86 Transactions. 
anxious to learn where he originally came from? ‘ Oh,” said Mr 
Gatt, “I left the Highlands one misty morning, and I never 
could find 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?” 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 Minister of the Gospel here, 
who died October 31st, 1787,.in the 88th 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 inculeated. 
By the simplicity of his manners, and the affability of his conduct, he was 
highly esteemed by his flock, and deservedly held in the greatest veneration 
by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. 
“In memoriam perpetuam est justus. Utinam post hujus vitae exitum, 
felicitatem consequar Coelo Repositam. 
(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 Egypt. By J. A. S. Grant, Bey, M.D., LL.D. 
This communication was read by 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. 
