seaun duine. 'S e an t- seirbbis a db' iarras mi ort, ma ta, ars' Alastair, tbu 'dbol air do dba gblim fad tbri uairean a tbim, agus gun aou fbocal a tbigbinn a macb as do bbeul fad na b-uine ; cuimhnicb, ma tbeir tbu smid nacb fbaigb tbu sgillinn. Gu dearbb cba'n abivir mise gutb. ars' au duine gus an ruitb na tri uairean. liacb air do gbliiiuean, ma ta, ars' Alastair. Rum an duine sud, ag-us tbòisicb Alastair air air cur an fbeoir air a' mbuin. Acb mar a bba an t- ambarus aig Alastair, agus fios aige nacb b' fbada gus au tigeadb iad air a tbòir, tbòisicb e air cur au fbeoir air muin au duine mar gu'm biodb e 'deauamb cruaicbe db' e, Ambuil 's mar a b' fbior, CO uocbd a' tigbinn air an ratbad acb marcaicb, agus is ann air fbein a bba am fraocb. Db' fbaigbnicb e de db' Alastair am fac e duiue dol seacbad an ratbad an diugb. Chunnaic mi, ars' Alastair, 48 AN GAIDHEAL. Ceud inhios an Earraich, 1875. agus 's ann air f heiu a bha 'chabhag-. ! am meirleach bradach, ars' am marcaiche, sindireacli am fear a ghoid mo chuid airgid; an urrainn duit iimseadh dhomb ciod e an taobh a thug e air? Is urrainn, ars' Alastair; agus tha fios agani na'm falbhainn fhein as a dbeigh leis an each sin a tb' agad, gu'u deanainn a macb cia an taobh a thug e air. Falbh ma ta, ars' am marcaich, agus beir air, agus bheir mi dhuit fichead punnd Sasmmacb an uair a thig thu leis. Bi-sa ma ta, ars' AUistair a' deanamh gurrucaig de 'n fbeur so gus an tig mi. Bithidh, ars' am marcaich. Dh' fbalbb Alastair; ach ma dh' fhalbb cha b' aim gu tilleadh ris a' mharcaich. Kuith e'n t- each cho craaidh 's a bh' aige ; ach an uair a bha e gu bhi aig na tighean leig e an t- each as — bha e'n so cinnteach gu'n robh e sabhailt. An uair a fhuair e am measg nan tighean, cha b' fhurasda 'dheanamh a mach tuilleadh. Ach am marcaich 'dh' fhuirich a' deanamh na cruaiche feoir gus an tigeadh Alastair air ais, 's e ghabli an t- uamhas an uair a thòisich a' chruach air gluasad. Co blia 'toirt oirre 'bin gluasad ach an seann duine a riiin fasdadh ri Alastair, an uair a shaoil leis gu'n robh na tri uaii-ean air ruith. Ach bha am marcaich 'cumail na cruaiche fotha cho maith 's a b' urrainn da, gus mu dheireadh an do leig an seann duiue an e'igh " murt." An uair chual 'am marcaich so, leig e leis an t- seann duine ('irigh. An uair a dh' eirich e, thòisich e air iarraidh a thuarasdail, agus e'n duil gur h- e Alastair a bh' aige. Thuirt am marcaich ris, Cha'n fhaca mi liabh thu, dhuine. A thruthaire bhradaich, ars' an seann duiue, nach d' thuirt thu rium gu'n d' thugadh tu dhomh cuig sgillinn Shasunnach. na 'ni fanainn an so fad thri uairean an uaireadair gun smid a thighinn a mach as mo bheul. CIha d'thuirt mi, ars' am marcaich. Nach aim agad a tha 'n t- aodaim dalma, ars' am bodach. An uair a chunnaic am marcaich na fhuair e de dhroch cainnt, rug e air a'bhodach, agus rug am bodach air. Bha iad au so a' gabhail da cheile gus an do leth-mharbh am marcaich am bodach. 'S e am marcaich bh' ann an so fear an tighe as 'n a ghoid Alastair au t- airgiod. 'S e dh' eirich do'n mharcaich gu'n deach a chur an laiiuh air son an diol a rinn e air a' bhodach, agus fhuair e sia miosan priosahi, a thuilleadh air a dheauamli a mach gur li-e Alastair a ghoitl a chuid airgid. Bha coguis gle fharsainn aige — shaoil leis gu'n robh e onorach gu leor dha airgiod an duine eile ghleidheadh. Cha'n fhac e sgcàth lochd ann. ALTACIIADH AN UISGE-BHEATHA. An iiair a dh' eireamaid gu moch, Mu'n racharaaid air fiar a mach, B' ionmhuinn an spisearnach bruich, Do'n siansireachd beirm a's braich. Aithneasaich tha snuadhor glas, 'S 'n a chuir caoin ghriosach teas ; Mac na cleithe ris a' phrais, Bragainieach is eruighneach treis. ' Ogha 'chaochain ai? dara h-uair, Romh'n chleith luaith 's a cursa cam ; Spiorad cas an ic' gun smur, A dh' fheumas tuchadh air a cheanii. Is caoranach an t-uisge cas, f'anranach gun snmid lb theas ; C'raohh ad thridhc ga do mholadh, 'S do chneas ;ig coinhdach do thrcis'. 'S grismhor garg an claigncaih crua Sgaih:; nam buadh cha choir a chkdth Ridh e tcith ri latha fuai', Agus fuar ri latha tcith. Ceud nihios an Eairaich, 187 AN GAIDIIEAL. 4Q EAR AIL DO MHUIXNTIR NA GAIDHEALTACHD MU'N GHAIDHEAL. A GHAIDHEIL URKAMAICH. Ceadaich dhomh beagan fhacal a chur aa altaibh a cheile mu thim- chioll na muinntir sin, mo luchd- duthclia, air sou an d'rinu thu spairn chruaidh renautri bliadhua a chaidh seachadchum an atb-leasacliadh aim an eolas, ag-us anus gach fiosrachadh feumail air son an staide. Tha na Gaidlieil *n an sluagt a ttia eomh- arraicbte tbair gacb sluagli eile air aghaidb a' chruinne a tb aobh bhuaidh- ean eug - saiuhla a tha dluth- eheangailte riutha. Mur nach 'eil cearna de'n talamh anus nach faig'h- ear iad, cha'n eil cearna dh'e nach eil eolach air an deag-h-ghiulan, au euchd, agus am mòr-ghuiomh. Tha iad measail agiis cUùiteach, agus air an aobhar sin, is lionmhor dichioll a liuueadh riabh, chum fuasgladh a thoirt dhaibh *n an teanntachd, agus chum gach eolas a chraobh- sgaoileadh 'n am measg. Nach mòr, 's nach cudthromach an spairn a rinneadh leat fein, a' Gliaidheil. ionmhuinn. ad chuairtibh lionmhor am fad 's am farsuing, bho chionn thri bliadhna, a chmn math do luchd- duthcha a chur air aghaidh. Is iomadh la fliuch. fuar a thug thu na raoiiitean ort. Is trie a blta thu air do chlaoidh le h-ùnradh 's le doininn. Is minic a chaidh tu air cuan-thuras a chnm' diithchanna cein, gu greim fhaotainn air sliochd nam beann anns na criochaibh farsuing sin, agus chum comhairle a thoirt orra, agus an leas is f hearr a dheauamh follais- each dhaibh. Bha thu riabh a' giiilaii nithe matha agus tarbhach ad lorg. Cha robh do lamh riabh falamh, no do chridhe riabh a dh-easbhuidh deagh-dhiirachd a thaobh na muinn- tir sin d'am beil mor-speis aig gach neach a tha eolach air na feartan lionmhor a bhuineas daibh. Agus cha'n e sin a mhain, ach chaidh tu air do chuairtibh i-e an da mhios a I chaidh seacluid le h-uallaich dhnb- I ailte air do ghuaillean, — uallach a bu leoir, mur b'e gu'm bu Ghaidiital thu. gus do leagadh sios, agus do phronnadh gni duslaich ag-us gu hwithre ! Ach dh' fhuilig thu gach eiuaidh-chas de'n ghnè so, leis an durachd leis an robh thu air do dheachdadh air son leas nan Gaidh- eal. Cha'n 'eil teagamh nach 'eil iad toillteanach air gach ui a rinn- eadh riabh air an son, an da clmid leat fein, agus le moran eile a chaidh air an cuartibh air thoiseach oi-t. Bha iad gu minic an aire 's an eigin, — an gainne 's am bochduinn, ach nochdadh trucantas leis na miltilih d'an taobh-san, do bhrigh gu'n robh iad riabh aiinneil agus measail. Riun cruadal agus dillseachd nan gaisgeach so an cliù a sgaoileadh tbair aghaidh an talmhainn gu leir ! B'iadsan gu sònraichte luehd-dion na righeaehd. Bliaco-'roinnurram- ach aca an còmhnuidh de gach blàr deistiimeach agus cath fuilteach, a cliuireadh air son an righ, agus an diitbcha, — an saorsa agus an lagha. An aon fhacal, cha d' thug saighd- airean na b' fhearr riabh aghaidh do namhaid. oir bha iad riabh dileas, fad-fhulangach_ gaisgeil. Air do'ii chilis a bbi mar so, thugam earail dhiirachdach do m' lucbd-dùthcha gu leir, air feadh gharbh-chrioch na h-Alba, agus aims gach cearna eilo de'n t-saoghal, do bheatha-sa alt- achadh leis gach deagh-run 'ii aji comas. Ge b'e ait' anns am beil iad, — au America, no an Australia, — ^no 's na h-Innsibh Near no Niar, — no. eadhou au China iomallaicb, — deanadh iad solas do-labhairt. Au uair a ruigeas an Gaidlieal iad, thug- adh iad caidreamh, agus aoidheachd- chridhe dha, agnis deanadh iad gach innleachd agus strith 'n an comas 50 AN GAIDHEAL. Ceud mhios an Earraiuh, 1875- chum a làmh a neartachadb, a mbis- ueach a blirosiiacliadh, ag-iis a shlig-h- ean 'n am measg a dheanamh reidh, taitneach, agiis buan-mhaireaTiiiach. Ma dh' fhosgaileas muiiuitir na Gaidbealtachd an siiileai), chi iad gnir caraid dileas tbu, agns aoidh a tha air g-ach seol taitneach. 0, bu tu an caraid caomhail, aig am beil an da chuid mor-eolas, agus mor- dhùraclid g'u bhi 'g- a chomh-phaii-t- eacliadh am measg nan aineolach. Is aoidh thu a tha air gach seol ro tliaitiieach, agns b'olc an airidli gu'n rachadh grabadh no moille sa bith a chur ort ad chuartibh. Cha'n àill leat am baile fhàgail ach nair 's a' mhios ; ach an uair a theid thu a mach, is lionmhor do naigheaclidan, agus is binn, blasda an seol air an aithris thu iad. Tha 'chainnt a tha thu a' gnathachadh soilleir agus drùighteach, — cainnt 'Oisein agus Fhiim. — agus caiiuit aig nach 'eil coimeas idir a thaobh oirdheirceis, aoise agus cumhachd. Ach a (Hinidh- eil ionmhuinn, cha'n e mliài]i gu'm beil ào cliainnt gun choimeas òir- dhein; agus cumhachdach. ach tha'n vim It'is am beil thu a' dol air do chuaii-tibh gn'n amlinras cliu-thoillt- eannch. Is e do mhiann agus do thlachd dol a dh' amharc air do luchd-dutlicha gu leir, biodh iad àrd no iosal. l)ochd no Ijeairteach, chum iadsan a tha mi-churamach a theag- asg, — agus iadsan a tha aingidh a dimsgadh, gu h-aithreachas. Tha'u t-eolas agad domhainn agus mòr,^ — agus tha'm hosi-achadh agad fars- ninn. fallain, agus ioma-ghiiMtlioach. Air uairihh labhraidh tu air blar- aibli i'liilteach. — air na Cinn-t'headh- iia a bha ann bho shean, — air na tagluiuneau deistinneach a bha eadar na Fineachan Gaidhealach. agus air eaclidiaidh nan linn a dh' thall)h. Air uairihh cile, tlia tiiu togail d' inntinn bliarran talmhainn, agus ag innseadh do d' luchd-. duthcha mu gach grein, 's gach geal- aich, 's gach reult, agus gach cruiim- mheall soillseach a tha gluasad ann an gorm-astar nan speur. Tha thu a' cur an ceill am buaidhean, am meud, an airimh, an astair bho cheile, agus gach ni eile mu'n timchioll. A ris, tha thu deouach air fios a thoirt mu thiomchioll gach oibre. gach innleachd, agus gach ealdhain a tha 'g am faotuinn a mach air feadh na righeachd, — agus mu thim- chioll naigheachdan naduthcha, agus gach sgeoil a tha teachd a tiribli an cein. Air gach ni tha dochomhairle 's f hearr deas. agus daibhsan a bheir cluas d'i bheir thusa seachad i le durachd's le deagh-ghean. Dhaibh- sau a tha dol air imirich a duthaich am breith thair chuantan farsuinn, tha thu 'toirt rabhaidh agus eai'ail. agus ag innseadh dhaibh gach ni mu'n tir chum am beil a mhiann orra dol. Tha thu air gach seol taitneach. agus os ceann gach ni eile, tha do chòmhradh mu na cùis- ean so gu leir so-thuigsinu agiis subhailceach, firinneach agus treibh- dhireach. Gun teagamh is e do mhiann a bhi " 's an w'le ciiritth do va h-uile. chum air gach idle dhòigh " gu'n craobh-sgaoil thu gach eolas am measg do luchd-diithcha. Cha mhath leat dol a mach air do chuairtibh gu'n a bhi aii- gach seol deas air son na slighe. Air an aobhar sin tha cuid ann d'am beil e'n a ni taitneacli a bhi 'deanamh cuideachaidh leat air son an turais. Tha seann Jientdii. a nis aim am Jirodick, do ghnath ad fhochair, gu h-ullamh, eallamh, deas- chainnteach cluun clach a chur ad charn. Tha mar an ceudna sgaotli eile dlriubhsan a bha cuideachadli leat roimhe, deas chum an ni ceudna, a dheanamh a ris. Is taitneach g-u'm lieil an t- Olla Mac-Lachlainn a' teachd air aghaidh le a threuii- chòmhnadh, agus an t- Olla Masson, companaicli dhileas, agus luchd-. Ceud mhios an Earraieh, ; AN GAIDHEAL. 51 eumail suas searmonachaidli iia Gailig arm am priomh-bhaile iia righeacbd. Tha dochas ag-am riach treig- Bun-Lochabar thu le' theang-aidh thlii agus ealanta. Tha e cimiteach iiach treig au seauia Sgiathanach thn, am feadh 's a ruitheas an fhuil rioghail 'u a chuis- leaii. Ni mo a threigeas Alasdair Euadh thu, oil- tha e a' cur mòran bheannachd ad ioimsmdh, agus ag iarraidh imiseadh dhut nach 'eil Mm-achadh Ban agus Coumeach Ciobair marbli fhathast ; ach chum an trom-ghaillionn shueachda alg a' bhaile iad le cheile, agus cha do chòmhlaich iad chmn comhraidh. Ach tha dochas agam g'u'ni beil la math a' teachd. A nis, a Ghaidhil choir, an deigh na tha thu a' cur romhad a dhean- amh air son math do luchd-duthclia, bhiodh e uàr ri innseadh gu'm faic- teadhaou'n am measgcaoin-shuarach cia aca a ruigeas tu iad no nach ruig. Tha costas mor ad lorg, costas nach tuig a h-uile fear, ach an deigh sin iiile, bu bheag agus b' eutrom e air gach aon fa leth, na 'n roinueadh iad 'n am measg fein e. Rachadh iad 'n am buidhnibh anns gach sgir- eachd, ag^us rachadh seisear anns gach buidhirm, agus cha ruig an costas ach sgillinn Shasunuach air gach fear 's a' bhliadhua, no sgillinn ruadh 's a mhios ! Cha shoradh aon anam de shliochd nam beann sgillinn Shasunnach a chur a mach na'n comhlaicheadh e caraid aig tigh- osda ; agus cha bu mhor da sgillinn bhochd' ruadh 's a' mhios a chumail as an tombaca, chum an earrann aige dhe'n chostas iocadh. Tha na Goill a' eumail suas nam ficheadan de na paipeireanluideagach,leathaim,libh- eagach, Gallda aca fein, agus is truagh, duilich an ni e mur cum sliochd nam beann suas aon Ghaidh- tal cuimear, ceanalta. eireachdail, mar dhuin'-uasal fòghluimte, chum gach eolas fo'n ghreiu a sgaoileadh air am feadh ami an canan brighmhor am mathar fein. Gabiiadh iad rabh- adh 'n a thrath, agus thugadh iad dearbhadh seachad gu'm beil iad glic air ail sou fein. Is math learn nach tuig na Goill a' Ghailig, air eagal gu'm biodh fios aca gu'm beil sliochd nan Garbh-chrioch cho caoin- shuarach mu'n leas fein. Smuaiuich- eadh iad g-ur Gaidhil iad fein. agus g-ur Gaidheal, agus fior charaid nan (Jaidbeal thusa. agus thugadh iad uile deagh-mbisneach dhut gu bbi 'dol air chuairt orra aireamh mhor de bhliadbuaichean le d' sgeoil thait- neacb, fballain. Ach, a Ghnidinl ro ionmhuinn, gabh mo leisgeul, chum mi tuilleadh's fad thu. Saoghal fad agTis deagh bheatha, — agus bliadbna mhath ur dhut, — oir " an la a cJii 's nach fhaic" 's e so fior dhurachd an t-seann Sgiathanaich. SOP AS GACH SEID. 'S e an ceo geamliraidh a ni an cathadh eanaich. 'S i an NoUuig dhubh a dh' fhàgas an cladh luiatli. OidhcLe Sheann-Challainn bu mhath leis an t-seann-shluagh gu'm tuaileadh cuileann a's calltann a cheile. Cha robh samhradh riabh gun 'ghrian, Cha robh geamhradh riabh gun smal ; Cha robh Nolluig mhor gun fhcoil, 'S cha bhi bean òg le 'deoin gun fhear. Ma 's math leat do mholailh, faigh has ; Ma 's math math leat do chàineadh, pòs. Dian do ghearan ri fear gun iochd, 'S their e riut — Tha thu bochd. Ka geill do ghis, 's cha gheill gis dut. Cha tugainn m" flialt a mach Dihaoine, 'S dhianainn m' ingnean maol Diluain, 'S shiubhlainn an sin bho ehuan gu cuan. The tri la luchair 's an Fhaoilleach, 'S tri la Faoillich 's an luchair. Faoillcach, Faoilleach crodh am preas, Gal a's gaoir nitear ris. Ruinu nathrach 's earball peucaig air an eanarh. 52 AN GAIDHEAL. Ceufl mhii'S an Earraicli, ISTx E I L I D H C H A M A E N. Le Eobhan Mac-Lachainn. Koy A. Chorus. Beating twice to the measure. feEjE^^^P^El : : R I r:-:m s:-: r r:-:r. r tf: p^^?^-^^^ m :-: r. r I r:-:cl. li i- Z. 1 1/ J J. L_ R:-:m S:-:r I r:-:r ^ \J m:-:r I r:d:L Cl:-:mlR:d:l BifA am Bàril, aig an am a rinn e an t-òran ciatach so, a' fuireacli ann an tigh a' Rliàillidli Chamaroin ann an Coir'-uanain. Air madainn latha na bliadhn'-ùire chuir a ]i-athair a stigh Eilidh, agus i 'n a caileig òig, do sheòmar a' Bhàird, le botul 'n a laimli, a thoivt da a C'hallainne. An uair a dh' eirich am "filidli barraichtc," agus a thainig e stigh thun a' hhiiii-d còmhladh ri muinntir an tighe, thog e Eilidh bheag, bhòidheach air a ghlùn a's sheinn e an t-òran so an làthair na cuideachd. FoNN. — Air fiiill ill 6 na hug oirionn 6, Air fàiU ill 6 na hiig oirionn 6, Air fiiill ill eile na hiurabh lio-ro, Gaol nan cailin, 's gur atli i. jMaighdean iir nan dluth-chiabh fiunneach, Eilidh Chamaron, iiigliean a' Bhàillidh ; Binn mar tht'ud na fidhl' a gaire — Chiad la 'n bhliadhna diolam dan d' i. Tlia mo ghaol air do chul dualach, 'S! do bheul meachair dh' fhàs gun ghrua- main ; Na 'n ruigeadh do cheann mo ghuallaiim, Dliianaiun strith m' an leiginnbhuam thu. ]5u til n' t-s'obhrach gheal-bhuidhe, ghrcann- ar, Dh' fhàs a suas mu bhruaich nan alltan, Neòincin ìir nan lòintean gleannor, Keul air dlireach na maidne samhraidh. 'Seang-chorj) slinndach, aotrom fallain ; • 'raicionn sneachd mar chneas na h-eala; ]\Iiann gach staid' is àird' air thalamh, Blii 'n caoimhnt'as-gràidh do dhà shUil uilieallach. Deud geal ibhridh, dlonach, snaidhte, 'S bòidhche fiamh na sgiamh na cailce ; Bialan siùcair — òigli na maise ! 'S binne 'ceòl na sraeòrach mhaidne. Iilar pheiieaig chiataich fiamh do mliala ; Dii shuil ghovm fo ehaol-rosg tana ; Liin do shid mar dhruclula mcala — Dhianadh do run an diuc a mhealladh. Eilidh Chamaron, 's tii tha bòidheach, 'S do dha ghruaidh cho dearg 's na ròsan : Pòg mar shiùcar — run gacli oigeir ; 'S gile do chneas na sneachd nam mor- bheann. Sud mo dhiinic.hd dhut gii toilcil, Am meas, 's am miiirn, an cliu, 's an onair ; Buaidh do d' shliochd, 's mo shliochd-s' an con-àgh. Mar clioill ùir a' brùchdadh toraidh ! 'S lionmhor buaidh a fliuair an ainnir Bho 'n chiad l;i ghluais i 'n tiis air thalamh. Am mile trian cha dianainn 'aithris, Ged bu learn ua ciada teanga ! THE GAEL. ENGLISH DEPARTMENT. Vol. IV.] FEBRUARY, 1875. [No. 38. THE TOPOGRAPHY of SCOTLAND. [The following lecture was deliver- ed by Dr Maclauchlan at the open- ing of the Gaelic class iu session 1871-72. The importance of the subject, and the position of the lecturer among Celtic scholars, are a sufiScient justification for placing the lecture in extenso before our readers.] At the opening of the Gaelic Class in the New College, an introductory lecture on the above subject was delivered by the Rev. Dr Maclauchlan, on Tuesday evening. There was a large and appreciative audience, and among those present were — Rev. Dr Duff; Professors Blackie, Rainy, and Blaikie ; J. F. Campbell, Esq., author of " Popular Tales of the West Highlands;" Standish H. O'Grady, Esq., late President of the Ossianic Society of Dublm ; Colonel Robertson ; Alexander Nicolson, Esq., advocate ; Rev. Mr Lyddell of Livingstone ; W. Cattanach, Esq. ; A. Kennedy, Esq. ; James Grant, Esq., &c. Dr Maclauchlan said — There are not many subjects with which the archaeologist has to deal that are more difficult than the subject of topography. It is very true that there is no subject lies more to the hand of the superficial scholar, or offers more temptation to the exercise of fancy ; and no subject has been treated in a more fanciful way, many of the common interpretations of topographical terms being altogether indefensible and absurd. But this merely serves to corroborate the truth of the state- ment already made, that the study of names of places and their accurate interpretation is an extremely difficult one. To be a good interpreter of topographical terms requires several important qualifications. In the first place, it requires an extensive knowledge of languages. Men pretend to be able to interpret local terms everywhere, who know no language but their own. An enthusiastic Highlander was once giving me his interpretation of early Bible names, e\^ry one of which he said was Gaelic. Among others appeared the name Cheder- laomer. I was curious to know what my ingenious countryman would make of it, when I found that he made no difficulty whatever about it, but averred that it was nothing but pure Gaelic, being chitear la o'm /hear. They shall see a day from my husband, being an expression of the ad- miration of Chederlaomer's wife for her gallajit spouse. But Gaelic won't interpret all^'the names in the world unfortunately ; and men, in order to be successful expound- ers of topographical terms, must know some other tongues. In Scotland, a know- ledge of the Gaelic language is essential. Both in the north and in the south Gaelic names abound ; indeed, they abound more in some parts of the Lowlands where not a word of the language is spoken, than in some parts of the Highlands. And when we speak of the Gaelic language we do not mean the language as it is spoken now, but as it was spoken when these names were given. There are many Gaelic words which appear in our topography that are quite obsolete, and cannot be even found in our best dictionaries. Men must have some knowledge of the ancient speech be- fore they can interpret these. Then a knowledge of the British tongue as once spoken in Scotland is necessary. There was a British kingdom north of the Solway, extending to the Ochils at least. The Strathclyde Britons were as distinctly marked among the inhabitants of Scotland as are the Welsh of the present day in England. It would be strange if these did not leave their footprints in the topography . of the land. That they have done so, and very distinctly, is obvious to anyman making the least pretensions to Celtic scholarship. An acquaintance with the dialects of Scandinavia is farther essential to the Scottish topographer. In the Western Isles a vast amount of the names are pure Danish. The Bosts, the Btirghs, the Buses, the Sladis, the Setters, the Nishes, the Oes^ 54 THE GAEL. February, 1875. the Fells, and the Fiords, are all purely Scandinavian ; so are the t^ocs and \ht gilis. It is hopeless to expect to be able to ex- pound these names through any other language. Hence to a Scottish topographer Gaelic, Welsh, and the tongues of Scan- dinavia are essential, and without the knowledge of these men had better let the subject alone. \Ve have heard the most ordinary Danish words attempted to be expounded by means of the Gaelic. For instance, the headland of Rubha na Circe, in Lewis, has been translated, and appears in our Maps as Chicken Head. It is quite true that circe is the genitive of cearc, a hen, in Gaelic ; but a gentleman m Lewis, who is an excellent scholar, pointed out to me that close to the point so called there are the remains of an ancient place of worship, and that the circe is in all pro- bability the representative of the Scandi- navian kirk, a word which appears in such names as Kirkibost and others throughout the Highlands. Theu the study of topography requires a minute acquaintance with local history throughout the country. Many of the names are associated with historical events of more or less importance. First of all there is the mythical history — the times of the Feinn and of the Fiantan or Giants, men so great and so strong that no similar men exist now upon the earth. If Ossian's poems were extinct to-morrow topography would speak of himself and his fellows to the end of time. We have the Coire F/iiiin, Uaimh Fliinii, and Caithir Fhinn — Fingal's Kettle, Fingal's Cave, and Fingal's Seat ; we have Clach Oisein, and Uaimh Oisein, Ossian's Stone and Ossian's Cave. Gaul is commemorated in Loch Goil. Bran, the dog of Fingal, is commemorated in Cam Bhrain. Thus, the period of the Fcinn is largely commemorated in the topography of Scotland. So, of the giants called Na Fiantaichean, who might be Fingalians or not ; but Dim F/iian, Dunean, near Inver- ness, and several other localities are associated with their memories. Men who were, as the stories relate, Anabarrach, uatnkasacli, cagallach tiiòr, nach fhaightar an leithid an ding 's an t-saaghal, terribly, awfully, dreadfully big, so as that their like is not now to be found in the world. This period must be examined, and its history, as believed among the Celts known, in inquiring into the origin of local names. Then, again, the history of more recent periods must be known, for many places commemorate in their names persons and events which were important in a later day. It may be true that many such may be beyond the reach of all research into their origin. Who can tell who the Bute was that gave his name to the island of Bute ? We know that Bute was a well-known name of a man in the eleventh century, appear- ing as it does in our national history, and that in the name of Boyd it appears to this day among our surnames ; but which of these Butes gave his name to the island, although it is probable that he was of kingly origin, it is hard to say. Dunoon, the DtDWinhaiii of the Celt, seems to con- tain within it the Owen of the ancient Briton. Owen's Castle would seem to be the true solution of the name. That a British name should appear so near the ancient British capital at Dumbarton, or the Castle of the Britons, is nothing remark- able ; but who the British Owen was who built and owned it appears to be a question which no research can solve. Who can tell who was the famous Oilamh, or Bard, who gave its name to Dunolly in Lorn? And yet there can be no doulst that the Bard's Castle is the meaning of the name. He must have been no ordinary bard who built or owned such a Castle, perhaps one of the Bardic Druids. Yet it would be necessary to know something about him ere the name can be altogether accounted for. But while some historical names in this manner cannot be traced, others can. Such a place as Caol an t-s/iainih, Colintrive, or the Strait of swimming, in the Kyles of Bute, is known to originate in the fact that there the Butemen swam their cattle to and from the mainland. Caol Acitin, or Kyle- akin, in Skye, commemorates the famous expedition of the Norwegian Haco, which ended in the disaster that befell him at Largs. Tiiiteam fairbh, or the Fruitful Fall- ing, in Sutherland, commemorates a famous clan battle, when the soil was enriched by the number of the dead. In Ross-shire is a place called Blar na fairce, the Battle- field of the Park, called after a famous battle in the fifteenth century between Alexander of Kintail and Donald of the Isles. In Lochalsh, in the same county, is a place called Glaic Chailein, Colin's Hollow, so called because at that spot Colin. First of Kintail, was killed by the Mac- Mahons or Mathesons in the thirteenth century. All .such names depend for their exposition on historical knowledge, and it is utterly vain, without such knowledge, to attempt to expound them. Then, further, the study of topography demands a knowledge of the grammatical construction of words in the languages con- cerned. Upon tbe whole, the formation of February, 1875. THE GAEL. toiJographical terms in Gaelic isdistinguished by elegance and accuracy. That there are grammatical anomalies is unquestionable. Such a name as Driiim a' ghaoithe, or the ridge of the winrl, where gaoth (wind) is construed as a masculine noun, is an instance of such. But usually the grammatical con- struction is marked by extreme accuracy, and for this there is ample room, seeing that so many of the names are descriptive. Expounders of local names have not made sufficient allowance for this fact, and hence the liberty they have so often taken, in twisting w'ords into all imaginable shapes. It is amusing to listen to such expositions of topographical terms as one hears, exposi- tions which, while creditable enough to the ingenuity of their authors, are in reality the mere result of not knowing words which have become obsolete, and paying little attention to grammatical forms. It is worthy of notice that in old topographical Gaelic the article is often retained in its full form in the genitive, as it is in the Irish. Many examples of this form may be found, especially in the Lowlands, where so many old Gaelic names exist. Auchencairn, Craigencross, and similar names are examples of what is said. Topography has not hitherto been made a matter of much scientiiic inquiry in Scotland. Chalmers, in his " Caledonia," was the first to bring the true method to bear on its exposition. Mistaken as he may often be, hie was far more competent to deal with the subject than many who censure him without a tithe of either his learning or his talent. His analysis of words applied to places is full of interest and instruction. Since his day it may be said that nothing worth the speaking of has appeared on the subject in Scotland. There have been abundance of fanciful absurdities, for which no man having an atom of science can have the least respect ; but in Ireland latteidy a volume has appeared which has aimed at bringing something worthy of the name of scholarship to bear on the subject. Mr Joyce's "Origin and History of Irish Names of Places," is a scholarly work, and worthy of the study of every inquirer into the topography of Scotland. The principles which he lays down for the guidance of his inquiry are sound and safe. One sentence from his work may be quoted as a warning to Scottish topographers — "It is very dangerous to depend on the etymologies of the people, who are full of imagination, and will often quite distort a word to meet some fanciful derivation ; or they will account for a name by some silly story, obviously of recent invention, and, so far as the origin of the name is concerned, not worth a moment's consideration." At the same time he sets a high value on the assistance which the natives of a place can give the topographer in many ways while studying the origin of a name. In proceeding with topographical in- quiries, there is one principle which should ever be kept in the forefront. The principle I refer to is, that the mass of the names of places is descriptive. We may rest assured that when men first saw a place, or any natural object, they observed something about its situation by which they came to distinguish it. It was either high or low, hard or soft, rough or smooth, wooded or bare, large or small, long or round, deeper shallow, dark or bright, and from one or other of these qualities it derived its name ; so that the first question regarding its name is, has it a descriptive meaning? Let us apply this principle to our moun- tain names. And let it be observed, that in examining the names of natural objects I put aside the idea so commonly enter- tained among scholars, that there must have been a race and a language in Scotland previous to the Celtic — which language could alone explain the older class of name?, and take only such names as can be solved by a knowledge of Celtic. Two of our great mountains — one of them the highest in the kingdom — are Ben Nevis and Ben Wyvis, the Gael equivalents to the ad- jectives being nimheis and iiathais. The meaning of these two words is not far to seek, both being adjectives, and both describing the aspect of the mountains. Nimheis. from the same root with nimh, which means as descriptive, fierceness, furiousness, represents tb.e fierce and frowning aspect of the hill ; iiathais, which indicates greatness, breadth, represents the breadth and massiveness of the hill which it describes. Nothing could be more correct than the use of these de- scriptive terms. Benmore, or the great hill, is a common name for a hill. In Perth>hire, in the Island of Mull, in Assynt, there are Benmores ; and in Caithness, inverting the terms, we have mòrbkei'in. These are all ; impressive natural objects, although not our highest mountains. There are hills de- scribed by the opposite term. There is Beiym mheanbh, usually called Benvenue. meaning the small or thin hill ; there is Binnean, the small peak, usually corrupted into Benaan : we have Cniachan, the diminutive of Cruach, a peak applied to the highest point of Ben Cruachan. 'Y\i&uwt\\.zytA' Bheinn Bhuidh, A' Bheinn Bhreac, an Garbh Bheinii, and such like; all names taken from some quality distinguishing the hill. So of rivers, the deri- 5G THE GAEL. Febnuin/, 1875. vatio-n of whose names is often such a difii- tulty to a topographer. In Inverness-shire ve have two rivers which rise in the near neighbourhood of each other. The one is the Spey, rising in the mountains of Loch- aber, and flowing down through Badenoch asd Strathspey to the German Ocean ; the other is the Spean, rising in the mountains of Badenoch and flowing down through Lochaber to the Atlantic. It may not have occurred to many of us that one of these nnmes is the diminutive of the other. The words are Sfc and Sfcan, the Spey and the Little Spey. The question arises, What is the meaning of the term ? I have heard many explanations of it, not one of which is satisfactory, and I have been led to think that from the analogy of the class of languages to which both thj Gaelic and the English belong, the root of the word might be found iiitntical with that of the English "speed" or the Scottish "spate," and might describe the rapidity of the streams. Whence, then, the names of the Plndhorn. in Gaelic Eire; or the Nairn, in Gaelic 7V(7>-m«« ; or the Ness, in Gaelic Naoise ; or the Beauly, whose ancient Gaelic name was Farar, the valley through which it flows being called Strath farar, as appears from the upper valley through which it flows being called Glcaiin Strath fai-air to this day ; whence the Conon, in Gaelic Cotiaimt? North of this Scandinavian names abound, and we pass these over in the meantime, merely re- marking that some of them are very curious — such a name as Ronndagro, applied to a stream in Lewis, appearing very strange on a Gaelic tongue. Then we are met by Los- sie, and Deveron, and Don, and Dee, and Esk, and Tay, and Forth, and Tweed, and Clyde, and Ayr, and Liddel, and Stinchar, and Tatf — all of them affording room for most interesting inquiry, and inquiry, let it be remarked, that will require an extensive pro- cess of mduction in order to result in any- thing. -But one thing may be taken for granted and laid down as a first principle, that th€ mass of these names is descriptive. I will find you men who will have no diffi- culty in giving you the meaning of all these words in a few minutes. I will not venture upon that. I am too well aware of the difficulties of the study to attempt anything ."