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Remarks on the Nationality of the Scots.

that a spirit of meanness, unbecoming that nation, has in many. instances been manifested against Scotland. Far be it from us to accuse a country, which is too little respected by the Scots. The crimes of a few characters were unjustly urged against a whole body. The principal objects against which this spleen is manifested are Scottish authors. Scotland now waves the sceptre of History in Britain, and in the walks of Poetry she has of late years acquired a very distinguished rank. If she has not acquired the same pitch of excellence in the production of eminent divines, she at least surpasses England in the Medical science; and equals her in the regions of Metaphysical Philosophy. Latterly, however, she has attracted great notice by a clergyman who promises by his energetic oratory to stand at the head of his profes sion. These have drawn, as might be expected, the observations of eminent reviewers; but we were much astonished at the different accounts given of the talents of that eminent divine in England and in Scotland-for while the periodical works of the latter were warm in commendation of him, a spirit of jealousy, highly displeasing has been exhibited by the former in one of their principal publications. What this can arise from we are unprepared to tell and would rather have passed it over without notice but for the sake of pointing out a circumstance, which at least savours of an unworthy national disposition. It is with pleasure I can attempt to free Scottish authors from the same conduct; if we observe the contents of their periodical works, we shall observe a spirit of candour in whatever work or subject is reviewed that is highly gratifying. To resume the main point of our subject, however, we must draw a parallel between the lower classes of the British Kingdoms-for being the main body of the population, we are not to allow the conduct of a few to distract our attention from the only point which can exemplify their respective characters.

The attachment which is found among the Scottish peasantry is looked for in vain in South Britain; for although an Englishman conceives his country to be superior to any other, he wants the partiality, the amor patriæ, which distinguishes the Scots. This some may affirm is contradicted by daily observation by the numbers of the latter who are continually leaving their country to settle in distant climes. This I acknowledge does not at first sight favour the assertion; but I make bold to affirm that there is hardly a Scot, who quits his native land but with the strongest hopes, and with the intention of returning to breathe his last in

Remarks on the Nationality of the Scots.

his barren soil. It is the love of adventure which prompts them to rove about the world in search of wealth and honour; but it is sought for to be enjoyed at home, and nothing but the impulse of this distant hope animates his exertions. No country indeed sends such a proportion of her numbers abroad. On a moderate calculation, it is estimated that at present there are nearly two hundred thousand Scots absent from their native country. Few are those who do not hope and expect to return to to Caledonia: on the banks of the Ganges and St. Lawrence, they delight to chant their native songs in their native tongue, they think on the wilds of Lochaber, and glow as the images of their distant land rush upon their thoughts. Even the bard whose immortal verse has rendered her stream famed for future days is not neglected; In these distant dominions the memory of Burns is as ardently cherished by his countrymen as on the vales of Ayr. The Englishman leaves without regret the spot of his birth, he traverses the world as gain or conveniency lead him, with little recollection of his native home, he has no charm, but his friends to draw forth the parting tear, no magic but the fruitful soil to bind him to his native earth. Such music as with delight peals on the Caledonian ear to him is unheeded, he traces not with rapture those fields, where his countrymen bled for liberty, nor takes pleasure in rehearsing their deeds. No Wallace is at hand to fire his heart. No Flodden-Field draws forth the tears of pity, and no Bannock-burn inspires him with enthusiasm. The English peasant plods his heedless way, nor in the midst of his toil does he ponder over the deeds of his forefathers.

But amidst all these distinctions you will perceive they apply to the point of national feelings alone-and in this respect the equals of the Scots are to be sought for perhaps only in Norway and Switzerland. In other points we shall find marks of distinction between the British Kingdoms. In the English nation there is certainly more amiableness and openness of manner than among the Scots; there is a coldness and a reserve about the latter which is often displeasing; and excessive attachment to local manners, contracts the disposition, and a stubborn pride casts a selfishness, which is less generally met with among the South Britons.

Το conclude the remarks which have been made on this subject, I would observe that this nationality so predominant among the Scottish people, is in many respects highly favourable to the military character. It keeps up the remeinbrance

The Port-folio-A Mistake-A Distinction without a Difference.

of past transactions, and promises to be the best safeguard of the kingdom. If in a future day, the Scots have to draw the sword in defence of their liberty, at present the national would song arouse such a flame of enthusiasm as would baffle the most powerful attempts; and instead of wishing to see this spirit decay, I would devoutly desire, with every true Caledonian, that it may long continue, and that the spirit which animated the conquerors at Bannockburn, may shed its inspiring influence over our native land, in such an alarming crisis.

