48 
to the Highlands on foot, at the instigation of 
Dr. Hope, who is desirous his son (a fine youth of 
about sixteen), and a few others, should be of the 
party. Dr. Hope thinks we might be out a month 
for about three pounds each; but I should be for 
taking some kind of horse to carry baggage, which 
would make the expense more. Perhaps my father 
will allow me to lay out five or six pounds in a 
scheme of this kind, as I may not have another 
opportunity of seeing the country; however, there 
is time enough to think of it, as we would not go 
till August. 
The winter classes all finished the end of last 
month. I was quite melancholy at the conclusion ; 
for besides being really sorry that the lectures were 
over, it made me vapourish to see so many students 
going away, and all the places which used to be so 
cheerful and busy quite vacant and gloomy. Our Na- 
tural History Society goes on gloriously. Dr. Black, 
professor of chemistry, is become an honorary 
member, and spoke there last Friday. Dr. Walker 
is there constantly, and generally speaks. 
Dr. Hope means to give a medal this year for 
the best collection of the native plants of Scotland 
and plants of the materia medica, and will extend 
the benefits of it not only to his pupils, but to all 
the members of our Society. I think it will be worth 
my trying for, and have but little doubt of getting it, 
if try. Such an honour is surely worth taking some 
pains for, and ought not to be neglected by a young 
man, as such things are generally thought more of 
at a distance than on the spot. I believe I have 