■o bold. There are some of them of which 1 think an accurate explanation can be given, but I forbear., as I am dealing with principles more than details in this lecture. Another principle which it is essential to admit in studying topography is, that objects have often been named from being associa- ted with persons of more or less distinction. Many of the names used in our topography are proper names. It may be true that the names as applied to persons are now obso- lete, but it is remarkable how many proper names, common among the early Celts, are now unknown, and how far we may be mis- led by our ignorance of them in our study of topographical terms. Castles and places of defence and security are thus named after persons, probably their builders. Dun Abhartaidh, Dwnaverty, is so named ; />//« Naomhaig, Dunivaig, in like manner ; so with Diin Chonuill, Dun- connel ; Caistcal Shuinn, Castle Sween ; Dìtìi Alasdatr, Mount Alexander ; Dim Deirdre, Dundeardail ; and many others. The same is true of names of farms. Baile Lachtain, Lachlan's town ; Bails nan Gordanach, Gordon's town ; Baile Bkòid, Rothesay or Bute's town, are a few in- stances of this form of name. Then hills are similarly named. Fingal'sdogis commemo- rated in Cam B/irain, Bran's hill ; we have BeinnArtuir, Arthur's hill; Cam Ghrigoir, Gregor's hill ; then we have Craig Pkadraig, Patrick's rock ; and numerous Suidhes or seats, a term often applied to a hill. There are Snidhe Chnimcin, Cumming's seat ; Suidhc Chatain, Cattan'sseat ; SnidheChuri- dain, (^uiritan's seat; Snidhe A'lhic Glais, MacGlas's seat. Lochs are oftennamedin the same way. Loch i////t'/;«, William's loch, is an instance ; Loch Laoinninn, Loch Lomond, is thought to commemorate Laonnain mòr Mac Laighein, a hero of Celtic antiquity ; Loch Maridhe, Loch Maree, is usually supposed, like many Kilmarees, to com- memorate the Culdee saint Malrubha, whose sacred island lies in the loch. So of streams, many of which are named after persons. Who these persons were is in some cases found still living in local tradition, but usually castles ; amd even mountains have failed to preserve the memories of aught beyond the names of those from whose im- portance they derive their designations. A large number of our names are ecclesi- astical. Nothing indeed indicates more clearly the power of the ancient Celtic Church than the extent to which it has in- fluenced the nomenclature both of persons and of places in Scotland. A large number •of the clan names in the Highlands is eccle- siastical, containing in them the names of famous saints of the early church. We con- fine ourselves to the names of places. One of the most ancient names of a church ■among the Gaelic Celts is Annaid. Mr M 'Queen, of Snizort, a man of learning and •cultivation in his day, argued with Dr John- son that this word was commemorative of the heathen goddess Anaitis, and was thus a relic of heathen worship. This arose simply Fcbruarj-, 1875. THE GAEL. 57 from a want of knowledge. Fuller inquiry has made this clear, and that the word was \ at an early period applied to a place of ! Christian worship. There are numerous Aniiaids throughout Scotland. There is | one in the neighbourhood of Perth spelt Ainiat in English. Throughout the Highlands [ they abound sometimes with another word ^ prefixed, as in Tobairna h-Annaid, at others, and usually simply as ««^««ffiV/, theAnnat. Besides this word, Teampull, a temple, was one of the earliest names for a Christian cluirch. Tciiinpnlllxannachaidh, the temple t>f blessing, is of frequent occurrence throughout the West Highlands, and in the J'^ast we have Tigh an Teampuill, temple house, and Dniim a T/tcatnpuili, the temple ridge. The word has been thought by some etymologists to have some connection with the Knights Templars of Crusading cele- 1)1 ity. but that has arisen simply from lack of knowledge ; the use of the word will, we believe, be found to precede the Crusades. Then, monasteries were celebrated places, and have left their names in our topography. There are two Manachains-, or monastery lands, not far from each other — one in Ross- shire, and the other in Inverness-shire. We have Baile' mhamiich and Bade nan Caill- tach, commemorative of monks and nuns severally. The cm, or Cell, no doubt the oratory of the ancient church, abounds. From Columba downwards, the saints of the early church are largely commemorated. It would be impossible, and indeed undesirable, to give a list of these here, as they abound in every part of Scotland ; but it may be ob- served, that the names are to a large extent identical with those which appear in the topography of Ireland, while in several cases they are quite distinct. Columkilk, Adamnan, Cumin, Colmonell, Ninian, Cia- ran, Finchen, Finan. Malrubha, Finnian, Mary, Patrick, Kenneth, are widely com- memorated, while along with them we find Cuthbert, Morock, Maillie, Drostan, Ear- nadaij, Donan, Talorgan, Richard, Quiritan. Duthus, Maluag, and several others. These latter names are less frequently employed than the others, but they appear over the whole of Scotland, some of them belonging exclusively to the Scottish calendar. The period to which these men belonged is not a period to be ignored in our study of Scot- tish ecclesiastical history, for to it may be traced the sources of influences which operated powerfully in more recent times. In addition to these relics of the Ancient Church, we have such names as Bai/enah- eai^lais, Kirktown ; Baile na cille, also Kirk- town ; Achadh na h-eaglais, Kirkfield ; Caochan na h-eaglais, the Kirkbum ; and such like, all deriving their names from the Church. There is a class of names, however, with which the topographer has to deal which present him with very serious difficulties — difficulties amidst which he will tind little aid from ordinary popular expositions. The very name of this city has given rise to much doubt and discussion. Which is oldest — the Saxon Edinburgh or the Celtic Diiin- eidin ? I shall not enter on this controverted question, but merely remark that, so far as I can gather, the British name Din Mynedd is older than either. Looking the other day at the title-page of that remarkable relic of Celtic Literature, Carsewell's Gaelic tran- slation of Knox's Prayer-book, published in 1567, of which only three copies are known to exist, two of them imperfect — and which I trust to be able soon to reproduce, if the public encourages me* — I find that the book was published at Duineidin da'n comhainm Dim nwnaidh, Edinburgh, whose other name is Dun monie, or, as it may be translated, the Castle on the Hill, a purely descriptive name. Then what of Glasgow ? Is it the green field, as some would have it? Or does Ùìs gobha, gow, mean, as in ordinary Ciaelic, a smith, as others have said? Or does it commemorate the stream on which the Cathedral stands, under the designation of the Dear Stream — Glas caomh, glas\)€mg one of the oldest Gaelic names for a stream, asappearsin/'y«7z.a7i/aj,Finglass ; Dttbhghlas, Douglas ; Conaghlas, Conglas or Kinglas, and several other words. Then what of the name Lothians, applied to those counties which lie around us, called in Gaelic Lobh- daidh. Does King Loth appear in the Avord, and may it be traced farther back, even to Lot, the cousin of Abraham ? So some ancient writers would lead us to think. Then what of Linlithgow, called by the Celt Lann Iiibhaich ; and Stirling, said by some to be Stri littn, or the strife of waters ; and Perth, where the ancient Roman Vic- toria stood ; some say it is the British Peart, a copse ; and Dundee, called not Diin De, but Dun Deagh, in many parts of the High- lands ? Is it the hill of God or the castle on the Tay? Then the Cupars, and Forfar, and Alloa, and Crieff are all names hard to account for, although no doubt easily ana- lysed had we sufficient knowledge. The philosophical process in aiming at a solution of these words is to trace the word through all its forms by means of charters and other- wise, back as far as we can go, and, with- * The book has since been reprinted with an English translation by the reverend lecturer. 58 THE GAEL. Fchruorj', 1875. out giving ancient orthography more than its due weight, to make use of it for com- jiarison and induction, and thus arriving at the true meaning of the word. I might here farther give sets of words which appear in our topography, wliether as generic or specific terms, and which are waiting for a rational solution. I shall mention only a few. There are the Gasks, so frequent within the old Pictish territory, appearing as Gaisg vihbr, or great Gask ; Gaisg Bhcag. or little Gask ; Dniim Ghai^g, or Gask ridge ; Trinity Gask and otherwise. Then there are the Banchors, or Bcannchor, pro- bably cognate with the Welsh and Irish Bangor. Is it the Gaelic two or twain, ap- plied to the horns of an animal, or peaks, that appears here? Then there are the Ruthvens, or Ruadhainn, probably cognate with the French Rouen, and the Welsh Ruthin. Is the word from Ritadh, red, Rìtbha^ a point, or whence does il come ? Then there is the frequent affix four, pronounced foor, and appearing in such words as Bal- four, Trinafour, Pitfour. It is not fuar, cold, but fiidkair, apparently a name. Then what are the Kenmores, in Gaelic Ccann ARn; but the Ceann usually preceded by the feminine article ? Appearing as the places so named usually do, at the outlets of lakes, Ccann Mara, or the end of the sea or water, has suggested itself to some as the true solu- tion. Kenmare in Ireland is manifestly derived from this source. Then the Boes, in Gaelic Botha, and clearly derived from the word applied to a house,, are numerous. The afii.xes to these are often difficult to ex- plain. Take the case of Balquhidder, in Gaelic Botha Ficidir. I have heard several expositions of this word which I could not accept, and yet the explanation lies on the very surface. The word Fnidiris a Gaelic word now obsolete, applied to a subordinate chief or chieftain. It is still retained in Northern English as a term of contempt, as a foiitar — at least I have heard it so used. The above, however, is the original meaning of the word, so that Botha Fiiidir is just the residence of the subsidiary chief. I may remark here that it is chiefly within the old Pictish territory that these difficult topo- graphical terms appear. In the land of the pure Gael the words are generally unmis- takable, unless they be of Scandinavian origin. But, ere closing, let me just refer in afuw sentences to the subject of topographical affixes in Gaelic. One cannot help being struck with the number of thestj' and thei^ peculiar character, besides the wide field over which the use of them extends. The most frequent of these, affixes are aig, an, ach,. aidh, aich, ain. The two first of these are the feminine and m.asculine diminutives ; ach and aich may be held as standing for achadh, a field ; while aidh and ain have been variously understood as representing, the former in some cases lidh, a flood, and the latter either_/t;7;«, land, or amhain, a river, according as they are applied. It is doubtful whether these interpretations will answer tlifi purpose of explaining these terminations in every case, and it comes to be a question whether in many cases these affixes are not mere formative particles, used at pleasure in constructing topographical names. It is remarkable how various their use is. The particle aig is found in the names of places, as Grianaig, Greenock ; Gotiraig, Gourock ; Ardrishaig, Shic/dai ^5u — had been given as a contribution towards the attain- ment of the object in view. This example was commended to all similar societies. The Chair.man then proposed the toast of the evening — "Prosperity to the Club"— in a humorous speech. In the course of his remarks he said that there never was a time, so far as the education of the Highlands was concenjed, in which the co-operation of societies such as the present was more needed. In the Highlands the question of education was in considerable confusion ; but he held that after a little time, and by dint of sundry amendments, the Education Act woiild work vefy well in these remote regions. There were many changes required to be matl'e which would particularly affect such out-of-the-way places as the west coast of Ross and Inverness ; but these, he had no doubt, were in process of consideration, and it was a great pleasure, he added, to know CO THE GAEL. Fcbi-uary, IST that among those within whose province this work fell was a most honoured member of the Club— the Lord Advocate. Mr Colin Mackenzie gave "Her Ma- jesty's Ministers." coupled with the name of the Lord Advocate. He hoped, he said, that the Ministry which had recently entered into ]5ower, under the most noble auspices, would have a policy, and having that, would be aisle to stick to it ; and that they would not begin by throwing up straws into the air to see which way the wind blew. He hoped that people going to the present government with requests would have the answer — If it is right, we shall do it'; and if it is wrong, we will not ; and he trusted that when they fell — as fall they must — they would fall in a good cause ; and in resigning their seal of office would not resign the principles of their lives. Mr Mackenzie concluded by a refer- ence to the late Lord Advocate, who, he said. had passed an Education Bill which would not work without amendments, and a bill which stamped out the Society of Writers to the Signet. The Lord Advocate, in acknowledging the toast, said that his great desire was that he should be useful in connection with Scotch affairs, and he was doing his best in further- ance of that end. He hoped, at least, that hti was not destitute of a desire to bring about improvements in the state of Scotch law. Mr Paterson (of the Inland Revenue) proposed "The Lord Provost, Town Coun- cil, and Magistrates of the City," to which 'I'reasurer Colston replied. The Rev. Mr Mackenzie gave "Success io Education in the Highlands," and in the (bourse of his remarks stated that he hoped I he Education Act would be carried out for the benefit of Scotland. A number of other toasts followed. DINNER OF THE EDINBURGH ARGYLL CLUB. The Annual Festival of tlie Edin- burgh Argyll, Bute, and Western Isles Association, took place on Wednesday, the i6th ult., in the Royal British Hotel, J'^dinburgh. Abomt fifty gentlemen sat  . Beiih, W.S., ; Captain Graham of the "Pharos ;" Mr Brown, Oban ; Mr D. Craw- ford, advocate; Mr P. Murray, W.S. ; Mr R. Wilson, C.A. ; and Mr W. Mactaggart, R.S. A. The Chairman, in giving the toast of the evening, "The Edinburgh Argyll, Bute, and Western Isles Club," expressed his pleasure at learning that since the for- mation of the Club, five years ago, it had gone on prospering. He hoped its exist- ence would be made better known than it had hitherto been in Argyllshire, and he would do all that he could to that end. The object of the Club was not only to meet in a social way, but to offer encouraging bursaries to students. The Croupier proposed "The College of Justice," and made feeling reference to some of its deceased ornaments from the county of Argyll. He coupled his toast with the name of Lord Ormidale, who replied. After Professor Blackie had sung, "A' the Blue Bonnets are over the Border," Mr W. F. Hunter gave "The Houses of Parliament," to which the Chairman replied. Several other toasts followed. Previous to the dinner, the Secretary read a report, from which it appeared that the Club had made a fair amount of progress, both financially and in membership, the latter now numbering 82 ; and that it had been resolved to give two bursaries for the year. THE JUBILEE OF DR MACLEOD OF MORVEN. A Jubilee Dinner in honour of the Rev. Dr Macleod of Moi-ven, was given in Mac- lean's Hotel, Glasgow, on Wednesday night (the 23d ulto.). Mr J. A. Campbell, younger of Strathcathro, occupied the chair. Professor Macpherson, Edinburgh, and Mr Colin Campbell, Glasgow, offi- ciated as croupiers. Seventy gentlemen were present. Letters of apology were received from the Duke of Argyll, the Lord Advocate, Mr Whitelaw, M.'P. ; Mr A. Orr Ewing, M.P. ; Mr P. M 'Lagan, M.P. ; Professor Fraser, Edinburgh ; and several others. In proposing the toast of the evening, " The Health of Dr Macleod," The Chairman said their venerable guest had recently completed his fiftieth year of the ministry in the Church of Scot- land, and of his ministry in the parish of Morven. It appeared to a great many of his friends and admirers that this was a fitting opportunity for giving some public expression of their esteem for him per- sonally, and of his services to the Church and country. It was accordingly resolved that the testimonial to be presented to him I February, THE GAEL should consist in part of a portrait. The jubilee was no ordinary one. It was the celebration of a second fifty years' service by the same family in the same parish. Just about one hundred years ago, the father of their guest was ordained minister of Morven, an oftice which he held for fifty years, when he was succeeded 1 jy his son, now their guest. Dr Macleod's life, he said, had not been outwardly a very event- ful one, because he confined himself to the parish of Morven, though tradition was abroad that he had received no fewer than twenty presentations in his day. It would be difficult, said the Chairman, to exagger- ate the benefit done to the Church of Scot- land by Dr Maclcod before and after 1843. He set himself to vindicate his Church and counteract the faJse impressions that were abroad, and in that respect he thought they were indebted to him for the fact that the Church of Scotland in the West stood in a very different position from what it did in the far North. The Chairman then referred to Dr Macleod's election as Moderator of the General Assembly, and the more recent honour of the Dean of the Order of the Thistle conferred upon him by Her Ma- jesty. He concluded by asking Dr Mac- leod's acceptance of a portrait of himself, executed by Mr Macnee, and a cheque, being the balance of the money subscribed. An Address was then presented from the Synod of Argyll. Dr MACLEOD in responding was received with loud cheers. What hail taken place on the present occasion, he said, was wholly unlooked for, as he had no idea his public life was marked by the public as it had been. If they asked him if religion had advanced or receded in the Highlands during the last forty or fifty years, he was thankful he could answer most decidedly that religious knowledge and religious practice had made great advances in the West Highlands. For a long time they were placed at a great disadvantage in not having the Scriptures translated into the vernacular tcmgue. Religious knowledge was thus handed down more by tradition than otherwise, and consequently the people received it in a very imperfect state, and perhaps imbued with considerable error. The Bible had now been translated into the vernacular, and — he said it with grati- tude — that so far as he had been able to judge, a truer and more perfect translation of the Word of God had not been placed in the hands of any other people. He con- demned the idea that it was now no longer necessai-y to preach to Highlanders through the medium of Gaelic. The idea was founded entirely in error. The ministers in the Highlands had also the difficulty to face of being called upon to minister alter- nately in two places of worship, and until that evil was removed they could not expect satisfactory results from the Highlands. Then, again, the country had undergone a great many changes as to population. Without saying whether the result had been good or bad, he might mention that the population of his own parish had been reduced from 2900 to 900, and to a great extent the same state of matters was found elsewhere. The ownership of property had also undergone great changes, for, with the exception of the Argyll family, he believed that over the whole bounds of the Presbytery of Mull, there were not more than three laixled proprietors who held the estates of their ancestors. He then alluded to his visit to British North America. He wished the same unanimity existed in this country in religious matters that he wit- nessed there ; but he hardly saw the pros- pect of such peace until they re-enacted that law which they had recently abolished. He thanked them for their present, and assured them that it would be his earnest prayer in behalf of those kind friends pre- sent, and those unable to come forward, that "goodness and mercy might ever con- tinue to follow them." Mr William Wilson, in a humorous speech, proposed "The Church of Scot- land." The Rev. Dr Stevi:nson, Edinburgh, replied. Mr NicoL proposed the toast of the " Synod of Argyll." Rev. Mr Mackercher (of Kilmore) re- plied. Our Syno i dad air dheireadh air na Soithichean eile a's f hearr a tha air an t-sllghe. Tha iad aig gach am air an comanndachadh le sgiobairean agus oiflgich earbsach, agusbidh gach aire ai r a buileachadh air luchd turais de gach inbh. Tha Lighiche, Ban-stiul)hard agus Matron air bord air gach soitheach. Gheobhar tuillidh eolais, ann an Duneideann o R. D. Kerr, 3 North St. David Street; ann an Dundea o Loio, Moir,  " Deduct for Grants to Settlers, Roads, &c. . . . . 146,0' Balance for Reserved Farms and Town Sites . . . 104,0im Whereof for Bonuses 100,000 Acres, worth in 3 or 4 years, at only 30s. per acre, a capital sum of .... £150,1' The Town Sites, extending to 40imi Acres, and any Minerals, would remain ; and as Winnipeg, four years since a Hud- son's Bay Fort, has now about 5000 inhabi- tants, these sites may speedily prove of im- mense value. In October 1874, the Hudson's Bay Co. realised at Winnipeg   receive Applications from steady Ihdus- tri ion of Prarie Farm of 160 Acres richest J .and near a navigable river, ready for the plough the day of an-ival ; Seed and Imple- ments required for the Sowing, Cultivation, and Harvesting of the Crops ; Family Food ^n])plies until the Crops are available ; suit- able houses to live in ; a Cow for the Fam- ily's supply of Milk and Butter, with Five Years for Repayment of Advances. Any ordinary energetic family at end of fifth year can be clear of all indebtedness, and worth in money and property from £500 to £1000. A grown-up family may do the same in half that time. For further information apply to the Com- pany's Agent, Andrew P. Shaw, 58 York St., Glasgow. ApiiUcaticms for Shares of the Company may be made at the Company's Office, 3 W. Rrijcnt St. Glasf/ow. W. G. & J. W. LINDSAY, Mana;jcrs and Secretaries. Aireamh Theaghlaichean Luchd- tuineachaidh air an ianVoidh gu dol a Mhanitoba, Mor- roinn Ohanada. FHUAIR COMUNN FEAR- AINN AGU9 TUINEACHAIS CHANADA EHREATUNNAICH, bho Uachdranachd Chanada, 250,000 Acair d' an Fhearaun-g\in-clioille is feàrr anns a' Mhor-roinn, agUs tha iad a nis ullaliih gu gabhail ri larrtais dhaoine stuatua, dean*- dach, cleachdte ri Obair-fearainn, do'm bheil iad a' tairgseadh nan cumhachan tkbh- achdach a leanas :— lasad, far am feumar e, d' an iHn-airg- iod-aisig eadar Gla.schu agus Manitoba ; .Seilbh air Gabhail anns am bi 160 Acair de Fhearann-gun-choille dlùth air abhainn mhòir air am faodar seMadh, agus deas air son a' chroinn-treabhfiidh an latha 'ruigcas iad ; Pòr-cuir agus Innealan foumail air son Cur, Aiteach, agus Cruinneachadh a' Bhtirra ; Lòn do'n Teaghlach gus an bi am Biirr ullamh ; Tighean-comhnuidh freag- arrach ; Mart a chumail an Teaghlaich anti an Bainne 's an Im ; agus C idh mo chairdeas riut gu soilleir — So mo Ikmh an dt^is mo gheallaidh, ■>S bidh mo chomunu riut gun f lioill. Fiiad's a bhitheas, &c. B' ait e learn a bhi 'n ad chaidrcamh. 'S parson bhi 'g ar jiosadh. Ma 's e sin a' chilis 'g am faisg e, Oha bhacar an t-òrdugh, — Bhi 'g a bhacail oha 'n 'eil feum, Bho 'n is cumhnant e 's nach gealladh, Obair tir a bhi 'g ar mealladh, 'S mòr mo dhtiila dheoin no dh' aindeoin, Bhi 'g ad tharrainn as an roinn. Ach ma bheirear dhiom thu dh' aindeoin, 'S deimhinn leam gur f ior e : Nach 'eil bonn de sid am charaibh, Mura ceil mi 'n f hirinn — O ! 's tu mo roghainn uile 'n chloinn. Cha leiginn seachad mo thagradh, Dh' aindeoin na bhiodh 'g ad bhagradh, Dhianainn f àsach dhe do leaba — Dh' fhalbhainn leat air f eadh na h-oidhch'. Bi thusa samhach, le d' mhagadh, Mhacain, tha thu gòrach ; Cha 'n 'eil coir' ann an sin idir, Ma bhios mise deònach — ! bidh do ghaol-sa ann an suim. Tapadh leis a' bhial a labhair Comhradh cinn is tearc a sliamhuil, Thog thu m' inntinn ann an aighir, Bhi 'g ad fhaighinn, 's mor mo loinu. "iS mor mo chiatabh dhe do chleachdadh, Chuir do thlachd a 'n t-sliabh mi. 'S mur 'eil piiidheadh an sin agam, B' fhearr nach faicinn riabh thu, 'S a bhi cho trie air ti do ghaoil. Dian-sa foighidinn, a chuilein, 'S bidh do ghaol ann am bunainn, 'S tu mo roghhainn thair gach duine, 'S cha bhi 'n turus ud an call. Woiridh leat a's beannachd agad, Dh' fhiig thu m' acain eiitrom. (jura bliadhua leam gach seaclidain, (jrus am faic mi d' dudann — 'S gura seachdain leam gach oidhch'. Ciod e chuireadh tu gu fadal, (i-ed bhiodh tu seachdain gun m' f haicinn, Soiridh leat a's theirig dhachaidh, Dh' ionns' an teach au robh tlni 'n raoir. Soiridh leat, a chialain, Soiridh leat a's beanncchd agad, 'S gu 'm bu slàn a thig thu rithist Air an t-slighe chiadna, O ! gearr no fad g' am bi thu blmam. Ach mur fuirich thu gu madainn. Thug thu eutromach' do m aigno. Soiridh leat a's beannachd agad, Bho 'u nach 'eil thu fad am foill. COMHEADH EADAR MURACHADH BAN AOUS COINNEACH CIOBAIE. Mur.— Ud! Ud ! .1 Clioinnich, ciod a tliainig ort cheann mios no dlia ! Blia eagal orm gu '11 d' flialbh do chàii'dean, na sithicliean leat ; ach tha mi toilichte d' f haicinn a ris gu slàn, faUain. Guma fad a bhios slàinte agus comus nan cas agad, a cliaraid ionmhuinn. Tlia mi au dòchas gu 'm beil Seònaid agus òigridh a' Ghoirtein-Fliraoicli gu leir air am bonnaibh. Coin. — Tha iad uile gu gleusta, taing dhutsa, a Mhurachaidh, ach tha mi 'faicinn gu 'm beil na sitbich- ean fathast ad cheann-sa, agus nach deachaidh e air dearmad ort beum a thoirt domhsa d'an taobh. Dh' innis mi roimhe dhut nach e mo leithid-sa a tha 'dhith air na Icannain- shith, ach òg-mhathan mar an tlithis nighean sin agad fein. Ach coma CO dhiubh, cha' n 'eil na creutairean bochd a' cur dragh sam bitli ormsa, ma tha iad idir ann, oir, do m' thaohh-sa tha iad gle neo-chiontach. Mur. — Ma tha iad idir ann ! An ann mar sin tha'n gnothucli, a char- aid ì Am beil Coinneach Ciobair a' cur an teagamh gu'm beil na sithicli- ean idir ann ? Nach d'thuirt e gu'm fac da sludl a sheanar iad, agus gu'n cuala da chluaisasheanmharam binn- clieòl aca, a' cur nan onoc uaine air chrith le'n co'-sheirm agus le'n ruit- eireachd gach oidhche de'n bhliadh- na '? IS Mios an Earraich, 1S75. AN GAIDHEAL. 103 Coin. — Ged tha thusa ri fala-dhà liumsa, a Mhurachaidh, tha fios agad mòran na's fhearr na th'agamsa, gu'n robh ar ceud-sinnseara, agus hichd-àiteachaidh na dùthclia so 's na ceud linntean, 'g an toirt i'ein suas do nithe ro lionmhor de'a ghne sin, ged nacli 'eil idir ciiimhne no sgoilearaclid agamsa claim an leag- adh ris dliutsa ; ach is minic a chuala mi seann daoine a' labhairt imipa, agus 'g an creidsinn ceait ciio cuiut- each ris a' Bluoball. MUR. — Tha thu gle clieart an sin, a Choinnich, oir direach mar a thuirt thu, bha luchd-àiteacliaidh na righeachd so anns na ceud linntean a' toirt geill do'n t-saobh-clnàbhadh is iongantaich' agus is eagallaich' air am bu chomas do dh-inntinn an duine idir smuaineachadh. iìlia iad a' creidsinn gu'n robh faniliairean ann aig an robh nior-chumhachd, agus mar an ceudna troichean, a bha 'n an creutairean beaga, diblidh, agus gun diù. A thuilleadh air sin, mar a dh' innis thu fein domh roimhe, bha iad a' toirt geill do thaibhsean de gach gnè, do bhuidseachd, tiosachd, druidheachd, dubh-chleasachd, geasa- ],aireachd, agus innleachdan eug- sanihla chum cor gach neachashuidh- eachadh agus a riaghladh. Biia na h-amaiman sin ro chianail agus eag- allach ; agus cha'n urrainn duinn a bhi taingeil na 's leòir dhàsan a chuir na nithe sin t'o sgaoil le solus deal- rach Fhacail fein. Coin. — Is e sin an f hirinn, a Mhui ..■haidh, ach bha thusa gle chruaidh ormsa, agus a' (leanamh t'anoid orm, an uair a rinn mi mo dhichioll air na nithe sin a leagadh ris air an cuala mi iomradh, an uair a tha mòran, de bharrachd eòlais agad fein mu'n timchioll na bha riabh agamsa. So, so, innis domh tuilleadh mu na cleachdannan iongantacli sin, oir tha eòlas agad orra jru leir. iVIUR. — Ma ta, a Choinnich, bho'u a cliunnaic mi roimhe thu, chaidh mi a dh-ionnsaidh Ministeir na sgior- achd again n, agus thug e mòr eòlas domh air na ciiisean sin, an dcà chuid le bhriathran beoil agus le leabhr- aichean. Gus an do thachair sin bha barrachd mor eolais agad fein orra na bh'agarnsa. Coin. — Thuirt thu rium loimhe, a Mhurachaidh, gu'n do dhealbliadh reachdan le Ard-chomhairle na righ- eachd, agus mar an ceudna le Ard- sheanadh na h-Eaglaise chum iadsan a pheanasachadh a bha 'cleachdadh druidheachd, no buidseachd,no cleas- achd de'n ghne sin ; an urrainn dut, uime sin, cùis sain bith aithris domh far an do chuireadh na reachd- an sin an gniomh an aghaidh chreut- airean truagha sam bith de'n ghne sini MuR. — Dh' fhaodainn na fich- eadan eiseimpleir a thoirt dhut air sin, a Choinnich, ach feumaidh tu a bhi riaraichte le dhà no tri. Rinn- eadh laghannan cruaidh ann an Sas- unn an aghaidh nam buidseach cho tràth ris a' bhliadhna 1541, ann an linn lonraic VIII. Le binn nan lagh cruaidh so, chuireadh mòran gu bàs a bha 'cumail a mach gu'n robh cumhachd na druidheachd aca. Ach anns a' bhliadhna 1562, rinn Ban- righ Ealasaid na laghannan a bha ann roimhe sin, a clio-dhaingneach- adh 'n an cruas agus 'n an deine. Is iomadh neach truagh aig nach robh barrachd de'nchumhachd sin na tha agamsa, a chaidh a chur gu bàs, do bhrigh gu'n deachaidh an t-iom- radh a mach gu'n robh iad comusach air nithean anacneaschx a dhean- amh. Coin. — Bha na ciiisean sin gle chruaidh gun teagamh, ach am beil iomradh cinnteach mu neach sam bith a chuireadh da rireadh gu bas, air son gu'n do chuireadh an cionta sin as a leth Ì 104 AN GAIDHEAL. Treas Mios an Ean-aich, MUR. — Tha, na nùltean, an da chuid aim am Breatann, agns air Mortliir na Roinn-Eorpa. Ann an earrach na bliadhna 15'J3, chrochadh seann duine d'am b'ainm " Samuel," agus a bhean 's a nighean, air son buidseachd a dlieanamh air cloinn duine ann am baile Huntington, ann an Sasunn. Anns a' bhliadhna J 612 chuireadh a dha dhèug gu bàs anns a' chroich, air son an aobhair cheudna ann an Lancaster, — siathnar ann an York, anns a' bhliadhna 1G22, seachd-deug aig Lancaster ann an 1G34, sea-deug aig Yarmouth ann an 1644, cuig-deug aig Chelmsford ann an 1645, agus tri fichead ann an Suffolk 's a' bhhadhna 1646,— ach cha'n 'eil an sin ach neoni dhiubh. Coin. — Neoni ! a Mhurachaidh, is cianail, 's eadh, ro chianall do naigh- eachd, — agus an deigh sin am beil thusa a' deanamh a mach nach 'eil a' leithid de ni a's buidseachd idir ann? MuR. — Tha mi gun teagamh, a Choinnich : rinneadh na reachclan sin, — chuireadh an gniomli iad, — chuireadh na miltean gu bàs fo'n ainm gu'n robh an cumhachd sin aca, agus an deigh sin cha robh barrachd aca dh'e na tha aig Coinneach Ciob- air. Coin. — Nach bu chruaidh a bhuin- eadh riu, gu sònraichte ma bha iad neo-chiontach, mar a rèir do bhara- lach-sa bha iad ! MuR. — Gle chruaidh gun teag- amh, ach bha na h-amannan sin dorcha, agus bha gach àrd agus iosal air an toirt gu taobh gu ro mhor le fuar-chràbhadh 's le saobh-chreid- eamh. Coin. — Tha mi 'n dòchas, a Mhur- achaidh, nach do thachair a' leithid sin ann an Alba. MUR.— Ann an Alba ! an e thuirt thu Ì Thachair, a Choinnich, fichead agus fichead uair. Thachair e gu ro thric 'n ar bailtean mora, mar a ta Duneideann, agus Glaschu, — agus thachair e 's a' Ghaidhealtachd fein. Coin. — Ud ! Och mo chreach, a Mhurachaidh, tha thu a' tarruing bogha f hada gu'n teagamh a nis ! 's a' Ghaidhealtachd ! an e a thuiit thu ? An ann a' bruadar, a charaid, no 'cur conais air Coinneach Ciob- air Ì MUR. — Cha'n 'eil mi ann am breis- lich no ann am bruadar, no 'cur conais air Coinneach Ciobair, ach a' cur an ceill flrinn a ta air a co'- dhaingneachadh ann an eachdraidh na righeachd. Mu dha cheud gu letli bliadiina roimh so, thugadh gairm gu cùirt, le òrdugh an righ, do Chatriona Eos Bantighearna Fodh- lais, a cheann gu'n d'rinn i suas ri buidsichean gu cur as do Eoibeart agus do dh-Eachann Munfo, d'an robh an oighreachd dligheach. Ghnàthaich i gach cleas 'n a comas, maille ris na ban-bhuidsichean sin chum bàs nan daoine sin a thoirt mu'n cuairt. Einn iad cuirp- chreadha dhoibh, agus ghnàthaich iad gach mallachd a bha 'n an lorg. Fhuair a' bhaintighearn a saorsa, a cheann gu'n robh an luchd-deuchainn air a taobh. Anns a' bhliadhna 1591, chuireadh gu bàs anns an taobh deas, Ealasaid Eoy, Seumas Eeid, Pàdruig Currie, Isiobail Grier- son, agus Gaorsal Gardiner, a cheann gu'n robh iad le geasan a' cur eus- laintean air daoine 's air feudal, a' togail nam niarbh, agus 'g an gearr- adh 'n am bloighdean, — a' milleadh toraidh an tahuhainn, agus a' dol ann an riochd nan cat, gu sgrios a dheanamli anns gach aite. Chum- adh a' cluiirt mu dheireadh ann an Alba air son buidseachd air Ealasaid Rule 's a' bhliadhna 1708, far an do dhiteadh i gu bhi air a cur thar fairge uile làithean a beatha. Einn- eadh an crochadh mu dheireadh ann an Alba air son a' chionta so ann an Dùrnoch 's a' bhliadhna 1722, lar an Treas Alios an Earraich, 1875. AN GAIDHEAL. 105 do dhiteadh gu bàs seann chailleach a bha ris na cleaclidanna so, le Da- bhaidh Eos siorra Ghallaobli. Tha e air a dheanamli a macli nacli lugha na ceithir mile a chuircadh gu bàs ann an Alba a mluiin, air son an aobhair so, a thuilleadh air na mil- tibh 's a' Ghearniailt, agus ann an dùthchannan eile. Coin. — Ma ta, a IMliuracliaidli, dh'fhàg thii balbh mi, air do d' bhriatliran mo lionadh le h-iongantas CO mòr. Acli ciamar a tha cuimbne agadsa co math air na cùisean sin 1 ]\lUR. — Thug am ministear coir againn leabhar domh a tha air a lionadh le eachdraidh nan nithe sin, agus chum mi cuimbne air mòran diubh los an aithris dut, a Choinn- ich. Coin. — Tha e soilleir, ge ta, gu'n do bhuineadh gu cruaidh le lagh na diithcha ris na truaghain sin mur robh iad ciontach. MuR.— Cha'n 'eil teagamli air sin idir, a Choinnich, oir bu chianail an gnothuch e air fad ! Dhiteadh iad air son cionta nach b'urrainn a l)hi ann. Agus co a dhiteadh Ì ladsan, mar bu trice, a bha aosda, — bacaich, crioplaich, agus doill, — iad- san a ghreasadh le bliadhnaichean agus aois gu bochdainn 's gu truaighe — 's eadh iadsan air son am beil muinntir nan linn a tha làthair a' deanamh solair, a' togail thighean- mora, agus a' solaireadh gach didein agus goireis. Agus co a dint iad Ì ladsan a bha mòr, measail, glic, fòghluimte, agus urramach 'n an la 's 'n an linn fein ! Daoine a bha comharraichte thar cluach air son an tuigse, agus am buaidhean inntiun, — righrean,prionnsaichean,maithean na tire, — luclid-lagha, — ministeirean an t-soisgeil, — agus luchd-riaghlaidh de gach gnè ! Is iad so a thug breith air a' chiont, — a thug a mach gach binn, — agus a chuir na daoine truagha sin a ndiea:=adh coireach, dh'ionnsaidh na croiche, no dh'ùrd- uich gu'm biodh iad air an losgadh beo ! Is mòr an t-aobhar taingeil- eachd a th'againn, a Choinnich, gu'm beil cùisean air an atharrachadh, agus gu'm beil a nis laghannan eag- naidh, cruaidh, ceart, a' dion beatha nan uile, agus a' cumail a dhlighe fein ris gach neach. CoiNN. — Is mise a tha 'n ad cho- main, a Mhurachaidh, air son gach ni a chuir thu co reidh, soilleir an ceill domh mu na nithibh iongan- tach sin, agus cha'n 'eil teagamli sam bith nacli 'eil caochlaidhean mora air teachd oirnne mar righeachd, leis mar a tha eòlas de gach gnè air a chraobh-sgaoileadh am fad 's am farsuing; agus eòlas trid am beil gach cleasachdjfiosachd, agus druidh- eachd a' teicheadh mar na h-eòin- oidhche, agus 'g am fallach fein ann an ionadan tiam.haidh an dorchad- ais. MuR.— Ma ta, a Choinnich, is tu tha 'fas ealanta, deas-chainnteach mu na nithean sin d'an robh thu a' toirt Làn-chreideis bho cheann bea- gan ùine air ais, an uair a bha thu a' seasamh suas gu dian air son firinn gach faoineachd air an d'tliug sinn iomradh. Coin. — Cum ort, a Mhurachaidh, tha na nithe sin a nis seachad, — aoh cha'n 'eil teagamh agam nach 'eil mòran tuilleadh agad ri rcàdh fathast mu'n timchioU. MuR. — Tha agam ri rkdh na lion- adh leabhar, na'n ceadaicheadh nine dhomh, air taibhsearachd, tannaisg, seallaidhnean eagallach, agus mi- nàdarra, agus nithean de'n ghnè sin, ach feumaidh iad sin la eile. Is leòir do 'n diugh na labhradh a cheana. Coin. — Air la eile biodh e, ma ta, a Mhurachaidh, oir feumaidh sinn dealachadh an diugh. Ach thig gu h-aithghearr a dh-ionnsuidh a' Ghoirtein-Fhraoich, agus blieir sinn, lOG AN GAIDHEAL. Tioas Mios an EaiTalch, ItT bho mlioch gu dubli, air gacli citis a thig an uaclidar ar cùiinìine. 'S eadh, agus blieir Seònaid an deagh- aire nach bi dith no deireas air a fior cliaraid Murachadli Ban. Mile beannachd leat. Alasdair Euadh. AX T-.«NEID Eadar tlieangaicbte o'n Laiilin aig Virgil Le D. B. B. DUAN VI. ^neas agus Sibyl aig geatachan ionad comhnaidh nam inarbh far an d' fheuch Sibyl dha peanas nan aingidh agus solas nam firean, "Hie locus est, partes ubi se via, &e." An so tha 'n rod a' roinn 'n a dliithis ; An deas 's i 'n t-slighe gu Pluto, Air a' cheum sin siubhlaidh sinne : Air a' cbli tha ifrinn uldaidh. An sin i^heall yEiieas le cabhaig, Us thall fo charraig air achli Chunnaic e daingneach mlior leathann Cuairticbt' le balla tri-fillt' ; Phlegeton nan Sruthan bras Le tuiltibh lasracli ruith m'a cuairt, A' sguabadb roinipe chreag us chlach, 'S gu dearbli b'fhad as a chluinnt' am fuaim. (xeata mor thall mu choinnimh, 'S a' phuist a dh-adaniant laidir Nach briseadh neart a' chinne-dhaonna, 'S cha chuir dia fa sgaoil gu brath e, Tdr ro dhaiugean de 'n iarrunn Gus na h-iarniailtibh ag ^irigh ; Us Diolmlturt * comhduicht' 'n a suidhe. Le cleoca fuileachdach dt^isneach A' jjleidhuadh an doruis gu faireil X dh-oidliche 's a latha gun chlos. CUuinnear an sin osnaich thruagh Cluinnear fuaim nam buillean goirt ; CJluinnear an sin sgreadail iarruinu, Slal)hraidhean piantail 'gan tarruiug. Sheas ^-Eneas le mor uarahunn Ijan eagail 'n uair chual e 'm farum : Ciod an t-olc tha 'n sud a chomhnuisdh ^ Innis domh, òigh, a bhan-fhàidh, Ciod am peanas ì ciod an truaighe 1 Ciod an t-sianail chruaidh gun tamh ? 'N sin thnisich a' bhan-fhaidh air seanchas. A cheannaird ainmeil nan Troidheach, Cha'n fhaod neach saui bith gun iiheacadh Seasamh air stairsnich na l)oruinn ; Ach 'n uair chuir Hecate mi riaghladh Thar doireachan riabhach Aii-euiiaicb,t * Tisiphone. t Aornos avernus. Theagaisg i dhomh peanais nan diathan 'S chuir i 'n ordugh sios gu leir iad, Tha Rhadaraantus Cretach cruaidh 'Nabhreitheamh aims anrioghachdthniai 5I1 A'rannsachadh a niach gach foill 'S a' smachdachadh gach neach mar thoill. Gach aon diubh tha e co-eigiieach' Chum nach seunadh iad an dobheart Chuir iad an guiomh ajr an t-saoghal, 'S a cheil iad gu faoin le solas, Aithreachas chuir uatha le dàil, Us rug am bas orra fadheoidh jSEuu d' rinu iad reite air son gach foillo Gach olc us coire rinneadh leo. Cho luath 's a gheil)h iad am binn Tha Diohnhort mhin le cord. 'G an crathadh 's 'g an togail suas 'S a' gairm gu luatli chum a comhnaidh Buidheann mhor dhe seorsa fein, .