Trcmsctctions. 71 



have noted, he could not have failed to be an lionour to himself, 

 an ornament to liis profession, and an ad\'antage to society. 

 While his untimely death must cause a pang of regret to every 

 member of the Society who knew him at all, it has produced in 

 those who knew him better, feelings of a deeper and more per- 

 manent character. Though dead he yet speaketh. To us he 

 saith, ' Time is short, life is uncertain. Be up and doing ; work 

 while it is day ; the night cometh.' " 



On the motion of Mr M'Dowall, vice-president, it was also 

 agreed to record the loss sustained by the death of the Rev. J. B. 

 Johnstone, who had rendered \aluable assistance in tlie archaeolo- 

 gical department. 



Donations. — The Secretary laid on the table pieces of ancient 

 Egyptian papyrus and parchment, with hieroglyphics and Coptic 

 writing thereon, as a donation from Dr Grant Bey ; eleven 

 pamphlets on different subjects from Mr G. F. Black ; a collec- 

 tion of plants from Mr Arthur Bennett, F L.S., for distribution 

 among the members. 



The Secretary also laid on the table Vols. I. and II. of " Bain's 

 Calendar of Documents," which he had been instructed to 

 purchase for the Library. 



Exhibits. — The Chairman exhibited specimens of variegated 

 sandstone found in tiie Nith, and an old engraving of the 

 Reformers; also an old MS. book, dated 1815, and an old artistic 

 pen-case on behalf of Miss M'Cracken. Mr W. G. Gibson 

 exhibited a Callre's skull, and pointed out some distinguishing 

 characteristics ; al.so an old oak chair that belonged to the box- 

 master of the shoemakers in connection witii tlie Seven Trades of 

 Dumfries. Dr D. Lennox exhibited and described a number of 

 curiosities brought from the Soudan, including a Remington 

 rifle, an Arab spear, knife, camel sticks, armlets, and several 

 photographs of the natives, and of the Mahdi. 



The Chairman intimated that the Committee had held several 

 meetings recently to consider the advisability of recommending 

 the Society to occupy the Presbytery House, as a suitable place 

 for holding their meetings, and for storing their books and speci- 

 mens. The Secretary read the conditions on which the Presby- 

 tery of Dumfries would agree to the proposal. After a short 

 discussion this was adjourned until next meeting. 



