The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-01-12

l
merate. A few examples. The sweet singe
of Israel; David l. and H., monarchs o
Scotland. The first began his reign in ll24
B. G. And the second in 1329-and ther'
is David Lindsay, one of our early poets
Davies Dale, who gathered labOrer8 at COrr'
Linn, whose praise resoundS in that water
fall, and Sir II. Davy, chemist; and Sil
David Brewster, philosopher and Christian
who invented the kaleidoscope. Sir DaviC
Brewster paid compliment to Inverness
for he found his consort in that shire. She
was the daughter of Ossian Mcpherson, who
lived after his return from India, near Kin
gussie. But who are the Calders Your
correspondent does not pretend to be even a
Baronet. How much less Lord. But is
there not town bearing this name four
miles to the south of Nairn e? and a village
near Edine, river in England, and Caldera
in Chill? l tell you they are among the big
fish.
Some of the Scotch Lowlanders think very
little of our Highlands; but you and know
that the lines have fallen to US in pleasant
places. In our latitude the winters are
bleak, but our summers lightful. E'gin is
borough town. 1t has population of
more than seven thousand, and gentlemen
and ladies often interchange their smiles. 1t
has of course a Main street, from which less
important alleys diVerge. What number
of English tourists have gazed on the dilapi-
dated edifce. 1t was probably reared in
1928. But some have assigned it an earlier
date. Its arches, windows, chancels, chap
ter house, the sepulchres of the Gordon fam
lily, and stone coffin of King Duncan are still
interesting. And Elgin is environed with an
unparalleled pictureSqueness. Its soil COM
paratively level, its slight hills, elevations
that create no giddiness, and its sea views
when no storms are abroad, would please the
most exquisite artist Such prospect would
lend few sparks of fire to the coldest pen
Gil. A few miles to the southwest we have
ruin in Pluxarden Priory. The difference
between an Abbey and Priory is slight.
The south wall of the Nave, the choir, the
chapter house with its central pillar, few
tombstones and the old orchard remain. 1t
was founded by Alexander H., in 1880; be
having come to the throne in 1914. You
are familiar with all such facts; but they are
not SO well known to VirginianS. For this
reason have they been stated.
How often have we strolled out to Spynie
Castle four miles to the northeast that We
might muse over its ruins, and admire the
Loeb on which it stands. That sheet of wa
ter perhaps is not equal to the one at Lin
lthgow palace. But that palace, like Spine
7is in ruins, though the latter was fortress
for the protection of Bishops. Why should
Bishops need fortress unless for their bad
ness? Some of them, like Bertoun and
Sharp, were murderers. They took the
sword, and perished by the sword. Was
there ever a neater town than Forres with
its four thousand people, its one street, its
pointed gables and Saxon dOOrWayS. Much
of the town is built of stone. The view from
surrounding heights is lovely. Its stone
column, its established kirk, its burial ground
and it's new chapel for United Presbyterians,
are objects that awaken interest. You know
the Findhorn to be but narrow stream,
and yet crossed by fine suspension bridge.
You are acquainted with the moor near
Nairn where Macbeth and the witches met;
the high banks of the river, the reflection of
the heather which lends a purple tinge to
the waters, the flight of heronshaws, the
graceful movements of swans in search of
juicy herbs, magnificent seats like Brodie
House, and Dalway Castle approached
through rows of trees. From the Cum
mings, a distinguished family among US
Highlanders, some VirginianS are descend
ants. We have been at the grave of James
Vass, who died at Falmouth, border town
to Fredericksburg. His grave is on higher
hill than the elevations near Forres, the place
from which he emigrated.
The people here would be well pleased to
see me in my highland dress. We shall not
conform to the demands of their curiosity.
am not chief. 1t will not answer to
write more about Scotland till we send you
letter or two about Virginia. For the
present adieu.