1839-4- NEW FRIENDS GAINED. 97 



University in which they were students ; while elsewhere 

 the brethren have not less distinguished themselves. The 

 Society is now only a thing of the past, but during- the years 

 of its existence, it was helpful to many, and to none more 

 than to George Wilson, who was cheered onwards by the 

 sympathy and friendliness of its members ; quickened to 

 diligence in scientific research ; and refreshed by many a 

 pleasant hour of social intercourse. 



The comparative leisure of this winter permitted George 

 to cultivate the society of a few choice friends. In addition 

 to those already named as on intimate terms, there were 

 John Goodsir, George Day, now of St. Andrews, David 

 Skae (Dr. Skae, Morningside, Edinburgh), Edward Forbes, 

 and one or two more, with whom much joyous and profitable 

 fellowship was maintained. His cousin, James Russell, was 

 now attending College, and through his introduction a valu- 

 able acquisition was gained to the circle of friends. A 

 student a year or two James Russell's senior, first known 

 to him as a competitor in the Humanity Class of 1837-8 

 had become his almost daily companion ; and the intro- 

 duction of John Cairns (the Rev. Dr. Cairns, Berwick) 

 to the rest of the family circle was welcomed with pleasure 

 by each of its members. In the subsequent years to fall 

 under our notice it will be seen how powerfully intercourse 

 with their common friend influenced the character of the two 

 cousins. 



In November George tells his brother that " The having 

 a winter of peaceful study is a great boon, which would 

 atone for many discomforts. And as I continue to make 

 progress, slowly, yet surely, in what I am studying, I am 

 quite contented and happy. The Introductory Discourse 

 [that on the Desire of Fame] is making the round of a few 

 friends here of both sexes, so that I cannot send it at this 