^ 'S a chòin ! gur deisneach am por iad. À An sin fa aheireadh dh' fhosgladh suas % Na geatan malhiicht ' uamhraidh dubh Airspannaibhoillt-fhuaiineach a' sgreuchail. Am faie thu, ^neais, an criith A ta 'n 'a shuidhe stigh 's an sgath-thigh A' gleidheadh doruis, £,abhaidh, fiadhaich ! Hudra mhor oillteil, bheucach, Le caogad beul dubh trie a' miannaich, An sin dh' fliosgail Tartarus gun tuar IJigheachd uaiiihaidh dhubh nan tannasg Us shin i mach 's an doiiuhne mhoir Da fhad us corr nan speur o'n talamh, An so tha tamh seann.sliochd an Talmhainv Na 'I'itauaich og chalma chruaidh, Curaidhean bras treun ro laidir Is stric a chuir air each an ruaig, lad air an tilgeadh sios le torrunn 'S a' cur char dhiubh feadh na doimhne. An so fos chunnaic mi na h-athaicli Dithis mhac alluidh Aloiuis, A thug oidhirp le lamlian mi-naomha Air neamh a sgaoileadh o cheile 'S a dh' fheuch ri lupiter an t-Avdiigh Thilgeadh nuas o aird nan speuran. Chunnaic mi Salmon mac iEoluis 'S bu mhor a dhoniinu 's a thriiaighe Chionn e bhi 'g aithris air L")bha, Nuair lihitheas 's na neoil ri fuaim. Thainigcadh le ceithir eachaibh treuna, 'S e crathadh leusan 'n a lamhan, Gu Ijuadhach ruith thar Sluagh na Greig La 'ra buntuinngu foilleilri 'm maiglistribh, Tha iad uile druidte am priosan Feitheamh am binn theachd a mach, Ach na h-iarr-sa bhi f;is ecMach Air an doruiuii gheibh gach neach ; Xo ciod an ci-uth 's an tig an truaighe, Xo an cor 's am buanaich iad gu bràth, Bidh cuid diubh tionndadh chlachan mora, Sud an doi-uinn feadh gach ail. Bidh cuid eile dliiubh am pein Ceangailt, crocht', ri speicibh roth. 'N a shuidhe an sin tha Tcseus truagli, Us suidhidh gu la luain fo sprochd ; Us Phleduas is truaighe na viich, Toii-t earail laidir air gach aon 'S a' deananih fianuis le guth ard Air feadh nan tannasg fasail faoin ; Ag eigheach "Gabhaibh rabhadh trath 'S na deanaibh tair am feasd air dia, C'eartas foghlumaibh gu moch Mu'n druid an sloe so oirbh gu sior," So fear a reic a thir air or 'S a' chuir fear-foirneirt thairt' gn tiuagb ; A dhaingnich laghannan do dhaoinibh, 'S a rithist sgivoil iad air son   or £10 may also be paid to schools in thinly-peopled districts. Gaelic is not to be recognised as a special subject; nor will the Department give any pecuniary aid to a district where the school rate happens to be high. The attendances required are only 150, which means 75 days, and less than this would, in the opin- ion of the Department, be extremely un- desirable. But we must have an opportu- nity of examining the Code in detail before we can positively say how it will affect the Highlands. As we announced a fortnight ago. Govern- ment has decided not to recognise the teach- ing of Gaelic as a special subject in High- land schools. Mr. Fraser Mackintosh made an attempt to induce them to reconsider their decision, by putting a question on the notice book, asking whether, " in deference to the general feeling which prevails through- out the Gaelic-speaking districts of Scot- land," the Education Department would so far amend the Code as to allow Gaelic to be recognised and treated as a special sub- ject. But on Tuesday night Lord Sandon, on behalf of the Department, declined to make this concession. In districts where Gaelic is spoken, the intelligence of the children may be tested by asking them to explain in their native language what they have read in English ; but Lord Sandon does not ajiprove of " giWng a distinct money grant for instruction in Gaelic." After this it seems hopeless to expect a grant ; for a ministry in which the Highlands are represented by Lochiel, the Lord Advocate, and the Duke of Richmond, is likely to take the most favoiu-able view of our claims. The conference of School Boards held at Invernees asked that Gaelic "should be added to the list of special subjects, with permission to take it up in any of the standards;" and we cannot help thinking that this moderate request might have been conceded. It would have led to no gi-eat expense, and it would have gi-atified the Highland people. Was (iovernment afraid of creating another Irish grievance ; or is there any recognition of Irish Gaelic in the Code prepared for the benefit of our lively neighbours '( Tae Late Dr Hallev, London. -The death of this well-known London physician took place on the :i5th ult. He was in general practice as a physician in London for twenty-five years, and was highly esteemed by his professional brethren. A native of Perthshh-e, Dr. Halley was always proud of calling himself a Strathtay man. He was an enthusiastic admirer of every- thing Highland, and was a life member of the Gaelic Society of Inverness, and hon- orary president of the Gaelic Society of London. He was also a director of the Highland Society of London, and in that capacity was the means, we believe, of get- ing the Society to send a gold medal annually to be awarded to the best player of lAobaireachd at the Northern Meeting. Only the other day he attended a general court of the Society, and proposed to vote £100 of the funds on behoof of the proposed Celtic Chair. Dr. Halley's purse (says the Inverness Courier) was ever open to con- tribute for Highland objects. He had an extensive collection of Gaelic books, includ- ing some very rare works. Last year Dr. and Mrs. Halley spent their holidays in the north of Scotland, and were present at several of the Highland gatherings held in the autumn— among othei's, the Argyll- shire Gathering and Northern Meeting. He was buried on the 2d iust. The pall- bearers being members of the Gaelic So- ciety. Society of Astiquarie.s of Scotland. — The usual monthly meeting of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland was held in their Library, Royal Institution, on the after- noon of the bth ult. John Stuart, LL.D., secretary, read a paper on the Early System of Replegiation in Scotland. In the early Celtic period of oui- history each tribe had its own brehon or judge, and the man of one tribe could not have been called to 128 THE GAEL. April, 1875. answer in the court of another. Under the feudal system it was customary for the Crown to grant to the great barons large tracts of lands with the rights of regality, in which was included the right of exclusive jurisdiction. The some rights were also granted to bishops and abbots, and they were thus enabled to vindicate their rights even in the King's Courts, so as to exclude the intei-ference of the Royal Judges. The act by which the Lord of Regality enforced his rights in a foreign court was called re- plegiation. The most remarkable instances of replegiation in our history are those connected with the clan Macduff. Records of other instances are rare, although the practice must have been common enough. Two of the records now exhibited by Mr. Martin, S.S.C, exhibited to some extent the working of the law, showing how the barons who had received their lands with the right of regality rescued not only from the courts of other barons, but from the royal courts, any of their men who happened to be cited into these foreign courts. Highland Society of London. — On Monday evening, the anniversary festival of the Highland Society took place at the Freemasons' Tavern. Aljout a hundred gentlemen were present, including Mr. J. \V. Malcolm, M.P. (who presided) ; Lord Campbell, Pi-ofessor Blackie, Dr. Ramsay, Mr Macrae Moir, Dr. Hogg, Mr. R. Hep- burn, Mr. Daniel Mackenzie, Admiral Milne, Major Kenneth Macleay, Captain D. Maclean, Viscount Dalrymple, Colonel Macbean, Major Forbe.s, Mr. C Gooden, Mr. Seton Ritchie, and Mr. A. Maci^herson Campbell. The walls of the banqueting- room were hung round, as usual, with the flags and banners of the various leading Scottish families. The pipers in attendance were more than usually numerous. Professor Blackie was, during the pro- ceedings, presented with a cheque for fifty guineas, in furtherance of his (jroposal for the establishment of a Celtic Chair at the Edinburgh University. Aberdeen University.— The Senatus Academicus of Aberdeen University con- ferred, on Saturday, the well-earned degree of LL.D. on the Rev. James Joass of Golspie. At the same time the degree of D.D. was conferred on the Rev. Mr. M'Kenzie of Urquhart, Dingwall. Glasgow Skye Association. — The ordi- nary monthly meeting of this association was held on Friday, the 5th ult., in Dewar's Temperance Hotel, Bridge Street, when the following report was submitted : — "The directors of the Glasgow Skye Association have been enabled to collect (for the Celtic Chair) the sum of £272, 14s. 4d. as per list — Lachlan M'Donald, Esq.,of Skeabost, £100 ; N. M. M'Donald, Esq., of Dunoch, £50 ; Professor Blackie, Edinburgh, £50 ; K. Maclellan, Killinvar, £20 ; J. H. A. Macdonald, Advocate, Edinburgh, £10; A. Nicolson, Canada, £5 ; Thomas Wil- liamson, Glasgow, £5 ; John Watson, £5 ; Charles Macrae, £3, 3s. ; W. G. Roy, S.S.C, Edinburgh, £2, 2s. ; D. Campbell Black, Glasgow, £2, 2s ; John Macqueen, £1, Is. ; J. F. Mackenzie, £1, Is. ; W. F. Shaw, £1, Is. ; C. M. Williamson, £1, Is. ; W. J. Macqueen, £1, Is. ; .John M'Kinnon, £1, Is. ; Charles Norman Crichton, £1, Is.; proceeds of annual gathering, 4th December 1874, £13, Os. 4d. ; total, £272, 14s. 4d." The report concluded by expressing the belief of the directors that a much larger contribution might be expected from natives of Skye. It was stated that future sub- scriptions would be acknowledged in The Highlander. Glasgow Celtic Society. — The anniver- sary dinner of the Glasgow Celtic Society took place on the 25th ult. iu Macrae's Hotel, Bath Street. Covers were laid for about one hundred gentlemen. Mr. J. W. Malcolm, younger, of Poltalloch, M.P., president of the society, occupied the chair. Captain Dewar and Mr. Neil Sinclair acted as croupiers. Some of the gentlemen were in Highland costume. The chairman, in an interesting speech, proposed " The Glasgow Celtic Society," stating, as a proof of its prosperity, the fact that they were enabled to vote one hundred guineas towards the foundation of the Celtic chair. Other toasts followed. Glasgow Ossianic Society. — The annual dinner of this .society took place on the 31st ult. in Macrae's Hotel, Bath Street. The proceedings were conducted in Gaelic. We intend to give the toast list and menu in our next number. THE GAEL ADVERTISEMENTS. JUST PUBLISUED, PRICE ONE SHILLING, GRANT'S CHURCH ALMANAC AXD FOR 1875, {FORMERLY " THE FREE CHURCn ALMANAC,") CONTAINIKG FULL INFORMATION RESPECTING ALL THE Presbyterian Churches in Great Britain AND Ireland. AiTD ACCURATE LISTS OP ALL DENOMINATIONS IN SCOTLAND. "This is out of sight the best of the British Presbyterian Ahnanacs. Its information is as usual extensive, and as far as we are able to judge accurate. We can assure all our readers who may not happen to know it, that it is well worth perusal." — T/ie Presbyterian. SCOTCH PSALM BOOK, LARGE TYPE EDITION, WITH AN INDEX TO FIRST LINE OF EACH STANZA. Price from 3s. 6d. to 6s. 6d , according to Style of Binding. EDINBURGH : DUNCAN GRANT AND ALL BOOKSELLERS. NOW EEADY. AM FEILLIRE: "THE GAEL" ALMANAC, A HIGHLAND DIRECTORY AND Year Book for 1875. The Publishers of "The Gael" have now issued their Gaelic Almanac for 1875, which in addition to the general features of a good Almanac, contains List of Gaelic Churches and Clergymen of all Denominations at Home and Abroad ; Lists of Highland and Gaelic Societies ; The Names of Chiefs, Badges, War-Cries, Marches, Salutes, Gatherings, &c., of the Highland Clans ; Highland Fairs ; Saints' Days, Anniversaries, &c., and a vast amount of other matter of special interest and value to Highlanders, not to be met with elsewhei'e. i=iaiCE sixiiPEisroE- MACLACHLAN & STEWART, SOUTH BRIDGE, EDINBURGH; and WM. LOVE, ARGYLE STREET, GLASGOW. nV. Leabh Ceud Mhios an t-Samhraidh, 1875. 41 Air. Duncan Grant & Company, Printers, Forrest Eoad, Edinburgh. THE a- J^E L DEVOTED TO MISCELLANEOUS GAELIC LITERATURE, AND TO THE INTERESTS OF SCOTTISH HIGHLANDERS GENERALLY. Edited by ANGUS NICOLSON. Contents of No. 41, Proverbs, ... Mairi Nion Deorea — Piohrach, Short account of a Tour to Italy, The Cuckoo, Homer Translated into Gaelic, A Gaelic lecture, Aonghus nan aoirean, A Highland tale, Eoineachan Dubh, Varieties, ... Song, with Music, 129 135 135 139 139 140 143 146 146 147 149 English Department. The Highlander's Appreciation of Scenery, . . ... 151 A Vision of Ossian and the Celtic Chair, ... ... 154 Subscriptions for the Celtic Chair, ... ... ... 156 News from the Highlands and Islands, ... ... ... 159 THE GAEL. a?Eia3s^s OIF STJBSciaiiparioisr, Payable in Advance. FOR ALL PARTS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, Five Shillings and Sixpence per Annum, including Postage. FOR PLACES ABROAD, A Special Edition of " The Gael " is printed on thin paper, to come within the Penny rate of Postage to places outside of the United Kin*;dom, but Subscribers wishing to pay the Extra Postage, which is Twenty-five Cents, or One Shilling sterling, can h;i\ u the other quality sent to them instead. To Canada, and all parts of British North America, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, India, &c., One Dollar and a Half ($1.50) or Six Shillings sterling per annum ; on Thick Paper, One Dollar and Three Quarters (|1.76) or Seven Shillings sterling. Post Office Orders should be made payable to Nicolson & Co. AN G^A-IDHLE^L. Ma?- ghath soliils do m' anamfein Tha sgeida na h-aimsir a dh' fhalbh." — Oisean. IV. Leabh.] CEUD MHIOS AN T-SAMHEAIDH, 1875. [41 Am. SEAN-FHOCAIL. V. — TIR NAM EEANN, NAN GLEANN, 'S NAN GAISGEACH. Bhiodh e 'n a ni dcàna, agus, ma dh'fhaodte, ann an iomadh cuid- eaclid, 'n a ni cunnartach a radii, ged nach mor dhaoine tha clio gaol- ach ri Gaidheil na h-Alba mu'n Daoine 's mu'n Dachaidh fein, gu blieil iad siiaracli mu'n Duthaich. Clia mho bhiodh e ceart, tha mi meas, co-dhiu gun ni-eigin de mhin- eachadh, dol a chur suaraichead mu'n Duthaich a leth nan Gaidheal. Cha 'n 'eil neach a chunnaic a' bheag no mhor de ghiulan a' Ghaidheil an Tir choigrich,nachfaca iomadhcomh- arra follaiseach air a bhaigh r'a Chinneadh, r'a Chanain, 's r'a Dhuthaich. Tha fios againn uile air a' chumhachd tha aig cUu 'us onoir a Dhuthcha 's a Dhaoine tliairis air inntinn an t-Saighdeir Ghaidhealaich, a chum a bhi 'g a bhrosnuchadh gu gniomhan euchd- ach, airidh air a Thir 's air a Shinn- searachd. Anns na bailtean mora, gu li-araid o chionn beagan bhliadh- nachan, tha gluasad a' Ghaidheil ro chomharraichte. Cha 'n 'eil baile mor, no ach gann baile beag, am Breatunn, anns nach 'eil Comunn Gaidhealach, d'am priomh dhleas- danas a bhi dearbhadh do'n t-saoghal mu'n cuairt doibh, an am 's an an- àm, a rèir beachd morain, gur slnagh sonruichte iadsan, 'n an Eid- eadh, 'n an Ceol, 'n an Canain, 'n an Cleachduin, 'n an Sinnsearachd, 's 'n an Eachdraidh. Agus ma leanas sinn na Gaidheil do dhuthchannaibh cein, gheibh sinn dearbhadh nach facas,madh'f haodte, riamh roimhe air speis Sluaigli do'n Tir a dh'fhag iad. Their Luchd- turuis ma tha toil agad fior Ghaidh- eal f haicinn, gu'm feum thu Albainn fhagail, 's imricli a dheanamh do Chanada no do Australia. Tha e air aithris gu'm faighear 'n ar latha- ne barrachd de'n f hior f huil Ghaidh- ealaich, de fhior Chleachduinean, 's de fhior Chainnt nan Gaidheal air raointean Australia 's an coilltean Chanada, na gheibhear an Albainn. Cha 'n 'eil teagamh nach 'eil na Gaidheil an Albainn a' dol an teirc- ead 's an laigead ; ach nach mor an t-aobhar gairdeachais, ged tha ar Cinneadh a' crionadh 's an Riogh- achd so, gu bheil e neartachadh taobh thall a' Chuain, — nach Bàs ach caochladh Beatha tha'n dan d'ar Sluagh. 'S ann le smuaintean dubhach, trom, a chuimhnicheas sinn air na miitean 's na deich milt- ean a dh' fhogair ainneart As an Tir fein ; ach is ann le aoibhneas mor a leughas sinn no 'chluinneas sinn mar a shoirbhich le'r Luchd-duthcha an liioghachdan cein, 's gu sonruichte mar tha Tir an duthchais, fuar 's mar f huair iadsan i, cho blath 'n an cuimhne. Co'n t-suil nach las, co'n cridhe nach plosg, an uair a dh' innsear gu bheil a' Ghaidhealtachd 's a' Ghaidhlig cho muirneach tliair- is 's a tha i aig baile ; gu bheil am 9 130 AN GAIDHEAL. Ceu.l MLÌos an t-Samhraidli, 1S75. Fogarrach a' teagasg canain agus deagh chleacliduin aithrichean d'a Chloinn ; 's gu bheil a' Chlaun ag adhlacadh nan Aithrichean ann an Gill a th' air a h-ainmeachadh air a' Chill 's a' bheil an Sinusearachd 'n an liiidhe mix Thuath Ì " Tir nam Beann, nan Gleann, 's nan Gaisg- each ! " Cha 'n 'eil cearn de'n tal- amh air an do chuir an Gaidheal a chos anns nach ciialas an f huaim ; agus cha 'n 'eil àite 's an cualas i, nach do dhnisg i an cridhe a' Ghaidh- eil na faireachduinean is luachmhoire a bhuineas d'a. Tha do cheann na's airde, 's do cheum na's farum- aiche, an uair a chluinneas tu 'n radh air cabhsair a' bbaile mhoir; is trie a neartaich an srnuain mis- neach, 's eadh, agus creideamh aiiEil- thirich ri am trioblaid 'us deuchainn an Tir chein ; agus nach minic a chaidh an Saighdear Gaidhealach le iolaich an coinneamh an Namhaid, le suil na h-inntinn snidhichte air " Tir nam Beann, nan Gleaun, 's nan Gaisgeach." Ach ged tha so uile fior, is eigin aideachadh an uair a rannsuicheas sinn ar Canain, ar Sean-fhocail, ar Bardachd, agus eadhon ar n-Eachd- raidh, nach faigh sinn ar Cinneadh a' toirt dearbhadh cho laidir air an gradh d' an Duthaich, 's a dh' earb- amaid à Daoinelanochd, air choliutha doigh, speis chomor agus gradh cho teth d' an Daoine 's d' an Dachaidh. Tha e comharraichte nach 'eil focal againn 's a Ghaidhlig a fhreagras do'n fhocal Eheurla Patriotism, 's do na focail a tha 'n daimh ris. Their sinn "Duthchas" ris a' cheangal tha eadar Dnine 's Aith- richean ; agus cha 'n ann ris a' cheangal tha eadar Duine 's a Dhuthaich. A ris, cha chleachd sinn "Tireachas" anns an t-seadh so, ged tha 'm Foclair ' g a eadar- theangachadh le Patriotism. Agus their sinn "Tiorail," no, mar sliaoil- eas mi bu choir a radh, " Tireil," ri blaths, tearuinteachd o ghaoith 's uisge ; ag eirigh, tha mi meas, o'n fhein-fhiosrachadh chruaidh a bh'aig ar Daoine air cunnairt Mara 's Monaidh ; mar tha gun teag- amh "Tir" fein a' ciallachadh, cha 'n e Duthaich, ach Fearann, eadar- dhealaichte o Fhairge. Theireadli na Sean Daoine " Cha 'n 'eil Duth- chas aig Mnaoi no aig Sagart ; " agus feudaidh e bhi gur e 's ciall do'n radh, gu'm b'e Duthaich na Mucà Duthaich a Fir, agus gu'm b'e Duthaich an t-Sagairt Duthaich na h-Eaglais — an Saoghal, no " Du- thaich is fearr, eadhon Duthaich neamhaidh," Ach 's e mo bharail gur e fior sheadh an t-Sean-fhocail, gu'm b'e dleasdanas na Mnh a Daoine 's a Dachaidh a threigsinn airson Daoine 's Dachaidh a Fir, agus gu'm b'e dleasdanas an t-Sagairt an Saoghal a cliur air chill, a chum e fein a thoirt suas d'a dhreuchd, ge b'e cearn d'an rachadh a ghairm. Tha e gun teagamh fior gu bheil ar Canain easbhuidheach anns na focail a tha cur an ceill ceangal Dhaoine ri'n Duthaich ; agus 's e mo bheachd far nacli faighear am Focal gur ann ainmig a gheibhear an Smuain. Is co-ionann sgeul do na Sean- fhocail. Tha aon, gun teagamh, a' teagasg an athavraich, ach cha chluinnear ach ainmig e, " Camh- achd do charaitl, agus Trailleal- achd do namhaid, a Dhuthcha." Cha 'n 'eil an radh a ghabh sinn mar steigli fathast scan, ged tha e siubhlach. Cha 'n f haighear e am measg nan Sean-fhocal a chlo- bhualadh 's a' bhliadhna 1785. Anns an Eoimh-radh do shaoth- air Oisein a sgriobh Eobhan Mac- Lachlainn gheibhear " Tir nam Beann, nan Gleann, 's nam Breacan;" agus tha mi meas gur ann o'n chainnt so a dh' eirich " Tir nam Beann, nan Gleann, 's nan Gais.ffeach." 'S e , Ceud Mliios an t-SamUraidh, 1S75. AN GAIDHEAL. 131 theirteadh o shean "Cnuic, 'usUisg', 'us Ailpeinicli ; " agus na'm f uilingeadh Slioclid Ailpein dliuinn " Albann- aich " a radh an àite " Ailpeinich," theirinn gu'm b'e 'n sean fliocal a bu fhreagarraiche na 'm fear ùr. Acli cha 'n 'eil teagamli iiach e 's brigli do'rv radh so aosdachd Clilann-Ail- pein. agus cha 'n e ceangal nan Gaidh- eal ri'n Diithaich. 'S ionann teag- asg do'n t-sean rann : " CinniJh Scuit saor am fine, Mur breug am faistine ; Far am faighear an Lia-fail, Dlighe flaitheas do gliabhail. " : IS ciod is ciall do'n radh sin a ithear air gach clàr, 's a chluinn- i;ir anns gach coinneamh Ghaidh- I'-lach, "Clanna nan Gaidheal an .lillibh a cheile," ach so, earail do tineachan Gaidheahich an sean . ùiihdeas 's an eas-aonachd a chiir a tliaobh, 's a cheile sheasamh mar :i'iii Shiagh ri aghaidh Sluaigh, agus cha 'n ann mar Luchd-duthcha air- sun coir an Duthcha ; cha 'n e " Alb- ainn " no " Gaidhealtachd," ach "Clanna nan Gaidheal." Cha chualas riamh an earail so cho caithreamach 's a chluinnear i 'n ar latha fein. Is fuaim thaitneach i gun teagamh do'n chluais agus do'n chridhe. Ach gheibhear aobhar broin 's a ghaird- eachas ; oir cha 'n urrainnear a dhi- chuimhneachadh cho feurnail 's a tha 'n earail, agus cho liutha uair 's a bha " Clanna nan Gaidheal," cha 'n ann an guaillibh ach an amhaich- ean a cheile. Cha 'n fhaighear dearbhadh is laid ire air gradh Sluaigh d'an Duth- aich na gheibhear 'n am Bardachd. Gheibh sinn Bardachd cuid de Eioghachdan air a lionadh le spiorad gaisgeil, eudmhor airson urram an Duthcha os cionn cuid eile ; agus gheibh sinn an rian so ann am Bardachd na h-aon Duthcha na's comharraichte an aon linn, na gheibhear e an linn eile. Is comh- arradh soilleir an comhnuidh a' Bhardachd air a' mheas a bha aig Luchd-aiteachaidh na Tire air an Duthaich ; oir anns a cheum so gu sonruichte feudar a radh gur iad na Baird teangadh an t-Sluaigh. A reir mo bheachd cha 'n 'eil fixireachd- j uin cho luachmhor do Shluagh ri I cliu an Duthcha ; agus cha 'n 'eil seol air an fhaireachduin a neart- achadh olio comasach ri saothair nam Bard. Is sona an Sluagh a tha air am brosnuchadh le fuinn am Bard fein gu bhi seasamh cliu an Duthcha anns gach am 's anns gach àite. Is an-aoibhinn do na Daoine agus do'n Tir anns nacli do sheinn Bard mu dhleasdanas agus mu luach Gradh -duthcha. Ciod an teagasg a gheibh sinn o na Baird Ghaidhealach air a' phuinc so 1 Leugh thairis saothair nam Bard is ainmeile tha againn, agus feoraich dhiot fein cia meud d'an rann a tha comasach air smuaintean cothromach a ghintinn 'n a d'inn- tinn mu thimchioll do Dhuthcha agus do dhleasdauais d'i. A mach o Oisein, agus ma dh' fhaodte os cionn Oisein, 's e Donnachadh Bean Mac-an-t-saoir agus Mac Mhaighstir Alastair is mo a fhuair de bhuaidh thairis air inntinnean ar Luchd- duthcha a sheinn an Gaidhlig. Cluinneam neach aig a' bheil cliu a Dhuthcha dlù d' a chridhe, ag aid- eachadh gu'n deachaidh an fhair- eachduin luachmhor sin altrum no neartachadh le òrain nam Bard so. Gheibh sinn gun teagamh, am measg moran de ranntachd gun toinisg, greadhnachas 'us aillidh- eachd na Tire air an cur an ceill am Bardachd oirdheirc. Gheibh sinn ar Canain, ar Ceol, 's ar Cleachduin air am nioladh airson buaidhean a tha dligheach dhoibh, agus airson iomadh buaidh naeli 'eil. Ach c' aite a' bheil e air a sparradh oirnn gur e ar dleasdanas, agus gu'm bu 132 AN GAIDHEAL. Ceud MIiìo* an t-Samhraiclh, 1875 choir gu'm b'e ar miann, cliu ar Duthcha a blii luachmhor 'n ar suilean do bhrigh 's gur i ar Duth- aicli i ; 's ar Canain, ar Ceol, 's ar deagh Chleachduin altrum do bhrigh 's gur iad dileab ar n-Aithrichean dhuinn 1 Agus ma thiunndas sinn o bhardachd gu eachdraidh nan daoine so, ciod an dearbbadh a gheibh sinn air a' chumhachd a bha aig Gradh- duthcha thairis air am beachd- an no air an gluasad? Cha robh, o chionn mile bliadbna, am an Eachd- raidh na Gaidhealtachd anns an robh a leithid de chothrom aig Bard air a ghradh d'a Dhutbaich 's d'a ^Chinneadh a dhearbhadh, ris an am anns an do shaothraich an dithis dhaoine so. Ach ciod am feum a rinn iad do'n chothrom'? Tha Donnachadh Ban a' cogadh leis na Deorsachan ; ach tha a chridhe leis na Stinbhartaich. Thainig aimsir an dearbhaidh, anns an robh daoine an 'n da-rireadh ma bha iad riamh ann ; ach ciod e glnasad Dhonnachaidh'? Chaidh e do'n arm dhearg airson duals. Aig an Eaglais-bhric theich e, 's chaill e 'chlaidheamh ; b'eigin a' choire chur air a' chlaidheamh. 'S ann le toil- inntinn a dh' innseas e gu'n do chaill a thaobh fain an latha : " Bha ratreiit air luchd na Beurla, 'S ann doibh fein a b'eigin teiclieadh." Gun teagamh cha robh Donnachadh Ban ach òg 's an am so ; ach c'aite am faighear 'n a bheatha fhada, no 'n a iomadh rann, dearbhadli air gaol dealasach, durachdach,teth a' Bhaird d'a Dhuthaich no do fhior leas a Dhuthcha 1 Bu duine eile Mac Mhaighstir Alastair. Duine misneachail, treun, 'n a chorp, 's 'n a inntinn; agus fior Bhard. Duine a thug suas uile chridhe, uile neart, agus uile inntinn do Thearlach Stiubhart, co-dhiu re tamuill. Duine a thoilleas urram agus meas airson nam feartan cuirp agus inntinn a bhuilicheadli air ; agus, ann an tomhas co-dhiu, airson na bull gus an do chuir e iad. Ach cha b'e aobhar a Dhuthcha a dhuisg misneach an t-Saighdeir, no 'las anam a' Bhaird. " Leanaidh mi clio dlh ri d' sliailtean, 'S a ni bairneach ri sgeir-rahara. " 'S e sailtean Thearlaich, 's cha b'e sailtean Albainn a leanadh am Bard cho dlii. Duine do-thuigsinn air iomadh doigh ; hi buaidhean nach buineadh do mhoran — suil gheur, cluas cheolmhor, cuimhue laidir, eolas farsuing; ach le, aignidhean borb ; 's le nadur cho salach ris na ronnan tombaca a bha 'n comhnuidh a' sruthadh o bheul. Seinnidh e duanag cho binn 's a chaidh a sheinn riamh an Gaidhlig ; ann am maise 'Chruthachaidh gheibh e toilinntinn nach fairich neach ach am Bard a mhain ; cluinnear " Fuaim 'us farum a' bhlair " anns gach sreath de " Mholadh an Leoghainn :" ach ciod . e dheth sin 1 Ma thig an neach is diblidh no is suaraiche tarsuinn air, fagar maise na Banaraich ; cha 'n 'eil siiil air aillidheachd Allt-an-t- Siucair; theid eadhon aobhar Thear- laich Stiubhart a char a thaobh ; airson gach neimh, 'us puinnsean, 'us sailche, a thilgeadh air an deoraidh thruagh a gliabh de dhanachd air fein a shuil a thogail, an uair a bha 'choimlisg iongantach so de Chlann Domhnuill "a' gabhail an rathaid mhoir, olc air mhaith le each c." Agus ma 's e so cliu nan crann ùra, ciod a theirear nui'n chrionaich? 'S e mo bheachd gu m I'eudar a radh nach doarbh a' Bhardachd Ghaidh- calach, seachad air Bardachd Gisein, gur pobuU sinne aig an robh mor ghradh d'arDuthaich, anns an t-seadh is airde 's is freagarraiche airson cliu Sluaigh a sheasamh fa chomhair an Ceud Mhios an t-Samhraidh, 1875 AN GAIDHEAL. 133 t-Saoghail. Agns ciod e teagasg ar n-Eachdraidli ? Tha da aimsir gu sonraichte 'n ar n-Eachdraidh, ris an seall sinn air ais le h-uaill, mar dhearbliadh air ar treuntas 's air ar n-aonaohd ; — 's e sin mar a sheas ar n-Aitbricliean clio gaisgeil au agh- aidli nan liomanach, agus, iomadli ceud bliadhna 'n a dheigli sin, air taobli nan Stiubhartach. Choisinn ar Sinnsearan cliu maireannach d' ar Cinneadh airson misnich, gaisge, 's dilseachd anns na h-àmannan sin ; agus rinn Seanachaidhean 'us Baird, Ghallda 'us Ghaidhealach, Ian cheart- as d'ar sluagh anns na cuisean sin. Acli cha mlior de chuig-ceud-deug bliadhna a tha 'n da aimsir sin a' comhdach ; agus nach 'eil e fior gur ann roinnte 's nach ann aonte 'bu trice bha na Gaidheil re a chorr d'ar n-Eachdraidh 1 Agus eadhon am measg nam Fineachan a dh' eirich ie Tearlach Stiubhart, nach faigh .sinn, taobh ri gaisge air nach d' thugadh barr, 's ri dilseachd nach facas a samhuil, iomadh comharra " air a' pheacadh a bha gu furasda 'g iadhadhmu'r sluagh," — eas-aonachd? I\achb'e i-iamhcleachduin nanGaidh- eal a h-uile fear a bhi deanamh dha fein ? Agus is mor mo churam nach do raiuig sinn fathasd mar shluagh air an fhirinn, gur ann air bunait na h-Aonachd a mhain a thogar aitreibh na Morachd. Gu deimhinn bu tigh roinnte 'n a aghaidh fein tigh a Ghaidheil an Albainn ; agus cha 'n | e 'n t-aobhar ioghnaidh gu'n do thuit j e, ach gu'n d'f han e cho fada 'n a sheasamh. " Cluinneamaid brigh na chaidh | a radh uile." Thug na Gaidheil dearbhadh laidir re an Eachdraidh ! air an speis d'an Daoine fein 's d' [ an Dachaidh fein ; agus 'n ar latha-ne chi sinn iomadh comharra soilleir air an speis d'an Duthaich 's d'an Ciuneadh. Ach o chionn mile bliadhna cha 'n fhaigh sinn Gradh- duthcha air a nochdadh am measg ar Daoine, mar a chithear anns na Rioghachdan a ghkidh aite-toisich an Eachdraidh an t-Saoghail. Feud- aid h e bhi gu'm b'e ar Crannchur a shonruich ar Cleachduin anns a cheum so ; feudaidh e bhi gu'm b 'e ar Cleachduin a shonruich ar Crann- chur. Tha 6 fior gu'n d'thug ar Sinnsearaclid dearbhadh air Mis- neach 'us Dilseachd airidh air inbhe a b'airde na shealbhaich iad. Ach bha'n Dilseachd an comhnuidh do Dhaoine, 's cha b'ann do Chuis ; d'an Dachaidh, 's cha b'ann d'an Duthaich. Cha d'eirich iad 'n an iarrtuis os cionn Cuis 'us Coir am Fine fein. Chaill iad mar so an aon smuain is luachmhoire 's is cumh- aclidaiche air thalamh air son cliu Sluaigh ardachadh, — 's e sin beachd cothromach air an dleasdanas d' an Duthaich fein mar an Duthaich, agus d'an Sluagh fein mar an Sluagh. Is trie a b'e aobhar a' Chinn-chinnidh euceart, foirneart air Fine eile ; agus ged bhiodh 'aobhar ceart cha bhiodh e buan, oir, ' ' ^lar reul ruiteach re an laoich, Is gearr ge h-aoibhinn a' dhearrsadh ; " ach tha aobhar do Dhuthcha ceart an comhnuidh, agus tha 'cliu, o linn gu linn, 'n a dhleasdanas soluimte do'n Luchd-aiteachaidh. Ann an eachdraidli an t-Saoghail tha e fior nach e neart no misneach a mhain a choisneas cliu maireann- ach do Shluagh, ach beachd cud- thromach air an dleasdanas d' an Duth- aich, agus aonachd 'us eud airson a cliu a chur am farsuingeachd. Ciod eile rinn Duthaich bheag na Grèig 'n a Ceann-iuil do'n t-sean Shaoghai, 's na h-eisempleir do na Rioghachdan gus an la diugh ? Chiosnaich na Romanaich an Saoghal, ach ciamar ] Leis gach Romanach iunnsachadh o oige gu bhi cumail suas cliu a Dhuthcha anns gach ceum d'a 13 i AN GAIDHEAL. Ceua Jlhios an t-Samhraidh, 1375. bheatlua, agus leis an leasan a' sparradh cho teann, 's nach robh liomanach, re an Kachdraidli urr- amaich, a muigh no aig baile, cia air bith a dhreuchd no inbhe, nach robh air a lionadli le end air son a Dhntlicha 's a Shluaigh. Ciod a thng comas do Rioghachd bheag Albainn dùlan a thoirt re iomadh ceud bliadhna do fheachd cumh- achdach Shasuinn, 's a Coir 's a Creidimh a ghleidheadh saor ; ciod, ach beachd cudthromach an t-Shiaigh air an dlcasdanas shohiimte a chuir- eadh orra mar Kioghachd na soch- airean kiachmhor a fhuair iad o'n Aithrichean a thiodhLacadh d'an Cloinn ? Ciod a dh'ardaich cliu Shasuinn am measg nan Rioghachd- an? Tha gun teagamh an Tir torach, 's tha cothromna Mara aice ; ach ciod e 'm feart a ghlac an cothrom, 's a dh' uisnich clio maith e. Gheibh thu an fhreagairt am beul Nelson aig Trafalgar : " 'Se earbsa Shasuinn gu'n dean gach fear a dhleasdanas." Anns a cheum so bha teagasg nan Gaidheal easbhuidheach. A mach Oisein, cha'n 'eil Bard Gaidhealach againn aig an robh beachd dligheacli air dleasdanas Dhaoine d'an Duth- aich. Cha robh Eard againn ach esan a sheall air ais, mu'n cuairt d'a, 's air thoiseach air ; 's a theagaisg nach IVe crioch do dhleasdanais, mar Ghaidheal, an Saoghal agliabh- ail mu d' o neach focUi chiùrradh geur ; Tha 'ghealladh gràis 'toirt blàiths :ts tir Do 'n chuid 'tha 'n thrs' fodh chreuchd ; Ach 's bròn 's is bas do chh.ch a chùl, Nach d' chlaon an sùil 'n a dheigh. S e 's sgiamliaicb' cas a dh' imaich feiir, Gun lùb 'n a cheum, gun fheall ; Tba deab-adh glan 'n a eudann rdidh ISIar dheJirsadb grein' air bheann. Tha 'chonaltradh cho bàigheil, scimh, 'S e 's milse beul us cainnt. 'N am còmbraig, carraid, stri, no streup, Cha 'n fhaihiich leum a laimh'. An cruas a 'gbleachd bha 'thapadh treun ; Bu sgaiteach beum a lann ; Fhuair buaidh a' chath mar ghaisgeach gleust', Le 'chumhachd f^in 's gach ball ; 'S 'n a uachdranachd air uaigli 's air eug, Tha neart nan neamh 'n a laimh. Le 'eirigh chuir e 'n nàmh fodh steill ; Oir lot e 'bhtìst 's a cheann. Tha dreach a phearsa, 's mais' a ghnfiis', Thar cainnt' us citdl r' a luaidh, 'S e dearg us geal ; 's tha 'anail cùbhr', iMar ròs fo dhriùchd 's a' chluain : Tha 'f hàile glan do 'n anam chiùirt', Tha 'shealladh sill Ian truais, Tha 'bhriathran fallain, r^idh, Ian iùil 'S 'n a 'ghealladh ciùin do 'n truagh. 'Bhi dearg le fuil gxi leir mu'n cuairt, Fodh 'n f heirg throm-bhuailt' a dbùirt Air com a' ghrkidh 'tha Ian de thruas, Uh' f hiig maiseach snuadh a neòil Do 'n i^heacach leònte fo 'n gheur-ruaig, 'S an ceartas cruaidh 'n a thòir : 'S e sud a sgkil' bho 'n mhallachd bhuan ; 'S 'o 'n teas, 's 'o 'n f huachd, 's e 'n cleòc'. 'S 'bhi geal le f ireantachd neo-thruaillt', 'S le naomhachd bhuan gun sgleò, Gun smal, g-un spot, gun ghaoid, r'a luaidh, 'S n' is glaine snuadh no 'n t-òr. 'S e sud a 's trusgan rèidh d' a shluagh A chreid binn f huaim a sgeùil, 'S a fhuair compàirt 'n a ghrh,s 's gach buaidh ; Gu briith 's e 'a uaill 'chrùn glòir'. 'S e 'n t-Iongantach am measg an t-sluaigh, 'S nan ainglean shuas an glòir ; 'S e 'thug an gràdh an aghaidh fuath, 'Nach fhaodar 'luaidh le beòil ; An coslas pheacach 'theachd a nuas A dh'f hulang truaigh' 's an f heòil ; 'Bhi 'n nàdur duine bhos air chuairt, 'S 'n a naomhachd shuas bith-bheò. 'S 6 Eigh nan righ gach linn gn briith, 'Tha 'nis am Parras shuas ; Tha 'naimhdean ceannsaichte fodh 'shìiil, Oir chuir e 'm blàr le buaidh ; Tha 'cheannardachd a nis cho Ian, Tha neart a ghàirdean buan : . Tha gach uil' iondanachd a' tàmh 'N Emanuel nam buadh. 