the Bishopric of Moray made in 1565, and besides Kinmylies in Inverness parish, included lands and fishings in the parishes of Bona, Urquhart, Kiltarlity, Kirkhill, Boleskine, and Dores, and altogether was one of the most valuable possessions of the comparatively slenderly endowed Bishopric of Moray.

The terms of the charter would seem to infer that certain instruction was to be given, that being the interpretation we put on the word prepositure; and though this has been doubted, we point in confirmation to the names, unfortunately long disused, of Bal-na-boddich and Ach-na-boddich. These are shown on Home's map before referred to, and formed part of the present farm of Charlestown. The inferences drawn are these-1st, That the school and residences were at the Baille; 2d, the Ach was the sustenance land adjoining; 3d, the name was given in consequence of the dress and appearance of the preceptors, sedate, elderly men, and it cannot escape attention that the word is used in the plural; 4th, the equivalent name for woman, Bal-na-chaillich, is found applied to religious houses of instruction for females in South Uist and elsewhere. The following is a list of the Deeds wherein Kinmylies is referred to, prior to the sale to the family of Lovat in 1544 :

1. Charter by Alexander II. to Andrew, Bishop of Moray, dated at Cullen, 5th October 1232.

2. Mentioned in a deed by John, Bishop of Moray, relative to the salary of the chaplaincy of the blessed Virgin Mary of Inverness, dated at Spynie, the Wednesday next after the feast of the blessed Peter ad

vinculam 1360.

3. Mentioned in a charter by Alexander, Bishop of Moray, dated 20th February 1361.

4. Convention 'twixt Alexander, Bishop of Moray, and Hugh Fraser, dominus de Lovat, whereby Lovat binds himself to be a good and faithful friend to the Bishop and his men in all their lands, and in especial those of the two Kinmylies, dated at Inverness, 30th November 1384.

5. Warning by William, Bishop of Moray, against those masterfully occupying the lands of Kinmylies, dated Cathedral Church of Moray, 20th November 1398.

6. Charter of erection of the whole lands of the Bishopric of Moray into one free Barony and Regality, that of Spynie, including Kinmylies, by James II., dated Stirling, 8th November 1451.

The family of Lovat acquired a deal of Church lands during the troubles antecedent to the Reformation, and there follows an inventory of some of the titles of Kinmylies during its possession by that family. Part of the Barony had been acquired long previous, but Kinmylies proper only in 1544. It is held by good Catholics, and works have been written to show that those families who practically seized on Church lands did not flourish. Be this as it may, it is not a little curious that Hugh, 5th Lord Lovat, and his eldest son Hugh, Master of Lovat, who received the charter to Kinmylies, 13th May 1544, were both killed two months thereafter, at the battle of Blair-na-leine, fought on the 15th July 1544. Mr Anderson in his history of the Frasers states that it was not intended the Master should accompany his father, on the dangerous expedition to Moydart, but taunted by his step-mother, Janet Ross of Balnagown, who wished her own son to succeed, the Master went forth to his doom.

Janet Ross's (Lady Lovat) son Alexander did succeed, but she had it not all her own way. Serious quarrels and prolonged litigation occurred 'twixt mother and son about 1557. Follows the writs 1544-1649:

1. Charter. Patrick, Bishop of Moray, with consent of the chapter, in favour of Hugh, 5th Lord Lovat, and Hugh Fraser, his eldest son, of Easter and Wester Kinmylies, Ballifeary, Easter Abriachan, Wester Abriachan, Kilwhimmen, with the mill of Bught and fishings of Freschott, part of the Barony of Kinmylies within the Regality of Spynie. Reddendo £78 17s 3d Scots and services used and wont.-Dated Elgin, 13th May 1544.

2. Instrument of Sasine following thereon, dated 25th May 1544. 3. Charter by said Patrick, Bishop of Moray, in favour of Alexander, 6th Lord Lovat (second son of Hugh), dated Elgin, 20th February 1550. 4. Another charter, do. to do., of same date.

5. Instrument of Sasine in favour of Alexander, Lord Lovat, dated 23d February 1550.

6. Precept of Clare Constat Patrick, Bishop of Moray, in favour of Hugh, 7th Lord Lovat (son of Alexander), dated Edinburgh, 28th January 1567,

7. Instrument of Sasine thereon, dated 10th and 11th May 1567. 8. Another Instrument of Sasine in favour of Hugh, Lord Lovat, dated 5th February 1568.

9. Instrument of Sasine in favour of Simon, 8th Lord Lovat (son of Hugh), dated 18th, 20th, and 25th April 1579.

10. Another Instrument of Sasine, do., do.

11. Charter of Confirmation, under the Great Seal, in favour of Simon, 8th Lord, dated 10th October 1586.

12. Procuratory of Resignation by Simon, Lord Lovat, in the hands of the Bishop of Moray, dated Beauly, 30th November 1609.

