H9BHH9HS JOHN M. KELLY LIBRARY DONATED BY GAELIC SOCIETY OF TORONTO TRANSACTIONS GAELIC SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. <Tomunn Gallic; (Bblascbo. TRANSACTIONS OF THE GAELIC SOCIETY OF GLASGOW, Dol. 2. 1801*94. *' Cha mhisde sgeul math aithris da itair.' PUBLISHERS ARCHIBALD SINCLAIR, CELTIC PRESS, 10 ROTHIVELL .V TKEE T, GLA SGO W. HENRY WHYTE, 4 BRIDGE ST., C.LASC.OU: NORMAN MACLEOD, THE MOUND, F.DIXKI-RC.H. H. MACDONALD, KS/'L.I.VAD/-:, OHA.\: ARCHIBALD SINCLAIR, PRINTER, CELTIC PRESS 10 BOTHWELI. STREET. GLASGOW PREFACE THE objects which the Gaelic Society of Glasgow had in- view in resolving to publish its transactions were, that a record of the Society's doings should be available to all the members and others who might be interested, and that such lite airy productions as were at its command should be put in some permanent form of easy access. For want of similar means of preservation, much valuable matter read before kindred societies is continually being lost. Even those who have the privilege of hearing are only a little better off than tbose who have not that privilege. To listen to an essay or lecture and the discussion which usually follows without it is, doubt, pleasing and profitable ; but has not the amount of educative influence which the same matter committed to type has. But it is when we take into con- sideration the fact that the former exercises a passing influence on only a few minds, while the latter may act on many minds over a long interval of time, that we see the full excess of value of the one over the other. No doubt many papers read before Highland societies find their way into the magazines and weekly newspapers, and, in that way, do a considerable amount of good much more, perhaps, tha.n would generally be credited and, among them, some of those included in this volume can be counted. But even these, after being read once, run the risk of never being seen again, and, what is of more consequence, are not likely to come under the eyes of future generations. In the case of literature given in book form, it is different : it is always arressible. -Vlll. PREFACE. In the present transitionary state of the Gaelic race, it is of the utmost importance that the future generations should not lose touch with their country's past. This is necessary for the preservation of those best characteristics that have so frequently won admiration from aliens, and that have sustained them, as a people, through trying social, political, and religious difficulties. In one of the essays recorded in the first volume, it is " said, We are living in the midst of a Celtic renaissance." All who have been following the course of events during tin- last fifteen years will homologate that statement. Much of this Celtic renaissance, so far as the Highlands are concerned, is due to the writings of Highlanders in the South, mostly connected with some society or other. This should be an incentive to all who have the Jlove of the Gaelic race and their land in their heart to further stimulate the movement by becoming members of Gaelic societies, and contributing to, or helping the circulation of, literature bearing upon Highland life and history and the Gaelic language. It is an honourable characteristic of the Highlander that is it is he fond of education ; and well known that the poor of the Highlands are more ready to make sacrifices in its .acquisition than the poor among their wealthier neighbours. But the fact remains that the Highlanders, as a people, are comparatively poor, and, on that account, less able than their neighbours to acquire education and, at the same time, patronize and support their own literature. It is, therefore, all the more incumbent on those who can afford it to make up for their brethren's drawbacks. The subjects treated of in the following pages cover a wide field embracing History, Manners and Customs, Philology, Folk Lore, Book Lore, and General Literature ; and while the ordinary reader cannot fail to be entertained and instructed, the studious may find useful information t .aid him in his studies. I'KKJ \( I . ix. Some valuable papers \vhieh were not available to tin- Society for publication in this volume have already appeared. or are to appear, elsewhere. It is gratifying to be able to record that, since the public- ation of the first volume, an increased interest has been taken in Gaelic Literature, and that a considerable number of valuable publications bearing upon the Gaelic Language, and the ancient and modern literature to be found in it, have been issued. A