430 THE LIFE OF JAMES D. FORBES: [CHAP. 



be able to give us good accounts of her now. I shall 

 like to hear whether you extended your walks this year 

 into any new regions.' 



To DR. JOSEPH ROBERTSON. 



* February 3rd, 1866. 



'The references which I have frequently been forced 

 to make of late to old charters and documents which I 

 am unable to read, or but a few words here and there, 

 have led me to wish to make an attempt to learn the old 

 hands of the period, in particular from 1450 to 1600. I 

 fear I am too old to learn, and I feel that it may prove 

 to be a waste of time ; but I think of making a short 

 trial, and I think you may be not unwilling to give me a 

 hint of how to set about it. I have been told that I 

 might begin by comparing some published facsimile of 

 an old hand with the printed interpretation, as set down 

 in such books as the Bannatyre Club books or some other. 

 If this is your opinion, perhaps you would recommend 

 some specimens about the period I mention. 



' Any other hints I shall much value. Eem ember I do 

 not pledge myself to persevere, for it may prove a loss of 

 time : but I am almost desirous to try. Another point 

 may I ask your opinion upon. Do you know of any 

 silversmith who could safely be entrusted with our 

 ancient mace, which is really in a very shaky state. 

 You will know its value. The artist would need to be 

 not only a man who would do no mischief, but who 

 would not charge exorbitantly/ 



To SIR R. MURCHISON. 



'PiTLOCHRiE, August 29^,1866. 



' Many thanks for your kind letter, and for thinking 

 of me for the vice-Presidency, which I most readily 

 accept. As the meeting is to take place, it would be 

 inexcusable if I held back from doing the little I can, 

 and promoting its success in a small way amongst my 

 colleagues at St. Andrew's. It will not be necessary for 

 me to engage to attend every day, nor at dinners and 



