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107 
friend and he spoke of some ordinary matter, I well remember 
almost rudely gazing at the wild eyes of this worshipper of the 
Muse. 
“His looks commencing with the skies; 
His rapt soul sitting in his eyes.” 
From that time. till near life’s close, he was a friend indeed to 
both of us. He taught us elocution, as well as giving us insight 
into botanical lore. With him we visited Howarth and all the 
spots about there, consecrated by the genius of the Bronté family. 
The Pendle Laureate will always have a niche in the Temple 
of Poesy. 
These artistically outlined leaves and blossoms are treasured 
as being gathered at a spot higher up than Hurstwood, on 
an occasion when Mr. Philip Gilbert Hamerton called our 
friend and his father to a pleasant consultation about the fitting 
up of a boat that he was about to float on Loch Awe, and 
which was completely equipped in Burnley, before being sent 
among the islands he has made so famous. The spot where the 
treasured sheaves grew is supposed to have been about that 
portion of the Brun where the poet Spenser was strolling, as he 
meditated on his ‘‘ Faerie Queene.”’ 
‘© And fast beside their trickled softly downe 
A gentle streame, whose murmuring wave did play 
Emongst the pumy stones.” 
James McKay thought highly of our local poet, and the esteem 
held by the one for the other was emphasised on many occasions, 
and was often chaffingly referred to by mutual friends not so 
highly starred. McKay was an able contributer to the literature 
of our Club, and was made—after his removal from Burnley to 
Malvern—an honorary member, and very highly, we know, he 
valued this honour. Surely it is time his versatile writings 
were collected and edited, and some account given of his career. 
They would make a most interesting book, and would help 
towards the gaining of material, from which future historians of 
our town might draw. 
Reference should be made to some of the many minor 
evolutionary influences that were encountered during the happy 
time when youth was approaching manhood. Dr. Butler taught 
many of us the French language, at an evening class, in the 
Literary Institute. His refined bearing and classical scholarship 
had a great influence on our friend, and so had contact with 
Mr. T. 'T. Wilkinson, who, at theMechanics’ Institute, instructed 
us in Astronomy, Archeology and subjects of local interest. 
Then there was our connection with Mr. Leonard Clement, who 
taught us Chemistry and Physiology. His influence, during 
