86 Traiinactioiin. 



anxious to learn where he originally came from 1 " Oh," said Mr 

 Gatt, " I left the Highlands oire misty morning, and I never 

 could tind the way back again !" 



On applying for an augmentation of stipend, his plea was that 

 he had to exercise a great deal of hospitality to persons from 

 England ; for when the small stream called the Sark, between 

 the two countries, was swollen with rain, the travellers got dipped 

 in that Sark and he got dipped in debt. 



On one occasion that he was dining with Sir William Maxwell 

 at Springkell, a blustering fellow at the table thought to make a 

 butt of such a simple-looking man as Mr Gatt, and went on with 

 offensive remarks, which he no doubt thought should be accepted 

 as mere banter, until at last Mr Gatt, looking at him, said — 

 " Sir, I have been in my day struck with the hoof of a horse, and 

 borne it patiently ; but who can tolerate patiently a kick from 

 the heel of an ass 1" The company received the reprimand with 

 silent approbation, and the snob was crestfallen for the rest of 

 the evening. 



By his own request Mr Gatt was buried in a north and south 

 position to show his belief that it matters little how the body is 

 placed provided that the soul lies right in the sight of God. An 

 old tombstone bears the following inscription to his memory in 

 the churchyard of Gretna : — 



" Here lyes the Revd. Mr James Gatt, late Aliiiister of the Gospel here, 

 who died October 31st, 1787, in the S8th year of his age. He was 60 years 

 Minister of this parish, during which long period he discharged the office 

 of a pastor with the most unwearied diligence and fidelity, exemplifying in 

 his walk and conversation the power of that religion which he inculcated. 

 By the simplicity of his manners, and the affability of his conduct, he was 

 highly esteemed by his flock, an<l deservedly held in the greatest veneration 

 by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. 



" In memoriam perpctiiam est jui<tu><. Utinam jwst hujm vitae cxitum, 

 fdicitatnn conscquar Coelo licpositam. 



(The just man is held in perpetual remembrance. Oh that, after 

 this life has ended, I may obtain the happiness laid up in heaven.) 



IV. Modern Egyj)t. By J. A. S. Grant, Bey, M.D., LL.D. 



This communication was read liy the Secretary, and gave a 

 brief sketch of the physical features of Egypt, the various races 

 which inhabit that country, a description of the larger cities, 

 and some interesting details respecting its government. 



