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who, like myself, most widely differ with his views 

 political : — 



" When the dull dreary session is over, 

 And Patriots twaddle no more, 

 How blithely I breathe the brave breezes 

 Which blow round the braes of Braemore. 



"Though 'The Broom' like our Gladstone meanders, 

 Or foams down with froth in a spate ; 

 Though the stalker, like Dizzy, in ambush 

 For his prey is aye lying in wait ; 



" Yet here may we cast away care, 

 And reck not of sorrow or strife ; 

 But in jollity, friendship, and love, 

 Rest awhile from the labour of life. 



" How sweetly the years fleet away ! 



Seven summers are gone — aye, and more — 

 Since I first viewed with wonder and joy 

 The beautiful Strath of Braemore. 



" Yet here, as the summers return, 



Midst friendships so faithful and true, 

 I find kindness which never knows change, 

 And beauties that ever are new." 



In 1874 Earl Cairns, then Lord Chancellor of 

 England, first visited Braemore, and during this 

 time the official "Chaff-wax" came to obtain the 



