The Inspector and many others asked him why there was no geography class, and his invariable answer was to point to his pupils collectively, and reply in an impressive whisper-- "They winna hae her." This story, too, seems to reflect against the dominie's views on cleanliness.

One examination day the minister attended to open the inspection with prayer.

Just as he was finishing, a scholar entered who had a reputation for dirt.
"Michty!" cried a little pupil, as his opening eyes fell on the apparition at the door, "there's Jocky Tamson wi' his face washed!" When the dominie was a younger man he had first clashed with the minister during Mr.Rattray's attempts to do away with some old customs that were already dying by inches.

One was the selection of a queen of beauty from among the young women at the annual Thrums fair.

The judges, who were selected from the better-known farmers as a rule, sat at the door of a tent that reeked of whisky, and regarded the competitors filing by much as they selected prize sheep, with a stolid stare.