fact worthy of recognition here -on which the Society is keeping its eye is that by the will of the late Rev. A. K. MAI' CALM M of Glasgow, a sum has been placed at the dis- posal of the Senatus of Glasgow University, to be used in establishing a Gaelic Lectureship in connection with the University. It is hoped that when such a lectureship has been established, all Gaelic students receiving their education in Glasgow will take advantage of it, and through the benefits to be derived, be the better able to promote tho-i- object-, for which this Societv was constituted. CONSTITUTION AND RULES. " I. The Society shall be called THE GAELIC SOCIETY or GLASGOW." II. The objects of the Society shall be : The cultivation the of the Gaelic Language ; cultivation and development of Celtic Philology, Literature, and Music ; the elucidation the of a Celtic of Celtic Antiquities ; and fostering spirit among the Highlanders of Glasgow. III. The Society shall be composed of persons of Celtic extraction, or of such as take an interest in its objects. All applicants for admission to membership shall be proposed and seconded at an ordinary meeting, and on payment ot their subscription, their names shall be entered on the Membership Roll. IV. The Subscriptions of Members to the Funds of the shall : Life of 2 2s. Society be Members, one payment ; Honorary Members, annually, Ladies 3s., Gentlemen 7s. 6d.; Ordinary Members, annually, 3*. V. The business of the Society shall be conducted by a Board of Management, consisting of the President, the Vice-Presidents, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and the Directors five to form a quorum. The Members of the Board shall retire annually, but shall be eligible for re- i-lection at the Annual Business Meeting of the Society. VI. The Society shall meet in the Religious Institution Rooms, Buchanan Street, or other convenient place, on the last Tuesday of each month, from October to April- -seven to be a quorum. VII. The Annual Business Meeting of the Society shall be held on the last Tuesday of April. No part of the Con- stitution shall be altered or amended except at this meeting, and then only on the resolution of at least two-thirds of the but alteration Members present ; notice of any such or amendment must be in the hands of the Secretary within at least one month of said Meeting. OFFICE-BEARERS FOR SESSION 1891-92. Patrons. PROF. J. S. BLACKIK. PROF. MACKIXXOX. M.A. R. RKV. BLAIR, D.D. RKV. J. MACLEAX, I). I"). J. Bovn, Kso., H.M.I. S. SHKRIH Xicoi.sox, I.I..1' \V. JOLLY. Eso.., F.R.S.E. D. Ross, Esg., 1. 1.. M. MACKAV, Eso., C.E. RKV. \VII.I.IA~M J. | Hon. President. RKV. A. STEWART, LL.D. (Nether Loehaber). President. MR. HEXRV WHYTE (Fionn). I 'ice-Presidents, DR. A. CLERK. DR. R. C. MACDIARMIM. MR. ALEX. MACDONALD, M.A., E.E.I. S. RKV. EWAX A. RAX KIN, B.D. MR. Dl'XCAX WHYTE. Treasurer. MK. JOHX MACKAY. 17 Dundas Street, Kingston, Secretaries. MR. MALCOLM MACKAKLAXE, 12 Hijjh Street, Paisley. MR. MAC.XCS MACLEAN, M.A.. E.R.S.E., 21 Haybiirn Creseent, 1'artick. Directors. Mr. Hi - t;n CA.MKROX. Mr. AI.KX. MACXKILL. Dr. IAIN CLERK. DON. MACI-IIIK, F.E.I.S. Mr. HrcH MAC-COLL. COLIN MACRITCHIK. ,, JAMKS MACKELLAR. IV'N \I.D XllOI.^'N. A. R. MACKKX/.II . l>i MAX A. \\'. MACLEOD. ARCIIIBALP SINCLAIR. Hrmi MAI-LKOH. Hi M \\ SHARP. Mr. HIC.H STE\\ AKI OFFICE-BEARERS FOR SESSION 1892-93. Pttl'rons. Prof. J. S. BLACKIK. Prof. MACKINNON, ALA. Rev. R. BLAIR, D.D. Rev. J. MACLEAN, D.D. J. BOYD, Esq., H.M.I.S. A. MACHAIN, Esq., M.A. A. A. CARMICHAEL, Esq. CAPTAIN N. MACLEAN. AV. JOLLY, Esq., F.R.S.E. ALKXR. NICOLSON, LL.D. J. MACKAY, Esq., C.E. D. Ross, Esq., LL.D. Rev. A. STEWART, LL.D. Hon. President. C. ERASER-MACKINTOSH, ESQ. President. A!R. MAGNUS MACLEAN, ALA. Vice- Pres ide nts. DR. I. CLERK. DR. R. C. AIACDIARMID. AIR. D. MUNRO-FRASER, H.M.I.S. AlR. DUNCAN REID. MR. DUNCAN WHYTE. Treasurer, M*. JOHN MACKAY, 17 Dundas Street, Kingston. Secretary, MR. MALCOLM MACFARLANE, Gleniffer View, Elderslie. Directors. Mr. HTCJH CAMERON. Air. Hl'C.II AlACLKOI). Dr. A. CLERK. Al.KX. AlACNEILL. Air. HUGH MACCOLL. DON.MACPHIE.F.E.I.S. A. MACDONALD, H.M.I.S. COLIN AlACRiTCHiE. JAMES MACKELLAR. DONALD NlCOLSON. D. MACLACHLAN. ARCHIHALO SINCLAIR. A. W. MACLEOD. HIGH STEWART. D. A. MACLEOD. HENRY WIIYIK. OFFICE-BEARERS FOR SESSION 1893-94. /'iitmns. PROF. J. S. BLACK IK. PROF. MACKINNON, 'M. A. REV. R. BLAIR, D.D. REV. J. MACLEAN, AD. J. BOYD, ESQ., H.M.I.S. A. MACBAIN, ESQ., M.A. A. A. CARMICHAKL, ESQ. CAPTAIN \. MACLEAN. W. JOLLY, ESQ., F.R.S.E. C. ERASER-MACKINTOSH, ESQ. J. MACKAY, Ksg., C.E.