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proceeded in regular order. When they had reached the ground, 

 the foundation stone was laid by David Staig, Esq., who, having 

 thrice struck the stone according to the rules of Masonry, 

 addressed the gentlemen and clergy present in an appropi-iate 

 and excellent speech, and concluded with saying — ' May the 

 great Architect of the Universe prosper the undertaking. Under 

 His auspices may it be soon and happily completed. May it ever 

 enjoy His protection, and remain a seminary of useful learning 

 to our latest posterity.' This being tinished, tlie Rev. Alex. Scot, 

 one of the ministers of Dumfries, pronounced the following 

 address (with which we have been favoured) to the magistrates 

 and Committee — ' Gentlemen, amidst the improvements in all 

 the useful arts for which our country is distinguished, it is 

 pleasant to observe that the interests of literature and science 

 have not been neglected ; and it is with peculiar satisfaction, we 

 reflect, that in no part of the kingdom has more attention been 

 paid to this great object than in the town and neiglibourhood of 

 Dumfi'ies. This place has long been esteemed a situation well 

 calculated, both from its healthfulness and the abilities of the 

 teachers, for the instruction of youth, and it has ever been the 

 care of the magistrates to select masters eminently qualified to 

 discharge the duties of their office. With what wisdom and 

 impartiality the pre.sent masters have been chosen to preside in 

 their respective departments, their well-earned reputation affords 

 the most convincing proof. From the confidence of the public in 

 their abilities and diligence the schools of Dumfries have become 

 a seminary for the instruction of youth, not only to the town and 

 country around it, but have been resorted to for education from 

 every corner of the kingdom, and even from our most distant 

 settlements abroad. One thing, however, was still a matter of 

 regret. The apartments allotted for the accommodation of 

 masters and scholars were so exceedingly disproportionate to the 

 high character of the schools, and so much inferior to the 

 improved style of other buildings, both public and private, that a 

 strong wish has long been expressed to have an edifice more 

 suitable and convenient erected. The work in which we are now 

 engaged affords us the agreeable prospect that this wish will soon 

 be accomplished ; and we consider it as a most auspicious circum- 

 stance that the foundation stone of this new academy is laid 

 at a time when the olive succeeds to the laurel, and bountiful 



