xlvi MEMOIR OF SIB J. G. DAL YELL. 



to Celtic literature, so long as the Society's attention was directed to its 

 elucidation and in the department of machinery. He was a director 

 for many years, and chairman for a length of time of the committee of 

 mechanics. He himself was a contributor to this department. In 1816, 

 his services were acknowledged by a piece of plate, with the following in- 

 scription, surmounted by the Dalyell arms : " Voted by the Highland 

 Society of Scotland to John Graham Dalyell, Esq., advocate, for a self- 

 regulating calender, invented by himself. MD.CCCXVI." 



Amongst other beneficial reforms, he suggested the propriety of hav- 

 ing printed programmes of the subjects to be discussed at the general 

 meetings. Previously no one kne# what was to be done. In consequence 

 of this very obvious improvement, the transaction of business was greatly 

 facilitated. At one time the fresh butter brought into Edinburgh was so 

 bad as to be scarcely fit for use. Through Sir John's instrumentality the 

 attention of the Society was drawn to the subject, and means adopted, by 

 which the supply has ever since equalled, if not surpassed, in quah'ty, that 

 of any other city or district in Scotland. 



For many years the Highland Society of London held a competition 

 for bagpipe music annually, and afterwards triennially in Edinburgh. 

 These competitions were conducted by a committee of the Highland So- 

 ciety of Scotland. Sir John was a member of that Committee ; and his 

 enthusiasm and well-known knowledge of, and taste for music, made his 

 services on the committee most valuable. In 1849, in a note to the 

 " Musical Memoirs," he himself says " From active participation in the 

 management of this great national association, during the unusual period 

 of forty years, I have had great opportunity of witnessing its progress. 

 Now consisting of nearly 3000 members, it is the best adapted for diffus- 

 ing the taste and practice of improvement throughout the country. But 

 it is sometimes difficult to guide a multitude, or to obtain unanimity in 

 plans of acknowledged utility. Among various expedients for public- 

 benefit it would be highly beneficial to commence with the very origin of 

 every process, and conduct it to its final close." 



Sir John was one of the original promoters of the Zoological Gardens 

 in Edinburgh, and laboured hard to maintain it in an efficient state. He 



