JOHN BECOMES AN ESSAYIST. 2$$ 



had a most beneficial influence on the various classes, 

 combining and directing their energies, and rendering them 

 a power in the two counties. The same hand that had to 

 do with so many of the schemes of the Rhyme class, was 

 active in the origination of this one. Aided by a committee, 

 he submitted to the Rhynie class a draft of the constitu- 

 tion of the proposed Union, which, with slight alterations, 

 was afterwards adopted by delegates from the various 

 classes. 



The object of the Union now instituted was to culti- 

 vate friendly co-operation in everything relating to the 

 interests of the associated classes, and to promote these 

 classes in favourable localities. Annual meetings of the 

 Union took place at different centres, such as Rhynie, 

 Gartly, Huntly, Forgue, Keith, and Alford. At these, 

 the various classes were represented by delegates, and 

 public soirees held, which seem for several years to have 

 been enthusiastic and successful, under the honorary presi- 

 dentship of Mr. McCombie. 



In the same year, the active Rhynie society considered 

 the practicability of forming a Female Mutual Instruction 

 Class. This was successfully accomplished, on lines some- 

 what similar to those of the other societies, combining, 

 however, tutorial with mutual instruction. Somewhat later, 

 evening schools for artisans and farm servants were 

 organized by the same class. 



In January, 1850, appeared the first number of a 

 monthly periodical published by the Lynturk club. It was 

 named "The Rural Echo and Magazine of the North of 

 Scotland Mutual Instruction Associations." 



During the next eight years, the Mutual Instruction 



