220 Transactions. 



sure, jmss away without great disturbance, probably, in melting, 

 raising the level of the ocean at least 1000 feet, perhaps causing a 

 shifting of the earth's centre of gravity, certainly overwhelming 

 much of the previously existing solid land. From the glacial period 

 to the present time there had been no change in the species either 

 of plants or animals, except that some of both have become 

 extinct. In conclusion, the author said that he had not referred 

 to the genesis of the various forms of plant life, extinct or existing. 

 There was, however, it must be admitted, little in plant history, 

 as at present elucidated, to support the evolutionai-y hypothesis. 

 Still, in the main, there had been an advance in plants, as in 

 animals, from the simpler to the more elaborate structure. In the 

 great plan of Providence that was an abiding feature — 



" From lower to higher, from simple to complete, 

 This is the pathway of the eternal feet. . . 

 This is the solemn lesson of all time, 

 This is the teaching of the voice sublime." 



II. Notes from Original Sources on the Erection of the Burns 

 Mausoleum and the Origin of the Dumfries Burns Club. 

 By Mr James R. Wilson. 

 The paper was compiled from the minute book of the Mauso- 

 leum Committee, of which Dr Grierson's father (Mr Wm. Grierson 

 of Baitford) and the Rev. Henry Duncan of Ruth well were secre- 

 taries, and from numerous letters from the celebrities of that time 

 found among the effects of Dr Grierson, Thornhill, which letters 

 Mr Wilson produced for the inspection of the meeting. A pre- 

 liminary meeting of the " friends and admirers of the late Scottish 

 bard, Robert Burns," Mr Wilson said, was held in the George Inn, 

 Dumfries, on 16th December, 1813, for the purpose of taking into 

 consideration the measure of opening a subscription for erecting a 

 Mausoleum over his remains — John Syme of Ryedale in the chair. 

 It was reported to the meeting that a number of gentlemen had 

 signified their approbation of the measure, and it was thereafter 

 agreed to form a Committee, and to adjourn the meeting to 6th 

 January following. At the adjourned meeting General Dunlop, 

 M.P., son of Mrs Dunlop, of Dunloj}, the poet's friend, was called 

 to the chair, and it was intimated that a large number of noble- 

 men and gentlemen highly approved of opening a public subscrip- 

 tion for the purpose. A large and influential Committee of 

 noblemen and gentlemen was formed, and also a special Committee 