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A Mistake. An old woman having been sent to purchase Tonquin Beans, inquired at a Tobacconist if he kept any Concubines; to which the gentleman gravely answered by assuring the inquirer that he had been married for twenty years.

A distinction without a difference.-An Irish sailor went into a provision shop, and being told that a ham to which he pointed was bacon, Pat flew into a violent rage, and swore that he had been over the whole world, and a great deal more beside, and would not be deceived by having salt pork given him for bacon.

A Match.-A'Highland gentleman, distinguished for his loyalty, one day stepped into a tavern to get his forenoon. He had swallowed one glass of whiskey, when a gentleman in the room presented him with a glass of brandy, which no sooner had he drank, than another gentleman, acquainted with his politics expressed wonder that he should swallow a Frenchman. Highlandman immediately drunk off another glass of whiskey, remarking that there was one of the 42d at each side of him.

The

Meaning of a Fish-rod.-A new way of paying a Debt.

The meaning of a Fish-rod-Dean Swift had a great aversion to angling. Being asked by a little girl what a fish-rod was, he replied, "It means, my dear, a long stick with a worm at one end, and a fool at the other."

A new way of paying a Debt.-A prisoner in the Fleet Prison, London, lately sent to his creditor to let him know that he had a proposal to make, which he believed would be for their mutual benefit. Accordingly, the creditor calling on him to hear it, "I have been thinking," said he, " that it is a very idle thing for me to lie here, and put you to the expence of seven groats a-week: my being so chargeable to you has given great uneasiness; and it is impossible to tell what it may cost you in the end: therefore what 1 would propose is this: you shall let me out of prison, and instead of seven groats, you shall allow me only eighteen pence a-week, and the other tenpence shall wards the discharge of the debt."

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Francis I, and his Fool.-Triboulet, the fool of Francis I. was threatened with death by a man in power, of whom he had been speaking disrespectfully. He applied to the king. any man puts you to death I will order him to be hanged a quarter of an hour after." "Ah, Sir," replied he, "I should be more obliged if your Majesty would order him to be hanged a quarter of an hour before!

A strange Proposal.-A. corregidor debating to what death to condemn a man who had committed a great crime, because it appeared to him that hanging was too little for the offence. His clerk, who had a scolding wife said, "had we not best marry him?"

How to get Trade.-The late Mr. Townsend walking down Broad-street, Bristol, during an illumination, observed a boy breaking every window which had not a light in it. Mr. T. asked him how he dared to destroy people's windows in that manner? "O," said the urchin," it is for the good of my trade-I'm a Glazier!" All for the good of the trade is it?" said Mr. T. raising his cane, and breaking the boy's head; "there then, you young rascal, that is for the good of my trade, I'm a

surgeon."

A Rebuke.-Dr. Desaguliers being invited to make one of an illustrious company, one of whom, an officer present, being unhappily addicted to swearing in his discourse, at the period of

A Cure for Dumbness-The Scotch Bagpiper.

every oath would continually ask the Doctor's pardon; the Doc-tor bore this levity for some time with great patience; at length he was necessitated to silence the swearer with this rebuke: "Sir, you have taken some pains to render me ridiculous (if possible) by your pointed apologies; now, Sir, I am to tell you, If God Almighty does not hear you, I will never tell I assure you him."

A Cure for Dumbness. A soldier belonging to an Irish regi ment was some short time back discharged from the service on account of his being incurably dumb. In about three weeks after, he was met by one of his officers in the uniform of another regiment, who accosted him by saying-" What! Murphy, how did you recover your speech?" Och! Captain, answered Murphy, "Ten guineas would make any man speak!"

The Scotch Bagpiper.-A Scotch Bagpiper travelling in Germany, opened his wallet by a wood side, and sat down to dinner. No sooner had he said grace, than three wolves came about him to one he threw bread, to another cheese, till his provender was all gone. At length he took up his pipes, and began to play; at which the wolves ran away. "Foul, fa' me," quo' Sawney, "Gin I had ken't ye lo'e't music sae weel, ye

shou'd hae'nt afore denner."

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Farewell Glenlara! a long, sad farewell!

Thou wildest glen that man may look upon
'Tis long since ancient Bard, by wizard spell, *
Made thee the loveliest scene in Caledon;
Yet now thy beauties are as fairly blown,
As when their symmetry the wild-harp gave;
But I must leave thee and away, alone,
Cross the deep bosom of the wandering wave,
If fate decree me not to rest in wat'ry grave.

Alluding to the popular superstition, with regard to the supernatural formation of -in Scotland.

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