France is the land of sober common-sense, And Spain of intellectual eminence. In Russia there are no such things as chains; Supreme at Rome enlightened reason reigns. Unbounded liberty is Austria’s boast, And iron Prussia is as free--almost. America, that stationary clime, Boasts of tradition and the olden time. England, the versatile and gay, Rejoices in theatrical display. The sons of Scotia are impulsive, rash, Infirm of purpose, prodigal of cash. But Paddy---- But, indeed, the rest is too scandalous for publication. The most marked feature of the Scottish national character is perhaps an engaging modesty that forbids me to dwell on the achievements of a small country’s thin population, who have written so many names so widely over the world. But it must be admitted how the King of Great Britain sits on his throne in virtue of the Scottish blood that exalted a “wee bit German lairdie.” Our men of light and leading are naturally Scotsmen, the leaders of both parties in the House of Commons, for instance. Since Disraeli--himself sprung from the Chosen People of the old Dispensation--Lord Salisbury was our only Premier not a Scotsman. Both the present Archbishops of the Anglican Church come from Presbyterian Scotland. The heads of other professions in England usually are or ought to be Scotsmen. The United States Constitution seems to require an amendment permitting the President to be a born Scot; but such names as Adams, Polk, Scott, Grant, McClellan, and McKinley have their significance in the history of that country, while in Canada, of course, Mac has come to mean much what Pharaoh did in Egypt. It is believed that no Scotsman has as yet been Pope; but there appears a sad falling away in the Catholic Church since its earliest Fathers were well known as sound Presbyterians. The first man mentioned in the Bible was certainly a Scot, though English jealousy seeks to disguise him as James I. Your “beggarly Scot” has the Apostles as accomplices in what Englishmen look on as his worst sin, a vice of [Illustration: BRIG O’ TURK AND BEN VENUE, PERTHSHIRE]