'S e 'n Ti ro mhòr, lehohhah 'n iiigh, 'S mor inbh' ro àrd r' a luaidh ; Tha aingl' a ghlòii-' le'n ceM 'n a làth'r, Ri seinn nan dan 's binn fuaim ; 'S a còmhdachadh an gnùis le sgàil, Le dealradh Ian a shnuaidh, 'S a tilgeadh sios an crtiin gu IKr, 'Toirt ùmhlachd dhh, gach uair. Tha com a ghriiidh cho Ian de ghaol, 'S e mall gu fraoch no fearg ; Tha 'iochd 's a ghràs d' a phobull naomh Am bann, dosgaoilt' nach searg ; 'S cha sgar gu bithbhuan olc no aog Aon anam saort' air falbh Bho cliaidreamh blàth a chairdeis chaoimh, Ge d' robh 'n droch aon ga 'n sealg. Tlia' bhrollacli fiorghlan, siorruidh, l;in De 'n bhainne 's feiirr do chlann ; 'S beò-uisge fior bho chliabh a ghràidh A ruith gun tkndi 'n a dheann ; Tha 'uchd ion-mhiannaichte cho bliith, Cho maoth, lh,n bàigh, 's gach km — 'S mo mhiann cha riaraichear gu bràth Gu 'm faigh mi dh' ait' 'bhi ann. THE G^^EL, ENGLISH DEPARTMENT. Vol. IV. MAY 1875. No. 41. THE HIGHLANDER'S APPRECIATIOX OF SCENERY. It has been asserted by the justly celebrated historian of Scotland, Dr. John Hill Burton, that Highlanders have shown themselves peculiarly unconscious of the beauty and gran- deur of their own scenery. Upon what evidence the learned historian bases his assertion we have not been able to discover; but, coming from a man whose knowledge of the his- tory of Scotland is so profound, and whose judgment respecting the character of the people who made the history of Scotland is valued so highly, the statement, strange as it may appear upon the face of it, deserves examination. In effect Dr. Burton says that we were taught to admire our own scenery by James INIacPherson, the translator, or, as he would say, the author, of Ossian. He Avould not, we presume, assert that the wild and varied scenery which attracts every summer so many sympathetic tourists, and a still greater number of gaping visitors who must perform the task, which has of late become so fjishionable, of " doing " the High- lands, has not powerfully affected the moral and intellectual character of the people, as it has unquestion- ably contributed greatly to their physical development. Dr. Burton means, we presume, that our people may have been "unconsciously modi- fied " by the silent influences of their local environment, but that it was MacPherson who taught them to analyse these modifications, to in- terpret them, and to trace them to their causes. This is a perfectly rea- sonable view. But is it the true view? Were Highlanders before MacPher- son's time not alive to the beauty of their own land ? Or was MacPher- son their teacher, if, indeed, they have yet been taught 1 Admiration of scenery, so much the rage of late years, is not of old date in South Britain, if we take English literature as the exponent of the national taste. One of the earliest of English travellers in the Highlands, Captain Burt, does not regard " the land of the mountain and the flood " with the eye of the modern tourist. The influence of MacPherson in stimulating the taste and the prejudice of Southrons is admittedly great; but Scott, not MacPherson, was the man who aroused the dormant sympathies of Scotchmen and of Englishmen to tlie varied beauty of their own land, and especially of the northern portion of it. That MacPherson taught his readers to admire the grandeur of Highland scenery is un- doubted ; but who were his readers'? Not his own countrymen. The English Ossian is, as Dr. Burton sa3^s, a work of genius, but High- landers could not read it. The Gaelic Ossian, which, if we believe Dr. Burton, is, at the best, but meagre prose, was not published till the year 1807, and, alas! High- landers were not taught to read it. Whether they appreciated their scenery in the past, or whether they did not, it is a melancholy fact that 152 THE GAEL. May, 1875. the powerful stimulus of MacPher- son's Ossian, whether in Gaelic or in English, never reached them. Seeing that the learned historian has been mistaken as to our teacher, let us inquire whether any evidence exists of the attitude of our people towards the wild and impressive sceneiy among which they were reared. The only evidence which we need consider is to be found in our own language and litera- ture. It is indeed true that the quantity of literature which has been preserved to us from the wreck of the past is not great, and it may be admitted that the quality of what remains is not uniformly excellent ; but such as it is, it affords the most reliable proof now existing •of the manners and customs of our people, and especially of their thoughts and sympathies. Take our language. It was not invented by MacPherson. In wealth of vocabulary it cannot compete with the English language ; but it can be safely affirmed tliat it is pecu- liarly rich in words descriptive of the varied features of a coun- try. It has been called the lan- guage of war; it might, with per- haps even greater justice, be called the language of nature. The English language, with that wonder- ful gift of appropriation which al- ways characterised it, discovered our wealth in this department, and did not scruple to "convey" a goodly list of words wherewith to describe our "bens" and "glens" and "straths" and " corries." I doubt whetlier a more numerous class of words found its way from Gaelic to English than that descriptive of scenery. And if Ave turn from words to phrases, idioms and figures of speech, we find a still more significant testi- mony to the very conscious influence which their surroundings exercised over our people. It is commonly said, and with truth, that our language abounds in onomatopoetic words. A large number of these words, as might be expected, are in- dicative of the action of natural agencies — the roar of cataracts, the roll of billows, or the crash of thunder. No one who knows the language can be ignorant of the almost endless number of words whose derived signification relates to everyday matters, and common- place thoughts and feelings, but whose original meaning points to our towering hills, or winding glens, our dark woods, our stormy seas, and our variable sky. Many of our similes, idioms, and turns of phrase attest, on the part of our ances- tors, close observation of nature and sympathy with her grand but mutable features. For proof one lias only to read a piece of Gaelic prose or poetry, ancient or modern, literally translated into English. And what evidence upon the question before us can be gathered from the literature existing prior to MacPherson's time 1 Our proverbs indeed were not published till after ]\IacPherson was born ; but no one, not even Dr. Burton, will deny that they existed before his day. These proverbs furnish direct and reliable evidence of many valuable traits of character, manners and customs peculiar to the past of our peoyile; and are always truthful witnesses to the prevalent modes of thought and belief of the time to which they relate. The reader of the " Collection of Proverbs," pub- lishetl bjr Mackintosli, even in the loose and misleading English in which they are but too often rendered, cannot fail to observe that sympathy with external nature is among the most prominent char- acteristics of Gaelic proverbs. The May, 1S75. THE GAEL. 153 prose and verse literature collected by J. F. Campbell and others, and published by Campbell in " Tales of the West Highlands," and " Leabh- ar na Eeinne," is generally admitted to be genuine remains of the past, wliile much of it can be directly proved to have existed in manu- script before MacPherson was born. It is usually asserted that there is a marked absence of allusion to scenery in the old ballads, and this contrast to the Ossian of MacPher- son has of late been strongly ui'ged as conclusive proof against the genuineness of the latter work. So far as we have been able to discover it is simply not true that the bal- lads and tales do not show want of sympathy with external nature on the part of their authors. The ut- most tliat can be said is that this feature is not so prominent in them as it is in the Ossian of MacPherson. But we doubt whether the same number of ])ages culled indiscrimin- ately from English literature before the middle of the eighteenth cen- tury, can show an equal number of apt allusions to " mount, and stream, and sea," as the volumes of Gaelic liteiature published by Campbell. The most thorougli-going of the destructive critics will admit that we have had in the Highlands, for the last 250 years, a succession of lyric poets, a jiortion of whose works sur^•ives. What is the one characteristic which distinguislies modern Gaelic poetry, not merely from English poetry, but from all modern European poetry, of the \ last and preceding centuries'? Those ! who have read, however cursorily, ' Mackenzie's " Beauties of Gaelic Poetry," will give but one answer to this cpiestion. All the Gaelic poets, major and minor, sang of the scenery of their own land. The impartial critic may find much to admire, much to censure, in the works of them all ; but in the blameworthy as well as in the praiseworthy por- tion, the one fact which stands out with startling prominence, and which gives a character quite its own to Gaelic poetry, is the ar- dent, passionate admiration of their scenery which the bards one and all displayed. Among them, doubtless, are to be found men whose talents gave them but a slender title to wide influence or enduring fame, but among them also are to be found men of genuine poetic talent. Four men can be named, all older by a generation than James MacPherson, who for the last 120 years have furnished the greater part of the intellectual nutriment of about one- twelfth of the population of Scot- land ; and we humbly think that it ought not to be beneath the notice of our national historian to know the names, and even somewhat of the labours, of these men. They are Alexander M'Donald, Dugald Buchanan, Duncan Ban MTntyre, and Eobert (Donn) Mackay. All these were men of genius. The two first were men of culture and wide reading ; the two last did not know the alphabet of their own or any other language. M'Donald knew the poets of Greece and Kome ; but it was the sublime scenery of Ardnamurchan, Mull, and Morvern which inspired his muse. Buchanan knew the Scriptures as few men did, and admii^ed the descriptions of the Hebrew prophets and poets as only a poet can ; but he was more indebted to Perthshire than to Pales- tine for the magnificent and subhme imagery of the " Day of Judgment." And what of MTntyre, who knew no books, but whose praiseis, through the energy of Professor Blackie, in a fair way of being in all the book- sellers, if not in all the churches? 154 THE GAEL. 51 ay, He described, in his light, jaunty style, the hills and dales, the lochs and glens, of Argyllshire, d j^reterea nil. And of liob Donn's versatile genius it may be said, that the passion for scenery was equally strong, but not so absorbing as with M'Intyre. Dr. Burton has brought forward no evidence in support of his asser- tion ; we have seen that all the evidence available, with a force and consistency almost unparalleled, proves exactly the reverse. It is indeed true that the tourist who expects the mail-driver or the gillie to talk of the grandeur of Highland scenery with the fluency of the fashionable sight-seer will be dis- appointed. With the Highland peasant the scenery of his home has got beyond talk— it has become a matter of feeling, in many cases a matter of deep, passionate sympathy and love. Is it ignorance or pi  £2 •: 2 ' 5 r. 5  roducc, one-fourth only of actual re- jiorts, would suffice, after expenses, to ]i.-iy dividends rising to 20 per cent. , and create large Reserve Fund, besides proceeds from Land Sales : — Ten Townships contain Acres 250,000 Deduct for Grants to Settlers, Roads, &c 146,000 Balance for Reserved Farms and ToAvn Sites . . . 104,000 ^Vhereof for Bonuses 100,000 Acres, worth in 3 or 4 yoai's, at only 30s. per acre, a capital sum of £150,000 The Town Sites, extending to 4000 Acres, and any Minerals, would remain ; and as Winnipeg, four years since a Hud- son's Bay Fort, has now about 5000 inhabi- tants, these sites may speedily prove of im- mense value. In October 1874, the Hudson's Bay Co. realised at Winnipeg as much as 4 s. Sd. per yard for ground. The Canada Co., similar in plan to this, divided last year 64 pen- cent., and its £12, 10s. Shares stand in London List at £99 to £101. For forms of Application and Prospec- tuses, apply to the IJrokers, or at the Regis- tered Office of the Company, 3 West Regent Street, Glasgow. A NUMBER OF LMILJES OF SETTLERS WANTED FOR Manitoba, Dominion of Canada. THE BRITISH CANADIAN LAND & SETTLEMENT COM- PANY (LIMITED) OF GLASGOW, having obtained from the Government of Canada 250,000 Acres of the Finest Prairie Land in the Dominion, are now prepared to receive Applications from steady indus- trious men accustomed to Farm Work, to vhum the following Advantageous Terms are offered: — Advances in full, where necessary, for I'at-sage from Glasgow to Manitoba ; pos- session of Prarie Farm of 160 Acres richest I-and near a navigable river, ready for the plough the day of anival ; Seed and Imple- ments required for the Sowing, Cultivation, and Harvesting of the Crops ; Family Food Supplies until the Crops are available ; suit- able houses to live in ; a Cow for the Fam- ily's siipply of Milk and Butter, with Five Years for Repayment of Advances. -Any ordinary energetic family at end of fifth year can be clear of all indebtedness, and worth in money and property from £500 to £1000. A grown-iijt family may do the same in half that time. For further information apply to the Com- pany's Agent, Andrew P. Shaw, 58 York St., Glasgow. Applications foi' Shares of the Company niarj be made at the Company's Office, 3 W. Ke'jent St. Glasyoio. W. G. & J. W. LINDSAY, Managers and Secretaries. Aireamh Theaghlaichean Luchd- tuineachaidh air an iarraidh gu dol a Mhanitoba, Mor- roinn Chanada. FHUAIR COMUNN FEAR- AINN AGua TUINEACHAIS CHANADA BHREATUNNAICH, bho Uachdranachd Chanada, 250,000 Acair d' an Fhearann-gun-choiUe is fekrr anna a' Mhor-roinn, agus tha iad a nis ullamh gu gabhail ri larrtais dhaoine stuama, dèana- dach, cleachdte ri Obair-fearainn, do'm bheil iad a' tairgseadh nan cumhachan tkbh- achdach a leanas : — lasad, far am feuniar e, d' an Ikn-aii^- iod-aisig eadar Glaschu agus Manitoba ; Seilbh air Gabhail anns am bi 160 Acair de Fhearann-gun-choille dltith air abhainn mhoir air am faodar seWadh, agus deas air son a' chroinn-treabhaidli an latha 'ruigeas iad ; Pòr-cuir agus Innealan feumail air son Cur, Aiteach, agus Cruinneachadh a' Bhhrra ; Lòn do'n Teaghlach gus an bi am Bkrr ullamh ; Tighean-comhnuidh freag- arrach ; Mart a chumail an Teaghlaich ann an Bainne 's an Im ; agus Coig bliadhna dh-iiine gus an t-Airgiod-iasaid a phkigheadh air ais. Aig deireadh ch ig bliadhna faodaidh teaghlach dichiollach sam bith a bhi saor bho gach uile fhiachaibh, agus an seilbh air bho £500 gu £1 000, eadar airgiod agus maoin. Faodaidh teaghlach a tha air cinntinn suas so a dheanamh ann an leth na h-ùine. Air son tuilleadh eòlais sgrìobh gu Fear- ionaidh a' Chomuinn, AxijREW P. Shaw, 58 York St., Glasgow. Tha larrtais air son Comh-roinn anus a' Chomunn ri 'n cur a dh-ionnsaidh Office a' Chomuinn, 3 W. Regent Street, Glasgow. W. G. & J. W. LINDSAY, Managers and Secretaries. EMIGRATION TO CANADA. Assisted Passages— Free Grants of Land. THE GOVERNMENT of the DOMINION of CANADA grant WARRANTS for ASSISTED PASSAGES by Royal Mail and other powerful Steamships running from Ports in the United Kingdom to FARM LABOURERS, I DOMESTIC SERVANTS, NAVVIES, I MECHANICS. Free Grants of 160 acres are offered in Manitoba from the splendid Prairie Lands of that Province, and from 100 to 200 acres in other parts of Canada. Reception of Emigrants.  ii arrival in Canada, Emigrants are received in Depots, and cared for by Govem- UKiit Agents, who assist in finding them immediate emijloyment. For further information and terms, apply to the Agent-General for the Dominion of Canada, Canada Government Building, King Street, Westminster (Emigration Depart- ment"). THE GAEL ADVERTISEMENTS. THE HIGHLANDER NEWSPAPER. Editor— JOHN MUKDOCH. The Objects of " The Highlander " are :— To foster enterprise and public opinion in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland ; To advocate those political, social, and economic measures which appear best calculated to advance the well-being of the people at large ; and To ijrovide Highlanders at home and abroad with a record and review of events in which due prominence shall be given to Highland affairs. Among the topics which have prominence are— The Land Question ; Game Preserva- tion and Beer Foresting ; the best systems of Rural Economy and Practical Husbandry ; the establishing of Manufactures in the Highlands ; the Fisheries ; the working of MincB, Quarries, and Peat Mosses ; the Utilization of Sewage ; Railway Extension and Management ; Local and Imperial Taxation ; Celtic and kindred Literature ; Sanitary Matters, &c. ^ime of (Piobliccition, every BaUbrday. (Price Sd. per Copy. The HIGHLANDER is Published by the HIGHLANDEE Newspaper & Printing & Publishing Co., Limited. Liability of each Shareholder it strictly limited to the Amount fen' which he Subscribes. "^ CAPITAL £3000, in 3000 Shares of £1 each. Applications for Shares and orders for the Paper to be sent to the SECRETARY, JOHN MURDOCH, at Tlic Offices, 71 Church Street, Inverness. : Just Published, Stitched, dd. ; Cloth, Is. GOD'S WAY OF PEACE, Ft THE KEV. HOKATIUS BONAR, D.D. TRANSLATED INTO GAELIC BY the REV. KEIL T>1S,V^ATI, WINISTBR OF THE f REE CHURCH, KINOtSSIK. TO BE HAD OF MACLACHLAN & STEWAET, EDINBURGH. LONDON : JAMKS NISBET & CO. 21 BERNERS STREET. THE GAEL ADVERTISEMENTS. JUST PUBLISHED, PRICE ONE SHILLING GRANT'S CHURCH ALMANAC AND FOR 1875, {FORMERLY " THE FREE CHURCH ALMANAC,") CONTAIXINO FULL INFORMATION RESPECTING ALL THE Presbyterian Churches in Great Britain AND Ireland. AND ACCURATE LISTS OP ALL DEIS^OMINATIONS IN SCOTLAND. " This is out of sight the best of the British Presbyterian Almanacs. Its information is as usual extensive, and as far as we are able to judge accurate. We can assure all our readers who may not happen to know it, that it is well worth perusal." — T/ie Presbyterian. SCOTCH PSALM BOOK, LARGE TYPE EDITION, WITH AN INDEX TO FIRST LINE OF EACH STANZA. Price from 3s. 6d. to 6s. 6d., according to Style of Binding. EDINBURGH : DUNCAN GRANT AND ALL BOOKSELLERS. NOW READY. AM FEILLIRE: "THE GAEL" ALMANAC, A HIGHLAND DIRECTORY AND Year Book for 1875. The Publishers of "The Gael" have now issued their Gaelic Almanac for 1875, which in addition to the general features of a good Almanac, contains List of Graelic Churclies and Clergymen of all Denominations at Home and Abroad ; Lists of Highland and Gaelic Societies ; The Names of Chiefs, Badges, War-Cries, Marches, Salutes, Gatherings, &c., of the Highland Clans ; Highland Fairs ; Saints' Days, Anniversaries, &c., and a vast amount of other matter of special interest and value to Higlilandcrs, not to be mot with elsewhere. ipiaiCE aixiPEisrcE. MACLACHLAN & STEWART, SOUTH BRIDGE, EDINBURGH ; and WM. LOVE, ARGYLE STREET, GLASGOW. GLASGOW 1- --^ .. : LAX & SlLWAliT^^f^ :NIC0LS0N & CO.; WM. LOVE. Li] ^ y Duncan Grant & Compsny, Printers, Forrest Eoad, Edinbnrgh, I TKE a-^E L^ DEVOTED TO MISCELLANEOUS OAELIC LITERATURE AND TO THÌj INTERESTS OF SCOTTISH HIGHLANDERS GENERALLY. Edited by ANGUS NICOLSON. Contents of No. 42. Proverbs, ... 161 The Isle of Sky, 1G7 Short account of a Journey to Italj', 169 ' A Gaelic lecture. 173 Dialogue, 17G Glen-Afric, .. 181 Varieties, 183 1 Song, with Music, 184 English Department. Ossian and the Clyde, 185 Levers to raise our Peasantry, . 188 Gaelic Society of London, 192 Celtic Chair, 192 Presentation to the Rev. Dr. MacLauchlan, 192 m TT T^ r^ A ■■IT THE GAEL. TEiaiycs OIF STJBSOS-IIPariOIT, Payable in Advance. • FOR ALL PARTS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, Five Shillings and Sixpence per Annum, including Postage. FOR PLACES ABROAD, A Special Edition of " The Gael " is printed on thin paper, to come within the Penny rate of l^ostage to places outside of the United Kingdom, but Subscribers wishing to pay the Extra Postage, which is Twenty-five Cents, or One Shilling sterling, can have j the other quality sent to them instead. : To Canada, and all parts of British North America, the United States, Australia, | New Zealand, India, &c.. One Dollar and a Half {$1. 50) or Six Shillings sterling per c annum ; on Thick Paper, One Dollar and Three Quarters ($1.75) or Seven Shillings ' sterling. Post OfiBce Orders should be made payable to NicOLSON & Co. Now ready, in 1 vol. 4to, -with Illustrations, 12s. 6d. cloth, OSSIAN AND THE CLYDE: FINGAL IN IRELAND; OSCAR IN ICELAND. By Df. HATELY W A D D E L L. Glasgow : James Maolehose, Publisher to the University. Aisr G^A-IDHE^L. Alar ghafh soluis do m' cmamfcin Tha sgeula na h-aimsir a dh' fiialbh." — Oisean. IV. LE.AJ3H.] DARA MIOS AN T-SAMHRAIDH, 1875. [42 Air. SEAN-FHOCAIL. VI. — cha'n fhearr singeas na SANGAS. 'S e an da ni gn sonruichte airson a' bheil na Sean-fhocail liiachmhor marmhodli-teagais,2; — amFirinnagus am Fuaim. Gheibhear Sean-fhocail gach Tir air an tilgeadh, le caoch- ladli innleachdan, ann am briath- raibli a tha taitneach do'n t-suil agus do'n chluais ; ach tha mi meas gur rian so a tha fior, ann an doigh ro- shonruichte, mu na Sean-fhocail Ghaidhealach. Tha 'n Sean-fhocal a ghabh sinn mar steigh 'n a eisempleir air a' bhuaidh so. Feud- aidh 6 bhi gu bheil Firinn 's an radh ; ach, ma tha, cha 'n aithne dhomhsa i, agiis cha 'n f hiosrach mi CO d'an aithne. Thagh mi an radh air son na Fuaim a mhain ; oir tha mi de'n bheachd gu bheil e 'comharr- achadh a mach feart anns a' bheil sinn mar Chinneadh dealaichte bho Chinnich eile, agus gu h-araid bho ar coimhearsnaich na Goill. Cha 'n 'eil e ferasta dhomh an dealachadh so a chur an cainnt, — cha 'n 'eil teagamh nach e m'aineolas air cumhachd na Gaidhlig is coireach. Tha focail aca 's a' Bheurla, Form and Matter, no mar dh'fhaodas sinne 'radh, Cumadh agus Sfuth, a tha air an cleachdadh air uairibh a chur an ceill smuain cosmhuil ris an ni tha 'm bheachd ; agus, le cion focail is freagarraiche, 's le cead, tha mi 'n dochas, luchd-leughaidh a Ghaidheil, roghnaich mi iad air an am. Ciod is ciall do'n chainnt neo- ghnathaichte so % Tha gach ni air an crom thu do shuil air a dheanamh suas de'n da sheud so. 'S e Stuth na Luinge am fiodh mar a dh' fhas e anns a choille,— an t-iamnn mar fhuaradh anabuich e andoimhneachd an talmhainn. 'S e Cumadh na Luinge an dealbh a chinn an ceann an t-Saoir. Ma tha meang 's an Stuth, cha seas an Long onfha cuain; ma tha failinn 's a' Chumadh, fàgar air deireadh i 's an reis ; ach faigh Stuth fallain 'us Cumadh neo-mhear- achdach, agus tha agad Long air nach cuir gaoith an uair is cruaidhe sheideas i, no fairgean uairisbuirbe dh'atas i,— Long a bheir misneach do'n Mharaiche, 'us toilinntinn do'n Fhear-amhairc o thir. 'Se Stuth an òrain na smuaintean tha builgeadh an inntinn a' Bhaird ; 's e Cumadh an orain a' chainnt, 's an rann, anns a' bheil na smuaintean air an cur an ceill. Biodh an Stuth lag, faoin, agus a dh'aindeoin oirdheirceas na cainnt, a dh'aindeoin ceolmhoireachd na roinne, cha ghabh an Saoghal ris ; agus air an laimh eile, ged bhiodh an Stuth iomlan,ma bhitheas a' Chumadh an deigh-laimh, cha 'n aithnich an Saoghal e. 'S e Stuth a tha thu 'cur an laimh an fhir-cheird — a' chriadh an laimh a' Chriadhad- air ; 's e Cumadh an t-atharrachadh a tha sgil an fhir-cheird a' toirt air a' mheall, an uair a thiunndas e mach soithichean, cuid gun teasamh 11 1G2 AN GAIDHEAL. Dara Mios an t-Samhraidh, 1^ na's urramaiche na cuid eile. Tha 'm ball criochnaichte air a dheanamh siias de'n dhk; agus tha iomlain- eachd a' bhuill a' co-sheasamh ann a bhi gleidheadh co-chordadh dligh- each eadar an da sliealbh so. Na'm biodh agam ri chnr an ceill, an aon fliocal, am priomh-fheait anns a' bheil an da Shhiagh — Goill 'us Gaidlieil — dealaichte o cheile, theirinn gu bheil Cumadh air taobh a' Ghaidheil, Stnth air taobh a' Ghoill. 'S e mo bheachd gu'm faighoar dearbhadh air an dealach- adh so ann an Corp, an Inntinn, an Canain, an Sean-fhocail, an Sgeul- achdan, 's am Bardachd an da Shluaigh. A thuilleadh air so, tha mi meas gu'm feudteadh aireamh nach beag d'ar beachdan, agus gu h-araid an spiorad anns an reuson- aieh sinn mu cheistean cudthromach, 's anns an cuairtich sinn ar dleasd- anais sholuimte, a lorgachadh air ais gus a' bhuaidh bhunaiteach cheudna. Cha ni faoin no suarach, tha mi meas, a bhi stri ri beachdan cothrom- ach f hoghlum mu thimchioll ar Cinn- eadh fein, 's mu na feartan air an d' thug iad fianuis do'n t-Saoghal re an Eachdraidh fhada agus chiogailtich. Is ann mar so a mhain a chi sinn an t-àite tha dligheach do'n Ghaidheal am measg nan Sluagh 's an am a dh' fhalbh, agus a shonruicheas sinn an doigh-theagaisg is freagarraiche air- son ar Luchd-duthcha 'n ar latha fein. Ann an dreach cuirp, tha 'n da Shluagh comharraichte do'n t-snil. Cha 'n fhaighear "an fhuil fhior- ghlan gun truailleadh " aon chuid aig Goill no aig Gaidheil am Breat- unn, no eadhon 's an lloinn-Eorpa a nis ; ach tha fathast an da shruth, buairte ann an tomhas ged tha iad, cho comharraichte o cheile 's gu'n dearbliar co'n tobar bho'n d'eirich iad fa letii, agus ciod iad na riantan anns a' bheil iad a mathachadh na tire troimh 'm bheil iad a' ruith. Gheibh thu an Gall soilleir,sultmhor, sliobasda ; tha 'n Gaidheal air taobh a bhi dorcha, eutrom, deas. Gun teagamh gheibhear 's a' Ghaidhealt- achd daoine cho tròm 's cho sult- mhor 's a gheibhear am Breatunn ; agus creididh mi nach 'eil fir 's an Roinn-Eorpa is eireachdaile na uais- lean na Gaidhealtachd ; ach gu bhi gabhail an da Shluaigh thar cheani), fear airson fir, tha cudthrom 'us suit air taobh a' Ghoill, deise 'us sgairt air taobh a' Ghaidheil. Agus anus na cearnan de'n Ghaidhealtaclul anns an dothuinich na Lochlannaicli, saoilidh mi gu'm faighear an luchd- aiteachaidh gus an la diugh, na 's mo cnaimh, na 's soilleire dreach, \s na 's truime feoil, na anns a chuid eile de'n Ghaidhealtachd. Cha 'u 'eil teagamh nach do chuidich giic na Tire 's a' bheil ar dachaidh, 's aif n-Eachdraidhthuasaidich re cheudau bliadhna, ar meas air neart 'us lugh- mhoireachd cuirp a raheudachadh ; ach cha 'n 'eil neach a leugh ar Bardachd nach aidich gu'm bu shluagh na Gaidheil a bha 'cur luach neo-chumanta air maise 's air deisr — 's e sin Cumadh — cuirp. 'S e mo bharail gu'm faighear an dealachadh ceudna ann an Inntinn an da shluaigh. 'S e Stuth na h-Inu- tinn, neart, reachdmhoireachd a buaidhean ; 's e Cumadh na h-Inii- tinn, snas, riaghailteachd a buaidh- ean. Saoilidh mi gu'n aidichear gu bheil an Gall, 'n a nadur, foighi Sgeulachdan so a bhi cho siiibhlach 'n ar measg a thug comas labhairt 'us amas-cainnt do Ghaidheil na h-Alba nacli robh aig daoiue riamh air cho beag fcghhiim. Cha 'n 'eil teagamh nach ami 's na Sgeulachdan so a gheibhear a' Ghaidhhg Albannach 'n a fior chumhachd agus 'n a lau nihaise. Ach tha 'bhuaidh a tha mi feuchainn ri shoillearachadh ro chomharraichte anus na Sgeulachdan. Leugh aon cho ainmeil 's a tha anns an Leabhar, "Gaisgeach na Sgiatha Deirge," agus chi thu gu bheil a' chainnt gu trie a faotainn an lamh-an-uachdar, ■ — gu bheil moran fhocal air an uisueachadh airson na fuaim a mhain : " Cnocan dath-uaine daite;" "Tar agus tailceas;" "Mar ghual giiibhne gobhaj" "An dealbh, 's an dreach, 's an cruth, 's an aogas ;" "Am briathra fiosneacha, foisneacha, fior-ghlic, fior-eolais." Thug mi na h-eisempleirean so o'li cheud taobh- duilleig de'n Sgeul. Gheibhear an leithidean a cheart cho lionmhor air gach taobh-duilleig de'n Sgeul so, agus de gach sgeul 's an Leabhar. Agus ma rannsaicheas sinn ar Bardachd, gheibh sinn a' chleachduin cheudna. Tha e fior gu'm faod moran d'ar Bardachd Ghaidhealaich, airson maise 's ceolmhoireachd smuain 'us cainnt, seasamh ri guala Bardachd fo'n ghrein gun naire 'ghabhail. Cha 'n f haighear an àite eile orain is binne na chluinnear gu trie am beul na h-oigridh air an Taobh-an-Iar ; agus tha da Bhard co-dhiu a ghleidh co-chordadh dligh- each eadar an smuain 's an cainnt, 's a dh' f heudar, airson doimhneachd na smuain agus oirdheirceas na cainnt, ainmeachadh do Choigrich, agus eadhon eadar-theangachadh do'n Ghall, — 's e sin Oisean agus Dughall Buchannan, Ann am farsuingeachd inntinn cha d' thig Maighstir-sgoil Piaineach a nios ri Bard na Feinne ; ach a reir mo bheachdsa, tha Dughall Buchannan cho ard os cionn gach Bard Gaidh- ealach eile tha againn, is nach 'eil e freagarrach gu'm biodh e air ainm- eachadh ko ; agus cha 'n 'eil, ma dh' fhaodte, feart anns an dearbh e 'cheannas thairis orra na 's soilleire na anns a' bheachd chothromach a bha aige air feum cainnt — a chur an ceill smuain, agus cha 'n ann a sheasamh 'n a h-aite, no a folach. Ach a mach o'n dcà Bhard a dh' ainmich mi, tha mi meas nach faighear Bard Gaidhealacli ainmeil a tha saor o'n mhearachd so. Mu'n chorr tha e fior gu'ii d' fhuair cainnt ro thric an lamh-an-uachdar orra. Cha 'n ann an diugh no 'n de a bha chuis mar so. Bha 'chleachduin aig airde neirt o chionn ceithir cheud gu leth bliadhna. Gheibh thu ann am " Brosnacha Catha, le Lachunn Mor MacMhuirich, do Dhomhnull nan Eileanan, latha Chath-gaireach " cainnt air a cur gu buil nach d' orduchadh dh'i. Mur 'eil "Bolg-fas labhrach " an so, cha 'n aithne dhomh c'aite am faighear e. Agus cha 'n e so a mhain, ach gheibhear daoine 'n ar measg a leugh fior Bhardachd a' moladh na Ranntachd 's an Ughdair. Ann am beachd Mhic-Coinnich tha 'm "Brosnacha" luachmhor dhuinii air da dlioigh. Dh'fhaodte gu bheil. Tha e co-dhiu 'n a dhearbh- adh maireannach dhuinn air da ni bu mhath leinn a dhi-chuimhneach- adh, — 's e sin gu'n robh Bard d' ar cinneadh air cho beag tuigse, agus gur urrainnear a radh mu'r n- Aithrichean gu'm faigheadh clabail- chraois de 'n t-seorsa so buaidh 166 AN GAIDHEAL. Dara Mios an t-Samhraidli, 1876. thairis air an inntinuean. Agus ma sheallas tu roimh shaothair nam Bard a chluinnear air an ainmeach- adh le b-urram anns gacli Comunn Gaidhealach, nach faigh thu, mar is trice, smuain a' Bhaird air a h-adh- lacadli 's cha 'n ann air a sgeadacli- adh le 'chainnt. Leugh " Oran an t-Samhraidh " le Mac Mhaighstir Alastair, no "Beinn Dorain" Dhonn- acliaidh Bhain, no "Am Fogliar" le Eoghan MacLachluinn — sgoilear oho foghluimte 's a blia anns an Roinn- Eorpa r'a linn — agus nach saoil thu gur e crioch araid a' Bhaird a bin cruinneachadh nam focal is faide a gheibh e, 's a bhi 'g an snaomadh ri cheile, mar is fearr a dh'fhaodas e, air an doigh is taitniche do'n chluais. Dh' fhaodte a chomharrachadh a mach, mar eisempleir air cumhachd na buaidh cheudna thairis oirnn, ar baigh ri sgal chruaidh na piob-mhoir, ri daithean soilleir a' bhreacain, 's ri •cumadh an fhèile, a' dh' aindeoin cuingeachd ar tighean, duirchead ar speur, 's fuachd ar geamhraidh. Agus na 'm b'e so an t-àni no 'n t-àite freagarrach, nach faodte 'radh gur iomadh Ministeir Gaidhealach le le cliabh lag, 's le anail ghoirid, a bhiodh taingeil na 'm biodh cumh- achd na fuaim thairis air a choimh- thional na bu laige na tha e. Ach is eigin stad an so. The mi de'n bheachd gu'n dearbli Eachdraidh ar Sluaigh an Riogli- achdan eile gu bheil grinncas, snas, 'us maise — no, mar thuirt mi roimhe Cumadh — an corp, an smuain, 's an cainnt dual do'n Ghaidheal. Tha fios againn uile gu bheil na Frang- aich comharraichte airson nam feart- an so. Anns an liioghachd so bheir na Gaidlicil barrachd air na Goill anns na feartan ceudna. Is feartan iad a tha cliuiteach agus cunnartach do shluagh. Tha 'm cunnart mor, gu h-araid far a' bheil foghlum anns a chuid is mo leis a' chluais, gu'm fuaim tliaitneach an t-àite tha dhligheach do smuain neartmhor. Thug mi air aghaidh eisempleir no dha a dhearbhas nach do sheachain ar n-Aithrichean gu buil- each an cunnart. Tha mi smuain- eachadh nach ni mi-fheumail a Ijhi cuimhneachadh air uaireau nach 'eil sinn uile gu leir iomlan. Saoilidh mi gu'n d'fhuiling ar sluagh iomadh uair dimeas o choigrich nach do thoill iad ; agus gu'm b'ann againn fein gu trie a bha 'choire. 'N ar n- Eachdraidh, 'n ar Canain, 's 'n ar Bardachd tha iomadh feart a tlia ion-mholta ; ach tha cuid nach 'eil, agus ciod an t-iongantas ged tha? Anns a' phòr a f luiair sinn bho ar n-Aithrichean, glan 's mar tha e, tha beagan muill am measg an t-sil. Nach cuir sinn barrachd meas air cuimhne nan Daoine a bha, 's nach toill sinn barrachd cliu bho na Daoine a bhitheas, ma leigeas sinn a ghaoith roimh 'n phor, mu'n cuir sinn 'n ar fonn fein e, no mu'n toir sinn gu feill nan Coimheach e ? De 'n da f heart a dh' ainmich mi airson a' bheil an da Siiluagh— Goill 'us Gaidheil — fa leth comharraichte, CO an diù 's co an roghainn % Cha 'n 'eil a' cheist farasta f hreagairt ; cha 'n 'eil mi cinnteach gu'n gabh i cur le tuigse. Cha nithean a choimeasar Stuth 'us Cumadh ; agus cha 'n f haighear sgarte' o choile iad. Is ann 'n an co-chordadh dligheach a tha iomlaineachd a' co-sheasamh. Sgarte' o cheile is neoni iad ; aonte' j tha iad uile-chumhachdach. Feudar ; a radh gu bheil deagh stutli air dhroch cumadh neo-thogarrach ; gu bheil droch stuth air deagh clumiadh i foillcil. Ach saoilidli mi ma tha ; neart 'us tuigse a' Ghoill feumail a ■ chum an Saoghal a chiosnachadh, I gu bheil maise 's grinneas a' Ghaidli- ' eil cho feumail a chum a slieall»li- achadh. D. M'K. Dara Mios a t-Samhraidh, 1875. AN GAIDHEAL. 167 THE ISLE OF SKYE. an edinburgh summer song. By Alexander Nicolson. The l)eautifiil Isles of Greece Full many a bard has sung : The isles I love best lie far in the West, Where men speak the Gaelic tongue. Ithaca, Cyprus, and Rhodes, Are names to the Muses dear ; But sweeter still doth Icolmkill Fall on a Scotsman's ear. Let them sing of the sunny South, Where the blue /Egean smiles, But give to me the Scottish sea. That breaks round the Western Isles ! Jerusalem, Athens, and Rome, I would see them before I die ; But I'd rather not see any one of the three. Than be exiled for ever from Skj'e ! What are the wonders there. Stranger, dost ask of me ? What is there not, I reply like a Scot, For him who hath eyes to see ? But if you're a delicate man. And of wetting your skin are shy, I'd have you know, before you g>), You had better not think of Skye ! Lovest thou mountains great. Peaks to the clouds that soar, Corrie and fell where eagles dwell, And cataracts dash evermore ? Lovest thou green grassy glades. By the sunshine sweetly kist, ilurmuring waves, and echoing caves ! Then go to the Isle of Mist ! The Matterhom's good for a fall, If climbing you have no skill in, But a place as good to make ravens' food You can find upon Scoor-nan-Gillean. And there will you see at Strathaird, That Grotto of glittering spar, With its limpid pool, where Mermaids cool Their brows when they travel from far. Tliere fro\vns the dark Coiruisg ^\'hich made the great Wizard wonder. Even \'oltaire might have worshipped there, IMethinks, in the time of thunder ! AN T-EILEAN SGIATHAXACH. ORAN SAMHRAIDH. (Air eadar-theangachadh leis an Ughdair.) Air Innse na Greig' is hill', Tha luaidh nam Bard nach gann ; B' e m' ulaidh-sa riamh na h-Eileanan lar, Far an cluinnear cainnt nam beann. Tha Itaca, Ciprus, is Rods, lonmhuinn le clann nam f onn ; Ach I-Choluim-Chille, 's i gràdh gach filidh Chaidh altrum an Alba nan sonn. Ged 's bòidheach a' ghorm Mhuir Dheas, Far an cleasaich 'n a neart a' ghrian, 'S ann leam gu'm b' fhearr 'bhi coimhead an t-sàil' A' briseadh air cladach na h- lar! Beinn Shioin, an Aithne, 's an Ròimh, Faiceam mu'n teid mi fo'n iiir, Ach 's beag mo spi^is do bhaile fo'n ghièìn, An coimeas ri Eilean mo ruin! Ars' an coigreach, a' fiosrach dhiom ihèìa, Ciod e na h-ioghnaidh a t' ann ? "Clod iad nach 'eil," do fhreagair mi deas, "Ma tha shilean gu faicinn na d' cheann? " Ach bheirinn a' chomhairle dhut, Ma 's duine thu tha meata na d' chail, Ma 's fuath leat fras, na ruith gu bras A choimhead air Eilean mo ghr'aidh ! An toigh leat na beanntan mf>r, Cruachan 's na neoil gu h- krd? Coireachan, frithean, dachaidh an fhlr- eoin, 'S an cluinnear na h-easan a' gkir ? An toigh leat na glacagan grianach, Innisean sgiamhach nam bo, Is uamhan 'bheir fonn ri guth nan tonn ? Siubhail gu Innis a' Cheò! Tha Matterhorn taght' air son chks, Ma 's aill leat thu fhein a mhilleadh; Ach cothrom cho saor a ghiorrach' do shaoghail, Gheibh thu air Sgtir-nan-gillean. Air cladach an t-Srath chi thu 'n cos. Mar gheal shneachd reot' gun smal, Le 'lochan dubh fuar, far an tig air uair Na maighdeana-mara a shnamh. An Coir'-uisg' chi thu 'n sud fo dhubh- ghruaim, Cul'-uamhais measg stri nan dùl ; 'N uair bhriseas an torrunn le fuaira na doininn. Is mairg nach lubadh an glùn! 1G8 AN GAIDHEAL. Dara Mios an t-Samhraidh, 1S75. There towers the wild Cuiraing, With its battlements grim and high, And the mighty Storr, with its pinnacles hoar, Standing against the sky. Sail round the cliffy West, And, rising oi;t of the main, You there shall see the Maidens three Like Choosers of the Slain ; And go wherever you may With a new and deep surprise, The Coolin blue will fill your view, And fix your gazing eyes. Were I a Sovereign Prince, Or Professor at large in vacation, I'd build me a tower in the Isle of Skye, At the expense of the Nation ; And there, like a Sea- King, I'd reign, But with a more gentle rule ; I'd harry no cattle, nor slay any man, But I'd drive all the children to school ! There, in the bright summer days. Stretched on the sward I would be, And gaze to the west on Blaven's crest. Towering above the sea ; And I'd watch the billowing mist Rolling down his mighty side. While up from the shore would come ever- more The music of the tide. And when the sun sinks to his rest, 'Mid glory of purple and red. There will flash the light of a thousand spears On Blaven's cloudy head ; And each turreted ridge of black Is lit with a flame of gold. As they hang on high 'twixt earth and sky, A wondrous sight to behold ! Pleasant it is to be here With friends in company. But I would fly to the Isle of Skye To-morrow, if I were free ! Dunedin is queenly and fair — None feels it more than I ; But, in the prime of the summer time. Give me the Isle of Skye ! Is chi thu ard-ioghnadh Chuith-Fhraint Le lihaidealean aibheiseach niòr, 'S an StòiT cho cas le bhinneinean glas, Eadar do shealladh 's na neòil. Sti'Mr timchioll nan creagan gu h- lar. Is chi thu ag eiridh 's a' chuan, Triilir Alhaighdean Mhic-Leòid a' seas- amh gu stòld', Measg ghMrich ghairbh nan stuadh: 'S ge b' e kite an toir thu do cheum. Obi ihn le ioghnadh iir, A' Chuilfhionn ghoi-m a' leantuinn do lorg, 'S a' sàsachadh fradharc do shM! 'S truagh nach robh mise na m' Thriath, A' riaghladh an Eilean mo chridh', Thogainn mar b' abhaist o 'bhunait Dun- Sgiithaich, Is gainne na m' thalla cha bhiodh ; An sud dheanainn suidhe mar High, 'S cha chlaoidhinn mo shluaghgu teann, Cha togainn creach, 's cha spuinninn neach, Ach thrusainn do 'n sgoil a' chlann! S ann leamsa bu mhath a bhi ann, 'S grian shamhraidh a' lasadli an drùchd, Na m' shlneadh air feur a' coimhead nan neul, A' cadal air Blhth-bheinn nan stiic; Is chithinn an ceathach a' snkmh, 'S a' lùbadh mu shlios nan cruach, 'S a ghnàth na m' aire bhiodh fonn na mara, Ga m' thàladh gu foisneach gu suain. 'S an fheasgar, 'n uairthèarnas a'ghrian, Gu rioghail 's an lar gu tàmh, Air muUach nam beann mar mliile lann, Bidh boillsgeadh nan gathan kigh: 'S gach dubh-sgor a' deàrrsadh gu cas, Fo lannair nan lasraichean òir, Gu h- h,rd 's an speur eadar talamh is nèamh, — Sealladh na maise 's na glòir ! 