This Mr. Robertson has done for
four years past. As the hour was late, and as I knew that my
entertainer must be up by six next morning, I took my leave.
A man's character often exhibits itself in his amusements. One
must have a high respect for the character of John Robertson, who
looks at the manner in which he spends his spare time. His
astronomical work is altogether a labour of love. It is his
hobby; and the working man may have his hobby as well as the
rich. In his case he is never less idle than when idle. Some
may think that he is casting his bread upon the waters, and that
he may find it after many days. But it is not with this object
that he carries on his leisure-hour pursuits. Some have tried--
sheriff Barclay among others[5]--to obtain appointments for him
in connection with astronomical observation; others to secure
advancement for him in his own line. But he is a man who is
satisfied with his lot--one of the rarest things on earth.
Perhaps it is by looking so much up to the heavens that he has
been enabled to obtain his portion of contentment.
Next morning I found him busy at the station, making arrangements
for the departure of the passenger train for Perth, and evidently
upon the best of terms with everybody. And here I leave John
Robertson, the contented Coupar Angus astronomer.
Some years ago I received from my friend Mr.
Pages:
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427