Here in Aberdeen is the veritable Marischal College, so often quoted by Dugald Dalgetty.  We had not time to go and see it, but I can assure you on the authority of the guide book, that it is a magnificent specimen of architecture.

After this, that we might not neglect the present in our zeal for the past, we went to the marble yards, where they work the Aberdeen granite.  This granite, of which we have many specimens in America, is of two kinds, one being gray, the other of a reddish hue.  It seems to differ from other granite in the fineness and closeness of its grain, which enables it to receive the most brilliant conceivable polish.  I saw some superb columns of the red species, which were preparing to go over the Baltic to Riga, for an Exchange; and a sepulchral monument, which was going to New York.  All was busy here, sawing, chipping, polishing; as different a scene from the gray old cathedral as could be imagined.  The granite finds its way, I suppose, to countries which the old, unsophisticated abbots never dreamed of.

One of the friends who had accompanied us during the morning tour was the celebrated architect, Mr. Leslie, whose conversation gave us all much enjoyment.  He and Mrs. Leslie gave me a most invaluable parting present, to wit, four volumes of engravings, representing the “Baronial and Ecclesiastical Antiquities of Scotland,” illustrated by Billings.  I cannot tell you what a mine of pleasure it has been to me.  It is a proof edition, and the engravings are so vivid, and the drawing so fine, that it is nearly as good as reality.  It might almost save one the trouble of a pilgrimage.  I consider the book a kind of national poem; for architecture is, in its nature, poetry; especially in these old countries, where it weaves into itself a nation’s history, and gives literally the image and body of the times.

LETTER VII.

DEAR COUSIN:—­

While here in Aberdeen I received a very odd letter, so peculiar and curious that I will give you the benefit of it.  The author appears to be, in his way, a kind of Christopher in his cave, or Timon of Athens.  I omit some parts which are more expressive than agreeable.  It is dated

  “STONEHAVEN, N.B., Kincardineshire, }
      57 deg.  N.W.  This 21st April, 1853. }

     “To MRS. HARRIET B. STOWE:—­

     “My dear Madam:  By the time that this gets your length, the fouk o’
     Aberdeen will be shewin ye off as a rare animal, just arrived frae
     America; the wife that writ Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

     “I wad like to see ye mysel, but I canna win for want o’ siller,
     and as I thought ye might be writin a buke about the Scotch when ye
     get hame, I hae just sent ye this bit auld key to Sawney’s Cabin.