xliv MEMOIR OF SIR J. G. DAL YELL. 



scenery could not easily be obliterated from the mind. The sun was ver- 

 tical — there was not a breath of air — the sea was like a sheet of glass, 

 without a ripple moving it. The Bass Rock rose in majestic splendour, 

 seemingly almost close to the eye. The wild birds, screaming and 

 screeching over the barren rock, literally darkened the air like a cloud. 

 Nothing could be discerned beyond, except sometimes a ship slowly pass- 

 ing to or fro the blue expanse of ocean. All was silence — all was solitude, 

 save a few fishermen's huts upon the brink of the sea, and the romantic 

 ruin of Tantallon Castle, respecting which so many wonderful stories are 

 related in that part of the country. 



Though much engaged with his literary and scientific pursuits, to- 

 gether with his legal duties — for although the Parliament House proved 

 too fatiguing for him, he had considerable business as a consulting lawyer 

 — Sir John still found leisure to cultivate that social intercourse which 

 rendered fashionable life in Edinburgh, during the early part of the pre- 

 sent century, so agreeable. We mean the select private parties held at 

 one another's houses. The visitors met about eight o'clock, and generally 

 broke up between eleven and twelve. The time before supper was usually 

 spent in playing quartets and quintets, and after, in singing catches and 

 glees. The suppers were studiously plain, so as to suit the circumstances 

 of all. Sir John was equally free in performing at charitable concerts, 

 when called upon for that purpose by the parties interested. It may be 

 mentioned that his violin — a genuine Straduarius — once belonged to 

 Stabilini, well known as a leader of the Edinburgh concerts at the begin- 

 ning of the century, and is now retained as an heir-loom in the family. 

 It is rather a curious coincidence that Sir John should also have become 

 possessed of Stabilini's violoncello. It was a gift to that performer by 

 the Countess of James Earl of Hopetou. After his death, his widow was 

 desirous of disposing of it, but none of the gentlemen being inclined 

 to purchase it, they considered the best plan for her was to raffle it. 

 Sir John held a ticket, but having a particular engagement on the day of 

 raffle, a friend, who called in passing, undertook to throw for him. The 

 gentleman threw first for himself, and secondly for Sir John, which latter 

 throw proved the highest, and Sir John (then Mr Dalyell) was declared 



