78 EDINBURGH PAST AND PRESENT.
genius-where lie bnriecl John Goodsir, ‘ Christopher North,’ Sir William
Allan, Jeffrey, Cockburn, Rutherfurd, Playfair, David Scott, Dr. Warburton
Begbie, and other illustrious men-we ramble on by the village of
the Water of Leith, the Dean Bridge, St. Bernard’s Well, and visit the Royal
Botanic Gardens, in order to enjoy the delightful vistas of the city, and to
turn to the old yew-tree flourishing as in its younger days when it grew in
the Physic Gardens. To the north-west lies Fettes College, a magnificent
modern edifice; nearer is situated Inverleith House, for many years the
residence of the learned Professor Cosmo Innes. Warriston Cemetery is the
last resting-place of Adam Black, the eminent publisher, Professor Simpson,
Sir George HaNey, and Alexander Smith, whose words-as we look at
Mr. Bough’s drawing (see Frontispice), taken from a point close by, occur
to the mind-‘ with castle, tower, church spire, and pyramid rising into
sunlight.’ Returning cityward by Pitt Street and Dundas Street, we turn
to the right, along Queen Street, passing No. 52, where Sir James Simpson
died. The first opening on the left is North Castle Street, with its memories
of Sir Walter Scott. 6 French critic has said that it was appropriate that
the three Graces and the nine Muses should take up their abode there-at
No. 39. How fondly Scott loved this residence is told in his own touching
words:-‘Mardz 15, 1826.This morning I leave No. 39 Castle Street for
the last time. ct The cabin was convenient,” and habit had made it agreeable
to me. . . . So farewell, poor No. 39 ! What a portion of my life has been
spent there ! It has sheltered me from the prime of life to its decline j and
now I must bid good-bye to it.’ (See Engraving, page 51.)
TABLET FORMFRLY AT IIUDRY CASTLE.
