Clan Fraser in Canada

66 REMINISCENCES OF EARLY DAYS.
tan, and had always taken a deep interest in whatever per-
tained to the affairs of the Clan. When the Chairman, in
giving the toast of the Clan, had referred to the places asso-
ciated with the name, he was brought back in memory over
a long period of time. At his age, the sweep of memory to
boyhood's days was a long one, and he could well recall the
events in the Highlands of Scotland over sixty years ago.
He had a loving and familiar recollection of scenes, than which
there were none more beautiful under the sun, and of people
who had animated these fair surroundings. The Fraser estates
were among the finest in Britain, affording examples of
beauty calculated to leave a very vivid impression on the
youthful mind, and during his long life his early impressions
had ever remained fresh and green. He remembered the
time when the succession to the chiefship and estates was
in hot dispute, and he knew how deeply the clansmen
were moved by that contest. Down to that day the feeling
of the clans was as strong as of old, and doubtless if occasion
arose, it would prove to be strong still. At that time there
were various claimants for the honors and possessions of the
ancient house of Lovat, and as a boy he saw a good deal of those
who were prominently concerned in the case. The Frasers
were very anxious that the true heir by blood should succeed,
and much was privately as well as openly done on behalf of
the various contestants, according as the clansmen believed
in the various claims put forward. As to the main object of
their re-union that evening, he could do nothing but express
his sincere hope that a strong association of the Frasers
would be formed. There was no reason whatever why
such an organization should not flourish in Canada, where
those bearing the name could be numbered by thousands.