Transactions. 71 
have noted, he could not have failed to be an honour to himself, 
an ornament to his profession, and an advantage 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 valuable assistance in the archzolo- 
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 the 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 Caffre’s skull, and pointed out some distinguishing 
characteristics ; also an old oak chair that belonged to the box- 
master of the shoemakers in connection with the 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. 
