SCOTTISH CHARACTER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2371, 10 August 1899, Page 61

SCOTTISH CHARACTER.

B* Mat Jack. What are the elements of character which underlie those traits in the Scottish types shown forth by the "Kail Yarders," and other writers of Scottish story and sketches? What is the underlying power or influence which produces the oft-diver-gent yet related distinctives of each, individually and collectively? To the early history of the nation we must look for the origins of Scottish character, before we may look to that character for explanation of the further development of history. From the time of the Roman invasion onwards, for centuries, the Scottish tribes, and later nation were a besieged and har ried, though unconquered people. Driven to the least fertile districts, dependent for sustenance on the produce of the land, they early acquired that power of resource under difficulty and danger which exists to the preBent day. Then, too, no doubt, was formed that pawky scrutiny .and distrust of strangers; which though at times still found in' its iull force, is more commonly modified to a more noble caution. The nation, divided into clans and factions, engendered that somewhat narrow, though no doubt justifiable spirit of clannishness. From the" south came common danger. Then the clans united for mutual defence, and the blood shed and friends lost in a common cause bred brotherly love, and that deep feeling of patriotism and love of country which should ever remain one of the most sacred passions of a Scottish heart. The long fight against fearful odds brought forth that power of perseverance under advei-se circumstances oft-times dubbed as " dourness."' Then may also have been developed that trustworthiness which is a Scotsman's most treasured inheritance. A man who could not be trusted was thrust out, and men were bred who would die rather than betray a friend or reveal a secret. Freed from the southern yoke, the characteristics of the people moulded the development of the nation. Still there was another factor to whose influence may be ascribed almost all the true beauty of the Scottish character — that was, religion : at times a silent though potent undercurrent, at others in a mighty rush, sweeping all else under, and guiding Scotland's children to acts of supremest heroism. Only in extremity, however, is Scottish blood stirred to deeds of aggressive bravery, rather is there a higher heroism of patient suffering and dogged perseverance along the path of duty or where principle leads, against all opposition. Religious persecution prevented the people from outward manifestation of their beliefs, and so the "truth struck inwurd, and took deeper root with their hearts, and mayhap formed that characteristic of deep thought and scant expression in other things beside religion. That power of resource under difficulties and clangers fitted the Scotsman with those colonising properties which are recognised so indisputably as inherent in the Scottish people. That pawky scrutiny and distrust of strangers characteristic of the old Scot, is now replaced by caution — "the canny Scot." Living close to neighbours numerically stronger, and Avho were ever willing to seize an opportunity of catching a -Scot "on the hop," it behoved the Scots to 'walk circumspectly," and not always speak immediately what they felt, or act as first emotions impelled them. This to a degree is disappearing ; but let us pray it may never be lost, for how with impetuous, though good-hearted English, hot-headed though industrious Welsh, effervescent though never-flagging Irish, could our united nation ever stand without the support of the cautions, level-headed Scot? Clannishness, too, has mellowed from wider intercourse, though it is still easily observed. Of what nation scattered o'er the globe, are there so many societies, clubs, and gatherings? The element of dourness is probably the most variable in exercise and consequence. It forms a rock against which many an unwary aggressor has broken his head ; but also against which many a Scotsman has severely bruised himself in too ardently seeking refuge behind it. Dourness is undoubtedly a valuable weapon, but he who wields it must needs remember that it is often two-edged. Trustworthiness, the most treasured inheritance of a Scotsman, should be guarded and cherished by every true Scot. It is that principle .which has made him and still maintains him, though mayhap not ornamental, yet indispensable as a pillar of society in many corners of the world. Reticence and want of sympathy are often adversely commented on by strangers against the Scots. In the days of their persecution, the people were wont to resort more to deeds than words, and so mayhap, accepting the superior value of the former, forgot the true value of the latter. The Scottish people are not of necessity scant in expression. What an expressive language is theirs. As regards sympathy, an opened Scottish heart forms one of the sweetest resting-places in the w*role realm of human nature. Unfortunately, how hard the opening often is. Wider mteicoursc, however, is bettering this, and though silence with deeds stands far before words without deeds, yet a freer expression of sympathy and other emotions felt so keenly in Scottish hearts would tend not to lessen, but to enhance the value of these inestimable forces. The religious nature of the people has as yet stood the test of time, and that I believe $o be at the root of all the true beauty and value of Scottish character. To that is due the calm and philosophic endurance of joy and misfortune alike, the firm though mayhap unconscious trust in Providence, and the stern rectitude of word' and deed with which a fond mother country has stamped her children for her own. f^T>Wli ■!■■■■ ■WWIT^WJWCM The Logan Berry is sold by Numo and Blaih, and is the finest berry of it 3 class. It is a cross between the raspberry and blackberry, and cannot be excelled for jams or jellies, having a most delicious flavour. Price, gg 6d each, or, if posted, 3s each.