THE ISLAND OF COLONSAY 33 



his career. At his death it passed into the hands of 

 Lord Strathcona, fortunately a lifelong friend and one 

 sure worthily to carry on his traditions ; but it is sad 

 to think that Colonsay knows the M'Neills no more. 

 I seem to see the old chief still : his upright gait, his 

 abrupt and alert manner, his kindly face, and to hear 

 his brusque but ever genial welcome. A gallant 

 soldier, his prowess had been shown in many lands, and 

 the Victoria Cross "for valour," and a host of other 

 less-prized orders decorated his breast. He was a 

 beloved and honoured servant of Queen Victoria, who 

 visited him in his remote kingdom. He rode by her 

 side as equerry at her two Jubilees, and again by the 

 gun-carriage which bore her remains to her burial. He 

 did not long survive his Royal Mistress, but passed 

 away, full of years and honours, on 25th May 1904. 



He loved all kinds of natural objects bird, beast, 

 and fern ; but perhaps the seals have the best reason 

 of all for cherishing his memory and lamenting his 

 loss. It was said of another king, William the Con- 

 queror, " that so he loved the high deer as if they had 

 been his own children," but he preserved them only as 

 beasts of chase, whereas Sir John protected seals 

 because he loved to watch them ; and it was only on 

 rare occasions and for some adequate reason that he 

 or his tenants ever molested them. Great was his 

 indignation when a predatory yacht trespassed along 

 his shores, and wantonly fired on his pets. Several 

 seals were killed, and many others wounded. The letter 

 which he wrote to the headquarters of the Northern 

 Yacht Club at Oban is still remembered. It described in 

 cutting and sarcastic terms the conduct of " the crew " 

 of the yacht, of which he gave the name, adding that 



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