Perthshire in bygone days

72 PEETHSHIEE IN BYGONE DAYS.
In 1745 a young man of the name of Eobert Strange was
practising his art as an engraver in Edinburgh. He had.
strong Jacobite proclivities, but kept them under restraint
until he fell in love with Miss Lumisden, a young lady
from Fife, who would not listen to his addresses unless he
went into active rebellion. To this he consented, and
joined in the unfortunate campaign. When quieter times
ensued, he ventured back to Edinburgh, and engaged him-
self on a portrait of Prince Charles. When completed this
portrait became exceedingly popular. It is a half-length,
in an oval frame on a stone pedestal. Originally the fol-
lowing words were printed on the pedestal: "Everso missus
succurrere secto;" but the attention of the Government was
drawn to them, and orders issued for their suppression.
Strange had the inscription removed, yet the likeness was so
perfect that it became still more popular ; but copies in this
state are now little known. Strange lived some time with
Dr. Druramond, of the Logieahnond family, and engraved
during his stay a book-plate and crest for his host. These,
together with the proscribed portrait and one of Hamilton
of Bangour — also by Strange and proscribed — were pre-
sented to me shortly before his death, by the late George
Drummond Steuart of Braco. Sir William Maxwell's col-
lection of Strange's engravings is very nearly complete, but
he seems to have failed in procuring those named above.
Amongst the pictures, ancient and modern, which form
this collection, a very fine cabinet Spagnoletto, and a highly
important Salvator form prominent features. In the library
is a bust of " The Hon. Mrs. Norton as Joan of Arc," by
William Etty, a marvellous piece of colour. Two pictures
in the drawing-room, " The Unbelieving Thomas," and
another, look very like Michael Angelo ; but they are hung
so very high that it is difficult to hazard an opinion. Sir
William, in order to fortify his judgment, in writing of
Spanish art, obtained copies of some leading pictures by
Murillo, Velasquez, Spagnoletto and others, and these are
hung at Keir House. To him they illustrated a theory, and
taken in conjunction with the books placed under them,
form a noble testimony to all comers that superiority will
hold its way, and although ages of indifference may elapse,
some kindred spirit in some distant region will arise, and
with a master's hand dissipate doubts and establish beyond
all controversy, and in the face of all misgiving, a nation's
claim to the high position of having schooled the world.