An Comunn Gàidhealach Publications > Gaidheal > Volume 24, October 1928--September 1929

146
AN GAIDHEAL.
An t-Og-mh\os, 1920.
the book has been long out of print; and Sheriff
Campbell has rendered Gaelic letters a signal service
by undertaking and finishing this third edition. The
Sheriff has fulfilled his task well, and has added a
supplementary chapter, bringing up to date the progress
of Gaelic literature since the appearance of the second
edition in 1903. Dr. MacNeill’s volume is the first
consecutive account ever given of the literature of the
Scottish Gael. There have been, of course, two other
works of a similar character, namely, the volumes of
Professor Magnus Maclean, and of Professor Donald
Maclean. But MacNeill has the particular feature
that he was the pioneer, and that he performed
his task when as yet the body of Gaelic scholarship
had not been available which has come out in the past
thirty years.
The theme is divided under three eras, the ancient,
up to 1000 a.d., the middle, up to 1500 a.d., and the
modern era, from 1500 a.d., to the present time. It
is to be feared that for the first period, as well, indeed,
as for a considerable part of the second, we have to
rely on the labours of our brother Gaels in Ireland.
The Dean of Lismore, another Fernaig M.S., are our
main sources for the earlier literature of the Scottish
Gael. Dr. MacNeill uses a fine, clear style. His mind
was orderly and his pen convincing. In the generation
since he wrote, certain advances were made in details,
but as regards the general merit and spirit of the works
which he reviews, he shows a wonderfully balanced
and mature judgment. The faculty of judging the
quality of poetry is itself a native gift, and Macneill
had that gift undoubtedly. He has illustrated the
nature of Gaelic poetry, by happy renderings into
English verse. Some of the best translations into
verse in this edition are by Pattison, Dr. Thomas
Maclauchlan, and the Rev. John MacNab, Skipness.
MacNeill’s estimate of Macpherson’s Ossian, is wise,
and in agreement with modern scholarly views, that
while Macpherson’s Ossian contains a little of the old
tradition, the bulk of the matter, and nearly all the
form are Macpherson’s own work. The book deals
with religious poetry, descriptive prose, nature poetry,
and heroic saga; and this volume should be widely
utilised by committees of local Mods as prizes. In
fact, the book deserves to be on the shelf of every Gael
who wishes to know about Gaelic literature. The type
and paper are excellent. The volume is altogether a
fine production.
BRANCH REPORTS.
Dalmally.—A Ceilidh, under the auspices of the
Glenorchy branch of An Comunn Gaidhealach, was held
in the Dalmally Drill Hall—Rev. Farquhar MacRae
presiding. The programme was entirely sustained by
the South Lochawe Dramatic Society, a band of Gaelic
enthusiasts, who, under the leadership of Mr. G. E.
Marjoribanks, gave an excellent entertainment. The
great success of the evening was the play, “ Peigi
Bheag,” which was admirably interpreted. Gaelic and
non-Gaelic speaking members of the audience were
unanimous in their appreciation of the humorous
incidents so ably portrayed by the various characters.
Dingwall.—The local Branch of An Comunn
Gaidhealach held their final Ceilidh for the season in
the Temperance Hall on a recent date. There was a
large attendance, and a most enjoyable evening was
spent. Captain Finlayson, O.B.E., occupied the chair,
and referred to the encouraging season just closed.
The number of members now being 162, and he stated
he did not see why in the county town the membership
should not reach 200 or more. The attendance at the
Gaelic and Singing Classes was about 50. Next season
he hoped they would have a concert to finish up with.
The office-bearers and members of the Committee were
most enthusiastic, and he had every reason to hope that
the Dingwall Branch had come to stay, and flourish.
On behalf of the members he said he had a very pleasant
duty to perform that evening. They all knew how
Dean of Guild Macrae and Mr. Alistair Fraser, M.A.,
very kindly came forward to teach the singing and
Gaelic classes respectively, and the members wished to
show their appreciation in a tangible way. On behalf
of An Comunn he presented Dean of Guild Macrae
with a silver cigarette case, and Mr. Fraser with a
handsome dressing case, both suitably inscribed.
He also presented Mrs. Macrae, Heatherly, with a
handsome umbrella in appreciation of her enthusiasm
and willing efforts etc., in connection with arranging
programmes for the Ceilidh. Dean of Guild Macrae
thanked Captain Finlayson for his kind remarks, and
the members for such a handsome gift. He felt it an
honour to help in any way. Mr. Fraser similarly
thanked the members. He was only too pleased to
teach the class and help forward the Gaelic movement
in every way in his power. The following artistes took
part in the programme and were heartily encored.
Miss Mackay, Miss Christina Maclennan, Miss Jessie
Macrae, Mrs. Mackenzie, Dean of Guild Macrae, Mr.
Alistair Fraser, Mr. Tom Mackenzie, and Mr. John
Mackenzie. Miss Mackay and Mr. D. Macdonald gave
a sketch of “ A hen-pecked husband,” which was very
much enjoyed. During the evening Mr. D. Macdonald,
architect, gave a most interesting account of the oldest
Scottish Gaelic manuscript. The Rev. Mr. Mackay
told some interesting stories during the evening. At
the close Councillor Riach thanked Captain Finlayson
for so genially presiding. He also thanked the artistes
for the splendid programme submitted that evening.
Captain Finlayson replied in a few words. They hoped
to resume classes in October, when old and new members
would be heartily welcomed. The singing of “ Oidhche
Mhath leibh,” and “ God Save the King,” brought a
very happy evening to a close.
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PERTH MOD DONATIONS.
Previously acknowledged .. .. .. £157 15 9
Received at Head Office :—
Gaelic Society of London 10 0 0
Glasgow Lewis and Harris Association .. 2 2 0
Miss Adeline MacLean, Worpledon .. 0 10 0
Mrs. MacD. Johnstone, Giffnock .. .. 0 10 0
Malcolm MacPhee, Esq., Benbecula .. 0 5 0
Miss M. MacTaggart, Keills, Islay .. 0 5 0
C. S. Carmichael, Esq., Port Charlotte .. 0 2 6
Received at Perth :—
Messrs. J. Pullar and Sons, Ltd., Perth .. 5 0 0
Mr. James Robertson, solicitor .. .. 10 0
Mr. W. Dick, Marshall Place .. .. 0 10 0
Mr. and Mrs. Munro, Priory Place .. 10 0
Mrs. Bain and Mrs. Walker (Whist Drive) 10 7 0
Per Mrs. Edward, Mrs. Christie, and Mrs.
Walker 12 0
Miss Rose, Edinburgh 0 5 0
Mr. J. Moncrieff-Wright, Kinmonth .. 3 3 0
Lochearnhead Concert, per Mrs. Holme.. 13 0 0
Mr. J. Robertson, Leslie, Cape Town .. 0 10 6
Miss Kidd, Achnacarry, Perth .. .. 110
Comunn Nam Fineachan, Dundee .. 10 0 0
Messrs. John Wright and Co. (Perth), Ltd. 2 2 0