'S taitneach, measg chomimn a' bhlàiths, Bhi suidhe 's mo chairdean ri m'thaobh, Ach na'm bu leam iteag, 's mi 'theicheadh an tiotadh. Do 'n Eilean Sgiathanach chaomh! An t-ui-ram aig cathair Dhun-Eidin, 'S mi fhèin a sheinnuadh a cliù, Ach thigeadh an samhradh, 's bidh mise na m' dheann-ruith, A' greasad gu Eilean mo ruin ! Dara Mios an t-Samhraidh, 1875. AN GAIDHEAL. 1G9 CUNNTAS BEAG MU THURUS DO 'N EADAILTE. II. Bho niliullach a bhealaicli, far an (V riiin sinn tarah an la roimhe, gu 'bhonn air taobli na h-Eadailte, cha robli sinn ach goiridris an tearnadh an coimeas ris an direadh. Ma bha 'n sealladli breagha air an direadh, cha 'n ann 's an tèarnadh bu mhios' e. Tha 'n t-aite is iong- antaiche de 'n t-shghe uile air an taol)h Eadailteach, far am beil an rathad a' dol, fad da mhile, eadar chrcagan, a' ruigheachd bho 1500 gu 2000 troidh air àirde, agus cho dlùth air a cheile 's gu 'n saoil thu h-uile tiotan gu 'm beil iad a' brath coinneachadh, agus an rathad a dhùnadh. Is e ainm an àite so Bealach Ghondo. Beagan na 's fhaide air aghart, tha na creagan, 's na beanntan, 's an sneachd, air am fàgail air cliùl, 's cha 'n 'eil feum air leabhar-iùil a dh-innse dhut gu 'm beil thu ann an tir ùir, cho eadar- dhealaichte bho 'n duthaich a dh' fhàg thu 's a' mhadainn, 's a tha Tuath a's Deas. Tha thu nis an tir na greine, tir na maise agus a' chiùil, sean dachaidh fir-riaglilaidh an domhain, màthair Chèsair mhòir a's Bhirgill mhilis, Dhante òirdheirc a's Raphaeil gun choimeas, Chol- umbuis èuchdaich a's Ghalileo nan rionnag ; tir a rug, 'n ar làithean fhein Cabhùr foghainteach, Madsini, am fear deireannach de na Eoraan- aich,agus esan tha fhathast a làthair, fear nan gniomh, gun char, gun ghò, sàr ghaisgeach nam buadh, — Gari- baldi ! Cha 'n ioghnadh Eadailteach naill a dheanamh ann an duthaich a tha comasach fhathast air a leithid de f hir a ghintinn a's àrach. Cha b' ioghnadh e ghleachd, eadhon gu bàs, air son a saoirsinn, agus iolach aoibhneis a thogaii an la a dh' eirich i 'n a neart 's a bhris i cuibh- ach a luchd-sarachaidh ! Ach, mo thruaighe ! 's math a thig dha an osnadh throm air son nan ioma olc 'tha fhathast a' creachadh a dhiith- cha àluinn, 's a' lionadh a càirdean le araharus a's eagal. An ceud sealladh a f huair mi air an raon fharsuing, tharbhach, bha 'n a laidhe shios bhuainn, air a chuairteachadh le beanntan àgh- mlior, air 'uisgeachadh le aimh- nichean lionmhor, 'n a Ian chulaidh le fionain a's crainn-ola, ag gàire- achdaich 's a' ghrein le tighean 's le bailtean bòidheach, chunna mi nach robh guth breige anns na leugh 's anns na chuala mi mu àilleachd na h-Eadailte. Ann an aon ni chaidh an fhirinn os cionn mo smaointean. Bha f hios agam gu 'n robh beanntan a's cnuie 's an Eadailt, bho cheann gu ceann, ach cho robh dull agam gu 'n robh iad cho lionmhor agus clio follaiseach bho 'n a h-uile cèarna de 'n tir. Is airidh i air " tir nam beann " mar ainm a clieart cho firinneach ri " tir nam speur gorm.' Air son soilleireachd a's truimead nan dath anns an iarmailt, agus air aghaidh na mara, feumar am faicinn gu 'n creidsinn. Ach a dh-aindeoin sin, gus an fhirinn aideachadh, breagha 's ge bheil speuran gorma na h-Eadailte, bha ionndrain nach bu bheag agam, agus sin gu trie, air neòil sgiamhach fhionnar, 's air ceathach glas druighteach, ar tire gaolaich ceòtbaich fhein. Thuinich sinn da latha ann am Milan, an treas baile 's mo 's an Eadailte. De sheallaidhean a' bhaile so, 's e an t-ioghnadh is mo an Ard-eaglais no a' Chathair-Easbuig. Cha 'n 'eil a leithid air an t-saoghal. Tha i air a togail gu h-uile de mharmor geal, air a shnaidheadh air dhòigli cho snas- mhor, grinn, 's gur h-ann a chuireas e 'n cuimhne do dhuine, na 170 AN GAIDHEAL. Dara ÌMìos an t-Samhraidh, 1875. h-oibrichean iongantach de dheud- chnaimh a chitear a' tighinn a China. Ceitliir thimcliioU nam ballaichean, blio blionn gii mullach, tha leithid de lionmlioireachd iomli- iiighean air an snaidheadh mar an ceudna de mhavmor, 's gu 'm fogh- nadh iad, mar a thiiirt fear roinihe so, air son luchd àiteachaidh do bhaile cuimseach, na 'n tigeadh iad beo cearta còmhluath. Tlia iad ag radii gu 'm bail 4500 dhiubh ann mar tha, 's thathas a h-uile bUadhna 'cur feadhnach iira ris an àireamh. Ach a dh-aindeoin an lionmhoiread, tha 'n t-aitreamh cho niòr, agus a h-uilc roinn d'e cho cuimir, 's gur gann a chreideas tu gu 'm bheil urad ann diubh. Bho mhullach na h-eaglais, a rithist, chi thu 'g eirigh, mar gu 'm b' eadli coille de bhinneinean 's de spiricean deah'ach, maiseach, agus air bàrr gach binnein, iomhaigh, uile de 'n aon chloich ghil, eireachd- ail. An uair a theid thu stigh air dorus an teampuill ghreadhnaich so, tha e mar dhol thairis gu saoghal eile, bho shohis 's bho ghleadhraich jia siàide gu samhchair is dubhar an flieasgair. Ge b' i Eaglais do 'm buin thu, cha 'n urrainn nach fhair- ich thu, 's tu 'coimliead troimh na sreathan fad' ud de charraighean arda, dh' ionnsaidh nan uinneag de ghloine-dhathte, troimh am beil an sohis a' tòarnadh gu sèarah air an àrd-altair, " Cia uamhasach an t-ionad so !" Cha 'n 'eil ùine agam air a bheag tuilleadh innse mu chuhiidh-ioghn- aidh na h-eaglaise so, acli cha 'n urrainn domh 's an dol seacliad, gun ainmcacliadh air an da charragh de mharmor dearg a th' air gach taobh de 'n dorus iiihor, mar a theid thu stigli. Tliat]ia3 ag radh gur h-iad sin na clachan-snaidhte is mo a th' air aghaidh an tahiihainn. Tha iad 80 troidli air àirde 's gach tc dhiubh de 'n aon chloich shlàin. Tha sealladh eile anns a' bhaile so a tha ro ainmeil, dealljh na Sidp- ck-Dcireannaich, air a tharrainn air balla seòmair 's am b' àbhaist do mhahaich a bhi gabhail am bidh. Tha còrr a's tri cheud bliadhna bho 'n a rinneadh an obair urramach so leis an dealbhadair chliùiteach Leonardo da Vinci. Tha e air a mhilleadh gu dona le àitidheachd an t-seòmair, trid dearmad maslach na feadhnach do 'm bu choir a ghleidheadh mar ublial an sùla ; ach tha làthair fhathast na tha dearbh- adh nach mearachd an t-urrani a f huair e bho chionn f hada mar aon de phriomh oibre ealaidh an t-saogh- ail. Air mo shon fhein d'e, cha 'n f haca mi dealbli fhathast a dliuisg a leithid de smaointean annam. A nieasg niòran de sheallaidhean comharraichte anns a' bhaile so, cha 'n fhaod mi gun aithris air a h-aon eile, agus 's e sin a h-aon de na sgriobhaidhean Gàilig is sine th' air bhrath, a chaidh a sgriobhadh ceudan de bhliadnaichean mu 'n robh a' Bheurla air a breitli ! Tha 'n leabhar piiseil anns an d' f huar- adh an sgriobhadh so, anns an Leabhar-lann a tha ainmichte air Naomh Ambros, a blia 'n a easbuig bho shean ann am Milan. A reir barail dhaoin' còlach, rinneadh an sgriobhadh le Columban, fear de dlieisciobuil Chain im-chille, agus le sin tha e còrr a's dà-cheud-deug bliadhna dh' aois. A dh-aindeoiu sin, agus mar dhearbhadh air cho beag 's a thàinig de atharrachadh air cainnt ar sinnsear re ùine cho fada, rinn mi fhein a macli beagan fhocal de'nt-seann sgriobhadh ud, agus thug e faireachadh neònach dhomh, mar gu 'in bithinn ag cluinntinn guth an dnine urramaicli a sgriobh iad, a' tighinn gu m' ionnsaidh thair aigeal an dà-cheud-deug bliadhna! IJha mi da latha eile ann am Florens, am baile 's breagha chunn- Dara Mios an t-Samhraidh, 1875. AN GAIDHEAL. 171 aic mi f hathast ach Dunèideann caomli. Mar tliubhairt miiinntir Steòrnabhaigh mu 'm baile fliein, cha b' iongantach an righ fhein a thighinn a ghabhail comhnuidh aim! Tha fios gu'ii d' tlu'iinig righ na h- Eadailte a ghabhail comhnuidli ann am f'lorens, agus gur h-ann a bha chaithir-rioghail, gus 'na ghluais- eadh i gu ruig an Ròimh. Chunnaic mi nise k; cheile iad, agus 's eudar dhomh aideachadh gur h- e FJorens is annsa learn na an Eòimh. air son sealiaidh agus taitnis. A leithid de shealladh de dh-aitreibh ghreadlinach, agus de dhealbhannan luachmhor 's a th' anns a' bhaile ud, cha 'n fhaca mi riamh. Tha da luth-chairt mhor ann, foisg air a cheile, am Palazzo degli UJfizi agus Palazzo Pitli, cho Ian 's a ghabhas iad de dhealbhan 's de iomhaighean a tha do-labhairt ann an luach. Is math an obair-latha dol gu h-aidheis- each blio sheòmar gu seòmar de 'n da liith-chairt ud, gun mhòran iiine chaitheamh anns gach seòmar. Gun tighinn air na deaibhan, 's cha'n 'eil an leithid, araon 'an àireamh agus 'an luach, 'an aitreibh eile air an t- saoghal, mur li-'eil an Dresden, cha bheag an sealladh na biiird (ma 's a ceart an t-ainm) a th' anns a h-uile seòmar a th' ann, air an deanamh de chlachan buadhach, air air t-seòl oil)re ris an canar mosaic. Tha deaibhan dhaoine, a's ainmhidhean,a's lusan, 'sgach seòrsa ni, air an deanamh le mirean de chlachan priseil de gach dath, geal a's dubh, dearg a's gorm, buidli a's uaine, air an cur ri cheile air dhòigh cho snasail 's gu'n saoileadh tu nach 'eil ann ach an t-aon chlàr, ged is dòcha gu'm bheil mUtean de bhloigh- ean beaga air an cur mar sud ri 'cheile. Tha 'n obair so cho saoith- reachail 's gu'bheil biiird ann de 'n t-seòrsa so air an robh daoine 'g obair fad am beatha. 'S fhurasda smaoineachadh, 'd e luach a leithid sin de bhòrd. Is aithne dhomh fhein duin' uasal aig am bheil fear dhiubh air an d' thug e 1500 Punnd Sasunnach. Ach tha mi 'creidsinn gu bheil biiird anns na liith- chairtean Florentach ud is fhiach a shia urad sin. Cha 'n urrainn dhomh, a measg nan iomadh oibre ealantais ainmeil a tha 'n sud, oidheirp a dlieanamh air a chuid is lugha dhiubh ainmeach- adh. Cha 'n 'eil an àite air bith eile urad de na deaibhan is taghta ie Raphael, agus 's gann is urrainn do neach breith chearL a thabhairt air cumhachd iongantach an duine ud gun am faicinn. Ach tha aon chuspair ioghnaidh a measg chàich a dh'fheumar ainmeach- adh, agus 's e sin an iomh- aigh iomraiteach dh' an ainm a Venus de Medici. 'S f had o chuala 's a leugh mi gu' m b'e sud an obair is foirfe de 'n t-sèorsa 'chunnc;is riamh. Bha eagal orm nach coimhlionadh an sealladh mo dhuil, ach cha robh mi air mo mhealladh. Cha 'n 'eil e 'n comas inntinn duine cruth a smaoineachadh na 's àille, anns a h-uile ball, na 'n iomhaigh ud. Tha suidheachadh a bhaile so air leth taitneach, aig ceann srath thor- aich, còmhdaichte le fion-liosan, crainn-olaidh,agus iomadh seòrsa eile de chraobhan is de lusan bòidheach nach aithne dhuinn ach l^ho leabhr- aichean. Air an taobh tuath, a' sineadh gu h-iar a's ear, tha cnuic bhòidheach, a's beanntan air an ciil cho garbh 's cho lom 's a tha 'n Alba fhein ; agus troimh an bhaile, air feadh an t-srath, tha amhainn bhreagh an Arno a' siubhal gu sèimh. Air gach cnoc a's bruaich timchioll a' bhaile tha tighean eireachdail, a's ge b' e cearn a sheallas tu, cha 'n fhaic thu ach maise 's taitneas. A measg nan sean aitreamli ainmeil tha tiir 172 AN GAIDHEAL. Dara Mios an t-Samhraidh, 1875. Ghalileo fhathasd a snas, anns am b' àbbaist do 'n reuladair mhòi' an oidhche chur seacbad, ag còimb- ead iia gealaicb agus nan rionnag, mar tlia Milton ag aitbris, a cbaidh a cboimbead, a db' aon gbnotbucb, air an duine urramacb 'n a pbriosan : — like the moon, whose orb Through optic glass the Tuscan artist views, At evening from the top of Fesole, Or in Val d'Arno, to descry new lands, Eivers and valleys in her spotty globe. Thacbair gu fortanach dhomb fhèin 's do m' cbompanacb-siubhaii gu'n robb againn mar fbear-iiiil an t-aon duine bu toigb leinn 's an Eadailte, fear a mbuinntir na dutbcba, air an robb sinn fada mion- eòlacb 'an Dimeideann, far 'na cbuir e seacbad ficbead bliadbna. Tbainig an duine càirdeil sin, Dr. Lemmi, astar-latba g' ar coinneacbadb, bbo 'n àite far an robb e f hein 's a tbeagb- lach a' fuireacb aig an am, ri taobb na mara, mu 12 mbile deas bbo Libborno : agus ged a bba a tbigb ann amFlorens dùinte, b'èudar fbosgbxdb agus sinn a chur suas ann fad an da latba 's oidbcbe bba sinn 's a' bbaile. Tba 'n diitbaitb ainmeil air son pailteas a's grinn-eas an anairt, agus fbuair mi dearbbadli air sin a cbeud oidbcbe 'luidh mi 'an tigb mo cbaraid, dearbbadb, aig an aon am, air uaisleacbd nan daoine. Eha aodacb-oidbcbe an tigbe uile air a cliur seacbad, agus o'n a bba 'n aimsir gle bblàtb, bba sinn uile Làn- tboilicbt' an oidbcbe 'cbuir seacbad gun cbòrabdacb ach am brat-leapa. Acb 'n uair a cbual a' bbean-uasal cliòir aig bonn na staidbreacb, db' am buineadb an tigb, (tigh dbe 'n t-seòrsatbalionmbor 'an Dimeideann, anns am beil iomadb lobbta, le staidbir chumanta) cia mar a bba, cliuir i suas pailteas de 'n a b-uile anart a bba dbitb. 'S e bb'ann, 'n uair a cbaidh mi 'luidbe fbuair mi braitb- ean-liu air mo leabaidb cho L^rinn, uun gbuth breige, ri nèapaigin pòca mna- uaisle, agus, gns an coltas a dbean- amb na bu riochdaile, air an greiseadh anns gach beannaig le obair-sbnàth- aid eireachdail. 'S ann a bba seòrsa nàire orm mo cblosach mbòr mbi- loinneil a chàradb ann an leithid de gbrinneas, a db' f hogbnadh do bhan- phrionnsa air oidhcb' a bainnse ! Còmbla ri m' dbeadh cbaraid, cbaidh mi a Florens gu ruig an t-àite db'ainmicb mi, gu la no dba 'chur seacbad 'an comunn a theagh- laich cbeanalta. Cbunna sinn anns an dol seacbad sealladh de 'n iogbn- adb ainmeil ud, Tùr Crom Pliisa, a tha'tighinn 14 troidbean thar a ghruaim, acb a sheas a dh- aindeoin sin, còrr a's 700 bliadbna. Tba suidbeacbadh bade Phisa gle thaitneach, air bruacban an Arno, agus uaithe tba sealladh breagba de bheanntan Charràra, mu 30 mile air falbh 's an airde tuath. Eadar Pisa agus Libborno fbuair mi 'cbeud sealladh de 'n ]\Ibuir Mheadbon- tbireacb. Ged nacb robb mi acb ceithir-la-deug gun sal fbaicinn, rinn mo chridhe lèum ris an t-sealladh, 's cbuir mi fàilt oirre mar rinn an deich mile Greugach bho shean. Cha 'n 'eil tàicheadh air gu bheil dath na mara ud na's doimbne 's na's soilleire na tba ri fbaicinn ni 's fhaide tuath, agus a rèir coltais, a bharrachd air soilleir- eachd anabarrach na b-iarmailt, tba nadur an uisge fhèin 'n a aobbar dba so, oir tba e mòran ni 's treasa agus ni 's saillte na sal a' clvuain. Aig Libborno (ris an canar gu leibideacb 's a' Bheurla Leghorn) dh'fhàg sinn an ratbad-iaruinn, agus cboinnicb gille sinn le earbad eutrom ceithir-chuidhleach, air a tharruing le gearran donn easgaidb, a gbiulain gu b-aigeannach sinn gu crioch ar turuis. Bba an rathad fad an t- siubbail OS ceann a' chladaich, le sealladh breac;h a dh'ionnsuidh na Dara Mios an t-Samhraidh, : AN GAIDHEAL. 173 mara, a,i:;us nan eileanan gu li-iar a's dcas, — Gorgona, Copraia, Corsica, Sardinia, agus Elba. Cha robh de loingeas ri fliaicinn ach bàtaichean iasgaich, ag itealaich a null 's a nail, le 'n da sheol àrd, bliiorracli, coltach ri sgiathan coin. Tha cabhlach dliiu a' seòladh a Libliorno a h-uile niaduinn 'n uair a flircagras an t- sicle (cha 'n 'eil lad ro mhisneachail air muir) air tòir an 6isg do 'n ainm Beurla mullet, seòrsa do 'm bnin an carblianach againn fhein. 'S e 'n dòigh iasgaich a th' aca, lion fada a shlaodadh eadar da bhàta, '.si'oladh leis a' ghaoith. Bha 'm feasgar a' tuiteam 'n uair a ràinig sinn tigh mo charaid, 's a choinnich sinn aig an dorus a dhitli- is ghillean tapaidh, calnia, leth- Albannacli, 's a cheile tlilachdmhor, thuigseacli, de shliochd filial Chlann Domhnuill. Mur d'fhuair mise mo blieatha 's an fhardaich ud, agus deagli dhiol, 's eudar gur th' ann an aisling a thug mi ceilidh do m' charaid Lemmi ! Alasdair ]\IacNeacail, AONACHD A' CHINNE- DHAONNA. {Air leantainn.) Is iad na Caucasianaich an dream sin a tha ag aiteachadh na cuid is mo d' an lioinn-Eorpa, Asia nan Turcach, Arabia, Persia agus Innsean na h-airde-near, an Eiphit, Abys- sinnia agus ceann tuath Africa, air corsa a' Mhediterranean. Bho cheann tri chiad bliadhna nis tha iad a' sgaoileadh agus a' tuineachadh thar cuid mhor de America, tuath agus deas, ceann deas Africa, Aus- tralia agus New Zealand ; agus c'àit air bith am faighear iad chi sinn gu bheil iad gu h-ealamh a' glacadh uachdranachd aiius ceannsalachd thar gach treubh a bha aims na dutlichannan sin romhpa. Cha ruig mi 'leas innseadh gur ann d'an earr- ainn so d' an chinne-dhaonna a bhuineas sinn fhein. Is iad na comharan gu sonraichte a tha ri'm faicinn air an earrainn so, craiceann (/('(/,/ no soilleir — gruaidhean dearg — fait maoth,caisreagach cama- gach — feusag mhor — aodann beag, direach, na 's fhaide na tha e leathan — bathais fharsaing — claigeann nior — sron aimhieathan — agus beulbeag. Is ann do 'n t-sliochd gheal so a bhuineas na fineachan a bha, agus a tha, gu sonraichte ainmeil air son chumhachdan-inntinn agus cliuit- eachd am beusan. Far an suidhich iad iad fein tha na fineachan eile a' crionadh as ; ach is ann gu h-araidli anns na duthchannan sin nach 'eil aon chuid ro fhuar no ro theth a thig iad gus an inljheachd agus an iomlanachd is airde. Ann an cearn- aidhean ro fhuar no ro theth tlia iad trid nine a' dol air an ais anns na buaidhean-inntinn agus na comasan cuirp sin a tha gu sonraichte ri 'm faicinn 'n am measg 'n an duthchann- an freagarrach fein. Tha na Mongolianaich ag aiteach- adh gu h-araidh meadhon agus ceann tuath na h-Asia. Is ann do 'n earr- ainn so a bhuineas na Turcaich, muinntir China, Japan, ceann tuath na h-Eorpa (na Laplandaich agus muinntir Fingland), agus na h-Esqui- maux ann an ceann tuath America. Tha an craiceann huidhe, — am fait tana, garbh, agus direach — cha 'n 'eil orra ach fior bheagan feusaig — tha an claigeann aca, ach beag, ceithir-oisinneach — a' bhathais iosal an t-aodann leathan, comhnard, marbhanta — na gruaidhean ard — na suilean domhain, agus air am fiaradh thun na sroine — an t-sron leathan — agus na bilean tiugh. Ann am buaidhean-inntinn tha iad air dheir- eadli air na Caucasianaich. 174 AN GAIDHEAL. Dara Mios an t-Samhraidli, 1£75. Fo 'n earrainn Americanach tha air am filleadh a stigh na treubhan sin gu leir a bha ag àiteacliadh na duthcha m' an d' fhuaradli a mach i le Columbus anns a' bhliadhna 1492. Glieobh sinn aca craiceann dearg — fait dubh, garbh — beagan feusaig — claigeann car coltach ris na Mongo- lianaicb, acli beagan na's aimhleithne agus na 's cruinne — bathais iosal — suilean dorahain — agus sron a' seas- arah a mach. Ann am buaidhean- inntinn tha iad coltach ris na Mon- golianaich, acli gu math na 's fhaide air an ais. Tha an gineal so a' caithearah as gu bras roimh ghnuis nan daoine geala ann am America mu thuath. Tha na h-Etiopianaich ri 'm faigh- inn a mhain ann an Africa. Tha aca craiceann dubh — fait goird, dubh agus greannach— bathais fhada, chad, agus a' claonadh air a h-ais — gruaidhean arda — sron mhor,leathan peircill fhada— agus slipean tiugha. Tha an dream so fada air an ais ann an cumhachdan na h-inn- tinn, agus lunndach, neo-sgiobalta 'n an giulan. Tha na Malayanaich a chomh- nuidh anns a' chuid mhoir de dh- eileinean a' Chuain Phacific, Austra- lia agus New Zealand. Tha iad an coitclieann domi anns a' chraiceann —dubh 's an fhalt — le fait cruaidh, tioram — claigeann aimhleathan — aodann le cnandian mora — agus sron mhor, leathan. Ann an eolas agus oileanachailh tha iad fada air an ais, agus gle mhall ann an tighinn air an aghart. Chunnaic sinn a nis cuid de na buaidhean agus na comharan a tha gu h-araidh a' deanamh suas an eadar-dliealachaich a tha air'f haicinn eadar na h-earrannan anns am bheil luchd an fhogluim a' roinn a chinne- dhaonna. Bha sinn uile air ar teagasg o 'r n-oige, ged a bha a leitliid a dh-eadar-dhealachadh colt- ais agus cor ri 'fhaicinn air na fin- eachan f;i leth a tha 'deanamh suas sluagh an t-saoghail, air a shon so uile, gu'm b' aon an cinne-daonna gu leir — gu 'n robh iad uile air an gin- tinn o aon phriomh-athair agus mhathair. Chleachd sinn a blii a' gabliail gun cheist ri facal nan .Sgriol)tur a tha gu soilleir a' cur an ceill dhuinn gu 'n do rugadh sluagh an t-saoghail gu leir do aon duine, Adhanih ; agus bha sinn a' cur an eadar-dhealachaidh a bha sinn a' faicinn anns na treubhan fa leth, air aobharan bho 'n leth a mach, mar tha cor agus suidheachadh an duine — teas no fuachd na tire — aogas na duthcha m' an cuairt — na cothroraan no dith-chothroman a bha aige air e fein a thoirt air aghaidh ann an eolas aimsireil agus spioradail ; ach nacli minigachisinn daoine agus treubhan am measg sluagh an domhain a tha a' nochdadh eadar-dhealachaidhnean cho mor agus cho comharaichte 'n an dealbh-cuirp, 'n am buaidhean- inntinn agus 'n an cleachdaidhean, 's nacli gabh iad fagail gu h-iondan air coran duine, no suidheachadh agus coltas na duthcha, agus a tha 'g a dheanamh 'n a ni ro dhuilich dhuinn a chreidsinn gu 'n d' thai nig an cinne-daonna gu leir bho 'n aon fhreundi ? Cha 'n e mhain so, ach chi sinn iomadh uair gu bheil buaidh gu tur eadar-dhealaichte aigna h-aon suidheachaidhnean air luchd-àiteach- aidh moran de na duthchannan fa leth — chi sinn gu bheil am fuachd a tha, a reir coltais, a' toirt do 'n Esquimaux agus do 'n Laplandach, anns an airde tuatli, pearsa iosail, dhaigeil, a' toirt do na Patagonian- aich, ami an ceann deas America, airch; fhamliairean ; agus aig a' cheart am, chi sinn an dluth choimh- carsnaich, muinntir Terra-del-fuego, le pearsa neo-ar-thaing co beag ris na Laplandaich. A ris, am featlh a tha an teas fuathasach a gheobh sinn Dara Mios an t-Samhraidh, 187 AN GAIDHEAL. 175 anns na duthchannan mil cliearcal- meaclhoin na cniinne air a mheas 'u a aobhar mor air an luchd-àiteacli- aidh 'fliagail lunndach, leisg, agus fuathach air gach gne sliaothair agus oibre, nach miuig a chi sinn 'n am measg treubhan a tha comharaichte agus ro ainmeil air son gaisgealachd agus tapachd Ì — chi, agus na mnaith- ean fein a' gabhail a mach a chogadli le gaisge agus le deine a tha duilich a cho-shineadh ris a' bharail gu bheil teas na duthcha an aghaidh caithe-beatha saoithreachail agus gluasadach. Ged a dli' aidichear gu saor gu bheil buaidh mhor aig staid agus suidheachadh an duine bho 'n leth a muigh air cor a' chuirp agus na h-inutinn, tha eadar-dhealachaidh- nean am measg a' chinne-dhaonna a tha air an sineadh a nuas mar gu 'm b' ann o athair gu mac fad mhiltean bliadhna agus nach 'eil ach gle bheag air am miithadh le imrich o dhuthaich gu duthaich, agus, uime sin, nach 'eil a' faighinn an aobhair ann an gin de na nithean a dh' aiumich sinn, mar tha, teas no fuachd, cothrom no neo-chothrom, saorsa no daorsa. Cha 'n 'eil aon diubh sin is fhasa thoirt fainear na dath a' chraicinn. Eadar aon de mhuinntir na Eoinn-Eorpa agus aon de mhuinntir Africa tha de eadar- dliealachadh ann an dath — an deal- achadh a tha eadar dubh agus geal — 's nach 'eil e soirbh ri 'chreidsinn gu 'm buin iad le cheile do 'n aon ghineal. Nach e aon chuid teas na duthcha no aobharan air bith fo 'n leth a muigh is ceann-fatli do 'n chaochhidh mhor so eadar an t- Eorpach agus an t-Etiopianach, tha daoine ag innseadh dhuinn gu bheil dearbhadh soilleir againu anns na seann dealljhan a thatar a' faighinn am measg làraichean na h-Eiphite — dealbhan a tha, co dhiubh, ceithir mile bliadhna dh'aois, agus a tha a' taisbeanadh dhuinn, air seol nach gabh cur an ag, gu 'n robh a' cheart choltas air muinntir Africa ann an dath agus ann an cruitheachd 's an am sin 's a tha air an latha 'n diugh ; gu 'n robh an da ghineal a cheart cho neo-choltach r' a cheile 's a tha iad a nis, agus, mar so, a' dearbhadh dhuinn ma 's e ni air bith o 'n leth a muigh a b' aobhar, gu 'n do thach- air am miithadh mor so ann an coig ciad bliadhna — ni a tha gu buileach do-chreidsinn. A thuilleadh air so, an uair a bheachdaicheas sinn air a liuthad cànain eadar-dhealaichte 's a tha am measg dhaoine ; agus gu h-araidh am bealach farsaing a tha eadar cor iosal, truaillidh, agusborb, muinntir Australia ann an coimeas ri staid ard, bheusacl), agus chiallach an Eorpaich, nach 'eil Ian bharant againn gu 'cho-dhunadh nach buin iad idir do 'n aon stoc, ach gu 'n do rinneadh air tus, cha 'n e mar chleachd sinne bhi 'creidsinn, aon duine agus aon bhean, bho 'n do ghineadh an cinne-daonna gu h- iomlan, ach duine agus bean no dhà a co-fhreagairt do na h-earrainnean 's am faodteadh sluagh an t-saoghail a roinn ? Mur biodh Facal Dhe againn — Facal a tha sinn a' gabhail agus a' creidsinn mar fhirinn, agus a tha air a dhearbhadh dhuinn air iomadh doigh gu bhi fior agus cinnteach agus seasmhach — tha mi ag radii mur biodh am Biobul againn a tha a' cur an ceill dhuinn gu 'n d' thainig an cinne-daonna gu leir o aon duine, tha iomadh ni ami a bheireadh coltas firinn do 'n bharail a dh' ainmich mi, gu'n do chruthaicheadh daoine air thus anns na duthchannan fa leth anns am faic sinn mar gu 'm b' eadh suil no tobar nan sruithean sluaigh eugsamhladh a tha ag aitea- chadli an talmhainn ; ach tha sinn deas gu ar steidh a thogail air Facal 17G AN GAIDHEAL. Cara Jlios an t-Samhraidh, 1875. Dhe, Ian chinnteacli, an aite aon mhearachd f haotainn a macli no aon fluiiling a rusgadh, gur ann a bheir an solus a tbig bho gbeur-rannsacb- adli agus eolas air oibrichean Dbe air teagasgan an Fbacail soillseach- adb le dearrsadb ùr, agus air mbodb is combaraicbte na rinn iad riabb roimbe. Mur tilg am fogbbnn a gbeobh sinn ann an rannsacbadb Eiogbacbd Naduir sokis air a' b-uile ceum air Facal Dbe, tba nai dearbli cbinnteacb as 'so, — nacb faigbear teagasgan oljair Dbe ann an iii air bitb a' cur an agbaidb teagasgan an sgriobtuir. Nacb i an aon Uindi a Sgriobb an da leabbar — Leabbar Naduir agus Leabbar nan Sgriob- tur? Mur bbitb eagail gu 'n gabbadb a cbleir gruaira riura, tbeirinn gu 'n robb mi dol a gbabbail an rud ris an abair iad "ceann teagaisg," acb coma CO dbiubb, tba mi am beacbd nacb b' urrainn duinn steidh a bu fbreag- arraicbe no 'bu daingre a gbabbail na na facail a Labbair an t-Abstol Paul ri daoine fogbluimte na Greige, — " liinn Dia a dh-aon fhuil uile cbinnicb dbaoine, cbum iad a gbabb- ail combnuidb air agbaidb na talmb- ainn uile, agus sbonraicb e na b- amanna roimb-orduicbte agus criocb- an an àite-comlmuidb." Iain Macillebiiain. (El leantainn.) COMHRADH. EADAR MURACITADH BAN AGUS COINNEACH CIOBAIR. Mur. — Tba mi faiciun gu'n d' tbàinig tbu mar a gbeall, a Cboin- nich ; fbuair mi do litir tbaitneacb an raoir le Seumas Mac Uilleim Mbic Alasdair, agus tliog i mo cbridhe le tSunnd agus sonas, an uair a cbuir tbu an ceill gu'n robb dull agad ris a' Gboirtean-Fbraoicb fhàgail aig briseadb na faire gu tigbinn a dh'- ambarc orm. Tha dòcbas agam gu'n d'fbàg tbu mo bban-gboistidb cbòir, agus an òigridh gu brogail. Coin. — Taing do'n Fbreasdal, a Muracbaidb, tba iad uile eadar bheag agus mhòr, eadar sbean agus òg gu feadarra, fallain, agus is mòr am beannacbd an t-slainte, agus is beag toilinntinn an ti sin air am bbeil i a dbitb. MuR. — Is maitb an toiseacb, a Cboinnicb, oir as èug'ais na sbàinte clia'n 'eil sonas no suaimbneas aig duine, ged bu leis an saogbal mu'n iadb a' gbrian. Tboir do dbuine nil' airgiod agus or a' cbruinne-cbe, agus sealbb air uile sbaibbreas an domb- ain, agus cba 'n 'eil ann acb creutair breoite, brònacb, bocbd as eug'ais na slainte. Cba toir ni fo'n gbrèin toilinntinn dba, agus cha'n urrainn da le foiin no sgairt sam bitb, aon cbuid a ghnotbuicbean aimsireil no spioradail a gbiidan air an agbaidb. Cba'n urrainn, oir is deòran truagh e air an talamb ; uime sin, cba cbomas dàsan aig am bbeil slainte a bbi tuilleadh 's taingeil do'n Ti Uile-Bbeannuicbte sin a ta 'g a buileacbadb ; oir cba'n 'eil beannacbd talmbaidb idir ann a cboimeasar ris an t-slàinte. Coin. — Is minic, a Muracbaidb, a cbuir tbu briatbra taitneacli an altaibh a cbèile, agus gu ma fad a bbios slainte agus sonas air am buileacbadb air do tbeagblacb, agus ort fein air an ceann. Is toileachas iir domb do gbniiis fbaicinn a ris. MUR. — Isi do bbeatba d'on fbàr- daicb-sa, a Cboinnicb, agus nam biodb mo bban-gboistidb Seònaid maille riut, mbeudaicbeadb e an toilinntinn tri-fillte. Acb is maitb na tb'ann. Dean suidbe a steacli ris a' gbealbban ; socraicb, agus gar tbu fein, gus am faigbear boinne beag a bblàtbaicbeas tbu an dèigb do tburais agus do sgitbis. Dara Mios an t-Samhiaidh, 1S7 AN GAIDHEAL. 177 Coin. — Cha'n eagal dorah, oir tha gach goireas agus deagh-glieati an còmhnuidh ri 'n sealbhachadh ann am fài'daicli fhialaidh, fhosgailte Mhurachaidh Bhàin. MuR. — Tha'n fhàrdach mar a dh' fhendas i, oir is dan a blii 'talach ; ach dlùthaich rium, agus innis domh, a cliaraid, ciod i do naigheachd. An do chòmhlaich sìthean no sithichean thu an diugh am measg nan gleann 'snam beann eadar so agus an Goirtean-Fraoich ? Coin. — Tha thusa, a Mhurach- aidh, cosmhuil ri ])iobair an aoin phuirt, an còmhnuidh a' duicheadh, agus gun a bhi 'chiicheadli ach e. Mar sin, tha thu do ghnàth a' toirt beum do Choinneach Ciobair bochd, ach cha'n 'eil cron no ciiirradh, (■ucoir no earchall ann an trom- l>huiUibh Mhurachaidh Bhàin ? ^lav a thubhairt an Salmadair, '• Buaileadh am firean mi is caoimh- neas e ; agus cronaicheadh e mi, is oladh luachmhor e nach bris mo cheann." MuR. — Tha eagal orm, a Choin- nich, gu'n d' thug thu samhladh, seachad air nach 'eil mise airidh air sheòl sam bith ; ach bochd, aineolach, agus neo-airidh mar a tha mi, abram le firinn nach 'eil droch run na m' chridhe do Choinneach Ciobair. Coin. — Cha'n 'eil, no do neach eile ; oir is cinn teach mi nach 'eil droch run, no droch shùil, no droch dhiirachd 'n ad cliridhe do cho'- chrèutair sam bith, agus gu sòn- raichte dhòrahsa. Muit. — Tha mi 'faicinn dh' ain- deoin cùise, a Choinnich, gu'm bheil d' inntinii a' ruith air droch-shùil, a' feuchainn gu'm bheil thu a' creidsinn gu'm bheil a leithid de ni ann. Coin. — Comadh leat, a Mhurach- aidh, labhradh gu leùir mu na nithibh, sin a cheana ; ach an creid thu so, — eisd rium a nis, — an creid thu gu'm bheil nithe ann a ta 'n an droch comhar air cùisibh a ta chum teachd ? ]\IUR. — Tha fios cinnteach agam gu'm bheil moran aim, a tha 'toirt geill do nithibh àraidh mar chomh- aran air cùisibh ri teachd, agus a reir nadair agus gne nan nitlie sin, gu'm bi na ciiisean a ta chum teachd aon chuid taitneach nomi-thaitneach. Chual mi na ficheadan de na nian- aidhean sin 'n am la 's 'n am linn fein. Coin. — Chual agus mise ; ach cluinneam beagan de na nithibh, mu'n chilis so, air am bheil beachd agad, agus thoir do bharail fein mu'n timchioll, a Mhurachaidh. Muii. — Chual mi gu'm bheil e mi- fhortanach a bhi 'faicinn neach a' cunntadh suas àireimh do chloinne, do chruidh, no do chaorach. Coin. — Chual, agus chunnaic, ach, a Mhurachaidh, na'm faicinn-sa sgimilear dona ag àireamh mo chuid caorach aon chuid a'm follais no'n uaigneas, bheirinn am bata mu na cluasaibh dha; agus tuilleadh na sin, na 'n tugainn fa'near gu'n robli e a' cunntadh mo chuid mac agu3 nighean, no 'foighneachd cia lion a bh'agam diubh, cha b'fhad gus am faigheadh e an dorus, miir iarradl e beannachd a bhi orra-san a bhr. e ag àireamh. MuR. — Is minic a chual mi sin, f Choinnich. Tha e direach mar gu'r abradli neach, — " Tha mi 'faicinr gu'm bheil deichnear chloinne agad, agus gu'n robh iad air am bean- nachadh dhuit. Coin. — Ro mhaith, a ]\Ihurach aidh, oir ged robh fichcad leanabh agam, tha mi comadh ged robh iad air an cunntadh air cheann o mhoch gu dubh, mu their esan a ta 'deaur amh sin, an da fhocal so, "Beannaich iad." MuR — Cha'n 'eil fichead paisrl agad fathast, — beannaich iad, — ach, a Choinnich, ma leanas tusa agu3 12 178 AN GAIDHEAL. Dara Mìos an t-SamUraidh, 1876. Seonaid air bhur n-aghaidli mar a ta sibli a' deananih, clia'n fhad gus am bi criocban a' Ghoirteiii-Fhraoicb tuilleadh's beag, agus tuilleadb's cumhann air son meud agus àireimb bbnr sliochd, — beannaich iad ! Coin. — 'S eadb direacb, a Mhur- acbaidh, is maith leat an còmhnuidh a bhi 'cur conais ormsa, ach an Ti a thug comas labhairt dhuit-sa, thug e comas èisdeachd dhòmhsa. MuR.— Is maith gu'n d' thug, a Choinnich, ach am bheil tuilleadh agad ri aithris mu na nithe sin, no am bheil cùisean air teirig dhuit 1 Coin. — Air teirig ! cha'n 'eil mi ach ann an toiseach a' ghnothuich, agus na'm biodh mo bhan-choimh- earsnach Eaksaid nighean Uilleim mhic liuaraidh an so, chumadh i seachdain thu a' cur nan nithe so an ceill. Ach comadh sin, a Mhurach- aidh, an cual thu riamh gu'm bheil e mi-fhortanach àireamh còrr sluaigh suidhe a dheanamh aig bòrd, mar a ta ouig, seachd, naoi, agus aon-dèug, agus tha tri-deug aig bòrd 'n a àireamh co neo-shealbhach a's mar cuirear aon diubh a mach as a' chomunn, gu'm faigh neach eigin de'n chuideachd a ta làthair am bas mu'n tig a' bhliadhna sin gu crich. MuR. — Tha sin uile gle iongantach ma's fior e, a Choinnich, agus cha'n fhèud e bhi nach 'eil droch sliiiil aig aon air chor-eigin dhiubhsan a ta 'n an suidhe aig a' bhòrd, oir ciod eile ach droch sliùil a dheaiiadh ni co cianail ri sin. Coin. — Bi 'n ad thosd, a IMhur- achaidh, oir tha mi sgith dhe d' bharail-sa mu chumhaclid na droch shùla. Tha deagh-fhios agam nach 'eil thusa a' creidsinn anns a' chumh- achd sin, agus cha ruig thu leas a bhi 'deanamh Ibchaid ormsa, a' charaid. MuR. — Tha'e gle cheart nach 'eil mi a' toirt mòran geill do ni sam bith de'n t-seòrsa, a Choinnich, ach an deigh sin, tha sinn a' faotainn eolais air nàdar an duine, le bhi a' beachd-smuaineachadh air barailibh agus cleachdannaibh èugsamhladh d'an robh iad a' toirt geill, agus d'ani bheil na miltean fathasd a' toirt geill anns gach cearnadh de'n rioghachd. Gun teagamh, chual mi aig mòi'an, agus a'm measg chàich aig an duine urramach, fliòghluimte sin " Bun Lochabair," gu'm bheil e neo-shealbhach imeachd tarauing air na slataibh-iasgaich air a' cliladach, an uair tha'n sgiobadh a' deanamh deas chum an cuan a thoirt orra. Coin. — Cha'n 'eil fios agam cia aca 's droch shùil, no droch cas sin, a Mhurachaidh, ach tha e gle cheart, agus cha chuir na h-iasgairean ràrah air tonn, gus an imich an neach sin air ais a ris air na slataibh, agus le sin gu'm bi an droch bhuaidh air a smàladh as. MuR. — Cha'n 'eil e furasd a chreidsinn gu'm biodli amaideachd CO mòr ann an ceann duine ghlic sam bith, no gu'ntugadh creutair reusonta sam bith geill da. Coin.- — Bha do shinnseara feia gle ghlic 'n an La 's 'n an linn fein, a Mhurachaidh, agus thug iad geill do na nithibh sin. Ach an cual thu riamh nach 'eil e sealbhach deoch- slainte cuideachd sam bith òl ceithir i thimchioll ach a rèir cuairt na greine Ì MuR.- — Is trie a chual agus a chunnaic mi sin, a' Clioinnich, ach cha'n 'eil mi idir a' smuaineachadh gu'm bheil brigh no bladh sam bith anns na nithilih sin. A nis, a Choinnich, am bheil thusa a' creid- sinn nach 'eil e sealbhach uisge | salach a thilgeadh a nach an deigh j laidhe na greine, agus mu'n eirich i ì I — innis domh. i Coin. — Tha do bhan-ghoistidh, j Seonaid, a' creidsinn sin, oir b'fhearr | leatha a' gliriosach a bhàthadh leis I an uisiie sin, na 'thilgeadii a mach ; Dara Mos an t-Samhraidh, 1875. AN GAIDHEAL. 179 air an dorus an dèigli tuiteam na h- oidhche. Oclian ! is i nach deanadh idir. MUR. — Ocli mo chreach ! Is leoir Coinneach Ciobair fein a bin Ian saobh-chrabhaidh, co Ian is tha 'n t- ubh de'n bhiadh, ged a bhiodh Seonaid choir tuigseach agus glic. Coin. — Tha mi fada fada 'n ad cliomain, a Mhurachaidh, air son do dheagh-bharail dhiom-sa, ach is comadh oo dhuibh, oir mar a thubh- airt mi cheana an Ti a thug comas labhairt dhuitse, thug e comas eisdeachd dhomhsa. Ach stad ort, a charaid, an cual thusa riamh nach 'eii e ceart uaigh a bhi fosgailte air an t-Sàbaid, oir ma bhitheas, chxdh- aichear uaigh air son neach eile 's an teaghLach ma'n criochnaichear an t- seachdain. An creid thu sin a nis. MuR. — Ma ta, cha chreid ; ach an creid thusa mur ragaich corp an dèigh a' bhais, gu'm bi bàs eile 's an teaghlach mu'n duinear a' bhUadhna? Coin. — Is mi a chreideas, oir bha dearbhadh agam air. Ach, a Mhur- achaidh, tha e 'n a ni ro chinnteach gu'm bheil bàs am fagus an uair a chhiinnear ùlflìartaich chon air an oidhche, no ma chithear ròcas, no pitheid ag itealaich, agus a' leuni air muUach an tighe. MuR. — Ma ta, a' Choinnich, tha mi fein ag aideacliadh nach toigh leam na creutairean iteagach sin a bhi dluthacliadh ris an fhardaich, oir beagan mu'n do ghabli Domhnull Beag againn an tinneas a thug a mach e, cha charuicheadli fionnag mhòr, ghlas bharr simileirean an tighe re na seachdain mu'n do chaochail c, agus an deigh sin cha'n fhacas riamh tuilleadh i. Coin. — An d' fhosgail sin do shuilean, a Mhurachaidh, oir ma tha comhar mar sin ceart aig aon uair, car son nach biodli a leithid sin ceart aig uair eile 1 MuR, — Gle chothromach, a Choinnich, agus tha do cheist, gle uadurra. Cha'n 'eil teagarah agam nach 'eil thusa a' creidsinn gu'm bheil mòran nithe iongantach air an deanamh leis na h-eoin, an uair a chruinnicheas iad, agus a chumas iad a' phàrlamaid mhòr aca fein. Cha'n fhad o'n thug an t-uasal geanail, fòghluimte sin " Bun Loch- abar" seachad earrann mhòr de " Bhardachd nan eun," ach dheth sin bheir e tuilleadh seachad fathasd, an uair a gheibh e greim air. Is bàrdachd so a tha ceudan bliadhn' a dh-aois, agus a dh' airiseadh o shean, agus feudaidh e bhi fathasd le seann daoinibh ann an Uthisd, anns an Eilean Sgiathanach, agus ann an cearnaibh eile de 'n Ghaidhealtachd. Coin. — Ma's maith mo chuimhne, bha na h-uiread de " Bhardachd nan eun " aig seann Dhomhnull Tailear a bha deanamh mach nach tuig eadh iad lide ach fior Ghaidhlig. MuR.