GAELIC LANGUAGE, ETC. 1 37 



on having, in the preparation of the dictionary, * seized the 

 happy moment for treasuring up in its archives the words 

 which, though spoken, may soon cease to be heard, and 

 preserving the seal of a decaying record.' It is stated in 

 the same passage that the work had cost nearly ;{J"4C00, 

 which had been ' subscribed by individuals at home and 

 abroad, or voted from the funds of the Society.' 



This great work, which is a worthy monument of the 

 industry and time expended on it, was published in 1828. 

 It comprehends a Gaelic and English and English and 

 Gaelic Dictionary, with a Latin and Gaelic Vocabulary. 

 The book, which is in two volumes 4to, containing in all 

 about 2000 pages, was appropriately dedicated to the Sove- 

 reign in the following terms : — 



To the Kmg. 



Sire, — In the name of the Highland Society of Scotland, I present 

 to your Majesty the result of an undertaking ah^eady sanctioned by your Ma- 

 jesty's approbation, and which your Majesty has deigned to regard as a laud- 

 able attempt to record and illustrate the aboriginal language of this portion of 

 your Majesty's dominions. 



In patronising and supporting a work of this nature, the members of the 

 Highland Society are persuaded, that they will not be thought to have lost sight 

 of those patriotic views and great public objects, for the promotion of which 

 their Association was originally formed, and in the assiduous prosecution of 

 which they have been signally encouraged and sustained by your Majesty's 

 gracious countenance and protection. — I am, Sire, 



Your Majesty's most faithful subject, 

 And most dutiful Servant, 



Hamilton & Brandon, President. 



Copies of the Dictionary were sent to several of the learned 

 societies of Europe, and to various distinguished individuals 

 at home and abroad. 



During the progress of the dictionary, two sums were 

 voted, both in 181 5, for objects of kindred nature. One 

 was a sum of ^^31 los. to Alexander Campbell towards 

 defraying the expense of a tour made by him through the 

 Highlands and Islands in 181 5, for the purpose of collecting 

 materials for a work proposed to be published by him, 

 entitled ' Albyn's Anthology,' a selection of the more 

 ancient melodies and poetry of the lowland and highland 



