Blair Collection > Mackintosh's collection of Gaelic proverbs, and familar phrases

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of Moulin, in Athole ; and from whom also were ob-
tained several manuscript songs, legendary tales, and
anecdotes.
Having collected his subject matter, he submitted
his materials to several literary characters of the first
eminence, who were less or more acquainted with the
Gaelic language ; among whom were, Sir James Foulis
of Colinton, Baronet, Henry Mackenzie, Esq. (author
of " The Man of Feeling,") Neil Ferguson, Esq. of
Pitcullo, the Rev. Dr John Stuart of Luss, (the learn-
ed Translator of the Gaelic Bible,) the Rev. Joseph
Macgregor, of the Gaelic Chapel, Edinburgh, the
Rev. James Maclaggan of Blair-in-Athole, for many
years chaplain to the 4 2d Regiment, or Black Watch,
and his illustrious predecessor, Dr Adam Ferguson,
historian, and philosopher of the human mind, who
greatly assisted our compiler in his arduous under-
taking.
In the year 1785, the present Collection was first
presented to the public. Soon after this, our pro-
verbist was admitted into the Office of Mr Davidson,
crown-agent, and keeper of his Majesty's signet ; in
which situation he remained for several years,— until
an event, that was not unlocked for, seemed to go-
vern his destiny, and pave the way for a more exalted
station in society.
The event alluded to, was the death of Prince
Charles Edward, very properly called " The Preten-
der ;" a title which his most zealous friends admitted,
as they believed his pretensions to be very good ; hence
they recognized the title (being quite appropriate,) as
virtually acknowledging his pretensio/is to the British