In 1836 he published “_The Mountain Minstrel; or, Clarsach nam Beann_,” a series of English and Gaelic poems and songs. He is one of the best known of our living Gaelic bards. Fletcher of Dunans and Campbell of Islay, to whom the English and Gaelic parts of his volume are respectively dedicated, befriended the young bard, who had proved himself highly deserving of the patronage they extended to him. The genius of MacColl is entirely lyrical, very few poems of any length having come from his pen. His English songs are generally playful and pleasant, but do not show much depth of passion. His Gaelic poems have the same ring as his English pieces, but are more natural, and show the bard at his ease in the use of language. MacColl is a sweet and intelligent singer, but in real power of thought and expression he is not Livingston’s equal. The following verses show MacColl in his more vigorous style:— “Ho! landed upon Moidart’s coast is Scotland’s rightful King!” Such was the news to which the Gael once gave warm welcoming; And soon, glad-buckling on their arms, stout chiefs and clansmen true Have sworn in his good cause to try what good broadswords can do. No cravens they to count the cost of failure; man alive! We’ll never see their like again—the Clans of ’Forty-five. Brief time hath passed till Finnan’s vale is all alive with men From east and west in loyal haste proud gathering to their ken, The royal standard is unfurled—their prince himself is there, Their loving homage to receive, their dangers all to share; Grey chiefs, who for his fathers fought, the fire of youth revive, To stirring pibrochs marshalling the Clans of ’Forty-five. Let no man say that to restore a deed proscribed they arm— They think but of _his_ loving trust, his Highland heart so warm, His royal rights usurped—and they upon his princely brow Would place his father’s crown or die. Too well they kept their vow. Let men who prate of loyalty in this _our_ day derive Instruction in that virtue from the Clans of ’Forty-five. Ay! let them think of brave Lochiel and Borrodale the bold— Of Keppoch and Glengarry, too, those chiefs of iron mould— The Chisholm, Cluny, Brahan’s lord, the Mackintosh so keen, The Appin Stuarts and MacColls, the lion-hearts Maclean, With many a Chief and Clan besides, who quickly did contrive To make their names immortal in the famous ’Forty-five! The poet, who entered the Liverpool Custom-House in 1839 through W. F. Campbell of Islay, M.P. then for Argyleshire, removed to Canada in 1850, where in a similar position at Kingston he remained until he was superannuated in 1880. The venerable poet, now in the eighty third year of his age, resides in Canada, where a son of his is an able Congregational minister, and a daughter known as a poetess of much merit.