246 JOHN DUNCAN, WEAVER AND BOTANIST. 



should be used in "the philosopher," on account of the 

 smallness of the place and the inflammable nature of the 

 surrounding materials a rule never once violated by 

 himself, though sometimes broken by the boy, who got 

 properly scolded for his indiscretion. In winter, therefore, 

 they were obliged to ascend and descend the ladder from 

 the road, dress and undress, go to bed and rise again, all 

 in pitch darkness except on moonlight nights, and in 

 constant danger of knocking their heads against the 

 rafters, for they could scarcely stand erect even in the 

 centre of the triangular space. On winter mornings, 

 when it was of course impossible to read, John rose very 

 early and went down to the shop. He worked diligently 

 at his loom till breakfast, by the light of the weaver's 

 oil lamp. After dinner about noon, he retired to "the 

 philosopher." He first made his bed, and then studied 

 for two or more hours, returning after daylight failed 

 to work once more by lamplight. By this exemplary 

 diligence, he traversed a wide field of reading and thought, 

 in spite of his slow and laborious style of study. This was 

 surely the pursuit of knowledge under difficulties, if it ever 

 was so pursued ; but the difficulties only enhanced the 

 student's delights, which have rarely been surpassed in 

 intensity. 



When Duncan returned to Auchleven, his devotion to 

 the stars of heaven had been greatly eclipsed by his love of 

 " the stars of earth, the golden flowers." When William 

 Mortimer spoke to him of this change, saying, "O 

 Johnnie ! ye've laid by the meen, and ta'en up the floors ! " 

 "Yes," replied John, with great emphasis and practical 

 sense, " yes, I can get my hands upo' them ! " Though he 



