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sive and approved plan, compiled and published, among other aids, it directed its attention to the MSS. containing the materials prepared by the contributors to the dictionary formerly in view; but from various causes, the Society was successful only in some instances.

Referring to the two printed statements published by the Society, respecting the dictionary now compiling, it will be observed, that, besides the Scoto-Celtic, it is to embrace much of the Irish dialect of that language. Rendering the signification of the Gaelic vocables in Latin must add greatly to the general utility and interest of the work.

The principal publications in the Gaelic language, since the date of Dr M' Lagan's letter, it is believed, are, the translation of the Sacred Scriptures into that language, chiefly by Dr Stewart of Luss; the poems ascribed to Ossian, from the Gaelic MS. of them found in the repositories of the well-known Mr James M'Pherson; and two editions of a Gaelic grammar, by the Rev. Mr Stewart of Dingwall. Some school-books, catechisms, poems, &c. have also been published in the interval.

June 3d, 1817. C. G.

Note B—"The Highland Society of Scotland, impressed with the importance of having a dictionary of this ancient and expressive language, upon such a comprehensive plan as should explain and illustrate it, not only to their own countrymen but to the general scholar and antiquary, after having obtained possession of the most ancient MSS. of various dialects of the Celtic, and other materials for the work, appointed, in 1814, a committee of its members, conversant with the subject, with authority to take immediate and effectual measures for the compilation and publication of such dictionary.

The committee availed itself of the opinions of some of the most eminent Gaelic scholars in this country, in fixing the plan of the work, and afterwards intrusted its execution to two gentlemen whom they have every reason to believe are well qualified for the task.

As the plan of the work, formerly circulated by the committee, appears to have given full satisfaction, it may be mentioned, in reference to that plan, that it embraces ell the words of the Gaelic or Scoto-Celtic language that can be collected, either from authentic literary compositions, or from the vernacular dialect of the present inhabitants of the Highlands of Scotland; a principal object being to shew what the language has been, as well as what it now is.—From the intimate connection of the Irish dialect of the Celtic with that of Scotland, and from the consideration that many of the ancient MSS. are written in the former, the dictionary will also embrace much of the Irish dialect.^[1] The leading signification, and the various derivative and secondary meanings, of each Gaelic word, will be given, not only in English, but also in Latin, in the view of giving more general interest and utility to the work in foreign countries. The etymology of words, as far as can be distinctly traced, is to be briefly indicated, and corresponding words of the same origin in other languages, to which the Gaelic has an affinity, are to be given. It is proposed to prefix to the dictionary a dissertation on the origin, antiquity, relations, and internal structure of the Celtic dialects, with an epitome of Gaelic grammar."

[A correspondent, to whom the subsequent letter was addressed, has sent it to us. "The writer," he observes, "was not more eminent for his great learning and conspicuous station in society, than for the genuine kindness of his nature, and the upright simplicity of his whole conduct. His works, illustrative of ancient navigation and commerce, are of a degree and kind of erudition of which the lettered labours of modern Englishmen have produced few examples. He was pious from principle, and attached to the church, of which he was a dignified member, because he firmly believed its forms to be rational and its tenets scriptural. He was many years at the head of Westminster school. That school has, since the days of Busby, annually sent forth its shoots to expand in all the walks of talent, valour, and high rank. Of Dr Vincent it may be well said, in the words which Mr Homer used when drawing an outline of the character of his late master, Dr Adam. 'The men who were educated in that school, during his time, will long remember how he inspired his boys with an attachment both to himself and to the pursuits in which he instructed them, and will always regard his memory with affection and gratitude.' In this letter your readers will not fail to remark that tone of good sense and right feeling, which, more than sprightliness of manner or variety of remark, distinguishes the epistolary effusions of our countrymen."]

DEAR SIR,

The correspondence between Dr Adam and myself commenced by my addressing him upon finding that boys, sent from the High School to Westminster, were qualified, by their attainment in Latin, to a high rank,