Memorials of John Geddes

memorials of John Qeddes.
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chum when anything notable was going on. It was the
exciting time when Bonaparte was nearing his fall, and
every now and then there were bonfires, with tar barrels
and other barrels hardly less fiery, in celebration of the
victories over him, which victories came in fleet succession.
These bonfires took place generally on the Belnaboth hill,
commanding a wide prospect, and thither all the parish
gathered. At such times Duguid was at the head of the
merriment, and, among other freaks, made wonderful fun
on one occasion by setting two rustic fellows by the ears,
and getting them to contend, after a certain round of
usquebaigh, which of them could "roar" loudest and far-
thest. Duguid stood between the contending rustics —
Corydon against Thyrsis — and after one had delivered
himself of a tremendous yell, he would turn to the other,
" Now, Synie, heard ye ever the like o' yon ?" whereupon a
rival vociferation burst out, invading the upper heavens.
Ere long, however, the talent of young Duguid led to his
promotion to a wider sphere, first to a mastership in Old
Aberdeen Grammar School, and thereafter to the classical
mastership of the Elgin Academy, where he made his most
eminent mark in the world. He left Glass as schoolmaster,
to return afterward as minister in succession to Mr Cruick-
shank, and during the short time that he was schoolmaster
he did a remarkable work educationally, eliciting talent
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