— Fior Ghaidhlig gu'n teag- amh, oir tha " Bun-Lochabar " a toiseachadh na bàrdachd mar so : — " 'Nuair bha 'Ghaidheilig aig na h-eòin, 'S a thuigeadh iad glòir nan dan ; Bu trie an còmhradh anns a' choill Air iomadh pòing, ma's fior na Bàird." Coin. — Ro cheart — " comhradh air iomadh poing," agus comhradh mu'n bhàs, chum rabhadh a thoirt uime mu'n tig e. MuiR. — 0, a Choinnich, ciirn do theangadh, agus na cluinneam tuill- eadh mu'n ghlòrais sin. Tha eoin gu leoir 's a' Ghoirtean Fhraoich, ach ma tha cainnt nam beann aca, bu choir doibh comhairle a thoirt air Coinneach Ciobair, gun e bhi cho faoin-chreideach. Coin. — Cha mhi-thaitneach leat idir, a Mhurachaidh, a bhi 'cluinntinn mu na nithe so uile, ged nach aidich thu a bhi 'creidsinn annta ; ach ma dh' innseas tu an fhirinn, is trie a chual agus a chunnaic thu gur mi- •180 AN GAIDHEAL, Dara Mìos an t-SamhraidU, l sliealbliach agiis cunnartacli an ni creadhal fhalamh a luasgadh. Cha ghabhadh Seònaid an saoghal agus sin a dheanarah. Eacliadh i air clirith mar slilait 's an t-sruth, na'ni beanadh aon de 'n chloinn do'n clireadhail agns an leanabh aisde. MuR. — Cha'n urrainn dorali aicli- eadli nach cual mi sin, a Clioinnich, ach is iomadli ni a chual mi riamla anns nach robh firinn no blagh ; ach comadh co dhuibh, am bheil tuill- eadh dheth na nithibh sin air ■chùimhn' agad Ì Coin. — Is maith hat a bhi 'g an ■chiinntinn, a Mhnrachaidh, clium comus fliaotuinn air a bhi 'g an ^iteadh ; ach tha mi 'creidsinn gu'm •bheil an gloc ni's miosa na'm buill- ■eadh, agus le sin gheibh thu an .tuilleadh agus an tuilleadh dhiubh. An cual thu nach eil e sealbhach a' ghealach ùr fhaicinn troimh uinn- eig 1 Air an doigh cheudna, clia'n 'eil e sealbhach dol a stigh do thigh anns am bheil thu gu tamh a ghabhail, air an dorus chùil. Ach gabh beachd air so, ma bhriseas tu do chnàmhan le tubaist sam bith, cha'n 'eil e glic no sealbhach dhuit dol dh' ionnsuidh an lèigh chum an ceangladh siias, oir tha na leigliean gu tur aineolach air gach ni mu chnamhan na coluinn, ged tha iad eòlach air euslaintibh eile a leigh- eas. MuR. — Is trie a thug mi sin fan- ear. An uair a bhris Galium Ban Mac Uilleim Mhic Shèumais a chas an uiridh aig Coire-nan-eilid, ged bha an Leigh Mac Mhuiricli 's an ath thigh aig an am, cha leigeadh iad leis meur a chur air Galium, ach chuireadh fios gun dàil air Fearchar Gobha dh' ionnsuidh na ceardaich, thainig e, agus cheangal e -suas a' chos, ach ma cheangal, tha i cho cròm an duigh ri bùlas na poite, agus cha bhi i ceart aige gu bràtli. Ach is mòr a ni an t-aineolas, acus is minic tha an t-aineolas an da chnid dall agus dan. Coin. — Tha mi ag aontachadh guv e an ti a dh' ionnsaich ealaidh im ceairde sam bith, an ti aig am im choir am barrachd eòlais a bhi mu'a chilis, ach an deigh sin ghabhadli moran Fearchar Gobha, agus dhcn;! adli iad tair air an Leigh >: Mhuirich, agus cha'n 'eil fios aL nach e sin a' cheart chleas a dhra: - adh ]\Iurachadh Ban fein. MuR. — Cha'n 'eil fios agad, ngii- tha sin direach co maith, ach thani an dòchas nach bi mi an eiseimei. aon de'n dithis. Ach am bheil fios agadsa, a Choinuich, gu'm bheil moran 's a' bharail nach 'eil e cneasda leanabh-nighinn a bhaisteadh 's an aon uisge ri leanabh-mic oir ma nithear sin, fàsaidh feusagcofad ri m', lùdaig air min-ghnùis na caileig bige. Coin. — Cha'n 'eil teagamli agara nach fas mur baistear i an toiseach, ach ma bhaistear fanaidh a gniiis co lòm ri dearnadh mo laimh. MUR.— Tha thusa, a' Clioinnich, mar a bha, a's mar a bhitheas tu, agus is diomhain a bhi labhairt riut. Am bheil thu a' creidsinn, ma ta, gu'm bheil nàdar na h-aimsire air fhaotuinn a mach le cumadh, coslas, dreach, teachd, agus trathanna na gealaich Ì Coin. — Tha cho cinnteach is gu'n dean dhà agus tri ciiig. MuR. — Am bheil thu a' creidsinn nach 'eil e ceart crodli no caoraich, no beathaichean sam bitli eile a mharbhadh ann an caitheadh na gealaich, do bhrigh lesinadheanamh, gu'n crion an fheoil aca 's a' phoit air an teine ; ach air an laimh eile, rachadh an coirce a bhuain, am feur a spealadh, na craobhan a ghearr- adh, agus a' mhoine a bhuain ann an caitlieadh na gealaich, do bhrigh gur e sin an t-àm a's fearr air son tiorm- acliaidh agus caoineacliaidh a ta idir ann. Dara Mios an t-Samhraidh, 1875 AN GAIDHEAL. 181 Coin. — Tha na's leòir againn an diugh de na nithibh sin, rachamaid a ghabliail sràide, agus a dh-amliarc air na caoraich agus na h-uain. MUR. — Tlia mi glè dlieònach, oir is fcarrde sinn an àile f haotuinn. Alasdair Euadh. GLEANN AFARIC. Failt agus furan air a' Ghaidh- eal. Tha mi 'n eaibsa gu'm beil thu f hein slàn, fallain ; 's gu'm beil gacli CÙÌS a' soirbheachadh leat a reir do mhiann. A nise gabham dànadas ort : tha diiil agam nach droch oilean dhomh mo bheachd innse dhut gu saor, soilleir ; gu sonraichte, bho 'n a tha sinn iomadh bliadhna eòlach air a cheile. Galbli mo leisgeul, ach tha iongantas mor orm, thu chur litir na '• Ban-Sàilich " air bord do chcàir- dean 's a' mhios so chaidh. Tha na ceudan deth do luchd leughaidh eadar Alba, Canada agus Nova Scotia air an cair an litir ud Ian an cinn a dh-iongantas. Gun teagamh tha cuid de shluagh òg ann an America, agus air Gaeltachd Alba nach cuala guth riamh roimhe so mu dheidhinn Afaric Chruaidh, no Afaric Mholach a bhi an geall airgid aig muinntir Chinntaile : Acli ma bheir tliusa cothrom dhomhsa air ma sgeula sgaoileadh cho fad agus cho farsuinn 's a sgaoil thu sgeula na Ban-Sailich bidli fios aig gach aon duibh sean 's òg air firinn na cuise. Feuchaidh mi an t-suim, an t-àm, , agus aiimi an duine phàidh an t- airgiod-gill do na Sailich. Ach le d' chead, bheir sinn tionndadh no , dha 's an dol seachad air litir na J Ban-Sailich. Tha e ro dhuilicii leam focal suarach a chautainn mu bhau- } choimhearsnaich. Ach dh' innis i dhut (a reir coltais chreid thu i) "gu 'n do mharbhadh 'Muireach Fial' ann an tigh-òsda Shruidh." Tha so nar, 's gun luach prine chaoil, no cudthrom fionnain fuilt a bhi mar dhearbhadh aice air na thubh- airt i. Tha i cantainn gu'n robh " Gille comhla ri Muireach Fial, gu'n deach e dhachaidh, ach bha cràdh- eogais aige air f heiu agus dh' f halbli e rithisd an ceann cheithii-ladiag, fhuair e 'Muireach Fial' air urlar puill marbh. Fhuair e air a thogail e agus thiodhlaic iad e ann an cladh Shratli-Ghlais." A nise ma chaidh Muireach Fial a bhcàthadh, no mhilleadh, agus gur 6 ghille f hein " aig an robh cràdh- cogais air f hein " a fhuair marbh e agus a thiodhlaic Muireach mar uidhe astair la ghoirid gheamhraidh do theis meadhon Chinntaile, gun f hios a thoirt dha chinneadh na dha chcàirdean — nach 'eil a' chuis ro choltach ris gu'n robh fios aig a' ghille roimh-laimh air a' cheart àite anns an robh Muireach 'n a laidhe 1 Tha i deanamh mach " gu'n robh deigh mhor aig na Sailich air greim fhaotainn air cuid de na Glaisich a los am marbhadh. "Ach cha do leig an t-eagal leis na Glaisich gnothuch a ghabhail riu." ! a chluas, a chluas, nach 6isd thu — " 's searbh a ghlòir ris nach faodar eisd- eachd." Ach gu cinnteach ceart tha e ro dhuilich eisdeachd ri bhi ciil- chaineadh nan Glaiseach ; daoine air nach robh eagal eile riamh, ach eagal Dhia a mhain. " Ach thog na Sailich leac as a' chladh, agus thug iad leo ' an leac an dial gu 'n leanadh na Glaisich iad.' An cuala am mac no 'n t-ath- air riamh roimhe a leithid so de sheanchas? Tha clach anu an Cill- Duthaich ris an abrar ' an leac chuileineach ' ; ach a reir barail dhaoine geur, glic, firinneach 's anu a Gleann-lic am braighe Cro Chinntaile a chaidh a toirt. Eisd 182 AN GAIDHEAL. Dara Mios an t-Samhraiaii, 1375. ris a chuid-sa de 'n sgeula : — Fliuair (]iiine truadli aig an robh droch ' bhean a thug Peairt oirre ' Bann Mhuirich Fheil ' agus air dha blii anil am breislich eadar cliadal 's duisg dli' innis e gu'n d' fhnair e Bann Mhuirich Fheil ann an seann bheinge.' " Shaoileadh iomadh fear gu 'm faodadh sgeula na " beinge " grad- stad gun dol na b' fhaide, ach tha Bhan-Saileach ag radh gu'n do chuir fear de luchd eòlais " an eachdraidh so uile an ceill do dh-fhear-lagha air an robh eolas aige an Duneideann." Nach ann aig a' Bhan-Sailich 's aig a "ghille ruadh," a bha barail a' l)hruic de 'ladhran air luchd lagha Dliuneideann ? An robh dull aca gu'n gabliadh fear-lagha air bith, Deas no Tuath bonn suini no dragh deth sgeula breoite na Beinge bha falbh 'n a càtli Ì A nise eisd riumsa agus blieir mi sgeula firinneach dhut mu Ghleann Afaric: — Bha ceann shuas a'ghlinne so fad iomadh bliadhna 'n ge iiiinence their Direct Sailings from GLASGOW TO HUEBEC, IN APRIL 1875, And will continue to Sail EVERY TUESDAY Throughout the Season. Passage Money. Cal.in— to Quebec . . £13 13s, ., to Portland, Boston, or New York . . £14 14s. Intel-mediate — To Quebec, Port- 'iiid, Boston, or New York £9 9s. 1 age — To Quebec, Portland, ston, or New York , £6 6s. These Steamers ofler the best opportunity • for Passengers wishing to proceed to Canada, as they are landed at the Railway Wharf at Quebec, in the Dominion, and are thence forivarded to all the principal stations imme- diately after disembarkation. Passengers wishing to proceed to the Western States and Territories of the Union, and to California, can be booked by '. Quebec, as cheaply, and carried to destina- * tion as expeditiously, as by any other Line. Dietary Bills, and full information as to Through Tickets, Berth, Accommodation, &c. , and Rates for Children, may be had on application to JAMES & ALEXANDER ALLAN, 70 Great Clyde Street, Glasgow. Anchor Line, a- L .A. S C^ O "W" TO ISTE^V YORK. The Steamers of this Line are despatched from GLASGOW FOE NEW YORK Every TUESDAY, THURSDAY, and SATURDAY, Calling at Moville, Lough Foyle, and QuEENSTOWN, to embark Passengers. FARES. SALOON CABIN :— Tues. Steamers, £14, 14s., and £15, 15s. Thurs. „ £12, 12s., and £13, ISs. Sat. „ £16, 16s., and £17, I7s. INTERMEDIATE, STEERAGE, Eight Guineas. Six Guineas. To New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore, and Quebec. Passengers booked at Lowest Fares to all parts of the United States and Canada. Apply to HENDERSON BROTHERS, 45 & 47 Union Street, Glasgow. THE GAEL ADVERTISEMENTS. THE BRITISH CANADIAN LAND AND SETTLEMENT GOMPANY (L I TS^ I T E ID.) (Incorporated undei- the Companies Acts, 1862 and 1867.) CAPITAL, £250,000, IN 25,000 SHARES OF £10 EACH. FIRST ISSUE, 10,000 SHARES. £5 PER SHARE EXPECTED TO BE CALLED UP. Dindors. Janice Salmon, Esq., I. A., of Jas. Salmon I Adam Houston, Esq., of Houston & Son, Glasgow. j M'Nairn, Glasgow. William Arthur, Esq., M ' ainmeile na cheile, anns am biodl; gach feart chliuiteach a bhuineadh dha, agus iomadh feart nach buin- eadh, air an cur as a leth ; ach b' eigin a thuilleadh air fialachd an cairdean, le biadh 's le deoch, a l)lii suiomh moran rannan anns an rol)h gach buaidh fo'n ghrein ri 'm faot- ainn co-cheangailte ri uisge-beatha. Cha 'n 'eil teagamh sam bith agam fein nach robh cleachduin ar Baird agus eisempleir morain diubh anns an rathad so cronail d' ar Sluagh. Tha iomadh ni an aorabh a' Ghaidh- eil, 'n a Fhuil, 'n a Eachdraidh, 'us 'n a Thir, a tha deanamh cuid de chleachduinean neo-fhreagarrach air a shon, agus tha mi meas gur e baigh ri deoch-laidir aon diubh so. Is doclia gu'n cuir luchd-aiteach- aidh gach "Tir a tha bochd, neo- thorach, meas neo-ghnathaichte air biadh, 's gu'm bi a chliu mur bi a bhlas gu trie 'n am beul. Theireadh na seann daoine, " Uraireachd na bà a mach 's a steach, mur leighis so an Gaidheal cha 'n eil a leigheas ann." Agus tha mi smuaineachadh gu'n aidich gach aon a shiubhail a bheag de 'n Tir 's a chunnaic a luchd- duthcha a' suidhe gu biadh aig banais no air turns, gu bheil baigh mhor aca fathasd ri crobh dubh, marbh 'us beo. Ach cha 'n e saill nam bà ach sugh an eorna is ioc-shlaint do gach creuchd a nis. Tha mi smuain- eachadh nach doleasaich sinn cleachd- uin ar n-Aithrichean anns a cheum so. Ghleidh iadsan ordugli ceart eadar Biadh 'us Deoch; — chuirsinne . car mu chrios dhiubh agus b' fhearr iad bhi mar bha. D. M'K. feud Mliios an Fhoghair, 1875. AN GAIDHEAL. 231 AM FONK n — "An nocJid gur faoin mo chadal dhomh." O ! SID am fonn a chuala mi An uair a bha mi òg, IMi 'a cluain ri iicbd mo mliathar, Is mo chridhe 'snamh 'n a ceòl ; 'S 'n uair chuala mi a rithist e, Aig nigliinn gbil nam bo, Gu'n thiilaidb i mo cbridhe leis, 'S mi mireagaich mu'n cbrò ! Bu trie, o sin, 'g a chlaistinn mi INIu eadradh, àrd-thra nòin, 'S mi beadradb, air an àiridh, Hi mo Mbairi h,illidh, òig ; No feadb nan glacag faileanta, 'S an tàrladb dhuinn, gun gbo, Bbi coinneachadh, gu mànranacb, Fo sgàilean coill nan cnò. Ach b' èiginn dòmhs' an àiridh, Agus Màiri chur air cbùl, A's siubbal fad bbo'n kite sin 'S an robh mo gbradb a's m' ùigh, A sheasamb anns na blair, An agbaidh namhaidean ar dfithcb' :— 'iS an latba dli'fbàg mi 'm Brkighe Eigb ! bu cbriiiteacb m' aigne, bruit' ! O ! sid am fonn a chuala mi, 'S a chuaileinich mu m' chrìdh', I"s trie a dhùisg dhomh sealladh Air mo leannan, 's air mo thir ; An uair a bhitbinn airteaU\ch, 'N am ehairtealan, le sgios. Gun taislicheadh e m' anam, 'Nuair a chanainn e leam fbin ! Ach thog am fonn an trksa dhomh, Filth cànrain agus bròin ; Oir dbuisg e iomhaigh Màiri A's mo mbàtbar, 's iad fo'n fhoid — Gach eaoebladh agus sàraeh Thainig air na Giiidhil choir, Bbo'n hm 's na bhuail an dan ud mi Le gràdh, 'n uair bha mi òg ! — Am Filidk. AONACHD A' CHINNE- DHAONNA. {ylir kantuinn.) Gheodh sinn barant laidir gu clio-dhunadh gur aon sliochd an cinne-daonna, ma bheachdaicheas sinn air an atliarracliadh a t\\\" air creutairean eile ann an cursa aimsir, agus anns na duthchannan fa leth anns am faighear iad. Ma chi sinn an neo-choltaichead is mo eadar da bheathach a tha gun cheist a' teachd air tus bho 'n aoii fhreumh, nacli faod sinn a cho-dhunadh gu bheil an ni ceudna fior mu 'n duine? Cha 'n 'eil moran ann a chuireas an teagamh gu 'n d' thainig gach seorsa chalman a tha againn bho 'n aon phaidliir air tus, — tha daoine fogh- luitnte ag innseadh dhuinn gur e an caiman gorm a gheobh sinn fiadh- aich anns na creagan is sine d' an treubh, — agus nach lionmhor seorsa a tha againn de gach cruth agus dath ; a ns, tha iad ag innseadh dhuinn gu bheil gach gne chon, bho 'n fhear is mo a iluas gus am meas- an is leibidiche a dh' fhalbh riabh aig sail ceaird, a' teachd gu leir an toiseach bho aon phaidhir. ]\Ia tha so fior, agus cha 'n 'eil an teagamh is lugha r' a chur 's a' chuis, nach 'eil e a cheart cho coltach gu bheil an duine mar an ceudna a' tighinn bho aon stoc^ Am measg gach eadar- dhealachaidh a fhuair sinn eadar duine agus duine cha 'n 'eil bealach a choir cho I'arsaing 's a tha eadar cnid de na creutairean a dh' ainmich mi. A ris, an uair a chi sinn an caochladh mor a ni mùthadh cor, siiidheachaidh agus aite-tuinich anns na creutairean sin, tha an co-dhunadh ceudna 'g a sparradh fein oirnn — gu bheil na ceart aobharan sin a' togail gach eugsamhlachd a chi sinn ann an cumadh agus ann an coltas ar co- dhaoine, c' aite air bith am faighear iad. Tha aon doigh ann, — agus cha 'n 'eil e coraasach a breugnachadh, — anns an deanar dealachadh eadar gineal seach gineal de na h-ainmh- idhean, agus is e sin cho eu-comas- ach 's a tha e gu 'm bi sliochd aig càraidean, ged chuirteadh comhladh 232 AN GAIDHEAL. Ceud Mhios an Fhoghalr, 187 iacl, de chreutairean nacli buin d' an aon ,e;liineal : ma bliios dann aca, cha blii oghachan; tha Nadur fein, mar gu 'ra b' eadh, " a' cur stad a's grabaidh 's a' phosadh" mhilaghail agus neo-bheannaichtc. Ach cha 'n ann mar so a tha e ann an teagh- laichean eadar-dhealaichte a' chinne- dhaonna, — theid dubh a's geal comhladh agus chi iad an clann agus clann an cloinne. Cha 'n 'eil duthaich air an t-saoghal far an soilleire a chithear an co-pliosadli so na ann Mor-roinn America. Tha againn an sin Caucasianaich, MaLay- anaich, Etiopianaich, agus Innseinich de gach dath agus de gach cruth, a' sgaoileadh an sliochd gun aireimh thar aghaidh na duthcha. Thar learn gu bheil an so fein againn dearbhadh soilleir gur aon an cinne- daonna gu leir. Cha 'n 'eil taisbeanadh againn is comharraichte air aonachd a' chinne- dhaonna ua tha air a chur f ar comhair anns na cànainean fix leth a tha air an labhairt le luchd-àiteach- aidh na talmhainn. Shaoileadh neach nach robh moran coltais aig cuid de na cànaineaii sin r' a cheile; agus, do 'n chluais no do 'n t-suil neo-chleachdte agus neo-f hoghluimte, cha 'n 'eil ; ach air a shon so uile, tha iadsan a stiuir an aire gu son- raichteadh-ionnsaidh nan teangann- an fa leth, agus a rannsaich agus a lean iad a suas troimli gach sruthan agus caochan, gach abhainn agus alltan 's an do shruth iad g' ar n-iounsaidh, ag innseadh dhuinn, mar le aon ghuth, gu bheil de shuaip aca r'a cheile, 's de chomharan orra gu leir 's a tha 'toirt an dearbhaidh a 's do-àicheadh gu 'n d' thaiuig iad gu leir as an aon lochan mhor a chaidli a chur troimh-cheile aig Tiir Bhabeil. Cha 'n 'eil a' ghne eolais so ach iir ; ach cha 'n 'eil am measg uile ionndiasan eolas an t-saoghail tobar is taitniche no is buannachd- mhoire na e ; agus mar is mo a thatar 'g a sgrùdadh, agus, mar tha eolas nan cànainean agus an cuid chaochlaidhnean a' dol am farsaing eachd, tha e 'fas na 's soilleire agu- na 's soilleire gach latha gu 'm buiii gach geug agus meangan d' an chraoibh mhoir so, do 'n aon fhreumh, agus gu 'n do chinn iad gu leir bho 'n aon stoc. 'N am measg uile cha 'n 'eil cànain is brioghmhoire agus is feumaile anns an obair thaitnich so na a' Ghaidh- lig bhinn, bhlasda againn fein, f\ida 's mar bha i air a fagail an deigh- laimh agus air a dimeas mar theang- aidh nach b' f hiù. Tha mi toilichte bhi agam r' a radh gu 'n d' eirich latha grianach oirre 'n a seann aois ; agus, an uair a bha dream leis nach bu toil i, a' cur air mhanadh gu h- uailleil, agus moran leis am bu ghradhach i, a' caoidh gu bronach, gu 'n robh i gu bras a' crionadh air falbh. tha sinn a' faicinn eadhon daoine nach urrainn a labhairt, agus do nach bu chomain baigh a bhi aca rithe, 'g"a gabhail gu h-aoidheil air laimh. 'N am measg gu leir cha 'n 'eil aon duine is airidh air tuil- leadh urraim agus taingealachd bho na Gaidheil na an t-uasal grinn agus sàr-fhoghluimte 'sin. Professor Blackie, a ghabh a leithid de thlachd ann an cànain ar n-athraichean 's gu 'n do chuir e e fein gus an dragh a h-ionnsachadh ; agus cha 'n e mhain sin, ach, nach 'eil e a' cur faruim am measg ar luchd-duthcha anns gach cearn d' an t-saoghal as a leth, agus a' cur roimhe — rud a shoirbhicheas leis — gu 'm bi a' Ghaidhlig air a cur 'n a suidhe ann an cathair, an Ard- oil-thigh Dhuneideann, taobh ri taobh ri Greugais a's Laidinn, a thoirt a fianuis maille riutha mu 'n am sin, agus is i Ghaidhlig a bha thall 's a chunnaic an t-àm, 's an robh " an talamh uile dli' aon teangaidh, Ceud Mhlos sn Fhoghair, 1875. AX GAIDHEAL. 233 Tha steidli eile againn air son na barail — gur aon an cinne-daonna — annsnah-eachdraidhnean a gheobhar air an sineadh a nuas le beul-aithris linn gu linn, am measg uile f Inn- eaclian na talmhainn. Cha 'n e gu bheil am beul-aithris so air sheol sam bith airidli air gu 'n tugamaid geill dlia gu saor — oir is iomadh sgeul neonach agus faoin a tha am measg dhaoine aineolach mu chiad thoiseach a' chinne-dhaonna — ach is e a tha gu h-araidh luach-mhor dhuinne, an aon-sgeulachd leis a bheil iad gu leir a' cur an ceill nan aon bheachdan mu 'n doigh anns an do chruthaicheadh an duine, agus an co-chordadh a tha eadar iad mu chiad eachdraidh a' chinne-dhaoJina — co-chordadh nach b' urrainu a bhi 'n am measg na 'm biodh a phriomh- athair fein aig gach gineal fa leth. Anns na h-eachdraidhnean neo- sgriobhte so aca,gheobh sinn cunntas mu chruthachadh an duine ; mu Gharadh Edein ; mu bhuaireadh agus mu thuiteam an duine ; mu neo-chiontachd, mu shonas, agus mu chor an duine air tùs, agus mar gheill e do chomhairle na mnatha ; agus, mu thuil Noah. Chi sinn aimsir air a roinn 'n a seachdainean anns gach cearn d' an t-saoghal, agus iobairtean air an tairgseadh am measg uile shloigh a' chruthachaidh. Tha fhathast tuilleadh fhian- uisean againn ri thoirt air an aghaidh as leth an tagraidli a tha sinn a' deanamh air son aonachd a' chinne- dhaonna ; agus is e aon diubh sin, an taisbeanadh a tha againn ann an cor-inntinn agus bheusan agus aig- nidheau dhaoine de gach dath agus de gach gineal. Am feadh a chi sinn moran eadar-dhealachaidh ann an suidlieachadh-inntinn threubhan fa leth, chi sinn aig a' cheart am gu bheil 'n am measg moran chomharan anns a bheil iad coltach r' a cheile : leig sinn fhaicinn cheana cuid de dh-aobharan an eadar-dhealachaidh. Tha an duine anns gach ionad a tighinn a dh-ionnsaidh an t-saoghail lag agus neo-chomasach air deanamh air a shon fein ; agus ma dli' f hagar 'inntinn gun fhoghlum gun oilean- achadh fàsaidh e suas 'n a chrcutair borb agus aineolach. Air an lairali eile, chi sinn gu bheil e air a chruth- achadh le comasan aige air gliocas 'fhoghlum, agus buaidhean air an suidheachadh 'n a inntinn, aig a bheil cumhachd fas agus dol am feobhas agus am farsaingeachd. Is i so an f hianuis a tha air a togail leis na missionaries agus le luchd- turais do gach cearn. An uair is isle an duine, agus an uair is truaill- idhe a chor, tha fhathast freumh bheag de eolas agus de thogradh ann an geall air rud-eigin os cionn cor nan ainmhidhean a tha m' an cuairt air — deigh air ni-eigin is airde na "n suidheachadh truagh anns a bheil e gu nadurra. An uair a theid cothroman air e fein a leasachadh a chur m'a choinneimh, a reir mar ghabhas e riutha agus a chuireas e an cleachdamh iad, eiridh e suas ann an gliocas; theid a chor dididh, bochd air chul, agus theid c air aghaidh gu inbh is airde. Agns a bheil e fior, ma ta, na 'n tugteadh a nail aon de na daoine borba, aineol- ach sin an uair a tha e 'n a leanabh, agus gach cothrom a thoirt da a tha aig clann na duthcha so, a bheil sinn a creidsinn gu 'n nochdadh e a' cheart tapachd ann an togail fogh- luim agus gu 'n ruigeadh e air urad aghartachd ann an eolas agus ann an gliocas ri aon againn fein? Is duilich a' cheist so a fhreagairt. Xa 'n tugteadh e far am faiceadh e moran d' an ghrainealachd agus d' an droch eiseimpleir a chuireadh moran de mhuinntir na tire so mu 'choinneimh, cha cliuirinn geall nach ann a rachadh an duine bochd air ais 'n a bheusan, mar thigeadh e 234 AN GAIDHEAL. Ceuil Mhios an Fhoghair, 1875. air agliaidh ann an sgoil agus ann an eolas. Tha cuimhne agam air duine blii ag innseadh dhonili uair, gu 'n do giiabh e uibliean chearc, agus gu 'n do cliuir e ann an nead feannaig iad, aig a' cheart am a' toirt air falbli uibhean na feannaig. An uair a thainig an gur a mach, thog e leis na h-iseanan A nead na feannaig, agus chuir e ri circ iad. Bha e ag radii, an uair a chinn iad suas, gu 'n robh de nadur na fean- naig annta— gu sonraicbte anns na coiHch — 's nach robh an leithid ann an darna taobh na duthcba ; chuir- eadh iad na sùilean as a' h-uile coileacli a bhiodh air an fhaiche, latha cath nan coileach ! Is gann a chreid mi an duine coir; agus clia mho a theirinu gu'n cuireadh e nadur, no foghlum, no oilean a' Bhreatunnaich ann an leanabh Africanach, ged rachadh a thogail a nail agus a chur ann an nead maigh stir- sgoil no ministeir anns an duthaich so ; oir, ged nach aicheidh- inn gu'm faodar iomadh aon 'f haigh- inn am measg nan daoine dubha a bhiodh a cheart cho cOmasach air sgoil a thogail rinn fein, cha n 'eil mi a' meas gu bheil an coimeas idir ceart no freagarrach eadar ginealach a tha ann an dorchadas agus ann an aineolas fad choig mile bliadhna, agus muinntir mar tha sinne ann, a tlia fad linntean a' sealbhachadh airde mheadhon latha gach eolais aimsireil agus spioradail. Ma tha buaidh aig eolas agus fiosrachadh, agus cor agus suidheachadh an duine air dealbh agus cruth a' chuirp cho math ri buaidhean na h-inutinn, cha b' ann re beatha aon duine a bu choir sail a bhi againn ris an aghart- achd sin a chuireadh an t-African- ach bochd, ge b'e air bith cothroman a bheirteadh dha, air an aon ruith ruinne, a tha ag òl a stigh eolais agus gliocais as na ciada tobar o chionn iomadh linn. • Tha an t-abstol ag innseadh dhuinn, an uair a thachair da fein agus d' a chompanaich a bhi air an tilgeil aireilein nach b'aithne dhaibh, agus eagal orra nach do rinn iad, a reir coltais, ach dol as o aon chunnart gu bhi air an tilgeil ann an cunnart eile — air an saoradh o 'n fhairge gu bhi air an itheadh leis na iiadh- dhaoine; anaite sin gur ann a "nochd an sluagh borb cuoimhneas nach bu bheag dhaibh; oir, air fadadh teine dhaibh ghabh iad riutha uile, air son an uisge a bh' ann, agus air son an fhuachd ; " agus gheobh sinn a' cheart teastanas aig luchd-turais ann an duthchaibh cein gus an latha 'n diugh — gu bheil am measg nioran de na treubhan aineolach agus dor- cha air feadh an t-saoghail, iomadh uair ri fhaicinn truacantasagusblath- chridheachd air nach d' thugadh barr am measg Chriosdaidhean fein. Is hor mar thiiirt am bard Cowper, anns a' Bheurla — " Fleecy locks and black complexion Cannot forfeit Nature's claim ; Skins may differ, but affection Dwells in white and black the s.ime." Ann an tagradh as leth aonachd a' chitine-dhaonna tha sinn a' cur cul ris a' bharail mhi-mhisneachail agus bhochd mu threubhan arda agus mu tiimihhnn iosal, — barail a bhuineadh air falbh bho chuid d' ar co-chreutairean an còirichean mar bhraithrean agus mar pheathraich- eaii — clann an aon teaghlaich rahoir, — barail mhearachdach agus sgriosail, a dhealbh geimhlean thrcàiUean, agus a thoinn cuip an luchd-sgiiirsaidh anns gach linn, — barail a thuil- chòmhdaich machraichean farsaing America, a' bhliadhna roimhe, le full a cuid cloinne. Thainig saorsa, ach bu mhor agus bu diùbhalach a pris ! Thugamaid an aire, le bhi 'geill- eachdainn do 'leithid so de bharail Ceud INDiios an Fhoghair, 1S75. AN GAIDHEAL. 235 mhi-airidh agus tharcuisich, nach bi sinu a' toirt gnùis do 'n teagasg mliearaclidach a dheanadh aon cliinn- eacli a cliur os cionn ciiinicli eile ann an gnè agus ami an inbli a thaobii naduir. " Nach 'eil aon atliair againn iiile 1 nach aon Dia a chruthaich sinn ? c' uime a bheil sinn a' buntainn gu fealltach, gach diiine an aghaidh a bhrathar, le bhi briseadh comh-cheangal ar n-ath- raichean 1 " Gu ma fearr leinn a bhi ag amharc ri "linn an aigh," agus ag oibreachadh air son an am a thoirt dlùth, anns am bi — ' ' Caoimlineas, comunn, iochd a's griidh Anns gach ait am nieasg an t-sluaigh ; Eadar far an èirich grian 'S far an laidh i 'n lar 's a' chuan ! " Iain Macillebhain. (El ieantainn.) SORAIDH CHUIR lATN MAC MHURACHIDH A CINNTAILE GU MUlNTIR SHRATH-GHLAIS. Fhir a theid thar a' mhonadh, Bheir naise dhut dollar Agus liubhair mo shoraidh Gu sabhailt. Fhir a theid, etc. Air faidead na slighe, Na leig i air mhi-thoii-t, Gus an ruig thu 'n tigh-dibh' Anns a' Bhràighe. Air faidead, etc. Bheir Seònaid an toiseach, Gun mhòran a chosd dhut, Na dh' fhoghnas a nochd dhut Gu sabhailt. Bheir, etc. Theirig sios feadh na tuatha Bis an can iad na h-uaislean, 'S cha 'n f haigh thu fear gruamach Mu 'n f hUrdaich Theirig, etc. Tha 'n dhthaich ud uile. Air a lionadh le f uran, Bho iochdar a buin, Gus a braighe. Tha, etc. Le mnài ceanalta còire Is grinn air am meoirean 'S is binne ghabhas cri)nan Dha' m piiisdean. Le mnai, etc. Le maigdeanan maiseach, Nach d' ionnsaich droch fhasan, Ach ullamh gu Taisbeanadh ciiirdis. Le Maigdeanan, etc. Na teirig sios thar a' bhaile Ris an can iad Bun-Chauaich Thoir a mach ort An Gleannan 's àirde.* Na teirig, etc. Tha tri Ijailtean urad, ^ Gus am fiach dhut do thuras, Gheobh thu fiadhach a' ghunna Bho phau-t diubh. Tha tri, etc. Fear Monaidh. An t-Og-MUos, 1875. AIR CLEACHDANNAIBH CIANAIL NAN GAIDHEAL ANNS NA H-AMANNAIBH A DH' FHALBH. Is mòr an tàing a tha dligheach d'on Ti a ta 'riaghladh os ar ceann gu'm bheil sith agus suaimhnsas 'n * This is an allusion to Glencanich, where the people were at that time in easy circumstances. Special mention is made in the next and last verse of three town- lands or joint farms, where the men were not only sportsmen like the Bard but men of honourable ambition, who succeeded in giving college education to some of their sons.^ Of their descendants I remember one Bishop and fourteen Priests, two Colonels, one Major, three Captains, three Lieutenants, and seven Ensigns. Out of all these military men there is only one aUve. The rest, or the most of them, left tlieir bones in Africa, between Sierra Leone, Gambia, and Goree. There are six of the clergymen alive ; the Bishop alluded to was the late Bishop Fraser of Halifax, Nova Scotia, formerly known in Lismore and Lochaber as "An Sagart laidir." His surviving brothers are (I think) the nearest blood relations in the Clan Fraser to the present Lord Lovat. 236 AN GAIDHEAL. Ceud Mhios an Fhoghair, ar tir agus gn'm bheil sinn foin agus ar cuid air ar cUonadh o gach reub- ainn agus spùilleadli a bha air an cleaclidadh anns gacli cearnadh dhe'n Ghaidhealtaciid ri linn ar roimh-aithriche. Is lioninhar cath fuilteach agus creach dhèistinneach, air am feudadh cùnntas a lihi air a thoirt, a thachair anns an dùthaich far an d' rugadh sinn eadar na fineachan. Cha robh a' Ghàidheal- tachd anns na h-amannaibh sin, mar a tha i an diugh, air a dionadh le laghannaibh cruaidh agus coth- romach, agus bha a' bhuil air a' ghnothuch, oir bha gach ni anns na làithibh buaireasach sin an crochadh ri faol:)har a' clilaidheimh, agus b' lad na fineachan bu chliùiticlie iadsan bu diorrasaiche chum gach creach agus sgrios a chur air an aghaidh. Tlia'n fhii'inn gu'n robh cuisean mar sin, air a deanamh soilleir leis an iomradh a ta againn ann an eaclidraidh air gacli aimlireite agus taghiinn a bha eadar na cinn- f headhna o shean ; ach is iomadh gniomh cruadalach a rinneadh air am blieil eachdraidh na rioghachd gu tur 'n a tosd, agus air am bheil iomradh againn a mhàin trid beul- aithris. Nach lionmhor gniomh euchdach agus allail a rinneadh ann an garbh-chriochaibh na h-Alba, ri linn an trèun-laoich ghaisgeil sin Rob liuadh Mac Griogair ! Bha Eob Ruadh 'n a chuiridh làidir agus teòma, ach an dèigh sin rinneadh iomadh euceart agus fòirneart air, agus feudar a radh m'a thimchioll : — Chaidh e stigh do na blùraibli, Le mòr-shunnt agus livn toil ; 'N ait Ijhi meath-chridheach, sgiithach, 'S ann bha mhisneach 'sir fhks da; 'S ged bii ti-ic e 's an h,r-f haich' Thug a thuigse 's a tliàbhachd, Da a mach a' bhuaidh-làrach, S cha bu mhios a liinih air an tòir. Ach àimlireitcach 's mar bha staid na dùthcha ann an làitliibh lìoib Ruaidh, bha i moran ni bu mhiosa linntean roimh sin, an uair a blia beatha agus bàs gu h-iomlan ann nn lcàmhaibh nan ceann-feadlnia. A' ' dh' aindeoin gach fuil a dhòirteai i cha robh e an comas lagh na riogh achd an toirt fo smachd. Co'- dhàingiiichidh an sgeul a leanas sin I agus ioma sgeul eile a dh'fheudadh ' a bhi air an aithris cosmhuil rithe. Goirid cheithir cheud bliadlin:i roimh so rugadh oighre air Gail. aig bun Ghlinn-Liol)hainn do'n d' thugadh cioch le id de Chkinii Dhiarmaid. Bha dithis mhac aicc, aon diubh comh-dhalta do oiglire Ghairt, agus am fear eile na bu shine na sin. Dh' fhàs an t-oighre suas 'n a òganach sgiamhach agus gaisgeil, agus cha robh a chomh- dhalta a bheag sam bith air deireadh air, a thaobh misnich agus tàbhachd, Aig an am sin bha an earrann bu mho de Ghleann-Liobhainn le cloinn labhair, cinneach dalma agus cruad- alach, a chain coir air an oighreachd goirid an deigh do'n sgeul a leanas tachairt. Dh' eirich aimhreite eadar am mac a b' oige bh' aig banal trum oighrcj Ghart, agus aon de chloinn labhair ; agus air do'n òganach mòran tàmailt fhaotuinn thubhairfc e ri Mac labhair, " Mar is beò inise, a Mhic labhair, bheir oighre Ghart ort gu'n diol thu air son so fathast." Dhealaich na fir agus cha do chaill an t-òganach agus a bhrathair iiine sam bith gus an d' thug iad Caisteal Ghart orra, a chur an ceill do'n uachdaran mar a thachair. Chual Clann labhair gu'n do ghabh na h- òganaich an t-slighe gu Gart agus air ball, chuir iad an ruaig orra. Thàinig iad air an da bhrathair gun f hios gun aire dhoibh, ach air doibh- san an cunnart fcin fhaicinn ghrad- leum iad a stigh do linne dhomhainn ann an Liobhainn, 'san dòchas nach leanadh Clann labhair leis an cagal iad. Ach ged nach deachaidh Clann Ceud Mhios an Fhoghair, IS" AN GAIDHEAL. 