Natural History, 65 



professors of Mesmerism, Thoug-ht-reading-, Hypnotism, 

 Esoteric Buddhism, Crystal Gazing, Christian Science, Pre- 

 diction by cards or by handwriting, Chiromancy, or Astrology. 

 Waves of these ancient superstitions have ebbed and flowed 

 regularly in this country during the last fifty years. I think 

 they show that, just as man even at the very lowest limit of 

 Humanity could not content himself with a purely material 

 theory of life, neither can he do so at any stage of civilisation, 

 not even in that through which we have now passed. 



The President moved a vote of thanks to the speakers, 

 which was carried by acclamation. He also called for a 

 similar vote of thanks to the musicians. 



Mr W, J. H. Maxwell of Munches moved a vote of thanks 

 to the Provost and Town Council of Dumfries for the use of 

 the Town Hall. 



The Provost of Dumfries, Mr J. S. Thomson, responded, 

 and the meeting terminated at 10.40 p.m. 



29th November, 1912. 



Chairman — Mr S. Arnott, V.P. 



John Welsh, the Irongray Covenanter. 



By the Rev. Samuel Dunlop, Minister of Irongray. 



The Pentland Rising, 1666. 

 In the last paper I had the honour of reading before this 

 Society* I left John Welsh fleeing before the troopers of 

 Dalziel of Binns at Rullion Green. I must retrace my steps 

 a little, owing to some fresh light which is shed on his career 

 in the memoirs of Sir James Turner, The revolt which cul- 

 minated in the battle of Rullion Green, known as the Pentland 

 Rising, broke out in the Glenkens at Dairy on November 13 

 or 14, 1666, owing to the oppression of Sir James Turner's 



* TmnsacHons, N.S. XXIV., pp. 190-200. 