13. Charter of Resignation by Alexander, Bishop of Moray, proceeding upon No. 12, in favour of Simon, Lord Lovat, dated Elgin, 23d November 1610.

14. Instrument of Sasine following thereon, dated 20th June 1611. 15. Procuratory of Resignation. Simon, Lord Lovat, in favour of Hugh, Master of Lovat (afterwards 9th Lord Lovat), his eldest son, dated Dalcross, 9th June 1621,

16. Charter. Simon, Lord Lovat, with consent of Hugh, Master of Lovat, in favour of Simon Fraser, his grandchild, eldest son of Hugh (afterwards 9th Lord), reserving liferents, dated Dalcross, 8th May 1626.

17. Instrument of Sasine following thereon, dated 16th May, registered 22d June 1626.

18. Instrument of Sasine in favour of Simon, Lord Lovat, dated 16th May, registered 23d June 1626.

19. Instrument of Sasine in favour of Hugh, Master of Lovat, second son of Hugh, 9th Lord Lovat (his elder brother Simon referred to in No. 16 having died in 1640), dated 15th April, and registered at Edinburgh, 1st May 1643,

20. Disposition of her liferent rights by Dame Anna Leslie, relict of the last-mentioned Hugh, Master of Lovat, in favour of Sir James Fraser of Brae and others, dated 26th March 1646, and registered at Edinburgh, 19th March 1647.

21. Commission in favour of Hugh, 10th Lord Lovat, for serving him heir to Hugh, Master of Lovat, his father (who died in 1643) and to Simon, 8th Lord Lovat, his great-grandfather (who died in 1633), under the Great Seal, 16th January 1647.

22. Precept in favour of the said Hugh, 10th Lord Lovat, dated 19th April 1647.

23. Instrument of Sasine thereon, dated 27th May 1647,

24. Another Instrument of Sasine of same date.

25. Instrument of Sasine in favour of Hugh, 10th Lord, dated 23d June 1647.

26. Contract of Sale 'twixt Hugh, Lord Lovat, with consent of Sir James Fraser of Brae, his tutor testamentar, and other friends, of Easter and Wester Kinmylies, Ballifeary, Easter and Wester Abriachan, the mill of Bught, the fishings of Freschott, &c., and Colonel Hugh Fraser of Kinneries, dated 20th January 1647.

27. Instrument of Resignation following thereon, dated Edinburgh, 23d June 1647.

28. Charter of Confirmation in favour of Colonel Hugh Fraser, now of Kinmylies, dated 23d August 1647.

29. Charter of Confirmation under the Great Seal in favour of Colonel Hugh Fraser, dated 24th May 1648.

30. Instrument of Sasine in favour of Col. Hugh Fraser, in Kinmylies, dated 22d January 1649.

It will be observed that in the century after acquiring Kinmylies, there were no fewer than six Lords Lovat, an unprecedented occurrence, and it was finally lost after about a hundred years' possession. It is stated that Simon, 8th Lord Lovat, sold Muirtown to Thomas Scheviz as early as 1620. He also mortgaged Kinmylies to Fraser of Strechin, and it is recorded by Anderson that Strechin lived at Kinmylies because the air of his own place did not agree with him, a striking testimony to the salubrity of the locality. It is well known that the sun, whenever visible, sheds his rays on Kinmylies. Simon, 8th Lord Lovat, built the Castle of Dalcross, and his initials, with the three strawberries, still remain on one of the ruined dormer windows.

Genealogical Notes and Queries.

ANSWER TO QUERY.

According to Douglas, the first of the Camerons of Glennevis was John, second son of Sir John Cambrun, 5th Baron of Lochiel. He is mentioned in Prynne's Collection in 1296.

M. A.

A SUPPLEMENT of eight pages is given this month to enable us to present our readers with a full report of the annual dinner of the Gaelic Society.

