John Mackenzie, the compiler, was born in 1806 of humble parentage in Gairloch, Ross-shire. Educated in the parish school there, and afterwards at Tain Academy, he developed a taste for reading and music, and became very proficient in the making of musical instruments. His father had him started in life as an apprentice joiner in Dingwall. This occupation he soon left, however, for more congenial literary work, such as the collecting of poetical material for publication. On leaving his native strath to push his way in the great cities of the South, he acted for a time as book-keeper in the Glasgow University printing office, and in addition to compiling “The Beauties,” wrote much in prose. Afterwards the late Gaelic publishers, Maclachlan and Stewart, Edinburgh, employed him on various undertakings for several years. Besides “The Beauties” he wrote a “History of Prince Charlie,” the English-Gaelic Dictionary, usually bound with Macalpine’s, the “Gaelic Melodist,” and compiled, wrote, translated, or edited under surprising difficulties, about thirty other works. A man of talent and industry, Mackenzie has produced a book which not only enhances the prestige of our native literature, but also places himself in the front rank of Gaelic gleaners. Like the Dean of Lismore, however, he has inserted certain matters which critics feel might, with advantage, be omitted, as they detract from the dignity of the work as a whole. On the other hand, the author of _Leabhar na Feinne_ feels aggrieved that Mackenzie has not included among “The Beauties” some of the ancient heroic ballads of Ossianic origin. As well might objection be taken to Mr. Campbell himself for omitting the heroic poetry in the Irish MSS. and the Scottish MSS. written in the old Gaelic script. As a matter of fact, Mackenzie does give as samples three very beautiful pieces, the “Mordubh,” “Collath,” and “The Aged Bard’s Wish,” which he took to be ancient, but which are now held to belong to the Macpherson period. Both compilers did well to follow each his own plan and work out his own ideal. The field has thus been all the better harvested. Mackenzie’s undertaking seems to have early undermined his health, and though usually resident in the South, he died at Inverewe on the 19th day of August 1848, among his own people, and was buried with his fathers in the old chapel in the churchyard of Gairloch, near which, at the roadside, a monument now stands to his memory.