166 TRANSACTIONS OF THE [Sess. lxxvii. 



As a sample of his later verse, some lines to " The Early 

 Skylark " may be given. These are dated 16th February 

 1841. 



With what delight, sweet herald of the spring, 

 We hear thy earliest anthem pealed on high ! 



Till heaven's loud echoes with its gladness rings, 

 And love and joy fill all the brightening sky. 



Thy glad effusions, airy minstrel, swell 



The glowing tide of hope within our breast ; 



As they, in accents sweet, prophetic tell 



Of vernal pleasures that we soon shall taste. 



The gentle breeze, with fragrance on its wing, 



That wafts the woodland melody afar ; 

 The fresh green fields and meadows glistening 



With dewy pearl, and daisy's silver star. 



The forest buds all bursting into life, 



With verdure bright to cheer the raptured eye, 



And sunny paths where opening flowers are rife, 

 And merry bee is heard go humming by. 



The streamlet wandering through the greenwood glade, 

 With sunlight sparkling on its joyous breast, 



Where gay-plumed halcyon hath its dwelling made, 

 And by the murmuring waters takes its rest. 



The orchard fair, with blossoms clustered o'er, 



Where young birds sport the rosy bloom among, — 



And thousand charms that Nature has in store, 

 Are promised, welcome warbler, in thy song. 



Still higher mount, still livelier be thy lay ! 



To heaven's high portals, sprightly bird repair, 

 And bear to Him who holds eternal sway 



O'er every world, my deep and ardent prayer : 



That as the vernal sun, and softening shower, 

 Their genial influence o'er the landscape shed ; 



Till all the richness of green leaf and flower, 

 On hill and dale luxuriantly are spread : 



So may young Freedom stir the human race, 

 To break the ice-bonds of their winter-time, 



And leave to Slavery no dwelling-place, 

 Nor home to Want, nor nursery to Crime ; 



But o'er their prospects pour its cheerful smile, 

 And lead them on those days of bliss to gain 



When heaven's own Justice in our ocean isle 



With Peace and Love shall hold unceasing reign. 



Like many more natives of, or residents in Dundee, he 

 first saw himself in print in the " Dundee Advertiser." 

 His first letter, so far as I have been able to trace, appeared 

 in the " Advertiser " of 25th September 1828. In this 

 letter, under the pen-name of " Spectator," he felt impelled 



