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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 appropriate 
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 finished, the 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 neighbourhood of 
Dumfries. 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 present 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 
