That he had thought of such a life and found much to recommend its liberty, we gather from the Second Epistle to Lapraik, in which occurs this prayer— "O Thou wha gi'es us each guid gift, Then turn me, if Thou please, adrift No one could better appreciate the life which reduces its wants to a minimum, or the power of Nature to console its child for what the world and Fortune denied, than Robert Burns. Light in pocket, light of heart, he was himself the Prince of Beggars; he had all the insignia of the royal minstrel clan, and with them found fellowship. Whatever happiness he had, came to him as he sought the woods and hills, and only when he freed himself from convention or restraint could he find the inspiration which bade him say "I'll be merry and free, I'll be sad for naebody, If naebody care for me, I'll care for naebody." It is in the genuine spirit of healthy vagabondage that he pledges the toast "Here's to budgets, bags, and wallets! Here's to all the wandering train!" N. FARQUHAR ORR, B.A., B.D. UNVEILING OF ROBERT BURNS STATUE AT DETROIT. ΟΝ N 23rd July, 1921, Royal Tanist Colonel Walter Scott unveiled a statue of Robert Burns in the city of Detriot amid scenes of enthusiasm never to be forgotten by any of that vast gathering of American Scots. This is an event of of which the Order of Scottish Clans may well feel inordinately proud. It seems fitting that a tribute of respect be paid Past Royal Deputy Edward Goodwillie, who originated the plan and worked indefatigably to carry it to a successful issue. That statue standing in beautiful Cass Park is a monument not only to our National Bard, but a monument to Scottish perseverance and steadfast fidelity to a Herculean task. Brother Goodwillie laid the foundation of his work by compiling a book on the Burns Statues that is world-wide in its scope. In spite of all difficulties, he started out with splendid courage to present the city of Detroit with one of the finest statues of the "Poet of Humanity" that has ever been erected, and his heart must have swelled with the pride of achievement, as he turned the statue out to Mayor Couzens as a gift to the city of Detroit. In 1912 Goodwillie organised the Burns Club, and has been its president continuously. At the same time Mrs Goodwillie ably seconded her husband's efforts by forming the Jean Armour Club, which under her presidency has laboured all these years wholeheartedly for the success of the great work. Inspiring and cheery when the hours were darkest, only the indominable courage of the Scot could have carried the work through the dark days of 1914. When the war-clouds swept over us and the storm broke over the world, Detroit was a border city, and when the call to arms sounded, the Scots crossed to Canada and cast in their lot with the Motherland. The sons and daughters of Scotia gave themselves and all they had to the cause. and the statue had to take second place. But when the storm-clouds had been swept away, their work was resumed and carried to a successful finish. We, as Clansmen, feel proud that, in spite of the tremendous handicap, Scottish grit made possible what Mayor Couzens said was the greatest day Detroit had ever seen. It is peculiar that the very busy men, the men of big affairs, are always the men who have time to do something for their fellow-men. Brother Goodwillie is chief chemist of the greatest chemical company in this country, and devotion to his work has placed him where every minute of his time is full of problems that call for his best thought; and time devoted to this labour of love must of necessity have been taken from his leisure hours and the lamp must have burned many hours in his study as he wrought out his plans to honour Burns and Scotland. Fortunately for him and his work, Mrs Goodwillie was just as full of enthusiasm. She inspired every Scotswoman with whom she came in contact. Belonging to a family of sculptors, the Royal Deputy was peculiarly qualified to pass judgment on the Burns Statues already erected, and give to Detroit what is probably the finest in the world. Early in his campaign he succeeded in enlisting the interest of the Royal Tanist, and if there is a busier man in America or a more loyal Scot nobody has ever found him, yet he found time to give his loyal support to Brother Goodwillie's work, and it must have been a proud moment for him when he saw the wheels of industry stopped and the streets filled with a happy multitude doing honour to the land he loves and her matchless Burns. The photographer fortunately caught him with that eager happy smile as he read a telegram of regret from the Vice-President of this great land, who deemed it a high honour to have been invited to honour Robert Burns. That the Order of Scottish Clans has men in its membership of the calbre of Walter Scott and Edward Goodwillie is an indication of its worth, and should be an inspiration to every member to devote himself with unswerving loyalty to his Clan and the Order. Thanks be to God, who gave me in my day The memory of duty done, and power Used in good faith to serve my country's need. Wounded and lame, discharged to take my chance Washington. U.S.A. CAPTAIN DOUGLAS. BURNS AND THE KINGDOM OF FIFE. IN his History of Scotla 66 N his History of Scotland, published in 1582, George all the country between the Forth and the Tay grows narrow like a wedge eastwards even to the sea, and it is called Fife, a district provided within its own bounds with all things necessary for the use of life." It will be observed that, as defined by this ancient historian, Fife includes more territory than is contained in the present county. The greater part of Clackmannan and Kinross is included "in the country between the Forth and the Tay." In the early days of Scottish history the Earls of Fife were among the greatest in the land, and the antiquity of the title is proved by the fact that the first chief or Maormor of Fife was no other than that Macduff who was the enemy of Macbeth, whom he defeated in 1056. Fife was one of the seven provinces into which all Scotland was divided previous to the 13th century, and this accounts for the name "Kingdom" which is still applied to it. In this connection, it is of interest to note that the arms of the ancient Earls were almost identical with those of the Kings of Scotland, being "a red lion rampant on a golden field." 66 Burns would catch his first glimpse of the "Kingdom' when he entered Edinburgh, 28th November, 1787. From that day until he left the Capital some months later, Fife must have been more or less always before his eyes, yet one is rather surprised to find that neither in letter nor in poem is there a single reference to the Firth of Forth or to the country lying to the north of it. mony of Nasmyth that Burns much from the top of Arthur's Seat. The two often had a walk there while the first "Nasmyth" was being painted, but so far not a line has been discovered in which he wrote We have the testienjoyed the prospect of the charms of the land and seascape. One might have expected that the islands of the Forth, "the emeralds |