58 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS 
WHO ARE THE GREAT? 
They who have boldly ventured to explore 
Unsounded seas and lands unknown before ; 
Soared on the wings of science, wide and far, 
Measured the sun and weighed each distant star ; 
Pierced the dark depths of ocean and of earth, 
And brought uncounted wonders into birth ; 
Repelled the pestilence—restrained the storm, 
And given new beauty to the human form ; 
Wakened the voice of reason, and unfurled 
The page of truthful knowlebge to the world; 
They who have toiled and studied for mankind, 
Aroused each slumbering faculty of mind, 
Taught us a thousand blessings to create : 
These are the nobly great ! 
When he had finished the entire poem thunders of applause 
broke forth and he was encored again and again. When quiet- 
ness was restored the president called on Manager Strathy for 
a song, when he arose and said that as he had a slight cold he 
would not be able to do himself ‘ustice, but would tell a short 
story of a little Scotch boy and a dry pump, which he gave in 
his own peculiar smiling, good natured manner. 
A DRY PUMP. 
A small Scotch lad was summoned to give ‘evidence 
against his father, who was accused of making a disturbance 
in the street. Said the Bailie to him: “Come, my wee mon, 
speak the truth and let us hear all ye ken about this affair.” 
) Wieell ssi) Said athe ladiy dave ikentdnveriessisthec amma 
do, laddie,”’ replied his worship. “ Weel, ye gang alang it and 
turn into the square, and across the square 2 tS WiesWiaviesias 
said the bailie, encouragingly “on’ when ye gang across 
the square ye turn to the right and up into High street, and 
keep on up High street till ye come to a pump.” “ Quite right, 
my lad, proceed,” said his worship, “I ken the pump well.” 
“Well,” said the boy, with the most infantile simplicity, “ Ye 
may gang and pump it, for ye’ll no pump me.” 
The president called on all the other members of the society 