237 labliair a stigli clo'n amhainn, gidlieadh, tliilg fear diubh saighead air na h-ùganaich a bha 's an linne, — lèonadh comh-dhalta Ghart gu searbli, — thuit e sios do gliriinnd na linne, agus bhàthadh e. B' e Dòmh- nuU Mac Dhiarmid a b'ainm da, agus goirear " Linne DhòmhnuiU " ris an aite gu ruig an la an diugli ! Fhuair an t-òganach eile comas teichidh, agus ràinig e Gart. Dh' innis e do'n tighearna àg mar a thacliair, agus air da a bhi Ian corruich air son mar a bhuin Clann labliair ri chomli-dhalta, chuir e roimhe air ball aichmheii a thoirt a mach, agus a bhàs a dhioladh. Chruinnich e gu h-ealamli a cliuid daoine, agus rainig e Gleann Liobh- ainn air an ceann. Air do Mhac labliair ciiisean a thuigsinn, chruinn- ich esan, mar an ceudna, a lur;hd- leanmhuinn fein, agus chòmhlaich e Fear-Ghart aig meadhon a ghlinne. Air do na seoid coinneachadh, chuir lad fàilt air a cheile, agus labhair iad dh' fheuchainn an rachadh ciiisean a shocrachadh go'n bhuille a bliualadh. Bha breacan airguaillibh Ghart air an robh taobh dearg, agus taobh dorch, agus thubhairt e r'a chuid daoine, iad a bhi deas gu bualadh air na naimhdibh gun mhoille, gun bhcàigh, na'n cuireadh esan taobh dearg a' bhreacain a mach ! Is gann a thug e an àithne so seachad, an uair a rinn Mac labhair fead, agus ghrad leum mòran dhaoine fo'n Ian armachd a bad coille a bhagoirid o laimh, agus sheas iad maille ri'n ceann-cinnidh, agus ris na fearaibh a bha còmhladli ris, a labhairt ri Gart. " Co iad sin," ghlaodh Fear-Ghart, "agus ciod an gnothuch an so Ì" — "Is iad sin," ars' ]\Iac labhair, " trend de na h-earbaibh agamsa, a ta leumnaich air feadh nan torn agus nan creag." " Direach ceart," ars' an t-òigear eile, " ma's ann mar sin tha 'chùis, tlia 'n t-àm agamsa a bhi 'gairm mo nihiol-chon. Ghrad-thionndaidh e an taobh dearg de 'n bhreacain a mach, agus am priobadh na siila, bha na fir am badaibh a cheile. Car (line bha 'n tuasaid tetli agus garg, agus bha closaichean nam I marbh 'n an luidhe gu tiugh air an I raon. Ma dheireadh, tlieich a' chuid j a bha lathair de chlaina labhair, — ! thug iad na bean n tan orra, agus a j mach o'n la sin chaill iad am fearann. Tha e air innseadh nach bu mhòr a chaill Gart anns an tuasaid sin, i ach gu'n do thuit corr agus seachd I fichead de naLiobhannaichthruagha, I agus gu'n d'fhàgadh an closaichean I gu'n deo re na h-oidhche air na raointibh far an do thuit iad. Tha iomadh cuimhneachan air an la fhuilteach sin fathast anns a' Ghleann an do thachair e. Mu'n do thòisich an cath, thilg fir thigh- earna Ghart an cuarain bhàrr an cosaibh, a chum gu'n ruitheadh iad na l)u luaithe air an tòir, agus theirear " Leuc nun cuaran " fathast ris an aite 's an d'rinn iad sin. Tha mar an ceudna " Ruisgeach," "Lagan a' cJiatha," agus " Camus nan cam," mar ainmean fathast air na h-àitibh sin far an do misg iad an claidhean, — an do chuir iad an cath, — agus an d'adhlaic iad na daoine a thuit. Tha 'n amhainn fein n' a cuimh- neachan air an la fhuilteach sin, oir roimli an am sin, b' e " Duihh " a b' ainm do'n amhainn, agus "Gleann Builh" a b' ainm do'n ghleann. Ach an uair a phill Fear-Ghart agus a chuideachd o'n ruaig, " Ihhh " no ghlan iad an claidhean fuilteach anns an amhainn, gus an robh an t- uisge dearg ; agus an sin, ghlaodh an ceann-cinnidh a mach, ag ràdh, " Cha ghoirear " Dwbh" mar ainm air an uisge so tuilleadh, oir, o la liobhaidh nan arm, bithidh " Liohli- ann" mar ainm air "■Duihh." Fèudar a nis cunntas a thoirt air 238 AN GAIDHEAL. Ceud Mhios an Fhoghair, 1S7 la fuileachdacli eile a thacbair goiricl o'n àite chèudna, beagan bhliadhn- aicbean, roimb am na teugnibail eadai' Fear-Gliart agus Mac labbair. Tbàinig tigbearn Airdgbobbar air sgriob do Raineacb, agus pbòs e nigbean do Tbigbearna Sbrutbain, ceann-cinnidbCbloinn-Donnucbaidb. An uair a tbug fear Airdgbobbar a bbean fein leis db' ionnsuidb a' cbaisteil fein, cbuir Fear Sbrutbain coignear gbillean sgairteil maille ri 'nigbinn, a bha 'n an cairdibb dileas db' i fein, agus anns am feudadb i a h-earbsa a cbur am measg cboig- reacb. Thug uacbdaran Aird- gbobbar seilbb fearainn do'n cboig- near òganacb sin dlùtb d' a b-àlte còmbnuidb fein, agus rinn e gacb ni 'n a cbomas cbum gu'n soirbbicb- eadb leo. Bba iad measail aig muinntir Airdgbobbar air sgàtb na baintigbearna, air an robb mor- mbeas aca, agus cba'n 'eil teagamb, nacb gabbadb iad fein, agus an sHocbd 'n an dèigb còmbnaidb air fearann Airdgbobbar, mur b' e mar a tbacbair. Bba gacli aon de'n cboignear a cbaidb à Raineacb, trèun agus gaisgeil, acb tbug am fear bu bigba dliiubb barracbd air càcb uile do tbaobb gaisg' agus tapacbd, acb gu sònraicbte do tbaobb a theomacbd eucaicb le bogba agus le saigbid, B' e ALasdair Beag Mac Dbonnucbaidb a' b' ainm do'n òganacb ealanta so, agus cba b' f iiad gus an do dbùisg a lùtb-cbleasan eud agus gamblas ann an cridbeacb- aibb lucbd-leanmbuinn Airdgbobbar 'n a agbaidb. La de na h'litbibb db' eiricb connsacbadb eadar Alas- dair Beag agus òganacb sgiambacb eile de mbuinntir Airdgbobliar. Cbaidb na fir am fionnsgan a cbeile, ach cba b' fhada gus an do leag Alasdair Beag an t-òganach gun deò air an lar ! Cba deanadb fuireacb feum tuillcadb ; b' òigin do ]\lbac Dbonnucbaidb am fireacb a tboirt air. Tbug e na buinn as air ball, agus cba do gbabb e tàmb no fois gus an d' ràinig e a cbeann-feadbna eucbdacb agus cruadalacb fein, "Iain Dubb Gear," no mar a tbeireadb iad ris, " Iain Dubb nan lann," a l)ba 'galibail còmbnaidb ann an Gleanu Duibb, ris an abrar a nis Gleann- Liobbainn. Db' innis e do'n treun- laocb Iain Dubb, mar a db' eiricb dba ann an Airdgbobbar, agus tbubbairt Iain ris, " Cba'n eagul duit, a Mbic Dbonnacbaidh ; gal>li fasgadb fo m' sgeitb-sa, agus ma tbi- mac màtbar a Airdgbobbar a cluu dragb' ort, cba teid e dhacbaidb ;i db-innseadb a sgeoil. Fàgaidb sinn a nis Iain Dubh agus Alasdair Beag ann an Gleann-Liobbainn, a' tigbinn air an gniombaraibb gaisgeil fein fa ' seacb, agus theid sinn le 'r sgeul, cai- tamuill bbig, do Shratbgblais, ann an siorramacbd Inbberneis. Air la araidb bba'n Siosalacli, uacbdaran Sbratbgblais, agus buidbeann tbagli- ta maille ris, a macb a' sealgaireachd air feadb nam beann. Air doibli a bbitb air an sàrucbadli le siubbal nan beann, cbaidb iad a steacb aig cromadb an anmoicb, do bbotbau bantraicbe truaigbe, a bha ri taobb an ratbaid, agus gun a cead iarr- ' aidh mbarbb agus db'itb iad an t-aon laogb a bba air a seilbb. Co a tbacbair a bhi stigb 's an am ath duine bocbd a Gbleann Liobbainn, a bba siubbal o àite gu àite ag iaii- aidh na deirce. Cba robb na cùiseau a' còrdadb ris an duine bbocbd, air j clior sam bith, agus tbòisich e ri bhi i 'cur dbetb agus a' gearan. Tbionud- \ aidh an Siosalacli, agus thubbairt e, "Ciod a tba 'cur ort, a bbodaich leibidicb, dhranndanaicb?" "Cba'n 'eil a bbeag," deir an duine bochd, "ach tba fius agam air aon ni, 's cba i bbinn leat a chluinntinn, — tba fios | agam far nacb biodh a chridhe aig an t-Siosalacb e fein a   am beathachadh le saill nam fiadh, A's dh'ol iad pailteas de 'n fhion aosd. ' X uair shksaicheadh iad leis an Ion, 't^ a chuir iad am bòrd gu taobh 'rheatni iad ri rannsachadh air ball Na bha air chall de luchd-an-gaoil. Oir bha iad ann an imcheist mhòir Le eagal, 's dòchas taolih air thaobh, Cia dhiubh a bha iad huh no marbh. No 'n cluinneadh iad gairm no glaodh. Gu sònrnicht' iEneas, an saoidh, Bu ghoirt a chaoidheadh e leis fdin Bas Oi'onteis thapuidh chruaidh, 'S Amycuis chniadalaich nach g^ill. A's chiteadh e fh.sgadh nan dòrii Mu bh;is dòineach Lycuis thr^in; Mu Ghyas a's Clojinthus cabn, Trinacria Tri Airdean Ruchacan. * Cyclopcvj. Bu ghaisgich ainmeil iad le ch^il'. Nis tharruing an latha gu ceann, 'N uair sheall lobh bho hird nan neamh Air cuan siiibhlach nan seòl ban, 'S gach tir a's tràigh a tha fo 'n ghrein, 'S gach sluagh a ta bhos a's thall : A's sheas e ann an druim nan speur, Bheachdaich e gu geur le slitiil Air Luibia dtithaich nan treun. Bha cliiidh' le cfiram troimhe ch^il' Nuair thainig Venus, 's i fo sprochd, A siiilean dealrach sileadh dhour, w A's labhair ris gu rèidh mar so; " O thus' a riaghlas thar gach ni Measg dhaoine agus dhe fa leth, Le d' chumhachd siorruidh buan gu h-iird, 'S do thairneanach 'g an cur fo gheilt; Giod a rinn m' ^Eneas coir ? No ciod a rinn na Tròidhich ort ? Gu'n d' fhuilig iad cho liugha bas, 'G am fuadaeh as gach Mt gu goirt. 'G an ruagadh de 'n domhan gu leir Air sgàth na h-Eadailt tir an gràidh ? Gu cinnteach gheall thu dhomhsa fein Gun eireadh na linntean aigh, 'N uair shiubhladh bliadhnachan mun cuairt 'S a ruitheadh aimsir luath gu ceann, Gu'n eireadh na Komanaich suas Bho 'n fhior fhuil uasail gun ndieang, larmad Theucheir mhòir nam buadh A' cinntinn as nuadh a ris, A cheannsaicheas gach fine 's sluagh Fo 'n uachdranachd air muir a's tir. Ciod uime nis, O Athair chaoimb, A thkinig caochladh air do rtm ? Bha mise toirt sòlais domh fein, Gu'n eireadh gach ni as ùr, Ged thuit Tròidh hrd nan stuadh Le leirsgrios duaidheach gu làr; Mu choinneamh gach mi-shealbh a's truaigh Thomhais mi suaimhneas agus àgh. Tha 'n cruaidh-fhortan ceudna 'g an ruith Ged thainig iad tre chunnart mòr. Ach ard-righ a ta beo gu sior Cuine a cliriochnaicheas tu am bron ? 'N uair thar Antcnor tearuint' as Bho laimh nan gaisgcach bho 'n Gbr^ig, Shcol e steach le 'longaibh luath ])o chuan lUyricuim gun blieud. 'N sill thainig e air tir le buaidh, A's cliaidh e fein 's a shluagh gun stad Gu righeachd nan Tjioburnach cruaidh, 'S Timnrm nan luath-shruth bras Tha ruith 'n a naoidh srnthaibh borb, 'S a' bheinn ri torman a's co-ghàir, Mar bhuinne-shruth mara 'n a still, 'S na dailthean leis an dilinn bìiitht'. Ach sbuidhich e 'n so baile mhr, Patitrittm, comhnuidh nan sKr A theich o Thioidh; us thug e ainm iJo 'n cbiuneach a jrhabh seilbh 's an ait. Ceud Mliios an Fhoghair, 1875. AN GAIDHEAL. 243 Oir ghoir e Tròidh de 'n bhaile nuadh A's chuir e suas a h-aimi gn h-h,rd, A nise, tLa e njealtainn fois Gu siochail socrach air gach Ikimh ; Ach sinne, do shlioclid nmach fern jy an d' thug thu riaghladh nèamh gu bnan ' ■' ill sinn ar longan gu le'ir, l'iònach an sgeul r a luaidh! I -"jeadli sinn gn tur air chùl Air son corruich luno mhain, A's cian bho 'n Eadailt dh' fliogradh sinn Fad air fallih bho thir ar graidli. 'X e so an t-urram, Athair chaoimh, A gheobh an saoidh a ta gun fheall ? Mar so an aisigear leat sinn A dh' ionnsuiflh righeachd mar a gheall ? " Dhearc athair nan daoine 's nan dia Oirre le fiamh ghaire 'n a ghniiis, n abhaist doinion nan speur lionndadh gu fcath ro cbiiiin. _ e beul a nighinn ghaoil iabhair e gu caoin mar so : :.uitreia, caisg d' eagal gu luath, :ii tha 'n dan do d' shluagh thig ort. : ;hu Lavinium nan tiir Iiaingnichibh iir mar gheall : . Eneas mòr-inntinneach treun . ;idh tu gu neamh 'n a km. d'thainig caochladh air mo run ; \. bho'n tha 'n ciiram so 'g ad chnàmh," IiiiKÌdh mi dhut-sa gu saor, > clia cheil mi aon ni tha 's an dan. T.'ir^aicheam gach ni bho chian, .S mo riiintean diomhair bheir air lorn, A chum gu'm foillsichear dhut f^in ZMar shuidhicheadh gu leir iad leam. Xuair ruigeas e 'n Eadailt fadheoidh Ni e cogadh mòr ro chruaidh, A's ciosnaichidh e cinnich cUioirbh 'Gam pronnadh gu searbh le buaidh ; Daingnichidh e lagh le coir, A's togaidh bailtean mòr d' a shluagh : Tri samhraidh riaglaidh e 'n a righ Air Lalium tir nan tuath. Tri geamhraidh theid seachad gu dlùth X'lair cliuirear na Ruthlaich fo ghèill. A-canias an t-oigear ciùin, D' an comh-ainm lulus nan deagh-bheus ; Ilus theirteadh ris bho thus 'X uair sheas Ilium ur nan stuadh, Trioehad bliadhna bidh 'n a righ, A's laithean 's miosan thig mu'n cuairt. Atharraichidh e chathair-righ Bho Laibhinn nam milidh trom, A's balla laidir cuiridh suas Mu'n cuairt air Ahha nan sonn, Tri cheud bliadhn' iomlan, slan, Seasadh rioghachd laidir bhuan An Abba mh  lies within the province of the Highland press. Let the Highland press do away with their causes, and the pulpit would aid in doing the rest. But it is not only politically and socially that the Highland press may  rc>s ? We must state at once that w ■ can conceive no specific plan to accomplish this object. The causes of the gulf between the Highland peasantry and the press are sucli as ;i!v not to be removed by artificial m ans. A want of curiosity, a want of taste for literature, and a want of means, are causes that are not easily removed. These obstacles are, how- '. by no means unsurmountable. progress of education will aid in exiiting curiosity and in awakening the love of literature, and even now the plea of poverty does not hold good in the case of young High- landers, very many of whom spend in the fore-cabin of the " Clansman" ill 'ine night as much as would pay a tNvelvemonth's subscription for any Highland periodical. The enterprise of newspaper proprietors themselves may also do very much. It is note- worthy in this connection thiit a paper published in Dundee, and not distinguished as an expositor of Highland sentiment, is better known in the north than papers published in the Highlands. The Dundee j proprietors have made arrangements \ securing the sale of their paper in • the remotest Highland districts at a i penny a number, and we are glad to ; notice that their success has been ) equal to their enterprise. But we ( are of opinion that there is a special Ì means by which the Highland press and the Highland peasantry could ' be brought into closer connection. Ì It is not uncommon in the north to : hear the periodical press execrated as ' " Xa paiperean naigheachean Gallda- Uam iad ! nam iad ! " — The news- ! papers of the English stranger. Away 1 with them ! away with them ! Now this points to the fact that sufficient use is not made of the Highlander's own language. The press that will be accepted by the Highland peasantry must be pervaded with tiie High- land spirit, and must discuss the questions that affect the peasantry in their own language. Amusing dialogues are very valuable, and we have no Avord to say against them, but thej are not enough. They will not effect the elevation of our pea- santry — they will not sufficiently recommend tlie Highland press to them. We think that a Higliland newspaper sold at the doors of High- landers at a moderate price, redolent with the Highland spirit, discussing Highland questions in the Highland tongue, filled with the grand musical and poetical echoes of the past, and over all conducted by a staflf fully determined on working out the emancipation of the Gael — we think that such a newspaper woidd beacom- mercial success, as well as a most invaluable influence for the elevation of our peasantry. The advent of many such newspapers may Heaven speed ! Machaon. GAELIC ANECDOTES. Your interesting series of articles on our Gaelic proverbs lias set me a-thinking of the rich stores of Gaelic anecdote which are fast passing away into oblivion. And I write these lines to bespeak the aid of yom- readers everywhere in the good work of collecting such of these quaint old sayings as can still be recovered, and preserving them in the pages of the Gael. If Parson Eory Mackenzie of Knockbain — that prince of story-tellers — or his kinsmen and admirers, the late ministers of Lochcarron or Eesolis, had done for Gaelic anecdotes what Dean Ramsay has done for the Lowland Scotch, what a rare budget we would possess ! No doubt some of these old Highland sayings may be rather broadly expressed for the severe propriety of modern ears polite, and of others the very simplicity, in faith and manners, of the times and folk that gave 254 THE GAEL. August, them birth, may make them sound irre- verent to the somewhat prudish piety of this generation. But, nevertheless, they are too precious to be lost ; and all readers of the Gael who can help in their recovery will, I hope, rally without delay to the patriotic work. As a beginning, 1 send you the following, which yoiir readers on the banks of the Beauly will recognise as authentic sayings of a " character " well known and still remembered in thatqiiarter: — " Ach, a mhinistear," said Alastar to the faithful pastor who was instructing him in the things of another world, "am bith uisge beath ann?" The good pastor couldn't say, but ventured deprecatingly to hint that there the national beverage might seem rather out of place. To whom Alastar in reply: " Gu dearbh tha mise a iaolsinn gun sealladh mulachagh chaise agus botul uisge beath g'le mhath air a bhord?" Let one other of this Simple Simon's sayings suffice for the present: — '"S mor an call a fhuar sinn air a ghamh- radhsa leis an Earchall : * bhasaich mo mhathair agus bhasaich a mhuc : ach cha robh urad a chall againne d'en mhuc, oir burrain sinn cnaimh a spiolladh dhi." M. T. D. NEWS FROM THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS. Death of Lord Lovat. — This, nobleman died at Beaufort Castle, after a protracted illness, on the evening of Monday last, in the 74th year of his age, having been born in 1802. He succeeded to the Lovat estates in 1815, although not served heir till 1823. His Lordship was universally beloved and respected by high and low. The funeral of the deceased lord took place at Eskadale, in Strathglass, on Tuesday last, and was attended by a large concourse of people. The hearse was drawn by four fine chargers, followed by an almost endless string of other vehicles. The greatest order pre- vailed. Important Discovery at Iona. — A correspondent writes : — For the repairs which are just being made upon the Iona ruins the quarries of freestone at Carsaig, Ross of Mull, have been re-opencd, that being the place from which the beautiful cornices and arches of our world-famed ruins were extracted. While working there some of the quarriers^ discovered in Ilabh-nan- Cailleach, or Nun's Cave, drawings of many of the ancient crosses, with their dates, * Earchall : provincial for Eng. death. which once adorned this island. Th'' is about SO feet long, and well adapti : accommodating a large number of ai 1 1 in those times of savage clans and r^ barbarians. It is supposed that this ■ shop of nature formed the office, in \ all orders were taken, and its wall drawing room on which they were ske t It has always been a matter of conj> ■ > from whence these ancient monuments .lud tombstones came. There is now, of course, no longer any doubt on the point, and it is said that in a very short time material could be had here to adorn Icolmkill ai^ in the days of old, and thus fulfil the prophecy which St. Columba uttered standing on the Abbot's Mound : — " Huic Loco, Quamlibet Angusto. Et mill, non tantum feotoruni reges, cum populis, sed etiam barbarium et exterarrum gentium requatores, cum plebibus sibi subjectis, grandem et non mediocrem conferent honorem : D Sanctis quoque etiam aliarum ecclesiarum non mediocris veneratio conferetur." INVERNESS GAELIC SOCIETY — ANNUAL ASSEMBLY. The Inverness Gaelic Society held its annual assembly in the Northern Meeting Rooms on Thursday evening, 8th ult. The meeting was one of the most succesful which has taken place in connection \\ith the Society. During the day a number of strangers had arrived to attend the Wool Market ; and the night being an open one — no business being done on Thursday evening — these crowded in along with the townspeople, until the spacious ball-room was filled in every corner. Three pipers, stationed in the lobby, played the company into the hall. The chair was taken by Mr. Eraser- ^Mackintosh, M. P., who was accom- panied to the platform by a number of dis- tinguished gentlemen. The chairman, in opening the proceedings, said it was right that Inverness, as the ca]ntal and centre of the Highlands, should take a decided part in a movement in- tended not only to preserve past literature and traditions, but to vindicate and con- serve Highland feeling and Highland interests in the present. Referring to the educational objects of the Society, he pointed out the positive disadvantages of teaching English to children by rote— as a thing to be " learnt by heart ;" by such a mode the intellect was never awakened, interest was never excited, and the little knowledge acquired was speedily for- gotten. In his further observations he dwelt on the necessity of using the most strenuous efforts, by petitions to Parlia- August, 1S7 THE GAEL. ment, and otherwiso, to introduce the teaching of the Gaelic language into High- land schools. Mr. Macandrew, Sheriff-Clerk, drew a lively incture of the illustrious character of the Highland race ; and argued that the language had been rendered illustrious by the noble deeds of tlio.se who spoke it. If the language was worth preserving-, he wished to ask whether the race also was not worth preserving ? (Applause. ) It was worth their while to give duo consideration to the circumstances under which that race ^ew up and flourished. What enabled them to send out men, not only courageous, stalwart, manly, and independent, but orderly and God-fearing, in every relation of life ? The Duke of Sutherland was now ,;,,;,,,,• much which tended to improve the ition of the Highlander ; and he (Mr. Midrew) would put it to the meeting • ther, while advocating the preservation of tlic Gaelic language, thej' should not also urge upon those whom the Almighty had blessed with large possessions, to make a noble effort to re-introduce that state of things in which the true Highlander alone could flourish. (Cheers.) Rev. Mr. Macgregor, of the West Church, delivered a characteristic address in Gaelic, ■"•'■''■h was received with much applause. ■ implimented the chairman and the iiig on the growing prosperity of the .Lwjicty, which deserved great praise for its exertions for the teaching of Gaelic in High- land schools, as well as for its zeal in col- lecting folk lore and other Celtic remains. Having complimented Professor Blackie on his efforts to perpetuate Celtic literature, and establish a Celtic chair, he showed the unreasonableness of rooting out a language still spoken by millions in Scotland, Ireland, America, Australia, and other quarters of the world, as well as being preached in three or four hundred of our Highland parishes ; it being contrary to all principles of n.ature, reason, and justice, that the language should be extirpated. Professor Blackie, in the course of a I humorous speech, congratulated them on I the revived interest in Celtic literature, j and the prospect of establishing the Celtic ' Chair. I certainly, he said, did not hope 1 or believe that in twelve months,— it is not I twelve months, — that in eight months, we should not only have laid the base of the cairn, but should actually have raised the ; whole cairn, — this cairn for the study of Celtic literature, philology, and song. (Ap- plause.) We have raised it, I say, trium- phantly— (Cheers) — by the aid of such as ; oiu- Chairman — (Applause) — such noblemen as the Duke of Sutherland, the Duke of Argyll, the Marquis of Bute ; such of our scholars as Sir William Stirling Maxwell, and Lord Neaves ; and by the sympathy expressed by Professors in London, Oxford, and Cambridge ; by the countenance of her Majesty the Queen — (Cheers)^who only lends her gracious support to things worth supporting — (Cheers)— and the cairn only now requires to be topped. (Applause.) Faith removes mountains. (Laughter and applause.) " Whatever a man daies, he can do." By the grace of God, I dared to at- tempt to establish this Chair — / dared it, and you dnrtd it, and we have done it. (Cheers.) It is not generally so much a hostility to what is good that prevents a thing being done, but ignorance and indif- ference that requires to be stirred up, and walked into with swords, and, if necessary, with red-hot pokers — (Laughter) — and bel- lows to blow up the dying embers. (I>augh- ter and applause. ) Go to the people, and you ^vill find them ready to support you, — that is, if you have the right inspiration. (Applause.) There are two classes who wish this Gaelic language of ours dead. There are those who want the people to be sent to America ; and those men of science who would have it dead to-morrow, who have expressed a wish to have it dead, that they might have its dead body to cut up and dissect. (Laughter and applause.) But even these men have expressed the feeling that, if it be extinguished to-morrow, there might be an academic exposition of the Gaelic language. (Applause.) We are not called upon to prove that the Gaelic con- tains a literature like that of Greece and Rome, but I say to all those who are bom in the Highlands, to all those who breathe the Highland air, there is a literature of the utmost possible value. (Cheers^) It is a good deal more extensive than that which we call Scottish literature. Our literature consists of popular songs. Now, I say with perfect honesty, in face of a Professor Black there — (Applause) — or a Professor Blackie — (Laughter) — I say that I value these Scottish songs, that I have got from these Scottish songs more than I have got from Homer, Ai'istotle, or Plato ; or from all of them put together. (Cheers.) The Scot- tish songs are full of wisdom, — the wisdom of life, sagacity, humour, pathos ; full of every- thing that makes a man a man — (Cheers) — full of everything which constitutes poetry, true sublime poetry. It has been said that " poetry makes rich the blood of the world;" and I say that popular poetry makes rich the blood of the people. (Cheers. ) If I, and all good Scotchmen, he said, re- 256 THE GAEL. August, 187 joice in Scotch songs, and if all foreigners are delighted to hear Scotch songs, and if the greatest musical composers have stolen some of their best musical ideas from Scotch music, and if we are all proud of the noble inheritance we have received in them — then I say what the Scotch song is to me the Gaelic song is to you, and a man is not true to you if he takes tt from you, and you are not true to yourselves if you allow him to take it. (Loud cheers.) Highlanders hear plenty sermons, and sermons are good — (Laughter) — but they should have songs too ; and with a sermon in his right hand, and a song in his left, and a sword where it ought to be, I will back the Highlander against the whole world. (Laughter and cheers.) The value of a literature does not depend upon the bulk of it ; if it did, what value would we set upon the Old Testament ? It depends upon its intrinsic worth, and here it is the natural product of the High- land braes and the Highland heather. I could sing some of those fine old songs ; I read translations of them before some of the most learned men in Oxford, and there was not one that did not feel his bosom thrill — yes, even those dignified old gentle- men. (Laughter and cheers. ) And I have seen beautiful ladies thrill with sympathy to the tips of their fingers when I read some of those pathetic Highland lamentations. The professor went on to say that the moment Gaelic died, the Highlander died, for the one could not subsist without the other. Referring to the difficulties of the Gaelic language, he admitted it had its own peculiarities, and he had been speaking to a landed proprietor near Oban the other day, who said he had been studying it for twenty-five years, and had not made it out yet. (Laughter. ) But it was not a bridge that could not be passed ; like the poos asinorum, it could be passed by all but asses. (Laughter.) All languages had their difficulties. The sight of the Greek alpha- bet was enough almost to make some ladies faint ; irregular verbs were an immense dif- ficulty; and the gender of nouns in (jerman was very hard to master. But Gaelic could be learned, and he told them the way to ac- quire it — by asking the names of common objects, and repeating them till they were firmly fixed in the mind. He could him- self read Gaelic quite easily ; and he could have learned the whole language in six months, if he had devoted himself to it with detei-mination. He advised them to read the books issued by old Norman Macleod, Ijrimful of character and humour ; and, in conclusion, he again urged them to preserve the Gaelic language and literature. (Loiid cheers. ) The entertainment which was enlivened by rounds of vocal and instrumental music, was brought to a close by a vote of thanks to the chairman. Scottish Fete at the Alexandra Pa- lace. — On Saturday, the I7th ult., at the Alexandia Palace London, the great Scottish fete and Southern gathering took place. In. spite of very wet weather, the fete on the whole was a success, the attendance in the afternoon being very large. The first part of the programme took place in the Great Hall of the Palace, and began with a com- petition between a number of Highlanders as to who was the best player of pibrochs on the great Highland bagpipes. A. Cameron, piper to the Marquis of Huntly, won the first prize ; 11. Mackenzie, pipe- major, 78th Highlanders, the second ; and J. Mackenzie, of the Royal Caledonian Asylum, the third. Strathspey and reel playing proved an interesting contest. R. Mackenzie in this case was awarded the first prize, whilst A. Cameron got the second, the third being taken by J. M'Kinnon, pipe-major, Glasgow. In marches, J. C. Paton, pipe-major, 79th Cameron Highlanders, received the first prize, J. Mackenzie, the second, and A. Cameron the third. Sword dancing, reel dancing, and the Highland fling followed. The following were the prize-winners : — Sword Dance— 1, J. M 'Neil ; 2, D. M'Phee; .3, H. F. Craig. Reel dancing— 1, D. M'Phee ; 2, J. M'Neil ; 3, A. Cameron. Dancing the Highland Fling— 1, D. M'Phee ; 2, J. M'Neil ; 3, H. F. Craig. J. Chalmers was declared subsequently to be the best dressed Highlander. The first prize for throwing the hanmier was won by D. Dinnie (93 ft. 6 in.), and the second by J. Fleming (87 ft. 10.) Dinnie and Fleming also won the first and second prizes for putting the stone. The 1500 yards race was won by J. Grainger, A. Hall being second, and Sergeant Barker third. The judges were Mr. yEneas M'Intosh, Mr. D. Mackay (piper to the Prince of Wales), Mr. J. Camerim (piper to the Marquis of Lorn), and Mr. J. C. MacPhee (president of the Gaelic Society.) THE GAEL AVERTISEMENTS. ££k-3^S?^V^ NOTICE TO EMIGRANTS FKOM SCOTLAND TO CANADA. ALLAN LINE. Tlic Steamers of the ALLAN LINE will cviuineuce their Direct Sailings from GLASGOW TO QUEBEC, IN APRIL 1875, And will continue to Sail EVERY TUESDAY Throughout the Season. Passage Money. Cabin— to Quebec . . £13 13s. ., to Portland, Boston, or New York . . . £14 14s. Intermediate — To Quebec, Port- land, Boston, or New York £9 9s. Steerage — To Quebec, Portland, Boston, or New York . £6 6s. ^..-=.J, ^-...-^ Anchor* Line UNITED STATES MAIL STEAME TO ISTE^V YORK. These Steamers offer the best opportunity for Passengers wishing to proceed to Canada, as they are landed at the Railway Wharf at Quebec, in the Dominion, and are thence f or^^■arded to aU the principal stations imme- diately after disembarkation. Pa.ssengers wishing to proceed to the We.-stem States and Territories of the Union, and to California, can be booked by Quebec, as cheaply, and carried to destina- tion as expeditiously, as by any other Line. Dietary Bills, and full information as to Through Tickets, Berth, Accommodation, &f. , and Rates for Children, may be had  n arrival in Canada, Emigrants are received in Depots, and cared for by Govern- ment Agents, who assist in finding them immediate employment. For further information and terms, apply to the Agent-General for the Dominion of Canaila, Canada Government Building, King Street, Westminster (Emigration Depart- ment). THE GAEL ADVERTISEMENTS. THE HIGHLANDER NEWSPAPER. Editou— JOHN i\rURDOCH. The Objects of " The Highlander " are : — To foster enterprise and public opinion in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland ; To advocate those political, social, and economic measures which appear best calculated to advance the well-being of the people at large ; and To provide Highlanders at home and abroad with a record and review of events in which due prominence shall be given to Highland affairs. Among the topics which have prominence are — The Land Question ; Game Preserva- tion and Deer Foresting ; the best systems of Rui-al Economy and'Practical Husbancb-y ; the establishing of Manufactures in the Highlands ; the Fisheries ; the working of Mines, Quarries, and Peat Mosses ; the Utilisation of Sewage ; Eailway Extension and Management ; Local and Imperial Taxation ; Celtic and Idndred Literature ; Sanitary Matters, &c. Tiine of (Piihlicdtion, every Scbivjvday. (Price 2d. per Copy. The HIGHLANDER is Published by the HIG-HLANDEE Newspaper & Printing & Publishing Co., Limited. Liability of each Shareholder is striclljj limited to the Amount for tvhich he Suhscribcf:. CAPITAL £3000, in 3000 Shares of £1 each. Applications for Shares and orders for the Paper to be sent to the SECRETARY, JOHN MURDOCH, at The Offices, 71 Church Street, Inverness. Now ready, in 1 vol. 4to, with Illustrations, 12s. Gd. cloth, OSSIAN AND THE CLYDE: FINGAL IN IRELAND; OSCAR IN ICELAND. By Dk. HATELY W A D D E L L. Glasgow : James Maclehose, Publisher to the University. GLASGOW AND THE HIGHLANDS. THE ROYAL MAIL STEAMERS, (Royal Route via Crinan and Caledonian Canals,) lona, Mountaineer, Linnet, Staffa, Chevalier, Pioneer, Cygnet, Glencoe, Gondolier, Glengarry, Plover,^ Inveraray Castle, Clydesdale aisd Clansman, Sail during the Season for Oban, Fort-William, Inverness, StafFa, lona, Clencoe, Tober- mory, Portree, Gairloch, Ullapool, Loch Inver, and Stornoway, affording Tourists an opportunity of visiting the magnificent ecenerj' of Glencoe, the Ooolin Hills, Loch C^oriiisk, Loch Maree, and the famed Islands of Staffa and lona. Time-Bills with maps free by post, on application to DAVID HUTCHESON & CO., liy Hope Street, Glasgow. THE GAEL ADVERTISEMENTS. JUST PUBLISHED, PRICE ONE SHILLING, GRANT'S . CHURCH ALMANAC AND f vcjsbijteviau ^cav-§0ofe, FOR 1875, {FORMERLY " THE FREE CHURCH ALMANAC,") COSTAJNINO FULL IXTORMATION RESPECTING ALL THE Presbyterian Churches in Great Britain AND Ireland. AND ACCURATE LISTS OF ALL DENOMINATIONS IN SCOTLAND. " This is out of sight the best of the British Presbyterian Almanacs. Its information is as usual extensive, and as far as we are able to judge accurate. We can assure all our readers who may not happen to know it, that it is well worth perusal." — T/ie Presbyiertan. Just Published, Crouii 8vo, Price Five Shillings, RUTHERFORD'S LETTERS (COMPLETE EDITIO]Sr). CAREFULLY REVISED AND EDITED BY THE REV. THOMAS SMITH, D.D. WITH A PREFACE BY THE REV. ALEXANDER DUFF, D.D., LL.D. EDINBURGH : DUNCAN GRANT, axd all Booksellek.s. NOW READY. AM FEILLIRE: "THE GAEL" ALMANAC, A HIGHLAND DIRECTORY AND Year Book for 1875. The Publishers of "The Gael" have now issued their Gaelic Almanac for 1875, whidi in addition to the general features of a good Almanac, contains List of Gaelic Churches and Clergymen of all Denominations at Home and Abroad ; Lists of Highland and Gaelic Societies ; The Names of Chiefs, Badges, War-Cries, Marches, Salutes, Gatherings, &c., of the Highland Clans ; Highland Fairs ; Saints' Days, Anniversaries, &c., and a vast amount of other matter of special interest and value to Highlanders, not to be met with elsewhere. MACLACHLAN .^- STEWART, SOUTH BRIDGE, EDINBURGH; and WM. LOVE, ARGYLE STREET, GLASGOW. Duncan Grant & Company, Printere, Forrest Road, Edinburgh, DEVOTED TO MISCELLANEOUS GAELIC LITERATURE, AND TO TH INTERESTS OF SCOTTISH HIGHLANDERS GENERALLY. Edited by ANGUS NICOLSON. Contents of No. 45. Proverbs, ... Lament, Dialogue, The ^neid in Gaelic, Highlanders of Canada, Death of Bruce The Harp, ... Varieties, Song, with Music, 257 263 263 268 270 273 275 276 278 English Department. On the Authenticity of the Poems of Ossian, by Dr. August Ebrard, 27 i> THE GAEL. Payable in Advance. FOR ALL PARTS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, Five Shillings and Sixpence per Annum, including Postage. FOR PLACES ABROAD, A Special Edition of " Tme Gael " is printed on thin paper, to come within the Penny rate of Postage to places outside of the United Kingdom, but Subscribers wishing to pay the Extra Postage, which in Twenty-flive Cents, or One Shilling sterling, can have the other quality sent to them instead. To Canada, and all parts of British North America, the United States, Australia^ New Zealand, India, &c.. One Dollar and a Half ($1.50) or Six Shillings sterling pef annum ; on Thick Paper, One Dollar and Three Quarters ($1.75) or Seven Shillings sterling. Post Of&oe Orders should be made payable to Nicolbon & Co« AN G^^IDHEA^L. " Mar ghath solids do m' anamfein Tha sgeula na h-aimsir a dh' fhalbh. -OlSEAN. IV. Leabh.I DAE A. MIOS AN FHOGHAIR, 1875. [45 Air. SEAN-FHOCAIL. IX. — CUM AN FHEILL AIR AN LATHA. Tha chuid is lionmhoire de Shean- f limail gach Tir a' cur an ceill firinn, uu co-dhiu taobh de f hirinn, air an do chnuasaicli daoiue glice air thoiseacli oirnn, agus ris a' bheil siiine cleachdta r'ar n-aonta 'chur gu toilcach. Anns a' cheum so tha na iSean-fhocail Ghaidhealach cosmhuil ri Sean-fhocail dhuthchanna eile ; agus, gu ruig so, thug sinn ar n- eisempleirean gu h-iomlan o'n bhuidheann so. Ach tha buidheann eile de'r Sean-fhocail a tha toirt far comhair, cha 'n e beachd no tirinn a tha sinn ri chreidsinn ; ach aithne, comhairle, no earail a tha sinn ri choimhead. 'N ar Sean-fhocail Ghaidhealach gheibhear a' bhuidh- eann so na's lionmhoire, a reiraireimh nan Sean-fhocal thar cheann, na gheibhear iad anns a' chuid is mo de Shean-fhocail dhuthchanna eile. B' iad na Druidhean, mar tha fios aig gach neach, priomh luclid- teagaisg ar Sluaigh ; agus dearbh- aidh moran de'r Sean-fhocail gus an la diu-h gur ann an nair a bha na Druidhean cumhachdach 's an Tir a chuireadli iadsan li cheile. Tha fios againn a ris nach fuilingeadh na Druidhean leabhraichean no sgriobh- adh 'n am measg, air eagal, na'm b' fhior iad fein, gu'm biodh cuimhna no meodhair nam foghlumaichean òga air a lagacbadh. Bha e feumail mar so gu'm biodh teagasg nan Druidhean air a thoirt seachad air doigh cho tarbhach 's a bhiodh comasach, a los gun togadh 's gun giulaineadh a' mheodhair moran foghluim ann am beagan bhriathran. Dh'iunnsaich sinn leasan nan Druidhean, no co-dhiu cuid dheth, ro mhaith. Cha robh baigli ar Sluaigh ri leabhraichean no ri sgriobhadh riamh ro mhor. Theirear gun teagamh nach roljh cothrom aca ; ach nach beag so de 'n fhior aobhar? Carson nach d' rinn iad an cothrom ; agus c'arson nach eil iad g'a dheanamh mar nach 'eil iad Ì Ann an tomhas tha sinn 's a' Ghaidhealtachd car fortanach seach mar tha na Goill — air an adhlacadh le leabhraichean, agus fiughair gu'n leughar iad. 'N am biodli Solamh beo 'n ar latha-ne, ciod idir a theireadh e mu leabh- raichean agus mu leughadh ? Is gann a gheibheadh e aite no canain a fhreagradh air ach a' Ghaidhealt- achd agus a' Ghaidhlig. Ach ged, ma dh'fhaodte, tha cuid de leabhraichean air Galldachd ro phailt agus air an cur gu droch bliuil, cha 'n 'eil teagamh nach 'eil leabhraichean anns a' Ghaidhealt- achd ro ghann, agus nach 'eil roinn de 'n bheagan tha innte gun bhi air an cur gu bull idir, maith no olc. Anns an rathad so mar ann an iomadh rathad eile lean sinn a' chleachduin, ged thainig caochlaidhean air an t- saoghal mu'n cuairt dhuinn a dh' fhag a' chleachduin neo-fhreagarr- ach air ar son. Gheibliear sinn gu. 258 AN GAIDIIEAL. Dara Mios an Flioghair, 1575 trie a' caoidh nan linntean a flh'aom, agiis tha mi smuaineachadh ged rachadh ar n-aiseag, a thiotadb, gu linn nan Druidliean nacli cailleamaid a bheag. Gheibhteadh napa-san moran tuigse agus beagan cainnt ; tha cuid a' smnaineachadh gu'n do cbuir an Saoglial car tuathal dhetb o'n am sin. 