Already at nineteen, then, we see him a writer on art, not full-fledged, but attracting some notice.  Towards the end of 1838 a question arose as to the best site for the proposed Scott memorial at Edinburgh, and a writer in the Architectural Magazine quoted “Kata Phusin” as the authority in such matters, saying that it was obvious, after those papers of his, that design and site should be simultaneously considered; on which the editor “begs the favour of ‘Kata Phusin’ to let our readers have his opinion on the subject, which we certainly think of considerable importance.”

So he discussed the question of monuments in general, and of this one in particular, in a long paper, coming to no very decided opinion, but preferring, on the whole, a statue group with a colossal Scott on a rough pedestal, to be placed on Salisbury Crags, “where the range gets low and broken towards the north at about the height of St. Anthony’s Chapel.”  His paper did not influence the Edinburgh Committee, but it was not without effect, as the following extract shows.

     “BAYSWATER, November 30, 1838.

“DEAR SIR,—...  Your son is certainly the greatest natural genius that ever it has been my fortune to become acquainted with, and I cannot but feel proud to think that at some future period, when both you and I are under the turf, it will be stated in the literary history of your son’s life that the first article of his which was published was in London’s Magazine of Natural History.—­Yours very sincerely,

     “J.C.  LOUDON”

CHAPTER VIII

SIR ROGER NEWDIGATE’S PRIZE (1837-1839)

Of all the prizes which Oxford could bestow, the Newdigate used to be the most popular.  Its fortunate winner was an admitted poet in an age when poetry was read, and he appeared in his glory at Commemoration, speaking what the ladies could understand and admire.  The honour was attainable without skill in Greek particles or in logarithms; and yet it had a real value to an intending preacher, for the successful reciter might be felt to have put his foot on the pulpit stairs.  John Ruskin was definitely meant for the Church, and he went to Oxford in the avowed hope of getting the Newdigate, if nothing else.  His last talk with Mr. Dale was chiefly about ways and means to this end; and before he went up he had begun “The Gipsies” for March, 1837.

The prize was won that year by Arthur Penrhyn Stanley, afterwards Dean of Westminster.  Our candidate and his old schoolfellow, Henry Dart, of Exeter College, set to work on the next subject, “The Exile of St. Helena,” and after the long vacation read their work to each other, accepting the hints and corrections of a friendly rivalry.