On Friday evening, the 14th ultimo, the Ninth Annual Meeting of the Gaelic Society of Inverness was held in the Caledonian Hotel, Inverness. Despite the severity of the weather, there was a good attendance of members. Provost Fraser occupied the chair, and was supported on the right by Rev. Mr Mackenzie, Kilmorack; Rev. Mr Macgregor, Inverness; Councillor Charles Mackay; and on the left by Major Macandrew and Dean of Guil Mackenzie. The croupiers were- Mr G. J. Campbell and Mr Wm. Mackay. There were also present-Mr Colin Chisholm; Mr Gunn, draper; Councillor Jonathan Ross, Mr Peter Baillie, Mr Menzies, Caledonian Hotel; Mr James Macbean, Parochial Inspector; Mr Fraser Campbell, draper; Mr James Fraser, C. E.; Mr John Macdonald, Exchan e; Mr William Mackenzie, secretary; Mr Mactavish, Castle Street; Captain Robert Grant, the Tartan Warehouse; Mr Donald Campbell, draper; Mr A. Macleod, Bridge Street; Mr Macraild, Mr Mackintosh, Bank of Scotland; Mr Jas. Mackay, Mr Donald Campbell, editor of the Chronicle; Mr George Murray Campbell, Ceylon; Dr F. M. Mackenzie; Mr Allan Macdonald, commissioner for The Mackintosh; Mr Grant, solicitor; Mr Jenkins, do.; Mr Clarke, do.; Mr John Whyte, the Highlander; Mr William Bain, the Courier; Mr Cruickshank, do.; Mr Mackilligan, the Advertiser; Mr Nairn, the Chronicle; Mr Macpherson, draper; Mr Donald Mackintosh, Castle Street; Mr John Marshall, Inverness; Mr W. G. Stuart, draper; Mr D. A. Macrae, Monar; and Mr Robert Macgregor Campbell.

As the company filed into the hall where the dinner took place pibroch music was discoursed by Pipe Major Alexander Maclennan, piper to the Society, who also played while dinner was proceeding and between the toasts. The dinner, which was an excellent one, purveyed by Mr Menzies of the hotel, was done ample justice to. The Rev. Mr Mackenzie, Kilmorack, said grace and returned thanks.

Dinner over, the SECRETARY intimated various apologies for inability to be present that had been received.

Lochiel said "Important matters detain me in London in the meantime."

Mr Fraser-Mackintosh's letter ran thus:-"I regret that I cannot be present at your ninth annual supper on Friday, but I wish it every success. I am much disappointed at the answer of the Home Secretary as to the Gaelic census, but I don't hold we are yet finally beaten."

Sir Kenneth S. Mackenzie, Bart. of Gairloch, wrote under date 13th inst. :-" Will you please offer my apologies to the Gaelic Society to-morrow evening for my absence from the annual dinner. I am suffering from a troublesome cough, and the extreme severity of the weather makes me hesitate to go from home for the night. I hope the Society will have a pleasant meeting under the presidency of your worthy Provost, whom, under the circumstances, I should have been glad to support. (Applause.)

Mr John Mackay of Swansea sent the following telegram :-"Piseach air a' Chomunn! soirbheachadh, cridhealas agus duinealas do na buill, agus do na Gaidheil uile leis a' Bhliadhna uir."

Mr Charles Mackay (the poet), Fern Dell, Dorking, wrote:-"I am glad to think that the Highland and Gaelic Society of Inverness holds on its way rejoicing, and I hope prosperously."

Among others from whom apologies for absence were received were-Rev. Dr Mac. lauchlan of Edinburgh (the Chief); General Sir Patrick Grant, K. C.B.; Mr Forbes of Culloden; Mr Jolly, H.M. Inspector of Schools; Mr Walter Carruthers, Gordonville; Dr Mackenzie of Eileanach; Mr James Fraser, Mauld; Mr Cameron of Clunes; Dr Stratton, Sheriff Nicolson, Rev. Mr Maclachlan, Tain; Mr Mackintosh Shaw of London (who presented the Society with a copy of his History of the Mackintoshes); Rev. Mr Cameron, Blairour; Mr Macrae, Ardintoul; Rev. Mr Bisset, Stratherrick; Captain Chisholm, Glassburn; Mr A. C. Mackenzie, Maryburgh; Mr Mackay, Meadowbank; Mr Colin Stewart, Dingwall; Mr Thomas O'Hara; Rev. John Macpherson, Lairg; Mr T. D. Campbell, Inverness; Rev. Mr Sinclair, Plockton; Captain Scobie, Fearn, and several others.

The Rev. Mr Macgregor, who did not enter until after dinner, was received with great applause,

The CHAIRMAN proposed the Queen, in excellent Gaelic. He spoke of the loyalty which always characterised Highlanders. (Cheers.) He then said that he would continue to propose the other toasts in Gaelic if it were not that he had a delicacy on account of those whose education had been neglected. (Great laughter.) With due sympathy for these people-(laughter)-he wanted to give them a little variety. (Hear, hear.) He then proposed the Prince and Princess of Wales, which was heartily honoured.

