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duck was convinced that it had been subjected to indig- 

 nity by its neighbour — and a wild free fight ensued. I am 

 sure that humanity could have done no more — could not 

 have given more evidence of keenly wounded feelings — 

 nor reseated injury with more pluck and spirit. 



The journey continued over the bridge, through Focha- 

 bers, down the east bank of the river, to inspect the 

 Roman Fort on the wooded high ground a little below 

 Bellie Kirkyard. Little or no evidence exists of such a 

 fort, but we know that the vicinity has other historical 

 reminiscences, for the Spey has been forded here by the 

 royal troops of Malcolm Canmore, Alexander I., and 

 Malcolm III., and here also the forces under Cumber- 

 land crossed on their way to Culloden Moor. Leaving 

 our machines to meet us at Fochabers, we walked through 

 the gardens and grounds of Gordon Castle, a walk rendered 

 equally as instructive as it was pleasant, being escorted by 

 Mr. Webster himself. The Castle, too, was thrown open 

 for our inspection ; and I cannot forget to mention here 

 how deeply moved as a Society we were at the handiwork 

 of some unknown enthusiast which we noticed. He had 

 taken compassion upon some old pieces of armour lying in 

 the recess under the tower, and had revivified them with 

 a good solid coat of stone-colour paint. Notice ought to 

 be taken of such a man, and his good qualities directed 

 into some suitable channel ! 



A long cold drive was before us ere we would reach 

 home, and to enliven it a bit, I will tell you another story 

 about one of our members. It came to my recollection 

 as we passed the scene of its enactment, a little loch on 

 the roadside. We had been all day on a nesting excur- 

 sion, but had met with little success, owing to the lateness 

 of the season. Here a goodly brood of young ducks, better 

 known as flappers, was encountered, and the pent-up 



