MEMORIAL TRIBUTE TO DR BARCLAY 59 
feeling and reflective thought. This is illustrated 
in several passages in which the writer pourtrays 
the character of his friend, and gives free expres¬ 
sion to his feelings towards him. Referring to Dr 
Barclay’s influence on him, the following passages 
occur 
“ The name which hallows this rude song 
Has been to me a blessing and a light 
To guide me on my weary way along. 
• 
“ He saw my follies and reproved them oft, 
Not in the galling tone of sullen speech, 
But as a friend, in accents firm though soft.” 
• 
The original poem is in the possession of Mr 
George Barclay of 17 Coates Crescent, Edinburgh, 
Dr Barclay’s still surviving son, and is much valued 
by him as a family treasure. 
Mr Barclay mentioned to me that he has a 
distinct recollection of his mother telling him of the 
first impression made on her by her husband’s 
“ wild Highland pupil,” when as a young wife she 
went to Aberdeen in October 1816. MacGillivray 
had just then returned from his long botanical 
excursion, followed by his midnight journey to the 
sources of the Dee, to both of which I have already 
referred; and, as may be imagined, the condition 
of his clothing and general aspect when presented 
to Mrs Barclay, had suggested to her the appearance 
rather of a somewhat primitive Hebridean Celt 
than of an Aberdeen medical student. But, as 
she said, the fine qualities of his head and heart 
soon made him a welcome guest and friend. 