'S e mo bheaclid gur e cion leabbraichean — cia b'e air bitli an t- aobhar airson na goinne so ; cho suaracb agus a bha sinn mu'n bheag- an leabbraichean bha againn ; agus ann an tomhas gne nan leabbraich- ean sin fein a bu choireach gur ann 'n ar Sean-fhocail, agus nach ann 'n ar Bardachd, 'n ar Sgeulachdan, no 'n ar Sgoilean, a gheibh sinn na riaghailtean a tha freagarrach airson ar beachdau a shocrachadh 's air ginlan a stiuireadh, 'n ar cuairt roimh 'n t-Saoghal. Tha iomadh lea«an feumail agus cudthromach air an teagasg 'n ar Bardachd agus 'n ar Sgeulachdan, na n-iunnsaicli- eaniaid iad ; acli 'n a dbeigh so uile tha mi meas, a mach bho'r Biob- uU agus bho'r Sean-fhocail, gu bheil ar litreachas ann an Gaidhealtacbd na h-Alba easbhuidheacb anns an t-solus a tha i tilgeadh air beatha an duine, agus air an diomhaireachd a tha cuairteachadh na beatlia sin. Acb 'n ar Sean-fhocail gheiljh sinn oidhearpan lionmhor air beachdan a chur an cainnt, a chum ar n-eolas a mheudachadh agus ar creidimh a dhaingeachadh ; agus, a thuilleadh air so, moran dhleasdanais dhuinn i'ein agus d'ar co-chreutairean air an sparradh oirnn le comhairle agus le earail, a chum ar gluasad a leasach- adh, agus cho fad 's a tha sin comasach do 'n duine, a dheanamh foirfe. Is e mo run aon no dha de na h-earailean so a shoillearachadh anns an aireiinli so agus anns an ath aireimh de 'n Ghaidheal. Tha teagaso; an t-Sean-fhocail a ghabh mi mar steigh air a thoirt seachad ann an atharrach cainnt le Solamh, agus aobhar 'n a chois. "Ge b'e ni a gheibh do lamb ri dhean- amli, dean e le d' dhichioll ; oir cha 'n 'eil obair, no innleachd, no eolas, no gliocas anns an uaigh, d' am bheil thu a' dol." Cha 'n ann idir a' cur an suaraicheas aobhar an t-Searmon- aiche ghlic a tlia mi, an uair a tha mi 'g a thoirt thairis do Shearmon- aicliean comasach ar latha fein. Eadhon as eugmhais aobhar Shol- aimh, tha mi meas gu'n aontaich gach neach gu bheil an teagasg cudthromach agus airidh air gach uile umhlachd. A reir rao bheaclid tha 'n dleasdanas a tha 'n Sean- fhocal a' sparradh oirnn da fhillte. " Cum an fheill air an latha," — is e sin ri radh, " Ge b'e ni a gheibh do lamh ri dheanamli, co-dhiu is ann dhuit fein no do neach eile, dean e le d'dhichioll, agus dean e 'n a am ; na fag obair an la diugh a feitlicamh air an la maireach." Cha 'n fheudar aiclieadli nach abrar gu trie gur iomadh Sluagh is fearr a bheir umhlachd do'ii aithne so na Gaidheil na h-Alba. Cha chuirear, le lirinn, leisg, an corp no' 'n inntinn, a leth ar Slnaigh. Aim an coimeas ri Cinnich eile, tlia 'n Gaidheal, 'n a chorp 's 'n a inntinn, beo, eutrom, easguidh, fuasgailte. Ach cha 'n e leisg uile gu leir a tha 'n Sean-fhocal a diteadh, ni mo is e beothalachd a tha e 'g aithne. Their aon de'r Sean-fhocail fein, "Is easguidh androchghille air cuairt," — a' ciallachadh gu'm faighear an deagh ghille an comhjiuidh deas gu glniotli- uch. Is e dichioll, buanachas, seasmhaehd a tha 'n Sean-fliocal a' moladh dhuinn. Feudaidh sinn a blii easbhuidheacb anns na feartan so, ged nach cuirear le ceartas leisg as ar leth. Fhuair ar Sluagh gun teagamh an t-ainm a bhi mùitcach, neo-sheasmhach o chionn iomadh Dara Mios an Fhogliair, 1S75. AN GAIDHEAL. 259 bliadlina. 'S e so cliu a tha 'n Se;inachaidli Romanach a' toirt do iqhdearan Hannibal. Agus ged !i faighear saiglidearan no seolad- ainau is calma 's is seasmliaiche na (Taidheil na h-Alba an uairathaiad ''■ n.ii iunnsachadh, agus grd nach lear am measg Sluagh eile mpleirean na's trice 's na's ::;,imaiclie na gheibhear 'n ar h; asg fein air sior-bhuanachadh an ' :iidb iomadh bacadb 'lis grabadh; leadh 's e cliu ar Sluaigh an -h an cliu a fhuair iad o'n liwuianach darnhilebliadhna roimhe so — gu bheil iad laidir, lughmhor, ;fli caochlaideach, deas gu ni a ahabhail os laimh agus fhagail gun chriochnachadh, easguidh ach neo- chinnteach. Ann an Gaidhealtacbd na h-Alba, cieididh mi gu'm fàsamaid neo- sliuidhichte 'n ar doighean ged nach ^ Hi a' bhuaidh dual dhuinn mar lagh. Chuidicheadh gnè na Tire, - gu h-araid ar n-Eachdraidh, inn- 1 luasganach aghintinn,nocc-dhiu . artachadh, annainn. Kè moran uuie bha caithe-beatha an t-Sluaigh agus am beatha fein cho neo-chinn- teach 's gn'm biodh e eu-comasach gu'm faigheadh riantan steigheil aite 'n am measg. Cha 'n 'eil teagamh nach 'eil agus nach bi sinne iomadh latha fathasd ag itheadh de shearbh- adas nan linntean buaireasach a chaidh, taing do'n Fhreasdal, thairis. Agus ged tha sinn a nis o chionn iomadh bliadhna a' mealtainn sith, agus nam miltean beannachd a thig an lorg na sochair ro-luachmhoir sin, tha agus bithidh iomadh ni 'n ar crannchur anns a' Ghaidheal- tachd a dh'fhagas e fior dhuilich dhuinn leasan an t-Sean-fhocail iunnsachadh, agus an comhnuidh a chuimhneachadh. " Cum an f heill air an latha " ; — is farasda radh, agus ann an iomadh aite cha 'n 'eil e ro dhoirbh a dheanamh. Ach ann an Tir neo-thorach, le siantan caocldaideach, le monaidhean sgith, le aisig chunnartach, leis gach goireas a dhith ort, is beag nach fanoid an earail. An ann a fearann a tha d' earbsa 1 Mo chreach ! is beag do choir air. Agus ged shaoithrich thu cho goirt 'us ged a bhiodh cinnt agad nach rachadh do mhàl ardachadh no do thigh a chur ma sgaoil aig ceann na bliadhna, nach trie a ni latha fliuch 's an fhoghar obairna bliadhna chur adholuidh. A' bheil beo-shlainte do theaghlaich an crochadh ris a' mhuir ? Cha 'n 'eil sgoil f'o'n ghrein cho eifeachdach, ann an rathad, a dh' iunnsachadh foighidinn, dichill, saothair bhunail- teach cho maith ri bcàta an iasgair. Faic e le ramh no le seol a' toirt a mach, calaidh no a' cur fodha rudha ; a nis a' buidhinn 's a ris a' call ; a bheatha an crochadh r'a neart 's r'a sheoitachd; agus gheibh thu leasan air stri bliuan agus dhian nach faigh thu ach ainmig. Ach an uair a tha 'n rudha seachad, 's an caladh fo shroin, theid an leasan a dhi-chuimh- neachadh gus an toir fein-fhiosrach- adli cruaidh a chrannchuir fa chomh- air an iasgair 's an ath ghàbhadh e. 'S e neo-sheasmhachd na gaoith, an t-sruth, 's na fairge, agus neo-chinnt- eachd a' bheatha fein an co-chean- gal riu a ghleidheas aite an inntinn an iasgair, agus a ni " Cum an f heill air an latha " 'n a eubh f liaoin 'n a chluais-san. Tha e na's feumaile air doigh no dhadhuinne a bhi gleidheadh teagasg an t-Sean-thocail air chuimline na tha e do mhoran. Chaidh, ma dh' fhaodte, a chur mar coinneamh air aon doigh no doigh eile gle thrath. So a' chumadh air an d' fhuair mi fein e : Procrastination is the thief of time. Air a' chumadh so, leugh 'us sgriobh 'us litrich 'us bhruadair mi e na ficheadan uair. Co-dhiu a lughd- aich an t-saothair mairneal no 2G0 AN GAIDHEAL. Bara Mios an Fhogh; mheudaicli i dicliioll ann am chrè, clia'n fhios clomh ; ach bhiodh e'n a plieacadh an aghaidh gach riaghailt theagaisg an leasan a tlioirt domh air dlioigh 's gun tuiginn e. 'N ar 8ean-fhocail Ghaidhealach gheibhear an teagasg ceudna gn niinic agus ann an caochladh cainnt 'us samh- ladh. Tha so 'n a dhearbhadh soilleir gu'n robli meas cubhaidh aig ar n-Aitlirichean air an fhirinn, co- dhiu bha no nach robh iad an comh- nuidh dileas d'i. Ach bhiodh e mealltach a bhi saoilsinn gu'n robh na seann daoine, eadhon 'n an teagasg, a ghnath iomlan. Bha iad a' cur luacli ard agus cubhaidh air sonas, ach cha 'n 'eil mi cho earbsach gu'n d' amais iad daonnan air mathair-aobhair an t-sonais d'an robh an tlachd cho mor. Theireadh iad : "Is fearr a bhi sona na bhi saoithreachail ; " " Is fearr a bhi sona na bhi crionna ;" — ach saoihdh mi gu'n do dhi- chuimhnich iad nach laighear, 's an t-saoghal so co-dhiu, an sonas is airde a bheir e seachad sgarte' bho shaothair; agus nach mair sonas ard no iosal ro fhada sgarte' bho chrionntachd. Cha 'n 'eil teagamh nach robh meas mor aca air fois 's air sooair, agus nach d' thug iad seachad teagasg mearachdach an co- clieangal ris na staidean so a tha 'n an aite fein ionmholta. Cia b'e air bith an run leis an do chuir- eadh ri cheile iad, cha 'n 'eil teagasg nan Sean-fhocal a leanas air aon chor fallain : " Cha d'ith na coin an aimsir" ; "Am fear a dh' imich an cruinne, cha b' fhios d'a co-dhiu b' fhearr luathas no moille" (saoilidh mi nach 'eil fios fiitliasd ciod a thug dha a thigh fhagail) ; "Is maith an saoghal so ma mhaireas e ; " " Tha iasg 's a mhuir cho maith 's a thainig riamhas;" "An neacli nach cinn 'n a chodal, cha chinn e 'n a fhair- eacli ; " " Treabhaidh na daoi 's cha dean na saoi ach treabhadh." Cha 'n 'eil teagamh nach ann o'n bhaigh so ri fois a dh'eirich an Sean-fhocal, " Is fearr a bhi tamh na obair an nasguidh ; " oir cha robh meas air leisg, — "Am fear a bhitheas 'n a thamh, cuiridh e 'n cat 's an teine ;" " Is leisg le leisgein dol a luidhe, is seachd leisge leis eirigh." 'S e na taillearan a thug seachad an Sean- fhocal leibideach so, agus airson teagasg cronail 's gann a dh' amais a leithid orm ; " Greini fada, 'us grad bhi ullamh." Tha teagasg nan Sean-fhocal so mearachdach ; agus cha 'n 'eil teag- amh nach robh agus nach 'eil a' chumhachd air fhaireachduin a chum na cuid is measa 'n ar measg. Ach ged tha na Sean-fhocail a tha air an taobh chli na's lionmhoire na bu mhaith leinn ; cha 'n 'eil an aireamh ach gann ann an coimeas ris na gheibhear a' moladh aghartais dichill, 'us seasmhachd. BJia ar n- Aithrichean Ian dearbhta nach faigh- ear maith gun dragh. Tha focal gu maith deas aig na h-iasgairean a tha teagasg na firinn so : " Cha 'n 'e gogadh nan ceann a ni 'n t-ioniram." So aon bho na sealgairean : " Cha d'rinn ihcab riamh sealg." Agus cha robh na buachaillean air deir- eadh : " Cha dean corag mhilis im." Cha 'n 'eil teagamh nach e ceann- aiche a dh' eisd iomadh uair ri leth-sgeul air a deagh labhairt a thuirt ; " Cha diol toileach liach." De 'n aon teagasg tha 'n radh : " Cha d' rinn llmgam ceum, 's cha do chailleadh theab." Agus cha b' urrainnear rabhadli a bu chunih- achdaiche na so a thoirt seachad an aghaidh leisg, mairneil, 'us cion suim : " Cha 'n f haighear an diugh air ais an do." Airson ceartais 'us coir a ghleidh- eadh eadarduineagus duine — fiachan a dhioladh agus geallaidhean a cho- ghealladh, cha ghabhadh a bhi na Dara Alios an Fhoghair, 1S75. AN GAIDHEAL. 2(Jl b' f liearr na na Sean-f hocail. Theirte gim teagamh : " Cha teicl gad air gealladh," agus cha 'n 'eil teagamh nach robh iomadh aon 's a' Ghaidh- ealtachd cho raaith li aitean eile a dh' f hairich firinn an radh ; ach cha 'n e so air aon chor teagasg nan Sean-fhocal. " tJha 'n 'eil fealladh ann is mo na gealladh gun a cho- ghealladh ;" " Is fearr a bin leisg gu ceannach na righinn gu paigheadh;" " Is fiach duine na gheallas e ;" agus a ris "foill," cia b'e air bith mar thig i, air a diteadh air dhoigh 's gun saoil thu gur e Daibhidh tha labhairt : "Cha mhair sliochd fir foille." Co-dhiu bha no nach robh ar luchd-duthcha comharraichte air ^"" nm firinn — their ar coimhears- 1 gu trie nach robh — cha robh .'■agasg 's an rathad so an deigh- , hiinih. Tha 'n dearbhadh soilleir f anns na briathran annsa' bheilgloine, onoir, firinn, 'us breugan a ghnathair ■ an ainmeachadh. Firinn an smuain, ail cainnt, 's an gniomh; 's e so gun imh teagasg nan Sean-fhocal, 'g . arradh ort an comhnuidh mar do dhleasdanas agus mar do bhuann- achd. Am measg nan Sean-fhocal a tha moladh aghartais 'us gniomhachais, chithear gu bheil meas mor air moch-eirigh. Their Lighichean gu bheil a' chleachduin maith airson slain te a' chuirp a chumail suas ; agus their Sgoilearan gur e mhad- uinn is fear na 'n oidhche airson iunnsachaidh. Cha mhor dhaoine is cuimhne learn a bhuidhinn cliu ard dhoibh fein nach do chleachd eirigh trath ; agus chi sinn gu'n robh ] beachd cothromach aig na seana ; Ghaidiieil air a' chleachduin cheud- \ na. Thuirt aon diubh, gun teagamh, I a bha 'creidsinn gu laidir ann am j lortan tur sgarte bho dheanadas j fein : "Isfearant-àdhnamoch-eirigh." I I Acli cha 'n e so ach teagasg aoin. ' . Theireadh na Druidhean, " Bi gu I subhach, geamnuidh, moch-thrath- ach, mosgaileach 's an t-samhradh." A ris, theirear : "Is meamnach gach moch-thrathach;" "'S i mhoch-eirigh 'luain a ni 'n t-suain 'mhairt;" agus a ris, mar gu'm b'e Lighiche theireadh e, agus ciod am fios nach e ; "Is fearr eirigh mocli na suidhe anmoch.'" Tha aon ni a tha ro chomharr- aichte mu na Sean-f hocail Ghaidh- ealach a tha buntainn ris an earail a tha far comhair an traths; agus 's e sin a' meas tha air a chur air saothair chinnteach, sheasmhach, os cionn neart an uair nach 'eil dichioll maille ris. Chutinaic sir.n roimhe an luach a bha ar n-Aithrichean a' cur air cruinnealas, ged bha iad comharr- aichte air son am fialaidheachd. Air a cheart doigh 'n an obair. Tha firinn 'us onoir eadar duine 's duine air a mholadh. Tha moch-eirigh air a mholadh. Tha Ijhi 'n a am an ceann do ghnothuich air a mholadh — "Am fear a ni obair 'naàm,bithidh e 'n a leth thamh." Tha 'm fear a thoisicheas obair air a neartachadh leis an radh — " Is trian obair tois- eachadh." Agus tha saothair chrioch- naichte gun teagamh a faotainn na duals a thoill i ; " Am fear a cheang- las, 's e shiubhlas;" "Am fear is fearr a chuireas, 's e is fearr a ghearras;" "An rud a nithear gu maith chithear a bhuil." Ach os cionn moch-eirigh, os cionn toiseach- adh-, 's OS cionn criochnachadh, tha obair chinnteach, leanailteach air a moladh, mar a dhearbhas na Sean- fhocail a leanas gu soilleir : " Cha 'n e 'muileann nach bleth, ach an t-uisge nach ruith ;" " Ge b'e nach beathaich a choin, cha bhi iad aige latha na seilge ;" " Is ann o'n bheag- an a thig am moran ;" " Cha 'n ann leis a' cheud bhuille thuiteas a' chraobh ;" " Gabhaidli connadh ùr le bhi 'g a sheideadh ;" " Am fear a theid a' ghnath mach le I'm, gheibh 262 AN GAIDHEAL. Dara Mios an Flioghaii e eoin air uairean ;" " Cha blii di- cliioll air deireadh ;" " Beiridh am beag trie air a mhor ainmig;" "Is fearr greim caillich na tarruing laoicli." Is teagasg fallain, ionmholta air gach doigli an teagasg so ; 'agus cha 'i\ urrainn dhuinn a bin ro tliaingeil d' ar n-Aithrichean air a shon. B' fliearr learn gu'm faicteadli na tri Sean-fhocail mu dheireadli a dh' ainmich mi, ann an litrichean òir, air balla gach tigh-sgoil anns a' Ghaidhealtachd. Cha 'n 'eil mi gun amhiivnsnachpaigheadh an leasan na 'm biodh e air a dheagh iunnsachadh, eadhon do'n Mhaiglistir-sgoil latha clieasnachaidh, cho maith ri leughadh blasda nach tuig a chlann ; agus tha mi dearbhta nacli faigh a' chlann leasan a bhitheas cho feumail dhoibh fein, d'an cloinn, 's do chlann an cloinne bho Mhaighstir-sgoil fo'n ghrein. Is eigin aideachadh gu'n d' fhuair mi barrachd toilinntinn o'n teagasg so, a chionn nach robh suil agam ris. 'S e barail mhorain nach d'thug ar Sluagh moran geill do chomhairlean de'n t-seorsa so ; agus feudaidh cuid bhi mar bha mise a' creidsinn nach d' thugadh na comh- airlean ro thric riamh orra. Cha 'n ann mar dhuine dichioUach, aghart- ach, a' cur earbsa a obair chinnteach a lamhan fein, daonnan am bun a ghnothuich a bhreithnicheas coigricli airGaidheal an latha diugh; — cha 'n ann, — ach ri sgiathalaich air ais agus air agliaidh, an dingli ag oibreachadh na croit, a maireach ag iasgach, 's air an ath sheachckiin a' drobliair- eachd — latha no leth latha diomhan- acli eadar gach atharracliadh obair, 'n a sheasarah le aon no dha de chompanaich, le lamhan gu maith domliain 'n a phocaichean, 's le cutag ])hiob 'n a plduic, a' cumail a suas le shlinnein oisinn tighe, 's a tighinn air a choimhearsnaich. Co beachd a tha fior, bhiodh e duilich, ma dh' f haodto, cunnartach, a radh. Crcid- idh mi gur e chuis gu bheil iad araon fior ann an tomhas ; co-dhiu cha 'n 'eil an Gaidheal fathasd cho dichioUach 's gu'm feud e leasan an t-Sean- fhocail a dhi-chuimhneachadh. Cluinnidh sinn gu trie feartan 'us cliu ar Sluaigh air an dearbhadh le eisenipleirean air bunailteachd 's air soirbheachadh o'n tigh, agus C(ùre gach ni tha air deireadh aig an tigh 'g a chur air an àite, — air ni sam bith ach na daoine. Cha 'n 'eil mi smuaineachadh gu bheil am beachd so uile gu leir fior, agus 's e mo bharaii gun deachaidh na tha de fhirinu ann a sheirm trie gu leoir. Tha sinn ro dheas gus a choire a chur dhinn fein, ma ghabh- as e idir deanamh. Saoilidh mi, thuilleadh air so, gu bheil sinn 's a' Ghaidhealtachd a' cur barrachd de'n choire air droch cothrom na tha freagarrach. Is trie a chu;la mi na 'n saoithreachadh an Gaidheal aig an tigh cho dichioUach 's cho diau 's a shaoitiiricheas e o'n bhaile gu'm biodh e na b' fhearr dheth. Ach tha e cosmhuil gu'm feum crioch na saothair a bhi 'n sealladh ar Sluaigh mu'n oibrich iad le 'n uile dhurachd. Agus cha mhiste iad Gall no Sasunnach a Dhi r' an taobh a bhith- eas a' bagairt dol rompa. Shoirbhich gu mor le'r hichd-duthcha an Ameri- ca, agus dh'eirich cuid diu gu inbhe ard ; ach theirear gu bheil an soirbh- eachadh na 's fearr far a' bheil Goill 'us Gaidheil measgta, na tha c far au Gaidhcil iad uile gu leir. Ma tha so lior, nach 'eil pairt de'n t-seann nadur a' leantainn ar Sluaigh tliar a' chuain ; agus nach 'eil dearbhadh laidir againn gur sinn fein na coirich air son moran de'n mhi-shoirbheach- adh air a' bheil sinn cho trie 'n ar fianuisean aig baile. Tha e fior nach faod sinn, 's an rioghachd so no 'n rioghachd eile, gun chunnart, earail an t-Sean-f hocail a dhearmad. D. M'K. Dara Mios an Fhoghair, 1S75. AN GAIDHEAL. 203 CUMHA Air Eobhan ]Mac LaclJuinn, am filidh Abrach, Fear-riagUaidh sgoil nan Canan ann am baile seann Abareadbain ; a dh'dug ■iii'i au treiue a làithean, agixs an aii-de, ìùthais 's a' bhliadhna lii22. Leis an macb an t-Olla Mac-an-t-Saoir, nach icami, Aodhaire _ s laidhe 'n caol-tbàmh na h-uaigh. Yl" leòn gii 'n do striochd thu cho tràth ! ?iIo bhròn gu 'n do thàmh cho hiath ! Dh' f hag so sinn fo airteal 's fo phramh 'S fo smalan 's an Airde tuath. Gu'n d' thug thu lom-sgriob oirnn, a Bhkis, A dh' f bag sinn gu cràiteach, bochd, Ar ii-ùr-choill, an àilleachd a fids, -\. rùsgadh bho bhàrr gu stoc ! Gu 'n d' f hag thu Lochabar fo bhron Cha leighis ar leòn ri luaths ; Gur g^ur so a chneidh a laidh oirnn Bho'n mheath thu ar Dòchas bhuainn ! Gu 'n spiiinn thu bhuainn tuigsear nan t^ud, A rianadh an t-seis le dòigh ; Ard-iùlair na fileachd 's gach send Bha 'n ealaidh na Grèig 's na Ròimh. Tear-eòlais gacb cainnte measg sluaigh ; Sàr thuigsear gacb buaidb fo"n ghrein ; S'lr ^ddiocaiT gacb rùnachd tha shuas Ft-adh chian-imeachd cuairt nan spèur. An t-Abrach, ZMac Lachluinn nan Dan, All Gaidheal is airde cliii : iia de gacb miisinneachd là,n -1 a db' f hòghlum gacb gnàs a b' f hiù. liu mbilis do chòmbradh 's do cbeòl, '8 gu 'm b' fhileanta gloir do bh^il ; Co iiis chuireas ranntachd air seòl, ]Mo nuar ! bbon nach beò thu f^in 1 Tha filidh nan aimsir gun liitb, -Vir breothadh 's an ùir bho chian ; Cha dearrs gath na grèin' air a shùil, S tha spiorad a chùil gun mhiann. Cille Mbaodain. Thig Earracb, thig Samhradh mu'n cuairt, •'8 thig Foghar nan sguab 'n an ddigh, Thig Geamhradh, le 'ghailbhinnean fuar, — Ach CO 'rannas duan g' an seinn ? Ach, nochdaidh an t-Earrach, 'n a thrh, Gu'm beil e am bkigb do'n t-seòd, Oir sgaoilidh e 'gh •■ d' aogus mar neach theid eug. Gu cinnteach 's bain-dia thu fein, Am piuthar do Phebus nan gath ? ?"' ^ :■ de naomh-oighean an aigh nig bho aros nam flath ? i^heil, a bhain-dia chaomh,   ■ n chruinne che 's am bheil ar cuairt. (■(jgrich no 'n aite 's do 'n t-sluagh inn air fuadan 's a' cheò ; ! unain a' ghaoth sinn gu trkigh .^ iia tiiinn laidir bheudach mhor. Is iomad iobairt reainhar Ian A loisgear le m' Ikimh gach uair Air d' altair, a bhain-dia mhor. Ma dh' amhairceas tu oirnn le truas." Fhreagair Venus dhonn nan leug Cha mheasar learn mi fein gu fior Airidh ah- an onoir mhòir A gheall thu dhomhsa mar chis. Is gnath le oighibh Thiorruis uir Bhi giiilan nan dòrlach sliom, 'S ag ceangal mu 'n calpannaibh ard Osan sgarlaid, maiseach, grinn Faic rioghachd nam Puinneach treun, Tiorraich 's bail' Aghènoir mhòir ; Luibia 's e ainm na tir,' Dream nach ciosnaichear ri 'm beò. Tha 'n rioghachd fo riaghladh mna. Dido, a thainig bho Thiorr, 'X uair theich i bho fheirg a nkmh, A dearbh bhrathair sanntach fiar. Is fad iomradh na h-eucoir mòir' Is fad an eachdraidh dhòineach chruaidh : Ach aithri.sidh mi chuid a 's mo Dhe 'n sgeida bhrònach nd ri buaidb, Sichaeus b' ainm a fir phòsd,' Bha shaojjjhreas ro mhor thar chiiich ; A's ghrkdhaich e bhean gun bhr^ig, Le gaol nach tr^igeadh gai bràth. 'N uair blia i 'n a maighdin oig A h-athair thug le coir i dha ; A's naisg e iad an sin ri cheil Fo thargradh gach seunais aigh. Pyfimnlion a brathair cli j Fhuair rioghachd Thiorruis mar shealbh ' An aingidheachd thug bàrrr air each, ' A's lagh an naduir thilg air falbh, ! Dh' eirich falachd iomadh lU \ Eadar an da bhrathair fein, , A's mharbh Pi/r/malion nan car I Sichaeus aÌ2 altair dhe. I An t-umaidh gun dia gim bhkigh, A dhalladh le griidh an oir I Thaiuirf air gun fliios gun dull I A thaobh a chiiil us rinn e leòn. Cheil e fad an gniomh neo-cheart, Air gaol a pheathar rinn e tàir, Gu h-aingidh dheilbh e sgeul nan go 'Gr a mealladh le dòchas bath, Ach ann am bruadar feadh na h-oidlich,' Thkinig taibhse a fir-phosd', A chorp cha d' adhlaiceadh 's an uaigh, A's thog e aghaidh suas fo leòn ; B' aogoiaidh glas-neulach a thuar : Noclid e 'n altair truaillt le full, Eùisg e gach lot agus reub A rinn an claidheamh geur 'n a uchd. An t-olc a bha 'n cleith san tigh Dh' fhoillsich e did sin gu luath, A's chomhairlich teicheadh gun dàil, Bho thir a gi-aidh thar a' chuan. Seann ioimihas folaichte fo 'n fhonn C'illein airgid trom us oir, Dh' fheuch e far an robh e 'n taisg A chuideachadh le cost an ròid. 'N uair mhosgail Dido as a suain 'S a thuig i 'm bruadar 's a sluagh Gu dol air fuadan as an tir, Thionail i gach neach thug fuath Do 'n annrigh gun truas, gun iochd, A's iadsan ri 'n robh e'm feirg A bha le h-eagal searbh air chrith, Ghabh iad an luingeas gun diul A tharladh dhoibh fhaotaimn deas. A's chuir iad gach ionmhas air bòi'd Gach airgiod us or fa leth, Ionmhas daoidheir nam feall, Pygmalion sanntach fiar, Ghiiilaineadh thar fairge niinn, A's bean mar cheann iùil sa' ghniomh Bhuail iad a dh-ionnsuidh an ait 'S am faic thu 'n tras balla ti-om, A's daingnichean Chartaig nan tùr Ag èirigh as ur bho'n bhonn. Cheannaich iad Ikrach mar sheilbh, Byrsa a fhuair ainm bho 'n ghniomh, Fhad 's a dh' iathadh seiche tairbh A ghearradh gu meanbh 'n a stiall, Ach innsibh a nise co sibh, 270 AN GAIDHEAL. Dara 'Mios an Fliogliair, : Cia 'n til- bho'n d' thainig sibh nail 1 A' siul)lial air sliabh cho mall ? Nuair cliuir i ceistean mar so Fbreagair e le h-osnaich theann Thog e ghuth bho ghrunnd a chleibh, A's labbair e gu reidh le chainnt ; "A bliain dia uan innsinn sgeul Mo lèiridh bho thus mo leòin 'S gu'm biodh socair agad fein A dh' eisdeadh an aithris bhròin ; Dhtiineadh Reul an Fheasgair chiair Dorsan nan ni d air an la Mu'n aithrisinn trian mo sgeòil 'S gach dòruinn a rinn mo chrh,dh. Tha sinne bho Thròidhe nan stuadh, Ma chual thu riabh ainm na Troidh, A's thainig sinn thar ioniadh cuan Tre chunnartaibh cruaidh ro mhòr ; Dh' iomain a' ghaoth sinn gu ti-aigh Air Luibia le gàbhadh f , mar fhcar-cogaidh — mar neach a dhoirt mòran fola. Cha bu dcic leis na b' eigin da dheanamh dheth sin 'an dion a bheatha fein, 's a' seasamh còraichean a rioghachd. Acli tha caochladh nitlie sgrioblita mu 'thimchioU a tha deanamh soilleir gu'm bu duin' iochdmhor, truasail e, CO maith is gaisgeil ri aghaidh cruadail ; ach ris nach b' urrainn sinn eadh- on bcantuinn anns a ghiorrachadh so a rinn sinn air a ghniomharaibh euchdail. Goirid an deigh bàs an righ, dh' fhalbli am ]\Iorair Dùghlas, le air- eamh maith de luchd-leanmhuinn, air los cridh' a' Bhrusaich adhlacadh 's an uaigh Naoimh 'an lerusalem. Bha e aig' ann an soireig airgid, crochte m' a amhaich, le sreing de or 's de shide. Air an turns do'n tàirde near chaidh na h-Albannaich air tir 's an Spainn. Ghabh ridi na Spainne riu gu subhach. Thacli- air gu'n robh cogadh 's an am eadar Alphonso, righ na Spainne, agus Osruin, righ nan Sarasach, luchd- leanmhuinn Mhahomeit, a bha 'n deigh sealbh a ghabhail air roinn mhòir de'n Spainn fada roimhe sud. Thug Alphonso air na h-Albannaich aontachadh ri dhol ga chuideachadh an aghaidh nan naimhdean so. Choinnich an da armailt ann an achadh faisg air Gibraltar. Einn Alphonso Morair Seumas Dùghlas 'n a Sheanalair air roinn mheadh- onach an airm. Chuir a'chuid sin de'n armailt air theichcadh na bha mu'n coinneamh de'n nàmhaid. Ach lean iad an ruaig ro fhada, 's thug na Spainich an aghaidh air creach- adh. Ach phill an eachraidh Sharasach air an ais, 's chuartaich iad an tearc a bha 'g an ruagadh. 'N uair a dh' fhairich an Diighlasach I an namhaid a' dòmhlachadh tim- | chioll air, dh' fhuasgail e 'n cord a i bha 'ceangal na soireig o 'bhi'oilleach I 's thilg e i fad a ghàirdein do mheadhon an namhaid, ag ràdh aig an ;\m cheudna, " Gabh air thoiseach 's a' chòrahraig mar bu nòs duit, 's leanaidh an Diighlasach thu, no bàsaichidh e." An sin dh' oibrich 'chlaidheamh mòr co maith 's gu'n do reitich e ait' anns an robh coth- rom dol mu'n cuairt aige. Ach bha na naimhdean co lionmhor 's co guineach timchioU air 's nach robh dol as aige. Fhuaradh a chorp Ian Dara Mios an Fhoghair, 1875. AN GAIDHEAL. de lotaibh, faisg air an ait' 's an robh an t-soireag airgid le cridhe an righ 'n a luidhe. Phill na mhair beò 'an deigh a' bhlair iid de nah-Albannaich dhacliaidh. Thug iad leò cnàmhan an Uùghlasaich, agus chuir iad air leth am fear a b' urraniaiche 'n a measg air son an t-soireag phriseil a ghiiilan air ais do Alba. Dh' adh- laiceadh cnamhan an Diighlasaich 'n a eaglais fein, maille ri 'aithrichibh. Dh' adldaic iad cridhe Eaibeirt Brus 'an Abaid Mheh-os. Anns a' bhUadhna 1818 bha luchd-oibre 'gearadh bunait air son eaglais ùr a thogail air lathrach seann Abaid Dhunfermlin. Anns a' .uhlanadh a bha iad a' deanamh an sinthàinig iad air naighrigli Eaibeirt. Bha còmhdachadh luaidhe air a tharruing 'an cumadh crùin aig a cheann, a' cnairteachadh a chuirp. Bha mirean de'n lion-eudach òir 's an deachaidh 'adhlacadh fathast ri 'm faicinn. Fhuaradh gu 'n robh na h-aisnean air taobh cli a' broillich air an sàbhadh as a' cheil' air son an cridhe thoirt a mach. Thàinig òrdugh a nuas a Lunninn na cnamh- an a bhi air an gleidheadh gu ciiramach gus am biodh tàmh-thigh ùr air ullachadh air son an càradh ann le mòr urram. Chruinnich mòran de shluagh na diithcha, iosal 'us uasal, gu sealladh fhaicinn de 'n a bha 'n eis de 'n ghaisgeach chliùiteach. Blia iad a sealltuinn le ioghnadh 'us fiamh air a' chlaigionn 's an robh comhairle co glic a' còmh- nachadh nair eigin, agus air a' chnaimh chaithte ud, a b 'e aon uair an gàirdean neartmhor a bliuail gu talamh am Bohun garg. A' CHLAESACH, KO 'CHEUIT. Tha Chlàrsach no 'Cliruit 'n a h-inneal-ciùil a tha anabarrach sean. Cha robh ach sia teudan air a' chruit a ghnàthaichcadh 's na cèud linntibh ann an Alba, 's ann an Eirinn, ach an deigh sin, chaidh barrachd theud a chur am feum. Bha meas air a' chruit na's mo na bha air inneal-ciiiil sam bith eile, agus tha fios againu o sheann bhàrd- aclid, CO maith us o sheann eachd- raidh, gu'm bheil an t-inneal sin co aosda ris na Gaidheil fein. Is e cruit a bhi aig neach sam bith aon de na tri nithibh a bhagu dheanamh 'n a dhuin'-uasal, agus 'n a dhuine saor. Cha'n fheudadh a dhànadas a bhi aig fear sam bith amharc air fein, mar dhuin-uasal mar biodh cruit aige, agus cumhachd cluicheadh oirre. Air an Laimh eile, cha robh a chridhe aig traillean sam bith làmh a chur air clàrsaich, do bhrigh an sin gu'm biodh iad air am meas uasal, agus uime sin, cha robh e ceaduichte dlioibh fein ceòl ionns- achadh, no ceadaichte do neach eile a theagasg dhoiljh. B' iad righrean, agus luchd-ciìùl nan righrean, àrd- mhaithean agus uaisleau na tire aig an robh comas clàrsaichean a bhi 'n an ionadaibh-còmhnuidh. Dh' fheudadh ard-uasal clarsair a bhi aige, ach cha'n fheudadh an cLars- air sin cluicheadh ach am feadh 's a bha e fo cheangal aig a' mhaighstir fein. Ged a thuiteadh duin'-uasal sam bith ann am fiachaibh, cha'n fheudadh an lagh greim a dheanamh air a chlarsaich air son nam fiach, oir air dha a bhi dh-easbhuidh na clars- aiche, chailleadh e 'urram fein, agus bhiodh e air a mhaslachadh gu inbhe tràille. Tha am mòr-mheas cèudna air a' chlarsaich am measg nan Loch- lunnach. Bha iad air am meas 'u an uaislibh le lagh na dùthcha a chluicheadh oirre, air an dion o gach cunnart, agus air an teasairginn o gach peanas. Agus cha'n e sin a mhàin, ach bha iad air an toirt a stigh do'n chuideachd a's urramaich, agus bha gach onoir agus meas air 276 AN GAIDHEAL. Dara Jlios an Fhoghair, 1S75. am buileachadh orra. Ach mar a bha linntean a' ruitli seachad blia iia cleachdaidhnean so 'g an cur a chuid 's a chuid air chid. Tha'n earrann mu dheireadh dhe'ii bhard- achd mhaisich a rinneadh ami an linntibh fad fad air ais, ris an abrar " Miann a Bliaird Aosda," a nochd- adh dhuinn ann am briathraibh tlà, am meas a blia aig an t-seann f hear- dàn sin air a' chruit fein, oir thubh- airt e : — Ach O! mu'n tig i, seal ma'n triall mo cheò Gu teach nam bard air Ard-bheinn as nach till, Fair cn;it 's mo shlige dh' ionnsuidh 'n ròid, An sin mo chruit, 's mo shlige ghrMdh, slan leibh ! Sgiathanach. SOP AS GACH SEID. Far nach 'ail an cridhe saibhir, cha'n 'eil ann an saibhreas ach deircean bochd, salach, truagh. Tha tuigse an duine a tha da rireadh glice mar ghloine. Leigidh i stigh solus nèimh agus a ris leigidh i air as e. Gus an deachaidh sinn troimh 'n àmhainn theintich, cha robh fios againn air raeud na truaillidheachd a thugadh air f albh uainn. Cha trie leinn aithreachas a bhi oimne air son g-u'n d' fhuirich sinn 'n ar tosd ach is minic a ghabh sinn aithreachas a chionn nach do chum sinn ar teangadh. ]Ma tha duine dichiollach, chramach, agus glic, tha e cinnteach gu'n teid gach chis leis ; agvis tha a ghiulan a' cur deagh eiseimpleir roinih gach sean agus òg mu'n euairt da. Tha an neach sin a tlia an còmhnuidh fo dheagh mhisnich ag cleachdadh leighis, a bhios chum slàinte, an da chuid, do'n chorp agus do'n anam. Cha bn choir do dhuine dcagh obair a throigsinn, ged nach soirbhich chisean leis CO h-ealamh 's a bha diiil aige. Cuireadhe a dhòchas ann an gubhailc, firinn, agus maitheas an Fhreasdail agus thig rath an cois a dhichiU. Tha da fhoghlum aig gach aon againn. Tha siini a' faotuinn aon diubh bho mhuinn- tir eile, agiis tha sinn a' toirt dhuinn fein an aon eile. Tha an ti sin an còrahnuidh saoibhear, a tha an còmhnuidh sHdnteil. Chnir òganach coir, àbhachdach, a' cheist roimhe so ri seann mhaighdinn nasail, a bha air an taobh thall de leth-cheud, agus thubh- airt e rithe, " Ciod i do bharail-sa a nis, a bhean-uasal, urramach, mu thimchioll pòs- aidh ? " " Mu thimchioll pòsaidh," ars' ise, " Tha e ceart cosmhuil ri euslainte sam bith eile, an uair a tha beatha ann, tha dochas." Tha moran air am mealladh a thaobh saoibhreis. Tha diiil aig na daoinibh saoghalta, amaideach, farmadach nach 'eil sonasr'a fhaotuinnairuachdar antalmhainn, ach ann an airgiod agus or. Ach tha meall- taireachd na barail so aithnichte dhoibhsau uile aig am bheil cinn gu smuaineachadL. agus cridheachan gu mothuchadh. Na dean gaire ri leanabh ged a chuireadh eceist, 'n ad bheachd-sa, amaideach. Cha'n 'eil sin amaideach do'n leanabh, agus ma nithear gh,ire ris, bithidh e an cunnart a mhisneach a thoirt air falbh. Ge b'e co iongantach, faoin, agus diomhain 's a dh' fhèudas ceistean na cloinne a bhith, tha iad airidh air freagradh cairdeil agus deas fhaotuinn. Is lionmhor iad a ta ann an cabhaig gu fks beartach, a chi gur amaideach an giùlan fein, oir feuchaidh beagan ùine gu'm bheil iad ann an cabhaig gu. bhi air an creach. Is iad nadaoine a shaoithricheas gn foirfe, cr^in, stòlda, na daoine as feàrr a shoirbhicheas anns an t-saoghal. Is trie leò-san d'an cleachd a bhi'deanamh nithe gu cabhagach, gu'm feuni iad na nithe ceudna a dheanamh db, uair. Tha dearrsa aig soirbheachadh saoghalta a ta ealamh air .shilean dhaoine a dhalladh. An uair a chithear duine ag èiridh suas anns an t-saoghal, tha beachd agus barail ro niliòr air an gabhail dheth. Theirear, " Nach iongantach an duine so a dh' dirich CO h-ealaniii suas ì " Cha'n 'eil smuain idir air a gal)hail mu'n fhirinn, gur iad an duslach, a' t-hdnnlach, agus na h-itean, nithe gun chudthrom, agus air bheag luach, na nithe gidheatlh a's luaithe agus a's ealamh a dh' èii'eas suas. Cha'n iad an còmhnuidh Dara ilios an Fhoghair, 1S7 AN GAIDHEAL. na daoine mora agus maithe a's luaithe a  'XEADH an umuigh a leanas, ma 't fhior, le tuathanach coir Gallda demhuinn til- SioiTachd Dliunbreatunn, 's a' bhliadhna ISO 4, an uair a bha na Frangaich a' bag- radh air tighinn a nail :— "A Dhia beannaich an tigh so 's gaoh duine 's beathach a tha stigh, 's mar dhh, mhile de dhà thaobh an tighe. O, beann- aich am mart, agus a' mhin, agus an garadh- càil, agus baile mi .r Dhunbreatimn. " Beannaichan Trup Glas a tha 'n gearras- dan Hamilton. Is gilk-an sgairteil fearail : l1 — cha' b' ionann iad fhein 's na cileagan -iiasannach, a bhuailea-! an cas air cloich, j.uus a their : ' Am fear ud anam na cloiche/ mar gu'm biodh anam 's a' chloich. " O, tog garadh-droma làidir eadar sinn 's na Frangaich, ach ear gu mor is treasa - i'lar sinn 's na b^isteau Eirionnach. " A Ti^igheama, teasraig sinn bho bhuid- -iehean, agus bho bhan-bhuidsichean, 's ' lio gach piastaig a shnàigeas air feadh an fhi-aoich. •■ A Thigheama cuir braighdean diibailte Liiu amhach righ na Frainge, agus thoir lliomhsa ceann na teadhrach, gus a thoirt ir cheann learn an rathad is àill leam. Amhuil bitheadh. A thaobh ar tt achd-an-tir tha moran deth 'ga mhilleadh le ana-caitheadh. Fàgar cuid dheth 'nar soitbichibh, — th^id cuid dheth 'san teine, — agus tilgcar cuid dheth a mach. Tha e cinnteach gu'm bheil comas againn air so a dheanamh, oir is leinn fein . Cheannaich no choisinn sinn e. Phaigh sinn am fuineadair, agus am feoladair, ach cha do phaigh sinn Esan a rinn an teachd- an-tir, agus cha'n mrainn sinn ath-dhioladh a dheanamh Dha-san le h-airgiod no le h-òr. Uaith-san tha sinn a' faotuinn ni's leoir air san ar feumalachd fein, ach cha'n 'eil sinn a' faotuinn coir. Uaith-san gu ana-caith- eadh a dheanamh air a' chuid a's lugha de thoirbheartas a fhreasdail fein d'ar taobh. Tha cleachdadh na dichill 'na buannachd mhòir air a sgkth fein. Is e so fior shaorsa an duine sin a ta iriosal. Tha e 'cur dealachaidh ro chomharraichte eadar e agus an neach sin eile a tha ciontach agus truagh. Is e so fior shuaicheantas an urraim a ta aige 'san t-saoghal, agus is e so a bheir air gu'n abair e, " Tha mi a' cnmail m' kite fein a'm measg mo cho' chreutairean, a chionn g\in do choisinn mi e." Tha e 'ga fhaicinn fein saor agus neo-eiseimeil- each, agus aims gach comunn feudaidh e a cheann fein a thogail suas Is searbh an obair a bhi diomhain. Cha'n 'eil ni sam bith ann a dh' fhkgas duine ann staid ni's truaighe na bhi diomh- ain. Cha'n 'eil aobhar truais ann a ta ni's mo na daoine aig am Idieil ùine 'nan laimh fein, agus gun a bhi faicinn car aca r'a dheanamh. Tha beatha an duine air a roinn 'na tri earrannaibh, agus is iad sin, an earrann a bha, an earrann a ta, agus an earrann a bhitheas. Bu choir duinn a bhi air ar teagasg leis an km a chaidh seachad, buannachd fhaotuinn o'n km a ta Ikthair, agus gu bhi 'gar giiilan fein ni's fekrr air son an ama ri reachd. Cha'n e saibhreas mor, no full ua=al a ni duine sona. Tha'n da chuid aig moran de na daoinibh a's truaighe air an talamh. Is sona, siochail, beannaichte an ti sin aig am bheil cumhachd gu cur suas gu foighdinn- each le deuchannaibh, agus aig am bheil taingeileachd gu comhfhurtachd a sheal- bhachadh. Tha 'n ti sin a' tarruing sonais 'a ciiisibh eugsamhla na beatha, agus eirich- idh gu maith dha a bhos agus thall. Smuainich air so, agus bi glic. S. 278 AN GAIDHEAL. Dara Mios an Fhoghair, 1S75. LINN AN AIDH. Le Iain MacCuaraig, am Both-Fhionntain. Gleus C. I fiis =l=35=(>i: 5E3S: iisiilg^^^ R| l:-.l : 1 .,m I f .m :r:-.S| f .,s : l:-.fMm\m^: r^:-.T m in':-.r' : t .,1 | f . m Eq^^?£ -.T 1 :-.dM m . m " An uair 'bha 'GhàiHg aig na h-e(Mn," Bha 'm bainne air an Ion mar dhritichd : A' mhil a' fas air bàrr an fhraoich — A li-uile ni clio saor 's am burn. Cha i-obli tlaoin' a pàidlicadh mail, Olia robh chin orra no cis — lasgacb, sealgacb, agus coill Aca gun fhoighneachd, gun pbris. Cba robb cogadb, cba robh còmbstri, Cba robh connsacbadh no streup ann ; Il-uile h-aon a' gabhail còmhnaidb Anns au t-seòl' bu deòin leis fhuin e. Clia robh giith air cricb, no tòir ; Bha gach dùil 'tigh'nn beò an .sUh ; Fcum sam bith cha robh air mod, 'S lagh na còrach air a' chrìdh'. Dh' or dh' airgiod cha robh miagh, Sogh 'us fialachd air gach làimh ; Bochduiiin cha d' fhiosraich ncach riamh, 'Us duine cha d' iarr cuid chàich. Bha caoimhneas, comunn, iochd 'us gi-iidh Anns gach iiit' am measg an t-sluaigh, Eadar far an eirich grian 'S far an laidh i 'n iar 's a' chuan. Bha gach achadh fo throm bhiirr Gu torrach, Ian, air a' chluain ; Bliochd 'us bainne aig an Kl — Innis 's gach iiit' aig a' bhuar. Cha robh feum air cleith no crann, Chinn gacli ni neo-ghann leis fhcin; Meas 'us blh,s 's a h-uile h-àm — A' bliadhna 'n a s;imlu-adh gu leir. — Ail Duanaire. I 6^'f ettcrs t0jtte fJJìF-'k^r THE OSSIANIO QUESTION. 1 Altnacraig. Oban, September, 20, 1870'^_ ^ 1 uL « -^.paa^sa.^ cjauoo ^oipa H^-'.'^H' n> -1 ' 'I .^ ^^ , t oqi p 45. th Fill! 0<i..qwo«. «. »',P'»°X™,Tn-?r,'o»«°i.»'''''»'''«!Ì°t'sli prose, under the ' r '*»£ »PJ° : i „T„s'™,\».o;'".J<n,a„':.-«,,., ; works of Ossian." : .,