The CHAIRMAN then proposed the Army, Navy, and Reserve Forces. We had lately, he said, very great honour in conferring the freedom of the burgh on one connected with the army, and of whom we ought all to be proud. (Applause.) He is a clansman, and connected with the north. Of the army I cannot give you a better idea than in his words. He stated that those who fought with him in Afghanistan, as also the soldiers of the present army generally, were equal to those who fought with the Duke of Wellington in the Peninsular war. (Applause.) I think that is about the highest compliment that could be paid to the army. (Applause.) The march to Candahar was one of the most brilliant military exploits. He next spoke of the navy and the reserve forces. As to the reserve forces, he said, I hope we won't have to send them to Ireland, but I know Major Macandrew on my left here, as also Captain Grant, are quite ready for service. (Laughter and applause). Burns speaks of people that had no other idea in his time than to "kill twa at a blow." (Laughter). It is to be trusted, however, that the services of the gentlemen named will never be taken into request in active fight, but that both may be allowed to remain among us as useful citizens and very ornamental. (Laughter). There is certainly no fear of any enemy coming up the Moray Firth as long as we have the volunteers. (Hear, hear, and laughter). The toast was coupled with the name of Major Macandrew, and was cordially received.

Major MACANDREW, in reply, said-As the Chairman very gracefully remarked, the army needs no commendation from any one, and all that the volunteers can hope is that we may, if ever we are called on, imitate in some respect what the army have done. (Applause.) I remember reading recently some lines by an old gentleman, who remarked generally on the degeneracy of modern times, and went on to say that what he wished to be remembered for was his being one that stood on the heights of Quatre Bras with the gallant 42d. If we have not done mighty service, we have the authority of General Macpherson for this-that those who stood in the ranks of the 92d at Afghanistan were as good men as those who stood at Quatre Bras, and as we belong to the same race as those who stood at Quatre Bras, the volunteers of Inverness will do their duty if ever they are called upon. (Applause.) I should not like to see service of any kind, but I am sure you will not think I am failing in warlike sentiments when I say I hope the Highlanders of the north of Scotland are not going to be called upon to shoot the misguided Celts of Ireland. (Applause.) However far wrong these poor men may go, it is not their fault-(applause, and a voice, "Question ")-and we must remember that they are Celtic brethren. (Applause.)

The SECRETARY then read the annual report, in Gaelic, as follows:

Bha e mar chleachdadh agam aig an am so, cunntas gearr a thoirt air obar na bliadhna chaidh seachad; agus a reir a' chleachdaidh sin, is e mo dhleasnas facal no dha a thoirt dhuibh a nochd mu gniomharan a' Chomuinn bho 'n am so an uiridh.

Mar tha fios aig a' chuid mhor agaibh, choinnich sinn an uiridh fo riaghladh Ceann a' Chomuinn, Fear Sgiabost, agus chaith sinn oidhche cho aighearach 's a dh'iarradh cridhe mac Gaidheil.

An deigh sin bha sinn mar bu ghnathach leinn a' coinneachadh bho sheachdain gu seachdain; ach mu mheadhon an Earaich chaidh a' Pharlamaid a sgaoileadh, agus chuir an sgaoileadh sin agus an taghadh a thainig na 'lorg, sgaoileadh anu an coinneamhan seachdaineach a' Chomuinn bho dheireadh an Fhaoillich gu meadhon a Ghiblin.

An deigh sin bha iomadh coinneamh againn, agus aig te dhiubh thug “Meall-fuarmhonaidh" coir dhuinn eachdraidh air buidseachd agus air buidsichean an Strathghlais anns na linntean a chaidh thairis.

Aig a' choinneimh mhoir a bh' againn aig am Feill-na-cloimhe, bha am fior Ghaidheal sin an t-Ollamh MacLachlainn anns a' chathair, agus bha gach soirbheachadh againu mar dh'iarramaid.

An uair a thainig an Geamhradh, bha sinn a' coinneachadh bho am gu am, agus am measg cuid de na nithean a chaidh a thoirt fa chomhair a' Chomuinn ainmichidh mi cunntas air Oidhche Shamhna " leis na t-sar-Ghaidheal sin. Iain Macaoidh, an Lochna-h-eala.

Bidh sibh air son a chluinntinn am beil ionmhas mor aig a' Chomunn am bliadhna, agus ni mi mo dhichioll air innseadh dhuibh mu dheibhinn. Eadar airgiod bho 'n uiridh agus na thionail sinn fad na bliadhua, chaidh £115 10. 9d, troimh mo lamhan sa. Phaidh mi dluth air tri fichead punnd Sasunnach 's a coig, ach an deigh sin, tha mu'n cuairt do leth-chiad punnd Sasunnach agam a nochd. Tha beagan fhiachau agam fhathast ri phaigheadh as an t-suim sin, ach an deigh na h-uile car, bidh a' cheart uidhir a dh-airgiod agam air son na bliadhna tha nis air dol seachad.

Mar tha fhios agaibh cha 'n 'eil an leabhar bliadhnail aig a' Chomunn a mach