Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1876-01-18
THE HOME OF "MAGA."

WILSON, HOGG AND LOCkHART MET.
During our weeks stay in Edinburgh, writes
a correspondent, in the summer of 1867, We
were constantly enveoped in Scotch mist,
that is to say, the rain fell continually drearily,
ptilessly, as it does nowhere outside the land O
cakes. Having waited in vain for 1t to clear
up, one afternoon we started out determined to
visit one spot despite wind and wet. For years
the home aud hauuts of "Maga" had been to
us shrine at which We resolved to bow sooner
or later. So while the rest of the party gather
ed around the fire in the snug parlor at the
Royal, we made our way to famed Is George
street, 10 the new towa, the publication Office
of B!ackwood's Magazlne.
Having no special ic ter of Introduction, We
requested clerk to say to MIR. Blackwood that
an American wished to see the rooms 10 which
Wilson, Hogg, Lockhart aud others were wont
to congregare. We were presently invited up
It ,irs and introduced to Jobn Blackwood, esq,
one of the sons of old "Ebouy." Heading our
longtime interest 10 the Magazine aud its con-
tributors as our only apology tor the intrusion,
we we're quickly relieved from our embarrass-
ment by he assurance that it would be pleas
ure 10 crafty our curiosity. We sat awhile by
the fire, and listeoed to an interesting account
Of the choice spirits who attended "Maga,
during her early days, and were shown the
parlor where they commonly met for couVer-
sation or work.
The furniture remained much the same as it
was during Wilson'S lifetime, old Kits chair
being 10 its accustomed place. The most con
spicuous object 10 the room was the magnlh
cent portrait of Prot. Wilson, taken at full
length though 10 a sitting attitude. We asked
if he was as genial 10 personal intercourse as
he was in his writing. The reply was that
during most of his life be was an agreeable
companion, but that for few years preceding
his death he became somewhat irritable by
reason of physical suffering. After passing an
agreeable half hour we came away enriched by
many pleasant memories, aud by copy Of the
magazine with he autograph of Mr.. Black
wood, treasured till now. Lord Neaves, SOU
in law Of Wilson, and valued contributor to
the magazine entered the apartment as we
came away.
The Noctes Ambrosia~ e must be accepted
as the most brilliant re- uit Of coujolnt literary
effort which has ever appeared. 1t will never
be accurately known what were the exact COZ
trbutions of each writer, but there is no mis-
taking Kit North's pcrvading spirit. 1t is
doubtful if the sturdy old man ever fully re.
covered from the shock occasioued by the
death of his wife She is described as being
very lovely, both in person aod disposition,
and it is known that he was ardently at
tachcd to her. 1t was said Of her by one
tha, knew her well, that 'if there was
woman to bs sorrowed for through widow.
ed life, it was she, so opposite to the daz-
zllng, impetuous spirit of her mate 10 the
beautiful geuteness and equanlmity of her
temper" There is story that Wilson met her
by accident while she was on tour through
the lakes, and, knowing Of 40 way to obtain an
introduction, followed her from ion to inn, dis
guised as waiter. Mackenzie narrates the
following incidents showing the effect OF her
de- th upon him:
"Wheu Wilson first met his class in the
University, after his wlte's death, he had to
adiudicate on the comparative merits OF va
rious essays which had been sent in on compe-
tition for prize. He bowed to his class, and,
in as firm a voice as he could command, apollo
giZcd for not having examined the essays, tor,
SAID he, i could not see to read them 10 the
darkness of the valley of the shadow of death.
As be spoke the tears rolled down his cheeks.
He said no more, but waived his hand to his
class, who stood up as ne concluded, and hur-
red out of the lecture-room.
"Some time later, when lecturing upon
memory, he described the way a long widowed
husband would look back upon the early part
ncr OF bis lot, the warm eloqueoce OF the leo
turer held his audience enchanted. On and on
hc webt, waxing more touching and impress
svc, aud his face lighting up with emotion as
the words came rushing to his lips; his eyes
bcgau to fill with moisture, then the lower jaw
began to tremble, and at last, oVerpOwercd by
his emntious the old man stopped in mid-carecr
aud buried his head 10 his arms on the desk be-
nprfpHt
stiffness in the class. but when Wilson again
raised bis head, and the big tears were seen
rolling down his cheeks. as he essayed to pro-
cced, his voice was drowned 10 the loud cheers
OF the young students around him.
Qua TEETH They decay. Hence uuseemly
mouths, bad breath, imperfect nastication.
Everybody regrets it. What is the cause?
The reply is, want Of cleanliness. A clean
tooth never decays. The mouth is warm
pace-9O'. Particles of meat between the
teeth soon decompose. Gums and teeth must
snttrr Perfect cleanliness will preserve the
tech to old age How shall it be secured
Use a quill pick aud rinse the mouth after cat
log; brush and CASTLE soap every morning;
brush and water on going to bed. Bestow this
tritIag care upon your precious teeth, and you
viii keep them. Neglect ii, and you will be
sorry all your lives. Children for get; watch
them. The first teeth determine the charac-
ter Q. the second set. Give them equal care.
Sugar acids, saleratus and hot things are moth
!ilg, when compalei with food dc composing
between the teeth. Mercuraliz zation may loose
the teeth; long use may wear them out !; but
Keep them clean and they will never decay.
Iractlce upon this advice aud you will never
regre it.
Altoona has gentle pastor who makes 1t
OILS business to 20 about among the houses OF
ms Pensioners and break up all dancing par
Ties that he may fed 10 progress.